Vice Captain Aria

Entry 3162.10.31 Situation Summary: The Dead-Man Signal has been fully activated by the Captain [REDACTED]. The ISS Vigilant Dawn is on a terminal countdown. Vice Captain Aria Venn coordinates final actions with remaining crew while coming to terms with the inevitable destruction of the ship. --- Chapter LIV — Vice Captain Aria Venn The command room was bathed in the red glow of emergency lighting, flickering as the ship strained against the pull of Eretheon-6. Consoles sparked from Kalen Dorr’s earlier rampage, alarms shrilled, and the hum of failing systems echoed through every bulkhead. Aria stood rigid, the weight of the Dead-Man Signal pressing on her like a physical force. Her hand hovered over the console, watching Erebus—now fully split into dual AI personalities—struggle against AURA’s attempts to manipulate the ship. She knew the Captain had already initiated the final protocol. There was no turning back. Aria keyed her comms, voice steady despite the fear clawing at her chest. “To all remaining crew of the ISS Vigilant Dawn,” she began. “If anyone can hear this… it’s been an honor to serve with you. Stay strong. Stay alive as long as you can.” Her eyes lingered on the flickering viewport, imagining the faces of crew she couldn’t reach, many already lost to the Hive. Beside her, Sari’ka Thalen’s psionic readings had long gone silent, Kalen Dorr neutralized, and the engines teetered on the edge of collapse. Nyssa and Varik were somewhere in engineering, battling to keep what little stability remained. Aria felt helpless, yet resolute. Every choice now had to be precise; every order mattered even in the shadow of certain death. She transmitted one last message: a personal farewell to those she could reach, every word weighted with gratitude and regret. “I am proud to have served with you. You fought with courage, loyalty, and honor. Remember that.” As the comms closed, Aria exhaled slowly.