USS Oregon – The Ring’s Full Answer
Back aboard the Oregon, the second ring’s activation entered a new phase.
The bridge shook slightly as a massive holographic projection projected itself around the ship — an interactive, three-dimensional map of the galaxy.
Thousands of rings appeared as points of light.
Some glowed brightly.
Some flickered.
Some were dark.
Lt. Lin: “Captain… this isn’t just a record. It’s a status map. Of the entire network.”
Ramirez: “Cross-referencing coordinates… A dozen rings are inactive. Hundreds are weak. But only two are online: the Cornia Ring, and this one.”
Sato whispered: “Why awaken now?”
The ring answered.
Lt. Kaur, speaking once more with layered voices:
“Because the cycle has begun again.
The stars remember.
And soon, the galaxy must choose what it will preserve.”
A deep vibration shook the hull.
Another energy surge from the second ring.
This one pointed outward—far into unexplored space.
A third ring…
awakening.
