Chapter 3: Starhopper's Launch
The old hangar smelled of dust and metal. Kian crouched beside the Starhopper's engine, his hands expertly twisting wires and tightening screws. Sparks flew as he worked, and Zara watched, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves.
"This shuttle might be old, but it's got heart," Kian said, flashing a grin. "Just needs a little love to get her roaring."
Zara nodded, biting her lip. "I hope you're right. We don't have a second chance."
She pulled out the solar-powered scanner she had been perfecting for weeks. "This should help us find the energy crystals and detect any alien tech."
Kian stood and dusted off his hands. "Oxygen tanks are packed. Suits are ready. You sure you want to do this?"
Zara squared her shoulders. "I have to. The rescue team will take too long, and my parents need help now."
With a loud groan, the Starhopper's engine sputtered and then roared to life. The shuttle shook as systems powered up, and blinking lights on the control panel filled the cockpit with a soft glow.
Zara climbed into the pilot's seat, fastening her harness. "Ready for launch," she said, gripping the controls tightly.
Kian joined her, strapping himself into the co-pilot seat. "Let's show these robots what we're made of."
Outside, the hangar doors slid open with a hiss, revealing the vast night sky sparkling with stars. The glowing city of Neo-Toronto shrank behind them as the shuttle lifted off, engines rumbling and shaking the entire hangar.
The roar of the engine filled the cabin as they blasted through the atmosphere, the blackness of space swallowing the Earth beneath them.
Zara kept her eyes on the instruments, heart hammering as the Moon grew closer. Her scanner beeped, indicating an energy signature near the base.
"Looks like the Lunaris Base core," Zara said, pointing to the screen.
Kian nodded. "Brace yourself for landing — it won't be smooth with all that damage."
Outside, the barren, cratered surface of the Moon rushed up to meet them. The Starhopper shuddered violently as dust kicked up in waves beneath the thrusters.
With a final jolt, the shuttle touched down.
Zara exhaled slowly, the tension breaking just a little. "We made it."
Kian unstrapped and opened the hatch. The airlock hissed as it adjusted for lunar pressure.
Together, they stepped out, boots sinking slightly into the dusty ground. The broken towers and flickering lights of the base stretched out before them — a ghostly reminder of the battle fought here.
Zara tightened her grip on the scanner. "We don't have much time."
Kian gave her a determined nod. "Let's go save your parents."