Chapter 14: Eden-V

The Vanguard drifted through the serene darkness of the Eden-V system, the aftermath of their perilous wormhole journey still coursing through the crew’s veins. The stars here seemed brighter, more vibrant, and the vast canvas of space stretched endlessly, unmarred by the violence and desperation that had chased them from Proxima-B.

Scar stood at the center of the cabin, taking in the view from the main viewport. Ahead of them loomed the silhouette of Eden-V, a massive planet covered in lush greens, deep blues, and swirling white clouds. It looked impossibly beautiful, like a world untouched by war or ruin. Yet, the calm exterior belied the unknown dangers that could be waiting for them below.

Nova’s voice cut through the reverent silence. “Entering the planet’s orbit,” she announced, her hands steady on the controls. “Atmospheric readings are… surprisingly normal. Oxygen levels are perfect, gravity is just a bit lighter than Earth’s, and there’s abundant water. It’s like someone designed this place for human life.”

Jefro’s fingers raced over his console, running checks on the ship’s battered systems. “Engines are barely operational,” he muttered, frustration creasing his forehead. “We’ll need to land and run some major repairs. And by ‘major,’ I mean miracle-level.”

Cyko leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his ever-present grin gone. He was scanning the landscape as it unfolded on their viewscreen. “So we made it to paradise,” he said. “Question is, who—or what—else might be living there?”

Scar had the same thought, but he kept his worries locked behind a mask of determination. “Nova, find us a suitable landing zone,” he ordered. “Somewhere isolated, preferably near a water source. We’ll need to set up a perimeter and figure out what’s next.”

Nova nodded, her eyes narrowing as she searched the planet’s surface for the best location. “There,” she said, pointing at a wide valley flanked by jagged mountains. A crystal-clear river wound through the green expanse, and thick forests lined the edges, providing natural cover. “That spot should do.”

Scar gave her a nod. “Do it.”

The Vanguard descended, its hull groaning in protest. The ship shivered as it breached Eden-V’s atmosphere, heat shields glowing red before the turbulence finally eased. They broke through the cloud cover, and the sight that awaited them stole their breath.

Rolling meadows stretched out like emerald seas, dotted with wildflowers in shades of gold, violet, and crimson. Towering trees with silvery bark and violet leaves swayed gently in the wind, and the river below glistened like a ribbon of liquid sapphire. It was a scene pulled from the pages of a forgotten utopia.

Nova landed the ship with as much grace as she could manage, though the battered Vanguard hit the ground with a heavy thud. Dust and debris scattered, but they were down safely. The engines let out a final groan, and then silence enveloped the cabin.

Jefro let out a long breath, leaning back in his chair. “We made it,” he said, almost in disbelief. “We’re really here.”

Scar stood and adjusted the straps of his tactical armor. “All right,” he said, his voice authoritative. “We’re not out of the woods yet. Jefro, prioritize engine and shield repairs. Cyko, check our weapons and set up an external defense perimeter. Nova, you’re with me. We’ll scout the immediate area and make sure it’s safe.”

Cyko let out a mock sigh. “Ah, yes. Leave me to play with the guns while you two go frolic in paradise.”

Nova shot him a glare. “It’s not a vacation, Cyko.”

Cyko grinned, the tension easing just a little. “I know. But if you find a hidden beach, let me know.”

Scar and Nova stepped out of the Vanguard, the cool, fresh air of Eden-V washing over them. Scar took a deep breath, savoring the crispness. It was unlike anything he had experienced in years—a reminder of a time before every breath was filtered through a rebreather, or tainted by the stench of war.

Nova’s visor scanned the landscape, feeding data to her HUD. “Readings show no signs of immediate danger,” she said. “But I’d bet my ship that something’s hiding out there.”

Scar nodded, keeping his rifle at the ready. “We proceed with caution. Stay sharp.”

The two of them moved quietly through the valley, their boots crunching softly on the thick, green grass. They passed towering wildflowers that brushed against their armor, and the river’s gentle murmur followed them. Despite the peace, Scar’s instincts remained on high alert.

They approached the treeline, and Nova knelt, inspecting the ground. “Tracks,” she murmured, tracing the imprint with her gloved hand. The shape was like nothing they’d seen before—a three-clawed mark pressed deep into the earth. “Something big passed through here. And recently.”

Scar examined the tracks, his eyes narrowing. “Let’s not stick around to find out what it was. We need to secure the area around the ship and get those repairs finished before nightfall.”

Nova stood, her gaze sweeping the horizon. “Agreed. But we’d better prepare for company. This place is too perfect not to be home to something that wants us gone.”

They started back toward the Vanguard, but the sound of rustling foliage stopped them in their tracks. Scar’s hand tightened on his rifle, and Nova went rigid, her blaster raised. The rustling grew louder, and then, from the underbrush, emerged—

A small, furred creature, no taller than a human toddler. Its fur was a deep shade of blue, and it had large, expressive eyes that shone with an almost intelligent curiosity. It tilted its head, chittering softly as it studied them. Nova let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.

“It’s… kind of cute,” she said, lowering her weapon slightly.

Scar didn’t relax. “Cute things can be deadly,” he reminded her. “Stay alert.”

The creature chittered again, and then, to their surprise, it plucked a bright yellow fruit from a nearby bush and held it out to them, almost like an offering. Nova hesitated, her eyes narrowing. “Is it… trying to be friendly?”

Scar glanced at the creature, then at the surrounding foliage. It was still too soon to lower his guard. “We’ll figure it out later. For now, we head back.”

They turned and started walking, but the creature followed, bounding along with surprising agility. Nova couldn’t help but smile, though she kept her guard up. “Looks like we have a tagalong.”

Scar sighed, his focus still on their surroundings. “Let’s hope it doesn’t lead its friends to us.”

Back at the Vanguard, Cyko had set up a makeshift perimeter with motion sensors and automated turrets. He glanced up as Scar and Nova approached, the small creature trailing behind them. Cyko’s eyes widened. “What in the galaxy is that?”

Nova shrugged. “Our new friend, apparently.”

Jefro, who had come outside to check the engines, froze when he saw the creature. “Is it dangerous?”

Scar shook his head. “We don’t know yet. But stay cautious. It hasn’t attacked, and it might not be alone.”

Arlen emerged from the ship, drawn by the commotion. His eyes lit up with wonder when he saw the creature. “It’s… incredible,” he whispered. The creature seemed to sense his innocence and hopped closer, chittering softly. Arlen laughed, a sound so rare that it caught the attention of everyone nearby.

For a moment, the tension eased. The crew watched as Arlen cautiously reached out, and the creature nuzzled his hand. Cyko chuckled, though the sound was tinged with disbelief. “Maybe this place really is paradise. You see that? The kid made a friend.”

But Scar remained vigilant, his eyes scanning the horizon. He knew better than to trust in paradise. Eden-V was beautiful, yes, but the most dangerous things often came cloaked in beauty. They had escaped Delta Command, survived the wormhole, but now they faced a new, unknown world—and whatever secrets it held.

Scar’s grip tightened on his rifle. They would need to be ready for anything, because in this world of wonders and dangers, hope and survival were about to collide in ways they never imagined.