The Nova Sanctum cut through the dark skies like a blade.
Lucian stood in the control chamber, one hand resting on the railing, eyes fixed on the view beyond the glass. The stars were a blur. The earth below was broken, scarred from centuries of war, smoke still curling from forgotten ruins.
Alfred's voice came, calm as always.
[Approaching settlement, Captain.]
The holo-display lit up in front of Lucian. A cluster of readings pulsed in red across the map. Dozens of small life signatures. Hundreds. Nothing coordinated. Nothing dangerous.
Lucian's jaw shifted faintly. "Run the scan."
Light swept across the map, one by one marking each heat signature with rank designations. Alfred's tone was clinical.
[Result: Settlement population, six hundred thirty-two. Rank distribution—majority C through B. Highest recorded rank: S.]
