Wing and a Prayer part 1

Wing and a Prayer part 1

Atodine Space Academy, West Wing

Zrieri made her way down the academy hallway.  The feathers around her neck were ruffled with annoyance.  It was bad enough for a student to show up late for class, but for a professor it was even worse.  Still, it was unavoidable given the situation.  Zrieri paused to smooth down her feathers before entering the classroom.  The chattering between the students quickly fell off as she walked into the room.  Zrieri walked with purpose to the podium in front of the class.

“My apologies for my tardiness.” Zrieri said after switching the large display behind her from idle to the presentation file she had prepared. “Let us begin with today’s lesson.”

The Rachanit, an advanced spacefaring species, marked the first contact between the Atodine people and an alien civilization. These insectoid beings, despite their initially unsettling appearance, exuded an apparent friendliness that led to a request for trade and the establishment of an embassy on Atodine Prime. Though the leaders initially hesitated, they eventually consented, allowing the Rachanits to settle into an embassy with minimal disruption. However, as time progressed, a chilling realization began to seep through the cracks of diplomatic pretense. 

People began mysteriously disappearing in the vicinity of the Rachanit embassy, prompting suspicions of foul play. These suspicions were confirmed when a civilian inadvertently stumbled upon undeniable evidence of the Rachanits' true nature as a carnivorous species. It became abundantly clear that the embassy had served as a sinister testing ground for assessing their efficacy at hunting and consuming Atodine flesh. 

Shortly after this alarming discovery, the Rachanits discarded any lingering pretense and declared a full-blown war against us. In the face of this unforeseen aggression, the Atodine were thrust into a protracted and grueling defensive battle. However, throughout the course of this conflict, a glimmer of hope emerged. 

The Atodine, tenacious and resourceful, managed to acquire first hand knowledge of the Rachanits' spacecraft technology. Each skirmish and engagement became an invaluable lesson in the art of combating these formidable adversaries. Despite the odds stacked against them, the Atodine successfully repelled the Rachanits' attacks, preventing them from reaching their vulnerable homeworld. 

An unintended consequence of their resistance would prove enlightening, if somewhat terrifying. Upon salvaging the wreckage of Rachanit spacecraft, it became apparent that their empire sprawled across vast reaches of space, far eclipsing anything the Atodine could fathom. The asymmetry in size and power was stunningly conspicuous, rendering the Atodine acutely aware of the inevitable disparity they faced. 

Nevertheless, the Rachanits remained unwavering in their singular focus: the utter annihilation of Atodine fleets. It was unmistakable that their intent was to obliterate any possibility of retaliation or counterattack. The Atodine, fully cognizant of their limitations, dedicated themselves to fortifying their defenses with renewed fervor, continually refining their strategies and capabilities. 

At the heart of this epic cosmic struggle laid Atodine Prime, the cherished nest world of the Atodines. Suspended in the delicate balance between preservation and potential devastation, it has become both a symbol and a stronghold where the fate of an entire civilization hung in the balance. The echoes of battle reverberated through its valleys and mountains, its cities, and countryside, as the Atodine brace themselves against the relentless onslaught of their enigmatic and carnivorous foe.

After meticulously sifting through an extensive array of data harvested from numerous Rachanit ship databases, a comprehensive star map has emerged, painting a detailed picture of the systems strategically occupied by these enigmatic beings and the array of species they subjugated under their oppressive rule. Amidst the disturbing revelations, one unsettling discovery stood out among all others; the de-sentience and complete objectification of certain species that were tragically reduced to nothing more than mere livestock, subjected to unimaginable suffering and exploitation at the hands of their Rachanit overlords. 

However, the latest influx of information procured directly from the Rachanits themselves shed light on particular systems that starkly diverged from their controlled territories. These exceptional star systems were distinctly demarcated as a desolate dead zone, an eerie aberration within the otherwise vast web of domains firmly under Rachanit control. 

