---

The Titans Pillar sliced through the cosmos, her engines humming a lullaby of power and precision. The bridge was bathed in the soft glow of the stars, their light dancing on the chrome surfaces of the console. Nigel sat in his Captain's Chair, his hands resting on the controls, his eyes reflecting the cosmic ballet outside.

"You sure about this, Dad?" Tatyana asked with a hushed voice. She leaned against his chair, her tail swishing gently behind her. Her eyes, deep pools of blue, mirrored her father's.

Nigel turned to face her with a serious expression. "It's our only chance, Tatyana. We can't keep running, not with... not with what we know." He paused, his gaze shifting to Nova, who stood watching the holographic displays, her eyes focused, her pristine white fur illuminated by the soft glow of the stars.

Tatyana followed her father's gaze, her brow furrowing as she studied Nova. "What's the plan?" Tatyana asked, her voice steady despite the knot of unease in her stomach. She knew her father well enough to recognize the determined gleam in his eyes, and she knew that whatever he had in mind, it wouldn't be easy.

Nigel leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming on the armrest. "First, we need to find a Wandering Gate, a very specific one close to Sönder, or well, relatively close, anyway." Nigel began, his eyes flicking to the holographic map of the nearby systems projected above the central console. "Once we find it, we'll enter the Gate and park in its Timeless Zone, avoiding detection."

Nova's ears perked up at the mention of a Wandering Gate, "A wanderer? What is that, Nigel?" she asked, her voice soft yet curious. She turned to face him, her deep black eyes reflecting the holographic display of the stars.

Nigel looked at her, his expression thoughtful. "Wandering Gates are remnants of the ancient Galactic Spiral Celestial Gates, Nova. They detached at both ends and wandered far away from their former positions. They're rare, but they exist, and they're... useful, if you can find them."

"Captain, we have now left the System of Sönder proper and have now accelerated to Faster-Than-Light speeds, but I'm still not sure what I'm looking for." Lucas's voice broke through the hum of the starship, his eyes scanning the holographic display in front of him.

Nigel looked at Lucas, "Patience, Grayson. We're looking for a specific signature, a residual energy pattern that shouldn't be there. It's like finding a blessing amongst a bedding of curses. However, in this case, the blessing is invisible, and the bedding is a Five-Thousand Light-Hour sphere around Sönder."

Lucas raised an eyebrow, "Sounds like fun," he replied, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Nigel chuckled, "Don't worry, Grayson. You have your dear old Captain. My snout can detect an out-of-place set of spacetime coordinates from..." Nigel's voice trailed off as he closed his eyes, his senses extending beyond the ship, searching for the elusive signature. They all waited in silence as the tension built to palpable levels.

Suddenly, Nigel's eyes snapped open, a determined gleam in them. "There it is. Grayson, adjust our course. We've found our blessing amidst the curses."

Lucas' fingers danced over the controls, his eyes scanning the holographic display. "Course adjusted, Captain. We'll be there in seven hours at current speed."

Tatyana leaned against her father's chair, her tail swishing in a slow, thoughtful rhythm. "Seven hours, huh? That gives us some time to prepare," she mused, her eyes flicking between her father and Nova. "What do we need to do, besides find this Gate?"

Nigel turned to face her with a serious expression. "We need to prepare for the unexpected, Tatyana. I have specific tasks for you and the crew to perform. And one of my own." he paused, his gaze once again turning to Nova. "Once I start, get with Bjorn, I've filled him in. He'll have your assignment."

Tatyana nodded, her eyes narrowing as she considered her father's words. Judging by the current undertone of concern in his voice, she knew that whatever he had planned for her, it would be crucial.

Nigel turned to Lucas, who was still focused on the controls, his fingers dancing over the holographic display. "Grayson, once we're in the Timeless Zone, I want you to put the ship on autopilot. Then, meet Bjorn in the engine room. You two will have some modifications to make."

Lucas glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "Modifications to a Celestial Engine, Captain? In the Timeless Zone? Isn't that a bit... risky?"

Nigel leaned forward with intense eyes. "Risk is our currency, Grayson. The Timeless Zone will grant us the luxury of time, but we must use it wisely. Bjorn has a plan, and you're the key to making it work."

Lucas nodded, a determined expression on his face. "Understood, Captain. I'll meet Bjorn in the Engine Room as soon as we're in the Timeless Zone."

Nigel stretched and sighed, "Meanwhile, I'm going to take a well-deserved nap," he announced, standing up from this chair. "If I'm not up an hour before we reach the Gate, come wake me."

"Nigel, um, Captain, may I, accompany you to your quarters, please?" Nova asked, her voice soft yet firm. She had been quiet throughout the conversation, her eyes flicking between the crew members, taking in every nuance of their interactions.

