The Encounter.
22 Sep 2024CMDR GRIND
The ship's canopy hummed as Commander Vega's sensors locked onto the target—an enormous Thargoid Interceptor, classified as a Hydra Variant. A formidable foe, standing out against the endless void with its organic, alien bioluminescence, it seemed to pulse with life itself. Its twisted, petal-like appendages radiated hostility, each movement deliberate and unnervingly graceful.Commander Vega was alone, but not unprepared. The Enhanced AX Multi-cannons whirred to life as targeting data streamed across the cockpit's HUD. He took a deep breath, the acrid taste of recycled air filling his lungs as he steadied his nerves. He had faced the Thargoid threat countless times before, but each encounter with a Hydra was like staring down death itself.
"COVAX, give me a status report," he barked, his voice cutting through the tense silence.
“Commander, all weapon systems are online,” COVAX, the ship’s AI, replied in a calm, reassuring tone. “Heat sinks are operational, but we are down to four caustic sink launchers. Shields are stable at 70%. However, the Hydra's targeting systems are showing elevated hostility patterns.”
Vega nodded. “Noted. Switching power to weapons and engines. We’re going in.”
As he throttled forward, the Hydra Interceptor seemed to ripple in response. The canopy lit up with a kaleidoscope of colors as the Thargoid vessel shifted its structure, exposing the first of its glowing hearts. Without hesitation, Vega squeezed the trigger, and the AX rounds screamed through the void, slamming into the alien armor. The Hydra shuddered but retaliated with a barrage of caustic missiles. Each one was a green comet of death, threatening to overwhelm his shields.
"Deploy caustic sinks, now!" Vega ordered.
"Affirmative," COVAX responded. In seconds, the caustic material was vented from the hull, sparing the ship from further corrosive damage. “Caustic contamination neutralized.”
The Hydra's hearts, each a brilliant orb of light, needed to be destroyed one by one to bring the beast down. It wasn't just about firepower but precision, timing, and an almost symbiotic dance of attack and defense. As Vega lined up his next shot, a warning blared through the cockpit.
“Multiple energy spikes detected. The Hydra is preparing for a shutdown pulse!” COVAX warned.
Vega’s fingers flew over the controls. "Engaging shutdown field neutralizer!"
The ship trembled as an invisible wave of energy emanated from the Thargoid, threatening to disable every system aboard. For a moment, everything flickered, and Vega’s heart skipped a beat. Then, with a sputter and a whine, the systems came back online.
“Shutdown pulse successfully negated,” COVAX confirmed.
"Good," Vega muttered, wiping the sweat from his brow. "We’re still in this."
He redirected his attention to the Interceptor, watching as it began to shift once more, rotating to shield its exposed heart. But Vega was faster. He fired another volley, and the satisfying sight of the heart shattering filled the screen.
“One heart down, Commander,” COVAX announced.
“Only three more to go,” Vega muttered. “Piece of cake.”
Suddenly, another Thargoid contact appeared on the radar—a Basilisk variant. A lesser threat than the Hydra, but still deadly. Vega cursed under his breath. Alone, the Hydra was more than a match, but with reinforcements, his odds were quickly dwindling.
“COVAX, plot a course for evasive maneuvers,” he ordered. "We can't afford to get boxed in."
“Course plotted, Commander. Recommend you take out the Basilisk before it has a chance to engage.”
Vega nodded, already adjusting his trajectory. He swung the ship around, the thrusters straining under the rapid change in velocity, and lined up his shot. The Basilisk roared forward, its green tendrils lashing out. Vega rolled to avoid the incoming fire and unloaded a burst from his multi-cannons. The Basilisk reeled but held its ground, preparing to charge.
"Incoming caustic missiles, brace for impact," COVAX warned.
Vega gritted his teeth as the ship shuddered violently. Alarms blared, and he fought the urge to panic. "COVAX, damage report!"
“Minor hull damage sustained. Shields at 42%. Recommend immediate countermeasures.”
“No kidding,” he grumbled, diverting power to the engines and guns. He had to finish this quickly.
As the Basilisk bore down on him, Vega switched to his enhanced AX missiles, taking careful aim. He fired, and the Basilisk’s shield buckled under the assault. With one final, desperate burst, it exploded into a cloud of debris. But there was no time to celebrate.
The Hydra was still there, still lethal, and it had closed the distance.
“Commander, the Hydra is attempting to ram us!” COVAX warned, an edge of urgency creeping into its otherwise calm tone.
“Not today,” Vega growled, yanking the flight stick to the side. The ship lurched, barely dodging the Hydra’s massive bulk. He spun around, now behind it, and unloaded his remaining ammo into its second heart.
A shrill, otherworldly scream echoed through the void as the heart shattered. Vega’s heart pounded in his ears, sweat dripping down his face. “Two down. Two to go.”
But then the Hydra turned, its remaining hearts glowing brighter, as if enraged. "COVAX, prepare for the final push. We're ending this."
"Affirmative, Commander," the AI replied. "All power diverted to weapons. Let's finish the fight."
With renewed determination, Vega charged, his ship hurtling toward the Hydra’s twisted form. He could feel every vibration, every heartbeat of his vessel, as they became one in this deadly dance. And as he lined up his shot on the third heart, he knew this battle wasn't just another mission—it was survival.
He squeezed the trigger, ready to face whatever came next.
