The Strider settled into the steady vibration of the warp tunnel, leaving the Jupiter sector far behind.
Xavier stood in the main corridor outside the bridge, going over the ship's internal logs on a data-pad. Reva leaned against the metal bulkhead next to him, her arms crossed, while Lyra chewed on the last piece of her flatbread.
Heavy, measured footsteps echoed down the hall. Empress Xalvoria approached them. She had removed her heavy crown, leaving her wavy red hair to fall over her crimson mantle. She stopped a few feet away, addressing Xavier in a calm, level tone that honored their recent pact.
"The ship has stabilized in hyperspace," Xalvoria said, looking directly at him. "My time is limited. Come to your quarters. We have a transaction to begin."
Reva let out a low, hostile hiss, pushing herself off the bulkhead. She stepped in front of Xavier, her crimson eyes locking onto the Empress.
