The ship Horizon Aurora cut through the void of space like a silent arrow, its systems humming with perfect efficiency.
First I'm going to introduce myself, I'm Lieutenant Daniel Harper, I was part of an exploration crew sent to map unexplored regions of our galaxy.
Now, humanity had reached a historic milestone in mastering interstellar travel, and we were pioneers into that vast, unknown abyss.
However, what promised to be a mission of discovery turned into a nightmare in an instant.
"Captain, I am detecting an aerial anomaly in quadrant 24G," the navigation officer reported from her position, her eyes remaining fixed on the panels. —It's... very unstable.
But before I could respond, *The Aurora Horizon* trembled unexpectedly with a titanic force. Alarms echoed on all levels, and a crimson light illuminated the interior of the cabin.
The anomaly turned out to be a wormhole that appeared before us, being a pulsating vortex that defied the known laws of physics.
"Avoidance system activated," the captain shouted in defense, but it was too late. I felt the gravitational pull pulling us into the wormhole.
At that moment, space and time dissolved into a spiral of blinding light.
When I woke up, I realized that we had crash-landed in unknown terrain.
My exploration suit had cushioned the impact, so my blows were not serious, but the ship, when I looked for it, was not in sight.
I could see a turquoise green sky stretching above me, being crossed by two twin suns. Around me, there were creatures of a particular and impossible physiognomy, who gathered to observe me as if I were a new toy that they wanted to explore.
Some of the creatures had translucent limbs that seemed to pulse with internal energy; others showed scaly skin of iridescent colors. His eyes of varied shapes and brightness did not show hostility, but rather cautious curiosity.
My first impulse was to raise my hands in a sign of peace, because I didn't know what those creatures wanted from me.
I remembered the contact protocol: non-verbal communication could be crucial in situations where language was not an option. Slowly, I removed the helmet of my suit to reveal myself, exposing my face to the unknown. The creatures stirred, but none came closer.
"I won't harm," I said in a firm voice, even though I knew they probably wouldn't understand me because they wouldn't speak my language. Even so, I continued speaking with a calm tone in my voice.
Which seemed to have an effect.
As time went by, I learned their language of communication, which was not with words, but through symbols drawn on the ground and simple gestures.
They led me to their nod, an organic city built by their own hands, merging with the nature of the planet. Each species contributed uniquely: one built crystalline structures with secretions, while another generated natural light to illuminate the eternal nights.
However, I soon discovered the fragility of its existence.
This planet was called Ixora, and was a constant target of invasions by neighboring worlds. Their resources were coveted, and their technology inferior compared to that of their enemies.
The Ixorians managed to survive as best they could, having luck on their side more than strategy.
With them, I had the opportunity to show who I really am.
And thanks to that, it was that in a meeting under the main dome; which was a structure that vibrated with living energy, there they chose me as their leader. From the beginning, I knew that they did not have one, and because of that, many times, they lost numerous battles against their enemies.
But this was not an official or voluntary appointment; I simply assumed the role by leading them during an attack that took us by surprise.
I used my military knowledge and organized their scattered forces into a cohesive defense.
To my surprise, they responded with innate efficiency, as if they just needed someone to guide them.
And that someone had been me.
But I knew that occasional victories wouldn't be enough.
To protect Ixora, we needed more than resistance; we needed a unified strategy. Different species had to learn to cooperate in a sustained way, combining their abilities in ways they had never before attempted or thought they could.
And that is the story of how my new mission began: not only to survive, but to turn this world into a fortress capable of defying any threat. In front of the stars, under the judgment of their two sons, I swore to protect this new home with everything I had.
Because I still didn't know if I could ever return to the land, to which was my home, and where I had everything; a great job, a hobby he loved, and an unforgettable future in the world of space navigation.
But I did know one thing: Ixora would not fall into extinction as long as it was under my command.
Some time later, although with effort and a lot of dedication, I admit that I was a great teacher, and I taught my language to the Ixorians, although many of them did not learn as I expected them to, some were excellent students and quickly learned a language of which They never thought they would talk.
"Hey, Harper," one of the Ixorians said, entering what was now my fortress. A cave that they found and that together we adapted to be my temporary home in their world.
"Tell me," I responded. I was focused on fixing my iron sword that I designed myself for my combats.
"Do you remember when you arrived?" asked the Ixorian.
Something in his voice made me believe that what he was going to answer and say next would leave me speechless.
"Yeah. Of course, I remember it. Why do you ask?"
"Why a spaceship just landed on our world, and 4 crew members came out of it. "They say they know you, they have come to rescue you to take you with them to earth."
I confirmed it.
His response froze me in time, and my heart almost exploded inside me.