On the Bridge of the Titans Pillar, the crew settled into their roles as the ship approached the Grand Junction of Truth. The holographic displays shifted and shimmered, revealing the former grandeur of the ancient junction - a colossal web of Celestial Gates, once connecting the whole Galaxy and perhaps even further, now reduced to a mere remnant of their former glory.

Nova entered the bridge, her white latex suit crinkling softly with each step. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of the once-magnificent junction. "It's fallen… into ruin," she whispered, her voice laced with sadness as she took in the sight of the decaying junction. The once vibrant colors of the Celestial Gates were now faded and dull, many of them seemingly inactive, their entrances sealed with a fine layer of dust and debris.

Captain Carter watched Nova. He could see the sadness etched into her features, and it made him wonder about her past - what she knew, what she remembered, and what she longed for.

She was a mystery, and he found himself drawn to her, not just because of her unique abilities, but also because of the depth of emotion she wore so openly.

"Nova," he began, his voice gentle, "we need to talk about..." he started but was interrupted by Nova.

"Where are we?" she asked, then shook her head, as if realizing she needed to explain further, "I mean, every Grand Junction had archways, perfect circles of beauty with beacons that displayed their destinations. But this... this is just... sad. And I don't see any beacons."

Nigel noticed Tatyana and Bella exchange a glance, a silent conversation passing between them. He knew they were thinking the same thing he was, Nova's words implied she had seen Grand Junctions before, which raised more questions about her past.

"Nova," he said, his voice steady and calm, "we're at the Grand Junction of Truth. It's one of the oldest and largest junctions in the galaxy. But as you can see, it's... different now," Nigel finished, his gaze sweeping over the decaying junction. "The beacons were the first to go, cannibalized for parts or destroyed in conflicts. Then the Gates themselves started to fail, one by one. Now, only a fraction of them still function."

Nova listened intently, her eyes scanning the vast expanse of the junction. "Why hasn't anyone tried to repair them? Or at least maintain them?" she asked, a hint of frustration in her voice.

Nigel sighed, running a hand through his short blonde fur. "You say that as if it's a simple task, Nova. However, it's not as simple as just repairing or maintaining them. The materials, the expertise, the resources... they're just not available anymore. The Grand Junction of Truth was once a beacon of unity, a testament to the harmony of the old galactic order. But that order crumbled, and with it, the will to preserve this place."

Nova's gaze softened as she looked at Nigel, her dark eyes reflecting a mix of understanding and determination. "I'm sorry, Captain. I didn't mean to suggest otherwise. I just... I don't even know where this Grand Junction of Truth is supposed to be. There were none named that." she said with a sigh, her head and shoulders slumping in defeat.

"Well, this is only the newest version of the name," Doctor Orlova interjected, her voice steady and reassuring. "The word it was named after indeed meant 'true,' but in the sense of a right angle, square, or plumb, as opposed to knowledge."

Nova's eyes became round in recognition. "Norma! We are in the Norma Arm of the galaxy." she exclaimed softly, in a gasp.

Nigel's brow furrowed in curiosity, surprised she knew this minor-arm by that name, "Nova, you've been here before?"

Nova hesitated, her gaze flickering away from the bridge's main viewscreen and onto her hands, now clasped loosely in her lap. "I, I am not sure, Captain. It just feels... familiar." She shrugged, attempting to dismiss the strange sensation, but her eyes betrayed her unease.

"Well regardless, we are taking this Grand Junction to the next arm, named The Arm of the Shield, there we will find Sönder," Captain Carter explained, pointing at the holographic map floating above the control panel. "It's a small system, but strategically important. We have allies there, and I hope we can gather some valuable information."

Nova listened attentively, her gaze shifting between the captain and the holographic map. "I've never heard of Sönder or The Arm of the Shield," she admitted, a hint of curiosity in her voice. "But I can't wait to see them, with my own eyes." she said with an excitement radiating from her black pools. The rest of the crew smiled at her innocent exclamation.

Captain Carter leaned back in his chair, his fingers absently drumming on the armrest. "Well, Sönder is... unique, to say the least. Grayson!" Nigel called out, his voice cutting through the quiet hum of the bridge. "Prepare for Gate transit. Let's make for Sönder."

