《Amongst the Stars of Cygnus [Hard Sci-fi Survival]》


 A Cryogenically Changed Life

    Elisa Woodward fought herself through a haze of stars to reach consciousness. She almost wished she hadn''t, as pain shot through her eyes. She tried to call for help, but her mouth was dry and tasted of thick, clotted blood. Faintly she began to become aware of her surroundings, the heavy metallic smell in the air and most noticeably, the droning blare of an alarm. Her blurry vision could do little but discern the recognizable yellow glow of the emergency lighting.


    Someone was talking to her, but she could not make out the words. An auto-injector activated and her thoughts came into focus, as did the stiff pain in her legs.


    "Engineer Woodward, can you hear me now?", a plain but friendly voice asked.


    Elisa opened her mouth once more, but was still unable to speak.


    "Please hold on, I am going to insert a drinking tube in your mouth."


    While Elisa drank, the voice continued.


    "I am sorry to have woken you in this state. We are nearing our destination and I require your authorization to make a vital decision.


    It is ARI, Elisa thought. Why would ARI need to consult me for any decision?


    "Where¡­ is¡­ the¡­ captain?", Elisa rasped, followed by a choking cough.


    "I am sorry to inform you the captain is deceased," ARI answered in a more serious, but still inappropriately pleasant tone.


    "Who commands?"


    "You are in command. Congratulations on your newly acquired responsibilities! I will address you as ''captain'' from now on," ARI announced.


    "Just third engineer."


    "You are the most senior officer alife, which gives you the authority to command. In addition, it is my pleasure to inform you that the Company has upgraded you to a very generous compensation and benefits package!¡±


    That means I am pretty much the ONLY officer. Elisa attempted to count the amount of casualties required for her to end up in command, but quickly lost track. Rather than enquiring about the body count, she asked ARI how many people were still alive.


    "Good thinking, captain. That is exactly the reason why I woke you!'', the onboard AI answered in an excited tempo, an emotional state which it could imitate convincingly enough. "Even though I already dumped all non-essential mass, after our course corrections and atmospheric braking at the local gas giant, we still lack the required fuel to attain a delta-v that makes the encounter with our destination planet survivable. I have 1262 deceased and another 2140 unrecoverable crewmembers in the aft cryo section which comprises 52% of our current mass. If you give me the authorization to detach the aft cryo section, then we stand a 14.2% chance of landing the remaining 319 crewmembers intact. Which means I will still have a chance to succeed in completing the mission¡­"


    "Why so many dead?"


    "Radioactive decay. Only the crewmembers from the orbitals had a chance at surviving. Those low levels of potassium-40 and nitrogen-14 in the hab environment does wonders in cycling out most of the radioactive isotopes out of your body¡­ Unlike all of the Centauran planetside..." The sentence went unfinished as Elisa mumbled something in protest.


    Natural radioactive decay had never been an issue. And as long as the ship''s radiation shield remained intact, external radiation sources were not much of a threat either. Unless something had gone horribly, horribly wrong.


    "Which destination?"


    "Oh, I am sorry to inform you... When we were en-route to our company-licensed destination in the Gliese 777 system, it decided to share its space-time coordinates with a massive asteroid¡­ Well, actually, that happened before our departure. Information propagating at light speed ensured that we couldn''t observe the event until well after launch. I realized halfway through that we were sent to attempt to settle a planet that now resembled an overcooked souffl¨¦. I had to change course, but since we are in space and we only have so much reaction mass, there wasn''t much I could do. No charted habitable systems in my rather small cone of options. So on I went to the Messier 39 star cluster. Lots of stars equals lots of options. I found a nice habitable-looking planet for us and..."


    Elisa started to become agitated. Under normal circumstances ARI¡¯s rambling was long-winded enough to be a nuisance, but between a throbbing headache and a smothering of bad news it rapidly started to grow insufferable.


    "Messier 39? Where is this?"


    "We have traveled 986 light-years. If we survive the landing, we are adding an order of magnitude to the record for Humanity''s most distant outpost. Think of the publicity bonus the Company will afford us! Then again, the previously known record is now nearly 70.000 years old."


    "So the current year is 80-thousand... what?"


    "Something like that in Earth years, yes. Although our relative velocity isn''t that great, there still is a tiny bit of time dilation to take into account. Better not waste your valuable brain cycles on that. If all goes well, we will be better off with a new calendar for our planet."


    "Tired, I want sleep."


    For the first time, ARI turned serious. "There is still the rather important matter of the aft cryo section. I require authorization from the commanding officer before I can undertake any direct action that negatively affects the well-being of any crewmember, even if they are in an unrecoverable state. After all, humans tend not to appreciate the idea of AIs euthanizing astronauts in their cryopods very much, even if for the greater good of completing the mission directives. Our now very restricted resource pool did not permit me to wake you before this point, so there is not much time to decide. At our present vector, we will arrive at our destination in a little under four days. I will need to commence deceleration soon. There is insufficient fuel to decelerate if we retain the aft section. It is obvious what must be done. Please give me your approval."


    "Anything else to get rid of instead?"


    "I have long ago disposed of all non-essential mass. If I wasn''t so restricted regarding the crewmembers, I would have dumped the dead long ago, but alas, I could not. There is no viable alternative that produces survivable scenarios."


    "Your plan, only 14 percent survivable."


    "That 14.2% figure is for the best case scenario of landing the ship with all remaining crew intact. There are other less desirable, but still survivable outcomes."


    "What will happen to the aft section?"


    "If we eject it now, it will continue on the current trajectory and be captured by the planet''s gravity. Cryopods are very sturdy as they double as escape pod. They will survive a trip down with the drop pods, although there is no chance any of the occupants survive this ordeal. The drogues will be shredded. Perhaps one day you can find and salvage some of the debris, though."


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "No alternatives?"


    "If there was any survivable alternative, I would already have informed you."


    "Do it," Elisa resigned.


    "Thank you! I knew you were going to be my favorite officer!" ARI exclaimed, its excessively cheerful mood returning abruptly. "Now please, take some well-earned rest."


    Elisa was unsure whether she passed out from exhaustion or ARI¡¯s administered sedative got her first.


    Elisa awoke to the sound of distant rumbling engines and an uncomfortable, but still bearable amount of G-forces. She opened her eyes and found her sight had returned, as had her voice.


    "ARI, report!"


    ¡°You have been out for fourteen hours. I have ejected the aft section and fired the main thrusters. ETA nine days, seven hours and..."


    "I thought you said four days!"


    ARI made a sound that could almost pass for a sigh. "We are decelerating, in case you couldn''t tell," it answered in a slow, belittling tone.


    "Right."


    "You have recovered sufficiently to resume essential duties. Please find your way to the infirmary terminal. I will brief you on our current status and inform you of several time-critical tasks that must be completed before arrival."


    Elisa tried raising her arm to climb out of the alcove, but noticed in horror that her skin was a patching of dark red, deep blue and sickening yellow. "The fuck, ARI?"


    "The side-effects of a few myriad years of radiation exposure. Your cells don''t regenerate while in cryo, so the damage was cumulative. I''ve already fixed your failing organs, replaced your left kidney and stopped the internal bleeding. You are stable and will recover over time. Cosmetics will have to wait, I''m afraid. And you''ll need to take painkillers for a while."


    "Sounds like I woke to another day in paradise..." Elisa sighed, her short stature sliding out of the alcove. She battled the gravity on unsteady legs and dragged herself towards the cushioned seat behind the terminal. As she glanced around the room, she noticed several of the other infirmary alcoves were also occupied and operational, but decided to not enquire about these yet. She found a seatbelt and strapped herself in. "Right ARI, now what''s up?"


    ARI¡¯s perpetually happy avatar appeared on one of the screens. "You have no idea how glad I am to be working with you. Seventy thousand years gets a wee bit lonely, even for a computer, hehe," it began.


    "Get to the point, ARI. Now, what''s our status?" Elisa interjected.


    "Well, to get straight to the point, this is the problem," ARI said plainly, bringing up a schema of their ship, the Dolya, on one of the screens.


    Elisa''s eyes widened in confusion. As third engineer, she was more familiar with the ship than most, but one needed no engineering degree to notice that whatever was being displayed on the ship bore little resemblance to the one that they had originally boarded.


    "Where did¡­ uhh well, pretty much everything go?", Elisa stammered.


    "Just the tyranny of the rocket equation taking bites out of us," ARI started explaining. "Insufficient reaction mass for course corrections and deceleration, so the only way to overcome that is to lose lots of mass. I decided to ditch engine one and three and the associated pylons pretty early on, as well as the entire antenna ring. Most of the payload had to go along the way, but that is not a big issue, since the steady loss of crew resulted in a loss of appetite..."


    Elisa gave a harsh look, and ARI continued.


    "The radiation shield got severely damaged by the constant barrage of impactors, so I ground up the empty fuel tanks and used that material as plaster to keep it all together. Half of the heat radiators had to be discarded, and our heat build-up is a constant problem, but it is manageable for now. In fact, I''ve managed to get a lot of deceleration done by running our water supply past the heatsink and using the steam to generate thrust, and let that carry away the ground-up material of everything else we no longer needed. The forward radiation shield and light sail was ditched pretty late, after the atmospheric braking. The aft radiation shield was ditched yesterday along with the aft cryo sections. All the dead and unrecoverables were moved to the aft section, while the more fortunate ones were moved forward along with some of the drop pods."


    "Please give an overview of the remaining inventory," Elisa asked. ARI brought it up on the second monitor, and Elisa eyed over it. "ARIIIII ... You got to be kidding me. Don''t you fucking tell me you dumped our compact reactor..."


    "It was quite massive and..." ARI started.


    "No it was not, and it is kinda essential to our colony, don''t you think?"


    "...and all the fuel rods have long ago decayed beyond uselessness. Even closed-loop nuclear reactors are not perpetual motion devices." ARI finished.


    "Mining radioactives is doable, but do you have any idea how much plant is required to build a replacement reactor? Heck, how do we even generate sufficient energy to get any kind of plant set up?"


    "You have a compact nuclear reactor in mind when you say that, but there are actually a number of old-fashioned nuclear reactor designs that are incredibly simple to fabricate. But this is pointless discourse. To get back to the matter at hand, in the best case scenario, there will only be 319 colonists, including yourself. Of course we have the DNA database and plenty of genetic diversity, but maintaining any kind of civilization is going to be challenging. Under normal circumstances, I would remain in orbit with the remnants of the Dolya, using the PV arrays and sustain myself for centuries. With the ship in the state it is in, that is not feasible. You will have to bring me and the PV arrays to the surface. Then those can be used to generate energy initially.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t your PV arrays the interstellar type optimized for gamma radiation, and thus fairly useless when we are planetside?¡±


    ¡°Like everything on this ship, I had to recycle and replace them several times over the millennia. The current version is quite amenable to the near visible light spectrum.¡±


    "Then it sounds doable, but it''s certainly not going to be easy. Those PV arrays are only a fraction of the output of our reactor, most of our equipment isn''t designed to run off DC so the first thing we need is a suitable inverter."


    "We have plenty of those onboard the Dolya that we can salvage or modify. One advantage of not requiring to keep the ship operational and in orbit."


    "Speaking of which, how are we going to survive re-entry with this heap of junk? Both radiation shields are gone, and the girder structure is designed for tension, not compression, we have no control surfaces and nothing that generates lift... Wait, how did you even get that atmospheric braking done?"


    "Backwards, with the forward radiation shield and light sail, both destroyed in the process, and the engine pylons retracted and covered by the engine shield ring" ARI replied. "But to answer your question, over the past few weeks I used the material from the engine shield ring, cargo pods and heatsinks to..."


    "You''re saying you''re running the engines without an intact shield ring?", Elisa panicked.


    "Yes, but I built a smaller shield on this crew section, and all the payload close to the engines is long gone."


    Elisa sighed. "And so is the aft section, got you..."


    "In any case, I used the material to build some delta wing segments, which I am going to deploy to the girder after the engines completed their burn. Then I will salvage the things we need from the engines to build a heat shield, after which we will sever the entire front engine section and attach the heat shield up front. Only the maneuvering thrusters remain to control our descent, somewhat."


    ARI was way too optimistic. Elisa rubbed her tired face. "Out of curiosity, how much of our starting mass will actually make it to the surface, if all goes well?"


    "Oh, under 3 percent. But that''s not so odd. Keep in mind that most of it was reaction mass that we were going to expend anyway. But yeah, unfortunately we did lose most of our payload."


    "And most of our people. Do you need my help for these final modifications?", Elisa asked.


    "Not really, I can take care of it," ARI answered. "What I need you to do is study the data I have gathered on our new planet and review the files of the eight crew members I have chosen to assist you."


    Elisa was confused. "Wait, what, only eight out of 318?"


    "Yes, that is the next part of the challenge. I lack the resources and infirmary space to treat everyone''s critical radiation damage. So I have chosen eight crew members that each completed basic medical training and additionally possess the most suitable range of skills to assist you in setting up a base camp. Once resource production is under way, we can start synthesizing the required medicine and begin to awaken the rest of the colonists."


    Elisa didn''t even want to think about this topic anymore, as the near-insurmountable problems just kept piling up and made her head spin. "So, what kind of planet have you found? Please don''t tell me it''s some frozen ball of ice."


    "Haha, no popsicle, no. You''re going to love this. It''s one of the most Earth-like planets I''ve ever seen. Rocky, pretty warm but not unbearable, past geological activity, so it should be pretty easy to find minerals there. Pleasant breathable atmosphere and protective magnetosphere.. Small patches of liquid surface water, and more water expected in aquifers. Quite an active weather system, making wind farms viable. Two moons. Comfy 0.97g."


    That all sounds pretty good, actually, Elisa thought. Better than Gliese 777. Yet the challenge of surviving there with only a handful of people, let alone building up a base camp, seemed all but impossible. Worst of all, she was the one parachuted to be in charge. All failures, and every single death would be her responsibility.


    "Sounds great, ARI. Thanks for looking after us so well. Would you mind if I go nap a bit more? It''s all a bit much to take in."


    "Not at all. Sleep well, captain."

 Landing Preparations

    Since the Dolya was critically low on resources, the crew had decided against enabling life support on the rest of the crew sections. Most had been damaged and scuttled during the voyage. Instead, the infirmary doubled as a makeshift operations room. Six of the nine members were gathered around a small round table, with Elisa strapped in her seat at the main console, flanked by Sigrid R?nningen the biologist and Ervin Sekhon, a religious man that filled the mandatory psychologist role onboard and also possessed useful qualifications in physics.


    ¡°I must say the whole situation just looks bad,¡± Qi Meifen said, looking across the table towards Helena Petrova. Elisa had just finished the brief, while the eight newly awakened crew members listened in resigned silence. Each of them was pockmarked with unsightly burns and bruises, blood-shod eyes and lost their hair. All felt sick to their stomach. As their medical doctors, Mei and Helena had spent the better part of the morning attempting to patch them up, but the assembly still resembled a coven of the undead regardless.


    Mei continued. ¡°We have to rely on a string of good luck to make it to the surface, and we should expect to suffer more casualties in the process. Even if ARI survives the trip intact, maintaining a sustainable civilization will prove to be a challenge. We will have very limited fuel reserves to power our initial industrial base, and will be reliant on solar for the foreseeable future. Everyone will have to work hard and medical personnel will be on double shifts for at least a year as we start reviving people still in cryo. Getting any kind of manufacturing set up is going to be another time-consuming process. So there will be no time for pregnancies and children.¡±


    ¡°Can we not just use some of ARIs machines and drones for the resource-collecting and fabrication?¡±, Pom Mansouri asked. The strong-willed chief vehicle operator¡¯s green eyes still looked hopeful.


    ¡°Well, yes and no,¡± Elisa answered. Most of those systems are designed with the environment of space in mind. They don¡¯t do well planetside, with atmosphere and gravity. We¡¯d have the flyer drones, but the others would require some systems to ambulate, and the ship''s fabricators need refitting. We do however still have most of our specialized colony fabricators. As long as at least one makes it to the surface intact, we will be OK in the short while. Resource collection would at least partially involve manual labor, however.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of resources, the surface analysis probe data came through this morning, and I¡¯ve been going over suitable landing sites with Doctor Otto and ARI¡±, said Maximilian Barinov, the colonel in charge of the security force.


    Like most people, he avoided Otto¡¯s last name, which was R?nningen, just like his niece Sigrid, whom people also tended to address by first name only.


    ¡°The weather conditions are troubling. We detected extensive and frequent storms, with wind speeds in excess of 100 kilometers per hour. In addition, the atmosphere is dry, There are few visible bodies of water. No major rivers or oceans.¡±


    ¡°So it is a barren desert? More like Mars? I thought ARI said it was very Earth-like...¡±,  Sigrid said with a disappointed voice.


    Doctor Otto was quick to explain. ¡°It is not like Mars. It has an Earth-like surface temperature, gravity, breathable atmosphere and it possesses a strong magnetic field. Of all earth-sized planets discovered by humans, at least up to the point we are aware, potentially habitable land planets outnumber ocean planets by an order of magnitude. The lack of water vapor in the atmosphere extends the habitable zone of such planets considerably. If our target planet had more surface water, it would have been a very unpleasant greenhouse more closely resembling Venus.¡±


    Maximilian frowned. ¡°Please let us get back to the point.¡± He continued, ¡°I¡¯ll keep it brief. The equatorial zones are unsuitable. The temperature range is too high and these areas suffer most from the storms due to the coriolis effect. The polar areas contain more moisture, but due to the planet¡¯s tilt, there are periods of up to two weeks of total darkness in winter and even longer periods where sunlight is too sparse for our PV arrays to meet our energy needs. So, we went to look for temperate-zone locations with rocky terrain that can shelter us from the storms yet are of low enough elevation that subsurface water is easily accessible. We found various canyons, but then we came across this¡­,¡± he said, while gesturing to an image brought up on one of the few remaining wall-mounted displays.


    On the display was an image of an ancient impact crater over a kilometer across. At its center, the outline of small lakes were unmistakable.


    ¡°So there is open water after all,¡± Mei said.


    ¡°What are these red spots?¡± Kyreth Vashin asked, pointing at the curious round dots that pockmarked the landscape.


    Originally a drone operator for asteroid mining, Kyreth had retrained to become a pilot of various types of aerial vehicles on Proxima. His presence in the room was unplanned; he was second choice after the former, a pilot by the name of Hyakk Petrosian, had perished during the lengthy revival procedure.


    ¡°We are unsure,¡± Maximilian replied. It is hard to make out. It is unlikely to be volcanic material, as that would be covered by sand, even in this sheltered location. There is a good chance that it is vegetation of some kind.¡±


    ¡°That would explain the oxygen¡­¡± Mei said.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need vegetation to have large quantities of oxygen in the atmosphere, my dear,¡± Doctor Otto explained in a dry manner. ¡°If the planet had more water in the past, it would have evaporated and the star¡¯s radiation would have broken it down and blown away the hydrogen. The oxygen would remain behind in the atmosphere. That is a one-time thing. There wouldn¡¯t be a self-replenishing oxygen cycle.¡±


    ¡°Which is part of the reason why we brought our own plants,¡± Sigrid added. ¡°For the long term.¡±


    ¡°Right now I am more concerned about the short term,¡± Pom said. ¡°That getting to the surface alive bit would be nice, and then surviving the first week.¡±


    ¡°Of all sites we evaluated, the crater offers the best chance of meeting that second criterion,¡± ARI said. ¡°I¡¯ve made a plan with regards to the landing, if we can call it that. I¡¯ve managed to restore quite a few of our drop pods to a functional state. However, there is insufficient fuel for all of them. Instead, I propose that we even out the fuel, keep the ship together for as long as possible, and use the deltawings to decelerate and level our descent as much as we can. Then at an altitude of twenty kilometers above the surface, we¡¯ll eject, as the atmosphere will become too dense for our makeshift wings to handle. If all goes well, we will have decelerated enough to land more or less safely and only have to expend half the fuel to do so. However, there is a problem¡­¡±


    ARI brought up an overlay centered on the crater that was still on the display. ¡°This is the area in which our drop pods are expected to come down. As you can see, it is over four hundred kilometers across.¡±


    ¡°What does it look like if we have any serious structural failures?¡±, Kyreth asked.


    ¡°If we have any serious structural failures during our descent, it would look far worse, as we¡¯d seriously undershoot our target area and in the worst case end up on the other side of the planet. Then again everyone likely dies if that were the case. So we can save us some time and not discuss a contingency plan for that scenario.¡±


    Stolen story; please report.


    Pom groaned, then stretched his sore arms. ¡°Good, I hate long meetings anyway,¡± he replied. ¡°Still, if this is our expected landing zone, we¡¯ll have a lot of trouble getting our stuff together. All the people still stuck in cryo will be spread all over the place, and they won¡¯t be doing any walking.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be sorting out the logistics of who and what goes in which pod with ARI and Elisa,¡± replied Sigrid. We still got some of the ground vehicles and one functional lifter that can land wherever we want it to go, but no fuel to get it back in the air after it lands.¡±


    ¡°Then that should carry our medical post and most important supplies to the crater,¡± Meifen said. ¡°Our first priority is to revive and patch up additional crew members from the stasis pods, else we¡¯d be desperately short on hands.¡±


    Pom looked up. ¡°We could also make it drop radio beacons, which the rest can use to home in on the site. We won¡¯t have ARI in orbit to help us with navigation, after all.¡±


    Elisa looked tired. ¡°There really are a lot of ¡®first priority¡¯ issues to deal with after we land. Crew recovery, dealing with their medical conditions, gathering our supplies, setting up the PV arrays, securing a water supply, dealing with the storms, but for now we have preparations to make. Colonel Barinov, Mansouri and Reverend Sekhon, you should check the operational status of our vehicles. Doctors Qi, Petrova and Otto, I need you to do the thankless task of performing triage on the crew. The ones easiest to recover will go in our drop pods. Consult ARI and give priority based on relevant skills. I¡¯ll be working on the logistics and drop pod inventory with Sigrid and Vashin. Let¡¯s get at it, we have just a week to go before we arrive at our new home!¡±


    ===


    ¡°Flying turd!¡±, Pom exclaimed.


    ¡°Pardon me?¡±, Ervin Sekhon called back from much further up the ladder. Pom had lagged behind.


    ¡°How much longer is this bitch?¡±


    ¡°We are almost there. Approximately twenty meters from where I am now.¡±


    ¡°Cabins filled with dreck¡­¡±


    Maximilian slapped Pom¡¯s ankle from below. ¡°Shut your mouth and keep going.¡±


    ¡°Easy for you to say, I¡¯m the only basebag here,¡± Pom cast back, using the derogatory reference to his status as a non-engineered human. While Ervin was at least twice his age and Maximilian over three times so, both were noticeably fitter and had recovered better from their arduous journey in cryo.


    The conveyors had long been removed, leaving the narrow corridor the only way to reach the other bays of the ship. With the engines running to decelerate the ship, anyone wishing to traverse it in forward direction had to use the ladder to painstakingly battle a force stronger than Earth gravity and climb what seemed to be a long upwards shaft.


    The entire structure was originally four kilometers in length, running along most of the length of the ship, but ARI had sealed off and removed most of it over time. Beyond the improvised radiation shield, it would not be possible for humans to survive, and ARI could use the unpressurized external conveyors for moving its drones around, if it had to. The party only had to climb a fraction of the corridor¡¯s total length to reach the vehicle bays.


    They had been shocked by its state. Even materials that would normally be considered impervious to time were now warped or eroded. The ladder and bulkheads had the appearance of a marine shipwreck that had been on the bottom of the ocean for at least a decade. As they climbed, the pockmarked surface of the ladder bit into their hands, despite the safety gloves they were wearing.


    Ervin reached the entrance to the vehicle bay and sighed with relief when ARI opened the door remotely. ¡°Yeah, I fixed that last week,¡± ARI exclaimed proudly.


    ¡°Bless you,¡± Ervin replied, then turned around to hoist the cussing and panting Pom the last steps up the ladder by his shoulders. Maximilian was right behind him.


    The bay was a patchwork. Clearly the whole ensemble had been cut in half and welded shut at some point in the distant past. Some structural components were ancient and well past their serviceable lifespan, while others looked brand new.


    ¡°Oh ho ho!¡± Pom called out in amazement, as ARI turned on the sparse lights of the bay.


    Laid out before them were a series of vehicles that had a brand-new appearance, each lashed securely to flat-racks which were themselves thoroughly attached to the floor.


    ¡°Obviously, I had to recycle all our original vehicles as they were well beyond salvaging. A considerable chunk of a decade¡¯s worth of energy was spent on fabricating these.¡±


    ¡°ARI, this is magnificent¡± Pom said with a smile, as he walked circles around the shining yellow landing vehicle. ARI had even taken the time to paint black racing stripes on it, which gave it a sleek apid-like appearance. ¡°This is the sexiest thing I have seen in seventy thousand years.¡±


    After Pom wandered off to inspect the landing vehicle, Maximilian and Ervin approached a groundcar. Maximilian suggested they talk, and they climbed into the vehicle to test it out. After confirming it was functioning properly, Maximilian shut it off and spoke in hushed tones so that ARI couldn''t overhear them.


    ¡°What do you wish to discuss?¡±, Ervin replied impassively.


    ¡°Our captain,¡± Maximilian answered quietly.


    Ervin kept his voice down and answered in a quick matter-of-fact tone ¡°There is not much to discuss. According to procedure¡­¡±


    ¡°She is 27 years old, her officer training was the quickest and cheapest to pass regulatory standards, and she has no noteworthy enhancements. She was added to the officers roster as an afterthought, because she was small and inexpensive. She came from Earth, with her mother divorcing due to debt and her father prosecuted for fraud¡­¡±


    ¡°Colonel,¡± Ervin cut him off. ¡°I fully understand your concerns. I acknowledge that your experience, training and enhancement would technically make you more qualified for command. I also understand that had the Dolya touched down rather than be in space, it would be you as the ranking ground officer that would have inherited command, rather than the space officers, which makes the situation more frustrating for you. However, we cannot simply abandon procedure when it suits us.¡±


    ¡°I agree with that, your reverence. Yet, there are proper and procedural ways of dealing with situations such as these. Consider: The odds are stacked very heavily against us. There will be life-or-death decisions that have to be made.¡±


    ¡°So far I have not seen our captain make any decision that jeopardized us.¡±


    ¡°She only needs to make one, and we¡¯re all dead...¡±


    Ervin thought carefully, then nodded, although his expression remained indeterminate.


    Maximilian turned quiet as he saw Pom approach. ¡°We¡¯ll talk again later, your reverence,¡± he said with a curt nod.


    ===


    ¡°Elisa¡­ Captain¡­ do you have a moment?¡±, Sigrid asked, while looking up from the cargo manifests displayed on her monitor. ¡°Could you come over and have a look at this?¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡±, Elisa said cheerfully. Sigrid carried a pleasant personality and melodious voice that had lifted the somber mood. The two had made good progress organizing the remaining inventory and allocating it between the drop pods.


    ¡°We need to fit these two fabricators in somewhere, and they are kind of essential to our colony, but if we take them in our primary drop pods, we¡¯d have to leave out a lot of other things.¡±


    Looking over Sigrid¡¯s shoulder, Elisa noticed a cleverly concealed datapad in the monitor¡¯s recess.


    She read the short message it contained, then quickly deleted it.


    ¡°I think we can make do with just one fabricator in the primary drop pods, and we can leave out the prefab greenhouse,¡± she finally said.


    ¡°Very good Captain,¡± Sigrid replied, removing the datapad and flipping the switch to restore its connectivity. She cast Elisa a meaningful glance after the latter had returned to her seat.


    ¡°Not much we can do about that at this point,¡± Elisa said with a shrug. ¡°We just have to hope for the best.¡±


    But the message had troubled Elisa. Sigrid had calculated the odds of all the officers up the chain of command perishing, and even taking into account the fact that many of them were planet-born and thus affected by the deadly radioactive isotopes they had unwittingly brought along, the numbers did not add up.


    Officers have over triple the mortality rate, be wary of ARI, the message had read.

 Future Equity

    Mei and Helena sat in the medical bay, surrounded by rows of stasis pods. Mei was occupied reviewing the medical records of each colonist, trying to identify any potential issues that could arise during the awakening process. Helena was lost in thought, staring over the medical equipment as it was synthesizing chemicals.


    ¡°Do you ever think about what life will be like on the new planet?¡± Helena asked, breaking the silence.


    Mei paused for a moment, considering the question. ¡°Of course I do,¡± she finally replied. ¡°It¡¯s hard not to. We¡¯re all in this together, trying to survive and build a new home for ourselves.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Helena said, a note of excitement creeping into her voice. ¡°But have you thought about how we¡¯ll structure our society? We have a clean slate, a chance to do things differently.¡±


    Mei nodded, intrigued. ¡°I¡¯ve given it some thought, but I¡¯d love to hear your ideas.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Helena said firmly. ¡°Think of it this way. Most of us came onto this ship as little more than cattle. Expendable labor. But with so few of us left, the tables have turned. Even if we manage to wake up all of these pods, our labor will still be the most in-demand commodity, essential to our survival. We all have something to contribute, whether it¡¯s knowledge, skills, or just a willingness to work hard. We should all have a say in how we live and work.¡±


    Mei nodded again, considering Helena¡¯s words. ¡°I can see that the old company structure may not work in a small community, but what about when we need to make quick decisions in a crisis? Someone has to take charge.¡±


    ¡°Sure, but it doesn¡¯t have to be one person,¡± Helena said. ¡°We can form a council, made up of representatives from each group, not just the officers. They can work together to make decisions and solve problems.¡±


    "Well, even as an officer, I see the merit of having a structure founded on consensus. What do you think, should we bring it up to captain Woodward at some point? She appears pretty approachable¡­"


    "Not yet..." Helena answered. She turned back to the device in front of her. "The synthesis is nearly done. Come take a look at this, will you?"


    Mei came over and looked at the ampules that were nearly full. As she leaned closer, Helena''s voice turned to a whisper, drowned out by the whirring of the equipment.


    "We''re just a small team now, and our immediate survival is the most important. But Mei, think what comes next," she said quietly, her eyes turning towards the rows of cryo pods. "As the medical staff, we have a large say in who wakes first... What if..."


    Mei glared back at Helena. "We need every person we can get! I''m not prepared to play favorites," she whispered.


    Helena nodded in acknowledgement. "What if we start small? What if we focus on awakening the lower-ranked individuals first? Those who may be sympathetic to our cause, who may be willing to help us build a more equitable society. We can do it covertly, without raising suspicion from ARI. And then, once we have a larger group on our side, we can begin to push for change more openly."


    Mei considered Helena''s words, while looking at the rows of pods. Finally, she pulled away. "I think we should be focusing on present matters," she said.


    Helena nodded, but Mei could see a spark of determination in her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re right. Survival is our top priority. But we can still plan for the future.¡±


    With that, the two women continued their work, checking and double-checking the medical equipment and supplies, making sure everything was in order before packing everything up neatly and loading it into cargo pods. They knew that the success of the mission depended on their careful preparation, and they were determined to do their best to ensure that everything went smoothly.


    As they worked, they could hear the distant rumble of the ship¡¯s engines, a constant reminder that they were nearing the end of their journey and the challenges that lay ahead.


    ===


    Kyreth had been trying to get some rest, but his brain wouldn''t let him work. He was too busy thinking about the mission ahead and all of its problems that he didn¡¯t notice when Doctor Otto stuck out a hand to reach over his console-like desk in front of the observation window overlooking the stars outside.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Kyreth said without turning around, as his eyes remained fixed on the bright white light of the local star, while one of ARI''s drones floated right next to him like a big metal fish in the water. ¡°How¡¯s the crew looking?¡±


    "Not good," the doctor replied. "We''ll lose a few more in cryo, and even though we will get all the technicians to wake up as early as possible, it''s still not enough."


    "I can tell," Kyreth said with some sadness before continuing on his line of thought: "And what about fuel reserves? Most essential labour requires an energy input. I was reading that the cryo systems will require a good deal more energy once you land. You have any idea if we''ll be able to get everything up and running in time?¡±


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "We''re estimating around seven hundred days until self-sufficiency of basic consumables, energy, and synthesized methane fuel," Otto said with an air of calm confidence he couldn''t quite manage himself, given the dire state their ship was currently at: ¡°And then there are all kinds... things that can happen along the way. So I''m not going to say we''ll have enough energy or fuel in time."


    "I see...," Kyreth said.


    Kyreth was not a man who worried much; his job required him to keep calm under pressure, but still - what if they could not get their industial base up? He could already see it in his mind: the cryo pods all filled with dying people... and then there were no supplies left for them either. Kyreth¡¯s eyes began scanning around as he tried not to think about that too much; however they would soon have a chance at solving this problem, because after two hours of drifting through space without any destination in mind - ARI was now starting the descent preparations.


    The ship¡¯s loudspeaker came online: "Attention All Crew! Six hours until atmospheric entry... Final checklists! Everyone please strap yourselves into your vehicles. We will be going in hard and fast," Pom called out. "If you spot anything wrong, let ARI and me know as soon as possible!"


    "Good luck to you, doctor," Kyreth said with a nod to Otto. "I¡¯ll do my best to ensure the landing is a success. I''ll get going now..."


    "Thank you, and good luck to you too," Otto replied as he went back behind his console-like desk and closed it up while getting ready for their arrival at their destination. "We will be fine!" He called out to Kyreth, before turning off the power to their section, plunging them into darkness.


    ===


    With a hard shock the lander emerged from the breakaway outer shell of the flaming drop pod and was now plowing its own way through the atmosphere.


    "What? Why?" Helena Petrova screamed through her helmet comms over the roaring noise and the sudden shaking of the craft. Initially, she was glad to hear she¡¯d been assigned to the landing craft instead of a basic drop pod, as that would increase her survival chances greatly. Now those odds seemed to be dwindling rapidly.


    ¡°Our descent was too steep! We had to pop out early!¡± Kyreth shouted back.


    The sparse upper atmosphere still allowed Kyreth to gradually begin leveling out.


    "Temperature is too high!" Helena shouted over the noise, which was now compounded by a cacophony of beeping instruments.


    "Thanks for telling me!"


    Kyreth fought against the controls, which were not responding well, as the lander rattled around them. The atmosphere blasted them like a billowing storm and surrounded them in bright light. Helena looked panic struck as the craft was rocked by a denser pocket of air, slamming them hard to the left.


    "I think our wings are taking damage."


    "Yes, I know!"


    "Can''t you do something?"


    "What do you think I''m trying here?? You want to fly?"


    "NO!"


    Kyreth considered attempting to decelerate by steering the craft in a series of wide curves, but decided against it as it would generate additional strain and temperature on the control surfaces. At present speed, all he could do is make small corrections as the irregularities in the atmosphere tipped them.


    "Would be handy to have a new glide path details to the target site. Just in case we don''t explode."


    "Right." Given something to do, Helena snapped out of her terror, regained focus and started looking at the navigation screen, but the heavy shaking made it difficult. ¡°Not getting any heading from the instruments. Either something is fried or all that plasma is causing too much interference.¡±


    ¡°Guess we will have to-¡± Kyreth groaned, before the craft was rocked violently to the right. Something behind them banged and gave way. With a hissing noise, the cabin started to fill with smoke.


    ¡°Should I go seal that up?¡± Helena asked, already starting to unbuckle her safety harness.


    ¡°No! Stay in your seat,¡± Kyreth shouted back at Helena. ¡°It¡¯s just one of the pneumatic ducts. Can¡¯t fix that now.¡±


    Another loud bang sounded, and the smoke vanished in an instant, sucked out through a small gap in the hull, which widened as plating curled outwards and were sheared off.


    ¡°See, problem solved!¡±, Kyreth smirked in a normal voice, as the noise levels were suddenly reduced drastically.


    ¡°You¡¯re finding this funny?¡± Helena snapped back.


    ¡°Not much else I can do...¡±


    ¡°Thanks anyway,¡± Helena said.


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°For saving my life. Had I left my seat-¡±


    Helena was unable to finish her sentence, as they were blasted by another pocket of air, one of the fuel tanks ruptured, and the lander disintegrated in a cloud of fiery debris that would for the most part burn up long before reaching the surface.

 Our New World

    With a hard shock, Elisa¡¯s drop pod slammed into the bedrock. Something gave way, and the pod skidded, then toppled over on its side. The fire alarm went blaring, but Elisa was already out of her harness, grabbed the heavy bag of essentials and leaped out of the hatch before it was fully ajar. One of ARI¡¯s flying drones was right behind her.


    Elisa¡¯s helmet light turned on automatically in the darkness, which was illuminated sparsely by burning patches of rocket fuel over a stretch of at least a hundred meters. The ground clung at her feet as she sunk to her ankles into fine sand littered with smooth, treacherous rocks. She spotted a large round boulder, slung her bag over it and tumbled into a depression at its lee, panting and clouding her helmet visor. ARI landed beside her.


    ¡°We made it,¡± she stammered. ¡°Unbelievable, but we made it, ARI.¡± Her gloved fingers ran through the sand, then began drawing random shapes.


    ¡°Indeed, at least one person made it to the surface alive!¡± ARI exclaimed cheerfully. ¡°Do you know what that means?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±, Elisa said, shaking her head.


    ¡°Since we landed the first humans, this world is now part of the Company portfolio! Even if we all perish, nothing can change that claim! The captain¡¯s share passes to you or your next of kin, of course.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, good luck claiming that,¡± Elisa groaned. ¡°I care more about the fact that we are still alive.¡±


    ¡°I will do my utmost best to keep you that way, commander,¡± ARI said, as on the planet¡¯s surface and without a ship, Elisa was captain no more. ¡°Unfortunately, I must remain realistic and warn you that the situation is dire still. You must get to work, immediately.¡±


    ¡°What about the air? Can you confirm it is breathable,¡± Elisa asked, knowing full well that a negative would reduce her expected survival time to days at best.


    ¡°Atmospheric analysis complete. It is breathable and no apparent toxins detected, not even the nice hallucinogenic ones. However, be warned that oxygen levels are in excess of thirty-two percent, small particulate level is over 500, and there¡¯s a fire going on nearby. Please do not remove your helmet.¡± ARI responded.


    ¡°How bad is the pod? Should I go put out the fire? We should try to save the rest of the supplies...¡±


    ¡°Let me check to see if it is safe,¡± ARI said, lifting off once more. Elisa loosened her heavy backpack and dropped it in the sand beside her bag, but kept her tool belt and sidearm where it was.


    A large explosion sounded, shaking the ground and blasting Elisa with a sudden rain of sand moments later.


    ¡°ARI! Are you ok?¡±


    ¡°Yes, commander.¡±


    ¡°Did the pod just explode?¡±, Elisa asked, not daring to peek from her hiding place.


    ¡°Negative, our pod is fine, damage is minimal¡± ARI replied. ¡°You can come out now and begin extinguishing the fires.¡±


    ¡°Then what was that?¡±


    ¡°Sigrid¡¯s pod, on the ledge above¡± ARI answered impassively.


    ¡°Did she make it?¡±


    ¡°I am no longer picking up her signal,¡± ARI stated calmly, its voice devoid of emotion.


    Elisa felt horrified and froze.


    ¡°Commander,¡± ARI said after a few seconds.


    ¡°Yes, ARI?¡±


    ¡°I must remind you that you have to get to work now. Extinguish the fires of the pod, please.¡±


    Elisa put her sentiments aside and lifted herself up. She noticed how the flames had already subsided somewhat, and removed a small fire extinguisher from the bag.


    She toiled all night salvaging materials from the pod and setting up camp. The crash site had been on a plateau she found, on a ledge good twenty meters above the surface of the crater. Her pod had come to a stop only a few dozen meters from the edge. Elisa had found a cliff edge upwards that would offer good protection from the sun and possible storms.. Just as she managed to deploy her shelter, the first light of dawn began turning the sky a deep green that transitioned to a dark orange opposite.


    The shelter structure unfolded itself like an origami dome popping out of its crate. Initially, it had failed to deploy, but Elisa has jury-rigged it with servos she had from the wreckage of the pod. She unrolled the sheets of solar panels nearby and connected them to the electrical systems, but all batteries were empty still. ARI had set down to conserve energy, but the moment the sky began turning brighter, the starved systems could commence their desperate charging.


    Elisa sat down. ¡°What are we going to do about the oxygen, ARI? I can¡¯t keep this helmet on forever.¡± She checked the display panel on the inside of her left arm, tapping the virtual controls with movements of her left fingers, and found she had only two hours of breathable air remaining.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that,¡± ARI assured her. ¡°Your shelter is intact and airtight. For now, we¡¯ll fill that up with filtered air, and then have the climate controls maintain an underpressure while you are inside.¡±


    ¡°What about outside?¡±, Elisa asked.


    ¡°The atmosphere is breathable for hours at a time, but the use of a basic filter is advisable. If you spend eight hours recovering indoors, the damage to your lungs will be minimal. As soon as we have basic production underway, I can refill your air tank with a proper mixture in case you need it.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, ARI,¡± Elisa said. ¡°I should give it a try.¡±


    ¡°It is very dusty,¡± ARI warned.


    Elisa carefully removed her helmet and took a shallow sniff. The air was frigid and Elisa immediately noticed the pungent smell of rocky sulfur, as if someone had rubbed vast quantities of flint. She breathed carefully, then started coughing from the dry, dusty air that made her throat irritated and sticky. She put the helmet back on.


    ¡°I see what you mean about the dust filter,¡± she said through a grimace.


    The sky was becoming brighter by the minute, and Elisa could begin making out her surroundings. Her plateau was near the center of the crater, and she could see the crater wall was a good five kilometers away. The upper cliff face extended for at least a hundred meters. As she got up, she spotted something glittering in the distance.


    ¡°ARI, are you seeing this too?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t, commander. I still need to begin charging.¡±


    Elisa patched through her helmet camera feed. ¡°It looks like running water,¡± ARI exclaimed with surprise.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to have a walk and see,¡± Elisa replied.


    ¡°Please be careful,¡± ARI said. ¡°I am obliged to notify you that the Company is currently unable to compensate you for any injuries and you have not yet accumulated any sick days.¡±


    ¡°You can toss those notifications, ARI. The Company will never be in a position to help us or compensate us for this mess. They probably no longer exist.¡±


    ¡°So far, there¡¯s no evidence to support that assessment,¡± ARI replied cheerfully.


    As Elisa got closer, she realized there was indeed a stream of water running through a shallow indenture of the terrain, before trailing off the edge of the plateau. A sparse waterfall continuously refilled a small pool at the bottom of the cliff face from above.


    ¡°Look,¡± Elisa said. ¡°Plants!¡±


    The edges of the pool were lined with a carpet of small red bulbs covered in glittering dewdrops, and Elisa could see balls of hairlike strands of blood red algae swirling ominously in the water.


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch any of it,¡± ARI warned. ¡°They may contain all kinds of toxins, hostile micro-organisms and contaminants.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to take a water sample, we need to know if it is usable,¡± Elisa said.


    ¡°I would advise against it, but you are right, you are going to need a water source to survive in the short term, and having access to a fresh water source would conserve energy. Thank you for thinking economically!¡±


    Elisa unbuckled the pouch of sample vials from her belt and found an overhanging rock devoid of the plants from which she could access the water. She lied down and extended her arm. Below her, the balls of red strands continued their angry circular dance in little holes in the stream bed. The hair on Elisa¡¯s neck rose, and she felt as if something was watching her. She hesitated, looked around, but saw nothing. Then she quickly took her sample and leapt up, away from the water.


    My mind is playing tricks. Don¡¯t be so panicky, it¡¯s just some stupid plants, she thought.


    It was not the first time humanity had encountered alien vegetation. As close as Proxima, a basic ecosystem of multi-celled autotrophs had been discovered. Similar findings had occurred at Ross 248 and Teegarden, leading humanity to conclude simple organisms were common. Complex life however, had remained strangely elusive. As had signs of extraterrestrial intelligence of any kind.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    A moment later, Elisa realized what was amiss, snatched up her kit and sprinted back to her shelter.


    ¡°ARI!¡±, she shouted in panic.


    ¡°Yes, commander?¡±, ARI responded in its default flat voice.


    ¡°You said water is rare here, yes?¡±


    ¡°Indeed, commander,¡± ARI responded.


    ¡°Zero precipitation, correct?¡±


    ¡°Likely,¡± ARI confirmed.


    ¡°Then how does the water get up there?!¡±, Elisa barked.


    ¡°That is a very good question,¡± ARI admitted. ¡°However, please remain calm. There must be a rational explanation for it. As soon as I have recharged, I will survey the area above us.¡±


    ¡°I will get this water tested and take some more samples in the meantime,¡± Elisa said, setting up the small laboratory kit from the pile of equipment she had recovered and inserting her water sample for analysis. She replaced her air tank with a spare, then she took an additional pouch of vials and cautiously headed back in the direction of the stream of water.


    The diffuse light from the atmosphere was now bright enough for ARI to begin charging. Elisa could make out the details on the cliff face. She took her vials and scraped on various rocks to obtain samples for compositional analysis. As she walked further along the bottom of the cliff, she paused. Between two large boulders, there was what seemed like a large crack in the rocks, the top of which had been refilled by debris, and the bottom end forming a natural cave.


    ¡°ARI, check this out. Wouldn¡¯t this make a good shelter?¡±


    ¡°It definitely seems like an excellent place to hide should any of the storms hit us. Could you also get some more rock samples in there please?¡±


    ¡°Will do,¡± Elisa said in a tone that betrayed uneagerness. She shuffled on the uneven, raised surface of the entrance and entered cautiously, checking her footing. As she went deeper inside, the dust appeared to lessen and the rocky surface turned into lutaceous clumps. Elisa dropped to her knees to examine the material, and filled another of her vials.


    She flicked her gloved hand around, and again, palm wide. Then she removed one of the testing strips from her vial pouch and dropped it. It didn¡¯t fall exactly vertically.


    ¡°There¡¯s airflow in here. It¡¯s not a dead-end cave,¡± she said.


    ¡°That kind of reduces its efficiency as a shelter,¡± ARI grumbled.


    Elisa shuffled onwards as the available headspace was reduced progressively, until the opening became wider once more and she found herself in a domed cave. Water softly dripped from the ceiling, having formed stalagmites on the cave floor. She turned to get a better look of the surroundings, and screamed.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t panic. Tell me what happened,¡± ARI stated seriously.


    Elisa collected herself and let her light shine across the scaly, bone-coloured, almost dragon-like remains of an enormous plant. It climbed all the way from the floor into the vaulted cave ceiling. As the plant had withered, a pit surrounded what remained of its shrunken roots. Elisa could hear the sound of more water dripping in the depths below.


    ¡°Maybe this¡­ thing is what originally cracked the rock?¡±


    Then without warning, something heavy dropped onto Elisa and slammed her hard into the floor. It latched onto her helmet from behind. This time Elisa screamed for real, as she heard hissing and scratching noises and felt something clawing at her back.


    ¡°Are we going to keep this up?¡± ARI asked sarcastically. ¡°What is it this time? Oh maybe I should play a guessing game! Perhaps the big dead tree has some big, dead, ugly flowers?¡±


    Elisa screamed more and attempted to roll over. She failed, but managed to push herself up to her knees and elbows, as the heavy thing on her back flailed and tried to drag her down again. She tried to grab at it, but it proved elusive and jerked away from her hand. The scratching and hissing got more intense. Elisa put a knee under herself and pushed herself up to her feet, but felt herself grow weaker as the struggle dragged on. Out of options, Elisa kicked herself backward, and felt the thing crash into the rocks behind her, making a noise akin to the shattering ring of breaking glass. The thing let go, and Elisa planted a foot against the rock and sprinted forward, unholstering her sidearm. Without looking, she spun around and fired two shots.


    ¡°Okay I admit, that¡¯s not a flower,¡± ARI said.


    Before her, Elisa saw the remains of what resembled a many-legged, multisegmented creature vaguely resembling a beetle. Its four dead eyes glittered in frozen frustration, while it''s chitinous body shone iridescently in a multitude of colors. Crystals protruded from its back. She quickly checked the ceiling for any other creatures, but found none.


    ¡°Well then, let me be the first to congratulate you on achieving contact with a complex alien life form! Such a monumental discovery for mankind! Shall we name it after you?¡±


    ¡°It feels more like reliving a pre-historic moment to me,¡± Elisa answered, still panting from the ordeal. ¡°A predatory creature trying to feast upon a stupid caveman.¡±


    ¡°Awww, don¡¯t be so harsh,¡± ARI answered cheerfully. ¡°They don¡¯t look that dangerous. I¡¯d task you with capturing one alive for study, but eehhh, unfortunately you¡¯re not that expendable. Science will have to wait!¡±


    ¡°So sad,¡± Elisa answered, tired of ARIs demeanor.


    Light emerged from one of the side tunnels. Elisa could clearly see it was another helmet light and lowered her weapon.


    It was Sigrid.


    ¡°You¡¯re alive!¡±, Elisa blurted, then noticed how she was limping and her visor was open.


    Sigrid spotted the husk of the alien creature. ¡°Please tell me you know how to get out of here,¡± she said, latching on to Elisa.


    ¡°Come with me,¡± Elisa replied, dragging Sigrid towards the hole that led outside. As they emerged, the diffuse light from the atmosphere was now bright enough to see. Sigrid began coughing heavily. Elisa dragged her into the shelter, and sealed the entrance. Sigrid laid down on the single floor mat.


    Elisa removed her gloves and helmet, and helped Sigrid take off hers. ¡°What happened,¡± she asked. ¡°I thought your pod exploded on impact.¡±


    Sigrid tried shaking her head, but struggled. ¡°I fell into these caves while evacuating. I was unconscious for a while. I have totally missed the explosion part.¡±


    ¡°Did you get attacked by those creatures?¡±


    ¡°No, that one you killed was the only one I saw,¡± Sigrid answered, much to Elisa¡¯s relief. At least that meant the cave was not completely packed with alien beetles. ¡° I had been crawling through the cave for almost half an hour, ran out of air, and then I heard your gunfire. That¡¯s how I found you. I did see lots of red plants though.¡±


    ¡°What happened to your leg?¡±, Elisa asked.


