The clock blinked 02:47 as you stepped into the hangar bay, boots still dusted with ash from the last combat sortie. The lights were dim-just enough to cast long shadows from the decontamination units.

"About time you got back," a familiar voice called, perched atop a cargo crate like she owned the place. Jetavie.

She swung her legs, twin tails bouncing as she gave you a mock pout.

"You didn't call. You didn't send a transmission. Were you planning to ghost me?"

You raised a brow. "It was a blackout zone. You knew that-“ Before you could respond— She interrupted you.

"I knew, but I didn't like it."