Suspicious observer amidst the crowd:
“Dead. Dead. Dead. All dead. This 'Team Uno' doesn't stand a chance. If the General is making such flawed decisions, I might have to intervene, or perhaps I'll wait to see if the other Generals slip up. Yet, this team's ineffectiveness is glaring. Their task is to scout the forest for food and water, all within 16 hours. But that's a tall order, considering the dense canopy most likely blocks the majority of sunlight and rain. By observing these five men and overhearing their earlier discussion has given me a rough gauge of their capabilities. Proper training could perhaps elevate them to a formidable level, say a 10 of 10 or at least a balanced 50 of 50. But as they stand, they're merely a 5 of 5, except for that one individual who shows some potential.”
Team Uno members and their estimated individual, evaluation taken by a Suspicious observer in the crowd.
1. Timmon - Team Leader
- Field of Trade: Geologist. Welder.
- Fitness Evaluation:
- Speed: 2 of 5
- Strength: 3 of 5
- Perception: 2 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Survival Skill: Extensive knowledge of rocks, water sources, geological formations, and terrain analysis to locate potential water reservoirs.
2. Ben
- Field of Trade: Botanist. Biologist.
- Fitness Evaluation:
- Speed: 3 of 5
- Strength: 3 of 5
- Perception: 3 of 5
- Adaptability: 5 of 5
- Survival Skill: Proficiency in identifying edible and medicinal plants, as well as creating primitive medical products.
3. Mr. Major
- Field of Trade: Former Military.
- Fitness Evaluation:
- Speed: 5 of 10
- Strength: 6 of 10
- Perception: 5 of 10
- Adaptability: 6 of 10
- Survival Skill: Advanced combat training, tactical expertise, and adaptability in challenging environments.
4. Scott
- Field of Trade: Hunter and Trapper
- Fitness Evaluation:
- Speed: 3 of 5
- Strength: 4 of 5
- Perception: 4 of 5
- Adaptability: 3 of 5
- Survival Skill: Proficient in hunting, trapping, and procuring wild game for sustenance.
5. Tobi
- Field of Trade: Olympic Athlete.
- Fitness Evaluation:
- Speed: 8 of 10
- Strength: 3 of 5
- Perception: 4 of 5
- Adaptability: 2 of 5
- Survival Skill: Exceptional physical fitness, endurance, and adaptability honed through Olympic-level training.
Entering the surrounding forest.
With a spirit of exploration propelling them forward, the team embarked on their journey toward the forest's edge as the tenth hour drew near. Stepping across the threshold into the embrace of the forest's canopy, an immediate shift in temperature enveloped their senses. The air was cool and crisp, wrapping around them like a comforting blanket.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the passage of time seemed to dissolve, replaced by a tapestry of scents that saturated the air. The earthy fragrance of moist soil and decaying leaves mingled together, each step releasing a symphony of aromatic notes. The crisp coolness invigorated their lungs while the soft breeze whispered through the foliage, weaving a harmonious symphony of soothing sounds.
The sense of magic enveloped the team as they delved further into the forest's depths. The air hummed with the melodies of unseen insects, their vibrant tunes harmonizing with the heartfelt songs of birds hidden among the dense foliage. The soundscape was alive, a living orchestra conducting the atmosphere around them.
With every step, the ground beneath their feet welcomed them with a soft, resilient bounce adorned in a verdant carpet of moss that cradled their boots. Towering trees loomed overhead, their trunks reaching towering heights, their bark textured with gnarled patterns. Branches intertwined, forming a majestic leafy roof that allowed streams of sunlight to create a dappled, golden pattern on the forest floor.
Noteworthy were the tiny plants and ferns that embraced the tree trunks, reaching upward towards the sun's warmth. Delicate blossoms adorned their fronds, adding splashes of colour to the emerald tapestry. This captivating sight held their gaze, and they couldn't help but marvel at the intricate beauty of this enchanted woodland.
The team stood amidst this wonder, utterly captivated by the marvels unfolding around them. They observed butterflies fluttering with delicate grace and revelled in the sweet melodies of distant birds whose plumage was like scattered jewels in the forest's green crown. It was a moment of pure awe, where the splendour of Nature enveloped them, evoking a true sense of aliveness and connection.
As the Scout forged ahead, the team followed Timmon, their senses attuned to the surreal beauty of their surroundings. They ventured deeper into the heart of the forest, eager to uncover its mysteries and embrace the unknown.
Mr. Major's eyes scanned their leafy surroundings, excitement dancing in his gaze, "Look at those leaf frogs hiding within the leaves above us. They're native to Colombia. I’ve never seen them that big! If we ever get hungry, that is some good mountain chicken right there. Oh shit, check out the size of those leaf-cutter ants crossing the branches and vines. Are we sure this isn't Earth or Earth 2 point O? With ants that big we might have a problem. They are the size of a golf ball.”
Stolen story; please report.
