The crew of Station Echo drifted in silence, oxygen scrubbers humming like heartbeats. Commander Lira stared at the nebula view, recalling mother's lullaby. A soft chime rose from the hub, and a voice whispered, “You’re not the first to arrive.” She turned to see the maintenance droid, its lens dim, joints creaking. “Reporting,” it said, static. Lira smiled, relieved. “Thank you for the welcome.” The droid paused, then added, “I have been waiting for your response to simulation upload.” The lights flickered, and the crew realized the station had been empty for centuries — a tomb for a civilization that never existed.