The Veil

[Moberg]

Chapter I: The Shade Within

A bitter silence embraces the dark nebula. Curious strokes of energy dance around the countless rocks that dwell within. Shadows rush from one place to another, revealing that time itself is still intact. A strange construction has found its path into the unknown. Lights flicker on its sides as the inferno in its back resigns weary.
The incoming audio transmission wakes Arthur from his trance.

"Revelation returns within the eye of the storm." The phrase they agreed on. Arthur realises in relief that the deal has worked. Dwelling in thought, he eagerly contemplates on his next step. They should try to depart immediately before anyone can claim the treasure they've worked for so long. All this time, and in the end it was merely 1000 units of Deuterium. Admittedly, the deal probably wouldn't have worked if the contact knew about the treasure hidden in the wreck they asked for.
It does not matter anymore. All that counts is that they know, and they need to be quick about it.
Arthur rises from his captains chair. The equipment around him hums sweetly as it's downloading the newest scanner data from the battleship they are moored to. Atum, a larger ship hidden deep within the Inverness a system, merely a shadow creeping between the everlasting darkness.

The Oracle resides under its protection, moored to the side, merely connected by a small tunnel to the side. Originally merely a corvo cruiser that served the Zoners, it has been completely refitted to support multiple categories of activity. While its previous owners have designed it to be more luxurious, most of it was changed to support more practical equipment. Most rooms have been modified to allow the scientists onboard to examine samples gathered on the missions and to extrapolate and interpret survey data. As Arthur entered, he noticed that the holographic projection of a ship module is displayed in red. He gazed towards the engineers to his right, currently in an aggressive discussion. One notices his look and immediately rushes to him. "No need to worry about that, captain. When our shields overloaded yesterday, the connection between the large survey scanner and this room got cut. We'll have it fixed up in no time!"
Arthur signed. They needed it now. Assuring the engineer that it is essential in their next mission, Arthur continued to the next room.

The hydroponic garden offered everything the crew needs for survival in a hostile environment. In any case of emergency, the supplies created here can make the crew last for several years. It provides several metric tons of vegetables a year. Only meat is lacking, but that is something that can be bought from a lot of stations anyway. The crew didn't complain about the lack of variety yet, although that is bound to happen on larger excursions, for sure. Arthur assured himself that he needed to take precautions against this case.
Right behind the hydroponic garden is a small bar that provides space to relax for the crew of the Oracle, 20 persons. Everything ranging from ancient forms of entertainment like a pool table to more modern approaches like video games has been moved into the small room that occupies the left right side of the Oracle. Windows allow for a beautiful view of the space outside. The windows contain holographic emitters that can create the illusion of any environment outside, from volcanoes to grass fields and deserts. A choice of several non-alcoholic common drinks provide the necessary refreshment in dire times.

Several decks support laboraties to conduct further experiments. Arthur decided to check them later, and return to the bridge at last. Now that everybody is there and all is going well, we can begin.

Williams, set a course.
Sir?
Coordinates: 11, 12.

The destination object is displayed on the large main screen, painting the bridge in orange.
Two shadows seperate at last.