In the bustling port of Atheria, amidst the ceaseless hum of interstellar traffic, a battered spacecraft descended with an air of urgency. As the ramp lowered with a creak, revealing the billowing smoke within, a lone figure emerged, cradling an unconscious woman in his arms. The scene was enough to draw the attention of port officers, who quickly converged upon the newcomer, their expressions a mix of concern and apprehension.
As their entrance was highly suspicious, the team came in armed and wearing padded vests over their grey uniforms that showed who they were.
Surrounded by armed port officers, the man stood tall, a towering figure of over six feet, his stature imposing even amid chaos. His once pristine doctor's uniform was now disheveled and torn, black hair was tousled from the journey. But it was his piercing silver eyes that held the most attention, his wary gaze scanning the officers with a mix of caution and determination.
Despite the laser guns pointed in his direction, the man remained steadfast, his focus unwavering as he held the woman close. Clad in a military uniform bearing the insignia of a Major, she lay still, her pallor stark against the crimson stains that marred her attire. It was a scene that spoke of danger and desperation, leaving the port officers uncertain.
"State your business!" one of the officers demanded, his voice sharp and authoritative. He pointed an accusing gloved finger at him. He looked angry. "Before I order my men to shoot you! Speak!"
The officer spoke in a rough language that the man was barely fluent in, so he answered slowly and haltingly, pausing more than once to find the correct words to convey his message properly. Despite his frustration at not being fluent in the planet's language, his voice remained steady as he spoke, enunciating clearly.
"I am Dr. Zayne Adler, from the Elysian Star Fleet. This woman is Major Aurelia Smith. We've just escaped a planetary destruction and she needs immediate medical assistance. She doesn't have a lot of time, she's lost too much blood. She might die soon."
They choose to raise their guns instead, their trigger fingers itching to shoot.
They were uncertain about the information they had just received. They had not heard of a planetary destruction, and they were wary of this man's sudden appearance. He looked like he had tumbled out of a wreckage and strode out of it with no injuries whatsoever. But they cannot be too lenient. They cannot be too careful.
"I need help," he says in their halting rough language, a drop of irritation in his tone when no one makes a move. "Please. She needs medical help. Please help me."
A deep, gravelly voice interrupts them. "At ease, lads," the highest-ranking officer orders as he steps through the crowd of soldiers and faces the unknown man. He is a portly fellow, dressed in the port uniform, and he scrutinizes them closely. Switching to a common language, he addresses the man. "Where were you from?"
"Earth."
He tilts his head and nods without more to be said. They had heard of the news of that blue planet. He was sad that they were caught in that explosion. To be caught in a planetary explosion must've been traumatizing and life-altering. He wondered if anyone else managed to get to safety.
The officer nods thoughtfully and sympathetically. "And what's the condition of your companion?" he asked. "She doesn't look too good from here."
"She's in critical condition. She doesn't have long," Dr. Adler replies, his voice edged with urgency. "She's lost a lot of blood from a head injury and various contusions. She might need a transfusion."
The portly officer nods again and motions to his men. "Get them to the hospital immediately. And alert the medical team about the severity of her injuries. Ensure that she's well taken care of."
"But sir-"
He frowns. Though planet Atheria sits on the backwaters of the Galaxy, it is a reasonably-sized planet with breathable air and a moderate climate. It's far away from any sort of trouble, making it an ideal haven for those seeking peace or escape. It is the kind of planet one would travel to if chased or simply to find refuge. It's the kind of planet that welcomes everyone and anything.
"We do not question refugees, especially if they're gravely injured. Have some compassion," he interrupts. "Get going! Quickly!"
The second officer snapped to attention. "Yes, sir!" he cried, then began barking orders to his team. They quickly holstered their weapons and sprang into action, some moving toward Dr. Adler while others arranged for a vehicle to transport them to the main office building and then to the hospital.
Atheria's appeal lies not just in its beauty and tranquility but in its promise of acceptance. Here, exiles find a second chance, fugitives find safety, and those weary of the galaxy's endless conflicts find peace. It is a sanctuary where the past is left behind, and the future is built on the foundations of unity and understanding.
For all these reasons, Atheria is more than just a planet; it is a symbol of hope and refuge in a vast and often perilous galaxy. This is where most will flee to have a better life.
As they made their way through the crowded port, Dr. Adler couldn't help but notice the whispers and curious stares that followed them. The port, usually a hub of routine activity, now buzzed with the ripple effects of their dramatic arrival. They are going to be the talk of town soon, Dr. Adler thinks.
A hover vehicle pulls up by the office, its engine humming softly. Carefully, the port officers help Dr. Adler and the unconscious Major Aurelia into the vehicle. As they speed away towards the hospital, the portly officer watches them go, a frown creasing his brow and he barked orders to make a sweep of the port.
What will await them on this faraway planet called the Atheria?