Distant Worlds

Reconnecting - PART ONE
An unnamed star system, 740 light years from Astravia - June, 5019
The dim light of a red dwarf star glowed dimly across the deep black as a pair of sleek, dark blue starships dropped hyperspace at a point well above the system ecliptic, one larger and one smaller. The dull reddish glow swept across protruding plasma cannon turrets, sensors of every shape and size, sublight drive thrusters, and the bright white emblem of three four-pointed stars crowning a crossed stylized rocket and telescope, inside a circle, which was painted beneath the bridges of the survey cruiser and its fast cutter escort.

The captain of the Astravian People's Stellar Survey cruiser-cutter Kiyape turned to the astrogator. "Nice job, Astro - you put us right on target."
"Thanks, sir."
"Alright. Michtan, go tell the science pukes in Sensors to stop their bickering and find us the source of those radio emissions we detected."
"Aye, sir!"
"And signalman? Get on the comms laser and tell our comrades over there" - the captain gestured at the fast cutter on the tactical plot - "to start boosting in system. Hold accel to twenty gees, we'll follow shortly."
"Aye, aye!"

A few days later
The two ships orbited one of the moons of the only marginally habitable planet the scientists' surveying had found. Apparently, the radio emissions they had detected had come from a human presence here, but they'd also been a hundred and twenty years in transit to where they'd been picked up. Between then and now, the humans on the planet orbiting the dull red orb hanging in the void had packed up and left. The stubs of the two small cities where the humans in question had lived were still visible from near orbit, as were several mostly intact space stations and satellites.

The reason they'd left was immediately obvious. A gigantic crater was gouged out of the planet's surface where an extinction-level asteroid had impacted, incinerating every forest and making the atmosphere minimally breathable. It looked as though the shockwave and earthquakes had severely damaged the cities as well, and the outlying towns were just... gone. Everyone on both ships agreed that in the same position they would have hightailed it off-planet as quickly as humanly possible, but that didn't make it any less disappointing.

In the little more than a decade since Astravian ships had started crossing the Great Void, they'd found just three minimally inhabited planets (generally with sparse populations in the tens of millions), two of which had technologically regressed to the point that they'd lost hyperdrives and even space-faring capabilities altogether in one case. The other had hyperdrive technology, but it was worse than even Astravia's, which hadn't developed much in around a thousand years, and that system knew nearly nothing about the space beyond its own small area of stars. None of them had anything like the fabled galaxy-spanning FTL communications system which Astravian records spoke of, the 'Starnet' or in the most recent records they had the 'Comnet'. Nothing that would allow Astravia to find the rest of humanity, other technologically advanced systems, if there even was a rest of humanity beyond the galactic northern fringes of the Scutum-Centaurus Arm.

This system, however, looked different. The scale of the orbiting facilities, abandoned though they might be, was beyond anything they'd seen in the other inhabited systems they'd discovered, and a computer they'd managed to boot up in the old spaceport had held what appeared to be starship travel times, which were well beyond what an Astravian ship could accomplish (with hyperdrives, at least, the black hole-slingshot drive could easily outrun even the best theoretically possible hyperdrives). They had only scratched the surface of the ruins of human presence here so far, what else might there be to find?

This question was on the captain's mind as a questioning grunt came from a scientist hunched over a scanner plot. The scientist looked closer, and then...
"Captain, I'm picking up traces of... some kind of emissions from something in the orbit of the other moon."
"What kind of emissions?"
"Something electronic. Looks like one of the old satellites is still active. Strange considering the cosmic radiation round here."
"Do you think it's worth investigating?"
The scientist grinned. "That's what we're here for, Captain."
"Get the shuttles ready, then!"

The shuttles in question dropped from the hangars in the bellies of their mother ships, then fired up thrusters and boosted gently towards the source of the emissions. The object in question grew in their viewscreens, a large spherical satellite with several circular dishes around its circumference, and solar panels at the 'poles' of the sphere. Faded letters were emblazoned across it, rendered illegible by a micrometeoroid strike. It was, however, still evidently active - as the irate squawking of a radio echoing on the shuttles' speakers evidenced.

