Chapter 8: K-47

The surreal scenery stretched before them. K-47 was not a typical planet - rather, it was a giant, splintered lump that drifted through space. The surface was cut with fissures full of glowing green light, and swirling mists in shades of purple and blue floated above. The fauna and flora of this strange planet seemed to be in a perpetual state of unfinished evolution. Outside, there were trees with spiraling, almost transparent branches that glittered like glass shards. In the clearing, between the trees, soft, purple moss-like vegetation spilled out, pulsing with soft light.

- It looks abandoned, but you never know. - said Alex, pointing to a place where the edge of a cliff and the outline of an old outpost could be seen among the forest.

The engines of the "Faithful Dog" groaned as Alex precisely steered the ship toward the clearing. He extended the ramp in the side of the hull carefully, and Astra watched every detail of the landing with concern. They felt a slight tremor underfoot as the ship settled on the gritty ground.

When they opened the airlock, they were greeted by a cool, penetrating gust of wind. The atmosphere of K-47 was unstable, dense, too heavy by human standards, and the air had a metallic aftertaste. Nevertheless, Alex, out of habit of extreme conditions, ignored the slight discomfort.

- Interesting place for a vacation," he chuckled, picking up a backpack with basic equipment. - But at least no one will be looking for us here.

Astra, coming up behind him, could not take her eyes off the flora around them. Tall trees, looking like intertwined glass structures, formed irregular canopies through which the pale, greenish light of the nearby sun shone. Smaller plants resembled crystal flowers, and every step she took on the soft moss caused subtle flashes, as if the plant was reacting to their presence.

In the distance, on the edge of the escarpment, stood an old research facility. The metal structures looked gnawed by time and corrosion, and in places there were rusted inscriptions on the walls. Delicate strands of purple mist floated around, reminiscent of past experiments with planetary energy.

- We will investigate the outpost," Alex said, pointing to the building. - But first let's make sure we don't fall into any local traps.

Astra nodded, though she did not look concerned. Her gaze flickered between the trees, the flowers and the outpost. Both awe and a strange tension could be seen in her eyes - as if the place was simultaneously beautiful and sinister.

Alex clasped his hands on the shoulder of his backpack and moved toward the outpost, carefully taking steps on the soft, pulsing moss. Each of his steps produced subtle flashes of light that spread like ripples on the water. Astra followed him, unable to take her eyes off the surreal fauna surrounding them.

Trees resembling spirals seemed to stretch upward endlessly, their branches glittering like crystal chandeliers. Among them floated small, fluorescent creatures, resembling terrestrial dragonflies, but with much larger wings that shimmered in shades of green and turquoise. They looked like living lanterns that moved in chaotic harmony, creating an almost mesmerizing light show.

At the edge of the clearing stood a group of tall plants with broad, translucent leaves that slowly changed color from deep blue to purple, as if reacting to the light. Astra touched one of them, and the plant trembled gently, as if surprised by her presence. A subtle fragrance, reminiscent of a mixture of mint and metal, came from inside the leaf.

- Fascinating," she said in a half-hearted voice, more to herself than to Alex. - It was as if this planet had never decided whether it wanted to be alive or dead.

Alex, who was not in the mood for philosophical reflections, looked over his shoulder at her.

- It's better to stay close. Here everything looks too beautiful to be safe.

The road led them closer to the escarpment, where the outpost emerged from behind a group of low, dense plants with sharp-edged leaves resembling steel blades. Every gust of wind made the leaves make a soft, almost musical sound, as if someone were dragging a finger across a glass.

The outpost, though still in one piece, bore clear signs of the passage of time and the harsh conditions of K-47. The walls of steel and polymer were covered with rusty streaks, and in places the structure showed deep dents, as if struck by something huge. Surrounding the facility were low, dwarf trees that seemed to defend access to the building, and their twisted gray trunks resembled hands trying to seize intruders.

As they got closer, Astra noticed something on the ground - footprints that did not match the natural surroundings. They were clear boot prints, too regular, too fresh to belong to someone who had been here long ago.

- Alex," she called out quietly, pointing to the footprints. - We are not alone here.

Alex stopped, looking at the markings. His face remained impassive, but his eyes betrayed alertness.

- In that case, we'd better hurry," he said. - If someone is here, I want to know who he is before he decides to greet us properly.

He approached the side wall of the facility, where there was what appeared to be an entrance. The door was massive, made of thick metal, and its surface was covered with strange marks resembling both letters and symbols. Astra raised an eyebrow.

- Do you think it still works? - She asked, pointing to a small panel next to the door.

Alex looked at the panel and raised his hand, running his finger over the surface.

