Lost Among the Stars
Copyright© 2025 by Sol Tangoran
Chapter 6: First Steps into the Unknown
The dreadnought hummed with life, its massive systems slowly coming back online after centuries of dormancy. I could feel the power thrumming beneath my feet, a deep, reassuring vibration that told me the ship was waking up.
I stood in the center of the bridge, staring at the monitors flashing streams of alien data. Power levels rising. Reactor stable. Weapons systems intact.
I exhaled, gripping the railing in front of me.
I had done it.
I had taken command of a warship built for conquest, survival, and battle and it was mine now.
G’Lan’s voice crackled to life over the comms. “Primary systems are stabilizing. The ship is functional but requires a full diagnostic. Would you like me to proceed?”
I nodded. “Yeah, do it.”
A soft chime rang through the bridge as the AI ran its checks. I let out a breath and turned, letting my eyes scan over the massive control center. The bridge was enormous, designed for a full command crew. Now, it was just me.
For the first time since this insane journey began, I realized just how alone I was.
I pushed that thought aside.
There would be time for questions, for doubts. Right now, I had a ship to command and a universe to explore.
The first order of business was getting out of this sector.
The dreadnought had been left for dead in deep space, but I had no idea if it was truly abandoned. The last thing I needed was to be found *looting an ancient warship* by whatever galactic powers were out there.
I turned to the primary navigation console and hesitated.
“Uh, G’Lan?”
“Yes, Captain?”
I paused. Captain. The title sent a thrill through me. That’s what I was now, wasn’t I?
Shaking the thought off, I focused. “Where exactly are we?”
A star chart appeared on the forward screen, a holographic map of the galaxy blinking to life.
“We are currently located in an uncharted debris field near the remnants of an ancient battle site. Our long-range sensors detect no active vessels nearby.”
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