May 28th, 3030
The Rusty Airlock Bar was dimly lit, filled with a diverse crowd of miners and space explorers. Itus found himself seated in a booth with Connie.tchr and Macy, several empty glasses on the table indicating they'd been there for a while. The atmosphere was lively, but Itus couldn't shake a feeling of unease that had settled in his stomach.
"To Macy, our hero of the day!" Connie.tchr exclaimed, raising her glass.
"Hear, hear!" Itus chimed in enthusiastically, trying to match Connie.tchr's energy.
As they clinked glasses, Itus studied Macy's face. The man smiled modestly, but there was something in his eyes that Itus couldn't quite read.
"Please, it was nothing," Macy said. "Just doing what needed to be done."
Connie.tchr laughed. "Nothing? You saved our skins back there! I've never seen anyone work a system like that."
Itus nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you've got to teach me some of those tricks!"
Macy chuckled, a mysterious glint in his eye. "As they say, a good magician never reveals his secrets."
As Connie.tchr excused herself to get another round of drinks, Macy leaned in closer to Itus. Itus felt a mix of excitement and apprehension at the sudden proximity.
"You know, Itus," Macy said, his voice low, "I see a lot of potential in you. You remind me of myself when I was younger."
Itus felt a flush of pride at the compliment. "Really? Thanks, Macy. That means a lot."
Macy nodded, his expression serious. "Oh yes. You've got that... hunger. That desire to learn, to grow. To become something more.".
"I could help you, you know," Macy continued. "Take you under my wing. Show you how to really succeed in this galaxy."
Excitement bubbled up in Itus's chest. "You'd do that? I'd love to learn from you!"
But as soon as the words left his mouth, doubt crept in. There was something about Macy's tone, something in the way he looked at Itus, that made him hesitate.
Macy seemed to sense his uncertainty. "Of course," he said smoothly. "After all, we're all just trying to survive out here, aren't we? And I can teach you how to do it right.”
Itus frowned slightly. "There’s a right way to survive?"
Macy patted Itus on the shoulder. "Yeah, of course there is. When you’re out there on your own, you are constantly faced with hard choices, trying to survive in the world. In order to survive, it requires sacrifices, big or small. You have to know how to prioritize what's truly important. Remember, Itus, in this life, it's not about the lives you save. It's about the lives you choose to save."
The ones you choose? Itus thought about the people on the station, how close they had come to suffocating. How could anyone prioritize some lives over others?
"I... I don't know if I agree with that," Itus said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "Every life is important."
Macy leaned back, his tone casual but his eyes sharp. "I agree, but out here, in the real world, sometimes you have to make tough choices. You can’t save everyone or everything. You gotta do what’s best for you, you know? And I can help show you the right path."
Itus felt torn. Part of him was tempted by Macy's offer, by the promise of knowledge and success. But another part was telling him that Macy couldn’t show him the path of greatness he desired.
Taking a deep breath, Itus made his decision. "Macy, I... I really appreciate the offer. It means a lot that you see potential in me. But I think... I think I need to find my own way."
Macy raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? Opportunities like this don't come along every day."
Itus nodded, feeling more confident now. "I'm sure. Thank you, though. Really."
Macy's smile never wavered, but Itus saw a flash of something cold pass through his eyes. "Suit yourself, kid. The offer stands if you ever change your mind."
As Connie.tchr returned with fresh drinks and the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Itus couldn't shake the feeling that he had just passed some kind of test. He had chosen his path, and while it might not lead to quick success, he knew in his heart it was the right one.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of conversation and laughter, but Itus remained acutely aware of Macy's presence. The man's friendly demeanor never slipped, but Itus caught him watching with a calculating look, as if reassessing his potential.
As they left the bar, Itus felt relief. He had stood his ground, but he couldn't help wondering what opportunities he might have turned down. Still, as he looked up at the star-filled sky, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. His journey was his own, and he would face it on his own terms.
