A huge hologram depicting the majestic Jupiter, along with its moons, danced slowly on barely noticeable ellipses, hanging in mid-air within the bright museum hall. Underneath it, the curious crowds moved slowly. People gasped in awe, gazing beyond, while others talked and laughed. On more than one occasion, someone pointed at a curious piece of history held in the glass presentation panels. The recent attacks and protests had disturbed the normal flow of people, resulting in much smaller crowds than usual.

Pax raised her eyes away from the data console she was busy with, studying and creating a digital copy required for her trip. She turned around slowly, tired of the glare. The light from outside came through honey-plastered windows, artificially strengthened to create a blissful and surreal effect on the visitors. It had the same effect on Pax as when she first came here many years ago. There were a few quick moments of reflection as she gazed upon the golden giant and his forever bound stellar lovers before looking back down to the data console.

After a few moments of thought, she exchanged a data sphere, a fingernail-sized device used to store immense amounts of data. Pax had a whole library of these, kept safe in a small box. The technology was designed to transmit a glimpse of the data to a person's mind if someone touched one of these spheres, making it easier for them to recognize where their information had been stored.

The last piece of information she looked up was about breathers, Dhao Anasi. These creatures were discovered in the Mariana Trench on Earth in the middle of the XXI century. Significant resources were dedicated to their research because of their crucial ability: their small bodies could filter more oxygen than a dozen trees in the Amazon in the same amount of time. Their complex and bizarre physiology classified them as a totally separate branch of life in the tree of life.

The discovery of this single species led to the development of a new branch of science – anapnoisis, from the Greek word for breath. Scientists aimed to create an efficient method of purifying Earth's atmosphere due to the increasing pollution. While many methods were attempted, economically stubborn countries refused to pay attention to environmental concerns.

After years of research, the first oxygen plants were designed and built. Their effectiveness was proven within weeks of the initial tests, leading to the construction of many more such plants. However, in nature, everything must be in balance, and soon after the atmosphere was purified, rapid changes in temperatures shifted on a catastrophic route with unimaginable storms of unprecedented power.

Pax was satisfied with all the updated information she had found. The data sphere disappeared into her pocket, and she marched downstairs to the exit, turning around a few times to catch the last glimpse of the golden giant.

Outside, there was perpetual spring, with warm breezes and pleasant temperatures. It was an ideally planned and copied environment, as much as possible given the otherworldly conditions.

She didn't plan to see a priest at all; her mind despised the idea. Yet, something inside carried her steps towards the temple, Naos as they called it. The large plaza in front of the building was empty, and Pax felt like all the statues followed her every move, turning towards her inch by inch. Her body and mind felt exposed. The building itself wasn't large at all. It was built as a tholos, a round-domed structure in absolute mathematical perfection celebrated by the art of the craftsmen who decorated the columns, the podium, and the inner altar. It lacked, however, an inner sanctum, and its secrets were open to everyone who was looking for them.

Once she reached the closest gigantic column, she felt a strange static in the air, a buzz. Her senses couldn't quite understand what it was, but it was there.

"Are you lost?" a voice came from inside the Naos. Pax felt a shiver.

Within the open sanctum was an elderly man sitting on one of the benches. Next to him, a few displays showed data—some images of people, others pictures of relics and buildings. The man seemed to be very interested in the past. His hair was salt and pepper, combed neatly, the same as his patchy beard. Somehow, he didn't look like a priest. But Pax knew the man.

"Hello, Daduchus." She approached the man who twitched nervously when he saw her. The whole of her being twisted in aversion. Priests and religion were never her best friends; she would challenge their archaic philosophies, lack of action, and general nihilism toward almost everything in life. Especially Daduchus, the man, although kind and with a heart, represented everything that was wrong in her opinion with the religious man.

"I hope you are lost!" His voice pitched when he saw her walk out from behind the columns.

"No, I'm not, actually..."

"You!" He hesitated. "You are the last soul I want to see! Not after the last time you growled at me with your speeches! Oh, the heavens." He raised his arms to the sky in a dramatic gesture. "Are you here to pollute the pristine soul of this temple?! Oh, gods, what have I done to thee!"

