Both Galko and Salkon would not forget this day. First, they'd revealed Galko as the new Odian of Osiris, before Salkon made a small speech of his own, emphasising the lie the council had maintained concerning the fate of Ero. Then they made another announcement.

  They would leave Osiris almost immediately to proceed with Ero's mission, while leaving the former Supreme Leader, Bulasi Goncal, in charge of Osiris once again.

  The shock throughout Osiris was widespread, while Salkon had despised every single second of the lie he was telling them. Galko had to bear much of his resentment, knowing the pain they both shared at losing Ero. Still, Salkon had performed his duty, relaying that Ero had died a hero, saving lives.

  And they'd unite the Guardians of Odia.

  Galko strode along a long bridge that ran between the Kryon Tower and the second largest building in Osiris, in which resided his means of getting off this world.

  The Osiris Spaceport.

  The spaceport looked like a large, curved wall of glass. It stood at around six hundred metres tall, a half-cylindrical shape. Its many floors extended towards hundreds of platforms which ships docked alongside. Thousands of ships entered and departed this place, while Galko's requested ship awaited him, ready to aid him in his new mission.

  Galko sensed his entire world watching him, as he made the long walk towards his ship. He felt pressure as an Odian and from his promises to the Void Walker and Osiris. As though sensing this within him, Salkon responded by urging Galko's shoulders back, keep his chin raised.

  That's it, keep your head high, shoulders back. It makes you appear in control, confident. They need to see this, Galko. They need to see a commanding presence in you.

  Even though we're leaving them to a possible Gorkan retaliation? Galko asked. Salkon paused, considering.

  This is why we must act with haste, he said, tension marking his voice. We cannot fail in this mission.

  Galko nodded, relieved with the knowledge he'd leave Osiris in excellent hands. Many agreed restoring Bulasi had been the right decision, a decisive move to provide security in these troubled times. Galko was glad he had made the decision. It made him feel as though he could focus more on the future, despite feeling out of his depth.

  It was the correct decision, Galko, Salkon remarked from within, filling him with conviction. Ero would've done the same.

  That didn't help at all. It only emphasised the differences between both him and Ero. He'd always known there were significant differences, but Galko sensed himself now being compared to his former mentor on all fronts. Not just from outside but also within from his Odian. Salkon filled Galko with understanding.

  Sorry, Galko. I don't speak with disrespect.

  It's alright. I imagine it'll take time for us to get used to this, Galko responded. Galko compared their situation to moving in with someone too early, but also while both being stuck together, understanding the partner's thoughts and feelings. There was no escape, no space between partners. It had only highlighted the differences between himself and Ero more strongly.

  For one, Ero's Virtue had been that of Order. He had valued control, organisation, and careful consideration. Galko regarded himself as more impulsive and emotional, led by his sense of duty and loyalty to Ero, to all his world. Galko knew Salkon would compare them, keeping their standards high. He wanted to meet his Odian's expectations, so he pushed himself to correct his posture, trying to appear as he felt he should. His Odian filled him with appreciation and silent praise.

  That helped settle Galko as they approached the spaceport. Beyond, an Osirin woman walked with a boy who looked amazed to see him. Galko raised his right hand, performing a salute which made the boy stop his mother, who turned as though wondering her child had stopped. She saw Galko and scrambled to get out of his way, but the boy remained steadfast, returning Galko's salute with one of his own. As he walked past, he sensed Salkon becoming impressed.

  That was very much like Ero too…

  This time, Galko smiled.

  If I can give them faith, at least that's something. After all, that's why Odians exist, isn't it?

  Yes… Salkon said, his voice becoming distant. While a part of Galko didn't wish to admit it, Salkon had been far closer to Ero. There was much pain within the Odian.

  And there was anger there too, despite Salkon trying to hide it.

  I am here for you, Salkon. You don't have to grieve alone. If you need to share your pain, I'm here for you.

  Salkon didn't answer that, which didn't surprise Galko. He left it there as they were about to enter the busy spaceport. He was still getting used to the degree of awe and reverence from others, something that would be inescapable for him now. After all, he'd acted the same towards Ero. Odians were, by their design, majestic.

