Leaving Diago behind was hard for Nexara. Though she held many painful memories there, it was the only home she had ever known. Still, when the opportunity presented itself, she eagerly took it. 

She looked to Master Caden, who stood at the spaceship's helm, preparing for their departure. Another man wearing the same type of robes stood next to him. She couldn’t see their faces as their bodies were turned towards the spaceshield and monitors, but she knew they were talking to one another. Through the glass, she could see the spaceport. She leaned forwards to see what information was being displayed on the monitors, but she couldn’t get a good look.

It was strange to be aboard such an enormous ship. The sight of the hulking metal craft was nothing like she had ever seen before at the main spaceport. She couldn’t imagine the fee they had to pay in order to land. The most common crafts to see there were transport vessels and planetary cruisers. Occasionally, there would be galaxy soarers. They were fast, powerful, and all around cool. She loved to watch them come and go at the port as Xeller worked on his own transport vessel. However, she had seemed to find a new love. The Sagitta was a sleek balance of offensive and defensive powers. This was no ordinary spaceship. This was a class b warship. Though much smaller than a class a warship, the Sagitta was still armed with high-tech weapons and sleek armor. This space craft was far more advanced and agile than anyone on Diago could possibly ever dream of owning. 

The flight deck was massive and full of many people hard at work. Such a large craft definitely needed a highly dedicated crew. It was strange to see mostly humans aboard, but there were a few other species as well. They all seemed disinterested in her presence, and she liked it better that way. It was better to blend in and not be seen. She was told to sit quietly and not touch anything. That was something she could do. 

The man standing next to Master Caden suddenly turned and looked over to her. Now that she could see his face, she saw he had a large bushy black beard and blue eyes. He was much younger than Master Caden and also most definitely pure-human. She felt uneasy under his gaze and shifted uncomfortably. To her, this was a clear indication that they were talking about her. She strained her ears to listen in on their conversation, filtering out the tapping of keys and work chatter.

“You couldn’t find what you were sent here to look for, but you found another kid to adopt?” the man jested. “Well, who is she?”

“Her name is Nexara,” Master Caden explained. “I believe her to be an orphan. It would appear that Xeller was a father figure of sorts to her. She has assumed his last name. Also, we did find Xeller.”

“Yeah, yeah,” the man laughed. “I doubt he’d be able to answer any of the questions we have, though.” He paused and seemed to ponder something. “It’s certainly not out of the ordinary for an exiled Master to take on an apprentice, one they can train to suit their own needs. Perhaps she knows something,” he said at last, stroking his beard.

“I don’t believe she was being trained in the art of Omnia, Master Koen. At least not yet,” Master Caden responded. “Though I did find a training Omnia Decoder, I don’t believe she was ever shown how to operate it. When she stole mine, she was oblivious to the device’s purpose. She also claims to have no knowledge of what Omnia is, though she is clearly sensitive to it.” 

“You let a kid swipe your Omnia Decoder?!” Master Koen snorted.

Master Caden laughed in return, “Of course I did. It was a test.”

Wait, he let me steal from him? She thought. No wonder why it was so easy…

“When she ran into me, quite literally,” he continued, “I felt Omnia strong within her. I knew right away she would be gifted, if trained properly. She was being chased, and, as the rules state, we are forbidden to get involved directly with civilians outside of our quest.” He gave a huff, and crossed his arms, “Plus, if I hadn’t, I’d have never noticed that she has The Mark.”

The Mark? She questioned, tugging at her tunic sleeves. Is that what Xeller was supposed to talk to me about before he died? Does Master Caden know what they mean? She shook the thoughts from her head and focused. She could think more about what she was hearing later. She didn’t want to miss anything. Returning her attention forward, she could see Master Koen frowning silently. A moment passed where neither man spoke. Nexara was hanging on to the edge of her seat, desperate for more information.

“You want to train her,” Master Koen said at last. It wasn’t a question. It was a statement. “Just like with Reyn.”

“I just need the Council’s approval,” Master Caden answered simply. He turned and waved towards Nexara.

She blushed and frantically looked away. Crap! Does he know I was listening, now? She panicked. 

Sure enough, he brought his voice down to a whisper, Master Koen following suit. She could barely make sense of the mumbles. After a while, she stopped trying to eavesdrop. Instead, she turned to the monitors and spaceshield again. It was time to take off. 

