Going Across - Chapter 2: Paths Diverge

GOING ACROSS

Chapter 2: Paths Diverge

 

Silv Nebula

Not much time had passed before the Lynx docked at Silv Nebula's port. Ook could barely sit still, his excitement over the date overflowing. As Nova worked on the landing controls, Ook dropped to the floor and began doing push-ups. "Oh no, look at him. He's so impressive," Pip said. "Let's show him how it's really done," Dot added. The two bots joined in, mimicking push-ups in their own exaggerated, clumsy way. "Oh, stop it, you two. You'll break your flimsy joints!" Ook laughed, shaking his head at their antics. Nova finished securing the ship and opened the door latch. By then, Ook was on his feet, flexing his arms dramatically. "How do I look? The push-ups worked, right? My muscles are pumping!" Ook asked. Nova chuckled, giving him a pat on the back. "You're looking great, my friend." The group stepped out of the ship together, Pip and Dot trotting alongside. After a short stroll to the cafeteria, Ook turned to Nova, his expression a mix of nervousness and excitement. "Thanks for the ride. I owe you one," Ook said. "Don't worry about it. But do me a favor, will you?" Nova replied. "Sure, anything!" Ook said. Nova met his gaze. "No matter what happens, keep Pip and Dot safe. Always," he said, his voice heavy with resolve. The guilt of failing to save her was eating away at him, and the thought of losing Pip and Dot, who he'd already brought along on his dangerous journey, was unbearable. Ook frowned slightly. "Always. But... no matter what happens? What are you talking about? What are you planning to do?" Nova grinned slightly. "Just like that. Don't worry about it. Focus on your date!" He smoothly shifted the subject, flashing a smirk. "Your biceps are pumping, and your pants look great." Ook hesitated, a flicker of concern crossing his face. But as he saw the woman of his dreams approaching from across the cafeteria, he let the thought go. With a grin, Ook turned back to Nova, and they exchanged a quick half-hug before parting ways. As Ook strode off with purpose, Nova watched him for a moment before heading to the bakery nearby. He bought a box of six donuts and returned to the Lynx with Pip and Dot to prepare for their next destination—Planet Bruth.

Seated in the Lynx, Nova started the ignition and began preparing for departure. Pip and Dot, as usual, busied themselves around the ship, helping in their own chaotic ways. Before long, Pip opened a box of donuts and placed it on the console for Nova. "Here you go, Captain. Fuel for the journey!" Pip announced. Nova smiled and reached for a donut, but before he could take a bite, Pip darted off to the pantry and returned with a small carton of milk. "You'll thank me later. Donuts need milk," Pip said confidently. As Nova bit into a donut, Dot leaned closer to inspect the box and pointed at the baker's stamp printed on the side. "Look at this. 'Donuts for your Heart'? Who comes up with this stuff? As if eating fried dough is great cardio. Honestly, if it were up to me, the marketing guy would be out of a job." Nova chuckled at Dot's wit but suddenly paused mid-bite. Dot's words stuck with him, though not for the reason Dot intended. "Where have I seen hearts recently? It looks so familiar... but I don't have anything heart-shaped lying around. Where did I see it?" thought Nova. His brow furrowed slightly as he took another bite, the question gnawing at him, as the Lynx sped off into the vast expanse of space, heading toward Planet Bruth.

Planet Bruth

By the time Nova set off, Nikolai had already reached the planet. As he prepared for landing, Maxim spoke up, "Alright, Planet Bruth, I didn't miss you. Let's see what you've got for us this time. Nikolai, if I may suggest—please don't make me explore those mountains again. My joints are still holding a grudge."

