Chapter 4: Shining aspirations

**Chapter 4: Shining aspirations**

The massive blast doors slid open with a mechanical whir, illuminating the docking bay and revealing a multi-leveled facility carved into a hollowed-out asteroid—a large one at that.

Within the central area lay a vast open floor bustling with activity. Engineers and technicians moved between towering plasma reactors, sparks occasionally flying around. Humans and aliens of various shapes and sizes worked diligently, their chatter blending with the hum of machinery.

In adjacent hangar bays, ships underwent repairs, while crates filled with plasma cores, salvaged weaponry, and alien tech lined the walls. Above, catwalks crisscrossed the upper levels, connecting glass-walled control rooms housing communication stations and strategy hubs. At the heart of the base, a raised platform stood, displaying a flickering holographic galaxy map marking Judgment Order territories and rebel strongholds. To the right, compact living quarters bore anti-Judgment graffiti and posters, while the faint aroma of food drifted from a nearby mess hall. Neon strips and bioluminescent alien architecture cast an eerie yet inviting glow across the dimly lit base, its atmosphere alive with the crackle of plasma energy and the camaraderie of a determined rebellion.

As the group walked toward the raised platform, the rebels within Base-01 took notice of Ryo's presence but merely acknowledged him with casual gestures. A few muttered greetings like, "Oi boss!" while some raised a hand lazily or gave him a thumbs-up before continuing their work.

Ryo sighed and stepped onto the platform. As the base quieted down, he spoke in a tone that commanded respect. "For a second there, I thought I'd have to ask you all to quiet down." He adjusted his goggles before continuing. "Listen up, everyone. We've got a new member. He's reckless, stubborn, and disobedient." He gestured toward Iver.

Iver, unfazed, smirked. "Great pep talk."

His sarcasm elicited a few chuckles from the crowd. Ryo raised a hand to silence them. "Yet, he's resourceful, skilled, and one of the best at thinking on his feet. I expect him to pull his weight, and I expect you to give him a chance, like you would anyone else."

Iver stepped onto the platform, adjusting his mask. "I guess this is the part where I say something cool, huh? Yeah, right. Don't hold your breath. I'm just here to get the job done, maybe help you all stay alive in the process. Just stay outta my way, and we'll be fine."

He paused, then added, "Oh, and try not to stare at the burns too long. It's rude."

This comment drew a mix of chuckles and whistles from the crowd. Ryo's expression remained unreadable. "That's enough. Back to work."

As the crowd dispersed, Iver stepped off the platform. Ken suddenly appeared and threw an arm over his shoulder. "Way to make an entrance, Drifter."

Iver scowled. "Get off me."

A loud, familiar voice cut through the noise. Aoi was barking orders to a group of mechanics. "Hey! Bring out the P.N.S units! We got a problem over at the docking bay!"

The mechanics greeted her cheerfully before operating massive spider-like platforms equipped with magnetic clamps and plasma tethers, securing the Scrambler. They guided it toward a cluttered workshop filled with strange repair tools, plasma conduits, and blueprints.

Aoi pointed at Iver. "You better keep your word! My Scrambler is my pride and joy. You better know what you're doing."

Iver dismissed her with a wave, and Ken sighed. "Anyway, let's go. There's someone who wants to see you."

Iver followed Ken up a series of stairs, navigating metal pipes and steam vents before boarding an elevator. As they ascended, Ken spoke. "I've noticed you've been staring at my blade."

Iver's eye twitched slightly. "Can't a guy look at something he likes?"

Ken responded sharply. "Don't go getting any ideas, Scavenger."

Iver remained calm, rolling his eyes. "Scavenger, scrapper, junk-rat—add it to the list."

Ken smirked as they arrived at a heavily reinforced door. The hum of machinery grew louder, accompanied by the rhythmic hiss of escaping steam. The door slid open, revealing the main server room—a dimly lit chamber pulsating with plasma-powered servers. The cold air contrasted with the heat radiating from the pipes lining the walls. Somewhere within, the sound of muttering and cluttering could be heard.

Ken shouted, "YO KEI, YOU'VE GOT A SPECIAL GUEST."

A voice responded, "Third row to your left."

Ken led Iver to the third row, where a tall man in a white lab coat adjusted a server. His thin glasses reflected the dim light, and he bore a slight resemblance to Ken.

Iver narrowed his eyes, recognizing him from the Red District warehouse. "So, you were the hologram, huh? Would've been easier if you showed up yourself."

Ken introduced him. "Masked Drifter, meet my older brother, Kei Igarashi. He holds some authority here but mostly holes up like a hermit crab."

Kei smirked. "You could at least give your older brother some credit."

Ken shot back, "Yeah, emphasis on 'could'."

Kei chuckled before turning to Iver. "To answer your question, I could have met you in person, but I didn't want to. Efficiency matters. It's all about the bigger picture."

Silence settled between them. Iver ignored his previous statement. "What do you want from me?"

Kei adjusted his glasses and stretched. "If you want to know, follow me. Ken, leave us."

"Finally." Ken left, the doors closing behind him.

Iver followed Kei through another door into a steampunk-inspired chamber. Pipes and gears wove across the walls, yet the room maintained an unexpected calm. A large console displayed live galaxy feeds, while a steel desk held blueprints, notes, and a cup of... blue coffee?

Kei took a seat. "Welcome to my sanctuary, Tanaka."

Iver tensed at the mention of his name. "Who the hell are you?"

Kei noted his discomfort. "The strategist of the Plasma Nexus. We know a lot about you. But don't worry—only Ryo and I know your real name."

Iver clicked his tongue. "What the hell do you want?"

Kei smirked. "Feisty, aren't we? We've been keeping tabs on you. How else do you think we found you?" He leaned forward. "So, tell me, Iver, why do you think you're here?"

Iver locked eyes with him. "You don't want me. You want what I can do. Don't mistake the two. You want someone who'll jump in when no one else will—someone dumb enough to keep fighting."

Kei clapped, amused. "A survivalist, huh? But is that really all you are? A tool?"

Iver shifted uncomfortably. "Let's get one thing straight—I am not a tool. And I've got no interest in joining your little parade unless you've got something more enticing than whatever you're offering."

Kei smirked. "Oh yeah? Something or someone as enticing as Shine?"

Iver froze. His expression darkened. "What... did you say?"

Kei leaned in, testing the waters. "You heard me. Shine."

Iver's heart pounded. His hands clenched. "You guys are a bunch of #ssholes, aren't ya? Fine."

He stepped forward, locking eyes with Kei. "Tell me what you know, and I'll put aside my doubts about your little group. Officially."