Liam and Youri clung to each other, shaking with emotion, both crying openly as the years of separation finally cracked apart. When they pulled back, Liam wiped his face roughly with the back of his hand and said with a trembling smile, "Look how much you've grown!"
Youri laughed softly through his tears. "You've grown too."
Liam's eyes drifted to Six, confusion and curiosity flickering across his expression. "So… what are you guys doing here?"
Youri quickly stepped in. "We're looking for a job."
"Oh," Liam replied, nodding slowly. "Is your family struggling?"
"No, nothing like that," Youri said, hoping his voice didn't sound too stiff. "We're… going to leave for space soon, and we needed some extra cash."
Liam accepted the explanation without question, but before either of them could speak further, another silhouette appeared in the warehouse entrance. He walked with the confident heaviness of a lifelong laborer—broad-shouldered beneath a thick brown jacket, denim shirt faded with years of sun, jeans stained with work grease, and boots worn but sturdy. His graying hair, along with his receding hairline, hinted at a rough but experienced life.
As he approached the boys, a friendly smile creased his weathered face. "Liam—is this Emma's brother? Youri, right?"
"Yeah, boss," Liam answered, surprised. "How do you know that?"
The man chuckled. "Emma told me last night." He motioned toward the office. "Come on in, you're here for the job, aren't you?"
Youri, Six, and Liam followed him. Inside, the small office was simple: dim overhead light, a tall shelf filled with binders and tools, and a single wooden desk with a worn office chair behind it. The man sat, folding his hands on the desk as the three boys stood by the door.
He lifted a hand, welcoming. "Name's Casey. Casey Brandon. Good to meet you boys."
Youri shook his hand firmly. "Nice to meet you too, sir. I'm Youri." He gestured toward Six. "This is my brother, Six. He… uh, doesn't really talk. I hope that's not a problem."
Casey laughed—warm and genuine. "Don't worry, son. I've worked with all kinds. Talking isn't a requirement."
Youri relaxed a little.
Casey continued, "Emma told me about your situation. So tell me… ever worked a job before?"
Youri shook his head. "No, sir. But we learn fast. And I promise—we won't let you down."
Casey laughed again, louder this time. "I like the energy. Alright then—Youri, Six—welcome to Brandon's LLC."
A wide smile spread across Youri's face. He looked at Six, then back at Casey. "Thank you, sir. We won't disappoint you."
Casey nodded. "Liam will show you two around the warehouses, get you used to the routine."
Liam slung his arm around Youri's shoulder. "Come on, little bro—I've got a lot to show you."
The three left the office. Liam guided them through the vast storage district. There were six warehouses in total, each enormous, each dedicated to different cargo: metals, textiles, imported foods, heavy machinery, and more. The one Youri and Six were assigned to—Warehouse Two—was filled with international shipments from all across the galaxy, crates marked with alien symbols and foreign seals.
Liam showed them how to operate the lifters, the sliding platforms, the hover-pallets, and the crate stackers. Their job was straightforward but tiring—moving and organizing incoming and outgoing cargo.
Time slipped by quickly, and before they realized it, the day was over.
As Youri and Six headed toward the exit, Liam called out behind them, "Hey guys! You going home?"
Youri turned. "Yeah. What about you?"
Liam jogged to catch up, slightly out of breath. "There's a cool place nearby. Want to come see it?"
Youri looked at Six, who gave a small nod. "Sure," Youri said. "Lead the way."
A short walk later, they reached a tunnel entrance that dipped beneath the city. It opened into a marketplace unlike anything Youri and Six had ever seen. Overhead, a web of tangled pipes, power lines, and metal beams filtered the dim light into warm, hazy patterns. It felt like stepping into a hidden world.
Below, the market buzzed with life. Vendors shouted in unfamiliar dialects. Shoppers bartered aggressively. Stalls overflowed with spices, fabrics, off-world trinkets, and strange foods that steamed with alien colors. Neon strips flickered above curtains of vibrant cloth. The place was alive—raw, chaotic, mysterious.
Most people wore scarves, robes, or layered clothing, faces half hidden, giving the place a clandestine feel. It was the kind of district that existed under the radar—unnamed officially, but known by locals as the Cloaked District. Its hidden location gave it that reputation.
Liam guided them through narrow aisles, showing off strange devices, rare fruits, odd gadgets, and foreign crafts.
As they walked, someone suddenly slammed into Six's shoulder.
The man who turned around looked dangerous—muscular, veins bulging, wearing a tight white tank top and black joggers. His bald head glistened under the dim market lights.
He snarled and stepped toward Six. "What the fuck do you think you're doing!?"
Six's eyes darkened, jaw tightening.
"Who the hell you looking at!?" the bald man barked.
Youri rushed forward. "Sorry! It was just an accident—really!"
The man glared down at him. "Fuck off, brat."
Before Six could strike—before anything exploded—a cloaked figure materialized behind the bald man and placed a hand on his shoulder. The gesture was calm but firm.
The figure leaned in close and whispered something into the man's ear.
Instantly, the bald man's aggression drained from his face. He backed away with a hiss, retreating into the crowd.
Youri stared, baffled. "What… what just happened?"
Liam exhaled shakily. "Things like that didn't happen here before… but lately? With that new drug spreading, different kinds of people have started wandering into this part of town."
"Drug?" Youri asked.
Liam nodded grimly. "Galley."
Youri froze.
Liam continued, voice lowering, "People say Galley makes your dreams feel real. Once you inhale it, you get thrown into the deepest corners of your desires. You can live an entire lifetime inside that dream, all in a few hours. But when you wake up… the real world feels wrong. And the dream you lived? Impossible to return to."
He shook his head. "Some people go insane trying. Others can't sleep anymore unless they inhale Galley again."
A few meters away, the cloaked figure had paused in the shadows. Hearing Liam's explanation, a slow, predatory smile crept under the hood. Then he stepped back, melting into the darkness of the Cloaked District as if he had never been there at all.