“The last of your forebears developed a resistance to the Cradle in the end; broke a billion year cycle.” The strange entity hissed into Freyr’s ear as she writhed desperately about beneath the dark lake.

“What I need to know is…how you managed to break Us up as well.” Freyr saw a cluster of bubbles push their way out of Vreta’s mouth. Her chest started heaving for air.

“You may be useless now. But the more your Other self learns about us, the more we learn from you.” 

With that, whatever was speaking to her pushed Freyr’s body completely into the pool. She felt water rushing past her as she sped through the pitch black space towards the haloed opening where Vreta was also being drowned. She raced towards him, arms outstretched, and closed her eyes.
[hr]
With a gasp, Freyr opened her eyes and instantly regretted it. Bright lights from a drone were shining directly at her, and there were sharp pricks all over her body. People were shouting and moving quickly all around her, but she didn’t know where she was or what they were saying.

“He-...” Her voice cracked. “Help.”

“Subject’s vitals are stabilising.” A drone communicated to the Rothian doctor as Sergeant Skopec stopped the procession halfway down the corridor with an outstretched hand. “Doctor Lang. You’re awake! That is good.” He boomed in his peculiar accent. “We need to get you and your team out of here. It's not safe - too many alien craft attracting attention.” He shot an acerbic look at the Rothian delegation. “We’ve got a transport waiting to take you away. Just be still.”

Just then, Skopec’s eyes rolled back as he received a live feed from the AA mechs perched atop the building.

[CONTACT ALERT]

His eyes rolled back into focus, displaying a mote of fear.

“EVERYBODY GET DOWN!” He yelled.

The Institute AA guns deployed for the safe house were state of the art, but the incoming objects were travelling at four times the speed of sound from orbit. Even as the tri-field laser guns tore one craft apart, sizable pieces flew straight into the tower block and exploded with an intensity that shook even the surrounding structures.