Chapter 237: Strange Approaching Energy!

Chapter 237: Strange Approaching Energy!

The girl nodded solemnly, her excitement tempered now by a deeper sense of purpose. For a moment, the two stood in silence, their gazes fixed on the object as it spun lazily in the void.

Behind them, other Deri-Legu people began to notice their interest, murmuring amongst themselves as they too turned their attention to the mystery outside.

It was a rare moment of peace amidst the uncertainty of their journey, a brief reprieve where the wonders of the universe outweighed its dangers.

The girl leaned into her mother's embrace, her small voice filled with reverence as she whispered, "The stars… they make me feel so small, Mama. But I like it."

Her mother's heart swelled at the innocence of the statement. She kissed the top of her daughter's head and replied, "The stars remind us that there is always something greater out there. And that's why we must keep moving forward, no matter how small we feel."

Unbeknownst to them, Tessa had been listening nearby, her attention drawn to the quiet exchange. A faint smile played on her lips, but her thoughts were tinged with the weight of her mission. For all the beauty of the stars, the dangers lurking in the shadows of space were never far behind.

"That is space junk," a calm voice interjected from behind them. "It carries nothing of value, merely the detritus left behind by those who venture into the void. The more active individuals are in space—alien or otherwise—the more such debris accumulates."

The mother and daughter turned to see Tessa standing nearby, her serene smile tinged with a quiet authority. Her most striking feature, however, was her noticeably protruding belly, a silent testament to her strength and determination in this perilous journey despite her pregnancy condition.

The little girl tilted her head curiously and whispered, "Mommy she's pregnant, and, shouldn't she be driving…?" The innocent question made the mother gasp softly and cover her daughter's mouth, her eyes darting apologetically to Tessa.

Tessa chuckled, her tone warm and reassuring. "The whale spaceship is on autopilot," she explained, placing a gentle hand on her belly. "It follows the course I've set for it. So, technically, it's driving itself."

Her calm explanation brought a measure of ease to the pair.

The little girl's eyes widened in awe, her innocent curiosity quickly shifting to wonder. "Wow! A spaceship that drives itself? That's so cool!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with unrestrained excitement. She peeked up at Tessa again, her gaze lingering on her belly. "Does the baby help you with the spaceship too?"

Tessa's smile deepened, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Not yet," she replied, her tone playful. "But maybe one day, they'll grow up to be an incredible pilot, just like their mom."

The mother's nervousness softened at Tessa's easy demeanor. She offered a small, tentative smile. "It must take a lot of courage to be traveling out here… especially in your condition."

Tessa's eyes flickered with a mix of pride and melancholy. "Courage is one thing," she said thoughtfully, her voice dipping to a quieter, more reflective tone. "But purpose is another. I have a mission, and nothing—not even the challenges of motherhood—will stop me from seeing it through."

The mother nodded slowly, her respect for the young woman growing. "A mission worth risking so much for… It must be important."

"It is," Tessa affirmed, her gaze drifting to the vast expanse of stars visible through the spaceship's viewing panel. "It's about more than just me. It's about protecting what's out there—and what's right here," she added, her hand once again resting gently on her belly.

The little girl tugged at her mother's sleeve, her voice insistent. "Mommy, she's like a hero! A real space hero!"

Tessa crouched slightly to meet the girl's gaze, her smile soft yet unwavering. "A hero isn't someone who's fearless," she said gently, her eyes glimmering with wisdom far beyond her years. "It's someone who keeps moving forward, even when they're afraid. Remember that, little one."

The girl nodded solemnly, her youthful admiration shining bright. "I will!"

Just then, the faint hum of the spaceship's engines shifted, signaling a course adjustment. Tessa straightened, her expression once again calm and focused. "We're approaching the next waypoint. I'll need to check the systems soon."

The mother reached out, her voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Tessa. For everything."

Tessa nodded, her serene demeanor unwavering. "Stay safe. And always look to the stars—they'll guide you when the path seems uncertain."

As Tessa turned and walked away, her figure silhouetted by the soft glow of the ship's lights, the little girl whispered to her mother, "Do you think her baby will be a hero too?"

The mother smiled, her heart warmed by her daughter's awe. "With a mother like that? I have no doubt."

Yet, just as the atmosphere began to relax, Tessa's expression shifted abruptly. Her body stiffened, her senses heightened as a strange energy rippled through the vast emptiness around them. Without a word, she spun on her heels and dashed toward the pilot's arch, her movements urgent and precise.

Nzak Deri, seated in the co-pilot's chair, looked up in alarm. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice steady despite the unease in his eyes. Tessa had left to rest only moments ago. Her sudden return could only mean trouble.

"There's something… off," she replied, her voice clipped but calm. Sliding into her seat, she scanned the control panel. "I sensed an energy approaching. It's moving fast—too fast to ignore. There might be danger ahead."

Nzak Deri nodded gravely, gripping the armrests of his seat. "Should we prepare for an interception?"

Tessa's eyes remained fixed on the swirling vortex of data before her. "Not yet," she said, her tone resolute. "Let me confirm what it is first. If it's a threat, we'll need to act quickly. But I'll need everyone to stay calm and follow my lead."

Behind them, the quiet hum of the spaceship was punctuated by the whispered prayers of the Deri-Legu people. The young girl clutched her mother's hand tightly, her innocent awe replaced with quiet fear.

Tessa took a deep breath, her focus unwavering. She had faced the unknown before, and she would do it again. Whatever lay ahead, she knew one thing for certain: failure was not an option.