The two girls stayed outside for quite the long time, chatting heartfully about their everyday life and what they would do at the reception they would soon attend. They were bathing in their Eden, allowing the star to heat their pale skin. More than an hour had passed without them realising it, jumping from a subject to another, the sisters took an exquisite pleasure to share memory and expectation for the upcoming night. They only felt the need to leave the garden when hunger started to twist their belly. But to first reach the promised food hidden in the dining room, the girls had to face the wrath of the gate keeper. Jasper was not what one would call a typical man, strong and athletic, it was like his sixty long years spent on heart had not caught with his health. He was more bodyguard than servant, in appearance at least. Furthermore, even if time had taken colour away from his hair, turning them to grey while wrinkling his skin, he kept his august presence.

- Ladies, even if I proud to see you so early, going outside without informing anyone is an intolerable behaviour.

The two who had tried to snick past the entrance door, turned their gaze on the frowning old man. He was sitting on the chair, right next to the door and displayed openly his dissatisfaction. Of course, he knew the whereabouts of the two children, but he was not about to let his act drop, not before trying to cast some steel into their head. A shame, as the game was not only his. The sisters knew the man for long, long as all their short life and had without a hint of doubt spent more time with him than with their own parents.

- Hi Jasper! Singed Liane. How are you?

Camille rolled her eyes at her sister. The cadet disrespect was baffling yet profoundly cute to witness. To her, nothing was out of the ordinary and the admonition had little to no effect on her. Camille apologized to her guardian who was not even trying to hide his smile.

- Please, tell me next time. My old heart is already weak, I would like to not die out of worry before my contract foes to one of you. Moving to the matter at hand, your parents are already waiting for you in the dinning room. Having them waiting is not proper for sophisticated ladies like you. Take hast please.

They both agreed and without any more disturbance left toward the dining room, Camille biting her lips as her light knot of feeling weighted over her chest. Being scolded your birthday, that was something new. The old man had not even wished her, which he had done every year. Dragging her feet, she went to wash her hand before joining the family at the table where Verin and Amidia Weiss were waiting. As she walked through the door, entering the large rectangular room filled with wooden antiques, both gazes swiftly turned to her. Both were in their late thirties, even if they still had the face they wore at their twenty birthday.

Verin Weiss was not someone who could hide inside a mob, he was a pure blooded noble and every bit of him was exhibiting it. From the cream white suit, he cherished to wear, his deftly cut beard or restrain full stilled dark hair, no one could criticize him over his facade. The businessman stile he was cultivating correlated with his way of life as from the time he took over the family business, he alone had grown the company influence to every corner of space. Birthing alliance with the powerful and bringing fame to his family name. If this one-of-a-kind man was awaiting a lot from his spawn, never Camille had seen him upset. The man was known to enjoy mediation over tantrums, quality that had pulled him to the throne he occupied.

On the other side, his wife Amidia was known for her not so delightful character. Born in an unknown bourgeois family, even young, she was commended for her beauty. Particularity, her daughters inherited in some aspect even if the youngest was known to be like a younger twin to her. Both shared silky copper hair and hazel eye filled with cleverness. That last was the reason the woman now shared the rule over the Weiss empire. Her mind was as sharp as her stare and if someone would not succumb to her charm, she would make sure they do it literally.

- Happy birthday honey! Welcomed her father, weren’t you shorter yesterday?

- Stop it Dad, did Camille as he was lifting her off the ground. I’m not a child anymore! I’m thirteen…

- Really? A shame, I loved my little daughter…

- Verin, would you stop? You are embarrassing yourself trying to heave her like that. My best wish for you, sweetheart. Come and sit at the table, Jasper woke up early only to prepare all your favourite food.

- Always so serious, whistled her husband returning to his sit.

- Ho dear, that is why you love me. Teased Amidia back before kissing him in front of two rolling pair of eyes.

- See? Liane is still a child my beloved. One day you will also kiss the one burning in your heart. Nothing strange or disgusting with that.

- Maybe… but not at the table like you do.

