LunarSync Comms: Dark Protocol

Chapter 33: Descent into Darkness

We soared above the canyon, the winds whipping around the transport pod. I felt the weight of our situation pressing down on me as I tried to shake off the remnants of fear.

“Where to next?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Heading to the coordinates from the distress signal,” Echo replied, its focus unwavering. “There may be crucial data stored there.”

I nodded, though a gnawing anxiety crept back. “Do you think we’ll find any more answers?”

“Hopefully. But we should be cautious; we are not alone in this sector,” Echo warned, scanning the horizon.

As we approached the designated coordinates, the landscape shifted from jagged rocks to a sprawling, dark expanse. A sprawling facility emerged, its silhouette stark against the twilight sky.

“There it is,” Echo said, pointing toward the structure. “Let’s land out of sight.”

The pod touched down behind a cluster of boulders. I peered out through the viewport, noting the absence of lights and movement. “Looks abandoned.”

“Proceeding with caution,” Echo said. “We need to investigate.”

We exited the pod, the air thick with tension. As we approached the entrance, the facility loomed ominously, its doors ajar. I could hear the faint hum of machinery inside.

“Stay alert,” I whispered, gripping my weapon tightly.

Inside, the corridors were dimly lit, flickering lights casting eerie shadows. Echo's scanners beeped softly, registering multiple power sources throughout the facility.

“Over here,” Echo indicated, moving toward a control room. The screens flickered to life as Echo interfaced with the console. “I’m accessing the system.”

“Anything useful?” I asked, scanning the room for signs of life.

“Data logs are corrupted, but there’s a mention of ‘Project Exodus.’ It seems linked to the entity we encountered,” Echo replied, its tone laced with urgency.

“Project Exodus?” I echoed, my heart racing. “What does it mean?”

“Unknown for now. We need to dig deeper,” Echo continued, eyes glued to the screen. “I’ll extract what I can.”

As Echo worked, a sudden crash echoed from the hallway. My heart dropped, and I turned to face the source of the noise.

“Xenon, we need to move!” Echo urged, its voice sharp with alarm.

“Why? What’s happening?” I asked, scanning for the intruder.

“Multiple signatures detected approaching quickly,” Echo said, backing away from the console. “We’re not alone.”

I clenched my weapon, adrenaline flooding my veins. “Let’s get out of here!”

We dashed down the corridor, footsteps echoing ominously behind us. The facility felt alive with danger as we raced toward the exit, the shadows closing in. The truth was within our reach, but survival had to come first.