Chapter 4: Whispers of Valeris City

Ethan stepped down the ramp of his ship, boots hitting the worn metal of the docking bay with a soft clang. The hangar was far from pristine, more like a relic from better days, with rust creeping up the walls and the steady hum of aging machinery filling the air. His ship sealed shut behind him, and now he stood on the threshold of something entirely unfamiliar.

Iris had assured him that the air outside was breathable, so he didn't worry about suffocating. She also informed him that he had valid identification as an Orion Federation citizen stored on the information tablet he had found on the ship, which meant he wouldn't have to worry about being questioned. Valeris City, the city that sprawled before him, wasn't the gleaming hub of futuristic innovation he'd imagined. Instead, it looked as though it had been forgotten by time. Skyscrapers rose high, their exteriors showing signs of wear, but a sense of life still pulsed through the streets below. Neon signs flickered with sporadic vigor, illuminating the somewhat bustling thoroughfares.

The people matched the surroundings. A diverse mix of aliens moved through the streets, their clothes reflecting a range of styles and cultures. Heavy cloaks, faded tunics, and functional garments seemed to be the norm, but there was a vibrancy in their interactions. Federation guards stood at intervals, their presence lending an air of security amid the imperfections. Mercenaries exchanged stories at nearby stalls, their weapons slung casually yet ready.

Ethan walked cautiously, scanning his surroundings as he ventured deeper into the city. Everything felt foreign: the sounds, the smells, even the air itself seemed denser, carrying a hint of something he couldn't quite place. His senses buzzed with alertness. Despite the visible signs of decay, there was an underlying pulse of activity that made the city feel alive. This wasn't the kind of place you could relax in completely, but it wasn't devoid of safety either.

He turned his thoughts to the task at hand. The Mercenary Guild was somewhere in this maze of buildings and streets, but the twisting alleys and faded signs made it impossible to get his bearings. Every corner he turned revealed more of the same: shops with closed shutters, faded advertisements, and groups of people engaged in animated conversation.

Eventually, he stopped, realizing he needed help. Spotting a lone figure by a stall selling something that smelled vaguely like roasted meat, he decided to take a chance. The figure was small, humanoid, and cloaked in a tattered robe, their pale green skin visible beneath the hood. They looked harmless enough.

"Excuse me," Ethan said, approaching cautiously. "Do you know where I can find the Mercenary Guild?"

The alien turned slowly, blinking up at him with tired eyes. For a moment, Ethan wondered if they would respond at all, but then the alien raised a thin arm, pointing down a narrow, dimly lit alley.

"Guild's that way," they rasped. "Look for the crossed laser swords above the door."

Ethan thanked them and moved on, his steps quickening as he headed in the direction the alien had indicated. The exchange had been brief and unremarkable, yet something tugged at his mind as he walked. The writing on the alien signs and graffiti he passed was completely unreadable: strange symbols and letters that made no sense to him. And yet, the conversation had felt... natural.

He had understood the alien perfectly, and they had understood him. How? He didn't know the language. Shouldn't there have been a communication barrier?

He shook his head, dismissing the thought for now. There were bigger things to focus on. But the oddness lingered at the edge of his mind, gnawing at him as he continued through the city.

The further he walked, the more he noticed the mix of life and decay. Though some buildings stood in disrepair, others showed signs of recent renovation. Street vendors sold their wares with a mix of enthusiasm and caution, and children played in the alleyways, their laughter contrasting with the grit of the environment. Federation guards patrolled the streets, their uniforms a stark reminder of the order that still existed amidst the chaos.

Finally, he spotted it. The crossed laser swords above a rusty door, barely visible under a layer of grime. The building looked like it had seen better days, much like everything else in Valeris City. But this was it. The Mercenary Guild.

Taking a deep breath, Ethan stepped forward, his hand hovering over the control panel next to the door. It opened with a creaky hiss, and dim light spilled out from inside. His body tensed instinctively as he stepped through the threshold, senses heightened as he entered the unknown.

The worn, dusty interior was a stark contrast to the advanced technology he had been familiarizing himself with back on the ship. But this place represented opportunity. Danger, yes, but also a way forward.

Ethan squared his shoulders, pushing down the uncertainty swirling in his chest. Valeris City might have been a forgotten corner of the galaxy, but it was the first step in whatever this new life was going to be.

And he was ready to face it.