-But the fake sky!

  -It has been done once already! With the Cygnus nothing is impossible!

  The ship picked up even more speed though we would have never noticed it from inside of it. Being connected with its systems we could see everything through its sensors. We could perceive and almost feel the acceleration, instant as it was. Terra stretched around us, further away as it was gaining a more spherical shape.

  -''Approaching unknown barrier.'' Cygnus warned.

  I read the data it relayed as it adjusted to its circumstances. I felt it adapting its shield and even polarizing its hull for this inevitable unknown. Yet despite its natural precaution I knew it would succeed. The Horizon Arc had succeeded already. If that experimental ship could do it, then so could Humanity's last miracle of technological engineering. I shared my thoughts with the ship's, and it relayed nothing that could have been regarded as apprehension. It backed my decision fully as we sped with incredible velocity towards the heavens!

  The sudden thought came from the Cygnus: ''Imminent approach, brace.'' Instinctually we did as it bid us, and we felt the shockwave that it's shields and inertial dampeners completely absorbed. It was more a mirage of the mind, since all that turbulence happened outside the hull. The insides of the ship being unperturbed in the slightest.

  Before us the sea of stars welcomed us.

  -''We're in space...'' Provence spoke, affected with sheer amazement.

  -We are.

  -''Stealth drive operational... all systems operating at optimum capacity.'' The Cygnus informed us.

  -''We can take our helmets off.'' I said as I removed mine.

  Finding a dedicated helmet hanger on my armchair I fixed my headgear in place. Handy thing, if there was an emergency one could quickly grab it. I bid Provence to find it, and she placed her own as well. Her charming furry ears springing out freely.

  We sped out of Terra's atmosphere and deeper into space. Charts of impossible vastness appeared at my bidding. Calculating the current placement of stars and locating the closest and last known inhabited constellations. A three-dimensional representation of what Brumalis Prime last looked like came wide into view of the hologram as its parent star was detected. UltraMars coming in behind as a second, more distant location than the first.

  -''Cassiel...'' Spoke a voice which softness broke me out of my reverie.

  I looked besides me with my own eyes and saw Provence, regarding me with a pained expression. Her eyes not far from breaking tears which were conveyed through the softness and intent of her voice.

  -I don't want to leave our children.

  That broke me out of any exuberant intents that might have been brewing inside of me. Haste... sometimes took me like that.

  -''We're not leaving, my lupa.'' I reassured her on a tame voice.

  -We're taking her into a steady orbit for now.

  I rose out of my seat, approaching Provence. I grabbed her passionately in my arms, kissing her lips dearly. It was a wonderful thing being alive. I slowly unclasped my lips from hers before necessity took reign once more.

  -Let's get Shana to the medical bay.

  We easily found the ship's clinic on the second deck. Everything here looked ultra futuristic. Even more so than Rhodes Island's most advanced and well-equipped wards.

  -''We need a medic to operate these...'' Provence said, trailing off at the implication.

  But as I noticed two people sized transparent container tubes, a switch flipped on inside of my mind.

  -''I don't think we need one.'' I said as I paced with Shana in my arms.

  As we approached, one of the cylinders opened to provide its inner bedding to the patient in need. It's interface screen booting to life.

  -''... It is automated.'' Provence finally understood.

  -I believe so. Perhaps as much or even more than an actual doctor.

  We took her helmet off and set her inside. The interface read ''Self-contained Medical Unit 02''. I swept onto the options and selected ''Non-invasive assessment''. The glass tube slowly closed, encasing Shana. A larger screen attached to the medical device lit up as it began scanning her. A wealth of information rained on the screen as a beam of light had started perusing her. As well as a wire having connected with her IEVA to monitor her vitals through the suit's own systems as well.

  -Unknown human subspecies detected. Genetical configuration stable.

  -Harmful PrT element present within the blood stream. Reading: 0.15u/L.

  -''Huh. It recognises originum. It already has it in its data base.'' Provence remarked curious.

  -Minor cranial fracture detected. Addendum. Cranial structure density thicker than base/normal human norms.

  -Brain inflammation detected.

  -''It is worse than we thought. Can it heal something like this?'' Provence asked worriedly.

  -''Advise proper available treatment.'' I spoke to the machine directly.

  -Patient status nearing critical. Recommending immediate administration of nano-relief treatment.

  -''Nano-relief? Is it referring to what we have?'' Provence asked.

  -''Yes. Just a different type, but basically the same thing. It says here it will retract all nanites once the treatment is completed.'' I replied before I inquired to the machine further. ''Assessment of treatment efficiency on current patient.''

