446–440

Through unknown sectors of space, the Galactic Voyager moved without sound as its sensors carefully examined a space void of any stars influence. Captain Threx Vento and his crew spent their time at the bridge watching their cold data displays as he kept complete watch over their surroundings. His birth planet, Lumosky, left its mark upon him with every Mirageling biological attribute, including his scaly skin etched by Void forces and Dyson Sphere energies, and his multipedal frame, which documented the harsh planets his species had to endure. Both the natural armor and the faint cellular lighting of his skin provided insights into potential aspects of his ancient, mythical origins. According to the standard survey protocol, the exploration shifted onto a problematic path. The sensors showed a planetary gravity, but the scanners revealed no celestial body at that location. Something is very wrong here, Threx thought, his mind unsettled as he clutched the console. The unknown darkness surrounding them appeared deeper than normal because something sinister seemed to hide within it. Dr. Elara investigated the strange sensor readings that she examined with great wonder in her voice. She uttered softly to herself that what she observed defied all known possibilities while detecting atmospheric traces without planetary correlation. One of the junior officers hypothesized that the system displayed what remained of an ancient world that had disappeared. Ceasing his surveillance over the crew, Threx felt a certain tension forming in his jaw. By what? he demanded in a low voice. No one dared respond. From above the black expanse, the Galactic Voyager observed a sphere that had been filled with life until an unknown destructive force completely annihilated it. Something was here, Threx muttered, staring at the distorted console readouts. And now its gone. Captain, the data is off the charts, Dr. Elara reported, her voice echoing in the sterile chamber. Each pulsating signal, animated like heartbeats, indicates deliberate extractions at the site. The emissions on the Holo display caught Threxs complete attention. He recognized the phenomenon did not result from natural processes because it demonstrated a clear sign of artificial creation. Prepare to launch a probe. I want every detail recorded. Keep the ship on high alert, Threx ordered, tension underlying his authoritative calm. Dr. Elara, launch the probe. The team requires all possible answers despite facing any potential threats. The probe separated from the ship while drifting through the unknown space before it began its scanning operation. Threx walked the bridge methodically to remind himself about his obligations both as a protector of his people and a seeker of truth in unexplored territories. A short time afterward, the probe delivered its gathered information to Voyager through a data transmission. The main monitor displayed something unthinkable as the distortion consumed a deformed planetary surface while complete chaos swallowed up what should have been a planet. Captain Dr. Elara started her voice trembling while studying the transmitted documentation. Her entire complexion turned pallid white. According to her, the planet had been acquired rather than destroyed. Threx watched the display with an intense sense of shock. The corner of the probes camera showed a brief black shape until static wiped out the image. Is this a sensor malfunction? he wondered, or is it far more sinister? The probe detected an extensive wave sequence that mirrored the sluggish breathing rhythm of someone in a vacuum environment. Infinite space carried this signal, which displayed both mechanical and organic elements in its resonance. The sensors detonated with explosive energy patterns, causing everybody aboard to experience fear. One of the youthful technicians yelled about the probe losing its communication signal. A shriveled signal kept the device from complete death. The distress in his chest became invisible to Threx. Maintain that connection. I want all we can get. His intellect clashed against the panic that arose from his inner instincts. No power of divine origin could perform this feat. According to the processed information, there was an unknown evil force that predates all historical documentation. Dr. Elara, Threx said softly, explain what were really seeing. According to her revelations, the catastrophe was not accidental. The entire planetary mass was eliminated by whatever force took the planet it leaving behind these delicate remnants. This malevolent force used space to create its abominable violation against the universe. An area of space revealed itself through probe camera footage containing black structures that exceeded conventional space-time boundaries. The existence of a planet vanished before him, which indicated that some malevolent force had erased it from existence. Officers on the ship continued to process the overwhelming discovery of the crisis, just as another pressing situation occurred. An energy surge sent Klaxons through the bridge to illuminate the control room with a frantic red light. Captain, an energy signature is closing fast, the navigator yelled, scanning impossible readings with wild eyes. Threx experienced a frightening and rapid heartbeat during the situation. All hands, brace for impact, he commanded, voice resolute but tinged with dread. Keep our course. Dr. Elara monitors and reports the entire probe data stream to me. The feed power supplying data to the probe ceased at that moment. The main display screen lost its display in the blackness as the entire control center became silent. No more than a few heartbeats passed before the vessel would halt motionless. A rapid disturbance passed through all shipboard communication channels. Total emptiness blanketed the spacecraft while space generated its suffocating silence. The screams came out of nowhere from beyond the void, resembling tormented howls from hellish sources that distorted throughout the vessel. Who is that? Threx spoke in a hoarse voice while his thoughts raced naturally, yet the agony-filled cries of the screams dominated his mind as he tried to understand the horrible noises. The transmission played again with the screams as the primary noise, but the sounds were warped by agony and became a warning from something prehistoric and suffering despite the inability to understand any words. Dr. Elara, status report, Threx barked, but his voice was shaky, drowned out by the relentless screams that seemed to come from all directions. The intense agony surrounding them made each word disappear right before their eyes. Dr. Elara used shaking hands to read the last set of displayed information. From the confusion, she managed to call out her observation about the scientific mystery of this energy source being a product of intelligent design interfering with space-time. The signals transmitted into the airwaves are only composed of silent screams and noises of terror following one another in extended waveforms. Threx displayed complete composure as panic started to grow. This is no simple survey, he thought, weighed by dread. An unknown power beyond nature has undone natural laws when we entered this domain. A sudden light failure caused the Voyager to shake as it bore an unidentified force. The crew members gripped their stations as they observed bizarre shapes from outside the window. Something ethereal hovered like an oceanic predator, which no longer dwelt as an empty entity but emerged alive while observant. Captain a timid voice asked over the comm, Have we lost our chance to escape? Threx looked grave as he turned toward his first officer while leadership responsibilities sank deeper into him. We have little time to choose, he whispered. Survival became their main concern after losing their purpose of exploration. Threx gave his order in a steady tone by telling everyone to prepare for unexpected scenarios. We will advance our investigation with strict caution. Fear does not have control of us, but so does carelessness. Another wave of invisible power struck the Voyager until it shook throughout its body. Now, the mission was fighting to survive against unknown dark forces. We are no longer mere spectators of the cosmos, Threx reflected inwardly, but pawns in a monstrous conflict that could annihilate our species. The course of action before us demands absolute courage.