She watched Diago disappear into nothing more than a tiny spec in the distance. She experienced first hand the speed of the Sagitta. Even with its artificial gravity, she could still feel the pull of inertia. It wasn’t long before she was gone, far from Diago.

There was a lot for her to think about now that she had some down time. In her mind she had filed away Masters’ conversation for later. She wanted to reflect on what happened to her when she was first brought aboard.

Master Caden had taken her into a room with a table and a big reflective wall. She was not a fool. It was clear to her that it was a one way mirror. She had been in interrogation rooms before, after all. He gave her snacks, some kind of processed grain bars, and water. Fed and quenched, she let him ask his questions and answered them as best she could.

Looking back now, she could see why there was such a heavy focus on Xeller and what their lives were like together. However, that wasn’t what was particularly bothering her. She couldn’t decide if being honest about her life before Xeller was good or bad yet. 

Before Xeller, she had lived with Uncle. Her father was out of the picture, out on the run, after having murdered her mother. There was no one else to take her in but Uncle. She didn’t even know what his real name was. He was just Uncle, to her, to everybody. She hated it, as it left a rock in her stomach, but she still told Master Caden about him. 

Master Caden was clearly uncomfortable as she described how Uncle would use her as a poker piece. She explained that he would force her to drink a "special juice” that was bitter and scorched her mouth and throat. Sometimes it even made her puke. More often than not, it made her feel funny and not remember things too well. Still, shame burned in her cheeks as recalled what she could about the things she was made to do and the things done to her depending on if Uncle had won or lost.

Master Caden looked as if he were going to vomit, but prepared to ask a question only to hesitate, possibly to gain composure. Seeing Master Caden’s discomfort and feeling her own, Nexara had quickly deflected and began to ramble on, after all Uncle warned her not to talk about that with anyone. It was something she hadn’t even told Xeller. Hoping to avoid any awkward questions, she went into detail about her first meeting with Xeller. This seemed to satisfy Master Caden, as she had been vague before.

It was a usual night at the casino. Uncle was parading Nexara around like bait, seeing who would take a bite. He thought he had found an easy mark, an older man with a lot of credits and spice. When this man spotted her, he seemed very interested in playing a hand of Chance, the casino's speciality. Looking back now, she wondered if it was because he saw The Mark. Anyway, one hand quickly turned into ten. The stakes kept getting higher and higher. Enough spice and credits to please a crew of pirates were on the line as was ownership over Nexara, something that had never been bet before. 

Uncle took her aside to whisper the plan. There would be no need to leave with this man if Uncle lost. She was to cause a scene so Uncle could attack and steal the old man’s bid. Then, they would sneak out during the commotion. Only, it didn’t happen that way when Uncle lost. When Uncle leapt forwards, proton club at the ready, the old man was much, much quicker. Uncle was on the floor, head bleeding green onto the stone floor. It happened so fast that Nexara almost couldn’t believe her eyes. Terrified, as she was certain Uncle would blame her for this, she left with the old man. 

She waited for him to be like the others, yet time proved that he was not. He was gentle and kind. He didn’t make her drink strange things or share a bed. He kept her warm and fed. Sure they slept in a small ramshackle abode, but it was much better than the flats she was used to spending the night.

“Where did you go after Xeller passed,” Master Caden asked. 

She gulped, before taking a steading breath. “When Xeller died, I ran to the streets for food. None of his friends would take me in. They didn’t like half-humans,” she answered. “I swiped something off of this rich couple but they caught me. They offered to take me in. I thought the Morgenstern’s Manor would be safe but I was wrong. They treated me how Uncle did. I had to sleep on a mat in Father and Mother Morgentern’s room. Ziyad, their son, was always mean to me. He’d pull my hair until I cried. Once I found a way out, I ran for it. I’ve been on the run from Ziyad’s gang, The Vipers, for months.” She looked at Master Caden, head cocked to the side, “Well, that was until you came along, anyway. You’re kinda like Xeller...”

