"Underneath the Twin Earth" by Calissa Yao: August 2024 2nd Place

“Sorin, you haven’t slept in two days. You really should come to the quarters with us.” Reyner announced. “You won’t do us any favors when you’re sleep-deprived.”

Sorin looked up. He was stooped over, and his hair was beginning to thin from constant tugging. “I’m okay; I’ll come back later.”

Reyner shrugged, turning away. “Don’t overwork yourself anymore.”

Sorin grinned weakly until every scientist and engineer left the lab. It had been years since they lost contact with NASA, and resources were all but gone. Computer screens flickered with live footage of Venus’s surface.

Sorin was part of a research group set on restoring Earth’s twin, Venus. The plan was to stay underground for a couple of years and return to Earth, but when they lost contact, they were forced to continue their work, with little sign of reprieve.

An 8-foot robot he had nicknamed ‘Pygmalion’ wheeled toward him. Pygmalion was designed to create a livable space on Venus for them while they were still alive. Its shell of titanium and aluminum could withstand the constant heat without breaking down. It had the strength to crush a ball of steel. It was installed with AI that was capable of building the very bunker they were living in.

It would normally sit in the back of the lab, but for the last few months, it would explore, its wheels clicking as it moved.

Sorin stood on a stool, observing Pygmalion closely, but what he saw made him reel back in shock. Hidden behind him was a sharpened piece of metal, just sharp enough to cut skin…

Sorin dashed for the exit just as Pygmalion whirled after him. He locked the door as Pygmalion crashed into it, leaving a dent.

Sorin stared, before racing to wake Reyner. But he knew he wouldn't make it once he was halfway to the room. He could already feel the robot catching up to him, its wheels clicking cheerfully behind him…

Click,

Click,

Click…