Chapter Text
On most days, the halls of the Space Colony ARK were filled with scientists quietly hustling past the pristine walls. Artificial white lights drown every inch of the station in brightness, a stark contrast to the star filled void that lay beyond the windows. This day wasn't most days. The constant glow of the lights was replaced by flashing red lights that were accompanied by a blaring alarm. Once full halls were empty, save for two sets of footsteps.
Maria felt as if her lungs were tearing apart. Despite that she continued running, dragging her best friend along with her, only stopping once they arrived at a large room. Unlike the rest of the ship, most of the walls had large glass panels, allowing people to see the stars beyond and the Earth below. Near the edge of the room sat a control panel which she approached. She knew what she had to do.
Project Shadow was created with the intent to better humanity with the creation of immortal life. And while her grandfather may have seen Shadow as more of a cure for her, she did not. She saw him for what his true purpose was. To lead humanity towards the light. So when Maria heard the dozens of footsteps coming towards them she knew what to do. She initiated the escape pod, trapping Shadow inside.
"Shadow, for me, for all the people on that planet," Maria began, "give them a chance to be happy. I know you can do it. It's why you were brought into this world. Sayonara, Shadow the Hedgehog."
As she pressed the button to jettison the escape pod, the shouts of her friend were drowned out by an echoing gunshot. The next thing Maria felt was warmth, followed by a cold, metal floor.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
Despite being blind, Rocky was absolutely decimating Simon and Grace at Uno.
"Color change to 700 nanometers. Simon pick up four statement."
Simon, who was already holding at least 20 cards in the only hand he has, was inches away from beating the alien to death. After a few minutes of struggling, he finally managed to pick up the cards and then glared at Rocky, which Rocky did not appreciate.
"Grace! Simon gave Rocky stare of death! Simon is bad mate, should put on leash!" Rocky said, raising his voice.
Grace, who was busy patting himself on the back for being the calmest he's ever been during a game of Uno, got involved. "I dunno Rock, you are being kinda mean to Simon."
"Is bullshit statement." Rocky yelled, his voice pitching up an octave. "Grace only say Rocky mean to Simon because Grace Simon mates. Grace play favorites."
Grace sighed. "Well first of all, language. And second, I am not-" A loud crash interrupted him.
"The fuck was that?" Simon asked.
" I'm not sure." Grace replied. "Let me go check the cockpit to make sure everything's okay."
Grace headed towards the cockpit while Rocky squealed. "Grace language Rocky but not language Simon! Bullshit! Rocky leave to eat. Food love Rocky more than Grace."
With both Rocky and Grace gone, Simon was left alone. He put the cards away as neatly as he could before heading down towards the dormitory / med room. When he reached the lab, his eyes locked on to bright red smear on the floor, a sight he was too familiar with. Before his mind could go off listing the endless possibilities of what it could mean, Mary's voice filled the ship.
"Patient in critical condition. Beginning emergency life saving procedures."