In the Arena infirmary, Doctor Orlova put the finishing touches on Damian's now sealed wound, checking his vitals on the various monitors intrigued on how quickly the antidote had worked.

"Good as new, kiddo," she said, patting his shoulder gently. "You'll be back to your old self in no time."

Damian smiled weakly, his eyes fluttering open. "Thanks Doc, I owe you one."

Orlova chuckled, "You owe me more than one, Damian. But don't worry, I'll collect on that debt soon enough." She winked at him, then turned her attention to the next patient, Kael, who was now handcuffed to the bed, his eyes darting nervously around the room.

Commander Kronos intervened, "Sorry Doctor, but the twins are only to be administered to by our medical staff."

Orlova raised an eyebrow, "Oh, really? And why is that?"

Kronos' face hardened, "Call it a conflict of interest, considering the circumstances."

Orlova's eyes narrowed, her gaze shifting between Kronos and the handcuffed Kael. "I see. Well, I won't argue with you, Commander. But I'll be keeping a close eye on your 'medical staff' from afar, just to make sure our 'guests' receive the best possible care."

Kronos nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Doctor. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some... arrangements to make." Commander Kronos turned on his heel and exited the infirmary.

Orlova sighed, turning her attention back to Damian. "You're lucky, you know. That poison was potent, but the antidote seems to have worked wonders." She patted his hand gently, her eyes filled with concern. "But you should still take it easy for a while. No heroics, alright?"

Damian chuckled weakly, "No promises Doc, you know me. I can't help but stir up trouble."

Orlova rolled her eyes, but her smile gave her away. She cared for Damian, despite his reckless nature. She turned to leave, but paused at the door, glancing back at him. "Be careful, Damian. Not everything is as it seems here on Sönder. And some secrets are better left buried." With that, she exited the infirmary, leaving Damian with his thoughts and the soft hum of machinery.

---

Back in the High Governor's box, Atlas stood with his back to the room, staring out at the now-empty arena.

The crowd had dispersed, leaving behind only the echoes of their cheers and jeers. Tatyana entered the box, her combat boots clicking on the polished stone floor. She had cleaned up, her fur no longer matted with sweat and blood, but her eyes still held a fierce intensity.

"Well done, Tatyana," Atlas said, turning to face her. His eyes, usually so cold and calculating, held a glimmer of warmth. "You've proven yourself yet again."

Tatyana bowed her head briefly, a small smile playing on her lips. "It was my pleasure, Governor. But I must admit, I'm curious about the artifact Lyra mentioned. The one they were supposed to deliver to the pirates," Tatyana's eyes narrowed as she studied his reaction, her voice casual yet firm.

Atlas' face hardened, the warmth in his eyes fading. "That is a matter between me and your father, Tatyana. I cannot discuss it further." He turned back to the arena, his voice dismissive. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to." Tatyana's eyes flashed with an unspoken challenge, but she knew better than to press the issue. Not here, not now. She would find out about the artifact, one way or another.

Commander Kronos entered the High Governor's box once again, his expression brighter, but confused, "Governor Atlas, those special, uh, 'repairs,' on the Titans Pillar... they're complete..." he stated, haltingly.

"And successful?" Atlas asked, raising an eyebrow as he turned to face Kronos.

"Well, yes..." Kronos hesitated, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Very successful, in fact, a sample is being brought up as we speak..." he continued but was waved off by Atlas as Nigel perked up at the mention of samples.

"Success, you say?" Nigel asked, leaning forward in his seat.

"So, it would seem," Atlas replied, his gaze shifting between Nigel and Tatyana. "Which is why you should leave Sönder with haste. The repairs to your vessel have been completed, and I have no further use for your services or your... curses." His tone was cool, dismissive, but his eyes held a glint of something more.

