The Red Spark

The Convergence

The StarShade station, a marvel of human ingenuity, drifts like a celestial flower in the nebula. A design both functional and breathtaking, it resembles a colossal bloom, each petal reflecting the harmony of technology and nature. At the heart of this cosmic bloom lies the central hub, a fortress of reinforced alloys and luminous facets, representing resilience and command. Here, the pulse of the station is felt strongly; the essential processes encased within. An assortment of communication arrays and sensor clusters bristle like the stamen of a flower. Dangling on the edge of the nebula, the StarShade is both hub of commerce and strategic deployment. She features strategically placed defensive turrets and shield generators subtly integrated into its design, ready to protect any against threats. Equally important, the station acts as a jump-off point for deeper exploration, it boasts multiple docking bays and hangars that accommodate a variety of spacecraft, ensuring the station remains a bustling hub of activity.

Radiating from the beating core are the station’s petals, each housing a unique biodome. Fabrications representing different worlds that fall within the Unity Accord sphere of influence. Each was added individually at different periods during construction, the StarShade growing like an organism. These petals are not merely structural; they are sanctuaries of life and diversity, designed to sustain the sentient spirit amidst the cold expanse of space. Each capable of functioning independently, each connected and supported by the central core.

In the Verilia Biodomes, the towering trees stretch their limbs skyward, their leaves whispering secrets to the artificial wind. Streams weave through the underbrush, their crystal waters reflecting the dappled sunlight, offering solace and serenity to weary minds. This meticulously crafted ecosystem exists as a sanctuary for space travelers, combating the isolation and claustrophobia that often plague long-distance missions away from worlds with real skies and non-recirculated air. The biodome’s carefully calibrated environment—from the play of light filtering through the canopy to the precise regulation of temperature and humidity—creates an uncanny simulacrum of a habitable forest.

White dunes undulate like waves frozen in time within the Bonir Biodomes, their sands warm beneath an artificial sun. Amidst the arid expanse, an oasis shimmers, its waters a mirror to the sky, fringed by palms swaying gently, fostering resilience and a sense of wonder. The stark beauty of the desert landscape provides a counterpoint to the lush forest, challenging crew members to find serenity in minimalism and strength in adversity.

Beneath a surface that ripples like liquid glass lies the Photheus Biodomes, a world of vibrant coral reefs and darting fish. Pathways wind through this underwater realm, where the play of light creates a dance of colors. It shelters an impressive breadth of aquatic life, possibly one of the largest aquariums in the known galaxy. Unlike any other, this biome invites a tranquil escape and a place for reflection.

Jagged peaks rise majestically in the Yrene Biodomes, their snow-capped summits piercing the sky. Alpine meadows, dotted with wildflowers, stretch out beneath the crisp, cool air, inspiring awe and fortitude. Here, a sustainable source of food flourishes, carefully integrated into the rugged landscape. Edible wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant hues, their petals and leaves offering both nutrition and visual delight. Clusters of nutrient-rich mushrooms sprout from fallen logs and damp earth, their earthy flavors highlighting the biodome’s ecological balance. Wild herbs cling to rocky outcrops, their aromatic leaves enhancing meals and providing medicinal benefits.

The Esiri Biodomes present a terrain unlike any other, where bioluminescent plants cast an eerie glow and strange rock formations loom. The air hums with the presence of fauna, their movements a dance of the unfamiliar, sparking curiosity and scientific inquiry. This environment serves a dual purpose of training and whimsy for the scientists. Here, crew members hone their skills in xenobiology and exogeology, practicing protocols for studying unfamiliar ecosystems in a controlled setting. The biodome’s ever-changing landscape, manipulated through advanced holographic technology, presents new challenges daily, keeping the scientists on their toes and their minds sharp. Crew members delight in naming the strange creatures they encounter, competing to craft the most imaginative theories about the function of bizarre plant structures.

At the stem, overseeing all the biodomes, the Command Center buzzed with activity. Commander Thomir stood at the helm, her piercing green feline eyes scanning the myriad of screens displaying every corner of the StarShade. Her beautiful long pale hair, reflected in the monitor before her, framed her face, while her eyes glowed slightly brighter, catching the artificial sunlight streaming through the large windows. She absently ran her perfectly manicured nails across the console as she commanded the firefly drones to oversee.

And the fireflies had much to cover, their aerial ballet enchanting all who watched. They weave through the air in mesmerizing patterns, their delicate dances a spectacle of light and grace. Yet, beneath the beauty of their performance lay a hidden purpose, for these luminous dancers were not merely entertainers but silent sentinels, gathering secrets amidst the smiles they inspired and those unaware.

