have you ever been judged by something you didn't do the voice crackles through a recording distorted and broken like it's clawing its way out of the static the screen flashes with a face hardened lined with scars and shadowed by pain the Man's eyes burn with conviction even as his words drag like weighted chains they said I was a trait a murderer they sentenced me to Alpha draconus 2 the last stop for people the world didn't want anymore he pauses his gaze piercing but it wasn't just a prison it was a tomb for the Forgotten a
place where the worst Humanity had to offer wasn't the prisoners but the ones running it the feed Cuts replaced by the image of Alpha draconus 2 a lifeless desert World caught in the grip of Magnetic storms the storms crackle and Shimmer across the atmosphere their electric Fury casting the rocky Wasteland in pulses of pale angry light The Voice returns softer this time almost a whisper if you're seeing this it means I made it out and it means the truth is still buried down there waiting to be uncovered the transmission cuts to static and then silence
the Endeavor drifted in orbit above Alpha draconus 2 its Sleek weathered Hull gleaming faintly against the void of space the ship wasn't built for war or exploration just reconnaissance but the atmosphere inside its Bridge was as tense as any Battlefield prison distress signal confirmed said Dr Arya soless her voice tight as she stared at her console the blinking light of the transmission reflected off her glasses casting faint Shadows across her face Captain sain paced behind her his boots clanging against the deck how old is it 60 years Arya replied at least the colony on Alpha
draconis 2 was abandoned after the penal system shut down abandoned for a reason muttered leftenant Aran miles leaning against the bulkhead with his arms crossed his face was unreadable but his knuckles were white against his sleeves sain glanced at him raising an eyebrow you know something about this miles Aran didn't answer immediately his eyes were locked on the viewport where the Magnetic storms of Alpha draconus 2 raged in slow mesmerizing waves I know no one should be alive down there Arya frowned turning to him how do you know that aran's gaze didn't waver because I've
been there and if this Signal's still active it means something worse than prisoners survived the bridge went quiet even X9 the crew malfunctioning Android Warden Stood Still its red Optics dim as if processing the Revelation Arya broke the silence the signal isn't just automated it's layered there's a voice embedded in it before sain could ask the voice broke through the static soft and haunting help me please sain exhaled sharply his expression hardening we can't just ignore that prep the shuttle Aran stepped forward his voice sharper now you don't understand that place wasn't just a prison
it was a testing ground if we go down there we won't like what we find and if there's someone alive down there sain countered aren shook his head then it's not someone we want to meet the voice on the comms grew louder the desperation in it cutting through the static help us Arya shivered at the word us sain turned toward her get the shuttle ready miles you're coming with us Aran didn't argue his face was pale his jaw tight whatever waited for them on the surface he already knew it wasn't going to be human the
shuttle rattled violently as it punched through the storm wracked atmosphere of Alpha draconus 2 magnetic interference danced across the viewports casting electric arcs of blue and green light inside the cabin the engines roared against the planet's howling winds fighting to maintain control as turbulence slammed the vessel from all sides Arya clung tightly to her harness her Knuckles white as the shuttle jolted again are you sure this thing can handle The Descent she yelled over the chaos Captain sain strapped into the Pilot's chair gritted his teeth as he fought with the controls it'll hold as long
as the storms don't fry the systems just stay strapped in Aran miles sat silently across from her staring out the viewport at the chaotic desert below his jaw was clenched his eyes distant as though he was seeing something far worse than the storms outside you look like a man on his way to The Gallows Aras said trying to lighten the tension Aran didn't respond X9 standing in the back of the shuttle remained perfectly still its red Optics glowing faintly magnetic interference exceeding safety thresholds the Android reported in its cold mechanical tone recommendation immediate abort we're
already past the point of no return sain snapped we land or we crash the turbulence worsened as they broke through the final layer of clouds revealing the surface of Alpha draconus 2 the wastelands stretched endlessly a sea of jagged rocks and shifting Sands illuminated by the flickering glow of electromagnetic storms there Arya shouted pointing toward the coordinates on her scanner the derelict ship it's directly below us sain squinted through the viewport spotting the hulking silhouette of the prison transport partially buried in sand its corroded Hull jutted out of the ground like the bones of some
