Eli stared out of the Odyssey’s viewport, his face pressed against the cool glass. The vastness of space stretched before him, infinite and overwhelming, but in a way that made him feel more alive than he had in years. Stars blinked like distant beacons, some faint, others blazing bright in the black void. Nebulae swirled like colorful mists, casting ethereal glows across the endless dark.

  He had read about this kind of view in books, seen it on documentaries, but nothing could have prepared him for the real thing. This was no simulation, no virtual reality. This was the universe—alive, breathing, full of untold mysteries and possibilities.

  For a moment, Eli forgot everything—his old life, his job at NorthStar Freight, the disappointment of the past few years. Here, in the quiet emptiness of space, he felt small—but also strangely free. This was the frontier, the unknown. His childhood dreams seemed insignificant compared to the awe this place stirred within him.

  "Hey, Eli!" came a voice from behind him. It was Tom, his eyes shining with a mixture of excitement and nervous energy. "Get ready. We’re about to hit the hyperjump. This is it!"

  Eli turned and nodded, still in awe of the stars outside. The crew had been preparing for this moment since they left the colony, and now it was time to begin the real journey.

  Ralec’s voice came through the comm system, calm and reassuring. "All crew, prepare for hyperjump. Systems engaged."

  Eli braced himself as the ship hummed to life, the engine’s energy pulsing through the ship. The exterior of the Odyssey blurred, the stars stretching like comets as they bent and warped in space. Time folded in on itself as the ship’s hyperdrive activated.

  The world around him flickered like a broken light, and Eli felt a strange disorientation as the ship surged forward—faster than anything he had ever experienced. A pulse in his chest matched the ship’s rhythm. Then, just as quickly as the sensation began, it stopped.

  Silence.

  He was still floating in his seat, the feeling of weightlessness taking over as the ship settled into its new course. They were headed toward the colony three months away, and Eli had no idea what awaited them.

  Eli had spent the past few hours wandering around the ship, still trying to wrap his head around everything that had happened. The Odyssey was far bigger than he had expected. The ship felt like a small city, a self-contained environment meant for long-term travel across the galaxy.

  He finally found himself in the mess hall, a large, open space with windows that overlooked the void of space. The crew was already seated around the long table, the hum of conversation mixing with the clatter of cutlery. Ralec sat at the head of the table, his usual calm demeanor unshaken by the fact that they were about to embark on a journey that could change everything.

  Tom, ever the warm presence, waved him over. "Hey, Eli! Grab a seat. You look like you could use a hot meal before we head into cryosleep."

  Eli nodded, grateful for the offer, and slid into the empty seat next to Tom. The food was a simple, protein-packed meal, designed to fuel them for the long trip ahead. As he picked at the meal, Eli couldn't help but notice the quiet camaraderie that seemed to hang in the air. The crew didn’t know each other well yet, but there was a certain bond that existed between them—a shared sense of purpose, of being chosen for something bigger.

  "So," Tom said, his voice light and friendly, "how are you holding up, Eli? First time in space, huh?"

  Eli chuckled softly, the tension in his shoulders easing just a little. "Yeah, first time. It’s... it’s a lot to take in. But I think I’m starting to get used to the idea that I'm actually here."

  Darius, sitting across from Eli, took a swig from his drink and raised an eyebrow. “You get used to it or just numb to it?”

  Ralec shot Darius a warning glance, but Darius was already smirking, clearly trying to rile up Eli. The man had a sharp edge to him, like someone who had seen too much of the world and didn’t care to filter his thoughts.

  Eli shrugged. “Maybe both,” he said, not wanting to start a confrontation. “I’m just trying to keep my head in the game.”

  Sparks, who had been listening quietly, leaned forward with a mischievous smile. “You’ll need to be a bit more than ‘numb’ if you want to survive long enough for this mission. We’ve got a lot of unknowns coming up, Eli.”

  "She's right," Tom added with a chuckle. "But don't worry, we’ll get you through it. You'll be so bored after a few weeks, you'll wish you could go back to Earth."

  The banter was light, almost comforting, but Eli could feel the weight of the upcoming journey pressing down on him. They were about to enter a dangerous part of space, and none of them really knew what awaited them. The tension was subtle, but it was there.

  Ralec pushed back from the table, his chair scraping against the floor as he stood. "Alright, everyone, time to prepare for cryosleep. We’ve got a long way ahead of us, and I don’t want anyone feeling the effects of the journey. Make sure everything’s secured, and get some rest."