Within the biodomes of the StarShade, miniature cities pulse with life. Each biodome, unique in its design, contributes to the station’s vibrant mosaic and labyrinth. Some have larger parks, others taller buildings, but all knit a rich tapestry of balanced urban existence, where the aroma of fresh flowers, coffee, or wet dirt after the rain mingles with the distant echoes of laughter, creating a sense of normalcy and connection to the planets and each other. The bustling hubs are nothing without their inhabitants. No flower functions without its living cells and organisms that feed it with life—a diverse array of humanoids, some with unique engineered attributes. Felines with sleek fur, Axos with glittering and iridescent skin, and individuals with subtle scales or hues of red, green, blue, and yellow. Some have intricate protuberances, while others are as smooth as silk.

Flowing like water feeding the biodomes, the clamor of commerce reverberates and sustains the colossal metallic flower. Stalls and kiosks overflow with wares, both humble and elegant—provisions, gadgets, and technology from hundreds of worlds. Voices rise and fall in a cacophonous babel, haggling and bartering in a dozen languages, each note adding to the vibrant tapestry of sound. The scent of the exotic fills the air, the sharp tang of cold ozone mingling with it, creating an intoxicating perfume that clings to the senses, a reminder of the myriad cultures converging in this celestial giant.

Amidst this bustling diversity, there are those who appear completely normal on the outside, distinctive from other humanoids, and easily identifiable. Their traits do not trigger a genetic change—skin that does not stain, eyes that remain humanoid and not animalistic, skin that is smooth and not covered in fur or scales. These individuals, with seemingly ordinary appearances, are far from it. They are the first generation to be successfully born and raised in the station, blessed and nurtured by the StarShade—a pod generation.

Siblings. Ten of them. Born of the same genetic mother and father, each one a marvel of genetic engineering and distinctiveness. They are not merely born but cultivated like rare flowers in a celestial nursery. The process of their creation, fraught with ethical dilemmas and challenges, is a testament to perseverance and ingenuity. In this star-bound metropolis, they face unique trials, yet they flourish. Each sibling, with their unique attributes, becomes an essential part of the StarShade’s ecosystem. Their interactions and achievements weave a tapestry of resilience, illustrating the delicate balance of life aboard the station.

Amidst the intricate web of technology, bioengineering, commerce, and culture lie the labyrinthine corridors of the Central Logistics Command. A small office, modest compared to most, transforms its artificial windows into a serene winter forest. Projected sunlight filters through the trees, and a gentle breeze rustles the leaves, offering a momentary escape from the relentless pace of Stella’s work.

Holographic projections of the biodomes float like aimless petals in mid-air, each meticulously labeled, creating a digital symphony of data streams. Augmented reality layers seamlessly integrate with the physical environment. At the center, a sleek, minimalist desk stands with a comfortable chair, its surface clutter-free except for a couple of glassy tablets and a few personal mementos. A small, framed hologram of her family of three and a delicate, handcrafted trinket from Verilia add a touch of warmth to the high-tech and cold ambiance.

Soft, adjustable lighting casts a warm glow, complementing the room’s modern aesthetic. Certificates line one wall, showcasing her achievements, while glassy pads rest on sleek shelves. The soft hum of the station is barely audible, thanks to the room’s enhanced soundproofing, creating a quiet sanctuary amidst the bustling station.

Stella moves through the space with ease, her fingers dancing over a tablet, her glasses displaying the data privately as she reviews the biodomes’ inventory with the latest hauler ship. EDI, the station’s AI, seamlessly cross-references the data in real-time.

Rich copper hair, styled in an elegant updo that demands an extra hour of her morning, frames her light skin, glowing with a warm undertone. Amber eyes, flecked with green, dart across the inventory lists. Her slender yet athletic frame moves with determined purpose. Stella’s gaze misses nothing. Her mind, a well-oiled machine, stays a step ahead.

Once done with her task and able to speak freely, Stella’s voice, bright and eager, seeks engagement. “Hello, girls. How are we doing tonight?” She leans back in her chair, allowing herself a moment of relaxation, the artificial sunlight casting a soft glow on her face.

The StarShade station hums with life; a vibrant pulse that the sisters feel deep within their respective cores. A hum of machinery accented by the sterile scent of recycled air creates a comforting and familiar backdrop that defines their concept of home. In the hydroponics bay, Sadie nearly drops a delicate plant she is handling as Stella’s voice crackles over the person-to-person comms. 

