Zara and Arin exchanged a grim look. The ship's instruments flatlined, one by one. Outside, the stars twinkled like cold, uncaring eyes.

Zara's copilot, an wiry engineer named Arin, frantically worked to compensate for the failing engines. Sweat dripped from his brow as he hammered at the console. "We're experiencing critical fuel pressure, Captain! If we don't-"

"May Day May Day!" the comms system repeated, a robotic echo of the distress call. "Bangbus Full, this is Control. Report your status."