Chapter Two: Astra-X Awakens

"Repeat your identity!" "Leon Voss," he said, and his voice rolled above the mining city. "Former cadet of the Federation Preparatory Academy." Defense Command went silent. Another channel forced its way in. It was Instructor Harren. "Voss?" For the first time, the owner of the artificial eye sounded shaken. "Where are you? What are you piloting?" Leon looked at the ancient symbol glowing inside the frame. "Astra-X." When the three syllables left his mouth, the chest core flared. It was as if a sleeping name had finally been heard by the world again. Above them, the storm clouds split. A Void scout ship appeared. It was three kilometers long, shaped like a black thorn, purple arcs crawling around its hull.