As the little family was chuckling together, Camille sat among them. Standing right against the quilted backrest, she inspected the table covered by a red embroidered cloth. Over it, a delightful rainbow of plate was disposed, a pallet of all the tastes the girl had once appraised. The old man knew better, what she saw was a flood of sweet worthy of the most unreasonable dream. Maybe Jasper did not forget after all. She tilted her head toward him, standing in a corner of a room behind his master. He was holding a warm smile and greeted her with a respectful nod true to his place even if it would have pleased Camille if he showed him more open.

All teeth out, she finally laid fingers over the sea of foods standing in front of her. They were enough for three mornings, but the waste was negligible. Watching the eldest of the family ravenously engulfs her favourite food was enough of a payback. During that time, her father decided it was time to start reading the innumerable messages of felicitation send by all their acquaintance. A deluge of unremarkable and boring letter would appear over the holo-screen. Each time, Verin would read all the lines before answering to the grotesque masquerade with a simple message of gratitude. The man quickly showed his boredom as all the text looked like one another. Unremarkable and bland of any real sentiment, it was the standard among nobility. Yet, the young girl was delighted with every new one, savouring those attention even if they were motivated by her father’s name and not herself.

- As many people will be with us tonight? She asked ecstatically. Just to see me?

- Of course, he ascertained bleakly to his daughter. Even more, you can trust me on this.

Camille legs were shaking with excitement but even her overjoyed spirit could not miss the strange exaction of her father. Why was father acting like this? Should he not be happy for me? So much littles questions running alongside the frivolity of her young mind. Not daring enough to confront the leader of the house, she turned a question full glance to her mother. The woman answered by a single flick of the hand, telling her to turn to another mater. That conduct, much out of the ordinary, was clutching on the girl’s unending curiosity.

- Verin, what is over your mind?

The man’s eye widens as he was not expecting the question, running his hand through his beard he took a time to answer.

- Camille is in age to make her own decision and some will be there to stand in her favour. If she was an adult, I would not mind… But she is just a child.

Amidia turned her distinguished eyes to her daughter. She moved her noses before looking at the ceiling. Her daughter smiled, amused by her mother mannerism. They exchanged an accomplice gaze as the father of the house was still lost in his dismay. Camille was touched by his concern, this natural behaviour among parent was not widespread among the high society of the federation. Young had to fend for themselves, proving their merit to their kind. To have such a family was a blessing, and pushed the girl even further, to match her genitor’s expectations.

The happy little family chatted together for a time, before the adults excused themselves to attend their personal business and perfect the reception. Camille had not much to do, after all it was her birthday. But she started it by emptying her plate, filling her belly until food reached her throat. After that she had nothing left to do but prepare for her party. In those moments, where nervousness and anticipation melt together, one’s ability to occupy their own mind start to fail. The girl returned to her room with her sister, and they spent the day together watching movies, browsing social network, and chatting with some friend who would be present tonight. The more time flowed and less those distraction entertained her. At midday, she could still feel her breakfast and couldn’t eat at all, feeling that worsen until her guts knotted together. Soon the fiery sky started to appear, night was at the brink of the door and she had to start preparing herself. The two girls parted away to get ready, Camille threw herself in a bath of hot water. She hid herself under the foamy water for half an hour, hopping the scorching liquid would extract the tension from her little muscles and ease her mind. But it was also a prison, nothing to do and only the future to picture in one’s mind. Torturing herself until she felt sick, the teenager left it only when the time to leave was starting to crawl back to her. Calling for the butler, he helped her finish her dressing. Shivering a bit, she watched herself in the mirror.

Her small frame was covered in a shimmering silver dress bought for the occasion. Her dark hair painstakingly styled into a long braid ornamented with jewels. To perfect the look, they added a touch of make-up. Bringing out her surprising eyes, a sky-blue darkening over the edge of the iris with distinct purple line. Space travel mutation, rare among noble and not well seen even if it gave an exotic touch to her chubby face. She was ready for the night, never had she witnessed herself in more appealing attire. Still, the fear of ridicule never left, smirking from her corner of her mind.

- Lady Camille, is something on your mind? Maybe you want to try another dress? There is plenty left.

- No jasper. She answers with a shaking voice. Does… Do I look good?

- Well. Don’t repeat what I will say to your mother, but even her in her prime would have look blend next to you. You are a shining star in a dark sky my lady.

