The docking clamps hissed shut behind us, and the crew spilled onto the bustling supply station. The air was thick with the hum of commerce, the clang of machinery, and distant chatter in dozens of languages. Here, the cold dread of Grib's shadow seemed to fade, replaced by the charged buzz of possibility.
Ennis moved quickly through the aisles, her eyes scanning shelves stacked with gear and medical supplies. "This place has what we need—and then some."
Argo ran his fingers over a set of advanced energy rifles, rare on the black market but essential for a clean extraction. "These will do more than just make a statement."
I watched as the crew gathered armor plating and modular gear—lighter, more flexible, but with the resilience to hold in a fight.
As we loaded the last of the crates, the mood shifted—excitement giving way to the weight of what was coming.
Ennis's voice lowered. "This is going to be bigger than any run we've done before."
Argo's eyes darkened. "I've seen what Grib's men are capable of. They won't go down without a fight."
De'rax's hand found mine, grounding me amid the rising tension. "We'll be ready."
I drew a breath, heart pounding with a mix of hope and fear. "We're not just rescuing people. We're giving them a second chance."
The crew nodded silently, faces steeled but eyes shining with determination.
Back aboard Silver Lining, the hold hummed as supplies were secured, weapons checked, and armor fitted. The ship itself seemed to pulse with readiness—an unseen partner in the fight ahead.
"Preparation complete," the ship's voice echoed softly. "Awaiting your command, Captain."
I met De'rax's gaze. "Then it's time."
The main room of Silver Lining was a warm contrast to the cold metal corridors—a sanctuary of soft, sunk-in couches, low tables scattered with snacks, and gentle ambient lighting that mimicked a sunset glow.
One by one, the crew settled in, shedding their armor and weapons like armor itself. Argo plopped onto a corner couch with a heavy sigh, stretching his legs out.
Ennis filled a few bowls with dried fruit and nuts, setting them on the tables while chatting quietly with others about past jobs and lighter moments.
I sank into a plush seat beside De'rax, who draped an arm casually around my shoulders, pulling me close. His touch was steady, a grounding force amid the nervous energy humming beneath the surface.
Laughter bubbled up from a group of engineers trading exaggerated stories of equipment mishaps, and even Argo cracked a rare grin at one of Ennis's witty comments.
The ship hummed softly around us—a living presence joining in the calm.
Someone raised a cup of synthesized tea. "To Silver Lining—may she carry us safely through."
Glasses and mugs were lifted, clinking gently in unison.
I caught De'rax's eye and smiled. "The calm before the storm."
He nodded, voice low. "And we face it together."
For a little while longer, we let the weight of the coming battle slip away, replaced by shared warmth and quiet hope.The low hum of Silver Lining filled the quiet main room as De'rax and I settled deeper into the soft cushions. The glow from the ambient lights wrapped around us like a blanket, softening the edges of the day's tension.
I smiled, nudging him gently. "Want to hear something ridiculous from when I was a pup?"
He raised an eyebrow, amused. "I'm listening."
"When I was little, I tried to climb the biggest tree in our forest," I began, chuckling softly. "Got about halfway up before realizing I had no idea how to get down. Spent an hour yipping for help until my pack found me—and then teased me for weeks."
De'rax laughed, a deep, rich sound that filled the space. "Sounds familiar."
He leaned back, a slow smile spreading. "When I was young, on my homeworld, I once tried to impress the others by racing a wild beast. Spoiler: I lost. Spectacularly. Face-planted in front of the whole group. Took weeks before anyone let me forget it."
I grinned, feeling the warmth between us grow. "Good thing you didn't give up."
"Neither did you," he said softly.
A gentle chime interrupted us, Silver Lining's calm voice filling the room.
"Captain and crew, it is advisable to rest. Adequate sleep will optimize performance and readiness for the upcoming mission."
I sighed, nodding reluctantly. "She's right, of course."
De'rax lifted me to my feet. "Come on. We'll face tomorrow rested—and stronger."
Hand in hand, we moved toward our quarters, the soft echo of laughter lingering like a promise.