A new world

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of my uniform and full body armor as I sit waiting for my final mission to begin. This is why I joined the army, the New Earth operation. The last attempt to find a new world for mankind to live on.

After proving myself during training, I was selected to join one of 25 planetary exploration teams in hopes of finding a new home with enough resources to support our civilisation. Today marks the start of that operation and the first human expeditions through the dimensions gate.

As I sit pondering the excitement of exploring a new world and the terrifying reality of being stuck in another universe for the rest of my life. Operation team 3 is called, and im filled with dread and a thrilling excitement. As I impatiently wait with the other 110 members of the New Earth operation, I finally hear the sound of the intercom again before a loud, distorted voice cries out

"TEAM FOUR REPORT TO MAIN LAB"

Excitement courses through me as I grab my large military grade survival bag and approach the main door of the crowded waiting room. I slipped into the organized single file line of five and began marching towards the lab along with the other trained soldiers.

As we enter, we are instructed to line up along the wall opposite the large warp gate. Once in position one by one, our supplies, weapons, comms, and vital regulators are inspected and approved. As the last in our row's inspection is complete, the general in attendance finally addresses us.

"Team four, you have been assigned to explore and report on planet Typhon, one of the locations believed to be capable of sustaining life. Your mission is to study the planet and its resources and report your findings back here through your comms, and if Typhon is determined to be safe, you will create a bass camp for the planet's development."

Once he finishes his final briefing, the head doctor moves to give final instructions and guide us through the portal.

"As I call your name, step up to the gate, seal your helmet, and prepare to enter the portal on my command. You will be entering 3 minutes apart, so once you land, move to secure the area before the next arrival."

Having finished reminding us one last time, he began to call our names. I watched as my team entered the portal one by one and began to mentally prepare myself for my turn.

"Thea Darkos"

Hearing my name, I quickly stepped up the grid before the portal. I sealed my mask and turned the nozzle to the air tank, allowing it to fill my lungs. Before tightening my grip on my gun. I prepared to charge towards the metallic liquid suspended in the air as I carefully listened for permission to enter.

"Now!!!"

As I heard the Doctors voice ring out, I charged into the liquid. I traveled through the portal, feeling as if I was moving in slow motion, and yet it felt like I was being dragged at lightning speeds through the universe. However, as I exited the portal, I had no time to react to my pain or take in my surroundings before I was flung back as an enormous tail hit me in the side briefly knocking me of my feet.

Forced to adapt to rapidly adapt and react to the situation, I quickly move to avoid our attaker and find cover. Taking in my surroundings, I dart toward one of the large trees that appear to be somewhat hollow to my left. Diving in and rapidly swerving back around to take aim and open fire on my opponent, I finally take in my surroundings and situation.

I watched in astonishment as I realized we are fighting a 10-foot tall cat-like creature. It was a dusty gray color that blurb with the forest as it quickly moved from place to place, successfully avoiding our attacks. Just as our fifth and final member arrived It pounced on him. As it landed with a deafening thud, I watched in horror as it dragged the bloody corps of our youngest member away darting into the forest before I couldeven react.

I began to move toward its escape path until I lay eyes on another teammate crumpled on the ground in a bloody heap. Seeing this, I ran to him checking for a heartbeat or breathing or any signs of life before looking to see the state of my other team members.

My heart crashed in my chest as I processed what I've seen, what i lived through. I feel my senses bluer as I go into shock only to be pulled out by the sound of the general over comms.

"REPORT!! Darkos REPORT!!"

The words are barely audible at first, but all too clear for the message to make it across.

"There all dead, I'm the only one left."

there was silence on the other line for a moment before he finally spoke again.

" Officer Thea Darkos, we thank you for your service and release you from duty. your mission is over. Typhon is an uninhabitable planet. We wish you luck and commemorate your service." The comms are disconnected, and I'm left completely alone.

As he finished speaking, my panic and shock turned to fear and adrenaline. It's over. I won't make it.

No , no , no, snap out of it, I can do this, but first, I need to get out of this forest, I won't survive if I stay. Determination to live forces me forward into the large and imposing forest.

As I move, I drive myself forward with reminders of the stakes and the need to survive. I move quickly through the forest, listening closely for anything and everything.

As I continue, the foliage becomes thicker and darker. As my nerves send me into a panic, I continue to remind myself,

I will survive.

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