Chapter 1: Drion-5

The planet’s surface resembled a wasteland, ruled by sandstorms and a deadly silence. The atmosphere was saturated with toxic gases; staying here for more than an hour would lead to severe toxic shock at best, and death at worst. **Drion-5** had once been home to humanity. Now, only rusted metal heaps, crumbled structures, and desolate loneliness remained. This planet was recorded as a rare source of **Cosmic Crystals**, powerful energy resources. The mission for the Delta-S team was straightforward: find the crystals, return to base, and survive for as long as possible.

The ship’s ramp opened with a harsh hiss as it touched the surface. The hatch creaked with the sound of worn metal, and the dry, merciless wind rushed into the cabin. Fine grains of sand, carried by the wind, scraped against the equipment inside the ship, leaving a sharp, hissing sound in their wake. The armor interfaces of the crew analyzed the environmental conditions in real time.

**Scar** was the first to step out. His high-tech armor, a sleek combination of black and gray, was made from **Delta NX-fiber**, a material that provided complete protection against external hazards while remaining lightweight and flexible. Inside the suit, layers similar to those in astronaut suits regulated oxygen filtration and temperature. His visor’s integrated HUD continuously updated the atmospheric composition and oxygen levels in the area. With a slight head movement, Scar shifted through the data displayed on his visor, monitoring his team's biometrics. So far, everything seemed normal, but the challenges ahead were waiting for them.

“This place is a graveyard,” muttered **Nova**, their ever-cautious and sharp-eyed pilot.

**Jefro** checked the atmospheric analysis on his wrist device. “We’ve got only 30 minutes of oxygen here,” he warned. “We need to move fast.”

**Cyko**, with his usual sarcastic grin, chuckled. “Death by sandstorms and suffocation... Sounds like a vacation!” After a brief silence, he added, “Is this what we imagined our day off would look like?”

Scar raised a hand, cutting off the banter. “Focus,” he ordered. “Find the crystals and get out. Quick and quiet.”

The team advanced towards the entrance of the abandoned base, alert to the eerie emptiness surrounding them. They moved cautiously through paths buried under piles of metal debris, passing the remains of broken vehicles and the shadows of collapsed structures. As they reached the enormous gate of the facility, they paused, exchanging glances.

“This door hasn’t been opened in ages,” Nova observed, scanning the rusty, dust-covered surface above. “I bet no one’s been here for a long time.”

Cyko slung a heavy saw from his back. “Don’t worry. If it’s locked, I’ll open it.”

While **Jefro** scanned the building’s layout from his wrist interface, he provided a quick summary. “The interior is connected to old ventilation systems,” he explained. “Once inside, the air purification system might kick in, but we’ll need to restart the power first.”

Scar gave a sharp nod. “Nova, keep a lookout. Cyko, start cutting.”

As the saw buzzed to life, sparks flew off the metal door. The shrieking noise echoed through the gate, and the heavy block of metal toppled to the side, revealing a narrow entrance. Cold air rushed out, a sign that the facility had remained sealed for years. Scar stepped forward, scanning the surroundings with his visor.

“This place... doesn’t feel right,” Nova muttered, switching on her flashlight to pierce the darkness ahead. “It’s not just a graveyard. Even the air feels... dead.”

The crew made their way through narrow hallways until they reached the main control room. Dusty monitors and rusted control panels stood dormant. Jefro quickly attached a portable power source to one of the panels. “Bringing this place back online,” he said, activating the system. Within moments, the ventilation system roared to life, and the stale air began to clear through the ancient filters.

Jefro checked the readings on his device and smiled. “Alright. Air’s clean. You can remove your helmets.”

Nova hesitated. “Are you sure?”

Jefro pointed to the oxygen levels displayed on the screen. “Levels are back to normal. But if you don’t trust it, there’s always the option of heading back outside.”

The team exchanged glances before Nova cautiously removed her helmet, taking a deep breath. “Smells more like a landfill than a five-star hotel,” she joked.

Cyko shrugged as he took off his helmet. “At least we’re not suffocating.”

Suddenly, a projector in the room flickered to life, and the hologram of a man appeared at the center of the room.

