Ration

Ration

     While "Celestia" raced into the depths of the galaxy, the entire crew rested after a delicious snack. The diet of the researchers was carefully prepared to provide the necessary energy and nutrients in a distant space flight and on an unknown planet. The main components of the diet included:

• Energy snacks contained a large amount of energy to quickly raise the tone and ensure the necessary activity.
• Microencapsulated superfoods that contained concentrated useful elements. They were especially useful in an unknown planet setting where the team might face unpredictable food conditions.
• Air-dried products are especially convenient for portability and long-term storage, such as dried fruits, nuts and tiny ready meals.
• Gel energy products provide quick charging of the body during intense physical exertion.
• Specially processed plain water for drinking, which provided the necessary water balance.
• Special crystals that kept the essence of various exotic fruits. During use, they dissolved in the mouth, providing incredible taste sensations and providing important vitamins.
• Additional vitamin patches supported the crew's immunity in space conditions.

An expedition to the Arctur system promised adventure and mystery, and the team already had a taste of huge discoveries.

     Everyone woke up to the hyperspace exit message. Vivak prepared all systems for a safe stop. Each member of the crew prepared their workplaces. Vivak analyzed the data from the ship's sensors and systems, sending them to the monitors of the command center. Energy pulsations and light changes indicated the transition of the ship from another dimension.

• Prepare for normal space mode. Stop in 3... 2... 1...

With a short crack and a distant hum, the Celestia abruptly left hyperspace and entered the normal space of space.

• Vivak, can you give details about the Arcturus system? - Ram began commanding.
• Arctur is relatively stable, no suspicious flares have been observed. The star is surrounded by five planets.  Also, unknown objects were detected in the opposite belt - Vivak answered by sending additional information to the screens.
• Course on Astralis. Let's stick to the plan - decided the captain.

     Approaching the planet, "Celestia" received a powerful blow to the hull of one of the engines. It was a small gift from their acquaintances. The galactic pirates followed the team and decided to take revenge because of the survivor's story. This time, three powerful cruisers provided a guarantee of shooting down the starship of a handful of earthlings. This time they had meta-material camouflage that makes the ship invisible to radar and scanners, allowing the pirates to sneak closer to their targets.

• Inaction is not an option. Get ready for battle, everyone in your positions! - shouted the commander.

Alice Lee skillfully maneuvered the ship to avoid enemy attacks while Eva and Dave activated their shields. Bob and Zlata took up arms.

• Ram, what are our tactics? - asked Alice, giving the ship a big roll to dodge.
• Keep the shields up as long as possible, use all the available energy - answered Ram.

      About 20 corvettes were just adding tension. They literally appeared out of nowhere. Even though Bob knocked down 2 of them, it still didn't make things any easier. This class of starships had smaller dimensions than assault ones and had black hulls, so they merged with space. The reload speed of the guns was so short that the shots were fired continuously. Although Alice was a brilliant pilot, even she could not cope with such a numerous advantage of the enemy. One of the cruisers, with a shot from a cannon, caught and finally tore off both main engines of "Celestia". At a critical moment, systems began to gradually fail. Control of the ship was lost. With the roar of the engine and molten metal, the Celestia fell furiously, losing altitude. The pirates, having decided the fate of the ship, broke away, leaving the crew in relatively free fall to the surface of Astralis.

     After numerous successful procedures, the team was able to activate the emergency systems. With a thump and a crack, the ship slipped through the atmosphere. Although the emergency landing saved them from total destruction, they remained immersed in the elements of the buildings.