A team expedition into RPC-557 on November 28th, 2012 found a fallen air vent on platform 6, enabling convenient access to a then-uncharted network of ceiling ducts. The group radioed for command to deliver a heat-resistant surveillance walker while they held the area.
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Media ID#: M-00557
Foreword: A team expedition into RPC-557 on November 28th, 2012 found a fallen air vent on platform 6, enabling convenient access to a then-uncharted network of ceiling ducts. The group radioed for command to deliver a heat-resistant surveillance walker while they held the area.
The robot, one of two retrieved for the second round of RPC-557 investigations, is a model of adapted drone originally designed by Protocol engineers. Its insulated aluminum coating lends extensive heat resistance but weighs down the device to such a degree that it cannot navigate aerially, instead using four maneuverable legs.
<Begin Video>
00:00 - The walker is placed up into the shaft and proceeds straight ahead. Temperature reading: 23°C.
02:28 - After approx. 30 meters, a three-way junction is reached. Command directs to first take left. Spots of mold are visible on the walls. Temperature reading: 61°C.
02:55 - A metal thump is heard, origin unclear. The walker stops for 2 seconds before proceeding. Temperature reading: 77°C.
04:25 - The walker travels approx. 18 meters before reaching a dead end. It takes a moment to scan this corner: there are no distinguishing features, not even a vent cover. Temperature reading: 85°C.
04:37 - Command begins a 180° camera rotation. As the camera finishes its pivot, it views the face of a spectral white figure 5 meters down the tunnel, staring it down and mouthing silently. Temperature reading: 90°C.
04:45 - The figure blurs into a dissolving fog. Temperature reading: 68°C.
04:52 - The walker continues straight for approx. 50 meters, during which no forks or turns occur. Temperature reading: 61°C.
09:06 - After extended travel, the next vent cover appears on the shaft's floor, immediately before a sharp right turn. Temperature reading: 75°C.
09:16 - Before the walker can reach the vent, the duct begins to clatter. A dark shape scurries from right to left across the other side of the vent cover in 2 seconds; the camera does not get a clear view. Temperature reading: 128°C.
09:36 - The commotion subsides, and the walker inspects the vent cover. Through the dense grating is a narrow passageway that appears to be a similar air duct. Dust still swirls from the recent disturbance within. The drone angles itself to view further but cannot see either end of the passage, only a floor and two spanning walls. Temperature reading: 79°C.
10:28 - The walker reorients itself, taking the right turn and continuing onwards. Mold presence is considerable for the following span. Temperature reading: 88°C.
13:28 - After approx. 36 meters of travel, mold abates and a dimly lit opening becomes visible at the end of the tunnel. Temperature reading: 105°C.
14:27 - The walker reaches the opening. Exiting the shaft, it falls out onto the floor of a small room.
The camera pans back and forth, using its light to observe details: the room is plain, with peeling white paint, uneven gray carpeting, and dusty trim. The floor is littered with discarded cigarettes and food packaging. Temperature reading: 144°C.
14:45 - Shortly before the lens is a cracked eggshell, its yolk poured out on the floor and boiling. Near the corner of the room is a bare white mattress marked by red and brown stains; at one edge rests a stuffed doll, possibly of a horse or donkey.
The camera malfunctions for 2 seconds at this point, causing a gray bar to obscure most of the right side of the screen. Temperature reading: 196°C.
15:02 - The camera pivots towards the room's opposite corner and spots a lit doorway, its door slightly ajar. Command directs the walker forward. Temperature reading: 241°C.
15:17 - The door is pulled open from the other side by a human figure cast in black. Temperature reading: 294°C.
15:19 - Camera fails. The lens melts over and the feed breaks.
<End Video>