Chapter 29: The Missing Princess Part 1

The Command Deck of the Ark was a hive of quiet activity, the hum of machinery blending with the low murmurs of crew members as they went about their tasks. The vast starfield stretched out beyond the ship's viewports, a peaceful silence that belied the danger lurking just beyond the edge of known space.

Ethan stood at the center of the Command Deck, arms crossed, deep in thought. Nova's holographic form hovered next to him, playfully flicking through tactical displays, while Prella, ever the sentinel, stood at his side, her sharp eyes focused on the incoming data feeds.

Suddenly, the peaceful hum was interrupted by a high-pitched beeping sound, a priority communication. The Ark's communication officer, Lieutenant Maeve, swiveled in her chair to face Ethan, her expression serious.

"Captain, we've received a distress signal from the planet Cryskal, sector TZ138," Maeve reported, her voice tight with urgency. "They're requesting immediate assistance."