In the year 2326, the Vespera crew stands within the dimly lit, industrial-style room, surrounded by exposed pipes and concrete walls. The air is heavy with anticipation, and the only sound is the soft hum of the CORE7 equipment, casting an eerie glow on the faces of the crew. The mood is tense, with a sense of foreboding that settles in the pit of their stomachs like a cold, hard stone.
Aika's eyes are closed, her face a mask of concentration, as she broadcasts a signal with her CORE7 rig, the equipment's gentle hum filling the air. Akari's eyes are fixed on the cylindrical metal object, her gaze intense and unyielding, while Rika's attention is focused on Aika, her expression a mixture of concern and trust. Yui's hands hover over the rig, her fingers sensing the energy emanating from it, her face a picture of calm, focused attention. The crew is suspended in a moment of collective breath-holding, waiting for a response, their faces illuminated by the faint glow of the equipment.
“Signal's locked, awaiting response.”
“Object's not responding, but I've got a bad feeling about this.”
“Aika, how long till we get a reading?”
“The rig's humming, but it's not telling me anything new, just a lot of static and white noise.”
“Patience, crew, we can't rush this, not if we want to find the Polyák family.”
As the crew waits with bated breath, the silence is broken by the faint whisper of a response, a signal that hints at the presence of something, or someone, on the other end, and Aika's eyes snap open, her gaze locking onto the metal object with renewed intensity. The crew's collective heart rate quickens, their senses on high alert, as they realize that this moment may be the turning point in their search for the Polyák family.
