CHAPTER 1.17 – “The Adventurous Girl”

CHAPTER 1.17 – “The Adventurous Girl”

Location: Koruch Ship – Bridge

Date: NTC 1446.07.15

Merry stood at the very center of the bridge.

Her gaze slowly passed over the entire crew.

There was no rage left in those eyes — only a quiet calm.

At last, she spoke.

Her voice was steady and composed; not open for debate,

but with no trace of threat.

“This ship is mine now,” Merry said plainly.

“I am the new captain of the Koruch.”

No one objected.

None of them were in any shape to do so.

Most of the crew had lowered their heads.

Merry took a step forward and continued.

This time, her voice carried a subtle weight:

“But you… you're not my crew.

You're getting off at the first stop.

There’s no place for you on this ship.”

The crew glanced at one another.

Some looked relieved, others quietly anxious.

Still, no one argued.

Merry turned her back to them and locked eyes with Yusuf and Chatter.

“Except you two. Chatter, Yusuf. I want you with me. Join me. Let’s tear this galaxy apart to find true freedom.”

Yusuf was silent, his face unreadable and still.

Chatter slowly bowed its head.

– 45 Hours Later –

Location: Planet Orchid – Incompatibles Sector 1.3 - Space Station – K7-Q-Okzid-28

Date: NTC 1446.07.17

The Koruch was docked against the station, surrounded by a loud, chaotic crowd.

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

The station’s humid air and the roar of overlapping voices filled every corner.

The crew disembarked slowly, carrying bags over their shoulders.

Their eyes were filled with shame, defeat… or emptiness.

At the ramp, Merry, Chatter, and Yusuf stood silently.

As Yorgo exited the ship, he didn’t even look at them —

too frightened to meet their eyes.

He rushed past and vanished into the crowd.

Last off the ship was Thomas.

He gripped his bag tightly.

Stopped in front of the trio.

Waited for a moment, took a deep breath, and spoke.

“The Koruch belongs to you now.

I’m sorry for what I did.”

Yusuf didn’t react. His gaze was fixed and emotionless.

Merry gave only a small nod, part acknowledgment, part farewell.

Thomas waited for a reply, but the silence remained.

He slowly turned around and disappeared into the crowd.

Merry turned gently toward Yusuf and asked softly.

“Are you sure?”

Yusuf lifted the bag he had placed on the ground and slung it over his shoulder.

“Yes. I’m sure.”

Merry’s voice was gentle, understanding.

“You know you’re always welcome with us, anytime.”

“Thank you,” Yusuf replied. “But I don’t think I can keep up with you.”

Chatter spoke for the first time.

“So what will you do when you return home?”

Yusuf stared into the distance.

His voice was steady, resolute.

“I’ll stop the pirates who tear people’s lives apart.

I’ll challenge the system that let them thrive.

And when I join The Fleet… maybe I can finally end this cursed Age of Seeking.”

Merry curled her lips into a slight smile.

She spoke half-jokingly, half-seriously.

“So we’ll meet again.

I’ll find the Last Page before you end the Age of Seeking.”

Yusuf smiled faintly, genuine, but tinged with sadness.

“I hope I don’t have to stop you. Take care of yourselves.”

He began to walk toward the crowd.

Merry waved and called out cheerfully behind him.

“See you, Yusuf!”

He paused before the crowd swallowed him.

He didn’t turn around.

But he raised one hand, a silent farewell.

After that Yusuf disappeared into the crowd,

Chatter turned to Merry, a curious look in its eyes:

“So… what do we do now?”

Merry paused for a moment, then smiled.

That familiar, liberating expression of freedom returned to her face.

She laughed softly:

“I don’t know… But an adventure will find us.”