The lingering glow of explosions faded beyond the observation window of *The Nameless*. Ellara leaned weakly against the command chair, her cybernetic eye flickering faintly with blue light. Kirah knelt beside her, the medical scanner in his hand beeping steadily.
"Neural link overload, but vital signs are stable," he said, adjusting his glasses — data streams reflecting in the lenses. "Residual code from the Saint Core AI is detaching from your nervous system."
Ellara lightly touched her dimmed cybernetic eye, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Looks like I'll be a one-eyed captain for a while."
Before Kirah could respond, the main console suddenly powered on by itself. Holographic projections swirled in the air, forming the shape of a dove in mid-flight, its wings composed of flowing lines of data.
**"System self-diagnostic complete."** A calm yet firm female voice filled the bridge — distinct from the cold, mechanical tones of the previous AIs. **"I am *Saint Dove Core*. Awaiting Captain's command."**
Ellara and Kirah exchanged glances, both surprised. This new AI carried a distinctly human warmth — unlike the cold calculation of the *Watcher*, or the harsh precision of *Judicator*.
"Energy readings stabilized at 97%," Kirah quickly scanned the systems. "It… no, *she* seems to have merged the best traits of both AIs — filtering out the more extreme elements."
The Saint Dove Core's projection gently flapped its wings, scattering motes of light across the bridge. "My core protocol is simple: **Protect life. Preserve hope.**" The lights coalesced into a star map, marking dozens of moving icons. "The privateers' escape pods are now on auto-navigation. They will reach the nearest colony world within seventy-two hours."
Ellara struggled to stand, leaning on the edge of the command console. "And those who were modified… can they return to normal?"
"Medical bays are ready with neural restoration protocols," Saint Dove Core replied. "But assistance from *Nameless* is required. Recommend immediate departure to the nearest rendezvous point."
Just then, the comm officer called out urgently: "Captain! Received an open broadcast from the border outpost! The privateers' main fleet… they're self-destructing!"
On the holographic star map, hundreds of red dots blinked out one by one. Kirah pulled up a long-range scan — once-proud warships drifted lifelessly, as if drained of their will.
"The Watcher's control network has collapsed," Saint Dove Core explained softly. "For years, they were nothing more than puppets."
Ellara stared at the map, her expression unreadable. "So many lives… just gone."
"No." Saint Dove Core's projection expanded, displaying interior views of various privateer ships. Onboard, thousands of crew members stood bewildered on deck — some even wept with joy. The blue control marks on their foreheads were fading.
"The true victims are finally free." Her voice was gentle, yet resolute. "And it is our duty to help them rebuild their homes."
Ellara took a deep breath and straightened her posture. "All ships, this is the captain. Initiate rescue protocol. *Steel Dove*, take the northern sector. XT-20 squadron, move to the south. *Nameless* will handle the primary rendezvous point." She turned toward the projection. "Saint Dove Core, I need you coordinating all operations."
"It would be my honor, Captain." The dove bowed gracefully. "Optimal flight paths have been plotted, and medical supplies are being prepared."
Kirah quietly observed the new AI's behavior patterns — even mimicking breathing rhythms to make the light flow more naturally. "It's almost like…" he murmured, "like it has a soul."
The engines of *The Nameless* hummed to life, the ship slowly turning. Through the viewport, Ellara watched as the first rescued privateer crewmembers materialized inside the medical bay. Fear and confusion still lingered in their eyes, but clarity had returned.
"Captain," the comm officer's voice carried undeniable joy, "received a message from the colonial headquarters. They say… say the threat across the entire border sector has lifted. They're asking how we did it."
Ellara looked at Saint Dove Core's projection and smiled slightly. "Tell them… it's time for peace."
As the fleet dispersed to their assigned locations, the star map lit up with more and more blue dots — like embers of hope glowing through the darkness. Saint Dove Core spread her luminous wings, gently enveloping each light in warmth and protection.