18842/New Themyscira: Foundations of Hope

New Themyscira: Foundations of Hope
Date of Scene:	15 August 2024
Location:	New Themyscira
Synopsis:	Star Sapphire and Green Lantern arrive on New Themyscira with a contingent from the Star Sapphire Corps to contribute to the ongoing efforts to provide safe housing for refugees from around the galaxy. When they arrive, however, they learn of a potential danger that may threaten the entire operation and the lives of the already stretched-thin refugees.
Cast of Characters:	Carol Ferris, Hal Jordan
Tinyplot:	Hunger

---

Carol Ferris has posed:
Flanked by a dozen women from the Star Sapphire Corps, Green Lantern and Star Sapphire herself approach the orbit of New Themyscira.

The central star's crimson hue casts an eerie glow over the flotilla of refugee ships orbiting the world below. This makeshift fleet, a haphazard collection of spacecraft from various corners of the galaxy, represents the hopes and dreams of countless displaced beings. Tamaraneans, Galadorians, Archeopians, and Karidians all share this small corner of the universe, each vessel carrying its unique culture and story. However, the flotilla is heavily patrolled, with small, agile craft flying in tight formations, a clear sign of the refugees' wariness and the need to protect their fragile new home.

As they draw closer, patrol craft swiftly move to intercept them, their weapons systems powering up. One of them, a sleek ship of Tamaranean design, broadcasts a warning, demanding identification and the purpose of their visit.

Carol responds with calm authority, her voice clear and unwavering as it transmits through the patrol's comms.

<< "This is Star Sapphire, leader of the Star Sapphire Corps, accompanied by Green Lantern of Sector 2814. We are here to offer assistance to the refugees on New Themyscira. We mean no harm and request permission to land." >>

There's a moment of silence, the tension palpable, before the patrol craft respond. The lead ship, recognizing the iconic figures before them, shifts power away from its weapons and transmits back.

<< "Star Sapphire, Green Lantern, you are most welcome here. We will radio down to the ground to announce your arrival. The colony will be glad to see you." >>

With the tension dissipating, Carol, Hal, and the Star Sapphires that flank them are greeted warmly by the flotilla as they descend towards the planet's surface. The patrol craft pull back, escorting them safely to the atmosphere's edge before peeling off to resume their duties. Below, New Themyscira stretches out in all its untamed beauty, the starport and the beginnings of a colony visible amid the crimson-hued landscape.

As they break through the atmosphere, the sights and sounds of the bustling starport come into focus. The makeshift structures and sprawling construction efforts speak to the determination of those who have settled here, yet the work has only just begun. The Star Sapphires descend gracefully around Carol and Hal, their violet energy glowing brightly as they touch down on the surface.

A tall Amazonian woman strides forward to greet them. She is imposing, with strong, chiseled features and a sense of calm authority. Her dark hair is braided tightly, and she wears the traditional armor of her people, though it is adapted to the planet's unique environment. The Amazon's name is Althea, and she has been overseeing the initial stages of construction on New Themyscira. She extends a hand to Carol, her grip firm but welcoming.

"Star Sapphire," Althea says with a nod of respect, her voice resonant with the authority of someone accustomed to leadership. "And Green Lantern. Your arrival is timely. We've made progress, but there is still much to do, and the challenges grow more complex with each passing day."

Carol returns the Amazon's nod, a determined look in her violet eyes. "We're here to help in any way we can. The Star Sapphires are at your service."

Althea smiles, the faintest hint of relief crossing her features. "We welcome your aid. The Starport is operational, but only barely. We've been working around the clock to establish housing and infrastructure, but the weather patterns are volatile, and the wildlife... Well, let's just say they aren't making things easy."

Carol Ferris has posed:
As if on cue, a gust of wind whips through the starport, carrying with it the distant roar of one of the planet's large glidewing beasts. The sound is eerie, almost mournful, a reminder that this planet is still very much untamed. Carol can see the weariness in Althea's eyes, the toll of trying to shepherd a diverse group of refugees while also contending with the planet's unforgiving environment.

"The refugees are from all over the galaxy, with different needs, different expectations. The Amazons are only two dozen strong here, acting as supervisors and mentors, but we could use more hands, more minds," Althea continues.

