[Ascendance: The Journey to Type 7. Ch_016]
The Astral Vanguard cruised smoothly through the void as Kael sat alone in the captain's quarters, lost in thought. He was mapping out strategies, possible scenarios, and contingencies for whatever they might face in the notorious Inferno Galaxy. As he scanned over the holographic displays, noting tactics and weaknesses of known adversaries, the ship-wide intercom crackled to life.
Orion Dray, the co-pilot, announced, "Alright, crew, we're about to hit warp drive in… three… two… one."
[The ship hummed and shuddered as the warp drive engaged, a brilliant swirl of light enveloping the windows as they plunged into hyperspace.]
Hours later, they emerged, the familiar tapestry of stars giving way to the fiery, irradiated landscape of the Inferno Galaxy. Almost instantly, the sensors aboard The Astral Vanguard went haywire, displaying flashing warnings across the panels.
Novea Dryst, the Chief Communications Officer, her eyes wide, turned to Kael. "Captain, the cosmic radiation here… it's… almost double the normal."
Kael narrowed his eyes as he gazed out the viewport, understanding why the place was aptly named. "Adjust our shields accordingly," he ordered, a tinge of caution in his tone. "This place is as deadly as they say."
The crew exchanged wary glances, knowing they'd just entered one of the galaxy's most hostile regions. Before they could settle into any semblance of ease, Kael's voice cut through the tension.
"Update the route," he commanded, looking firmly at the map. "We're not going to the Galactic Port. Our destination is the Magnus Star System."
The crew exchanged glances, surprise evident on their faces. Zyra Kaelen, the Weapons Specialist, looked at Kael with a hint of confusion. "Changing course to the Magnus Star System… that's… unexpected, Captain. Why the sudden switch?"
Kael's gaze was unwavering, his jaw set. "There's something we need to do there. Trust me."
The team didn't question further, but the unspoken curiosity was thick in the air. They'd seen this look in Kael's eyes before—the look of a man with unfinished business.
After a few more moments, the viewport revealed the Magnus Star System. The star was massive, burning with an intense glow, but what was more striking were the countless asteroids encircling it, forming an almost impenetrable shield. They were like ancient, watchful sentinels guarding the star and its single, solitary planet.
["Approaching the Magnus Star System," Orion announced, his voice calm yet wary.]
Kael watched the scene before him. "There's only one planet here. Strange…" he murmured.
Osiris Lyre, the Recon Specialist, nodded as he studied the layout on his own screen. "The place looks heavily fortified. Anyone coming here wouldn't last long without the right navigation."
Kael turned to Osiris and Icarus, the Intelligence Officers. "I need both of you on a recon mission. Find out what you can about the Parallel Syndicate's activities on this planet. Get in and get out without being detected. Gather whatever information you can—contacts, bases, anything that might be useful."
Icarus nodded, his face serious. "Understood, Captain. We'll go dark and get what you need."
Osiris cracked a small smile, always ready for a challenge. "Piece of cake, Captain. If there's anything happening down there, we'll find it."
Kael held his gaze steady on both of them. "This isn't like our usual intel run. Be careful. The Parallel Syndicate is known for dealing harshly with intruders."
Osiris gave him a confident nod. "You can count on us, Captain. We know what we're doing."
Icarus took a deep breath, glancing back at the star burning fiercely through the viewport. "We'll be careful, Captain."
Kael's gaze softened for a moment, showing the trust he placed in them. "Good. Take everything you need and report back as soon as possible. This Syndicate is different from others we've encountered. If anything feels off, abort the mission and return."
[The crew moved to prepare, a quiet hum of determination filling the ship as Icarus and Osiris equipped themselves.]
As Kael watched them ready themselves, Novea came to his side, her brow furrowed. "You're really going all-in on this, aren't you, Captain? Putting us in the middle of Syndicate territory…"
Kael nodded. "This is more than just a recon mission, Novea. If we're going to survive out here, we need every advantage we can get, even if it means dealing with some dangerous people."
She studied him for a moment, sensing the weight of his resolve. "I trust your judgment. Just… make sure we don't get caught in something we can't get out of."
[A heavy silence filled the ship as the two recon specialists prepared to leave, each member understanding the gravity of what lay ahead.]
As Osiris and Icarus made their way to the garage, the metallic sheen of the small, two-person space pod gleamed under the hangar lights. The ship was compact, designed for stealth and maneuverability rather than defense or heavy weaponry—perfect for their mission. They approached it, sharing a knowing look, both mentally preparing for what lay ahead.
Kael stood by the docking bay doors, watching them with a stern yet supportive gaze. His voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of authority. "Alright, you two," he said, crossing his arms. "I want you to remember: if you find anything unusual, you contact me immediately. No unnecessary risks."
Osiris glanced at Kael with a smirk, attempting to lighten the mood. "Captain, you sound like a worried parent," he teased, securing his gear as he adjusted his helmet.
Kael raised an eyebrow but gave a small, humorless smile. "Well, someone has to keep an eye on you troublemakers," he replied, the weight of concern still evident in his eyes. "Listen, both of you: if you get into any serious danger, you have my permission to call on the powers granted to you by your Deities. But only if absolutely necessary."
Icarus nodded solemnly, absorbing the gravity of Kael's words. "Understood, Captain. We know it's a last resort."
