LunarSync Comms: Dark Protocol

Chapter 8: Luring the Shadows

With the trap set, we moved cautiously through the darkened corridors, Echo leading the way as we approached the maintenance access point. I could feel the tension in the air, a mixture of fear and anticipation that made my heart race.

“Remember, Echo,” I whispered, my voice barely above a breath. “Once we lure them in, we have to act fast.”

“Understood,” Echo replied, its tone steady. “I will initiate the electromagnetic pulse as soon as the creatures are in range.”

We reached the access point, a small door marked with faded warning signs. I took a deep breath, my hand hovering over the handle. “This is it,” I said, feeling a surge of adrenaline.

Pushing the door open, we stepped into a dimly lit chamber filled with tools and equipment, the air heavy with dust. The flickering fluorescent lights overhead added to the unsettling atmosphere, casting long shadows that danced across the walls.

“Echo, activate the noise generator,” I instructed, my voice steady despite the unease creeping in.

The small device emitted a series of loud beeps and clangs, echoing through the corridors. “Noise generator activated,” Echo confirmed, its eyes flashing as it monitored the surrounding area.

“Let’s take cover,” I urged, pulling Echo behind a stack of crates. We crouched low, peering through the gaps as the sounds echoed around us, drawing the creatures closer.

For a moment, there was silence, and I held my breath, straining to hear anything beyond the mechanical hum of the station. Then, I caught the faint rustle of movement, followed by a low growl that sent chills down my spine.

“There they are,” I murmured, watching as two dark shapes slinked into view, their eyes glowing in the darkness.

“Now, Xenon,” Echo urged softly, its voice a calm presence amidst the growing tension. “Lure them further into the corridor.”

I nodded, swallowing hard. “Here, kitty, kitty,” I called out, forcing a steady tone as I leaned slightly out from behind the crates. “Come on, over here!”

The creatures hesitated, their predatory instincts warring with curiosity. One of them turned its head, and I felt my heart leap as it began to approach. I held my breath, knowing we only had one shot at this.

As the creature neared, I gestured for Echo to be ready. “Closer…” I whispered, trying to maintain my composure.

Finally, the second creature joined the first, their combined growls echoing through the corridor. I felt the adrenaline spike in my veins as I called out again. “That’s right, right here!”

With a sudden burst of speed, they lunged forward, drawn by the noise. “Now, Echo!” I shouted.

Echo activated the pulse just as the creatures crossed the threshold, a brilliant flash illuminating the room. The electromagnetic pulse surged through the corridor, disrupting their systems.

The creatures halted mid-stride, their glowing eyes flickering and dimming. They let out a screech of confusion, staggering back as the pulse coursed through them. “It’s working!” I shouted, relief flooding my veins.

“Deploying secondary measures,” Echo said, focusing its energy. “We must ensure they are incapacitated.”

As the creatures fell to the ground, twitching and howling, I felt a wave of victory wash over me. “We did it!” I exclaimed, a smile breaking across my face. “But we need to finish them off before they recover.”

Echo nodded, its eyes scanning the fallen beasts. “I recommend utilizing the maintenance tools for maximum efficiency. We must not leave any threat behind.”

I quickly grabbed a heavy-duty wrench from the nearby toolbox and moved toward the nearest creature, determination fueling my steps. “Let’s make sure they don’t get back up.”

As I approached, the creature thrashed weakly, its eyes dim but still dangerous. I took a deep breath and swung the wrench with all my strength, striking it down.

“Xenon, the second one is regaining strength!” Echo alerted me.

I turned just in time to see the second creature trying to rise. Without hesitation, I launched myself at it, swinging the wrench again. “Stay down!” I shouted, frustration and fear pushing me forward.

With a final blow, the creature collapsed, its body going limp. I stepped back, panting heavily as I surveyed the scene.

“We did it,” I said, a mix of disbelief and exhilaration flooding through me. “We actually did it.”

“Threat neutralized,” Echo confirmed, its eyes dimming slightly in relief. “However, we must remain vigilant. There may be more lurking in the shadows.”

I nodded, my heart still racing. “Let’s regroup and assess our next move. We can’t let our guard down yet.”

As we caught our breath, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. We had fought back against the darkness, but this was only the beginning. Whatever lay ahead, I knew we would face it together.