Chapter 5 The Nightshade

Captain Jax Vash stood on the bridge, his eyes fixed on the view screen as the Aurora navigated through the treacherous asteroid field. Sophia Patel entered the bridge, her eyes scanning the instruments.

"Captain, I've been analyzing the ancient map," she said, her voice low and urgent. "I think I've found a pattern. It's a warning, Captain. A warning about the artifact's guardians."

Jax's gaze snapped to hers. "Guardians?"

Sophia nodded. "Yes. It seems that the artifact is protected by a powerful entity. We need to be prepared."

Just then, the sensors beeped, detecting an unknown ship lurking in the shadows. Jax's instincts kicked in. "Raise shields. Go to condition yellow."

The crew sprang into action as the Nightshade emerged from the darkness, its weapons charged.

"Captain Vash, this is Captain Orion of the Nightshade," a cold voice echoed over the comms system. "You're carrying something that belongs to us. Hand over the map, and we might spare your lives."

Jax's eyes narrowed. "Orion, you know I can't do that. The artifact is too important."

Orion's laughter was menacing. "You're no match for us, Vash. We'll take what's ours."

With that, the Nightshade attacked, its weapons blazing. The Aurora returned fire, but the rival ship was too powerful. Jax knew they had to think fast or risk losing everything.