At last, their path led them to a massive gate, imposing and intricately carved with symbols that shimmered faintly in the light. It stood as an immovable barrier, giving no sign of its purpose or what lay beyond. Ambrosius and Callex approached cautiously, examining the control panel set to the side.

Ambrosius began tapping at the controls, his armored fingers moving with surprising deftness. “Not an Imperial make… but not wholly unfamiliar either.”

After several tense moments of manipulating the panel, the gate shuddered to life. Slowly, the massive doors slid apart, revealing an unexpected sight that neither of the battle-hardened marines had anticipated.

They stepped through, weapons lowered, struck by the serene scene before them.

Beyond the gate lay a vast park, impossibly large for any ship, let alone one stranded in the void. Trees spread their branches wide, casting dappled shadows across grassy fields and pathways of smooth stone. Vivid flowers bloomed in carefully tended beds, filling the air with their fragrance. The gentle sound of water drew their eyes to a large lake in the center, its surface shimmering under an artificial sun set in the ceiling high above.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Ambrosius took a slow, cautious step forward, his voice quiet with awe. “By Vulkan’s forge… it’s as if we’ve stepped into a noble’s garden on Terra itself.”

Callex, equally astonished, examined a nearby tree, reaching out to feel its bark. “These are no mere holograms,” he murmured. “They are real… it’s as if this place is a sanctuary, untouched by war.”

They walked carefully through the park, scanning the area for any signs of threat, but the quiet serenity persisted. Even the air felt different—warm, fresh, as though they had somehow crossed a boundary into a different world.

Ambrosius shook his head, his tone edged with incredulity. “It defies all logic. A park, aboard a ship? This expanse would rival some fortress monasteries.”

Callex gave a brief nod, keeping his senses alert. “Strange though it is, Brother, I feel no danger here. Yet, one must wonder… for what purpose would such a place be created, and by whom?”

Ambrosius paused by a patch of flowers, their colors deep and vibrant, unlike any species he had seen before. “If it is a sanctuary, it’s as if it was meant to preserve… something precious. Perhaps even life itself.”

They moved further along, scanning every tree, bush, and pathway, the quiet peace of the place unnerving in its purity. It was then that Callex noticed something—a subtle movement on the edge of the lake’s shore.

“Brother,” he said, raising his bolter slightly. “We are not alone.”