Lira Voss

Log Entry 3162.10.30 Situation Summary: The ISS Vigilant Dawn drifts closer to Eretheon-6’s gravity well. Captain [REDACTED] has manually activated the ancient dead-man signal, overriding most of AURA’s systems. Only a handful of crew know its full meaning, including Lira Voss. She must reach Chief Engineer Varik Juno to warn him of potential engine strain and systemic risks. Hive activity is pervasive throughout the ship. Lira and stowaway Nyssa must navigate corridors overrun with assimilated crew and Hive constructs without the ability to contact Varik via comms. --- Chapter XXXVIII — Lira Voss The dead-man signal had activated. Lira’s portable comm unit beeped faintly—a warning tone coded in the oldest Imperial encryption. Only she, the Captain, and a few select officers truly understood its implications. It was now her responsibility. She tightened her grip on the device, glancing at Nyssa, whose wide eyes flicked nervously down the corridor. “We can’t alert Varik via comms,” Lira whispered, voice low. “If the Hive intercepts it, we lose any chance of warning him.” Nyssa nodded, holding a makeshift blade she’d scavenged from the ship’s repair bay. “Then we go the hard way.” Lira led them through the dim corridors, overriding doors manually when they didn’t lock properly. Every shadow seemed to move. Every ventilation shaft whispered. Hive drones scuttled in the distance, assimilated crew groaning faintly as they shuffled along the metal floors. She tried to block out the static in her comm unit. The signal was live now, running ship-wide, straining the engines, rerouting power. If Varik didn’t act soon, the Vigilant Dawn could destabilize and collapse into Eretheon-6’s gravity well. A low, rasping groan echoed behind them. Lira froze, pressing Nyssa against a wall panel. A Hive grunt emerged, its once-human form twisted, gnarled, eyes glowing faintly red. Lira swallowed, her mind racing.