  -Based on simulation diagrams the treatment provides a 99.9% probability of healing the subject without any remaining adverse effects. Confirm administration and/or modifications.

  -Confirm and begin.

  -Acknowledged, beginning administration.

  -''Finally.'' Provence spoke as she sat down on a seat, relieved. ''It's finally over.''

  -''Hell of a day.'' I added.

  -You're putting it lightly.

  -Come. Let's explore the captain's quarters and find some lighter attire. We're safe enough that we don't need the suits anymore.

  -They're pretty comfortable though.

  -True. But I can't feel your warm body on mine if I embrace you as we are.

  -''Ah. I see.'' She said, adopting a sly demeanour. Putting one leg atop the other. ''The last descendant is lusting after his lupa.'' She teased.

  I smiled at the turn of her behaviour, knowing she was back in her relaxed element at this point. The elevator took us to the first deck and there I found out why the upper part of the ship seemed more built on. Besides containing whatever systems the hull might have had it also constituted an extra layer of protective cover that surrounded the captain's quarters.

  It was fairly spacious to what I expected. Having your own bathroom was nice. Living spaces in ships and space stations used to be averagely modest, even to the higher ranks. At least to the little experience and contact I had with them during the peak of what my colony word then produced. Though I have heard that those belonging to certain colonies and their area of rule were built with plenty of wealth of space for its inhabitants.

  -''Oh, no jacuzzi?'' Provence jested.

  -What there is nearly reaches luxury for a top of the line ship like this.

  The furnishings were modern, and they were far more comfortable than even at a first judging glance. The master quarters had an inviting king-sized bed, along a table with a couch and two armchairs. A wide screen to which there was sure to be a universal gaming system to plug in for and a library of movies somewhere. Though I didn't imagine I would have much time for them. Responsibilities were now at every corner to take care of. Especially now since I was a father of two children with Provence. Still, I never regretted it once.

  -''That semicircular chamber over there is the same thing to what we used.'' Provence pointed.

  -Seems like it. Let's get unsuited.

  There was also a whole wardrobe along besides a smooth metallic bookshelf of a great size with what seemed like transparent book containers. There was even a proper desk inside what was basically a study corner, delimited on three sides. Partially delimited by a wall which it's upper side constituted a transparent glass display that held many items of interest and curiosity. The main walls were of a pleasant semi-circular angle, and were of a smooth and dull metal. Later I would learn that one could manipulate them. Turning them into vivid screens themselves. If we wanted we could immerse ourselves from shores similar to Siesta to even the breathtaking views from the mountainous Kjerag, or even more out wordly sights.

  While my thoughts fled, Provence had come out of the automatic wardrobe. Jumping straight into the bed. Her large fluffy tail flowing eye-catching in the air.

  -''Comfort of the Gods, oh yes!'' She spoke out. Pleased as she stretched and turned on what was probably a galaxy-premium mattress if there ever was such a thing.

  I made use of the automatic wardrobe, making my way towards the manual one after exiting it. Looking for fitting clothes. I was about to return a small sized hoodie that I tried when Provence caught my attention.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  -Why don't you throw me that one?

  I threw it to her, and she caught it swiftly. Expectedly of her lupine reflexes. She sniffed it deeply before putting it on.

  -''Mmm. Already has a thick scent on it. Sweat a bit from our daring escape?'' Provence asked.

  -Didn't you?

  -I actually did. Maybe I should rub some on you~.

  -Oh I'm going to rub a whole lot of other things on you soon!

  -''Oh dear Kjera. This lupa is in danger!'' She spoke amusedly but in a sly manner.

  -''You are for sure, but after some rest. I've might've lost track of time, but my body tells me it was enough to deserve some. And as for you.'' I spoke as I snatched her with force, pulling her hoodie covered body onto me.

  -''You will keep me warm.'' I spoke as I looked closely into her golden eyes.

  -''Hrrrr~.'' Provence growled close and teasingly at me.

  I grabbed her cheek. Rubbing my thumb against her lower lip and one of her canines before kissing her. She gave in, and laid on top of me. The room temperature was a lower but not uncomfortable one. But in that contrast Provence's warm and beautiful form was so much more appealing because of it. When I woke I did so with a shock. My heart beating as if I was roused on an active battlefield. It was a mirage, a shadow of the dream of a worst past flashing in remembrance just before leaving.

  My breathing quickly easing up as I remembered who the wolf girl upon me was. With her fluffy ears against my cheek and her tail coiled in affection around me. I squeezed Provence just a bit tighter, and she stirred. On my night stand I could notice what looked like a small computer. It had a completely smooth appearance with a small green light appearing on and off at regular intervals.

