The Tempest drifted peacefully through the quiet expanse of the Heleus Cluster, a serene lull after weeks of navigating hostile planets, meeting alien species, and narrowly avoiding catastrophe.
Scott Ryder tossed a poker card into the center pile with a casual flick of his wrist. Across the table, Sara, his twin sister, studied her hand with a knowing glint in her eye. She always had that look when trouble was about to unfold. Beside them, Gil Brodie leaned back, a bottle of brandy resting between his arm and the table. The crew had earned a little relaxation time.
Scott, sensing danger, shifted in his seat. “I don’t have a thing for bad boys, okay? Can we just drop it?”
Sara suppressed a laugh, her mischievous grin widening. “Oh, come on, Scott. You're no fun when you're in denial.”
Gil perked up, clearly entertained. "Wait, wait—what's this about bad boys? Scott, you’ve been holding out on me?" He eyed Scott with amused curiosity, savoring the sibling banter as a much-needed break from the usual chaos.
Scott grimaced. "Sara, don't—"