Chapter 4: Arrival at the Moonbase
The lunar dust crunched softly under their boots as Zara and Kian stepped away from the Starhopper. The once-bustling Lunaris Base now lay in eerie silence, its towering structures cracked and darkened by battle. Flickering emergency lights cast long shadows across the shattered platforms.
Zara's heart tightened at the sight. "This place... it's worse than I imagined."
Kian scanned the area with the solar-powered device. "No signs of life nearby. But the energy signatures are still strong—probably the base's core and some equipment."
The windless lunar atmosphere made every sound sharp and hollow. As they approached the main entrance, broken screens blinked faintly on control panels, but the corridors beyond were empty.
Suddenly, distant voices echoed from deep inside the base — faint but unmistakable.
"Mom? Dad?" Zara called softly, hope flickering.
"We have to find the lab," Kian said, pulling out a map of the base. "That's where they keep the research teams."
They moved quickly through the maze-like tunnels, their suits illuminated by the soft glow of wrist lamps. Every step echoed unnervingly in the empty halls.
Suddenly, a low mechanical hum grew louder nearby. Zara froze. "Robots."
Kian pointed to the scanner — multiple heat signatures approaching from the corridor ahead. "We need to hide."
They ducked behind a large ventilation duct just as two robotic sentries clanked past, their eyepatches gleaming coldly in the dim light.
Zara held her breath, heart pounding. "They're searching for something."
Kian whispered, "Probably the energy crystals. They want to build that black tower."
As the robots moved on, Zara exhaled slowly. "We can't let them win."
With renewed determination, Zara led the way deeper into the base. The voices grew louder, guiding them to the locked lab where her parents were held captive.
"We're close," Zara said, her fingers trembling as she prepared to hack the electronic lock.
Kian stood guard, tools ready. "Let's get them out of here."
The adventure was far from over, but Zara knew she had the strength to face whatever came next.