  But they were also mortal. Galko now understood that.

  Galko went to a crowded terminal at the Osiris Spaceport, where beings were boarding ships to travel within Osiris or to other worlds. The latter was rare, and Galko was unsure where his ship was.

  He observed the thousands of floating platforms, many of which had ships docked alongside them. Galko knew they used reverse tractor beams and lightweight metals for levitation and customisable platforms. They were one of many inventions of the Osirin scientists that Galko admired. As he joined a queue for one terminal, many of the Osirins in the queue turned to regard him, half frowning, half amused.

  What? Galko wondered, as he sensed Salkon's presence emerge, curious.

  Hmm… It would seem they're confused about why you're deciding to queue with them. After all, you possess the capability of navigating those platforms. I do grant this ability.

  Yes, I am aware of that, Galko retorted, self-conscious, remembering how he used to admire Ero's ability to leap from building to building with ease. Of course, it was one thing to envision yourself performing similar feats, especially with no prior training; Galko's time in the military had taught him that.

  It would look very good before your kind… Salkon added, trying to sound nonchalant, though Galko understood what he was doing. Galko opened his mouth to respond, only for someone to tap Salkon's rapier on his hip. Surprised, Galko turned.

  He saw the same mother and child standing behind him, smiling.

  'Excuse me, Mr Odian,' the child said, his eyes still possessing the twinkle of wonder within them as he regarded Galko. 'Why are you waiting in line?'

  Salkon was amused at that, which only fuelled Galko's embarrassment. He paused before clearing his throat, trying to think of how Ero would answer the question.

  'I… erm… have a lot on my mind,' he said, annoyed at how unconvincing he sounded. Unfortunately, he also understood where this was heading. He reached towards the Osirin child and patted him on the shoulder, trying to project a sense of authority.

  'What's your name, kid?' he asked.

  'Jaksi,' the Osirin child replied, beaming at being acknowledged by an Odian. Galko paused, sure no one had ever regarded him like that. It was a far cry from how most used to regard him.

  As a failure of an Osirin.

  Until I met Ero… Galko thought, before nodding.

  'You can be whatever you want to be, Jaksi,' he said. 'Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.'

  That seemed to catch the Osirin boy unaware, as his beaming smile faded, replaced by something more akin to surprise. Though he wouldn't understand why Galko had said those particular words, he would understand that he meant them. They were the words he wished he had heard when he was a child.

  With that, Galko stepped away from the queue, making his way towards the front. No one complained. No one uttered a single word. Instead, everyone watched him as he approached a smiling flight attendant who sat behind a desk at one terminal.

  'Please open the door for me,' Galko said. 'I shall go to my ship through other means.'

  'With pleasure, Galko Bastille,' the flight attendant said, pressing a button on the console in front of her, opening the glass door behind her, which led towards one of the floating platforms. Galko was sure all eyes were on him as he headed towards the spaceport, expecting a display of his agility.

  Keep your posture correct, Salkon instructed. This needs to go well.

  'Easier said than done…' Galko murmured under his breath.

  Then allow me to take control, Salkon suggested, before filling Galko with the sensation that he was about to take control of his body. This time, however, Galko prevented this by his will alone, causing Salkon to fill him with confusion.

  No, I have to do this, Galko explained. I can't always rely on you, Salkon.

  What is that supposed to mean? Salkon asked, hurt. Galko at once recognised how his words could've been interpreted. He forced himself to take in a breath, relaxing.

  Didn't mean it like that. I only meant if we're working together, I need to learn and fight as an Odian. I cannot expect you to keep minding me like a child.

  Towards that, Salkon's hurt turned into considered understanding.

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  Very well, I understand, Salkon said. Galko moved to the edge of a floating platform, where many others were floating at different heights and distances. Galko prepared himself for his first test as an Odian.

  'Salkon, could you patch me through to Bulasi?'

