Hardships Are Normal

Ashton, Anna, and Kass landed the ship at the designated area in the Tower's hangar bay. They stepped out of the ship, and Tarek was carried out on a stretcher by two medical staff. The team then followed the stretcher into the Tower's infirmary.

Ashton walked alongside Anna, who clung tightly to his arm. He was grateful that they had completed their mission and returned safely to the Tower. 

However, the conversation they had earlier about the Orion Empire and the Xyrans still lingered in his mind, and he knew he would have to do something about it sooner or later.

Anna noticed Ashton's unease and squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Hey, we're back, and we did it. Don't worry about anything else now. Alright?"

"Yeah." Ashton smiled at her, grateful for her presence. 

He knew that she was right. He needed to focus on the present and not worry about the future.