Through the Wormhole

The Ringing of the Years

By: Wolfgang Ausserbauer

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Lady Mary stood by the window, gazing out at the horizon. The events of the day had left her feeling a mix of emotions. The royal funeral for Thomas Snebeck had been a somber affair, but the unexpected presence of the King and his son Rupert had added an air of significance to the proceedings.
Lady Mary turned her attention to the note in her hand, the one left by Alessia and Rupert. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of frustration. “An eighteen-month-old child,” she muttered to herself. “What were they thinking?”
Just then, a soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. It was Sophie Jones, the ship’s captain and Duchess. “Lady Mary, may I come in?”
“Of course, Sophie,” Lady Mary replied, gesturing for her to enter. “What brings you here?”
Sophie stepped inside, her expression one of concern. “I heard about the note. How are you holding up?”
Lady Mary sighed. “I’m managing, but it’s not exactly what I had planned for the week. Thalia is a sweet child, but she’s quite a handful.”
Sophie nodded sympathetically. “I understand. If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know.”
“Thank you, Sophie. I appreciate it,” Lady Mary said with a small smile. “But I think I’ll be fine. I just need to adjust to this unexpected responsibility.”
As they spoke, the ship’s computer, Novarad, chimed in. “Lady Mary, Captain Sophie, I have detected an unusual energy signature near the southern region where Alessia and Rupert have gone.”
Lady Mary and Sophie exchanged a worried glance. “What kind of energy signature?” Sophie asked.
“It appears to be of extraterrestrial origin,” Novarad replied. “I recommend investigating it further.”