The absence of their iron grip in this particular region raised eyebrows among the Atodine research team, prompting a flurry of questions and stirring curiosity about the secrets it may hold. Why were these particular systems omitted from the domineering reach of the Rachanits? What significance did it hold in the grand tapestry of their galactic conquest? Such queries fueled the Atodine determination to dig deeper into this enigmatic anomaly, propelling us further into uncharted territory where answers awaited our unwavering investigation.

Atodine Orbital Station, Hangar 3 

“This is the ship?” Zrieri's concern was evident in her voice as she confronted the chief scientist about the makeshift spacecraft.

With a mix of curiosity and skepticism, she questioned whether this mixture of Rachanit scrap and their own technology would truly suffice for the journey to the Dead Zone. As Zrieri ran her feathered hands across the hull, one couldn't help but sense her apprehension. Krenuk, the lead researcher, was slightly irritated by Zrieri's doubt, puffed up his feathers in annoyance before responding. 

“I assure you, the ship is completely space worthy.  Yes there has been extensive use of recycled materials, but do not doubt my personal expertise in shipbuilding.”

Zrieri chuckled at his indignation, but bowed slightly in apology.

“This ship is not just a crude amalgamation of resources.” Krenuk continued.  “It is a carefully crafted vessel. What's more, it is equipped with a functioning faster than light, or FTL drive.”

Zrieri looked back to the ship. “I wasn’t aware we had finally unlocked that secret from the Rachanit.”

The chief scientist shifted his stance. “We have come to an understanding of the underlying fundamentals of FTL travel.  In this case, however, the ship is utilizing a drive salvaged from a Rachanit craft.  We are hopeful with the maiden flight to gather enough data to construct our own FTL drives moving forward.”  Krenuk's expression turned grave. “This is, however, more than just a test flight.  The purpose of venturing into this so-called  Dead Zone is to unravel the mystery surrounding it.” He smoothed down the feathers around his neck before continuing. “The Rachanits, either out of fear or some deliberate choice, avoid this area altogether. It’s crucial to investigate why.”

“Do we know anything at all about this area of space other than the Rachanit avoid it like an irradiated wasteland?”

“The truth is, our knowledge of this system is limited beyond major celestial bodies.  The dead zone has remained shrouded in enigma despite our attempts to probe the area.”

“Thus, the decision to construct the spacecraft using any salvageable materials we could find.”

“We are making do with what we have.  Materials are scarce with the war effort and the loss of most of our off-world resources.” Krenuk folded his feathered hands behind his back. “At the very least, it’s a more robust vehicle than our first star-fliers boarded to enter space.” 

Zrieri was raised as a chick on the stories of the early star-fliers.  It was part of the reason she had joined the Starcorps. Zrieri was also aware that not all of those brave pathfinders returned home to Atodine Prime.  She realized she was now taking the same kind of risks as her predecessors, not simply for knowledge and technological advancement, but to save her people. 

“I just hope that this improbable combination of Rachanit scrap and our own technology will get us the answers we need.” she said, gently patting the hull of the ship. “So, what is the ship’s name?”

***

Three hours later the experimental craft, freshy christened Voidflyer, lifted out the hangar bay and made its first flight into space.

Zrieri worked through the controls making sure everything was in working order.  She could trust the main proposition systems at least.  The station crew had stocked up Voidflyer with plenty of supplies, enough to last her months out in space if necessary.  Zrieri meticulously performed her routine checks on the myriad of controls in the cockpit.  She was familiar with the controls as it had been ripped right out of a VF-70, the Atodine main-line fighter craft.  With her checks complete, Zrieri reached out to command to request the necessary clearance for her imminent departure. 

All systems seemed to be functioning optimally, or at least all of the systems that originated from her own civilization.  Something was wrong with the FTL navigation system.  Zrieri was puzzled by the unexpected errors that began to populate the display screen after entering the coordinates.  Her curiosity was further peaked when she realized that the information was being presented in the intricate and alien Rachanit script.  The computer was supposed to translate any information into the Atodine language, yet for some reason the error messages seemed to be bypassing the translation subsystems.  She was completely unfamiliar with Rachanit, meaning she couldn’t easily diagnose whatever the problem was.  

