The Expanse: Mnemosyne's Ghost

Chapter 18

Holden assembled a team for the sweep, each member equipped with specialized gear to detect any lingering Protomolecule activity. Bobbie, Amos, Naomi, and Dr. Bell joined him, their expressions a mix of determination and caution.

"Alright," Holden began, addressing the group. "We need to conduct a thorough sweep of the Escher. We can't afford to leave any Protomolecule entities active. Stay sharp, and report anything unusual immediately."

Bobbie adjusted her armor, her eyes steely. "We'll cover more ground if we split into pairs. Amos, you're with me. Holden, you and Naomi take the other section. Dr. Bell, stay in contact and monitor our progress."

Amos cracked his knuckles, his expression fierce. "Let's make sure this thing stays dead."

They descended into the Escher, the atmosphere still heavy with the remnants of recent conflict. The lights flickered occasionally, but the pervasive sense of malevolence had ebbed significantly.

Holden and Naomi took the right corridor, their steps echoing in the silent expanse. "Stay close," Holden murmured, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "We don't know what might still be lurking."

Naomi nodded, her portable scanner humming softly as it swept for Protomolecule signatures. "So far, so good. The purge has held in this section."

Meanwhile, Bobbie and Amos moved through the left corridor, their weapons at the ready. "How's it looking, Amos?" Bobbie asked, her voice a low whisper.

"Clear so far," Amos replied, his eyes vigilant. "But we keep moving."

As they traversed the ship, the remains of what once was a thriving vessel lay strewn about—eerie reminders of the crew's hurried escape and the Protomolecule's relentless spread. Holden felt a pang of sadness for those who had suffered here but pushed it aside to focus on the mission.

Naomi's scanner beeped softly, drawing her attention. "Holden, I'm picking up a faint Protomolecule signature down this way." She pointed to a sealed bulkhead door marked 'Engineering.'

"Let's check it out," Holden replied, his grip tightening on his weapon. They moved cautiously, Naomi working the panel to open the door.

The bulkhead hissed as it slid open, revealing the engineering section. Inside, the machinery hummed faintly, but no visible Protomolecule growths were evident. "Anything on the scanner?" Holden asked.

Naomi's brow furrowed. "The signal is weak, but it's here somewhere." They moved deeper into the room, eyes peeled for any signs of activity.

Back in the other corridor, Bobbie and Amos reached a medical bay that had been heavily contaminated. Protomolecule tendrils were now inert, but the room's grim evidence of the struggle was still clear.

"We need to ensure this place is clean," Amos said, moving to check the nooks and crannies. Bobbie scanned for any residual activity, finding none. "Looks like the purge did its job here," she reported.

Holden and Naomi reached the core of the engineering section, where a faint blue glow caught Holden's eye. "There," he pointed. Behind a control panel, a small cluster of Protomolecule tendrils pulsed weakly.

"This is it," Naomi confirmed. "It's isolated and weak, but we need to neutralize it completely."

Holden nodded, pulling out a containment device designed to trap and render the Protomolecule inert. With careful precision, Naomi directed the device, and within moments, the tendrils were sealed and neutralized.

Bobbie's voice crackled over the comms. "Holden, we're clear over here. How's your sector?"

Holden responded, relief threading through his voice. "We found a small cluster, but it's been neutralized. Looks like the purge held overall."

They reconvened in the central corridor, each team member's weary but satisfied expression reflecting the successful sweep.

Dr. Bell's voice came through the comms, filled with relief. "Excellent work, everyone. The Escher is officially clean."

Back aboard the Rocinante, Holden addressed the crew. "We've confirmed that the Protomolecule has been purged from the Escher. We've successfully neutralized the immediate threat."

Exhaustion mingled with triumph as the crew absorbed the news. Their battle against the Protomolecule was a testament to their tenacity and unity.

Holden took a deep breath, his mind already moving to the next steps. "Let's wrap up and prepare our reports for Avasarala and Commander Jacobs. We need to ensure this never happens again."

What Fate do you choose next?

Relay the successful purge and sweep to Avasarala and Commander Jacobs.