Page 2 of Maar's Girl

"Impressive," I mutter, my mind already racing with the potential applications. A planet that can feed billions... the power that comes with that...

"But enough about Mars," Chen says, snapping me back to reality. "I'd love to hear more about your time on Horus IV. Is it true you took down an Odex battle mech with nothing but a plasma rifle and a combat knife?"

My stomach lurches. I force a self-deprecating chuckle. "Now, now, Major. You can't believe everything you hear in the barracks."

"But Alyssa Dash herself confirmed it," Chen presses, her eyes shining with admiration. "She said you were like a force of nature out there."

I grip the armrest, my knuckles turning white. "Ms. Dash was... understandably shaken by the events on Horus IV. I'm sure her memory of things is a bit... exaggerated."

Chen leans in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Between you and me, Lieutenant, there's talk of a commendation. Maybe even the Star of Terra."

The Star of Terra. The highest honor the IHC can bestow. The irony would be laughable if it wasn't so damn dangerous.

"That's... quite an honor," I manage, my mouth suddenly dry. "But really, Major, I'd rather focus on my rehabilitation. The past is the past."

"You know, we studied your tactics in advanced combat training," Chen says as we step onto a moving walkway. "The way you outmaneuvered those Ataxian drop ships with nothing but a handful of ground troops and some repurposed mining equipment? Brilliant."

I remain silent, my eyes fixed on the distant dome of the IHC compound. Chen's praise feels like sandpaper on my skin. Every word is a reminder of the man I'm pretending to be, the hero I'm not.

"Not much for conversation, are you, Lieutenant?" Chen asks, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

I shrug. "Not much to say."

Chen nods, her expression softening. "I understand. A soldier's burden is a heavy one, especially after what you've been through. The things you've seen, the decisions you've had to make... it changes a person."

If only she knew how right she was. The decisions I've made, the lives I've taken – not for some noble cause, but for credits and power. And now, here I am, playing the part of a hero.

"Well, Lieutenant," Chen says as we approach the compound's security checkpoint, "I hope your time here helps ease that burden. Our rehabilitation program is second to none."

I nod, my mind already racing with plans and contingencies. This facility may be my best chance at a new life, or it could be the place where my carefully constructed lie finally unravels.

As we pass through the security scanners, I can't help but wonder: how long can I keep up this charade? And what will happen when the truth finally comes to light?

CHAPTER 2

ALYSSA

"Alyssa, your patient is approaching the mag-lev terminal," I hear Naomi, my assistant tell me.

"On my way!" I yell back, as I hastily put my office in order.

A chance like this doesn't come by often.

I rush down the corridor, my heart pounding with anticipation. The mag-lev doors hiss open, and there he is—Raaj, the man who saved my life on Horus IV. My breath catches in my throat.

He looks different from what I remember, but then again, my memories of that day are a blur of terror and confusion. His eyes, though—there's something familiar in them that sends a shiver down my spine. The warm brown color hasn't changed, and they still hold that same intensity I recall from our brief encounter on Horus IV. As he steps off the mag-lev, I find myself frozen in place, my heart racing. It's as if time has slowed down, and I'm reliving those terrifying moments when he pulled me from the wreckage. The scent of smoke and the sound of distant explosions seem to echo in my mind, making this reunion feel surreal.

"Raaj?" I call out, my voice wavering slightly. "I'm Alyssa Dash, your rehabilitation specialist."

He turns, his gaze locking onto mine. For a moment, I swear I see a flicker of... something. Recognition? Surprise? It's gone before I can place it.

"Ms. Dash," he says, his voice gruff but not unkind. "I wasn't expecting such a personal welcome."

I step closer, fighting the urge to throw my arms around him. "Please, call me Alyssa. And how could I not be here? After what you did for me on Horus IV..."

He shifts uncomfortably, and I realize I'm probably embarrassing him. Heroes rarely want to be reminded of their heroics, right?

"Right, well,"I clear my throat, trying to regain my professional demeanor. "Let's get you settled in. How was your journey?"

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