  The crew nodded and began to clear the table. Sparks lingered for a moment, eyeing Eli thoughtfully. "You still good? I know this whole ‘space mission’ thing might be a lot to process. But once we’re in cryosleep, you won’t have much time to think about it."

  Eli met her gaze, his stomach twisting slightly. "Yeah, I think I’m good. Just… just a little overwhelmed, I guess."

  Sparks gave him an encouraging nod. “It’ll pass. We’ve all been there. Just focus on the job, and everything else will follow.”

  Tom clapped him on the back, his voice cheerful. “Exactly. Focus on the job. And don’t forget to get some sleep. You’re going to need it.”

  The crew moved to the cryosleep chamber. Eli followed them in, feeling a mixture of unease and curiosity. The cold, metallic interior of the chamber felt like the final step—no going back from here. Ralec was already at the control panel, making adjustments to the system.

  "Remember," Ralec’s voice was calm, steady. "When we enter cryosleep, you’ll be out for the duration of the journey. No need to worry about time—just let your body rest. We’ll wake you when we arrive."

  The capsules were lined up in neat rows, each one waiting to encase them in a cocoon of freezing liquid, hibernating them for the long journey. Eli hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting from one crew member to the next. They all seemed so comfortable with this, as if it were second nature.

  He stepped toward the capsule assigned to him. As he lay down and the liquid began to fill around him, a strange feeling of detachment washed over him. It was almost as if he were being swallowed whole by the unknown. And in a way, that was exactly what was happening.

  As the liquid continued to rise, his mind began to drift. The low hum of the ship faded, and the steady pressure of sleep took over. For the first time in a long while, Eli felt his body relax, his thoughts slowing. His last conscious thought before the darkness overtook him was of the distant stars outside the ship’s windows, glittering like diamonds in the void.

  Eli floated in the middle of a vast, empty space. Stars flickered and pulsed all around him, but he wasn’t floating in a ship—he was suspended in the void, weightless and free. He could feel the silent hum of the universe vibrating through him, a strange pulse that matched his own heartbeat.

  There was something out there, far in the distance. A shape, a presence—an ancient vessel, its surface reflecting the cosmic light. It moved like a living thing, sleek and alien, alive in a way that made Eli shiver despite the warmth of his sleep.

  The ship’s presence was overwhelming, almost suffocating. But then, from the depths of the void, a voice echoed inside his mind, not spoken, but felt—a voice that resonated with the deepest parts of him:

  “You are different from them. You do not threaten me. You are… like me. You have a purpose.”

  Eli tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. The voice continued, calm and soothing, yet with a sense of desperation:

  “I am here… but lost. Help me.”

  The voice grew more insistent, the words clearer:

  “You will know me when you are near. The truth… will be clear.”

  Eli reached out to the ship, or perhaps it reached out to him. The stars around him spun faster, distorting and flickering like a dream that was slipping away. He heard a faint heartbeat, pulsing softly through the cosmos.

  And then… he woke, his breath ragged, his heart pounding in his chest.

  The cryosleep chamber opened, and Eli sat up, blinking away the remnants of the dream. The ship hummed around him, and he felt the low vibrations in the floor as the Odyssey neared the colonized planet. He didn’t know what that dream meant, but it lingered in his mind, like an unanswered question. What was that ship? And why had it reached out to him?

  Eli had spent the last few hours exploring the Odyssey—or at least the parts that were accessible. It was a mid-sized ship, and although it was efficient for its purpose, there was a certain intimacy about it. The crew did everything themselves: monitoring the ship’s systems, making repairs, keeping the engine humming. There were no outside contractors or additional personnel—just them.

  When he wandered into the mess hall, the crew was already seated, casually eating their meals and chatting. Tom waved him over to an empty seat.

  “Hey, Eli! Grab a tray and join us. How’s the whole space thing feel so far?”

  Eli smiled, still a little stunned by the whole experience. "It’s... a lot to take in. I didn’t expect everything to be so… hands-on."

  Darius gave a short laugh from across the table. “Yeah, welcome to the Odyssey. We’re not exactly living in luxury here. But it gets the job done.”

  Sparks, who had been quietly eating, chimed in. “It’s not just about getting the job done. It’s about doing it together. We’ve got each other’s backs.”

  Tom grinned. “Exactly. Don’t worry. Once we hit the planet, we can give you a little tour. Get you acclimated to things.”

  Ralec stepped into the mess hall, his presence immediately commanding attention. The crew straightened up, but he waved them off. “Nothing to worry about, everyone. Just checking in.”

