Well, that could have gone worse

The *Gallivant* hurtled through the cosmos, its engines humming a low, persistent tune reminiscent of a beast content after a feed. The crew, however, was far from content; the air was thick with tension, a palpable residue from their recent escapades on Nocturne. Captain Vela, in particular, seemed to carry the weight of their newly acquired secrets, her brow furrowed more often than not.

"Mara, set course for the Helix Nebula," Vela commanded, breaking the silence that had settled over the bridge. "It's time we disappear for a while, recalibrate."

"Aye, Captain," Mara responded, her fingers dancing across the holographic controls with practiced ease. "Helix Nebula, coming right up. They say it's beautiful this time of year—if you consider ion storms and stellar winds beautiful, that is."