Interstellar: Return of the Villain
Chapter 287: Godmother

Chapter 287: Godmother

"Come on, everyone, drink up!" Zinnia hollered, bounding toward Lyra with a bottle in hand.

She threw her arms around her in a bear hug, rocking Lyra back and forth. "My love, I heard you’ve made a full recovery. No excuses this time—you’re having a drink! Am I right, everyone?"

"That’s right! Rear Admiral Shedd, our pride and joy!" someone chimed in, earning cheers from the group.

Lyra frowned slightly at the uproar, her composed demeanor unshaken.

Zinnia, as usual, paid her reaction no mind and instead grinned wider.

Mandy, typically the voice of reason, unexpectedly backed Zinnia this time. "Lyra, let them celebrate with you," she said gently.

With a faint sigh, Lyra relented. "Fine. Just one glass."

Zinnia’s eyes sparkled as she quickly poured a small cup of fruit wine. "This one’s sweet and barely alcoholic," she promised with a wink.

Despite her usual loud antics, Zinnia knew Lyra’s limits well. She nudged the glass toward her with the care of an old friend, and Lyra accepted it without a word.

Nearby, Mandy noticed someone lingering at the edge of the group. She turned and saw Vivian standing there, arms crossed, her expression reserved.

"Vivian, you made it," Mandy said, nodding in greeting.

Unlike the rest, most of whom were dressed in military uniforms, Vivian wore a sleek civilian outfit. She smiled faintly and shrugged. "It’s been ages. I thought I’d drop in."

Vivian had taken a different path after graduation, pursuing a career in logistics instead of enlisting. Her voice carried a casual air. "Risking my neck on the front lines? No thanks. Logistics pays better, and I get to stay alive."

The old rivalries and grudges among the group had long since faded, dulled by time and the harsh realities of war.

Mandy chuckled lightly. "Smart choice. Honestly, I can’t picture you in a blood-soaked uniform anyway. You’d probably cry before the first skirmish."

Vivian’s lips parted as if to retort, but Mandy had already turned away to rejoin Lyra. Whatever she intended to say remained unspoken.

Lyra, unaccustomed to drinking, found even the mild fruit wine warming her cheeks with a rosy glow. Her usually composed features softened, the change subtle yet striking.

Around the room, more than a few admiring gazes lingered on her.

Helion, lounging with a glass in hand, watched with an amused smirk. His arm rested casually over the back of his chair as he nudged his teammate, Vikie.

"See that?" he said with a sly grin.

"See what?" Vikie replied dryly, not even looking up from her drink.

"It’s not just a crush anymore," Helion said, chuckling as he finished his glass. "Guess I’ve been in denial all these years."

Setting his drink down with a firm clink, he stood and walked confidently toward Lyra.

"I hear you’ve been approved to form your own corps," he said, his tone light but direct.

Lyra met his gaze without hesitation. "The papers just came through," she replied calmly.

Helion leaned in slightly, his grin widening. "Any chance you’d take me?"

The room stilled. Conversations died mid-sentence as heads turned toward him, the air suddenly heavy with surprise.

Even Vikie, who had known him the longest, looked stunned.

By saying that, Helion meant he was proposing to leave the Rose, where he’d earned the rank of Lieutenant Commander, to join a fledgling corps with no name, no history, and no guarantees.

Lyra didn’t flinch. "Of course," she said simply, her voice steady. "But I’ll warn you now: my garrison will be Voidstar No. 1."

A ripple of shock coursed through the group.

"Voidstar No. 1?" Helion repeated, his grin faltering for the first time.

Lyra nodded, her calm expression faintly tinged with the flush of ambition. "Anyone with the courage to join me is welcome."

Mandy stifled a laugh behind her hand. She had suspected Lyra’s decision to attend this reunion wasn’t purely nostalgic.

Helion narrowed his eyes, studying her face. "You’re serious?"

"Don’t you think Voidstar No. 1 suits me?" Lyra asked, a faint but unmistakable smile curling her lips.

"That planet is crawling with pirates," Helion said, testing her resolve.

Lyra’s smirk sharpened, brimming with confidence. "They’re not a threat to me."

For the first time, the group truly saw her not as their old friend, but as the Rear Admiral who dismantled enemy fleets and hunted down Stellar Devourers as if it were sport.

