Tia barely had a chance to respond before the girl was gone, vanishing into the bustle of the Livadia Shipyard bar. Her frown deepened as she stared at the empty space the girl had occupied just moments before. The conversation had stirred something inside her—an unease she didn't care to name. She thought about her own path, the endless pursuit of vengeance that had come to define her existence. Would it ever bring her peace? Or would it simply drive her into the grave, leaving nothing behind but another forgotten name on some bounty hunter’s list?
A bitter smirk ghosted across her lips. It didn’t matter. She had to do it. Even if it killed her in the end.
Shaking off the creeping thoughts, she turned her attention back to the duo seated across from her. The boy, Kris, and his android companion, Amsel. They were an unusual pair, but Tia had seen enough of the universe to know that "unusual" was just another word for "interesting."
"You know," she said, her voice steady but laced with something just shy of exhaustion, "if you ever need any updates on your augmentations or upgrades, I have a friend who might be able to help you out." She leaned forward slightly, her fingers tapping against the rim of her empty glass. "His name is John Derius Guerra. He’s been roaming around Sirius for a while now, working on cybernetics and medical augmentations. He knows his stuff. If anyone can help improve or fine-tune what you’ve got, it’s him."
She paused for a second, studying their faces before adding, “I’ll give him a heads-up that you might reach out. No pressure, but if you need anything, it’s good to have options.”
Satisfied with that, Tia leaned back and signaled for the bartender again. This time, the man actually noticed her and made his way over, though he didn't look thrilled about it. Whether that was because of the general chaos of the bar or just her presence, she couldn’t say, and frankly, she didn’t care.
"Another round for me," she said, her tone firm but not unkind. She gestured toward Kris and Amsel with a tilt of her head. "And whatever these two are drinking."
As the bartender scribbled down the order, Tia reached across the table, gathering the cluster of empty glasses and pushing them toward him.
"Oh, and bring the check," she added, her voice carrying the weight of someone who was used to settling her own debts, no matter how large or small.
The bartender grunted in acknowledgment, scooping up the glasses before heading back toward the bar.
Tia exhaled and stretched slightly, rolling her shoulders before settling back into her chair. Her gaze flickered between the two across from her.
"So," she said, raising an eyebrow. "Since we're all still here, might as well make the most of it. Tell me—what’s your next move?"
She wasn't just making conversation. She was genuinely curious. If there was one thing she had learned from her years of wandering, it was that everyone had their own battles to fight, their own reasons for pushing forward. And in a galaxy like this, it was always worth knowing who else was walking the same road—even if their destination was different.
