The Vigilant continued to shudder, its systems teetering on the edge of collapse. Kaelen gripped the railing as the ship buckled beneath them, the sound of metal creaking echoing through the corridors. The unsettling hum from the ship's core was growing louder, reverberating in their chests. Mira had been working tirelessly to stabilize the ship's systems, but it was clear now that their efforts were futile.
The ship wasn't just malfunctioning. It was being controlled.
"We need to get to the command center," Kaelen said, his voice strained, his instincts urging him forward. He didn't know if they could still stop the ship, but they had to try.
Mira nodded, her face pale but resolute. "There's something out there, Kaelen. I can feel it. It's like the ship itself is aware of us. And it's—it's pulling us in."
Before Kaelen could respond, the ship jolted again, harder this time. They both staggered, struggling to keep their balance. The flickering lights went out completely, leaving only the faint glow of emergency lights. The sound of something scraping along the hull filled the silence.
"Something's boarding us," Mira whispered, her eyes wide. "And I don't think it's human."
Kaelen's heart skipped a beat. He had suspected as much. But hearing it out loud made it all the more terrifying.
"We need to move. Now."