Anna returned to her room in silence, the weight of Verizon's destruction still gnawing at her heart. The hum of the corridor felt louder than usual, almost mocking.
She shut the door behind her, leaned against it, and let out a long sigh. For all her hope and optimism, for all the belief she carried that things could still be saved—she had failed.
Again.
In the command deck, Nyx's holographic form flickered into being beside Nova.
"She's too optimistic. That kind of thinking won't keep her alive out here. Sooner or later, her heart's going to get crushed."
Nyx muttered, arms crossed as she watched the hall camera feed of Anna disappearing into her quarters.
Nova didn't answer immediately. He leaned back in his seat, arms folded as he watched the data scroll across the console.
"She's got heart. Maybe that's not such a bad thing."
He said finally.
"It's a liability. She'll get herself killed. Or worse—get you killed trying to help her."
Nyx shot back.
Nova gave a quiet laugh.
"You sound jealous."
"I'm not."
Nyx said, a little too quickly. Her tone, sharp as ever, held a faint static flutter that betrayed her.
Nova raised an eyebrow, smirking.
"You sure? Because that sounded a lot like jealousy."
"I am a ship AI connected to you on a foundational aether-bond level. I do not get jealous."
"That doesn't sound convincing at all."
Nyx huffed, flickering slightly.
"I'm just stating facts. She's reckless, idealistic, and far too emotional. She's going to cause problems."
Nova sighed, stretching out his legs.
"Maybe. But she's also brave. Loyal. We need someone like that. You and I—we're too used to loss. Too numb to it. Someone like her reminds us that not everything has to end in ash."
Nyx didn't respond.
"Besides, nothing changes between us. Doesn't matter who comes or goes, Nyx. You'll always be special to me. No one can take that place."
Nova added, looking up at her flickering figure.
Nyx was quiet for a moment before speaking softly.
"Our feelings aren't the same, Nova."
"I know."
"But I'll still stay by your side. As long as you'll have me."
Nova smiled.
"Then we'll be fine."
The next day, a transmission arrived from Princess Stelle.
"We've finalized our trajectory. The scouts confirmed the new planet's surface is stable and habitable. Minimal threats. We're ready to move."
Nova nodded, tapping a few commands on the console.
"Nyx, align our course with the Verizonians. Keep the mothership cloaked but close."
"Understood."
As the massive vessel began adjusting its path, Nyx brought up the new planet's scans.
Lush forests, open valleys, abundant natural water sources. The few lifeforms detected on the surface were low-level monsters—nothing the remaining soldiers of Verizon couldn't handle.
Another ping came through—this time, an invitation.
"Princess Stelle invites you and your crew to the surface for a formal inspection and welcome."
Nyx read aloud.
"She claims it's the least they can do for the help you've given."
Nova stretched.
"Guess I'll go then."
"Take Anna with you."
Nyx teased.
"She's already suiting up."
Nova said, glancing at the screen. Anna's door was open, and she was checking the charge on her gear. Despite the heaviness in her eyes, there was purpose in her movements again.
"I'll stay with the ship."
Nyx added, not that she could leave anyway.
As Nova and Anna boarded the shuttle and descended toward the new world, the view below shimmered with promise.
Green stretched as far as the eye could see, with silver-blue rivers threading through the valleys. A fresh world. A new start.
Nova wasn't convinced they could rebuild a life here.
But maybe the Verizonians could.
And maybe—for a little while—they could rest.
______
The stars above the new world glittered brighter than usual, untainted by pollution or war.
Beneath them, the people of Verizon gathered in the open plains, their makeshift tables laden with whatever edible flora and fauna they could safely identify.
The fires danced, the scent of charred meat filled the air, and laughter—the first genuine kind in days—echoed through the valley.
It wasn't a grand feast by galactic standards, but it was theirs. And for the displaced citizens of Verizon, it was enough.
Nova sat near one of the larger fires, his expression calm as he watched the celebration unfold.
Children ran barefoot through the grass, soldiers loosened their armor and sang old war songs, and tech-workers discussed salvaging comm units to restore contact with nearby systems.
Princess Stelle approached him, her silver armor exchanged for ceremonial robes dyed in deep crimson.
Her hair was pulled back, a single obsidian spear strapped to her back—more decoration than weapon now. She sat beside Nova without a word, staring into the fire.
"It feels strange. To see my people laughing again."
She said eventually, voice quieter than usual.
"They'll be fine. This planet suits them."
Nova replied, watching a group of soldiers arm-wrestling.
Stelle nodded. Then she exhaled, letting the flickering firelight play over her face.
"Nova… once we get our tech running, we'll try to connect to the rest of the galaxy again. But it'll take time. Months, maybe longer. We might not be able to meet again. Or even talk."
Nova didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned to face her, studying her carefully.
"And you're sad about that?"
Stelle laughed, low and bitter.
"You really don't have a single romantic bone in your body, do you?"
Nova smirked.
"Didn't know this was supposed to be romantic."
"You're infuriating."
She said, shaking her head.
"But I like you, Nova. I really do. So I'm going to do something foolish."
She turned toward him, her gaze intense.
"Stay here. Be my companion. Rule with me. The New Verizon could use someone like you—a king strong enough to stand beside its champion."
Nova blinked slowly.
"You want me to stay and be king?"
"Is that so unbelievable?"
She challenged.
"Yes."
Stelle huffed, laughing despite herself.
"I figured I'd get rejected."
"I have a mission. My ships—my aether—were taken. I can't stop until I get them all back."
Nova said.
"I know. But it still hurts to hear it out loud."
She said quietly.
The two sat in silence for a moment, listening to the soft hum of night insects and distant laughter.
"Then at least give me one thing before you go. A real fight. One of us wins this time. No interruptions. No fleeing. No explosions. Just you and me, start to finish."
Stelle said, standing.
Nova stood as well, brushing off the dust.
"And if I win?"
"I'll give you something. Something you can't refuse."
She said, eyes narrowing.
"I'm not going to lose, Stelle."
"I'm counting on it."
She replied with a smirk.
The feast parted around them as word spread. The princess and the outsider were going to fight—again. This time for real.
They moved to a clear patch of earth at the edge of the feast grounds. The fires dimmed behind them, leaving only the moonlight and the glow of aether to light their duel.
Stelle removed the obsidian spear from her back, spinning it once before sinking into a familiar stance.
"Ready?"
Nova nodded.
"Always."
The ground trembled with the force of their first clash.