Arrival (1)

Sayer peered up and out the window as the shuttle neared the station. He had never seen anything quite like it before; he could tell right away that it wasn't one of those typical old rundown stations. It was obviously well kept. And the security has high; their ship wasn't able to just fly up to the station. They first had to go through proper protocol and get docking acceptance.

The shuttle smoothly approaches and docks in the hangar. As the engine shuts down Phoenix and Sayer step off the small ship. They stood for a few moments looking around the bay. It was huge.

A more colorful ship pulls in behind the others, finding a snug space to park. It sputters as it does this, as if it's on its last bout of fuel. The hatch opens and a familiar blonde steps out, blinking at the interior, and coughing. Sayer spins around hearing the coughing behind them. "Aems! Wow, it feels like forever since I've seen you." Phoenix smiles and quirks her head curiously "Aemeth?"

Behind them one last ship, driven by Chun, slides into the bay.  She parks her speeedster, powers it down, opens the canopy and gets out.

Project 17 is accompanied out of the lift by several of her sisters. They stand waiting in the bay for the guests to finish arriving. The purple haired woman smiles broadly as she watches each of her friends disembark from their modes of transportation.  She nods to each one respectfully.  "Hello everyone...  I am glad that you could make it."

Phoenix smiles, and steps a bit closer to Sayer, her hand finding his, "We are happy and honored as always to be your guests."
"And tired," Aemeth cuts in. Before she can say anything else, she catches a huge yawn and covers her mouth.

Chun agrees, "Your hospitality is much appreciated, after a long, tiring flight."

Sayer nods, "I'm real glad to be here." He gives Phee's hand a squeeze.

Project 17 spreads out her hands in a welcoming motion, "It is our pleasure.  Once you all unwind a bit I can show you to some personal quarters to refresh yourselves and relax."

Aemeth looks around at those who have arrived. It's unbelievable they all got out. She walks towards Z, and smiles, holding her arms out to her. "Z!" Project 17 smiles at Aemeth.  It had been a very long time since she saw her.  She held out her arms for a hug, remembering not to crush her little blond friend in the process.
Aemeth squeezes her. "I'm so glad you're back." In a way, anyway.. of course, that's just the way it was.

Phoenix remembers Aemeth's loyalty to her friend at the Bowl, and looks down, ashamed.

Project 17 pulls back and smiles.  "Alex is going to be very happy to see you again.  We both missed you."  Looking around, "Did you guys have any trouble on the way?"

Aemeth steps back, shaking her head. "I got sidetracked, because this fuel station had a really nice gift shop, and I sort of was following Phee and I got lost around the asteroid belt..."

Phoenix grins "couple of patrol craft decided to chase, but didn't seem to want to get more than 50 km from the city.

Chun shakes her head and says, no, my speedster was too fast for my pursuers.

Aemeth, "It was kinda fun giving them the finger like that."

Project 17, "They won't bother you here.  For once you can relax knowing you are safe."

Phoenix smiles slightly "Feels strange, doesn't it? Not feeling the weight of that place on our backs anymore?"
Chun sighs happily to have friends in front of her, and no enemies behind her.

Aemeth adds, "Or feeling like everything's useless?"

Phee, "A fresh start. A chance to make a real difference..."
The blonde Aemeth nods. "Without being watched all the time. Or threatened, or people trying to kill your best friends, or..." she shakes her head.

Sayer nods. "Yes, it does. But it's energizing, too. Having a safe place to recharge before having to deal with helping folks in that place. I mean, I guess we won't ever stop trying to help them, right? The ones that are being persecuted?"

Phoenix squeezes Sayers' hand and looks at him "Of course we will. Always. But first, we need to heal. We've all been through hell."

Project 17 takes in a deep breath, "To be honest it is more or less a losing battle.  We were never there to defeat Gemini, however we can do more by offering sanctuary to those from their reach.  We have far more productive things to do here, which I will explain."

She motions them to all follow.