Commander Harold found it strange—why would an alien ship flee in the middle of a conversation? Stranger still, the aliens had spoken fluent human language. He dismissed it as a curiosity; after all, little was known about alien behavior, and perhaps they already knew of humanity's existence.
The crew, however, was shaken by the sudden encounter.
Carlo: wide-eyed "We actually discovered aliens… So, uh, guys, how do we get out of here?"
Hary: checking the console "The gravitational anomaly must've pulled us into another galaxy—nearly a hundred light years beyond the Milky Way. Could be some kind of dimensional gate."
Sara: calm but tense "There's another explanation: Forced FTL Travel. If that's the case, we'll need to find a Dimensional Slipstream nearby."
Concepts:
Gravitational Anomaly Teleport (Forced FTL Travel) – A ship is violently pulled through a gravitational distortion, flung across vast distances without its own propulsion. High-risk, instantaneous, and unpredictable.
Dimensional Slipstreams – Higher-dimensional conduits that shorten space between two points. Formed by lattices of extra-dimensional "bridges," these slipstreams act like cosmic rivers that ships can ride.
Hary: scanning systems "Ma'am, I don't detect any standard Slipstreams… but there's something similar. I can't confirm if it's a stable gateway."
Carlo: "Could that be the same passage we came through?"
Noah: studying the data "You're not wrong, Carl. Wavelengths match the anomaly reports from base. Commander, what's your order?"
Harold: grim, decisive "We don't have many options. Better to risk the slipstream than wander the void."
Hary: steady voice "As commanded, sir."
Suddenly, the ship's computer stuttered. Lights dimmed, fans roared, and a burst of static filled the comms.
Computer: distorted voice "—I repeat! Do you hear me, Patrol Ship Aurelius?"
Noah: urgent "Commander! It's a distress call—from an allied battleship."
Distress Signal: "Requesting immediate support. Our ship is heavily damaged and stranded near a barren planet. Transmitting coordinates now—Region: Nebula-7, N45°W120°, Distance: 12,500 light years."
Hary: "Identify yourself. We need verification before responding."
Distress Signal: "Apologies for the delay. I am Navion Pulsar, Sky Marshal and Head of Command of the fallen fleet."
The bridge froze in shock. Navion Pulsar—the legend who once shattered enemy armadas with his unpredictable battle strategies.
Crew: in unison, saluting "By honor and order, we salute your presence, Sky Marshal!"
Harold: straightening "My apologies for not recognizing your voice, Marshal. We'll respond immediately."
Navion Pulsar: a warm laugh over the comms "Is that you, Stellar Commander Harold Felv? What a coincidence. I'll be waiting for your arrival, Commander."
The channel crackled, then fell silent.
Carlo: eyes wide, breath quickened, half-smirk "I can't believe it… it was the Navion Pulsar!"
Noah: grinning "I know, right?"
Harold: leaning forward, monitor light glinting in his glasses, voice steady but lifted with relief "Prepare to enter the Slipstream."
Sara: smiling softly "That's the first smile I've seen from you in days, Commander."
Harold: "We just discovered something no general or high officer even dared to dream of."
Hary: initiating systems "Slipstream drive primed. Everyone brace."
The ship shook violently. Warnings screamed across the console.
Computer: "Main reactor nominal. Secondary systems degrading. Power fluctuations detected. Hull integrity at risk. AI integrity check failed. Redundant backups engaged."
Carlo: "Damn it, warnings are flooding in!"
Hary: "Hold on! Almost through!"
With a final surge, the Aurelius broke free of the unstable Slipstream.
Carlo: exhaling hard "Phew… that was close. The stream was barely holding together."
Harold: calm again "Hary, locate the nearest planet. We'll make landfall before continuing."
Hary: "As commanded, sir."
Moments later, they descended upon Borax C, a desolate world five thousand light years from the Sky Warden's battleship.