That didn’t mean she was about to give up.  The determined pilot carefully retrieved the dataslate of documents Krenuk had provided earlier. Leafing through them diligently, she sought to extract any useful insights that might shed light on this perplexing predicament. Each line and every cryptic symbol on those ancient pages demanded her complete attention and scrutiny. Guided by a resolute spirit, Zrieri cautiously maneuvered through the constrained confines of the spacecraft, making her way towards the heart of its technological prowess, the FTL drive. 

A testament to Atodine ingenuity, this intricate piece of alien machinery was somehow interfaced with their own spacefaring technology.  It was far from a simple hack-job, but it was obvious a lot of improvising had been done in the integration of disparate technologies. But beyond the integration into the Voidflyer, There was an entire custom built monitoring system added on to observe it in action and gather as much data as possible.  It held the key to hyper-dimensional travel capabilities for the Atodine civilization. 

With utmost care, she unscrewed a side panel from its sturdy casing.  Zrieri was aware how rarely any drive system survived the destruction of the ship it was housed in.  The fact the FTL drive had been recovered intact was almost enough to make the Atodine thank the long abandoned gods of her people, because it was a miracle.  After exposing the complex network of circuitry and delicate crystalline cards that lay within, Zrieri placed a data slate adjacent to the humming drive.  

She concentrated her focused gaze upon each of the crystalline cards, meticulously examining their arrangement and configuration. Taking solace in Krenuk's meticulous notes that he had shared, which documented his extensive research on the craft's inner workings, Zrieri embarked on an arduous task of ascertaining the precise function of each card and testing them. Weighing each possibility with both caution and precision, she soon encountered one card that baffled even the seasoned researcher. 

Summoning her audacity and expertise, Zrieri delicately removed this enigmatic card from its designated slot.  Strangely, this caused no obvious change in the gentle humming of the drive.  She ran a diagnostic, or at least that’s what the program was labeled as.  According to Krenuk's notes, the readouts indicated the drive was in working order.

The Rachanit went as far as to put a lock-out chip in the drive itself to keep away from the Dead Zone.  I wonder, is it because of some kind of suicidal curiosity in their warriors, or is it really that dangerous?

Zrieri pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind as she closed the access panel.  She placed the crystalline card into a padded box and stored it in a nearby equipment locker before retreating back to the familiar comfort of her seat.  Zrieri’s feathered hands flowed over the control console, preparing the ship once more for the jump to FTL.  She cautiously reentered the complex matrix of coordinates that would lead them to the elusive enemy-free expanse of space.

Before hitting the final conformation, Zrieri looked out at her home of Atodine Prime, then out into the starry void.  She thought back to Janaria , the first Atodine to enter space, whose pod ultimately did not survive reentry.  Now Zrieri found herself about to take the same kind of risk.

One way or another, I’ll be joining you in the history files, Janaria. Zrieri reached out and engaged the FTL drive.

This time, to her immense relief and satisfaction, the powerful FTL drive seamlessly spooled up, producing a mesmerizing cascade of energy that gracefully enveloped the small craft. With a surge of anticipation, Zrieri expertly guided her vessel through the dazzling vortices of swirling cosmic energies, initiating the seamless transition into the space fold. As the ship disappeared into the rippling fabric of the universe, an exhilarating wave of accomplishment washed over Zrieri. 

Was this what it felt like when Janaria first pushed past the atmosphere and looked down on Atodine Prime? She wondered.

Dead Zone, System 001

The Voidflyer emerged from Hyperspace, only to be greeted with the sudden blare of the proximity alarm.  The klaxon reverberated through the cockpit, causing Zrieri's heart to lurch. Her instincts kicked in immediately, the adrenaline-fueled surge urging her into swift action.  Looking at the main screen, she found herself face to face with a colossal object, ominously positioned right at her Hyperspace lane exit point.  A collision seemed inevitable, a disaster looming on the horizon. However, Zrieri was chosen for this mission for a reason.  Her years of piloting experience and natural dexterity came to the fore as she deftly maneuvered the ship, skillfully navigating her way around the massive obstacle. With mere centimeters to spare, she managed to avert catastrophe, her pulse still racing with the close call. 

