[Harken StellarTechs...]
The imposing Space Station No.5 shimmered above a metallic sensor-installed gate.
Aiden approached the gate and passed through it, triggering a futuristic beeping sound.
Ahead of him lay a long white tunnel with a sleek black screen on his left side.
"Hello, sir, please put your smartwatch on the computer screen to your left," a robotic voice resonated.
Aiden grasped that it was the AI's voice and complied, placing his smartwatch over the glossy black screen.
In an instant, the black screen came to life, projecting Aiden's name alongside other vital information.
"Sir, please look at the camera to your right and give us a smile." The AI spoke cheerfully.
Aiden followed the AI's instructions, directing his gaze to the small black camera to his right and breaking into a confident smile.
Click
"Mr. Aiden, your ID has been transmitted to your smartwatch. Present it to any authority specialist if asked. Thank you. Proceed and collect your uniform from the exit." The AI conveyed.
Filled with excitement, Aiden ventured towards the tunnel's exit; he had never before embarked on a new planet exploration.
At the end of the tunnel, he received a state-of-the-art, seal-tight pack of white uniform.
Stepping out of the tunnel, Aiden was greeted by a bustling crowd of futuristic individuals engaged in animated conversations. Five scientists huddled together at a distance, a lively group of approximately 20 mercenaries exchanged jokes while meticulously polishing their thermal guns, and the two engineers passionately discussed a cutting-edge motor device.
Taking a seat on sleek steel chairs, Aiden relaxed for a moment.
"Hi, are you a sample collector too, sir?" a sweet voice rang in his augmented ears.
"Hmmm.....?" Aiden looked up, and his gaze met a stunning blonde girl standing before him.
Appearing to be in the range of 18-20, she possessed lustrous blonde hair, captivating pink eyes, and elegantly long eyelashes. Her allure was not overpowering but rather captivating.
"Hi, I am Aiden."
"Good to meet you, Aiden. I am Zara," she replied with a friendly smile.
"Hello, Zara." Aiden reciprocated the smile.
Zara settled beside Aiden, and an unexpected wave of excitement surged through him as her alluring scent enveloped him.
"So, when do we go?" Zara inquired.
"It says 11 minutes. Now there's just 10 minutes left."
[Everyone on station five, please start loading into the ship.]
An announcement resonated as an awe-inspiring spaceship gracefully touched down near station five.
"Wow... This spaceship looks extraordinary." Zara exclaimed, admiring the magnificent vessel.
"RX-TP-678. Why would they assign us this model of spaceship?" Aiden whispered in a low tone, instantly recognizing the ship's origins.
These spaceships were primarily used for transporting precious Luminite from Aurorium to Nexus Prime.
"Aren't they usually employed for space transport?" Zara asked, her curiosity piqued.
The gate to the spaceship opened up.
[Everyone standing on station 5, please enter inside the spaceship. The spaceship will take off in exactly 5 minutes.]
Another announcement was made, prompting everyone to board the sleek and sophisticated spaceship.
The team comprised 30 members, including one captain, 20 mercenaries, 5 scientists, 2 sample collectors, and 2 engineers.
They all entered the ship, greeted by a massive screen that showcased the four futuristic compartments: the luxurious residential area, the cutting-edge Engine room, the advanced Cockpit, and the captivating Food & Games court.
In a seamless transition, another screen materialized, featuring an AI robot seated in the cockpit.
The AI, with its shining blue eyes, closely resembled a human, but its futuristic appearance was unmistakable.
"Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I am your captain, Mike. I will be your guide to Planet X-7456. For now, you can relax in your modern residential quarters. If you encounter any issues, please contact me through the help panel in your quarters. Thank you," Mike's voice resounded as the screen disappeared.
As the crew made their way to the Residential Quarters, they marveled at the spacious, sleek hall.
The doors bore personalized imprints, designating each room's occupant.
Aiden found his room, number 9, with Zara in room number 10.
"Hey, I'm your neighbor! I'm in room No. 10," Zara cheerfully announced.
Aiden responded with a slight smile and a thumbs-up, then swiped his smartwatch to unlock the gate.
[Welcome, Sample Collector Aiden] The gate announced as it slid open.
Stepping inside the room, Aiden was met with futuristic luxury.
Though compact, the room boasted a lavish bathroom with advanced amenities, including a rejuvenating shower.
The bed was anything but ordinary; it was a Gel-Flex Mattress with magnetic flotation technology for unparalleled comfort.
A small metallic table adorned the top left corner of the room, atop which rested a metallic box labeled 'Sample Collection Equipments.'
Curious, Aiden approached the box and peered inside.
Within, he discovered an array of advanced tools, including small disposable plastic bags, plastic sample containers, a compact metallic shovel, specialized plastic glasses, and additional equipment to facilitate sample collection from the planet.
[Ladies and gentlemen, we will take off in 3...2...1.] Mike announced as the spaceship's engines roared to life, propelling them into the vastness of outer space.
Aiden gazed out the window and saw Nexus Prime growing distant as the spaceship achieved a formidable speed.
Sunlight pierced through his window as the spaceship encountered Nexus Prime's sun.
"How many days has it been since I saw the sun?" Aiden wondered aloud, closing his eyes briefly to shield from the intense light.
Having always left Nexus Prime for mining before sunrise and returning after sunset, he had never experienced the sun's rays on the planet's surface.
The stars shined in the black space brightly, it was a view to behold. For the first time in his life, Aiden looked at the stars freely without any tension.
[Crew, if you look to your left, you will see a red dwarf star. We will perform a sling shot around it to achieve maximum speed before opening a warp portal to the 'Veridian Galaxy.'
I recommend taking good rest and refreshing yourselves, as we will reach our destination in 48 hours. Thank you.] Mike announced with a touch of futuristic sophistication.