Chapter 25: Interstellar Travel and the Gravity of the Unknown
Kael's uneasy alliance with the Nova Corps had transported him and his surviving men from the dark streets of New York to the unknown of the galaxy in an instant. Denarian Kael'en and Centurion Phylo gave Kael and Aslan (the other Echo members were being held in a separate section, but were in good condition by Kael's agreement) a detailed briefing on the upcoming mission.
"The anomaly," the Denarian began, pointing to a swirling cluster of purple and black energy on a holographic screen in front of them. "We call it 'Star Wound.' It is a phenomenon unlike any we have ever encountered in this sector of our galaxy. The energy signature it emits is unlike any known civilization or natural phenomenon. It expands and contracts periodically, warping the space-time around it. Our long-range sensors cannot see exactly what is inside, but they do detect a dense mass and complex energy structure."
Centurion Phylo continued. "Your Chitauri core, Mr. Kael, is emitting a clear signal toward the center of this Star Wound. Our plan is to approach the anomaly with a Nova scout ship, use your core as a kind of 'key' or 'compass' to find a safe passage into the Rift, and figure out what is happening. Your role will be to use your connection to the core to guide us and warn us of any potential dangers."
Kael felt the Chitauri core in his palm heat slightly as he stared at the holographic image. The core was responding to the vortex in that image with a distinct reaction; a kind of recognition, perhaps a longing. "What if this is a trap, or if the core is leading us directly into disaster?" Kael asked.
"We are prepared for any eventuality," the Denarian said, his voice full of confidence, but Kael could sense that he too was concerned about the uncertainties of this mission. "Our ship is equipped with the latest Nova technology, and we will have an experienced science team and a fully equipped security unit with us. However, your intuition and your connection to the core may be our greatest asset in this mission."
Preparations were quickly completed. Kael and Aslan were given standard Nova Corps protective suits and communication devices. Kael insisted on keeping his own modified equipment, especially the Chitauri core. With Kael's reluctant permission, the Nova scientists examined the core, but were unable to fully understand its complex structure and deep connection to Kael. However, they did discover that the core was unusually sensitive to certain frequencies coming from the Star Scar, and could somehow "translate" these frequencies.
Shortly thereafter, Kael, Aslan, and a small Nova crew boarded a medium-sized, sleekly designed Nova scout ship called the "Stardust Jumper." The ship's interior displayed a level of complexity and elegance far beyond Earth technology. For Kael and Aslan, this was their first experience of interstellar travel. The colorful nebulas, distant galaxies, and endless starfields streaming through the ship's windows were a breathtaking sight, but also a painful reminder of how small and unknown a universe they were in.
During the journey, Kael tried to "talk" to the Chitauri core more and more. The closer they got to the Stardust, the stronger the signals coming from the core became, projecting clearer images and emotions into Kael's mind. These were not fear or danger, but rather curiosity, a desire to explore, and a deep sense of "calling." Kael began to think that this anomaly was not just a random mass of energy, but might contain some kind of "consciousness" or at least a purpose.
After several days of travel, the Stardust Jumper reached its destination. The image that appeared on the ship's main screen fascinated and terrified everyone at the same time. The Stardust was far more impressive and frightening than the holographic images. It was a giant, purple and black swirling vortex that had opened up in the fabric of space. Energy bursts continuously erupted from its edges, bending the light of the surrounding stars. The ship's sensors were detecting unimaginable energy readings and traces of unidentifiable exotic matter within the anomaly.
"This is it," said the Denarian Kael'en, his voice filled with both awe and concern. "The unknown wound at the heart of our galaxy."
The Chitauri core in Kael's palm was no longer merely pulsating, it was glowing visibly, and it seemed to extend a thin thread of energy toward the Star Wound. Kael could clearly feel the core beckoning him to the very center of the vortex, where it was at its most concentrated.
"Mr. Kael," the ship's captain said, his voice tight. "Your core has begun plotting a course. However, this course takes us directly into the most unstable part of the anomaly. Our standard protocols forbid us from venturing this close."
The Denarian Kael'en turned to Kael. "The decision is yours, Mr. Kael. Do you trust your core? Enough to lead us into that vortex?"
Kael stared at the hypnotic vortex of the Stardust, then at the glowing core in his palm. This was the biggest gamble of his life. But something inside him whispered that there was a meaning to this call, that there was a secret waiting to be discovered beyond the unknown.
"Yes," Kael said determinedly. "I do. Take us inside."
The Stardust Jumper began to slowly move toward the terrifying maw of the Stardust. The ship's shields were fully extended, and everyone held their breath. And just as it was about to pass through the vortex's event horizon, the Stardust suddenly reacted. From the center of the vortex, huge, ghostly figures with crystalline structures unlike anything they had ever seen before began to emerge. As these figures headed toward the ship, the Chitauri core projected a single, clear word into Kael's mind: "Guardians."