Lucas acknowledged the order with a sharp nod, his fingers dancing over the controls. "Aye, Captain. Preparing for transit now."

Nova watched the preparations with keen interest, her eyes darting between the crew and the holographic displays. "Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Doctor Orlova, who had been quietly observing Nova, stepped forward. "Nova, I could use your assistance in the medbay. We have some supplies to organize and inventory," she replied, her voice warm and inviting.

"I suppose it also allows you to run a scan of me..." Nova started, garnering a look of denial from the Doctor before Nova finished her answer with, "Sounds like fun!" She turned to Captain Carter, "May I, Captain?"

Nigel, caught off guard by Nova's eagerness, nodded with a smile. "Of course, Doctor Orlova could use the help."

Nova followed the Doctor out of the bridge, her steps echoing in the sterile, white corridors of the Titans Pillar.

Bosun Tatyana Carter, still in her Combat EVA suit, clapped her hands together and pronounced, "Well, we have a bit of time before we get to Sönder, I'm going to the combat training room and sharpen up my laser rifle skills."

"May I tag along?" First Officer Bella Brown asked, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I could use some target practice myself." She adjusted her form-fitting bronze latex uniform, a reminder of her Imperial Navy roots.

Tatyana smirked, "Of course, Bella. It's always good to have a moving target. Plus, maybe you can teach me some of those fancy Imperial moves."

Bella chuckled, which faded into silence at the end, then Bella simply nodded, "Thanks." Tatyana grinned at her, and they both left the bridge, their footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Lucas, now alone on the bridge with Captain Carter, turned to him. "Captain, a word, if I may?" His voice was steady, but Nigel could hear the underlying concern.

Nigel swiveled his chair to face Lucas. "Of course, Grayson. What's on your mind?"

Lucas hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "It's about Nova. I've been thinking about her abilities, and I can't help but feel... uneasy."

Nigel raised an eyebrow. "Uneasy? In what way, Grayson?" Captain Carter asked, his voice calm and measured. He leaned forward in his chair, resting his elbows on his knees, giving Lucas his full attention.

"Wow, what an oddball, that Nova. An absolute engineering genius, but still, an oddball. Do you know that she knew the location and purpose of every nut and bolt of a Celestial Engine?" Engineer Bjorn blared, his voice booming across the bridge. The sudden intrusion caused Lucas to jump in his seat, his eyes widening in surprise. Captain Carter, however, remained unfazed, his gaze fixed on Lucas.

"What? You two find her odd as well?" Bjorn asked, his voice still booming as he entered the bridge, oblivious to the tension he'd just interrupted. Lucas glanced at Nigel, who gave a slight nod.

"I believe that Lucas was searching for just such a word to describe Nova," Nigel said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "And I couldn't agree more. She's... unique."

Bjorn grunted, "Unique? That's an understatement. She's practically a walking encyclopedia of Celestial Engine trivia! And that's not even mentioning her hold over you, Nigel." Bjorn added, his voice dropping to a grumble.

Nigel's eyes narrowed, a hint of warning in them. "Bjorn, be careful what you say next."

The engineer waved a dismissive paw, "Oh, come on, Nigel. You know I'm right. She's got you wrapped around her little finger. You're sweet on her."

Lucas picked up where Bjorn left off, "And then there's her knowledge of the Gates. She seemed to know exactly how they work, even though no one's been able to figure that out in millennia."

Captain Carter stroked his chin thoughtfully, "It's true, Nova's abilities are... unusual. But we've all seen her use them for the good of the crew. She's saved lives, including mine." He gave Lucas a pointed look, reminding him of the time she pulled him to safety while inside the Gate.

Lucas nodded, "I know, Captain. That's why I agree with Bjorn. You're sweet on her," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"I'll have you two know that when Nova talked sweetly of how she couldn't wait to witness Sönder with her own eyes, I was the only one not to practically swoon," Nigel retorted, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Both Bjorn and Lucas scoffed, "That's because you're already head over heels, Captain." The two then pointed at each other, a testament to their united thought.

