Prince Rakato's spaceship, Mooros, advanced steadily through the silent depths of space, precisely following its pre-programmed coordinates. Beyond the transparent viewing panels stretched an infinite expanse of darkness, scattered with distant stars that shimmered like fragile lanterns floating in a boundless cosmic sea.
Inside the ship, a low mechanical hum vibrated through the metallic corridors. The AI system was channeling immense energy into the FTL (Faster Than Light) drive. Soft pulses of light moved across the control panels, signaling that the engines were nearing full charge.
Suddenly, a notification flickered across the central display—Incoming Transmission.
Rakato straightened slightly and activated the call. A beam of light projected upward, forming a life-sized holographic image in front of him.
A young woman appeared.
She was the one who had been destined to become his wife—the future queen of Hakako. Though she stood far away in another part of the galaxy, her presence felt immediate and real. Her voice trembled slightly, betraying the fear she was trying to suppress, but her eyes held determination.
"Rakato… I know you must feel alone right now," she began softly. "I couldn't stand beside you when everything happened. But you must not break."
She took a steady breath before continuing.
"I am using the authority and resources of my people to retrieve the royal palace records. The truth is hidden there. Your innocence must be proven—because if it is not, history will remember you as a traitor."
Her expression hardened.
"And I know who orchestrated all of this."
There was a brief pause, heavy with unspoken understanding.
"Remember this," she added firmly. "If the situation worsens, the Varkhar Empire will stand with you. You are not alone."
Rakato listened in silence. The weight of betrayal, exile, and accusation had been crushing him—but her words reached through that darkness. For the first time since fleeing Hakako, a faint but genuine smile touched his face.
"Thank you," he said quietly. "Your courage… is my strength."
The hologram dissolved into particles of light as the transmission ended.
Almost immediately, the AI's voice filled the chamber.
"Prince, FTL drive fully charged. Upon initiating the jump, we will arrive near Earth—located in the Milky Way Galaxy—within approximately twenty-four hours."
Rakato turned toward the forward viewport.
"Begin the jump."
The ship's engines roared to life.
The surrounding stars seemed to stretch into thin lines as space itself warped around Mooros. In a flash brighter than lightning, the vessel surged forward. The darkness ahead tore open into a radiant tunnel of swirling light—a corridor through space-time.
Rakato's eyes remained fixed on that glowing passage.
Beyond it lay Earth.
Beyond it lay uncertainty.
And perhaps… answers.
Meanwhile, far away on Hakako, the atmosphere was anything but calm.
Rakato's brother—the architect of the conspiracy and the man who had sworn to kill him—stood within a war chamber illuminated by holographic star maps. His face was expressionless, but his voice carried cold resolve.
"He is heading toward Earth."
The room fell silent.
"Extract Earth's coordinates," he ordered his commanders. "Prepare the fleet."
He paused, a faint smirk forming.
"We are going on a little journey."