He couldn't leave it there. Regardless of whether the "backup" still posed a threat, it had to be strictly controlled, even completely destroyed.
But how? He floated among the wreckage, powerless and lacking tools. Leah was in hibernation, unable to offer assistance. He could barely even approach the rock.
Kane forced himself to calm down and began to assess available resources. He first checked his own condition: his bionic body was damaged in multiple places, his left arm joint was stuck, and his right leg's thrusters were malfunctioning, but basic movement and maneuverability remained. The life support system on his protective suit indicated it could sustain him for approximately 10 standard days. Energy levels were extremely low, but perhaps a tiny amount could be squeezed out for small devices.
He looked at Leah. Her hibernation was to preserve core data and basic functions; a small energy input might be enough to awaken some of her basic modules, enabling simple communication or operation.
His gaze swept across the wreckage of the bridge. This was one of the most robust parts of the Nightingale, relatively intact. Some consoles, though blacked out, remained structurally intact. Perhaps… there was something still usable inside.
Kane moved with difficulty, beginning to rummage through the wreckage. He found a working multi-tool, a damaged but seemingly intact emergency light, and several scattered, depleted power batteries. Most importantly, beneath a twisted console, he discovered a small emergency survival kit.
The kit contained standard water and nutrients, a flare gun, a basic medical kit, and—most crucially—a portable magnetic traction device. These devices, typically used during spacewalks to stabilize oneself or move small objects, are low-powered but sufficient to provide traction in weightlessness.
A spark of hope rekindled.
Kane picked up the magnetic traction device and checked its power. It showed 15% remaining. Enough for several short-range traction operations.
His goals were clear: first, retrieve the rock; second, attempt to inject a small amount of energy into Leah to awaken her.
He first secured himself to the wreckage's inner wall using the traction device, then adjusted his direction, aiming the traction beam at the distant, floating gray rock.
He pressed the button. A weak beam of blue magnetic force shot out, precisely gripping the rock. Kane carefully adjusted the pull, slowly drawing the rock towards him.
The rock remained unresponsive, like a lifeless object. But the potential "backup" within it kept Kane on his toes. When the rock finally passed through the damaged hatch and floated before him, he immediately wrapped it carefully in an insulating bag he found, sealed it, and secured it to his belt.
First step complete.
Next, it was Leia's turn. He located an emergency power interface on Leia's back, typically used for ground maintenance or emergency charging. He carefully used pliers to barely extract a weak current from the depleted battery and connected it to Leia's interface.
The energy was negligible, but for a synth in hibernation, it might be a lifeline.
A few seconds later, the glimmer in Leah's eyes flickered, then slowly brightened, though dim, it was no longer completely extinguished. Her head moved extremely slightly.
"...Commander...?" Her synthesized voice was extremely weak, intermittent, like a broken radio.