Ethan found himself back in the familiar sterile facility. The air was a sharp contrast to the frigid Siberian wilderness he had just left behind. He looked around, momentarily disoriented by the abrupt change in environment. The tiger lay unconscious on the floor in front of him, a massive, majestic creature whose breathing was calm and steady.
"System," Ethan said quietly, "how long until the tiger wakes up?"
The system's voice responded immediately. "Estimated time until consciousness is regained: two hours. Proceed with caution when handling the subject."
Ethan sighed with relief. Two hours would be enough time to move the tiger into its specially prepared enclosure. The facility had been designed with various habitats in mind, and the system had already configured an area that mimicked the tiger's natural environment as closely as possible.
He walked over to the console and tapped a few commands. A section of the floor opened up, revealing a hidden platform designed for transporting large animals. Ethan carefully maneuvered the tiger onto the platform and secured it with the system's assistance.
The platform hummed softly as it descended, taking the tiger to its new enclosure. Ethan followed, his mind racing with thoughts of what was to come. This was no longer just about the survival of the tiger; it was about proving that his efforts were making a difference. He had to show the world that these animals could thrive again, even in a place as damaged as Blue Star.
As the platform reached the enclosure, the doors slid open, revealing a large space filled with simulated snow-covered terrain, thick trees, and flowing water. The temperature in the room was kept cold, just like the Siberian wilderness, to ensure the tiger's comfort. The system had thought of everything.
Ethan carefully guided the unconscious tiger into the enclosure, making sure it was placed in a comfortable spot before stepping back. He watched for a moment, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over him. But the reality of his situation quickly set in. This was just one animal. There were still countless others to save, and the dangers he faced were only growing.
"System," Ethan said, his voice low, "what's next?"
The system responded promptly. "You have completed your current mission. The next mission will be assigned after the tiger's successful acclimatization. Reward: Firearm Proficiency."
Ethan blinked as a sudden warmth spread through his body. The system's reward integrated seamlessly with his mind and body, filling him with a newfound knowledge of firearms. He instinctively knew how to handle various weapons, from pistols to rifles, and he felt more confident in his ability to protect himself and the animals he would bring back.
"Firearm Proficiency: Level 1 obtained," the system confirmed. "Your combat abilities have been enhanced."
Ethan flexed his hands, feeling the subtle change in his muscle memory. It wasn't just knowledge; it was as if his body had been trained for years in handling weapons. He knew it would be useful, especially with the constant threat of poachers and other dangers on Blue Star.
He walked over to the console again, bringing up the live stream. The system had already set up multiple cameras in the tiger's enclosure, allowing viewers to watch as the animal acclimated to its new environment. Ethan glanced at the chat window, seeing thousands of comments flooding in from curious viewers around the world.
"Is that a real tiger?"
"Where did he find it?"
"Looks so majestic! I can't believe this is happening!"
Ethan smiled faintly. The viewers didn't know the full truth, of course. He had to continue the narrative that these animals were brought back through advanced genetic modification. It was a lie that kept him alive, but it was also a lie that allowed him to keep saving the animals that Blue Star so desperately needed.
He typed a quick message into the chat.
"This tiger was brought back using cutting-edge genetic modification techniques. We're working hard to ensure it can thrive in its new home. Stay tuned for updates!"
As the chat exploded with excitement, Ethan leaned back, thinking about the future. He couldn't keep doing this alone. Eventually, he would need allies—people he could trust to help him with his mission. But trust was a rare commodity in this world, and the danger of revealing the system was always present.
"System," Ethan said quietly, "what's the status of the tiger's health?"
"Subject's health is stable," the system replied. "Vital signs are within normal parameters. No signs of distress detected."
Ethan nodded, relieved. The tiger had survived the journey, and now it was up to him to ensure it thrived in this new environment. He would monitor its progress closely, making sure it had everything it needed to adapt.
As he turned away from the console, a soft chime sounded in his mind. The system had more to say.
"New mission available: Retrieve an African Elephant from the early 21st-century Earth."
Ethan froze. An elephant. One of the largest and most intelligent creatures that had ever walked the Earth. Bringing it back would be a monumental task, far more difficult than the tiger. But it was also essential. Elephants had played a crucial role in Earth's ecosystems, and they could do the same on Blue Star.
He felt a mix of excitement and dread. The challenges were growing more daunting with each mission, but so were the rewards. He knew he couldn't stop now. The future of Blue Star depended on him.
"System," Ethan said, his voice steady, "give me the details."
The interface shifted, displaying the new mission parameters.
Next Mission: Retrieve an African Elephant from early 21st-century Earth.
Location: Serengeti, Africa, Earth.
Period: Early 21st century.
Objective: Successfully capture and transport the elephant to Blue Star.
Reward: Advanced Animal Communication (Level 1).
Ethan's breath caught. Advanced Animal Communication. The ability to understand and communicate with animals on a deeper level. That skill could be a game-changer, making his future missions far easier and giving him a deeper connection with the creatures he was trying to save.
But capturing an elephant… the risks were immense. Elephants were intelligent, social animals with strong family bonds. Removing one from its herd would be no easy task, and the potential for disaster was high.
"Are you ready to proceed?" the system asked, its voice as calm and neutral as ever.
Ethan hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. I'm ready."
The system hummed in acknowledgment. "Initiating temporal and dimensional transport. Stand by."
Once again, the familiar sensation of being pulled through time and space enveloped Ethan. The facility blurred and faded, replaced by the vast, sun-drenched plains of the Serengeti. The air was hot and dry, filled with the sounds of distant wildlife. Ethan shielded his eyes from the bright sun, scanning the horizon for any sign of the elephant.
The system chimed in his mind. "Target located approximately five kilometers west. Approach with caution."
Ethan took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the task ahead. The Serengeti stretched out before him, a wild and untamed land filled with both beauty and danger. He began to walk, each step taking him closer to the largest mission he had faced yet.
As he made his way through the tall grass, his mind raced with possibilities. How would he capture the elephant? How would he ensure its safety? And, most importantly, how would he protect it from the threats that lurked both in the past and in the present?
The answers were unclear, but one thing was certain: Ethan couldn't afford to fail.