The Alien Artifact
From Create Your Own Story
In an era long beyond the reckoning of Earth's history, humanity has ventured far into the cosmos, establishing colonies on distant planets. Eos Prime, a rocky and desolate planet on the outer edge of known space, is one such colony. The planet's surface is a barren expanse, constantly battered by harsh winds under a perpetually overcast sky. It is here, buried deep beneath the planet's crust, that an astonishing discovery has been made.
The research facility on Eos Prime is a fortress of steel and glass, a stark beacon of human ingenuity amidst the inhospitable landscape. Inside, the corridors are a maze of sterile, white walls, lit by the harsh glare of fluorescent lights. The air is thick with the scent of disinfectant, mingling with the faint metallic tang of advanced machinery.
In the heart of the facility, the main research chamber hums with energy. Scientists and engineers bustle around, their focus unwavering as they study the alien obelisk that dominates the center of the room. The obelisk is an imposing structure, its surface shimmering with an eerie, pulsing light. Intricate patterns shift and move across it, almost as if it is alive, casting strange shadows on the walls.
Dr. Elena Drakov, the lead scientist, paces beside the obelisk. Her lab coat flutters with each step, and her eyes, sharp and intelligent, dart between the readings on her tablet and the artifact itself. Her face is a mask of both excitement and concern as she speaks.
"Every time we decode a sequence from this thing, it opens more questions than it answers," she says, her voice reverberating slightly in the large chamber. "We’ve barely scratched the surface, but it’s clear this artifact could change everything—human evolution, medicine, even our understanding of life itself."
You stand nearby, running your fingers through your hair as the weight of responsibility settles on your shoulders. As the chief bioengineer, your expertise in genetic engineering and ethical frameworks has placed you in a pivotal role. The team's eyes are on you, seeking guidance.
"What do you think we should do next?" Dr. Drakov asks, stopping in front of you. Her eyes are intense, reflecting the pulsing light of the obelisk.
You glance at the monitors displaying the artifact's energy output and the genetic data it emits. The potential here is staggering, but so are the risks. The discovery has already attracted attention from various factions within the colony and beyond. Some see it as a path to human enhancement and evolution, while others fear the potential for abuse and the unintended consequences of tampering with human DNA.
The room falls silent, the hum of machinery the only sound. Your decision could shape the future of humanity—or lead to its downfall.
You take a deep breath and weigh your options.