R0712.7z Official

The response was immediate. A burst of static, followed by a single phrase that sent shivers down the captain's spine:

"We have been waiting."

"Try to hail...whatever is down there," Ortega ordered, her voice firm and steady.

"...Project Echo-12 abandoned...terrain anomalies detected... containment protocols engaged... Requesting backup..."

Ortega's gaze snapped to the viewscreen. "Raise shields, go to condition yellow. We don't know what we're walking into."