Meanwhile… aboard a Zyphorath vessel
Zyphorath Commander Sedy: sternly "Archivist Kark, explain. Why did we retreat from such a primitive species?"
Archivist Kark: voice trembling, crystalline body fracturing faintly "Commander… those were not ordinary beings. They are the Bringers of Nightmares—the ones who once made entire galactic empires kneel in fear. Their return… chills me to my core."
Commander Sedy: "If that is true, Archivist, they could become a threat to the Empire."
Kark: "Then we must be cautious. Contact the Moryxil. Let them investigate further. We dare not risk direct involvement, lest history repeat itself."
Commander Sedy: "And the Veylun? They are better suited for such matters."
Kark: shakes head "No. The Veylun are impatient and reckless. If they act, they may spark another war… and reignite the horrors of the past."
Species Records
Moryxil (mor-ik-sil)
Classification: Humanoid Extraterrestrial, Adaptive Predator
Etymology:
Mor → flesh, form, vessel
Yxil → fracture, shifting, many-faced
Meaning: "The Shifting Flesh" or "One of Many Forms."
Description: Originating from Xyrrath Prime, a twilight world with crimson skies and bioluminescent forests, Moryxil are shapeshifters with hyper-flexible skeletal and muscular structures. They can mimic other beings, but subtle alien traits always betray their disguise. Known as master infiltrators and predators.
Veylun (vay-loon)
Classification: Luminal Entity, Astral Traveler
Etymology:
Vey → light, radiance, guiding star
Lun → drift, wander, celestial flow
Meaning: "The Radiant Wanderer" or "Light that Drifts Across the Cosmos."
Description: Energy-based lifeforms born from the Astral Currents—vast rivers of light flowing between galaxies. They shift brightness and hue based on thought and emotion. Considered cosmic guides, Veylun carry whispers of knowledge across civilizations. If the Zyphorath embody extinction and silence, the Veylun symbolize hope, renewal, and the eternal voyage.
Commander Sedy: firmly "I shall follow your counsel, Archivist. Sky Warden, establish contact with the Moryxil."
Sky Warden: bowing slightly "At once, Commander. Opening channel now…"
The comms flare with static before a sharp voice cuts through.
Moryxil Battleship: distorted "—bzzt—This is a Moryxil vessel responding to the Zyphorath call. How may we assist you?"
Commander Sedy: straightens, voice steady "This is Commander Sedy of the Zyphorath warship Tryzer-08. I request immediate audience with your Head of Command."
A pause. Then a mocking tone answers.
Yorga: "Well, well. This is Yorga, Head Officer of the Moryxil fleet. To what do I owe the infamous Commander Sedy?"
Commander Sedy: eyes narrow, jaw tensing before exhaling slowly "…Yorga. Let's put aside our personal grievances. I require your forces to investigate a certain species recently encountered."
Yorga: chuckling darkly "Oh, Commander, that's hardly difficult. But you know how these things work… Consider this less an alliance request and more of a personal transaction between you and me." a sly wink flashes on the holo-screen
Commander Sedy: grits teeth, muttering "You never change, do you…" aloud, measured "Fine. State your price."
Yorga: smirking "Since we are such… close friends, I'll give you a discount. A mere ten thousand Luminis."
The bridge crew stiffens. Even the Sky Warden blinks in disbelief.
Commander Sedy: clenched jaw, voice low "…Agreed. But listen well, Yorga. Deliver a full report at the end of this task—and do it well. Succeed, and you may find a bonus waiting."
Yorga: laughing with mock joy "Oh-ho! Delightful! I shall not disappoint you, my dear bestie. Hahaha!"
The channel cuts abruptly, leaving an uneasy silence across the bridge.
Sky Warden: hesitant "Sir… was that price not too steep?"
Commander Sedy: gazes into the void beyond the viewport, voice heavy with resolve "Knowledge is never too costly. If we learn their true capabilities, we gain an advantage. The so-called rulers of the past… will remain nothing but the past."