  He walked toward the counter, grabbing a cup of coffee, then turned to the team. “I’ll be heading to the embassy to meet with the IEG officers and the emissary for the planet. You’re all already briefed on the mission—land, check for any damages, restock, and wait. Standard procedure.”

  The crew nodded, acknowledging the plan.

  Sparks raised an eyebrow. “And what about you, Ralec? Are you going to just be talking, or is there something we should know?”

  Ralec’s lips curled into a faint smile, but there was a hard edge to it. “I’ll be handling the diplomatic side of things. You all know your roles. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be back before you know it.”

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  “Just try not to make too many enemies,” Darius teased, a glint of humor in his eyes.

  Ralec didn’t smile at that, though. He simply nodded once, then turned to leave. "Do what you need to do here. The Odyssey’s in your hands now."

  With that, he exited the room, leaving the crew to their own devices.

  After a few moments of quiet, Sparks pushed back from the table, standing up. “Alright, we’ve got a little downtime when we land, Eli, how about a tour of the planet? I know you’re new to all of this. It’ll be good to stretch your legs and get a feel for the local scene.”

  Eli looked up, a little surprised. “A tour? You mean... off the ship?”

  “Yup,” Tom said, his eyes lighting up. “The planet’s pretty welcoming, and there’s a lot to see. The place isn’t just populated by humans. There’s a whole community of friendly extraterrestrials living alongside us.”

  Sparks laughed. “Don’t worry. We’ll keep you out of trouble. And you can always ask questions if you’re not sure about something.”

  Darius gave a mock salute, his expression playful. “But don’t go causing any interspecies incidents, alright? We’ve got enough on our plates.”

  Eli chuckled nervously, unsure of what kind of trouble he could even get into. But the idea of stepping off the ship and into an unfamiliar world was too intriguing to pass up.

  “Alright, sure. A tour sounds good.”

  Tom grinned. “Great! We'll get you to the transport, and we can show you around. There’s a nice local market, and if you’re into alien architecture, this place has it all.”

  Sparks raised her hand like a schoolteacher. “Oh, and be prepared for the weather. It’s a little more humid than you might expect for a colony planet. You might want to pack a jacket.”

  Eli smiled. “Thanks for the heads-up.”

  The Odyssey glided through the atmosphere, touching down on the planet’s surface with a soft thrum. Eli looked out of the shuttle’s window, his eyes wide. This wasn’t just a new world—it was a place that was alive, vibrant with both humans and extraterrestrial life coexisting in a harmonious dance.

  Ralec had already given his briefing and excused himself to meet with the IEG officers and the emissary at the embassy. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew had their own tasks to attend to. They were here to restock, check on any maintenance issues with the Odyssey, and prepare for the next leg of the journey.

  The docking bay of the colony was bustling with activity—traders unloading goods, engineers performing quick repairs, and civilians going about their daily routines. Eli followed the crew as they disembarked, the warm breeze hitting his face. It was refreshing after the long stretch in space.

  “Well, here we are,” Tom said, taking a deep breath. “Nice, huh? Planet Althera—human settlement, but there’s a pretty large number of Xorlan living here, too. They’re known for their tech and their art. Got everything you could need.”

  Eli took it all in—the bustling market stands, the towering buildings, and the strange mix of species moving around. It was overwhelming, but in a good way.

  “We’ve got some downtime,” Sparks said. “The Odyssey is getting some repairs, and we’ve got a few hours before we need to head back. Why not take a look around? Get a feel for the place.”

  “Yeah, let’s get you acquainted with the local scene,” Tom added. “You’ve never seen anything like this.”

  Eli hesitated for a moment. “I’m not really sure what I’d be looking for...”

  “That’s the beauty of it,” Darius interjected, clapping Eli on the shoulder. “You don’t need to know what you’re looking for. Just take it all in. And hey,” he added with a grin, “while we’re out, I’ll teach you a few moves, just in case things get ugly. You never know when you might need to defend yourself.”

  Eli chuckled nervously. “I’m not much of a fighter.”

  “That’s why you’re going to learn,” Darius said, a twinkle in his eye. “I’ll teach you a few tricks that could save your life if things go sideways.”

  Eli was about to ask more questions, but Sparks interrupted, “You two can spar later. Let’s give Eli a tour first. The city’s got some cool places to check out.”

  The crew led Eli through the city, showing him some of the local landmarks. First stop was the bustling marketplace where humans and Xorlan alike haggled over exotic goods. The stalls were packed with bright colors, strange smells, and unusual items from all corners of the galaxy. Eli was wide-eyed, taking it all in.

