Jackson sat cross-legged on the Martian floor, DragonTech smartphone in hand, his small fingers dancing across the screen as colorful explosions and digital heroes leapt across his game. The soft hum of the dome outside was a faint backdrop to the sounds of clashing swords and superpowers emanating from his game.“Jackson,” Jack said, his voice gentle but firm, leaning against the couch, “enough for now. Put the phone down and rest. You’ve been asking questions for hours. Curiosity is good—but even the sharpest minds need a break.”Jackson looked up, eyes wide, a little reluctant. “But Dad… I just… I’m learning too!”Jack’s lips curved in a faint smile. “Learning comes in many ways. Playing games is fine for fun, but real understanding… sometimes needs silence, observation, and patience. Even superheroes need to recharge, Jackson.”The boy sighed, finally setting the phone aside. “Okay… but just for a little while.”Jack nodded approvingly. “Good. That’s all I ask.”Meanwhile, the adu

The Martian night stretched quietly beyond the dome, its amber glow softened by the faint hum of life-support systems. Jackson had finally drifted into deep sleep, his small chest rising and falling gently, while Matilda and Lena curled in the warmth of their blankets, dreaming softly. The room was otherwise still, save for the occasional click and beep of Jack’s tablet as he monitored the systems scattered across Draconia.Jack leaned back into the couch, fingers steepled as his gaze swept across the digital feeds. “If the Hanging Cities represent the sky, then our next frontier is… the sea,” he said quietly, eyes narrowing in thought.Ryan, reclining in the adjacent chair, arched an eyebrow. “Underwater cities?”“Yes,” Jack replied, voice calm but deliberate. “Caribbean, Polynesian Islands, Southeast Asia, even parts of the Asia-Pacific. We’ve established controlled habitats in several deep-sea locations. Fully sustainable, fully secured. DragonBots are adapted to aquatic conditions

The Martian dawn crept slowly through the dome, soft amber light piercing the thin atmosphere and spilling across the living quarters. The hum of the life-support systems grew louder as the facility adjusted oxygen levels and lighting for the day cycle.Jack stirred first. His eyes blinked open, the faint glow of the ceiling lights catching the hard line of his jaw. He rose without hesitation, slipping from the couch where he had fallen asleep. With quiet precision, he rolled his shoulders, stretched, and crossed the room toward the training section of the dome.Ryan followed not long after, yawning and rubbing the back of his neck. “Morning already? Feels like I just closed my eyes,” he muttered, though there was a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.Jack was already setting down weights, his movements practiced, almost ritualistic. “Discipline doesn’t wait for comfort,” he said calmly, gripping the iron and pressing upward in a slow, measured rhythm. His arms flexed, veins pus

The dining section of the dome had been carefully set, the scent of rice and roasted turkey wrapping the room in warmth that almost disguised the sterile hum of machinery. Plates clinked softly as Matilda and Emily arranged them in neat rows. Sarah laid out utensils while Lena poured water into tall, narrow glasses. Their faces carried the quiet glow of work finished, their movements practiced and graceful.“Food’s ready,” Matilda finally announced, her voice carrying with a lilt that hinted at satisfaction. She straightened, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead.From the training section, Jack’s voice cut through, steady but softened. “Ryan, Jackson—enough. We’ll finish later.”Jackson groaned, mid-stretch on his yoga mat. “But Dad—”Jack raised a hand, his expression brooking no debate. “Bath first. Discipline includes cleansing. Then we eat.”Ryan rolled onto his back, chest heaving with exaggerated drama. “Finally! My body was about to give up on me.”“You said that two set

The last of the rice clung stubbornly to plates, turkey reduced to bones and scraps, when Ryan leaned back and stretched with a groan. “Alright, I say we end this feast the right way. Movie night. Who’s in?”Jackson’s hand shot up before anyone else could speak. “Me! Me! Let’s watch something funny. Something with pranks.”Emily arched a brow, already knowing where this was going. “You mean the one you’ve been asking about since last week.”“Home Alone!” Jackson shouted, bouncing in his seat. “The kid is a genius! He takes down grown-ups all by himself.”Ryan smirked. “Sounds like someone you admire, huh?”Jackson puffed his chest. “If I had paint cans and marbles, I could protect this dome too.”Jack’s lips curved faintly as he stacked his utensils neatly. “Discipline first. Then pranks.”“Dad!” Jackson groaned. “We’re done eating. Please?”Sarah caught Jack’s eye, a soft plea in her expression. “Let him have this. It’s been a long week.”Jack held her gaze for a beat, then gave a sm