Chapter 11: The Vault of the Inheritor

The star map floated before them, an intricate display of galaxies and star systems that seemed to pulse with life. Kia and Professor Roman had been studying the projection for hours, their excitement barely contained. Around them, the rest of the team worked feverishly to document everything they could about the ancient ship.

"This map is beyond anything we've ever encountered," Roman said, his voice tinged with awe. "These systems—most of them aren't even in our database. And look here," he pointed to a cluster of stars near the edge of the projection, "this section corresponds to where we are now. This ship has traveled farther than any known vessel.

"Kia nodded, his eyes fixed on the map. He noticed something unusual: a section of the schematic outlining the ship itself was glowing softly, a faint pulse drawing his attention. "Professor, look at this," he said, zooming in on the glowing section. It appeared deep within the ship, roughly fifteen levels down from their current position.Roman leaned in, adjusting his glasses. "Interesting. It doesn't look like an emergency signal. More like… an indicator."

"Should we investigate?" Kia asked, his curiosity growing.

Professor Roman hesitated. "We're here to document, not activate. But... it could be something important. All right, let's go. I'll inform the team to continue working on the star charts while we check this out.

"Kia, Roman, and two soldiers from the security team, Corporal Jensen and Private Wren, made their way through the labyrinthine corridors of the ship. The glowing lines along the walls seemed to guide their way, pulsing in rhythm with the glowing spot on the schematic.

"Does anyone else feel like this ship is alive?" Jensen asked, his voice echoing in the metallic passageway.

"Alive is a strong word," Professor Roman replied, though his tone carried uncertainty. "But it's clear the ship's systems are still functional. Advanced AI, maybe. Something beyond our understanding.

"As they descended deeper, the group passed through numerous rooms that hinted at the ship's former purpose. Labs filled with strange instruments hummed faintly with residual energy. One room contained transparent cylinders filled with a shimmering liquid, while another housed rows of dormant drones, their sleek designs suggesting both elegance and lethality.

"This place is incredible," Kia murmured, running his fingers over a console that activated as he touched it. Holograms flickered to life, displaying equations and symbols in a language he didn't recognize.

"Don't touch too much," Wren cautioned, her rifle at the ready. "We don't know what any of this does."

"She's right," Professor Roman added. "Let's stay focused."

After nearly an hour of navigating the massive ship, they arrived at their destination. The corridor opened into a vast chamber, its ceiling stretching high above them. At the center stood a massive door, its surface etched with intricate patterns that glowed faintly. In the center of the door was a circular panel, its edges illuminated with the same pulsing blue light they'd seen throughout the ship.

"This has to be it," Professor Roman said, stepping closer to examine the door. "A vault of some kind, but there's no visible way to open it."

Kia approached cautiously, his heart pounding. The circular panel seemed to draw him in, almost as if it were calling to him. "What do you think it's for?" he asked, looking back at Roman.

"Could be a scanner," Professor Roman speculated. "But we should proceed carefully. We don't know what's inside."

Kia hesitated, his instincts torn between caution and an overwhelming urge to act. Finally, he reached out and placed his hand on the scanner. The panel flared to life, and a deep, resonant voice filled the chamber.

"Welcome, Inheritor."

The group froze, their eyes wide with shock. Before anyone could react further, the door began to shift. Panels along its surface slid apart, revealing a torrent of silvery liquid that poured out like water. The substance flowed toward Kia with unsettling precision, swirling around his feet before surging upward.

"Kia, get back!" Professor Roman shouted, but it was too late.

The liquid enveloped Kia completely, forming a seamless layer of sleek, white combat armor. Blue lines pulsed along its seams, mirroring the ship's design. Kia stood frozen as the voice returned, this time resonating directly in his mind.

"Integration successful. System online. Life span increased to 10000 units. Prepare for knowledge exchange."

Kia's eyes rolled back as an avalanche of information flooded his consciousness. Star charts, historical records, advanced technologies—an entire civilization's worth of knowledge poured into his mind. The overwhelming influx was too much, and he collapsed to the floor.

"Kia!" Professor Roman shouted, rushing to his side.

Jensen and Wren aimed their weapons at the still-liquid nanites pooling around Kia, but they seemed inert now, their task complete.

"He's breathing," Professor Roman said, checking Kia's vitals. "But whatever just happened… it's beyond anything I've ever seen."

"What the hell is this place?" Jensen muttered, his voice shaking.

Professor Roman glanced at the now-sealed vault door, his mind racing. "I think we just found out why this ship was left here.

"It was hours before Kia stirred, his eyes fluttering open to find himself back in one of the ship's makeshift medical bays. The armor was still on him, though it had retracted slightly, revealing his face. He sat up groggily, clutching his head.

"Kia, are you all right?" Roman asked, sitting beside the bed.

"I… I don't know," Kia replied, his voice shaky. "It's like… there's something in my head. I can see things—star charts, blueprints, histories. It's all just… there."

Professor Roman leaned forward. "The ship called you the 'Inheritor.' Do you have any idea what that means?"

Kia shook his head. "No. But I think this armor—whatever it is—was meant for someone... someone else or maybe somebody like me I don't know... I can feel it… responding to me."

Professor Roman's expression was a mix of awe and concern. "If we can understand what's happened to you, it might give us the key to unlocking this ship."

Kia looked down at his hands, now encased in the sleek, seemingly alien material. "I don't think I have a choice at this point. Whatever this is, it's part of me now."

Professor Roman nodded. "We'll figure it out. But for now, rest. You've been through more than enough for one day." As the Professor left the room, Kia leaned back, his mind still reeling.