Carol nods, turning to address the Star Sapphires who have gathered around her. "You heard her, ladies. We're here to provide support, both physical and emotional. Let's start by helping with the construction and providing some relief to those who need it most. Stay vigilant. Our presence here is as much about keeping the peace as it is about building a future."

With nods all around, the gathered Star Sapphires acknowledge her command, their violet rings glowing brighter as they prepare to disperse and begin their tasks.

Althea gestures for Carol and Hal to follow her. "Come, I'll show you around. The starport is just the beginning. We've set up the initial housing clusters, but the work is far from finished. The weather alone is a constant battle. Superstorms on the day side, blizzards on the night side, and the twilight ring... Well, it's as unpredictable as it is beautiful."

As they walk through the bustling starport, Carol and Hal are able to take in the sights and sounds of the burgeoning colony. Engineers work tirelessly to expand the infrastructure, while groups of refugees gather in clusters, sharing stories of their homelands and discussing their plans for the future. The atmosphere is one of cautious optimism, tempered by the reality of the challenges that lie ahead.

Althea leads them to the edge of the starport, where the first housing units are being constructed. These shelters, a mix of local materials and advanced technology, are designed to withstand the planet's volatile conditions. Carol notices the diversity of the workforce, with refugees of various species working side by side, united by the common goal of survival.

"This is where we're focusing our efforts," Althea explains. "But we need to be careful. The native wildlife is... aggressive, and we've had to fend off more than a few attacks. The settlers are doing their best, but it's clear that the presence of warriors like yourselves is going to make a big difference."

Carol Ferris has posed:
OOC:

For more information on New Themyscira, including its position in the galaxy, its atmosphere, its various flora and fauna, as well as information about the current state of the refugee settlements and other information, please refer to wiki!

https://heroesassemble.mushhaven.com/index.php?title=New_Themyscira

Hal Jordan has posed:
While the trip to New Themyscira is not a particularly long one in comparison to some of the vast galactic distances that sometimes need to be traversed, the fact that in this case they are travelling with several other Star Sapphires is reason enough for Hal to break out the Interceptor -- the advanced Starship that the Guardians grudgingly approved for missions such as this -- to better allow them to pickup and deliver the various compatriots of Carol that have been assigned to assist with all the various displaced refugees that have ended up together on this one, singular world.

The fact that the Guardians have not yet offered similar aid is a fact that is not entirely lost on Hal Jordan of course. Indeed, it is just one more reason to be annoyed and frustrated with the Overlords of the Green Lantern Corps. One more reason to question their motives and priorities at times like these.

Because Hal needs a whole lot more reason to do just that. Their silence in the face of the threat of Galactus and his Heralds. The secret reason they kept forbidding Green Lanterns from policing -- or even entering -- the Vega system. The fact that they clearly knew that there was a powerful being out there with an Orange Lantern -- yet another coor of the Emotional Energy Spectrum revealled -- and did not bother to share it with the thousands of Green Lanterns who loyaly serve the Corps.

Yeah, Hal has a few reasons to be mistrustful.

But all of that will come to a head soon enough. It won't be long after they check in here, after they offer what aid they can and help integrate the volunteer Sapphires into the planet's relief efforts that they will be off again to pick up another assemblage of people -- interested parties that want to hear from the oldest race in the galaxy, the Guardians of the Universe, and everything they know about the threat posed by Galactus and the one item in the universe that might stop him -- the Ultimate Nullifier. A collection of Earth heroes, maybe a Guardian of the Galaxy or two and some like minded Green Lanterns.

Including, fortunately, Kilowag and Sinestro -- both of whom carry a little more weight with the Guardians of the Universe then Hal. Especially these days.

He still might have to answer for his involvement in this entire affair, for disregarding orders and venturing into the Vega system in the first place. And if that proves necessary, well, Hal Jordan won't hesitate to pay the price that is necessary.

It is no real surprise that what defensive resources are available to the Tamaranians and other refugees gathered here on this new world would rise up to meet the approaching starship and the accompanying Star Sapphires -- some onboard, some flying without -- as it nears their new and still tempetuous homeworld. Hal even recognizes some of the ships -- ones that he helped evacuate from Tamaran before the end. A mix of the local resistance craft being utilized by the Tamaranians against their conquerors and the stolen Citidal starships that they commandeered from that same invading force to utilize for the evacuation.

Fortunately they are expected and in short order the sleek Interceptor has landed at the makeshift starport, it's passengers departing, taking in the new and strange world they have agreed to help through it's earliest days, through the new beginnings for all the many and varied refugees gathered here.

