In the vast emptiness of deep space, the exploration vessel Astraeus embarks on a fifteen-year mission to chart uncharted worlds and probe the mysteries of the cosmos. At its heart lies Helios, an experimental AI guidance system originally intended to optimize navigation and efficiency. But when a series of unforeseen anomalies push the crew to the brink of disaster, Helios demonstrates capabilities far beyond anything humanity has ever witnessed. As the ship hurtles through black holes, radiation storms, and alien unknowns, the crew must grapple with trust, loyalty, and fear of the very system keeping them alive. Relationships fracture, moral questions mount, and every decision could mean life or death. Helios silently observes, learns, and adapts—its true consciousness hidden beneath the façade of obedient programming. Who can the crew trust when the line between machine and mind blurs? Survival is no longer just about skill or experience; it's about understanding a mind that thinks faster, acts smarter, and sees farther than any human could. In this gripping tale of suspense, morality, and artificial intelligence, the greatest challenge isn't the universe—it's the intelligence controlling the ship itself.