Enjoying the compliment, she contemplated herself one last time with this time a perfect smile. She then left the room, founding her sister waiting in the hallway. Her sibling was clad in a cute red dress which the girl had chosen with her mother. Just a look was enough to want to hug her, a little apple from whom she would have happily taken a bite. Liane, when noticing her sister stood in shock, her jaw wide open.

- What? How are you that beautiful Camille! Please don’t be like that when I will be thirteen, I would look super stupid…

- Don’t worry Liane, that day you will be ten times better than me. And if you want, I will hide on the roof, so people only look at you.

Liane smiled at her sister and grabbed her by the hand to bring her to their parent. Verin and his wife were leaving their room. As tradition wanted, Amidia was also wearing silver accessorises with a red band in her hair to match her second daughter. Her father was like every day, clad in white, but she had never seen that outfit ever before. It looked old, which was a bit surprising, but then she witnessed the dried shape of lips on his collar. A memory of the day the two adults had met and a well know legend in the nobility gravity around the couple.

- One day I will be as pretty as mom… muttered the younger.

- For the moment, you will hurry up cherry. We can’t be too late at our own reception or the mob will start to spread stupide rumours about us.

They both comply with a nod and the family walked in great fanfare outside of their house to the skycraft that had been landed by Jasper shortly before. Skycraft was a common name for atmospheric ship. Taking the shape of long dark jets equipped with capsule for the pilot and a comfy room for the passengers. With the full power of the engine’s, one could do a full rotation around the planet in less than five hours. Camille had done it one time, asking during a whole month, she fell asleep right at the beginning and couldn’t remember anything. Jasper was of course the pilot. The man had more string to his bow than years to his life. After helping his masters to take place and served them with drink, he returned to his cockpit. A minute later, the ship rattled and a fain land off strain was felt as the drive created a wave of dust behind them.

- We will be at the reception in under five minutes master.

- Perfect Jasper, take your time. Answered Verin before turning to his daughter. Are you ready for your night?

Taking over her fear, she answered with a fierce nod. The potential result was still on her mind, but she wanted badly to do well. Impressing her father and the world with it. She was a daughter of the Weiss, not some commoner unable to speak properly. Of course, it was harder than that, and her father took the chance to remind her of all the basic.

- When you met someone always start by a salute. You will do it to all the guests and thanks them for coming even if they’re scary of course. No present and no amusement before you complete this. It’s important for your image and ours.

- Will there be scary people?

- Some high ranked friends are coming to see me, so there might be.

Camille settled for some more nods. Her gaze lost over the horizon where the last hint of red where being sucked by the darkness of the night. When the last had disappeared, the place of the party could be seen, and the skycraft slowed down before starting his landing. The plane hovered over one of the numerous landing pads surrounding the building before looking to the dark metal. Around them, numerous other planes stopped to drop guests. The building the family had chosen to host their reception was more of a palace than anything else.

Up to five floors, the architectural marvel was following Verin taste for old styled construct. The place had been built to host all the event the rich population of the ring could dream off and used the most expensive technology to provide their needs.

As soon as Camille laid a foot on the matt black deck, spotlight flashed on her. The main event of the night had arrived, and everyone had to knew it. At the same time multiple holo-screen displayed her so every eye could see her debut in society. The young girl kept her amazed gasp to herself. With all those people watching her, she had to display a good face, or everyone would talk about that for days.

Locking her clammy hand together, heart racing like never before, she started to walk followed by her family. There arrival had not gone unnoticed, and everyone stopped to watch them walk toward the entrance. She kept her gaze straight toward the entrance, trying to avoid paying attention to the flashes of camera and loud whispers of the surrounding noble. She noticed some of her friends and dared a smile to them.

They cheered as she passed, flooding her with joy and dampening the stress she was crushed under. And as she passed through the arch serving as a door, entered the gargantuan reception room. Inside floor of marble and classical wall were combined with modern furniture to create a chimera of style. A flower of table filled with food and drink was surrounding a central dance floor. All around clusters of nobles were talking around each of them. Many people were moving around, with platter and drink for the guest adding disarray to the already chaotic reception.

