After receiving Mr. Chenzo’s invitation, Dr. Batsbak quietly packed his belongings. To his colleagues, he claimed he would be traveling to the Omicrons for several days on an expedition. In truth, the story was nothing more than a cover—an excuse to disappear for a while without anyone searching for him or interfering.
He set out for the Kreuzberg Depot, where Mr. Chenzo had left a briefcase for him. Along with it came instructions: he was to rendezvous with an escort who would help him out of New Berlin and escort him toTau-13.
The flight passed without incident. Against all expectations, Batsbak’s movements remained unnoticed, and no one associated him with the Outcasts.
Upon entering Tau-13, the escort bid him farewell, leaving him with one final order: land at a remote station, hidden well beyond the usual patrol routes. There, Chenzo would be waiting.
The hangar swallowed his ship in shadows as Batsbak touched down. The engines wound to silence, and he stepped onto the cold metal floor. At the far end of the bay, a door slid open with a low hiss. From the darkness beyond, a lone figure emerged—his silhouette sharp against the dim light behind him.
