Airid exclaimed, raising his glass in a toast
"Just in time to join the party."
"Yeah, looks like you guys started without me,"
I replied with a sly grin, walking over to the mini bar, I poured myself a drink and took a seat.
"We couldn't resist,"
Paul said, blowing out a puff of smoke.
"These attendants are quite the company."
"Enjoy it while it lasts,"
I said, taking a sip of my drink.
"We have a long journey ahead."
After a bit more small talk and laughter, the ship-wide announcement system crackled to life.
"Attention, passengers. We will be departing in a few minutes. Please take your seats and secure yourselves for burst off."
Hearing this we settled into our seats, strapping ourselves in.
The attendants ensured we were secure before taking their positions, the ship's thrusters hummed louder, and the vibrations intensified.
"Here we go time to feel It for real,"
Robert said, a mixture of excitement and nervousness in his voice.
The large chemical thrusters fired up, and the spaceship began to accelerate away from the starport.
The force pushed us back into our seats, the immense power of the thrusters palpable. The sensation was intense as if an invisible hand was pressing us into our chairs.
After several minutes, the thrusters shut off, and the ship continued to fly on its inertia while the suffocating feeling disappeared like It was never there In the first place.
"Yeah no matter how real the VR Is It can't replicate this kind of feeling perfectly"
Darius commented, unbuckling his seatbelt.
"I thought my guts were going to come out from my ass"
Paul added.
"Imagine how the economy class must be feeling"
Julian commented.
The journey to the Galactic Council's citadel would take five days and the VIP class booth was spacious, with luxurious seating, entertainment systems, and a fully stocked bar.
And most Importantly the female attendants were s*xy as f*ck In short we had everything we needed to let loose for tonight.
I thought evilly because I knew my battle brothers would curse me to the deepest parts of hell tomorrow In morning because of what I had In store for them.
...
The Demons eye Nebula star sector was an eerie and mysterious region of the M*lky W*y Galaxy.
Far removed from the bustling trade routes and heavily populated sectors, it was a place where few dared to venture.
This particular star sector housed the Fuelia star system which was shrouded in the dense nebula that enveloped it, was even more isolated.
The nebula's interference caused all sensors and communication devices to malfunction, effectively cloaking the system from prying eyes and unwanted attention.
At the heart of this uninhabited star system was a class F yellow-white dwarf star, its dim light casting an ominous glow across the void.
The star's weak radiation barely reached the edges of the system, creating long, cold shadows.
Orbiting the yellow-white dwarf star was a single planet, its surface barely visible through the swirling purple storm that constantly raged in its atmosphere.
The storm was unnatural, its origins a mystery to all but the most ancient and powerful beings.
Lightning bolts of various colors crackled through the storm clouds, illuminating the planet with brief flashes of eerie light.
Surrounding the planet was an asteroid ring, a chaotic jumble of rocks and debris that constantly collided and reformed, creating a treacherous barrier for any would-be explorers.
The asteroids, varying in size from small pebbles to massive boulders, were coated in a layer of ice that glinted menacingly in the dim starlight.
At the edge of the star system, a phenomenon of immense power and mystery swirled.
A wormhole, created and maintained by otherwordly energy, floated in the void.
Its different colored currents spun slowly, like the open mouth of a kraken ready to swallow its prey whole.
The wormhole's surface shimmered with energy, distorting the space around it and creating an aura of foreboding.
The wormhole was a gateway to another part of the galaxy, or perhaps even another dimension.
Its existence was known to few, and those who did know of it either worshipped it as a divine portal or feared it as a harbinger of doom.
The otherwordly energy required to sustain the wormhole was immense, and only beings of great power and knowledge could hope to barely control it.
While In a stable orbit around the storm-shrouded planet was a citadel-class space station.
The station was an imposing structure, its design both functional and intimidating. However, unlike typical space stations, this one was covered in intricate occult runes and adorned with religious statues, transforming it into a church in space.
Dark, foreboding symbols etched into the station's surface pulsed faintly with a mystical energy, casting an eerie glow.
Statues of otherworldly deities and monstrous guardians stood watch at the docking bays and observation decks, their stone eyes seeming to follow any movement.
The entire station exuded an aura of ancient and arcane power.
The interior of the station was a stark contrast to its intimidating exterior.
Dimly lit corridors by brazers were lined with more occult symbols and statues, each corner and alcove filled with altars and shrines dedicated to various mysterious entities.
The air was thick with the scent of incense, and the faint chanting of prayers and splashes of sanctioned oil could be heard echoing through the halls.
Despite its hidden location and ominous appearance, the citadel-class space station was a place of solitude rather than activity.
The station barely received any visitors, and the few ships that did dock were often shrouded in secrecy.
The inhabitants of the station, a mix of reclusive monks and devoted followers, moved silently through the corridors, performing their rituals and maintaining the sanctity of their floating temple.
Inside a massive hall surrounded by statues and French windows depicting scenes of cosmic significance, 28 hooded figures of different races and genders sat around a round table.
Each figure was shrouded in mystery, their faces hidden beneath their hoods, their eyes glowing faintly with otherworldly power.
The room was dimly lit by braziers, casting flickering shadows that danced on the walls.
The air was thick with tension as the council members bickered amongst themselves, their voices low and urgent.
"We cannot afford to wait any longer,"
A deep, gravelly voice said, belonging to a massive, reptilian figure.
"The gears of fate are turning, and the first impending disaster will break out in less than 400 years. We must act now."
"And what would you suggest, Krall?"
A slender, elven figure retorted, her voice icy and sharp.
"Do you propose we reveal what we foresaw In our dreams to the galactic council? The moment we open our mouths we will be labelled as lunatics and conspiracy theorists."
Hearing this Krall slammed his clawed hand on the table, causing a faint ripple of otherwordly energy.
"We must be prepared! If we do nothing, the M*lky W*y galaxy will be annihilated!"
A murmuring of agreement and dissent filled the chamber, the figures shifting uneasily in their seats.
The tension was palpable, each member of the council grappling with the weight of their decisions.
A hooded figure with a soft, melodic voice spoke up.
"We should focus on guiding them subtly, influencing their leaders and scientists to prepare for the coming storm. Direct intervention could lead to chaos."
"Influencing them is not enough,"
Another voice interjected, this one raspy and aged.
"We must take a more active role in shaping the future."
The debate continued, growing more heated with each passing moment.
The council members were divided, each with their own vision of the best course of action.
Suddenly, the grandmaster of the ancient beyond words otherwordly order, an imposing figure with an aura of immense power, raised Its bandages covered hand.