The atmosphere in the forest was entirely different. The dense foliage barely allowed the light of the local star to penetrate, creating small bright spots where the rays reached the ground, but mostly, it was filled with shadows. The thin but tall trees swayed slowly from side to side. It seemed as if their trunks could snap in half at any moment and crash down. They appeared so unnaturally disproportionate to me. From somewhere deep in the thicket, the echoing trill of birds could be heard. The forest felt like a mystical, enigmatic place, yet also colder and filled with hidden dangers.

We moved deeper through the dense vegetation, going from one marker to the next. The path was significantly more challenging than earlier on the edge of the forest, and we moved slower. Neight frequently got his box caught on the branches of shrubs or had to find detours to squeeze between two tree trunks. At such moments, I felt sorry for him, but at the same time, I was glad I didn't have to suffer like that. Additionally, to my relief, if you could call it that, I was starting to get used to the pain and didn't notice it as much anymore. Though I dreaded to think about the sensations awaiting me tomorrow or even in a few hours.

All along the way, I couldn't stop marveling at the local flora. We encountered all sorts of plants resembling giant ferns, various burdocks, and flowers. It seemed that on this planet, everything was slightly larger and more elongated. At one point, my attention was drawn to an extraordinarily beautiful flower with many purple petals. Among the plants I knew, it resembled a blooming magnolia.

This is simply amazing! I marveled. I wonder how many incredible species grow here in this forest? And not just here, but on the whole planet! I feel like a real pioneer. I should keep a journal.

Suddenly, I was struck on the head, almost knocking me off my feet. I looked in bewilderment towards the source, but all I saw was a swaying green shrub. Apparently, while I was gazing around, I didn't notice Neight once again pushing through the branches, and one of them swung back towards me. Was this karma for my schadenfreude, or did Neight do this on purpose? Good thing I had my helmet on; otherwise, it would have hurt a lot more. Couldn't he have held the branches back?!

"Evie, we've arrived," his voice crackled through the headset.

Finally!

Pushing through the thickets, I emerged into a small forest clearing bathed in light. It was covered with numerous climbing plants with large, burdock-like leaves and round green fruits. I immediately recognized them and involuntarily wrinkled my face. Thankfully, Neight couldn't see this through the protective visor of the helmet.

"Is this...?"

"Admit it, we're incredibly lucky to have found such a treasure nearby!" he said enthusiastically.

"Yes, very lucky," I replied, trying my best to avoid a sarcastic tone.

Neight took the box off his shoulders and placed it in the middle of the clearing.

"Let's start gathering. By the way, as I mentioned, you can come up with a name for this plant and its fruits."

I'd call it Crapfruit, but I doubt you'd appreciate that. Besides, at this rate, I'll quickly run out of names.

"I'll think of something suitable."

"Good," Neight said contentedly and began to work.

He moved energetically from one bush to another, plucking the fruits and tossing them into the box. I decided to follow his example and squatted down next to the nearest plant. But as soon as I did, a sharp pain shot through all the muscles in my legs, abs, and lower back, causing me to fall straight onto my bottom. I didn't expect such a turn of events. Fortunately, I landed on soft leaves, and the gravity here is weaker than on Earth, so it wasn't all that bad.

"Are you okay?" Neight asked worriedly when he saw what happened. "Do you need help?"

"It's fine. No need to worry."

He acts like I'm a little kid. It's annoying.

"All right, just call if you need anything," he said and continued gathering.

I can get up on my own... Wait, can I really get up right now?

After several unsuccessful attempts to sit up, I turned onto my stomach and then slowly, gradually got up on all fours.

Damn, why does everything hurt so much?

In this awkward position, I looked ahead and froze. Just a few steps away from me, two large green eyes with black dilated pupils glowed in the bushes. An unknown creature was staring at me intently. Feeling like prey about to be pounced on by a predator, I was paralyzed with fear and couldn't move. Breathing became difficult. One single thought flashed through my mind.

This is the end.

I couldn't muster the strength to scream. I tried to force out some sounds to call for help:

"Ne... Ne... Neight..."

