Chapter 110

Aralina joined him, her presence quiet but comforting. "Penny for your thoughts?" she asked softly.

Wil sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Just thinking about how close we came to losing it all. It feels like every time we stop one disaster, another is waiting just around the corner."

Aralina nodded, her gaze also fixed on the stars. "It's the nature of the job, I suppose. But that doesn't make it any easier."

Wil glanced at her, noticing the weariness in her eyes. "How are you holding up?"

She offered a small, tired smile. "I'm managing. But I think we all need some time to recover. These missions are starting to take a toll."

Before Wil could respond, Neil's voice crackled over the comms. "Commander, there's something you should see in the briefing room."