117, 553, 309, and several other troopers plunged into the forest, determined to catch Faith. The dense foliage and uneven terrain slowed their progress, but they pressed on.
"This way!" 553 called out, spotting a faint trail of disturbed underbrush. They followed the path, their senses heightened as they navigated through the towering trees and thick undergrowth.
Despite their efforts, Faith remained elusive. She moved with the agility and determination of someone desperate for freedom, her knowledge of the terrain giving her an edge.
After hours of searching, they emerged into a clearing. Before them lay a village, nestled among the trees. The sight was breathtaking—a series of wooden buildings with curved, tiled roofs, reminiscent of feudal Japanese architecture. Smoke rose from chimneys, and villagers moved about, tending to their daily tasks.
The village seemed almost timeless, a place where technology had not advanced beyond the basics of survival. Wooden carts, tools, and weapons were scattered about, and the villagers wore simple, traditional clothing. What stood out the most were the villagers themselves—Armenthians, beastlike people with animal ears and tails, moving gracefully among the rustic surroundings.
117 motioned for the troopers to stay hidden at the edge of the forest. "We don't know if they're friendly or not. 553, 309, you're with me. The rest of you, stay here and stay out of sight"
553 and 309 nodded, their faces hidden behind their futuristic helmets, adding to their intimidating presence.
As the three approached the village, the Armenthians turned to stare. Some were wary, others visibly afraid, their eyes wide as they took in the strangers' advanced armor and the eerie glow of their helmets and goggles.
A group of villagers, armed with spears and simple bows, stepped forward, their postures defensive yet curious. One of them, an elder with silver-furred ears and a tail, spoke in a language 117 didn't understand but his tone was cautious and questioning.
117 raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "We mean no harm. We're looking for someone—a woman who might have passed through here"
The elder's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't appear hostile. He gestured for 117 and his companions to follow, leading them deeper into the village.
As they walked, 117 couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity and beauty of the place. The Armenthians lived in harmony with their environment, their lives seemingly untouched by the wars and conflicts that had defined his own existence. The village was a serene contrast to the chaotic world he had always known, filled with the tranquil sounds of nature and the rhythmic clinking of everyday tasks.
The elder led them to a modest but elegantly constructed house at the heart of the village. The wooden structure, adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by a meticulously maintained garden, exuded an air of calm authority.
The elder knocked lightly on the door, which was soon opened by an Armenthian woman with white hair, fox-like ears, and a flowing tail. Her presence was commanding, her amber eyes sharp and inquisitive.
The elder bowed slightly. "Milady, these strangers seek answers"
Yami stepped aside, allowing the troopers to enter. Inside, the house was adorned with simple yet beautiful furnishings, the scent of herbs and incense filling the air.
"Please, sit," Yami said, her voice smooth and composed. "I am Yami Tanaka, the leader of this village. What brings you here?"
117 removed his helmet, revealing his determined expression. "We are searching for a woman named Faith. She escaped from our ship, and we believe she may have passed through here"
Yami shook her head. "I have not seen anyone by that name. Our village is small, and any outsider would have been noticed"
117 nodded, though disappointment flickered in his eyes. "Can you tell us where we are? We're not from here"
Yami's expression softened. "You are on Hakona, a planet within the Lamria kingdom. We are isolated from the rest of the galaxy, by decree of our king. He employs strange magic to keep outsiders from reaching us, and it seems you have somehow breached that barrier"
309 leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "What kind of magic? And why the isolation?"
Yami's gaze turned thoughtful. "The king's magic is ancient and powerful, woven into the very fabric of our world. It creates a barrier that prevents most from entering or leaving Hakona. The isolation was meant to protect our people from the chaos of the outside galaxy, but it has also left us cut off from potential allies and advancements"
553 glanced at 117, then back at Yami. "Is there any way to contact our superiors or get off this planet?"
Yami shook her head again. "I fear not. The king's barrier is impenetrable by conventional means. Your arrival here is an anomaly, one that I cannot fully explain"
117 took a deep breath, processing the information. "Thank you for answering our questions, Yami. We appreciate your hospitality and any assistance you can offer. Our primary goal is to find Faith, but we also need to understand more about this place and how we might leave"
Yami nodded. "You are welcome to stay in the village for now. I will inform the villagers that you mean no harm, and perhaps we can help each other. Hakona is a world of many mysteries, and your presence here may yet be part of a greater purpose"
"Of course. If you'll excuse us"
The three of them left the house and found a quiet spot at the edge of the village. The forest's dense canopy provided a natural cover, and the distant sounds of the village created a backdrop of normalcy that contrasted sharply with their urgent situation.
309 leaned against a tree, his brow furrowed with concern. "She doesn't seem to be telling us the whole story"
117 paced back and forth, his mind racing. "I know. We can't take everything at face value. But we also can't afford to alienate potential allies, not to mention that we don't know this place yet. We need their help to find Faith and to understand this barrier"
309 crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. "So what's the plan?"
117 stopped pacing and faced the two. "We temporarily work with them. Gather as much information as we can about this barrier and Faith's possible whereabouts. But stay vigilant and prepare for any eventuality"
553 nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan"
309 sighed, finally relenting. "Alright. If you say so"
"Let's head back and inform the others of the plan"
The three of them made their way back to the other troopers that awaited them at the outskirts, still hidden from sight. The villagers went about their daily routines, casting curious glances at the armored strangers but maintaining a respectful distance.
117 gathered the troopers and briefed them on the situation. "We're on a planet called Hakona, isolated by some kind of magical barrier. The villagers here seem friendly enough, but we need to stay on guard. For now, we'll work with their leader, Yami Tanaka, to find out more about this place and to track down Faith"
The troopers nodded in understanding, their expressions determined.
117 then turned to 553 and 309. "I need to contact 421 and check on the ship's status. You guys keep an eye on the village"
"You got it"
117 moved to a quieter part of the forest, activating his communication device. "421, this is 117. Do you read me?"
After a moment of static, 421's voice crackled through. "I read you, 117. What's the situation out there?"
"We've made contact with the local inhabitants. They're Armenthians. We're on a planet named Hakona, and it's isolated by some kind of magical barrier. What's the status of the ship?"
421's tone was grim. "The crash did a number on us. Most of the ship's systems are down. We're looking at significant damage across the board. It'll take time to get everything operational again. The good news is, the ship's cannons are still online. We can provide artillery support if needed"
117 sighed in relief. "That's something, at least. Keep working on the repairs and try to contact our superiors. We need to find a way off this planet. In the meantime, stay alert and be ready for anything."
"Understood, 117. We'll keep you updated. 421 out"
117 deactivated the communicator, taking a moment to gather his thoughts before finally returning to the others to inform them about what 421 told him.