- The only way to find out is to try," he replied, reaching into his bag for a universal decoder. - Let's hope this place doesn't have too advanced security features.

He attached the decoder to the panel, which immediately glowed with a faint, pulsating light, as if he still couldn't decide whether it was fully dead or still ready to go. Astra watched from the sidelines, feeling a mixture of fascination and anxiety. The outpost's doors, despite the signs of time, seemed remarkably solid, and their metallic sheen testified to technology that was ahead of many systems she knew.

- And what, expert? - she chuckled half-heartedly, seeing Alex staring at the decoder screen.

- Don't rush, princess," he replied, tapping a few buttons with his finger. - This place looks older than our flying junk, but maybe I can still get something out of it.

The decoder made a series of sounds that resembled a series of false notes played on a jumbled keyboard. Alex furrowed his brow, and his hands moved faster now.

- Are you losing patience? - Astra asked with slight irony.

- No, I just don't want this thing to slam shut," Alex replied, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye.

At that moment, the decoder gave a quiet signal, and the door emitted a long, drawn-out hiss. The metallic barrage began to slide slowly to the side, revealing the dark interior of the facility. Astra felt a slight whiff of air - it was neither fresh nor stale, but it had a strange chemical smell to it, as if it came from a laboratory where no one had cleaned for decades.

- Voilà," said Alex, moving away from the panel and gesturing to the open entrance. - Ladies ahead.

- So that you can use me as a shield? - threw Astra, crossing her arms.

Alex laughed quietly, although his eyes did not betray amusement. He slipped inside first, his footsteps echoing in the metallic corridor that led deep into the building. Astra followed him, carefully looking around.

The interior of the facility was almost sterile in its simplicity. The walls were smooth, made of polymer covered with a fine layer of dust that resembled a silvery mist in the light of Alex's flashlight. Every few meters there were control panels, most of them disabled or damaged.

- It looks like an abandoned research base," Astra noted, touching one of the panels, which immediately went out under her fingers.

- Probably something like that," Alex replied, looking into a small room on the left. - I heard about it from local smugglers. But certainly not abandoned long enough for no one to look in here. See," he pointed to the floor.

The marks on the dusty metal were clear - someone had walked here, and recently. Astra felt anxiety begin to rise in her heart.

- Whoever was here may have been looking for something, or they may no longer be here," she said, glancing at another door deep in the hallway.

- Or he left something behind," Alex added. - And I prefer not to guess what.

There was a sudden sound in the corridor, resembling a distant clatter of metal. Astra immediately turned in the direction from which it came, her hand involuntarily resting on her hip, where she had a stun gun hidden.

- What was that? - She asked in a half-hearted voice.

- What always happens in such places," muttered Alex, slowly moving toward the sound. - Trouble.

Alex walked carefully, although his steps were muffled by the thick soles of his shoes, the echo in the cramped corridor carried the sound further, as if the space wanted to betray his presence. Astra followed close behind, her gaze flitting from the walls to the floor, as if at any moment she expected something to jump out of the shadows.

The corridor led them down - the slight drop in the ground meant they had to be careful every few steps to keep their balance. Alex's flashlight swept the surroundings, revealing more control panels and markings on the walls in an unfamiliar language. The letters were slender and sharp, and their arrangement suggested hieroglyphics or an alphanumeric code.

- Does this tell you something? - Astra asked, pointing to the inscription, which flashed with a faint green light.

Alex squinted, looking at the signs.

- I have no idea," he replied, running his finger over one of the panels. - But it looks more like a warning than an invitation.

- That's encouraging," muttered Astra, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

They reached a fork - one of the passageways led further down, where the corridor faded into darkness, the other ended in a massive titanium door with a visible security system. Alex paused, analyzing both options.

- What do you think? - Astra asked, her gaze falling on the door. - It looks like there is something important behind them.

- Important or damn dangerous," Alex replied, checking whether the decoder he was carrying would be able to open the lock.

The door made a low, vibrating sound, as if responding to the presence of a decoder. Alex watched the process on the small screen, while Astra glanced down the corridor leading away.

- Can you feel it? - She asked suddenly, wrinkling her eyebrows.

Alex looked at her surprised.

- What?

- Air," she replied, taking a few steps toward the drop. - It is ... denser. As if there was something in it.

Alex raised an eyebrow, tearing his gaze away from the decoder.

- Maybe some ventilation system is still working. Or... - suspended his voice, as if he didn't want to finish the thought.

Astra looked at him meaningfully, but before she could respond, the door in front of them opened with a hiss, releasing a plume of cold air that shrouded their faces.

- I think we just dropped in for dinner," muttered Alex, looking inside.

