In 2145, humanity embarks on its most daring mission yet: exploring the distant planet of Elysium. This planet holds the key to humanity’s future with its rich deposits of uranium, a mineral long depleted on Earth. Captain Elena Rodriguez, a seasoned astronaut of the newly formed United Earth Republic, is chosen for this mission due to her tenacity and unwavering determination.

Rodriguez is known for skirting around orders, not directly disobeying orders but bending the rules to suit her, saving her crew from harm. Her superiors are not pleased with her lack of decorum, but her actions always protect her ship first, then the crew, and herself.

“Sir?” Rodriguez addresses Admiral Sinclair, gazing at the stars through a large, insulated window.

“Captain Rodriguez,” he sighs, turning to face her. “This isn’t my decision. You, Captain, are not collateral damage material, nor do I want you to be.” He points to a file on his desk, an unusual sight. Paper is reserved for highly classified documents. “Those,” he points at the file, “are your orders. You and the Garagos are going to Elysium.” He closes the folder, handing it to her.

“Sir? It’s printed on paper.”

“You noticed that too, Captain? I thought I was the only one,” he answers. “Your mission is highly classified.”

“Sir?”

“I’m too old to play games, Elena. You’ve been picked because no one is more qualified than you. Your orders are vague, giving you carte blanche control over your crew. You can get to Elysium any way you choose. No one will ‘hold your hand,’ as you so succinctly put it,” he says, recalling her last reprimand.

Blushing, Rodriguez knows precisely what she said. “Sir, Elysium is…”

“Forbidden for anyone serving the United Earth Republic? Yes, Captain. I am aware. No one has successfully returned from Elysium. I would’ve sent anyone else.” He motions for her to sit. “Captain. You have your orders.” He pulls out an aged bottle with a pale bluish liquid and two glasses. “It’s a suicide mission.” He hands her a glass.

“I don’t drink, sir.”

“But today, you will. For your sake.” He winked at her. “And mine.” She reluctantly toasts the Admiral and drinks. The liquid burns her throat, but soon, she tastes its delightful flavors. “Remember, Captain, it’s the destination, never the journey. You are dismissed.”

Rodriguez salutes the Admiral, staggering slightly. “Elena? Do I need to get someone to escort you to your ship?”

“No, Admiral. I am fine,” she lies, forcing herself to walk straight. Watching her leave, he regrets his decision to agree with his superiors.

As Rodriguez reaches her quarters, she finds a small, encrypted device tucked inside a pocket of her uniform. “Trust no one. Elysium holds secrets beyond uranium.” Her vision grows blurry as she falls onto her bunk, passing out.

When she wakes, she realizes the message is just the beginning. The device starts to decrypt, revealing coordinates and a cryptic warning: “They are watching. Your mission is not what it seems. Prepare for the unexpected.” Heart pounding, Rodriguez knows she must uncover the truth before it’s too late.