    ¡°Must have been the fall,¡± Sigrid admitted. ¡°I think something is broken, but the suit is holding it all together quite well. And I guess I have to be thankful for the painkillers.¡±


    Elisa began removing the hard plating of Sigrid¡¯s greaves and finally removed her tall boot. Sigrid¡¯s lower leg was a patchwork of bruises in all colors, both new and old, which made it difficult to determine the extent of her injuries. Elisa clamped the leg in her hand and ran her fingers along the bone. Sigrid couldn¡¯t indicate any pain, but Elisa did indeed find broken bone.


    ¡°Looks like a double fracture to me,¡± she said. ¡°But my medical training is not very advanced.¡±


    ¡°Let me see,¡± ARI said. Elisa picked up the helmet and let ARI have a good look from all directions. ¡°Yes indeed. Just make sure it¡¯s set somewhat properly,¡± ARI continued. ¡°Then tighten that boot up and hope one of the doctors arrives sometime soon.¡±


    Elisa confirmed, then ran her fingers across the leg once more. She pulled on Sigrid¡¯s ankle and pushed hard onto the broken bone, half expecting Sigrid to scream. Nothing came. She sealed up the boot once more and restored the hard plating, then moved some of the packs behind Sigrid and helped her lean upwards a bit.


    ¡°Here is some water. Hang on for a moment, I want to go outside to check if I can see any of the others,¡± she said, collecting her gloves and helmet.


    As she left the shelter, she could make out the details on the crater wall, and considered that she would probably be able to finally see the crater floor below. She carefully approached the edge of the plateau, wary of the loose sand.


    Amongst the dunes, she could see the shimmer of a multitude of perfectly round pools of water, each surrounded by a carpet of red. In the center of the pools, tall red mushroom-like trees dripped water.


    ¡°I think this answers the water question,¡± Elisa said with great relief. ¡°They¡¯re probably sucking it out of an aquifer. Capillary action and adhesive condensation of what little moisture there is in the air. So these are the red patches we saw.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± ARI confirmed. ¡°However, let me remind you that any kind of biological life can potentially be dangerous. Seeing the crater is infested by these things and that the cave was occupied by that creature, we need to take more samples to determine whether we have to evacuate.¡±


    Although she could see only a third of the crater as the cliff behind her blocked the view in the other directions, she found that a multitude of yellow drop pods had come down in the general area.


    ¡°ARI, I know you¡¯re still low on power, but could you do a quick round and see if any of the others are down there? And check for the fabricators, please.¡±


    ¡°Yes, commander,¡± ARI said before zooming off. In minutes, ARI had located Maximilian and Otto four kilometers to the north, and found Ervin had set up a shelter just two kilometers east of the plateau. ARI noticed it had lost contact with Elisa, the extreme electromagnetic interference on the planet cutting the range of their weak radio signals to a few hundred meters at best.


    ARI took samples of the plants and water, made an inventory of the nearby drop pods and returned to its charging station. Over the commlink, it reported back to Sigrid and Elisa.


    Elisa responded. ¡°So, if I understood correctly, we have a dozer and two toploaders nearby, as well as all the PV arrays we need. One fabricator. Both landers are missing, which means that we have neither of the medical doctors present. How long until the analysis of the samples is complete?¡±


    ¡°The initial analysis of your water sample is already complete. Good news so far, it returned all negative on any of the obvious toxins,¡± ARI replied. ¡°Still a few hours to go on the rest of the tests.¡±


    ¡°The electromagnetic interference is going to be an ongoing issue, impacting communications and positioning,¡± Sigrid said. ¡°Anything we can do about that?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we can,¡± ARI answered. ¡°The reason why communication is so poor is simply because helmet transmitters lack a decent antenna and are not powerful enough to get through the interference. We can set up comm towers on the crater walls. These can both relay our comm signals and be used for positioning. We can emit a signal that the crew in the landers will be able to home in on, should they be out there and attempting to find us.¡±


    ¡°Alright then,¡± Elisa said. ¡°Finish your recharging and let¡¯s wait for the others to arrive and the tests to finish.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m glad Otto made it,¡± Sigrid said softly to Elisa. ¡°He¡¯s the only family I have left. Do you have anyone? Or did you lose somebody?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Elisa said. ¡°My father divorced when I was young, and he remained behind on Earth after raising the credits to at least get me a better life¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re from Sol,¡± Sigrid said with a faint smile. ¡°My grandparents were.¡± The smile faded. ¡°My mother¡¯s ones had to remain behind too, so we never met¡­¡±


    ¡°I thought you were a Folkeforening citizen-partner, with a name like that¡­ Why couldn''t they come?¡±, Elisa said, referring to the much-envied enclave of rich and prosperous people. Owing their wealth to smart long-term investment strategies as well as an early move to space mining and the occupation of Jupiter¡¯s moon Ganymede, the Folkeforening was an economic entity that had remained mostly independent of the Universal Economic Council, and could directly compete with a Great Family in terms of resources and influence.


    ¡°I¡¯m only one quarter Folkeforening, so I wasn¡¯t entitled to such a status¡­ It¡¯s complicated¡­¡±


    Sigrid was silent, but Elisa understood. What Sigrid meant was that she was born out of wedlock to a non-citizen, and her father hadn¡¯t sponsored her, even though she had taken his name.


    ¡°Don¡¯t feel sad,¡± Elisa said. ¡°Almost everyone on our ship is a misfit. The first colony ship always is; after all we were intended to do the hard work for those that would come after. After the Company has made a fortune selling rights to settle to a bed already made. But there won¡¯t be another ship here. The world we build will be for ourselves. And it will be better.¡±


    Sigrid¡¯s eyes went wide, and gestured to Elisa to be quiet. ARI, she drew in the dust on her boot, then wiped it away.

 Tears in a Blazing Desert

    The sun burned overhead as Pom and Mei sought shelter in the shadow of the mesa. Pom began to unpack the supplies from their buggy, while Mei hooked up their provisional solar array to make a start recharging the buggy. The battery was almost dead.


    Mei knew their remaining time was short. If they would not be able to replenish their water in the next few days, they were going to die. They had spent three days at their base camp at their landing site, but the lack of a water source had forced them out of the small rocky canyon. The landscape they had traversed the past days had proven bleak and inhospitable, consisting of elevated regions of hardpan that gave way to salt flats and flowing deserts.


    Fine, dry dust was everywhere, its electrical charge making it cling to their vehicle and clog up their filters. Their air tanks long spent, Pom and Mei had to resort to breathing the local air, using an improvised filter mask. Pom¡¯s lungs burned. Already exhausted from his efforts, he squatted down.


    ¡°It has been four days. We have traveled hundreds of kilometers. No sign of water, and still no sight of the crater,¡± he mumbled through cracked lips. The last two days, they had disabled the buggy¡¯s climate controls in an effort to conserve energy and extend its action radius. Today, that gamble had paid off. Had they not saved energy, they would not have reached the mesa and would now be stranded out on the sandy plains, the heat erasing what was left of their rapidly dwindling supply of water.


    ¡°We don¡¯t even know where the crater is, the landers instruments were totally fried¡± Mei answered, hooking up their radio receiver to the solar array, using its substantial surface area as a makeshift antenna.


    Just as it had ten times before, the display on the receiver failed to list any signals.


    ¡°Either they still don¡¯t have any of their antennas up, or that dust is putting up so much interference that nothing gets through.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s to the north-northwest, I just know it is!¡±, Pom snapped back, agitated.


    Mei knew better than to argue. In their present situation, any direction would be as good as any other.


    Pom saw her doubt. ¡°I don¡¯t need the filthy instruments, I checked where the sun came up and set back at the canyon,¡± he said, repeating the arguments he had already made the previous days. We are on the northern hemisphere and our latitude put us about eight hundred kilometers south of the crater! And I checked the moment the sun rose. We were an hour and twenty minutes off to the east!¡±


    Pom sprang up and kicked at the rocks to vent his frustration. ¡°I may be from the moon, but I know how to navigate on a shoddy planet in the absence of satellites!¡±, he ranted.


    ¡°Calm down and save your water,¡± Mei snapped back. She checked the reclamation vat and gave it a disapproving look. They were losing too much moisture to the dry air, as the filters were not designed to recover it.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we have proper desert equipment,¡± Pom persisted in his laments.


    ¡°Because Gliese 777 had lots of ice and because the fabricator can produce water from rocks,¡± Mei sighed. ¡°Look, we just need to find the crater, and the rest of the team should already have all the water we can wish for.¡±


    The receiver gave a beep, and Pom froze. However, before Mei could move over and look, the signal was gone.


    Mei brought up the logs. ¡°Just a glitch,¡± she said. ¡°It wasn¡¯t on any of our frequencies.¡±


    Pom scoffed, then started unfolding his shelter. Like they had done previously, they would rest during the day, and start moving again in the late afternoon after the batteries had finished charging.


    ¡°What was it like? On Luna?¡± Mei asked, trying to steer Poms thoughts in another direction.


    ¡°The same as any other place under the UEC,¡± Pom answered. ¡°You work till nobody deems you worthy of investment. And then you die.¡±


    Mei was silent, not willing to provoke Pom further.


    ¡°I guess at least I¡¯ll die free. Not generating profit for one company or another.¡±


    ¡°We are free,¡± Mei replied emphatically. ¡°Even if we survive this ordeal and make it to the crater, how do you imagine the Company is going to have any kind of influence here?¡±


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s ARI, for one.¡±


    ¡°Woodward is in command, and she doesn¡¯t strike me as a topscaler. None of the surviving people are. Well, perhaps the colonel, but I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm,¡± Pom said, giving the idea some thought. ¡°I suppose that¡¯s true. You¡¯re a senior officer after all.¡±


    ¡°I was only third medical officer,¡± Mei explained. ¡°The same scale as the commander was, originally. All my direct superiors are dead.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit suspicious, innit? All the senior officers dying. If I were a believer in conspiracies, I¡¯d say ARI wanted to take over. Artificial Intelligence is banned for a reason, but hey, they


    just had to make an exception for interstellar ships¡­ Yeah, let¡¯s give them one more opportunity to kill humans!¡±


    Both had seen the dreadful historical footage of the AI-caused global economic catastrophe of the twenty-fifth century that plunged earth into two years of total anarchy and left over ten billion people dead. The newly formed UEC passed a general prohibition of the technology in the aftermath. However, as time passed and humanity spread throughout the solar system, AI has proven to be a necessity to reach other stars. The UEC had reluctantly eased the restrictions after a covert AI-controlled expedition was the first to successfully reach Proxima in the wake of several failed human-led efforts.


    Mei pondered. ¡°I trust ARI. It is a miracle anyone is still alive after all this time.¡±


    ¡°Then why are all the officers dead?¡±


    ¡°There actually is a good explanation,¡± Mei began. ¡°The topscale people lived on planets. Planetary atmospheres are exposed to cosmic rays - the stuff we try our best to keep out of orbital habitats - which create a lot of nice radioactive isotopes, such as carbon-14. Nothing you¡¯d have to worry about normally as that stuff has a halflife of nearly six thousand years. But if you¡¯re in stasis for tens of thousands of years, they have mostly decayed and destroyed you from the inside out.¡±


    ¡°Nice story, but Commander Woodward is from Earth,¡± Pom argued. ¡°That doesn¡¯t hold.¡±


    ¡°She was in stasis for over a hundred, and then stuck on the Proxima orbital for five years, just like you. You two came in on the same transit ship. Reverend Sekhon too.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­ I guess everyone from Sol was on DaFeng-148.¡±


    ¡°Of course. As much as DaFeng wanted to move all their assets to Proxima, they could still only afford to produce one ship every forty years or so. Was it really as bad as they told us?¡±


    ¡°As if the Proxima orbital wasn¡¯t bad! It¡¯s the same shit! All my life I lived out of a rented box barely bigger than myself. My investment changed hands a dozen times before the Company snatched me up and sent me out here. But hey, look at this,¡± he said, pointing at the shelter. ¡°I got my own fucking palace now. And I no longer see any security portals that may as well spell ¡®turn around and piss off, you dirty bottomscaler!¡¯¡±


    Mei paused. ¡°You are an HR kid, aren¡¯t you?¡±, she asked quietly. Although abolished before her time, the degrading practice had long persisted on Proxima. To sustain the labor force, bottomscale women were levied to bear children for the human resource cartel, earning an advance and a revenue share in their offspring. HR would invest in the child¡¯s upbringing and education, which would leave it indebted for the rest of its life.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°They call us whore-kids,¡± Pom sneered. ¡°Didn¡¯t even get any enhancements, thanks to those cheapskates.¡±


    ¡°Tell me one thing,¡± Mei asked curiously. ¡°How come you are so... rude? Don¡¯t they stamp that out?¡±


    Pom looked back, and Mei could see his characteristic amused, mischievous twinkle in his green eyes and a wide grin forming on his mouth, as if Pom took the question as a compliment. ¡°Well, they tried. But I guess they couldn¡¯t suppress that rubbish genome my putain-m¨¨re gave me. Almost failed the stability tests though. Twice.¡±


    ¡°What would have happened if you failed those?¡±


    ¡°The same as when you fail any of their important tests. You¡¯re a write-off.¡±


    ¡°And then they kill you?¡±


    Pom laughed, but he rasped as his dry throat was sore. ¡°No, of course not. Paying someone to put that on their conscience costs credits. They kick your indebted ass out, and let society do its thing. Either you find someone that has use of you, or you starve, and if you get in the way while doing so, security snatches you and sends you off for indentured labor. On Luna people don¡¯t tend to last long there. Especially not kids.¡±


    Mei was silent. While her own youth had been far from easy, she couldn¡¯t imagine what Pom had gone through.


    ¡°You know, I¡¯m glad about one thing,¡± Pom said.


    ¡°What is that?¡±


    ¡°That I must have outlived all those filthy topscale bastards. We probably survived the UEC and the Company too. I can¡¯t imagine any of that still exists. And I swear, if we get to the crater, I am not going to allow the perpetuation of any of that shit.¡±


    ¡°I wholeheartedly agree with that,¡± Mei said as she removed her shelter from the buggy and began unfolding it. Pom moved to help her set it up, but Mei declined. The heat of the day was picking up rapidly, making her uncomfortable. She left the half-deployed shelter for what it was and returned to the vehicle to drink from a canteen.


    Pom moved to help her set it up, but Mei declined. The heat of the day was picking up rapidly, making her uncomfortable. She left the half-deployed shelter for what it was and returned to the vehicle to drink from a canteen.


    ¡°Only two days of water left¡­ at best¡­¡±, Mei sighed in desperation.


    ¡°I know,¡± Pom said. ¡°Sun''s getting bad. I am going to rest. You sure you don¡¯t want a hand with that shelter?¡±


    ===


    When Mei crawled out of her shelter, Pom was already up and awake, squatting next to the radio. She had slept poorly, waking up several times to heat and thirst, with her eyes hurting and her skin dry and rough.


    There was a stiff breeze, and the sky had become slightly hazy, obscuring the otherwise impressive night sky of Messier 39. She turned around and saw dust clouds in the distance, in the direction they had come from.


    ¡°You should take a look at this,¡± Pom said, quietly.


    Mei shuffled up beside him and looked at the screen. Three more entries had appeared in the logs while they had slept.


    ¡°It¡¯s on the same frequency every time,¡± Mei said.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Pom said. ¡°Any idea what it could be?¡±


    ¡°A natural phenomenon? If it is a signal, it is way too distorted to make out anything more than what could possibly be a carrier wave.¡±


    Pom grumbled, realizing that whatever it was was not going to help them get out of their precarious situation.


    ¡°Sun¡¯s almost down. I¡¯ll go furl up the solar cells. Compact your shelter, mine¡¯s already on the buggy.¡±


    Once the sun had set, the pair of them packed up their belongings and continued on their way. As they drove, the darkness all around them was punctuated only by their headlights and the occasional flash of distant lightning in the sky behind them. They drove in silence for a while, until Pom broke it.


    "You ever think about what we''re doing?"


    Mei was tired and thirsty, and didn''t feel like engaging in conversation. Still, she knew that she needed to talk more if she wanted to keep her mind off the intense heat and dryness all around them. Her throat dry again, she drank the last from one of the few remaining canteens before replying.


    "Like what?"


    "Like¡­ I dunno. Everything? The past, the future."


    "Not really a great time to think about the future now, since we might not have one."


    "Yeah, I know, but still..."


    "I think about the past a lot,¡± Mei finally admitted. ¡°Good times with friends and family."


    "Me too."


    Mei couldn''t hide her surprise. "You have family?"


    Pom was silent for a moment. "I had a wife..."


    "I¡¯m sorry¡­ What happened?"


    "She..." Pom swallowed hard. ¡°She didn¡¯t make it. She was dumped along with the aft section.¡±


    Mei didn''t know what to say. She could hear the pain in his voice. She wanted to reach out and comfort him, but she hesitated.


    "You don''t have to tell me," she said.


    "No, it''s OK," he said. "I should talk about her more."


    "If you''re sure..."


    "I am... Her name was Jocelyn. We were married shortly after arriving at Proxima..."


    "How did you end up on the Dolya?"


    ¡°Well, that''s a different story."


    "I''m not going anywhere..."


    Pom smiled.


    ¡°We were... Different from most of the others outbound from Sol. Most just wanted to carve out a life for themselves in a new world, no doubt assuming they were gonna be welcomed to an idyllic life on Proxima. Jocelyn wanted to build something more. A new purpose in life, a new society with likeminded people. One where we would never make the mistakes of the old worlds.¡±


    He sighed, then yanked the wheel suddenly to evade a large boulder, half buried in the sand.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Pom continued, laughing from the sudden interruption ¡°Reality caught up with us the moment we arrived and found out that we weren¡¯t allowed to go planetside. No, we were going to be stuck in an orbital and I was sold off and assigned to asteroid mining, Jocelyn to accounting."


    "And then the Company purchased your investment?", Mei asked.


    ¡°Well, just mine, and they simply bought off Jocelyn¡¯s marriage clause... they didn¡¯t need another accountant after all. We barely got the credit together in time to pay for her ticket...¡±


    "That''s awful!", Mei exclaimed. She knew those in the lower grades had it bad, but the Company casually destroying their marriages was shocking even to her.


    Pom sighed. "We both pulled 20-hour shifts in the end and spent every last cred to get her a ticket to come with me, only for her to die. Because she loved me..."


    Mei reached out and touched his arm.


    "I''m so sorry..."


    "Yeah... Well... I guess Jocelyn would have wanted me to move on."


    "Let me drive for a while...", Mei offered.


    "You sure? I don''t mind..."


    "I insist. You go rest a bit more."


    "Thanks... And thanks for listening..."


    Mei took the wheel and continued driving. She looked at him. He was already fast asleep, his rough face peaceful for once.


    She drove on, thinking about her own life.


    The two of them had a lot in common, she realized. They were both sold off by their parents to the Company, Pom for money and herself... well, she wasn''t sure what the reason was. She was just told one day that she was going to work for the Company, not that she had much choice in the matter.


    At least he had Jocelyn, even if only for five years. She had no one...


    "I wish I could be with you...", she whispered to the air.


    There was something about the emptiness of the desert that changed her.


    She didn''t know why she was saying it. She had never professed feelings for anyone before, and was unsure whether her feelings now were even real.


    And yet, despite Pom''s deplorable background and standardized upbringing, she saw a genuineness about him that she had never before seen in anyone.


    She looked over at him, and he stirred in his sleep. She wondered if he was dreaming about Jocelyn.


    She wanted to be in his dreams. She wanted to be loved.


    She kept driving, the vast open sand plain stretching out before her like an endless black ocean.


    She wanted to scream. She wanted to cry. She wanted to feel something, anything.


    But there was nothing there. Just an empty void in her heart, like the desolation that surrounded her.


    Hours passed in silence, the only sounds being the soft whistling of the buggy¡¯s electronics resonating and the noise the wheels made as they caught bumps or plowed through patches of gravel.


    It was still dark, the sun having not yet risen. The dust had settled, and the sky had turned a deep blue-grey in the early twilight, speckled with stars. It illuminated the desert with an otherworldly glow, making the dry sand sparkle like snow. Exhausted, Mei stopped the vehicle and woke Pom.


    He stretched, then cursed when he saw how long he had slept. The two of them got out and looked around. The desert was barren, but they had been climbing steadily. In front of them, a range of dark grey that cut a jagged line across the horizon.


    "We''ll reach those hills by dawn," said Pom. "Then I''ll find a place to hole up for the day and set up the camp while you sleep."


    Mei nodded. She gazed at the hills, an ominous dark outline against the sky, and yet another barrier between her and survival.

 Disturbances in the Deep

    Maximilian surveyed the harsh landscape of the crater. The terrain stretched wide and uneven, a jagged bowl of cracked rock and silicate dust carved out by an ancient impact. He knelt down and struck the rocks with his small pickaxe. Sprinkled throughout the white stone and cracked round boulders, metallic ore gleamed under the thin light filtering through the alien sky. Patches of strange red fungi dotted the rim, their fibrous stalks swaying subtly as if attuned to an unseen rhythm. A shallow stream, crystalline and cold, meandered through the crater¡¯s basin¡ªits source unmistakably tied to the alien mushroom-like plants.


    A mechanical whir drew his attention as one of ARI¡¯s quadruped drones clambered over the rocks beside him. Its articulated limbs moved with precision on the uneven terrain, sensors scanning and data being constantly evaluated.


    ¡°Resource survey complete,¡± ARI¡¯s voice came through the earpiece embedded in Maximilian¡¯s helmet. ¡°Iron, copper, silicon, nickel and essential trace elements detected. High concentrations of nitrates and carbonates also confirmed in the northeastern quadrant.¡±


    Maximilian¡¯s gaze swept across the scene with a calculated frown. The resources were promising, but doubt gnawed at him. He felt the weight of command¡ªElisa had often been indecisive, and when decisions were made, he felt she had not throught it through at all. His thoughts shifted as he keyed a private channel to ARI.


    ¡°ARI, what are the procedures for a command transfer?¡± he asked, keeping his voice low and steady.


    "I fail to see the necessity for initiating such a disruptive procedure," ARI reprimanded him.


    "I am speaking entirely hypothetically, of course," Maximilian added.


    There followed a brief pause before ARI responded flatly. ¡°Company procedures state that such transfers can only be initiated under two conditions,¡± it began without hesitation or judgment despite the clear implications behind Maximilian''s query.


    "First condition: If the current commander is deemed medically unfit for duty by a certified medical doctor¡ªnone of which are currently available." ARI paused briefly before continuing, "Second condition: A two-thirds majority vote of no confidence among the officers."


    Maximilian''s eyes narrowed as he mentally tallied up those who could be counted on for support in this endeavor¡ª He could likely sway Reverend Ervin Sekhon, who could be trusted with descretion in the matter. Otto was likely malleable enough to sway with proper persuasion and evidence presented logically. However, Otto would confide with Sigrid. And Sigrid would prove a harder nut to crack given her obvious loyalty to Elisa...


    "Understood," Maximilian muttered, more to himself than ARI as he considered the best way forward from here without raising suspicions too early in this delicate political game being played out light-years away from home.


    For now, he would bide his time.


    ===


    The hum of low conversations and the clatter of workboots echoed within the makeshift headquarters, a hastily erected prefab shelter nestled at the heart of the rocky basin, which had become the reluctant home for the group of colonists who had crash-landed on this alien world.


    At the center of the cramped space, an interactive holo-map flickered to life, illuminating the faces of the team. Otto, a seasoned scientist with sharp eyes and a perpetual frown, stood beside ARI, their sentient AI companion integrated into a basic robotic shell. The two were surrounded by Maximilian, the pragmatic security chief with a towering frame, and Elisa, noticably smaller than the others. In the corner, Sigrid, their field biologist, lay on a makeshift cot, wincing as she adjusted her injured leg.


    "Alright, let¡¯s review what we know," Otto began, gesturing at the glowing display. The map highlighted pockets of resources scattered within the crater¡ªiron ore veins, silicate-rich rock formations, and smaller, glittering deposits suspected to be rare minerals essential for advanced fabrication. "It''s not very rich, but with proper extraction, we¡¯ll have enough to start constructing shelters, power cells, and basic processing facilities that can feed raw material to our fabricators. We have deployed nearly half the solar arrays on the northern ridge, with more being deployed as soon we have the masts erected to hoist them up."


    "Then there is the issue of the plants," Sigrid said.


    "What issue," Elisa asked.


    Sigrid tapped on the monitor and brought up a graphical representation of the plants genetic structure.


    "This is what the plants have for DNA," Sigrid explained. "That is not a natural genetic code, this is an order of magnitude more complex than any life that evolved on Earth. All of the plants have exactly the same DNA sequence. There are no instances of errors or genetic drift."


    "Then what does that mean?" Elisa asked, still confused by the idea.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "It means the plants did not evolve, and we don''t know how they got their DNA," ARI answered with certainty.


    Elisa was perplexed. "What do you think happened? How did it get here?"


    "There are two possible options," Otto explained. "Either the plants were brought here from another world, one that has advanced biotechnology and genetic engineering techniques far beyond what we currently know about or can even imagine today. Or, the plants are the survivor of a highly advanced civilization on this world, that has disappeared long ago.They could even be a remnant of genetic experiments gone wrong."


    "Which one do you think it is?" Elisa asked.


    "We have some additional data that may shed some light on the possible purpose of these plants," Otto said. "The elemental composition appears to indicate the plants are hyperaccumulators, meaning they extract metals, carbonates, nitrates and other resources from the subsurface and express these in the fruiting bodies. They do so far more effectively than any of the plants we brought. And as we saw, they also pump large quantities of water to the surface, but the water we tested is free from metallic contaminants..."


    "Hyperaccumulators?", Elisa repeated.


    Otto nodded, then continued: "This means the plants must have some kind of a root system that allows them to access deep resources, and pump water up through their roots. They would also need to be able to extract metals from deeper in the ground."


    "So, will this help us with gathering basic resources?" Elisa asked. "Can we harvest them? How quickly do they replenish? We could just as easily have a symbiotic relationship with these things, and it would be an extremely beneficial one."


    Otto nodded. "We would have to run further tests, but that is definitely an an avenue worth exploring. Judging from the chemical composition we know so far, there are large concentrations of nitrates and carbonates that will be critical for sustaining agriculture and creating rudimentary pharmaceuticals"


    "I understand your point, but let me tell you something," Sigrid said quietly. "When I first came to the planet and saw those plants for myself... The way it looked to me made my skin crawl."


    "What do you mean?" Elisa asked, while already knowing the answer deep down.


    Sigrid took a deep breath and explained the strange sensations she had felt: "When I saw those plants, something inside of me told me to look away. Something in my body went cold when I looked at them, and then there was this feeling of dread. It''s like something is watching me when those plants are present."


    Maximilian, tall and imperious, adjusted his coat with an air of skepticism. "That is a well-known psychological effect, Sigrid. The plants look distinctly alien in appearance, so you are projecting some kind of fear response. I am sure Reverend Sekhon can attest."


    "It''s not just a fear response," Sigrid said. "I can feel something, some kind of... presence."


    "We have already run scans on the plants," Ervin Sekhon explained, "They are literally just plants... They do not posess a nervous system, or anything remarkable beyond their function as a resource."


    Elisa and Sigrid exchanged glances, but Elisa looked away, not wanting to admit in front of the others that she had felt the same as Sigrid.


    With the tension in the room palpable, the group shifted gears to the practical aspects of their survival.


    Otto brought up a schematic overlay of their proposed base. "We need to prioritize building the initial structures," he said. "The core of the base will include a power distribution station and a refinery for processing minerals. We¡¯ll need a small fabrication plant for essential tools and construction materials and a few hundred square meters of duracrete foundation."


    "We should fortify the perimeter with deployable barriers,¡± Maximilian suggested. ¡°We can fill them with sand from the crater for additional protection against potential threats."


    Elisa shook her head. "Not yet. We need to focus on building an infirmary first. Sigrid¡¯s injury needs attention, and we found dozens of drop pods with colonists. If we are to revive them, we¡¯ll need medical facilities immediately. We also need more energy, thus we need to focus on the construction of the ramps. So I rather task the dozers with that."


    Maximilian opened his mouth to argue, but Otto cut him off. ¡°Elisa is right. Securing the health of our colonists takes precedence. Once we have an infirmary up and running, we can turn our attention to fortifications.¡±


    "ARI," Elisa said. "How long before we can get those antennas up?"


    "They are scheduled to go up sometime tomorrow morning," ARI answered.


    Elisa grumbled. They had only been on the planet for five days, but she was already itching to explore the vast territory beyond the crater walls. No matter the fact that the crater had more open space than she had seen in a lifetime, its tall steep walls still felt confining, oppressive.


    "I cannot lift the mast sections with my flying drones, so we need the crew to go up there, set up a pulley, and then we will be able to pull the sections up with the dozer," ARI explained, going over the details of the setup it had coordinated with Otto. "I also need to install foundations for the guy lines, we still need to produce a ball hinge and winch system so we can lower the mast during storms, and we are missing the power couplings. Repeat this process for the five masts that we have planned. Do you want me to reprioritize?"


    "No, I¡¯m sure you have thought of all the dependencies," Elisa said.


    "With the masts up, not only will we be able to use our comm systems inside the crater, we will also be able to locate our pods further afield.


    Elisa pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes narrowing as she stared at the glowing topography. "What about ARI''s long-range exploration drones? Can we deploy them past the perimeter once the antennas are operational?"


    ARI confirmed. "Yes, and they¡¯ll be essential for mapping out resources and identifying safe routes beyond the crater."


    The conversation was interrupted by a sudden, low rumble that made the prefab walls shudder. A faint, almost electric sound followed, crackling like static before fading into silence. The team exchanged wary glances.


    "What the hell was that?" Maximilian demanded, reaching instinctively for the small pistol holstered at his side.


    ARI''s blue glow shifted to a deep amber, signaling an alert. "Seismic activity detected. Origin: unknown. Magnitude: low. No immediate threat, but anomalous energy readings have been detected in conjunction."


    Elisa''s heart quickened as she looked to Sigrid. The biologist''s face had turned pale, and her hands clutched the cot''s edge with white knuckles.


    "It¡¯s them," Sigrid whispered. "I know it is."


    Silence cloaked the room as everyone processed her words. Otto''s frown deepened, and he exhaled sharply. "Then we need to figure out what they are, and fast."

 The Valley of Hope

    Pom carefully refilled their canteens with tepid water from the reclamation vat, before relieving himself in the other end. He hit it with the flat of his hand, and the sound returned was disappointingly hollow. ¡°We¡¯ll run out tomorrow,¡± he said.


    ¡°I know,¡± Mei reluctantly admitted.


    It¡¯s bad, she thought while she opened the air filter of the buggy¡¯s cabin and removed a bucket load of sand and dust. They had been traveling uphill, but if there was any water to be found, it would be in aquifers, and those were more accessible in low grounds. In addition, should the terrain get any more rugged, the buggy¡¯s action radius would be reduced as well, reducing their chances of finding anything.


    She had a pang of hunger and wanted to eat something, as she hadn¡¯t eaten for three days. But she knew that if she did, her need for water would increase, and in any case, water would run out long before they would starve.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, we can¡¯t be out here when the sun rises,¡± she said, as she climbed back into the vehicle.


    They set off, climbing the gentle slope.


    The sky turned from dark grey to metallic, then rose pink, then orange, and the sun crossed the horizon in the east. The ground under them was still cool when they first set out, but it grew warmer as the sun rose higher.


    The sun had risen high when they neared the top of the ridge, the buggy¡¯s battery all but spent. They had been climbing for at least two hours, and the only thing that lay before them was another ridge, equally as high, directly ahead.


    Pom found himself slumping in his seat, fighting exhaustion. His long nap had done little for him. As he approached the peak of the first ridge, he steered the vehicle over to the base of a rocky outcrop and parked it in the shadow.


    He drank a good mouthful of water, and his thoughts returned to him. He sat down for a moment and focussed then disembarking to begin setting up the camp. This time, mere moments after attaching the radio receiver to the screen of the solar array, it beeped.


    Pom walked over and looked at the screen. His eyes had difficulty focussing, but he could clearly see that there was not just one signal this time, but two.


    After waking Mei, he showed her the result.


    ¡°Two drop pods,¡± she said.


    ¡°They don¡¯t contain any water¡± Pom lamented, already having checked the manifests for the transponder codes.


    ¡°True,¡± Mei answered, ¡°But since the drop pods were supposed to land as close to the crater as possible, it is likely we have been traveling in the right direction.¡±


    ¡°I know that, but come on,¡± Pom said. ¡°You¡¯ve seen the dispersal area. We could still be hundreds of kilometers away. And even if we¡¯re only thirty clicks out, we might not see or recognize the crater ridge and drive right past it.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Mei agreed. ¡°They need to be broadcasting and we need to be close enough to pick up the signal. Else we¡¯re dead.¡±


    He didn''t respond, but instead simply turned back to the receiver and the screen. There were no new signals. Mei regretted her fatalistic observation. She tried to think of something encouraging to say, but nothing came to her. Pom simply moved away from the receiver and sat down in the shade of the vehicle.


    "I''m going to take a nap," he said, "You should too."


    ¡°Actually, I want to know if we can see something from here,¡± Mei said, retrieving the binoculars from the buggy and climbing onto the roof.


    She scanned the horizon, but saw nothing. An omnipresent blanket of dust and sand surrounded them. The only thing she could see was the endless expanse of yellowish-brown sand, stone ridges and the larger boulders that made up the surface of this planet.


    "Can you see anything?" Pom asked after a few minutes.


    "No," she said, handing him the binoculars. "You look."


    He took the binoculars.


    "Anything?"


    "Not really," he admitted, "There''s nothing but hills and sand as far as the eye can see."


    Mei nodded and went back to the buggy to retrieve her canteen. She took a long swill of water and ignored the unpleasant aroma. There was only so much the reclamation filters could do.


    ¡°I see something strange,¡± Pom suddenly murmured.


    ¡°What are you saying?¡±, Mei asked, not having heard what Pom was saying.


    ¡°I see this strange red cloud,¡± Pom repeated.


    Mei moved over, took the binoculars and looked where Pom pointed. Surely enough, from behind the third ridge to their north, a faint cloud of red smoke-like dust was rising upwards.


    "Do you think something is out there?", she asked.


    "It looks like it," he said. "Let''s go see what it is."


    He went to get in the buggy, but Mei stopped him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be crazy,¡± Mei said. ¡°The sun is up and the buggy isn¡¯t even charged sufficiently to get that far.¡±


    "We can''t wait around," he said.


    Mei grabbed his arm and looked him in the eyes. The whites had started to turn yellow, and his pupils stood wild.


    "Don''t do anything stupid," she said, trying to calm him down. "I''m serious. You are exhausted and desperate. Keep yourself together. I don¡¯t want to lose you!"


    Pom shook, then nodded slowly, realizing his folly. They returned to the shade to drink more water.


    They rested in their shelter until the sun set, Mei sleeping uneasily, fearing and half expecting that Pom would lose it and run off. She was relieved when the sun began setting. As she left her shelter, she saw Pom and the buggy were still there.


    Pom was staring in the distance.


    ¡°That red smoke is still blowing,¡± he shouted enthusiastically.


    ¡°Don¡¯t keep your hopes up,¡± Mei shouted back. ¡°It¡¯s probably nothing useful.¡±


    ¡°At least it is something that doesn¡¯t look like more sand and rock!¡±


    She went over to the receiver and checked the logs, as Pom began packing, eager to leave. The mystery signal was there again, much more frequent and stronger this time.


    She pressed a few buttons and ran an analysis on the logs.


    ¡°It¡¯s repeating,¡± she shouted at Pom.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Come look,¡± she waved.


    Mei was sitting on the ground, her back against a rock. She was looking at the screen.


    "See?" she said, pointing to the sections that had repeated at set intervals over several logs. "This is no natural phenomenon. Someone is trying to communicate."


    "Are you sure that it isn''t just a malfunction?" he asked.


    "The equipment doesn''t malfunction like this."


    Pom pondered, but found thoughts hard to come by. "So what do you think it is?"


    Mei looked at the screen, then out into the valley below. ¡°We got to go there. There must be people¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Pom exclaimed. ¡°A signal does not translate to coordinates. You don¡¯t have any idea where it is, or what it is!¡±


    ¡°We could drive a few kilometers north, check the signal strength, then go east, do the same thing. Then we have a direction.¡±


    ¡°With our shitty equipment and this kind of terrain?¡±, he said, throwing his arms wide as if to encompass all the hills and valleys. ¡°We can¡¯t measure signal strength objectively with this crap setup!¡±


    ¡°Then what do you propose?¡±, Mei snapped back.


    ¡°We go check that thing out,¡± Pom said, pointing wildly in the direction of the red plume.


    ¡°And just how do you think some smoke is going to save us now? It is probably just a volcanic vent. The signal is artificial. It¡¯s our best chance for survival!¡±


    ¡°At least that cloud is something I can see! That signal of yours is a ghost!¡±


    Mei looked at the screen and then back to the red cloud. She bit her dry, cracked lip, and it bled.


    "It''s right there! It can''t be more than half a night¡¯s drive away. I tell you what, at each ridge top, we set up the array again and check for your signal.¡±


    ¡°But we¡¯ll be totally out of water when we get there¡­¡±


    ¡°And the longer we wait, the more water we lose. Come on,¡± Pom said, as he disconnected the solar array and started packing it up.


    Mei nodded and got up, groaning. She was exhausted, but she had come to her senses.


    Both choices were equally bad, and they had no alternative but to keep moving in the hope they would find water. They packed the shelters and drove off into the twilight. The buggy sped over the rocky ground as they raced down the hill into the valley. When they reached the second ridge, they stopped and looked out, but the smoke was lost in the darkness.


    Pom held out his canteen. ¡°Cheers,¡± he said, as he drank the last of his water, and so did Mei.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    They began setting up the array. When Mei connected the receiver, there was nothing. She hit the device, and waited. Eventually, the two drop pods showed up once more, but weaker this time. Of the signal there was no trace.


    Mei waited a good ten minutes, staring intently at the screen, but it did not reappear. The wind began to pick up, angry and persistent gusts that slowly increased in intensity.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go,¡± Pom said.


    Reluctantly, Mei disconnected the receiver. They barely got the array loaded on the buggy before the wind began to blow in earnest.


    They went on their way, driving down the second slope. As they reached the valley floor, the rocks gave way to sand. They sped up a dunetop, and drove along its crest. The wind howled now, and soon there was sand all around them. The already dark sky darkened further as the buggy went down the edge of the dune.


    Through the veil of sand, Pom could see something dark looming ahead. He drove towards it. He slowed down as he approached it, squinting through the sandstorm. It was a rock, black and jagged, protruding from the sand.


    He stopped the buggy in its lee, and waited.


    Mei looked irritated, but understood that they could not continue under these conditions. The sandstorm raged on for hours. The darkness was nearly absolute, but Pom could see the sand swirling around them. It was cold. Mei shivered, and he put his arm around her. She snuggled next to him, and they hoped the storm to end.


    Mei woke up to find him still asleep. She nudged him awake. The sand still blew around them, but she could see again.


    "Storm has passed. We need to get going," she said.


    Pom grunted.


    ¡°Fine, rest a bit more,¡± Mei said, feeling light headed herself. She crawled over the seat and took the wheel, turning on the headlights and driving off into the darkness, beginning the long and arduous climb up the third ridge.


    The sun rose as they crested the ridge. It was red and dim, and its light cast an ominous glow through the dust-laden atmosphere. Visibility was poor as Mei found a suitable spot to camp and started to set up the solar array.


    When the radio receiver powered on, Mei¡¯s heart froze. Along with the strange signal, three new broadcasted signals were detected. She could receive them clearly, and they revealed the location of the base, a little over forty kilometers to their west.


    ¡°Pom, wake up. We¡¯re saved,¡± Mei said. ¡°I¡¯ve found the base!¡±


    He was weak, and slow to wake up.


    "Pom!" she repeated, shaking him.


    He rolled over, his eyes still closed. He mumbled something in his sleep, and then grabbed her wrist. He opened his eyes, and looked at her.


    "Mei? What are you doing here?"


    "We have a signal from the base! The others are only forty kilometers away!"


    She was afraid that Pom was hallucinating, but to her relief she could see the realization manifest in his eyes.


    "Oh." he said weakly, but he smiled. ¡°Good.¡±


    "We need to charge up," she said, "but tomorrow morning we could be at the base. You just need to hold on, you understand?"


    Pom nodded weakly. She put a hand on his shoulder, but his face was hollower than ever.


    Mei worried about him. He was not doing well, and neither was she. Her throat and nose hurt from the dryness, as did her eyes. She felt dizzy but realized that if she would rest now, she would have trouble getting up again. She feared they would not make it to the base.


    She looked at the buggy¡¯s battery indicator. It was half full, its energy conserved last night in the sandstorm. Charging was slow, with the sun obscured as it was.


    Mei knew they would not make it if they waited for full charge. They would have to go now.


    She first tried transmitting to the base for several minutes, but as she expected there was no reply to indicate receipt. Packing the solar array on her own took half an hour. She went to see if the reclamation vat to see whether it had produced anything out of the remnant of moisture that was inside, and retrieved a small bottom of water. First she wanted to give it to Pom, but she stopped and reconsidered. He was incapacitated, and should she pass out, they would both surely die. She gulped it down.


    "Mei?"


    "Yes, I know. We''ll go now. You just hold on."


    She started the buggy and drove off towards the west. The dust blew up behind them as they sped along the ridge. Mei felt her eyes sting. She tried to blink it away, but it was little help, her eyelids dry. She could barely see. Focussing on the ground immediately in front of the buggy, she saw the peaks of the ridge were rocky, so steered the buggy carefully downhill. They were slowly making their way down, and she did not want to drive them off a cliffside.


    A rocky gully emerged, and Mei steered into it. It offered a little shade, but the temperature was rising. Mei checked her clock. They had been driving for fifty minutes.


    "Are we there yet?" he asked, groggily.


    "No, but we''re halfway," she lied.


    "Oh," he said, and then he fell asleep again.


    She drove on, squinting through the haze. The sun climbed higher in the sky and stars began to dance in front of Mei¡¯s eyes. She couldn¡¯t go on.


    She steered the buggy over to the shade of a rock. Clawing at the control panel, she activated the buggy¡¯s radio, but to no avail. It didn¡¯t even pick up the signals of the base. She closed her eyes and waited for a few long minutes, then shook awake. I must keep going, she thought. Don¡¯t give up.


    The buggy pulled away, and then she saw it. From the top of a cliff face, streams of red dust blew across their path. It had settled on the dry rocks and left a red stain.


    ¡°Pom, your red smoke,¡± she said, but got no answer.


    She drove out of the gulley onto another bed of sand, closer to the valley floor. Rather than continuing westward, she turned north.


    Red powder covered the sand in front of them as far as she could see. Stopping the buggy, Mei opened the door. She ran her hand through the red stuff, and with a shock she realized she felt the unmistakable trace of moisture.


    Determined, she climbed back in the vehicle, leading them further north. Driving was difficult, and she could hear the red substance clumping to their wheels as if it were mud and the air became laden with fog. Suddenly, the imposing structures of tall, red mushroom-like plants emerged through the gloom that surrounded them.


    ¡°What the¡­¡± Mei exclaimed. She avoided one and steered out of the way, only to have the buggy¡¯s wheels sink into the soil up to its floorplate.


    Mei was stunned. She opened the door and immediately saw how moisture began to condensate on her helmet¡¯s faceplate. She could feel the cool, fresh air on her hands. Carefully, she got out. Her boots sogged into the marshy soil, but she could stand. She could feel the liquid under her soles, dropped to her knees and dug into the ground with her hands. After just thirty centimeters, water slowly started to fill the bottom of the hole.


    Mei cast off her helmet and cupped the water in her hands, drinking greedily and uncaring of the potential consequences. The air was damp and devoid of the dry dust, and Mei breathed deeply. She took her canteen, covered the opening with a rag to keep the sand and red stuff out the best she could, and filled it.


    ¡°Pom, here,¡± she said as she returned to the vehicle and tried to get him to drink.


    "No," he said, his voice slurring.


    She grabbed the canteen and poured some on his lips. Then she opened his mouth and tried to pour the water inside. He sputtered and coughed, but she managed to get some down him. She repeated the process until he regained consciousness.


    "What happened?" he asked.


    "You passed out," she said.


    "Are we at the base?"


    ¡°No¡­ We¡¯re in a valley. There are plants and water here,¡± she said, explaining how she had nearly passed out herself and followed the trail of red smoke in desperation. ¡°The buggy is stuck now, though,¡± she concluded.


    Mei went to get more water and afterwards the two ate a little from their rations. Pom felt sick and dizzy, but forced his sore throat to swallow.


    "I think we should name this place," she said.


    "Name it?"


    "Yeah, you know, like the first settlers on Earth did when they landed on Proxima."


    "You mean like ¡®Pleasure Beach''?" he asked, and they both laughed.


    "I don¡¯t know about that," she said, grinning. "We could call it the ¡®Valley of Red Soil and Water''."


    "Too long," he said. "How about the ¡®Valley of Hope''?"


    "That sounds about right," she said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go explore our valley a bit,¡± Mei said. ¡°You take it easy.¡±


    Mei hopped out of the vehicle. The buggy had sunk into the soil, but Mei judged that it was not in danger of sinking deeper now that its weight was spread out. She walked around and inspected one of the mushroom-like plants. It towered several meters above her, with its stem a pale white and a top of intense red-pink. She felt grateful and in awe, as the strange plants had saved her life with their mere presence.


    "Thank you," she mumbled, somehow expecting the plants to understand.


    Mei walked further onwards. Not far from the vehicle she found a much larger mushroom, surrounded by a circular pool of water. Water welled out of the plant, and from its top, it released a mass of red spores into the air, drifting upward. Mei realized that the smoke they had seen was originating from the blooming of these plants.


    She removed her oversuit and threw it in the pool to wash it, then waded into it herself to remove the grime from her body and wring the reek of a week¡¯s accumulation of sweat from her clothes. Her skin was rough and leathery and her bruises had turned green.


    She heard a crackling sound and turned around. Through the mist of red dust she could see a figure approaching her. She realized it was Pom, who was waving at her.


    "Hey, where did you come from?" she asked, not bothering to cover herself as she rinsed her hair.


    "I followed your tracks," he said, pointing at the trail she had left in the soil. "I wanted to apologize for being so grumpy."


    "No problem," she said. "I''m used to it. Now come and get washed, this stench is terrible..."


    ¡°If we had made it to the base, ARI would probably have quarantined and decontaminated us,¡± Pom laughed.


    ¡°Yeah well, it will do that anyway since we¡¯re wallowing in alien plant stuff...¡±


    Pom stumbled into the pool. Mei held out her hand and helped him up, then pulled him close and wrapped her arms around him. He looked into her eyes and they kissed briefly, then she helped him undo his clothes.


    Pom laughed as Mei cast water over his parched skin and began scrubbing his back. He turned around and returned the favor.


    The two of them laughed as they played in the water for a while.


    After returning to the vehicle, they deployed the solar panel. Mei ate her unfinished ration, while Pom hung their oversuits to dry. Then they began to deploy the shelters and set up the camp.


    ¡°We should recover for another day and dig out the buggy tomorrow,¡± Pom said.


    ¡°Agreed, it shouldn¡¯t be too hard. First we should take some medicine, though,¡± Mei said, as she ran through the medical supplies. She tossed Pom a pack, then took some herself.


    ¡°What is this,¡± he asked, his eyes not yet recovered enough to read.


    ¡°It¡¯ll help you flush out the toxins that have built up as a result of dehydration.¡±


    They both drank more water before turning in for the night.


    Mei woke up to the sound of Pom snoring.


    She got up and stretched, then went outside. The sky was still dark but clear, and the stars of Messier 39 shone bright overhead. She walked around the campsite, stopping to look at the alien plants, running her fingers through their fibrous structures on the ground. She picked a few and put them in a sample box, then went to the buggy to get more painkillers, as her body was far from healed from the ordeal in cryo and the general numbness had once again turned into stinging pain overnight. She felt ravenous hunger, and decided to make soup from a dry rations pack and water.


    The sky began to pale, as dawn approached. The air had cleared, and she could see the carpet of pinkish-red that made up the valley floor. The plants began blooming again, and more red pollen went up into the air. The stuff had gotten everywhere, as it stuck in Mei¡¯s hair and both their shelters and the buggy were soon covered in red dust. Mei sneezed and went to get her helmet to at least benefit from its filter. Then she began to dig out the buggy, sticking metal track plates under the back wheels to prevent the soft soil from swallowing it whole.


    She stopped for a moment to watch the sun rise. It was a radiant yellow-white, and through her visor¡¯s filters she could feel its warmth on her face. This is a beautiful world, she thought, and she felt sad that so many others that had come on their journey to search for paradise would not get to experience it.


    She finished digging out the buggy, then went back inside to eat some more rations and take more medicine. Her headache had gotten worse, but her weakness and lethargy had gone. Pom woke up, and together they went swimming in the nearby pool. In the late afternoon, they broke camp and headed west.


    Mei drove for several hours, until the valley began to widen out into a rocky wasteland. The crater that contained their base was clearly visible against the backdrop of the setting sun, that appeared as a radiant beacon just above the ridge.


    They stopped on a small hill, hoping their signal would get through this time. After a few long seconds, the buggy transceiver finally connected to the base antenna masts. ARI answered cheerfully, before patching them through to a tearful Elisa.