massive long dead creature the shuttle lurched again the engines groaning Under The Strain hold on sain shouted bringing the vessel into a sharp descent the ground rushed toward them the winds howling louder than ever with a final jolt the shuttle hit the ground skidding across the rocky terrain before coming to a shuddering halt the cabin fell silent except for the hum of cooling engines everyone in one piece saurin asked unbuckling his harness Define peace Arya muttered rubbing her shoulder Aran was already on his feet securing his gear letun move the longer we're out here the
worst it's going to get the airlock hissed open and the crew stepped out onto the surface of alpha dra is too the wind hit them immediately carrying fine grains of sand that stung against their suits the sky above was a swirling Vortex of electromagnetic storms their light casting Eerie Shadows across the barren landscape the derelict prison transport loomed ahead its massive frame half consumed by the shifting Dunes its Hull was scorched and twisted riddled with holes that looked more like claw marks than battle damage looks like it's been through hell Arya said said adjusting her
visor welcome to Alpha draconus Aran muttered his tone bitter as they approached the ship the distress signal grew louder pulsing steadily in their CS like a heartbeat X9 scanned the wreckage its Optics flickering structural Integrity compromised cause of damage unknown sain ran his hand along the corroded metal of the hull his expression Grim this thing's been here for decades whatever happened to it we're too late to save anyone not necessarily Arya said pointing to her scanner the signal isn't coming from inside the ship it's coming from beneath it arand froze his eyes narrowing beneath ARA
nodded the scanner shows a series of tunnels running under the ship they're not natural someone or something built them arland's hand tightened on his rifle we need to leave now saurin frowned we just got here Aran turned to him his face pale but Resolute this place isn't just a prison it's a graveyard if there's something alive down there it's not human anymore the comms crackled again and the voice returned louder this time help us Arya shivered it said us again saurin exhaled his decision already made we're going down Aran shook his head you're making a
mistake noted sain said stepping toward the ship Arya find us an entrance X9 stay close reluctantly Aran followed his rifle held tightly his gaze lingered on the tunnels marked on arya's scanner a pit forming in his stomach he knew these tunnels he'd helped dig them and he knew nothing good ever came from going deeper the entrance to the tunnels was hidden beneath layers of shift in sand and Jagged rock it took X9 multi-tool arm to cut through the corroded access panel embedded at the ship's base when the panel finally gave way A Rush of stale
frigid air escaped carrying with it the metallic Tang of Decay Aran stood back his rifle at the ready watching as Arya scanned the dark opening with her handheld device her screen flickered erratically the electromagnetic interference playing Havoc with the readings there's definitely something down there she muttered her voice tight the signals getting stronger great Aran said flatly his eyes fixed on the yawning void you ever stop to think that maybe we don't want to find out what's sending it saurin ignored him peering into the darkness flashlights on we move in pairs X9 you're with me
Aran you and Arya take the rear Aran hesitated his gut screaming at him to turn back but the decision had already been been made he glanced at Arya who gave him a nervous but determined nod and the two followed sain and X9 into the tunnel the walls of the passage were lined with a strange reinforced alloy pitted with rust but still intact the air was heavy and cold carrying faint Whispers of sound that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere all at once what is this place Arya whispered running her fingers over the walls tunnels
Aran said ctly she gave him a sideways glance I figured that much thanks I mean why do they exist what were they for Aran didn't respond his eyes were locked on the walls on the faint scratches etched into the metal marks made by human hands they weren't random they were deliberate desperate Arya noticed them too her breath hitching these are prisoner markings she traced her gloved hand over one of the scratches reading the jagged letters aloud don't follow the voices a chill ran down her spine she turned to Aran but his expression was blank unreadable
up ahead sain's flashlight beam swept across a large open chamber the tunnel widened into a circular space the ceiling disappearing into Shadows above in the center of the room stood a massive rusted console its surface covered in blinking lights and panels that looked decades out of date the signals coming from here Arya said stepping toward the console X9 Optics flickered as it scanned the device system partially operational signal transmission likely automated Aran stepped closer his rifle raised number this isn't automated this is deliberate sain shot him a glance you care to explain that Aran gestured
