Interstellar: Return of the Villain
Chapter 82: Meeting Erin

Chapter 82: Meeting Erin

Everyone on the warship had to be in the dining hall by noon sharp.

The dining hall was down a level, so the students had to hop in the elevator from their floor. Around 11:50, several students left their rooms, and they all happened to bump into each other in the hallway.

Kail noticed Lyra’s face as soon as he walked in—it was all too familiar to him. Every time he saw her, he couldn’t stop recalling their time spent together when they were kids.

So, he made a point to walk next to her, saying, "Watch out, Cousin Erin’s around too." He then hurried to catch up with some first-year students, completely missing the brief moment when Lyra hesitated behind him.

"Lyra?" Zinnia glanced over and noticed Lyra’s expression was a bit off. ’Maybe it’s just the dim hallway lighting?’ Zinnia thought.

Lyra kept walking, but something about it felt... wrong. In every way.

They got into the elevator, and by the time they reached the dining hall, a few people were already lined up for food. Since this was a military-only cafeteria, separate from the staff’s dining area, everyone was in uniform, which always made the cadets a little envious.

But Lyra? She felt eyes on her. When she looked up, she saw people chatting in small groups, but she was certain someone was watching her.

Her gaze landed on the Shedd family corps emblem.

After grabbing their food, they sat down to eat.

The elevator dinged, and suddenly everyone in the dining hall dropped their forks and stood up to salute.

In that split second, Lyra felt a sharp, hateful stare, like someone was trying to pierce through her very soul to confirm if she was really ’Lyra.’

"Whoa! That’s Erin, my idol," Grains whispered to Caleb, his voice full of awe.

Zinnia was buzzing too. "I heard she’s the strongest young woman in the military. I wonder if I could challenge her."

The Phenix Legion was in charge of the planetary development this time, and they had already set off. Erin and Cohen were mainly here to escort technicians and assist the Phenix Legion, with the students being more of a side task.

So, their troops were the only ones on the warship now.

As Erin and Cohen walked down the aisle, the room was filled with solemn salutes.

Erin’s eyes couldn’t help but zero in on a face she’d recognize anywhere, no matter how long it had been. When she saw Lyra bowing her head in salute, Erin felt a surge of satisfaction that almost made her laugh.

Since they’d be working together for the next month, Erin and Cohen gave quick remarks. After getting her food, Erin, with everyone watching, sat down at the students’ table. She stopped a few of them from standing and smiled, "It’s your first time on a mission like this. How are you all settling in?"

Everyone responded politely, except Lyra, who quietly continued eating in the corner. But it was only a matter of time before Erin’s attention turned to her.

"I heard Lyra won this year’s mecha competition. It’s funny how looks can be deceiving. You really put on a show when you went all out; quite entertaining," said Erin, sneering.

The person who once looked down on Erin now seemed so insignificant, even lowering herself to join such competitions. Whether this was the real Lyra or just a clone, the contrast thrilled Erin.

"Thank you, Lieutenant Commander Shedd. I’m glad you enjoyed it," Lyra replied, not missing a beat as she continued her meal.

Vivian, sitting nearby, felt secondhand embarrassment for being from the same school. "Could you stop eating when someone’s talking to you?"

Lyra shot back, "Why should I talk while eating?"

Erin’s smile faltered slightly. "It’s been a while since I’ve been around students, so I can’t help chatting with you all. Finish up your meal quickly. Afterward, how about a spar in the combat arena?"

At the neighboring table, Cohen raised an eyebrow, wondering why Erin was so oddly fixated on the students.

"Sorry, but I’ll have to pass," Lyra replied, quickly finishing her bread. "According to the regulations, outside of meal times and unless summoned by our superiors, we’re not allowed to be out and about. And our direct superior is Lieutenant Commander Whyte, so, with all due respect, I can’t."

She stood up, gathered her tray, and walked away, leaving the others in stunned silence.

Lyra never underestimated her enemies. Erin was already at level six and had dual superpowers. There was no way Lyra could take her down without pulling out all her trump cards, and that wasn’t a gamble she was willing to make. Avoiding a confrontation seemed like the smartest move.

But sometimes, when a powerful enemy is dead set on making your life difficult, it’s hard to slip away unnoticed.

...

At exactly 4:00 PM ship time, Lyra was in her room. She was focused on the star system map she was studying, when the loudspeaker crackled to life.

"All cadets, please report to the fighting arena on the sixth floor within ten minutes."

The message echoed through the halls, repeating its command.

Zinnia, in the middle of her workout, almost tossed her 50-pound dumbbell like it was a toy. "The fighting arena? Are we about to take on the officers?"

Lyra calmly folded up her map. "Maybe."

She wasn’t entirely sure if Zinnia would get the fight she was hoping for, but something told her she might be in for a rough time herself.

The three roommates made their way out and joined the other cadets crowding into the elevator.

Kail seemed to be trying to figure something out, stealing glances at Lyra, but she didn’t meet his gaze.

Once everyone had gathered, Cuss did a quick headcount before reporting to Cohen, "All present and accounted for."

The young officer nodded, addressing the group. "We’re approaching a space station and will arrive at the new star system in two days. Lieutenant Commander Shedd suggested we should evaluate your superpowers and abilities before then, so we can assign tasks accordingly."

He turned to Erin. She stood with her arms crossed, looking like she had something on her mind.