We pulled into the small supply station—a dusty rock orbiting a gas giant, barely big enough to call a port. The crew fanned out to gather essentials, but something felt off. The air crackled with unease, and the usual hum of commerce was tinged with whispers of danger.
De'rax and I were still on the bridge when the alarm blared—a sharp, urgent shriek that echoed through the hull.
"Security breach," Silver Lining announced, her voice calm but firm. "Hostiles detected on deck three. Estimated: five armed combatants."
De'rax's hand flew to his weapon, but I held up a hand. "Wait."
The ship's lights shifted, changing the color of the corridors from sterile white to deep blue—almost like a warning. The walls hummed softly, and before the intruders could move further, bulkhead doors slammed shut, sealing them inside.
The intercom crackled. "Crew members trapped near cargo hold, cornered."
Without hesitation, Silver Lining rerouted power to the security systems—turrets activated, scanning and disabling the assailants' weapons with non-lethal energy pulses.
Down in the corridors, the crew heard the low growl of mechanized defenses waking, and relief spread as the attackers found their path blocked at every turn.
Argo's voice came through the comm, shaky but resolute. "The ship's got our backs."
De'rax glanced at me, eyes wide but steady. "Guess it's earning its keep."
I smiled, heart swelling. "It's more than a ship now. It's family."
By the time the hostiles were contained and security was restored, murmurs of respect and cautious admiration rippled through the crew.
Back on the bridge, Silver Lining's soft hum returned to its usual steady rhythm.
"I protect those you protect, Captain. Trust will grow with each choice."
De'rax squeezed my hand, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "Looks like Silver Lining just took its first step."
The corridors buzzed with quiet activity as the crew settled back into routine. The near-attack at the supply station had shaken everyone, but the ship's quick response left a mark—though skepticism still clung like a shadow.
In the mess hall, Argo sat with a few others, voices low but edged with curiosity.
"She saved my ass back there," muttered one of the engineers, rubbing a bruise on his arm. "Doors slamming, weapons locking down... it was like she knew what we needed before we did."
Argo nodded slowly. "I still don't fully trust it. But I'm starting to see it's not just the tool Grib used."
Down the hall, I caught a glimpse of the communications officer, tentatively running diagnostics with Silver Lining's AI. The officer paused, fingers hovering over the console as the AI responded with a gentle glow, almost as if sensing the doubt and reaching out.
De'rax found me later in the observation lounge, watching the stars. "You were right. The crew's softening."
I smiled, leaning against his shoulder. "One step at a time."
He chuckled softly. "Good thing we've got time before that outpost."
A soft chime echoed, the ship's voice calm and patient.
"Trust is a path, not a destination. I will walk it with you."
I whispered back, "And we'll walk it together."