Behind the door stretched a small room, filled with equipment that at first glance looked like a laboratory. Steel countertops were cluttered with a variety of instruments - from chemical analyzers to something that resembled small, portable cryogenic chambers.

Astra entered slowly, her gaze wandering over the walls, which bore more alphanumeric inscriptions. In the corner of the room stood a capsule, whose transparent cover revealed the interior. Inside rested a figure - humanoid, but with strange, unnatural proportions. The creature's skin had a metallic sheen, and its eyes - closed - were surrounded by fine lines, as if natural patterns.

- What is it? - whispered Astra, coming closer.

Alex stopped her, grabbing her arm.

- Don't move it," he said in a sharp tone. - This place already looks like a scene from a nightmare. We don't need any more surprises.

Astra looked at Alex, pulling out of his grasp, but obeyed. Her eyes, however, continued to wander around the capsule and the room, analyzing every detail. The interior of the lab betrayed that this was a place of advanced research - the technology here went beyond what Astra knew even from Vellis. Some devices were connected by an intricate tangle of wires, and their screens continued to flicker with faint greenish lights, as if time had not completely overcome them.

The walls of the room were covered with symbols - some carved, some inked. Astra walked closer, rubbing one of the inscriptions with her hand. The symbol resembled ancient writing she had seen before in the Vellis archives, in documents about Atlantis.

- I didn't think I'd ever see it after Vellis," she said quietly, more to herself than to Alex.

- That you will see what," he asked, watching her anxiously.

- These are the signs of the Old People," she replied, pointing to the wall. - These people... Their civilization disappeared thousands of years ago. We thought they were extinct. What you see here is their language, their technology. This should not exist.

Alex raised an eyebrow, leaning against one of the metal consoles.

- So either we had bad historical data on the ground, or someone dug up these toys and decided to use them. The question is: who and why?

Astra approached the capsule, her gaze stopped on the humanoid figure inside. The creature's skin reflected light like the surface of metal, but was subtly illuminated from within, as if life pulsed through it. The lines on its face and body resembled energy trails.

- It can't be human," she whispered, with fascination and fear in her voice.

- Princess, I take back what I said about not moving. Maybe it's time to back off," Alex said, glancing nervously at the door that had just closed behind them, as if the room itself was reacting to their presence.

Astra, however, was not listening. Her fingers gently moved across the cold surface of the capsule. When she touched one of the panels, the lights in the room rippled, as if something had awakened to life. Symbols appeared on the screens, and a small hologram floated above the console next to the capsule.

- This is a warning," she said, staring at the rapidly changing signs. - "Do not interrupt. Do not awaken."

Alex cursed under his breath, drawing his gun.

- Great. That is, we are in a place that clearly says: "Do not touch, otherwise you will die." And you, of course, have to touch everything.

At that moment, the capsule emitted a quiet hiss, as if the mechanisms had begun to activate. The lid lifted slowly, revealing the figure fully. Astra stepped back, startled. The creature's eyes were closed, but its chest was gently rising.

- Alex... - she began, but her voice trailed off.

- Don't tell me it's alive," he replied, pointing his gun at the capsule.

Suddenly, the creature's eyes opened, showing an intense, unearthly glow. Its gaze rested on Astra, and its lips twitched, as if it was trying to say something. Her voice, though quiet, echoed through the room like an echo.

- The warnings were not understood," the being said, and its words vibrated as if they were coming from another dimension.

Alex stepped back, but Astra stood like a spell, staring at her.

- Who, what are you? - She asked, her voice trembling.

The creature looked at her, and the lines on her skin began to pulsate with bright light.

- Still ... a human being," she replied, and her voice filled the room, permeated with sadness and strength at the same time. - And your presence can doom us all.

The creature slowly sat down in the capsule, and the light of its eyes changed from an intense glow to a more subdued, cool silver. Astra and Alex noticed that its body was not uniform. Where human proportions were visible, there were distinct changes - the skin had a metallic sheen, and some parts seemed tougher, resembling armor. It looked as if the creature's body could not decide whether it was organic or fully technological.

- Look at this," whispered Alex, pointing to her legs. On her feet were the remnants of shoes, resembling a long-worn uniform, although their shape was oddly asymmetrical. They were, however, the same shoes that had imprinted the footprints they had seen earlier. The footprints looked reasonably fresh, which meant that the creature had not been dormant for as long as it might have seemed.

- That's impossible," Astra said, pointing to her arms, which seemed to be covered with something like silvery plates overlapping each other like armor. - It looks like a ... transformation. As if the body is... is changing.

The creature looked at them, and its voice resounded again, although it did not move its lips - the sound seemed to penetrate the air directly into their minds.

