The warm, golden light of Yseros' twin suns filled the villa's open rooms as the crew of the Ark enjoyed their last moments of peace. After the banquet the night before, the crew had spent the morning wandering the lush gardens, swimming in the lake, and lounging on the sun-soaked balconies. For the first time in weeks, their laughter had returned, unburdened by the weight of the war and their enemies.
But just as they were settling in for another carefree day, an urgent transmission came through the ship's comm system. It broke through the serenity like a shattering glass.
"Captain Warren, we have a priority transmission coming from the Lyrans," said Nova, her usual playful tone replaced by something more serious.
Ethan frowned as he stood, moving toward the comms system. "Patch it through."
