Chapter 11: The Asteroid mission
An aircraft drifted through the black, its body nearly invisible against the void. Only a faint glow marked its edges before vanishing again, like it had second thoughts. A white spiral curled on its side—the Vortex insignia—quiet but proud. Thrusters adjusted with a soft hum, steering the ship closer toward the line of warships ahead.
Inside the cockpit, Ash, Kael, and Max stood by the window. They didn't need words. The view spoke enough. Towering ships loomed ahead, metal giants floating still, their surfaces catching starlight like they owned it.
Kael pressed his palm against the glass. His fingers twitched once.
"That's a lot of ships... Think they'd notice a little fire?"
Max stood with arms folded, jaw tight.
"Right. Because setting things on fire is real subtle."
Ash leaned on the console beside them, one brow lifting.
"Wouldn't your flames just flicker out in space?"
Kael turned, his stare sharp.
"Step outside and find out."
Ash glanced away, breathing out slow.