Discovery: Shadow Within

Ferrek kicked the metal wall. “No way this contraption kept anyone alive.” A wry laugh escaped Fenton as he looked over at Ferrek. A slow smirk crossed his lips as he laced his hands behind his head. “As it stands, you’re right. This ship was cannibalized to construct the walls. After a century exposed to erosion and neglect, of course the thing won’t fly.” “How’s it possible that this structure,” Ferrek said, indicating the decaying walls, “once transported people from another planet?” Fenton nodded and dropped his gaze back to the computer. When the screen flickered, Fenton whacked the terminal, cursing. He eased back, dropping his head into his hands. “While the secondary systems are failing, the computers appear to hold the data.” “Can you retrieve what Jarvis wanted?” Fenton shrugged. “I’m hopeful.” “What’s taking so long?” As the screen went black, Fenton cursed. “I’ll have to find another terminal. Though if this console had failed a year earlier, we’d have lost a piece of history. This isn’t just scrap. It’s a landmark of endurance.” “So, this is a wasted trip, then.” Fenton inhaled sharply. “No, there’s a chance I’ll be able to retrieve the information if it hasn’t been corrupted.” Ferrek leaned back and placed his foot against the bulkhead. The dwarf chewed his lip while he ran his hand through his beard. “How can you retrieve anything if the magic box isn’t working?” “Think of it like a window. Everything inside looks good. We just need another one to use,” Fenton said, abandoning the broken system. Ferrek’s shoulders slumped as he pushed off the wall and chased after Fenton. “What does that even mean?” Fenton’s head whipped around as he stalked down the hallway, his fingers tracing the wall. “Sorry, that’s not something you understand, is it?” “Who understands this sorcery?” Ferrek asked with a wry chuckle. Fenton stopped and turned back to Ferrek. “You don’t have to understand the tech to help.” “Why not bring one of your people?” Fenton scanned the hall, then resumed his march. “You dwarves are hardier than my people, considering the creatures we’ve seen.” Ferrek huffed, pounding the wall...