Lokier carries the auxiliary data device through the intact maintenance route, its copied origin records and authority cipher sealed inside. Mara remains beside him, guiding the hatch controls beyond section seven.
The passage opens into an abandoned launch cradle. Dust coats the rails, but power still moves through the service systems. Only one compact service pod shows a launch-ready status.
Archive Echo
Recovered coordinates projected. The relay station will cross a usable transfer alignment soon. The window is brief, but reachable.
Archive Echo projects the coordinates across the cradle controls. A blue trajectory arcs from the wreck toward the drifting relay station, while the single pod begins charging its guidance core.
Mara Venn
The quarantine drones are staying with the accepted clearance. Echo is coming with us, and this pod is our only launch-capable option.
Behind them, the four quarantine drones remain in the archive approach, their red sensors fixed on the inactive sterilization channel. Mara checks the pod's cramped cabin and transfer seals.
Archive Echo
Launch preparation can proceed. Passenger capacity is limited. Confirm the departure configuration before the alignment window closes.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach the drifting relay station
“I ask them what I should do because I am still getting my bearings”
FAILURE (Mediocre Diplomacy, rolled -1)
“I ask them what I should do because I am still getting my bearings”
SUCCESS (Mediocre Diplomacy, rolled +3)
Lokier
What should I do now? I am still getting my bearings.
Mara turns from the pod controls and gives Lokier her full attention. The cramped launch cradle hums around them, carrying the weight of the brief transfer window.
Mara Venn
Stay with me in the pod. Keep the data device secure, watch the guidance display, and ask whenever something does not make sense. We will reach the relay station before choosing our next move.
Archive Echo
Recommended action: board the service pod and preserve the recovered records. The transfer alignment is usable, and the relay station contains the strongest remaining evidence.
Echo rolls up the loading ramp and locks its chassis into a marked restraint cradle. Mara opens the cabin hatch, then checks the guidance display against the projected route.
Mara Venn
You do not need to understand the whole ship before leaving it. Bring your questions, your records, and your curiosity. I will help you sort the answers.
The pod’s guidance core reaches launch readiness. The hatch remains open for Lokier, while the blue trajectory steadies across the cradle controls and the transfer window begins.
“I get on and sit down holding the data device”
SUCCESS (Fair Agility, rolled -1)