Page 27 of Galactic Sentinels: Vol. 1
Still, I’m hesitant to use it. I’ve only done it once, years ago, and the memories tied to that moment are… haunting. I’ll do everything I can to avoid ever stepping into it again.
And let’s be honest—after a session in the tank, your skin comes out baby-smooth. That’s a dead giveaway. The Coalition might notice. Thankfully, I’ve got a small scar on my cheek now—earned during training. It’s subtle, nothing like the one that used to cover half my face when I was younger. That one vanished completely after my one and only time in the tank.
I shake off the memory. That incident still haunts my dreams more often than I’d like to admit.
For now, we’re heading to MyFaS. Then Jaga-18.
Is Ileana still there? Is she still with the Governor? And if she is… would it break me to see her again, only to realize she’s completely out of reach?
***
Ten days later, after a quick stop on MyFaS, we finally arrive on Jaga-18.
As we approach the main base, I transmit my identity and ship credentials. They immediately direct me to a designated docking bay—already prepared for my arrival.
I’m wearing my official Confederation uniform, so there’s nothing that could give away my… secondary activities.
“Come on, Wingo, let’s go,” I say, pressing the ramp release.
We descend slowly, taking in our surroundings. Most terraformed worlds tend to look alike at this stage. This one doesn’t have a moon—some have up to three. The air’s a bit chilly, but my thermo-regulated suit keeps me perfectly warm.
A man in a jumpsuit is waiting for us at the bottom of the ramp.
“Pherebos, right? I’m Isaac. I’ve been asked to show you around.”
“I’ll be right behind you,” I reply, falling into step behind him.
He barely glances at Wingo, who trots along beside me. But I know better—Wingo’s scanning everything, committing every detail to memory. His visual recall is phenomenal.
“There aren’t many people at this spaceport,” he notes quietly.
I nod, then turn to Isaac. “I don’t see many people around. Is that normal?”
“Oh, well, this is still a small colony,” Isaac says. “And as it happens, everyone’s gathered for the funeral of two crew members who died in a tragic accident two days ago.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. Was kind of accident?”
Most of the personnel assigned to terraformed worlds are in their prime. Two deaths like that… it doesn’t sound like natural causes.
“It was a double murder. A crime of passion.” Isaac replies bitterly.
Murders? I freeze. That’s a shock.
“I don’t blame you for being surprised,” he adds. “Considering the strict screening process for anyone joining the Confederation—or even being allowed onto a terraformed world—it seems impossible. But this case… is an exception.” He gives me a look that says there’s more to the story.
I nod slowly, but inside, I’m not shocked for the reasons he thinks. I’ve had serious doubts about the Confederation’s so-called flawless integration process for a long time. I know firsthand how porous their filters are—especially since I’ve been tracking someone who runs an entire underground network for the Coalition.
But I’m not about to bring that up. Not here. Not yet.
I raise an eyebrow, inviting Isaac to continue.
“It’s a drama of passion, like I said. The governor’s companion—she’s completely lost it.”
At those words, my attention sharpens. He’s talking about Ileana. I feel it deep in my core.
“What happened?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Oh, she was a lovely young woman. I never would’ve guessed. Always so devoted to her sister. But apparently, she was having an affair with one of the guards. I mean, I get it—the governor’s much older than she is. She was probably drawn to the guard’s youth. Still, it shows a serious lack of maturity and judgment. It’s a real shame.”