Pax crossed her arms, waiting for his little theatrics to end, and Daduchus took his time repeating himself and crying to the gods. Seeing she wouldn't leave and feeling exhausted, he finally stopped, resigned.

"I'm not here to deliberate on anything. In fact—" She paused, unsure. "I'm here to ask for your advice."

A sour smile appeared on his face, victorious. She couldn't help but sigh seeing his reaction.

"This is rich, exquisite beyond my dreams. You? Coming to me for advice? But why would I give one to thee? You don't believe in the gods; you can't even admit to your own gifts."

"There are people dying, and more could die, so I don't have time for your games. I just want to know if Delia is safe. You are able to tell me that, right?"

"Why ask? Can't you get the answer yourself?"

"We lost communication with Earth. I thought your senses could—" He interrupted her, waving his hand angrily.

"Why don't you ask? You are an Oracle, are you not?" That name dropped from his tongue like a heavy stone on metal, resonating in the back of her head like a sour memory. "That and being a detective, you should be really good at getting answers. But maybe the gods have abandoned you."

Her fists tightened in anger.

"It's not as easy as you think, priest!" Her voice was tight, annoyed, almost angry. She tried to control herself. "I'm not that kind of oracle anymore. And we have been banned from accessing the web since the fright. You know better than anyone else that others who tried have died. So you would see me risk my sanity or life. How very blessed of you."

"Then maybe you are looking for the answers in the wrong place." He giggled, unimpressed by her anger.

"Perhaps you are right. This was a waste of my time. Never again." Pax was angry and turned around on her heel to walk away.

"Wait," Daduchus called after her, his voice sombre. She stopped but didn't turn back.

"She is safe. We already asked. We asked about many of the places to know after the attack," he added. Her breath dropped in relief. "You are right. The laws have been written, and you need to obey them. Under no circumstances should you ever access the web again. The fright will find you."

Pax gently turned her head, but he was back to studying his books, acting like she was never there. Without a word, she left.

"Where are you?" A voice suddenly crept into her ears. It was due to her own fault that every hair on her body stood up, as she left the communication bead on. Protau was already chasing her, although she still had two hours before she would leave. There was no need to panic.

"I'll be taking the maglev down to the port in a moment, Protau. I had to get some data update on the breathers, and you know I need to maintain the tank," Pax responded while climbing the train terminal steps to a platform. She paid with a move of her bracelet – it had microchips in the beads that connected to the station's computer – and she entered the train. "The secondary pump was failing." Not to delay the inevitable that sat in her stomach like cold stone, she was ready to get this going.

"Sure, and what about all of the old age books and music you have been uploading into the data sphere?" She didn't reply; she knew anything would just ensure him he was right. That's not true. The maglev moved, and after a few seconds, it was already gliding with high speed throughout the city. She didn't mention anything about visiting the temple. Protau didn't need to know. "I will need you earlier in the cosmo-port, then." Protau added after the break. Pax wondered what this could be; her eyes searched for the answer in the sky above. In fact, she was looking for the answer in the barely visible edges of Terled's dome, the structure that created and kept the atmosphere of the city safe from the cosmos.

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Through the windows, she could see the large dome as it grew larger and larger until it swallowed everything entirely. There weren't many passengers leaving here; she guessed that those who did either worked for the military or trade and all took an official route. Not her. Protau had once given her a card to access the hangars through the maintenance areas, and she was happy to use it. As the milky white lamps turned on slowly one by one with a low hum, she had to squint for a few seconds. Finally, the shades of black onyx dissipated, and everything was clear. Pax wasn't ready to let her mind stop thinking about the investigation; she called in on the results and possible tracks the investigating force may have found.

"They won't be happy I'm telling you this, but you are going to Earth anyway, so you may as well do the leg work. Her parents are still living in Glencoe, the same place the attacks happened." One of the senior officers answered her.

"Fortuitous coincidence?"

"Perhaps, they should be able to answer some questions. Find out what you can. Condolences as per standard protocol are required. Keep safe, detective."

"Thanks. You too." Just a simple one. Recent times made them all feel like every farewell might be their last. With all of them—family, friends, colleagues. Strange how the fear of the sudden and unexpected, like death, draws people together, makes them more humane towards each other.

