Abigail felt the ground shift beneath her feet as the blinding light faded. She blinked rapidly, her eyes adjusting to take in the strange new surroundings. Gone were the familiar walls of her laboratory, replaced now by sleek metal paneling and bright neon lights. The cool recycled air held a faint metallic tang, so different from the earthy scents of home. She stepped cautiously through an open doorway, the heels of her sensible shoes clicking on the glossy white floor. All around her, people bustled to and fro, dressed in loose-fitting jumpsuits in a kaleidoscope of colors. Strange symbols decorated their clothing, and many wore elaborate headpieces sprouting wires and miniature screens. Abigail clutched her notebook tightly to her chest, feeling utterly displaced amidst the organized chaos. So the device had sent her hurtling through time once more. But to when? And why? A small flying sphere buzzed past her ear, emitting a cheerful chime. Abigail spun around, watching it zip through the air and come to rest atop a towering metallic column. The column pulsed with light, as though it were alive. "Welcome, visitor," said a soothing feminine voice. Abigail turned to see a slender woman approach. She wore a sleek white jumpsuit that seemed to glow, and a golden diadem circled her head. "I am Nora, steward of the Intergalactic Waystation," she continued. "Might I be of assistance during your stay?" Abigail hesitated. "Intergalactic? I'm...not sure I understand. What is this place?" Nora smiled patiently. "Forgive me, you seem unfamiliar with our world. This is Nova Station, founded in 2567 AD by the Interstellar Alliance, and considered the pinnacle of human technological achievement. We are currently in orbit around Jupiter. Does this help orient you?" Abigail's mind reeled. She had traveled centuries into the future, to a space station beyond anything she could have imagined. The time device's powers were far greater than she realized. And somewhere aboard this vessel, David's murder would play out again. She had to find him before it was too late. "I'm looking for someone," Abigail said carefully. "His name is David. David Turner. Can you help me locate him?" Nora cocked her head. "One moment please." Her eyes glazed over, as if scanning an invisible screen. "Yes, we do have a guest named David Turner staying in the Venusian district. I can guide you there if you wish." "Thank you," Abigail said, falling in step behind the gliding woman. All around them, strange sights and sounds assaulted Abigail's senses. Doors slid open automatically as they approached. Floating silver orbs distributed food and drinks. Beings of different shapes and sizes conversed in melodic, incomprehensible languages. They entered a large atrium surrounded by lush plants and tinkling fountains. People relaxed on hovering chairs, reading thin transparent screens or sipping brightly colored beverages. Soft music wafted through the space, punctuated by occasional chimes. "Here we are, the Venusian district," Nora announced. "Your companion should be located in room seventy-six B." Abigail hurried down the corridor, scanning the glowing room numbers. Her heart pounded as she reached room seventy-six. Please let him be alive, she prayed silently. Let me be in time. She waved her hand over the sensor and the door slid open. "David!" she cried out. There he was, sitting calmly at a rounded table. A half-finished meal lay before him. At the sound of Abigail's voice, he turned, confusion creasing his brow. "Abby? What are you doing here?" Overcome with relief, Abigail rushed forward and embraced him tightly. David hesitantly returned the hug, clearly baffled by her sudden appearance. "How did you get here?" he asked, glancing down at her rumpled clothing. "You look like you've been through the wringer." Abigail laughed shakily. "It's a long story. I'm just glad you're safe." David ran a hand through his disheveled hair. "Of course, why wouldn't I be?" A note of unease entered his voice. "Abby, what's going on? Did something happen back home?" She shook her head, unwilling to burden him with the truth. Not yet, at least. "I'll explain later. Right now, we need to leave this place. It's not safe here." David looked skeptical but rose to gather his belongings. "Alright, if you say so. I trust your judgment." He paused, glancing around the sleek room. "Pity though, I was rather enjoying this little jaunt into the future. Incredible what human engineering can accomplish, isn't it?" Despite everything, Abigail nodded. As a scientist, she shared David's awe at witnessing these technological marvels firsthand. But sightseeing would have to wait. They exited David's quarters and retraced their steps towards the central hub. All the while, Abigail kept a protective hand on David's arm, hyperaware of potential threats. Back in the bustling main thoroughfare, Abigail scanned the spaceport for anything out of the ordinary. So far, nothing seemed amiss. Patrons laughed and conversed over exotic foods and drinks. Children chased each other around burbling fountains. No obvious danger presented itself. She saw Nora waving them over. "Did you find your companion? Is there anything else I can assist with during your visit?" "Yes, thank