Another journey into the unknown, another planet. Amadeusz felt the weariness in his aging body, but thanks to the latest advancements in biorobotics and genetics, he had retained his youthful spirit and physical vitality. The neural chips embedded in his brain granted him extraordinary capabilities and enhancements that younger individuals could only dream of. Ultraviolet vision, infrared sight, enhanced hearing—his mind was prepared for every situation, even "combat mode," as the engineers at BioTeck Company called it.
Amadeusz was preparing for what he suspected might be his final journey. Everything about it felt routine: quick reconnaissance, sketches of flora and fauna, monotonous documentation. But then, the unexpected happened—a faint radio signal, a message directed at him.
"Professor Amadeusz Brick, you are requested for a briefing regarding planet M98C11 in the Scorpion Nebula," came the voice over the radio.
Amadeusz shrugged and dismissed the call. Briefings, safety protocols—none of it mattered to him anymore. What could they possibly know about this planet and what awaited there? Did such formalities even make a difference?
As he mulled over his reluctance, his thoughts drifted to the absurdity of planetary designations—mere combinations of numbers and letters. He longed for proper, beautiful names that could capture the magic and character of these worlds.
Deep down, however, he knew this journey would be different. Something unique awaited him, something that could give his final expedition meaning and reveal secrets unknown to anyone else. Let the briefings continue, let others succumb to the rules—he was determined to push further, to venture where no one else dared.
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That night, he dreamed of a living world, teeming with mysteries. He dreamed of stepping onto its surface, of uncovering the truth about the origins of existence itself. Planets, galaxies, humanity—perhaps he might even find the answer to the eternal question: Are we truly alone in the universe?
Amadeusz didn't attend the briefing. Instead, he spent the hours ensuring everything was packed and ready for his journey. Do I have everything I need? he wondered.
He had only one real necessity: sleep. No advanced technology could replace the regeneration of body and mind that rest provided. Surrendering to exhaustion, he fell asleep in his room on the 16th floor of the Star-Tech INC skyscraper, dreaming of becoming part of history, his name etched in eternity.
A knock on the door startled him awake. But as he looked around, confusion took hold—the room he was in was entirely different from the one he remembered. Who had moved him during the night?
The knocking came again, louder this time.
"Professor Amadeusz Brick?" called a voice from the other side of the door.
A mix of confusion and curiosity played across Amadeusz's face. Whoever this was, they seemed to know him.
"What’s going on?" he asked, his voice tinged with irritation.
The door opened, revealing a man in an official uniform.
"You are requested for a briefing regarding planet M98C11, also known as Mikirini," the man announced with gravity.
Amadeusz’s heart skipped a beat. Mikirini. The name he had dreamed of—a name whispered in his visions before the mysterious man had even appeared.
"Mikirini?" Amadeusz repeated, trying to grasp the unexpected connection.
"Yes, Professor. It’s a place that has piqued our interest. Please prepare yourself for the journey—there’s much to discover on this enigmatic planet," the man added with a tone that hinted at hidden depths.