The hum of machinery thrummed through the walls. Light-blue pulses ran like veins through the metallic floor. Outside the wide observation windows, Earth hung quietly—blue and small, like a memory.
Adam stood at the front, arms folded, staring out. His reflection in the glass was calm, unreadable.
Behind him, the command deck was alive.
YARA'S fingers flew across the holographic interface, her red ponytail whipping behind her with every turn. She spoke fast, efficient.
"Engines synced. Gravity stabilizers at full. Final checks complete. Ready to launch on your word."
Theo popped up from an open panel beside the main console, holding a spanner in his mouth and goggles half-fogged.
"We're running smoother than a caffeine-powered drone. I even fixed that weird rattle in bay 3. You're welcome."
"No one asked," Lyra said flatly from the other side of the room.