  Yes, but why… Salkon began. Galko squatted down, before proceeding to launch himself into the air above, catapulting himself with such explosive power he was taken aback. Yet, even apart from Salkon, Galko sensed new instincts take hold, urging him to throw both his hands above his head.

  He grabbed the ledge of the next platform, some thirty feet above. At once, Galko pulled himself up with a single hard pull, launching into a flip that somehow seemed natural, despite having never done that before. He landed on his feet then, regarding the surrounding platforms once again.

  Oh, I see, Salkon said, as Galko prepared himself for his next leap, much more relaxed now that he'd succeeded in his first. You were distracting me so that you didn't feel judged.

  'Just a little,' Galko admitted, smiling within his armour. 'Though I do actually wish to speak to Bulasi. I want to know where our ship is, and what kind.'

  I can understand the necessity of knowing the former. Surely the latter is something we'll discover once we reach it?

  'Yes, but just patch me through, anyway,' Galko said. 'It'll make sense why in a second.'

  Very well, Salkon replied, as Galko leaped from platform to platform. He found himself growing in confidence as he marvelled at the agility he now possessed, along with the instincts that made all of it appear second nature. It made little sense, but Galko wasn't complaining.

  'Galko?' Bulasi's voice emerged as he landed on his seventh or eighth platform, speaking as though she was in his head like Salkon. He allowed himself to pause, looking around to see ships moving all around him, either taking off or landing on the surrounding platforms. Galko smiled.

  'Hey, Bulasi,' he said. 'Just a few questions. Which platform is our ship? What kind is it? And what's our fuel situation?'

  There wasn't an immediate answer, as Galko heard muttering. Bulasi was probably talking to one of her advisers. The chatter went back and forth.

  'I've been informed that your ship is a P-Class Model 46, on Platform 1103. For fuel, it should get you to Zurai without issues, though I don't mind admitting that ships are not one of my areas of expertise. I assume it will suffice?'

  'Oh yes…' Galko said, fighting to keep the excitement out of his voice, which caused Salkon to fill him with surprise. 'It's appreciated, Bulasi, thank you.'

  'It's no problem at all, Galko,' Bulasi said, sounding gentle. 'I wish you the best of luck. Please, keep us up to date with your progress.'

  'Will do,' Galko said. 'Galko out.'

  He waited a couple of seconds then, sensing Salkon's presence growing, which meant the transmission had ended. The Odian still seemed confused.

  What is it? Salkon asked, as Galko launched himself towards the next platform, knowing that his ship was on one of the furthest platforms in the spaceport, a good few minutes away. Galko navigated the floating platforms, finding that he had an extra spring to his step, now knowing what awaited him on Platform 1103.

  You'll see, Salkon, Galko answered, as he tried moving with more pace, throwing himself into somersaults and acrobatic flips. After a few minutes, Galko saw the ship he knew was his, his excitement returning.

  It's the ship, isn't it? Salkon asked. Why are you so excited about it?

  'Because it's one of the few projects the military and the scientists worked together on,' Galko said, landing on a platform before his ship. True to her word, the ship was definitely a P-Class Model 46. It was a small ship, black, with a pointed arrowhead shape for a nose and a zig-zag rear. Galko couldn't help but beam at the prospect of piloting such a craft, knowing that even a being military commander hadn't granted him access to it.

  And he was about to indulge in one of his biggest dreams.

  Is it that special? Salkon asked, still not understanding. Galko grinned, before making the last leap towards the platform alongside it. Upon landing, he appraised it.

  'It's the ultimate stealth craft,' he explained. 'Designed to destroy cruisers before they even know you are there. It's one of our greatest weapons we've ever built, purposely designed with the Gorkans in mind. The only reason it's never undergone tests is because we don't wish for the other worlds to discover it.'

  Yet we're getting it now? Salkon asked.

  'Probably because of its stealth technology,' Galko elaborated. 'We need to keep as much unwanted attention away from us as possible. This mission could prevent war between ourselves and Gorkas. Still, to get one of these for ourselves… This is special, Salkon. This could make a massive difference for our mission.'