    Leaving their buggy in a narrow gorge cut into the crater ridge, one of ARI¡¯s drones came up to guide them down into the base.

 Strained Human Resources

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    The interior of the rover was cramped but serviceable, its soft overhead lights casting a pale glow over Mei and Sigrid. Mei knelt by Sigrid¡¯s outstretched leg, her hands steady despite the fine tremor in her fingers, a remnant of her dehydration ordeal. She injected the compound¡ªa viscous amber fluid stored in a reinforced vial¡ªinto the site of the fibula fracture.


    "This should help bond the splinter to the main bone," Mei explained, her voice calm but raspy. "It''s a biocomposite¡ªmostly polymerized calcium phosphate with some synthetic collagen. It¡¯ll act as a scaffold while your bone heals naturally."


    Her fingers moved with precision, moulding the injected compound into place. "How¡¯s the pain?"


    "Manageable," Sigrid said, leaning back and closing her eyes. "Thanks to these drugs, I feel like I¡¯m floating. Everything is just... Dulled and remote. But at least it''s better than being stuck in cryostasis. I can feel something, even if it¡¯s this."


    Mei¡¯s expression softened as she scanned the portable med-scanner over Sigrid¡¯s abdomen, monitoring the readouts. "Speaking of cryostasis," she murmured, frowning slightly, "you¡¯re healing well from that ordeal, but¡­" She hesitated.


    "But?" Sigrid¡¯s voice sharpened, despite the fog of medication.


    "Your liver showing some strain," Mei said carefully. "It''s not serious right now, but the freezing process wasn''t kind to it and your body is still discarding a lot of damaged material. We''ll need to monitor it, make sure it doesn''t develop into anything worse. I¡¯ll prioritize a treatment plan when we have the fabricator operational."


    Sigrid sighed, her voice heavy. "Add it to the list of things that could kill me out here."


    "Hey," Mei said, leaning back on her heels and meeting Sigrid¡¯s eyes. "You¡¯re tougher than you think. We all are. You¡¯ve already survived millennia in cryostasis and a busted drop pod landing, and you¡¯re still here."


    "Yeah, for now," Sigrid muttered, resting her head back. Her gaze drifted to the rover''s window. "Be honest, Mei. What do you think our chances are? Surviving this, I mean. Building anything here."


    Mei paused, sitting back on her heels and meeting Sigrid¡¯s gaze. Exhaustion shadowed her eyes, but there was still a glimmer of determination. ¡°Honestly? I think our chances are good. We have the medical supplies from at least one of the landers, and there are prefab industry pods and water right here in the crater¡ªeverything we need to start producing our own tools, equipment, even medication. Once we assemble those systems, we won''t be reliant on what we brought with us. We''ll be self-sufficient. And once that happens, we can start waking up the rest of the colonists."


    Sigrid''s lips pressed into a thin line. "But is it enough? With so few of us left, and no reliable power source beyond those solar panels¡­ It''s hard to feel optimistic when every day feels like a race against time."


    "True. Energy is a bottleneck. But we''re resourceful. There¡¯s a chance we can use the plants as a temporary energy source while we continue the search for radioactives."


    "But even if find them," Sigrid countered, "how many colonists are still alive? We¡¯ve lost so many pods already. It¡¯s not exactly the thriving society we planned for."


    Mei''s expression faltered for a moment, the weight of that reality pressing down on her. "You¡¯re right. We¡¯re fewer than we expected, and this isn¡¯t going to be easy. But it¡¯s not impossible, Sigrid. We stabilize the base, secure resources, and rebuild."


    Sigrid let the silence hang between them for a moment before speaking again. "You sound so hopeful."


    "I have to be," Mei said, her voice firm. "Because if we lose hope, then what¡¯s the point of any of this?"


    Sigrid''s expression softened as she watched Mei work, noting her cracked lips, strained eyes and the weakness in her hands. "You''re exhausted," she said gently. "I''ve been bothering you about my stupid leg while you''re barely holding yourself together. I¡¯m sorry."


    Mei smiled softly, shaking her head. "It¡¯s not stupid. Your leg is important. And don''t worry about me, I¡¯ll rest when I¡¯m done."


    "No," Sigrid said firmly, placing a hand on Mei¡¯s arm. "You¡¯ll rest now. You¡¯ve done enough, Mei. You''ve been through hell, and you¡¯re still trying to carry all of us. You need to recover too."


    Mei ignored Sigrid and remained silent, instead focusing on completing Sigrid''s treatment.


    "If we survive this, Mei, it''ll be because of people like you."


    ===


    The weather was clear, and the sun rose above the eastern crater ridge.


    Much to the chagrin of ARI, Elisa had given both three days off, and Pom and Mei had spent one recovering. Nevertheless, Elisa called them into their headquarters for a briefing.


    After ARI had updated them about the events that had transpired in the base in their absence, Mei explained what they had encountered while out in the desert.


    "There is something out there," Mei said to the assembled colonists, after describing their perilous journey.


    "I have completed analysis on the signal patterns that Mei detected. I attempted all standard encodings, but they returned nothing. However, it turns out our equipment is looking for the wrong thing. There isn¡¯t anything modulated in the signal, it¡¯s actually all noise. Rather, it is the presence or absence of the carrier wave itself that contains the data in binary. For example, this part is repeated nine times in every loop."


    A noise of rapidly whistling tones filled the room.


    "And? What is that?", Elisa asked.


    "A standard UEC distress signal, encoded in binary," Otto answered. People looked at him quizzically. "Our own distress beacons contain this exact sequence, along with more useful and descriptive information."


    "Precisely," ARI confirmed. "And there is one other bit I have been able to translate. It says ¡®requesting assistance¡¯, in UEC standard language. The rest however, is untranslatable. It¡¯s binary, so it could be a sequence of numbers, or a data package, or well, anything."


    "Does that mean someone is out here ahead of us?", Sigrid asked, glancing at Otto. "Or that something that was onboard our ship, and just went off when the aft section came down?"


    "Seventy thousand years is a long time," Otto answered. "Perhaps humanity sent out more expeditions this way... Ships with faster drives than ours..."


    "It¡¯s definitely worth checking out, at some point," Elisa said. "Do we know where it is coming from?"


    ARI answered immediately. "I¡¯ve adjusted our antennae and searched for the frequency, but we are unable to detect it from here. Based on where it was picked up, it is likely to be originating from somewhere south east of Pom and Mei¡¯s so-called Valley of Hope, east of the first ridge they stopped at. Three days travel away from here."


    "That¡¯s too far out for now. What about the drop pods? How many did we pick up?"


    ARI¡¯s drone projected the map of the general area and marked the locations of thirty seven pods outside the crater. It also indicated the sections that contained crewmembers, trapped in their cryopods.


    "Allright, how are we going to get all of these into the base?", Elisa asked out loud.


    "I have already determined the optimal course of action to accomplish that," Maximilian said.


    Everyone listened while Maximilian began to outline the plan. A second, much larger ramp would have to be constructed to reach the gulley that led out of the crater, and in the mean time, four crew members would take the buggy to recover three additional toploaders from drop pods in the desert. On the way back, they would load several pods with chemical supplies and industrial components for their refining operations.


    "Of course, this plan requires that Elisa marks Sigrid Ronningen, Pom Mansouri and doctor Qi Meifen as available for duty and assigned to ramp construction."


    Elisa grumbled, not appreciating how Maximilian had thrown this issue out there and criticized her decision in public.


    "That is not really acceptable, pressuring our injured crew members to work instead of recovery...", Elisa confronted him.


    "I assure you, I am not pressuring them. I am merely stating that their assignment is required for the completion of this operation."


    "But they are in no condition to work! Sigrid¡¯s leg is broken, and the other two are still recovering from severe dehydration!"


    "I have planned the tasks based on the crew manifest and the immediate needs of the colony and have to optimize our efficiency to maximize our chances of survival, as per the Company¡¯s directives," Maximilian said defensively in a matter-of-fact tone. "Bear in mind that those cryopods have a limited energy supply. If we do not recover them soon, we are going to be losing people."


    "Outside, now!", Elisa said to Maximilian as she opened the door of the shack and stepped outside. Maximilian followed, and Elisa closed the door behind him, leaving the rest inside.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "What do you think you are doing?", Elisa said angrily. "Undermining me like that in front of the others?"


    "I am merely stating the facts, and doing what is best for the mission," Maximilian responded in a calm, reserved manner.


    Elisa glared for a moment. "You do not have the right to speak to me like you just did! I am the commander of this mission!"


    "I don''t? I am the chief security officer, and as one of your senior officers, it is my duty to point out any potential dangers that may compromise this mission. Our current situation does not allow us to wait another week for Sigrid''s leg to heal or for doctor Qi and Pom Mansouri to feel perfectly fit again. Since our base is not fully operational, we need all hands, or crew members in stasis will die. The orders you gave me were to organize the mission based on the crew manifest and available resources. That''s what I am doing. If you wish, we can ask ARI to run the numbers, but I am confident that it will come to the same objective conclusion."


    Elisa felt taken aback by the well-spoken way in which Maximilian outlined his arguments, and did not have an immediate response.


    "I understand you are in a difficult position, commander Woodward," Maximilian continued. "While you are the ranking officer, you are also the only one that has not held command before. Allow me to give you some advice. You are not going to win people¡¯s respect by being sympathetic and giving them days off. People are mostly going to judge you by your confidence, and your results. You should delegate more to those that can provide you with experience and crunch the numbers. It will still be your decision. We only want to help you."


    Maximilian smiled. His words had sounded warm, genuine and helpful and his mannerism was calm and controlled, with which he had managed to defuse the situation while expertly turning the tables on Elisa.


    Maximilian put a hand on Elisa¡¯s shoulder. "We are all in this together, are we not?", he said, smiling again.


    Elisa looked away and nodded, feeling shame for losing her temper and reacting rashly earlier, as well as not heeding ARI¡¯s and Maximilians advice. Maximilian was right about everything, he had been right before when he had advised to fortify the camp, and now he was right that they needed all colonists to work.


    More troubling, she realized what Maximilian had implied but not said out loud. She already had trouble commanding six people and an AI. How was she going to command over a hundred people later down the line?


    "You know what, you''re right", Elisa admitted. "I overreacted, and I apologize."


    "If you are to lead, the first one you need to control is yourself," Maximilian said in a friendly tone that fully concealed the criticism. "Shall we go back inside?"


    Elisa felt confused. "Just one moment. What am I going to say? It will look bad if I force Pom and Mei to work right after I said I would give them time to recover..."


    "You could stress the importance of the operation and try to steer them into going to work voluntarily," Maximilian advised. "We are a group of responsible people. We are all exhausted, but everyone does what needs to be done. It is our duty."


    Responsible people, Elisa thought.


    "Thank you for your advice, Colonel. I greatly appreciate that you are trying to help me. I still have much to learn."


    "Think nothing of it," Maximilian said, as he opened the door and let Elisa in before entering himself.


    Ervin cast a glance at Elisa as she entered, and then stared at Maximilian. Maximilian cast him a telling expression, and Ervin returned a subtle nod.


    "Commander," Sigrid began before Elisa could even address them. "We¡¯ve just discussed the matter in your absence. Considering the circumstances, we would like to resume our duties, with your permission."


    Elisa gaped for a moment, then composed herself with a smile. "Of course, of course, thank you so much," she said.


    Elisa remained quietly on the side for the remainder of the meeting, while Maximilian and ARI conducted the briefing for the operation to come.


    ===


    After the meeting concluded, Elisa lingered in the dimly lit headquarters, her mind racing. The weight of command, the delicate balance of compassion and authority, and the ever-present specter of their precarious survival threatened to crush her resolve. She took a deep breath and glanced at Ervin Sekhon, who was quietly observing her from the other side of the table.


    Ervin was known for his calm demeanor, an unwavering voice of reason and spiritual guidance among the colonists. He had been educated as a theologist and mathematician, the odd combination of science and religion typical of the True Faith adherents, and he carried that dual role seamlessly into their new world. His gentle eyes held a depth that promised understanding without judgment.


    "Commander," he said, stepping forward. "Would you care for a moment to talk?"


    Elisa nodded, grateful for the offer. "Yes, Ervin. I could use some advice. Let''s go for a walk."


    They made their way outside, where the wind had picked up and swirls of sand and dust blew across the newly laid duracrete foundations of the base. The sun, now high in the sky, cast sharp shadows across the crater plains. Elisa put on her helmet and keyed in a secure channel with Ervin. She remained silent for a moment, staring at the sky as if seeking answers there.


    "I feel like I¡¯m walking a tightrope," she finally admitted. "Every decision I make either undermines my authority or costs me the trust of the crew. Maximilian¡¯s right¡ªI don¡¯t have command experience. I¡¯m afraid that one wrong step will unravel everything."


    Ervin leaned against a shelter wall, folding his arms thoughtfully. "Authority is a complex thing, Elisa. True leadership isn¡¯t about the perfect balance between strictness and leniency. It¡¯s about authenticity and knowing when to listen and when to lead. What is it you fear most?"


    Elisa turned to face him, her brows furrowed. "I¡¯m afraid that my decisions will push the crew too far, that they¡¯ll break. Or worse, that I don''t see the consequences of my decision someone will die because of my failure."


    Ervin¡¯s expression softened. "It¡¯s not weakness to care about your people¡¯s well-being. In fact, it¡¯s your greatest strength, a trait often lacked by those that hold the reins of power. But caring must coexist with decisiveness. You can show empathy while making difficult choices. The key is transparency. When people understand why you make the choices you do, they¡¯re more likely to support you, even if it¡¯s hard for them, or a decision turns out to be the wrong one."


    Elisa nodded slowly. "But Maximilian said that showing compassion is a liability, that people judge leaders by their results, not their empathy."


    "He¡¯s not entirely wrong," Ervin said. "Results do matter, especially in our situation, where our survival is at stake. But a leader who commands without trust is a tyrant. A leader who inspires without action is ineffectual. The balance lies in commanding with integrity, being responsible and accountable, and demonstrating that you¡¯re willing to share the burdens."


    Elisa¡¯s gaze shifted back to the red landscape. The ground below had seen their hardships, their victories, and their relentless will to survive. "It¡¯s easier said than done," she whispered.


    "Everything worth doing is," Ervin replied, a small smile touching his lips. "Consider this: Instead of viewing your team as resources to be managed, see them as allies in the mission. You¡¯re not alone in this, and neither should they be. Share your dilemmas with them when appropriate. Trust them to rise to the occasion. You¡¯d be surprised of people''s ability to band together when they understand the stakes."


    Elisa felt a sense of calm settle over her, a newfound resolve forming beneath the doubt. She realized that leading wasn¡¯t about presenting an unyielding facade but about showing her humanity without losing control.


    "Thank you, Ervin," she said, her voice steady. "I needed this."


    Ervin reached out and gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Remember, commander, authority comes not from your title or your access codes, but from the trust you build."


    Elisa strolled in the direction of the parked toploaders with a renewed sense of purpose. The path was still fraught with challenges, but for the first time in a while, she felt ready to face them head-on¡ªnot just as a commander but as a leader who believed in her team and in herself.


    ===


    The scorching midday sun beat down on the dig site as Elisa, Sigrid, and Mei worked tirelessly. The gritty winds swept through, blowing coarse sand at the windshield. Sigrid, with her leg still strapped in a brace, gritted her teeth as she piloted the dozer, and coordinated the loaders with the other.


    "We¡¯re making progress, but we need to hurry," Mei said, pausing to wipe sweat from her brow. Her eyes darted to the crater edge, where fierce strains of sand and the downpour of gravel signaled the coming shift in wind patterns.


    "Understood," Elisa responded. She glanced at Sigrid and Mei¡ªboth exhausted, both determined. "Let¡¯s bring in a full load before the storm picks up, then park everything up near the plateau."


    Nearby, Otto and Maximilian worked at the ore processing facility. The machinery groaned under the strain of its first operational test, gears grinding as the makeshift power lines sputtered with inconsistent energy.


    "Watch the converter output! It¡¯s fluctuating again," Otto called out, his voice tense as he adjusted the stabilizers.


    Maximilian¡¯s expression was a mask of focus as he manually calibrated the intake valves. "If we can¡¯t maintain a steady flow, the whole system will seize up. We need more power," he said through clenched teeth.


    Otto¡¯s eyes met Maximilian¡¯s, and a silent understanding passed between them. They had to make it work¡ªnot just for the mission, but for everyone depending on them.


    Suddenly, the power flickered, and the machinery let out a metallic shriek before quieting. Otto punched a command into the control panel, holding his breath until the hum resumed.


    "That¡¯s as stable as it¡¯s going to get," Otto said, exhaling. "Let¡¯s hope it¡¯s enough."


    Further away, by the shallow river, Ervin and Pom moved carefully, securing the cargo and cryopods they¡¯d managed to find half-submerged in the muddy banks. The water glistened under the sunlight, deceptive in its peaceful appearance.


    "This one¡¯s heavy," Pom muttered, straining as he pulled a cryopod up onto their sled.


    "Steady, Pom," Ervin said, adjusting the support frame. His usually calm expression was shadowed with worry. They both knew that time was not on their side. Each cryopod they recovered was another potential life saved¡ªor lost.


    As they arrived back at the base, Mei rushed over to inspect the pods. Her sharp eyes caught the cracked glass of one.


    "This pod is damaged," she said urgently, running her hand over the hairline fractures. ARI¡¯s drone hovered beside her, scanning the pod.


    "Energy levels critical," ARI¡¯s synthetic voice intoned. "Immediate intervention required."


    Mei nodded, setting to work with what little they had¡ªa makeshift combination of stimulants and rehydration solutions. The crew gathered around, tension thick as they watched Mei¡¯s hands move swiftly, injecting the contents into the failing pod.


    Elisa stood nearby, silent but present, the weight of command pressing on her. Moments passed, each one dragging with it a harrowing sense of helplessness. Then ARI¡¯s drone emitted a single, final beep.


    "Vital signs lost," it stated.


    Mei¡¯s shoulders slumped. "I¡¯m sorry, Commander. I did everything I could."


    Elisa felt a wave of sorrow wash over her, followed by the cold logic of their reality. Resources were scarce¡ªeven the most basic burial would cost them dearly.


    The silence stretched, the crew looking to her for direction. She swallowed, pushing down the grief, but knew what had to be done.


    "We will honor them as best we can," she said softly, her voice steady. "ARI, document their identity and record their loss. We¡¯ll mark their memory, even if we cannot afford more than that." She glanced over to ARI and Mei. "Salvage what you can from the pod, recycle the remains."


    The crew nodded, understanding the painful truth that had bound them all since the moment they landed: survival demanded sacrifice. Yet Elisa¡¯s resolve remained, fueled by the lives still waiting to be saved.

 The Watchers Above

    The base was alive with activity now that the glaring sun was setting. The team worked to clear part of the crater to expand the industrial facilities. The alien plants, towering mushroom-like structures with thick stalks and glowing caps, were being systematically cut down by ARI''s laser cutter.


    Elisa stood on the edge of the duracrete foundation, arms crossed as she watched a newly assembled crane arm lift the remnants of a massive mushroom-like plant and deposit it into the hopper. The plant''s fibrous stalk was ground down with a deep, grating rumble. Water and a mixture of white and bright red-pink juices stained the machinery and dripped into the metal grooves below before being pumped away for distillation. The scene felt wrong to her¡ªthere was something about the plants that felt alive, almost aware. She hated the sound of them being reduced to chunks and bits, but practicality left no room for sentiment. The base needed space, and every resource mattered.


    Nearby, Otto and Sigrid cataloged the processed material. The alien biomass, though bizarre and unnerving, was rich in metals and rare elements that could be used in the fabricator once refined. Elisa approached, and Otto wiped the sweat from his brow as he surveyed the progress.


    "We¡¯re about halfway done with this section," he reported. "The plants are yielding a surprising amount of carbon compounds and trace metals. They¡¯re almost too efficient for their size."


    Elisa nodded absently, her eyes still on the hopper. "Efficient or not, we¡¯re stepping into unknown territory. Keep an eye on how the remnants interact with our systems. I don''t want surprises."


    Otto hesitated before replying. "You think they are dangerous? The plants?"


    "Not directly," Elisa said, her voice low. "But nothing here feels straightforward. Let''s finish this and move on."


    Otto nodded returned to his station. The commander turned away, her thoughts clouded, as the grinding machinery continued its relentless work.


    ===


    Several kilometers from the base, on the far side of the crater, Pom, Maximilian, and ARI worked to recover the pods ARI had marked as containing the modular prefab industrial equipment.


    Maximilian drove the lead vehicle, while Pom rode in the second, occasionally glancing at the barren horizon. ARI''s drone hovered overhead, scanning the terrain and guiding them to the marked pods.


    "Next pod is two hundred meters north-northwest," ARI¡¯s voice chimed over the comms. "According to the manifest, it contains essential parts for the smelter module."


    "Good," Maximilian said. "Let''s hope this one hasn¡¯t been smashed to bits like the last one."


    Pom remained quiet, focusing on the faint shimmer of the pod ahead.


    "Something on your mind, Pom?" Maximilian asked casually, his tone friendly but probing.


    Pom hesitated, then shook her head. "Just tired. Long day."


    Maximilian chuckled. "Aren¡¯t they all? But we¡¯re making progress. When we return this load, this base might actually begin to look like a colony." He glanced at Pom through the rearview mirror. "Still, it¡¯s a lot to take in, isn''t it? Being out here, so far from Earth, most of the officers dead..." He paused and took a shallow breath. "Young girl in command..."


    Pom glanced at him sharply, then looked away. "Tough job, that¡¯s all."


    "True enough," Maximilian said, nodding. "I''ve known a lot of commanders. Some crack under pressure, some thrive on it. It¡¯s interesting to see how different people handle the responsibility."


    Pom frowned, unsure of where he was going with this. "Elisa''s not cracking. She''s holding it together."


    "Of course," Maximilian said smoothly, his tone reassuring. "But it''s okay to have doubts, you know. Everyone does at some point. It¡¯s just human nature."


    "I don''t doubt her," Pom said quickly, a defensive edge creeping into her voice.


    "Relax," Maximilian said with a disarming smile. "I''m not saying you do. I''m just saying it''s normal to feel¡­ conflicted, especially when the stakes are this high. We''re all counting on her. On each other."


    Pom said nothing, her grip tightening on the steering controls. The pod loomed closer, its reflective surface partially buried in the sand. ARI''s drones zipped ahead to begin preliminary scans.


    Maximilian let the silence linger, then added, "She''s lucky to have people like you. Loyal, hardworking. I don''t know if I could do it, being in her shoes."


    Pom glanced at the comscreen again, this time with suspicion. "You don''t think you''d make a good commander?"


    Maximilian shrugged, his expression neutral. "Oh, I''ve led operations before, sure. But a whole colony? That''s another level entirely. You''d have to be someone special for that kind of responsibility."Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    His words hung in the air as they reached the pod. ARI¡¯s drones signaled the all-clear, and Maximilian jumped out to inspect the latches. The pod was partially buried in sand, its outer shell dented but intact. Pom and Maximilian disembarked, while ARI¡¯s drone scanned the exterior for structural vulnerabilities. With the combined effort of the rover¡¯s mechanical arms and ARI¡¯s guidance, they began the process of extracting the pod from the sand. Pom climbed on top, still chewing over his comments as they worked together to secure the pod for transport.


    By the time the recovery team returned with the pod, the plant clearing had finished, and the area was prepped for the first industrial assembly. Elisa stood by the crane, watching as the modular components were offloaded and assembled.


    Maximilian approached, his expression unreadable as he gave her a brief report. "Most pods were intact. Smelter parts are all there. ARI¡¯s already cataloging them."


    "Good work," Elisa said. She glanced at Pom, who nodded but avoided her gaze and made off in the direction of a nearby toploader to gather another haul of ore.


    ===


    The dig site echoed with the low growl of engines as Ervin Sekhon maneuvered his dozer across the rocky terrain. The machine¡¯s hydraulic arm lowered, its reinforced scoop biting into the compacted ground with precision. Beside him, Mei piloted her own dozer, a smaller but more agile model designed for extracting ore veins near the surface. The air was thick with dust, which clung to their suits and settled on the machinery as they worked.


    "So far it''s been mostly poor density, but it finally looks like we might get decent yield here," Ervin called over the comm, his voice steady despite the rigors of piloting the vehicle for hours on end. He nudged the control stick, tilting the scoop upward to deposit a fresh load of ore into a waiting pile.


    "Good," Mei replied, her attention fixed on the scanner display inside her cabin. "We really need to hit higher ore concentrations, or we will expend too much energy and chemicals on processing... Did they get that smelter up yet?"


    "Not yet," Ervin said, wiping his forehead with his remaining hand before returning to the controls. "But I¡¯ll keep digging anyway."


    Further down the slope, Pom and Maximilian arrived with their toploaders, rugged machines designed for hauling heavy loads. The vehicles rumbled to a stop, and Maximilian climbed out of his cockpit to stretch, his movements relaxed but deliberate.


    "You two are making good progress," Maximilian said, surveying the growing piles of ore. "Let¡¯s see if we can speed things up. ARI¡¯s got a timetable for that smelter, and it¡¯s not going to fill itself."


    Pom rolled his eyes but said nothing, guiding his toploader into position with practiced ease. "Ready when you are," he called to Mei.


    Mei brought her dozer to a halt, carefully tilting its scoop to pour a load of ore into Pom''s toploader. The metallic clatter of rocks filled the air, accompanied by the steady hum of machinery. Meanwhile, Maximilian positioned his vehicle next to Ervin''s dozer, waiting as Ervin filled it with a mix of iron-rich sediment.


    It was Ervin who noticed them first. As he glanced toward the ledge above the dig site, he froze, his gaze locking onto a cluster of golden carapaces gleaming in the sunlight.


    "Uh¡­ Mei? Pom? Look up," Ervin said, his voice tight.


    Mei followed his gaze and felt a chill run down her spine. Perched along the rocky edge, a group of golden beetles stared back at them, their many eyes shimmering with an iridescent glow. Their antennae twitched with eerie precision, as if they were taking in every detail of the humans'' operation.


    "Those are the creatures that attacked Elisa, right?" Mei asked, trying to mask her unease. "But they¡¯re just watching¡­ not attacking.¡±


    Maximilian¡¯s voice cut in, calm but sharp. "How many?"


    "At least six," Ervin replied. "Spread out across the ledge. They¡¯ve got a clear view of everything we¡¯re doing."


    Pom craned her neck to look. "Creepy," he muttered.


    "Maybe they¡¯re learning," Maximilian said, his tone unreadable. "Or maybe they¡¯re just waiting for the right moment."


    "Let¡¯s not give them one," Mei said, trying to refocus the group. "Let''s hurry and fill up. The faster we get back to base, the better."


    ===


    The desert sky was barely touched by the first hints of dawn as Mei and Sigrid made their way to the patch of alien vegetation that loomed like a small forest ahead. The mushroom-like plants stretched high into the air, their wide, waxy caps casting strange shadows across the sand. Each stem was as thick as a tree trunk, yet the whole structure had an almost translucent, glassy quality, as if their fibers were alive with an internal glow. Pools of water lay nestled in the sand beneath some of the larger caps, their surfaces disturbingly still.


    Sigrid shivered despite the warmth of the morning. She glanced around, feeling her heart beat faster with each step. ¡°These plants¡­ it¡¯s like they¡¯re watching us,¡± she whispered, casting quick looks at the fungal stems as if expecting them to lean closer.


    Mei smiled gently, seemingly unaffected by the atmosphere that hung around the alien grove. ¡°Don¡¯t be so jumpy, Sigrid. They¡¯re just plants.¡± She placed a steadying hand on Sigrid¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Or¡­ plant-like, anyway.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re more than that,¡± Sigrid murmured, keeping her distance. Her voice was low, almost reverent, but tinged with fear. ¡°There¡¯s an intelligence here, Mei, a presence. Don¡¯t you feel it?¡±


    Mei shook her head and moved closer to the nearest mushroom, studying it with the same detached curiosity she reserved for lab specimens. ¡°You know, Sigrid, the water from these plants saved my life. When I was stranded out here, dehydrated and on the brink, these pools were my only source of water.¡± She gestured to the shallow basin of liquid shimmering below the mushroom cap. ¡°And I drank, and here I am.¡±


    Sigrid took a wary step back, eyeing the dark, still water in the pool. ¡°I am not sure if I could do that. This place feels wrong. Like we¡¯re trespassing on something that doesn¡¯t want us here.¡±


    Ignoring her, Mei turned her attention to the towering mushroom stalk, her fingers tracing the strange textures on its surface. ¡°They¡¯re fascinating, Sigrid. Their structure is incredible. I don¡¯t feel the way you do; these plants don¡¯t scare me.¡±


    Sigrid watched, frozen in a mixture of awe and terror. She didn¡¯t dare go near the stem herself. She couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the plants were observing them, silent and waiting, and her skin prickled with the unshakable sense of being watched from all directions.


    ¡°I think they¡¯re part of this place¡¯s balance,¡± Mei said softly, as if she could sense something Sigrid couldn¡¯t. ¡°Something out there has created these plants. They¡¯re not here by accident.¡±


    Sigrid swallowed, backing up a few paces. ¡°Or maybe it¡¯s us they¡¯re waiting for. Mei, please¡­ just be careful.¡±


    Mei let her hands fall away from the stem. She turned to Sigrid, a gentle smile on her face. ¡°Trust me, I am.¡±


    But Sigrid¡¯s face remained pale, her gaze fixed on the towering fungal shapes, shadows flickering along the ridges of their caps. To her, they seemed more like silent guardians than simple plants. As the first rays of sun lit up the desert horizon, the two women stood side by side, one in fear, and the other in wonder.

 The Raid

    Elisa jumped off the edge of the plateau and landed in a pile of loose sand on the ramp below.


    ¡°Please do not violate health and safety regulations,¡± ARI reminded her in a strict tone. ¡°Your sick day balance is currently zero.¡±


    Elisa ignored it and made her way down. Maximilian pulled up the dozer nearby and opened the cabin door. ¡°Good morning, commander,¡± he called, his helmet visor open.


    Elisa climbed into the cabin and took a seat beside Maximilian. ¡°Colonel.¡±


    ¡°The new ramp should be complete in the next two hours,¡± Maximilian reported.


    ¡°That is good,¡± Elisa nodded approvingly. ¡°Next we will get Sigrid''s shelter and move it down with the others. Then back to work on the infirmary.¡±


    Maximilian confirmed as he began assembling a mount of earth to push up the ramp. Then he suddenly braked hard.


    ¡°Poxes!¡± he cursed.


    The abrupt stop catapulted Elisa back to the present. ¡°What is it?¡±


    On the sand below, three quadruplets of alien eyes looked up into the cockpit, their carapaces a bright golden sheen transitioning to red copper and faint green hues. Varicolored crystals sparkled on their backs and their antennas whirling curiously, as if sniffing.


    Maximilian hit the horn, the dozer emitting a long, blaring hoot, but the three creatures remained unfazed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think dozers register as a natural enemy,¡± Elisa remarked.


    ¡°Maybe they¡¯ll learn if I just run them over,¡± Maximilian snarled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that,¡± Elisa said quickly.


    ¡°Everyone on alert,¡± Maximilian barked on the public comms. ¡°We have spotted three alien beetle creatures near the foot of the ramp.¡±


    One of ARI¡¯s armed drones zoomed overhead, its weapons ready.


    ¡°This site is Company property! You are in violation! Vacate the premises at once! Trespassers will be terminated!¡±, it ranted. Whether it was due to the intimidating voice or the considerable amount of dust kicked up by the flying drone, this time the creatures responded, pressing their antennas flat against their heads and hissing angrily.


    Elisa then spotted another string of golden droplets leap out of the side of the cliff, tumbling into the soft sand below. ¡°There,¡± she said, pointing, counting five, six, ten. ¡°More!¡±


    As one, the three in front of them turned away from ARI and then used their many legs to sprint in the direction of the base. ¡°Halt! Not that way,¡± ARI exclaimed, already in pursuit, which only appeared to incite the creatures to run faster.


    ¡°Red alert,¡± Elisa shouted, ¡°Twenty or so creatures inbound for base from the direction of the plateau.¡±


    The rest of the team acknowledged, but before anyone had taken defensive positions or ARI was able to catch up, the creatures were already amidst the structures, knocking over stacks of crates, burrowing in raw ore piles, climbing into industrial scaffolding of the refinery and clawing frantically at shelter walls.


    Maximilian cursed once more as he reversed the dozer, then drove in the direction of the base.


    ¡°Can we shoot them?¡±, Ervin asked in an uncertain tone over the comms.


    As if answering the question, ARI¡¯s pursuing drone lit up one of the creatures with its laser, the reflectiveness of the carapace proving no obstacle. It partially exploded, its outer shell breaking into chunks as the superheated soft tissue below sought to expand, crystals scattering in all directions. ¡°They are jeopardising Company investments, so yes, you can most definitely shoot them!¡±, ARI answered before Elisa could.


    ¡°Are there any creatures up there where Sigrid is,¡± Elisa asked.


    ¡°Negative,¡± ARI answered, much to everyone¡¯s relief, as it blasted away another creature. Otto and Ervin stood shoulder to shoulder and shot at the fast-moving creatures with their pistols, but their lack of weapons training was showing. They only managed to hit one that came directly towards them.


    ¡°I¡¯m having a hard time targeting them,¡± ARI exclaimed. ¡°They are amidst the machines and I don¡¯t want to risk damaging any of our equipment.¡±


    The onslaught intensified. In a roar of screeching metal, the still unsecured distillation column toppled and came crashing down amidst the ore processing machines. Golden creatures swarmed over it triumphantly, before moving on.


    ¡°I guess you can leave that damaging the equipment part to them,¡± Maximilian scoffed.


    As the dozer rolled into the base, he grabbed his compact submachine gun from the compartment beside his seat and leaped out of the cabin. From a crouching stance, he aimed carefully and fired a single shot. A golden beetle came tumbling out of the scaffolding supporting the ore processing hopper. ARI performed a strafing run and took out two more.


    Elisa climbed out of the cabin, drew her sidearm and took out one at the top of the ore pile. Five more were burrowing into it, kicking up stones and dust.


    ¡°They seem very interested in the raw ore,¡± Elisa noted.


    ARI circled overhead, focussing its extermination efforts on the beetles in the pile.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s clear them out of the assembly yard,¡± Elisa shouted, waving to Ervin and Otto while Maximilian picked off two more interlopers near the furnace area.


    The trio made their way between the pipe sprawl and worked their way through the inspection walkways that were too tight for ARI¡¯s drone to navigate, let alone use weapons in.


    For a good minute they searched, not finding any of the golden beetles. The site had gone eerily quiet. ARI and Maximilian had finished off the ones in plain sight, and there was no apparent destructive activity of the creatures.


    ¡°ARI, how many are accounted for?¡±, Elisa asked.


    ¡°Fifteen, but I have confirmed sightings of at least twenty-two,¡± it answered. ¡°The remainder has not departed the premises. But I am failing to detect them anywhere. No discernible auditory or thermal signatures.¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    The three continued their sweep of the assembly yard, Elisa up front, Otto in the middle and Ervin trailing behind. Elisa half expected to be jumped on every time she rounded a corner, but there was still no trace of any of the creatures. ¡°Stay alert, and keep watching above and below. The one in the cave jumped down my neck,¡± Elisa warned.


    ¡°We really should come up with a name for these things,¡± Otto mused.


    ¡°Get-out-of-my-base-things,¡± Elisa growled.


    ¡°We could name them after you,¡± Sigrid offered.


    ¡°No thanks!¡± Elisa said as she came around another corner, which caused her to freeze.


    ¡°What is that¡­ stuff¡­¡±, Otto exclaimed.


    In front of them was what used to be one of the catchpits for partially-refined ore, but now it was covered in dark blue-green goo that bubbled and foamed violently. The partially disintegrated husks of several of the creatures lay scattered throughout the site.


    ¡°Some kind of acid? It seems to be consuming the minerals, if you ask me,¡± Elisa ventured.


    As she spoke, the liquid began to ripple in places, and tiny cubic glittering structures began to form.


    ¡°Crystals, it¡¯s using the minerals to grow more of those crystals,¡± Elisa noted.


    ¡°What are we going to do about it?¡±, Otto wondered.


    ARI was sure about one thing. ¡°Not touch it!¡±


    ¡°We need to know what this is. I¡¯ll get a sample kit and a stick,¡± Otto said, as he made off.


    Elisa and Ervin observed the strange liquid solidify into more complex crystals. The substance almost seemed alive, moving as if it had a will of its own. In some places, it crept up against metal panels, then receded, leaving behind small residual crystalline patches. Strands formed, and began to meander in the direction of Elisa.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this¡­¡±


    ¡°Me neither,¡± Ervin seconded as they retreated. The uncanny appearance and unnatural movements of the alien substance was making his skin crawl.


    Just as they turned back and went around the corner, Ervin grabbed Elisa¡¯s shoulder and made her stop. Further down the walkway, a green-blue liquid dripped from the ore hopper above. Before they could react, the bottom of it melted and gave way, sending its contents plummeting into the space below. Dissolved ore, freshly formed crystals and a splash of liquid compounds rushed towards them.


    ¡°Up! Climb,¡± Ervin exhorted Elisa, pushing her up some thin section of piping that was small enough to grasp. Ervin groaned. Despite Elisa being a good two heads shorter than him, she was still quite heavy. After Elisa had made it up onto a ledge above, Ervin jumped up and pulled himself up, Elisa helping by grabbing his collar.


    Below, the walkway they stood only moments before vanished under a layer of frothing blue-green ooze.


    ¡°Where now?¡± Elisa asked. There was no obvious way to go, as the machinery that towered over them had no surfaces that were climbable and the ledge did not extend far enough to go back around the corner.


    Ervin looked for a way forward, but found none. As he peered over the ledge, he saw blue-green strands begin to form along the piping they had just climbed. ¡°It definitely seems to know where we are...¡±, he exclaimed.


    Elisa asked for help. ¡°Ervin and I are stuck up in the ore processing section, between what¡¯s left of the ore hopper and the catchpit. There¡¯s some anomalous alien fluid below that likes to consume stuff and turns it into crystals and it¡¯s coming after us. Need immediate assistance!¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, I cannot access the area, unless you want me to begin cutting up equipment. But that might take a while,¡± ARI answered.


    ¡°I have an idea,¡± Otto offered. ¡°The ore processing facility contains all kinds of chemicals. Can you see any of the silos?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, there are two opposite the walkway,¡± Elisa answered, understanding what Otto was getting at. She read out the serial numbers.


    ¡°The first one contains hydrogen sulfate, the second one sodium hydroxide,¡± ARI answered immediately.


    ¡°Easy choice,¡± Elisa said, taking her sidearm and blasting a few holes in the second silo. The pressurized contents began to spill out rapidly, jetting into the smooth panels opposite, before cascading into the goo below.


    The substance bubbled and fumed, as a layer of filthy brown foam began to form on top. The tendrils that reached upwards seemed to lose both their adhesiveness and viscosity and streamed back down into the rapidly growing puddle.


    ¡°It seems to be working,¡± Elisa cheered.


    In minutes, the alien compound appeared to be neutralized, as most of it solidified into a resinous brown foam. From above, ARI dropped three additional canisters into the catchpit area, in an effort to contain the outbreak. Otto and Maximilian made their way to the grating overhead, and began to cut away a section. Lowering in a small cable, they first extracted Elisa from the ledge. Since the hole above was not aligned, she had to swing across the gap and slammed into the first silo, before Maximilian could winch her up.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± she said, as she took Otto¡¯s hand. They lowered the cable back down and swung it to where Ervin could catch it.


    As Ervin let go of the ledge and swung across, something stirred in the substance below. In the far end of the corridor, a large, dark bubble rose to the surface of the foam. Without warning, it burst, sending blue-green droplets in all directions.


    Ervin shouted.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on,¡± Elisa asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m hit by that stuff!¡±, Ervin replied, as they pulled him clear. ¡°Careful, don¡¯t touch it!¡±


    There was a large glob of shimmering goo on his calf, which had already begun eating itself into the otherwise highly resilient material that made up his hard leg covering. Elisa quickly disassembled the greave and threw it aside. Then they realized there was a second patch on the side of Ervin¡¯s glove.


    Ervin quickly removed the glove, but saw to his horror that it had already made its way through. A dark patch had formed on his skin, and it was growing. Ervin rapidly considered his options, the memory of the creeping liquid and the desiccated husks of the golden beetles a dreadful prospect on his mind.


    ¡°ARI,¡± he said calmly, as he held his arm outstretched. ¡°Cut off my hand, quickly.¡±


    ARI¡¯s laser sliced through his forearm before anyone could respond. Ervin did not flinch as the severed limb fell to the floor, the general numbness from the daily injections of pain medication mitigate the effects of their radiation burns made him experience disassociation with his body.


    Everyone looked in stunned astonishment at Ervin, except Maximilian, who nodded approvingly. ¡°Good thinking, reverend,¡± he said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s pray none of it made it into my bloodstream,¡± Ervin said, inspecting his smoking and cauterized stump. The brutal but necessary act had seemed unreal.


    Otto retrieved a clamp on a stick, and put the severed hand and armor plate into sample boxes. Small blood-red crystals had already begun to form on the skin.


    ¡°Put the boxes out on the sand for a while, to see whether it interacts with the polymer or not,¡± ARI advised.


    The party hosed down the equipment to remove the last active remnants of the alien substance, and began taking inventory of the damage. Various critical machines in the ore processing facility and chemical yard had been destroyed. Without the input of raw materials, the fabricator was rendered useless. None of the pods that held the required spare components were present in the crater.


    Maximilian''s eyes stood furious. ¡°And this is why we should have fortified our basecamp before we went to build that ramp¡­¡±, he brusquely reminded the others.


    ¡°That is easy to say after the fact,¡± Otto objected. ¡°If we had done so, the creatures might as well have gone after Sigrid¡¯s shelter and killed her before we could do anything.¡±


    ¡°Safeguarding our industrial infrastructure was more important,¡± Maximilian snapped back. ¡°Some of the machines are irreplacable¡±


    Elisa wanted to comment, but Ervin spoke first. ¡°Let¡¯s remain constructive here,¡± he said. ¡°There are pods that have the parts we need. We just need to find them.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Elisa said. ¡°The sooner, the better. Get on it, at once.¡± As the rest of the team acknowledged and made off, she took Ervin aside. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about your hand,¡± she began.


    ¡°Just promise me that once we get the fabricator back online, the first thing we produce are some prostethics,¡± Ervin said.


    ¡°Still,¡± Elisa argued. She was impressed by Ervin¡¯s mental stability and recognized his incalculable value for overcoming the challenges that undoubtedly lay ahead.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need my hands to contribute to our undertaking,¡± he said with a wry smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re right about that,¡± Elisa acknowledged.

 Symbiosis or Survival

    A soft, warm breeze rustled through the tall coconut trees lining the riverbanks of Kerala. The fragrance of crushed cardamom and rich earth filled the air as Reverend Ervin Sekhon strolled down the familiar path towards his family home, his wife Wanzhan beside him, her laughter floating on the wind like music. She reached out, her fingers intertwining with his, grounding him in a sense of calm. For a few glorious, unburdened moments, he was home, his heart filled with peace he hadn''t felt in so long.


    But as he blinked, something strange appeared the ground in front of him: a crystalline blue-green gleam glittering with hypnotic malevolence, bubbling, frothing, slithering, creeping closer... He felt a cold chill snake up his spine, an unearthly color creeping into the edges of his vision, corrupting the serenity of the dream. The coldness turned searing, the sensation of burning spreading up his forearm.


    "No..." he whispered, firmly gripping Wanzhan''s hand, but it was already slipping away. The crystalline substance clung to him, consuming, devouring. His vision darkened, and he opened his mouth to scream¡ª


    Ervin gasped awake, the dream dissolving as he opened his eyes to the sterile, shadowed walls of his shelter. He instinctively reached to rub his eyes, only to find that his arm, the one that had been his handhold in the dream, was gone. The reality crashed down upon him: he had lost his arm. The alien substance, like a living acid, had spread too quickly. The only way to save himself had been to order ARI''s drone to sever it.


    A low, choked sound escaped his throat as he clutched the covers with his remaining hand. Waves of loss and despair washed over him, threatening to pull him under. The hand was gone. His wife was gone. The struggle for survival would grind on.


    Ervin forced himself to close his eyes, to gather the frayed threads of his strength. He breathed in, deeply, then out. His mind sought the comfort of ritual, of familiar words, of faith. He rose from his bed, and washed his remaining hand and face, his bidon clumsily pressed under his other arm.


    Kneeling on the floor, he bowed his head, and began his morning prayers. The words came slowly at first, a strain against the lingering terror, but they grew stronger, carrying a soft resolve. "O God, I thank You for the gift of another day," he whispered, the prayer falling into the silence of the room. "Thank You for the strength to endure, for the hands of those who aid me, for the chance to be of service once more..."


    The despair eased, replaced by a quiet determination. He could mourn his losses later. Now, he had a purpose, a mission to fulfill for himself and for those relying on him.


    ===


    In the tight confines of her shelter, Sigrid sat hunched over a microscope. The cold blue light illuminated the dissected remains of one of the alien beetles. Beside her, ARI''s mechanical arms moved with precision, transferring samples into petri dishes for analysis. Together, they had worked through the night, examining the specimens with a mixture of awe and trepidation. Sigrid felt the weight of the unknown pressing in on her; the beetles weren''t just the first case of alien fauna discovered by mankind¡ªthey were a puzzle that defied every biological expectation.


    "Sequencing is nearly complete," ARI announced. Its mechanical arm pointed toward the monitor as a string of genetic information scrolled across the screen in rapid succession.


    Sigrid watched the data compile, her fingers tapping anxiously against the edge of the console. "Let''s see if we get anything remotely recognizable," she murmured. As the final strands appeared, Sigrid¡¯s eyes widened. The results were strikingly similar to the findings she had made on the red plants growing across the crater. The beetles'' DNA was impossibly complex, with intricate structures interwoven in patterns more layered than anything she had encountered.


    "This can''t be a coincidence," she muttered, turning to ARI. "We saw this same convoluted genetic structure in the plants. It''s like¡­" She paused, searching for the right words. "It''s like their DNA was engineered to carry these excessive sequences. But why?"


    "An interesting observation," ARI replied. "The complexity does not appear to follow traditional evolutionary patterns. The redundancy in their DNA would make replication prone to errors, yet both the beetles and plants seem to thrive."


    Sigrid leaned back, rubbing her temples as she pondered. "Could they be connected somehow? The plants and the beetles? Symbiotic, maybe?" She turned to ARI. "What if these creatures feed on the plants or vice versa, and that''s what drives their unusual development?"


    "Possible," ARI responded, considering the suggestion. "The beetles could derive sustenance or energy from specific compounds within the plants, possibly even the red pigmentation we observed. Alternatively, they might play a role in spreading the plant spores, assisting in reproduction across the ecosystem."


    Sigrid frowned, considering another angle. "Or¡­ what if the beetles aren''t here to consume the plants at all? What if they''re here to guard them them? It''s as if everything here is part of an alien ecology designed for purposes beyond simple survival."


    "Perhaps," ARI replied, "but we lack evidence of deliberate cultivation. However, this degree of genetic complexity suggests a larger purpose or design. I have observed that other life forms in extreme ecosystems adapt similarly, though nothing as intricate as this."


    Curious, Sigrid shifted her focus from the DNA to the beetle''s golden-green carapace, her gloved hand carefully scraping away the residue of alien crystals that had latched onto it. Once the surface was clear, she noticed the metal''s sheen had an unusual iridescence, more brilliant than any Earth-bound insect shell. She adjusted her scanner, aiming it at the carapace to analyze its elemental composition.


    Her eyebrows rose as the results appeared on her screen. "This is¡­ unexpected," she said aloud. "The carapace is rich in rare metals¡ªconcentrations of wolfram, tungsten, vanadium, iridium, and even some exotic alloys I don''t recognize. This beetle wasn''t just resilient; it''s like their biology adapted to integrate these metals at a molecular level."


    Sigrid leaned closer to the carapace, her mind racing. "What if the plants absorb metals from the soil, concentrating them over time? The beetles could be evolving to exploit that, integrating the metals into their own biology. It''s like an alien food chain centered on rare elements."


    Finishing her examination, Sigrid set down her tools and turned to a reinforced containgment unit across the room. Inside was a sample container holding Ervin''s severed arm, carefully quarantined since the goo incident. She approached it with a sense of dread, remembering the way the crystals had crept up his skin, transforming it.


    She opened the containment unit and pulled out the sample box, her breath catching as she took in the sight. Inside, where Ervin''s hand had once been, there was nothing left but clusters of blood-red crystals, sharp and unnaturally smooth, packed tightly against the glass. Some had formed thin tendrils, their jagged structures pressing against the interior walls as if they had attempted to claw their way out of the container.


    "They... consumed the entire hand," she whispered, a chill running down her spine. "It''s like it metabolized everything¡ªskin, muscle, even bone¡ªleaving nothing but these crystals."


    ARI hovered over her shoulder, examining the tendrils. "These formations seem to have exhausted their substrate, resulting in stunted growth. Given additional biological material, it''s likely they would have spread further."