Nigel bristled at the insult, but Tatyana placed a reassuring hand on his arm, her eyes never leaving Atlas'. "And what of the Tribold Pirates, Governor? What will you do about them?" she asked, her voice steady. "They attacked Vestra, killed Governor Maria, and now they're after you. I assume they won't stop until they have what they want," Tatyana said, her gaze unwavering. "We can't just leave and hope they'll forget about us."

Atlas leaned back in his seat, steepling his fingers. "Indeed, they won't, but they'll find out, as the twins did, I can handle them. With that said, this is just one more reason for you to leave, Tatyana," he countered, with a cautious expression, as if he didn't want to reveal a key fact to everyone present.

"My, uh, plan, Atlas. Will it work?" Nigel asked, an uncharacteristic pleading to his voice.

Atlas' gaze remained unreadable, yet there was a subtle shift in his expression, as if he was considering something. "According to the 'repairs,' it should," Atlas finally replied, his tone measured. "But it won't be easy."

"Not easy is how I do things, old friend," Nigel replied, a determined gleam in his eyes.

Atlas smirked, "Old friend indeed. Now, you have your answer. I suggest you prepare your crew and vessel for departure. I won't have you or your... curses lingering here any longer than necessary."

Tatyana bristled at the repeated insult, but her father returned the favor, placing a calming hand on her arm. "We understand, Governor. Consider us gone, Nova..." Nigel started as he turned his attention to Nova, only to realize that she had been quietly standing behind him, observing the exchange between him, Tatyana, and Atlas. Her eyes, deep and unfathomable, seemed to hold a universe of secrets, and Nigel felt a strange sense of unease wash over him. Tatyana, noticing her father's discomfort, turned to face Nova, her expression guarded.

"Nova," Tatyana acknowledged the Oryctolagus with a slight nod, her voice cool. "I didn't realize you were here."

Nova's lips curved into a small, enigmatic smile. "I have a knack for blending into the shadows, Tatyana. It's a useful skill in my line of work," Nova replied, her voice as smooth as velvet. She stepped forward, her white fur shimmering under the harsh lights of the Governor's box. "I must admit, I'm impressed. You handled yourself quite well down there."

Tatyana's eyes narrowed, her gaze shifting between Nova and Atlas. "I have a knack for defending my extended family, Nova. And I'm not one to shy away from trouble," she retorted, her voice steady. "But I appreciate the compliment."

Atlas watched the exchange between the two women, his expression inscrutable. "As much as I enjoy these... pleasantries, I suggest you both focus on the task at hand. Time is of the essence," he said, his voice cool. "Your vessel is ready for departure, Captain Carter. I expect you to leave Sönder at once."

Nigel nodded, his jaw set in a determined line. "We're gone," Nigel replied, gently putting his hand on Nova's back while pushing on Tatyana's shoulder to guide them both towards the exit. "Thank you for your hospitality, Governor. It's been... enlightening."

Atlas' smirk widened, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I'm glad you found it so, Captain. Safe travels, and may the stars guide your path." His gaze lingered on Nova for a moment longer, a hint of curiosity in his eyes before he turned away, dismissing them.

As they made their way out of the High Governor's box, Tatyana leaned in, her voice low. "Father, what about the artifact? And what is this 'plan' Atlas mentioned?" Tatyana asked, her voice barely above a whisper as they walked down the long, dimly lit corridor leading away from the High Governor's box.

Nigel glanced at her, his expression serious. "Not here, Tatyana. We'll discuss it once we're on board the Titans Pillar," he replied, his voice equally low. "Speaking of, find Doctor Orlova. Bjorn, Lucas and Bella should be with her, tell them we're leaving, now."

Tatyana nodded, her expression thoughtful as they reached the end of the corridor. The bustling arena infirmary lay before them, a stark contrast to the quiet, dimly lit passage they'd just left behind. She spotted Orlova, her red, black, and white uniform stark against the sea of late-night revelers and arena staff. The doctor was bent over a patient, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Orlova spotted Tatyana, and with a mere exchange of gestures between them, the Doctor got the attention of Bjorn and Lucas, then quickly wrapped up her current task, leaving the patient in the capable hands of the arena's medical staff.

