Chapter 12: An asteroid with breathable air
The Vortex ship slid through space like a shadow. Its black surface drank in the starlight, the engines pulsing with steady bursts as it drifted past the shattered remains of an old asteroid belt.
Up ahead, warships floated like predators. Their hulls glowed with a soft purple light, sharp edges cutting into the dark. A massive carrier blocked the view beyond, its size so large it swallowed stars whole.
Inside the cockpit, the three stood close, watching the fleet without speaking. The air felt tight. Machines hummed around them, steady and cold.
Kael let out a whistle.
"They're serious about this."
His hand closed into a fist. His body leaned forward slightly, more ready than tense.
Max stared at the console, scrolling through lines of code and maps.
"They're protecting something. If we hit hard and fast, we can break through before they react."
Ash rested a hand on the grip of his blade. It was cool against his skin. He didn't loosen his hold.
"So, we cripple their operation and disappear before they attack back?"
Max gave a sharp nod.