But little did she know that the challenge was far from over. As she glided further through the cosmic expanse, her sensors pinged multiple objects all in close proximity to her small ship.  This time, Zrieri knew she couldn't rely solely on her reflexes and luck to navigate what had to be a debris field.  Instead she had to execute precise calculations and strategic movements to avoid a potentially devastating impact.  Mid-action, countless variables raced through her mind as Zrieri quickly mapped out a course, but didn’t have time for the computer to double check it.  She carefully dodged and weaved through the treacherous path, desperately seeking a clear passage to safety. Finally, Zrieri managed to break free from the seemingly endless maze of debris that had been her welcoming committee. 

Zrieri took a moment to collect herself, before gently guiding the ship away from the wreckage.  This allowed her to survey the scene with a mix of trepidation and curiosity. A thorough scan followed, revealing a disconcerting sight. Much of the shattered fragments and twisted metal matched the unmistakable signature of Rachanit ships. The distinctive marks and faded insignias were evident, signifying the remnants of what must have once been a formidable fleet. However, some of the debris appeared significantly older, betraying the passage of time and hinting at past encounters. It was as though Zrieri had stumbled upon a graveyard of battles long forgotten. 

Yet, amidst the mangled wreckage of Rachanit derelicts, the scan brought forth an unsettling revelation. Interspersed among their battered Rachanit ships, were vessels of an entirely unknown origin. Even in their destroyed state, these unidentified ships possessed an air of mystique and promise. Unlike their counterparts, they seemed remarkably intact, their hulls still retaining a semblance of functionality. They were enigmas within the chaos, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the already intricate tapestry of cosmic intrigue that enshrouded Zrieri's surroundings.

With a careful hand, Zrieri adjusted the heading of her vessel.  She maneuvered the sleek and agile Voidflyer back into the sprawling debris field, if at a much reduced velocity.  Her desire for a closer examination of the mysterious unknown derelicts overwhelmed her, urging her to explore the unknown.  As Zrieri drew closer, she flicked a switch, activating the floodlights that adorned the exterior of the Voindflyer. The resulting luminosity revealed a distinctively boxy design amidst the dilapidated wreckage, catching her attention instantly. 

However, it was not just the peculiar shape that captured Zrieri's focus; it was a symbol etched onto the hull that truly intrigued her. It depicted a blue sphere covered with equally vibrant green shapes, all of which was accentuated by bold and striking white markings. Puzzled, Zrieri directed her scrutiny towards the battered and scored black hull, contemplating its origins and purpose. Seeking answers, she turned her gaze towards the consoles of the Voidflyer, hoping that her ship's computer could assist her in uncovering the enigmatic text adorning the derelict. 

To her surprise, the ship's computer managed to decipher and translate the cryptic message emblazoned on the hull, revealing two significant pieces of information. First, the text read "UNSD Providence," a name that indicated the derelict was once a formidable heavy cruiser. Fascinated by this unexpected revelation, Zrieri felt her curiosity deepen even further. Delving into her thoughts, she contemplated the implications of discovering a seemingly abandoned spaceship amidst the wreckage-filled void. 

Despite her enthusiasm, a hint of caution tinged Zrieri's decisions as she carefully piloted the Voidflyer closer to the drifting hulk. Her gaze fixed upon what appeared to be a docking port, offering a potential connection point between the two vessels. However, her uncertainty regarding the compatibility of the Voidflyer's own docking port with that of the Providence caused a momentary hesitation to grip her. The last thing she desired was to initiate a risky and potentially hazardous docking process. Yet, as Zrieri observed the Providence more attentively, she noticed an intriguing detail — the seemingly dormant vessel still retained a glimmer of power. This revelation sparked a flicker of hope within her adventurous spirit. Against her initial reservations, Zrieri's gaze fixated upon the extended docking port of the Providence, reaching out as if inviting the Voidflyer to establish a connection. The juxtaposition of uncertainty and possibility warred within her as she weighed the risks and rewards, ultimately poised to make a daring decision that could potentially reshape her journey.

