Universal Shift - Chapter 1

Chapter 1 The galaxy was tamed. In 2584, the Milky Way's frontiers were long settled, discoveries done. Seed ships like 0358 now handled the dull leftovers: one human, one AI, routine colony prep on marginal worlds. Elias Thorn, immortal at apparent thirty-five thanks to nanites, lay in the cramped cradle. Sixth run, same routine. The pod smelled of metal and recycled air. Small E-M arm folded against the hull. Engines oversized, everything else minimal. Sam's voice—calm, dry, his tuning—broke the quiet. “Six hours to exit. Course locked for Elysora Ninth. Balance ledger green.” “Feels the same,” Elias muttered. “It is the same,” Sam replied. “That's why they send us.” He closed his eyes. Nostalgia for real coffee lingered. Immortality fixed the body, not the heart. Then space tore. A black crack opened ahead—no warning, no signature. The hull buckled. Engines ripped free in sparks and plasma. Restraints crushed his chest. “Sam—!” “Integrity failing—translating—” The tear