Edge of the Stars

Chapter 5

The landing parties cautiously entered the facility. There was considerable visible damage; however, the extent remained unclear. A proper scan needed to be made. The sound of their heavy footfalls echoed throughout the empty hallways.

"According to my map, there should be a console nearby."

"Extract any and all data you can."

"Yes, sir." The radar faintly beeped, indicating the direction the parties needed to go. Daniel activated the flashlight on his comm. The bright blue light illuminated the long corridor. Claire inhaled sharply. The light revealed a long smear of blood on the wall ahead of them. It was brown and dull, indicating whatever occurred transpired a while ago. Below stood the console. The Engineer checked his radar. The beeping increased as he held the device to the console. He lowered the radar with an audible gulp.

"Give me a moment, sir." He said with a shaky breath. Rummaging around his pocket, he produced a small USB. Approaching the abandoned console, a bloody handprint on the screen greeted him. 

"Do I need to step in?" Daniel asked, hoping his calm tone would ease the palpable anxiety.

"No, sir, I can handle this. Thank you, though." The Engineer, named Joshua, opened a panel on the side of the console, plugging in the USB. The console's screen flickered to life. Underneath the blood was a message, the last transmission attempt at the station. Daniel approached the console, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Apollo is attacking. 

We are overwhelmed. 

Myra thinks she knows what he's after.

She's locked it and herself in the surveillance room.

Please send help.

Brief. Poignant. Heartbreaking. A cry for help left unsent. Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose under his glasses, and sighed. 

"Make sure that's included in the evidence." 

"Yes, sir." Joshua swiped to the right, dismissing the message. He opened an input menu and began instructing the download of all files contained within the software. 

"I have the map of the facility; I'll send it out to everyone." Joshua opened his comm and after a few quick taps, sent out the map. "This is the original layout before Apollo's attack, so it won't show what's been destroyed and what's still accessable. Hopefully I can update it once the damage report is complete." 

"Good work," Daniel muttered as he opened the map. "Would you be able to locate the surveillance room mentioned in the distress call?"

"It should be here, I'll put a marker on it." A red beacon appeared on Daniel's HUD minimap. It wasn't too far away. Daniel toggled the map; it showed the room was two levels above them. 

"Alright, you four, with me. Claire, you have your objective." His sister nodded. The teams broke into groups and began to move through the facility in their own separate directions. Daniel and his team continued down the corridor, in the direction of an indicated staircase. Daniel made a mental note of his impromptu team: Keith, Piers, Miranda, and Emily. Memory Saved flashed at the top of his HUD. 

"This is super creepy." Emily whispered, just loud enough for him to hear.

"Yeah, I can't help but feel like I want to run and hide." Miranda responded. 

The unease hung heavy in the air. It lingered like a shadow, clinging to everyone either brave or foolish enough to enter its domain. Daniel trudged on, setting aside his own anxiety. He had heard rumors of how powerful Apollo had become, but now, he was witnessing the destruction firsthand. Daniel couldn't decide if Apollo was a criminal mastermind with a grandiose plan in action, or a desperate madman who possessed the violence necessary to achieve his twisted goals. He wasn't sure if he wanted to find out.