Once she passed a number of pressure doors, the last one opened with a hiss, and the interior hangar opened to her.

Pax heard a mild beep in her earpiece, a quick shake of her wrist piece, and a connection was established.

"Are you on your way?" It was Protau.

"I am. Is this a secure channel?" She answered.

"I'm alone in the control room if that's what you are asking."

"So, how's your boyfriend?"

Nothing. She probably shocked him with how openly this was asked.

"Oh, come on, I know things. Following clues is my job."

"It didn't work out," he replied after a long moment.

"I don't have to worry he will be on the list of missing people, do I?"

Protau laughed for a short moment, a very dry, crisp sound.

"Nothing like that. It just didn't work out; I didn't feel anything towards him."

"You always say that," she said, almost there.

"Well, I'm not an easy one; you know that better than anyone else. End of this off-topic chatter now, serious stuff. I won't be able to come down to the ship. Extra security measures since the attack. You will see me through the windows, and it will have to suffice until you are back. I'm sorry."

"I understand. I'm fine with that. Wait, don't I have to come upstairs for the parts?" She shivered involuntarily when the cold underground air hit her in the face. The cold air of the caves under the moon's surface.

"Doesn't matter now; I changed the conduit coils in the ship. Though it may take longer than expected. But it was an easy fix. And the secondary pump? It's ok. Nice try with that one."

She didn't reply, just took the earpiece off as it was annoying her, put up the collar of her jacket, and moved between the fuel tanks through a path not many knew about. The contrast between the surface architecture was like night and day. Bare concrete and metal. Hundreds of weird, twisted, angry, and calm at the same time, shapes and colours that engulfed her from each angle. This was on the top, on the bottom, however, moisture and condensation would create quickly drying out streams that filled the cavities creating miniature rivers and bays, that took away the impurities and spills creating patterns from the chemical spillage. In some places even, grey and orange streams would create small canyons filled with crystals and mineral deposits.

From there Pax finally switched to a metal pathway and from there she took an elevator taking her directly to the ship. It was a very rough construction and through the crates, she could see the control tower. She could make out from here the men that sat working on the computers.

From the top of the floor, she found her way to the docking sleeve and her ship. Prometheus waited for her quietly, in the darkness, always ready for another adventure – and they had so many together.

The airlock opened automatically recognizing her transmitter bracelet to let her in. Lights shone brightly, and in the corner of the entrance was a friendly face always happy for her return.

"Hey boy!" Her voice expressed unusual warmth when she leaned forward to pat the dog. He was a large mountain shepherd, his fur was a mixture of cream and white, gently enveloping a muscular silhouette, large strong paws and a bear-shaped head. She named him Argos. But he wasn't a real dog. Unfortunately, humanity had learned that domestic pets suffered greatly in colonies, something in their genes made them earthbound. Cats less so, their bodies handled the voyage and artificial gravity better, however, predisposing them to various diseases which were manageable to an extent. Pax even saw a few cats in the colony. But not dogs. Their tie to the homeworld was so great that most of them would die during the journey through space or almost immediately start showing genetic abnormalities. Such existence was torment and suffering, and all attempts were abandoned.

Argos was an eidolon. Each ship had one; they were the interactive personality interfaces of the ship's computer intelligence. They could move freely around, provide companionship, entertainment, and sanity. And although holographic, they could physically interact with whomever they wanted. Most captains had their eidolons as people, figures they knew and liked. They provided an important human element to the journey, making it more bearable for those that travelled alone. But Pax chose a dog for hers. In fact, it wasn't any dog. It was a spitting image of the friend she once had as a child while still living on Earth. The real Argos died before she left. One of the many reasons she left.

Everything was ready for departure. For a moment, it just seemed empty and surreal, but Argos pushed his head under her hand, pulling her back into reality. As she sat comfortably in her seat, checking all of the launch systems, communication was already buzzing.

"Alright, everything seems operational from both sides. Ship systems are optimal. You are clear to go."

"Thanks, Protau." There was a muffled bark in the background.

