The countdown had begun.

  A low hum vibrated through the hull of Nebu-9 as final preparations were made. The ship sat anchored in the DEEP SPACE LAUNCH FACILITY, a vast orbital station near Titan, Saturn’s rgest moon. Inside, the crew moved with precision, securing systems, running st-minute diagnostics, and making peace with whatever awaited them beyond the edge of known space.

  Commander Elias Vance stood on the bridge, his gaze fixed on the view beyond the reinforced gss—a sea of stars, endless and uncharted. “This is it.”

  Behind him, Lieutenant Aria Soce checked the final flight data. "Engines are green. Course plotted beyond the Kuiper Belt. We’re ready."

  The weight of the moment settled over them. Once they left, there was no turning back.

  FINAL PREPARATIONS

  In the engineering bay, Lucas Holt adjusted his headset. "Fuel injectors stable. Reactor output at peak efficiency. If anything explodes, it won’t be my fault."

  Over comms, Dr. Kieran Locke snorted. "Comforting."

  Meanwhile, Dr. Amara Vesquez sat in the research module, staring at the message they had received:

  "Follow the echoes."

  She whispered the phrase to herself. What did it mean?

  The Crew Takes Their Pces

  Sienna Rell slid into the pilot’s seat. She cracked her knuckles and smirked. "Strap in, people. This is going to be one hell of a ride."

  The ship’s AI, Nova, initiated unch protocols. "All systems nominals. Final clearance granted. Commander Vance, awaiting your order."

  Elias took a deep breath. "Engage primary thrusters."

  Outside, Nebu-9 detached from the station. Titan’s golden clouds swirled below as the ship drifted into position.

  "Activating FTL drive in ten seconds," Nova announced.

  A shiver of anticipation ran through the crew. Beyond this jump y the unknown—the call of something greater than themselves.

  Elias tightened his grip on the chair. "Punch it."

  INTO THE UNKNOWN

  With a fsh of white-hot energy, Nebu-9 surged forward. Stars blurred. Time bent. The ship vanished into THE VOID, leaving behind everything they had ever known.

  And ahead, something waited.

  CHAPTER’s NOTE:The suspense is really building now! This chapter keeps the momentum going and emphasizes the gravity of their mission.