You have joined the Earth Force faction

Martin smiled good-naturedly as they bickered. “I see the faction’s name next to your normal information now. Thanks again, guys, you’re always welcome in our shelter.”

“You’re very welcome,” Lana said brightly. “Now, everyone back to the shuttle.”

Nori suppressed a grin and followed the shorter woman back to their vessel. Once everyone was safely fastened in their harnesses, they lifted off, leaving the Old Stadium behind.

“Let’s head to the Grand Mall next,” Bulco said. “Diamond, the shelter leader, is a buddy of mine. He’s usually up to his ears, trying to keep the place from falling apart. I’m sure he could use a bit of good news.”

“Alright.” Nori nodded, then she frowned.

“What’s wrong?” Bulco asked.

“That red dot is back.”

Everyone turned to look at the flashing red dot.

Nori’s brow creased in concentration. “It’s … a signal. But I’m not sure from where.”

Sighing mutely to himself, Nathan’s finger twitched. The monitor’s display zoomed out, revealing an image of the Earth. The red dot appeared well above the atmosphere and a dotted red line stretched down from it to the planet.

“It’s … it’s a signal from space.” Nori bit her lip. “The line’s trajectory leads straight to us. I think it’s a flight course, I can follow it up.”

Lana's eyes widened. “You want to take us up into space?”

“Not really. It’s in the lower reaches of the thermosphere—about a hundred kilometers above us. This shuttle can make it up there in about five minutes.”

“What if those are the aliens who robbed the freighter?”

“I don’t think that’s the case. The signal carries more than navigational data, but I can’t read it.” She looked up at the shorter woman. “I think that’s your department.”

Lana looked alarmed as everyone’s eyes settled on her. “Oh right.” She manipulated her light console, frowning as she read data only she could see.

“Well, girl, what do you have?” Bulco pressed.

“It’s …” she wetted her lips nervously. “It’s a recorded message.”

Nori and Bulco exchanged puzzled looks. “Can you play it?”

Lana's fingers thrummed through the console. “I think I … yes. Playing it now.”

“Greetings, Sollings! The XR trade station congratulates you on taking the first step into the enlightened universe and would like to offer our wares and services at a bargain price. All are welcome!”

“What the hell?” Bulco grunted. “It sounds like a douche salesman ad.”

“I for one am looking forward to getting some answers,” Nori said. “I think it’s safe to assume that dot does not belong to those marauders, so I say we go check it out.”

“Sounds shady to me, girl,” Bulco said. “But if we’re ever going to change things around here, we’re gonna have to take some risks.”