Nyssa Vey

Log Entry 3162.10.30 Situation Summary: Engineering Sector 04-A remains under assault. Chief Engineer Varik Juno is attempting to stabilize the ISS Vigilant Dawn’s failing engines following the activation of the Dead-Man Signal. Nyssa Vey, a stowaway scavenger and technology expert, is assisting him. Hive units continue infiltrating the area, creating constant threats to their progress. --- Chapter XL — Nyssa Vey The hum of the engines had shifted—an uneven, strained vibration that made her teeth ache. Sparks flickered along the conduits as Varik cursed under his breath, juggling power reroutes and manual overrides. Nyssa crouched over a secondary control panel, soldering a makeshift stabilizer into place. Her hands moved fast, nimble from years of scavenging and jury-rigging salvaged tech. Every flick of her wrist was a gamble; if she miswired even one circuit, the entire reactor would spike—and the Dead-Man Signal would finish the job the Hive hadn’t. “Varik, the main vent’s fluctuating. If it goes another point-two cycles out of sync—” She cut off, noticing the faint shimmer of movement behind the bulkhead. Hive grunts were converging, drawn to the energy fluctuations. Varik didn’t look up. “We’re already past that threshold. Hold it steady.” Nyssa’s stomach twisted. She wasn’t trained for this, but instinct had her scanning the corridors, measuring distances, calculating angles. Sparks arced across the panel as she adjusted the makeshift stabilizer. For a moment, the hum steadied—almost stable. Then the engine shuddered violently. Smoke hissed from the conduits, alarms blared, and a low mechanical groan reverberated through the room. Nyssa cursed under her breath. “It’s not holding—it’s not stable!” Varik’s jaw tightened. “I know, I know—keep it connected!” They worked side by side, hands flying, sweat dripping from her brow. Every solution Varik implemented was ripped apart by the engine’s instability.