On Venus

The final connection to the VR matrix locks into place, and then—

Suddenly, Ariel and Jenna find themselves standing in a dimly lit corridor. The walls tremble. Emergency lights pulse an ominous red, casting jagged shadows as klaxons wail through the ship. The deck beneath their feet bucks unpredictably, gravity flickering between stability and weightlessness.

A booming announcement echoes through the space:
"All hands, prepare to abandon ship! This is not a drill!"

Their breath catches. The waiting room—where is it? They were supposed to wake up there. But instead… they're here. Is this another simulation? Or is this real?

Chaos erupts around them. Crew members sprint past, desperate to reach escape pods. Sparks rain from ruptured conduits, and the acrid scent of burning insulation fills the air.

Ariel and Jenna remain frozen, instincts warring with confusion—until a figure looms before them.

A tall, broad-shouldered spaceman steps forward. His presence is undeniable, commanding, and yet… unsettlingly familiar.

Their pulse quickens.

Who is he? And why does it feel like they've met him before?