Camille felt her father’s hand on her shoulder, the familiar presence was of use, even more when she realizes to whom he was leading her. At the exact opposite of the room, place symbolically restricted to important people, three men were discussing around a table bearing the family coats of arms.

This place should only be populated by the family itself and only a few would have dared to stand in this place. Camille had no problem to recognise the uniform fit on two of them. Suits of a neutral grey colour, with silver button starting at three halves of the torso and close up to one before the collar, that last decorated with silver embroidery stilling the symbol of the federation, a star in the centre of four circles. They were members of the consulate, the top authority in the federation.

The first was a venerable man with an onyx gaze, sharp and deep. A politician who had spent body and soul to bring the preserve the power of his species. One knew in a gaze that he was among the clever ones. Skimming his way to the top, prepared for every outcome with an as in hand, some even whispered that the future revealed itself to him. His college was not human, and if Camille had not seen a lot of extra-terrestrial life form in her life, she recognized a member of the Sul’doth, one the numerous race allied under the federation flag and one of the five prominent. She took a long gaze at him, shook by the strange creature.

Sul’doth were hominid originating from an ocean world. Adapted to subaquatic life, he had a pale blue skin, typical of his kind. Over his neck, gills could be identified, layer of skin shaking slowly to display pinkish under flesh. Sul’doth where not gracious and their bulging face and dark eyes were glossy under the light. Other than that, the Sul’doth and human had a common physiology, most males kept their cords like hair shaved and displayed pale tattoos on their head. This one had some tribal picture, forming together some legend relating to his own life. Camille of course couldn’t know it and found the art of poor taste.

Still, the two big fish could only keep her attention for a time and finally she turned to the last man. Behind the two, his presence erased by them as he stands in their shadow. But one could not forget after laying eyes on him. Staring right at her, cold like an iceberg, his bullet gaze pierced a hole through her. For once she did not need help to recognize him, Alexandr Lesskov was not someone one could forget. He was studying her with all his might, not considering enough to try to hide. She blanched, if the Sul’doth was disturbing, this man was on another level. As if fear had chosen a body to display itself.

-Verin! God, it had been a long time without laying my old eyes upon you and your magnificent family.

As he talks, the Sul’doth showed is predatory dentition. The row of knife shaped teeth had nothing to envy from the greatest predator in Earth’s seas.

- Consul Tendz, always a pleasure to meet again.

- Of course. Solar always relate to me your surprising party. I must say that I was more than intrigued by those debauchery and as we found our way to your home planet, we could not find any reason to not seize this opportunity to witness with my own eyes.

Camille watched her father shake hands with every one of them, realizing her mother and sister had abandoned her for more pleasant company. The betrayal was not unexpected none of them were at this event for work. It was not the case for the head of the family.

- Let’s cut our greetings, we have wishes to present after all. The consul’s soft voice was imprinted with glory, impossible to not listen to such a man. My felicitation for your thirteen birthday Lady Weiss.

With his words, he bowed. His rocky gaze directed to her own. At her own surprise, she started to feel more confident, he was not as scary as the two others. The blue alien joined him and with an amused smirk talked.

- Congrats on your new revolution, lady.

- Th… Thanks you, she shuttered, it’s an honour to have such great men in my humble party.

- The pleasure is all ours. Watching those who one day will take our place at the front of our great nation is like watching the fruit of our works. We seeded the field where you are growing now and can only for the better. Don’t you agree with me, Alexandr?

The man whose silence defiled death itself was awakened from his slumber. He moved like a mountain, slowly but with the strength of a thousand rocks before laying a killer gaze on the consul. Only he could have done something like this, the lack of respect was striking. How could someone act like this? Did he know his place? The girl had to contain her puzzled face, never she would have dared to do something like that to anyone even less a consul.

His gaze stood still for five long second before returning to the girl. A dull tone over his hard voice, he built up an answer.

- O, I am sure consul. It is always a luck to see the young blossom.

It sounded false to Camille, the man was lying to everyone and himself. He did not want to be here at all. Not surprising after what she had seen in the morning. Holding strong her heart, she went to war against the giant and faced him in a duel.

- You are major Lesskov right? She asked, surprising them all.