As Zrieri expertly maneuvered the sleek Voidflyer closer to the Providence docking port, her eyes widened with surprise as she noticed that the aliens' docking mechanism perfectly aligned with her ship's. It was a rare stroke of luck amidst the inhospitable reaches of space. Strapping on her trusty space suit and securing her helmet, she prepared herself for the treacherous journey ahead. With a resolute determination, Zrieri made her way towards the airlock, the gateway into the unidentified vessel. As she stepped inside the airlock, her eyes immediately fixed upon the readout, which displayed alarming details. Multiple breaches in the hull of the Providence had resulted in a vacuum and complete absence of gravity within its confines.  However given how long the derelict had been adrift neither condition was altogether surprising.

A sense of inconvenience filled the air, as Zrieri grumbled to herself about her distaste for weightlessness while deftly cycling the airlock.  She remembered how unpleasant that part of her training had been at the academy.  The airlock opened, revealing a disconcerting spectacle before her. The interior of the ship was shrouded in blinking red emergency lighting, amplifying the eerie atmosphere that enveloped her.  The fact that there was still reserve power left spoke volumes of the ship design.  Uncertain of the path that lay ahead, Zrieri cautiously embarked upon the red-lit corridor, her senses heightened with each tentative step of her gravtalons. 

Along her journey through the labyrinthine passageway, she encountered various rooms, some preserved in a state of integrity while others ominously opened up to the unforgiving empty void of space. Each room silently bearing witness to the mysterious events that had unfolded within the bowels of the derelict vessel. Finally, reaching the end of the corridor, Zrieri's keen eyes caught sight of a vertical shaft ascending above her. An upward path beckoned her, promising a potential answer to the enigmatic depths of the ship. 

Caution prevailing over curiosity, Zrieri meticulously marked her previous locations, ensuring that she wouldn't succumb to the disorienting expanse of this forsaken place. Her determination echoed through the corridor as she muttered to herself, vowing not to lose her way amidst this derelict maze.  She turned off her gravtalons and began to ascend the shaft with a blend of nimbleness and concentration. 

Zrieri eventually reached the pinnacle, only to be confronted by a formidable pair of sealed doors. A glimmer of frustration danced across her features as she tirelessly attempted to budge them, employing every ounce of her strength. Yet, fate seemed to conspire against her, refusing to grant access to the secrets that lay beyond those imposing barriers. Undeterred by this setback, resolve surged through her being as she descended back down the shaft, propelled by an unwavering determination to discover a tool that could pry open those obstinate doors.

Zreini retraced her steps down the cold, dimly lit shaft, her mind focused on finding a solution to the sealed doors blocking her path. Every step echoed against the metallic walls as she scanned her surroundings, desperately seeking an object that could serve as a makeshift pry bar. After what felt like an eternity, her eyes caught a glimmer of hope, a long piece of metal hidden among the debris. Without hesitation, she snatched it up, feeling the weight and sturdiness it held. Ascending the shaft once again, Zreini's determination grew as she approached the sealed doors. 

With a determined expression, she inserted the metal bar between the unforgiving panels, channeling every ounce of her strength into prying them apart. The doors resisted stubbornly, as if mocking her efforts.

Frustration bubbling inside her, she muttered aloud, "Stubborn doors!" her words swallowed by the vast emptiness of the ship's corridors.

Yet, Zreini refused to yield. Summoning her resolve, she persisted, pouring all her energy into forcing the doors open. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of exertion, the doors relented, reluctantly sliding apart. Yet, victory came at a price. Caught off guard by their sudden movement, Zreini stumbled, crashing into the cold bulkhead opposite the opening. The impact sent the metal bar flying in the opposite direction, clattering noiselessly as it bounced against the floor and out into the void.