Nexara shook her head, bringing herself back to the present moment, and then looked at her dirty scraped up hands and feet. It was over. She couldn’t change what she told Master Caden, but she also wouldn’t have to worry about fighting off The Vipers or finding food anymore. She ran away, yet again, and was even leaving the entire planet behind this time. Although she was aboard a strange man’s ship, she felt relieved. Master Caden had the same gentle look in his eye that Xeller did. If he knew Xeller, then maybe Master Caden couldn’t be so bad. Xeller always kept good company, even if they refused to take her in after he died. Master Caden may not have earned her complete trust, but she felt safe enough to accompany him back to this ship. She hoped that she could stay with him.

“Miss Sinclair, come,” Master Caden called, nearly startling her. “There is someone I would like you to meet.”

She stood up and made her way over to the men. Master Koen smiled at her, and she looked down at her dirty feet. Could she trust this man too?

“This is Master Koen Laurier,” Master Caden introduced. “He is a former student of mine, and he has accompanied me on my mission to Diago.”

“Hi,” was all she responded with barely looking up from her feet. 

“It is nice to meet you,” Master Koen said in a pleasant voice.

“Where are we going?” she asked gingerly, rocking on her feet, seeing that they were now into hyperdrive. 

“We are on a set course to rendezvous with the Prydwen. Once there, Master Koen and I must debrief the Council of our mission,” Master Caden explained.

She tilted her head to the side, hoping for more. Would they tell her about the things they discussed? 

“Before an Omnia Master takes on a young Omnia Novice from outside the Circle, the child must be presented to the Council for approval," Master Koen began. “We protect Omnia energy. Outsiders must be carefully regarded before learning our ways. I was one, once, an outsider, I mean. I remember when I was brought before the Council.” He flashed a warm smile. “My parents were so proud of me. My son will start his Omnia training when he’s a bit older, as he is considered part of the Circle now..” Out of his pocket, Koen took out a little booklet filled with photos of a chubby cheeked toddler with a mop of black hair and bright blue eyes just like his father. 

“He’s cute,” she said. “What’s his name?”

“Maxx,” Koen answered proudly.

Master Caden placed a hand on her shoulder. His touch was warm and inviting. He smiled down at her, “There’s a chance you may even train with him one day, should the Council extend you an offer.” 

She looked up to him. “You would be my teacher?” she asked.

“That is for the Council to decide, I’m afraid,” there was a certain stiffness to his voice. “I do hold high hopes that you’ll end up under my tutelage."

“Oh, okay,” she said softly. 

She hoped the Council would let her train with Master Caden. He was the one who saved her from Ziyad and The Vipers after they had shown up in the grove, armed with neuron staves. Though there were many of them, Master Caden disarmed them with incredible talent. He fought like Xeller. The Vipers that didn’t go down fled the scene quickly. She had never seen Ziyad so afraid before. He had retreated, crying and running back to his parents. She took a risk trusting this mysterious man, and it seemed to have paid off. She was safe from the Vipers. She was safe from Ziyad and his family. She wanted to learn from Master Caden, since Xeller never had a chance to teach her how to fight. Maybe she could even learn what the marks on her arms meant.

“She has some pretty nasty scrapes,” Master Koen stated, turning to Master Caden. “Shall I take her to the Med-Bay while you pilot the Sagitta?”

He seemed to consider this carefully. He knelt down to Nexara’s eye level. “Would it be all right if Master Koen brought you to get your wounds looked at?”

If Master Caden trusted this man, then maybe she could, too. She nodded.

“Splendid!” Master Koen clapped his hands together. “Come along,” he made a gesture for her to follow.

The metal floors felt cold beneath her feet. She listened carefully as Master Koen spoke more about the Council. It was a lot to take in. She didn’t quite understand too well, so she mentally prepared questions to ask later.

When they reached the Med-Bay, she met another man by the name of Doctor Haskell. She was initially weary of him. His purple hair reminded her of Ziyad and his father, though he lacked the gray skin tone and height as Doctor Haskell was tan and short. Still, she was hesitant to let him touch her. 

Eventually, Master Koen convinced her it was safe to let the doctor tend to her injuries. Doctor Haskell gently cleaned the scrapes on her palms and feet. After applying some kind of healing ointment, which stung painfully at first, he bandaged up her limbs. With her wounds tended to, the Doctor gave her a piece of candy. It was sweet and it tasted like berries. She thanked him. He may have looked like the male Morgenstern’s but acted nothing like them. After Master Koen signed some paper work, he began to walk her back to the flight deck.