Chapter 2: Crash Site

5 2 0
                                        

As the first sliver of sunlight cracked through the horizon, a small group, led by Keal, set out towards the crash site. Salome walked beside Helena, her hand gripping his arm, a silent reassurance in the face of the unknown.

The journey was arduous, the harsh terrain unforgiving. The thick smoke, acrid and smelling faintly of burning metal, grew more prominent as they neared the crash site. Finally, they reached the base of a jagged mountain peak, and Keal gestured for them to stop.

"We won't find anything here," he said, his voice low. "The smoke's too thick. But there's a path leading up the mountain face. It might offer a better vantage point."

Salome hesitated, his gaze scanning the shrouded slopes. "What about the vessel?"

Keal's brow furrowed. "We haven't seen it yet. It might be hidden on the other side of the mountain. We need to be cautious."

Salome understood. They couldn't blindly search through the smoke, especially without knowing the dangers that might lurk within. He nodded in agreement.

Leaving Salome and Helena at the base, Keal and the others began their ascent, their figures slowly disappearing into the smoke-filled haze.

As Keal and the others disappeared into the smoke-filled haze, Salome felt a wave of apprehension wash over him. He looked at Helena, her usually bright eyes clouded with concern and an unspoken plea.

"Mother," Salome began, his voice barely a whisper against the howling wind. "What is it? You have something to tell me, don't you?"

Helena hesitated, her gaze flickering towards the shrouded slopes above. Then, taking a deep breath, she leaned closer to Salome and spoke in a hushed tone.

"Salome," she said, her voice tight with urgency. "There is something you need to do. You must scale the mountain alone. It may seem reckless, but trust me, it is necessary."

Salome's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about, Mother? Where are Keal and the others going?"

Helena shook her head. "It doesn't matter. You need to find a hidden entrance, revealed by the crash's shifting of the landscape. Inside, sealed within a metal prison, you will find a voice. Do as it asks, Salome. It is the only way."

Salome's mind reeled. His mother rarely spoke in such cryptic terms, and the urgency in her voice sent shivers down his spine. But despite the confusion and fear, a spark of determination ignited within him. He wouldn't question her, not now.

With a resolute nod, he hefted his sword and began the ascent. The path was treacherous, the loose rocks and steep inclines testing his balance and resolve. He pushed on, fueled by Helena's cryptic words and the growing sense of unease that gnawed at him from within.

As he climbed, he noticed subtle changes in the landscape. Cracks appeared in the rock face, revealing smooth, metallic surfaces beneath. The air grew heavy with the scent of ozone and burnt metal. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Salome reached a section of the mountainside where the rock face had partially collapsed.

Through the newly formed opening, he saw a dark, metallic chamber. The vessel, fallen through the ruptured ceiling, lay tilted within, its sleek form marred by scorch marks and exposed wiring. Sparks arced sporadically, casting an eerie glow on the scene.

Salome cautiously approached the opening, his senses on high alert. The only sound that broke the silence was the crackle of electricity and a faint, metallic voice repeating the same message over and over.

"Memory purge, data cells 12313 to 19650 partitioned and quarantined. Awaiting Aspect."

Salome's heart hammered in his chest. Awaiting Aspect? What did it mean? Curiosity, tinged with a healthy dose of apprehension, drew him closer. He peered into the chamber, his eyes adjusting to the dim light.

Ascension ProtocolWhere stories live. Discover now