- My body is adapting to survive. It's a reaction to the atmosphere here.

Alex squinted, his hand still clutching the gun.

- What about your humanity? - He asked, pointing to the remnants of cloth that clung to her figure. They were torn, almost blended into the silvery skin, but retained distinctive markings. - Is this some kind of corporation? Or a government project that no one should know about?

The creature looked at herself, as if recalling what she was wearing.

- This is history," she replied. - A long time ago there was a project that was supposed to change our future. But instead, we became ourselves an experiment conducted on us by the remnants of this planet.

Astra felt a shiver down her spine, looking at her silvery body.

- Does that mean you were trapped outside the known course of time? - She asked uncertainly.

The creature raised its eyes, its gaze full of regret.

- Millennia have passed, maybe more. We were the hope. Now I am a shadow of what was to save our people.

Alex parried, though the tension could be heard in his voice.

- Sounds like one of the typical corporate fairy tales.

The creature looked at him with cool calmness. It began to tremble, and its silhouette changed more and more before their eyes. The silvery plates that had previously covered only her arms and torso began to expand to the rest of her body, burrowing into her skin like a living, adapting organism. Sharp, metallic claws appeared where there had previously been human fingers. Her figure lengthened and her movements became fluid, as if the body were abandoning the constraints of organic form.

- What's going on? - mouthed Astra, taking a step back as the creature slowly rose from the capsule.

- You should not do this," the being said, and its voice filled the room, echoing. It was colder, more mechanical, as if human tones had begun to give way to synthetic ones. - The capsule was a safeguard. It inhibited evolution. It held back the adaptation process that was now inevitable.

Alex raised his gun, aiming at her torso, but seeing the creature's body continue to shift, his confidence began to melt.

- And I thought it was just a refrigerator with unhealthy food," he chuckled, trying not to betray the tension in his voice. - How do we stop it?

The creature looked at him, and its eyes, which had previously shone a cool silver, now flashed with a pulsating light.

- You can't. This is an irreversible process. Every breath in this atmosphere accelerates the transformation. I am evolving to survive in an environment that rejects me as a human being.

Astra stared at the creature's changing body, noticing how metallic plates began to surround her neck and face. The lines on her skin pulsed, as if an inner light was trying to make its way to the surface.

- Will it kill you? - She asked quietly, trying to hide her fear.

The creature paused for a moment, as if trying to find the right words.

- It will change me... How it changed the others. My form... Will adapt to the new conditions. But the price for survival is the loss of everything that was human.

Alex raised his eyebrows, his tone full of sarcasm, though his eyes betrayed concern.

- Wonder. We just released something that doesn't know what it will be. A chicken or a mutant turtle.

The creature suddenly looked at him, and her eyes sparkled. It didn't respond immediately. Instead, her figure began to elongate, and the silvery plates shifted, arranging themselves in intricate patterns. Her hands, now tipped with sharp, shiny claws, clenched, and a strange metallic sound came from her mouth - something between a groan and a hiss.

Astra and Alex watched as the creature in front of them transformed into something that began to resemble an armor of living metal. Its movements became violent, almost predatory, and the pulsating light in its eyes took on an intensity that began to cast shadows on the walls. Alex pressed Astra behind him, instinctively raising his gun, but not firing - yet.

- This is starting to look really uninteresting, princess," he muttered through clenched teeth.

The creature took a step toward them, its voice now sounding more like a growl than words.

- You should not have...

She did not finish, because Alex violently pushed Astra toward the door.

- Let's get out of here! Now!

Astra froze for a moment, her gaze still fixed on the figure, which had now completely lost its humanoid features. The metallic plates looked as if they were growing from her body, forming something resembling battle armor. On its back appeared structures that looked like open wings or some kind of sensors. The creature's eyes shone red, and its movements became fast and aggressive.

- What is it? - She asked in a whisper, and panic could be sensed in her voice.

- I don't know, but I'm not going to wait to find out," he replied, pushing her toward the door. - He certainly won't kiss us tenderly on the forehead.

Before the creature had time to make another move, Alex violently closed the door, activating the emergency locks. The control panel went off, and the metal bolts clicked with a metallic hiss.

- That should keep her busy for a while," he chuckled, breathing heavily. Then his gaze fell on something on the wall - a logo. Faded, but still recognizable: three intertwined circles with the corporate name "Terra Gen Corp." below.

- Earth," he muttered, squinting his eyes. - I knew something stank here. It's those damn corporate whining rats.

- Do you know them? - Astra asked, looking away from the door, behind which the sounds were beginning to intensify. Something from inside was striking steel.

