The Odyssey drifted through a nebula of swirling colors when the sensors picked up a massive object—something consuming a star. Captain Elena Vasquez stood on the bridge, her eyes on the viewscreen.

"Command, this is Vasquez. I've found something."

"Copy, Odyssey. What is it?"

"A creature. It's eating the star."

Kaelen appeared beside her. "It's a Star Eater. A rare entity, feeding on stellar energy."

"Is it dangerous?"

"Only if you get too close."

The creature was vast, its body translucent, its maw open wide. The star dimmed as it fed.

"We need to warn any ships in the area," Elena said.

The Odyssey broadcast a warning, then retreated to a safe distance.

"Can it be stopped?" Elena asked.

"It will stop on its own," Kaelen replied. "When it's full."

The creature pulsed, then drifted away, leaving behind a dead star.

"Command, the Star Eater has moved on."

"Copy, Odyssey. Good work. Come home."

Elena looked at the dead star, at the creature's wake.

The universe was vast.

And full of wonders.

The end.