Earth-178, Year 2046;
Five years.
Five years after disappearing without a trace...
Kiara Hughes was finally going home.
The helicopter climbed steadily into the night sky, rotors slicing through the cold air with a relentless *thump-thump-thump*. Far below, the island burned like a funeral pyre. Greedy flames swallowed buildings whole while thick columns of black smoke choked out the stars. Explosions bloomed every few seconds, shaking the earth before fading into the endless roar of the waves.
It was finally over.
Kiara slumped against the cold metal wall of the cabin, letting out a shaky breath she felt like she'd been holding for five straight years. Five years of steel walls, locked doors, blinding lights, and screams that still echoed in her bones. Five years of wondering if she'd ever see the sky again.
She was free.
