The Expanse: Mnemosyne's Ghost

Chapter 15

With the UNN task force's presence solidifying their defensive stance, Holden convened with Naomi in the control room. The urgency was palpable, every second precious. "Naomi, it's time. Let's implement the false data injection protocol."

Naomi nodded, her focus razor-sharp. "I'm ready. We'll spread the injections across all primary systems simultaneously to maximize disruption."

"Everyone, to your stations," Holden commanded, his voice carrying the weight of leadership. Bobbie, Amos, Drummer, and Dr. Bell moved swiftly, each taking their designated positions.

Holden activated the communication link to Commander Jacobs. "Commander, we're about to engage the false data injection protocol. This will hopefully provide the disruption we need. Stay ready for any responses from the Protomolecule."

"Understood, Holden. We're on standby," Jacobs replied, the confidence in his voice bolstering their resolve.

Naomi's fingers danced over the controls, her eyes scanning the data streams. "Initiating protocol in three... two... one...." She pressed the final command, and the ship's systems hummed as the protocol activated.

Throughout the Rocinante, data streams surged, bursting with false information designed to confuse and overwhelm the Protomolecule's adaptive algorithms. For a moment, the ship seemed to hold its breath, the calm before the storm.

Holden monitored the readings, his eyes flicking to Naomi. "Everything in place?"

Naomi's gaze was steady but cautious. "The injections are spreading. We should see the effects shortly."

The room's tension was palpable, every crewmember acutely aware of the stakes. Minutes ticked by as the protocol worked its way through the ship's systems. Holden's mind raced, the weight of their endeavor pressing down on him.

Suddenly, the terminal screens flickered, displaying erratic patterns. Naomi's face lit up with cautious hope. "It's working! The Protomolecule is reacting to the false data."

Holden breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. Let's keep pushing. How long until we see significant disruption?"

"Moments, if it continues at this rate," Naomi replied, her fingers poised over the controls. "We need to maintain the injections and monitor for any adaptive responses."

The ship shuddered, a low groan vibrating through the hull. Holden's heart pounded. "What was that?"

Naomi's eyes widened as she read the data streams. "The Protomolecule's attempting to counter the false data. It's shifting priorities to processing and analyzing the new inputs."

"Then we hit it harder," Holden decided. "Increase the data injection. Overload its systems."

Naomi adjusted the protocols, her hands moving with surety. "Done. We should see a ripple effect, overwhelming its capacity."

The ship trembled again, more violently this time. Holden could see the strain on Naomi's face, the immense pressure of their task. "Hold fast, Naomi. We're almost there."

Throughout the ship, the Protomolecule's reactions became increasingly erratic. Screens flickered and terminals displayed nonsense data. Bobbie's voice cut through the chaos over the comms. "Holden, it looks like the Protomolecule's losing its grip. Keep it up."

Drummer reported in next, her tone urgent. "We're seeing disruptions across all affected systems. The false data is creating significant interference."

Dr. Bell added, "If this continues, we might be able to force the Protomolecule into a full reset."

Holden clenched his fists, the weight of hope overwhelming. "Naomi, how's it looking?"

Naomi's eyes shone with a blend of exhaustion and triumph. "It's working. The Protomolecule's adaptation rate is plummeting. We're forcing it into a loop."

"Then we keep the pressure on," Holden declared, determination fueling his words. "Everyone, stay sharp. We're not out of the woods yet."

The ship vibrated under the strain, but the signs were clear—the Protomolecule's influence was weakening. The data streams normalized, revealing the cracks in the malevolent intelligence's facade.

Naomi's voice broke the silence, edging with weary relief. "We've done it, Holden. The Protomolecule's in a feedback loop. It can't adapt fast enough to counter the false data."

Holden allowed a moment of profound relief. "We've won this round, but we can't be complacent. Naomi, refine the protocol. Everyone else, prepare for any unexpected repercussions."

The Rocinante, though battered, stood resilient. For the first time, Holden felt the glimmer of a true victory against the Protomolecule.

What Fate do you choose next?

Relay the successful implementation of the protocol to Commander Jacobs and Avasarala.