Ignoring the ache in her shoulder and the taste of defeat lingering in her beak, Zreini straightened herself, reaching up to adjust her helmet. Her gaze fixed upon the widened door opening, curiosity mingling with anticipation as she peered into the darkness beyond. It didn't take long for realization to dawn upon her.  She had discovered the bridge of the Providence, or rather, what was left of it. The telltale signs of Rachanit weaponry ravaged the room, leaving behind a scene of utter devastation. 

Undeterred by the destruction, Zreini carefully maneuvered her way into the bridge. Her eyes scanned the remnants of what once was a bustling hub of activity, finally settling on the raised seat at its center. There, she found the remains of the Providence's captain, preserved in his breached spacesuit, desiccated but in-tact.  The space mummy was still strapped into the seat. A sense of melancholy washed over her, dying to the void was a fear in every spacer’s heart.  At the same time, she felt a sense of awe at the silent dedication displayed by the fallen leader, standing watch eternally as his ship drifted.

Approaching the seat with reverence, Zreini examined the captain's final resting place. Despite her eagerness to gather information, she vowed to disturb the scene as little as possible.  Zreini had no clue what this species’ burial rites were, but she wanted to show nothing but respect to the fallen spacer.  With delicate movements, she gently pushed the captain's arm aside, revealing a functioning screen nestled in the seat's armrest. The ship's mainframe was still functioning, at least somewhat.  The last remnants of the Providence's technological spirit flickered on the screen. 

Without wasting another moment, Zreini retrieved her scanner, her nimble fingers deftly navigating its interface. Its soft blue light illuminated her face as she aimed it towards the mainframe, hoping to extract any fragment of valuable information, a lifeline of knowledge hidden within the ship's core. To her surprise and relief, the scanner successfully retrieved an abundance of data, promising a glimpse into the Providence's secrets and history. 

As Zreini meticulously sifted through the retrieved information, her gaze inadvertently wandered to the badge adorning the captain's chest area. Illuminated by the flickering lights, the insignia held a profound significance. She directed her scanner towards it, her curiosity demanding answers. In an instant, the translation software swiftly deciphered the inscription etched upon the badge: "Rory Parks, Commanding Officer, UNSD Providence." 

The discovery sent a shiver down her spine. Names became more than mere words or titles. They embodied lives, stories, and sacrifices. Zreini couldn't help but wonder about the brave souls who once inhabited this ship, each with their own tale, now buried deep within its steel and circuitry. Motivated by preservation and a duty to honor those who came before, she transmitted the gathered data to the Voidflyers' computer, ensuring that the legacy of the UNSD Providence would not fade into oblivion.

Zreini, her expression somber and contemplative, crossed her arms as she slowly lowered herself down in front of the fallen commander. Her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and sympathy, she spoke in a hushed yet confident voice, addressing Commander Rory Parker.

"I must admit, dear Commander, that I haven't had the opportunity to encounter your kind or, indeed, any being quite like you before," Zreini's voice carried an air of respect and reverence, as she acknowledged the uniqueness of their encounter. "But now, in this moment, fate has brought us together. From this void, you shall watch over and protect your people, forever enshrined in their collective memory, Commander Rory Parker." 

With these words of farewell hanging in the air, Zreini gracefully rose from her bowed position and set off towards her trusted Voidflyer. As she made her way back, there was an uncanny synchronicity to the scene that unfolded before her. It appeared as though the UNSD Providence, the massive spacecraft that had been her destination, had been awaiting her visit. Its presence was a testament to the peculiarities of the universe, always finding ways to manifest remarkable coincidences. However, it was at this very moment, upon entering the airlock, that a disconcerting disruption shattered the tranquility. 