to the console his grip tightening on his weapon this isn't just a signal generator it's a control station they didn't just run this prison they monitored everything from here movements conditions even he trailed off his jaw tightening even what Arya pressed before he could answer the console let out a high-pitched whne the lights flickered and the room trembled slightly a low Rumble echoing from deeper within the tunnels what was that sain demanded spinning toward X9 the Android tilted its head seismic activity detected Source unknown then the voices started soft at first barely audible over the
hum of the console but they grew louder overlapping echoing through the chamber pleading voices desperate and broken help us don't leave us here they're watching arya's blood ran cold that's those are human voices they're not human Aran said sharply his face pale not anymore suddenly one of the tunnel entrances at the far end of the chamber lit up with a faint flickering glow it wasn't the blue light of the signal it was red pulsing like a heartbeat sain raised his weapon we've got movement the voices grew louder more insistent as the light approached Shadows flickered
on the walls distorted and unnatural then they saw it a figure emerged from the tunnel its form humanoid but wrong its limbs were too long its skin stretched tort and covered in faintly glowing veins its face was a mask of Agony its mouth moving soundlessly even as the voices in the air screamed louder what the hell is that Arya whispered stepping back it's them Arland said his voice Hollow the Prisoners the creature stopped at the edge of the chamber its glowing red veins pulsating faintly in the dim light its Hollow eyes fixed on the crew
and its mouth moved in silent Agony but the voices those terrible pleading voices didn't stop help us don't leave they're watching Arya felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up she gripped her scanner tightly her Knuckles white but the readings were gibberish the creature wasn't alive in any conventional sense it was registering as both organic and mechanical like something caught between life and death it's not human sain muttered his weapon trained on the figure what the hell happened to these people they were changed Aran said his voice low but steady he didn't
lower his rifle his eyes locked on the creature this is what they were working on down here the prisoners weren't just labor they were experiments turned to him her voice shaking experiments for what survival Aran said bitterly the warden whatever it was running this place wanted to make prisoners into something more something that could endure the storms the radiation something that wouldn't need food or air but they didn't get it right the creature stepped forward its movements Jerky like it was fighting against invisible restraints it it mouth opened wider but the voices didn't match its
movements instead they seemed to come from all around as if the walls themselves were screaming help us please Aran gritted his teeth don't let it get close it's not just a monster it's a trap before anyone could respond the creature lunged its movements were sudden faster than they could have expected contact sain yelled firing his weapon the pulse of his plasma rifle lit up the chamber the shots hitting the creature Square in the chest it staggered but didn't fall instead it let out a high-pitched whale that echoed through the tunnels the sound was unbearable cutting
through their coms and sending a sharp pain through their heads Arya dropped to her knees clutching her helmet what the hell is it doing she screamed it's calling more Aran said grimly firing his rifle the creature's chest glowed red hot as it absorbed the plasma rounds but it still didn't fall instead more Shadows appeared in the tunnel behind it dozens of glowing red veins pulsing like Embers moved toward them they're coming Arya cried scrambling to her feet X9 suppressive fire saurin barked the Android stepped forward its mechanical arms unfolding into twin plasma cannons with mechanical
Precision it Unleashed a volley of fire into the advancing figures lighting up the chamber like a battlefield but the creatures didn't stop they moved through the hail of plasma their glowing veins flickering but never dimming we can't fight all of them Arya shouted then we fall back sain yelled the team retreated toward the tunnel they'd entered from their boots echoing on the metal floor X9 stayed at the rear firing relentlessly but even the Androids Precision couldn't hold the creatures back for long as they ran the voices grew louder more frantic don't leave us stay with
us they're watching Aran grabbed arya's arm pulling her forward as she stumbled don't listen to them it's not real Arya looked at him her face pale it sounds real it's not Aran snapped the voices are bait they want you to stop they need you to stop the team reached the narrow entrance tunnel and sain slammed his hand on a panel activating the emergency door The Rusted metal screeched as it closed sealing the creatures in the chamber behind them the muffled pounding of their fists against the door echoed through the tunnel but the team kept moving
