The light inside the hatch pulsed softly, illuminating smooth metal panels and wires that seemed almost alive. Daniel's hand hovered over the nearest console, trembling. The voice had startled him, yet somehow… it felt calm, almost patient.
"State identity and purpose," the AI repeated, its mechanical tone steady but strangely gentle.
Daniel swallowed. "I… I'm Daniel. I live here, on Aridia… scavenging. I'm alone."
"Acknowledged," the AI said. Its rhythm was deliberate, like it was thinking before speaking. "Purpose unclear. Survival detected. Assistance possible."
Daniel frowned. "Assistance… you mean… you can help me?"
"Functions limited. Restoration protocol requires operator guidance. Initial capabilities: environmental analysis, object assessment, minor mechanical manipulation. Full protocol locked."
The words were technical, but Daniel understood enough to feel a spark of hope. This AI wasn't just a machine—it was a key. Perhaps a way to survive… or even rebuild.
He stepped closer, curiosity winning over fear. "Can you… show me?"
"Affirmative," the AI replied. Panels shifted, and a faint holographic map flickered into view. A section of the city was highlighted. "Scan complete. Restricted locations detected. Potential resources: high. Risk: unknown."
Daniel's eyes widened. His chest tightened. So much of the city remained unexplored, dangerous—but now, he wasn't entirely alone.
"Operator," the AI said softly, almost like a whisper, "decision required. Proceed with caution."
Daniel nodded, heart pounding. He didn't fully understand it yet, but he knew one thing: whatever this AI was, it had just changed the rules of survival on Planet Aridia.