The Galactic Center is as overwhelming as Llywelyn warned it would be. It's massive, and crowded, and loud. There are ships everywhere, and people, and aliens, and things I can't even describe. It's a cacophony of sound and light and movement.
It's also... the biggest city I've ever seen, and unlike the port, it's not just a place to trade and shop. There are businesses, homes, and everything else. It's a real civilization. It's not just a temporary stop for travelers.
I have to step away from the crowds almost immediately, ducking into the nearest alleyway. It's not much better here, but at least there aren't people bumping into me every other second. I lean against the wall, trying to catch my breath, and calm my racing heart.
I've never been in a crowd like this. Even back home, I was from a relatively small town. The biggest city near me was Portland, and that place wasn't exactly New York City.
This is different. This is a thousand times worse. I'm not even in the busiest area, I'm sure, but the sheer number of people, and the variety of them, is just...
It's a lot.
"Sarah!" Mira's voice calls out, and I turn to see her skipping toward me. She's as bright and cheerful as ever, her eyes sparkling. "Are you okay? Did you get lost?"
"I just... needed a break." I say, and push myself off the wall. "I'm fine."
"Come. It's a little easier to walk around at night, you know? Master says to hold hands so we don't get lost." She holds out her hand to me, smiling.
I take it, and she pulls me along the alleyway. We emerge back onto the main street, and I can see Xilukulkas ahead of us, Llywelyn at his side. They're walking together, talking about something, and Llywelyn looks... beyond annoyed. It might be because of whatever they're talking about, but given how brightly he's glowing, I'm certain it's the crowds.
He glances back at us, and I see the tension in his shoulders ease a little. His collar is still glowing, but it dims a bit. He waits for us to catch up, and then we walk together, as a group.
I don't know where we're going, exactly. I think Xilukulkas said something about a hotel? I don't know why we'd be there instead of the ship, but I guess it's some kind of experience. And I'm sure he's got his reasons.
I'm not really paying attention to the conversation he's having with Llywelyn, though. I'm too busy trying to take in the sights and sounds around me. It's almost too much. There's just... so much. So many different things, and people, and buildings. It's like the station, but on a much, much larger scale. I can't even see the sky, because of all the towers and structures blocking it. The ground is made of some kind of metal, and there are lights everywhere, and holograms, and screens, and...
It's a lot.
But it's also... fascinating. I've never seen anything like this. Not even in movies. It's hard to process it all. It's almost like being in a dream, or a different reality.
We finally stop in front of a large, ornate building. It looks like a palace, with tall columns, and intricate carvings. There's a huge fountain in front of it, with a statue of some kind of alien creature spitting water. It's beautiful.
Xilukulkas leads us inside, and the interior is just as lavish. There are chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and plush carpets on the floor. The walls are decorated with paintings and tapestries, and there are plants everywhere. It smells nice, like flowers and spices.
The constant chaotic noise of the street cuts off all at once, and my shoulders sag a little.
It's quiet. Not dead quiet, like the library on the moon. This is a more... warm quiet. I can hear water flowing, birds chirping, a faint music, and some murmurs.
But I actually just...
I need to sit down.
It's like all that noise was making me tense enough that I was sore all over. I know logically that that's not possible, but it feels like it. I'm just... exhausted.
Llywelyn glances over at me, and then inserts himself between me and the others. "Lean on me." He mutters.
I frown at him. "I'm not that weak."
"Shut up and stop being difficult." He scowls.
I hesitate a moment, and then frown up at him. "What about you? All that noise..."
His ears twitch and his collar lights up a little, and he looks away. "I'm fine."
"Liar." I reach out, and grab his arm, hooking mine around it.
"S'nilia-"
"We can lean on each other." I say, and then I nod at Xilukulkas and Mira, who are already walking toward the check in desk. "Come on."
He clicks his tongue, but doesn't pull away. He does start walking, though, and I stumble a little due to his long steps, but I keep up. We reach the desk, where Xilukulkas is speaking to a woman with purple skin, and many, many eyes.
Mira turns around and grins at us. "I'm so excited! We have a whole suite to ourselves! And there's a pool! And a spa! And a-"
"Volume, you cursed gem." Llywelyn groans.
She giggles, "Sorry. But it's going to be so much fun! Don't you think, Sarah?"
I smile at her. "I'm sure it will be."
She beams and then turns back to Xilukulkas. "I want to go to the spa first! I heard that they have a special oil bath that's very good for gems! Can I, Master?"
Xilukulkas smiles at her and reaches out to pat her head. "Of course, my dear. I chose it for you." He says, and then looks at the receptionist. "If you would show us to our rooms, then?"
"Yes, sir." She nods, and steps out from behind the desk. "Follow me, please."
We do, and I'm glad for Llywelyn's arm. I'm still feeling a little wobbly, and the halls of the hotel are just as grand and intimidating as the lobby. There are carpets and paintings and sculptures everywhere, and it's all very... fancy. I feel out of place, even though I've been living in a mansion for months now.
There are four rooms, so I will finally have some privacy again. More than I've had since...
Earth.
The thought is a little bittersweet, and I push it away. I don't want to think about that right now. I just want to relax, and enjoy the quiet.
The woman shows us to our rooms, and then leaves us to settle in. Llywelyn's room is next to mine, and Mira's is across the hall. Xilukulkas' is at the end of the hall. He tells us to meet him in the restaurant in an hour, and then he retires to his room.
Mira, of course, immediately runs off to the spa, and Llywelyn sighs.
"I'm going to take a bath." He says, rubbing his temples. "Don't bother me unless you're dying."
"Ah, so a heroic rescue will get you out of the bath?"
"No, I'd just enjoy watching it." He smirks, and then turns to go into his room. "Nishi'an reh, don't bother me."
I roll my eyes and go into my own room. It's just as luxurious as the rest of the hotel, with a huge bed, and a bathroom that has a tub big enough for three people. There's a balcony, too, with a view of the city. I step out onto it, and lean on the railing.
The noise of the city is muted here, but I can still hear it. It's still overwhelming, but I think I can handle it better now. I take a deep breath, and let it out slowly.
I'm going to have to find a way to navigate this place. I'm going to have to find a way to get around, and find a ship, and get home. It's not going to be easy. It's going to be dangerous. And I'm probably going to get lost, and into trouble.
But I have to do it.
I have to try.
I just... need to rest a little first. I can't do anything if I'm exhausted and overwhelmed. I need to recharge, and regroup.
That's what I tell myself, anyway.
But there's a part of me that's just... scared. Scared of being alone again, in a strange place, with no one to help me. Scared of failing, and being trapped forever.
I shake my head, and push those thoughts away.
No.
I've gotten this far.
I'm going to get the rest of the way.
I'll wait until night time, until it's less of a constant flood of people, and then I'll start scouting for escape routes. It's not likely I'll find a path the first night, or the second, or even the fifth. I'm not being unrealistic.
But I've got time.
I'm not going to blow it by rushing it at the last minute and lose my...
Maybe one of the last chances I'll really get. Because if I get caught, I might end up in captivity with someone less lax than Xilukulkas, and even if I don't... he won't be this unguarded again.
That thought tastes bitter in my mouth. Like I'm-
I'm not betraying his trust.
He doesn't get a right to trust I won't try to go home where I belong. I'm a prisoner. I don't owe him anything.
And yet...
I still don't like it.
I turn away from the balcony, and go back into my room.
I think that...
I might just take a nap.
At least until evening. Or, well, probably until Mira beats down my door and drags me off to the restaurant with Xilukulkas.
But it's all I can think to do right now.