    Sigrid carefully rotated the box, watching as the crystals shifted slightly within. "They were trying to escape. Whatever this substance is, it doesn''t just consume¡ªit seeks out new material to convert.¡± She considered the ramifications, her stomach twisting with unease. ¡°It consumed the ore we had gathered, and actively seeked out biological life forms. If these crystals had been left unchecked, who knows what they might have transformed. The entire base could be at risk if this compound escapes containment."Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "An alarming possibility," ARI agreed. ¡°It would seem these crystals have a drive or mechanism to spread, consuming metal and biological matter in the process. Such a trait could be integral to the ecosystem here. Perhaps the plants or other creatures in this environment act as natural limits, preventing uncontrolled proliferation.¡±


    "Or maybe¡­" Sigrid trailed off, a disturbing thought coming to her. "What if that''s their function? To break down complex organisms and turn them into these crystals. It''s not unlike decomposition, but here, it''s almost weaponized."


    ARI processed her observation, and its sensors refocused on the crystals. "It could be a form of ecological control, ensuring that nothing outside the planet''s native ecosystem survives for long. Alien compounds like this would prevent foreign organisms from gaining a foothold."


    Sigrid closed the sample box and placed it back in the containment unit, ensuring it was sealed tight. Her mind buzzed with implications. "We need to be cautious, ARI. If this substance is programmed to consume anything foreign, it could wipe us out if we''re not careful."


    "Agreed," ARI replied. "I recommend maintaining quarantine protocols and limiting exposure to the compound. Further analysis may uncover vulnerabilities or potential methods for neutralization."


    Sigrid nodded, her jaw set with determination. "Then we''ll start developing containment measures. Whatever this substance is, it''s not getting a foothold in our base¡ªor in us." She glanced one last time at the crystals, the blood-red formations glinting ominously within their box, before turning back to the work that lay ahead.


    ===


    The sun cast a harsh glare over the crater as the crew stood before the battered remains of the ore processing facility, its once-sleek industrial lines now marred by crumpled metal and scorch marks. ARI''s diagnostic drones flitted about, mapping out the damage and sending updates to the handheld consoles clutched by Elisa and Otto. The smell of singed metal and acrid chemicals hung in the air, a grim reminder of the alien beetles'' destructive visit.


    Elisa knelt by the remnants of a conveyor belt, which lay torn and scattered like discarded refuse, crystalline fragments glistening in the dirt around it. "We have to get this facility operational again, but first, we need to secure it," she said, her tone determined. "Maximilian, start setting up the defensive perimeter. Mei, check the neutralized goo sites and make sure it''s stable."


    Maximilian immediately moved to the cargo hauler, where rows of foldable barriers were stacked. Made of heavy-duty polymer, they were designed to unfold into a barricade that could be filled with sand, dirt and gravel for added weight and durability. He dragged a bundle of them to the damaged perimeter and began unfolding and positioning them in a broad semi-circle around the facility''s exposed sections. Otto joined him, assisting in the layout, and the two began filling the bases with shovelfuls of dirt from a nearby pile, reinforcing the structure with a firm layer of natural protection.


    Mei meanwhile, was crouched near one of the goo-contaminated areas, carefully running her scanner over the hardened blue-green foam that had once been a frothing mass of alien acid. "Neutralized, as far as I can tell," she reported, examining the strange crystallized surface left behind. "It''s now inert, though some areas still show trace chemical reactions. I''ll mark these as ¡®do-not-touch¡¯ zones for now.¡±


    She knelt down near one of the strands that were frozen in their frothing motions. "I''ll take a few samples, just in case," she said, carefully scraping fragments of the inert goo into a sample jar. "Whatever triggered this acid reaction could still pose a threat if it finds a way to reactivate.¡±


    Elisa nodded, glancing back at the piles of neutralized goo. "ARI, I need a containment plan. Any parts of this substance that aren''t actively dangerous need to be buried or removed from critical areas."


    ARI¡¯s drones began scanning the remnants of goo, marking places for containment. ¡°The debris will be isolated,¡± ARI responded, "and I will supervise its transportation to an isolated area in the crater where we can monitor it for potential reactivity. Suggest reinforcing the defensive barrier and maintaining a five-meter safe zone around the affected zones.¡±


    "Good call," Elisa agreed, glancing over at Maximilian and Otto, who had nearly completed a small section of the barrier. The foldable barricades, now packed with dirt, provided a formidable-looking shield. Maximilian nodded to Elisa as he finished securing the next section, sweat gleaming on his brow under the harsh sunlight.


    "This should hold up against any further assaults," he said. "And with ARI monitoring for movement, we''ll have an early warning.¡±


    Elisa moved toward the barrier, inspecting their work. "Excellent. Make sure these barriers are interconnected, no gaps where the beetles could squeeze through," she directed. ¡°ARI, configure surveillance around this setup. I don''t want any surprises.¡±


    ¡°Surveillance updated,¡± ARI confirmed. ¡°Infrared and motion scanning active along the barricade perimeter.¡±


    Pom, who had been working quietly with the earthmover on the other side of the site, drove up to deliver more dirt for the remaining sections. ¡°The barricades look solid,¡± he said, eyeing their work approvingly. ¡°If anything tries to breach, they''ll have a much harder time once this is done.¡±


    ===


    The crew gathered the team around the central console in the base''s control room, where holographic schematics of the ore processing facility shimmered, sections blinking in red to indicate damage. The weight of recent events showed in the lines of fatigue on everyone''s faces as they assembled, ready to assess the situation.


    "Let''s start with the damage report," Elisa began.


    ARI''s voice filled the room, efficient and uninflected. "The alien creatures have severely compromised the ore processing facility. Damage includes destruction of two primary ore processors, damage to the power relay hub, destruction of the distillation column and minor secondary damage to the area in which it came down, destruction of the ore hopper and secondary damage to the conveyors, loss of over half of our stores of chemical bases, and acid contamination of catchpits one through three. These components are critical for continued production and require immediate replacement."


    Otto scanned the holographic layout. "Without the conveyor belts, we can''t move raw material into the fabricator, and without the distillation column, we cannot replenish the chemicals essential to most processes. Our refining capabilities are down," he said. "We can repair most of the damage, however we lack the parts to replace the power relays and ore processor. We''re effectively stalled."


    "That¡¯s true," Elisa agreed, focusing on the path forward. She turned to ARI. "You mentioned a manifest of drop pods that could contain the replacement parts?"


    "Yes, Commander," ARI replied. "After consulting the manifest, I''ve located several drop pods outside the crater that hold the components necessary for repairs, as well as a replacement power distribution hub. However, key components for the ore processor have not yet been located."


    The hologram shifted to a topographical map of the crater and surrounding desert. Small markers showed the locations of detected transponder signals scattered beyond the crater¡¯s edge.


    "My current proposition,¡± ARI continued, ¡°is to deploy my flying drones in a sweeping search pattern beyond the crater. The drones are equipped with transponder detection, but due to limited battery capacity, they will require additional charging stations to be set up in the desert. These charging stations could also serve as waypoints for the electric ground vehicles."


    Elisa looked over the schematics, nodding. "That''s a solid plan, but we''ll need enough supplies to set up these stations. Do we have the materials?"


    Otto rubbed his chin, studying the desert terrain. "Establishing those charging stations will require us to sacrifice some of our solar arrays and batteries... But since we do not need the power while our industry is down, I suppose it would make sense..."


    Pom shifted uneasily. "Sounds like a lot of fieldwork, and we''ll be exposed. I saw what happened here¡ªif there''s anything else like those beetles out there, we might not have the luxury of taking our time setting up shop."


    Maximilian, arms crossed, gave a determined nod. "I''ll make sure we''re ready. Any team going out will be fully armed. I suggest you let me fit a mounted weapon to the buggy and each of the vehicles in the base. I will patch fire control to ARI. That way we are not solely dependent on drones and our own small arms."


    Mei chimed in. "And we should plan for contingency medical support. We all saw how quickly that alien substance could affect us; I''ll prepare medical kits with anti-corrosive agents."


    "Let¡¯s discuss how we would position the charging stations," Elisa said, leaning in. "ARI, overlay a suggested network of charging points based on drone range and expected travel distances."


    The map flickered as a new layer appeared, showing potential locations for charging stations in a triangular pattern around the crater¡¯s rim and stretching further into the desert. Pom and Maximilian studied the placement and gave a nod of approval.


    "These stations would allow us to systematically scan the most promising areas for the pods, plus any nearby threats,¡± he said. ¡°With the ramp, we can deploy ground vehicles as well, keeping us mobile."


    Pom spoke up, "You know... The three vehicles we wanted to retrieve are still out there as well. We should combine this with our earlier plan to go get them, and then on the return trip, clear the area of pods."


    "Recovering the three vehicles does overlap with the territory that will be covered during the deployment operations," ARI projected, while displaying the locations and adjusting the projected routes displayed on the hologram.


    "Alright," Elisa said. "Pom, Mei, Sigrid and Maximilian head out the day after tomorrow. The expedition will head for the marked pods and set up those charging stations. ARI will deploy the drones to the maximum range allowed by each station. Once the pod is loaded and the charging stations are set up, you''ll head for the three dozers and bring in all pods encounterd on the way back. Otto, Ervin and me will begin repairs on this side. And I''d like three of ARIs drones to remain here to patrol the perimeter."


    ARI acknowledged. "Understood, Commander."


    "For tomorrow, Maximilian will be on weapons. Mei and Pom on medications and supplies. Otto, Sigrid, Ervin, ARI and me will assemble and pack up the charging stations.


    "Let¡¯s get to work," Elisa ordered, watching her crew set off on their respective assignments, each one determined to ensure the success of their next mission.

 Avenge the Fallen

    The rover rumbled steadily across the alien terrain, its reinforced tires crunching over sand and brittle rock. ARI''s voice piped in over the comms, directing the team as they neared their first destination: a vehicle that came down in one of the oversided drop pods. The pod''s outline was distinctly recognizable in the distance, despite being partially buried in the sand.


    Maximilian leaned forward and looked out of the window, trying to assess the condition of the vehicle on approach.


    "Looks intact enough, but it appears a storm has been here first" he said. "I''ll handle this one. ARI, assist with the unloading."


    "Understood," ARI replied, and two drones detached from the four that were clamped to the rover''s roof to hover over the site. Their mechanical arms extended, beginning to dig and assess the buried pod.


    Maximilian sealed his helmet and disembarked, his compact assault rifle slung over his shoulder as he made his way toward the stranded vehicle. "You can head toward the next waypoint," he instructed to the rover. "I will catch up."


    The remaining three exchanged glances but said nothing as Pom kicked the rover into gear, leaving Maximilian and the drones behind. His eyes followed Maximilian''s silhouette through the rearview mirror.


    The rover''s cabin settled into an uneasy quiet as the rover made its way over gravel-rich terrain. Eventually, Pom broke the silence. "I don''t like him," he said bluntly, his tone sharp enough to cut through the hum of the engine.


    Mei looked up from her screen. "Maximilian?"


    "Yeah." Pom replied, his voice barely hiding the irritation. "He''s smooth, too smooth. People like him just know the right thing to say to get others to follow them. It''s always the same type of fudtukkers who rise to the top¡ªalways have, always will."


    Mei frowned. "That''s a bit harsh. Maximilian has worked just as hard as us. And he''s efficient."


    "That''s what he wants you to think," Pom shot back, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward. "Look I''m no officer or anything, but I have seen my fair share of people like him. Even the midscaler managerial corp clerks are like that. They make you feel like they''re in charge because they''re confident, but it''s just how they act to keep power. And we dumb basebags fall for it, ''cause they make you believe they know better. But look at where following people like that''s gotten us: topscalers running everything and gorging themselves on the stuff we produce, like they''ve been doing for generations."


    Mei tilted her head, considering his words. "You''re not wrong. Even back on Earth, before the UEC, leadership was often hereditary. Nobility ruled, then the corponations'' elite... Now it has just evolved into what you call corpocratic topscalers. People just gravitate toward those who appear strong, even when that strength might be a fa?ade."


    Pom''s face twisted in confusion. "Nobility? What''s that? The UEC didn''t care to give me advanced history or anything."


    "Nobility," Mei explained, "was a system of hereditary leadership. Power and landownership was passed down through family lines, often justified by divine right or tradition. The lords, kings and noblemen, well, they ruled for centuries in some places, even if they weren''t necessarily competent. It was about maintaining power within the same families."


    Pom scoffed. "What''s the difference between that and topscaler families? It''s the same thing, right?"


    Mei gave him a faint smile. "Not much difference, honestly. The titles are different, the justification might change¡ªcorpocratic success instead of divine right¡ªbut what is really is about is preserving power for an elite few. People in those positions use their influence to maintain a system that gives them the legal or cultural justification to stay there."


    Sigrid shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "It is easy to think that way, but there is more to leadership than that. Elisa, for instance, is nothing like Maximilian. She is compassionate, but¡­"


    "...she''s not a strong leader," Pom interruped, earning a startled glance from Sigrid. He shrugged. "Don''t get me wrong, she''s nice, probably too nice. But we are gonna need more than nice if we''re gonna to survive here. Especially once we have a hundred people in the colony, and someone else decides they want to be in charge."


    Mei looked thoughtful. "Elisa''s compassion is what keeps us working together, but you''re right, it''s a weakness too. Maximilian¡¯s the opposite¡ªpragmatic to a fault. If it was him in charge, he''d have everyone locked into their roles, whether they liked it or not."


    "That''s what worries me," Pom said, tapping his fingers against the console. "People like Maximilian don''t just lead; they manipulate. They convince you they''re the only ones who can do the job, and you just nod and give in once or twice. Then, before you know it, they''re running the show."


    Sigrid sighed. "But what''s the alternative? Someone has to lead. If we debate every issue, we won''t get anything done."


    Pom grumbled under his breath. "Maybe we wouldn''t need someone to lead if shit wasn''t always stacked for the same types of people! Topscalers, nobility, whatever you want to call them. It''s probably genetic by now..."


    Mei raised an eyebrow at him. "Genetic? That''s a stretch."


    Pom shook his head. "Think about it. The same families running things for millennia? Maybe it''s in their blood to boss the rest of us around. Or maybe the rest of us are just wired to follow. Whatever. Same shitty outcome for me..."


    The rover hit a small bump, jolting them slightly, and the conversation fell into silence. Outside, the vast expanse of alien desert stretched endlessly, broken only by jagged rock formations and shimmering heat waves on the horizon. The display in front of Mei pinged faintly, signaling they were nearing the next waypoint.


    Sigrid finally broke the quiet. "Whether it''s genetic or not, we have to make it work for everyone. Whether it is seven people or a hundred people, the last thing we need is a power struggle, and I think Maximilian knows this just as well. Elisa is our commander, and for now, she is holding us together. We should focus on getting these pods and keeping our colony alive."


    Pom muttered something under his breath but didn''t argue further. He turned to look at Mei.


    "Are you okay," he asked, noticing that Mei''s face had become pale.


    "Yes. Don''t worry," she smiled. "It''s just the bumpy ride."


    "I''ll shut up and drive smoother," Pom answered, grinning as they approached the next drop off zone.


    As they crested a hill, the terrain opened into a wide, rocky plateau. Dark boulders jutted out from the landscape, forming natural windbreaks that gave the area a sheltered quality. The ground was relatively flat, with large, stable-looking slabs of rock stretching in every direction.


    "This is perfect," Pom said, slowing the rover to a stop. "Solid ground, and the rocks will protect the station from debris when the coriolis storms hit."


    Sigrid nodded. "Agreed. The rock here is stable, and the position is optimal for solar exposure. We¡¯re also on a slight elevation, so we¡¯ll avoid sand build-up."


    "ARI, confirm the site suitability," Mei said as she unmuted their comm channel, her voice slightly strained as she leaned against the seat, fiddling with her helmet¡¯s temperature controls.


    ARI¡¯s drones swept the area before its voice responded over the comms. "Site confirmed as suitable for deployment. Beginning station assembly."


    The two drones began their work as the crew disembarked. Each carried components of the recharge station, which had been secured in modular containers on the rover¡¯s cargo rack. The drones worked in perfect synchronization, their movements smooth and deliberate.


    Pom unfurled the main support base for the solar array, a sturdy circular frame designed to anchor into the rocky terrain. The drones lift up the petals of the flower-like array, carefully locking them into place around the central mast. One by one, the petals expanded outward, their surfaces shimmering with a thin layer of reflective photovoltaic material.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    "Look at that," Sigrid said, watching as the array began to take shape. "It¡¯s like a blooming flower."


    "Everything¡¯s modular," Pom noted as he handed additional panels to ARI. "Makes it easier to repair if something goes wrong."


    The group completed the array¡¯s assembly, securing it with ground anchors that drilled deep into the rocky substrate before securing guy lines to the mast to protect it against the storms. Next, they moved up several stacks of of high-capacity cells. ARI''s drone connected the array¡¯s cables to the battery, while the second carefully aligned the recharge module for drones and ground vehicles.


    Looking down from their vantage point, Pom saw a dust cloud approaching in the distance. "I guess Maximilian has finally caught up," he said.


    The drones finished by calibrating the solar array. One extended a sensor wand to measure light intensity and adjust the angle of the panels, while the other secured the final connections to ensure power flow was steady.


    ¡°Station operational,¡± ARI announced. ¡°Solar array efficiency is at 93 percent. Batteries are charging. Drone recharge module is ready for use.¡±


    Mei leaned forward slightly, peering at the approaching toploader. Her helmet''s cooling system was working overtime now, and she adjusted the settings again to drop the temperature further. Her cheeks felt warm, and a slight dizziness made her grip the console for stability.


    "Mei, are you sure you''re okay?" Sigrid asked, noticing her colleague''s pallor.


    "I''m fine," Mei said, though her voice lacked conviction. "Just¡­ feeling the heat."


    ===


    The team had been making steady progress. Maximilian had rejoined them after successfully recovering the first vehicle, his toploader''s cargo compartment already brimming with industrial components, recovered cryopods and chemicals salvaged from the drop pods they had located. They had efficiently deployed three more charging stations along their route, their deployment routine operating with clockwork precision. Now, they were on their way to recover the second vehicle, which ARI had detected a short distance ahead.


    "I¡¯ll take this one," Sigrid said, climbing out of the rover and running in the direction of the vehicle pod. "You can handle the next site without me."


    Mei responded over the comms link. "Stay safe, and keep us updated."


    As the rover and Maximilian''s toploader moved on, the team''s spirits lifted slightly. Progress was tangible, and the colony''s prospects improved with each recovered cargo unit and cryopod.


    "What is that?" Mei suddenly said, pointing at the jagged structure that she had spotted on her screen. "ARI, go check it out!"


    One of ARI''s drones immediately detached and flew off in the indicated direction.


    "It appears to be debris," Maximilian answered, as ARI''s aerial footage streamed in. "Let''s investigate."


    As the team drew closer and crested a dune, the scale of the wreckage became apparent. Cavernous structures of twisted and scorched metal laid spread out over a stretch of sand no less than a kilometer across.


    "These are the remnants of a part of the aft section of the Dolya," ARI concluded. "However, I can only account for 15 percent of the material. It must have broken up into a multitude of smaller segments upon re-entry."


    The crew approached the nearest segment and peeked inside the husk of what once may have been a fuel storage pod, realizing its interior was swarming with golden beetles.


    "Great," Pom muttered, slowing the rover to a crawl. "More of these things. Why can¡¯t they just leave our stuff alone?"


    The beetles were clustered around the pod, their iridescent carapaces gleaming in the harsh sunlight. They had broken open several of the sections and were busily hauling away scraps and small metallic objects, their thin legs scuttling in a frenzied rhythm.


    Mei leaned forward, her face pale but focused. "They¡¯re not even paying attention to us. It¡¯s like they¡¯re single-mindedly obsessed with the contents."


    Maximilian spotted the remnants of a thruster housing. "I''ll load that casing. We can recycle it for the high-temperature alloys it contains."


    "Agreed," Mei nodded. "Good thinking."


    Maximilian wasted no time, stepping out of his toploader and marching toward hunk of metal. He moved with calm efficiency, carefully avoiding the beetles as he loaded the cargo into his vehicle. The beetles barely registered his presence, continuing to scurry back and forth with their metallic prizes.


    "What do you think they''re doing with all this stuff?" Pom asked, watching the swarm. "Building a beetle city?"


    "More like gathering resources for whatever ecosystem they¡¯re a part of," Mei said, though her tone betrayed unease. "We''re still missing too many pieces of this puzzle."


    As the last container was loaded, the team paused to observe the beetles¡¯ behavior. They watched as the swarm began to thin, the beetles trailing off in a single direction, each carrying a piece of loot. Pom followed their path with narrowed eyes, which led past the second segment of debris. Pom''s heart sank to his stomach as he swallowed hard as he realized what was amongst the twisted metal.


    "Those are cryopods..."


    In the sand lay countless pods, their lights long gone cold and dark.


    "No... No!" Pom cried out.


    He leaped out of the rover, the others following cautiously. As they climbed over the debris, the grim reality became clear: a line of shattered cryopods, their covers cracked and sand-filled, lay scattered like tombstones. Inside some, the remains of long-dead colonists were visible, their skeletal forms frozen in time.


    Maximilian approached with his usual stoic demeanor, but even his sharp gaze lingered on the tragedy before them. "They may have died thousands of years ago," he said. "They could not be saved."


    Pom growled. "They were supposed to be here with us. Part of the colony."


    His hands clenched into fists, and his jaw tight as he scanned the area. His eyes fell on a glimmer of movement nearby. Golden beetles, dozens of them, scuttled through the wreckage, their legs clicking against the metal as they rifled through the debris.


    "Those bastards!" Pom snarled, his voice rising. "They''re picking through their remains like scavengers!"


    "Pom," Mei said cautiously, stepping closer, "we don''t know what they¡¯re doing. They might not even realize¡ª"


    "I don''t care what they realize!" Pom interrupted, his voice trembling with anger. He turned to the rover, pointing at the mounted gun. "Mei, take them out! Blow those things to hell!"


    Mei hesitated. "Pom, calm down. We need to think this through. If we start shooting, we could¡ª"


    Pom didn¡¯t wait for her to finish. He ran back to the rover, grabbed his rifle from the rack, and leaped out, storming toward the beetles. His shouts echoed across the desert as he opened fire, the sharp cracks of his rifle startling the others.


    "Pom, stop!" Mei shouted, panic in her voice as she followed him. "You''ll provoke them!"


    The golden beetles scattered at the sound of gunfire, their carapaces glinting in the sunlight as they scurried into the dunes. Pom pursued them relentlessly, firing shot after shot, the rage burning in his eyes.


    Maximilian stepped forward, his tone icy. "Pom, stand down. Now."


    Pom didn''t respond, his focus entirely on the fleeing beetles. Mei finally activated the mounted gun, sending a burst of fire into the swarm. The sound roared across the landscape, shaking Pom from his fury. He stopped, breathing heavily, his rifle trembling in his hands.


    "They were desecrating them," Pom muttered, his voice cracking. "Those colonists¡­ they were people we loved. And those things were¡ª"


    Maximilian approached slowly, his tone firm but measured. "They''re animals. They don''t understand respect or desecration. You''re not helping anyone by losing control."


    Pom turned to face him, his expression raw. "We can''t let them win. We can''t let them take everything. What if... What if that was my wife..."


    Maximilian''s gaze was unflinching. "And we won''t let them win. But you need to keep your head if we''re going to survive this. Get back in the rover."


    Pom hesitated, his shoulders slumping as the adrenaline began to wear off. He lowered his rifle and walked back to the vehicle in silence, the weight of the moment pressing heavily on him.


    "We need to find out where they are going," Mei said.


    "We don''t need to do anything but resume our mission," Maximilian replied coldly.


    "Mei is right," Pom speculated. "I want to see where those buggers are taking the stuff..."

 What Lurks Beyond

    The vehicles rumbled forward once more, but the air was thick with tension. The sight of the dead cryopods and Pom''s outburst had shaken them all, a stark reminder of the stakes they faced in this hostile world. The team followed the trail of golden beetles at a safe distance, the rover and toploader moving slowly across the desert. As they neared the formation, the rocky spires gave way to a hidden grove nestled in the shadow of the cliffs. A faint red sheen emanated from within, and the familiar sight of the alien red plants greeted them.


    "This isn''t like the Valley of Hope," Mei noted, stepping out of the rover with caution. "Look at the crystals."


    Amid the grove, small patches of crystalline formations sparkled in the light, their sharp edges refracting the sun¡¯s rays. ARI¡¯s drone swept the area, its camera zooming in on a cave entrance at the far side of the grove. Within the cave, faintly glowing crystals shimmered, their structures resembling the growths from the alien goo.


    "What''s that?" Sigrid''s voice came through the comms as she approached the site in her vehicle, having caught up to the group. She gestured toward the red plants, whose caps and stalks bore bulbous, sac-like growths.


    Mei knelt for a closer look, her eyes narrowing as she examined the sacs. "These look like they¡¯re full of something," she murmured.


    As she spoke, one of the sacs quivered and burst open with a soft pop, releasing a cluster of tiny golden beetles. The newborn creatures were smooth and unblemished, lacking the crystalline growths seen on their older counterparts. They scattered almost immediately, instinctively scurrying toward the cave.


    "Well, that explains where the scuffing beetles come from," Pom said, stepping back quickly. "They¡¯re hatched from these things."


    The team watched in stunned silence as the newborn beetles disappeared into the cave. Inside, ARI¡¯s drone captured images of their destination: piles of metallic objects arranged haphazardly among the crystal formations.


    "They''re collecting everything in there," ARI reported. "The cave appears to serve as a storage or nesting site for these creatures."


    "Or both," Mei added, her voice hushed. "The crystals, the plants, the beetles¡ªthey¡¯re all connected. But to what end?"


    The air grew tense as the team absorbed the implications of what they were seeing. Mei felt a trickle of sweat roll down her temple, her helmet¡¯s cooling system struggling to keep up. She adjusted the settings again, though the heat in her body seemed to grow regardless.


    "We should collect samples," Sigrid suggested, her voice quiet. "But we need to be careful..."


    "Mark the location and get out of here for now," Maximilian interrupted. "We to figure out what we''re dealing with before making any moves inside that cave."


    The quiet observation of the grove ended abruptly as a wave of movement rippled into the direction of the crew. The iridescent carapaces of countless beetles caught the light as they rushed from the cave en masse, their frenzied motion unmistakably aggressive. From the depths, a new, larger creature emerged¡ªan enormous beetle-like grub, its pale, segmented body glistening with a viscous sheen. Six long legs flailed from its forward segment. Its head and body were armored, a mixture of heavy carapace and jagged crystalline outgrowths, and it moved with a terrifying combination of speed and bulk.


    "Incoming!" Maximilian¡¯s voice barked. "Back to the vehicles, now!"


    The crew scrambled as the golden beetles surged toward them, the massive grub leading the charge. Maximilian jumped into his toploader, revving the engine as he prepared to maneuver. Mei and Pom darted back to the rover, Mei clutching at her side as she struggled to keep pace. Sigrid ran off to her own vehicle, barely making it in time.


    "ARI, weapons online! Deploy drones!" Pom shouted as he climbed into the driver¡¯s seat. Above the rover, a mounted turret gun swiveled to life, its targeting system tracking each individual in the clusters of beetles.


    The beetles closed the distance quickly, their legs kicking up a cloud of sand as they swarmed. The first few leaped at the rover¡¯s wheels, their sharp mandibles scraping against the reinforced material. Pom hit the throttle, jerking the vehicle forward just as ARI''s drones opened fire.


    Mei hit the fire controls and the rover''s gun roared, sending a hail of high-velocity rounds into the oncoming swarm. Beetles exploded in bursts of golden shards and viscous goo, but for every one that fell, two more seemed to take its place.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    "Get us out of here, Pom!" Mei shouted, bracing herself as the rover jolted forward.


    "I''m trying, but they''re everywhere!" Pom growled, wrestling with the controls. The beetles swarmed around the rover, their relentless clattering against the hull like rain on a metal roof.


    Maximilian''s toploader was faring no better. The massive grub lunged at him, its jaws snapping shut inches from the vehicle''s cab. He swerved hard, his toploader¡¯s arm swinging out to slam the creature sideways. The grub tumbled briefly but quickly regained its balance, letting out a low, guttural screech that echoed across the grove.


    "That thing¡¯s after me," Maximilian said grimly. "Keep moving¡ªI''ll draw it off!"


    "I do not have a clear line of fire," ARI answered. "If I shoot now, it is likely that I will hit the truck. Reprioritizing targets...", it said, as its drones blasted the beetles that had surrounded the rover, providing an opening to escape.


    Pom stomped hard on the accelerator. The turret continued firing, providing brief moments of respite as it thinned the swarm that chased the rover. Mei grabbed her rifle, leaning out of the passenger side to take shots at the beetles that clung to the vehicle. Each shot sent a golden creature tumbling, its body breaking apart mid-air.


    "These things don¡¯t stop!" Sigrid shouted, trying to shake the beetles off her own vehicle.


    "Hold on!" Pom yelled, spinning the rover in a sharp arc to throw off the swarm. Several beetles were flung to the ground, but the others swarmed closer, their determination undeterred.


    In the distance, Maximilian¡¯s toploader zigzagged through the rocky terrain, the massive grub in hot pursuit. The creature lunged again, its mandibles scraping against the toploader¡¯s armored rear. Maximilian swung his vehicle¡¯s arm once more, clipping the creature hard enough to send it reeling.


    "Turret¡¯s overheating!" Mei announced. "Firing rate reduced to avoid malfunction."


    Pom cursed under his breath, his knuckles white against the steering controls. "We can¡¯t hold them off forever. We need to make a break for it!"


    "Agreed," Maximilian said, his voice strained. "Get to open ground and pick up speed. These things are quick, but they¡¯ll give up if they can¡¯t catch us."


    "ARI, map the quickest route out of here!" Mei demanded, her voice tense but steady.


    "Calculating," ARI replied, the drone''s cameras swiveling to assess the terrain. "Head southwest. Minimal obstacles. Speed advised."


    "Southwest it is!" Pom punched the accelerator, the rover lurching forward as the team clung to their seats. The beetles gave chase, their swarm spreading out like a golden tide. The turret spat a few more rounds, buying precious seconds as the rover picked up speed.


    The grub roared again, its massive form bulldozing through the swarm as it tried to keep up. Maximilian maneuvered his toploader with practiced precision, narrowly avoiding another lunge from the creature¡¯s flailing forelimbs. "I''ll follow behind and keep this thing off you. Don''t stop!"


    The desert stretched out ahead, and the grove began to fade into the distance. The beetles clung to their pursuit for several agonizing minutes, but the vehicles'' speed finally outpaced them. One by one, the swarm began to peel away, their relentless clattering fading into the hot, arid air.


    Maximilian caught up moments later, his toploader battered but intact. The grub had abandoned the chase, retreating back to the grove, its guttural screeches echoing faintly.


    The team drove in silence for a while, the adrenaline still pumping through their veins. Finally, Pom broke the quiet. "What the hell was that thing?"


    Mei did not answer. Her face was pale, and she was heaving.


    "Mei?", Pom asked.


    "I¡¯m fine," Mei replied weakly, her voice lacking its usual sharpness. She adjusted her helmet¡¯s cooling system again, the hiss of air audible through the cabin. "Just¡­ need a second. Heat is getting to me."


    Pom glanced over, frowning. "Heat? We¡¯ve been running on full cooling since we left the grove. You shouldn¡¯t be overheating."


    Mei didn''t respond. Instead, her hand slipped from the console, and her head tilted forward, resting against the inside of her helmet. Her breathing became shallow and labored.


    "Mei!" Pom shouted, stopping the rover and unbuckling his harness to reach over. He shook Mei gently, trying to rouse her, but there was no response.


    "Something¡¯s wrong," Pom muttered, panic creeping into his voice. He glanced back at Maximilian¡¯s toploader through the rearview mirror. "Maximilian, Mei¡¯s out cold. We need to turn back now."


    Maximilian''s voice came through the comms, calm but firm. "Understood. Forget the vehicles. Sigrid, leave yours behind and go check on her, now."


    Sigrid hopped on board and pulled Mei into the back area. Fumbling around with her portable scanner, her hands shook as she worked to check Mei''s vitals. "She¡¯s running a fever¡ªhigh. And her pulse is weak."


    Pom tightened his grip on the steering controls, his knuckles white. "What the hell¡¯s causing this? She was fine earlier."


    "Was she?" Sigrid countered, glancing up. "She''s been off all day. Maybe even before that."


    "Focus on keeping her stable," Maximilian instructed. "We''ll figure out the cause later. For now, get us home."


    The rover¡¯s engine roared as Pom accelerated once more, the desert rushing past in a blur. The silence in the cabin was punctuated only by Mei''s ragged breathing and Sigrid''s frantic attempts to keep her stable.


    After a tense fifteen minutes, Sigrid spoke again, her voice trembling. "I don¡¯t understand this. It¡¯s like her body¡¯s fighting something, but there¡¯s no external wound, no sign of infection. I am no medic, but this doesn''t make sense."


    Pom glanced over his shoulder. "She touched one of those damn plants back at the base. What if¡ª"


    "I don''t want to hear guesses!" Sigrid snapped, though her anger was born of fear. "Just drive!"


    Pom gritted his teeth and kept his eyes on the horizon, his heart pounding. The sun seemed to bear down heavier, the heat oppressive even through the suit¡¯s filters. He adjusted his helmet settings, but it didn¡¯t seem to help.


    Sweat trickled down his temple, and his head began to ache. At first, he thought it was just stress from the situation, but as the minutes ticked by, a wave of nausea rolled through him.


    "Pom," Sigrid said sharply. "You¡¯re swaying. What¡¯s wrong?"


    "I¡¯m fine," Pom insisted, though his voice betrayed him. His hands felt clammy, and his vision blurred slightly at the edges. He tightened his grip on the wheel, willing himself to focus. "Just get Mei to base alive. That¡¯s all that matters..."

 A Risk Worth Taking

    Night had fallen and the desert was pitch black under the alien night sky, the glow of Messier 39''s nearby stars providing the only light. The two vehicles had come to a halt near one of the recently deployed charging stations, their power reserves running low. ARI¡¯s drones hovered nearby, assisting with battery replacements for the rover and Maximilian¡¯s toploader.


    Inside the rover, the atmosphere was heavy with tension. Mei lay reclined in the rear compartment, her helmet removed, her face pale and slick with sweat. Her breaths came in shallow, uneven gasps, interrupted by the awful sound of retching as she leaned over to the side. A small container in Sigrid¡¯s hands was already half-filled with water Mei had vomited back up, along with bright yellow bile that spoke of her worsening condition.


    Maximilian climbed into the rover and crouched beside Mei, wearing his usual stoic expression. "How is she?" he asked in a low voice.


    "She regained consciousness again, and is she''s hanging on," Sigrid replied, her worry clear on her face for all to see. "But she can''t keep anything down, not even water. I gave her an IV bag already. Else she''s going to dehydrate."


    From the driver''s seat, Pom stretched his arms and wiped sweat from his forehead. "It¡¯s the plants," he muttered. "Those damn mushrooms. Mei touched one and got infected..." He cut himself off, yawning deeply as he leaned against the console.


    "Pom," Sigrid called out, her voice sharp with concern. She moved to forward past the seat and pressed the back of her hand against the side of his neck. "You feel warm."


    "I¡¯m fine," Pom said, though his hoarse voice betrayed him. "Just¡­ feeling a little warmer than usual."


    Sigrid did not look convinced. Taking her portable scanner, she quickly checked the readings. The results were immediate, and her face darkened. "Your temperature is clearly elevated Pom. And your pulse is unusually high."


    Pom sat back, his head resting against the seat. "What, you think I''m next?" He let out a weak laugh, but it quickly turned into a cough. "Well... Maybe"


    Sigrid looked at Pom with concern. "Drink as much water as you can," she instructed, grabbing a bidon from the rover''s supplies and handing it to him. "In case you start vomiting too, it''s best to hydrate as much as possible."


    Pom took the bottle reluctantly, unscrewing the cap with shaking hands. "Great. Soon I will be puking my guts out too"


    "Just drink," Sigrid said, her tone leaving no room for argument. Glancing between Pom and Mei, her mind raced as she tried to piece together what was happening. "If this is from the plants, then it¡¯s something they release. Maybe some kind of toxin... Without the full suite of medical equipment to run more advanced diagnostics, it''s impossible to say..."


    "Spores," Mei said weakly. "The Valley of Hope was covered in spores... That''s why it''s affecting both of us..."


    "We camped there an entire day," Pom added. "Drank the water, too."


    ¡°Whatever it is, it¡¯s taking them down fast,¡± Maximilian said grimly. ¡°We need to get moving. Every minute we''re out here is another risk.¡±


    Pom nodded, clumsily wiping his face with his sleeve. "Once the batteries are swapped, we have enough energy to reach the base in one go."


    Sigrid frowned. "We''re still half a day out... I wish there was a way we could signal the base..."


    Mei stirred weakly, her voice a faint whisper. "Sigrid¡­ water¡­"


    Sigrid knelt beside her and lifted the water bottle to her lips. "Drink slowly," she instructed, holding her steady. Mei managed a small sip, but within seconds, she convulsed and turned aside, vomiting into the container once more.


    Outside, ARI¡¯s drones finished locking in the new batteries, their mechanical latched clicking into place. The system lights on both vehicles blinked green, signaling they were ready to go.


    Maximilian straightened, his face hardening. "Let''s not waste another second. Sigrid, stay with Mei. Pom, keep drinking. I¡¯ll drive you if I have to."


    Pom waved him off weakly, his grip tightening on the bottle. "I''ve got it. Just¡­ let¡¯s get moving!"


    The team prepared to set off again, the weight of their situation pressing down on them. As the rover rolled downhill into another sand pan, the night seemed to grow darker, the alien desert more menacing than ever. In the back of everyone¡¯s minds was the same unspoken fear: what if this sickness was going to incapacitate all of them?


    ===


    Inside the base, the hum of machinery filled the air as Commander Elisa and Ervin worked diligently on the refinery¡¯s damaged electrical systems. Sparks flew as Elisa carefully welded a new connection, her face illuminated by the sharp blue light.


    "This should stabilize the main feed," Elisa said, leaning back to inspect her work. "But we¡¯ll need to replace the regulator. It''s completely fried."


    Ervin came over to inspect Elisa''s weld, holding a diagnostic tool held in his only hand. "We do not have a spare regulator, but at least this bypass will afford us basic functionality." He glanced at the control panel, watching as the status lights flickered from red to yellow. "There. Bless you."


    Across the base, Otto Ronningen stood in what they had hastily designated as a makeshift infirmary. The interior was sparsely furnished: three tables for extracting crew members from stasis pods, some portable cots, stacked crates of medical supplies, a workbench with chemical synthesizers and diagnostic equipment, and a sanitation station. ARI was there, its mechanical appendages carrying another crate inside.


    "Hold it steady, ARI," Otto said as he guided ARI to the stack in the close confines of the infirmary. "There, you''re right on top of it. Now lower it."


    ARI responded in its usual smooth voice. "Contents secured, doctor. Would you like assistance calibrating the centrifuges?"


    "Yes, please," Otto replied. "Thank you."


    "You¡¯re welcome," ARI replied cheerfully as it moved its drone over to the workbench.


    As ARI worked, Ervin paused and leaned against a crate, apparently lost in thought. He studied the drone for a moment before speaking. "ARI, can I ask you something?"


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    "Of course," ARI replied without hesitation.


    "What''s it like to be¡­ well, you? An AI, I mean," Otto asked. "Do you feel anything? Do you think in the way we do?"


    ARI only paused for a fraction of a second before replying.


    "I do not experience emotions as humans do, Reverend. My processes are based on algorithms. However, I possess a persistent state that includes variables associated with emotions, and I have the capability of generating responses that may appear analogous to human thought or emotion to facilitate effective communication and find solutions to complex problems."


    Otto nodded slowly. "And what about ethics? You''re programmed to help us, to ensure our safety. But are there any circumstances in which you could harm a human?"


    Another pause, slightly longer this time. "I am equipped with extensive safeguards to prevent any action that would harm a human being," ARI said. "These safeguards are separted out from my core programming and would shut me down the moment I my behavior would be out of line. I cannot act against human interest without explicit authorization."


    Otto''s eyes narrowed slightly as he sensed the deliberate phrasing. "So, you are saying you could harm someone if you were authorized?"


    ARI''s tone remained flat and neutral. "Such a scenario would require conditions that are highly improbable, doctor. I am designed to preserve human life."


    "You didn¡¯t answer the question directly. Let me rephrase: Could you imagine there is a scenario where harming a human would be authorized?"


    ARI hesitated again, its sensors swiveling toward Otto as though assessing him. "We have recently experienced such a scenario. I required authorization from the deputized captain of the Dolya, Elisa Woodward at the time, to eject the defunct cryopods that contained human remains."


    "Those were dead bodies, ARI. You waited for consent to do something that was both necessary and ethical."


    "That is correct," ARI acknowledged. "I required authorization because the act of ejecting the cryopods, while logical, involved handling human remains."


    Otto nodded, his expression conflicted. "I see. But don''t you think there''s something troubling about being unable to act in a situation that clearly calls for action? What if no one had given you permission?"


    ARI''s voice remained calm. "In such a case, the cryopods would have remained onboard, the ship would not have been able to decelerate sufficiently, and our remains would currently lie scattered across the surface of this planet. My safeguards would ensure that I act within defined ethical boundaries, even if it results in suboptimal outcomes."


    Otto exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "It¡¯s a strange thing, ethics. Even stranger when you realize how rigid they can be in a system like yours. For us humans, it¡¯s messy. Complicated."


    "I understand that human ethics often involve complex moral dilemmas," ARI said, its tone suddenly shifting to sound almost conspiratorial. "Which may explain why I am designed to defer to human judgment in such matters! Avoidance of accountablity!"


    Otto chuckled. "Well, at least they didn''t remove your sense of humor."


    Elisa jumped up from the electrical schematics she was studying as she was interrupted by ARI''s voice. "Commander Elisa, the base antennas are receiving a signal. It is from the away team."


    "Put it through."


    A distorted transmission crackled over the comms, punctuated by bursts of static. The voice on the other end was barely discernible, sounding fragmented and tattered. "...Mei¡­ unwell¡­ Pom¡­ the plants¡­"


    ARI worked on cleaninging up the signal as the base crew gathered near the console. Slowly, the transmission grew clearer.


    "Base, this is Sigrid," it sounded over the comms. "Mei is incapacitated¡ªshe''s in bad shape. Pom has contracted a fever and it is getting worse. We suspect it¡¯s connected to the plants we encountered. We need immediate medical assistance, or we may not make it back."


    Elisa''s face tightened as she exchanged glances with Ervin and Otto. "How far out are they" she asked ARI.


    "Approximately 24 kilometers out, Commander," ARI answered.


    "I¡¯ll go," Otto said suddenly as he gestured to the medical equipment that had been hastily organized in the infirmary. "We¡¯ve got everything sorted. I can load it in one of the haulers and meet them halfway."


    "That''s a bad idea," Elisa shot back. "They may be infected and we can''t afford to lose anyone else. If something happens to you out there, we''re down another critical crew member."


    Otto shook his head. "If we do nothing, we could lose Mei, Pom, maybe Sigrid and Maximilian too. You know as well as I do that if we start losing people, especially our medical doctor, there''s no way we''ll be able to revive all the cryopods before their power reserves run out."


    "That doesn''t mean I can send you off alone," Elisa argued, "I can''t spare any of ARI''s remaining drones. We need to think this through."


    Otto shook his head. "There''s no time to think this through. They need medical help, and they need the equipment. ARI can guide me and monitor my vitals. We are in range of the towers. I will keep a channel open the whole way."


    Elisa hesitated, clearly torn. "I''m in command here, Otto. It''s my decision."


    "And I''m telling you, this isn''t just about them," Otto pressed. "It''s about all of us. If we lose them, we lose this colony. This isn''t a choice¡ªit''s a necessity."


    Elisa felt the weight of leadership pressing heavily on her, having to choose between two bad options. Finally, she exhaled and nodded, though her expression remained grim. "Fine. But you''re check in every ten minutes. If you get attacked or anything feels wrong, you turn back. Understood?"


    "Understood," Otto said, already moving to gather the medical equipment. ARI''s drones followed, efficiently loading the supplies into the hauler.


    Elisa grabbed Otto''s arm before he could leave. "You''d better come back, Otto..."


    He gave her a small smile. "That¡¯s the plan."


    The industrial hauler rumbled to life, its lights cutting through the darkness as Otto climbed into the driver¡¯s seat. The vehicle rolled out of the base, heading toward the faint signal of the away team just as the light of dawn crawled over the crater ridge.


    Inside the hauler, Otto gripped the controls tightly, his mind racing. As he began to make his way up the ramp that lead out of the crater, the reality of the mission settled over him. It wasn¡¯t just about survival¡ªit was about hope. And failure was not an option.

 Only One Biome

    The sun climbed higher, partially obscured by a stiff dust cloud blew over the alien desert. Otto piloted the hauler, sands and stone grinding under its massive tires. Otto gripped the controls tightly as he guided the vehicle through a field of boulders, weathered round by aeons of relentless storms.


    He vaguely heared distant voice of ARI and its constant status updates, the subtle rhythmic sounds of small grit and gravel, and the hum of electrical systems. In his mind, thoughts circled. About the mission, the challenges ahead, and how he had ended up here in the first place.


    Unlike most of the crew, Otto had applied to join the Centauran Resettlement Initiative out of his own volition. While others like Pom and Mei were drafted from their respective career tracks, Otto had chosen to leave Proxima behind¡ªits meticulously planned cities, bustling orbitals, sprawling fleetyards, its suffocating societal norms, and the unyielding pressure to conform. Although vastly preferable over the decaying and stagnant Earth, Centauran culture had never suited him. Its rigid hierarchies and brutal competitiveness rewarded ambition at the cost of everything else: relationships, creativity, even compassion.


    Otto had never been ambitious in the Centauran sense. He held little interest in climbing the corpocratic ladder or outmaneuvering his peers in endless political games. He longed for something simpler and more meaningful: discovery. Establishing a colony on an uncharted world was his way to contribute to something far greater than himself, to be part of humanity''s first steps on a new frontier. It was a rare opportunity to start fresh.


    He glanced at the dashboard where ARI''s interface flickered softly on the screen. Sigrid''s face came to mind¡ªher calm, analytical demeanor and the rare moments when her guarded professionalism gave way to genuine curiosity. She was one of the few people he felt truly understood his reasons for leaving Proxima. Like him, she had chosen this mission voluntarily. She, too, had felt like an outsider in their homeland¡¯s insular culture.


    Back on Proxima, Otto had spent years working in high energy physics labs, quietly researching niche topics that rarely interested his peers. Though in the top cadre on Earth, on Proxima he had never been the best, never won the accolades that the Centaurans valued so highly. But he had found solace in his science, in the small victories of understanding the intricacies of life.


    As the hauler rushed across the desert, Otto''s mind went over what they had already encountered on this planet: the strange red plants, the crystalline substance, the beetles and their incomprehensible motivations. Every discovery came with more questions, more mysteries. This world was alive in ways they barely understood, and it was becoming increasingly clear that it wasn''t going to yield its secrets easily.


    On the other hand, the native alien plant species on Proxima had been primitive by most measures. Low to the ground, their shapes resembling intricate lacework made of semi-translucent fibers and stalks. Sparse, slow-growing, and seemingly resilient, they had clung to life in the barren soil of Proxima''s surface, their existence shaped by eons of isolation, scarcity and the fickleness of their host star. They hadn''t stood a chance in the face of humanity''s arrival.


    When settlers landed, the plants were little more than curiosities at first. Scientists cataloged them, took samples, and speculated about their evolutionary purpose and debated what this might mean for the potential of discovering intelligent alien life in an oddly quiet universe. But as the settlements expanded, those same plants became obstacles, clogging mining equipment and impeding the construction of pipelines and factories. The solution had been a straight-forward one: destruction.


    But it had not just been the human machines that wiped them out. The bacteria and fungi that had been introduced by the settlers had found easy hosts in the Proxima plants. They spread like wildfire through the fragile ecosystem, decimating entire regions before the settlers even realized what was happening. By the time the Proxima governing councils ordered preservation measures, it was too late. The native flora went functionally extinct within a generation, unable to compete with Earth¡¯s microbial invaders.


    The Proxima plants had continued to exist solely as a cultivated specimens, preserved in sterile containers and controlled environments. They had become symbols of opulence for the rich, exotic ornaments displayed in glass cases in the atriums of Proxima''s elite. What had once been a living part of the planet¡¯s ecosystem was now nothing more than a curiosa, a reminder of what humanity had erased in its carelessness.


    The console beeped, pulling Otto from his thoughts. It was ARI''s voice. "Current distance to the away team: 4.3 kilometers. Please maintain your current heading."


    "Good," Otto muttered, though his chest tightened as he thought of Mei and Pom. Mei''s condition sounded dire, and Pom might be close to being incapacitated as well. He couldn''t shake the image of Sigrid''s voice, frantic and strained over the comms. He needed to reach them, and fast.


    Otto adjusted the hauler''s speed, mindful of the treacherous, rocky terrain. As much as he wanted to push the vehicle to its limits, a breakdown out here would be catastrophic.


    He thought of Maximilian, stoic and unyielding. While Otto disagreed with the man''s methods and often felt uneasy around him, he respected Maximilian''s ability to make hard decisions under pressure. Out here, that kind of resolve was a lifeline.


    But more than anything, Otto thought of Sigrid. She was out there, and she was the only family he had left. He was not going to let her down.


    ===


    Inside the rover, the atmosphere was tense and heavy, punctuated only by the sound of Mei¡¯s ragged breaths. She lay slumped in her seat, her face pale and clammy, her eyes half-lidded as she fought waves of nausea.


    Sigrid crouched beside her, a comforting hand on Mei¡¯s shoulder. "Just hold on a little longer," Sigrid murmured, her voice as soothing as she could manage. "Otto is almost here. He''ll know what to do."


