A Shopping Run, a Crimson Spark, and a Ghost from the Past

What starts as a simple errand for fresh white nectarines quickly spirals into something far more dangerous in Passage 00: Transition.

When Hayloskien Palmer and his four-year-old daughter, Brey, step off the Envoy and into a bustling open-air market, the goal is straightforward: secure the fruit, dodge inflated vendor prices, and head back home. But in a galaxy where old debts and ancient grudges never truly fade, even a routine market trip can turn lethal in a heartbeat.

When a sudden threat targets Brey, Hayloskien is forced to react with cold, military precision. Yet the true shock isn't the surprise attack in the crowd—it’s a fleeting glimpse of a familiar figure slipping through the mob. A flash of unmistakable crimson fire. A ghost from nine years ago that was never supposed to return.

Told across four distinct perspectives, Passage 00: Transition sets the stage for a high-stakes hunt. From spatial warps and lightning-infused combat magic to quiet moments of family banter and long-standing loyalty, this opening chapter launches a high-octane journey where past trauma and future missions collide.

Who was watching from the crowd? What dark directive has brought a forgotten warrior back into the light? And how far will this crew go to protect their own?

Read the full opening chapter now:

Read Passage 00: Transition Here