  So you're passionate about ships, Salkon said, almost sounding impressed. Ero never had a passion like that. He was always focused on leading.

  'Yeah, that sounds like Ero,' Galko said, smiling, before he stepped towards the ship. He reached towards the hatch that led to the cockpit, pressing a button.

  'Kalid,' Galko said, speaking the password that would open the ship. A loud click sounded, followed by a hiss. The hatch then opened, revealing a cockpit of red leather and three seats, for two pilots and a single passenger. Galko jumped into one of the pilot's seats, before reaching towards the glowing panel of many buttons and a single steering wheel. He pressed a button and the hatch closed with a hiss before another click signalled he was secure in the ship. Allowing himself to comprehend the fact he was sitting in the ship of his dreams, Galko felt elation.

  'I can't believe I'm sitting in one of these,' he said, before shaking his head. He pressed a button on the console to check the ship's status, including speed, mileage, fuel capacity, and target distance. Galko studied them before sitting back, folding his arms.

  'Right, we need to choose where to go to find the others,' he said, before a thought struck him, causing him to glance to the window by his left, squinting. He caught sight of the Southlane Detention Facility, a massive black building surrounded by a mile of empty space. It was the best stronghold in Osiris.

  And an Odian resided within it, but no one knew.

  Galko remembered his first mission as part of the Breakers. They had been assigned to deal with a rogue Odian who had defeated the previous Odian of Osiris, Idion. That mission changed everything, for Ero had become the Odian of Osiris.

  And it had changed Galko's life too. Salkon sensed his appreciation, as well as the memory of Ero's role in it.

  'You don't think Sukan would change his ways and join us, huh?' Galko asked, sensing Salkon's disagreement at once. Galko smiled at that.

  'Oh well, it was worth the thought. Ship, activate AI.'

  'AI activated,' a robotic female voice replied. 'How can I be of service, Galko Bastille?'

  'What's our range per tank?' Galko asked. 'How many tanks do we have?'

  'By my calculation, one tank should enable us to reach planets such as Gungin or Rhina, based on current coordinates,' the ship said. 'I possess four fuel tanks , and they have been modified with long distance in mind. However, please be aware that this means my bombing capabilities have been removed.'

  'That's probably a good thing,' Galko said, nodding to himself. 'Do you still possess any fighting capability?'

  'Yes. I still possess laser and photon cannons.'

  'That's good. Hopefully, we shouldn't need them,' Galko said. Now, he had to decide.

  'Ship, please show me the map of the Vegeta Galaxy.'

  'Yes, Galko,' the ship replied, before generating a 3D rendition of the entire solar system, with the sun at the very centre. Osiris was far left of the galaxy, highlighted in yellow. The two closest planets were Sutr and Gaiu. The former was north of Osiris, while the latter was more southeast. Galko considered the possibilities.

  'It depends on where we want to go afterward…' he said. 'Rhina is northeast of Sutr, while Gungin is just southwest of Gaiu. Saying that, I'd rather leave Rhina last…'

  Why? Salkon asked, curious.

  'Rhina is… strange,' Galko explained, not sure how to phrase it. 'There are rumours it exists within the Void.'

  Which means? Salkon prodded.

  Some think it's an illusion. Many stories surround it. Anyway, I think our best option would be to go to Sutr first. If we can convince their Odian to join us, then perhaps we could convince them to go to Rakshi, which is just beyond Rhina. Then we could double back and go to Gaiu, then Gungin. After that we could return here to refuel, before travelling further.

  Inside, Salkon considered all his points, before filling Galko with confidence, satisfied.

  Then let's do it, he said. Let's go to Sutr.

  Galko nodded, before pressing a few buttons on the console, making the map of the Vegeta Galaxy disappear. He heard a whooshing sound emerge behind him, signalling that the engines were coming to life. Galko gripped the steering wheel with both hands and tilted the ship upward towards Osiris's atmosphere. Their mission had just begun: They were heading to the first world of their journey.

  Towards the planet known as Sutr.