The emergency lighting within the vessel flickered erratically, casting eerie shadows and sending shivers down Zreini's spine. A surge of anticipation coursed through her veins, hinting at something extraordinary about to unfold. Outside the confines of the airlock, Zreini's eyes widened with disbelieving awe. It seemed as though Commander Rory Parker himself stood summing near, his ghostly figure illuminated by the tumultuous illumination of the faltering emergency lights. In a poetic gesture, he raised his arm in a quiet salute, characterizing a final farewell before the lighting altogether faded into darkness, leaving Zreini alone in her bewilderment. 

Startled and perplexed by what she had just witnessed, Zreini reached for her trusty light, the beam of its illumination slicing through the pervasive darkness. She meticulously scanned her surroundings, eager to uncover any trace of the enigmatic Commander Rory. But alas, there was nothingness. No signs, no traces; simply an impenetrable void. Craving answers, doubts began to swirl within her mind like a chaotic maelstrom.  She checked her life support systems for any issues, but they came back all green.  Was she just tired, or was it something more?

"What was that…apparition? Was it just my imagination, or was it actually the fleeting specter of the departed commander?" Zreini questioned herself amid the solitude of the airlock. 

The implications of such an encounter with the ethereal world sent shivers down her spine, making her question the boundaries of reality itself. One thing she was sure of, there would be no mention of it in her report.  Gathering her wits and wrestling her emotions under control, Zreini closed the airlock behind her, sealing off the mysteries that lay beyond. Stepping back into the familiar confines of her ship, she activated the cycle sequence, disconnecting from the Providence. 

Slowly but surely, the Voidflyer broke free from the gravitational grip of the human vessel, propelling itself out carefully from the debris field.  After the ship was safely out of any immediate danger, Zrieri engaged with the data she had meticulously gathered from the ship.  She knew now the race called themselves humans and they originated on the third planet of this very system.  Zreini's star charts underwent a transformation. The seamless integration of the acquired information initiated an update, revealing new cosmic coordinates within the vast tapestry of the universe. 

And then, facilitated by the translation software, an unexpected revelation emerged, a message intended for the Providence, concealed amidst the data. Anchored to the coordinates that had materialized before her, a message finally unraveled, demanding her attention. 

"Earth has fallen, fall back to Alpha Centauri." 

The words struck at the core of Zreini's being, triggering a surge of empathy and concern.  She turned her ship's sensors towards the third planet of the system.  Even with the horrors of the war with the Rachanit fresh in her mind, Zrieri was not ready for what she saw.  The planet was destroyed,  Not just glassed from an orbital bombardment, the planet had been cracked in two, all the way to its core.  Earth’s once life-giving atmosphere had been stripped away by the solar winds of its own star when its magnetic field collapsed.  

“Monsters…” Zrieri whispered. With clenched fists and a resolute expression, Zreini punched in the coded star system coordinates, her voice filled with a measured determination. "I pray that this Alpha Centauri still exists, that something remains of these people! The universe needs some measure of hope at least." 

Zrieri was well aware that the message she had unveiled was distressingly dated, possibly an echo from a bygone era.  But it didn’t matter, she needed to know.  Without hesitation, driven by the yearning for answers and the spark of hope, Zreini once again activated the FTL drive, plunging herself and her vessel into the abyssal depths of interstellar travel. The destination lay before her, shrouded in mystery

Dead Zone, System 002 (Alpha Centauri) 

As the Voidflyer hurtled through hyper-dimensional space, its sophisticated translation software strained to piece together a comprehensive Lexicon from the fragments of data Zreini had managed to extract from the human spaceship. Nonetheless, before the system could complete its task, Zreini's attention was abruptly yanked away by the blaring of the proximity alarm at the hyperlane exit, signaling a looming threat. 

“Not again!” she chirped as she took hold of the controls tightly.

An immense and ominous presence awaited her, and Zreini instinctively exerted all her strength, desperately maneuvering to dodge the colossal object. Even with the maneuverability of the Voidflyer and her own skill and experience, an inevitable disaster struck with full force. The Voidflyer collided with the object, scraping along her underside.  Alarms and claxons rang in Zrieri’s ears before her head collided with her console, plunging her into unconsciousness. 

***

When Zreini finally regained consciousness and surveyed her surroundings, she was met with a bewildering revelation: she was miraculously alive. 