The first and second languages the transmission went through were unknown to the Astravians. The third, however, was not.
"Sounds like... Soleran, maybe, sir?"
"I'd concur."
"Any idea what it's saying?"
One of the linguists scrunched their face in concentration. "Sounds like... hmmm. Warned, no, warning, something about a security transgression..."
The fourth language cycled around. This one, they knew better.
"Old Galactic Standard. I think they used to call it Ing-lish?"
"Can you translate this one better?"
"Aye. It's saying something along the lines of 'Warning. Your craft is transgressing restricted space around a COMNET relay. If you continue to transgress, you will be fired upon. By order of the Interstellar Communications Service.'"
"COMNET?"
"Sounds like it."
Faces lit up. They'd finally discovered what they had been looking for for the past decade.
"Don't celebrate yet, it said it would fire on us."
"You think it still can?"
A pair of hatches slid open on the sphere, and what were easily recognisable by the military-trained crew as the emitters of particle beam cannons slid out and locked on.
"Oh, sh*t -" The pilot of the shuttle cursed and twisted the control sticks, throwing the shuttle into a spin with the maneuvering thrusters. "All shuttles, take evasive action!"
The pilot swore as two brilliant beams of refracting light given off by agitated particles moving at fifteen percent of the speed of light lanced past the shuttle's starboard wing. They spun the shuttle around, yelling 'brace for high gees' over their shoulder, and lit off the main drive of the shuttle, shoving the occupants hard into their seats before the inertial compensator kicked in and the pressure eased. The shuttle shot out of effective range of the light particle beams, closely followed by its brethren.
They regrouped by the ships. "We're going to have to take out those particle beams before we can try to get to the relay."
"No sh*t," said the captain. "Fortunately, we have two ships armed as warships. I'm sure we can figure out how to take out two old particle cannons. We'll just have to be real careful not to hit the rest of it."

A few hours later, the fast cutter closed with the relay. A camera drone was launched to bait the relay into revealing its particle beam cannons, which it duly did. A moment later, when the cutter had reached just the right angle to knock the particle beam cannons clean off with its own, longer ranged weaponry, its captain barked: "Tacs, are you ready?"
"Aye sir."
"Then fire!"
Two brilliant beams of refractive light lanced out from the fast cutter's forward batteries, the particle beams punching into their shorter-ranged counterparts mounted on the relay and vaporising the emitters entirely.
On the cruiser, the scientists looked on with glee. "Let's see what we have here."

The shuttles returned, hovering around the relay, while vacsuited technicians and scientists crawled over its surface like flies. A temporary airlock and sealed chamber was placed over a maintenance port to allow the technicians and scientists to try and access the relay's innards.

The captain dropped out of the airlock and into the chamber, floating in the zero-G. "How's it looking?"
One of the computer techs saluted. "We've managed to find a terminal. We're trying to break the encryption now. Shouldn't take too much longer, the encryption isn't that good."
A cry came up from further inside the relay. "We're in!"
The captain and technicians crowded round the old terminal, which had a reconfigured Astravian keyboard and other tools of the IT tech's trade plugged into it. A message rose on the screen, in a mixture of computer languages, encyptions, and plain old Standard:
...JWU3RTKU3REUS249QRERWJH423746CR...
...11100010101001010101...
...instance 1347680... FINISH. Enabling...
The computer tech tapped out a few commands.
"Can we get it going?" the captain said.
"Not sure. We could probably reverse engineer it if we had enough time."
"Keep trying."
Meanwhile, the code messages continued to scroll across the screen.
...extract Data.{HYP_ACC_RW}...
...instance operating...
...retr. var_activeChannels....
...interfc_audf.LoadPort...

A technician's brow quirked. "Sir, it's trying to download something onto our computer!"
"Are those computers safed?"
"Yes, but..."
"Let's see what it has to say."

The computer's software wrestled with the files being downloaded to it for a moment, before a video file popped up.
"What does it say?"
The technician pushed play. "It looks like... like one of our news channels back home."
It did indeed. A scrolling ticker tape with characters in an unfamiliar language, below several people discussing something in what was presumably the same unfamiliar language.
The linguist piped up. "The language sounds almost like Sinic from back home, only... harsher, and different in other ways."
A logo appeared on the screen, a light blue and white roundel-type symbol with twin squares on each corner.
"So, there are other people out there..."
Another technician spoke up. "Sir, it appears as though this uses micro-hyperspace tunneling to transmit normal radio waves at FTL speeds."
"Can we transmit with it?"
"No, not yet, but we should be able to move it. Looks as though this will relock onto transmissions. We could take it home."
"Then we will. Radio the cutter, tell them to head back to Brink Base and commandeer a heavy freighter. We'll stay here for now, see what we can learn..."

