Turning back

Alex's heart raced as the oppressive fog tried to choke out the last remnants of clarity.

He couldn't afford to lose it—not now. 

He stood frozen in place for a split second, a battle waging within him, as the cold metal walls of the cockpit seemed to close in. 

The whispers of doubt clawed at his mind, but that deeper voice, the one that had screamed in defiance, surged with renewed strength.

Without hesitation, he bolted toward the ship's control panel, his fingers trembling as they danced across the console. 

The ship's hum, steady in warp, filled the silence, but in Alex's mind, the sound felt louder—an unrelenting reminder of the direction they were headed. 

Away from the truth. 

Away from Gorath.

"No!" 

Alex muttered through gritted teeth. 

"I need to go back!"

He slammed his hand down on the manual override, the ship lurching as its velocity slowed.