Inside My Head (Silent Moment Series: Book 6)

Chapter 3

"Right behind you," I responded to Bellamy, watching as he methodically loaded supplies onto the ship. His movements were efficient, betraying years of experience in handling such tense situations.

As I prepared to board, my mom approached, her expression a complex tapestry of worry and resolve. "Here we go again," she sighed, her voice heavy with emotion. "God, I hate sending you to the ground."

Her words echoed in my mind, bringing forth a newfound understanding. "Now I know how it feels," I replied, a soft sigh escaping my lips. The roles were reversed, and I was now the one venturing into danger, leaving her behind to worry.

I caught her gaze, determined yet vulnerable. "Look, Mom. If something happens to me—"

"It won't," she cut in quickly, her hand cupping my cheek in a comforting gesture. Her eyes were fierce, refusing to entertain the possibility.

"But if it does—" I persisted, needing her to understand.

She nodded, a silent acceptance of the unspoken fear. "I'll take care of Madi," she promised, her voice steady. Then, pulling me into a tight hug, she conveyed a lifetime of love and strength in that embrace.

I held her for a moment longer, then stepped back, a small smile playing on my lips. "Go save Kane," I told her, a mix of encouragement and hope in my voice.

She returned the smile, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Go save us all," she whispered, a charge that felt both daunting and inspiring.

With those final words, I turned towards the ship, each step heavy with the weight of what lay ahead, yet propelled forward by the faith and trust of those we were leaving behind.

***

Raven's voice, laced with a mix of technical concern and underlying worry, echoed through the comms system. "How are the instruments, Shaw?"

Shaw's response was light-hearted but brief. "Instruments are for amateurs," he chuckled, trying to keep the mood light. His laughter faded quickly though. "Raven? Raven, do you copy? Damn it."

Tension filled the cabin as Shaw wrestled with the unresponsive controls. "We're below the ionosphere, but I'm still getting nothing from the instruments. Must be another issue. Hang on."

Emori, her voice reflecting the collective anxiety, chimed in. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Yeah," Shaw replied, his voice strained under the pressure. "Pray."

The ship shuddered as Shaw fought to stabilize it. After what felt like an eternity, he finally succeeded, turning to address us with a mixture of relief and pride. "Boys and girls, meet planet Alpha."

As we peered out of the windows, the sight that unfolded was awe-inspiring. Below us lay a vast mountain range, its peaks piercing the sky and descending into an ocean, its waters shimmering under the alien sun. The landscape was a tapestry of natural wonder, a spectacle of colors and formations unlike anything I'd ever seen. Within moments, the ship touched down gently, grounding us in this new world.

Jackson was the first to voice our shared apprehension as the door hissed open. "Please be breathable. Please be breathable. Please be breathable," he repeated like a mantra. Then, taking a tentative breath, his face lit up. "Breathable air, check."

Emori's face beamed with delight as she added, "Radiation levels are good, too. Looks like Eligius III didn't need nightbloods after all."

Bellamy, ever focused on our mission, turned to Shaw. "What about the beacon?"