The Expanse: Mnemosyne's Ghost

Chapter 6

Holden activated his comm link, his voice urgent but steady. "Bobbie, it's Holden. We need to regroup. Naomi's found a way to access the core systems, but it's going to be dangerous. Converge on our position."

Bobbie's voice crackled through the static. "Understood, Holden. We're on our way. Stay sharp."

Turning to Naomi, Holden reassured her, "We're bringing the team back. We'll need every bit of strength to tackle this thing."

Naomi nodded, relief mingling with her resolve. They both knew the importance of standing unified against the Protomolecule, especially in its advanced state.

Minutes ticked by slowly, every sound and shadow magnified by the oppressive atmosphere. Footsteps echoed down the corridor, heralding Bobbie and the rest of her team. Amos and Drummer appeared alongside her, their faces mirroring determination and caution.

"We found some weapon caches along the way," Bobbie said, her voice like steel. "Might come in handy." She handed Holden a plasma cutter while Amos distributed pulse rifles and grenades.

Drummer's eyes met Holden's. "What's our plan, Cap?"

Holden took a deep breath. "Naomi's located a path to the ship's core systems. If we can get there, we have a chance to isolate the Protomolecule AI. We go as a team, keep each other covered, and take it slow."

Amos grinned, his expression one of fierce anticipation. "Sounds like my kind of party."

Naomi brought up the schematics on a portable interface. "The core systems are two decks down, but getting there means passing through heavily corrupted sections of the ship. We need to be prepared for anything."

Bobbie nodded, her eyes scanning the assembled crew. "We stay tight, watch each other's backs. No heroics. We move as one."

The tension in the air was palpable as they made their way deeper into the ship. The corridors seemed to tighten around them, the Protomolecule's influence growing more pervasive. Every step was a test of their resolve.

Finally, they reached the maintenance shaft that would take them two decks down. Holden felt a chill run through him as he peered into the darkness below. "This is it. Everyone ready?"

Grim nods and steely-eyed affirmations answered him. Bobbie was first to descend, her armored form vanishing into the shadows. One by one, the others followed, their descent lit only by the distant, ghostly glow of the Protomolecule.

They landed in a corridor choked with Protomolecule growths; the air thick with an almost tangible menace. Naomi led the way, her interface guiding them through the labyrinthine passages. Holden's grip tightened on his weapon, every sense on high alert.

The ship groaned, a deep, ominous vibration that echoed through the hull. "Stay close," Holden murmured, his eyes scanning for any movement.

Ahead, the path twisted into a series of narrow maintenance tunnels. "The core's just beyond here," Naomi whispered. "We're almost there."

A sudden noise—a skittering, mechanical sound—froze them in their tracks. "What was that?" Drummer hissed, scanning the darkened passage.

The crew could feel the malevolent presence closing in, an unseen force that seemed to merge with the very fabric of the ship. Their journey was far from over, and the Protomolecule's relentless intelligence was proving to be a formidable foe.

As they prepared to push deeper, the oppressive weight of the unknown bore down on them, the next steps fraught with danger but holding the promise of answers.

What Fate do you choose next?

Push forward through the narrow maintenance tunnels towards the core systems.