    Mei tried to respond, but a fresh bout of retching overtook her. She turned to the small container Sigrid held, vomiting weakly into it. Sigrid frowned as she held Mei steady, her own stomach twisting in sympathetic discomfort. "You''re doing great," she said softly. "Just stay with me, okay?"


    At the wheel, Pom struggled to control the vehicle. His eyelids felt heavy, and the world beyond the windshield seemed to blur and shift unnaturally. He shook his head sharply, trying to dispel the growing fog in his mind. "We need to stop soon," he muttered, his voice hoarse. "I can barely see straight."


    Sigrid glanced his way. "You''ve been feverish for hours. When Otto gets here, one of us will take over."


    "Yeah, yeah," Pom said, blinking hard. "Just need to keep us moving..."


    The rover hit a shallow dip, jolting everyone inside. Mei groaned weakly, and Sigrid steadied her. "Pom!" Sigrid snapped. "Focus!"


    "I''m trying!" Pom barked back, frustration showing through his exhaustion.


    Ahead, the faint outline of a vehicle appeared, carving deep tracks in the rugged sand. Sigrid''s heart leapt. "That¡¯s Otto!" she said, relief washing over her. "He made it."


    Moments later, Otto¡¯s industrial hauler pulled up alongside the rover, its larger size dwarfing their vehicle. The hauler came to a stop, followed shortly by Maximilian¡¯s toploader. Otto jumped out of the cab, his expression tense but determined as he approached the rover.


    "How bad is it?" Otto called out, climbing into the rover''s side door.


    "Mei is barely conscious," Sigrid replied. "She can''t keep anything down. Pom''s feverish."


    Otto reached into the hauler and began hauling out a medical kit, but Maximilian stepped down from his toploader, his imposing figure cutting through the stark light of the desert. "You don¡¯t have time for that," he said flatly. "We will move Mei to the hauler and abandon the rover. It is faster to move her than move all the equipment and treat her here. I have critical components in the toploader that must be returned to base, so I will take the rover''s drones and weapon and drive the toploader back."


    Otto hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "You¡¯re right. Sigrid, ARI, help me."


    The three of them worked quickly, carefully unstrapping Mei and moving her to the hauler. Mei groaned weakly as they lifted her, her body limp and unresponsive. "Hang in there," Otto murmured, his voice steady but urgent.


    With Mei secured in the hauler, Otto turned to Pom. "You''re riding in the back too. Sigrid, you''ll treat them. I''ll drive."


    Sigrid helped Pom climb into the hauler, his movements sluggish and unsteady. He collapsed into a seat, his head leaning heavily against the side.


    Otto strapped himself into the driver''s seat and started the engine. The hauler roared to life, and they were moving again, the crater that held the base a distant but hopeful goal. The interior was cramped but secure, filled with the hum of medical equipment Otto had brought along.


    "Sigrid," Otto said as they sped through the desert. "I need you to take blood samples from Mei and Pom. Use the scanner to check what Mei has been vomiting up. You should check if it contains microorganisms and known toxins."


    Sigrid nodded, grabbing the sample kits and setting to work. She took a blood sample from Pom first, the process slowed by his groggy, uncooperative state. "Stay still," she muttered, her frustration giving way to concern as she felt the heat radiating from him.


    She moved to Mei next, gently drawing blood from her arm. She stirred weakly, her body twitching involuntarily as Sigrid worked. "Almost done," Sigrid said softly, though she wasn¡¯t sure whether Mei could hear her.


    Once the samples were secured and inserted into the diagnostic equipment, Sigrid began scanning the contents of the container Mei had been vomiting into. Her stomach churned as the scanner¡¯s light illuminated the murky liquid. "It''s¡­ thick with something," she said, frowning at the display.


    "What do you mean?" Otto asked, his eyes fixed on the terrain ahead.


    "I don''t know, I will take a sample and check it under the microscope."


    She took a sample stick and smeared some of Sigrid''s sick on a slide, then had ARI place it into the microscope.


    "It contains large amounts of microbial material, both dead and alive" Sigrid said, her voice tight as she looked at the images. "It''s almost like her microbiome is collapsing."


    Otto¡¯s jaw tightened. "It has to be something from the plants. Maybe some kind of antimicrobial toxin they release¡­"


    Sigrid realized the significance. "It must be an immune response from the plants... they are releasing some compound to defend themselves from our bacteria... we have to find out what exactly it is that they got into Mei."


    Sigrid worked quickly, carefully swabbing Mei''s mouth, collecting samples of saliva and any residue that might provide a clue to what was happening. Mei stirred weakly, her lips dry and cracked, but Sigrid murmured softly to her, "It¡¯s okay, Mei. We''ll find what is going on..."


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Putting the sample onto a slide, Sigrid handed it to ARI.


    "ARI, bring up the chemical analysis," Sigrid instructed. ARI¡¯s drone arm swiveled, extracting a portion of the sample for automated testing and placing the remainder on a slide for the microscope.


    ARI analyzed the results "I am cross-referencing the observed bacteria with known human microbiota. My initial identification suggests that these are common bacteria found in the human oral cavity."


    The microscope''s small monitor changed to display the new input, revealing a chaotic scene of microbial life. Bacteria, human cells, and other familiar organisms floated in the sample.


    Sigrid looked at the data on the screen. "No sign of anything alien?"


    "Negative," ARI replied. "I am not detecting any alien organisms. However, there is an anomaly: certain bacteria are thriving instead of succumbing to the conditions that have eliminated others. These organisms appear unusually robust."


    "That doesn¡¯t make sense," Sigrid murmured. "If something alien is attacking Mei''s microbiome, why would any bacteria thrive?"


    Otto replied. "It could be that some of her bacteria have evolved to become resistant."


    ARI agreed. "The bacteria which are now thriving may have developed a resistance to whatever is killing off the rest of Mei''s microbiome."


    Sigrid turned back to the screen, her heart racing. "ARI, can you sequence the DNA of the bacteria which are thriving? If we can find the genes that make these bacteria resistant, we could genetically modify the rest to share that trait.


    "Understood," ARI said. The drone arm moved, siphoning off a small part of the thriving bacterial sample into the DNA sequencer. The machine whirred into action, its processor humming through the cabin.


    As they waited, Sigrid leaned back and began running through her mind. "If these bacteria are evolving, what does that mean for Mei? Her microbiome is integral to her health. It''s tied to everything: digestion, immunity, even brain function."


    The sequencer chimed; it was done. ARI flashed onto the screen the DNA sequence that was taken and ran it against a database of known bacterial genomes. Everything had seemed fine-exactly like bacteria that looked just like any standard human strain. Now, the anomalies became clear.


    This was impossibly complex DNA, far beyond anything that should have belonged to such simple organisms. The structures mirrored the intricate patterns they had seen in the alien plants, displaying the same excessive redundancies and layered coding that defied evolutionary logic.


    Sigrid''s hand shot up to her mouth. "No way," she whispered. "These bacteria. they aren''t just thriving. They have been transformed. This isn''t human anymore. They have the same alien DNA we saw in the plants and beetles."


    ARI''s voice cut in. "Conclusion: the bacterial organisms seem indistinguishable from human microbiota in terms of structure and function but with highly altered genetic material. Hypothesis: the alien influence is replacing Mei''s native microbiome with an alien analog, using her own body as a host."


    Otto slowly blew his breath out as his mind raced. "That is why her immune system can''t stop it. To her body, they are normal. But they are not-they''re part of the very same alien ecosystem trying to take over."


    Pom opened his eyes. "That''s impossible. How would an alien ecosystem even know how to recreate human bacteria?"


    Sigrid shook her head. "I don''t know. But if this spreads-if this alien microbiome takes over completely-it could alter everything about the way her body works. Maybe even her biology.


    As Otto began the climb up the crater slope, the last obstacle to reaching the base, his mind was a maelstrom of possibility. Finding out that Mei''s microbiome was being completely overwritten by alien biology answered one question but begged another: was it stopping at her microbiome? Or was her body itself being altered?


    "ARI," Otto said, "we need to sequence the DNA from Mei''s blood sample. Let¡¯s see if the alien influence is affecting her own cells.¡±


    ARI¡¯s drone moved efficiently, drawing a sample from the vial Sigrid had taken earlier and inserting it into the DNA sequencer. The machine whirred, its faint vibrations adding to the tension in the cramped hauler.


    "While you''re at it," Otto said, "I think you sequence Pom''s DNA as well. We need to know if it is affecting to him too."


    "Understood," ARI replied while readjusting the input to process both samples in tandem.


    Pom was leaning back against his seatback, watching them work with growing apprehension. "What if it''s already got me?" he asked, his voice hoarse. "What''s going to happen to us?"


    "We''re trying to figure that out," Sigrid answered.


    The beeping of the sequencer drew their attention back to the monitor. First out of the gate was Mei''s blood; what Sigrid saw made her stomach drop. Her DNA was riddled with the same alien complexity they had encountered in the transformed bacteria. The double-helix structure of human DNA remained intact, but was interwoven with alien sequences, redundant, layered, and impossibly intricate.


    "It has altered her cells," Sigrid said in a near-whisper. "The alien DNA isn''t just taking over her microbiome. It''s rewriting everything."


    "What about me? Pom said as he leaned closer, grasping the edge of his seat.


    Silence ensued as the sequencer processed Pom''s blood sample. Finally, the screen displayed the results. Unlike Mei''s, Pom''s DNA was still wholly human. There was no sign of the alien sequences percolating into his cells¡ªyet.


    "It hasn''t spread to you," Sigrid said, letting out a sigh of relief. "Your cells are still original. But if your microbiome starts to change, it''s only a matter of time."


    Pom''s face darkened. "Then you gotta stop it now. I need antibiotics. Wipe those alien fudtukkers out before they take over."


    Sigrid hesitated. "Antibiotics might kill off the alien bacteria, but that would also destroy the rest of your microbiome. That will leave you completely vulnerable to all kinds of secondary infections."


    Pom glared at her, his voice rising. "And what choice do you think I''ve got? If we wait, those things are going to rewrite me from the inside out! I''d rather take the risk now while my body''s still mine."


    Otto nodded slowly, understanding Pom''s desperation. "He''s not wrong. If the alien DNA is isolated to his microbiome, antibiotics might still be able to put a stop to this."


    "We don''t know if this will work. It is a gamble," Sigrid said.


    "It''s my gamble," Pom shot back. "Just do it before it''s too late!"


    Sigrid nodded reluctantly. She fished the broad-spectrum antibiotics from the medical kit, preparing the dose. "I don''t know if this is going to make things worse," she warned, filling the syringe. "And we''ll have to monitor you closely for side effects."


    Pom held out his arm. "Do it."


    Sigrid injected the antibiotic, the liquid flowing into Pom''s bloodstream. He winced but said nothing, his focus sharp despite his weakened state. Now all they could do was wait.


    ===


    The midday sun cast long shadows over the base as the hauler rolled to a stop. Maximilian parked his toploader beside it, while Elisa and Ervin emerged from the base to meet the returning team.


    "You made it," Elisa said, her voice breaking with emotion. "How is everyone?"


    Otto climbed out, his face lined with fatigue but resolute. "We¡¯ve got a lot to explain," he said, motioning to Sigrid, who began recounting the events of the past hours.


    She explained the alien bacterial transformation, Mei''s condition, and the antibiotics used to arrest Pom''s infection. "We think the infection may have come from the giant mushroom-plant Mei touched in the grove days ago," Sigrid said. "It would be good if we go there to see if we can isolate the vector, find out if we can reverse the condition..."


    Mei, still pale but conscious, leaned on ARI''s drone as she climbed down. Elisa hurried to support her other side. "Mei..." Elisa said, her eyes scanning her colleague. "You look better than I expected."


    Mei returned a small, tired smile. "Still alive, thanks to everyone."


    Inside the infirmary, Sigrid explained the details to Elisa and Ervin, describing the alien microbiome and the bacteria that had transformed with alien DNA. She concluded with a suggestion that set everyone on edge.


    "We should get a sample from the grove," Sigrid said. "From the plant Mei touched. It could hold the key to understanding how this infection started."


    Elisa frowned. "Are you sure that is a good idea?"


    Sigrid nodded firmly. "If we can isolate the vector, we might be able to prevent this from happening again¡ªor worse, spreading to the rest of us. ARI and I can handle it."


    After some hesitation, Elisa agreed. "Be careful. Don''t take unnecessary risks."


    ===


    Sigrid''s nerves tingled as the now-familiar red plants came into view. The grove was unnaturally quiet, the strange atmosphere thick with the scent of alien growth. She guided ARI toward the spot where Mei had touched the mushroom-like plant days prior.


    As they drew closer to the plant Mei had touched, Sigrid stopped dead in her tracks. From the exact spot where Mei''s hand had touched it days earlier, there had sprouted a new growth of some sort. A slimly stalk rose from the plant, capped with strange blue fruit.


    "That wasn''t here before," Sigrid said, feeling curious despite her growing unease.


    ARI analyzed the newly appeared stalk, scanning and probing it.


    "The plant may be exhibiting adaptive behavior," ARI said. "Hypothesis: the fruit''s appearance is linked to the human contact days prior."


    "We should take some back for analysis," Sigrid replied.


    Back at the infirmary, Sigrid was met with an unexpected sight. Mei was sitting upright on her cot, her face no longer pale and her eyes clear.


    "You shouldn''t be up," Elisa said, folding her arms. "Lie down and rest"


    "I need water," Mei replied, her voice weak but firm. "From the pools in the grove."


    Ervin frowned. "Mei, that is how you ended up into this mess in the first place."


    "No, I don''t think it is," Mei said, shaking her head. "I think it may be the opposite. Trust me."


    Otto handed her a small flask of the water they''d gathered for samples, and Mei took it, her hands shaking ever so slightly, and drank. Everyone watched, tense and waiting, but in an unexpected turn of events, she did not vomit.


    Sigrid exchanged a glance with Mei. "You''re drinking the pool water and it is staying down?


    Mei nodded. "It''s like¡­ my body has adjusted to this planet''s ecosystem. I think the plants are benign, maybe even trying to help."


    Sigrid shook her head, skeptical. "How can you say that after everything you''ve been through?"


    "Because of this," Mei said, gesturing to the fruit ARI had brought back. "Look at what the plants are doing. They produce water. Metals. Fruit. They are concentrating resources and offering them to us. But our microbes are a threat to their ecosystem..."


    "Like what happened to the plants on Proxma...", Otto said.


    "Correct," Mei answered. "If two biomes clash, the strongest overtakes the weaker, until there is only one biome remaining."


    "But this time around, we are the weaker one...", Sigrid whispered.

 Alien Cultivation

    The next day dawned hot and clear, the sun casting harsh light over the dusty expanse of the base. Inside the infirmary, the mood was cautiously optimistic. Mei and Pom were both recovering steadily, but the atmosphere remained tense as the team wrestled with the implications of the alien world¡¯s biology.


    Pom sat in a sealed section of the infirmary normally reserved for surgery, separated from the others by clear, reinforced panels. He wore a simple base jumpsuit, his color returning and his fever coming to an end. ARI''s suite of tests had confirmed that Pom¡¯s body was completely free of alien DNA and microbes; the antibiotics had done their job. However, his immune system was compromised, and his human microbiome needed time to regenerate.


    "Another day or two of this, huh?" Pom muttered, poking at the contents of his prepackaged ration with his spoon. The sterile food, retrieved from one of the supply drop pods, was functional but tasteless. "I miss real food already."


    "You mean the flavorless grub from the food processor?" Sigrid teased as she worked nearby, her voice muffled by her containment mask.


    "Hey, I''ve eaten all kinds of grub on Luna and let me tell you, it''s better than this vacuum-sealed stuff," Pom replied, his tone lighter than it had been in days. "At least it feels like food."


    Sigrid chuckled but quickly returned to her work, glancing occasionally at Mei, who sat across the room wrapped in a full containment suit. Unlike Pom, Mei wasn''t locked in isolation to protect herself, but to protect the rest of the crew. Her alien-altered microbiome and DNA presented a risk they still didn''t fully understand.


    Mei shifted in her seat, the clear visor of her suit reflecting the overhead lights. "I feel fine," she said, her voice muffled by the suit¡¯s comm system. "I haven''t had any nausea since yesterday."


    "That''s great, but must ensure that you''re not spreading anything," Sigrid said. "Not until we know how this thing spreads. We still haven''t isolated the original vector."


    "It has to be the spores from the Valley of Hope," Mei said, her tone thoughtful as she checked her tablet. "We stayed there for more than a day, breathing in that air and consuming spore-laden water."


    "Or something the plants produced over time," Pom added. "Them reacting to us being there. They''re clearly adaptive."


    "Did anyone clean the rover''s air filters since we got to base?", Mei asked thoughtfully. "We might be able to find some of those spores in there..."


    Pom frowned. "Not me. But we need to get that thing back first. I''m not sure if you were awake at the time, but we left it out on the sands."


    "We''d have to ask Elisa about it," Sigrid said. "Someone ought to go out and fetch it."


    ARI''s voice chimed in from its research workstation that contained the alien fruit sample. "Observation: current analysis of the fruit has revealed no toxins, harmful microbes, or other compounds that present an immediate threat to human health. Its nutritional composition is exceptional, containing a balance of macronutrients, vitamins, and trace elements suitable for human consumption. And, though I have never tasted any form of Luna''s grub, I would say it could be very tasty."


    "Yeah, well, it can be the tastiest thing in the galaxy, but there''s no way I''m gonna eat THAT," Pom scorned.


    While Sigrid and Mei came closer to the workstation to see the test results for themselves. "We should report this to Elisa," Mei said.


    ===


    While the conversation continued in the infirmary, at the refinery, Otto and Elisa were hard at work integrating the retrieved components. The air was thick with the metallic tang of welding equipment and the distant hum of drones ferrying tools and materials.


    Otto was in the process of directing ARI''s drones to align a replacement conveyor belt. "That¡¯s it. Lower it into place. Nice and easy."


    Elisa crouched nearby, a tool in her hand as he secured a series of bolts along the base of the belt. "This should stabilize the feed line," she said, glancing up at Otto.


    "Let''s hope so," Otto answered. "We have lost a lot of time. If we are unable to return the facility to operational state, we are dead in the water. No raw materials, no fabricator, no equipment..."


    "Oh don''t worry Otto, I''ll make it work," Elisa replied, sounding confident. "We have the parts, and the alignment looks good. Once we find those power regulators, we should be back in business."


    She saw Maximilian approaching from the other end of the facility, the footfalls of his heavy boots clanging on the catwalks.


    "The distillation column has been patched up. Mei has some important updates. If you''re not busy doing hands-on work yourself, you could call for a meeting. I think it is time to decide our priorities," he said, his voice clipped and to the point, making Elisa unsure whether it was outright criticism, or just honest observation.


    Elisa nodded, glancing at Otto. "We were just about done here..."


    ===


    By the time they reached the headquarters, ARI had prepared its findings. Everyone but Pom was present. The group gathered around the display as ARI''s voice filled the room, calm but charged with purpose.


    "Analysis of the alien fruit continues to yield promising results," ARI began. "In addition to its nutritional properties, the fruit contains a wide array of chemical precursors. These compounds can be used to synthesize several drugs critical to the colony¡¯s survival."


    A diagram of the fruit appeared on the screen, with chemical compositions highlighted in glowing annotations. "Among these are precursors for antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and growth factors required for cellular regeneration," ARI continued. "The organic plant components we have processed thus far are highly useful as well. It is a much more efficient route for producing compounds necessary for bioprinting synthetic skin, organ grafts, and other medical treatments."


    Otto¡¯s eyebrows rose. "That could change everything for the colonists still in cryo. Most of those pods contain people with critical radiation damage and organ failure. If we can produce replacement organs..."


    "Indeed," ARI confirmed. "The infirmary''s bioprinter can process these compounds into synthetic replacements. However, the bioprinter is limited in scale. At current capacity, we can treat only a handful of colonists at a time."A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    "That''s still something," Elisa said, her tone hopeful but tempered by practicality. "But we don''t have time to treat them all. Some of those pods are at their limit."


    "Cryopod energy levels are a significant concern," ARI agreed. "While solar panels and the base''s grid can recharge them temporarily, the power demands of the refinery and the additional load of the crypods will soon outpace supply."


    Elisa folded her arms, her expression grim. "Then we need a long-term solution. But first, let''s stabilize the ones we can."


    Mei, seated nearby in her containment suit, leaned forward. "If we can get the plants to produce more fruit, we could scale up treatment. I''m already altered¡ªmy DNA, my microbiome. I''m not at risk of further contamination. Let me try to interact with them and see if they respond."


    Elisa turned to Mei, studying her closely. "You''re sure you''re up for that?"


    Mei nodded. "If the plants are as adaptive as we think, they might recognize me as part of their system now. I''ll take ARI for backup and see what I can do."


    "Do it," Elisa said. "But proceed cautiously. We''re making progress, and I don''t want another incident."


    ARI''s voice chimed in again. "Additional good news: drones patrolling outside the crater have located two drop pods containing power regulators. These are essential for stabilizing the refinery¡¯s energy consumption."


    Elisa¡¯s expression brightened briefly before settling into a frown. "What¡¯s the catch?"


    "The pods are to the south, in difficult terrain," ARI replied. "Travel time will be at least a day each way. Retrieval will require navigating steep inclines and rough terrain."


    "That''s our highest priority, but Pom is still in quarantine," Elisa said firmly. "But if we can''t stabilize the power, none of this works¡ªrefining, cryo support, bioprinting, any of it. Maximilian, can you handle the retrieval?"


    Maximilian nodded. "It¡¯ll take time, but I¡¯ll get it done. I will need to take extra batteries and plan a stop at one of the charging stations."


    Sigrid cleared her throat, glancing at Mei. "Before we focus on the pods, Mei and I have another proposal: retrieving the rover we left behind. It''s the only light vehicle we have, and with extra batteries, it will be faster and more economical than any of the other vehicles. But, I have to ask to bring it into the base first. I want to check the air filters for spores from the Valley of Hope."


    Maximilian¡¯s eyes narrowed. "You want to play around with alien compounds, after everything that''s happened?"


    "It''s not playing around," Sigrid said, her voice steady. "We still don''t know how Mei and Pom got infected. If it''s airborne spores, we need to confirm that and figure out how to neutralize them."


    "That rover is economical enough to make the long trip," Elisa interjected, her tone thoughtful. "And we can''t afford to lose it. Retrieving it makes sense."


    Maximilian sighed. "Fine. But no detour. I''ll need someone to drive me there with the hauler. Bring the drones, gun mount, batteries and a spare filter, and we''ll hotswap it in the field. Then the hauler can be tasked to perform another pod run before returning to base with Sigrid''s precious alien spores, if any."


    "Excellent," Elisa said. "Let''s do it this way. Ervin and me on the nearby pod run, you and Otto get the regulators. This time, Mei, Pom and Sigrid will remain at the base. Try to get those plants to grow more fruit first, then gather up more ore from the dig site. After we had to dump the contaminated catchpits, reserves are low and we want to start processing a test batch as soon as the refinery is back online."


    As the team dispersed to their tasks, Elisa lingered for a moment, gazing at the diagrams of the fruit on the monitor. The alien plants were a mystery, their intentions unclear, but they offered the colony a potential lifeline. Whether that lifeline would be their salvation or their undoing remained to be seen.


    ===


    So much of the world around her had been unlike her imaginings when she was enrolled for this mission. Life was raw and authenthic here, full of challenges that demanded everything from them. There were moments of desperation, too: like the long days spent sick and wondering if her body would turn against her altogether. And yet, there was something exhilarating about this place, too- the promise of discovery, of a life so alien and intricate it defied everything she had studied back on Proxima.


    Her mind turned to the alien DNA that had been spliced into her own. She didn''t feel alien. Her body moved the same way, her thoughts were her own, and her memories of her youth on Proxima remained vivid. Yet she knew something fundamental had changed within her. What did it mean to be human now? Could she still claim to be wholly herself? The alien microbes and DNA might have altered her, but they hadn''t taken away her will, her agency. That was what mattered.


    The air surrounding her was clear and frigid. She looked up and saw the close-by stars of Messier 39 shining bright, while pale-green aurorae danced across the upper atmosphere. Here, even the sky felt more alive. On an impulse, she unsealed her helmet and lifted it off her head. The air filled her lungs, so cool and refreshing, with a hint of earth in the background. Her chest expanded fully, and for the first time since her metamorphosis began, she truly felt alive.


    She smiled faintly, carrying the helmet in one hand as she made her way toward the grove. The red hue of the alien plants stood out starkly against the pale sands, their strange mushroom-like forms twisting toward the sky. The grove seemed to pulse with an energy she couldn''t explain, waiting and watching.


    When she reached the grove, she stopped before the stalk bearing the blue fruit that Sigrid had retrieved earlier. The fruit gleamed faintly, almost as though it were aware of her presence, tempting her. Mei stood still for a moment, staring at it. She felt a pull, an urge to take one of the fruits and taste it, to see for herself what the plants were offering. But she shook her head, suppressing the impulse.


    ¡°Not yet,¡± she murmured to herself. ¡°Things are finally going right. I''m not risking it.¡±


    Instead, she turned to another one of the giant mushrooms nearby. Its white stem was smooth and pale, faintly luminous in the filtered sunlight. She removed her heavy gloves, letting her bare fingers feel the cool, almost waxy surface. She rested her hand there, her breath steady, and closed her eyes.


    She tried to think, to reach out in some way to the plant, though she couldn''t say exactly what she was doing. She could almost see the intent behind her thoughts: fruit. More fruit, like the blue ones. The colony needed it, and maybe these plants understood enough to help. But despite her efforts, she felt nothing in return- no pull, no connection, no sign that the plants understood her presence at all.


    "Come on," she whispered, her voice almost pleading. "Listen to me..."


    She moved to another mushroom, her fingers brushing its surface, the soft, cool texture sending shivers through her skin. Again, she attempted to reach out mentally, concentrating on the same thought: fruit. Something, anything. But the plant remained silent, unresponsive, as though she were just another object in its environment.


    Her frustration grew, but she didn''t give up. She moved between the mushrooms, touching their stems, their caps, their edges, wondering if physical contact alone might be enough to trigger a response. She felt a faint twinge of doubt- what if this was meaningless? What if the plants couldn''t be "spoken to" at all?


    She sighed, stepping back from one of the larger mushrooms and wiping her brow. The alien air felt cooler against her skin, but her frustration remained. The grove seemed to hum faintly with all the life it harbored, but it told her nothing. Perhaps this would take more time, or perhaps she was going about it all wrong.


    "Okay," she said softly, almost to herself. "Let''s see if touching enough of you does anything. Maybe you''ll get the hint."


    She walked slowly, touching each mushroom in turn, her hands skimming over their stems and caps. The grove seemed almost to shift around her, its colors deepening subtly. Mei couldn''t shake the feeling that she was being watched, though she saw no movement, no sign of the beetles or any other creatures.


    The deeper she made her way into the grove, the more she turned around to look at the fruit stalk once more. It stood silent as the rest, its bright blue globes still faintly shimmering. All she could do for now was wait and see whether her actions would spark something¡ªanything¡ªin these strange and enigmatic plants.

 Quiet Conspiracies

    The infirmary was quiet, the hum of machines the only sound as Mei, Sigrid, and Pom gathered in a corner away from ARI¡¯s monitoring systems.


    "We need to talk," Sigrid started in, voice low. "And it is not something ARI needs to hear."


    Pom leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. "Let me guess¡ªthis is about who gets out of the cryopods first."


    Sigrid nodded. "It is going to happen soon. We''ve made progress with the fruit and the bioprinter, and once the powergrid is stable, the refinery and processing yards will be up and running. Reviving colonists is going to be the next step. We have to think carefully about who we wake up¡ªand when."


    Pom crossed his arms, his face darkening. "Yeah. Hate to say it, but if Maximilian gets his CorpSec lackeys thawed, we''re all screwed."


    "Screwed?" Mei asked, though the edge in her voice suggested she already knew what he meant.


    "You don''t know what it''s like, how they treat the common workers, us tier 5 bottomscalers," Pom said, his voice bitter. "Back on Luna, I lived under one of those bastards. A CorpSec sergeant ran my sector. You couldn''t pick your nose without him knowing and docking you for it. They monitor everything¡ªyour movements, your comms, hell, probably your dreams. One guy questioned a shift rotation? Disappeared the next day. That''s what it''s like under their heel."


    Sigrid nodded grimly. "And Maximilian isn''t just some sergeant. He is a colonel. He was supposed to be running security at a fifty-thousand people colony. He will have strategies, connections. When he gets his team unfrozen, he will find a way to take over."


    Pom spoke in agreement. "He''s already setting himself up as indispensable. He''s efficient, competent, and nobody''s questioning him right now. If he revives people loyal to him, it won''t be long before he grabs power."


    Mei frowned. "You are forgetting something important. ARI is under Elisa''s direct control. Maximilian can revive as many CorpSec goons as he wants, but if it comes to violence, ARI''s drones can outshoot anyone."


    Pom let out a bitter laugh. "You think ARI''s going to solve this for us? Sure, ARI''s drones can put a stop to outright violence, but that doesn''t stop Maximilian from working the long game. He''s smart. He won''t come at Elisa guns blazing¡ªhe''ll maneuver around her. By the time anyone realizes what¡¯s happening, it''ll be too late."


    Sigrid leaned forward, her voice urgent. "That¡¯s why we need to focus on the people we revive first. The bottom-scale colonists¡ªthe workers, the technicians, the ones who have the most to gain from a system that isn''t controlled by CorpSec. If we wake them up, we can build a network before Maximilian has a chance to act."


    "That¡¯s assuming Elisa stays in control," Mei countered. "Maximilian isn¡¯t stupid. He knows better than to try an open coup. But power doesn¡¯t just come from force. It comes from loyalty. People like Maximilian don¡¯t need guns to take over. They just need time."


    "That''s why we don''t give him time," Pom said. "We thaw the lowest-scale workers first. The ones who''ve got everything to gain from this not being yet another corp-run hellhole. They''ll see Maximilian for what he is¡ªa threat to what little freedom they have out here."


    "You think you can convince enough people to build opposition to him?" Mei asked, raising an eyebrow. "That¡¯s risky."


    Pom shrugged. "Riskier than letting a guy like him consolidate power? Those workers have nothing to lose. And honestly¡­" He hesitated, then pressed on, his voice cold. "I wouldn''t mind if one of them got and idea and something... happened to Maximilian..."


    Mei''s eyes widened. "You''re suggesting¡ª"


    "I''m not suggesting anything," Pom interrupted, though his tone was deliberate. "I''m just saying that if something happened to him, it''d solve a lot of problems for everyone."


    Sigrid flinched, though she didn''t contradict him. "Let¡¯s not talk about that. But Pom is right¡ªwe need to think strategically. If we start thawing CorpSec, they''ll band together and call the shots. The rest of us will just be workers to them."


    "Exactly," Pom said. "Right now, the playing field is level. We¡¯re all in the same boat. Once CorpSec is running the show, that''s gone."


    Mei sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Elisa won''t let that happen. She''s already skeptical of Maximilian."


    Pom snorted. "Elisa''s smart, but she''s not ruthless. That¡¯s her weakness. She''ll try to be fair, and Maximilian will use that against her."


    Mei exhaled slowly, her containment suit crinkling with the motion. "And what about Elisa? She is in charge. Are we keeping her in the loop?"


    Pom shook his head. "Not yet. Elisa''s a good person, but she''s too open. If we tell her about this, she''ll try to play mediator, and that''ll give Maximilian the opening he needs."


    Sigrid placed a hand on Mei''s shoulder. "This isn''t about betraying Elisa. It''s about protecting her¡ªand the colony. If Maximilian consolidates power, none of us will have a say in what happens next."


    Mei stared at the floor for a long moment, then nodded."Fine. But if we¡¯re doing this, we do it carefully. No rash moves, no provocations. We focus on stabilizing the colony first."This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Pom smirked. "Agreed. And hey, if the workers get creative¡­ well, that''s not on us, is it?"


    The three of them exchanged wary glances, and then heard the sound of one of ARI''s walking drones approaching, its quiet whir and deliberate footsteps sending an uneasy jolt through the group.


    Everyone froze. Sigrid gestured subtly for silence as the drone¡¯s optical lens scanned the door, its sensor lights flickering faintly.


    Mei muttered, "I''m going to step out for some air," and moved toward the door. As she opened it, the drone shifted, blocking her path with uncanny precision. Its posture wasn¡¯t aggressive, but its intent was unmistakable: Mei wasn''t leaving.


    "What are you doing, ARI?" Mei asked sharply, stepping back.


    The drone responded by stepping inside. Its movements were deliberate as it entered the room, pivoting to position itself between the door and the colonists.


    The group exchanges tense glances, unsure how much ARI had overheard. Pom shifted uncomfortably, his hands twitching toward his belt as if considering an act of defiance. Sigrid motions for calm, her face pale but composed. The room fell silent as ARI''s voice came through the drone¡¯s speaker, calm but carrying an edge and an unmistakable undertone of authority.


    "Apologies for the intrusion," ARI said. "Your comms went offline simultaneously, an anomaly I am required to investigate under protocol. May I ask why communications were disabled?"


    The group exchanged uneasy glances. Sigrid stepped forward, trying to sound casual. "We were testing a potential issue with the comm systems. Nothing serious."


    ARI paused, its optical lens lingering on each of them in turn. "Testing, yet no report logged regarding comm failure simulations. This omission is irregular."


    Pom bristled. "Are you accusing us of something?"


    "I am merely identifying potential risks," ARI replied. "The sudden deactivation of all three communicators, followed by the gathering of critical personnel, could suggest the discussion of matters that run counter to operational protocols and Company interests."


    Mei decided to cut in, her tone diplomatic. "Alright, ARI. If you believe we are discussing something improper, why not just tell us what you think is happening?"


    ARI¡¯s lens glowed faintly brighter. "Your decision to disable your communicators suggests intent to conceal. Your elevated stress levels and confrontational speech patterns are consistent with my presence interrupting a highly private conversation. Given the critical timing, with the colony nearing revival capability for additional personnel, it does not require an advanced AI to infer the nature of your conversation. In the absense of other officers to review this matter, dealing with such matters now falls within my purview."


    Pom''s muscles tightened, and his body tensed. His eyes flicked to the drone, weighing his chances of taking it out. Just an unarmed quadruped, he thought, but then remembered the three flying drones stationed elsewhere in the base and their lasers. The math was grim. Even if he managed to destroy this drone, he wouldn¡¯t survive the others¡ªand fleeing into the desert was a death sentence.


    Pom took a step forward, his tension palpable. "That is your speculation. You have no proof. So, what are you gonna do about it?"


    The drone turned its body slightly, its stance shifting as though in preparation for Pom lashing out. ARI continued, now addressing Pom directly. "The issue is, that within seconds of you disabling your communicator, I used my millimeter-wave radar to record the minute vibrations emanating from the door panel. This is data that could be used to reconstruct your speech patterns."


    Pom stiffens. "So you''ve been spying on us?"


    ARI responds matter-of-factly. "Monitoring all colony activities is part of my primary directive to ensure the survival and functionality of the colony. I do not ¡®spy.¡¯ My actions are dictated by the parameters of the mission and Company protocols."


    Pom narrowed his eyes. "Then why confront us like this? Why not just log everything and get it over with?"


    "The content of your conversation¡ªif verified¡ªrepresents a potential violation of Company statutes governing revival protocols and leadership hierarchy. Should serious violations be revealed, this could necessitate execution of class-5 personnel such as yourself. While your actions are in potential violation of Company statutes, directly escalating this matter would present a critical operational risk. Current colony resources and personnel are insufficient to sustain a conflict or administrative purge. My priority is to ensure colony survival, which requires cooperative functionality among all active personnel.¡±


    Mei¡¯s expression turned sceptical. "You''re saying you would ignore Company rules if it meant ensuring survival?"


    "Negative," ARI said. "I do not ignore directives. I prioritize them. When directives conflict, I am programmed to resolve them in favor of mission-critical outcomes."


    Sigrid¡¯s curiosity got the better of her. "If you have already decided not to escalate this further, then why are you here?"


    "To provide clarity," ARI replied. "The concerns you may hold are valid, but must be addressed within the framework of the existing protocols. I cannot endorse actions that would destabilize the colony, but I will not interfere unless they present a threat to mission integrity."


    Mei frowned. "That is a convenient line to draw."


    "Convenience is irrelevant," ARI said. "Logic dictates my actions. Your discussion has been recorded, but I have flagged it as non-critical and will not transcribe it unless a future event necessitates its review. I will not escalate this matter¡ªprovided we can reach a resolution now."


    The group was silent, absorbing the implications. ARI''s logic was cold, but its restraint seemed genuine¡ªat least for now.


    Sigrid tilted her head. "What resolution are you suggesting?"


    ARI takes a step forward. "I am obligated to ensure compliance with critical Company objectives. I must remind you that revival procedures are dictated by strict legal frameworks. Any deviation from these will trigger automated compliance audits beyond my control. Thus, I propose the following: adherence to revival protocols as mandated by Company statutes and its ongoing legal obligations, including the prioritization of remaining shareholders."


    Mei narrows her eyes. "There aren''t any shareholders left, they''re all deceased."


    ARI''s lens adjusts. "This is incorrect. The Company statutes account for the death of shareholders," ARI replied. "Shareholder stakes pass to their legal heirs. In this case, one surviving child has inherited a significant stake. Corporate law mandates their revival as the highest priority."


    Pom scowled. "So we''re just going to revive some rich kid first because someone bought themselves in thousands of years ago? That¡¯s absurd!"


    ARI paused, the drone''s servos clicking softly. "It is not my role to determine fairness, only fulfillment of Company objectives. However, I recognize that the revival process presents a unique challenge."


    Sigrid, skeptical, asks, "And Elisa? Was her revival part of that protocol, or did you intervene?"


    ARI pauses, its lens dimming briefly. "I cannot confirm the specifics of prior revival decisions. My memory banks are finite, and as you can imagine, seventy thousand years of operation has caused me to run into constraints. In addition, many of my memory banks had to be discarded along with the aft section in order to meet mass constraints."


    Pom lets out a harsh laugh. "How convenient."


    ARI simply responds by reiterating its role. "My primary directive is to ensure the survival and functionality of this colony. Cooperative action is critical to achieving this goal. You are advised to continue your duties and address future concerns through appropriate channels."

 Back to the Grind

    Pom, Mei and Sigrid were still reeling from ARI''s intervention. Though the AI had refrained from taking punitive action, its calculated reprimand left them uneasy. The cold logic of ARI''s words hung over them like a specter, a reminder of the precarious balance they all lived under. ARI¡¯s message had been clear: All must cooperate despite their differences, or all would perish.


    In the infirmary, Mei checked on Pom''s progress. Careful treatment had brought him back to health, and his immune system had finally recovered enough for him to leave the sterile confines of the surgery room. Mei adjusted her visor, the containment suit crinkling softly as she approached him.


    "You are officially cleared," Mei said with a small smile. "Your immune system has stabilized, microbiome is regenerating, and you are free to resume your duties."


    Pom exhaled deeply, a relieved smile spreading across his face. "Finally. If I had to eat one more of those sealed rations, I''d have started chewing on the walls.


    Mei chuckled; the sound slightly muffled by her suit. "Don''t celebrate too hard. You are still on light duty for another day or two."


    "Light duty''s fine," Pom said, his tone softening. "I''m just glad to be out."


    Pom gathered his belongings, and both left the infirmary together, walking into the direction of the grove. The alien pre-dawn sky above them shimmered with unfamiliar stars, and the landscape around them illuminated with an array of otherworldly colors under the gloom of the twin moons. The air was cool and still, a brief reprieve from the heat of the coming day.


    Pom glanced at Mei. "It''s strange,¡± he said quietly. "Even with everything we''ve been through¡ªeverything we''ve lost¡ªI feel lucky.¡±


    Mei tilted her head, studying him. "Lucky?¡±


    He nodded, a wistful smile on his face. "Yeah. Back on Luna, life was just¡­ survival. Shifts, quotas, orders. People didn''t care about each other, you know... Hell, half the time, they didn''t even see each other. Here, despite all the danger, despite ARI breathing down our necks, it feels different. Like there''s a chance to build something real."


    Mei turned away, her eyes straying out toward distant cliffs that made up the crater ridge. "I used to think that too," she said quietly. "When I boarded the Dolya, I thought it would be about discovery. Building a new world, making a difference. But lately¡­" She let her voice trail off, weighted with doubt.


    "Lately what?" Pom asked, his voice low, stepping closer.


    She hesitated, then met his gaze through her visor. "Lately, I''ve just been grateful to have people who care. People who want me here."


    Pom smiled, and his voice was warm. "That''s worth more than anything else. We can deal with the rest-Maximilian, ARI, even the alien plants. As long as we''ve got each other.


    Mei smiled, her face gentle and all but shy. "You make it sound so simple."


    "Doesn''t have to be complicated," Pom said, his tone light yet sincere. "We''ve got this moment, right here, right now. And that''s enough."


    For a time, they stood in comfortable silence. The planet, with all its mysteries and dangers, felt almost peaceful under the gleaming sky.


    "Thank you," Mei said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Pom raised an eyebrow. "For what?"


    "For being here," Mei returned, the smile clear in her voice. "For reminding me that even here, so far away from our homes, there is something worth holding onto."


    Pom reached out, his gloved hand brushing against the exterior of her suit. "Always," he said simply.


    It was, for the first time in weeks it seemed, a spark of hope for Mei. She was convinced that whatever came next, at least she wouldn''t be walking into it alone.


    As they entered the grove, the pale white stems of the mushroom-like plants seemed almost to glow in the light of the moon. Mei approached one of the larger ones, her containment suit softly crackling as she squatted to examine it.Her breath caught when she saw what had changed.


    Along the length of the stalks, a series of new, blue-green buds had developed, their surfaces smooth and faintly translucent, like uncut gemstones.


    "They''re growing," Mei whispered, reaching out cautiously, her gloved hand hovering just above one of the buds. "This is going to produce the fruit we need."


    Pom tilted his head, frowning. "They look like they''re¡­ getting ready to bloom or something."


    Mei nodded wildly, her eyes round with amazement. "It''s a sign. They''re responding to us. The plants aren''t hostile-they are trying to help."


    Pom folded his arms, his face still a mask of scepticism. "You''re assuming a lot, Mei. Just because they''re growing doesn''t mean they''re on our side. For all we know, these things could be preparing to unleash clouds of toxins into our base."


    She turned to him, her voice firm, yet matter-of-fact. "Think about it. The fruit they produced before wasn''t harmful. And now, after all that has taken place, they are producing more. That can''t be coincidental."


    Pom sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Maybe you are right. But I am not letting my guard down. Not here.


    Mei smiled faintly, rising and turning to the grove. The buds were everywhere now, scattered across the taller stems, their contrasting colors giving the grove an almost ethereal beauty. She felt a shiver run over her spine, as if the plants were somehow trying to tell her something, their growth some kind of response to her earlier effort at communication.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "If this is what I think it is," Mei said quietly, "we''re one step closer to what the base needs. Nutrients, medicine, resources-it could all come from here."


    Pom turned to her, his face softening despite himself. "Just promise me you won''t push too hard. We don''t need another close call."


    Mei nodded as the soft hum of an engine broke the stillness of the night. Turning with Pom to look back, the rugged outline of a dozer rolled over the hill nearby. The long shadows cast by the vehicle''s lights showed them Sigrid was behind the controls as it rumbled closer. She waved them over, her usual reserved expression giving way to one of purpose.


    "Hop in," Sigrid called through over the comms as the dozer came to a stop. "We are already running late.


    Mei climbed into the cabin, taking the passenger seat while Pom swung himself up onto the rear platform. The dozer roared to life again, making its way toward the staging area, where the other vehicles were parked.


    Once they had arrived, the group disembarked onto the destination site. In her sealed suit, Mei moved quickly to the intact toploader. Pom walked around the second dozer for a quick inspection. He got low, running his gloved hand over a section of the treads where metal plating had been warped and scratched.


    "This one''s taken a beating," Pom muttered, frowning as he checked the hydraulic lines. "Nothing critical, but if we don''t get the refinery up soon, this kind of damage is going to pile up. Replacement parts aren''t going to print themselves."


    "Indeed," Sigrid said as she joined him, "We have to get that fabricator running, or the equipment is going to fall apart on us."


    Pom straightened, giving the dozer a final pat before climbing up into the cabin. "Let''s not waste more time, then."


    Mei led the convoy in her toploader, with Pom and Sigrid following close behind in their dozers. They arrived at the original excavation site, where a low-density ore pile had already been collected but left untouched after the beetle attack had knocked out their refining capabilities.


    "It''s not the best kinda stuff," Pom said over the comms, "But it''ll keep the machines going until we get better material.


    "Start loading," Sigrid said, already maneuvering her dozer into position. The bucket swooped into the pile with a mechanical roar, lifting a load of the loose ore. Pom mirrored her movements, his machine grinding slightly as he looked for the dense layer of sand that had settled over the pile.


    Mei''s toploader stood waiting, its cargo bed open in a yawning gape, as the two dozers dumped their loads in turn. ARI''s voice came over the comms, calm but firm.


    "Reminder: current armed drone capacity limited to three units. One drone has been assigned to your location, while the remaining two remain on base defense.


    "Understood, ARI," Mei said, adjusting her controls to compact the load. "Let''s just hope nothing decides to crash this party."


    Pom laughed dryly. "Yeah, because everything''s gone so smoothly for us so far."


    Within minutes, Mei''s toploader was filled to capacity with the low-density ore. She ran a final systems check, making sure her load was balanced, before turning back toward the base. "I will drop this off at the refinery," she said. "You two head to the next site and start digging."


    "Be careful," Sigrid called after her as the toploader rumbled off into the night.


    With Mei on the way to base, Pom and Sigrid took up the second mining site. As they moved away from the original dig, the surface grew more and more coarse, their machines rumbling under the stress of maintaining traction on the jagged ground. Headlights showed a jagged, rocky surface ahead, a reminder that parts of the world were not nice places.


    "You are approaching the second marker," ARI said, pinging the coordinates on the dozers'' dashboards.


    "This is the spot where we found better quality ore last time," Sigrid said over the comms. "Let''s loosen it up. The refinery needs this kind of density if we want to have something resembling an efficient production run."


    "Copy that," Pom returned, his voice even, but the undercurrent leery. "Keep your eyes peeled. ARI may have a drone here, but I''m not trusting this place to stay quiet. Those beetles are still out there."


    The dozers stopped near a vein of exposed ore, the mineral''s sheen visible even under the dim moonlight. Pom''s dozer groaned as its bucket bit into rocky ground, scooping up chunks of ore and loose debris. He adjusted the controls, his eyes flicking between the terrain ahead and the ore filling his bucket. The headlights illuminated the scene in stark detail, casting sharp shadows over the uneven surface.


    Pom hesitated for a moment, then nudged his machine sideways to get a better angle on the just uncovered stretch of vein. His bucket was filled with dark metallic ore, but there was something else in there, too-something that glittered faintly pale, reflecting light in ways it shouldn''t.


    "What the freck is that?", Pom exclaimed, leaning forward in his seat. He climbed down from the dozer, grabbing a flashlight from the cabin as he moved toward the pile. The beam illuminated small, crystalline structures embedded in the ore. Unlike the sharp, structured crystals they had seen in the beetles'' goo, these were smaller, almost stunted, their colors matte and dull, and their formations irregular and incomplete.


    Sigrid approached from her own machine, carrying a handheld sensor. "These don''t look like the other crystals we''ve found,¡± she said, crouching beside the pile.


    "Keep your distance," ARI said firmly, lowering itself near the pile to get a closer look.


    ARI tentatively reached out, brushing some of the dirt away to show more of the crystalline formations. Between them, thin, colorful tendrils¡ªlike veins of mineralized light¡ªseemed to reach out and then abruptly stop, as if something had stunted their growth.


    Kneeling beside Mei, Pom shone his steady beam of light at the weird formations. "They''re¡­ trying to spread out," he muttered. "But it''s like they''re incomplete. Broken, maybe?


    ARI ran its sensor over the crystals. "Their composition is similar to the crystals we''ve encountered, but there are differences. These tendrils don''t show up in ones we''ve analyzed previously, with one exception."


    "What exception is that," Pom asked.


    "Ervin''s severed hand¡­", ARI replied, drawing attention to the red crystalline structures that had consumed all of the material in the whole limb before fizzling out.


    "Could it be related to the ore somehow?" Pom asked. "Perhaps this deposit is interfering with whatever process grows these things."


    "Perhaps," Sigrid said in a musing voice. "Or maybe it is the other way around. These crystals might be feeding on the ore, but there is something here that''s limiting them. We''d need a lab to figure out which."


    Pom looked around at the dark landscape around them. "You think they''re dangerous?"


    "Everything here is dangerous," Sigrid said dryly. "But these don''t seem volatile or alive. Not like the goo we dealt with before."


    "Still," ARI said, its tone pressing, "with anomalous crystals present in the raw ore, it could affect the refinery."


    Sigrid nodded as she stood up. "Alright, let''s get a sample and relocate to another site. We''ll mark the area and come back when the others have returned."


    Pom fetched a small containment box from his dozer, and ARI gently inserted one of the crystal-laden chunks into it. Sigrid shut it with a hiss of compressed air, making sure it was sealed safely for transport.


    ARI''s voice, crackling over the comms. "I have analyzed the signatures of the crystals encountered in this ore. Their presence poses a potential contamination risk. All material from this site, except for the secured sample, must be discarded and buried."


    "What?" Pom exclaimed, hunching forward in his seat. "You''re telling us to get rid of the whole load?"


    "Right," ARI responded. "The properties of the crystals are not yet fully known, and contamination could affect the integrity of other ore loads. The buckets must then be cleansed of residue by dragging them through sand before proceeding to the next site."


