The message repeated over the comm system, crackling with static, but there was no mistaking the voice. It was Kaelen's own. His own voice, but distorted, like a memory twisted by time and distance.
"I told you not to answer it."
Kaelen's heart skipped a beat. His hands were shaking as he reached for the comm control, but the system refused to respond. R0NIN's voice cut through the static.
"Unable to comply. The signal cannot be stopped."
"What do you mean 'cannot be stopped'?" Mira demanded, stepping up to the control panel. "This is your system, R0NIN. Take it offline."
"Error," the AI responded. "Signal is integral. It is part of the ship's core systems."
"That doesn't make sense," Kaelen muttered. "How could the signal be integrated into the ship's systems? What is it?"
"I am unable to provide that information," R0NIN responded, almost apologetically. "The signal's origin is... unknown."
Mira's gaze shifted to Kaelen. She could see the fear in his eyes, the same fear that had been gnawing at her since they'd first heard the signal.
"We need to find out what it wants," Kaelen said, his voice rough. "We need to trace its origin."
Before Mira could respond, the lights flickered again, and the temperature in the room plummeted. A low hum filled the air, followed by a deep, guttural growl—unnatural and primal.
A shadow passed across the viewport, though no one was there. Kaelen turned to Mira, his eyes wide.
"It's here," he whispered. "The signal... it's not just a message. It's alive."