(OOC: methinks I now hold the record for longest RMB post in DW so far :))

OOC: The regional map has been updated! Featuring the placement of Corsicinot!
See it here:

A Moissanite in a sea of pure diamonds [Part 1]

Salna Cray's eyes shot open as the deafening blare of her alarm clock pierced the serenity of her small sleeping quarters. For a moment, she lay there, disoriented, lost in the hazy boundary between dreams and reality. The room around her seemed foreign, the walls unfamiliar, and the incessant beeping of the alarm only added to her confusion.

With a jolt, Salna sat up in her narrow bed, her heart pounding. She blinked, attempting to shake off the remnants of sleep and the vivid dream that had left her with an unsettling sense of unreality. She reached out and silenced the alarm, finally allowing the room to be cloaked in silence.

Focusing her bleary gaze on the digital clock and calendar beside her bed, she realized it was an important day, a day that she had eagerly anticipated for weeks. Today was the day Metallurgic International would whisk her away to the Capital city of Zenith on the Core World of Euphoria as a reward for her tireless efforts in managing and expanding operations on successful mines throughout her home moon of Smithos.

As Salna's grogginess faded, her excitement bubbled to the surface. She threw back the thin, rough-hewn blankets and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. It wasn't a grand room by any means, just a small, functional space that served its purpose, but a bit more upscale than afforded to most on the moon, given her position. Posters of exotic landscapes adorned the walls, providing a glimpse into the far-off places she could only dream of visiting one day.

Her fingers danced over the control panel on the wall, adjusting the room's lighting to a soft, invigorating glow. With practiced efficiency, she stepped into the attached washroom, splashed her face with cold water, and began her morning routine. Her heart raced as she mentally ran through the tasks ahead of her.

After a brisk shower, Salna emerged from the washroom, her dark hair neatly combed and her makeup applied with precision. She dressed in her professional work attire, a tailored charcoal-gray suit that accentuated her confidence and competence.

As she stood before the full-length mirror, she took a deep breath and tried to shake off the lingering sense of disorientation from her earlier dream. It was time to seize the day to embark on this thrilling journey to Zenith. With a determined smile, Salna Cray grabbed her travel bag, packed with the essentials for the trip, and headed out the door, ready to face whatever adventures awaited her in the Core Worlds.

As Salna exited her quarters, she entered a narrow corridor that starkly contrasted her room's tranquility. The hall was alive with activity, a microcosm of the bustling life on the moon of Smithos. Dressed in utilitarian work attire, Neighbors hurried past her, each absorbed in their own morning routines.

As she made her way towards the central hub of their apartment complex, Salna couldn't help but notice the warm smiles and congratulatory greetings from her fellow workers. It wasn't every day that someone from Smithos got the opportunity to leave the moon and visit the prestigious Core Worlds. She acknowledged their well-wishes with a grateful nod and a polite "Thank you" as she walked by.

The labyrinthine layout of the brutalist apartment complex was a testament to the practicality enforced by the mining colony's design. The concrete walls, while sturdy, exuded a sense of confinement, a constant reminder of their isolation on this desolate moon.

Posters adorned the hallway, proudly displaying the logo of Metallurgic International, the largest mining company in the Kingdom. The bold slogans and images encouraged hard work and dedication to the company's mission. Salna had always been a dedicated employee, loyal to Metallurgic and its vision of prosperity through resource extraction. She believed in the promise that what she and everyone else were doing on Smithos was for the greater good.

Yet, there was an underlying truth that Salna remained blissfully unaware of—the darker aspects of the mining operations, the toll on the environment, and the exploitation of labor. The company's glossy brochures and motivational posters had painted an idyllic picture of their work, concealing the harsh realities of their industry.
Salna continued her journey through the winding corridors, following the familiar path that led outside her apartment. Her anticipation for the trip to Zenith remained undiminished, and she couldn't wait to experience the Core Worlds for herself. With each step, she ventured further into the heart of the colony, unknowingly approaching a crossroads that would challenge her perception of the world she had always known.

Stepping out of her apartment complex, Salna found herself on the bustling streets of Hammers, the largest domed city on Smithos. The metropolis was a testament to human ingenuity, a fragile oasis amid the barren and unforgiving surface of the moon. Massive buildings, their steel and concrete structures gleaming in the artificial light, held up the colossal transparent dome that shielded the city from the harsh lunar environment.
The city was a vibrant tapestry of life and industry. People hurried along the sidewalks, their faces obscured by respirator masks, moving purposefully to their workplaces. The scent of freshly synthesized air and the hum of machinery filled the air, creating a peculiar blend of life and technology.

