Crimson Flare : A Journey Begins

Chapter 8: The Carius Nebula

As Kira and I sat in the cockpit, the ship emerged from warp, and the vast expanse of the Carius Nebula came into view. Its swirling gases and vibrant colors created a mesmerizing spectacle. Kira turned to me, her eyes filled with curiosity. "So, where exactly are we heading, Alex?"

I took a moment to gather my thoughts before responding. "We're heading to the Carius Nebula, to the last known coordinates of my father's ship. It's where I found my mother's escape ship," I explained, my voice tinged with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

Kira's brows furrowed as she contemplated my words. "But, Alex, what if it's a trap? What if Commander Helen is involved?" Her concern for our safety was evident in her voice.

I leaned back in my seat and stretched, thinking it over. "I've considered that possibility, but something tells me it's not a trap. Besides, the Carius Nebula would render our ship's sensors useless if they wanted to ambush us. And there's a personal history between me and that nebula."

Kira's frustration grew, and she smacked the console lightly. "Enough with the secrets, Alex! What's the story behind your father and this nebula?" Her eyes searched mine, demanding answers.

I met her gaze, a hint of sadness in my eyes. "When my father and I were out here before he vanished, we discovered my mother's escape ship within the Carius Nebula," I revealed. "She was perfectly preserved, just as she was the day we left Earth. But my father showed no emotion, only uttering, 'What a waste.' I couldn't stand it, and I punched him before he subdued me and threw me in the brig. I spent a year under house arrest, and then I ran away."

Kira's hand covered her mouth, her eyes reflecting empathy. "I'm so sorry, Alex," she whispered, her voice filled with compassion.

I looked out the window, watching the swirling nebula as memories flooded my mind. "Now that he's come back and headed to the same coordinates after all these years, it feels like a message. And I intend to answer that call."

Kira's gaze shifted to the controls on the side of the cockpit walls. "But, Alex, have you considered the possibility that your father might be working with the Phantoms or a rogue faction within the U.E.D.F.? It's a dangerous situation."

I nodded, understanding her concerns. "I have considered it, but I know my father too well. He's too proud, too calculated, to align himself with such forces," I explained, confidence seeping into my voice.

Kira stood up and walked back to where Lucy was playing with her dolls. "Hey, sweetie, are you okay?" she asked, concern lacing her words.

Lucy looked up with a frown on her face. "Did you and Papa have a fight?" Her voice held a hint of worry, her eyes searching for reassurance.

Kira knelt down and picked up one of the dolls, comforting Lucy. "No, not at all. Your papa was just telling me what was bothering him," she explained gently, trying to soothe Lucy's concerns.

With the tension momentarily eased, Lucy nodded and sighed in relief. "Is Papa feeling better now?" she asked, her young voice filled with innocence.

Kira bit her lip, glancing back at me. "I don't know, sweetheart. I wish I did," she replied honestly, her eyes filled with empathy.

Meanwhile, I remained in the cockpit for several hours, lost in my thoughts, contemplating the significance of this journey. The weight of my past and the uncertain future weighed heavily on my mind. But I knew one thing for certain-it was time to confront my father and seek the answers I longed for.

As the ship sailed deeper into the Carius Nebula, the surrounding gases caused turbulence, shaking our vessel. Lightning crackled in the distance, adding an ominous atmosphere to our journey. And then, we saw it-a massive ship of prototype design stationed within the nebula. It bore the name "Eden's Ark."