…examine the neural suppressor

Then you examine the neural supressor. These things are used to control prisoners. Mostly on dangerous felons in jail but sometimes they are used illegally by slavers or pimps.

This one has an odd addition to it. A nanite injector. This seems like a custom device used to transform someone down to the genetic level and make them obediant and submissive.

You pick it up and inspect it carefully. It's cold to the touch, a sleek black tube with a needle tip that gleams menacingly in the flickering light. The display reads 'Neuromod Compliance System'. A shiver runs down your spine as you realize the implications of such a device.

"What did you find, Ben?" Castellanos' voice cuts through the silence over the intercom. You fill him in on the pirate and the strange neural suppressor, trying to keep your voice steady.

"Copy that," he responds tersely. "Keep your eyes peeled for survivors or anything that could lead us to the source of that distress signal. We're not sure if the pirates are still on board or if there's something else at play here."

“Yeah. Roger that,” it must be nice to be safe back on the ship giving advice.

You are about to move on when you notice that the air filter duct in the wall looks loose. You reach over and grab the filter and tug. It swings open to reveal a Jeffrey’s tube big enough to navigate.

You consider your options. The corridor ahead is clear for now but the silence is eerie. You decide to take the vent. There is the distant sound of equipment and plant machinery and it seems like you will be less likely to be seen. You pull yourself into the shaft, feeling the cold metal press against you as you turn on your suit lights. The vent is tight, but not too small for your suit. You crawl through, the sound of your own breathing amplified in your ears.

It comes to a ladder that ascends and descends.