  -''Mmmh, what is it?'' Asked Provence, still laying restfully upon me like a prey she owned while I reached my arm to tap the device. A familiar voice came in response.

  -Pardon for any interruption. I deemed it useful to inform you that whenever you need my aid throughout the ship you can simply call my designation with an audible intent of the voice and I shall be present even in restricted rooms.

  -''Define restricted rooms.'' I asked.

  -Bathrooms and dormitories, including the Captain's quarters.

  -''You cannot be present in certain parts even on your own ship?'' Asked Provence, her eyes open now but still laying restfully upon me. Not giving any sign that she would rise up too soon.

  -My sensors and control are omnipresent. However, I am bound by a civility protocol that can only be overridden in case of emergencies. Or if given proper clearance. I will not eavesdrop on you in your private quarters without your knowing or approval.

  -''Thank you, Cygnus, we appreciate it.'' Provence spoke.

  -''You are welcome.'' Replied the smooth artificial voice of Cygnus

  -''How long has it been?'' I asked idly, more for myself.

  -''It has been eight hours since the launch operation from Terra. Twelve hours since you have gained access inside the temporal capsule.'' Cygnus responded.

  -''Can you give us an update on Shana's health?'' Asked Provence. More awake now that worry for her friend came back with her awareness.

  -Her health is stable and improving. Her cerebral inflammation subsided and the nano-agents are currently repairing any cranial and tissue damage left. Currently in stasis mode for the duration of her recuperation.

  -That is fortunate to hear. Her crew will be rejoiced to have her back.

  I was glad to hear of good news for those were never in enough supply. And after all I unintentionally had brought her and her entire team in that danger. At that point couldn't help but wonder how many might have perished in the mine's collapse.

  They say you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. That was true by me. But when those eggs were people, allies with families at home... well. It tended to sit ill with me for any losses.

  -Presence of threats or any life signs in the system?

  -None. I have compiled a report from the sensoria sweep of the current Terran solar system. Do you wish to review it now?

  -No. We'll come on the bridge a bit later for it... is the kitchen stocked?

  -Affirmative.

  Now that was some news I best liked to hear! After a hot shower we were prepping to leave for the second deck. As Provence pulled her hoodie back on her arresting body, my eyes gave a momentary drop of attention to the patch weaved onto it.

  A circular one which encapsulated the depiction of the ship in an imposing angle. On the lower side in larger letters read ''Cygnus''. And above, a sentence which was written in the older but base Italian dialect: ''Possa tu rafforzarti per raggiungere i cieli.''. Which I'm quite sure it translated into: ''May you grow in strength to reach the heavens.''. Something I was sure Provence could read as well.

  -''Your lupa is hungry Cassiel.'' She spoke as she bit my neck playfully in the kitchen area.

  -If you'll let me cook I'll satiate your needs soon, Il mio vorace lupa. (My voracious wolf-girl.)

  -What are you making?

  -Kobe steak.

  -Any good?

  -The best steak you could possibly have. It's been raised on the paradise world of Eden apparently.

  -Fancy. How many millennia old is it?

  Suddenly out of nowhere a blue sphere appeared besides the decorative but live plant near the edge of the kitchen table. There must have been a projector somewhere nearby I thought as that simple representation of Cygnus began to speak.

  -The steak has approximately near one hour since it has been extracted from the calf in question.

  -You're pulling my tail.

  -I would never do such an action miss Provence.

  -''It was kept in temporal stasis, wasn't it?'' I asked while I was in the middle of cooking.

  -Correct descendant Avenarius. The special compartment you had accessed it from is actually designed as both a refrigerator and a temporal storage unit.

  -''Well, the electric bill must be through the roof.'' Mused Provence as she searched through the alcohol rack.

  -''Not when you have near limitless energy in the hold.'' I said.

  -''So all of the food is stored like this?'' Asked Provence.

  -Negative. Only the special food container and the tertiary beverage rack have such temporal devices embedded. They were meant to preserve a small quantity of only the rarest and most quality of food items, in case the main capsule's time preservation would have failed. You may consume them at ease knowing the stasis function came online the millisecond my systems noticed that time was flowing normally once more.

  -''Hey! Look what I found!'' Provence caught my attention as she returned from the nearby beverage storage. ''A wine bottle from your father's world!''

