1. True descended the short flight of stairs and walked around to the front of the shuttle to get her first unblemished glimpse of this strange new world. The first thing she noticed was how arid the air was. It was pungent with smells she couldn’t identify, and that in itself was exhilarating. New smells. Unknown smells. Alien smells from an ages-old world.
2. He stared at her, indecision on his face. It confirmed her earlier suspicions. This man was a loner, and rarely conversed with others. Mostly because he was an isotope baby. Created in a test tube and raise like a specimen. The emphasis for such beings was to create highly intelligent people who could go out into space, sometimes totally on their own, and not suffer loneliness. They were capable of surviving in the most extreme conditions, usually because they could think of ways, or invent methods or devices, to save themselves and others.
3. A wide, thin beam of light swept over them. In the next instant, Dox fired on the things. More of them appeared, climbing over the lip of the rock, swarming it. Moving faster in an attempt to reach the two of them. True fired her weapon, aiming where Dox did not. The creatures shrieked as they disintegrated, but it seemed to have little effect on the numbers that now covered the platform to the point where the rock was no longer visible.
4. “Starting immediately, before any use of the transporters, all receiving platforms must be swept first with expulsion rays,” Kyber announced, getting directly to business. “We are seeing more frequent attacks by the lower lifeforms, and we must remain vigilant. For those of you new here, have one of us show you how to have that done before you venture off. I also strongly suggest you keep a detailed map of the main board, so you can keep track of where you are. Jules, can you update their equipment?”
5. Impulsively, she threw her arms around his neck and gave him a hug. Dox’s arms encircled her body almost protectively, and for a long moment they stood there, wrapped in each other’s embrace. He was a strong and steadying force, unaffected by the magnitude of what was in front of them and surrounding them. Or maybe he seemed oblivious to what was around him because he’d become acclimated to the sight. Either way, she was glad he was there, watching out for her safety.
6. Something landed beside her with a wet thud. More pieces rained down on them. Chunks of flesh pelted the ground. Greenish droplets like blood splattered the area. The air reeked with a stench that made breathing feel like she was inhaling acidic fumes. Dox continued to cover her, pressing her against the ground, and she could feel the pounding of his heart against her back.
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