Youri gripped the steering wheel tightly, a dull ache throbbing behind his eyes. The city blurred past — glass towers, banners, and the distant echo of engines.
How did I get myself into this?
"After you drop me off, you have to go to my brother's apartment," Leonora said, her voice crisp and commanding. She didn't even look at him — eyes locked on the datapad in her lap. "The location is in the navigation system. By the time you get him, I'll probably be done, so you'll have to come back to pick me up. I hope for your sake you're not late."
"Yes, ma'am…" he muttered under his breath, barely audible over the hum of the engine.
I don't care how much a carpet costs. This is just plain cruelty. Now I have to pick up her brother too?
He sighed, glancing at the navigation display as it flickered a destination marker.
"So he should be around here… oh, there it is."
The apartment complex loomed before him — old, cracked walls painted over a dozen times, balconies cluttered with drying clothes and rusted antennas. He climbed the stairs, his boots echoing against the concrete, and rang the bell.
[Door opens.]
"Anna, you're here — I'm almost ready," a young voice called from inside.
The door swung open.
"Who are you?"
Youri stood awkwardly, one hand in his pocket. "I'm your driver."
The young man blinked. "No, you're not. Where's Anna?"
"Anna's at the house."
The boy's eyes widened in panic. "Oh no way — are you trying to kidnap me?!"
"Listen, kid," Youri growled, rubbing his temple. "The last thing I want to do is be here dealing with you. Trust me, I'm more confused than you are. So please just come down and get in the car, or your sister will have both our heads if we're even a minute late."
"Calm down, man, I'm coming."
"Thank you," Youri muttered, turning back toward the stairwell. And here I thought war was stressful.
[Cut to – The car ride.]
The car slid silently through the narrow roads of the capital. A fine drizzle began to fall, streaking the windshield like strands of silver.
"So, who are you?" the boy asked, leaning forward from the back seat.
"I'm your sister's new driver. Here performing my duties as requested."
"Great. So what's your name, driver?"
Youri sighed, keeping his eyes on the road. "You can call me Youri."
"So, Youri, where are you from?"
"Some place far, far away."
"Outside the capital?"
"Outside this galaxy, I'd say."
Roland's eyes lit up. "Wait — no way, you're an emigrant?!"
"Something like that, yeah."
"But how? Emigrants aren't allowed to work for royalty!"
"This is a special exemption. Don't worry."
"You said your name was Youri, right?"
"Yes."
Roland tilted his head. "Where have I heard your name before…"
"Beats me," Youri muttered. "It's not an uncommon name."
[At the Consul Building.]
The car stopped in front of an imposing marble structure adorned with the imperial crest. Youri barely had time to turn off the ignition before Leonora stormed out of the main entrance, her heels striking the pavement like gunfire.
"You're late!" she snapped.
Youri stepped out quickly, bowing his head slightly. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I had a little convincing to do before I managed to pick up your brother."
"Sister!" The young man ran forward, grinning. "I haven't seen you in a while. How have you been?"
"Get off me," Leonora said, brushing him off. "You know I had to deploy."
"Yes, but it's always so boring without you."
"You mean it's boring in your apartment, right?"
He laughed sheepishly. "Come on, sis, you know that's not true!"
"Just drop it," she said, already turning back toward the car. "By the way, how did the consul meeting go?"
"Just normal. Apparently I have to go and perform an inspection at Laspeas."
Her brother's eyes lit up. "Really! Oh, I just love that place — all those beautiful lights, the casinos, the hotels, all the ladies — just magical."
"I do agree with you, Roboy," Youri said, smirking faintly.
"Who gave you permission to talk?" Leonora cut in sharply.
Youri straightened. "I'm sorry, ma'am!"
"By the way, how come you hired this guy?" Roland asked, curious.
"It's a long story," Leonora replied. "But he owes me some money, so he has to work to pay it back."
Youri muttered under his breath, "You know, with one lucky spin in Laspeas, I could be a free man."
"I thought I told you to drive the car," Leonora said without looking at him.
"Sorry, ma'am."
"Come on, sister, can I come with you to Laspeas? Please?"
"Why do you have to beg?" she said, rolling her eyes. "It's not like I wanted to go anyway… but some company wouldn't be that bad."
"Thank you, sister, thank you so much!"
Leonora turned to Youri with a mischievous grin. "Hey, D7, you said you've been to Laspeas, right?"
"Yes, I even lived there for a period of time."
"So you know the area?"
"I'd say so."
"Pack your bags then — you're coming too."
Youri froze. "Uh… there's just one problem. You know my situation, right?"
"I'll handle that," Leonora said coldly.
"Thank you… but there might be some other things I left unfinished there. I might get in trouble for it."
Roland gasped. "You bastard — so you stole money too!"
"No," Youri said with a faint smirk. "I borrowed money. But due to circumstances I had to leave the planet and never got around to going back."
Leonora's tone hardened. "They're your problems to deal with. Your duty is to escort us through the capital. Understand?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"That's great," she said, closing her datapad with a soft click. "Now we have to get Anna, and we'll leave tomorrow morning."