23. Maar

CHAPTER 23

MAAR

" S o I looked like you asked, and it doesn't look like the Fist has figured out to come to Glimner," Laar says sitting in the living room of our condo. "I can't understand the fuckheads don't realize Glimner is where anyone would want to be."

"It's a large galaxy," I say. "They probably got bigger fish to fry. I hear the IHC is coming hard down on them."

"Yeah, after the shit that went down on Mars they're getting pounded. Rumor has it that General Dowron sent the Penetrators to take out one of their teams. And the Ataxians are after them too. Apparently the Contras are dismantling their operations on the Coalition side."

"So no matter which side of the border, they're getting the shit kicked out of them," I say. "Good. What about the IHC? Are they on the trail?"

"They're pretty much scouring the human planets first, but I gotta be honest, the IHC is big. They gotta go through over 800 billion humans just in their territory before they figure out that you're not there."

I'm about to respond to Laar when the bathroom door swings open. Alyssa emerges, wrapped in a fluffy white towel, her damp hair clinging to her shoulders. Steam billows out behind her, carrying the scent of her lavender body wash.

"Hey, Laar," she says, her voice warm and friendly. "Didn't know you were stopping by."

Laar's eyes flick to me for a split second before he responds. "Just giving Maar the rundown on the galaxy's latest gossip."

"Oh?" Alyssa raises an eyebrow, padding across the room. "Anything interesting?"

"Same old, same old," Laar shrugs. "IHC throwing their weight around, criminals getting their asses handed to them."

Alyssa chuckles, moving towards the bar. "Sounds like a party. How you holding up, Laar? Want a drink?"

"Wouldn't say no to a Martian Sunrise," he replies.

I watch as Alyssa expertly mixes the cocktail, her movements fluid and graceful. She hasn't so much as glanced in my direction since entering the room.

"Here you go," she says, sliding the vibrant orange drink across the counter to Laar. "So, tell me more about what's happening out there. I miss the excitement sometimes, you know?"

Laar takes a sip, his eyes darting between us. "Well, rumor has it the Penetrators are making moves. General Dowron's got them running ops all over the place."

"No kidding?" Alyssa leans forward, genuinely interested. "I always wondered what it'd be like to work with those guys. They're legends."

I clear my throat, trying to insert myself into the conversation. "The Penetrators are overrated. Half their rep is just propaganda-"

"So, Laar," Alyssa cuts me off, not even acknowledging I've spoken. "You staying for dinner? I was thinking of whipping up some Glimnerian spice pasta."

The tension in the room is palpable. Laar shifts uncomfortably in his seat. "Uh, thanks, but I should probably get going. Got a game later tonight I need to prep for."

Alyssa nods, disappointment flashing across her face. "Another time, then. Take care, Laar. It's always good to see you."

As Laar makes his exit, I'm left staring at Alyssa's back as she busies herself at the bar, the cold shoulder she's giving me more chilling than any Glimner winter.

I watch Alyssa's retreating form as she disappears into the bedroom, the click of the door lock echoing in the silence she leaves behind. My jaw clenches, a familiar ache settling in my chest. It's been a year, and still, her anger burns as hot as the day I revealed the truth.

Sighing, I move to the window, scanning the neon-lit streets below. Old habits die hard, and I can't shake the feeling that danger lurks around every corner. My eyes dart from face to face, searching for any sign of recognition, any hint that we've been found.

"All clear," I mutter to myself, a hollow victory.

I turn back to the room, my gaze falling on the half-empty Martian Sunrise Laar left behind. The vibrant orange liquid seems to mock me, a reminder of the easy rapport Alyssa shares with everyone but me.

My padd chirps, and I quickly check the message. It's from one of my contacts, confirming that our identities are still secure. I should feel relieved, but instead, I'm hit with a wave of exhaustion. How long can we keep this up?

I sink onto the couch, rubbing my temples. The sound of running water from the bathroom tells me Alyssa's in the shower again. Probably trying to wash away the memory of our earlier conversation.

"Fuck," I whisper, the weight of our situation pressing down on me.

I close my eyes, and unbidden, memories of our time on Mars flood my mind. Her laughter, the warmth of her touch, the way her eyes lit up when she looked at me. Back when she thought I was Raaj, the hero who saved her life.

Now, those same eyes only hold contempt when they meet mine.

The bedroom door opens.

I watch as she crosses to the kitchen, pouring herself a glass of water. Her movements are fluid, graceful, and I'm struck again by how effortlessly she's adapted to this life on the run. A life she never asked for.

"I know you hate me," I say quietly. "But I need you to know that everything I've done, I've done to keep you safe."

Alyssa turns, her eyes meeting mine for the first time in what feels like forever. "That's the problem, Maar. You decided what was best for me without ever asking what I wanted."

Her words hit me like a physical blow, and I struggle to find a response. But before I can, she's walking away again, disappearing into her room.

The click of her door is like a final punctuation mark, leaving me alone with the realization that's been growing for months: I can't imagine my life without her. And that terrifies me more than any threat we face.