The Star-Jumper settled into the dust with a final, tired groan. Outside, the Black Vault waited—a dark, silent mouth set into the crater wall. No lights, no welcome mat. It didn't look like a place that wanted visitors.
For a long moment, nobody in the cockpit spoke.
Reia was the first to move, unclipping her harness with a quiet click. "Helmets on until we're inside. The air's thin."
"Atmosphere's stable," Evelyn confirmed, checking her wrist scanner. "Just... empty."
Silas let out a low whistle. "Yeah, 'empty' is one word for it. This place looks like it starved to death."
Kaela, already standing by the hatch, adjusted her white jacket. "It's meant to be overlooked. That's the point."
"The point is spooky," Silas muttered as the ramp hissed down.
They stepped out into the cold, thin air. Their boots echoed on the metal walkway leading to a massive door carved right into the rock. Ancient symbols glowed faintly on its surface.
