The corvette drifted in silence, its engines humming softly as Elric slouched in the captain's chair. His crew busied themselves with post-battle diagnostics: Sigma analyzing damage, RX-47 repairing minor systems, and Sentinel-06 running security sweeps. Echo's soothing voice filled the bridge, reporting on navigation and trajectory adjustments.
"Fuel reserves at 55%. Shields restored to 80%. Hull integrity stable," Echo said.
"Good work, everyone," Elric said, though his exhaustion was evident. The weight of the fight, Harris's confrontation, and the ever-mounting tension gnawed at him.
Just as he closed his eyes, the system chimed, its familiar tone echoing in his mind.
[Hidden Achievement Unlocked: "Defender of the Void."]
Criteria: Successfully protect a larger vessel from overwhelming odds without sustaining critical damage.
Elric blinked, sitting up straighter. "Hidden achievement?"
[Reward: Unique Item. Added to Inventory.]
"Sigma," Elric said, pulling up his system interface, "did you know anything about this?"
"Negative," Sigma replied. "Hidden achievements are an unindexed feature of your system. However, their rarity suggests significance."
"Let's see what we've got," Elric muttered, navigating to his inventory.
In the inventory menu, a new slot shimmered faintly. Elric selected it, and a holographic projection appeared before him: a sleek, dark metallic object resembling a handheld device with glowing blue lines etched into its surface.
[Item Acquired: Tactical Deployable Hangar (Prototype).]
Description: A portable hangar system capable of deploying a single drone or compact vessel for short-range operations. Includes one deployable unit: D-11 Recon Drone.
Status: Functional, requires advanced fuel cells for reactivation.
Elric stared at the device, his mind racing. "A deployable hangar? This could change everything."
"Analysis indicates the item's capabilities extend to reconnaissance, resource gathering, or tactical combat assistance," Sigma said. "Its deployment range and flexibility will enhance operations."
Elric grinned despite himself. "Hidden achievements, huh? Guess there's more to this system than I thought."
The Tactical Deployable Hangar sat on the bridge console as Elric paced, his thoughts churning. The recon drone could help gather resources more efficiently or provide surveillance, but the need for advanced fuel cells presented a new challenge.
"RX, any chance we can salvage fuel cells from our reserves?"
"Negative," RX-47 replied, its mechanical tone flat. "Current reserves are incompatible with item requirements. Alternative sources must be secured."
"Sigma, what's the nearest potential salvage site for advanced fuel cells?"
"Identifying... a partially operational mining platform has been detected within one light-hour. Records indicate its storage facilities may contain the required materials."
Elric nodded. "Echo, plot a course. Let's see if this hangar is worth the trouble."
The mining platform came into view as the corvette exited warp space. It was massive, its skeletal structure drifting in orbit around a small, barren moon. Faint energy readings suggested some systems were still functional, but the platform's darkened exterior hinted at years of neglect.
"Echo, what's the risk?"
"Minimal. No active defenses detected. However, structural instability is probable," Echo replied.
"RX, Sentinel, let's gear up," Elric said, donning his suit. "Sigma, keep us updated from the bridge. We're looking for fuel cells, but if you find anything else worth taking, let me know."
Inside the mining platform, the air was stale and heavy. RX-47 scanned the corridors as they advanced, its mechanical arms ready for any salvageable materials. Sentinel-06 walked beside Elric, its presence both protective and imposing.
The first few compartments yielded nothing but rusted machinery and debris. Elric's patience began to wear thin as they moved deeper into the station.
"Commander, energy signatures detected ahead," Sigma's voice crackled through the comm.
They entered a storage bay where several large crates sat stacked against the walls. RX-47 scanned the contents, its mechanical arms prying open a nearby container.
"Fuel cells located," RX-47 announced. "Condition: stable. Quantity sufficient for item reactivation."
[Mini-Quest Complete: "Power the Hangar."]
Reward: Tactical Deployable Hangar operational.
Elric smirked. "Perfect. Grab them all. We're not leaving anything behind."
Back aboard the corvette, Elric set the Tactical Deployable Hangar on the console. The device whirred softly as the newly acquired fuel cells powered it up, its glowing lines brightening.
[Hangar Online.]
D-11 Recon Drone Deployed.
A small compartment on the hangar opened, revealing the recon drone. It was sleek and compact, with a lightweight frame and a single glowing sensor that blinked to life.
"Designation: D-11," the drone's voice chirped, surprisingly cheerful. "Ready for operations!"
"Sigma, run diagnostics," Elric said, watching the drone hover in midair.
"Diagnostics complete," Sigma replied. "D-11 is fully operational. Its capabilities include short-range surveillance, tactical reconnaissance, and limited resource collection."
Elric grinned. "Looks like we've got ourselves a scout."
"Commander," Echo said, her voice chiming through the speakers, "the addition of D-11 enhances our versatility. This achievement signifies a milestone in your progression."
Elric nodded, his gaze shifting to the stars beyond the viewport. The hidden achievement and its reward were unexpected, but they reinforced a simple truth: the system had plans for him, plans he was only beginning to uncover.
"Alright, D-11," Elric said, his voice steady. "Let's see what you can do."