  “There’s a lot more variety here than I thought,” he remarked, stopping at a stall with alien fruits and vegetables stacked high. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

  “That’s the Xorlan influence,” Tom explained. “They’re big on agriculture—everything here’s grown in one of their massive greenhouse domes.”

  Sparks grinned. “You’ve got a good eye. The fruit’s not bad, either. Want to try one?”

  Eli hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Sure, why not?”

  Sparks handed him a small, purple fruit the size of a fist. It looked like nothing he had ever seen before—its skin shimmered in the light, almost like it was iridescent.

  “You’re not allergic to anything, right?” she asked with a playful smile.

  “No, I’m good. It’s just... I have no idea what I’m eating.”

  “Well, it’s called a Zoln fruit. It’s sweet, but it has a bit of a kick to it,” she explained.

  Eli took a bite, his face immediately lighting up. “Whoa, that’s... really good.”

  “Right? Xorlan agriculture, for the win.”

  After their stop at the market, the crew took Eli to a nearby park—an open green space where humans and Xorlan could relax. Eli was surprised by how peaceful it was. The sounds of the city faded as they walked through the park, the trees rustling softly in the wind. He couldn’t help but breathe in the fresh air.

  “You know, this place feels... different,” Eli said, his voice a little quieter now.

  Sparks nodded. “Yeah. It’s one of the things I like about Althera—it’s not just a colony. It’s a blend of cultures. People come here and end up staying because it just... works.”

  As they walked, Darius motioned toward a nearby gym facility. “Speaking of working, why don’t we swing by here? They’ve got a combat training room. I can show you a few moves while we’ve got the chance.”

  “Now? Don’t you think I should at least get some rest first?” Eli asked.

  “Rest is overrated,” Darius quipped. “Plus, you’re not going to get better unless you get in the ring. We can start with the basics.”

  Sparks shrugged, “You’ll thank him later, trust me.”

  They made their way to the gym, which was much more advanced than Eli expected. The floors were padded with a material designed to cushion any falls, and the walls were lined with training equipment. A few local inhabitants were sparring in the corner, moving with speed and precision that made Eli nervous.

  Darius led him to a mat in the middle of the room. “Alright, Eli, here’s the deal. I’m going to teach you the basics of self-defense. The most important thing you need to know is how to keep your cool when everything’s falling apart.”

  “I think I’ve got that down, considering the whole ‘getting fired and nearly jumping off a building situation,” Eli said, trying to make light of the moment.

  Darius smirked. “Fair point. But self-defense is more than just throwing punches. It’s about being aware of your surroundings, reading your opponent, and knowing when to act. And that’s something I’ll help you with.”

  He showed Eli a few basic stances, how to protect himself and how to throw a punch without injuring himself. It was tiring, but Eli could already feel his body reacting to the movements, his muscles learning what to do.

  After a while, they took a break, both of them panting lightly. Eli wiped his brow. “Okay, I can see how this could come in handy.”

  Darius grinned. “Told you. You’re a natural.”

  The tour had been eye-opening for Eli. It wasn’t just the planet that impressed him—it was the camaraderie of the crew. There was a sense of family here that he hadn’t experienced before, and for the first time in a long while, he felt like he was part of something.

  As they returned to the Odyssey, Sparks turned to Eli with a smile. “Not bad for your first day, huh? You’ve got a lot to catch up on, but we’ll get you there.”

  Eli nodded, the weight of it all settling in. He didn’t know what lay ahead, but for the first time, he felt like he was ready for it.

  The sun had set, and the city of Althera was aglow with the soft hum of streetlights and neon signs. Eli stood at the edge of the observation deck, looking out at the sweeping view of the city—its towering buildings, the distant hum of transport shuttles, and the glow of the stars overhead.

  He still couldn’t wrap his mind around everything that had happened. One minute he was stuck in a dead-end job, questioning everything he’d ever wanted, and now, here he was, standing on an alien world, about to embark on a journey to the unknown.

  How the hell had he gotten here?

  Eli exhaled slowly, his breath visible in the cool night air. It was surreal. He thought back to that moment on the bridge, the moment when everything felt like it was about to end. And now, here he was, surrounded by people who were experts in their own right—Darius, Sparks, Gabe, even Tom—but he still felt like an outsider.

  As he stared out at the distant skyline, he heard the soft scrape of footsteps behind him.

  “I thought I’d find you out here,” Ralec’s voice broke through the quiet.

