The capsules with the crew, launched from the starship Artei, began descending through the orbit of Eden. As they entered the planet's atmosphere, an unexpected electromagnetic storm interfered with navigation, and several capsules veered off course.
Inside one of these capsules was Major Mikhail Alexandrovich Black. A loud alarm sounded, and a red light started flashing, casting an ominous glow over the cramped space. The capsule was shaking violently, and the metallic shriek of reentry filled the cabin.
"Damn… I just hope this tin can doesn't break apart," Mikhail muttered, gripping onto anything he could find for support.
"Kain, what's the situation?!" he shouted over the roar of turbulence.
A calm, steady voice responded from the onboard AI, Kain:
"Major, the capsules have entered the atmosphere. However, due to an electromagnetic storm, there has been a malfunction in the navigation system. Current data suggests a 90% probability of landing far from the main team."
"Reassuring as always, Kain. How much longer until we touch down?" Mikhail asked, trying to steady himself as the capsule shook.
"Estimated time to landing: 20 minutes. I recommend preparing for impact."
"Great…" Mikhail muttered, his heart pounding as he braced himself for the unknown.
Scanning the instruments, he located a sturdy handle and clung to it. Time seemed to stretch out as the capsule's descent continued. After a sudden, powerful jolt, the capsule's braking system activated, jolting him once again as the capsule began its final descent.
Finally, there was a loud thud as the capsule touched down, followed by a brief silence.
"Major, landing successful. I recommend preparing to exit."
"Thanks, Captain Obvious," Mikhail muttered with a hint of a smile, feeling both relieved and slightly amused at Kain's calmness.
Mikhail put on his helmet, equipped with a variety of electronics and sensors, double-checking his gear. Taking a deep breath, he reached for the release lever. A series of loud clicks sounded as the locks disengaged, followed by the metallic scrape of the door opening. Bright sunlight flooded in, momentarily blinding him. As his eyes adjusted, he was greeted by a vast, brilliantly blue sky.
Stepping out onto the lush green grass, Mikhail took in his surroundings. He had landed in a clearing, with tall trees on all sides, their strange branches twisting and curving into intricate shapes. The air felt heavy, filled with unfamiliar scents, a stark reminder of just how far from Earth they really were.
A stream of data appeared on his visor, displaying his health stats. He reached out to Kain once more.
"Kain, analyze the atmosphere and try to establish contact with Colonel Sokolov."
"Understood, Major. Processing..."
After a short pause, Kain's voice returned, calm and precise as ever:
"Atmosphere is normal, though oxygen levels are elevated. I recommend keeping your internal oxygen supply active for now. To assist in adaptation, I will gradually mix local air into your suit's supply."
"And the Colonel?"
"Unable to establish communication. Electromagnetic interference may be blocking the signal, or the distance may be too great."
Mikhail sighed. "Understood. Suggestions?"
"Recommendation: begin a local survey of the area."
"Captain Obvious strikes again," Mikhail grinned, his nerves easing slightly as he checked his gear. His equipment, sensors, and weapons were all intact — he was ready to face whatever this alien planet had in store.
Surveying the clearing, he took a tentative step onto the soft, alien soil. The silence around him was profound, broken only by a faint rustling, as if something was lurking just beyond the tree line. It was both unsettling and magnetic, drawing him in deeper with each step.
"Well, Eden," he murmured to himself, "show me what you've got."
After a few steps, he noticed movement in the tall grass nearby. His heart skipped a beat, and instinctively, he ducked behind a nearby tree, peering out carefully. Roughly thirty meters away, an enormous, fur-covered creature resembling a lizard was grazing, its coat shimmering with an iridescent glow. It moved slowly, oblivious to his presence, as it wove through the vegetation.
Holding his breath, Mikhail observed the creature with fascination, feeling both a thrill and a chill at the sight of this alien beast. Kain's voice crackled into his helmet once more, almost making him jump:
"Recommendation: avoid direct contact with native lifeforms until further behavioral analysis is complete."
Mikhail chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Kain. I'm not exactly eager to hug the first monster I see."
When the creature disappeared into the shadows, Mikhail let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. He double-checked his surroundings, then resumed his exploration. Every step he took was deliberate, each sound drawing his attention as he walked through this strange, enchanting forest. The trees here had canopies resembling massive clusters of fruit, while their roots twisted into natural barriers.
Alone in this majestic and mysterious forest, Mikhail felt both humbled and exhilarated. For the first time, he truly felt like a pioneer, a small figure in the vast, untamed wilderness of an alien world.
"Well, Eden…" he murmured, taking another step forward. "I hope you'll welcome us kindly."