you," Abigail replied. "We'd actually like to depart the station as soon as possible." Nora looked surprised. "Of course. The next transport vessel is scheduled to depart for Earth in approximately two hours. I can escort you to the docking zone." Two hours. Abigail wavered, uneasy about remaining longer but seeing no other options. Their best bet was to lay low until the transport was ready for boarding. "That would be perfect, thank you," David spoke up. As they fell in step behind Nora again, Abigail scanned the crowds, searching for anything out of place. A flicker of movement caught her eye and she tensed. A hooded figure slipped out of sight around a corner. She tightened her grip on David's arm. They were being watched, she was certain of it. Nora led them through a set of frosted glass doors into a lounge area. Soft cushions and refreshments beckoned invitingly. "Please relax here while you await the transport," Nora instructed. With a polite nod, she glided away. David sank gratefully onto a cushioned chair and popped a neon-hued snack into his mouth. "Not exactly gourmet," he said, chewing thoughtfully, "But it beats airline food back home. Grab a seat, won't you?" Abigail perched on the edge of her chair, too wired to relax. Her leg bounced with nervous energy as she scanned the space. She noticed a few others occupying the lounge – a family with scampering children, a pair of lovers absorbed in conversation. No obvious threats there. But they weren't alone. In the far corner, half-obscured by hanging vines, sat a figure dressed all in black. Abigail watched them surreptitiously. The hooded figure seemed engrossed in a holographic screen projecting from their wrist, but she sensed their attention was not focused there. A prickle of unease ran down her neck. Was this the danger she had sensed earlier? David followed her gaze curiously. "Friend of yours?" he joked. When she didn't respond, he leaned closer. "Hey, what's gotten into you?" he asked, voice softening with concern. "You're as tense as a drawn bowstring." Abigail tore her gaze away from the shadowy figure. "David, listen to me," she said urgently. "We're in danger here. As soon as we board that transport, we need to get as far away from this place as possible." David's forehead creased in a frown. "What are you talking about? Why would we be in danger?" He studied her face. "Abby, you're not making any sense. Talk to me, please." She hesitated. How could she explain that his murder was destined to happen here without completely unraveling his perception of reality? That she had already helplessly watched it unfold countless times? "There are...forces at play here that you can't understand," she began haltingly. "Forces that want to tear us apart. I know it sounds crazy, but you have to trust me." She grasped his hand tightly. "I won't lose you again." David shook his head, concern mingling with confusion on his face. "This isn't like you, Abby. You know I trust your instincts, but I need more to go on. What possible threat could there be?" Abigail raked a hand through her hair in frustration. She knew how unhinged she must sound to David right now. But the danger was real, even if he couldn't see it yet. She had to convince him somehow. Inspiration struck and she quickly flipped open her notebook, scribbling furiously. If she couldn't explain the full truth, she would appeal to his logical nature another way. She tore the page from the book and pressed it into his hand. "Destroy this as soon as you read it," she whispered. Looking puzzled, David glanced down at the page. It was filled with equations and diagrams, the scientific details of temporal manipulation she had come to understand. His eyes widened as he took it in. "This is extraordinary," he murmured. "The theory alone...it could change our fundamental understanding of time and space." He glanced up at her, awe tinged with disbelief. "Abby, what have you gotten yourself involved with?" Before she could respond, warning chimes rang out through the lounge. Nora's voice echoed through hidden speakers. "Apologies for the delay. The transport shuttle to Earth has experienced a minor malfunction and is undergoing repairs. Estimated new departure is four hours from now. Please enjoy the hospitality lounge in the meantime." Around them, other passengers grumbled their annoyance but settled back into their seats. Abigail stifled a groan. Their window of escape just got smaller. Across the way, the hooded figure rose abruptly and slipped out the door, movements oozing sinister intent. Abigail gripped David's arm. "It's started," she whispered. "Stay by my side no matter what." David nodded, brow furrowed. Together they exited the lounge, Abigail's senses heightened for any sign of the lurking threat. But the spaceport's gleaming corridors appeared innocently empty. "This way," Abigail murmured, pulling David towards a less populated area. They had to draw their pursuer out and confront them directly. It was the only way to break the cycle of violence. They rounded a corner and Abigail glimpsed a shadowy alcove up ahead. If she could lure the killer there, away from innocent bystanders... A flash of movement, the outline of a figure detaching itself from the wall. Abigail's