  Eli turned around. Ralec was standing a few feet away, his arms folded casually across his chest. Despite the weight of their mission, Ralec’s demeanor was always calm, always steady—like he had everything under control. Eli envied that.

  “Couldn’t sleep,” Eli admitted, shrugging. “Just... needed some air. It’s a lot to take in, you know? I keep thinking this is all some kind of dream.”

  Ralec gave a knowing nod, his gaze drifting over the cityscape. “I understand. It’s a lot for anyone to process. But, you’re here now. And that’s all that matters.”

  Eli hesitated, still staring at the ground. “I... I don’t get it, though. Why me?”

  Ralec raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, look at this team,” Eli said, gesturing toward the others who were still inside the ship, prepping for the next leg of the journey. “Everyone has a role to play—everyone has something they’re good at. Sparks, Darius, Tom... they’re all experts. And then there’s me. I don’t even know why I’m here. I don’t have a role. I don’t know what I can do.”

  Ralec smiled, but it wasn’t the kind of smile Eli had expected. It wasn’t one of reassurance, but one of understanding, as if Ralec had seen something Eli hadn’t.

  “You’re wrong,” Ralec said softly. “You’re exactly what this team needs.”

  Eli looked at him, confused. “What do you mean? I don’t even know how to help.”

  Ralec’s smile deepened, a hint of something like pride in his eyes. “You’re a good person, Eli. You’ve been through hell, but you’re still standing, still trying to figure things out. That’s exactly why I chose you. It’s your way of thinking, your heart. You’re going to be the glue that holds this team together when it counts.”

  Eli’s brow furrowed. “The glue? I don’t understand.”

  Ralec sighed and stepped forward, resting a hand on the railing next to Eli. “Let me explain. Everyone here—Tom, Darius, Sparks, Gabe—they’ve all been where you are, in one way or another. They’ve all faced struggles, they’ve all had their lives broken in some way, but they still fight. And they fight for different reasons. But you, Eli, you’re the only one still chasing your dream, even though the world has told you it’s impossible.”

  Eli blinked, his breath catching in his throat. “What do you mean?”

  Ralec’s voice softened. “Tom, for example. He was once like you, full of promise, full of ambition. He had a family, a future. But his divorce... his son, the one thing he loves more than anything in this world... he lost custody. That’s why he’s here, fighting. He’s trying to prove to himself, to the world, that he can still be the man he wants to be. And you’re the one who’s going to help him keep that spark alive.”

  Eli swallowed hard, his heart tightening for Tom. He hadn’t known that. Tom always came off as the reliable, calm one. The father figure. He never would have guessed that kind of pain lay beneath that surface.

  “Then there’s Darius,” Ralec continued. “He’s a soldier—a man who has carried the weight of his past on his shoulders. He failed a mission. He lost men under his command, men who trusted him, and it haunts him. This is his redemption. Signing up for the IEG was his way of trying to make up for the mistakes he can never undo. He’s still searching for a way to feel like he’s worth something again.”

  Eli felt the weight of that, too. Darius had always been brash, quick to act. But now Eli understood there was more to him than just the soldier—there was a man trying to heal.

  “Then there’s Gabe,” Ralec went on. “He’s been an outcast his whole life. A man without a real home. No one ever really accepted him, not even in his own people’s eyes. He’s still fighting for a place where he truly belongs, a place where he can be more than just the misfit. And right now, this team, this mission—this is his chance to prove that he’s not just a side character in someone else’s story.”

  Eli stared at Ralec, trying to process the weight of his words. “And you...?”

  Ralec shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. “Me? I’ve made my peace with who I am. But you... You’re the one who hasn’t given up on your dream. You’re still fighting to find meaning in your life, to fill that hole you’ve had since you were a kid. You may not know it yet, but you’re the key to all of this. Without you, this team would fall apart. But with you, we can keep moving forward. We can heal together.”

  For a long moment, Eli didn’t know what to say. He looked out at the city again, trying to digest everything that had been laid out before him. It wasn’t just about the mission anymore—it was about the people he was with. About finding a purpose, not just for himself, but for them too.

  He looked back at Ralec. “I... I don’t know if I’m ready for all of that.”

  Ralec chuckled softly. “No one ever is. But you’ll be fine, Eli. You’re here for a reason.”

  Eli took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the words settle within him. He was here for a reason. And somehow, he was going to figure out how to be the person they all needed him to be.

  “Thanks,” Eli said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. “For everything.”

  Ralec nodded. “You’re welcome. Now, let’s get some rest. We’ve got a long road ahead of us.”