“Ah!” Sadie startles, catching the plant just before it strikes the ground with an impressive demonstration of dexterity. “You scared me! Goddamit, Ella, I almost dropped my greenie because of you.” After a few gathered breaths, Sadie moves through the hydroponics bay with practiced ease. The air is thick with fresh foliage, a stark contrast to the sterile corridors outside. She tends the plant with care, their leaves lush and vibrant under the artificial lights. As she goes her hands deftly tend the vibrant array of plants arranged categorically by usage. Brushing her soft rose gold bangs from her eyes toward her ears as she leans over one grouping of medicinal plants. Her styled in a pixie cut frames her fair face with a rosy undertone as deep blue eyes flecked with silver, scan the leaves for any abnormalities. Her duty is to ensure each plant receives the care it needs. 

“I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you. I wouldn’t be calling if it wasn’t important,” Stella offers, her tone filled with apology. She is getting ready for a long shift, wrapping a cozy blanket around her shoulders, relishing its comforting warmth.

“Something wrong? Are you alright?”

“I’m okay, just feeling tired and I’ll be here a bit longer. We’re having a minor inconvenience,” Stella replies, frustration creeping into her voice. “The bad news is that the Otodus broke down and couldn’t make the jump. We received word an hour ago. This means a 19-day delay. Until then we’ll need to ration supplies. Another biodome has offered to help, but even with their support, we’ll need to tighten our belts until the shipment arrives. That’s why I’m calling. You better not be hoarding supplies. Instructions will be sent to everyone to prepare for the next few days. So, please don’t panic. We can handle this. I’ve got your back,” she adds, trying to sound positive.

“Ugh, seriously? I can’t believe this. I’m here on my day off, waiting for the nutrient solutions. My plants really need them today. Without those nutrients, all our overtime could go to waste. And don’t even get me started on the fish feed situation,” Sadie laments.

“I know. Sadie, we are doing everything we can to get this sorted.”

“Fuck. The water purification system will be overdue for maintenance, too, and we don’t have the parts we need. It’s like everything is falling apart at once,” Sadie vents, frustration bubbling up. 

“Hey, just relax. We’re on top of this. HelianFlare is already in the loop and making preparations. We’ll reach out to the other biodomes to see if they can pitch in with the parts for now. Every division will be asked to make a list of needs, wants, and could use. Everything will work out fine, I promise.”

“Alright, I’ve got to go and start discussing the plan with my team,” Sadie laments, taking a deep breath before turning to Stella. “Thanks for giving me the heads up.”

“No problem, sis. I’ll let you get back to work. I’ll give you a call when I have more updates.”

Stella disconnects the call as a small robot whirs into the room, delivering a steaming cup of hot cocoa. She takes it, inhaling the rich aroma, and with a quick command, lowers the temperature in her area to keep her mind sharp. “Alright, EDI.” She adjusts her eyeglasses, leaning forward to her glassy workstation. “The Genesis Sphere is going to be in trouble too. That’s around 21,000 people. The Otodus can’t make the quantum jump. The Greenhouse biodome and the Genesis Sphere are going to be severely affected. Photheous and Yrene sponsors will be frustrated beyond measure.”

The AI doesn’t answer, no query made of her. Instead, EDI lets Stella puzzle potential solutions rather than breaking her stream of thought. And after a few moments of cranium pulsing with though, Stella insights. “Show tomorrow’s haulers. Any of those haulers possess spare space?” 

EDI’s holographic form flickers as it processes the information. “Unfortunately, the Zybarian haulers are fully booked for the month and at full capacity. There is no available space,” EDI replied.

“What about the special haulers? They should be here in 2-3 days.”

“Indeed they will. The Prime and the Super have available space, each with 1000 m³. However, this won’t suffice for the 21,000 affected population.”

“It’s okay, send the request to the respective departments in the HelianFlare and make sure to prioritize Sadie’s needs in that batch. We need the Greenhouse’s products for other biodomes. Besides the HelianFlare, which station or planet possesses Megalodons?”

“That would be IrisVeil, 57 light-years away,” announces EDI.

Stella’s eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope. “What are their capacities?”

EDI displays the data on the screen. “Jump Capacity: 60-80 light-years. Cargo Capacity: 60,000 – 100,000 m³. They can perform one jump every 1-2 days, but they require up to 8 hours of charging between jumps.”

Stella nods, determination in her voice. “EDI, that’s perfect! Send my proposal to my boss. Outline our ideas and see if he accepts them. If he does, ask the Greenhouse logistic departments submit requisitions prioritizing items they absolutely need, the things they want, and the things that would be good to have to prevent shortages in the future.”

“Message sent.” 

“In the meantime, message Sophia. I want to know if she has any theories about the Otodus.” Stella orders.

“Message sent,” EDI repeats.

“Thank you, EDI.”