An unknown system, not far from the point of destination.
The silent, boundless void of space was suddenly disturbed by a burst of light, followed by a tear in the fabric of time and space. A shimmering portal opened, and from it emerged the starship Artey, gliding purposefully toward the orbit of the planet designated as EMSG-2808\6426, codenamed Eden.
Inside the ship's command center, the stillness was interrupted by a glow from the onboard computer as it initiated system checks.
System Check in Progress…Life Support System Status… NominalEnergy Core Status… NominalEnergy Cells Status… NominalNavigation System Status… Deviation detected. Correcting...Correction completed.Primary System Status… NominalCommencing Destination Procedure… In Progress
The ship's automated voice echoed through the silence, announcing the next phase:
Entering orbit around Planet EMSG-2808\6426, Codename: Eden
Initiating Key Personnel Awakening Procedure… Status:
Awakening Sequence: Commencing.
10%... 30%... 70%... 100%
The computer announced as the final stages of awakening unfolded: Cryopods open. Awaiting full consciousness. Entering standby mode for further instructions.
The silence of the ship gradually transformed, first with the hum of reactivated instruments, and then with faint voices and movements of the crew. They stirred from their long slumber, unaware of Earth's fate, their current location, or the challenges awaiting them on the new world.
"Ugh... They promised this would be easier," grumbled a young man of solid build, around 30-35 years old, as he climbed out of his cryopod, stretching his stiff limbs with evident displeasure.
All around him, the rest of the team began to emerge from their pods, filling the room and corridors with new life. Voices echoed softly, growing louder as the crew regained their bearings. A message played over the intercom, instructing them to prepare for a briefing.
A few hours later, the Jäger unit gathered in the briefing room. The crew took their seats, and after a few moments, Commander Alexander Mikhailovich Sokolov stepped forward to address them.
"First things first, welcome to Eden's orbit, soldiers," Sokolov said, his voice steady and firm. "We've made it here in one piece, without any problems. Now our mission begins. Our task is to prepare for descent and exploration of this new world."
He tapped his tablet, bringing up detailed data about the planet on the main screen.
"Alright. Kain, provide a full briefing on the planet."
A synthesized yet warm voice filled the room, the voice of Kain, the ship's AI, specifically designed to assist the crew in navigating their new world.
"Understood, Commander Sokolov." Kain's voice was clear, projecting a calm efficiency. "Planet EMSG-2808\6426, Codename: Eden. Conditions are analogous to Earth, with a denser atmosphere. Oxygen levels are significantly higher, so personnel may experience discomfort initially. Recommendation: avoid extended exposure on the planet's surface without an oxygen helmet until further analysis. Initial scans indicate organic life. Determining intelligent life forms from orbit is currently unfeasible. Additional reconnaissance required. Full survival protocols and recommended equipment have been prepared."
"Thank you, Kain."
Sokolov lowered his tablet and gazed around the room, meeting the eyes of each team member. "Our mission is clear. We'll land in capsules and begin exploring the immediate area. If we encounter indigenous life, we follow protocol: no hostilities unless attacked first. Kain will assist in analyzing the atmosphere, soil, flora, and fauna. Ultimately, we'll locate a suitable site for a forward base."
His words lingered in the air as the crew absorbed their orders, their faces a blend of anticipation and tension.
The captain nodded, dismissing them with a final command. "Prepare for descent. Check your equipment. This is a new world, and we must treat it with respect. Each of you has trained for this. Today, we become pioneers. Dismissed."
A short time later, in the hangar bay
The air in the hangar bay was charged with energy as the Jäger unit suited up, checking weapons, oxygen levels, and analyzing their gear one last time. They exchanged nods, quick smiles, and even a few jokes to ease the tension, though each one felt the weight of the unknown ahead.
Over the intercom, Kain's voice sounded.
Attention. Capsule deployment sequence initiated. Please secure yourselves and prepare for launch.
They entered the landing capsules, strapping themselves in and securing the equipment around them. Alexander Sokolov took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing with determination as he looked around at his team, each of them carrying the courage of explorers venturing into the vast unknown.
Kain's voice returned, filling the quiet interior of the capsule:
Countdown to launch in T-minus 10… 9… 8…
The air buzzed with anticipation, every heartbeat echoing in sync with the countdown.
…3… 2… 1… Launch.
With a shudder, the capsules detached from the ship and plunged toward Eden, piercing the atmosphere of a world untouched by humankind.