A sound of an energy shot rang out behind me. In the same second, I screamed, shut my eyes, and fell onto my stomach, covering my head with my hands. Leaves rustled, birds nearby screeched and scattered in all directions, and the ground vibrated with the footsteps of a large creature rapidly moving away from us. When all the sounds faded, I heard approaching steps.

"Evie, give me your hand," a stern voice said.

I opened my eyes and saw Neight standing in front of me with his hand outstretched. This time, I didn't argue and obeyed him. He helped me up, but it was hard to stay on my feet. I was still trembling from the recent shock.

"W-who w-was th-that?" I asked in a shaky voice.

"I'm not sure. I assume it was one of the local predatory species. It's strange that it decided to come so close. Maybe it saw you as easy prey."

At that moment, I realized that I truly knew nothing about this place and its hidden dangers. Behind the facade of the fairy-tale beauty of nature lies a harsh world with its own laws, where humans might not be at the top of the food chain. My life could have ended in the most horrible way in the claws of a local predator.

Neight, holding my trembling hand, led me to the box, closed its lid, and ordered:

"Sit down."

"But I..."

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"Today you will not be working, so sit and wait until I'm done," he said sternly. He was clearly displeased about something.

"Neight, I want to help too," I stammered uncertainly, but he immediately refused.

"No, you will do as I say. Why didn't you tell me that your muscles hurt and it's physically difficult for you to move?"

So, he figured it all out.

"Or do you think I didn't hear all your grunting while you were lying on the ground trying to get up?" he continued. "Do you even understand the situation we're in? Don't you realize that your actions affect not only your life but mine as well? What if we had to run just now? I wouldn't have been able to help you, and you would have died."

As he spoke, I felt like a guilty schoolchild who had been caught red-handed. My cheeks burned, my head throbbed, and I stared down at the ground. I felt incredibly ashamed.

"Are you saying you didn't know I was in pain?" I began to defend myself hesitantly. "So you're saying nothing hurts for you now and didn't hurt when you woke up here? Is that it?"

Neight said nothing.

And there he goes again, avoiding the answer as usual, I thought.

"Apparently, people's bodies react differently to cryosleep. I truly haven't felt any discomfort," he finally replied.

Seriously? Are you telling me you slept for who knows how many decades or even centuries and woke up as if nothing happened? And I'm supposed to believe that? He's either lying somewhere, or I'm just that unlucky.

"I must admit, it was my mistake not to anticipate such a scenario," his voice softened, "but still, stay here and rest. You'll need your strength for the way back."

"Alright, as you say," I agreed without arguing.

"Good."

Neight left me sitting there and continued gathering the harvest. I watched as he picked the fruits and placed them on the ground next to the box I was sitting on. It hurt that I wasn't allowed to help even with such a small task.

Big deal, I fell. It was just because I'm not used to it. I'm sure I could contribute somehow.

I pondered, all the while cautiously glancing around. The thought of a predator lurking in the bushes and targeting us still frightened me. However, everything was calm, with no signs of danger.

I hope the wild animals were scared enough by the loud shot and won't come near us again.

Feeling a bit calmer, I turned my attention to the fruits lying next to me and picked one up. Through the glove, I felt the rough skin, reminiscent of an avocado. The vegetable was quite large and didn't fit in my hand, though perhaps due to the gravity, it felt light, so I could easily hold it with one hand.

If I can't help with anything right now, at least I can come up with a decent name for you, I thought to myself, turning the fruit around and examining it closely. Let's go with something simple. I'll call you Greenveg because of your color.

I took out my digital notebook from my suit pocket and began describing the characteristics of the Greenveg, from the shape of the fruit to the size of the leaves and the length of the plant's stem.

It's a shame the notebook doesn't have a camera. It would be nice to attach photos for clarity, I thought as I wrote enthusiastically.

At least I found something to occupy myself with while Neight worked. Time flew by, and I didn't even notice the impressive pile of Greenvegs forming next to the box.

"I'm done. All that's left is to pack the fruits, and we can head back to the ship," Neight said.