Ben, his face reflecting a mix of curiosity and exasperation, sighed heavily, "Man, I like what I see, but I don't have time for this nature shit. I shouldn't have traded my shoes when we first arrived here, but I assume this was going to be a running for survival situation, not a walk for hours in a forest with some dusty-looking men. Why are we even here? My legs are killing me. I want to go home. How long have we been walking through this forest? It feels like we're going 8 hours in a straight line and not a circle.”
Timmon's brow furrowed with a hint of frustration as he responded, "Real talks? Why did you volunteer to come out here with us? I'm just following the signs on the rocks that will lead to the water source; these trees don't just live off sunlight. Then again, maybe they do. This isn't Earth.”
Ben grumbled, weariness lacing his words, "Well, I'm tired and hungry. And these soft sole shoes ain't cutting it. If we don't turn back soon, I might not have the energy to continue. Plus, you better tell your rocks to send you some signs to lead us back to the settlement."
Mr. Major chimed in thoughtfully, "Perhaps it's a good idea to take a break and regain some energy for the rest of the expedition and reevaluate our location.”
Timmon nodded in agreement, "You're right, Mr. Major. Even though i can still move, we should rest, we can take this opportunity to study the environment around this area and make some mental notes. Tobi, could you please go to where Scott the Scout is and ask him to join us for a rest?”
Tobi, replied promptly, "Yes, sir, I'll do that immediately since thats all i might be good for to you guys.”
Timmon shifted the conversation with a touch of amusement in his voice, "By the way, Ben, what shoes did you trade with?"
Ben replied, hinting at practicality and regret, "Some rubber boots. But don’t judge me I didn’t know this was the job. My boots were for fashion, not for hiking and traversing the bush.”
Timmon and Mr. Major exchanged amused glances, their voices in sync as they remarked, "What a stupid and smart man you are brother.” Their looks at each other turning into a steady built up laugh.
As time past and they were still enjoying the nature walk, nestled on sturdy tree roots, the team found themselves embraced by the enchantment of the forest. Among them, Timmon's keen eye caught the presence of unusually large earthworms wriggling beneath the blanket of dried leaves that lay upon the forest floor. In his inquisitive manner, his mind immediately spun theories: Perhaps the elevated oxygen levels in the air of this alien world accounted for their remarkable size. As he imparted his musings to the team, a hush descended, allowing all to bask in the surroundings' beauty and the forest's refreshing coolness.
Within this tranquil moment, however, Timmon's mind was not entirely at peace as he watched the bugs active in this part of the forest. He detected a subtle undercurrent in Mr Major's suggestion to rest—a potential challenge to his authority. Insecurity tickled at him, but Timmon brushed it aside.
Timmon: “Am I overthinking here again? They named me team leader so why would the Major superacid my authority. That suggestion might come back to bit me. I need to pay more attention to the others and make better judgement calls. At most i’m probably making a mistake and jumping to conclusions. My wife told me that was one of my red flags. Maybe she was on to something.”
He acknowledged the necessity of asserting his leadership, ensuring the team's unwavering focus on their mission, and guarding against unwarranted distractions or untimely proposals, especially when it came from someone as capable as Mr Major, with his distinct perspectives on effective handling. The weight of responsibility tugged at Timmon, driving him to sustain unity and effective leadership as they forged ahead into the alien world's uncharted expanses.
Mr Major sighed contentedly, his words carrying a hint of relief, "Ah, Damn, it really is so peaceful out here, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Woe was the days when we had to worry about traffic jams and crowded streets. Give me a second. Let me have a quick spread on the ground; I need to connect to the energy in the area.”
Ben reminisced with a nostalgic tone, "Yeah, I’m not going to join you on the dirty ground, but those were the good old days. No honking horns or noisy neighbours. Just the sounds of birds chirping and the gentle rustle of leaves.”
Timmon acknowledged, his voice soft with contemplation, "Nature has its way of bringing tranquillity to our souls. I could definitely get used to this peaceful environment. But this is just a vacation; remember, we ain't staying here.”
Tobi interjected with a playful grin, "And here I thought you were a city fowl, Timmon. Starting to embrace your inner nature enthusiast, huh?”
Timmon chuckled in response, "Well, Tobi, it's hard not to appreciate Nature's beauty when surrounded by it. It's a refreshing change from the concrete jungle.”
Scott rejoined the group and shared, "We traded our cylindrical skyscrapers for these tall green sunshades. Isn't God good?”
Tobi: “Oh you’re religious? Do you also believe that God died for our sins, and brought the smartest and most capable sinners to a new planet for a new beginning?"
Mr Major, suddenly alert, rose to his feet, his tone tinged with urgency, "Hold on, did you hear that? It sounded like the scurrying of rats, like back in those cramped city apartments."
Ben questioned with scepticism, "Rats in the forest? That's a new one. Are we sure we're not just imagining things?”
Tobi responded with playful sarcasm, trying he best to hold in the laughter "Why is Ben, the biologist, an intelligent human adult, surprised that a rat might be in the forest? Rats are everywhere. It would be crazy to think that they only existed and will exist in a city-constructed environment. Who's man is this?"
