08 - Wailing Asteroid by Murray Leinster

As the Earth expedition traverses the vast, rock-hewn corridors of the desolate asteroid, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary celestial body. This ancient fortress, brimming with incomprehensible weapons of destruction, stands as a haunting testament to a long-gone civilization. Who were the architects of this formidable stronghold? What unfathomable threat did they once defend against? And why has it remained eerily abandoned for centuries? The answers elude the explorers—everything here is lifeless… or is it? High above the somber depths of the fortress, a powerful transmitter sends out haunting, birdlike melodies toward Earth. Surrounding it, a colossal star-map displays ten tiny red sparks moving with blistering speed toward the heart of our solar system. These unknown entities are on an irreversible trajectory, completely unaware of the impending extinction of the tiny speck we call home.