Immediately following their departure from The Peacekeeper Fortress, they began the long journey to the Olara Sector, following the information that Mihoko had reluctantly given them.
Dorian was beginning to wish that space travel was faster, as it took them several days to reach their destination. During that time two things had happened; One, Callie had done research on the man who supposedly possessed the artifact. They already knew that he was a collector named Bermil, but what they previously didn't know was that he had a stronghold on the planet Dirya. She also discovered that he was well known in the sector for being honest and following through on every deal he makes, which meant that more people would be willing to do business with him. The second thing that happened, was Dorian's realization of how vulnerable Callie was due to her pregnancy. While she had certainly saved his life during the fight with Mihoko, things could have gone much worse. He felt guilty for bringing her into a dangerous situation, especially while she was carrying his child inside her. It was time to bring her somewhere safe, even if he knew she wouldn't like it.
When they reached the Sector, Dorian let the ship slowly make its way towards the planet. He turned to Callie. "Hey, um, I've been thinking about something lately, and I need you to listen to what I have to say before you freak out."
Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Well that doesn't sound good...what is it?"
Dorian cleared his throat. "I think it's pretty obvious to both of us that your pregnancy has started to slow you down-"
"And who's fault is that?" She interrupted, already seeing where he was going.
"I know, I know, but that doesn't change the fact that we are in this situation now. It's bad enough that I've put you in danger recently, but now I'm putting our unborn child in danger as well. That's why I think it's best if you.. quit the crew."
Her face looked stunned. "How could you say that...you saved me from my sister! I'm staying with you. If I wasn't there to help you fight Mihoko you'd be dead."
"Yes, but if you missed that shot then we'd both be dead right now." He stood up and walked over to Callie, putting his hand on her pregnant stomach. "Our child would also be dead. That's a risk I can't take again. I'm your captain, and this is what I've decided."
"But where would I even go? If I go back to Emily's apartment my sister will find me..."
"When we're done with the collector, I'll take you anywhere you'd like to live. We can use the credits we were paid for turning Mihoko in to buy you a place of your own." He leaned over and embraced her. "I only do this because I care about you. Think about it, and when we leave Dirya you can tell me which kind of planet you've decided to live on."
Callie nodded to acknowledge his words as a tear formed in her eye. She didn't try to fight him on it, since what he said made sense. Still, she didn't want to leave him...
***
The Chimera reached the planet's orbit, and began to descend towards the surface. Due to the collector's reputation for being honest and honorable, they had decided that the best option was to meet with him face to face. If he wasn't willing to make a fair trade for the artifact, or unwilling to sell it at all, they could always come back later and steal it. Meeting with him would even provide an opportunity to see the layout of his stronghold and assess the amount of defenses that he possessed.
As they got closer to the surface they were able to make out the details of their destination. The planet's surface mostly consisted of dark red rock, with no traces of organic life due to the lack of atmosphere. The only structure that existed on Dirya was the Collector's fortress, a massive metallic tower that rose high into the star filled sky. As they approached, Dorian could see that there was a large dome that covered the roof of the tower.
The tower looked over the ship as they made their way to one of the docking ports near the center of the tower.
"This is the captain of the Chimera requesting permission to dock." Dorian said over the communicator.
"Name?" An automated voice asked.
"Dorian."
"Permission granted. Begin docking when you're ready." It replied, ending the brief transmission.
Callie looked concerned. "They're just letting us in without even asking why we're here?" Doesn't that seem a bit strange?"
"Well, I'm sure the Collector gets a lot of visitors looking to trade. Maybe they just assume we're here to do the same?" Dorian reasoned, though he had to admit that she had a point.
The ship docked with the tower, and they prepared themselves for whatever they were about to face.
The door slid aside, revealing the interior of the fortress. While the planet had no atmosphere, the tower was pressurized so that it was filled with breathable oxygen.
They both stepped through the doorway, leaving the ship and entering the tower. They first had to walk down a corridor, which led them to a spacious room that was meant to be a security checkpoint of some kind. Two guards waited for them, dressed in armored suits that were red and gold, which matched the decor of the walls and floor. The guards motioned for them to follow as they turned and entered an elevator. Dorian and Callie entered as well, and the lift began moving upwards.
"So, where are we heading?" He asked the guards. They didn't answer, and he couldn't see their expressions due to their helmets. He had no idea if they were bored at having to escort yet another trader, or grinning deviously to themselves because they were luring him to his death. It unsettling him.
The elevator came to a stop, and the doors opened into a huge octagonal room. Glass display cases lined the walls, containing artifacts from countless worlds. A large throne sat in the center of the room, raised by a smaller octagon that was connected to the floor by steps. However, the throne was empty.
Dorian looked to the guards for an explanation, but they stood there motionless. He took a few steps towards the throne, Callie following close behind him.before they reached it, a man entered the room from one of the doors to the side of the room.
"Apologies, I was just informed of your arrival. Welcome! I've been waiting for you Dorian." The man said. He was slightly shorter than Dorian, and much older as well. His hair was grey, though a few strands of brown remained. His face was clean shaven, with barely any wrinkles despite his age. He had clearly lived a very easy life, and looked well rested and relaxed.
"You've been waiting for me?" Dorian asked, growing concerned.
"Oh yes, but we'll get to that in a moment. I'd prefer to speak to you in private." He replied, glancing at Callie. He then walked towards the entrance to a hallway, motioning for Dorian to follow.
Dorian turned to Callie. "Alright look, I'll go talk to the old man. Stay here, I'll be right back. And...be careful. This whole thing is getting strange." He said before leaving her to catch up with the Collector.
"Great..." Callie muttered to herself.
***