Nigel rolled his eyes, but his smirk remained. "Alright, alright. Let's just say I have a soft spot for our peculiar engineer. But that doesn't mean I'm not aware of the... unique challenges she presents."

Lucas leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "I just think we should be cautious, Captain."

Bjorn folded his large arms over his barrel chest, "I'm in complete agreement."

"Swell," Nigel muttered, rubbing his temples.

---

Doctor Orlova tapped on her diagnostic holographic display, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Nova, your physical health is remarkable. Your body is in peak condition, and your vital signs are stable. However, there's something... unusual about your brain activity."

Nova tilted her head, her black eyes reflecting the soft glow of the medbay's lights. "Unusual? How so?"

Orlova hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "It's as if there are... echoes of memories, or perhaps knowledge, that aren't quite accessible. It's like there's a locked door in your mind, and I can hear footsteps pacing behind it, but I can't see what's on the other side."

Nova's eyes widened slightly, her gaze shifting away from the Doctor. "Oh, I thought everyone could still keep their thoughts secret from machines." she said softly, with an innocence that made Doctor Orlova smile gently.

"Well, most species cannot, but your brain activity is... unique, Nova. It's like there's a constant hum of data processing, even when you're at rest. And these echoes, they're unlike anything I've ever seen... Wait, are you saying we Osphranter could, control our thoughts in such a way, in the past?" Orlova asked, her curiosity piqued.

Nova looked at her, her eyes wide and innocent. "Well, I am not sure, Doctor. I haven't met many Osphranter like you, or the First Officer, or even Nigel... only ones like, HER." she said softly, her voice trailing off as she looked away, hiding her emotions. Doctor Orlova noticed the subtle change in Nova's demeanor and decided to press no further.

"Well, regardless of your past, you're here now, with us," Orlova said, her voice warm and reassuring. "And I'm glad to have you on the team. Your abilities have proven invaluable, and I have no doubt they will continue to be so."

Nova looked back at the Doctor, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Doctor. That means a lot," Nova replied, her eyes softening with gratitude. "Time to organize some supplies?" she asked, looking around the medbay.

"Yes, let's," Orlova agreed, gesturing towards the storage cabinets. "We have a fair amount of supplies to go through. I could use the help."

Nova eagerly began to assist the doctor, her slender fingers dancing over the inventory holograms with practiced ease. As they worked, Orlova couldn't help but steal glances at Nova, her mind racing with questions about the peculiar Oryctolagus.

---

Under the weightless conditions of the training room, Bella was out of her element. Tatyana, however, had been practicing in weightless conditions since she was a joey. She weaved and dodged Bella's wild shots, a smirk playing on her lips as she watched the First Officer struggle.

"Come on, Bella," Tatyana taunted, "you're supposed to be an Imperial sharpshooter. Show me what you've got."

Bella growled, her eyes narrowing as she focused, trying to regain control of her movements. With a sudden burst of speed, she flipped backwards, her tail wrapping around a nearby support beam to stabilize her. She took aim, her laser rifle glowing as it charged, only to see no one in front of her. In the weightless environment, Tatyana had pushed off from another beam, sending herself into a spin, and was now behind Bella. She reached out, gently tapping Bella's shoulder.

"Gotcha," Tatyana said, her voice playful. Bella turned around, her eyes wide with surprise, but before she could react, Tatyana pushed off again, against Bella, somersaulting backwards as Bella was propelled into a spin and then crashing into the wall. Tatyana landed gracefully on the floor, her tail swishing behind her. "That's how you handle a moving target, Imperial," she smirked.

"Stop saying that," Bella protested, her voice a mixture of annoyance and admiration. "I'm not an Imperial anymore. I'm part of this crew, same as you."

Tatyana's smirk faded into a look of genuine reflection. "For now." she added, then offered her hand to Bella who took in firmly.

Bella mulled over the implications of Tatyana's words. She knew the Bosun meant them as a joke, but there was a kernel of truth in them. Bella hadn't fully let go of her Imperial past, and it sometimes showed in her actions and words. However, this did not seem to be about her, not completely. Tatyana's words had an edge to them, a worry that went beyond the usual banter between crewmates. It appeared to Bella that another 'consultation' with Doctor Orlova was in order.