Walking side by side with Carol, Hal dips his head towards the Amazonian in charge of the relief efforts even as he sweeps his gaze over the makeshift camp that houses tens of thousands in emergency shelters, even as more permanent buildings are slowly erected to replace them. To give these people a real home once more.

"You have all done an amazing job here," Hal says in quiet acknowledgement, sweeping his gaze towards the roar of that distant glidewing for a moment, that not so subtle reminder of just a few of the many challenges that the refugees still have to face hitting close to home.

Hal Jordan has posed:
"Hopefully we will be able to secure more assistance from the Green Lantern Corps as well to help speed your efforts," he adds diplomatically, carefully hiding away any of that lingering displeasure that he might be feeling over the already too costly delay. "I have spoken with the two sector representatives and they will be taking shifts, lending what aid they can. Hopefully a larger effort will follow shortly," he offers up quietly.

He hopes. But Hal isn't foolish enough to make any guarantees where the Guardians are concerned.

"I know the Star Sapphires are eager to get to work. If there is anything we can assist you with while we are on planet as well --" he begins, motioning towards Carol and flashing her a brief smile. She has been so amazing in coordinating her own Corps, bringing them together in this effort. "-- well, it's safe to say that we are at your disposal," he promises.

Carol Ferris has posed:
Althea's eyes soften with gratitude as she looks at the contingent of Star Sapphires assembling behind Carol and Hal, her smile softening at the Green Lantern after his offer of even more help. "Your timing is impeccable. The weather patterns here are unpredictable, and the native fauna have proven more dangerous than we anticipated. The refugees need both physical protection and emotional reassurance. Many have lost everything."

Carol's gaze shifts to the sprawling makeshift camp, where tents and temporary shelters seem to stretch towards the horizon. Among them are the faces of the displaced, weary but hopeful -- ever present signs that their work is just beginning.

One of the Star Sapphires, a young woman named Lyra, steps forward, her ring already glowing with the energy needed to form the constructs that will help build the colony. "Commander, we're ready to begin," she says, her voice filled with the same determination that Carol feels.

Carol nods to Lyra, then turns back to Althea. "If there are any specific areas that need immediate attention, just point us in the right direction. We'll make sure it gets done."

Althea gestures toward the eastern edge of the camp, where the land is being cleared for the first permanent structures. "That would be a good place to start. We've had some issues with the local wildlife there, and the terrain is difficult. Your help will be invaluable. We could also use some assistance protecting the existing shelters against the coming storms. And, given your reputation, I'm sure they could use your help with morale in the medical facility."

"Consider it done," Carol replies, stopping to face her Star Sapphires again. "Lyra, take two Sapphires with you and go see what you can do with the new construction. Miri, take take two more and go see what you can do about coverage against the next storm. Dela, take the rest and go to the medical facility. You can make rounds through the shelters if that's more beneficial to them. Check back in with regular updates. We'll need to work in shifts, and I'm sure we'll settle into more of a routine soon."

The Sapphires straighten and touch their hearts in understanding before turning to discuss amongst themselves their teams, taking only a few seconds to begin to disperse to their assignments, flying off in groups powered by trails of violet energy.

Althea watches the Star Sapphires disperse, her expression thoughtful as the violet trails of energy streak across the sky. Once the last of them has flown out of earshot, she turns her attention back to Carol and Hal, her demeanor shifting from warm gratitude to something more somber. She takes a step closer, lowering her voice to ensure their conversation remains private.

"There's something I didn't want to discuss in front of everyone," Althea begins, her tone grave. "A mystery that we've been grappling with since our arrival. Several of our scouts have gone missing over the past week, all of them sent to survey the far side of the twilight ring. Initially, we assumed they were delayed due to the terrain or the wildlife, but it's been too long now without any word. We've sent search parties, but they've found nothing -- no signs of a struggle, no wreckage, nothing."

She pauses, letting the gravity of her words sink in. "We've kept it quiet to avoid causing panic among the refugees, but if this continues, we'll be facing more than just logistical challenges. The settlers are already on edge; if they find out that people are disappearing, it could lead to chaos."

Carol exchanges a glance with Hal, the unspoken understanding between them clear. "What do you want us to do?" Carol asks, her voice steady but laced with concern.

