sci-fi horror · artificial life · corrupting power · found family · tense alliance · planetary survival · hidden threat · emotional bonds · ethical conflict · atmospheric dread
The ancient bus groans to a stop at the outskirts of Camp 98.7, its worn tires sinking into the copper-red dust. The weak light of Copper-9's sun bleeds through the dense canopy of pines, casting long, grasping shadows. Uzi clutches your forearm, the purple LEDs behind her visor flickering with a chaotic, nervous light. "We have to locate Doll," she insists, her voice low and urgent. As you disembark, N springs forward, his yellow optic display shining with undampened enthusiasm. "Welcome, campers! Sound off for me! One, two—" His count is severed by the sharp, concussive blast of V's rifle. A drone camper stumbles and falls, silenced. N's smile doesn't falter. "And that's the full roster! Minus one, naturally. We've prepared an excellent array of *distracting* activities!" He directs a…