"This is a record of their last days," Aralina said, her voice tinged with sadness. "They must have hoped someone would find it and learn from their mistakes."
The projection continued, showing scenes of chaos and destruction as an unknown force tore through the alien civilization. The final image was of a massive starship leaving the planet, heading into the depths of space.
"They escaped," Neil said, his voice filled with a mix of relief and sorrow. "But where did they go?"
As the projection faded, the console emitted a series of beeps and tones. Mary's eyes lit up. "I think it's transmitting a signal."
Wil nodded. "Let's trace it. Maybe it will lead us to the survivors or their descendants."
Back on the Eclipse, they began tracking the signal, which led them to a distant star system. The journey took several days, the team using the time to rest and prepare for whatever lay ahead.