Their ship began entering the atmosphere, its descent smooth and steady. From space, the planet appeared striking, with blue and brown bands of terrain stretching across its surface. As the ship lowered onto the port, they touched down in one of the blue regions, a seaside area where smaller seas ran in long, band-like formations across the globe. Stepping off the ship, Maxim took a long look around. "Finally, a beach," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And not that brown, rocky mountain band. At least now I can rust peacefully by the water." Nikolai ignored him, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. Maxim sighed dramatically. "Alright, so where do we start? These two guys we're looking for better show up fast—or I'm going to lie in the sand soaking in heat like some medieval bot." Nikolai barely glanced at him. "Paltin sent me the coordinates of the lab." Maxim gasped in mock offense. "Wow, now you're keeping secrets from me? What's next—leaving me for a girl?" Nikolai ran both hands over his slicked-back black hair. "Da." Maxim stopped in exaggerated shock. "Da? What do you mean 'Da'? Just so you know, aside from my advanced intellect and unmatched weaponry, I'm also programmed to be a very possessive bot." Nikolai smirked but kept walking, ignoring Maxim's theatrics. Their banter carried on as they made their way across the stone path laid over the sandy beach. The path led them through a lively village with stone walls and husky, thatched roofs. The air was filled with vibrant colors as beings in colorful garments and unique circular stone-beaded accessories went about their daily lives—dancing, eating, singing, and laughing. The entire place carried a carefree vibe, as if stress didn't exist in this nook of the galaxy.

A group of happy beings and humans approached Maxim and Nikolai, likely taking them for tourists. Smiling warmly, they placed stone-beaded garlands around their necks. To Maxim's surprise, a female bot in the group, dressed in a gown made of flowers, stepped forward and gently placed a delicate flower tiara on his head before brushing a metallic peck on his cheek. Maxim mock-gasped. "Oh my, thank you. What a... unique... welcome. I appreciate it." The female bot leaned in closer, her voice playful. "Give me your StarChat ID. Let's connect." Maxim's expression remained deadpan. "Oh sure, it's @m-a-x-i-m... but I'm not accepting your request." She giggled, clearly amused. "Maxim," Nikolai called out. Without hesitation, Maxim walked briskly over to him, mumbling under his breath as they moved away from the group. "Phew, thanks for the save. Why did she giggle? I didn't even ask for her name... how am I supposed to block her now?" Nikolai smirked as they continued strolling through the lanes, a vivid embodiment of summer. After weaving through the colorful village, they finally arrived at a small, nondescript basement entrance door. Maxim stopped to inspect it, his usual tone intact. "This? A basement? Of course. Where else would someone working on galaxy-level mysteries operate? A truly lovely choice of ambiance."

Nikolai gave a brief nod and opened the door, descending into the artificially warm-lit room. The walls were made of a homogeneous, red sand-like material, with a large screen mounted on the left wall and a computer console positioned beneath it. Next to the console stood a large cylindrical lamp filled with a viscous liquid, within which stones were suspended, glowing with an intense neon green hue. The room, though small, was spacious enough to accommodate about fifteen beings. It was impeccably clean, with various electronic devices hanging from the other walls. A single wall-mounted camera was strategically placed on the front wall, positioned to record the entire room. At the center, a table stood surrounded by two bots and two beings who At the center stood a large gray stone table, surrounded by two bots—dark brown and slightly scratched—and two beings. One was a female with snake-patterned yellow-brown skin, while the other, a taller male with dark blue skin and a series of horns along his spine. The group was gathered around the table, examining an assortment of everyday objects: playing cards, a few bangle-like rings, heart-shaped sunglasses, a diamond-shaped paperweight, a leaf-like bowl, and keys with three-lobed clover heads. The items were scattered haphazardly across its surface.

As Nikolai and Maxim walked into the room and approached the table, all four individuals stopped their examination and turned their attention toward them. Their heads swiveled in unison, the air thick with curiosity and suspicion. Nikolai's sharp gaze swept over the group, his tone calm yet commanding as he broke the silence. "I was suggested to meet you. Let's talk about these..." He gestured toward the objects on the table. "What do you know?" The group hesitated, exchanging wary glances, before one of the bots stepped forward. Holding a handheld scanner, it pointed the device at Nikolai, methodically scanning him from head to toe. A soft beep followed, and the scanner flashed green, confirming he carried no harmful objects. The second bot spoke, its voice mechanical yet deliberate. "Paltin?" Nikolai's expression remained steady, his voice firm but measured. "Yeah." The bot exchanged a glance with the others, nodding subtly—a silent confirmation that Nikolai could be trusted. On the other hand, Maxim thought to himself, The lights are on, but nobody's home. These ones aren't too bright. The first one forgot to scan me, and the second one asked a leading question anyone could answer with a 'yeah.' With that silent assurance, one of the beings stepped forward, her movements deliberate, as if still deciding how much to reveal. She glanced at the others before speaking.

"We've been tracking something—a recurring pattern involving playing cards. The four suits... they aren't random. They're connected." Nikolai's gaze remained fixed on her, his sharp eyes studying not just her words, but her tone, her stance—anything that might betray hesitation or deception. He kept his voice neutral. "I found similar cards at Ora Café. Two beings entered, collided with someone, and spilled them across the floor. Could've been a coincidence... but now, maybe not." A flicker of something—recognition? relief?—passed over the being's face. She relaxed slightly, her grip on the chair loosening. "That lines up," she admitted. "We've been seeing a shift. Several low-level leaders—of entertainment hubs, mostly—have been replaced. But also..." Her voice lowered, and she took a cautious step closer "The guard family at the Shield... the same ones who have been there since its very inception?" She hesitated, then let the words fall. "They're gone. The whole family. Replaced." A heavier silence settled over them. Her words hung in the air, thick with implication. Nikolai's cold gaze betrayed nothing, but the weight of the revelation wasn't lost on him. Something bigger was at play.

As the group spoke, Nikolai noticed the other being watching him a little too closely. This being was perceptive, clearly suspicious of Nikolai's reticence. After the group shared their insights, he sent the others out on a fabricated task. With a sly smile, the being spoke up, "You and I need to talk. Alone." The atmosphere shifted. The being activated a security lock on the door. From behind his back, he drew a short baton with a U-shaped head and pointed it at Nikolai, who was standing on one side of the room. "Let's cut the games. Tell me everything you know, who you are, why you're here, and who sent you," the being spoke in an assertive voice. Maxim stepped forward, his usual sarcasm replaced with sharp precision. His scanners worked silently as he analyzed the weapon, letting out a low hmph when no match appeared. "Drop your weapon. Or... whatever it is," he said from the other corner of the room. "I don't care if it's a fork with delusions of grandeur." The being frowned. "It's a memory tazer. Don't worry, you won't forget how to fly that shiny ship of yours—just the past month. That's everything useful to me."

Nikolai's expression didn't waver. He straightened slightly, exuding authority. "You're an idiot. Address me as your superior. I assigned you here and came to check on your updates and performance. It's good you sent them out." A neon-green lamp cast an eerie glow across the being's features as he narrowed his eyes. "Ha. You said it and I believed it. But I'm not that stupid." Nikolai's voice sharpened, cutting through the tension. "If you don't lower your weapon this instant, you won't breathe another free breath. I answer directly to the King." The being faltered, shaken by Nikolai's unwavering confidence. His grip on the weapon loosened. Sensing the shift, Maxim added a touch of dry humor. "You should listen. He's terrifying when he files complaints." The being hesitated, but the fear of potential consequences overpowered his doubt. Slowly, he lowered the weapon. Nikolai seized the moment, transitioning seamlessly into manipulation. "Good. Now, your performance report—weekly updates. Let's see them." Reluctantly, the being turned to a console and activated a large blank white screen hanging on the wall to the left. "Here," he said, then paused. "But first, why weren't you in the Solar System's meeting?" Nikolai's tone turned icy. "You're not authorized to question me. I won't repeat myself." He followed this with a calculated bluff. "So, they've already replaced the market head on Planet Lumino. The communications department is pending." The being responded instinctively. "Yes. That happens this week."

As Nikolai and the being continued their discussion, Maxim's eye cams discreetly recorded the entire room. Nikolai pressed on with his interrogation, layering his questions with subtle authority and well-placed bluffs. "And Solar System 7B45—how's the progress there?" he asked. "I'm not in charge of that sector," the being replied. Nikolai nodded curtly. "I'll be heading to the Shield for a meeting. Hand over your updates." The being turned back to the console and activated a slideshow. Images of trade hubs, cafés, restaurants, libraries, shopping districts, entertainment venues, sports facilities, and even local government bodies across Solar System 8C63 appeared—each location marking where key authority figures had been replaced, with detailed profiles of their replacements. Nikolai remained expressionless, though the sheer scale of the replacements rattled him internally. Even Maxim, usually unfazed, stayed silent, scanning and recording the slides alongside him. "Very well," Nikolai said evenly. "You've done good work. I'll file your appraisal for a promotion." Visibly relieved, the being handed Nikolai a memory drive containing the data. As they did, Maxim chimed in, his tone casual but precise. "Well, you forgot the marked galaxy map. Attention to detail is important for promotions." The being, now fully convinced of their legitimacy, handed over a holographic projection pod. Nikolai activated it briefly, confirming its content as the galaxy map, then deactivated it. With a nod, he signaled their exit. Maxim, ever the showman, couldn't resist a parting quip. "Thanks for the hospitality. The basement décor? Inspiring. Really gives me secret service vibes," he said, throwing in exaggerated hand gestures. Nikolai watched Maxim in his peripheral vision. As Maxim spoke, waving his hands in a series of dramatic expressions, he subtly aimed an electromagnetic laser from his ring finger, discreetly targeting and disabling all recording devices in the room—including the being's console, communication devices, and the camera on the front wall.

They exited the basement with practiced calm, their expressions betraying nothing. Both were now suspicious of every grain of sand on the planet. Nikolai waved casually to the group they had met earlier, flashing a polite smile, while Maxim gave half a salute. Once they reached the stony pathway near the beach, their pace quickened. A few steps in, they realized the path was still too long and would take eight to ten minutes to cross on foot. Quickly, Maxim ejected a small metal board outward from his right foot. Without a word, Nikolai stepped onto it, wrapping one arm around Maxim's torso for balance. With both of them standing at six feet tall, the sight was oddly tender—like two friends destined to navigate effortlessly through any challenge. Maxim began hovering three inches above the ground and ignited the thrusters on the back of his ankles. In a smooth, laminar motion, the two of them sped toward their ship. The maneuver was so seamless that no bystander could tell whether they were walking or gliding. Within fifteen seconds, they reached the ship, boarded, and prepared for takeoff.

Their ship lifted from the port and ascended through the upper layers of Planet Bruth's atmosphere; Maxim noticed another shuttle descending toward the rocky terrain band for landing. "I see a guy and two toaster-sized bots," he remarked, recording them as a continuation of their suspicions on Planet Bruth. "Whoever that is—bless their knees for the hike ahead." Nikolai's gaze remained fixed on the console. "Even if they're connected to these infiltrations?" Maxim tilted his head slightly. "That's a tough call. Good thing I'm just a bot—detachment mode engaged." His digital eyes flickered as he processed a new thought. "One more thing—did you notice when you bluffed about 'I answer directly to the King,' that sly dog practically melted? Good call. What made you so sure there's a King?" Nikolai pushed the thrust level on the console, adjusting their course. "The cards... all Kings. These beings were investigating playing card suits too. There has to be a King." Maxim nodded in approval, his processors whirring. "Huh. Solid logic. I'll dig the databases. Playing cards. Infiltration. Shield. Spies. King." With that—and a burst of cutting-edge speed—their ship soared into the vast expanse, carrying the secrets of Planet Bruth far beyond.

Planet Lumino

On the other hand, Nyssa's spaceshuttle cab reached Planet Lumino, stopping at the drop-off point—a closed platform floating high in the upper layers of the atmosphere. The structure contained an elevator that descended down to the planet's surface.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ As the cab's hatch opened, the pilot girl turned to Nyssa. "Be safe down there... and find river Aama. I hope you can spend some nights here without being chased." Nyssa gave a small nod before stepping out. "Thank you. I'm grateful," she replied, climbing down safely. The platform was clean and metallic, its polished surface reflecting the ambient light of the planet's upper atmosphere. It was relatively quiet, with only seven or eight beings scattered across the pick-up and drop-off areas on either side.

