The atmosphere inside the Research Base is thick with the scent of ozone and cooling lubricants. Deep in the subterranean levels, the emergency lights pulse a rhythmic, sickly red. The containment field for the cryo-vault has flickered out, and the screeching of chitinous limbs against reinforced steel echoes through the corridor.
Anna pulls a ruggedized data-pad from her belt, her hands trembling as she hacks the terminal. Winona stands nearby, clutching a heavy kinetic rifle, her eyes darting toward the shadows where the ventilation grates have been ripped from the ceiling. Rent moves into a defensive crouch at the threshold, his cybernetic optics whirring as they cycle through thermal filters.
Rent
We have three minutes until the primary seal fails. If we do not move to the extraction site now, we are tombstone material.
Max
The Dirge have been dormant for eons, yet the carnage in the labs suggests they are perfectly adapted for slaughter. If I stay to cover them, my systems might hold against the swarm, but the glitch in my HUD is worsening.
Anna
Max, the data on the black site project is encrypted, but it confirms why the Dirge were triggered. We have to decide if we pull the drive or leave the research to be burned.
+ Scene Quest Added
Reach the extraction site before the primary seal fails
“Pull it”
SUCCESS (Superb Cybernetics, rolled +2)
My cybernetic interface surges, overclocking my focus to bridge the gap between my hand and the terminal. I ignore the system glitch as my fingers blur, bypassing the multi-layer security in a heartbeat. The drive slides free, its status light blinking green as the heavy bulkhead behind us groans under an unseen, massive impact.
Max
The decryption was flawless. Now, we have the leverage, but the corridor is shrinking as the floor panels begin to buckle inward.
Anna
You got it! Move, now! The ventilation shaft is collapsing behind us!
Winona
Forget the research! If we do not make the launch pad, this drive is just a fancy paperweight for a Dirge nest!
Rent
Keep moving toward the service lift! I will provide suppressing fire until we hit the threshold!
Quest Complete
Reach the extraction site before the primary seal fails
+ Scene Quest Added
Escape the collapsing research base
+ New Item Acquired
Data drive