Back aboard the Vaelion, alarms screamed through the corridors, crimson lights strobing against the steel walls. The ship had been on alert for a full minute now, klaxons howling without pause.
Why?
Because another Alberline had appeared, this one directly beside Aria.
Tenka shot up from her commander's chair, boots clanging against the metal deck. On the towering command screen before her, a massive red word pulsed in bold letters: EMERGENCY, flashing like an open wound.
"What the…" She muttered, voice tight.
Haruka's fingers flew across her tablet, pulling up telemetry data with rapid, practised motions. The room was filled with the sound of beeping diagnostics and scrolling code.
"Commander," Haruka said finally, adjusting her glasses with a sharp push.
Tenka glanced at her, jaw set.
