The bridge fell silent as Silver Lining's sensors locked onto the outpost ahead. The viewport shifted, revealing a sprawling complex carved into the rocky surface of a barren moon, its jagged towers and metal walls stretching against the gray sky.
Dim lights flickered along the perimeter, casting long shadows over watchtowers and docking bays. Smoke curled lazily from several areas—signs of recent activity, or perhaps damage from skirmishes past.
Small clusters of figures moved near the gates—armed guards patrolling, unaware of the ship silently closing in above.
The AI's voice broke the tension, calm and precise.
"Outpost identified. Security level high. Estimated personnel: seventy-two. Prisoner locations mapped and marked. Suggested approach vectors optimized for stealth and minimal engagement."
De'rax's fingers tightened around the armrest, eyes narrowing. "There's our hell."
I swallowed hard, heart pounding. "Time to bring them home."
The crew tensed, weapons ready, breaths held.
Outside, the cold moonlight cast a stark glow on the fortress—silent witness to the fight about to unfold.
Silver Lining shifted course, gliding toward the outpost's most secluded landing zone—a narrow canyon rimmed with jagged rocks, hidden from the main patrol routes.
The ship's hull hummed softly as it descended, engines muted to a near whisper. The crew gathered silently on the bridge, faces taut with focus and nerves.
Argo's jaw clenched. "This spot's tight. No room for mistakes."
Ennis double-checked the gear manifest, voice steady but low. "But it's the best chance we've got for stealth."
De'rax leaned close, voice barely above a whisper. "Remember, precision. Quiet. We hit fast, get the prisoners, and get out."
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "We do this for them."
Outside, Silver Lining touched down with barely a tremor, nestled deep in the canyon's shadow. The crew exchanged glances, breaths shallow but steady.
The airlock hissed open, and the mission began—silent footsteps into the dark, every heartbeat pounding the promise of freedom.
The airlock doors slid open with a soft hiss, spilling dim light onto the rocky ground outside. The cool, dry air of the canyon pressed in, thick with silence.
De'rax stepped forward, his voice low but sharp, cutting through the quiet like a blade.
"Listen up—this is where precision matters most. No loud noises. No unnecessary risks. Stick to the shadows and move as one."
He paused, eyes scanning each face, hard and steady.
"Watch your corners. Keep comms brief—only essentials. If anyone spots trouble, signal immediately but don't engage unless absolutely necessary."
He glanced at me, his tone softening just a touch.
"And above all—stay safe. We come back whole, or not at all."
The crew nodded, weapons raised but steady.
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle, then pushed forward.
"Let's bring them home."
One by one, we slipped into the darkness, shadows among shadows, the hunt for freedom just beginning.
We moved as one, shadows slipping silently along the jagged canyon walls. The only sound was the soft crunch of boots on gravel and the faint hum of Silver Lining's distant systems.
Argo led the way, sharp-eyed and steady, while Ennis flanked the rear, her grip tight on her weapon.
Suddenly, a sharp clatter echoed—a small crew member, barely a silhouette against the dark, caught their foot on a loose rock. A cascade of stones tumbled down the slope, rattling against the canyon floor below.
"Shit," Argo whispered, pulling the team back into the deeper shadows.
From below, muffled voices rose, tense and searching.
"Did you hear that? Probably those damn Anthringus beasts again—big carnivorous cats. They're always causing trouble near the canyon."
A guard's voice grumbled, "Keep watch. If it's not the beasts, it's something worse."
The crew pressed backs against the rock face, breath held tight as the patrol passed close, eyes scanning but fooled by the well-timed noise.
I exchanged a quick glance with De'rax, nodding silently.
When the voices faded, we moved again—more cautiously now, hearts pounding but spirits unbroken.