SoulQuest by Percival Constantine

arrive.”
    Zarim rubbed his head and stepped up to Tanus. “Listen, you’re new here, so there’s no way you could have known. But the people on this ship? We’ve all got history that we’d rather forget. So we don’t push. Swul’s a good man. Doesn’t matter what he’s done in the past.”
    Tanus solemnly nodded. “Interesting thing about that.”
    “What’s interesting?”
    “Seems to me you’re not necessarily talking about Swul.”
    “He’s talking about all of us,” said Ekala. “Maybe you’re proud of your service, probably got a whole box full of medals somewhere, right?”
    Tanus turned to her. “I’ve gotten some accolades, yes. I served the empire for a time and when the time was over, I left. I don’t have any regrets over it, but I don’t have any pride about it, either. And I don’t run from it.”
    “Well not all of us are as well-adjusted as you. So when Swul gets here, just keep to yourself. If he has information that’ll be useful to us in Nephelm, he’ll let us know. I trust him.” Zarim returned to his seat and nearly collapsed into it. The door to the bridge opened and Swul hovered in, his wings lowering him to the ground. A cigar was clamped between his teeth and he grunted as he walked past Tanus.
    “What’s this about?”
    “We’re going after the next stone,” said Zarim. “And it’s in Nephelm.”
    Swul seemed to freeze in his position. After a few moments, there was movement as he plucked the cigar from his mouth. “Alright, holler when you’re done. I’ll be in my room.” He turned his back and allowed his wings to raise him above the ground and he flew from the bridge once more.
    Zarim followed the hovering faerie down the corridor from the bridge. The captain of the Excalibur shut the door to the bridge behind him and called out to Swul. “I need you on this job. No one knows Nephelm like you.”
    Swul pivoted. “That’s just too damn bad, ‘cause I ain’t doin’ it.”
    Zarim slowly walked towards his friend. “Look, I get it. They don’t want you, you don’t want them. And the last thing you need’s a reminder of that.”
    “You don’t know shit, kid,” said Swul. “Don’t know what yer askin’ of me.”
    Zarim placed his hands on his hip. “I’m asking you to stand by my side.”
    Swul’s eyebrows practically knit together as he scowled. “You sonnuva bitch. How long we been workin’ together? I ever give you a reason to doubt my loyalty?”
    “You haven’t and I’m not,” said Zarim.
    “I’d follow you anywhere, Zee. Except there. This time, it’s askin’ too much.”
    “There’s something bigger at stake here than us. Something bigger than our pasts coming back to haunt us.”
    “Oh yeah?” Swul landed and stomped towards Zarim. He stared up at the taller man. Although his height barely went above Zarim’s waist, the two men stood on equal footing. “So tell me, o fearless leader, when are we gonna go traipsin’ through your past?”
    Zarim sighed. “I know how—”
    “I swear, if you tell me you know how I feel, I’ll tear yer goddamn head clean off.”
    Zarim backed off, holding his hands up as if in surrender. “Look, I’m not going to force you to come along. But we could use you, especially given that outsiders aren’t exactly welcome.”
    “If I’m with you, you’re just as likely to be executed. Maybe even more.” Swul turned and walked down the corridor leading away from the bridge, off towards the crew’s quarters. Zarim shook his head and returned to the bridge. Ekala sat in his chair and Tanus remained stoic, arms folded across his chest.
    “What’s the story?” asked Tanus.
    “We’re going in without him.”
    “Sure that’s wise?” asked Ekala.
    “We don’t have a choice.” Zarim approached the console with a deep sigh.
    “Nephelm is dangerous to outsiders,” said Tanus. “Most intruders are killed on sight.”
    “Then guess we’ll just have to go in without being seen,” said