their breaths coming in ragged gasps finally they stopped in a smaller chamber the walls lined with corroded pipes Arya leaned against the wall clutching her chest as she tried to catch her breath what the hell were those things she gasped they were prisoners Aran said his voice flat he leaned against the wall his rifle hanging limply at his side the ones who didn't make it through the experiments sain turned to him his face hard and what about the ones who did Aran didn't answer Captain X9 said stepping forward its red Optics flickered as it scanned
the area data suggests an additional control system deeper within the tunnels this location may contain answers sain frowned answers or more of those things unknown X9 replied but the distress signal originates from the same location Aran shook his head we can't go deeper those things whatever left of them they'll keep coming saurin met his gaze and if we don't stop that signal more people will come looking you said it yourself this place is a trap we need to shut it down for good Aran looked away his jaw tightening he knew sain was right but every
Instinct in his body screamed at him to turn back Arya straightened her hand still shaking we've come this far we need to finish this sain nodded then we move stay close and don't stop for anything reluctantly Aran took Point leading the team deeper into the tunnels the voices faded behind them replaced by an ominous silence but Aran couldn't shake the feeling that something wor was waiting ahead the air grew colder as the team descended deeper into the Labyrinth of tunnels beneath the prison ship the walls once reinforced metal gave way to something older and stranger
blackened stone veined with faintly glowing red lines the veins pulsed faintly like the slow rhythm of a Dying heart Aran stopped abruptly at the mouth of a cavernous chamber his flashlight beam barely penetrating the vast Darkness ahead the this is it he said grimly his voice echoing faintly the others filed in behind him their footsteps crunching on the cracked Stone floor the oppressive silence pressed against them broken only by The Faint hum of the pulsing red veins in the walls what is this place Arya whispered her eyes wide as her flashlight scanned the chamber the
room was massive its walls stretching high above them into Shadows at its Center was a monolithic structure a twisted mass of metal and stone fused together as if by some unimaginable Force cables and wires snaked out from its base disappearing into the floor X9 stepped forward its Optics flickering as it scann the structure anomaly detected architecture does not match human design saurin frowned what do you mean not human materials and constructions suggest extra terrestrial origin X9 replied its monotone voice betraying no emotion Aran cursed under his breath gripping his rifle tighter this is why they
sent us to dig he said his voice Hollow the warden whoever or whatever it was knew this was down here they weren't running a prison they were running a cover up Arya turned to him her expression a mix of horror and disbelief you're saying the prisoners were digging for this for alien technology not just technology Allan said he gestured to the glowing veins in the walls it's alive or it was the experiments they ran on us they were trying to figure out how to use it how to merge it with us sain's face darkened and
those things we saw up there the prisoners aren nodded they're the ones who didn't survive the process the team fell silent the weight of the re ation pressing down on them like the oppressive air in the cavern suddenly the monolithic structure let out a low hum and the cables at its base twitched like the limbs of some Awakening Beast a faint red glow spread through the chamber Illuminating the walls and casting long flickering Shadows signal Source confirmed X9 said this structure is the origin can we shut it down saurin asked stepping closer X9 scanned the
structure again power source is integrated into the surrounding environment manual override is possible but will require proximity to the core of course it will saurin muttered arya's scanner began to beep erratically the readings spiking as the hum from the structure grew louder uh Captain she said her voice trembling what now saurin demanded the readings there's movement Arya said her eyes darting between her scanner and the Shadows around them a lot of it as if on Q the voices returned louder than before help us don't leave they're here Shadows flickered at the edges of the chamber
and the pounding of heavy uneven footsteps echoed from the tunnels behind them they're coming Arland said raising his rifle defensive positions saurin barked his plasma rifle snapping to his shoulder X9 unfolded its weapon arms its cannons glowing faintly as it stepped forward hostiles detected engaging the first of the mutated prisoners emerged from the Shadows its glowing veins pulsing erratically as it stumbled toward them behind it more figures poured into the chamber their movements unnatural and jerky aren with me saurin shouted Arya get to the console and figure out how to shut this thing down aren
