Astra's Arc

Chapter 2 of 5

Astra needed to learn the lab's daily patterns first. She crouched behind a silver ventilation unit and watched. The researchers arrived when the twin suns rose over the horizon. They checked the holding cells every two hours. Between checks, the hallways stayed empty for exactly twelve minutes. She counted silently, her ears twitching with each passing second. This was her window. She needed to move fast and quiet. Her pink-striped tail curled tight against her body. Tomorrow night, she would use those twelve minutes to reach the baby. But getting the baby out was only half the plan. Astra needed supplies ready at the floating island before the rescue. She crept toward the Galactic Energy Research Station during the night shift change. The building hummed with power, its walls covered in screens showing energy readings. Through a side window, she spotted file screens displaying experiment schedules. Her heart raced. The researchers planned to test the baby in three days. She had less time than she thought. The next morning, Astra raced to the floating island. She placed the Galactic Aqua Purifier at the water's edge, its metallic surface catching the sunlight. The device would pull clean water from the lake below. The baby would need fresh water to drink. Next, she found the Solar-Powered Cyber Reservoir and positioned it near the crystal cave entrance. Its glowing neon accents would light the sanctuary when darkness came. The black panels soaked up energy from the twin suns above. Astra stood at the cave entrance and looked at her work. The island was ready. The water purifier hummed softly. The power reservoir glowed with stored light. Tomorrow night, she would bring the baby here to safety. Her large eyes reflected the neon colors around her. Everything was in place. Now she just had to succeed.