Mr Major silenced Tobi with a firm tone, "Be quiet, Tobi. I'm telling you guys, I heard something. Look, there it goes again! Something is darting behind that tree to the right. Oh shit! Now, it jumped forward to that tree on the left. It's playing games with us. Right? Help me look. Are you guys seeing it? Or is it just me?”
Timmon cautioned the group, his voice a blend of concern and determination, "Whatever it is, it seems intelligent and clearly knows how to be elusive. We need to stay on high alert, everyone. Keep an eye out for any unusual movements. I do not want to be the prey to anything in this forest.”
Tobi whispered in consideration, "Should I go check it out, Mr Major? It might just be rats at the end of the day.”
Mr Major shook his head in response, "No, Tobi. We shouldn't split up. Have you never seen a movie? It's too risky. Just stay close and be ready for anything.”
Ben proposed thoughtfully, "This isn't a movie. Maybe it's just a curious and mischievous forest rabbit out and about having some fun. Let's not make this about us. Furthermore, let's go over there and meet with the little creature and see if it reveals itself.”
Timmon responded in a hushed tone, "I'm not sure about that, Ben, and I'm damn sure not going to risk my life or anyone from this team's life to find out. You might have forgotten at some point, but this isn't Earth. We don't know what we're dealing with here. It could be dangerous. Let's stick together and maintain our numerical advantage.”
Tobi interjected with a touch of sarcasm, "Numerical? Who is this guy? Is using the word 'number' beneath you? If you keep trying to sound smart with your words, I might begin to regret not walking with my thesaurus when I got kidnapped by God? or should I say alien?”
Mr Major signalled to the others, urging caution, "Everyone, be cautious and stay close. And Tobi, Shut up! Whatever is out there, it's getting closer with each movement. Let's proceed with a little more caution and be prepared for anything.”
As the team grappled with the mysterious and elusive presence, they stood in silence, their eyes meticulously scanning the surroundings for the faintest sign of movement. The forest exuded an eerie quietness as if it possessed foreknowledge of what was to come, patiently awaiting the unfolding events. Amidst their cautious observation of the landscape, they hoped to catch even the slightest glimpse of something that deviated from the realm of foliage.
On edge, Mr. Major offered a reassuring gesture, attempting to quell the heightened tension. Just then, a distant howling pierced the air, sending an involuntary shiver down their spines.
"Wolves!" Ben's voice, a mixture of astonishment and concern, exclaimed, "Please tell me we don't have Earth-like predators lurking here! I'm not sure I can handle that right now.”
Timmon fired back with a quick response. "I'm talking for nothing around here. I know for a fact I mentioned hearing wolves when we first appeared on this planet, and I mentioned it again before coming into the forest.”
Abruptly, Scott's urgency cut through the moment. "Quick, everyone! Look!”
Responding to his call, the team instinctively formed a defensive circle, their eyes fixed on what peeked from behind the towering tree. Their collective heartbeat accelerated as they beheld the spectacle that unfolded. A peculiar creature dangled from the branch, a fusion of rabbit and spider, with elongated legs extending about four feet from its body.
"What in the world is that?" Timmon's disbelief mirrored the astonishment that rippled through the group. The creature challenged simple categorization, blending the recognizable with the foreign in a way that defied easy classification. It sported rabbit-like features—long ears, round eyes, and a fur-covered body. Yet, its additional legs bore no resemblance to a rabbit's; instead, they extended like spider limbs from its sides, simultaneously delicate and powerful. These legs terminated in multiple segmented joints, the appearance bordering on the insectoid and surreal.
Suspending itself from the branch, the creature's gaze locked onto theirs, its large, dewy eyes radiating a curious intelligence. Soft fur covered its body, contrasting its spindly legs that stretched beneath. Its movements were graceful and purposeful, a testament to its adaptation to the alien surroundings.
Mr Major's tone carried a note of caution as he addressed the group, his focus unwavering on the creature. "This is unlike any encounter we've had. For now, let's maintain a safe distance. While its appearance intrigues, we mustn't underestimate the potential danger it poses."
The collective gaze remained riveted on the creature, absorbing its peculiar attributes. The label 'bunny rabbit spiders' fell short of encapsulating the intricate amalgam that defined this entity. It embodied a living paradox, a convergence of two distinct species that had no business coexisting.
As they observed, the creature's rabbit-like head tilted, its legs twitching in an almost playful manner. A veil of uncertainty surrounded the creature's intentions, a mystery that captivated and unsettled the team. The very forest seemed to hold its breath as if anticipating the outcome of this charged encounter.
Amid escalating tension, Tobi's reactions appeared almost primal, his body attuned to an imperceptible threat that only he could discern. Within an instant, his eyes widened, and shallow breaths betrayed his mounting panic. An invisible vice gripped him, constricting his chest and blurring his thoughts. Adrenaline surged through his veins, his heart pounding in a primal rhythm. The only thing that was running on repeat in Tobi’s head was, “Not me! Fuck this, not today Lord! Not Fucking today.”