As Alex and his crew marveled at the enigmatic artifact before them, a sense of unease settled over the chamber. Echo's voice broke the silence, her tone tinged with caution. "Captain, we're not alone. NovaCorp ships are approaching the planet's surface. They must have tracked us here."
Alex's jaw clenched with determination. "We can't let them get their hands on this artifact. We have to defend it at all costs."
With urgency, Alex and his crew sprang into action, fortifying their position within the chamber as NovaCorp's forces closed in. Plasma blasts erupted outside the facility, shaking its foundations with their explosive force.
"We need to buy ourselves some time," Alex said, his voice firm. "Echo, activate the facility's defenses. We'll hold them off for as long as we can."
Echo nodded, her digital form flickering with determination. "Initiating defense protocols, Captain."
As the facility's automated defenses sprang to life, Alex and his crew prepared for the inevitable onslaught. NovaCorp's ships descended upon the facility like vultures circling their prey, unleashing a barrage of firepower that threatened to overwhelm them.
But Alex and his crew refused to back down. With skill and determination, they fought valiantly against their adversaries, their courage and resourcefulness shining through in the face of overwhelming odds.