"Captain, we're ready when you are," Bjorn rumbled, his deep voice carrying over the din of the infirmary. Both him and Lucas having changed back into their EVA suits, ready for departure.

Tatyana nodded, casting a quick glance towards Damian's bed. He was awake, but still groggy, watching them with a mixture of curiosity and concern. She offered him a reassuring smile before turning back to her crew.

"Say your goodbyes and let's go! No time to waste," Bella ordered, her voice sharp and efficient. Still donned in her form-fitting bronze latex uniform, her eyes scanning the infirmary, taking in every detail.

Tatyana approached Damian's bedside, her expression softening. "Hey, Damian. We're leaving," she said, her voice gentle.

Damian managed a weak smile, his eyes flickering with a mix of emotions. "Take care of them, Tatyana. Don't let them get hurt," he whispered, his grip tightening on her hand.

Tatyana squeezed his hand back, her eyes determined. "I won't. You just focus on getting better," Tatyana replied, her voice firm yet gentle. She gave his hand one last squeeze before turning away, her tail swishing behind her.

Bjorn, noticing Damian was awake, moved to stand beside Tatyana. "Damian, you old panda. You couldn't even go a single day without getting yourself into trouble," he rumbled, a hint of fondness in his voice.

Damian chuckled weakly, "Just doing my part to keep things interesting, Bjorn." His gaze shifted between Bjorn, Tatyana and Lucas, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "You got a good pilot there. Take care of each other, alright? Like we used to? Before..." Damian's voice trailed off, and the unspoken words hung heavy in the air.

Bjorn nodded with a somber expression. "We will, Damian. You know we will." He clapped a large, calloused hand on Damian's shoulder before turning away.

Tatyana watched the exchange between the two, her brow furrowed in thought. She knew there was more to Damian's departure from the Titans Pillar than he let on, and she made a mental note to press her father about it later.

For now, though, they had more pressing matters to attend to.

---

Atlas watched the crew of the Titans Pillar depart, his expression inscrutable. Once they were gone, he turned to Commander Kronos, his eyes hardening. "The samples have been retrieved, I presume?"

Kronos nodded, "Yes, Governor. As we speak, they're being analyzed by our best scientists."

Atlas nodded, satisfied. "Good. Keep me informed of their progress. I want to know the moment they have something useful."

Kronos bowed, "Of course, Governor. I'll make sure you're kept apprised of the situation. And..." he paused before presenting a transparent container, glowing with an energy shield, "Here's your personal sample, as requested." He extended it towards Atlas, who took it with a nod of approval.

Atlas examined the pulsating, shadowy mass within, his eyes reflecting the eerie light. "Excellent. Keep up the good work, Commander."

Kronos bowed again, then turned to leave, but paused before asking, "Governor, what is that, exactly?" He gestured towards the glowing container in Atlas' hand.

Atlas looked up from the sample, his eyes distant. "A remnant of the old world, Commander. A piece of a reality that once was. And could be again."

"Could be again," he repeated in whisper, "Is that a good thing?" Kronos asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Atlas looked up, bellowing a hearty laugh, "You live on a ruin such as Sönder, and truly have to ask if remnants of the old world were ever a good thing?"

Kronos bristled but could not offer a counterargument. He knew the tales of the ancient world, of power and knowledge lost to time, and the Cataclysm that followed. He bowed, "Of course, Governor. I apologize for my ignorance."

Atlas waved him off, "No need for apologies, Commander. Curiosity is healthy, so long as it does not cloud judgment." He turned back to the empty arena, his gaze distant. "Now, leave me. I have much to consider."

Kronos bowed deeply, then turned and left the High Governor's box, leaving Atlas alone with his thoughts and the pulsating sample, as the silhouette of the Titans Pillar rose above the horizon, ready for departure.