- All too well," he replied, reaching for a small data disk lying on the console next to him. - And if they were here, that doesn't bode well. This asteroid was probably their research facility. They were up to something, as usual stupid enough to end with disastrous results.

- And what do we do with it? - She asked, pointing to the disk.

Alex slipped it into his jacket pocket.

- For now? Let's get our asses out of here before this thing," he pointed with his head to the door, "blows everything to pieces.

They moved further along the corridor, whose walls still bore traces of past activity. Dim lamps illuminated only part of the way, and a silver rime had settled on the metal panels. In some places they could see patches of rust and a strange gray-blue fungus that had grown on the neglected surfaces.

- Landing here, however, was an idiotic idea," muttered Alex, stopping by one of the rooms. Inside were dilapidated desks, and scattered papers and equipment were piled on the floor. - It looked like they had left the stations in a hurry. As if something had driven them out of there.

Astra looked toward the exit, which now seemed more distant than before.

- Do you think it's because of... ? - She asked, thinking of the being in the capsule.

- Possibly," replied Alex, quickening his step. - Or something even worse. In any case, I'm not going to check it out.

A sudden bang could be heard behind their backs. Something in the capsule room had exploded, and the door that Alex had so carefully secured was now beginning to bulge under the pressure.

- Let's get out of here," he chuckled, almost running down the corridor. - Before this thing gets out.

Before they had time to decide what to do next, the sound of footsteps came from the depths of the corridor they had left behind. They looked at each other, and their gaze said one thing - someone had caught up with them.

The sound of footsteps approached quickly, and the echo in the narrow corridor heightened the tension. Alex reacted instinctively - he pulled his gun from its holster and stood between Astra and the entrance. Astra looked at him with concern, but before she could say anything, a silhouette appeared in the doorway.

It was short, perhaps up to Alex's waist height, but its shape immediately betrayed that it was not human. The animal that stood in the threshold resembled a cross between a wolf, a sheepdog and a fox. Its fur was an intense red color with black and white accents that glinted in the faint light of flashing led lights. The ears were pointed, and the tail was long and downy, moving nervously, as if the animal was studying the situation. The eyes - intense amber - stared at Alex and Astra with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

- Well, what do we have here," muttered Alex, lowering his gun, but not hiding it completely. - A local shadow or perhaps another experiment of the place?

The animal slowly moved a few steps closer, lifting its nostrils as if it could smell them. Its movements were fluid, almost elegant, but ready to attack at any moment. Astra took half a step forward, crouched down and extended her hand.

- I don't think he's aggressive," she said, trying to sound reassuring.

- Of course it is not," replied Alex sarcastically. - As long as he doesn't think we look like a good dinner.

The animal sniffed Astra's outstretched hand, then tilted its head, as if wondering about her intentions. Suddenly, to their surprise, it sat up on its haunch, beginning to lick its front paw, as if it had determined that they posed no threat.

- Well," muttered Alex, holstering his gun. - It looks like he won't eat us. Yet.

Astra raised an eyebrow, looking at Alex.

- Maybe not everything in this place is so bad," she said with a gentle smile, still looking at the animal. - Look at him. He is beautiful.

- "Beautiful" is not a word I would use for something that can tear you apart if she changes her mind about you," Alex replied, stepping cautiously closer. - But I admit, he has something ... unusual.

The animal rose suddenly, turning its head toward the corridor, as if it had heard something they couldn't pick up. It growled quietly, and its tail began to twitch.

- Something is wrong," Alex said, his tone hardening. - Maybe it was no coincidence that it found us here.

Astra looked at him and then at the animal, which moved slowly toward the door, turning around as if it wanted them to follow it.

- I think he wants to take us somewhere," she said, straightening up.

- Or lure into a trap," muttered Alex, but followed her. - All right, little one. Lead the way. But if it's a trick, remember - I'm not a fan of surprises.

The animal led them outside the facility through a side exit that Alex hadn't noticed before. The door rasped open to the light of day - although "day" on K-47 had a slightly different meaning than anywhere else. The pale, cool light reflected off the porous surface of rocks and dust-covered trees with fancifully twisted shapes.

The dog ran a few meters ahead of them, glancing over his shoulder every now and then, as if making sure they were following him. Astra followed close behind, every now and then speeding up to match his pace. Alex walked slowly, alert, with his hand ready to reach for his gun.

- I'm telling you, it's a trap," he muttered under his breath. - We'll still end up dining this furry.

Astra did not respond, too absorbed in the view before her. The forest through which their dog was leading them seemed to have a life of its own. Trees with slender, branching trunks made quiet, crackling sounds, as if they were rustling in the wind, though the air was almost still. Dense vines entwined everything in sight, and their bright blue leaves glistened as if covered in dew, though Astra knew it was more of a protective substance produced by the plants in response to unstable weather conditions.