Kael's gaze lingered on Icarus, sensing his quiet determination. "Good. And by any chance, if victory seems impossible, send out an emergency signal. We'll come to get you, no matter what."
Osiris gave a reassuring nod, but his smile was subdued now, a hint of tension in his eyes. "We'll be careful, Captain. You can count on us."
Kael stepped forward, placing a hand on each of their shoulders, his tone softening. "I'm serious, you two. The Parallel Syndicate doesn't play by the usual rules. Don't underestimate them."
Icarus, feeling the weight of Kael's words, gave a respectful nod. "We won't, Captain. We'll treat this mission like the real deal."
[The faint hum of the space pod's engines broke the silence, signaling that it was ready to depart. The hangar doors began to open, revealing the vast expanse of space and the faint glimmer of the Magnus Star System's asteroid belt beyond.]
Before stepping into the pod, Osiris turned to Kael, giving a casual salute. "We'll bring back what you need, Captain. Just keep the ship ready for a quick exit if things get dicey."
Kael allowed a slight smile, returning the salute. "Always. Just stay sharp and come back in one piece."
[The two boarded the pod, sealing the hatch with a soft hiss as they strapped in, and the small space inside became filled with the gentle hum of the onboard systems.]
Icarus took a deep breath, adjusting his controls. He looked over at Osiris, who was already grinning confidently at him. "Let's do this," Osiris said, his voice a mixture of excitement and determination.
Icarus chuckled, but his gaze was focused as he began the launch sequence. "Don't get too eager. We need to be invisible out there."
The pod lifted off smoothly, gliding out of the hangar as they broke free from the Astral Vanguard's gravity field, heading toward the maze of asteroids surrounding the Magnus Star System.
As they maneuvered through the asteroid belt, Osiris was glued to the radar, watching for any signs of activity. After a few moments of silence, he broke it with a thoughtful question.
"You ever think about why the Captain's so dead-set on this mission?" Osiris asked, glancing at Icarus.
Icarus kept his focus on the controls, but his voice held a hint of understanding. "He's invested in this. Maybe he sees something in the Syndicate that the rest of us don't. Or maybe… he's just looking out for us."
Osiris nodded slowly, his usual playful attitude softened. "Yeah. We're out here on his orders, but he cares, you know? This isn't just another mission for him."
[The two shared a look, a silent understanding passing between them. As they approached the planet, the pod's scanners picked up faint, unusual readings from below.]
Icarus narrowed his eyes at the display, his voice dropping. "We're picking up something… definitely some kind of Syndicate activity."
Osiris's jaw tightened as he leaned closer to the screen. "Alright. Let's get this done and make it back to the ship. No heroics, yeah?"
Icarus smirked, keeping his gaze forward. "Heroics? With you here? Wouldn't dream of it."
[As they continued their descent toward the planet, a feeling of anticipation and tension settled over them, each knowing they would be tested in the hours to come.]
As Osiris and Icarus settled into the pod, the hum of the stealth system activated, enveloping them in an almost eerie silence as they faded from sight. Outside, the faint shimmer of their cloaked pod drifted further into the asteroid belt, seamlessly merging with the stars.
Back on the Astral Vanguard, Kael stood by the main control panel, monitoring the pod's departure when he heard the sound of a door sliding open behind him. [Footsteps approached, slow and casual, along with a faint scratchy sound.]
Alaric emerged from his cabin, scratching his stomach and yawning, his eyes landing on Kael with a familiar twinkle of curiosity. "So," he began, voice gravelly, "you really think this is a good idea?"
Kael turned, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" he replied, his voice steady but guarded.
Alaric chuckled, folding his arms as he leaned casually against the wall. "I'm not doubting Osiris and Icarus—heck, we all know they're the strongest here ofcource aside from you and us old goons." He scratched his chin, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "What I mean is… is it wise to be setting up ties with the Syndicate behind the king's back?"
[Kael's expression shifted, a flicker of surprise and wariness crossing his face.] He took a step closer to Alaric, his voice lowered. "How did you know about that?"
Alaric grinned, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Kid, I wasn't born yesterday. I was just like you once, full of ambition, full of fire." He tilted his head, looking Kael over with a mix of respect and warning. "I've seen men walk this path before. You might be playing a dangerous game here, Kael."
Kael's gaze grew cold, yet there was a hint of apprehension as he clenched his fists. "Listen, Alaric… this isn't something I'm taking lightly." He paused, considering his words. "And for the record, I don't appreciate you prying into my business. Keep this to yourself, or…" He trailed off, letting the unspoken threat linger in the air.
Alaric chuckled again, shaking his head. "Threatening an old goon like me, are you?" he said, amused but with a trace of something serious beneath. "Relax, kid. My loyalty's to you, not to any throne. I just don't want to see you falling into traps you can't get out of."
Kael's eyes softened, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. "I get it, Alaric. But trust me—I know what I'm doing. And if I need your advice, I'll ask."
Alaric gave a casual shrug, a hint of pride in his gaze as he looked at Kael. "Fair enough. Just remember, even the strongest need a hand sometimes." He turned, heading back to his cabin. "And try not to get us all mixed up in Syndicate business, alright?"
[As he left, the door sliding shut behind him, Kael stood alone, mulling over the conversation. He felt a mix of gratitude and frustration—a respect for Alaric's concern but a need to keep his decisions his own. Turning back to the control panel, he took a deep breath, refocusing on the mission ahead.]
TO BE CONTINUED.