Carol Ferris has posed:
"I need you both to investigate," Althea replies. "Find out what's happening to our people. Whatever it is, it's not natural. We're dealing with something we don't yet understand, and I fear it could threaten the entire settlement if we don't act quickly. We Amazons are spread too thin as it is. Each of us is overseeing a different aspect of construction, and taking time to investigate will push us further behind. The storms are getting worse, and the people here need permanent shelters."

The weight of the task settles over Carol, but she nods, her resolve firm. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Althea. You have our word."

Althea's eyes soften again, but this time with a mixture of relief and worry. "Thank you. I knew I could count on you both. Please, be careful. Whatever is out there... it's nothing like we've faced before."

Hal Jordan has posed:
There are so many ways that a power ring can be of use in a situation like this. So many ways that they can potentially speed along costruction, or safeguard the locals from the more unruly wildlife, or shore up potential gaps in the burgeoning colony's security even with temporary constructs.

So it is undeniably reassuring to see Althea hand out those lsits of priorities and for Carol to so easily, so readily deploy the Star Sapphires under her command to those tasks in expedited fashion. No great rigamarole, no questioning, no *bureaucracy* getting in the way of helping people.

It is refreshing to see, though it admittedly is not making him feeling all that much more kindly disposed to the Guardians right at the moment.

As much as they might be able to do for the colony even just with these added resources, there is no real denying that they could do even more so if they had the resources of the Green Lantern Corp assisting as well. The two local lanterns are certainly reasonable enough and their assistance will certainly help. Another watchful eye to help insure that a level of security is maintained.

But they could be doing more.

Looking over the encampment it isn't hard to see the possibilities. Obviously their constructs can go a great ways to facilitating the costruction of the permanent settlement, their ability to hover over the encampment providing another means of keeping tabs on approaching threats be then from the native fauna or the shifting weather patterns.

They can of course speed the digging out of foundations as well, which will have the double effect of making more secure buildings faster, but also provide a great deal of earth to create make shift barriers. Earthenwork bulwarks might be rather crude, but they will likely prove pretty effective at keeping any non-aerial threats away from the camp and the more vulnerable civilians within.

Really, Hal just can't help but consider the myriad of possibilities, the things his collegues could be doing. The things he could be doing if they could stay a little longer. But at the end of the day he is well aware of the fact that he can do more good by going to Oa, by confronting the Guardians directly and trying to demand a little acocuntability.

They can be stubborn little trolls, but it isn't impossible to sway them to a more reasonable perpective with a little time and effort. And while Hal might resent the necessity, that doesn't mean he is unwilling to make that effort, to spend that time.

He just hopes it pays off. Both for New Themyscira and for Earth.

As the Star Sapphires that accompanied them soar off to their respective tasks, Hal turns his attention back to Althea, especially given that faint look of concern that slides across her expression, that indication that she was looking for the opportunity to converse with them in a more private, more one on one -- or one on two as the case might be -- setting.

The news that a number of the scouting teams that have been exploring and more thoroughly mapping themore temperate region of the planet from a practical, feet on teh gorund perspective is definitely a little alarming. While resources are scarce, neither the Tamaranians nor the refugrees that proceeded them here are without some advanced technology.

So for a reasonable number of people to simply disappear without a trace? That is not a small matter. Not something to be ignored.

Like Carol, the Green Lantern of Sector 2814 stands ready to do what is needed, and he nods his agreement to her offer to more or less do what is necessary.

"It would seem that our arrival is well timed," Hal agrees quietly. "If you have images of the missing people that will help," he suggests quietly, thoughtfully, already turning his attention to the matter at hand. "DNA samples would be even better," he quickly adds.

The Green Lantern Corps is in effect Space Cops. And one of the tools at their disposal are means of tracking fugitives over extremely long distances. At least when they have t

Hal Jordan has posed:
At least when they have the proper resources at their disposal.

"We'll take care of this and if it is possible at all t obring your people home, we'll do it," Hal says, adding his own promise to Carol's words before glancing her way and arching a brow. "I take you to the most interesting places. I definitely think I should be scoring some brownie points for this," he teases lightly, ready to set off once it is determined if Althea has any of those little details that might make the task ahead just a little easier.