Traces of life could be seen on the ground. Small, dark blue and silver insect-like creatures flitted between the roots of trees, and somewhere in the distance could be heard the dragging, throaty roar of something decidedly larger. Astra looked over at Alex.

- What could it have been? - She asked, pointing her head in the direction of the sound.

- Nothing that I want to know more closely," replied Alex, carefully scanning the forest. - I hope our little guide knows what he's doing.

Eventually they arrived at a small clearing, where the animal stopped and began sniffing around. The clearing was surrounded by tall trees, whose crowns intertwined to form a natural canopy. The interior of the clearing was filled with shadow, but at its heart stood out a massive lump - a stone with geometric, almost mesmerizing patterns that seemed to penetrate its structure. A gentle glow, resembling a pulsating light, spread from its surface, barely noticeable in the twilight.

- What is it? - She asked, looking at the stone, which seemed to pulsate with a soft, almost imperceptible glow.

Alex, standing a few steps behind her, furrowed his brow.

- It looks strange. Maybe it's... - he broke off, seeing how the animal sat on the ground, staring at the stone, as if waiting for their reaction.

Astra leaned over to get a better look at the patterns. They looked like mazes, but their structure was too precise to be a coincidence. She had the impression that the patterns changed as she looked at them.

She reached out to touch the surface of the stone. Patterns that had previously seemed motionless began to vibrate, creating the illusion of movement. Her fingers almost made contact with the cold stone, when suddenly the animal leapt up and stabbed her palm with its paw. The force was strong enough to push her hand away, but gentle enough not to harm her.

- Hey! - she called out in surprise, looking at the animal, which was now staring at her with intense eyes. - What should we do?

Alex stood closer, his gaze moving from the stone to the dog.

- Don't touch," he muttered, pointing to the stone.

- Why? - Astra asked, wrinkling her eyebrows. - It's just a stone.

- Only a stone that pulsates with light and has a guard with four paws," replied Alex, putting his hand on Astra's shoulder. - As far as I'm concerned, it's not something that needs to be checked. It hasn't worked out for us lately.

Astra looked at the dog again. Its ears were erect and its tail was motionless, as if it was warning them of something they couldn't understand. She opened her mouth to say something, but then Alex pointed to the surface of the stone.

- Look," he said, his voice lower and more focused. - The patterns only change when you are close.

Astra looked at the pulsating lines that seemed to arrange themselves into new forms, as if the stone was responding to their presence. She felt a shiver run down her spine.

- Maybe it's a natural energy reaction," she muttered, almost to herself. - Something, like the plants there.

- Or something that will drag us deep into the black ass if we start playing with it," replied Alex, picking up a piece of branch from the ground. He gently touched the surface of the stone with it, and patterns immediately began to swirl, making a quiet vibrating sound.

- Okay, that's enough," he said, tossing the branch aside. - We are here to lie low, not to discover ancient artifacts. We're going back to the ship.

Astra took another look at the stone before taking a step toward Alex. The animal rose, shaking its coat, and moved behind them, as if making sure they understood his warning.

- This place is strange," she said quietly, extending her hand toward the stone.

- Astra, don't touch it! - threw Alex, but it was too late.

Her fingers barely brushed the surface of the stone, and a low sound, resembling a vibration, passed through the clearing. The ground trembled gently, and the luminous patterns on the stone flared intensely.

- Like a child," muttered Alex, pulling out his gun and looking around nervously. - Tell me that I was thinking.

Astra moved away from the stone, but did not take her eyes off it.

- I don't know... it kind of ... reacted," she said, her voice trembling slightly, but fascination was painted in her eyes.

At this moment, the animal emitted a low, warning growl. Alex immediately turned his gaze to the forest surrounding the clearing.

- Beautiful. We have company," he said, and a note of tension sounded in his voice.

Figures began to emerge from the shadows of the trees. They were low, covered with something that resembled insect armor, and their movements were quick and chaotic. Their eyes glinted in the twilight, and their long limbs ending in claws looked like perfect tools for attack.

- Great, princess," said Alex, raising his gun. - I told you not to touch anything. But why listen to an old experienced veteran. Of course, it was a trap. As always.

The creatures emerging from the shadows were disturbingly unreal, as if they belonged to another world. Their bodies were slender, almost grotesquely elongated, with a diamond-shaped armor covering them that looked like a living, moving shell - smooth in places and covered with protrusions that seemed to pulsate to the rhythm of their movements.

