Chapter 33: A Risky Proposition

The Ark drifted through the starry expanse, its hull glinting faintly against the backdrop of endless space. The attack on Altira Prime had shaken Ethan and his crew, but there was no time to linger on it. They had narrowly escaped with their lives, and the Federation was sending a detachment to investigate the black site. Still, something gnawed at Ethan, the feeling that the Council of Shadows wouldn't wait long to strike again.

As the ship cruised on autopilot, the crew gathered in the common area, the atmosphere tense but focused. Ethan sat at the head of the table, arms crossed, staring at the holographic display in front of him. Prella, Vala, and Nova were all seated around him, each of them deep in thought as they planned their next move.

"We're not out of the woods yet," Ethan said, his voice steady but grim. "Even with the Federation investigation underway, the Council isn't going to sit back and wait for us to expose them. We need to stay ahead of them."