The last year of the NTE- 3120 (Galaxy Quest)

Chapter 2: The Void Serpent

As the blaring alarms echoed through the corridors of the N.S.E.A. Protector, Commander Taggart and Dr. Lazarus dashed towards the Command Deck, the adrenaline coursing through their veins. The Interstellar Vox Communicator crackled agaist his hand, Laredo's voice rising in urgency, “Commander, it’s gaining on us! I can’t get a read on its weapons systems!”

“On my way, Laredo!” Taggart shouted back at the communicator, his mind racing as he thought through their options.

When they burst onto the Command Deck, the atmosphere was filled with tension. The crew was already at their stations, eyes glued to the screens displaying the incoming vessel—a sleek, dark ship that loomed menacingly on their scanners.

“Chen, any visuals?” Taggart asked, stepping up to the tactical display.

“Nothing yet, sir,” Chen replied, furiously typing at his console. “It’s like it’s masking its presence. I can’t get a lock.”

Lazarus moved to the science station, his fingers gliding over the controls with an ease that made it look effortless. “Let me try,” he said, his tone calm despite the chaos. As he focused, Taggart felt a familiar connection between them, amplifying his own concentration.

The display suddenly changed, revealing a flickering image of the approaching ship. It was clearly alien, unlike anything Taggart had encountered before. The vessel’s surface shimmered with an iridescent sheen, shifting colors that reflected the distant stars.

“Interesting,” Lazarus murmured, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized the display. “I believe it is a  ship. They are known for their stealth technology. We need to proceed with caution.”

“Laredo, plot an evasive course!” Taggart ordered, taking his seat at the command chair. “Sergeant Chen, can you boost our plasma armour?”

“Already on it, Commander!” Chen replied, sweat beading on his forehead as he worked the controls.

With the hum of the engines resonating in his chest, Taggart felt a mix of dread and excitement. The ship had faced danger before, but this felt different—this was uncharted territory, both for the crew and for him personally.

“Lazarus,” Taggart said, turning to the science officer. “Can you scan for any signs of life on that ship?”

The Mak'tar nodded, his fingers dancing across the console. “Initiating scans now. However, I warn you, if they are hostile, we must be prepared to defend ourselves.”

Taggart nodded, and just as Lazarus activated the scans, the Command Deck was filled with a blaring alarm. “Incoming message!” Laredo shouted, eyes wide.

“On screen!” Taggart commanded, bracing himself for whatever was to come.

The screen flickered, revealing a shadowy figure enveloped in darkness, only the glint of their eyes visible. “N.S.E.A. Protector, this is Captain Zathar of the Void Serpent, A Nyxian Fleet. You have ventured into our territory. Stand down, or face the consequences.”

Taggart’s jaw tightened. “We are merely passing through, Captain Zathar. We mean no harm. We will turn around and leave your territory immediately.”

Zathar’s laughter echoed through the speakers, low and menacing. “You think you can simply turn around? You have entered a zone of power, and your ship will not leave without answering for its intrusion. Prepare to be boarded.”

“Negative!” Taggart snapped, heart racing. “We will not comply. Prepare to engage plasma armor and Blue Particles Cannon full!”

“Commander, they’re powering up!” Laredo cried, his fingers flying across the controls. “I can’t hold them off much longer!”