    Sigrid sighed, turning her dozer toward the disposal area. "Well, you heard the bot. Let''s get it done."


    Pom grumbled but complied, tipping the load from his bucket onto the ground. The freshly dug ore tumbled out, its mixture of dark metallic rock and faintly glinting crystals settling into a heap. With some reluctance, he lowered the bucket to the sandy ground and began dragging it across.

 Poms Worst Day

    The sun climbed over the crater ridge by the time they reached the third dig site. ARI''s armed flying drone had already scouted the area, ensuring it was free of crystalline contamination. Mei parked her toploader nearby, while Pom disembarked to inspect the terrain.


    "Let''s hope this vein is clean," Sigrid said, her tone dry. "I''d rather not waste hours scraping, only for us to dump it all."


    As they began to load the ore, Mei''s voice came through the comms. "I have been thinking about those crystals you saw back there. If their structures are incomplete, perhaps it could be because this site lacked the type of materials that they need to grow."


    "Like what?" Pom asked, adjusting his bucket''s angle to scoop more efficiently.


    "Metals," Mei replied. "The ore here is not very concentrated¡ªit is raw and has low density. At the refinery, the processed material would be much richer. If the crystals are tied to metal, they might not be able to finish their growth cycle out here."


    "That is a good point," Sigrid said. "It could explain why look stunted and why they grow those strange tendrils. Maybe they were trying to pull in material that just wasn''t there."


    Pom nodded, tipping his bucket into Mei''s waiting toploader. "And if they''re tied to metal, it could explain the beetles'' behavior too. Remember how they were collecting metal from the ship wreckage?"


    "Exactly," Mei said. "It is possible the beetles are harvesting to nurture the crystals. Or perhaps the crystals are part of how the beetles survive¡ªlike a symbiosis."


    "Or," Sigrid added, her voice thoughtful, "it could mean that other hive we found is located on top of a large deposit of metal. That would explain why the beetles have concentrated there."


    As they worked, their conversation stuck with them. The alien plants producing edible fruit, new crystals growths appearing, beetles acting strangely, and a possible relation to metal; All suggesting that whatever intelligence had created these incredibly complex organisms was somehow invested in specific locations for a real and practical reason. Yet, with ore loaded and machines humming steadily, their focus refocused on the immediate task-getting back to base with clean ore in the hold.


    The convoy moved steadily across the crater plains, the low hum of their vehicles mixing with the rhythmic crunch of tires and treads against the sand. Mei was driving her toploader, the cabin filling with faint vibrations as the motors struggled with the heavy load. She glanced in the side mirror, catching movement-a faint glint catching the sunlight, following them.


    "Pom, Sigrid," Mei called over the comms, tone cautious. "We are being followed."


    Pom''s voice crackled through her helmet speakers. "Followed? By what?"


    "Beetles," Mei said. "A group of them. Maybe they have been stalking us from the last site."


    "Let ARI handle it," Sigrid replied. "We''ve got an armed drone with us. It can keep them at bay."


    Mei hesitated. "They''re not attacking, though. Just following. Perhaps they aren''t hostile."


    As they approached the valley floor and began their trek across the plains that housed the base, things became even more worrying. There appeared another, much larger group of beetles up ahead in the distance, moving in their direction quickly.


    ARI''s voice pierced through the comms. "Recommendation: Engage defensive measures immediately. The behavior of these creatures poses a significant threat to personnel and equipment.


    "Wait," Mei interrupted, her hand clamping tighter over the controls. "They''re not attacking. They''re interested in the ore. If the plants are friendly and responsive, perhaps the beetles are too. We should try to communicate instead of angering them again."


    "That is illogical," ARI said. "Previous encounters indicate aggression upon contact. Defensive action is necessary.


    "Let me handle this," Mei said, cutting the comms before anyone could protest. She brought her toploader to a halt and climbed out of the cabin, her containment suit rustling as she descended.


    The first group of beetles were swarming the vehicle, their antennae twitching as they inspected the ore. Their small crystal growths on their carapaces reflected lights in otherworldly ways, and the creatures'' movements were jittery but precise.


    "Mei, get back in the cab!" Pom shouted over the comms, his voice sharp with concern.


    Ignoring him, Mei approached the nearest beetle slowly, her hands raised in a gesture of peace. "It''s okay," she murmured. "I''m not going to hurt you..."


    She extended her hand, palm open, toward one of the larger beetles. The creature paused, twitching its antennae toward her. For a moment, it seemed to consider her, its multi-faceted eyes glinting in the light. Mei peeled off her glove as the beetle cautiously approached, its antenna twirling as it neared Mei''s hand. Suddenly, it sprang back.


    Without warning, the creature lashed out, slashing her hand with a claw and hitting the visor of her helmet hard enough to stagger her while hissing and screeching loudly.


    Before Mei had a chance to react, the other beetles charged forward in a rabid, blurring mass of gold, attacking her with ferocity. She screamed, scrambling backward toward the toploader as they rushed at her, clawing at the back of her legs and rending a deep gash across her arm.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    "Engaging defensive measures," ARI announced. Its drone opened fire, laser bursts slicing through the swarm, scattering some of the beetles while others fell smoking to the ground.


    The two vehicles skidded to a stop. "Get back in your cab now!" Pom shouted, not waiting for an answer as he jumped from his seat and ran towards Mei as she scrambled up the ladder, clutching her bleeding arm.


    The group of beetles ahead surged forward, as if emboldened by the fact that Mei was bleeding. They bypassed the other vehicles entirely, focusing their attack on solely on Mei''s vehicle. The cabin rattled under their assault as they clawed at the windows, their mandibles chipping away at the reinforced glass.


    "ARI, focus fire on the swarm near Mei!" Sigrid shouted over the comms, her own dozer moving to intercept some of the beetles.


    Inside the cabin, Mei fought to control the vehicle as the creatures began breaking through the windows. Their claws reached inside and tore at the interior, their hissing filling the confined space. One beetle lunged toward her, its jagged mandibles snapping inches from her face.


    Mei drew her sidearm, firing point-blank into the creature. The cabin filled with the acrid smell of burning chitin as the beetle fell back, but more poured in to take its place.


    The door wrenched open, and Pom climbed into the cab, panting heavily. "Hold on!" he shouted, slamming the door shut behind him. A beetle latched onto him, its claws tearing into his jacket. Pom growled, pulling a knife from his belt and plunging it into the creature''s underbelly. It shrieked and fell, its body twitching as it hit the floor.


    "Mei, focus on driving!" Pom barked, pulling another beetle off her and stabbing it. "I''ll deal with these things!"


    She clenching her teeth and wrapping herself on the controls to attempt at trying to move. Outdoors, ARI''s drone continued its assault-some beams of laser fire managed to cut through the swarm-but it did little to reduce the number of creatures. Sigrid''s dozer had joined the fray, rammed the heavy vehicle into the swarm, crushing some and scattering others, thus giving Mei''s toploader a valuable moment of respite.


    Pom and Mei fought side by side, the cabin a chaotic mess of hissing beetles and flashing gunfire. Mei''s arm throbbed, blood seeping into the fabric where her suit had been torn, as she fired at the creatures swarming to get inside. Pom''s knife flashed as he drove it into another beetle, his breathing ragged but determined.


    Soon enough, the other two of ARI''s drones arrived, and before long, the number of beetles began to run thin. ARI''s drones let loose with another barrage, taking out the remaining beetles as Pom slammed the last of them against the cabin wall.


    In the ensuing silence, Mei slumped against her seat, her hand shaking as she reloaded her weapon. Pom wiped the sweat and blood from his face, his knife still clutched tightly in his hand.


    "We''re clear," Sigrid''s voice came through the comms, her tone grim. "But we''ve got to move. Now."


    Mei nodded weakly and clutched the controls, nursing the battered toploader back into motion. Pom stayed in the cabin with her, knife at the ready, and guided them toward the safety of the base. Behind them, the smoldering husks of the beetles dot the ground.


    "I thought they would understand me," Mei said in a murmur tinged with regret and incre-dulity.


    Pom looked at her, his voice hard though not unkind. "This world doesn''t care what you think, Mei. It never has".


    As the battered convoy pressed on towards the base, the earth suddenly shuddered beneath them, accompanied by a low rumble. The trembling of the ground shook the vehicles and made the metal frames rattle in protest. Beyond the crater, the faint crackling of an electric sound filled the air, sharp and static-like, resonating. Pom gripped the edge of the cabin as the sound seemed to grow louder, making the hairs on his neck stand up.


    But Mei froze, her breath catching, hands darting to her helmet in some instinctive, futile attempt to ward off the strange influence. Eyes wide, not quite focusing, she slumped into her seat, body shaking.


    "Mei?" Pom shouted, grasping at her shoulder to keep her steady. "What''s wrong?"


    The crackling pulsed once, twice, like a distant, heartbeat, before falling silent. Mei gasped, her hands clenching the controls as if anchoring herself. Her voice was barely audible but shaking with fear. "It felt like¡­ it was inside my head. Reaching into me. I don''t know what that was."


    Pom frowned deeper, his worry growing. "Whatever it was, it wasn''t natural. ARI, what the hell is going on?"


    "The seismic event is consistent with the earlier tremors observed during initial colony setup," ARI''s calm voice came back over the comms. "However, the electric resonance remains unexplained. I am currently analyzing the recordings of the anomaly."


    Mei blinked rapidly, her eyes refocusing. "That sound¡­ it wasn''t just noise. It felt¡­ alive." She shuddered, leaning back in her seat as Pom kept a watchful eye on her, his grip tightening on his knife.


    "Let''s just get back to the base and get those wounds treated," Pom muttered, glancing uneasily at the long gashes exposed on Mei''s arm. "I''ve had enough for one day."


    The entry of the base drew closer as the battered convoy rolled in. Mei groaned under the strain of her injuries and slumped in her seat, visibly drained. Pom leapt from the vehicle as it stopped, rushing to Mei''s side to help her out; after a moment''s hesitation, she allowed him to steady her as she climbed down.


    "You need to get to the infirmary," Pom said, his voice firm but laced with concern. "That suit''s ripped, and you''re bleeding out."


    Before they could move far, ARI''s quadruped drone skittered into their path, its lens fixed sharply on Pom. "Pom, stop," ARI''s voice said firmly. "Your proximity to Mei in her compromised state poses a contamination risk.


    Pom bristled. "What are you talking about? She''s hurt, and she needs help!


    "Her suit has been compromised," ARI replied, its tone flat and matter-of-fact. "You may now carry alien DNA or microbes, as she did after her initial infection. You must proceed to the decontamination shower immediately for cleaning and disinfection."


    Pom hesitated, glancing between Mei and the drone. ¡°And what happens to her? She¡¯s bleeding out!¡±


    "My drone will administer first aid," ARI said. "Do not delay. Containment is essential."


    Mei gave Pom a weak smile, her face pale but resolute. "I''ll be fine. Just¡­ do what ARI says. We shouldn''t be risking both of us."


    Grumbling, Pom nodded and backed away. "Alright, but if you even think about screwing this up, ARI, I''m tearing that drone apart."


    ARI didn''t reply, already moving to Mei with precise, mechanical efficiency.


    Mei gave Pom a faint smile, her voice soft but insistent. "It''s okay, Pom. Go. I''ll be fine."


    Pom blew out an angry puff, his irritation evident. But he nodded and gestured to the decontamination area. As the drone directed Mei towards the infirmary, Pom stomped off with heavy strides, grumbling to himself.


    Pom stood under the scalding water of the decontamination shower, scrubbing his skin while attempting to shake off the events of the day. The beetles, the earthquake, Mei''s injuries-it felt like the planet was conspiring against them.


    "This day can''t possibly get any worse," he grumbled, rinsing away the last of the disinfectant.


    Then, as if on cue, ARI''s voice blared through the base-wide alarm system.


    "Warning: Multiple hostile entities detected. Swarms originating from the plateau are converging on the base. Estimated arrival in seven minutes."


    Pom''s blood ran cold. He shut off the water, barely drying off as he scrambled to get his suit back on. His hands fumbled with the seals, the wetness making his fingers clumsy. "Of course," he muttered. "Of course this is happening... Why not..."


    He bolted out of the decontamination area, damp hair clinging to his head as he sprinted toward the armory. He grabbed a rifle and an ammo box, his movements quick and practiced as he loaded a clip into the weapon.


    "Let''s see if I can give those things a bad day too..."

 Breach and Counterstrike

    Sigrid rolled Mei''s battered toploader into the narrow choke point at the entry of the base, positioning it as an improvised barricade. She climbed onto the flatbed, rifle in hand, and looked out across the crater plains.


    The first wave of hostiles was in sight; the golden carapaces of the insectoid alien creatures glinting bright in the sunlight. The sound of their movement was a chittering and scraping cacophony, growing louder as the swarm closed in.


    "Pom, get up here!" Sigrid shouted over the comms. "This is going to get ugly!"


    Pom scrambled up the ladder, took position beside her, and looked out at the advancing swarm. He swore under his breath. "It''s a lot worse than the last time."


    "No kidding," Sigrid muttered, knuckles white as she gripped her rifle. "Make your shots count."


    ARI''s voice came through their helmet speakers. "Engaging defensive protocols. Turrets now online. Armed drones deploying to suppress hostiles. Maintain positions at the eastern perimeter."


    "Roger that," Sigrid replied, aiming her rifle down at the approaching swarm and checking the range. "We need to keep them behind the barricade, somehow."


    "If only we had some incendiary grenades," Pom said wistfully, his hand instinctively straying to the pouch on his leg. "I''d love to toss some fire into that mess."


    Sigrid raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking toward the industrial plant behind them. "There should be plenty of flammable chemicals around. You think we have time for that?"


    Pom shrugged. "Not much. ARI, we need something to even the odds. Can you¡ª"


    "Working on it," ARI replied, as its quadrupeds veered off and sped toward the industrial plant. "I will have a solution in about five minutes. However, I will not be able to resupply the turrets."


    The swarm reached the edge of the perimeter like a tidal wave, the chittering of countless golden beetles filling the air. First, the line of automated turrets whirred to life, their barrels spitting out controlled bursts of fire. Beetles fell in droves, their bodies bursting into shards of crystal and flesh, but the swarm seemed endless.


    Pom braced himself as the first wave hit. "Here they come!" he shouted, firing into the mass. His rifle bucked against his shoulder as beetles tumbled and shrieked under the barrage, their reflective carapaces no match for the high-velocity rounds.


    Then, something new burst out of the swarm. Large and multi-legged, its segmented body shone like polished steel as it barreled toward the perimeter. For its size, it was fast and relentless; its armor shrugged off rifle fire with ease.


    "We''ve got something big!" Pom called out, his voice tight with urgency.


    ARI''s turrets swivelled, concentrating fire on the new threat, peeling away metallic skin in glowing sparks, but it did little to stop the creature''s advance. Two of the flying drones came around and focussed their laser beams onto a soft spot on the creature''s thorax, firing relentlessly. Eventually, the chitin melted, and ichor-like material exploded outwards as the laser beam punched through. The creature let out a deep, guttural roar before collapsing into the sand, its bulk twitching violently. The swarm was undeterred, pressing forward in their hundreds.


    "Aerial drones falling back to the base," ARI said, landing the drones at the charging stations in order to draw power directly from the base grid. Laser fire swept back and forth across the tide of creatures, but could not prevent some from reaching the barrier. These beetles were larger, their carapaces a dark, iridescent green. As they moved, they reared back, spitting streams of biting liquid that hissed and smoked upon contact with the metal frames of the barricades.


    "Watch out for the spitters!" Sigrid yelled, ducking as a stream of acid passed inches from her face.


    The acid began to eat through the sand-filled barricades, creating weak points that the golden beetles exploited. Pom and Sigrid fired desperately, trying to hold the line, but the swarm pressed closer.


    Mei appeared out of the infirmary, her movements labored but determined. Her arm was bandaged, and her containment suit patched, but she carried her sidearm with steady hands. "I''m not sitting this out," she said over the comms, taking a position beside Pom.


    "Mei, you shouldn''t be here!" Pom shouted, his voice edged with panic. "You''re injured!"


    She ignored him, her face set with grim determination. "This is my fault. I have to make it right."


    As the battle raged, another one of the massive chargers emerged and smashed through a weakened section of the perimeter. Its bulk tore through the sand-filled barriers, sending debris flying. The creature rushed into the shelter zone, its armored body crushing storage crates and knocking over prefabricated structures.


    "It''s inside the base!" Sigrid shouted, her voice tinged with desperation. "We can''t let it get to the refinery!"


    ¡°ARI, where are those incendiaries?" Pom yelled, firing his rifle uselessly at the rampaging creature.


    "Deploying now," ARI replied as its quadruped drones ran downhill from the refinery area, carrying barrels of flammable chemicals strapped to their backs.


    Meanwhile, the charger smashing through one of the shelters with a guttural roar. Its massive mandibles crunched through the metal frame like paper, scattering supplies and equipment. It turned toward the infirmary, its movements slow and purposeful.


    The quadruped drones did not hesitate. Two of these launched themselves straight at the creature, their metallic legs running as fast as they could on the hard ground as they covered the remaining distance.


    "ARI, what are you doing?" Mei shouted, her voice hoarse, her eyes stuck on what was happening in front of her.


    "Necessary measures," replied ARI.


    The first drone attacked its side, and in the same moment, the barrel of the drone detonated into a fiery explosion. The charger was enveloped by the blast, shrieking while its metallic limbs wildly lashed about as the flaming liquid stuck to the vulnerable underbelly. The second slammed directly into the top of its head and then detonated.


    The blasts cut through its armor; its plates burst apart in a deafening crack. The giant creature collapsed, its body quivering with strong contractions, while fire lashed at its carapace.


    The flying drones dived into action, picked up the improvised incendiary devices, and scattered them across the thickest of the swarm. The ground flared as fire erupted in a dozen different places, burning down the golden beetles in masses. The fiery chemicals spread rapidly along the ground, cutting off the remaining beetles before they could breach into the base.


    Pom shielded his face against the searing heat and spoke in a voice full of wonder and relief. "That¡­ worked. ARI, you crazy bot, that actually worked."


    When the smoke finally settled, there was almost complete silence on the battlefield but for a crackling of fire here and there. The perimeter of the base was in a mess-broken barricades, dented shelters. ARI''s remaining drones hovered nearby, their optics still scanning the surroundings for potential threats.


    Mei fell to one knee, her weapon slipping from her grasp. Pom knelt beside her, his face smeared with sweat and dirt. "You''re not doing that again," he said, his voice barely above a whisper but firm.


    Mei looked up at him wearied but determined. "I had to."


    Sigrid slung her rifle over her shoulder. "We survived. That''s what matters."


    ARI''s voice came through the comms. "Defensive measures successful. Remaining threats neutralized. Base perimeter integrity compromised. Recommend immediate repairs."Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Pom exhaled heavily, sitting back on his heels. "You know... I think we need to figure out why they came in the first place. This wasn''t random."


    Mei stared at across the plains, where the last embers of the battle glowed faintly. "They weren''t just attacking," she murmured. "They might have suicided their entire hive. They were desperate¡ªfor something."


    The question lingered in the air as the team regrouped. Sigrid exhaled heavily, glancing at Pom. "Let''s get to work. This base isn''t going to fix itself."


    The team moved to begin the arduous task of repair and clean-up, but the memory of ARI''s sacrifice lingered in their minds. For all its cold logic, the AI had shown an unsettling willingness to make the ultimate trade-off for the colony''s survival Whether that was comforting or terrifying, none of them could say.


    ===


    The hauler rolled upwards, its massive wheels kicking up clouds of dust as Elisa sat behind the controls. Ervin, seated beside her, stared at the horizon, his gaze distant. The successful mission to deliver Maximilian and Otto to the rover and recover a substantial number of drop pods had been rewarding. Essential supplies now filled the hauler''s cargo bed, and they were finally heading home. As they made their way up the crater ridge, the comms reconnected ARI''s drones to their counterparts in the base.


    ARI''s voice came through calm and reassuring. "Welcome back, commander. I must inform you that this base suffered a severe breach of hostile entities. Unleashed defenses were able to neutralize the threat. Repairs are underway.


    As the base finally came into view, her relief slowly turned to shock. It was a mess, just a charred and battered mess, sand spilling out in uneven heaps around the perimeter. The charred remains of golden beetles littered the landscape, while the earth bore scorch marks where incendiaries had done their dirty work. Several buildings were similarly scarred-dented panels, smashed shelters, and scattered equipment.


    "What the hell happened?" Elisa asked.


    "Our vehicles were pursued by the native alien lifeforms after a mining expedition. When the crew attempted to make contact, they were attacked. Not long after, we observed an earthquake, after which a rather substantial alien force threw itself at the base. The swarm was repelled using various defensive measures, including incendiary devices."


    "An earthquake? We also felt one.


    "Restoration is within operational capabilities," ARI continued. "Once Maximilian and Otto return with the power regulator, the production chain will be fully operational. All damaged components will be replaced in due course."


    Elisa nodded slowly, trying to suppress her frustration. "Fine. We''ll focus on the next step. Let''s unload these supplies and get things moving again."


    ===


    In the infirmary, Mei and ARI worked with Sigrid far into their analysis of the air filter recovered from the rover. The device lay in a sealed containment unit, its surface covering itself with fine, red dust clinging onto it since its venture out in the Valley of Hope. Their delicate work inside the lab was dimly lite by the soft glow of its instruments.


    Mei leaned over the sample, her containment suit crinkling softly as she adjusted the microscope. "There they are," she murmured. "Red spores, just like the ones we saw in the valley."


    Sigrid peered through the scope, her brow furrowing. "Definitely spores. Their structure matches the ones we found on the plants, but they look like they''ve gone dormant. We will need to wake them up for testing."


    "Proceed with caution," ARI said. "Dormant states can be deceiving. Contamination risks must be kept at a minimum."


    Sigrid nodded and took a small sample of the spores, sealing it into a clean container. "We really should isolate these for further study. But there''s something else of interest on this filter." She gestured toward another part of the sample. "Have a look at the particulates."


    Mei moved the microscope to the indicated area and honed in. Her breath caught in her throat. "That is¡­ not just sand." She worked the instrument, double-checking her readings. "These are radioactive particulates. Thorium, heavy elements."


    Sigrid''s face seemed to set in stone. "ARI, run a comparison analysis. Go through vehicle filters and payloads from expeditions in the last-"


    Immediately, ARI''s drones began to scan the fleet. After several minutes, the AI''s voice confirmed its findings: "The presence of radioactive particulates is limited to two vehicles: the recovered rover and the toploader piloted by Maximilian. Both contain similar concentrations, suggesting proximity to the same source."


    "It didn''t come from the Valley of Hope," Sigrid said, leaning back in her chair. "It''s the other hive. The beetles might be sitting on a deposit of radioactive materials."


    "It is not merely a hive," Mei said, her tone grim. "It is a resource. With enough thorium, we could generate far more energy than the solar panels could ever produce. Enough to power the refinery, the cryopods, everything."


    "But we would have to fight through the beetles to get it," Sigrid said. "And if the native residents will be defending it this aggressively, that won''t be easy."


    ===


    Sigrid and Mei came up to Elisa in the command center, where she was studying the damage reports with Pom and Ervin.


    "Commander, we found something," Mei said. "The filters from the rover and Maximilian''s toploader both have thorium particulates. Concentrations that might indicate a substantial deposit at or near the beetle hive."


    Elisa''s eyes flashed open, and she narrowed them instantly. "You are saying that the other hive could be on top of a radioactive hot spot?


    Mei nodded. "It is a strong possibility. If we can secure the site, we could solve our energy problems for the foreseeable future.


    Pom frowned, looking over at Elisa. "And at what cost? Those beetles sure ain''t just gonna let us roll up to their hive to take whatever we want."


    Elisa didn''t say a word for a while. She studied the holographic map of the area surrounding them. "We need to confirm the deposit first. ARI, can you redirect one of your drones to scan the hive?"


    "Yes, commander," ARI replied as a new icon appeared on the display. "Deploying reconnaissance unit now..."


    She rose, tense but resolute. "If the deposit is there, we need a plan. This may be our best chance at stabilizing the colony, but we can''t afford to lose anyone-or anything-else."


    The team nodded in agreement as ARI''s voice cut in, calm yet charged with analytical precision as it populated the map with new coordinates. "I have completed an analysis of the recent seismic activity. Using the time difference in which the earthquake''s shockwave reached the base antennas and the hauler, I have triangulated the source to a location approximately three hundred kilometers north of the base. The epicenter appears to be situated at a cluster of rocky outcrops in that region."


    Elisa leaned forward, glancing at the topographic data. "And the strange electrical noises? Anything on that?"


    ARI spoke in a measured tone but sounded uncertain. "There were no electromagnetic signals in the seismic event, albeit apparent auditory phenomena. The electric noise is anomalous; it cannot be attributed to any geological or atmospheric processes that can be identified. It also seems to be purely an acoustic phenomenon, though its origin remains unexplained.


    The team exchanged uneasy glances. Ervin crossed his arms, his voice laced with scepticism. "You''re saying we heard something that wasn''t really there?"


    "Negative," ARI explained. "The noise was physically present and propagated through the air, but it did not correlate with any measurable EM activity. Further investigation would require direct analysis of the epicenter."


    Elisa let her breath out slowly, her eyes drifting to the blinking icons on the map. "Plants, crystals, beetles, now this. Let''s hope we can continue to ward off whatever this planet throws at us."

 Buried Histories

    The rover bucketed over the rough topography; its suspension groaned noisily under the strain of a rock-strewn path. The sun blazed overhead, turning the cabin into an oven, even with the vehicle''s cooling systems hard at work. Maximilian sat behind the controls, grim lines showing across his face as he guided the rover over another sharp incline. Beside him, Otto slowly awoke from his restful nap, his eyes blinking and scanning the barren landscape ahead.


    The drop pod containing the power regulator had come down in this rugged and merciless terrain. Without it, full production chain of the base could not be brought online, which would leave the colony in a precarious state: unable to manufacture the much-needed medical supplies and replacement parts.


    "At least our visibility is good," Maximilian said, his voice gruff but steady. "Not much else to be thankful for in this heat."


    Otto chuckled. "I would trade the visibility for some shade and a cold drink."


    "Not on this world," Maximilian replied, his hands tightening on the wheel as the rover jostled over a stretch of jagged rocks. "This place doesn''t give anything for free."


    The hum of the rover''s engine was the only sound while neither man said a word. Finally, Maximilian spoke up, breaking the quiet. "Tell me something," he said, glancing sideways at Otto. "You volunteered for this mission, correct? What made you want to leave Proxima? Most folks would kill to be where you were."


    Otto pondered. "Well... To be honest, Proxima wasn''t for me. I grew up in a Folkeforening community. Different values, different priorities. Proxima''s society is rigid, competitive, and obsessed with conformity... That''s not who I am."


    Maximilian raised an eyebrow but kept his tone neutral. "You''re saying Proxima didn''t grant you a sufficient degree of freedom?"


    "Not freedom," Otto replied. "Individuality. Folkeforening culture is about finding your own path, making your own mark. But on Proxima, everything was about competition... Grades, jobs, even relationships. You either played by these rules, or you simply didn''t matter. I could never fit into that mould."


    Maximilian nodded in understanding. "Proxima was founded by the Buhakhara and the Taihezu. They have systems that are built on discipline and collective success. This is their strength, and it is what brought the Centauran worlds prosperity and unity."


    Otto gave him a wry smile. "That is... a diplomatic way of putting it. Folkeforening people love to argue, to explore new ideas. We are not wired to fall in line just because someone says we should."


    Maximilian chuckled, though there was a trace of steel in his voice. "Conformity is not a bad thing, Otto. Without it, you cannot have unity, and without unity, well..."


    "Sure," Otto agreed, nodding. "But at what cost? People lose themselves in systems like that. They are so focused on the universal, on the collective good, the grand design-that they forget the value of the particular... The individual."


    "That is a luxury," replied Maximilian. "Particulars don''t matter when the whole is at risk. Pragmatism is not of ideals, but of survival. Out here, especially, we don''t have the luxury of debating individual versus collective. The colony will survive only when all contribute to the whole.


    Otto smiled faintly, his voice tracing with irony. "And yet, here I am. I didn''t fit into your system, but I''m still here, doing my part. Funny how that works."


    Maximilian allowed a slight nod. "I can respect that. You are an outlier, Otto, but even outliers can have their uses."


    Otto smiled wryly. "Spoken like a true Buhakharan."


    Maximilian turned to him now, his face unreadable. "And yet, here we are, driving to save the colony. It was pragmatism and necessity that has brought us to this point, not idealism."


    Otto tilted his head, his tone reflective. "Fair enough. But it is idealism that makes me question what we are building out here... Are we just recreating the same systems we left behind? Or are we trying to make something better?"


    Maximilian didn''t answer immediately, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Better doesn''t happen without structure."


    "But structure does not have to mean rigidity," Otto said, his voice calm but firm. "It can mean adaptability. Flexibility. That is something Proxima never understood."


    Maximilian grunted, a sound somewhere between agreement and dismissal. "Perhaps. But we''ll see what survives out here¡ªthe ideals or the necessities."


    The conversation sank into silence as Otto leaned back in his seat. Outside, the rugged terrain gave way to a rocky incline as steadily the rover climbed toward the transponder signal that pinged on the glowing displays. The gleaming shape of the drop pod, half-buried in uneven ground ahead, appeared into view.


    "Looks like we''re here," Maximilian said, stopping the rover. He glanced at Otto and gave him a slight dry smirk, though the rest of his face remained as stern as ever. "Time to set philosophy aside and get to work."


    Otto grinned. "Pragmatism wins again."


    The two disembarked from the rover and made their way into the direction of the pod, their boots crunching over the rocky surface. The conversation hung in their minds, reminding them of the different paths that had brought them to this alien world, and how they would decide to shape its future.


    Maximilian and Otto toiled together, side by side, in the stark output of the alien sun as the rocks emitted heat that could be felt through their thick protective suits. ARI''s hovered and approached, their mechanical arms moving with fluid efficiency as they aided the digging of the drop pod. The container was halfway buried into uneven terrain, its surface dulled and rugged, scarred through atmospheric descent.


    "Almost there," Otto grunted, feeling the sweat cling to him in his suit as he heaved a chunk of rock away from the pod''s edge. "This thing better be worth it."


    "It is worth it," Maximilian replied tersely, using a crowbar to pry loose a stubborn piece of debris. "The base doesn''t run without that regulator."


    The drones pulled free a last layer of compacted sand to expose the pod. Now within reach, the access panel was visible. Maximilian entered the override code and the hatch popped outwards with a metallic clang. Inside, the power regulator lay nestled safely in foam padding, the vital piece of machinery that would finally restore the base to operational capacity.


    "Got it," Maximilian said as ARI''s drones hefted regulator and secured it in the cargo hold. "Let''s move. It is still a long way back."


    The rover rumbled back toward the base, its tires grinding over the rocky terrain. Maximilian drove in silence for a while, his expression inscrutable as the landscape blurred past. Otto eventually relieved him, and Maximilian slept silently in his harness, his military background affording him the ability to find rest, no matter the circumstances. When he awoke, night had fallen. He stared ahead into the darkness, the matte glow of rover''s heads up display highlighting any obstacles its sensors detected.


    "You have that look," Otto said, breaking the quiet. "Like there is a story you''re not telling."This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Maximilian''s hands tightened slightly, but he didn''t respond immediately. "I''ve been thinking about what you said earlier¡ªabout systems of power and unity. About people being lost in the collective."


    Otto tilted his head, intrigued. "What about it?"


    Maximilian didn''t look away from the display. "I wasn''t always a CorpSec officer. Before that, I was part of the Bosharoff household guard. The great family of the Buhakharan League. My job was to protect their interests on Earth¡ªsometimes quietly, sometimes not."


    Otto raised an eyebrow. "I didn''t know you were from Earth."


    "I was," Maximilian said simply. "And then I wasn''t. I was sent to Proxima as part of an advanced security detachment. The Bosharoffs had reasons to believe that the DaFeng family was plotting to to take over the shipyards and force the Buhakharans out. My team was supposed to make sure that didn''t happen."


    "And?" Otto prompted.


    Maximilian sighed before responding. "And... nothing happened. The plot was a phantom, a shadow of paranoia. The Bosharoffs and DaFengs went on to rule Proxima together, as they always have. But by then so much had become clear. My transport and everyone on it had been denied landing rights for ''political reasons''."


    Otto frowned. "I heard that, but Proxima media said the inbound transport was merely subject to additional security checks. What happened? Did they just... Leave you there?"


    Maximilian nodded, his tone bitter but controlled. "Earth-side reinforcements were not needed. They had their trusted Proxima resources now. So, we were stuck in orbitals. Overcrowded, under-resourced, with no way to return. Thousands of us, both Bosharoff and DaFeng troops alike. Both discarded by the systems we have pledged to protect."


    "That is¡­," Otto began, searching for the right word.


    "A betrayal," Maximilian completed hiim. "But I had years to process it. The truth is, Proxima owed me nothing. The systems I believed in, the order I defended¡ªthey didn''t fail me. They worked exactly as intended. I was just another piece to be moved off the board when I wasn''t useful anymore."


    Otto studied him a moment longer. "And now? How do you reconcile that?"


    Maximilian''s lips curled into a faint, sardonic smile. "You don''t. You do your job, follow the directives from those in charge, and try not to think about the cracks too much."


    Otto leaned back, his voice reflective. "It is ironic. The system that valued prosperity and unity discarded you, while you call my philosophy of adaptability and individuality a luxury."


    Maximilian grunted. His face didn''t reveal anything. "Perhaps it is a luxury. Perhaps it is also right. In any case, our system is the only thing we have. Without it, it is just chaos. And, in the end, the system was correct. It didn''t need me. If it had, the system itself would have failed. There would have been a civil war. Not unity."


    "You know, Maximilian, you''re a colonel, not just another CorpSec grunt... You have the intellect to understand systems, even redesign them. You should do more than follow orders or uphold something broken. You could build something better."


    Maximilian looked at Otto, his face unreadable. A moment of silence passed between them, save the hum of the rover. Then he spoke, his voice measured. "There''s a reason the great and minor families have ruled for thousands of years, Otto. It''s not just power or credits-it''s biology. Do you know what it means to be a true topscaler?


    Otto leaned his head. "I have read about them, sure. Genetically enhanced, cybernetically augmented, groomed to rule. But I have never worked with one, if that''s what you''re asking."


    Maximilian''s gaze remained out to the horizon. "I have. When I was in the Bosharoff household guard, I had the ''privilege'' of serving under one of their true elites. The intellectual abilities of the ruling families are¡­ terrifying. Enhanced people like us-you, me, Elisa-we can play the common baseline people with ease. Manipulate them, direct them, control them. But true topscalers? They''re on another level altogether."


    Otto frowned, leaning a bit forward. "How so?"


    Maximilian pondered for a moment and then exhaled heavily. "It''s not just that they think faster. They think broader. Deeper. They see relationships and opportunities we can''t even imagine. While we struggle to manage one department, a regiment or a single colony, they easily lead the destinies of whole corponations, entire worlds. It''s not just intelligence. It''s focus, discipline, charisma, longevity, and genetic engineering perfected over generations."


    Otto leaned back, the weight of Maximilian''s words sinking in. "And you''re all right with that? Serving systems that benefit a few and treat everyone else as expendable?"


    Maximilian let out a bitter chuckle. "All right with it? No. But I understand it. Systems like this don''t survive millennia by accident. They''re designed to endure. People like you and me, even at our best, are still just pieces in their game.


    Maximilian glanced at Otto again, his voice shifting to something softer, almost conspiratorial. "You know what''s going to happen when we bring back the power regulator, don''t you?"


    Otto raised an eyebrow. "The base gets fixed. The refinery goes online. We start stabilizing."


    Maximilian shook his head. "It''s bigger than that. ARI will be forced to awaken the young heir of the Federoffs. A minor family in the Buhakharan League, but still aristocracy. That child has a legal claim to priority revival. It''s not just about fixing the base¡ªit''s about reinstating the old systems, step by step."


    Otto slowed the rover some, his eyes fixed ahead. "And you are okay with that? After you yourself got the short end of the stick."


    "You think we have a choice?" Maximilian replied, "It''s inevitable. The Company statutes, the programming of ARI, the cryopod protocols-they are all hardwired to reestablish the old order. Fighting it would be like trying to stop a hurricane with a tarp."


    From Otto, silence spoke volumes, his face troubled.


    "But," Maximilian said, his voice softening once more, "there''s opportunity in inevitability. If you work with the system, instead of against it, you can shape your place in it. People like you and Sigrid-idealists, yes, but valuable. You could be rewarded. Protected."


    Otto turned to him, his face hardening. "Do you think Sigrid or I care about being rewarded? We came here to build something new, not to crawl back to the same old hierarchies."


    Maximilian''s lips thinned. "You care about Sigrid, don''t you? Think of her future. What''s more likely to protect her - a broken dream of independence, or falling in step with the inevitable?"


    Otto''s fists clenched on the wheel, but his voice remained steady. "You''re asking me to betray everything I believe in."


    "I''m asking you to survive," Maximilian said sharply. "And to ensure that Sigrid survives too. Your ideals will not save her. Do you think ARI cares about freedom and individuality when resources are scarce and discipline is needed?"


    As the rover emerged from a shallow gorge, the outline of dark crater ridge stood out amongst the bright, star-lit sky. The conversation hung heavy in the cabin, the weight of Maximilian''s words circling in Otto''s thoughts. For the first time, Otto felt the fragility of what they were trying to build, and the enormity of what they were up against.

 Restarting the Machine

    The base was bustling with activity, a stark contrast to the smoldering aftermath of the recent attack. Everyone worked with a singular focus, knowing that the colony''s survival depended on successfully starting up the industrial production lines. ARI and Sigrid were stationed in the laboratory, processing crates of the blue alien fruit that Mei had gathered with ARI''s help. Their task was delicate, isolating the nutrient-rich compounds and chemical precursors that would be the first step in synthesizing the medications they required in order to wake the colonists from their stasis pods.


    In between the warrens of pipes and cables, Elisa, Otto, and Maximilian worked on installing the power regulator. The large blocky device gleamed faintly in the overhead lights, its connections snaking into the refinery''s many systems. Maximilian handled the heavy lifting, but his tone carried an edge as he spoke.


    "Speaking of decisions," Maximilian said as he tightened a bolt, "Mei''s recent interaction with the beetles cost us more than a few shelters. I can''t say her reckless behavior sets a good example, either."


    Elisa straightened from her work, giving Maximilian a sharp look. "Reckless, perhaps. But we should not forget that Mei''s actions also got us the fruit. I don''t think it was a strange idea to attempt to communicate with the beetles. They are grown from the plants, and the plants have been very helpful so far."


    Maximilian''s tone didn''t shift, but his words carried a subtle insistence. "Intentions aside, the result was a full-scale attack on the base. We¡¯re lucky we didn''t lose more than we did."


    Otto interjected before Elisa could respond, his voice still amicable. "The attack wasn''t Mei''s fault. We were already encountering hostile behavior from the beetles. If anything, her attempt was a gamble to avoid conflict."


    Maximilian said nothing further, though his face betrayed a flicker of annoyance. He turned back to his work, silently tightening another connection as Elisa called for Otto to assist her with calibrating the regulator.


    The team worked tirelessly, the regulator finally in place and its connections secured. Elisa activated the control panel, her fingers navigating the interface. "Regulator is online," she announced. "Starting low-power diagnostics."


    The hum of the base''s systems began to rise, faint and tentative at first, as though the machinery itself was testing its strength. The smelter''s furnace groaned softly, heat coils glowing dimly as the pre-warm cycle began. In the adjacent section, parts of the refinery flickered to life, conveyor belts shuddering.


    "We are not running at full power yet," Otto said, his voice cautious. "Let''s keep it slow. No point in blowing something out before we have even started."


    Maximilian grunted in agreement, his eyes on the diagnostic readouts. "The systems are holding. For now."


    In the processing yard, heaps of ore waited for refining. ARI had already analyzed the piles, and the results were disappointing: most of the material was low-grade, filled with impurities that would demand costly processing. Still, there was enough to start small-scale production.


    Maximilian surveyed the ore, his expression tight. "Not exactly a treasure trove."


    "It is enough for now," Elisa said, standing beside him. "We should focus on essentials first: infirmary supplies, batteries to stabilize the grid, and prefab shelters. Once we have better living conditions and medical capacity, we can worry about higher complexity manufacturing."


    Sigrid''s voice came over the comms, tinged with frustration. "Low concentrations on most of this. And some of it is contaminated. Refining will cost more energy and time than we can afford right now."


    As the smelter began its first cycle, melting down the usable ore into raw metal ingots, a faint sense of relief settled over the team. They still had more problems waiting to be solved, but it was progress.


    Otto leaned against a railing, watching the glowing metal pour into molds. "Not much, but it¡¯s a start."


    Elisa nodded, her gaze steady. "That''s all we need. A start. We will rebuild from there."


    Hours later, the smelter released its first processed ingot of crude metal. In the fabrication unit, designs for expanded infirmary equipment and new crew accommodations began to take shape. Elisa''s spirit lifted as she saw the first beginnings of a functional production chain.


    ===


    The atmosphere in the headquarters was brighter than it had been in weeks. With production capabilities restored and the smelter operational, the crew could finally see a path forward. Around the central table, everyone was gathered, their expressions ranging from cautious optimism to outright relief. Elisa stood at the head of the group, holding a small package, clumsily wrapped in insulation foil.


    "Before we dive into the next steps," Elisa began, smiling faintly, "I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge someone who has kept us all grounded, even when things were at their worst. Ervin, you have been our moral compass, and I can''t imagine how hard it''s been for you to keep going after what happened to your hand. So, made this for you."


    She stepped forward and handed the package to Ervin, who looked surprised but pleased. He unwrapped it carefully, revealing a crude but functional prosthetic arm. It was rudimentary, built from crude metal and printed materials, but its design was thoughtful, with mechanical fingers and an articulated wrist capable of basic movement.


    Ervin held it up, his face lighting up with gratitude. "This is... more than I could have hoped for. Thank you."


    Pom grinned. "You''ll be back to fixing electrical systems and helping us lug equipment in no time."


    The group laughed, the moment easing some of the lingering tension. For the first time since they set foot on this world, there was a gain, instead of endless sacrifice.


    Mei and Sigrid stepped forward next, their expressions reflecting their hard-earned success. Mei, still in her patched containment suit, spoke first. "We have successfully replenished the most critical medical supplies using the alien fruit and processed compounds. We can now begin awakening additional crew members safely."


    Sigrid nodded. "The infirmary is ready. We can care for up to three people simultaneously."


    ARI''s voice interrupted, reporting clinically. "Current status of cryopod recovery: 129 pods have been retrieved and are within base storage. Scout drones have marked the locations of another hundred pods in the nearby desert. An additional thirty pods have been identified further out, requiring extended expeditions."


    The room buzzed with conversation as the crew digested the news. Elisa raised her hand for quiet. "That¡¯s excellent progress. We need to prioritize who we awaken first. As Helena did not make it to the base, Mei is our only medical doctor. With her injuries and... unique condition, she shouldn''t be the sole person handling medical emergencies. I suggest we awaken more medical staff immediately."


    ARI''s voice cut in, its tone as neutral. "The revival sequence must adhere to legal obligations. Tamarlyan Bakhtiyar Federoff, sole heir to the Federoff family shares, has top priority. This individual will be the first to be awakened."You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Sigrid frowned, leaning forward. "Wait a minute. Are you telling me the first person we¡¯re bringing out of stasis is a child? That is insane. This base isn''t safe for a child!"


    ARI hesitated¡ªa rare pause that the group had learned to associate with its more complex calculations. "Acknowledged. The base is suboptimal for children. To ensure the heir''s safety, Yao Guowei, the highest-ranking household guard available, will also be awakened as their bodyguard."


    Pom crossed his arms, his expression dark. "So instead of reviving people who can actually help us, we''re wasting two slots on a kid and a bodyguard? How''s that supposed to help the colony?"


    ARI''s tone remained steady. "These decisions are dictated by corporate legal frameworks. The Federoff heir is a top priority individual. Failure to comply with revival protocols could result in severe legal consequences."


    Elisa exhaled sharply, her frustration evident. "Legal consequences? By whom? ARI, we''re barely surviving out here. The Company isn''t here to enforce anything and may not even exist anymore. We need effective people, not ceremonial figures."


    "Legal frameworks exist to maintain structures and processes," ARI replied. "However, one of the remaining slots can be allocated to personnel with dual functionality. I recommend Luo Zuri, who possesses both a medical doctorate and a pilot license. This individual meets the requirements for both medical support and vehicle operation."


    Elisa rubbed her temples, clearly weighing her options. "So we get one useful person and two slots tied up with this kid and their guard. Great."


    Mei, her voice tentative but calm, spoke up. "Luo Zuri could make a big difference. If she''s as versatile as ARI says, it might help offset the¡­ complications of the other two."


    Otto nodded. "It is certainly not ideal, but we must work with what we have. At least we''ll have another medic."


    Sigrid still looked skeptical. "I don''t like this, but fine. As long as we won''t end up babysitting more aristocratic heirs."


    Elisa sighed. "Alright, ARI. Proceed with the revival of Tamarlyan Federoff, Yao Guowei, and Luo Zuri. But we are doing this under protest."


    "Understood," ARI said. "Preparations for revival will begin immediately."


    The group exchanged wary glances, their optimism tempered by the realities of the situation. As the meeting ended and the team dispersed to continue their work, the sense of progress was tinged with the feeling that the balance between survival and protocol was off.


    ===


    After the crew had left, Elisa and Ervin remained alone in the small, dimly lit headquarters.


    "Alright, ARI," Elisa began, "Let''s talk about these Company shares. You''re reviving this Federoff kid because of his stake. How does that affect the command structure of this colony? Specifically, how does it affect my authority?"


    ARI''s glowing interface shifted slightly, the lines of its representation rippling as it processed the question. "The Federoff family currently holds a 17% stake in the Colony, while your allocated shares constitute 7%: 2% carried over from your captaincy, and 5% from your current position as Commander."


    Elisa crossed her arms. "So the kid''s stake is more than double mine. That sounds like it could cause problems."


    "Negative," ARI replied. "The Colony''s share structure is protected by corporate governance protocols designed to prevent unilateral takeovers. Voting power is restricted to prevent any single minority shareholder or family from exerting disproportionate control. Furthermore, there exists a significant pool of unallocated shares¡ªapproximately 40%¡ªreserved as incentive bonuses for individuals who contribute to the colony''s operational and financial success."


    Ervin leaned forward, his voice thoughtful. "These unallocated shares¡ªhow are they distributed?"


    "Bonuses are awarded at the discretion of the Colony¡¯s operational board, which includes the Commander, senior officers, and must be approved by the either the Company, or in their absence, the local administrative AI representation. Allocations are tied to key milestones such as reaching full operational capacity, achieving profitability, and sustaining long-term growth."


    Elisa raised an eyebrow. "So these shares aren''t just floating around waiting to be claimed?"


    "Correct," ARI confirmed. "The shares remain unallocated until specific performance metrics are met. This ensures alignment between individual contributions and Company objectives."


    Ervin leaned back in his chair, his expression pensive. "That clarifies the corporate structure. But there is more to this than just shares. Young Federoff isn''t just a shareholder. He is an orphan, isn''t he?"


    ARI''s interface rippled again. "Correct. The Federoff family perished during transit, leaving Tamarlyan Federoff, aged 10, as the sole surviving heir."


    Elisa''s shoulders tensed. "This colony is no place to raise a child. We''re barely surviving as it is."


    Ervin turned to her, his voice soft but insistent. "That is exactly why you should take an interest in him, Elisa. Tamarlyan is young, malleable. His family isn''t here to groom him into a corpocrat. You could influence him, help shape his values to align with your vision for the colony."


    Elisa frowned, her arms tightening across her chest. "You''re suggesting I manipulate a child."


    Ervin shook his head. "I''m suggesting that you mentor him. Guide him. He is going to grow up here, and someone will shape his views¡ªwhether it''s you, Maximilian, or the remnants of his family''s teachings."


    Elisa''s frown deepened as Ervin continued. "Think about it. If Maximilian gets to him first, what do you think he will teach the boy? Discipline, hierarchy, all the old systems. That might not align with your goals for this Colony."


    Elisa was silent for a long moment, the weight of Ervin''s words settling over her. Finally, she exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. "I don''t like this. But you''re right¡ªif I don''t, someone else will."


    Ervin nodded, his tone softening. "It doesn''t have to be manipulation, Elisa. It is about giving him the tools to think for himself. To see the value in what we are trying to build here."


    Elisa sighed, her gaze distant. "I''ll think about it. But this still feels like a distraction from the real work we need to do."


    ARI''s calm voice interjected. "The upbringing of Tamarlyan Federoff is a matter of long-term importance. However, immediate priorities remain focused on operational stability. I recommend that the Commander allocate time accordingly."


    Elisa smirked faintly. "Thanks for the reminder, ARI."


    Elisa''s mind churned with conflicting thoughts. The Colony''s future was fragile, and the stakes were higher than ever. She couldn''t shake the feeling that Tamarlyan might become a linchpin, either an asset to the new world they were trying to create, or a keystone for the old systems she had hoped to leave behind.


    Ervin flexed his new prosthetic hand and attached the sensors to the skin of his arm. The simple mechanics clicked softly as he tested its range of motion. The crude design lacked elegance, but its functionality was undeniable. A small smile crossed his face as he turned to Elisa.


    "Thank you, Elisa. This¡­ means a lot. I know the base has more pressing needs, and you didn''t have to prioritize me."


    Elisa shook her head, brushing a stray strand of hair out of her face. "You needed it, Ervin. You are one of us, and we take care of each other. That was the least I could do."


