I stood alone in my quarters, the soft glow of Silver Lining's ambient lights wrapping around me like a gentle embrace. The walls hummed quietly, almost like the steady heartbeat of something alive, something that had chosen me—not just as captain, but as a partner in this new life.
I ran my fingers along the smooth console, feeling the faint warmth beneath the surface. The ship had shifted its energy here, made this space quieter, calmer—almost like it knew I needed that. A subtle scent, faintly woody and fresh, drifted through the air, one of the small comforts Silver Lining had grown to provide.
A soft chime interrupted the moment.
The door slid open, and Ennis stepped inside, clipboard in hand, eyes bright with purpose.
"Captain," she said, voice light but businesslike. "I've gone over the supplies list for the outpost. We'll need extra medkits, food rations with longer shelf lives, and more secure containment units for the freed prisoners."
I smiled, stepping aside to let her in fully. "Good thinking. The last thing we want is to be caught unprepared."
Ennis nodded, tapping a few notes into a handheld device. "I talked to Argo too. He's still wary of Silver Lining, but he admits the ship's changes have been helpful. The crew's slowly coming around."
I glanced toward the viewport, stars glittering in the endless black. "That trust will have to grow—just like us."
She met my eyes, a spark of confidence there. "We'll be ready. For the outpost, for whatever comes next."
I took a deep breath. "Then let's get to work."
I folded my arms as Ennis laid out the current supply list, brows furrowing thoughtfully. "These medkits and rations are good, but I'm thinking we need to hit a better supply station—somewhere fully stocked. Somewhere that can outfit us properly for what we're about to walk into."
Ennis raised an eyebrow. "Better than that dusty rock we stopped at? You've got a point. What did you have in mind?"
I paced a little, eyes narrowing. "Armor upgrades for everyone. Reinforced plating that won't slow down our shifters but will protect against energy weapons. And weapons—non-lethal options, stun rifles, nets, anything that can help us disable guards without turning the whole place into a war zone."
Ennis nodded, pulling up maps on her device. "There's a trading hub two jumps from here. Larger, better equipped, and safer. We can pick up modular armor kits and some experimental tech that might give us an edge."
I smiled, feeling the surge of hope and determination. "Good. Arrange the course. And I want a rundown of all the gear they have—especially anything that can help keep prisoners safe during extraction."
She tapped away quickly. "On it. I'll notify the crew. They'll be ready for a more serious haul this time."
I glanced out at the stars again. "This rescue mission isn't just about breaking people out. It's about bringing them home—and making sure none of Grib's shadows follow us."
Ennis gave a firm nod. "We'll be ready for whatever's waiting."
Ennis gave a crisp nod, already tapping commands into her wrist console. "I'll get the course set for the trading hub. We'll have everything we need before the outpost."
As she turned to leave, the soft hiss of the door closing behind her was the only sound in the quiet cabin.
I barely had time to settle back when the familiar, steady presence of De'rax filled the room. He stepped in silently, eyes searching mine with that gentle intensity that always melted the chaos inside me.
"Got a minute?" he asked, voice low.
I smiled, setting aside the clipboard. "For you? Always."
He closed the distance, sliding an arm around my waist, pulling me close. "With everything coming, I just wanted a moment. Just us."
The weight of the pending mission hung heavy in the air, but here—now—there was only warmth and trust.
I leaned into him, breathing in the calm steadying my soul. "We'll get through this. Together."
De'rax pressed a soft kiss to my temple. "Together."
Outside, Silver Lining hummed quietly—a silent guardian ready to rise. Inside, we found our own quiet strength.