Nigel paused, turning to face her. His eyes, crystal baby blue, reflected the soft glow of the stars, and for a moment, Nova felt like she was looking into the cosmos itself. "Of course, Nova," he replied, his voice gentle. "I could use the company."

Tatyana watched them leave; her brow furrowed in thought. Her father's body language gave him away. The subtle tension in his shoulders, the slight tightness around his eyes. Something was bothering him, something he wasn't sharing with the rest of the crew. Yet.

---

Counterintuitively, the halls of the Titans Pillar were quieter than the Bridge. They hummed with the same low-level energy, but it was muted, subdued. Nigel and Nova walked side by side, their footsteps echoing softly in the corridor. Nova's pristine white fur, and the white EVA-Suit encompassing it, seemed to glow in the dim light, her ethereal beauty stark against the ship's utilitarian interior.

"So, Nova," Nigel began, his voice casual, "you've been quiet about your past. I thought it might be time to share, considering... everything."

The words had barely left his cleft lips when Nova embraced him, her slender arms wrapping around his torso. Nigel, taken aback, hesitated for a moment before wrapping his arms around her, feeling the delicate curve of her spine beneath his fingertips.

"Oh, Nigel. I'm sorry for being so… forward," Nova murmured, her voice muffled against his chest. "But, when I touched High-Governor Atlas's face, it dawned on me that almost everyone has kept their distance from me since my release from that… coffin. That save for me taking your hand to bring you back onto the ship and that moment with Atlas, I haven't touched another soul." She pulled back slightly, her deep black eyes seeking his. "I just needed to feel... connected. To someone. To you."

Nigel looked down at her, his expression softening. He understood her need for connection, for comfort in the face of uncertainty. He had felt it himself, many times over the years. He gave her a gentle squeeze, his voice low and reassuring. "It's alright, Nova. I understand. We're in this together, remember?"

She nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I remember. I just... started to feel like I didn't truly exist. Like I wasn't real. Please help me feel real, Nigel. I need to know I'm not just a ghost."

Nigel smiled softly, his eyes crinkling in the corners. "You're very real, Nova. I can feel you, right here." He placed his hand over his heart. "And I promise, I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe, to make sure you stay real."

Nova leaned into his touch, her eyes fluttering closed. "Thank you, Nigel. That means more to me than you could ever know," Nova whispered, her face pressing against his neck, her wet nose nuzzling his fur. Nigel felt a warmth spread through him, a feeling of protectiveness and affection. He held her close, his hands rubbing her back in soothing circles.

As they approached Nigel's quarters, the hum of the ship seemed to fade away, replaced by the soft sound of their breathing and the gentle rustle of Nova's fur against his suit. Nigel reached out to open the door, but Nova suddenly pulled back, her eyes wide. "Wait, Nigel. I... I should go. I don't want to intrude."

Nigel looked down at her, his expression soft. "Nova, you're not intruding. I want you to stay, if you'd like. But only if you're comfortable." He paused, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "We can just talk, or you can rest. Whatever you need."

Nova hesitated, her eyes searching his. Then, she nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'd like that, Nigel. Thank you."

His quarters were bathed in a soft, warm light, the glow of the stars outside casting long, dancing shadows on the walls.

Nova's eyes widened as she took in the space, her gaze flicking from the holographic displays to the plush, inviting couch. Nigel watched her, smiling at her reaction.

"Not what you expected?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.

Nova turned to face him, her eyes reflecting the soft light. "I... I didn't expect it to be so... cozy," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought it would be more... utilitarian."

Nigel chuckled, "Please, make yourself comfortable," Nigel said, his voice gentle and reassuring. He gestured to the couch, a soft invitation.

Nova hesitated for a moment before walking over to the couch, her eyes never leaving Nigel's. She sat down, her movements graceful and fluid, her pristine white fur and EVA-Suit blending with the soft, cream-colored fabric. She looked up at him, her deep black eyes wet with moisture..

"Thank you, Nigel," she said softly. "I think... I would like to rest, with you, um, cuddling? If that's alright?" Nova's voice was soft, almost hesitant, her eyes searching Nigel's for any sign of discomfort.

 Nigel's heart softened at her words, and he couldn't help but smile. "There's nothing I'd like more." He sat down next to her, his arm wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her close. Nova leaned into him, her head resting on his chest, her eyes fluttering closed. Nigel could feel her heart beating against his, steady and strong, and he found himself drawing comfort from it.

He stroked her face gently, his fingers gently brushing her soft, pristine white fur. "Get some rest, Nova," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. "We have an, interesting, journey ahead of us."

Nova sighed slightly, and Nigel could feel her body relax against his. She trusted him, he realized, and deep down, he trusted her too, at least whatever part of her he was witnessing now. He held her close, his hand rubbing her back in slow, soothing circles, until her breathing evened out and he knew she was asleep.