“I guess I won’t be meeting Janaria today after all.” She muttered as she rubbed her forehead gently.

However, the same fate could not be claimed for the crippled Voidflyer, which now lay dormant and powerless in the enshrouding darkness of the cockpit.  There were numerous hull breaches, but the cockpit was still fully pressurized.  Emergency power was keeping the life support systems online for the time being, but every other system seemed to be offline. Peering through the cockpit windows, her gaze fell upon a disheartening sight; a trail of coolant and vapors spiraling from her damaged vessel. 

And there, in stark defiance against the backdrop of the cold celestial abyss, loomed the cause of her misfortune: an enormous, angular, obsidian ship. Its design bore a striking resemblance to that of the UNSD Providence, but what sent a shiver down Zreini's spine was the sight of the behemoth's menacing turrets trained directly upon her vulnerable craft. As if it would take more than one shot to vaporize the Voidflyer.  

The implications of this encounter fueled a fearful realization within her; humanity still lingered in the cosmos. As Zreini intently studied the illuminated lettering adorning the side of the imposing vessel, She had been on smaller space stations than this singular ship.  It was reminiscent in certain design elements to the Providence, and a sudden surge of urgency propelled her to hastily employ her scanner in an attempt to decipher the meaning. With bated breath, she witnessed the screen illuminate with its translation: "UNSD Relentless." 

The humans were indeed present; evoking a maelstrom of emotions within her already frayed nerves. In that critical moment, the Relentless maneuvered itself alongside her ship, looming large and casting a daunting shadow over her world. Peering over the edge of her cockpit, Zreini's eyes widened as she beheld a mammoth bay door slowly creaking open, revealing a glimpse into the depths of the unknown. However, before her curiosity could be sated, she was startled by resounding thudding sounds reverberating through the wounded hull of the Voidflyer; a vivid auditory reminder of her predicament. In a matter of moments she found herself being inexorably drawn towards the embrace of the gargantuan Relentless.

The sensation of gravity returning to her body was comforting as she came under the sway of the Relentless’ gravity generators. The flood of bay lights cut through the darkness like beacons, illuminating the once-desolate interior of the cockpit and exposing a bustling hive of activity within the bay.  Zreini swiftly deduced that her unintended collision with the Relentless had triggered an alarm within its crew, setting in motion their rescue efforts. Without delay or fanfare, the distorted remnants of the Voidflyer were delicately lowered onto the solid floor of the bay; an act of careful precision amid the tumultuous events unfolding.

Zreini gingerly unstrapped herself from her seat, a jolt of pain coursing through her as she realized that something was painfully broken. Waves of discomfort radiated from her ribcage, making it excruciating to take even the slightest breath, while her right leg throbbed mercilessly, rendering it unable to bear any weight. Determined to escape her crippled vessel, she mustered all the strength she could find and stumbled towards the airlock. Summoning the last vestiges of her energy, Zreini desperately pulled off a side panel, revealing the emergency locks securing the doors. With trembling fingers, she released them, the clunking sound echoing in the confined space. Gritting her teeth against the pain, Zreini exerted what little force she could muster to push open the inner door. 

The dank air of the airlock greeted her as she did the same with the outer door, its resistance ultimately giving way to a pneumatic hiss. Peering into the expansive bay beyond, Zreini's eyes widened at the sight that met her gaze. A group of humans, clad in formidable armored spacesuits, stood before her, their weapons ominously trained on her battered form. A rush of adrenaline coiled within her, propelling her senses to heightened alertness. Just as panic threatened to consume her, a voice pierced through the tense silence, commanding the armed human contingent to stand down. Instantly obeying the authoritative command, they lowered their weapons, revealing a glimmer of hope within Zreini's battered soul. Yet, before she could extend her gratitude or even gather her thoughts coherently, Zreini succumbed to the relentless darkness tugging at the edges of her consciousness. Her frail form succumbed to the physical and emotional trauma, surrendering to oblivion.