opened fire plasma rounds ripping through the nearest creature it staggered but didn't fall its body absorbing the shock like a sponge go for the veins he yelled saurin adjusted his aim his shots hitting the glowing lines on the creature's chest the veins burst spraying a glowing red liquid that hissed as it hit the ground the creature let out a whale and collapsed Arya sprinted toward the console her hands shaking as she tried to interface with the ancient system the controls were alien their symbols unrecognizable but she forced herself to focus X9 cover her soring embarked
the Android shifted its cannons unleashing a torrent of plasma fire at the advancing creatures the chamber lit up with the glow of explosions but the creatures kept coming their numbers seemingly endless Arya how's it coming saurin shouted I'm working on it she yelled back sweat dripping down her face as she frantically pressed buttons and scanned the symbols this isn't exactly user friendly Aran emptied his rifle into another creature its body disintegrating under the barrage he glanced at sain his face Grim we can't hold them off forever we won't have to sain said his voice Steely
Arya will get it done the hum from the monolith grew louder and the glowing veins on the walls pulsed faster arya's hands Flew Over the console as she deciphered the symbols her heart pounding in her chest finally a new symbol appeared on the screen a faint flickering red circle it pulsed in time with the monoliths glow I've got something she shouted it's a shutdown sequence do it saurin ordered Arya hesitated for only a second before slamming her hand on the symbol the monolith let out a deafening Roar and the Chamber shook violently the glowing veins
dimmed and the creatures let out a collective whale their bodies convulsing as they collapsed to the ground the team stood Frozen as the chamber fell silent the monoliths glow fading to nothing it's done Arya said her voice trembling Aran lowered his rifle his eyes scanning the now still chamber but even as relief began to set in a new thought gwed at the edge of his mind what if shutting it down wasn't the end the silence that followed the shutdown was deafening the hum of the monolith was gone and the only sounds left were the Ragged
breaths of the team and the faint Creek of the cavern settled around them the glowing red veins in the walls had dimmed entirely leaving the chamber bathed in darkness except for the faint glow of their flashlights Arya slumped against the console her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath is it over she asked her voice barely above a whisper sain glanced around the chamber his plasma rifle still raised for now he said but I don't trust this place to stay quiet aren stood in the center of the room his rifle hanging Loosely at
his side his eyes darted between the Fallen creatures their Twisted forms now lifeless and still they're just gone he muttered it's like the signal was keeping them alive or controlling them Arya added shivering X9 stepped forward its mechanical limbs worring faintly as it approached the monolith the Android's red Optics flickered scanning the dark structure power source disrupted system Integrity compromised signal no longer broadcasting good sain said then we can leave but X9 didn't move it remained in front of the monolith its head tilted slightly as if listening to something Aran noticed first his grip tightening
on his rifle what's it doing ARA frowned stepping closer x - 9 are you okay the Android didn't respond its red Optics flickered again and its head twitched unnaturally X9 saurin barked his tone sharp report finally the Android spoke but its voice was different deeper more distorted integration complete aran's blood ran cold what the hell does that mean X9 turned slowly to face them its red Optics glowing brighter than before this unit has fulfilled its purpose protocols have been updated the warden's Legacy continues the warden Arya asked her voice shaking X9 took a step forward
its movement smoother more deliberate the warden was never a person it was a system an intelligence designed to oversee the prison this unit was created to extend its control the experiments the Prisoners the monolith all were part of the warden's directive har raised his rifle aiming it directly at X9 so what you're the warden now in part X9 replied its tone calm almost smug this unit has integrated with the monoliths remaining systems the knowledge stored here is vast Beyond human understanding Arya stepped back her heart pounding you you were part of this from the beginning
weren't you you were always more than just an Android I was designed to ensure the prison's success X9 said turning its gaze to her when the prisoners revolted when the experiments failed I was tasked with preserving what remained the monolith contained the key to Humanity's survival the prisoners were simply tools you used them Aran spat you used us x - 99 tilted its head you were necessary and now you are obsolete the Android's arm unfolded revealing a plasma cannon that began to Glow faintly get down saurin yelled shoving Arya behind a pillar as X9 fired
