10 minutes before landing
The PZ23 pierced through Planet 11’s atmosphere with a low, steady hum. The fiery friction of entry gave way to clear, vibrant skies, the endless expanse of space transforming into a lush, Earth-like vista. Clouds scattered like tufts of cotton over rolling green plains that stretched endlessly toward the horizon. It was unlike any planet they had charted during Project Alpha—or, indeed, any planet humans had discovered before.
“Amazing,” Bron murmured, his breath fogging the glass as he leaned closer to the pod’s viewing window. He adjusted the pane, letting it slide further open to reveal more of the landscape. “This planet looks perfect for living. No terraforming required.”
The plains below teemed with life, though they were still too high to discern much detail. From this height, the hills seemed to undulate like ripples on a vast green ocean. It was the kind of place Bron could imagine spending his retirement days.
Ms. Tesse’s voice cut through his musings, sharp and deliberate. “Bron, focus. We’re not here for sightseeing. Have you already forgotten Project Alpha’s objectives?” Her tone carried a hint of impatience.
“Yes, Ma’am, of course.” Bron straightened but allowed himself one last look. “I was just thinking... if the energy source isn’t what we hope, this place could make an excellent colony. Maybe even a new Republic Academy?” His gaze lingered on the vast, fertile plains, their potential tugging at his imagination. “It’d be a shame to destroy it.”
Ms. Tesse’s lips curved into a tight smile. “Destroy it? Bron, you’re thinking too small. Imagine the resources we could extract from this planet. The energy alone could power fleets—new generations of space fighters. Trillions of dollars, Bron. Trillions in wealth and power.” Her eyes gleamed with ambition, reflecting the golden stripe emblazoned across the pod’s control panel—the symbol of The Republic.
Bron fell silent, the weight of her words sinking in. He glanced again at the window, the beauty of the world below now tinged with a sense of foreboding. As the PZ23 descended further, details began to sharpen: patches of dense forest, winding rivers glinting like silver threads, and, farther ahead, what appeared to be jagged mountain ranges.
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“Approaching designated landing coordinates,” the pilot’s voice crackled over the intercom, snapping both Ms. Tesse and Bron out of their thoughts.
Ms. Tesse leaned forward in her chair. “What’s the status of the scans?”
“Still inconclusive, Ma’am,” Finch replied from his station, his fingers dancing over holographic controls. “The energy readings remain steady, but they’re highly localised. Origin appears to be about a hundred kilometres northwest of our landing site. There’s also...” He hesitated, glancing at his assistant, Emily.
“What is it?” Ms. Tesse demanded, her sharp tone making Finch flinch.
“Well, Ma’am, there are signs of... architecture. Structures. Possibly artificial.” Finch’s voice wavered, the weight of the discovery evident.
“Structures?” Ms. Tesse’s eyes narrowed, her mind already racing. “Are you saying there’s intelligent life on this planet?”
“It’s too early to tell,” Finch said quickly, though the implication was clear.
Bron’s grip tightened on the armrest of his seat. “If there’s life here, they could be hostile. We need to proceed with extreme caution.”
Ms. Tesse smirked. “That’s what you and your agents are for, Bron. Ensure my safety and deal with any... inconveniences.”
The pod’s engines shifted to a low rumble as it hovered above the landing site—a flat, open plain near the edge of a dense forest. The hatch hissed as it unsealed, allowing the cool, earthy air to flow into the cabin. Bron’s team moved quickly, their black obsidian armor gleaming in the shining sun. Each agent carried an arsenal of advanced weaponry, prepared for whatever lay ahead.
“Secure the perimeter,” Bron barked, his voice firm. His team responded in perfect unison, spreading out with precision.
Ms. Tesse stepped out of the pod, her boots sinking slightly into the soft ground. She took a deep breath, the air tinged with a strange, electric undertone. “It’s remarkable,” she admitted, her voice softer than usual. “But let’s not get distracted. Find the energy source, confirm its potential, and report back to the Republic.”
As the team advanced through the forest, Bron couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched. The beauty of this world felt almost... deceptive. Something about the silence, the way the trees loomed like sentinels, set his instincts on edge.
Behind them, the PZ23 powered down, its sleek frame blending into the landscape like a predator lying in wait. Above, the sky seemed unnaturally clear. Too clear.
“Keep moving,” Bron ordered, his voice low. “Stay alert. Whatever’s out there, we’re not alone.”
And from the shadows of the forest, something stirred.