Daniel lingered in the hatch, eyes fixed on the flickering holographic map. Each pulse of light seemed to echo through the hollow streets outside, and he felt a sudden chill. The city, so silent moments ago, now felt… watched.
"Operator," the AI's voice cut softly through the quiet. "Energy signature detected. Multiple units approaching. Unknown origin. Caution advised."
Daniel froze. Raiders? Scavengers? He had seen enough desperate people to know they wouldn't hesitate to kill for technology like this.
He crept to the edge of the hatch and peeked outside. Shadows moved across the ruins, large figures stepping carefully among the rubble. Their weapons glinted in the dim light, and masks hid their faces.
Daniel's pulse quickened. "How close are they?" he whispered.
"Proximity: fifty meters and closing. Estimated time to detection: two minutes."
Two minutes. Not enough to prepare fully—but enough to think. He grabbed a scrap of metal from the floor, ready to throw it as a distraction if needed. The AI hummed quietly beside him, waiting.
The raiders stopped suddenly, sniffing the air, drawn toward the faint energy pulsing from the hatch. Daniel's stomach tightened. He had no choice now.
"Decision required, operator," the AI said calmly. "Proceed or remain hidden. Risk assessment: high."
Daniel clenched his fists, taking a deep breath. He could hide and hope they leave—or he could try something risky with the AI. His heart pounded. Survival was no longer just about scavenging—it was about choices, and wrong ones could end everything.