Chapter 2

I reached the space port to see that only one ship was about to make preparations to leave. These people were leaving for Antar. The planet is a giant ball of ice. Whiteouts, snow storms, blizzards and hail storms are all normal working days for the residents of this planet. The galactic government wanted to turn the place into a refueling station. But they discovered a mine filled with all sorts of precious stones. So these people were looking for workers. I introduced myself as Kara. I said that I am someone looking to leave this planet. I don't mind doing hard work in exchange for transport.

The captain had no objections so we hopped on a ship that was flat and rectangular with two tapering metal bars forming the letter X plastered on top. The port master gave the go ahead to take off after he got the permission from the military that no outgoing ships will be blasted to smithereens. The guy flipped a couple of switches and the view changed from monumental buildings to tiny toy structures. Soon landmarks were no longer identifiable. Then I saw the vast space before the view turned into a liquid displaying every color in the visible spectrum. Apparently they activated what is called the star bridge. This shortens the time it takes to go to planets that are far from here. It took four and a half hours to reach the frosted planet.

The place was all snow all the way up to the horizon. The mountains were barely legible. The cave was heated with a machine working all day and all night to ensure the safety of the workers. When we got indoors I was signed in as Kara Nova. I was given a worker's identification, a bank account, some clothes, a bunker and other amenities. Due to my age and gender my job was in the mess hall serving food to the workers carving the precious stones meant for transportation off world. After which was the tedious task of cleaning up after the mess. The crew was an eclectic mix. Some were quiet. Some were funny and others were serious. Others were no nonsense. My boss was a man with latitude. The guy is pleased that I am the one who would wake up before everyone else and is the first to get to work. I do double shifts and I am the last person to clock out. So I was paid handsomely. My quarters were a simple bed carved out of the cave wall.

As per the law I am allowed four days off a month. That means I get one day off every week. I would spend it exploring the planet. I would go with the scanning crew who traverse this frosted world to examine other parts of the planet looking for mines to start processing. The people are searched on their way out to ensure they weren't holding on to stolen property. So I was searched and given snow gear to put on and was escorted to the all terrain vehicle that would transport me to Ice mountain. The path was covered with snow and the air was foggy and the land hard sharp rocks that could destroy. The transport levitated in the air and zoomed forward towards our destination. So we had to use a special navigation system to get there. To land they used special sensors to ensure we will not be sandwiched between two rocks unable to go anywhere but up. The others were given a sensor while I was here on my day off which is why I was given permission to wander.

The wall were cold to the touch and any warmth was snatched up. I made sure there was no way air could slip in because the lightest breeze felt like a knife. The wall was dark and had shards that pointed downwards and in places the shards were on the floor pointing upwards. There was a path that the crew was following so I took a different one. I made a fist and opened it. A ball of flame popped up and I had it levitated as I used it to illuminate my path. The light showed that the floor had a huge hole and a steep drop. The floor felt like it was made of a very thin stone that could crack so I quietly walked back the way I came. At least I assume I did. But I realized that I found myself in a small cave. The walls had glittering stones studded on it. The walls tapered till it reached the ceiling. There was a small hole that could barely fit me. There was one stone that was extremely beautiful. It looked like someone had trapped the rainbow in it. I rubbed my hand and stone popped out. I quickly slipped it in my pocket and made my way out. I told the chief scanner that I had found a cave with precious stones. He asked to see it so I retracted my steps. He looked around and called it in and others came with a cable and anchored it in. Before I had to sign a few forms. One other had found a cave too but he was searched because he came with digging equipment. After another the air started to get colder which means there is snow storm on the way. So everyone made it back to the all terrain vehicle and zoomed back to base.

As I was on my way to my bed to doze off when I heard one the workers say the military and the company called Cu rāutate were searching for someone. This person has the ability of four elements and has youthful looks. The bounty on her one million valuta. Valuta is the galactic currency approved by the Senate. The money from my bounty is enough to set anyone for life. Apparently I am going to be experimented on so both sides can weaponize my abilities. This was enough to make me want to run away but first I need a way to make sure nobody identifies me. The solution came in the form of Nins. These people wear full body coverage, a hoodie and wear a mask. These people use sign language as a form of communication. I had learned the language as a kid since my paternal grandma was a Nin. One of my coworkers remindered me to collect my wagers so I simply walked up to the foreman and explained that I was leaving and I would like to get paid so he gave me what I was owed. He calculated the eleven months that I had worked here plus double shift. So he gave me a hundred and fifty thousand. I requested half in valuta and half of it in the form of precious stones. He didn't question my request and complied. I packed my belongings and waited till the snow storm ceased to allow a few armored ships to dock and collect the stones.

I snuck in as the ship is fully automated which means there is no one who can kick me out. The ship stayed for its cargo, refueling and repairs before the manager called the planet Chrysalis that their cargo is on board so activate the drone to go back to its destination. The pink skinned Chrys punched a few buttons commanding the ship to go back home. The ship took half a day to reach its destination. The ship slowly descended towards a chute. But as it did the doors opened as though it was trying to air out the ship. I took the opportunity and jumped off the ship. As I fell I felt around for something to grab on to and somehow I grabbed a handful of air and it helped slow down so my fall won't be painful. I ran till I was exhausted. In my haste I had forgotten to pack food. So the only thing I had was my canteen filled with gharqa. A dark pink juice derived by boiling sabdariffa flower and a small power bar. Now the only thing to do is find a way out of this planet as I head for my final destination.