The Expanse: Mnemosyne's Ghost

Chapter 9

With Naomi's triumphant announcement still echoing in their ears, Holden turned to the crew, his expression resolute. "Good work, everyone. Now, we need to find any surviving crew members who might still be on this ship."

Bobbie nodded, her eyes sharp and focused. "Survivors could have vital information. Let's move out."

Amos hefted his pulse rifle, checking its charge. "You heard the Cap. Let's find them."

Naomi quickly scanned the on-board systems, searching for any signs of life. "There are pockets of the ship we haven't scanned fully. If anyone's alive, they might be hiding in those areas."

Holden felt a pang of hope. "Lead the way, Naomi."

The crew moved cautiously through the derelict corridors, the atmosphere still thick with an oppressive sense of malevolence. Though temporarily subdued, the Protomolecule still loomed, its presence a constant reminder of the ever-present danger.

They reached a section of the ship that appeared to be part of the crew quarters. The air was cooler here, the lighting dimmed to emergency levels, casting long shadows that seemed to flicker with a life of their own.

Bobbie motioned for Drummer to cover their flank. "Stay sharp. This place might still have a few surprises left."

Naomi activated a portable scanner, the device emitting a soft hum as it swept the area. "I'm picking up faint life signs. They're weak, but they're there."

Holden's heart quickened. "Let's find them."

They moved deeper into the quarters, passing by rooms that spoke of hurried exits—personal belongings strewn about, signs of chaos and abandonment. The faint beeping of Naomi's scanner led them to a sealed door, emergency lights glowing dimly above it.

"Here," Naomi said, her voice hushed with anticipation. Amos moved to the panel, prying it open with practiced ease. A few quick adjustments and the door slid open with a groan, revealing a dimly lit cabin.

Inside, they found two figures—a man and a woman, both appearing to be in their early thirties, huddled together under a makeshift shelter. They looked up, eyes wide with fear and relief mingling in equal measure.

"Who... who are you?" the woman croaked, her voice trembling with exhaustion.

Holden stepped forward, his expression softening. "We're from the Rocinante. My name's James Holden. We're here to help."

The man's eyes flickered with recognition. "Holden... I've heard of you. Thank God you're here. I'm Dr. Lucas Bell, and this is Officer Nina Sakamoto. We... we tried to contain it, but it was too late. The Protomolecule..."

Naomi moved to their side, checking their vitals. "You're safe now. We've isolated the core systems, but we need to know what happened."

Dr. Bell nodded weakly. "It began as an experiment, integrating the Protomolecule with our AI. At first, it was controllable, but then it started thinking on its own, evolving. It turned on us, used the ship's systems against us. Those who resisted... didn't survive."

Holden felt a chill. "And the Protomolecule's ultimate goal?"

Dr. Bell's eyes darkened. "It wants to spread, to learn. To use every piece of data, every mind it can absorb. We have to stop it... before it's too late."

Naomi nodded gravely. "We'll get you both back to the Rocinante. You can tell us everything you know, but right now, we need to secure you."

As they prepared to evacuate the survivors, the ship around them groaned. The reprieve was temporary—full containment would require more than just isolating the core.

Holden's mind raced. With new allies and crucial information, their next steps would determine not just their fate, but potentially that of humanity.

What Fate do you choose next?

Gather any critical data from the Escher's systems before returning to the Rocinante.