Sophia and Lyrien immersed themselves in their research, analyzing the alien technology and sharing knowledge. As they worked together, Sophia found herself drawn to Lyrien's gentle nature and curious mind. But despite their growing connection, she couldn't shake off the feeling that Ryan's animosity was rooted in more than just jealousy.
One night, while reviewing data in the station's archives, Sophia stumbled upon a classified file labeled "Project Aurora." Intrigued, she accessed the file, revealing a shocking truth: Ryan had been involved in a secret experiment, merging human and alien DNA to create a new breed of super-soldiers.
Sophia felt a chill run down her spine as she realized the implications. Lyrien's presence had unknowingly triggered Ryan's deep-seated fears, fueling his hostility. But why had Ryan kept this secret from her?
Determined to confront him, Sophia sought out Ryan in the station's cafeteria. "We need to talk, Ryan. About Project Aurora."
Ryan's expression turned icy, his voice low and menacing. "You shouldn't have dug into that, Sophia. It's classified for a reason."
Sophia stood firm, her voice unwavering. "I deserve to know the truth. What did you hope to achieve with this experiment?"
Ryan's gaze flickered, a hint of vulnerability beneath his tough exterior. "I wanted to protect humanity, Sophia. I wanted to create a force that could defend us against the unknown."
Sophia's heart ached, understanding the motivations behind Ryan's actions. But she also knew that secrets and lies only led to more harm.