Helion burst into laughter, slamming his hand on the table. "This corps of yours—it’s perfect for me!"

Years of rigid discipline under the Rose Legion had left him restless. Now, the danger and freedom Lyra offered stirred something he hadn’t felt in a long time: excitement.

"I’m joining too!" Vikie suddenly declared.

The announcement drew mixed reactions. Some of the group chuckled at the boldness, while others fell into quiet contemplation.

For a brief moment, the room fell uncomfortably silent.

Zinnia, ever the life of the party, broke the tension with her signature laugh.

"Well, then! Congratulations to Rear Admiral Shedd!" She raised her glass in a mock toast. "Now, come on, drink up! Waiter, bring the food!" she hollered toward the door.

The lively celebration continued, shifting from the hotel dining area to a private entertainment room.

The gathering stretched late into the night, laughter and camaraderie filling the air.

By the end of the evening, Zinnia was leaning heavily against Lyra, her speech slurred but her enthusiasm undiminished.

"Lyra," she began, a hiccup interrupting her words, "I’ve got the best idea! Let my darling baby girl be your goddaughter. She’s so adorable—seriously, the cutest kid ever!"

Before Lyra could respond, a crisp, high-pitched voice cut through the din.

"Mommy!"

All heads turned toward the sound. A tiny person stomped determinedly toward them, her steps quick and purposeful.

The child, round-cheeked and fiery-eyed, glared at Zinnia with puffed indignation. Her gaze mirrored her mother’s expressive eyes, but her delicate features bore a striking resemblance to her father. She seemed to have inherited the best of both parents.

"You’re drinking again!" the little girl scolded, tugging at Zinnia’s arm. "Wait till Daddy hears about this—I’m not helping you this time!"

Before anyone could react, her wide-eyed gaze landed on Lyra. She froze, then, abandoning her scolding mission entirely, ran over to hug Lyra’s leg.

"Lyra Godmom! It’s me, Tammy!"

Moments later, Rajan strolled up, sighing as he helped Zinnia steady herself.

"She’s always showing Tammy your videos," he explained with mild exasperation. "Says, ’That’s your godmother, the coolest in the galaxy.’ She’s been planning this since our wedding."

Tammy clung tightly to Lyra, her tiny frame barely reaching Lyra’s knee. Her round cheeks and sparkling eyes radiated pure excitement. In one small hand, she clutched a warm milk bottle.

"Hello," Lyra greeted simply, lowering her gaze to meet Tammy’s awe-filled expression.

Tammy’s eyes widened further as Lyra pulled a small crystal from her Space Button. With a flick of psychokinesis, the crystal transformed into a delicate bracelet, which Lyra gently placed on Tammy’s wrist.

"A gift for our first meeting," Lyra said.

"Thank you!" Tammy squealed, her voice a delighted chirp.

The child’s unrestrained joy stirred something unfamiliar in Lyra. Almost unconsciously, she reached into her Space Button again and produced a small spherical robot.

"Assistant No. 2. A toy," she said, offering it to Tammy.

"Wow! It’s so adorable!" Tammy exclaimed, clutching the robot tightly to her chest. Her cheeks squished adorably against its smooth surface. "Godmom, you’re amazing!"

Before Lyra could reach for more gifts, Rajan gently pried Tammy away. "Sweetheart," he said to the child, "let’s not bankrupt your godmom on her first day."

Zinnia laughed, nudging Tammy back toward Lyra. "Here, Lyra—hold her. She’s warm and cuddly, perfect for winter."

Tammy stretched her little arms toward Lyra, but Lyra shook her head. "I’m feeling a bit dizzy. Maybe next time."

Zinnia studied her friend for a moment, then smiled knowingly. She didn’t push further. Instead, she pinched Tammy’s cheeks fondly.

Lyra’s gaze softened, though she said nothing.

Zinnia’s unwavering faith in her had always been a quiet anchor.

Eventually, the gathering dispersed, classmates bidding farewell as they disappeared into the night.

Outside, Thierry sat slumped on the curb, his flushed face somber. His usual vibrant energy was replaced with a quiet melancholy.

"Sorry, I can’t drive you tonight," he muttered without looking up.

The reason for his mood soon became clear. Word had spread through their circle: Claude, their friend from their academy days, had been killed in action two weeks ago. His patrol unit had been ambushed by Empire spies.