Gigantic billboards and neon signs adorned the facades of the buildings, casting a colorful glow that danced across the crowded streets. Metallurgic International's influence was unmistakable here, with its advertisements dominating the skyline. Slogans like "Mining the Future" and "We are the Blood of Athalassya" were emblazoned in bold letters, accompanied by images of miners smiling and seemingly content in their work.

Salna couldn't help but look up, her gaze drawn to the massive transparent dome that arched above the city. Beyond the protective barrier, she could see the pale cyan ice giant, Akruas, Smithos' parent planet. It hung in the sky like a distant, otherworldly jewel, its pale blue and white bands of ice swirling in the void and its thin, icey ring glittering in the sunlight.

The sight of Akruas constantly stirred something deep within Salna. It was a constant reminder of the beauty and majesty that lay just outside Smithos, Some only catching this jewel for a short time before working tirelessly in the mines or corporate office.

Salna took a moment to absorb the breathtaking view before returning her attention to the bustling city around her. Unlike everyone else, today was a special day for Salna—a day that promised to break the monotony of her daily routine and allow her a glimpse into a world beyond the dome. With renewed determination, she continued on her way to the transit station.

Salna stood on the train platform, the cool artificial breeze sweeping through the open-air station as she waited for the aging train to arrive. She watched as the distant tunnel's entrance flickered with the approaching headlights; the train perfectly matched the city, aging but covered with bright colors and new paint. The train's wheels screeched, and its brakes hissed as it came to a stop before her.

With a faint sense of trepidation, Salna boarded the train, its interior echoing with the ghosts of countless journeys to the surface and back. The once-polished steel surfaces were now dulled by years of use, and the seats were worn from the constant flow of commuters. She found an empty seat by the window, the faded upholstery crackling as she settled in.

As the train began its descent underground, it rattled and groaned, the vibrations coursing through her body. Salna clutched her travel bag tightly, momentarily wondering if the aging transport was up to the task. But she quickly brushed off her concerns. After all, it was the same train that had served the colony for as long as she could remember, but the idea of possibly, just perhaps, on this day of all days, the train would fail still lingered in the back of her mind.

The journey to the spaceport was long, and Salna watched the passing scenery through the scratched window. The tunnel was dimly lit, and occasional flickers of artificial light illuminated the rough-hewn rock walls that surrounded them. The train seemed to move at a languid pace as if the weight of the rock above burdened it.
Finally, after what felt like an hour, the robotic intercom crackled to life, its mechanical voice echoing through the carriage. "Attention passengers, we are now arriving at Smithos Spaceport - Terminal 1. Please prepare to disembark."

Salna gathered her belongings and rose from her seat, making her way to the exit. To her surprise, she noticed that the platform at the spaceport was nearly deserted. There were only a handful of passengers, all of whom appeared to be high-ranking corporate members in immaculate suits and uniforms. The cleaning staff scurried about, ensuring the platform remained pristine.
Salna felt a momentary pang of unease. The contrast between the bustling streets of Hammers and the quiet desolation of the spaceport was stark. With a determined resolve, she followed the other passengers as they made their way toward Terminal 1, ready to embark on the next leg of her journey to the Core Worlds.

Salna walked through the dimly lit terminal, the vastness of the spaceport stretching out before her. Countless gates lined the terminal, each labeled with destinations to far-off worlds in the system. The sheer number of gates struck her as odd, given the infrequency of passenger flights from Smithos.

She couldn't help but ponder why the spaceport maintained such a sprawling infrastructure when departures from the moon were a rare occurrence. Leaving Smithos was almost a luxury, a costly endeavor that few could afford, and most of the moon's inhabitants had never set foot outside the lunar colony.

Smithos was primarily a mining colony, its purpose rooted in resource extraction to sustain the Core Worlds and the broader system. Visitors were scarce, and the only individuals who regularly used this spaceport were high-ranking corporate personnel overseeing the mining operations and the frequent cargo shipments bound for both the Core and Outer Worlds.

Salna continued to make her way through the terminal, her steps echoing in the empty spaces around her. She passed by only a handful of people, all of them dressed in pristine corporate attire akin to hers and engrossed in hushed conversations. It was clear that she was one of the very few passengers departing from Smithos today, and the emptiness of the terminal only added to her sense of curiosity and unease.

Salna approached her gate, where a female official stood behind the desk, her uniform crisp and professional. The official extended a courteous smile as Salna approached, her eyes fixed on a bulky tablet.

