Chapter 20: A Terrifying Discovery

Ethan stood at the viewport, watching the green-blue planet below as the Ark descended toward the surface. The clouds drifted lazily around the planet's atmosphere, a deceptive calm masking the devastation unfolding below. His mind was racing with the new information, about the Hollow, the Hyperjump Gateway, and the possible role of the Council in this twisted, galactic game of chess.

"Ready to drop, Captain?" Prella asked, stepping up beside him, her hand resting casually on the hilt of her Radiansaber.

Ethan glanced over at her, giving a firm nod. "Let's get down there and figure out what the hell the Hollow are doing with this gateway. We don't have much time."

Vala, standing nearby with her blaster slung across her shoulder, gave Ethan a cheeky grin. "I'm just saying, if this thing is some kind of portal, we might end up in a galaxy far, far away. You know, with space wizards and shiny laser swords."