Chapter 5: The First Anomaly Site

The Nebula emerged after 120 Earth hours from hyperspace with a slight vibration, as if the universe itself were breathing around the ship. The transition was surprisingly smooth, without the turbulence the crew had expected. The bridge was wrapped in tense silence, with all eyes fixed on the screens before them.

"Emergence complete," Malik announced, his voice calm yet strained. "All systems are operational. Welcome to the first anomaly site."

Lara leaned forward, staring at the main screen, which displayed a surreal scene. Before them stretched a portion of space that appeared distorted, as if the very fabric of reality had been bent. Iridescent energy waves coiled upon themselves, creating a luminous vortex that swirled lazily, like a cosmic storm frozen in eternal motion. At the center of that spiral, there was a mysterious object… an artifact.