"Welcome, Miss Cray," she said, her voice polite and efficient. "May I see your barcode, please?"

Salna extended her wrist, displaying the barcode embedded tattooed on her skin. The official scanned it with a small handheld device, her expression softening as the verification process was completed successfully.

"Thank you, Miss Cray. Your identity has been verified. Please have a seat. The ship's core is currently undergoing preflight checks, and we will be boarding shortly."

Salna nodded her thanks and made her way to a row of empty seats, her travel bag in tow. She settled into one of the chairs and took a moment to look out of the terminal's expansive windows. Salna could see the city of Hammers in the distance, its domed expanse glistening in the pale lunar light, its shape matching the rocky grey hill surrounding it.

Her gaze lingered on the distant city, Hammers, much like other cities and settlements on Smithos, all come from humble origins, a world of continuous mining and toil. Standing there watching the city, she wondered how different the Zenith was to Hammers, how different the people were; she wondered if they, too, work hard and struggle as they do.

But her contemplation was abruptly interrupted by a sight that demanded her full attention. A massive, super-sleek ship had pulled up at the gate, dwarfing the smaller transport vessels that were a common sight at the spaceport. The ship's exterior was a striking combination of black and white, its sleek lines and polished surfaces giving it an air of opulence that seemed out of place on the lunar colony.

Salna couldn't help but be captivated by the vessel's presence. It was unlike anything she had ever seen on Smithos, and she couldn't shake the feeling that this trip would be far more extraordinary than she had initially imagined.

"Miss Cray!"

The sound of her name drew Salna's attention away from the sleek ship. She turned around to find a man, or so she initially thought, standing before her. His stance was enigmatic, like a performer in a grand ballet, perched on his toes with a grace that seemed almost supernatural. His outfit was lavish, fitting him like a second skin, and it radiated an aura of sophistication.
The man extended his hand with a warm, welcoming smile.

"Greetings, Miss Cray," he said, his voice smooth and melodious. "I'm an AZ-400 model android, sent by Metallurgic to aid you and be your guide to Zenith. You can call me Xander."

Salna's astonishment was palpable as she took his hand. Of course, she had heard of androids but had never seen one in person. The realism before her was uncanny. Xander's presence was so human-like, from the way he stood to the warmth of his touch, the way its chest rose and fell as if it were breathing. Even the way it subtly blinked, its eyes reflecting the terminal's ambient light, was uncanny. Her voice quivered with a mixture of curiosity and surprise.

"You're... an android? You're incredibly lifelike," she stammered, her eyes scanning his form in fascination.

She had always imagined androids as rigid, mechanical beings, but Xander was a testament to the advancements in technology she had never witnessed on Smithos.
Xander maintained his genial smile.

"You are too kind, Miss Cray. You truly have Wayward-Yatari Robotics to thank for that." pausing for a second before continuing, "I am here to ensure your journey to Zenith is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. If you have any questions or require assistance, please don't hesitate to ask."

Salna's astonishment lingered as she tried to absorb the reality of the situation. She couldn't help but be captivated by the lifelike android standing before her. Gathering her composure, she nodded with a curious smile.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Xander. This is all quite remarkable."

Xander returned her nod gracefully, then gestured toward the gates leading to the imposing ship.

"All final prechecks are complete, Miss Cray. May you please follow me to the ship?"

Salna couldn't suppress her excitement as she followed Xander through the gates and onto the ship. The moment she stepped inside, her breath caught in her throat. The vessel was a marvel of design, with clean paneling and elegant wood accents that gave it an air of timeless luxury.
Xander continued to guide her with poise, his balletic movements seemingly effortless as he explained the ship's amenities.

"The journey to Zenith is a brief one, only a day, but during your time here, you'll have access to a multitude of comforts. We have a spacious pool area, a relaxing spa, a selection of vintage wines, and much more to ensure your voyage is as enjoyable as possible."

Salna was in awe as she took in the opulent surroundings. It was a stark departure from the rugged environment of Smithos, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and curiosity. As they continued their tour, she couldn't shake the feeling that this trip was unlike any other, and her excitement for the adventures awaiting her on Zenith grew with each passing moment.

As Xander gracefully guided Salna through the luxurious ship, he turned his attention to her with a polite inquiry.

"Miss Cray, have you had breakfast yet?"

Salna shook her head, her curiosity about her surroundings momentarily eclipsing her appetite. "No, I haven't. I suppose I'm just too excited to eat."

Xander nodded understandingly, his features maintaining a polite and attentive demeanor.