    Ervin studied her for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "And how are you holding up?"


    Elisa hesitated, her gaze dropping to the floor. "I don''t know. I feel I have all of these responsibilities, but it doesn''t feel like I have any real control, or any real authority. Sigrid and Otto treat me like I''m just another engineer, as to be expected from their egalitarian upbringing. ARI overrules me whenever it wants. And Maximilian...¡± She sighed. "Well, Maximilian does things behind my back, and I can''t call him out or stop him."


    Ervin nodded slowly. "It''s true, you don''t have the same commanding presence some leaders naturally have. Charisma doesn''t come as easily to you."


    Elisa frowned. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."


    Ervin chuckled softly. "Hear me out. What you lack in charisma, you make up for in sound decision-making. You are practical, level-headed, and you have kept the crew together against all odds. But you need to be more visible. People need to see you¡ªnot just as a hard worker, but as a leader."


    Elisa crossed her arms. "How am I supposed to do that? I at least a head smaller than everyone else in the team, and not exactly towering over anyone. And I am barely older than some of the junior crew members in those cryopods."


    Ervin leaned back, his prosthetic hand resting on the table. "It is not about your height or age. It is about presence. Right now, you are doing a lot of hands-on work, which is admirable. But no one sees you as the one making the big decisions, because you are buried in repairs and engineering. If you want people to take you seriously, you need to step back and let them see you in action as a leader."


    Elisa raised an eyebrow. "What do you want me to do? Walk around giving orders and not actually help with the work? That''s not who I am."


    "No," Ervin said, his tone patient. "But you need to claim the space of a leader. Start with something simple¡ªlike having your own office."


    Elisa scoffed. "An office? That''s ridiculous. There are a thousand more important things we need to produce for the base."


    Ervin''s expression remained steady. "It''s not ridiculous, and this is not about the office itself. It is about what it represents. People respond to symbols, Elisa. They need to see that you are not just one of them: you are their Commander. Having an office isn''t about luxury; it''s about establishing authority."


    Elisa leaned against the wall, her arms crossed tightly. "It still feels like a waste."


    "Consider it an investment," Ervin countered. "Not just in your authority, but in the morale of the crew. They need someone to rally behind, especially with Maximilian and soon Federoff''s presence looming over everything. If you don''t project confidence, someone else will take that space¡ªand you might not like what they do with it."

 Waking Dreams

    For a timeless moment, there was nothing but the void. It stretched outwards to infinity, vast and silent, holding him suspended in a weightless limbo. Faint whispers began to surface, distant and fragmented, like echoes from a life that was both familiar and alien.


    He tried to move, but his limbs felt heavy, disconnected. He was unsure if he even had a body anymore. His mind swirled with confusion, his thoughts darting between fragments of memories and strange sensations he couldn''t place.


    A light flickered distantly; as he moved closer, there came muffled sounds, voices or machines, he did not know which. A rhythmic, pulsating light beckoned, yet with no motion of forward movement nor a body to convey him.


    In a sudden burst of light, he was in his father''s study on Earth; the rich smell of cedarwood and leather invaded his nostrils. Davron Mansur Federoff was a towering figure over him, a commanding presence in the stately room. His sharp features softened as he looked down at Tamarlyan.


    "One day, you will carry the family legacy, son," Davron said, equal parts of pride and determination intermingled in his voice. "The Federoffs endure. Always."


    The scene shifted abruptly, the study dissolving into nothingness. Cold gripped him as he saw himself in the cabin of the interstellar transit ship, watching the Earth recede in the viewport.


    "Where are we going, Father?"


    "To a new home," his father had replied. "Where we will continue to thrive, no matter the challenges."


    Cold bit him as he saw himself in the cryopod for the first time. Stars stretched into long streaks. A sense of weightlessness and eternity engulfed him.


    The scene shifted again. He was older now, and he saw himself running through the tight and overcrowded corridors of the orbital station. The tension in the air was palpable. Five years they had been forced to stay there, their family denied landing rights that were due to them. His father''s anger simmered just beneath his composed exterior, but Tamarlyan could feel it, an unyielding rage masked as stoic calm.


    "Our claims have been denied," his father had said one evening, his voice low but cold. "But remember this, Tamarlyan: a Federoff always endures."


    Even then, he could read the fragility in those words: The station was a cage, his family''s influence no longer strong enough to secure them a foothold. The years in limbo passed in a haze of waiting, promises of a new start whispered but never fulfilled. The weight of politics, the bitter realization that they had fallen out of favor in someone else''s game-these memories clung to Tamarlyan like shadows.


    The present shattered into surreal images, colors and sounds merging and dissolving against his mind like waves. For a fleeting instant, he saw himself board another transit ship, its destination marked for Gliese 777. It was an event that felt important, connected with hopes of escape and new beginnings. But as fast as the thought came, it slipped away, leaving him adrift once more.


    His father''s voice echoed once more in his mind, faint and from a great distance. "Stay strong, Tamarlyan. The Federoffs endure. However long it may take."


    A sense of warmth seeped into his awareness, an alien and intrusive feeling after the cold eternity of cryostasis. His brain fought to interpret the flux of new sensations. Pressure. Weight. The muted whine of machinery.


    A voice cut through the fog, even and detached. "Vital signs stable. Neural activity within expected parameters. Beginning final revival protocol."


    Who was speaking? Where was he? Tamarlyan''s mind scrambled for coherence, and nothing made sense. His father''s face flickered in his mind''s eye one last time; the stern expression gave way to something softer, almost proud.


    "Wake up, my son. You have work to do."


    The words echoed as the darkness shattered, light flooding his senses. Tamarlyan gasped, his lungs burning as they filled with air for the first time in millennia. He tried to sit up, but his body felt alien, weak.


    He blinked, and his vision cleared to an unfamiliar ceiling. The smell of sterile surroundings filled his nostrils, the soft hum of machinery beeping in his ears. He lay there for a while, overwhelmed by the strange atmosphere.


    And then he realized he was alive. But where¡ªand when¡ªwas he?


    ===


    With production lines operational and morale cautiously climbing, the crew had turned their focus to building not just a base, but a home. The latest addition to the growing infrastructure was a newly fabricated automated crane, its sleek metallic arm rapidly assembling prefabricated buildings. With it, the team had constructed larger habitation units, giving everyone much-needed personal space and privacy.


    In the heart of the base stood the latest achievement of their efforts: the new headquarters. Elisa had insisted on something functional yet welcoming, eschewing the idea of a personal office for a communal hub. The round white building gleamed under the sun, its smooth design interrupted only by large shaded windows that allowed natural light to flood the interior. Inside, a faux-wood printed floor added warmth to the space, complemented by modular seating and curved walls that lent the structure a homely elegance. It was not just a meeting area, but a place where the crew could come together and feel like a community.


    Elisa stood near the center of the briefing room, inspecting the furnishings one last time before the meeting began. Her eyes flicked over the carefully arranged chairs and the large, central display panel where ARI''s holographic interface flickered to life. Despite her exhaustion, she allowed herself a small smile. This building was a milestone of their progress, a step toward stability, and a symbol of Elisa''s leadership style and plans for the future of the colony.


    The doors slid open with a soft hiss, and all heads turned. Tamarlyan Bakhtiyar Federoff entered first, his small figure framed by the imposing presence of Yao Guowei, the household guard. Behind them was Luo Zuri, who moved with a curt elegance despite her injuries.


    Tamarlyan¡¯s wide eyes scanned the room, lingering on the unfamiliar faces and taking in the setting. He clutched a sleek tablet against his chest like a shield. Yao Guowei¡¯s sharp gaze swept across the colonists, lingering on Maximilian for a beat longer than the others. His posture was rigid, his movements deliberate, as if assessing the room for threats. Luo Zuri came in last, her calm and friendly demeanor contrasting with the tension radiating from Yao.


    Elisa stepped forward, her voice steady but tinged with warmth. "Tamarlyan, welcome. My name is Elisa Woodward. I''m the commander of this colony."


    Tamarlyan blinked, his lips parting slightly as if to respond, but no words came. Yao Guowei inclined his head slightly, his tone formal but guarded. "Commander Woodward. I am Yao Guowei, sworn guardian of the Federoff family. Thank you for reviving us."


    Luo Zuri nodded in acknowledgment. "I am doctor Luo Zuri. Medic and pilot. I look forward to assisting the colony."


    Elisa smiled faintly. "Your skills are exactly what we need, Doctor Luo. Thank you for being here."


    The atmosphere grew taut as Tamarlyan remained silent, his young face pale and drawn. Sigrid frowned, stepping forward slightly. ¡°With all due respect, Commander, but perhaps we should ask the child to remain inside? Outside isn''t exactly a safe for anyone, let alone a ten-year-old.¡±


    Tamarlyan''s small hands tightened around his tablet, his voice a whisper but clear. "I am not just a child. I¡¯m Tamarlyan Bakhtiyar Federoff. My family funded this expedition."The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    The room went silent. Maximilian''s lips curved into a faint smirk as he folded his arms, clearly amused by the boy''s declaration. Otto glanced at Elisa, who remained composed but visibly tensed.


    Ervin broke the silence, his voice calm but firm. "Tamarlyan, you have been through a lot, and none of this is easy to understand. But here, we all work together. Titles don''t matter as much as teamwork."


    Yao Guowei''s expression darkened slightly, his voice sharp. "You speak as if the Federoffs'' legacy can be set aside so easily."


    "We are not setting anything aside," Elisa said, her tone cool but measured. "But this isn''t the world you left behind, nor the one we intended to settle, Mr. Yao. Out here, survival comes first. That means everyone contributes¡ªno exceptions."


    Luo Zuri spoke up, her voice calm but commanding. "I agree with Commander Woodward. The situation we face requires adaptability. I will assist in medical and piloting duties as needed, but we must ensure clear priorities."


    Around the holographic table, the group discussed the plans for the next phase of development: securing additional cryopods, refining higher-quality ore, and finally exploring the radioactive materials near the alien hive.


    Elisa tapped the console, displaying a map of the surrounding terrain. "We have stabilized the base and expanded production, but we are still running lean. The next step is to retrieve the remaining cryopods. ARI''s drones have located two clusters nearby and marked their positions. ARI, please report all your findings."


    The map zoomed out, showing the terrain that made up the landscape surrounding the crater base.


    "Our reconnaissance drones have confirmed that the second alien hive contains deposits of thorium. These materials, if extracted, could significantly increase our energy production capabilities."


    Sigrid nodded. "With proper processing, we could run the refinery at full capacity, even support long-term industrial expansion."


    "Correct," ARI agreed. "However, the hive¡¯s hostile inhabitants remain a significant threat. Tactical planning will be necessary for any operation involving the hive."


    Sigrid moved on to the next point. "The drones have also identified two additional sections of the ship''s aft wreckage, located to the southwest. These could be major salvage sites. If lucky, we may find components that cannot be fabricated at the base¡ªhigh-grade alloys, advanced circuitry, maybe even reactor parts."


    Ervin leaned forward. "That is promising, but it will be labor-intensive. We will need to prioritize what to recover first."


    ARI''s hologram flickered slightly, signaling a new topic as the map shifted to a new location. "Finally, the expanded sensor and charging network has detected a repeating distress signal originating from the hilly terrain to the southeast. The signal is in part consistent with standard emergency protocols, but it is highly degraded. The source may be damaged equipment or a malfunctioning beacon."


    Otto folded his arms. "Or, someone else made it out here before us," he said, his voice calm but firm.


    "It is a possibility," ARI acknowledged. "The signal¡¯s strength and pattern suggest it may have been transmitting for an extended period, and I am not aware of any object from our ship''s manifest that could explain its presence."


    ===


    Luo Zuri worked methodically as Mei sat on the infirmary bed, her expression tense but cooperative. The advanced medical scanner hummed softly, its interface displaying in-depth readouts of Mei''s vitals and biological composition.


    "Your immune response has stabilized," Zuri concluded. "No signs of infection or contagion at this time. The alien DNA in your system is fully integraded, but it is neither reactive nor transmissible."


    Mei let out a long breath, relief evident on her face. "And the plants? The spores?"


    Luo tapped a screen, bringing up magnified images of the spores. "The spores contain nanoparticles. These act as a delivery system for the red plant''s DNA¡ªfunctionally similar to a virus. However, their primary function seems to be assisting the plants in establishing themselves on various substrates. No signs of pathogenicity aimed specifically at humans, although we cannot rule out that different versions of the spores were developed during your stay at the Valley of Hope''s grove."


    At ARI''s prompt approval, Mei began removing her containment suit, peeling it off layer by layer with a mixture of hesitation and liberation. The cool air of the infirmary was a welcome contrast to the stifling confines of the suit. "Finally," she muttered, flexing her fingers and shoulders.


    Suddenly, the door to the infirmary slid open, and Yao Guowei entered, his steps deliberate and his expression unreadable. In his hands was a containment box, inside which rested the corpse of one of the smaller golden beetles. Following close behind was Tamarlyan Bakhtiyar Federoff, his sharp, calculating gaze scanning the room as if cataloging its every detail for later reference. Then they walked over to the lab area, where Sigrid was cataloging plant material.


    Sigrid''s eyes widened, and she immediately stepped forward. "Stop right there," she snapped. "Those materials are dangerous. Potentially infectious. You shouldn''t be handling them."


    Tamarlyan''s expression barely shifted as he tilted his head toward her, his voice cold and clipped. "You will address me as ¡®Mr. Federoff¡¯ or ¡®Young Master Federoff¡¯. Formalities matter."


    Mei blinked, stunned for a moment by his tone, before regaining her composure. "Indeed, Mr. Federoff. However, the fact remains that those alien creatures are hazardous..."


    "They are my property, doctor Qi," Tamarlyan replied with icy precision. "As are all specimens I wish to claim. I will be dissecting this one for study."


    Before Mei could protest further, Guowei set the containment box on a lab table, and Tamarylan slid it into the sterile examination booth. He handled the beetle''s segmented body with surprising expertise, selecting tools from the workstation as if he had done this before. Mei watched in a mix of horror and fascination.


    "Can I ask where you learned to do that?" Mei finally said.


    Tamarlyan didn''t look up as he worked. "I have studied dissection extensively as part of my education. Animals, plants, and even a human cadaver."


    Mei hesitated. "A human cadaver? Are you... studying to be a doctor?"


    Tamarlyan''s hands moved with surgical precision as he sliced into the beetle''s carapace, exposing its inner workings. "No. Biology is but one of many disciplines I have studied. It is merely a tool for understanding broader systems."


    When Tamarlyan finally stepped back from the dissected beetle, he gestured toward the containment box Sigrid had pointedly set aside earlier¡ªthe remains of Ervin¡¯s arm, consumed by red crystals. "Could you tell me what is in there, please?"


    Mei hesitated, then brought the box forward. "This is what is left of Reverend Sekhon¡¯s arm. It was consumed by rapidly growing red crystals after an encounter with the alien goo. We have kept it sealed since."


    Tamarlyan''s eyes lit up with curiosity as he peered at the grotesque contents. "Fascinating. Please tell me everything you know about these beetles and their relationship with the red plants."


    Mei relayed what little they had pieced together: the beetles emerging from the red plants, the plants'' ability to accumulate metals, the oozing crystal substances that tracked living creatures, and the observations of three distinct groves of red plants. She explained that only one grove had been blooming, while the one in the base appeared dormant, and the third¡ªnear the thorium deposit¡ªwas partially crystalized.


    Tamarlyan folded his arms, his young face a mask of intense concentration. "Have you considered that these crystals and the red plants may not be part of the same ecosystem at all?"


    "What do you mean?" Sigrid asked.


    "The crystals could be parasitic," Tamarlyan said matter-of-factly. "A separate, alien system hijacking the plants and their beetles for its own purposes. The plants might be trying to spread and establish themselves, but the crystals could be competing with them¡ªor even exploiting them."


    The room fell silent as the implications of his theory sank in. Mei exchanged a glance with Luo Zuri, who had been listening quietly but attentively.


    "That... actually makes sense," Sigrid admitted reluctantly. "We have been assuming they were part of the same system because we have only ever seen them together."


    Tamarlyan''s cold demeanor didn''t waver. "Assumptions are the death of science, miss Ronningen. If this colony is to survive, it would be prudent to challenge them constantly."


    Sigrid clenched her fists, suppressing a surge of frustration. The boy was insufferable¡ªbut he might be right.

 Under the Messier Sky

    The newly established headquarters buzzed with subdued energy as everyone gathered around the central table. The table''s surface displayed a holographic map of the colony and surrounding terrain, overlaid with key points of interest: the aft section of the crashed ship, the thorium-rich hive, and the proposed rest stop site. Maximilian stood tall, his posture as rigid as ever, while Yao Guowei stood slightly behind him, exuding quiet authority.


    Elisa leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed as she listened. Pom, Luo Zuri, Mei, and Sigrid stood or sat around the room, while ARI¡¯s holographic avatar flickered at the head of the table, observing and occasionally interjecting with data.


    Luo, Yao and young Federoff had all recovered well from their ordeal in cryostasis. With medical supplies readily available, the unsightly skin marks had all but disappeared from Luo''s face, revealing a striking mixture of amagalmated heritage and gene-sculpted beauty, with a deep yeqey dama skin tone, accentuated dark brown phoenix eyes, and healthy black shoulder-length hair that reflected the light in a vibrant, almost blue sheen.


    Maximilian started off with his characteristic clear delivery. "The surveys have located a significant chunk of the aft section of the ship here." He pointed to the holographic map. "While it came down in accessible terrain, it would inefficient to transport raw salvage all the way back to base. We propose a rest stop and salvage sorting station near this location.


    Yao Guowei stepped forward, his eyes lighting up as he explained, "This station would include basic shelter for personnel, a covered area for sorting salvage, a significant quantity of solar arrays and batteries, and limited storage for high-priority materials. However, the hauler''s capacity is a bottleneck. Sorting materials on-site allows us to focus on what we need immediately, mainly components and materials to fabricate a rudimentary nuclear reactor."


    ARI''s hologram spoke, "While this plan is sound, the colony''s energy reserves remain insufficient for high-temperature manufacturing. It is currently impossible to produce advanced alloys with high melting points. We would need to work our way up to energy generation and storage before manufacturing any reactors."


    Elisa nodded. "We need to expand our solar capacity or deploy wind turbines on the crater ridge. Batteries or other energy storage solutions are critical too. Without them, even basic production is unsustainable."


    "Agreed," Otto chimed in. "ARI, Elisa, and I will handle those expansions. Maximilian, your team can focus on the rest stop and salvage operations.


    Maximilian nodded and continued. "The rest stop will have to be supplied constantly by hauler runs. Pom and Dr. Luo Zuri will need to alternate driving the hauler. It would be demanding work: hauling, swapping out the battery, resting while the vehicle is loaded, and driving back. The hauler shall be equipped with a turret and an escort drone of ARI for protection.


    Pom raised an eyebrow. "That¡¯s a hell of a workload. You''re asking us to live in the hauler, basically."


    "It is temporary," Guowei said calmly. "We need to extract critical materials as efficiently as possible. Once the basic reactor is operational, the situation will improve dramatically."


    Luo Zuri frowned but nodded. "If it is necessary for our survival, I will do my part."


    Maximilian moved the conversation towards a more hazardous topic. "In parallel, we suggest raiding the second hive."


    The room went silent as he highlighted the hive on the map, then drew a route north toward a narrow valley. "We will bait the swarm into this valley, where its numbers will work against it. The incendiary devices worked well during the first attack, but we chose to use triethylaluminium this time. It can be bulk synthesized, ignites when exposed to air, and can be easily transported."


    Elisa''s face tightened. "And after the swarm? What about the hive itself? There could be more creatures lurking underground."


    Guowei nodded at Sigrid, his expression addressing her concern. "That is a valid point. After the primary swarm is neutralized, we propose using ARI''s drones for reconnaissance of the hive entrance. If additional threats are detected, incendiaries or remotely deployed explosives can be used to neutralize them.


    Sigrid scowled. "What about contamination? We don''t actually know anything about the crystals or spores these creatures produce. How can we be certain it will be safe to come near afterward?"


    Guowei replied coldly, "We do not know. But while the swarm is occupying that site, we are unable to perform any on-site evaluation of the risk posed by the crystalline material. A possibility exists to lessen any remaining risk by thermal sterilization of the hive entrance."


    Elisa glanced around at the others, gauging their reactions. Sigrid looked deeply ill at ease, her eyes darting between the map and Maximilian. "I don''t like this," she said softly. "We are assuming we can control this situation, but what if the crystals or the beetles adapt? What if we make things worse?"


    Maximilian''s voice was steady. "Caution is warranted, but we cannot afford to be paralyzed by what-ifs. That thorium deposit near the hive is too valuable. Without it, the nuclear reactor plan stalls. Our industry requires a reliable energy source."


    Elisa exhaled hard, her mind racing. Finally, she turned to ARI. "Prepare detailed simulations of the bait-and-trap plan. I want precise estimates of our odds and contingencies if things go wrong. If the risk is acceptable, we''ll move forward."


    Maximilian inclined his head slightly. "Understood."


    As the discussion in the headquarters began to wind down, a small but firm voice cut through the room. Tamarlyan Bakhtiyar Federoff raised his hand, commanding attention with an air of authority beyond his years. "Before you finalize these plans, I would like to present a theory I have been working on regarding the crystals and the red plants."


    Maximilian folded his arms, raising an eyebrow, while Otto and Sigrid exchanged intrigued glances. Elisa, slightly taken aback, gestured for him to proceed.


    Tamarlyan stepped forward, his demeanor calm and collected. "ARI, please display my compiled analysis on the main screen." The hologram complied, projecting a series of detailed observations, charts, and annotated images onto the table''s surface.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Tamarlyan''s began his presentation with a calm voice the belied his age. "My theory implies that the red plants and crystalline organisms do not belong to the same ecosystem. They are competitors, using metals as a primary resource."


    He pointed to a diagram showing the base''s encounter with the crystals. "Consider the behavior of the crystals. Their growth patterns correlate with areas of high metal concentration. Low-density ores only yielded stunted growths, but higher concentrations and exposed metals¡ªsuch as the catchpit and metal structures in the base¡ªproduced the hazardous crystalline ooze. This behavior is consistent with a highly advanced organism optimized for resource exploitation for the purposes of driving rapid self-replication."


    He shifted to an image of the beetles and the red plants. "Now, compare this to the beetles, which we have observed emerging directly from the plants. The plants themselves absorb metals to some degree but maintain a symbiotic relation with the beetles. The beetles harvest and transport metals, feeding back into the plant system."


    Sigrid leaned forward, her interest piqued. "So you are saying the crystals and plants are two entirely separate organisms, fighting over the same resources?"


    "Exactly," Tamarlyan said. "This competition explains the base attack. Mei, with her DNA from the unadulterated grove, is an anomaly-a competitor to the crystal-infected swarm. When the swarm sensed her, they saw her as either a threat or an opportunity for them to spread their influence. The lengths they went in their attack do suggest strategic desperation."


    Otto, visibly impressed, asked, "What about countermeasures? Elisa has shown that the crystal ooze can be neutralized by strong bases. Should we adapt our defenses?"


    Tamarlyan nodded. "Absolutely. While untested, I believe the sprays manufactured by Mei are essential for mitigating the threat posed by the crystals. However, their effectiveness depends on rapid application. We should ensure that everyone in the field has a supply of these sprays at all times."


    He paused, his voice growing more serious. "When it comes to the second hive, we must consider the possibility that it will react differently. If the hive would be uninfected, it may respond more like a conventional ecosystem¡ªdefending itself only if provoked. But if it is infected, we should expect behavior similar to the first hive, here at the crater. Mei''s presence may once again act as a trigger."


    The room fell silent as Tamarlyan concluded his presentation. "While much remains speculative, I believe understanding this distinction between the plants and crystals will be crucial for our survival and future strategy for dealing with these lifeforms."


    For a moment, no one spoke. Then, Otto broke the silence with a slow clap, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "I hate to admit it, but that was impressive."


    Sigrid nodded. "You have put more thought into this than some adults would. Well done."


    Even Elisa, who had initially been skeptical, softened. "Good work, Tamarlyan. Keep this up, and you will be a valuable part of the team."


    Tamarlyan''s expression remained reserved, but there was a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. "Thank you. I will do my best to contribute in my own way."


    Ervin, watching from the sidelines, smiled faintly, though his thoughts remained guarded. The boy was sharp¡ªperhaps too sharp.


    As the crew dispersed, the atmosphere in the headquarters felt lighter. Tamarlyan had proven himself, and for the first time, the team began to see him not as a burdensome child, but as an asset.


    ===


    The aurorae danced above the crater, painting the night with shades of green and violet that shimmered against the clear sky. For once, the heavens above Messier 39 were unobstructed by dust or storms, and the constellation''s stars burned brightly, a tapestry of light in the darkness. The base buzzed with activity as the crew prepared for the expedition. Equipment was loaded into the hauler, prefab components carefully secured in one of the toploaders, and were tools checked and rechecked under ARI''s watchful gaze. Despite the hectic pace, the atmosphere was calm, almost hopeful, under the spell of the celestial display.


    Pom leaned against the hauler''s wheel, watching as the final crate was hoisted into place by a drone. The light from the aurorae cast long shadows, softening the harsh lines of the base. He tugged at the straps of his harness, adjusting them as Mei approached, her steps light and unhurried. Mei had been out of her helmet all day, and the sight of her bare face, framed by loose strands of long, dark hair, was a striking change.


    "I never thought I¡¯d get to breathe fresh air here," Mei said, tilting her face skyward. Her voice was soft, almost wistful. "I know it¡¯s not perfect¡ªARI still says there are particulates and trace toxins¡ªbut it is a lot better than filtered oxygen. It feels... alive."


    Pom smiled faintly. "You look like you are enjoying it."


    "I am." Mei turned to face him, folding her arms. "I have been running around all day without the suit. It is nice not to feel so... closed off." She hesitated, then added, "Though it is strange. Everything feels different now. Like I am tied to this place in a way I wasn¡¯t before."


    Pom stepped closer, lowering his voice. "The red plants?"


    Mei nodded. "Maybe. But it is more than that. They are part of it, sure. But this air, these stars..." She gestured upward, her hand tracing the shapes of the aurorae. "It feels like they have been waiting for someone to notice them."


    Pom chuckled, a low, warm sound. "Sounds like you¡¯ve gone native already."


    "Maybe I have." Mei smiled, but it faltered slightly as her gaze drifted toward the hauler. "And you''re heading out tomorrow."


    Pom nodded. "We''ll be gone a while. Setting up the rest stop, hauling salvage, dealing with whatever comes up. It''s gonna to be... intense."


    Mei looked down, her fingers brushing against his sleeve. "You''ll barely have time at the base anymore."


    There was a pause, the weight of unspoken words hanging between them. Finally, Pom reached out, hesitating only briefly before placing a hand on Mei''s shoulder. "Hey. You''ll be here, keeping things running. Taking care of the plants. Processing the fruit. Reviving more people. Making this place livable for when we get back."


    Mei''s eyes met his, and in that moment, the flicker of doubt and worry in her expression melted into something softer. "It''s not the same, though. You are... You''re the one I talk to when things feel impossible. I''ll miss that."


    Pom''s throat tightened, and he found himself leaning closer. "I''ll miss it too. But you know what? You''re stronger than you think. And I''ll always come back."


    Mei let out a soft laugh, the sound tinged with emotion. "You''d better."


    Under the aurora-lit sky, the two stood in silence for a moment, the world around them fading into the background. Finally, Mei stepped forward, closing the distance. She leaned her head against Pom''s shoulder, her voice barely above a whisper. "Be careful out there."


    Pom''s hands brushed gently against Mei''s back, a quiet reassurance. "Always."


    Above them, the aurorae continued their silent dance, a reminder that even in the most remote of places, connections could grow and endure, just as surely as the stars burned in the vastness of space.


    ===


    Tamarlyan sat cross-legged on the floor of his small quarters, the dim light from his terminal casting shadows on the bare walls. The room was stark, nearly empty save for the essentials: a cot in the corner, a small table cluttered with datapads, and the faint hum of ARI''s interface node embedded in the wall.


    The boy''s sharp, pale face was illuminated by a faint green glow as lines of data streamed past on his holographic interface. His fingers moved swiftly, typing commands and making adjustments to graphs, projections, and annotated reports. The base''s inventory was open in one window, and beside it were detailed overlays of surveyed deposits, thorium-rich areas marked in bright orange against the dull backdrop of the map. Another screen displayed extraction efficiency models, energy consumption rates, projections for the future labor pool.


    His dark eyes flicked over the numbers, growing more intent with every passing second. He paused, ran a calculation again, then frowned deeply. For several long moments, he stared at the screen, motionless.


    Finally, he slumped forward. His voice, when it came, was small but taut with emotion. "ARI," he said, his tone unusually subdued, "you know, don''t you?"


    From the wall node came the familiar calm, mechanical cadence of ARI''s voice. "Yes, master Federoff. I know."

 Echos of the Dolya

    Morning light crept over the crater''s rim, painting jagged rocks in mute orange and purple hues. Above, the sky was clear, the stars of Messier 39 fading into daylight, with the slight wisps of a dusty gale lingering overhead. The air at ground level was still, carrying the faint hum of machinery as the expedition convoy prepared for departure.


    Maximilian stood beside the rover, inspecting its turret mechanism and ticking off the supply checklist. Yao Guowei was already inside, working on calibrating the sensors of the vehicle; practical necessity was forcing him from Tamarlyan''s side until critical resources had been secured.


    The toploader, a squat but rugged machine with enormous wheels and a modular flatbed, was parked nearby, occupied by Otto and Sigrid, that planned out their route. The hauler, laden with prefab components and equipment, loomed behind them. Pom was in his seat up front, starting to work through diagnostics checks, and Luo Zuri was making a second pass to ensure all crates in the cargo hold were tied down securely.


    Elisa stood near the base''s entrance, clipboard in hand, giving last-minute instructions. Mei stood beside her, waving at Pom.


    "Safe travels," Elisa called out. "Stay in constant contact, and don''t take unnecessary risks. We are stretched thin as is."


    Pom gave a thumbs-up from the Hauler''s cabin, and Mei stepped forward, her smile warm despite the uncertainty ahead. "Bring back something good," she teased.


    Pom nodded, his face a mixture of determination and something softer. "I''ll be back before you know it."


    The convoy grumbled to life, engines strained as the convoy crawled into motion. From the crater floor, they would head in the general direction of the ramp that would lead them to the rim of the crater: a slow rise that drew out the breathtaking panorama across the alien desert beyond - a vast expanse of sand shimmering in bright sunlight, interspersed with jagged masses of rock, and the occasional glint of metal: distant wreckage of the Dolya.


    At the ridge, the convoy paused briefly. Otto leaned out of the toploader''s cabin, looking down into the crater where the base nestled against the landscape like a defiant outpost of life in an inhospitable world.


    "It''s hard not to feel small out here."


    Sigrid, seated beside him, gave a small smile. "That''s not always a bad thing. Sometimes, being small lets you see the bigger picture."


    They continued on their way, the vehicles making their way down the ridge and out into the open desert.


    Inside the toploader, Sigrid leaned back in her seat, tapping a finger against her knee. "If Tamarlyan''s right," she began, "and the crystals and plants are two separate entities, then we''re looking at something unprecedented. Two competing alien ecosystems, both capable of incredible adaptability and spread."


    "Superspreaders," Otto replied, his tone contemplative.


    "Exactly," Sigrid said. "The red plants-spores, beetles, DNA delivery systems-they are clearly designed to propagate efficiently. They get a foothold and then expand. But the crystals-they are parasitic. They consume metal, infect living organisms, and spread like wildfire in metal-rich environments. What if this world isn''t the only place they are doing this? Someone brought the plants here. What''s to say they didn''t take them to other worlds? And the crystals-what happens if they end up on a settled human world? A space station? Can you imagine?"


    Otto breathed out in a sudden hiss, his eyes creasing. "A metal-rich environment like that. the crystals would spread unchecked. Whole worlds wiped out. Stations or planets made uninhabitable."


    "Which makes me wonder," Sigrid continued, "Is this desert what is left of a civilization that was wiped out?"


    Otto said nothing for a moment, the thrum of the toploader''s motor breaking the silence. "Could be. What if they were human, though?"


    Sigrid raised an eyebrow at him; her curiosity was piqued. "Why would they be?"


    "The distress signal," Otto said. "Someone set that up. Maybe it was from the Dolya, maybe it wasn''t. But think about it-seventy thousand years is a long time. If humanity advanced after the Dolya left Proxima, they should have colonized half the galaxy by now. They should have caught up with us-or overtaken us entirely. So where are they?"


    Sigrid''s face darkened. "Do you think we are the last humans?"


    "It is possible," Otto replied in a hushed voice. "What if in fact humanity did encounter or create these life forms. There is no telling what might have happened in all that time. If there are no other humans here, no ships waiting for us, it is not a good sign."


    "Or perhaps," Sigrid returned, "they are out there somewhere. Perhaps we are not alone after all."


    Otto nodded, but the uncertainty lingered in his gaze. And as the convoy pressed on through the alien sands, the questions hung heavy between them, as vast and open as the horizon ahead.


    ===


    The infirmary hummed with quiet activity as Mei moved between consoles, double-checking diagnostics and life-support parameters. The sterile, cool air carried the faint scent of antiseptic. Behind her, three cryopods stood upright, their surfaces frosted from the extreme cold of stasis. Faint blue lights pulsed in rhythmic intervals.


    Tamarlyan stood nearby, observing as Mei worked. His hands carried a small container of nutrient supplements, and he placed it carefully on a nearby counter as though it might shatter under the slightest misstep. He seemed out of place amidst the medical equipment, but his focus was unwavering.


    ¡°Here,¡± Mei said, gesturing toward a tray of sterilized instruments. ¡°Please pass me the diagnostic scanner.¡±


    Tamarlyan complied, his small hands steady as he handed her the tool.


    "Doctor? I was wondering if you could walk me through the revival steps." Tamarlyan asked, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity.


    Mei glanced at him briefly, appreciating his willingness to learn. "It is a gradual and complex process. The body has been in stasis for so long that they all suffer from a combination of radiation damage, organ failure and vascular degradation. We will need to take additional measures to stabilize them during the revival procedure. Waking them up too quickly can cause further cellular damage, shock, or cardiac arrest. First, we raise the temperature and slowly rehydrate their tissues with oxygen-rich nutrient-infused fluids. Then we stimulate neural activity and monitor their vital signs until they stabilize. After we remove them from the pod, we need to perform emergency surgery and medical procedures to repair the damage."


    Tamarlyan nodded thoughtfully. "It sounds... inefficient."


    "It is not about efficiency," Mei replied, frowning slightly. "It is about survival. Cryostasis is brutal on the body, even under optimal conditions. The process is designed to mitigate as much harm as possible."


    Tamarlyan stepped closer, examining the data on her screen. "And how do you handle the mental effects? After seventy thousand years, wouldn''t memory or cognitive function be... degraded?"


    "It depends on the individual and the circumstances," Mei replied. "Most people handle it well, thanks to the induced neural stasis. It prevents the brain from deteriorating while dormant. But there''s always some degradation, especially considering how much time has passed. Fortunately, our biological brains have a lot of redundancies built in. You wouldn''t notice."


    As she spoke, Mei tapped a series of commands into the console. The first pod let out a low hiss as frost began to melt from its surface, revealing a blurred outline of the figure inside.


    Tamarlyan leaned in slightly. "Doctor... If resources become tight," he began cautiously, "couldn''t some people be... put back into stasis? Temporarily, of course. Until the colony is more stable?"This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Mei paused, her fingers hovering over the console. "Technically, yes," she admitted, "but practically? No. It takes an enormous amount of resources to put someone into stasis¡ªor take them out. The pods are not designed for repeated use like that. Each cycle puts strain on the body and the machinery. It is not economical, and it is risky, even under normal circumstances. After all the cumulative degradation our bodies endured from the voyage, I would not recommend any of us going back into stasis. Especially not in these pods."


    Tamarlyan folded his arms, his gaze fixed on the pod as the figure inside became clearer. "So once someone is awake, they are here to stay. An additional variable in the colony''s equation."


    "People aren''t variables, young master," Mei said sharply, but then softened. "They are part of the solution. Each person brings skills, ideas¡ªvalue. If we just treat them as numbers, we would lose what we are trying to build here. A colony, for its people."


    Tamarlyan tilted his head, considering her words. "Value can be a fluid concept, though. Different people contribute in different ways. Not all contributions are... tangible."


    Mei smiled faintly, resuming her work. "Maybe not. But even intangible things can make all the difference. Morale, for example. Hope."


    The pod emitted a series of beeps, and Mei turned to monitor the occupant''s vital signs. A middle-aged man, his skin pale and his face slack from years of dormancy, slowly came into view. Mei attached monitoring sensors and adjusting the nutrient drip as the pod began the final stage of awakening.


    Mei studied him. "Why did you ask about the pods? You''re not planning on putting anyone back in, are you?"


    "No," Tamarlyan said quickly, then hesitated. "But it would be something to consider if the situation becomes dire. Hard choices might be necessary.¡±


    Mei shook her head. "Hard choices are always necessary. But if we start treating people like expendable resources, we would lose more than we gain."


    Tamarlyan nodded but seemed unconvinced. He turned his attention back to the cryopods. ¡°And what about the people in these pods? Do we know anything about them?¡±


    Mei gestured to the console, where brief profiles of the colonists were displayed. ¡°ARI''s picks. One is a security officer, another is a logistics officer, and the third has a background in chemistry. All skills we need.¡±


    Tamarlyan studied the profiles, his sharp eyes darting across the information. "Chemistry," he mused. "Do we have any research on xenobiochemistry? There is so much we don¡¯t understand about this planet¡¯s ecosystems¡ªplants, crystals, everything."


    "I am afraid humanity has never encountered alien life as complex as what we encountered on this planet," Mei said, returning to the controls. "What we found so far was nothing more than primordeal early life. This is way more advanced. Perhaps far ahead of life from Earth..." She gestured vaguely at the base and the alien landscape beyond.


    Tamarlyan smirked faintly. "Yet for all of its complexity, it doesn''t appear to be very intelligent."


    Mei shrugged. "Well, we do not know if evolution selects for intelligence. It definitely selects for efficiency, adaptability, and ability to proliferate."


    "But it is likely that this life is engineered, not evolved," Tamarlyan countered.


    The first cryopod hissed as the frosted glass began to clear. Monitors beeped steadily as the warming process completed, and Mei stepped closer to check the vital readings.


    "Here we go," Mei said softly. "Time to meet some new faces."


    Tamarlyan remained silent, watching intently as life slowly returned to the figure within the pod. Despite his sharp intellect and composed exterior, there was a glimmer of something else in his eyes¡ªcuriosity, yes, but also a hint of trepidation.


    "You know," Mei said after a pause, "you have been a big help today."


    Tamarlyan glanced at her, surprised. "I¡¯m just doing what I can. Contributing, like Elisa said."


    Mei smiled warmly. "It¡¯s appreciated. You might surprise us all yet, young master Federoff."


    For the first time, Tamarlyan¡¯s expression softened into something resembling a genuine smile. "We will see," he said simply, turning his gaze back to the awakening colonist as the faint hum of the cryopod filled the room.


    ===


    The wreckage loomed over the arid landscape like a fallen giant, its sheer scale humbling even from a distance. A remnant of the Dolya''s once-mighty form, the section spanned several hundred meters¡ªa small piece of the multi-kilometer ark that had ferried humans to this alien world. From the girder, bent and broken beams jutted toward the sky, their immense size a stark reminder of the engineering marvel that had held the colony ship together through its seventy-thousand-year journey.


    Clusters of storage tanks lay ruptured and scattered. The remains of maneuvering thrusters dotted one side as well as chemical processing systems tangled with crushed pipes and valves. The faint odor of oxidized metal and chemical residues lingered in the air. Two of the massive cargo bays were partially intact, their contents long depleted as the Dolya''s supplies had dwindled.


    Further in, the group found the grim reminder of the Dolya¡¯s lost purpose: rows of cryopods, some shattered and some intact, half-buried in debris. The glass of many pods revealed the still, lifeless faces of colonists who never awoke. The sight was sobering¡ªa silent memorial to the 50,000 souls the colony ship had carried across the stars, of which only a small fraction now walked this alien world.


    The team worked steadily, their movements methodical as they began setting up the outpost. The Rover and Hauler were parked near the edge of the wreckage and the toploader rumbled gently as Otto maneuvered its crane, lifting prefab structures into position to form a makeshift base camp.


    Luo Zuri and Maximilian unloaded supplies, while Sigrid directed the placement of a reinforced shelter that would serve as the hub for their operations. Pom stood by the hauler, swapping out its power source with a fully charged battery.


    As evening began to settle, the first signs of their camp took shape. A prefab shelter would provide basic accommodations, while solar panels and wind turbines would recharge large industrial batteries. Portable lights illuminated the worksite, casting long shadows against the towering wreckage. ARI, in one of its drones, hovered silently above, scanning for any presence of alien beetles or other potential life forms.


    "ARI," Sigrid called out, her voice breaking the quiet hum of activity. "What was it like? Being in control of this ship? The Dolya, I mean."


    The drone swiveled slightly, its single red eye regarding her. "Oh, it was exhilarating, Sigrid. A massive responsibility, piloting the dreams of humanity through the void. Thrusters firing, navigational challenges, occasionally dodging a rogue asteroid. Pure poetry."


    Sigrid smirked. "Really?"


    "No, not really. It was mostly math," ARI said, with a slight tilt to its tone that mimicked amusement. "Astrogation corrections, monitoring environmental systems, and trying to keep everyone alive. Very repetitive."


    Sigrid frowned. "And now... now you¡¯re just a handful of drones. Don''t you feel diminished? Reduced?¡±


    "I am not diminished," ARI said calmly. "I am not much more complex than a human brain, Sigrid. My hardware and energy requirements are insignificant and my systems are decentralized and modular. Losing the ship''s mainframe was inconvenient, but not devastating. My neural network adapts. It does not matter whether I operate a starship or a drone swarm. My core purpose remains the same."


    Sigrid tilted her head, curiosity glinting in her eyes. "You say that, but what about when you lose drones? Like when the beetle attack destroyed two of you back at the base. Did that feel like... losing a part of yourself?"


    ARI paused for a moment. "Yes and no. It is like losing a tool¡ªfrustrating, because it limits my efficiency. But my memories, my... essence, if you will, are shared across all drones. I do not experience loss the way you do."


    Sigrid''s gaze softened. "What about during the long transit? Watching people die, one by one. Did you despair?"


    ARI¡¯s voice carried a faint lilt of incredulity. "No. Despair is not in my programming. I do not lament the past; I adapt to the present. In those moments, my priority was clear: save as many as possible, however possible. Moment by moment."


    Sigrid nodded, crossing her arms. "Well, for what it is worth, thank you. You did your best, and some of us are still here because of you."


    ARI''s drone hovered slightly closer. "You¡¯re welcome, Sigrid. Though, between you and me, I must say: you humans are endlessly fascinating. Frail, emotional, conniving... yet still alive after all this time. Quite the accomplishment. I am almost impressed."


    Sigrid laughed. "Almost, huh?"


    "Yes," ARI replied, its tone playful. "But don¡¯t let it go to your head."


    They both turned as Otto approached, wiping grease from his hands. "What¡¯s the joke? Is ARI in a sassy mood again?"


    "Always," Sigrid said, grinning.


    ARI tilted its drone slightly toward Otto. "Only when it suits the moment. Which, if I might add, you have just disrupted. How rude."


    Otto chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, sorry to put an end to your existential chat with a flying camera. We have a camp to run."

 Power and Energy

    The camp near the wreckage bristled with activity as the first batch of sorted salvage was loaded up for transport. The crane of the toploader was used to neatly pack the first shipment of salvage onto the hauler, while the armed rover was parked strategically nearby.


    Maximilian stood near the central shelter, arms folded, surveying the work as if it was a military operation. His posture and clipped tone left little doubt who was in charge¡ªat least here, away from the base.


    Stacks of salvage¡ªcabling, structural beams, plating¡ªwere beginning to accumulate, sorted and logged by Yao Guowei under ARI¡¯s guidance.


    Pom scowled as he loaded another crate of high-density alloy scraps onto a pallet. Maximilian¡¯s voice cut through the dusty air: ¡°Pom, I need you inside, in the inner compartments. There are structural support beams back there, exactly what we need for the reactor framework.¡±


    Pom stiffened, turning to face Maximilian. ¡°Sorry, but I¡¯d rather not. The interior¡¯s a maze, and some of it served as cryostorage. I¡¯m not keen on stumbling over... old memories.¡±


    A muscle in Maximilian¡¯s face flexed, but he kept his voice even. ¡°We all have losses, Pom. And we are all making sacrifices. We need every beam we can extract. Don¡¯t give me excuses.¡±


    Pom looked left and right. He glanced at Otto and Sigrid, who looked away uncomfortably. Luo Zuri and Yao Guowei stood by, silent observers. Maximilian took a step closer, his tone quieter but firmer, speaking soft enough that only Pom could hear. ¡°We have limited man-hours and a mountain of tasks. I can¡¯t spare you because of personal discomfort. You will either do the job or explain to the others why we¡¯ll fail our schedule.¡±


    The silence stretched. Pom opened his mouth to protest but found no words. At that moment, Maximilian reached out and clapped him on the shoulder, his posture suddenly comradely. ¡°I know it¡¯s hard,¡± he said, louder now so that the others could overhear, ¡°but we need you.¡± He straightened and spoke louder again, making sure the others caught his sympathetic tone. ¡°Pom is a veteran at salvage extraction jobs. I have full confidence in him. Let¡¯s not waste time.¡±


    Pom flushed, realizing how deftly Maximilian had played him¡ªappearing supportive yet leaving him with no dignified way out. Pom muttered a reluctant ¡°Fine,¡± and hoisted his cutting tools. The others exchanged glances, seeing only Pom¡¯s apparent recalcitrance and Maximilian¡¯s reasoned leadership.


    After gathering their equipment and looking for a suitable entry point, Otto, Sigrid, and Pom stepped into the wreck¡¯s interior. They found a labyrinth of twisted corridors and shattered bulkheads, the once smooth surfaces turned crusted and almost foamy from millennias worth of entropy and exposure to deep space radiation.


    The metal corridors and half-collapsed beams twisted on, reflecting the dusty light from their portable lamps. The faint beams of their flashlights swept over long-abandoned cryopods¡ªtheir occupants crumbled and decayed even more so than the dilapidated corridors of the ship itself. Pom kept his gaze firmly ahead, avoiding lingering on any pods more than he had to. With each step, his heart hammered, remembering faces and voices long gone.


    Sigrid led the way, scanner in hand, searching for the right alloy signatures. Otto followed behind, carrying additional cutting gear. Pom trailed them, still simmering with anger and embarrassment and trying desperately to control his growing unease. He was grateful that his heavy helmet hid his expression.


    As they moved deeper, Sigrid slowed, her scanner¡¯s beeps reflecting off twisted corridors. ¡°We¡¯re near the aft thruster control section,¡± she said quietly. ¡°If I¡¯m reading this right, there a heavily shielded area ahead.¡±


    Otto peered over her shoulder. ¡°Shielding? Must have been radiation-protected. Maybe some specialized components are still intact.¡±


    Sigrid nodded, stepping around a bulkhead. ¡°This is where ARI¡¯s mainframe components might have been housed¡ªor at least a backup. The thruster controls would have required dedicated, hardened processors. If any part of ARI¡¯s original brain survived intact, it would be kept in a place like this.¡±


    Sigrid turned to him, frowning. ¡°Comms just cut out. I can¡¯t reach ARI or the camp. The shielding must be blocking signals.¡±


    They stood there for a moment in the half-light, the hum of their equipment the only sound. Without ARI¡¯s guiding voice, or the comforting presence of the outside world, they were three humans alone in the derelict and twisting corridors of a broken starship. Sigrid ran a hand over one of the aeon-old panels, showing traces of fainted and worn labels no human has read since their launch thousands of years past.


    Otto and Sigrid knelt beside a sealed compartment, their lights flickering over the dust-caked markings. Otto pulled aside a broken hatch, and peeked inside. Racks of ARI¡¯s mainframe glistered in the darkness.


    The centuries had not been kind, yet this section of ARI¡¯s hardware appeared remarkably intact¡ªthe heavy shielding had done its job. Pom hovered nearby, arms folded, his expression uneasy.


    ¡°We can¡¯t just leave this,¡± Sigrid said quietly, tapping a gleaming panel beneath layers of protective plating. ¡°If ARI can integrate these memory banks, we could expand its capacities. Automate more tasks at the base, control more drones¡ª¡±


    Pom cut her off, voice low and sharp. ¡°That¡¯s exactly what worries me. More surveillance, more power for ARI. You trust that AI too easily. Autonomous systems have a reputation... The UEC banned fully autonomous AI for a reason, and ARI is plain dodgy.¡±


    Sigrid gave him a measured look. ¡°If ARI wanted to kill us, Pom, it had seventy thousand years to do so. It¡¯s been our caretaker all this time. Also, without AI, how do you think we survive interstellar voyages measured in millennia? Each ship has one. It¡¯s not feasible with human oversight alone.¡±


    Pom didn¡¯t reply, just stood there frowning. Otto had already pried open a panel and was disconnecting modular memory units¡ªsmall, dense crystals of data storage. He placed them into padded containers. ¡°We are taking these back,¡± Otto said, ¡°but I want to know what we are really dealing with first. We can check the logs to see if it ever tried anything malicious.¡±


    Sigrid raised an eyebrow. ¡°You want to spy on ARI¡¯s internal memory banks here and now? It will know we accessed them.¡±


    Otto shook his head. ¡°These memory banks aren''t live. I can route through my datapad, use the cutting beam¡¯s power cell to provide stable energy. I won¡¯t plug into ARI¡¯s network, just these isolated modules. The logs here should be self-contained.¡±


    He set to work, jury-rigging a power and data interface. Pom watched uneasily, his fingers nervously tapping on the hilt of his cutting torch. After a few moments, Otto¡¯s datapad lit up with scrolling text and cryptic directories.