The man ignored that. "I will be monitoring your progress throughout the system; everything should go smoothly."

"You mean with your micro spies? You said the same thing when I got in the storm over Titan."

"You may laugh, but these little guys see more than you think. But I can only see; I can't control that ship of yours. So be careful. You know Halley's Comet is on its journey through the solar system, and there is all manner of debris you need to pay attention to."

"I always am!" She answered, half paying attention. "We always are." Her fingers were already playing a well-known song on the consoles in front of her. Argos sat patiently next to her; his head was high enough that the eidolon could see over the consoles and through the cockpit windows. The computers showed the position of the ship on the jump rail; a magnificent structure that would take her through man-made tunnels on a vertical rail designed to accelerate the ship and help release it from the moon's gravitation while taking away the stress from the pilots and lowering fuel consumption.

For her, it was a moment of silence, listening to the melody of the beeps and clicks of the machines. Occasional flashes on the consoles and instruments. It was all very comforting for her, a neutral zone. Beyond, there were just the lights guiding her to the sky.

"Launch!" the voice in her speakers said, and she felt an increasing vibration that shook through her bones, through her blood. Somewhere below her, a blinding light erupted from the engines and carried her away. The sky exploded with thousands upon thousands of stars when Prometheus was released from the jump rail, leaving the micro-gravitation field, able to expand its wings and soar away.

"I'm OK." It took her a moment to speak once the manoeuvre was finished. She licked her dry lips and responded to the microphone. "All systems optimal, thanks for the ride, boys."

"Gods grant you that you do well, Pax."

"Thanks to you, Gods will grant me passage through the darkness." Although Pax couldn't see him, she knew Protau smiled. It was what he used to say to her since she was a child. He was outside close proximity communication, but she waited a couple of minutes before switching off the line. Just now Pax noticed how tightly her fingers were clenching the steers. But the ship was safe above the moon in a parking orbit; Argos made sure of it.

The calm gave her a few moments to relax, take a deep breath.

"Go to a prison planet, enter a forbidden zone, investigate bombings, meet the family of the victims, then find my own family and tell them I'm sorry for being a brat, and bring them back. Also, don't get killed in the process. Easy." She had to laugh; otherwise, it would be a nightmare. Just take one step at a time.

"Argos, lights." The cabin instantly lit its lights. Pax manipulated the navigation computer next to her, and a brightly coloured holographic map appeared. She had to wait for a second, as it blurred and lost detail. Just for a moment.

"Set up the course to Mars, Tartarus Prison Facility. Put alignment markers here... here and here." Her fingers manipulated the computer data as she spoke. The markers she was referring to were points in the highway of microsatellites still operational in the system. Protau worked hard to keep them that way. The journey looked easy; she was avoiding any direct jumps as that would deplete her fuel too fast. Prometheus, just like most of the ships, was equipped with two types of space engines: a conventional one allowing for reliable but time-consuming journeys, taking hours compared to ancient ones, and a second one which was a short-distance jump drive. This one was usually only used in distress or rescue situations as it put a lot of pressure on the engines themselves and the ships.

Pax stretched in her seat, loosened the security belts, and took a moment to look outside as the face of Saturn and its magnificent rings touched by the sun. It was a magnificent sight. She also knew that below her, the colony city would shine with its thousand lights.

Argos was already on course, and in some comfort, Pax was able to spend this time in her own mind.

"Identification signal request." The eidolon's gentle voice asked once they approached a stratospheric buoy above the surface. The eidolon was still sitting next to her, his head tilted curiously.

"Understood, transmit signal." She responded automatically, her fingers turning on the communication panel, not listening to anything specific. Just for the signals. The particular signals that all of the ships used as a high-frequency communication system. It reminded her of whales singing. When she was growing up on Earth, she adored going to the oceanographic institute and listening to recordings of them communicating.

As the ocean of space stretched in front of her, millions of kilometres away from home, she sat listening to them sing again. Even if it was just her imagination filling the gaps. She felt the cold, wet nose of Argos trying to get her attention, to pet him. The eidolon was trying to take her mind off things, but the singing would follow her everywhere while the giant Kronos, with his gentle eye, kept her safe.