The Dark Beyond
Coordinates lit up the dashboard, a bright green dot amidst the sea of darkness. The hum of propellers could be heard through the titanium walls of the self-piloting submarine, carrying the newest contractor of HiveMind to their destination far below the surface of the Mediterranean Sea.
Nick would find himself strapped to a seat, feeling the pressure as the submarine dove deeper into inky darkness. Through a small reinforced glass, he could see the frightening depths of the sea swallowing them up as the submarine continued to advance.
"Vitals are stable. Nick, how are you feeling?" Came a buzzing voice through his earpiece, a lead assistant of HiveMind and his navigator for this dive into the dark energy signal's zone. She could track him through the wrist wearable they had equipped him with, able to see basic vital signs and geolocation.
HiveMind had also equipped him with a thin metal headpiece that wrapped from the side of his cortex to the center of his forehead, a thin sheet of plastic coming down over one eye. It was a non-invasive AR sight that also hooked Nick up to the HiveMind's AI companion, which could help guide Nick through the complex labyrinth system that drones had previously mapped. Or at least tried to, before disintegrating in the presence of unstable dark energy. His emergency bag, which was also gifted from HiveMind, held dark energy stabilizers, water, food rations, and emergency equipment like rope, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.
"We're getting close to the site. Be prepared to exit the craft in a few moments." Said the lead assistant matter-of-factly.
There was a slight bump as the submarine came to rest against some type of shoreline and a hiss as the overhead door became de-pressurized and unlocked. If Nick were to open it, he would find a peculiar sight. He appeared to be in an under-cave air pocket. However, this air pocket was massive. Due to the presence of dark energy, the ceiling of the cave, instead of being a rocky roof, appeared like an artificial sky. Purple lightning streaked across this sky, tumultuous clouds circling. If Nick looked in front of him, he would see what appeared to be the broken remains of a ruin, with fragments of stone foundation sticking up and chunks of rock leaning haphazardly in his path.
Further up ahead, there appeared to be some type of cave entrance, and scattered among his feet seemed to be scattered remnants of a broken tablet, among small uncut garnets and emeralds.
"The dark energy signal is deeper in the tunnels of this cave. We've only done preliminary scans of the area, so let me know if you see or sense anything out of the ordinary." Said the lead assistant.
The dark energy, its secrets, and fortunes were ahead. But also ahead was the sense of foreboding danger. The distinct feeling like he was entering a predator's domain. The air was heavy, and an ominous hush fell over the cave.
Within the inky depths of the far cave entrance, Nick could hear slow, heavy breathing.
The Otter,
NoriWasHere,
Yankee,
Andre Valias,
Evil Ghost Note,
IAmTheIsland,
Atrophy,
LanaStorm,
Memoria,
flux