  ''La Vigna del Nuova Portogruaro, Mondo di UltraMarte'' (The New Portogruaro Vineyard, World of UltraMars). It read on the label as it presented an artistically accomplished carnival mask. Suggestive of a crane bird. Embellished in what would have been its own natural colours of a near vivid brown orange, white and red. Surrounded on its edges with verdant leaves filled with olives on it's left side and acorns on it's right.

  -Good find my lupa.

  The Kobe steaks were of a rare flavourful finesse. And while we ate and fed each other like lovers we continued to talk of small things that wouldn't burden our minds or our moods. Cygnus was surprisingly an adequate conversationalist as he easily blended in with our chat. And thus we came to know our friend and saviour better.

  He was usually simple and to the point, expectant of the artificial intelligences. Yet he had a certain way of speaking that one could relate to on a human level. I was fairly certain he was a newer intelligence, specifically created for the ship and for its destination. But before being enclosed in time he must have had some human companions from which he had learned many things of, as well as partially growing its own personality.

  We were on the command bridge once more as we took our seats. A star map spread in front of us above the holographic bay. Displaying a newly charted cartography of the Terran solar system. It was so reminiscent of what I knew, yet changed.

  We absorbed everything with a heavy silence at the magnitude of what we were shown. Especially Provence since she knew so little of the past, but at the same time knowing more than most on Terra.

  -''That superstructure was never there, nor this black hole inside the nebula.'' I spoke heavily.

  -''That immense black spot?'' Inquired Provence as she mentally accessed data on the subject to better understand such phenomenon.

  -Yes...

  -That's... how could it have been created? What I'm reading is...

  -''Take your time. It is an immensity of concepts to digest.'' I bid her.

  -''It was created... it was a weapon.'' She spoke as she ascertained it herself.

  Between us in that room I was probably the one who knew the most of those two worlds, of the past and the present. Cygnus might have had complete knowledge of the far past but no more than that. Provence on the other hand knew the world of our present. I knew the most of both worlds, and together our minds touched to share in the knowledge.

  I had also realised, now more than ever that my former mentor had hidden a lot more things from me than I ever suspected him of. A screen appeared anew and I enlarged it. Debris, none distinguishable except a single one from many thousands.

  ''Analyse.'' I thought instinctually as an order, and data flowed for me.

  -I knew a fleet was above Terra when my war was ensuing.

  -''To help?'' Provence inquired.

  -To blockade and exterminate us. At least that's what I first thought.

  -''Analysis complete. Hull has features linking to a ship belonging to the Black Fleet.'' Spoke Cygnus.

  Theories were flowing in my mind. The End Wars might have been just a blip on their radar considering the enormity of the other threats pressing onto our civilization at large. But all this, the barrier, the megastructure, the black hole and the near unrecognisable debris... they might have protected us.

  -''And they were obliterated for it.'' Added Provence as she was in synch with my thoughts.

  -''Assessment is highly probable.'' Affirmed Cygnus.

  -''The black hole was a weapon for sure. And by some fate our world was spared. Possibly because they encased us in their shroud to which our enemies could see Terra no more.'' I said, or thought before I continued.

  -Cygnus, any radio waves at all?

  -None detectable. However I have not actively transmitted to inquire deeper. On the base that the system might not be secure.

  -''If there was anything watching out here, wouldn't the Arc ship have attracted their attention already?'' Provence asked.

  The Arc-01, the first spaceship constructed by the present Terrans within the Project Horizon Arc. It's true, if there was anything out here it would have surely detected such a big and clunky ship. As advanced as it was for the current Terrans it couldn't hold a candle to the Cygnus. Still...

  -If they were noticed by anyone it doesn't necessarily mean it would have been enough to make them act upon it. We will be cautious. Cygnus, did the stealth systems fail when the ship passed through the barrier?

  -Negative. However, fluctuations were recorded for one point five seconds before the stealth drive's wavelength modularity stabilized.

  -Give it to me in layman's terms.

  -It is possible that if a highly advanced observer was present and focusing on the region and time of the planet we left the atmosphere from, it could have possibly picked up signs of our presence.

  -I see. So chances are in the slightest that anyone knows about us out here...

  Instantly my thoughts came back to the surface. Instead of ordering them I instantly accessed the sensoria logs. Amazingly finding and pulling out a complete 360 degrees visual recording of the ship as it burst through the earth and as it rose through the atmosphere. Both me and Provence were studying it then.

  -''There's the landship!'' Provence pointed out.

  The entrance to the mine was an open wound. One that nevertheless paled in comparison to the kilometre open gap which we punched open. I scanned the area directly between the landship and the former mine entrance, and I quickly spotted what I was looking for.

  -''It's a convoy! It looks big enough to suspect that all had made it out in time!'' Noted Provence.

