Jak and Ryker are shaken up. Both men know they are lucky the damage was contained.

“We’ll need to stop soon but it could be a lot worse.” Ryker continues to interpret the incoming data from the ship’s sensors. “We’re losing fuel but we have enough to get us to the nearest exostation. We’ll need to replace the rear thruster there too.”

It was an extremely close call. Uncommon as these types of encounters were, Jak was no stranger to run-ins with renegades back in his military days. Pirates such as these were constantly on the lookout for easy targets to scavenge parts or commandeer resources from. This attack felt different though. The aggressors seemed out to kill.

“Who were they?!” Jak bursts out, still jacked up on adrenaline from the attack.

“Must be anarchists. Not abnormal out here.”

Both of them have heard stories about rogue anarchists like these. The acceleration of the dying star has led to the breakdown of social order in many parts of the system. Crime and illogical violence have become seemingly commonplace, especially outside of the major regulation zones. Uncertainty about the future of this system has created a precarious environment. The prohibitive resources required to exit the system have left many feeling trapped and forgotten, fostering an atmosphere of fear and chaos. Devoid of mythos, nihilism has become pervasive. 

A part of Jak sympathized with the anarchists; relating to their self-hatred and disgust with mankind’s actions. Once upon a time Taith had talked longingly of escaping the shackles of the oppressive system. She‘d wanted to leave the military and discover new meaning in different areas of the galaxy. Humanity’s incessant imperialism sickened her. She was just a rebellious kid, but Jak always admired her steadfast determination and readiness to resist the path laid out for her. Once an ardent advocate of the military, Jak became disillusioned with everything about that chapter of his life after the accident. What was the meaning in any of it?

Ryker on the other hand has no regard for pirates. They are thieves, opportunists; the morally bankrupt. Since living in the system he has observed an uneasy shift in attitudes; a trend where people bought into unfounded conspiracy with an uncomfortable willingness. Sure, the star was dying — it has been dying for millions of years. But it is as if certain degenerates use that as an excuse to justify their own malevolent agenda. As fucked up as the system is, he couldn’t ever understand stooping to their level.

Within hours they reach a nearby exostation. They are relieved to arrive, feeling comforted knowing that they are safe here.