As soon as I got off the box, he opened the lid and started tossing the harvested crops into it.

"Maybe... I could help too?"

My voice sounded uncertain, but I didn't want to just stand there and watch. I already felt very awkward for sitting and doing nothing all this time.

"Only if you're sure you can handle it. I wouldn't want to carry you all the way back to the ship if you collapse from exhaustion."

"I won't fall," I muttered in response.

My cheeks puffed up with indignation, though Neight couldn't see my face through the helmet.

He doesn't take me into account at all! I'm not so weak that I can't even help gather vegetables into the basket!

I threw myself into helping despite the pain, and we quickly finished the task. I felt proud of myself.

At least I was able to contribute somehow!

"How do you feel?" Neight suddenly asked. "Can you walk now, or do you need a rest?"

"I'm fine. Honestly. I can make it."

A heavy sigh was his only response.

I wonder if he's tired himself.

Before I could ask him about it, Neight commanded:

"Then let's move out. But if you start feeling unwell, let me know immediately. We'll take a break."

"Yes, okay," I replied, and we set off in the opposite direction, following the marks on the trees.

For a while, we walked in silence, though I couldn't shake the thought that Neight was having a hard time since he was now carrying a full box on his shoulders. Through the radio headset, I could hear his heavy breathing. I decided to start a conversation:

"You know, I came up with a name for these vegetables."

"Really?.. Haha... And what is it?.." he asked, panting.

"Greenveg," I replied, while wondering if he himself might collapse from exhaustion halfway through.

"Greenveg," he repeated. "A logical name... let's go with that."

His voice sounded distant, and I began to seriously worry.

I hate this! He told me to pace myself and not overexert, but what about him? Well... I really don't want to, but it looks like I have no choice. I'll have to resort to this method because if he keels over here, I definitely won't survive.

"Neight, to be honest, I'm not feeling very well. Can we stop and rest?"

"Yes... Haha... Okay."

With those words, he dropped the box and collapsed next to it, leaning against it. I sat down beside him. His heavy breathing was audible, as if he had just finished a long marathon. After all, he was a human being too, who could get tired and occasionally needed a break.

While Neight was regaining his strength, I listened to the sounds of the forest and observed the nature around me. Taking out my notebook, I made a few more notes about the nearby plants. Studying the whimsical flowers, grasses, and trees filled me with enthusiasm.

I wonder if people in ancient times felt similar emotions when they arrived on previously unknown islands or continents and encountered something new and completely unfamiliar?

About fifteen minutes passed, and at some point, Neight's breathing steadied. He turned to me and asked:

"How are you feeling? Rested?"

"I feel perfectly fine. It's more about you."

"Yes, we can go further."

"Great," he replied, getting up from the ground and putting the box back on his shoulders. "Then let's go."

The rest of the journey was uneventful. We emerged from the forest, and I immediately noticed it was much warmer. The tree foliage had provided shade and a pleasant coolness. We continued along a path through tall grass at the forest edge and arrived at the ship.

After passing through the airlock, Neight suggested I go to the cabin:

"The walk was tough. You go and rest while I sort out the basket and prepare lunch."

"Hey, maybe I can at least help with lunch?"

"No," he cut me off. "You don't know how to use the kitchen equipment on this ship, so it's not worth it."

How is that possible?! I don't think it's that complicated. At least it didn't look that way.

"Then maybe you could teach me so that next time I can handle the cooking?"

"I don't think it's worth spending time on that. At least not now. Better let everyone do what they already know how to do."

"I understand," I said, trying to hold back my anger. "Then I'll go to the cabin."

Without waiting for a response, I quickly left. In the cabin, I plopped down on the bunk and took off my helmet.

Stubborn mule! Does he really not trust me that much? Or is there some other reason he's taking everything on himself? My emotions were boiling inside me.

Suddenly, the silence was interrupted by a rustling sound coming from the helmet speakers. It seemed Neight had not turned off his microphone. Then I heard just one word that made me tense up. It was spoken with such sharpness, which was completely uncharacteristic of Neight, and it stuck in my head.

"Damn!"