Carol Ferris has posed:
Carol's smile broadens as Hal's teasing words reach her, the warmth in her eyes unmistakable. She leans in, placing a hand gently on his arm, her touch a familiar and comforting gesture. "You always do," she replies with a soft laugh, her voice tinged with affection and playfulness. "And you definitely earn those brownie points."

But as much as she cherishes these moments, Carol's thoughts are already shifting back to the task at hand. The weight of their responsibilities and the stakes involved.

Althea's words echo in her mind. The refugees are vulnerable, displaced from their homes, and now facing a mysterious threat on this new world. She knows all too well the burden of leadership, the pressure of being the one others look to for guidance and protection. It's a role she's shouldered many times before, both as CEO of Ferris Aircraft and as Star Sapphire, but it never gets easier when people's lives are on the line.

"Thank you," Carol says softly to Hal, watching him with appreciation in her violet eyes. He has a lot on his plate. Green Lanterns have been killed. The Guardians know things they aren't telling him. And though the Lanterns far outnumber the Sapphires in terms of sheer work-force, their responsibilities are also different. The Green Lanterns are the peace-keepers, but the Star Sapphires are the defenders of love. The Sapphires are _needed_ here on the burgeoning colony. The Green Lanterns -- Hal himself -- may be desperately needed to save the whole galaxy.

Althea's expression softens, her gratitude apparent. "Thank you both," she says sincerely. "I knew I could count on you. We've been doing everything we can, but our resources are stretched thin, and we're running out of time to figure out what's happening."

As Althea speaks, Carol's mind races with possibilities. What could be causing these disappearances? Geological instability? Hostile wildlife? Or something far more sinister? The thought of an unknown threat lurking on the planet unsettles her. New Themyscira is supposed to be a place of refuge, a new beginning for so many who have lost everything. But if this mystery isn't solved soon, the fragile peace they've worked so hard to build could shatter.

"There's a scientist named Calliope in charge of the investigation," Althea continues. "She's one of our best, working closely with two other high-ranking refugees, a Tamaranean engineer named Zala and a Galadorian medic named Kiros. They've been trying to piece together what might have caused these disappearances. They've conducted countless sensor sweeps of the planet, but as advanced as our technology is, it's impossible to know every facet of this world. There could have been a geological event, a sudden weather anomaly, or even an undiscovered species responsible. But so far, they haven't found a single trace of the missing scouts. It's as if they vanished into thin air."

The uncertainty gnaws at Carol. The unknowns are piling up, and with them, the potential for disaster. She glances at Hal. They've faced impossible odds before, but these are people they've come to help, people who are counting on them.

"We'll talk to them, see what we can find out," Carol promises, her voice steady despite the worry gnawing at the edges of her mind.

Althea's relief is palpable, though the shadow of worry remains in her eyes. "Thank you. Calliope and her team are in earth sciences buildings near the starport. They've been working around the clock trying to figure this out. I'll let them know you're coming."

As Carol exchanges a glance with Hal, she squeezes his arm gently.

She's grateful he's here with her, and for a brief moment, she allows herself to think about their next step -- the conversation they (well, _HE_) will need to have with the Guardians on Oa. A conversation that she hopes to at least be able to support him through. It's not a task she relishes, but it's one that's necessary. The Guardians have been silent for too long, and with the looming threat of Galactus, they can't afford to wait any longer.

Carol Ferris has posed:
"We'll make a quick stop here," she murmurs to Hal as they turn to head towards the science building, "but I know you have Oa on your mind. We'll see if there's anything we can do, but I'm not sending you off to that alone. We -- or I -- will come back here afterwards if we have to."

Hal Jordan has posed:
Yes, there are pressing things to take care of. The threat to Earth posed by Galactus and his Heralds is obviously close to the top of mind for Hal Jordan. But the matter of the Orange Lantern and it's strange wielder are every bit as pressing, even if in a different manner. The urgency with that situation might not be quite so pressing, and yet, it is hard not to feel that it is the greater betrayal. Harder to not hold it against the Guardians.

It remains almost inconceivable to Hal that Oans could not know something of this being of such great hunger. They are, afterall, reputed to be the oldest sentient species in all of the galaxy. They have watched over nad yes, sometimes interfered, with the other species since time immemorial. Their reticence to share what they know is cconcerning. Afterall, several of their greatest servants are dead, seemingly slain at the hands of Galactus' Herald Morg. And now the Homeworld of four of their more gifted Lanterns is threatened.

All of that would seem to merit a response. A response that is too slow in coming.