"Of course, Miss Cray. Your excitement is entirely justified. However, if you find yourself hungry or in need of a snack later, please don't hesitate to let me know. You can simply snap your fingers or clap your hands, and I'll be at your service."

"Thank you, Xander," Salna replied with gratitude, appreciating his willingness to cater to her needs.
Continuing their tour, Xander mentioned their scheduled lunchtime.

"Lunch is scheduled at 7 pm, Miss Cray. We'll be enjoying a delightful meal of," he paused momentarily, his voice tinged with anticipation, "Pan-seared Alkaarian Snapper with Truffle Risotto and a side of Buttered Asparagus."

Salna's mouth watered at the description, and she couldn't help but look forward to the culinary delights that awaited her.
Xander then led her to her personal quarters, and Salna couldn't believe her eyes when she stepped inside. The room was substantially larger and more opulent than her humble quarters on Hammers. Plush furnishings, soft lighting, and tasteful decor filled the space, creating an atmosphere of refined comfort.
Salna's eyes widened as she took in the room's elegance. "This is... incredible."
Xander smiled, his android eyes twinkling with a hint of pride.

"We aim to provide our guests with the utmost comfort, Miss Cray. Please don't hesitate to ask if you need anything during your journey. Enjoy your stay."

With a nod of appreciation, Salna settled into her luxurious quarters, a sense of adventure and anticipation building within her.

As the ship left the lunar surface of Smithos and ventured into the cosmos, Salna spent the day luxuriating in all the vessel had to offer. She explored every nook and cranny, marveling at the opulent amenities and the impeccable service provided by Xander. It was a world of comfort and sophistication she had never imagined existed, and she relished every moment.

She dipped her toes into the pool, relaxed in the spa, and sipped on vintage wines while taking in the breathtaking views of the stars. The day passed in a blissful haze of wonder and indulgence, a stark contrast to the rugged life she had known on Smithos.
As the clock struck 7 pm, Xander appeared with an elegant dinner invitation.

"Miss Cray, dinner is ready. Please, allow me to escort you to the dining area."

Salna eagerly followed Xander to the dining area, where a sumptuous feast awaited her. The Pan-seared Alkaarian Snapper with Truffle Risotto and Buttered Asparagus lived up to its promise, and Salna had a euphoric moment as she savored every bite.

After dinner and her long and eventful day, fatigue finally caught up with her. With a satisfied smile, she returned to her personal quarters. The comfortable bed and soft blankets enveloped her like a warm embrace, and it didn't take long for her to succumb to sleep.
As she drifted into dreams, she couldn't help but wonder what the next day would bring.

After hours of deep slumber, Salna was stirred from her peaceful sleep as the soft glow of the room's lights gradually bathed her in their warm radiance. Blinking away the remnants of her dreams, she turned her gaze towards the source of the light to find Xander standing there, a polite, apologetic smile on his face.

"Miss Cray, I apologize for waking you," Xander said with his customary grace. "But I thought you might want to know that we are now in the orbit of Euphoria. I imagine you'd enjoy witnessing the descent to the surface."

Salna's eyes widened with excitement as she quickly nodded her agreement, thanking Xander profusely. She wasted no time in making her way to the ship's main lounge, which was adorned with large windows that offered a breathtaking view of the celestial body below.
As she gazed out of the windows, Salna was awe-struck by the beauty that unfolded before her. Euphoria's surface was a verdant expanse of lush greenery and sparkling blue oceans, starkly contrasting the gray, lifeless moon she had called home for so long. The vibrant colors and natural splendor were unlike anything she had ever seen.
The ship began its descent through the planet's atmosphere, and Salna couldn't tear her eyes away from the spectacle. She watched in wonder as they passed over dense green forests and vast, shimmering oceans. The brilliant blue sky stretched above her, filling her with a sense of freedom and possibility that she had never known on Smithos.

And then, in the distance, she saw it—a metropolis that seemed to reach for the heavens themselves. Zenith, with its gleaming gold skyscrapers, stood as a testament to the grandeur of the Core Worlds. Salna's heart swelled with anticipation as they drew nearer to the city, the promise of new adventures and discoveries beckoning her like a siren's call.

As the ship prepared to make its landing in Zenith, Salna couldn't help but reflect on the incredible journey that had brought her here. She knew that her life was about to change in ways she could never have imagined, and she was ready to embrace every moment of it.

OOC: The regional map has been updated! Featuring the placement of Astralaria!
See it here: