Masked men with weapons roamed the cabins. They checked each passenger while holding up a photo of a woman.
They kicked open doors, asking, "Have you seen this woman?"
Their mission was straightforward. As long as no one resisted, they left the passengers unharmed.
When they burst into Lyra's cabin, she eyed their weapons but held back her urge to fight.
"Seen this person?" one asked, showing a bright, smiling photo of Zinnia.
"No," Lyra said, lowering her eyes, playing the scared passenger.
Given their numbers, she knew it was best to wait for a chance to escape.
"Out!" one man barked, motioning with his laser gun towards the hallway.
In the corridor, many passengers were already being herded towards the main hall, guns aimed at their heads.
Outside, the starry expanse should have been mesmerizing, but it was obscured by a ship with hidden markings, likely aiding the terrorists.