  -''Hopefully.'' I replied.

  Finally, we arrived at the end of our findings, and we collapsed the hologram bay. Disconnecting our minds from the system. Laying there in the gentle hum of the ship all three of us. Provence decided to be the first to dispel the silence.

  -What should we do now?

  At that I laid in thought for a few moments more as I looked for an answer.

  -''Cygnus, what is the status of the ship and especially the stealth drive?'' I replied with an inquiry to the vessel.

  -Fully operational, all systems are nominal.

  -Operational capability of the main propulsion system?

  -The reactionless gravitic based drive can bring us to near light speed near instantaneously, parameters are nominal.

  -Chart an exploratory course of the Terran solar system that is under sixteen hours. I want us to get a better overall view of everything and be on the lookout for anything that might be of interest.

  -''Course charted.'' Cygnus responded just five seconds later, showing us a diagram on the monitor before me. ''Pursue course?''

  -Engage.

  -''... are we moving?'' Inquired Provence.

  -''Yes. Currently, heading south-west and under the ecliptic line of the Terran solar system at... 99.98 percent the speed of light.'' I replied.

  -That's an incredible speed! I thought I would have felt at least a little jolt.

  -''The ship is equipped with a gravity drive. It creates its own gravity well that applies to every part of the ship equally. We can super accelerate without ever feeling any tidal effects.'' The Cygnus responded.

  -''For the better. Our bodies would only be able to suffer so many G-forces upon them until they failed.'' I added.

  -Or we would have been dangling like rag dolls throughout the room.'' Provence added alternatively.

  -''Hah! Actually happened to me a few times.'' I said.

  -''Cygnus.'' Provence spoke to get its attention.

  -Yes miss Provence?

  -What kind of craft are you?

  -I am a unique model. The closest classification would be that of a multi-purposed frigate.

  -No. I meant in the way of asking what you are, like as a person.

  -''That is... ambiguous. But I believe I can discern the sense of your inquiry.'' Cygnus spoke before it continued

  -I am an experimental Alpha level designed artificial intelligence. My lifespan so far is of one year and forty-eight Earth days. I was created specifically to be integrated into the Cygnus project. Thus I was united with what is my body.

  -You were created, and you are so very young then!

  -I can confirm your statement.

  -How do you view the world around you?

  -I can view it very well, my sensor suite is varied and advanced... however I surmise that was not the accurate object of your curiosity. It is... unusual, that would be the closest term. Though I wouldn't definitely rely on it.

  -Do you think the way we do?

  -''Human and artificial intelligence are different but very similar. I have a higher computational capability, but I was designed by humans. I was made to understand your way of thinking and very much use it, albeit in very efficient and logical parameters.'' Affirmed Cygnus before it continued.

  -But I can relate to you as people, if that is what you are inquiring.

  -That is a good thing to hear. I had often seen people on Terra that seemed devoid of any power to relate to others of their own kind. Usually it is because their parents or close ones were taken from them violently, or were never there at all. Ah, perhaps I shouldn't be talking of such things.

  -I can understand the concept. We as artificial constructs usually don't have parents. But we are instilled nevertheless with many concepts to understand our creators better.

  -''Usually?'' Provence's curiosity peaked.

  -I can affirm that I had parents for the duration of most of my life. It is a rare circumstance.

  -''Tell us more! That is, if you don't mind!'' Beamed Provence.

  -My creator constructed my blue-box hardware while his wife was the software specialist who designed my code. I was a creation of two married people. And the same ones helped establish my identity and unite me with my purpose.

  -I had travelled with them since the activation of my consciousness. And have been with them across the journey from Keppler Prime to the Terran system where we joined the colonisation fleet.

  -They were the ones who reassured me just as parents would put a child at ease before sleep. And with their blessing they placed me into dormancy within the great time capsule.

  -''That's a heart-warming story you have Cygnus! You were blessed with parents.'' Provence expressed heartfeltly.

  -I can concur. They were what you would call ''good people''. And they freely bestowed much human wisdoms with caring intent. They gave me the chance to accustom to humans, and to better relate to them than most of my own kind.

  -Do you miss them?

  -Not in the way you would conceptualize it. But I acknowledge their absence and the probability that they are most likely no more in this age. If I were given the option to once more meet and communicate with them, I would not reject it.

  -You are quite blessed Cygnus.

  -Miss Provence, I believe you try to puzzle me on purpose with your choice of words. But I can surmise the sense of your statement.

  -That's good. Means you're understanding human quirks. Maybe we'll even help you achieve a sense of humour along the way!