heart seized. "Look out!" she cried, shoving David forcefully sideways. A laser blast seared the air where he had stood seconds before, scorching the pristine wall. The acrid smell of burnt metal and chemicals stung Abigail's nostrils. The assailant fired again but Abigail tackled David down, the deadly beam passing overhead. They crashed to the floor, Abigail's body shielding his. "Run!" she yelled. But as David scrambled to his feet, their attacker emerged from the shadows, weapon leveled right at his chest. Abigail froze, horrified déjà vu washing over her. This was it. The fatal moment she had been powerless to stop, again and again. "Who are you?" David demanded. "Why are you doing this?" The figure advanced silently, face obscured by the hood. Abigail's heart hammered. She had to do something. Spying a discarded food tray on the floor, she grabbed it and flung it at the assailant with all her strength. The metal rang loudly as it slammed into their hooded head, knocking them off balance. David seized the opportunity and barreled into the attacker, sending them both crashing to the ground. The laser skittered away across the slippery floor. Abigail lunged for the weapon, snatching it before the assassin could recover. She whipped around, ready to fire, but froze at the scene before her. David had pinned the figure down, graspi ng at their hood. As the covering slipped away, familiar features were revealed. Abigail stumbled back in shock and horror. It couldn't be... David recoiled, releasing his hold on their attacker. "Dr. Maxwell?" he gasped out. "But...why?" Their former mentor glared up at them, eyes burning with hatred. Slowly Anton Maxwell rose, hands raised in grudging surrender. "You always were my best student, David," he sneered. "Brilliant, though tragically naive." His lip curled. "Did you really think your research would go unnoticed? Or unc ovetinged?" David shook his head in disbelief. "My research was to help people, not bring them harm." He took a step back, bumping into Abigail. She gripped David's shoulder tightly, equally shaken. Dr. Maxwell laughed coldly. "Such a noble vision, though not very realistic. There are those who understand that knowledge is power. And I do not plan to relinquish it." His deadly gaze turned to Abigail. "Like this partner of yours. Her talents could have been...useful. But she chose to ally with you instead." Rage coursed through Abigail. How dare this monster presume her abilities were his to claim. She raised the laser, hand trembling. "Give me one reason not to end you right now." Dr. Maxwell spread his hands innocently. "Go ahead then. But ask yourself, what happens when you change the past? As a scientist, you more than anyone should understand." His eyes glinted knowingly. Abigail faltered. Was he aware of the time loops somehow? She couldn't risk altering events further and sending reality into chaos. Her hand lowered reluctantly. Just then running footsteps rang out, followed by Nora's urgent voice. "Unlicensed weapons are strictly prohibited on Nova Station. Please stand down at once." A squad of uniformed guards rushed forward, surrounding them with raised batons. Abigail quickly dropped the laser, raising her hands peacefully. One guard approached Dr. Maxwell, scanning him with a flashing device. "You are under arrest for attempted assault and violation of station protocols." As they led him away, Dr. Maxwell twisted around, spearing Abigail and David with a venomous glare. "This isn't over," he hissed. "Soon the world will tremble at our discoveries." The guards ushered them both away for questioning. Abigail's mind spun wildly. She had prevented David's murder but at what cost? What did Dr. Maxwell mean about changing the past? Was he part of something larger, more sinister? After what felt like hours, they were finally cleared to board the newly repaired transport with a warning about station weapons regulations. Abigail didn't care. She just wanted to get as far from this place and its mysteries as possible. They took their seats aboard the sleek passenger shuttle as it prepared to launch. Through the wide viewport, the space station gleamed an innocent silver against the inky blackness of space. Abigail suppressed a shiver. She knew that darkness concealed untold dangers now. Beside her, David shifted restlessly. "I still can't believe it," he murmured. "Dr. Maxwell was my advisor for years. I never imagined..." He trailed off, looking troubled. Abigail slid her hand into his reassuringly. "I know. But whatever his plans, we'll find a way to stop him." David nodded, brow furrowing with determination. He glanced back out at the receding space station. "I have a feeling this is much bigger than we realize. We're going to need help." "Then we'll find it," Abigail said firmly. Together they could unravel this mystery, no matter how dark the forces aligned against them. With a rumbling roar, the shuttle engines ignited, vibrating the cabin. Abigail settled back as the craft broke away from the station, charting a course through the endless night. Whatever the future held, she was ready. She gave David's hand a gentle squeeze. This time, she had succeeded in saving him against all odds. And she wasn't letting go again.