The Majestic glided through the cold expanse of space, its sleek hull catching the faint glimmers of distant stars. Inside, the ship hummed with quiet energy, the crew bustling with preparations for their descent onto Polus. This was not just another mission; for many, it was a journey into the unknown, marked by a mix of anticipation and trepidation.
Jacob sat in his assigned station near the center of the cockpit, his fingers gripping the armrests of his chair. His first mission, and already the weight of expectation bore down on him. To his right, General Cheese, his father's long-time friend, scanned the star charts with practiced efficiency. Across the room, Scouter Eva stood by the comms console, her sharp eyes flickering over the holographic readouts as she adjusted the frequency to communicate with their hosts.
"Polus is in range," Eva announced, her voice calm yet tinged with urgency. "Preparing for descent trajectory."
Jacob nodded, swallowing hard. "Alright, everyone. We're approaching the Taquito People's landing site. Stay sharp."
Ryan, seated beside him, leaned back with a casual grin. "Relax, Jacob. They're allies, right? What's the worst that could happen? We get invited to a taco feast?"
Eva shot Ryan a withering look. "If your idea of diplomacy is stuffing your face, I'm concerned for this mission's success."
Before Ryan could retort, General Cheese spoke, his tone grave but not unkind. "Focus, all of you. The Taquito People may seem… unconventional, but they've proven their loyalty before. Remember, it's not the first time MIRA has turned to them for help."
Jacob turned to the General. "You've met them before?"
Cheese's expression softened with a hint of nostalgia. "Years ago, during the original Skeld mission. Taculo, their leader, gave us shelter when we needed it most."
Eva arched an eyebrow. "And you trust them?"
Cheese hesitated, then nodded. "Trust is earned, Scouter. Taculo earned mine. But," he added, his gaze hardening, "we remain vigilant. Polus has its dangers, and the power of the Taquito People isn't something to underestimate."
Jacob's unease deepened, though he tried not to let it show.
--
The Majestic descended through the icy atmosphere of Polus, its engines humming against the biting winds. Snow and frost stretched out endlessly, a stark contrast to the vibrant figures approaching from the distance.
As the crew disembarked, the chill hit them like a wall. Jacob pulled his jacket tighter, his boots crunching on the frozen ground. Beside him, Eva scanned the horizon with her visor, the readout highlighting the approaching figures.
"There they are," Eva said, gesturing to the colorful shapes now resolving into humanoid forms.
The Taquito People were unlike anything Jacob had ever seen—humanoid figures with taquito shaped heads that shimmered like mosaics against the stark white of Polus. At their head stood Taculo, a figure of commanding presence despite his jovial air.
"Welcome, travelers!" Taculo's voice boomed with warmth as he spread his arms wide. "The Taquito People are honored to receive you."
Jacob stepped forward, his nerves momentarily forgotten. "Thank you, Taculo. We appreciate your hospitality."
Taculo bowed slightly, a gesture of respect. "It is our way. But come—there is much to discuss, and you must be weary from your journey."
Before Jacob could respond, a younger Taquito bounded forward, his movements exuberant.
"I'm Michael!" he declared, striking a dramatic pose. "But you can call me Taquito Man! I'm the best warrior around here, and I'll be joining you on your mission!"
Ryan stifled a laugh, but Jacob couldn't hide his skepticism. "Joining us?"
Taculo placed a hand on Michael's shoulder, his expression fond but firm. "Michael is one of our most skilled fighters. He wields a great power, one that has been passed down through generations."
General Cheese's eyes narrowed, recognition dawning. "The Nihilum," he said softly.
Taculo nodded. "A gift and a curse, bestowed upon our ancestors by a dark force. Michael is its current bearer, though he has only just begun to understand its potential."
Eva stepped forward, her curiosity piqued. "What is the Nihilum?"
Michael grinned, holding out his hand. A dark, shadowy substance began to coalesce in his palm, swirling like smoke before solidifying into jagged, obsidian spikes. The air around it seemed to grow colder, and Jacob felt a shiver run down his spine.
"This," Michael said with pride, "is the power of the Nihilum. It can create weapons, shields, whatever I need. And if I really push it…" His grin widened, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Well, let's just say it can take down more than one enemy at a time."
Eva's gaze sharpened. "And the cost?"
Taculo's expression darkened. "Each use of the Nihilum takes a toll. It feeds on the soul of its wielder, and after a certain point…" He hesitated, his voice heavy with regret. "It consumes them entirely… Unless they pass it on…"
A tense silence fell over the group. Jacob looked at Michael, who seemed unbothered by the grim revelation. "And you're okay with that?"
Michael shrugged. "It's my duty. My people entrusted me with this power, and I'll use it to protect them. Besides," he added with a wink, "I've only used it three times. Got plenty of uses left in me."
General Cheese stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension. "Michael, do you understand the responsibility you carry? The Nihilum is not just a weapon; it's a legacy. One that has shaped your people for centuries."
Michael's grin faltered for a moment, replaced by a flicker of seriousness. "I understand, General. And I'm ready."
Taculo clapped his hands, breaking the somber mood. "Come! Let us not dwell on heavy matters. There is food and warmth waiting for you in our village."
--
The dining hall was a riot of color and laughter, a stark contrast to the cold, desolate landscape outside. Long tables were laden with an array of dishes, all variations of tacos, each more intricate than the last.
Jacob sat at the head of one table, watching as his crew mingled with the Taquito People. Ryan was already on his third plate, while Eva cautiously sampled a small taco, her expression unreadable.
"This is incredible," Ryan said between bites. "You guys should open a restaurant in space or something!"
Michael laughed, his vibrant shell shaking. "We've considered it! But Polus is our home, and we've got bigger responsibilities than cooking for tourists."
Eva set down her taco, her gaze steady. "Responsibilities like the Nihilum?"
Michael's smile faded slightly, but he nodded. "Yeah. It's not just about the power. It's about protecting what's left of our people."
Jacob leaned forward, curiosity overcoming his hesitance. "What happened to your people?"
Taculo, seated across from him, sighed deeply. "Long ago, there were many tribes on Polus. One of them, corrupted by the dark one, sought to dominate the rest. They wielded the Nihilum as a weapon, spreading destruction in their wake."
"But you stopped them," Eva said, more statement than question.
Taculo nodded. "We united against them, though it cost us dearly. The Nihilum was sealed away, but its power was too great to destroy. So, it was entrusted to a single line, passed down from generation to generation."
Jacob glanced at Michael, who met his gaze with quiet determination. "And now it's yours."
Michael smiled faintly. "Yep. Lucky me."
The rest of the meal passed in relative ease, the tension lightened by the Taquito People's infectious cheer. But as the crew prepared to leave for the MIRA base, Jacob couldn't shake the feeling that they were heading into something far more dangerous than they'd anticipated.