The new alliance with Sanctuary was a warm, hopeful light on the bridge of the Odyssey. For a few, brief hours, there was a sense of progress, of building something strong and good.
Seraphina was getting a tour of the ship from a very enthusiastic Chris Magnus, who was proudly explaining the snack dispenser's many features.
Emma and Zara were at their consoles, working with Sanctuary's scientists to link their information networks. Scarlett stood near the captain's chair, a quiet and watchful shadow, her presence a comforting constant.
Ryan felt, for the first time, like they were truly on the right path.
The peace was shattered by a loud, blaring alarm. A piercing siren that meant only one thing: an emergency.
"What is that?" Seraphina asked, her tour forgotten.
"That's the 'Something Is Very Wrong' alarm," Chris said, dropping a half-eaten protein bar.