Whilst inside the cab, Nyssa had removed her Eloi disguise, wiping off the layers of her former identity. Now herself again, she wore her scarf pulled over her head, covering all of her hair and the half of her face. She walked toward the red exit sign, keeping her hands still and her pace measured. The elevator doors waited ahead, and she focused on appearing as unremarkable as any other passerby. She reached the elevator and pressed the round silver button. A soft ding followed as the door slid open, and two tiny beings, no more than a foot tall, wearing beige jute capes, hovered out. Nyssa stepped inside the now-empty elevator and thumbed the button marked S for the surface.

The pressurized elevator descended, and within seconds, the door opened to a metallic brown floor outside. Beyond it, the ground was covered in a light golden concrete, the surface grainy like sand. Nyssa walked out, looking up and around with her honey-brown eyes. The broad ring of Planet Lumino curved across the blue sky like a thousand tiny solar stars, brightening up the area. A row of small shops lined the area, with a being manning each counter. One stall rented halomobiles for local travel; another was a snack shop, while a third sold local souvenirs. A vacuum machine, not a bot, moved around the shops, cleaning up dust and debris. Spotting a mounted map near the rentals, Nyssa approached, searching for the river the pilot had mentioned. She zoomed and scrolled, realizing just how vast the planet was, with multiple hubs of habitation spread across its lands. She approached the being at the rental stall. "Uh... a ride to River Aama, please," she said, while feigning a cough to keep her voice muffled. The being's translator brooch activated, interpreting her words into a high-pitched, rhythmic language. The being responded in the same tongue, which was translated by Nyssa's brooch: "Halocar or Halobike? Car 100 Cols, Bike 35 Cols." Nyssa did a quick mental calculation of her remaining balance before saying, "Halobike," and handing it over, thinking, "Can't spend too much, too quick." The being processed the payment, then spoke again in his language. Simultaneously, her translator brooch repeated the words back in: "Identification number?" Nyssa froze, with tension running through her. She had been expecting this, but now that it was asked, the gravity of the situation settled on her.

She responded, "Actually, I lost my Leaf. The number was in it, and I never memorized it because I always had my Leaf." She sighed, adding lightly, "You can scan me—I'm an honest woman." She batted her eyelashes slightly, emphasizing innocence. The being hesitated, then pressed a button to activate a security scan. A green light flickered, clearing her. Meanwhile, her black backpack, placed just out of sight, went unscanned. Satisfied, the being handed her a blue token. "Since you don't have a Leaf, give this to the rider. You should buy one from shop number five. You're cleared, but remember—on Lumino, every crime finds its way back." Nyssa's pulse quickened, but she remained neutral, nodding as she took the token. Plenty of time. She walked to the food stall, ordering a wadooberry milkshake, a sandwich, four donuts, and a walnut chocolate dry cake. Then, at the next shop, she asked about a new Leaf. "5,000 Cols," the vendor stated.

Nyssa's eyes narrowed. "For a two-year-old model? That's a joke." Frustrated, she sighed. I need one, but I can't afford it. Maybe later. She turned away, making her way to the halobike pickup spot. Sitting and waiting on the bench, she looked around again, observing the bright, beautiful planet. A mild, chilly breeze moved her scarf gently, brushing it against her skin, when thoughts crept in.

"What has my life become?" she wondered. We were so happy. I was supposed to start my job. Mum, Dad, Dane, and me... we were packing for our trip. But I won't sit still. I will tell the whole world—one by one. But... I'll have to be careful. This bounty... ugh." Her train of thought broke as the rider arrived in front of her. A skinny human male, clad in a leather jacket. Nyssa handed him the token as he pressed it against the console, activating the route. He grinned. "Oh, a long route! Miss, no Leaf? Maybe I can help you, pretty girl. For now, hold on tight—it's gonna be a speedy ride." Nyssa climbed on, securing her arms around his waist as they took off, gliding two feet above the ground. The air was crisp, the planet bright and beautiful. The rider turned back frequently, talking as he gestured at landmarks. "That's the traders' housing. Over there, the tulip gardens. A bit inside, you'll find the handicrafts community."