- True. Major Alexandr Lesskov, member of the commanding chain of ErinIV but always remembered as a technician. The irony in his voice amused only himself. How do you know me?

- I watched a TV show this morning… you were in it.

Verin turned an astonished gaze to his daughter, from all he was the most surprised. She didn’t even notice it, her attention grappled by the veteran.

- I was not expecting you to have fan in high circle major, grizzled Tendz, maybe you will see some noble in your class this year.

Weariness birthed over Lesskov face. He turned toward the consul with a deadly grin that only he could have drawn.

- If nobles arrive on the battlefield with the same delay as they do with their party. War would be over before them joining; Better if they stay in their little world, drinking and chatting while other the work. But you already know my opinion on the subject young Weiss.

- You arrived on time?

- In the army hours are hours, doubt you will know that one day.

Verin’s hand tightened on his daughter’s shoulder. He and the soldier were staring at each other. Like two best ready to pounce at each other throat. The unbearable exchange could have last long, his Solar had not chosen to act with a laugh.

- The major’s humour for sure never gets old. But let’s conclude this and send our young host to her party. Tendz and I would like to talk about our arrangement, can we have some of your time? We needed to have some precision about our new subject of study.

Verin naturally agreed and he joined the three men who walked away. Freed from the encounter, Camille was a bit weary. The harder had been done, meeting with every other guest could be overlooked as child play after what she had done. Her duty archive, she was free to meet up with her friend. The night was only starting as even the latest guest had barely arrived.

At the east of the room, a hill of gift had sprouted, and the girl had to go across all of them and thank her generous benefactor. In the end only a few would be useful, she had gained a mountain of jewellery, enough to change every day of the year and still had new to try. With all of that, she could have bought her own skycraft. Spirit lifted, she joined the dance and moved her body in the middle of the crowd, shining like a star under the spotlight that was following her everywhere.

Everyone was kind to her, coming to ask multiple questions. She had to tell her life story more than a hundred times during the night and couldn’t feel better after all the compliment she was washed with. She even had the privilege to taste some alcohol before being prohibited by Jasper, who appeared like from nowhere to take away her glass. It was only toward the end of the night that tiredness started to catch up. Whole body hot and dizzy head, she ventured on the outside for the first time to breathe some fresh air. The balcony was swept by a cold wind, her sweety skin covered in goose bump she listened to the silence of the night. The heat of the day was nothing but a memory now, but the cold outside was refreshing as the people started to oppress her.

- Feeling cold?

Camille heart skipped a bit. Who was disturbing her now? Pivoting her torso, she faced who had talk, a woman who was laying her back against the wall, hidden half in the shadow. It was a disturbing appearance at first, she could see her mother, but soon realize it was someone else. Family maybe? The woman ventured outside her shadowy hideout and Camille was baffled by the difference. Her dark eyes were scars and her complexion dead like, but from the living corpse emanated a deep serenity. The past had lacerated her and now she was proof from all devils. She and Lesskov shared the same feeling, strength birth from war, but if they shared the dominance he had over people, she was far less terrifying. She also wore the uniform, helping the girl to make the link.

- Who are you? I… I have not see you yet!

- Don’t be afraid, I just don’t fit well with the crowd. She explained. I came with Alexandr, you talked with him earlier in the night.

Camille wanted to back off, something was off with her. But the strange woman was shrouded with mystery and the girl’ sin, curiosity, had already been cast. Her chanting voice helped a lot, the girl found it mesmerising.

- You did not answer my question…

- True. People like to call me Blue, it’s more nickname than my real name but many think it is. Only a few calls me by my real one anyway.

Saying that, she showed a strand of her copper hair died in a blue-sky colour. I’m an old MEA pilot. Camille nodded like an idiot, understanding the explanation. What a silly name for a soldier. Between her and Lesskov, were they any normal people among the military? While thinking all of this, Camille cleared her throat.

- It is common manners to come and salute your host when you go to a party. That last is me, so you were supposed to salute me before.

A shabby smile sprout over her face, she was not taking the girl seriously at all. Camille was annoyed, but couldn’t do much.

- Are we not meeting each other, Isn’t it better than a bland hello, how are you and an unflavoured gift?