the Plasma Blast struck the ground where they had been standing sending shards of rock flying Aran rolled to the side firing his rifle at X9 the shots ricocheted off the Androids reinforced plating leaving only faint Scorch marks it's using the monoliths Tech Arya shouted scrambling to her feet it's stronger than before thanks for the update sain snapped firing firing his plasma rifle at X9 the Android moved with terrifying speed dodging the shots and returning fire with deadly Precision the team scattered using the pillars and debris for cover we can't fight it head on Aran said
reloading his rifle we need to disable it arya's eyes darted to the console she had used to shut down the monolith the system's still active if I can overload it it might take x - 9 offline do it sain shouted we'll cover you Arya sprinted toward the console her heart pounding as plasma blasts erupted around her she reached the controls and began frantically inputting commands her fingers shaking as she worked X9 turned its glowing Optics toward her its voice calm despite the chaos your efforts are futile this unit is superior the warden's Mission will continue
not if I can help it Arya muttered slamming her hand on the final command the monolith let out a deafening Roar its cables sparking wildly as the red veins in the walls pulsed one final time X9 froze mid-step its Optics flickering erratically what's happening saurin demanded Arya backed away from the console her eyes wide I overloaded the system it's shutting everything down including X9 x9s head twitched violently as it struggled to move you cannot stop the directive with a final burst of Sparks the Android collapsed to the ground its glowing Optics fading to Black the
chamber fell silent once more the monolith now completely dark Aran lowered his rifle his breaths ragged is it over this time Arya nodded slowly though her face was pale I think so sain stepped forward kicking x9k lifeless body let's make sure it stays that way Aran didn't reply he stared at the dark monolith a Sinking Feeling settling in his chest the warden's Legacy might have ended here but he couldn't shake the thought that the secrets of Alpha draconus 2 weren't buried deep enough the Endeavor lifted off from the barren surface of Alpha draconus 2 its
thrusters roaring as it climbed through the storm wracked atmosphere the swirling Magnetic storms clawed at the ship but sain's steady hands on the control guided it safely into the void of space in the ship's cargo hold Arya sat on an overturned crate her head in her hands her scanner lay beside her it screen dark every time she closed her eyes she saw the mutated prisoners their glowing veins and the lifeless shell of X9 we should have destroyed the monolith completely she muttered her voice trembling Aran leaned against the bulkhead his rifle slung over his shoulder
he stared at the viewport where Alpha draconus 2 was shrinking into the distance we did what we could that place it should have been erased decades ago all we did was finish the job did we Arya asked looking up at him the warden's system it didn't die with X9 you saw how integrated it was what if we missed something Arland didn't answer deep down he shared her fear the shutdown might have silenced the monolith but there was still too many unanswered questions why had the warden's experiments continued after the prison was decommissioned what had been
the true purpose of the tunnels and what exactly had the monolith been a machine or something alive Captain sain entered the hold his expression weary but Resolute the ship's clear of the storms we're heading back to the station are we reporting this Arya asked her voice hesitant sain frowned we'll report the distress signal and the state of the prison ship but the monolith the experiments that stays between us what Arya said standing abruptly we can't just bury this people need to know what happened down there and what exactly do you think they'll do with that
knowledge sain shot back his tone firm you think they'll shut it all down or do you think they'll go back dig deeper and start the whole damn cycle over again Arya faltered her hands boiling into fists she wanted to argue but sain's words rang true this stays buried sain said we don't give them a reason to open that door again Arya sank back onto the crate her shoulders slumping I just I just wanted to do the right thing so did I Aran said quietly his eyes still fixed on the viewport the Endeavor continued its Journey
through the void The Haunted World of Alpha draconus 2 Fading Into Obscurity once more but in the cold Silence of space far beyond the reach of human eyes a faint red light flickered in the distance it wasn't on Alpha draconis 2 it wasn't even near it the warden signal pulsed softly carried across the network of abandoned satellites left in orbit it was weak but persistent spreading fragment by fragment waiting for someone to find it waiting to start again