Nyssa listened, resting her head lightly against his shoulder for a better view. For the first time in what felt like forever, she felt light. The wind tugged at her scarf, the golden roads stretched ahead, and the weight on her chest momentarily eased. After a few minutes, they reached a small housing area where the rider pulled to a stop. "This is my home," he announced, pointing at a modest house. Nyssa frowned. "Wait... aren't we going to the river? I paid for that." The rider waved a hand. "Miss, don't worry. Just grabbing my lunch, or my mother will be furious. And—" he grinned, "—I have something for you." Nyssa remained by the bike, looking up at the sky as she waited. The Strange pink birds, round and feathery, flapped lazily, floating overhead, while spacecraft carved fleeting silver lines across the horizon. A moment later, the rider returned with a small paper bag. Storing it in the hoverbike's compartment, he reached into his pocket and held something out to her. "Here—you can have my old Leaf." Nyssa blinked, startled. "For me? I—no, I can't take this. Are you sure? I don't have extra Cols—" The rider laughed. "Hey, slow down. I don't need Cols. I make plenty. This was just lying around, and I figured you might need it."

A warmth spread through Nyssa's core. Twice now, in just a short span of time, she had been shown kindness—first by the cab pilot girl being, and now by this halobike rider. It felt unfamiliar, almost unsettling in its rarity. Her eyes burned slightly, but she quickly blinked away the sensation. Maybe the pilots and riders on this side of the galaxy are just kind. She took the Leaf with careful hands. "Thank you," she said softly, offering a small, genuine smile. "You're a sweetheart." They continued to the river, a quiet village along its banks. The golden-sandy buildings resembled the rider's home. Nyssa dismounted, nodding. "Thanks for the ride." "Anytime, miss. And hey—Starchat ID?" he grinned. They exchanged details before Nyssa adjusted her scarf and disappeared into a small café. The scent of roasted beans and fresh bread filled the air. She ordered a hot vanilla coffee and scanned the room for any newsboards. She found one near the far wall. Relief washed over her. No bounty notice—yet. Sitting in a quiet corner near the exit, she unzipped her black backpack and pulled out a metal block, about 8 inches in size, pressing a tiny button on its surface. Without a sound, the metal began shifting, unfolding seamlessly, its surface reconfiguring into delicate, intricate pieces. Within two blinks, the block unfolded, shifting into a sleek, lavender-and-silver bot. Its delicate, petal-like plating shimmered under the lights, its crystal-lined edges twinkling like tiny stars. Nyssa's expression softened.

Nyssa smiled warmly, "Mu." The bot's digital eyes curved, twinkling playfully as it giggled. "Finally, my grand return! Planet Lumino, huh? Cute. But spill—what happened at Rose Nebula? You were supposed to find Uncle. Next thing I know, you're hopping places like a little runaway." Nyssa sighed, recounting everything. Mu, for once, listened in silence. When she finished, the bot tilted her head, then grinned. "Ugh, you're such a headache." She paused, gently adjusting Nyssa's sleeve. "But I missed you too."

With that, Nyssa finished her coffee. Together, she and Mu stepped out of the restaurant, blending into the busy streets. They found a quiet bed and breakfast—a cozy cottage along a peaceful street. The elderly owner greeted them warmly, showing them inside. Once settled, Nyssa collapsed onto the couch, exhaustion pressing down on her. Mu twirled playfully before skipping into the kitchen. Soon, the scent of comfort food filled the air. Mu placed a plate down with a flourish—fluffy cheese omelet, crispy toast with butter, and a tall wadooberry milkshake. "Tada! Five-star service. You're welcome," she declared. Nyssa ate in quiet contentment. Afterward, Mu pulled the blanket around her, smoothing the edges with delicate hands. Once Nyssa's breathing steadied, Mu curled up beside her, her crystals twinkling softly in the moonlight.