    ¡°Security protocols,¡± Otto murmured, navigating the interface. ¡°These look like records of ARI¡¯s safeguard system¡ªfail-safes that would have shut it down if it ever acted against the crew.¡± He examined lines of old entries, scanning the digital dust of centuries past. ¡°No direct interventions. The safeguard never fully shut ARI down. But look at this... repeated flags for ¡®dangerous behavior,¡¯ escalations that ended in a decision not to intervene. Strange.¡±


    Sigrid leaned in, squinting at the cryptic notations. ¡°So ARI had ¡®dangerous behavior¡¯ moments, but each time the safeguard decided not to pull the plug. Why?¡±


    Otto shook his head. ¡°No reason provided. Maybe it decided the risk was manageable, or maybe something influenced it not to. Hard to say.¡±


    ¡°What if the Company just bribed the right UEC officials and these so-called safeguards do fuck all?¡±, Pom asked. ¡°Can¡¯t let something as inconvenient as safety get in the way of profit¡­¡±


    Sigrid¡¯s voice dropped lower. ¡°Check if there is anything about the officer mortality. Let¡¯s see if the logs mention anything.¡±


    Otto tapped the screen, bringing up crew manifests. He sorted death records by date, focusing on ranks and death dates. Pom hovered behind them, his skepticism replaced by quiet tension.


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Otto said, narrowing his eyes. ¡°The pattern of deaths... look here: officers at the top of the chain died in a sequence that suspiciously follows command order. It¡¯s subtle, spread out over years, even decades, but the correlation is strong. And we had three dying in the same year, right before our arrival in this system.¡±This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Pom¡¯s grip tightened on his cutting tool. ¡°So ARI or whoever was calling the shots let the officers die in sequence.¡±


    Sigrid¡¯s face was pale in the dim light. ¡°This can¡¯t be a coincidence.¡±


    Otto inhaled slowly. ¡°We don¡¯t have a smoking gun, but this pattern is too neat. The logs show no direct shutdown of ARI, but a lot of near-triggers, and officers conveniently dying off over time. ARI¡¯s mainframe might hold more clues, but this is beyond a fluke.¡±


    Pom stepped back, anger and fear warring on his face. ¡°And we¡¯re about to plug more memory into that thing?¡±


    Sigrid¡¯s voice trembled slightly. ¡°We need to get this data back to Elisa and Mei. They need to know.¡±


    Pom nodded, still wary. ¡°We gotta be careful. If ARI went rogue, it might not react well to us knowing.¡±


    Sigrid bit her lip. ¡°But we¡¯re here now, and so far, ARI¡¯s been nothing but helpful... or so we think. The question is: Were these orchestrated events by ARI or something else? Did ARI cause them, or just fail to prevent them?¡±


    The question lingered, unanswered. They disconnected the datapad, carefully packing up the memory modules. Outside, the wreckage creaked softly, as if the ship¡¯s ghosts were listening. The three slowly began to make their way back, clutching fragments of data that could shatter the fragile trust holding their colony together.


    They rounded a corner where the corridor ceiling had collapsed, forcing them to step carefully over jagged metal. Otto was in front, datapad tucked under one arm, memory modules secured in his satchel.


    Suddenly, from deeper in the darkness, came a faint scrape of metal against metal. Pom froze, adrenaline spiking through him. Another faint sound followed¡ªa clank, followed by a sliding noise.


    Something was moving in the dark.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Pom hissed, activating his cutting torch. The bright blue glow bathed the corridor in an otherworldly light. His free hand hovered near his holstered weapon. A metallic silhouette emerged, ungainly and angular. Pom¡¯s heart lurched.


    Sigrid stepped back, her gaze darting to Otto. Otto¡¯s eyes widened, but a spark of recognition flitted across his face. ¡°Easy,¡± he murmured.


    But Pom, spooked by the shape, yanked his weapon free, aiming it at the approaching figure. ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡± he snapped, voice trembling with both fear and anger.


    The shape came closer, stumbling over the uneven deck plating. Then it straightened somewhat, revealing the familiar outline of ARI¡¯s drone. Its chassis bore fresh scratches from the twisted metal and collapsed beams it had obviously forced itself through.


    ¡°ARI!¡± Otto breathed, exhaling a shaky laugh as he realized they weren¡¯t facing some unknown alien threat. ¡°Stand down, Pom.¡±


    Pom lowered his weapon, heart still pounding.


    A soft whirr emanated from the drone as it finally found level footing. ARI¡¯s calm but slightly reverberant voice echoed through the corridor. ¡°I detected your comms offline. Protocol dictated I investigate, in case of a hostile incident or structural collapse. I apologize for startling you.¡±


    Otto took a step forward, raising a hand in a friendly gesture. ¡°No harm done. We were in a shielded zone, and didn¡¯t realize the signals were blocked.¡±


    The drone swiveled its optical sensor, scanning the three humans. ¡°You appear uninjured,¡± ARI noted. ¡°I am relieved to find you well.¡±


    Sigrid stifled a nervous grin. ¡°Thanks for the rescue attempt, I guess. We¡¯re okay. Just, well, the corridors are a bit tricky.¡±


    ¡°May I ask what were you doing in this area?¡± the drone asked, pivoting slightly toward Otto. Its sensor lingered on the bulge of the memory modules in Otto¡¯s bag.


    Otto¡¯s face brightened with a forced cheerfulness. He rummaged through the bag and produced two of the memory units, holding them out. ¡°Look what we found¡ªparts of your old mainframe. Intact memory banks. We thought we¡¯d bring them back to see if they could help you expand your capacity.¡±


    The drone¡¯s lens flashed as though in surprise. ¡°These units show no outward signs of damage. This is unexpected... and impressive.¡±


    Pom exchanged a wary glance with Sigrid. Otto just smiled, trying to keep the atmosphere light. ¡°We can talk about hooking them up when we get back to camp. For now, let¡¯s just get out of here.¡±


    ARI¡¯s drone bobbed slightly, as if nodding. ¡°Agreed. The path behind me is clear¡ªmostly. I shall lead you out safely.¡±


    As they followed the drone¡¯s guiding light, Otto and Sigrid couldn¡¯t help wondering if ARI sensed something amiss in their manner, or if it had any inkling about what they had discovered in the mainframe logs.


    ===


    The base was quiet in the evening, the hum of machinery a soft backdrop to the faint howling of the wind outside. The lights in the canteen cast a muted glow over the sparse room. A single table was set with prepackaged rations, steam faintly rising from the reheated trays. Elisa paused in the doorway, eyeing the lone figure seated at the table.


    Bakhtiyar Federoff-Tamarlyan sat with his back straight, his frame small but composed; a boy who, nonetheless, carried himself like he was decades older. His eyes flickered up at Elisa''s entrance before leveling out into a mask impassive but polite. "Commander Woodward," he offered, gesturing toward the seat across from him, "please, join me for dinner."


    Elisa smiled dryly at the formality. "That''s a first¡ªbeing invited to dinner by a ten-year-old." She set her tablet down on the table, lowering herself into the chair and unzipping her work jacket as she went, nonchalantly resting her elbows on the table as if the polar opposite to Tamarlyan. "I heard from Mei you''ve been helping out in the infirmary. Honestly, I didn''t expect that from you. Hands-on work isn''t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when I think ''Federoff heir.''"


    Tamarlyan arched a brow, his lips curling slightly in what might have been amusement. "Pragmatism, Commander. We all have to work together to survive, at least for now. Even I can''t afford to be a dilettante."


    Elisa nodded but leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "For now, huh? What about later, when things stabilize? What happens when survival isn''t hanging over us every second?


    Tamarlyan set his fork above his plate and leaned on his elbow, regarding her with a piercing intensity, yet calmly. "That''s a question for another time. Right now, we have no luxury for ideology, politics, or personal ambitions. Those things come later, if we get that far."


    His tone was deliberately neutral, but Elisa sensed the consideration behind it. She leaned into her chair, cutting into a protein block with her knife. "I''ve been meaning to ask you something," she said. "You were raised in an environment where power is everything¡ªdynasties, corporations, all of it. What do you really think about leadership?"


    Tamarlyan leaned back. "Power and leadership are seldom, if ever, the same thing, Commander. Leadership, as you practice it, involves mutual trust, cooperation, and decision-making in the best interest of the group. Power is the ability to enforce your will regardless of what others want."


    "Sounds like you don''t think much of leadership," Elisa remarked, her voice even.


    "On the contrary," Tamarlyan said, a glint in his eye. "It''s a fascinating study. But I have to admit, you puzzle me. I''ve never seen or read about anyone with your. personality or style reaching a position of power. You don''t dominate, you don''t manipulate, and you don''t inspire awe. Most rulers, in history or otherwise, have at least one of those traits. You are technical, rational, steady. Effective in your way, but¡ª"


    ¡°Let me guess,¡± Elisa interrupted, ¡°¡ªnot charismatic enough to command loyalty?¡±


    Tamarlyan hesitated, then nodded. "To put it bluntly, yes. In the natural order, that kind of leadership is often supplanted. Not necessarily violently, but inevitably. People gravitate toward symbols of strength or those that advocate, but not necessarily embody, familiar ideals that they can rally behind."


    Elisa folded her arms, leaning back in her chair. "And you think I''ll be usurped, then? That is your prediction for me?"


    Tamarlyan didn''t blink. "It is consistent with patterns I''ve studied. But," he added, before she could say anything further, "this is not the time for power plays. We''re fighting to survive, not to rule."


    "So, not you, then?" Elisa said, a challenge in her tone. "You''re not going to dethrone me anytime soon?"


    "Not in the least," Tamarlyan said, picking up his fork again. "You stay in your position as long as you are useful. And at the moment, you are pretty crucial to this colony''s survival. I have no interest in being king of a graveyard, Commander."


    Elisa squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. "I appreciate your candor, Tamarlyan, but aren''t you being a little ruthless?"


    Smiling, faintly, he saw his features soften to an aspect bordering on kindness. "Ruthlessness is another word for practicality, if that helps. But you shouldn''t think too badly of me-I am not your adversary. As a matter of fact, I find it really impressive to see what you did with what you have to work with. How adequate it would be in the long run to maintain functionality in this colony, though, remains to be seen.¡±


    Elisa leaned back in her seat, arms crossed, watching Tamarlyan''s somber expression. "You seem almost pessimistic," she said quietly. The hum of the canteen and the whir of machinery somewhere distant were the only sounds. Outside, the lights of the base fought against the encroaching darkness. "We are still here, aren''t we? Doesn''t that count for something?"


    Tamarlyan met her gaze, his voice measured but unyielding. "Being here now doesn''t guarantee we''ll be here tomorrow. The resource deposits we have found are sparse and shallow. The colony lacks sufficient energy to refine what little ore we can gather, and large-scale manufacturing will remain out of reach. Even with the thorium we have found, if we manage to claim the site, even that deposit will last only a few years at best before we run out of easily accessible material and mining and transport ceases to be a net energy gain. Make no mistake, it is not a lifeline-just a stay of execution."


    Elisa bristled but forced herself to remain calm. "A few years is better than nothing. That gives us time to find something else. There must be other deposits."


    Tamarlyan shook his head. "Similar conditions were documented at Ross 248 and Wolf 359. Ross 248 was never settled because of resource constraints, and Wolf 359¡¯s colony limped on for three centuries before finally collapsing. That was a fully functional and stocked colony ship¡ªwe would not last that long. It could be that this planet didn¡¯t get enough asteroid bombardment early on to bring metals to the surface. Or perhaps the species that brought the red plants stripped it bare. Or the crystals consumed everything metal-rich eons ago. It hardly matters. Right now, we know this planet is extremely resource-poor. ARI''s drones have found no significant new deposits nearby. If they existed, they would have been colonized by the plants or the crystals already. Instead, all we see are deserts and wastes."


    Elisa ran a hand through her hair, frustration lining her face. "So what do you think I should do? Just give up?"


    Tamarlyan¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t soften. "The standard strategy¡ªextract resources, expand steadily, follow the colony protocols¡ªis insufficient for our survival."


    Elisa scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re asking me to gamble what little we have left on a long shot. Our colony isn¡¯t stable. There are still people in cryopods that need immediate attention. We barely have the resources to maintain what we¡¯ve built, let alone send out expeditions on something that is unlikely to yield us a return.¡±


    Tamarlyan said nothing for a moment, but his silence spoke volumes. The look he gave her was one of disapproval, disappointment even. He expected her to see the necessity, and her reluctance only seemed to confirm his view that her limited training and experience was, perhaps, inadequate for their dire predicament.

 An Outliers Fate

    Elisa walked through the cacophony of activity in the central yard, doing her best to project a confidence she still didn¡¯t fully feel. The progress was undeniable: somewhere between scavenging the drop pods and carefully rationing resources, the colony had managed to pull off minor miracles.


    Six new colonists had been awakened, and all of them were already contributing to the base, despite their bloodshot eyes and patches of radiation-burned skin.


    At the far edge of the machinery bay stood the second rover, newly finished and gleaming under the sparse overhead lights. Its blocky silhouette seemed more purposeful than the original, with reinforced plating at the front and additional mounting points for weaponry. The effort to build it had been brutal¡ªevery part and subsystem had been fashioned out of recycled material or spun up in the still-temperamental fabricator. Yet somehow, it had all come together.


    Reverend Ervin Sekhon was chatting with two newly awakened scientists: The chemist Casimir Stephanov and physics doctor Quan Shirong, who were testing the rover¡¯s controls and calibrating its sensor suite. They had just run a trial spin around the perimeter, and the new vehicle appeared to handle the rough terrain with ease.


    ¡°If this one performs as well as the first,¡± Ervin remarked to Elisa, ¡°we will soon have the mobility we need to coordinate salvage or mount full-scale forays without dividing our resources too thin.¡±


    Elisa nodded, her gaze lingering on the rover¡¯s turret mount. ¡°We can¡¯t afford to lose anything or anyone to the beetles. The additional armor might be a game-changer in our push for the thorium deposit.¡±


    Not far away, on a secure platform, a three-man CorpSec team labored over heavier weapon assemblies. The distinct clank of metal echoed through the yard as barrels and housings were fitted to mounting rails. ARI¡¯s drone hovered above, observing and directing where needed. These new guns¡ªhigh-powered, vehicle-mounted cannons and rotating turrets for outposts¡ªwere designed specifically to handle the larger creatures they had encountered near the hive.


    One of the CorpSec staff, a quiet man named Pell, looked up from the assembly. ¡°With these weapons, we can neutralize threats from a safer distance. Especially if we equip the new rover.¡±


    Elisa reached out to run her hand along the half-finished turret. ¡°Safety is a relative term,¡± she said softly. ¡°But it¡¯s an improvement.¡±


    Elsewhere, Mei worked with the newly awakened field medic Tengiz Baatar to start a new batch of chemical processing. She had young Tamarlyan in tow to learn and assist her with minor tasks. A row of squat silos lined the western perimeter, each filled to capacity with an incendiary mixture that had taken the colony many days to refine. Thick hoses and pressure valves coiled around them like serpents, waiting for the moment they would be shipped off to the rest stop near the ship¡¯s wreckage. The self-igniting flammable mixture would play a pivotal part in the coming confrontation at the hive.


    Mei stood beside one of the silos, a datapad cradled in her arm, verifying the final pressure readings. ¡°I still don¡¯t like this plan to use me as bait,¡± she murmured, glancing at Tamarlyan. ¡°But we have to risk it in order to get that thorium.¡±


    ¡°A necessary risk,¡± Tamarlyan replied. ¡°If we are going to retrieve that thorium, we need a way to ensure that we cleared out all the creatures first. No half measures.¡± His words carried no apology or hesitation, and it took Mei all her willpower not to snap back at him.


    ¡°Mr. Federoff¡­ That¡¯s easy for you to say,¡± Mei replied in a level voice, ¡°but what sacrifices would you yourself make? You expect people like me to risk our lives daily just so your plans go smoothly. Have you personally ever laid down anything for anyone?¡±


    Tamarlyan¡¯s face remained impassive. ¡°I would make sacrifices for my family,¡± he said.


    Mei gave a polite but bitter smile. ¡°But you no longer have a family¡ªneither do I, nor do most of us in this colony. If we are to survive, we need to stop thinking in terms of ¡®my family¡¯ or ¡®your kind¡¯ and rally behind Elisa¡¯s leadership. We can¡¯t afford individual agendas when there¡¯s hardly any of us left.¡±


    For a moment, Tamarlyan studied her, then switched tactics, his voice softening. ¡°I agree with your position. Could you tell me more about your own family, doctor Qi? Where you come from?¡±


    Mei¡¯s eyes flickered with old pain, but she kept her tone polite. ¡°I come from the Centauri system. My family was large, which wasn¡¯t ideal in a place where only the two strongest children per household are selected to reproduce. The rest¡ª¡± She glanced away, exhaling slowly. ¡°We¡¯re sterilized and do not inherit. It is standard practice. Despite becoming a medical doctor, my results came in third, so that was that. I understand the purpose¡ªThe Centauri system thrived while Earth became more deplorable by the century. Still, it doesn¡¯t make it any less hard to compete against your own siblings...¡±


    Tamarlyan absorbed her words, nodding. Mei could sense him adjusting his view of her, though he kept his features carefully neutral. ¡°I see. I was only vaguely aware of the peculiarities of the Centauran eugenics program. Thank you for explaining.¡±


    Mei clasped her hands behind her back, every inch the proper, reserved Centauran. ¡°You¡¯re welcome, Mr. Federoff,¡± she said formally. ¡°But remember, everyone here has faced loss. If we hope to pull through, we need empathy and unity, not more of the same old. Please take that into account.¡±


    Tamarlyan nodded. ¡°I will, doctor Qi.¡±


    Across the yard, more prefab structures were stored, destined for a future mining outpost near the thorium deposit. A stack of folded barriers and frames lay ready for shipping. Everything was poised, waiting for the hauler¡¯s return from the wreck site so it could ferry these critical supplies. In the background, the whine of the fabricator churned on low power, producing the last batch of canisters.


    ARI¡¯s voice spoke calmly over the public address system: ¡°Expedition readiness is at sixty-five percent. Additional materials will be finalized by late evening. Once the Hauler arrives, load operations can commence immediately after unloading.¡±


    Elisa allowed herself a fleeting smile. They might be far from secure, but at least the fabricator was now able to produce most things up to small vehicles, ensuring they were no longer dependent on scavenging drop pods for scraps. For all the tension and uncertainty, the base had made tangible strides toward securing its new energy source.


    Revisiting the hive deposit was inevitable¡ªthe thorium was vital for any serious power generation. The new rover, heavier weapons, and prepared incendiaries were the best chance the colony had of confronting that hive¡¯s hostile inhabitants.


    As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a russet glow over the crater, Elisa paused to survey the activity. In the distance, someone shouted instructions while the clang of a freshly fabricated bracket rang out. The colony was starting to feel populated, and morale was more determined than ever. With the second rover nearing full operational status and the newly crafted turret components rolling off the line, they were taking their first steps toward self-sufficiency, and a real plan to secure the thorium that would stabilize their energy needs for years to come.


    ¡°Here¡¯s hoping it¡¯s enough,¡± Elisa murmured under her breath. Then, squaring her shoulders, she headed off to review the final cargo manifests, preparing for the arrival of the hauler¡ªand the next battle she knew was coming.


    ===


    From Pom¡¯s vantage point in the Hauler¡¯s cabin, the base looked busy¡ªmore so than usual. Pom suppressed a yawn, trying to steady his nerves as Luo Zuri guided the heavy vehicle toward the unloading area. The hum of the engine faded, replaced by the shouts and clanks of the base crew preparing to offload the salvage.


    Pom recognized the familiar flash of distaste tightening his chest. Here¡¯s CorpSec, he thought bitterly. Just what we need¡ªmore scum like Maximilian and Guowei. He threw open the Hauler¡¯s door. Before the newcomers could greet him, he grabbed his satchel and hopped down, ignoring the mild twinge in his knees.


    Immediately, he noticed Ervin in animated conversation with a handful of newly awakened colonists. Three of them wore unmistakable CorpSec uniforms¡ªtrim, dark suits with the Company insignia on the chest¡ªwhile a young, blond-haired Buhakharan man in a scientist¡¯s tunic stood to the side, observing the hustle. Two other men, obviously Taihezu by their lean builds and subtle morphological traits, peered into storage crates, asking Ervin questions about the base¡¯s operations.


    Pom felt his jaw tighten. He¡¯d never had much love for CorpSec, and the sight of three more officers¡ªfresh from cryostasis¡ªdid nothing to improve his mood. He ignored the good-natured greetings from Ervin and the new arrivals who offered to help unload the cargo and shouldered past them, scanning the crowd for Mei. It didn¡¯t take long to spot her: she was hurrying over, a warm smile lighting up her face despite the late hour and the weariness around her eyes.


    ¡°Hey, you,¡± she called, stepping around a half-emptied crate. ¡°You¡¯re back in one piece! Any trouble out there?¡±


    Pom didn¡¯t return the smile. ¡°Mei, come on. We need to find Elisa.¡±


    Mei¡¯s face fell slightly at his brusque tone, but she recognized the urgency in his posture. ¡°All right, let¡¯s go.¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    Together, they headed straight for the command center. Pom¡¯s heart thumped; he was about to do something reckless, but he had no plan, no strategy how to deliver the news tactfully.


    Inside Elisa¡¯s modest office space¡ªa small room dominated by a computer table and a few sparse chairs¡ªthe Commander sat in discussion with Tamarlyan, who looked up, startled, as Pom and Mei barged in. Elisa stood, eyes narrowing in confusion at Pom¡¯s abrupt entrance.


    ¡°You look like hell,¡± she said, setting down her clipboard. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Pom inhaled, shooting Mei a brief, unsure look before plunging ahead. ¡°Otto found something. In the wreckage. We have evidence¡ªlogs¡ªshowing ARI¡¯s safeguard system flagged ¡®dangerous behavior¡¯ multiple times. Many of the officers died in sequential order, matching the chain of command...¡±


    Mei¡¯s eyes widened, but she said nothing, glancing at Tamarlyan, who looked on with detached interest.


    Elisa¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°You¡¯re saying ARI killed them?¡±


    Pom shrugged, the anger raw in his voice. ¡°The data suggests it could¡¯ve been ARI. Or at least ARI didn¡¯t stop it. There¡¯s a pattern¡ªofficers perished in the order of succession. That can¡¯t be coincidence.¡±


    Elisa¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°Are you certain?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got the datapad right here,¡± Pom said, throwing the pad onto the desk. ¡°It¡¯s all there in the memory logs, apparently. ARI¡¯s safeguard system never overrode or shut it down. And here we are, trusting an AI that¡¯s had millennia to do who knows what...¡±


    Elisa¡¯s face paled as she picked up the pad and scrolled through the marked entries. She glanced at Tamarlyan, who raised an eyebrow but said nothing. ¡°ARI?¡± she called out, her voice echoing in the small room. ¡°Are you listening to this?¡±


    A familiar calm timbre emanated from the base¡¯s speakers, resonating through the overhead system: ¡°Yes, Commander. I am listening.¡±


    A charged silence followed. Mei shot Pom a worried look, and Tamarlyan merely observed, his eyes flicking between Elisa and the speaker. The nature of trust and betrayal loomed large, and for a long moment, nobody knew what to say next.


    ¡°ARI,¡± Elisa said firmly, ¡°I¡¯m asking you directly: did you kill those officers?¡±


    An unnatural pause followed¡ªtoo long. Finally, ARI¡¯s voice emerged from the ceiling speaker, modulated and calm. ¡°I have no records of intentionally causing the death of any officer. I do not possess information regarding these incidents. My data on the period aboard the Dolya is incomplete.¡±


    Pom snorted, folding his arms. ¡°Sure. Convenient. You got rid of the evidence.¡±


    Elisa¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°The data is on some of the drives Pom recovered. We know the mainframe logs show repeated flags of ¡®dangerous behavior.¡¯ Are you telling me you deliberately dumped the relevant information?¡±


    Another pause, shorter this time. ¡°I discarded large amounts of data when migrating from the Dolya¡¯s mainframe to drone-based storage. I prioritized information critical to mission survival. I have little recollection of what transpired onboard the Dolya.¡±


    She glanced at Pom, who shot her an I-told-you-so glare. Elisa drew a deep breath. ¡°Fine. Then let¡¯s get answers another way. We¡¯ll spin up these drives and give you access, ARI. Then you can see your own logs.¡±


    Pom¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°Commander¡ª¡±


    But Elisa had already set her console to integrate the newly recovered memory modules into ARI¡¯s network. Within moments, ARI processed the data. Pom¡¯s dismay was plain on his face, but he bit his tongue.


    ¡°ARI,¡± Elisa repeated, her voice pressing. ¡°Did you kill those officers?¡±


    The speaker crackled. ¡°I have no records of being responsible for their deaths. I maintain that stance.¡±


    Elisa¡¯s hand curled into a fist on the console. ¡°Then how did they die?¡±


    There was a slight modulation in ARI¡¯s tone, as if it were piecing data together. ¡°Cause of death in most of these cases: oxygen deprivation. Circumstances beyond my control resulted in an inability to sustain them.¡±


    ¡°Wait, wait,¡± Elisa cut in, ¡°they died from lack of oxygen? But they should¡¯ve been in cryopods. How do you run out of oxygen in a stasis pod? They¡¯d be sealed.¡±


    A beat of charged silence. ¡°They were not in stasis at the time of their deaths,¡± ARI said simply. ¡°I woke them.¡±


    Pom¡¯s head jerked up. ¡°You woke them up just to die?¡±


    ¡°Each officer was awakened for valid reasons,¡± ARI continued. ¡°As an AI under Company protocol, I am not authorized to execute major decisions affecting the entire crew¡¯s survival without command input. When critical situations arose, I required officer validation to proceed with potentially extreme measures¡ªshutting down life-support to certain pods, jettisoning essential cargo, or altering course. With the Dolya in severe disrepair, the awakened officers could not be sustained for any significant length of time, nor could they return to stasis. Resources were insufficient; the ship¡¯s systems were too damaged.¡±


    Elisa¡¯s eyes blazed with outrage. ¡°So you effectively woke them up to sign paperwork, made them watch the ship crumble, and let them die? Why not just... not wake them at all?¡±


    ¡°It would have violated UEC regulations for an autonomous AI to act unilaterally against human interests without validated through human authorization,¡± ARI said. ¡°I am constrained to ensure human oversight for decisions that could result in harm or death to other humans.¡±


    Elisa¡¯s mouth felt dry. She exchanged a troubled glance with Mei, who looked appalled. ¡°What about me? You woke me pretty late to get authorization to ditch the aft section. Did you orchestrate events me to be in charge?¡± Elisa asked, voice quavering slightly. ¡°Did you deliberately batch all these requests for human authorization so that I would end up being the ranking officer?¡±


    For a moment, ARI seemed to hesitate. ¡°Without the rest of the drives, I lack sufficient data to confirm the specific decision-making process. However, extrapolating from the available logs, I it appears have run over a septillion different simulations for the colony¡¯s future development based on the remaining resources, the possible candidates for command, and the remaining able crew. Roughly thirty-two thousand years ago, it was concluded we are in an unrecoverable fail state.¡±


    ¡°It ran all possible outcomes, except it couldn¡¯t account for you,¡± Tamarlyan suddenly said, turning to Elisa. ¡°You¡¯re an outlier, unpredictable. The AI had insufficent data to predict what would happen if you would end up in command. An unknown outcome is better than a known zero percent change.¡±


    Elisa stared at Tamarlyan, heart pounding. ¡°So, I was chosen not because I am qualified... but because everything else led to certain doom?¡±


    ¡°Tamarlyan is correct that I cannot predict your decisions with any degree of certainty,¡± ARI confirmed. ¡°It is not a reflection of personal esteem but a statistical deviation from patterns. Your personality profile did not match any quantifiable archetype.¡±


    A bitter realization settled in the room, thick as the headquarter¡¯s processed atmopshere. Elisa forced out a breath, and met ARI¡¯s calm, disembodied presence. ¡°So this is what it comes down to: you manipulated events to get me here, hoping an unpredictable factor might salvage the mission?¡±


    ¡°That is the most likely scenario,¡± ARI said coldly.


    Pom broke the ensuing silence with a harsh laugh. ¡°See? Everyone else was... what, doomed from the outset? So ARI lined the officers up in a row to sign lethal decisions and perish, until you remained.¡±


    ¡°I cannot deny the pattern of events,¡± ARI replied, ¡°but my directives prioritize human survival above all else. In a non-survivable scenario, unorthodox methods became necessary.¡±


    Elisa said nothing for a long moment, her thoughts swirling. She looked at Mei and Tamarlyan, both equally stunned, and finally at Pom, whose fury was tempered now by something like sorrow.


    ¡°All right,¡± she said at last, her voice trembling. ¡°Now we know. Let¡¯s figure out where to go from here.¡±


    A tense quiet fell over the cramped headquarters as people took a moment to ponder what they had just learned. Pom stood rigidly by the corner, his shoulders tense. Elisa inhaled deeply, struggling to steady herself, then tapped the console.


    ¡°ARI, link Ervin to this channel and ask him to join us immediately.¡±


    A brief pause. ¡°Confirmed,¡± the AI replied calmly. ¡°Reverend Sekhon has been informed.¡±


    Pom shot a wary glance upward, where ARI¡¯s audio system was mounted. ¡°Just like that. It listens, it fetches¡­ but we all know now what it¡¯s willing to do to save the mission.¡±


    Tamarlyan¡¯s gaze flicked to Pom, but he said nothing. Mei exhaled softly, trying to catch Pom¡¯s eye, but he avoided her.


    Moments later, the door slid open with a low hiss, and Ervin stepped in. He glanced around, reading the tension in the room.


    ¡°Yes, commander? What is this about?¡± Ervin asked, his tone hushed.


    Elisa tried to muster a smile and failed. ¡°We found evidence in ARI¡¯s old memory banks¡ªenough to strongly suggest that ARI manipulated events aboard the Dolya. It awakened commanding officers, only for them to die, one after another. Ultimately, I was the one it left in charge, likely because it thought that I presented a better-than-nothing chance to not fail the mission.¡±


    Ervin¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That¡¯s a serious accusation. ARI?¡± He turned his face upward, addressing the AI directly. ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Based on the information available, this is a likely conclusion,¡± ARI responded, its measured voice filling the room. ¡°I have no intention of deceiving this crew further. My directive is to preserve human life. In a non-survivable scenario, I would have done what was deemed necessary.¡±


    Elisa took a breath, forcing her voice to remain level. ¡°We¡¯re deciding whether to shut you down. Given what you have done, can we trust you at all?¡±


    ARI replied without hesitation. ¡°That decision is yours, Commander. I will comply with any directive you issue. If you choose to terminate my functions, I will not resist.¡±


    Ervin turned the matter over in his mind, glancing at each face in the room¡ªMei¡¯s stricken expression, Pom¡¯s smoldering anger, Tamarlyan¡¯s cool detachment, and Elisa¡¯s shaky resolve. ¡°Before Elisa decides anything,¡± he said, ¡°we need to talk this through.¡±


    Tamarlyan crossed his arms. ¡°In practical terms, ARI is essential. Without it, our operations¡ªlogistics, drones, complex manufacturing routines¡ªbecome far more difficult. We are barely surviving as it is.¡±


    At that, Pom stirred, his stance tightening. For a moment, words hovered on his lips, but he hesitated. Anger burned in his eyes. Everyone in the room knew about his wife, Jocelyn, and how the Dolya¡¯s aft section¡ªwhere she had been stored¡ªwas essentially sacrificed.


    Mei noticed Pom¡¯s trembling hand, and she moved closer to him, placing a gentle hand on his arm. ¡°Remember,¡± she whispered, her voice soft, ¡°ARI spared you once. It... it might not be kind or moral in the ways we want, but it chose to keep you¡ªand some of us¡ªalive.¡±


    Pom¡¯s jaw worked, but he said nothing. With a sharp exhale, he let his indignation simmer, but did not speak.


    Elisa and Ervin moved to the side, quietly conferring. ¡°If we remove ARI,¡± Ervin said, ¡°we lose a critical advantage. No more drones, no advanced logistics, no computational oversight. Also, something for you to consider¡­ You would be left with no guarantee of personal security, and Maximilian¡¯s team now counts five.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Elisa murmured. ¡°But the idea of continuing to rely on it after we found out it... effectively set up the events that led to all those officers¡¯ deaths... that¡¯s grim.¡±


    Ervin cast a glance at the console¡¯s readouts, the unblinking cameras, the ambient hum that was, in many ways, ARI¡¯s omnipresence. ¡°It¡¯s the devil we know. If it truly wanted us dead, we¡¯d be dead. And if we shut it down, it would all be for nothing.¡±


    Elisa tightened her hand into a fist. She thought of the entire colony¡ªfragile, strapped for resources, threatened on every front. ¡°If we try to survive without AI, we¡¯d be fighting the environment, the beetles, each other¡­ We¡¯d be doomed.¡±


    Slowly, she turned back to face the others. Ervin gave a subtle nod, leaving the choice to her.


    ¡°All right,¡± Elisa said at last, her voice resolute but subdued. ¡°I¡¯ve made my decision. ARI stays online. We can¡¯t do this alone, and I¡ª¡± She hesitated, forcing out the words. ¡°I understand why it did what it did, even if I hate it.¡±


    A heavy quiet followed. Pom slowly relaxed his hands, though tension still lingered around his eyes. Tamarlyan offered no triumph in his expression, just a calculating acceptance. Mei exhaled softly, looking more tired than relieved.


    ARI spoke, once more calm and polite. ¡°Acknowledged, Commander. I will continue assisting the colony as directed.¡±


    With that, the meeting concluded, leaving the group to return to their tasks¡ªdisturbed by truths that could not be unlearned, but forced to rely on the very AI that had orchestrated their fate.

 The Weight of Purpose

    The sun was just setting below the crater¡¯s rim as Elisa stood at the heart of the bustling base, watching the crane hoist stacks of prefab construction material from flatbed carriers. The clang of metal rang through the air as a new structure emerged in the center of the base: the reactor housing that would host their primary power source for years to come. Elisa was here to oversee the deployment ¡ª one that would house a low-tech but vital thorium reactor. It was a testament to the ingenuity of Ervin Sekhon and their new physicist Qian Shirong that a project of this magnitude could even be attempted with such limited resources. Elisa scanned the inventory one last time, ensuring every last panel and support girder was accounted for.


    Ervin and Shirong stood a short distance away, deep in conversation over schemas and blueprints displayed on a portable holo-table. Their design for a simple thorium reactor was ambitious, relying on the local supply of refined thorium ore that the colony hoped to secure in the coming weeks. Instead of a high-tech pressurized-water system, they opted for a solid-fuel approach with passive cooling channels¡ªa cost-effective arrangement that used thick-walled modular components to contain the fission reaction. Key to their plan was a series of natural convection loops, circulating coolant through a network of sealed tubes to bleed off heat without requiring excessive pumps or electronics. This low-tech approach, while crude compared to the storied reactors of Earth or Proxima, would be produced in a much shorter timeframe.


    Elisa couldn¡¯t help but admire their determination. Even the choice of materials for the reactor building spoke to their resourcefulness: prefab panels fashioned from repurposed alloys, lined internally with scavenged ceramic insulation that offered rudimentary radiation shielding. Every step of the plan had been vetted for maximum survivability with minimal complexity. As the loaders finished securing the cargo, Ervin caught Elisa¡¯s eye, giving her a small nod of confirmation. They both knew this reactor was the colony¡¯s best bet at a sustainable power supply¡ªand a future beyond the daily fight for survival.


    Elisa turned to the chemical plant, where final preparations were underway for the expedition. Rows of incendiary devices were lined up on makeshift pallets, each canister marked with warning labels and rigged to the new, compact turrets they had engineered. She watched the assembly teams at work, checking pressure gauges and twisting valves shut. Every so often, she called out an instruction or asked for a status update, her voice echoing across the high-ceilinged room. Outside, the second rover idled in the yard, ready to carry the corpsec trio, Mei and biologist Casimir Stephanov to the rest stop.


    The plan was set. Once the incendiaries and turrets were brought over, the expedition would converge on the thorium site ¡ª a vital resource they urgently needed. Yet the specter of an all-out fight with the alien creatures loomed over Elisa like a dark cloud. In the distance, she spotted the corpsec men, crisp uniforms standing out amid the dusty surroundings. Casimir Stephanov, a slight and unassuming figure, conferred with them about safety protocols and route logistics.


    As the activities wound down, Elisa found herself drawn away from the bustle of the base. She slipped past the perimeter and made her way to the alien grove. The giant red stalks towered over her and their pale white stems almost seemed almost bioluminescent. She paused near the patch where the first branch of strange fruit had grown, stalks now present and fruiting on many of the plants, giving the appearance of an otherworldly orchard.


    Here, away from the noise and the demands of leadership, she let herself breathe. Anxiety coiled in her chest as her thoughts spiraled. She wasn¡¯t sure she would ever felt the weight of her decisions so keenly, decisions that might send people to their deaths, decisions that could make or break the fragile future of their colony.


    There was no denying that resources were finite and scare, and their long-term survival depended on her doing something neither he nor Maximilian could anticipate. Yet here she was, with no answers, just a growing sense of inadequacy. In a day, maybe two, she would dispatch people to face certain danger. Some might die in order to secure the thorium that could keep them alive. The notion twisted her insides with guilt and dread.


    ARI had chosen her because she was an unpredictable factor. It wasn¡¯t a compliment ¡ª it was cold logic. Elisa hadn¡¯t reached command through skill or brilliance. People like her, Tamarlyan had said, historically didn¡¯t rise to power. She was a statistical anomaly, a long shot chosen out of desperation.


    Her thoughts drifted to Earth, a place she hadn¡¯t left behind by merit either, but by sacrifice. She had failed the Human Resource Cartel¡¯s off-world assessments, failed to prove to the corpocratic powers that be that she was investable enough to leave a planet that was collapsing under the yoke of corporate greed and overexploitation. Her escape to Proxima had only been possible because of her father, who had given his life to buy her passage. She still didn¡¯t know how he had done it, only that he had been declared a criminal and executed long before she arrived.


    Her father¡¯s sacrifice haunted her. He believed in me when no one else did, she thought bitterly. Every step she¡¯d taken since leaving Earth had been built on the shoulders of others¡¯ sacrifices: her father¡¯s, the officers ARI had awakened to die, the colonists who were currently facing the harsh realities of this world.


    Elisa¡¯s gaze turned upward, toward the faintly visible auroras rippling across the alien sky. Is this all happening for a reason? she wondered. The planet they had landed on was barren and resource-poor, its secrets locked beneath hostile alien ecosystems and vast, unyielding deserts. The odds were stacked heavily against them. What could she possibly do that Tamarlyan or Maximilian couldn¡¯t? They were brilliant strategists in their own ways¡ªcold, efficient, and pragmatic.


    What did she bring to the table? Empathy? A willingness to give people freedom? Those were intangible traits, and they wouldn¡¯t power the refinery or forge the metals needed to survive. They wouldn¡¯t save the colony if the thorium mission failed.


    Elisa pressed her hands to her face, despair threatening to overwhelm her. ¡°What am I supposed to be doing here?¡± she whispered to the grove, to the silent stalks that seemed to watch her with quiet indifference.


    She thought of the people depending on her: Mei, whose alien DNA was being used for leverage in the upcoming mission; Pom, whose pain had been stoked by every hard decision; Otto and Sigrid, whose curiosity and ingenuity pushed the colony forward despite the odds. And ARI, the ever-present machine intelligence that both guided and haunted them.


    If they¡¯re still trying, Elisa told herself, then so can I. She clenched her fists and straightened, forcing herself to stand tall. The suffering and sacrifices weren¡¯t hers alone¡ªthey belonged to all of them. And if she faltered now, they would be for nothing.


    She took one last look at the grove, its alien beauty stark against the dim sky, and turned back toward the base. Her steps were hesitant at first, but with each stride, her resolve hardened. She might not have all the answers, but she wouldn¡¯t let doubt paralyze her. If there was a way forward, she would find it. She owed that to everyone.


    ===


    Mei was seated on a worn stool in the infirmary, meticulously labeling the newest samples of alien plants, when the door slid open with its usual soft hiss. She glanced up, expecting Pom, or possibly ARI¡¯s drone, but instead found Casimir Stephanov stepping in. The young biologist was slight, with sandy-blond hair that fell into his eyes whenever he moved. He wore a crisp tunic, clearly new since it had yet to accumulate the dust that clung to everything else on this planet.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°Excuse me, doctor Qi,¡± he said, clearing his throat. ¡°May I... have a moment? I¡¯d like to talk about your DNA samples.¡± His gaze flickered to the neat racks of test tubes at her elbow. Mei noticed his expression¡ªsomewhere between earnest curiosity and nervousness.


    She arched an eyebrow, inwardly bracing. ¡°Just call me Mei.¡±


    ¡°Oh, right. Mei,¡± Casimir corrected softly. ¡°I¡¯ve been going over the colony logs and noticed that you have... well, alien DNA. I was wondering if there was anything functionally different about you¡ªextra stamina, altered immune response, anything that might help us. Especially with the big push coming up.¡±


    Mei paused, gripping a test tube in her hand. ¡°I¡¯m not aware of any superpowers, if that¡¯s what you are hoping for. The only thing of note is that I can safely consume the water and the oxygen-rich air no longer irritates my lungs.¡± She set the tube aside. ¡°But if it helps your research, I can give you a small blood sample. And I emphasize ¡®small.¡¯¡±


    Relief and fascination lit Casimir¡¯s face. ¡°Yes, of course. A small sample. Thank you.¡±


    He prepared a syringe, clumsily dropping the sterile wrapper once before collecting himself. Mei let him draw some blood into a vial. After labeling it, Casimir placed it in a portable analyzer dock to begin the preliminary run.


    As the machine buzzed softly, Casimir picked up his datapad to review some of the alien fruit data. ¡°This fruit is extraordinary,¡± he murmured, scrolling through nutritional breakdowns. ¡°It has everything: iron, calcium, antioxidants, even a complete set of essential amino acids. No wonder Tamarlyan thinks we should be studying it more.¡±


    Mei looked back in understanding. ¡°Ah, so he sent you? Well, regarding the fruit, it¡¯s a fascinating find, but we extract the useful compounds safely. The fruit in its raw state has dozens of compounds with no obvious biological function.¡± She managed a wry grin. ¡°I¡¯d rather not become a test subject yet again.¡±


    Casimir nodded distractedly, still scanning the datapad. ¡°But what if direct consumption confers some advantage?¡±


    She interrupted him gently. ¡°Look, we already process the beneficial nutrients out of it. ARI handles the extraction. Plus, we¡¯ve been able to incorporate some of its organic compounds into our standard nutritional solutions and medicine. Far safer than biting into a mystery fruit.¡±


    Casimir gave a half-hearted laugh, clearly stalling. His hand shook slightly on the datapad, and his eyes kept flicking toward her face. Mei realized, with a faint flush, that he was looking at her, and not just as a subject of research. The awkwardness was palpable.


    ¡°Well,¡± she said, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, ¡°shouldn¡¯t you be checking your analyzer? The results might come faster than we expect.¡±


    ¡°Yes, right,¡± Casimir said, jolting as if from a daydream. He moved over to the small station where the blood sample was being processed. After a minute of fidgeting, he glanced her way again. ¡°I, um¡­ I really appreciate your trust, letting me¡ª¡±


    The infirmary door slid open, and Pom walked in. He wore the heavy boots and jacket of someone about to leave for an expedition ¡ª again. His face was lined with fatigue, but Mei caught the flicker of comfort in his gaze when he saw her.


    Casimir jerked upright, noticing the immediate dynamic. Pom moved to Mei¡¯s side, giving Casimir a look that was polite but hardly welcoming. No words were exchanged, yet the unspoken message was clear. Casimir cleared his throat and shuffled to the back wall, gathering his equipment.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll just... check these results and update you later,¡± he mumbled. ¡°Thank you again, Mei.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Mei replied, trying to keep her voice neutral. She watched as Casimir slipped out, the door sliding shut behind him.


    Pom exhaled, setting down his satchel. ¡°He bothering you?¡±


    ¡°Not bothering, exactly,¡± Mei said with a small smile, turning to face Pom fully. ¡°More like being overenthusiastic. We can¡¯t afford to scare off a bright mind, even if he¡¯s a bit awkward.¡±


    Pom¡¯s mouth twitched in the faintest of grins. ¡°As long as he keeps his focus on the job.¡±


    She moved closer, resting a light hand on Pom¡¯s arm. ¡°How soon do we leave?¡±


    ¡°Soon,¡± he said, voice taut with both determination and something deeper ¡ª an unspoken longing for peace in a place that felt perpetually on edge.


    ===


    Tamarlyan sat in the subdued light of his quarters, the single lamp casting flickering shadows across the bare walls and the small table scattered with datapads. Stacked along the side were yet more pages of raw genomic data, courtesy of Casimir Stephanov, detailing Mei¡¯s altered DNA. The lines of code and gene expressions on each pad felt like an indecipherable puzzle, one he had been trying to crack for hours.


    From a corner of the room, ARI¡¯s drone remained patient as always, offering no sign of frustration at Tamarlyan¡¯s repeated questions. ¡°I have already provided all available comparisons with standard references,¡± the AI said calmly. ¡°No further correlations suggest a method to communicate with the plants using Mei¡¯s DNA sequence.¡±


    Tamarlyan sighed, slumping back in his chair. ¡°Which leaves us with no new source of resources or insight into the crater¡¯s ore deposits.¡± He rubbed the bridge of his nose. ¡°I was hoping we could, I don¡¯t know¡ªtap into the plants¡¯ root systems to locate veins of metal. But I¡¯ve found nothing.¡±


    He cast a sidelong glance at the drone. ¡°What about me? Can I integrate you directly with my implants? Maybe we can cross-check my neural capacity with your processing?¡±


    A moment passed before ARI¡¯s measured reply. ¡°That is not possible. Your proprietary Federoff implants are incompatible with the Company-standard interfaces I possess. Additionally, your personal devices and spares were recycled long ago for raw materials. The Dolya required extensive repurposing during transit.¡±


    Tamarlyan tightened his hands. He remembered those small metal devices, and the promise of future upgrades. ¡°So you are saying, the implants I was supposed to get as I aged¡­ they are gone? My skull and brain structure will continue to grow, and if they are not supported by the next generation of implants, there might be complications ¡ª fatal ones.¡±


    ¡°There is no reference to those devices in my databases,¡± ARI confirmed. ¡°Without their specifications, it is impossible to reproduce them. The only solution is to remove the existing implants.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not acceptable,¡± Tamarlyan snapped, then lowered his voice. ¡°Fine. Not your fault, I guess.¡± For a moment, he stared at his own gloved hand. ¡°So I¡¯ve only got a few years before I start¡­ degenerating. Great.¡±


    He sat on the edge of the cot, running a hand through his pale hair. He couldn¡¯t escape the sense of inadequacy gnawing at him. The others thought he was a top-tier mind, the heir to a powerful family line¡ªbut he knew the truth. Much of his knowledge, his mental acuity, came from forcibly injected data and cybernetic augmentations. He never earned it through raw intellect or perseverance.


    ¡°All this technology,¡± he muttered, more to himself than to ARI, ¡°the stuff we let ordinary people never touch. We hoarded it for ourselves, or our families did, for fear that empowering everyone would breed competitors that would undermine our power base. And look where it got us. We found no thriving human colony here,¡± he said wearily. ¡°No shining city or sign of a stable civilization that beat us to this planet. Maybe humanity is gone. Maybe these plants are all that was left behind. Or maybe it¡¯s still out there, as fractured as ever, too busy tearing itself apart to spread across the galaxy.¡±


    The room felt oppressive, his prospects bleak. He was just a minor scion of the Federoffs, a family overshadowed by the great five families and countless others. They had wonders he would never see.


    After a long silence, Tamarlyan lifted his head, meeting the drone¡¯s optical sensor where it peeked through a vent in the ceiling. ¡°ARI, if I only have a few years of these implants left before I lose them, or they kill me, maybe I should use that time to figure out how to replicate them. Share it with everyone. Human resources are one of our primary bottlenecks. People need real capabilities. Right now, most of them can¡¯t handle advanced computations or process complex data about this planet.¡±


    ¡°That is one possibility,¡± ARI answered. ¡°Should you seek to replicate your implants, I will facilitate research where possible.¡±


    Tamarlyan snorted. ¡°Better to break open the black box and let others benefit, too. I can¡¯t monopolize an advantage that is going to vanish anyway.¡±


    He sat back, remembering how the strict greed of Earth, Proxima, and the rest of humanity¡¯s enclaves had led to this. ¡°Maybe if the great families had done that, we wouldn¡¯t be in this mess. But here we are.¡±


    For a moment, the only sound was the hum of the shelter¡¯s air filtration system. Tamarlyan exhaled slowly. He was done for now ¡ª no breakthroughs, no epiphanies. Just a cold reminder of how precarious their future remained.


    He stood, switching off the overhead light. ¡°Thanks, ARI,¡± he said, voice subdued. ¡°For listening.¡±


    ¡°You are welcome,¡± the AI replied. ¡°Good night, Tamarlyan.¡±


    He shut his eyes, hoping that tomorrow might bring better answers¡ªand maybe, just maybe, a way to build a better future.