Chapter 1 : A New Beginning

Astraeus station is a station specialized in training new Space Ranger. For people who wants to begin space exploration, Astraeus station is a good starting point. Basically it's a school for beginners. Other station like TAPOPS or TEMPUR-A often look for new members in Astraeus station. Admiral Maskmana is one of the owner of the place, mentor and Captain to Axion's team.

"Morning Axion." Said Rum.

"Morning." Said Axion with a smile as she sits on the cafeteria's chair.

Rum is a member of Axion's team. She's a fickle woman who is not bothered with the little things in life, Rum is skilled in sailing and fighting. She will often think of ways to get what she wants. To Axion, Rum reminds her of pirate. She can be ruthless at times and she can endure any hardship.

"Oh, look! Our famous boy is here." Said Ramenman as he nods at Kaizo.

Axion turn around. Aside from Rum, Lahap and Ramenman, Kaizo is also in Axion's team.

Kaizo sit with his breakfast on the table. As always, he acts cold and ignores the girls who are cheering around him.

"Yo popular guy." Said Ramenman as he pat Kaizo's back "I see the girls still looking for you." He added as he glances around.

Kaizo glance at him in annoyance.

"You know, you should be more friendly to those girls. These poor girls work so hard for you and yet, you don't give any single appreciation to them." Said Ramenman.

"You can always greet them on my behalf. Feel free to take them away" Said Kaizo harshly.

Kaizo is a very popular man in this station. Every girl would have fierce battle every time a girl make a move on him.

"So, about today's mission..." Said Lahap.

"Oh, it's exploration mission right?" Said Rum. "I can't wait to go." She added with excitement.

"Hahaha. As expected from our sailor. You really like to explore." Said Ramenman.

"I think she's like a pirate. Pirate sounds cooler." Said Axion.

"Oohh. I didn't know you're into bad boys." Said Ramenman teasingly.

"Whaat...No." Axion awkwardly chuckled as she waves her hand.

"What do you think what will we find at Zeoclite?" Lahap ask.

Axion shrug. "Caves?"

"Yes, but not exactly." said Admiral Maskmana as he joins in.

"Good morning Admiral." Said the team with salute

"At ease. Please, I may be your Captain but at break times like this you don't need to be so formal." Said The Admiral. "It's suffocating."

The team chuckled.

"So, as I was saying. The place we're going to is a planet called Zeoclite. Zeoclite have many mountains and caves with good mineral resources. It is also home for beautiful rivers and waterfall." Said the Admiral.

"Rivers? Do we get to see the sea?" Rum asked.

"I'm afraid not." Said the Admiral. "But, we can enjoy glittery caves. I heard there are plenty of luminous plant in there."

"Luminous plant...?" Rum said with unsure tone.

"Glow in the dark plants." Said Axion.

"Oh, ok." Rum nodded.

"Make sure you've all read exploration guide. Also, Astraeus station have Zeoclite cave map that's always up to date. Make sure you downloaded the map to your tablet computer for safety in case you got lost in cave. I hope you prepared well for our journey today." Said Maskmana. "Any question?" He adds.

"No, Admiral." The team answered.

"Well then. If everything is clear, I need to attend a meeting with other trainers. Cadets! I'll see you all in 3 hours." Said Admiral before leaving.

"Yes, Admiral!" The team answered with a salute.

"So, you guys prepared something in particular?" Ask Ramenman.

Rum shrugs. "Tablet computer, change of clothes, some snacks." Rum answered lazily.

Shortly later, a girl come to their table.

"Hi, guys." Said the girl.

"Hi, Qingtuan." Greet Rum and Axion.

She cleared her throat. "So, I heard you're visiting Zeoclite." Said Qingtuan shyly.

"Yeah." Said Rum short.

"So, uhhh… I have this for you." Said Qingtuan as she nervously hands over a box towards Kaizo.

Kaizo looked at the box.

"It's a water purifier bottle. It can transform almost any tap or clear natural water source into pure drinking water in just 15 seconds." Said Qingtuan.

"That means, we don't need to boil water before drinking it. That's a very useful gadget." Said Ramenman.

Kaizo takes the box without a word, making Qingtuan smiles brightly.

"Zeoclite is a protected natural planet. The water on its rivers is probably very clean. Why would there be a need for a purifier?" Said Spicy Gluten sarcastically. Trying to make Qingtuan look bad. Her friends behind her chuckle. Making Qingtuan feel embarrassed.

Qingtuan lowered her head.

"Thanks, I really appreciate it." Said Kaizo. Stopping the laughter of Spicy Gluten's friends.

Qingtuan's face turns bright. She nods happily before she leaves the cafeteria.