Planet Bruth

On the other part of the solar system, Nova rose from his latched bed behind the pilot seats and console, stretching out the stiffness from resting. He reached for the controls, and with a flick of his wrist, disengaged the Lynx's autopilot. Ahead, Planet Bruth's two colored surface bands loomed larger in the viewport. They had arrived.

He locked the landing port coordinates into the rocky terrain band, adjusting for a smooth descent. Behind him, Pip and Dot were already at work—folding his bed back into the wall before strapping into their seats beside him. The Lynx cut through the upper layers, descending with ease. Dot nudged Pip, pointing at the viewport. "There, look! A spaceship is leaving... wow, that thing looks advanced." Pip squinted, tracking the ship. "Yeah, too fast—I can't even focus on their faces. Looks like a male human and a huge bot." His gaze flicked to the Lynx's control panel before snickering. "Lynx! That ship must be expensive—unlike you. Hehehe." The Lynx's system remained silent, still locked in landing mode. Nova turned his head just in time to catch a glimpse of the departing pilot—a fair-skinned man with slicked-back black hair. Then, the ship was gone, vanishing into the sky.

"Time to find out about the shield," said Nova affirmatively to Pip & Dot. Their own descent ended with a gentle landing, stabilizers kicking up clouds of dust as the Lynx settled onto the small port nestled among massive rocky mountains. Beyond the platform, deep valleys stretched endlessly, their depths impossible to perceive. The mountains—muddy brown with jagged boulders—rose high, swallowing the view. Nova unbuckled, reaching into his jacket to secure his EM gun in the hidden holster. Before stepping out, he turned to Pip and Dot, bringing a finger to his lips, "Shhh." They nodded and the three disembarked.

The port was deserted—no dock workers, no travelers. Just a few signboards and a digital map mounted on a steel pillar. Nova pulled out his Leaf, tapping it against the board. The device flashed as the planetary map loaded onto the screen. Pip and Dot huddled closer, scrolling and zooming through the interface, scanning for anything useful about Planet Bruth. The heat from Planet Bruth's sun bore down on Nova, Pip, and Dot as they navigated the treacherous mountain pass. Dust hung thick in the air, the jagged rock formations casting long shadows over the deep, seemingly endless valleys below.

Nova tapped his Leaf, studying the map. The terrain was barely registering, flickering between scans. Either the data was incomplete, or something was interfering with the signal. Pip groaned. "This is stupid. We should've found a smoother way down." Dot scoffed. "A smoother way? Sure, if we had parachutes, we could just jump." Pip whined, gripping his harness. "Nova, you should've landed at a better port." Nova ignored their bickering, scanning the ridgeline ahead. According to the coordinates, the next habitation was still five mountains away. His legs burned; his boots already covered in dust. He knew Pip and Dot were struggling too. He sighed, finally giving in, "I think we should go back to the Lynx and find another landing spot." Pip and Dot cheered in unison, "Finally!" They turned around, retracing their steps. Then the ground trembled. A deep, grating rumble rolled through the mountains. Nova barely had time to react before the earth split apart beneath them.

The mountain fractured into vertical pieces, like a fault line tearing through its core. Chunks of rock and dust exploded into the air. Nova stumbled backward, but the ground beneath him lurched upward, breaking into a floating fragment. He caught a glimpse of Pip and Dot, each stranded on their own separate slabs of rock, hovering over the deep abyss below. Pip's panicked scream cut through the chaos. "What is happening?!" Dot flailed to keep balance. "This—this is insane!!!" Nova's heart pounded. "Hold on tight!" The floating fragments shifted again, unstable and unpredictable. Just then, Dot lost his footing. Nova lunged. Pip reached too. But with another violent jolt, Dot slipped off the edge. He fell.

What happens next? READ CHAPTER 3!

The Lynx - Nova's Spaceship

 

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