The heads were slightly flattened, with strange triangular eyes that glowed with a soft, sinister radiance. Sharp, fang-like teeth protruded from their mouths, and there were tiny protrusions around the mouth opening, like those of insectivorous plants. They moved on four limbs - the front limbs, thin and tipped with claws, were used for both running and attacking, while the hind limbs were heavily muscled, ideal for quick leaps.

Their movements were rapid, almost twitching, as if each part of the body acted independently, yet with an unsettling harmony. As the creatures came closer, Alex noticed that their armor seemed to change colors depending on their surroundings - darkening where there were shadows, and brightening where light reached.

- What the hell is that? - chuckled Alex, clasping his hands on his weapon.

- I don't know," replied Astra, stepping back slowly. - But they look like the one from the facility.

One of the creatures made a low, dragging sound, something between a growl and a mechanical buzz. It looked like a signal, because the rest began to move faster, circling the clearing.

The dog that had brought them here was now standing in front of Astra, growling and showing sharp fangs. Its fur, marked with red and black welts, was eating at the nape of its neck, and its eyes were blazing with rage. It looked as if it was ready to defend them at all costs.

- Thanks for getting us involved in another shitty plot, princess," winked Alex, aiming at one of the creatures. - Do you have any more great ideas?

Astra struggled to look away from the stone, which was still pulsing gently. She took a deep breath.

- Maybe it's... - she began, but Alex interrupted her.

- Maybe what? That you make friends with them like the furry one? - he chuckled with irony. - They don't look like they fancy being stroked.

The first creature jumped in their direction. Alex did not wait - he pulled the trigger, and the roar of a gunshot filled the clearing. The bullet hit the creature in the chest, but did not knock it down completely - the creature stopped for a moment, as if analyzing what had happened, and then dashed again with inhuman speed.

The animal that led them jumped on the opponent, sinking its teeth into his neck. The fight was brutal - the shriek and sound of ripped armor mixed with the sound of more gunshots.

- Perhaps you would kindly move your shapely buttocks and help! - shouted Alex, retreating toward the stone.

Astra, determined, looked at the dog and the pulsating surface of the stone. Something inside her told her that this was where the key lay. She touched the stone with both hands, and the patterns on its surface flashed with intense light.

The space around them was filled with a dazzling light that seemed to permeate every particle of air. The glow was white, yet at the same time carrying shades of silver and gold, as if the stone hid the entire spectrum of colors. Astra felt the energy pass through her body - warm but not scalding, gentle yet powerful.

Everything around them froze for a moment. The leaves of the trees stopped moving, and the wind quieted, as if the entire planet had held its breath. The creatures, which only a moment ago were approaching with predatory intent, now stopped. Their metallic and diamond-shaped bodies began to pulsate, as if reacting to light. One of the larger creatures let out a shrill squawk that echoed through the trees as a bright beam from the stone hit its body. The flare blinded everyone for a moment.

The creature stepped back, jerking the air in despair, and its body began to tremble, as if something inside it was cracking. Behind him, more creatures made similar sounds - a cross between hisses and mechanical crackles. Each of them retreated farther and farther into the forest, as if the glow of the stone burned their presence from space.

Alex, standing to the side, watched with wide-open eyes. He lowered his gun, letting it dangle in his hand, and looked at Astra.

- What have you done? - he asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

Astra, still keeping her hands on the stone, looked over her shoulder at him. Her face was lit up with glee, and her eyes seemed full of something more than fear - some primal certainty that she had done the right thing.

- I don't know... - she replied quietly, and her voice seemed to meld with the harmony of the light around them. - But it works.

The dog, standing next to Alex, whinnied quietly, as if in agreement with their thoughts. He then sat down, watching the last creatures disappear into the darkness of the forest.

As the light began to fade and the patterns on the stone again took on a static form, Astra felt the tension leave her body. The hum of the wind returned, the leaves began to vibrate again, and the distant sounds of life on the planet slowly filled the silence.

- It's some kind of ... shield," she said, moving her hands away from the stone and taking a step back. - It protects whoever touches it.

Astra looked at the stone, still pulsing with a soft glow, and trembled. She knew that this place hid more secrets than they could have imagined, and it might as well have been their undoing.

- Let's go," he said, trying to calm his breathing. - It's better not to wait until they come back. - He adjusted his backpack on his shoulder and looked at the dog. - You knew it too, didn't you? - he threw to the animal, which only shook its head in response, moving forward as if marking a new path for them.

- It is no coincidence that this place exists," she finally said, more to herself than to Alex. - It must be a remnant of . .

Alex sighed, looking at her in exasperation.

- Maybe so. But for now, this remnant has almost killed us. So I suggest flying away from here before something else more nasty gets us.