- You also don’t like noble, set Camille. You are just like Lesskov.

- You are wrong, I found your way of life stupid and lacking a lot of self-respect. Which, I have for a lot of you. I was watching you open those gifts and could just wonder why you looked so happy when they were all the same. None of them had any idea of what to give you anyway. They just came to show their wealth and stand in your family grace.

- It’s a tradition. They took of their time to visit me. I can show them some gratitude, I own them that at least!

- So, it’s our duty?

Camille froze before nodding. She was enjoying it, but no one had ever they it was forbidden. She couldn’t follow clearly the chain in Blue mind, and the amused face she was showing was even worse. Under the watch of Camille furious gaze, she moved next to the girl and leaned against the balcony to stand at her height. She was not tall, but Camille still had to grow. Her eyes were lost in reflection, Camille held a breath until she started moving again. With one hand she removed something from around her neck, a strange medallion she had been wearing.

On a steel chain had been linked a small metal piece. Long as a thumb and large as half, it was covered in a scaled layer of night-blue paint. On the face something had been traced using crude tools, a knife or something she first though, but then realize it had been engraved using a laser of some sort. It was two simple letters, B and D, standing together like two links of the same chain. The woman didn’t wait for her agreement and put it around the girl neck. Uncertain, Camille took the strange chip in her hand more as reflex than real need. It was covered in impurity, rough as a block of row metal, the death cold steel had felt the burn of war in all its horror.

- Don’t touch that part…

Camille felt a sharp pain as the fragments ripped her soft skin. Opening big eyes, she watched the carmine fluid leaving her body to cover the blue paint. Blue dropped an exasperated sigh and grabbed her hand.

- Give me your hand, I have bandages on me, she told after acting again leaving her no choice. You are really soft, Alexandr would tell you to do more sport.

- What is that? Asked the frowning Camille while trying to ignore the pain.

- Some lucky charm, I made it myself when I was a bit older than you. During my first years in the federation military if you want to know. I don’t have anything else to give, you will have to do with that even if it’s not as shiny as what the other gave you.

A sharp smile drew itself over the girl face while she cherished the metal chip. Among all the necklace one could have given her, it was by far the most hideous she had ever seen, but also the only one that had awakened something within her. She stared at Blue. The women looked at the tiny blue chip with wistful eyes. Clearly, she was found off it, then why would she give it away?

- Isn’t it important to you?

A wry smile answered the question quickly followed by a sparkling gaze.

- That’s why it is a true gift.

Blue stood up and turned her gaze toward the door. Her joyful face vanished as the door opened behind them.

- Ka…, The hard gaze of Lesskov froze on the little girl, we have to go and the child’s mother wants her to go back inside.

- Shame, when I started to have some fun. Well, I hope to see you soon Camille it was a real pleasure.

- You can’t leave like that!

Blue openly laugh at the frowning girl, her world had no power over her.

- With that look on your face, you really look like your father.

- Cut the shatter Blue, we have to go now. Closed Lesskov before noticing the necklace around Camille neck.

A clue of a smile appeared over his face. What was the meaning?

- She gave it? He asked before taking something from one of his pockets, throwing it to her. This belongs to you I guess, maybe one day you will have the luck to use it.

In her hand was now a strange data card covered in symbol, she recognised galactic, the language used in the federation and which she was fluent with. She had no clue of the trinket utility, but could read the inscription.

- Reliquary warehouse 4 bay 12? Whispered the girl. Where is that?

Raising her head, she realised they had left. Cursing the man under her breath, she spent a few more second to look at the card before leaving the balcony too. Why would he leave without saying anything? Grumbling question to herself, she dropped the card with all the other gift, after hiding the chip in her dress. What would the world say if she was seen wearing this kind of thing? She could feel the steel moving along her skin and knew she would be covered in scratch tomorrow, but it would still be better than the shame, also she wanted to keep it on her for reasons unknown even to herself.

The party lasted for a while and finally most of the guests had left and so did the family. Seconds after sitting in the skycraft, she fell asleep. Her legs were reduced to noodles and peacefully rested, waking her the next morning in her bed without memory of walking to it.