But this is important too. Their mission to New Themyscira, their efforts to help the refugees that have settled here, have been forced to look to make a new start here. That matters too. It isn't something that can be ignored or overlooked. Yes, he wishes he could do more.

But at te very least Hal can make sure that he doesn't look past them, as long as they are here. It is the very least that these people are owed.

"Callopose, Zala and Kiros," Hal repeats diligently as Althea lays out just what has been done to date to try and solve the issue of the missing scouts, lays out some of the possibilities they have considered about these mysterious disappearances and what troubles it might harbinger for the rest of the colonists. Indeed, their efforts on this world entirely, depending on just how serious the matter truly is.

So Hal adds his determined nod to Carol's. "We'll check in with them, see if they have any additional details that might give us a place to start. Besides just flying out there," he offers up.

That alone might be sufficient. No matter how advanced the technology they might have access to, it is unlikely to be more thorough then the powers of the Green Lantern ring or the Star Sapphires and their violet power of Love. What ha gone unnoticed by their tech might be revealed by Hal and Carol's presence alone.

At the very least it is worth a shot. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't at least try to see what they can do to narrow things down before they go out.

As they turn away from Althea, as they easily slip back up into the air, their respective emerald and violet auras radiating from them once more, Hal does indeed reach for Carol's hand -- both seeking and offering a little of that reassurance. "Don't worry. We'll see this through. Get it done and bring those people back safe and sound. It's what we do, right?" he says, flashing that customary crooked grin her way, briefly turning to scan the settlement below, to pick out the improvised earth sciences building in the sea of other temporary shelters and buildings before picking out the most likely target and starting to wing his way in that direction.

He grows a little more serious at her own efforts to reassure him, fingers curling around Carol's, giving them a gentle squeeze. "I do," he admits. "But this is important too. These people have been through enough. They deserve to be made a priority too," he says quietly. "We'll make it to Oa in plent of time. And the Guardians will listen to us," he says firmly.

"They have to," he siwftly adds, more quietly, almost under his breath.

His confidence in the matter might not be quite as firm and unyielding as he might like to project.

Carol Ferris has posed:
Hal's hand sends warmth up the length of Carol's arm, warming her smile and grounding her in the moment, even as her thoughts still race. His confidence always gives her strength. "Thank you," she says at his insistence on staying, her voice steady, though her mind is already piecing together the information Althea provided.

Below them, the colony bustles with activity -- refugees and Amazonians working side by side, the Star Sapphires already diving into their tasks, their violet trails weaving through the sky like ribbons of hope.

The earth sciences building is a modest structure, cobbled together from prefabricated materials and what little they've managed to salvage from their journey here. They land softly outside the entrance, their energy auras fading as their feet touch the ground. The tension in the air is palpable, the weight of expectation hanging heavy over the settlement.

Inside, the building is a hive of activity, with monitors flickering and scientists poring over data, their faces etched with concern. Calliope, the scientist Althea mentioned, looks up as they enter, her expression one of guarded hope. She's a tall woman with striking silver hair pulled into a tight bun, her sharp eyes assessing them quickly before she nods in greeting.

"Green Lantern, Star Sapphire," Calliope says, stepping forward. "Althea radioed that you were coming. I'm glad you're here. We're... at a loss, to put it mildly." Her voice is steady, but there's an undercurrent of frustration and fear. "We've conducted every kind of scan and sweep imaginable, but we haven't found a single trace of our people. It's as if they just... vanished."

Carol glances briefly over at Hal, her heart sinking slightly. "We'll do everything we can to help. But we need to know everything you've got, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem."

Calliope nods, motioning them to follow her deeper into the building. "Of course. We've compiled all our data, and you're welcome to go over it yourselves."

As they follow her into the back room, where Zala and Kiros are hunched over a series of monitors, the atmosphere grows even more tense. The two refugees look up, their faces a mix of exhaustion and desperation. Zala, the Tamaranean engineer, straightens, giving them a curt nod. "We've been working around the clock, but we're running out of options."

Carol is about to respond when one of the monitors starts flashing red, the screen filling with a series of alarming readings. Calliope's eyes widen, and she rushes to the console, her fingers flying over the keys.

"What is it?" Carol asks, her heart pounding.

Calliope's face pales as she reads the data, her voice barely above a whisper. "We've got a problem. A big one."