Contributor: ToddGM

Stark shadows cut across the docks as slanted rays of sunlight slipped beneath the distant horizon. Helia squinted at the leather-bound timepiece Lavera had strapped to her wrist. The crew had almost finished loading all of the cargo, but there was still no sign of Lavera. The captain had stated that he hated to be up without an experienced Aether engineer, but he couldn't be kept waiting for more than five minutes after his cargo was loaded. If Lavera didn't make it, he'd have to find another engineer at the next stop. Helia climbed atop a crate filled with navigational instruments. She nervously glanced up and down the dock. There were only three crates left. A few moments passed – still no sign of Lavera.

Some burly crewmen came by to load the last crate Helia had mounted. One of them helped her down and as he lifted his end of the box he grunted,

“Sorry, Miss. You and your engineer would be a welcome addition, but your five minutes starts now.” Helia watched as the two crewmen trudged back to the ship with the crate. Helia bit her bottom lip. This would probably be her only chance of getting out and seeing the world, but she had secured her spot on the ship as an assistant engineer to Lavera. She couldn't board without her. She didn't know a thing about Aether, and she couldn't just leave Lavera behind after what she had done for her. But this was her only chance! Where was Lavera?

“Helia!” Lavera's voice echoed across the empty docks. Helia looked around for her. “Helia!” Lavera's voice sounded again. “Run for the ship Helia!” Helia glanced around the dock and spotted a small dark figure in the distance. Seconds later, she saw several other, larger figures pursuing the first – golden rays from the setting sun glinting off their blades. Helia had been around pirates and other lowlife scum for long enough to know that this couldn't be good. She took off towards the ship as fast as she could run with her small leather satchel of belongings. Helia slipped in as two crewmen were preparing to shut the doors. Helia pointed breathlessly at the figure sprinting towards them – a heavy tool bag in one hand and a saber in the other. However, the crewmen began closing the doors. Lavera was so close -- she could still make it! Some of the pursuers stopped and were drawing bulky pistols from their belts. Lavera slung her tool bag towards the closing doors. It landed inside, and slid across the floor to Helia. There was an electric crack and a flash of light as several of Lavera's assailants fired. She leapt and tucked herself into a ball, somersaulting through the air, and between the closing doors. She landed on the floor in a heap. She leaped up in a flash and helped the two crewmen throw the doors shut. The heavy doors slammed to and the ship lurched into the air. Helia and Lavera both toppled backwards over her tool bag as the ship thundered out of the docks.

“Well.” Lavera said as she stood up and sheathed her saber. “Looks like I was right on time, as usual.” She wiped sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand and pulled her mug from the clip on her belt. Helia struggled to stand on the moving ship. She rubbed her backside where she had landed, and her stomach where Lavera had hit her as she fell. She grasped the wall with one hand, and picked up her small suitcase with the other. Lavera walked over and picked up her tool bag. “Come on, assistant! Let's check out this tub's engine!” Helia stared at Lavera in bewilderment as she took off down a corridor. Dazed, she stumbled down the hall after her.