the horizon's secret (5)

Static crackled across the screen, and then, inexplicably, a series of symbols flashed—a language of glowing shapes that defied their understanding. “Is it trying to communicate?” Theo asked, eyes wide.

“Or warn us,” Elara countered. “Bring it back!”

Just then, the drone shuddered violently before plummeting to the ground. The crew held their breath as the feed cut to black. “Elara, we have to go down there and retrieve it,” Malik insisted, urgency in his voice.

“We’re risking a potential conflict with an unknown civilization!” Elara argued, but she could see the determination in her crew’s eyes. “Fine. We’ll take a shuttle.”