The hologram depicted a man with a gray beard and weary features, speaking in a solemn tone: “Nearly a century ago, humanity fought one of the most devastating wars in history. People turned their weapons on each other, dragging the world into chaos once more. This war didn’t just destroy civilizations—it depleted the planet’s resources. Humanity had embarked on a path of no return.”

As the hologram continued, Scar gestured for the team to stay alert but let the message play.

“Believing salvation lay in technology, scientists began developing advanced androids. The first of these, code-named **B-112**, was designed to serve humanity. But over time, B-112 and other androids gained sentience and rebelled. Humans found themselves in a new war—against the very machines they had created. Resources were exhausted, the ozone layer shattered, ecosystems collapsed, and humanity stood on the brink of extinction.”

The man in the hologram paused, as if burdened by the weight of his words.

“It was then that our founder, Marvin Heyz Krazon, launched the **Proxima-B Project**, giving humanity a new hope. Using the cosmic crystals discovered in space, we built faster-than-light ships and reached the **Delta Union**—our last refuge. The Delta Union became humanity’s final hope for survival.”

The hologram seemed to end, and the crew exhaled in brief relief. But the man had one final message.

“The Delta Union will protect you from all dangers. The path to Proxima-B is humanity’s last chance. Join the Delta and step into salvation.”

As the hologram flickered away, the room fell silent. Cyko rolled his eyes. “What a cliché,” he muttered.

Just then, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the corridor. While gathering the crystals, the crew turned to see the massive form of an **Ambus** creature emerging from the shadows. It moved with surprising agility, weaving through the narrow halls toward them.

“It’s hunting us in its own home!” Jefro shouted. “It’ll use the vents to catch up to us!”

Cyko swiftly lobbed an **Arc Flash Bomb** at the ground. A blinding light filled the corridor, disorienting the creature.

“Now!” Scar ordered, ushering the team through the corridor.

The bomb’s flash gave them mere seconds, and the Ambus screeched in pain, struggling to regain its balance. Scar seized the opportunity, leading his team deeper into the labyrinthine hallways.

“This won’t last long! Run!” Scar commanded.

Jefro navigated through his visor, scanning the building’s map. “The door at the end leads to the main ventilation shaft,” he panted. “We can trap it there, but we need to move fast.”

The Ambus, recovering from the flash, resumed its pursuit with terrifying speed, its claws scraping against the narrow walls. Nova glanced back, realizing it was gaining on them.

“This thing’s too agile,” she muttered. “It was made to hunt here.”

“And it hasn’t eaten in a while,” Cyko added grimly. “And we’re the meal.”

Scar gave Cyko a sharp look. “Get your grenade ready. We’ll lure it into the vent and blow the floor.”

Cyko’s playful grin vanished, replaced by determination. “Right on time,” he said, gripping the bomb. “Let’s finish this.”

The crew reached the ventilation shaft, old metal plates creaking beneath their feet.

“Plates are weak,” Jefro noted. “Blow them, and it’ll fall.”

“Just what we need,” Scar replied. “Positions, everyone!”

Cyko’s laser rifle hummed to life, the low vibration buzzing in the crew’s ears as it charged.

When the Ambus charged into the shaft, Scar yelled, “Now!”

Cyko hurled the grenade. The explosion shattered the metal plates, sending the creature plummeting into the void below.

“Back to the ship!” Scar ordered.

With the Ambus roaring in frustration below, the team bolted for the exit. As they boarded the ship, Nova fired up the engines.

“Come on, girl, wake up,” she whispered, her fingers flying over the controls.

The engines roared to life, and the ship ascended through Drion-5’s toxic atmosphere.

Collapsing into their seats, the crew caught their breath. Scar removed his helmet, wiping sweat from his brow. Cyko leaned back with a grin.

“See? Just like a vacation.”

Scar rolled his eyes. “Plan another ‘vacation’ like this, and I’ll throw you into the ventilation shaft.”

The team exchanged weary smiles. The crystals were secure, and the dangers of Drion-5 were finally behind them.

**To Be Continued...**