Nova smiled as Nigel's gaze found hers, before he spoke to the crew, stating, "Grayson, where are we? I'm assuming we didn't pop out at the normal exit for that Celestial Gate."

The young Xoloitzcuintli huffed, frustration on his face, "We most certainly did not, Captain. Signals from mapping satellites indicate a long detour and an unexpected arrival," Pilot Lucas Grayson chimed in from his chair at the controls. "We've had early dumps, detours from a Gate before, but never this bad " he continued. "We're in route to the Grand Junction of Truth, as per your orders, Captain."

Nigel studied the tactical monitors, focusing on the stunning display of a Junction system that once comprised hundreds of Gates connecting to the Galaxy's core, now only connecting the current arm with two others. "The Grand Junction of Truth? We were dumped that close?" he questioned, seeking clarity.

"Afraid so," Bella answered, furrowing her brow as she rechecked the information in front of her. She then glanced up at the captain. "It seems there was a severe malfunction with the Celestial Gate we entered. By that, I mean a full-on breakdown of the Gate on this side. This occurrence is incredibly rare, but it happens." Bella briefly paused, collecting her thoughts. "A full scan of the area just came back. It appears to be nothing more than a coincidence. However, given the events that preceded this, I hesitate to label anything as mere coincidence until we know more," Bella continued, concern reflecting in her eyes.

"Learning already, I see." Nigel smiled as he took his seat and initiated a more comprehensive scan of their surroundings. "Nova," he began, addressing the Oryctolagus standing next to him. "Could you join Bjorn and double-check the engine and hull integrity from the earlier explosion? I want to be doubly sure we can make our intended destination without any complications."

Nova obliged instantly, a subtle nod of her head conveying her understanding before she disappeared in the direction of the engine room. Nigel admired her dedication and adaptability in everything she had been put through thus far.

Which is why it pained him that he sent her on that errand to discuss what happened with the pirate torpedo in the Timeless Zone.

"Captain, what happened out there?" Lucas asked. The first question of many that everyone in the room wanted answered.

On the screen, the video footage of Nova and the mysterious torpedo played, bringing a haunting reminder to them all. "It's like she just plucked the torpedo out of the Timeless Zone," asserted Bella, trying hard to keep her fears at bay. "Like it had no weight or power." She shook her head, still trying to process what had happened out there.

"What concerns me more is that after she, well, reanimated it, it flew through the Timeless Zone," Nigel admitted, recounting the mystery without knowing the answers himself. "There's something strange and unprecedented about it. That much is certain."

His eyes drifting to the video footage still playing on the tactical monitor, he continued, "She seems unaffected by whatever the Timeless Zone wants to offer... or take. Yet, she..." He trailed off, captivated by the sight of the torpedo flying through the Timeless Zone, which felt like a parallel dimension with its own set of unyielding rules. Nigel's mind buzzed with questions about this Oryctolagus and the connection she had with the Torpedo.

A hush fell over the bridge, as everyone absorbed the information, unsure of what it meant for them or how it would fit into the fabric of the universe.

"Could it be something that the Oryctolagus can do?" Tatyana Carter, ever the inquisitive one, asked, breaking the silence. "Perhaps it's some innate ability they have, an evolution beyond our comprehension." She shared her theory with a mix of anticipation and trepidation, both wanting to understand and fearing the enormity of the implications. After everything they had gone through, one more unexplained anomaly seemed too much to bear.

Lucas nodded his head in agreement, "I mean, how would we know, right?" he asked, looking around the room for validation. "Our records only go back a few thousand years for the Oryctolagus. I guess it's possible that we don't know everything about their abilities, or even origins."

Bella tilted her head, deep in thought. "Maybe they were genetically engineered to possess these unique abilities, it's been tens of millennia since we've seen one."

"Or perhaps," Nigel interjected, "Everyone can do it, could always have done it, but nobody bothered to stick their hand in the Timeless Zone before - not even the most curious scientists and explorers. I doubt anyone's thought of testing it out; the Zone is quite dangerous, as we've witnessed firsthand."

Lucas shrugged slightly, "That does make sense, Captain."

Bella nodded, thinking it through, "Nova might not have known not to do so."

"In any case, I suppose we can all agree that what just transpired is perplexing and abnormal, leaving us unclear about the causes or ramifications," Tatyana said.

"Indeed," Nigel replied. "We can go in a circle like this for hours, but it won't give us a definitive answer. That's why I've decided to go to Sönder. Grayson, once we're at the Grand Junction of Truth, enter a Gate that'll get us there."

"Aye, Captain," Lucas responded, a grin spreading across his snout.

Noting his beaming eyes, Tatyana inquired, "Oh? would this be your first visit to Sönder, Lucas?" She seemed genuinely curious, raising a brow as she glanced over at the enthusiastic Pilot.

"Yes indeed," he confirmed, his excitement palpable. "I've heard the tales about it, though I've never had a chance to stop there. I'm looking forward to learning more about this fabled planet, I mean, system."

Nigel couldn't help but chuckle at the young pilot's enthusiasm; everyone started somewhere. It was as good a time as any to begin.

Bella walked up the Nigel, looking past him to not draw attention to their conversation, "I thought you vowed never to return, Captain?" she questioned, her voice low but filled with curiosity. She knew his history with Sönder and understood why he would avoid going back.

Nigel glanced over his shoulder and smiled faintly. "I did."

With this, the nostalgic emotions that surfaced seemed to be conflicted. He took a moment before continuing, "But I'll make an exception, just this once," he added plainly.