LunarSync Comms: Dark Protocol

Chapter 7: Echoes of the Past

We burst through the access point, tumbling into a cramped corridor that buzzed with a low hum. The flickering lights overhead cast a sickly green glow, and I could hear the distant thumping of my heart mixed with the station’s mechanical rhythm. The air felt thick and stale, pressing down on us like a weight.

“Echo, is the route clear?” I panted, glancing back as the creature’s growls echoed in the distance.

“Affirmative,” Echo replied, its voice steady as it scanned the path ahead. “We must move quickly. The creature is in pursuit.”

I nodded, adrenaline surging as we pressed on. The corridor twisted and turned, its layout a disorienting maze. I struggled to keep track of where we were, relying on Echo to guide us through the shadows.

“Where does this lead?” I asked, trying to steady my breath.

“Towards the primary power grid control room,” Echo responded. “If we can regain access, we can override the station’s security protocols.”

As we ran, the walls closed in, the dampness seeping into my uniform. I fought back a wave of unease, reminding myself of our goal. We had to restore power and regain control of the station, but the thought of those creatures lurking nearby made my skin crawl.

We reached a door marked with a flickering light, the words “Power Grid Control” barely visible. I approached cautiously, placing my hand on the access panel. “Let’s hope this works,” I muttered, activating the lock.

The door hissed open, revealing a large room filled with panels and monitors. The glow of machinery surrounded us, and I could feel the hum of energy in the air. “This is it,” I said, stepping inside. “Now, let’s see what we can do.”

Echo moved to a console, its eyes glowing as it began to access the systems. “Restoring control of the power grid will take time. We must remain vigilant.”

“Right,” I replied, scanning the room for any potential threats. The monitors flickered to life, displaying data streams and power readings. “I’ll keep watch.”

I moved to the entrance, my pulse quickening as I peered into the dimly lit corridor. The growls of the creature echoed louder, and I knew it was only a matter of time before it found us. “Echo, how long until you can restore control?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.

“Approximately five minutes,” Echo replied, focused on the screen. “However, the anomaly is affecting the system’s integrity. I must bypass several security protocols.”

“Just hurry!” I urged, glancing back at the door. “We don’t have that long!”

As I turned to scan the room again, a flicker of movement caught my eye. I felt my heart drop as I realized the creature was no longer just a distant growl; it was right outside, its silhouette visible through the glass window of the door.

“It’s here!” I shouted, adrenaline kicking in. I rushed back to Echo, who was still engrossed in the console. “Echo, we need to hurry!”

“Accessing final protocols,” it replied, its tone steady but urgency evident in its voice. “Two minutes remaining.”

I felt the walls vibrate as the creature slammed into the door, rattling the frame. “Xenon, brace yourself!” Echo warned, eyes flickering.

The door shook violently, and I could hear the sound of metal grinding as the creature clawed at the entrance. I pressed my back against the console, prepared for whatever came next. “Come on, come on!” I muttered under my breath, anxiety clawing at my chest.

Just then, the door burst open, sending fragments flying as the creature lunged inside. Its eyes glowed with a predatory hunger, and I felt the air shift as it spotted us. “Get back!” I shouted, grabbing a nearby tool as makeshift protection.

“Final protocol initiated!” Echo announced, its voice ringing with authority. “Power restoration in three… two… one…”

The room erupted with a blinding light as power surged through the grid. The monitors flickered wildly, and the machinery around us hummed to life, drowning out the creature’s growl. The lights turned a bright white, illuminating the room and momentarily blinding the beast.

“Now!” I yelled, charging forward. I swung the tool at the creature, catching it off guard and sending it stumbling back.

“Override complete,” Echo declared, its eyes glowing brighter. “We have regained control of the station’s systems.”

The lights pulsed as security protocols activated, locking down the entrance. The creature let out a screech of frustration, clawing at the door before retreating into the shadows.

“We did it!” I exclaimed, my heart racing as I caught my breath. “But we’re not safe yet. We need to find a way to eliminate those creatures before they get back in.”

“Agreed,” Echo replied, its eyes scanning the monitors. “I can analyze their behavioral patterns and develop a countermeasure.”

“Let’s do it,” I said, feeling a surge of determination. “We can’t let them take over this station. It’s our only way out of here.”

As Echo worked, I steadied myself against the console, glancing at the monitors that displayed the darkened corridors. The shadows felt heavier now, but with each moment that passed, I felt more empowered. We weren’t just surviving; we were fighting back.

“Xenon,” Echo interrupted, pulling me from my thoughts. “I have identified the creatures’ weak points. If we can lure them to the main corridor, I can deploy an electromagnetic pulse to disable their systems.”

“Let’s set a trap,” I suggested, my mind racing with possibilities. “We can use the maintenance access point as bait. If we can funnel them in, we might stand a chance.”

“Plan initiated,” Echo confirmed, its eyes flashing with resolve. “We must act quickly.”

As I prepared to set the trap, a sense of purpose surged within me. We were no longer alone in this fight. With Echo by my side, we were ready to face whatever horrors lay ahead in the depths of the station.