They moved toward the ship in silence, their footsteps muffled by the soft ground of the forest, and the shadows of the trees seemed to lengthen with each passing moment. Astra glanced behind her every now and then, as if she expected that at any moment another wave of creatures would emerge from behind the bushes. Alex, with his face contorted in impatience, walked ahead, and the dog followed Astra step by step, every now and then glancing at her with an investigative eye.

When they reached the clearing, the "Faithful Dog" was still standing, its silhouette conspicuous against the dense forest. Alex, almost on the run, walked over to the console at the ramp and tapped on it with the skill of someone who had done it hundreds of times. The mechanism squeaked, but the ramp slowly began to descend, revealing the interior of the ship.

- Well, princess, your stairway to heaven," he chuckled curtly, waving his hand toward the open ramp. - Hop on.

Astra stepped onto the ramp first, stopping for a breath when she smelled the familiar, though still unpleasant, smells of the ship's interior. Alex looked behind her and was already about to close the ramp when he noticed that the dog had not moved behind them. He was sitting on the ground in front of the ramp, with his head raised, as if waiting for permission.

- And this one what? - muttered Alex, glancing at Astra.

Astra turned toward the dog, her eyes glittering in the twilight.

- Let's take him," she said firmly.

Alex raised his eyebrows, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

- Let's take? It's a ship, not an interstellar shed.

Astra looked at him with a firmness that Alex knew all too well.

- He saved us. We can't leave him here.

Alex rolled his eyes and leaned against a panel by the ramp for a moment.

- Sure, and then you demand that we take the kitten still.

- Alex," she said more sharply.

He sighed, then waved his hand toward the dog.

- Okay, jump in, coat. But I warn you, you take care of him," he threw to Astra, pointing at the dog. If I step in shit on board, I'll dig him out on the first planet on the way.

The animal stood up slowly, as if considering the offer. After a moment, it ran gracefully up the ramp and sat down right next to Astra, looking at Alex with a face that could have been gratitude or could have been mockery.

- Great," muttered Alex, looking at the dog and then at Astra. - A flock of fleas came to the spayed princess.

Astra looked at the dog, which still did not take its eyes off her.

- He is loved," she replied, and her voice sounded softer.

- Christ," chuckled Alex, walking up to the panel and closing the ramp. - Now hold on, because we're flying out of this hole.

The ramp mechanism squeaked, locking them inside. He moved to the cockpit, leaving Astra and the dog in the hold. The dog looked at Astra, then lay down on the floor, as if it had immediately settled into the ship.

- Welcome aboard, friend," Astra said quietly, stroking his head. Somewhere in her heart, she felt that the strange bond that brought them together was no accident.

Alex settled into the pilot's seat, dragging his hand across the console, which still showed minor scratches and signs of previous repairs. His fingers expertly wandered over buttons and switches until suddenly the entire cabin was filled with the quiet buzz of systems taking off. Displays with flickering graphics began to show the status of engines, shields and propulsion systems.

Astra entered the cockpit a moment later, the dog followed her, sitting right next to the entrance, as if curiously watching the preparations for takeoff. The engines of the "Faithful Dog" roared, and the ship trembled, hovering slowly above the ground. Clouds of dust floated from under the hull, which mixed with the remnants of the wind, creating a chaotic fog around the place from which they took off.

- Engines normal, shields active, side drive.... works," muttered Alex, as if he couldn't believe it himself.

The ship soared higher, its hull illuminated by rays of pale light coming through the sparse atmosphere of the K-47. From behind the cockpit glass, Astra could see the forest below getting smaller and smaller, and the massive lump of stone in the clearing disappearing among the trees as if it had never been there.

- At least we have this place behind us," Alex added, pressing another button that activated the main drive.

As the ship rose above the tree line, the engines made a deeper, more steady sound. The asteroid stretched out beneath them like a mysterious, unpredictable mosaic. Astra gazed at it through the panoramic glass, her thoughts wandering between the events on the station and what still awaited them.

- Where to now? - She asked, glancing at Alex.

Alex looked at her out of the corner of his eye, a slight smile appeared on his face.

- Anywhere, as long as it's farther from here," he replied, entering the coordinates into the autopilot. - But first we need to breathe a little.

The engines changed tone as the ship shifted to full power. Astra felt a gentle acceleration that pushed her deeper into her seat. The vibration of the propulsion system seemed to remind her that "Faithful Dog" still had miles to go, despite its flaws.

- Hold on, princess," threw Alex with a smile, pressing the button that activates the shields before jumping. - We are going into deeper waters.

The ship pierced the thin layer of K-47's atmosphere and disappeared into the darkness of space, leaving behind only a slightly flickering streak that quickly dissipated into the void.