Azure: Documentations

The countdown to our landing had begun, and now the moment is almost upon us—only 12 hours remain before descent. I've spent my last hours on this familiar soil in the dim confines of the Blue Lagoon, a local bar that has seen more of me than I care to admit. I never imagined that venturing to a new planet would stir such unease. I've completed countless missions on Earth, from neutralizing threats to safeguarding the president, which I suppose is why they selected me for this endeavor. Just a year ago, during a space expedition, we stumbled upon a planet remarkably similar to Earth, now known as Azure. After the cataclysmic event that blanketed our home in an endless winter, we were forced to seek a new haven, and Azure offered us that chance. Slightly smaller than Earth, it was deemed a perfect candidate for sustaining life. My assignment is clear: descend, gather information, and report back.

Following my military retirement, I transitioned into a role as a part-time zoologist—an ironic twist of fate that, in the end, became the very reason I was enlisted for this mission. The idea of exploring a new world doesn't frighten me; in fact, I'm exhilarated. What gives me pause is the reality of landing there alone. They offered a litany of reasons why solo travel was advantageous, but in truth, those reasons mean little to me now. The time has come, and soon, I will set foot on an alien world with only my wits and experience to guide me.

Jerry: "So, boss, looks like you're heading out at daybreak. What am I gonna do without my best customer?"

Jerry, the sole bartender I had come to know over the years, approached me with a knowing glance, sensing the heaviness in my demeanor. As he topped off my glass with the familiar bourbon I ordered daily, his presence was a quiet comfort in the midst of my brooding thoughts.

Jerry: "This one's on the house. After all, it'll be the last time you have this drink for a year or so, right?"

Me: "Yeah, I'm really going to miss this place. You'd better wish me luck—if I don't make it down there, I'll be coming back to haunt you."

Jerry: *chuckling* "Ha! You won't need luck. We both know you'll be just fine."

Jerry turned to the cabinet, his movements deliberate. He opened it and reached into its depths, retrieving a dusty bottle from the farthest corner.

Jerry: "I usually save these for special occasions so your absence would count as one."

He chuckled softly as he uncorked the bottle, the sound echoing in the quiet bar. Taking out two shot glasses, he filled them both, swiftly downed one, and then slid the other across the counter to me.

Jerry: "Dear me I forgot how strong this was, drink up, my treat."

I accepted his gesture, downing the shot in one quick motion. The liquor burned its way down my throat, leaving my tongue tingling in its wake. I pulled out a cigarette, placing it between my lips, and without a word, Jerry leaned in, lighting the tip with the lighter he always kept close at hand.

Jerry: "If I'm correct your expedition is a 5 year long stay huh? Don't get too attached, my pub will go bankrupt without you here."

With a parting word, he moved to the other end of the bar to serve another customer, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my nearly empty glass. I downed the last of the bourbon, the warmth lingering as I placed a ten-dollar bill on the counter. Rising from my seat, I shrugged into my jacket, giving Jerry a final wave before stepping out.

The ship I called home was immense, sprawling like a small city. Its name? Nemesis. The walk back to my quarters felt longer than usual, perhaps because I deliberately chose the longest route, taking the time to appreciate the details of the ship that I had previously overlooked. Or perhaps, knowing I might never see any of this again, I forced myself to notice the small things.

Eventually, I reached my room. The door slid open, revealing the darkness of my quarters. As I stepped inside, the lights flickered on, casting a familiar glow. I tossed my jacket over a chair, changing out of my military uniform before sinking into the bed, the weight of the day finally catching up to me.

Falling asleep proved more difficult than usual, likely due to the anticipation of what awaited me upon waking. My mind raced with thoughts of the mission ahead, but eventually, my eyes closed and I drifted into a restless slumber. I was jolted awake by the shrill sound of my alarm, its insistent ringing pulling me from the depths of sleep. Groggily, I cracked open my eyes and rolled out of bed, beginning the routine I had followed since childhood. 

I headed to the bathroom, brushing my teeth and taking a quick shower. As I stood before the mirror, lost in my reflection, memories from the past surfaced unbidden. It took a conscious effort to shake them off and refocus on the present. Normally, I would skip breakfast, but today felt different. I opted for something simple—toast with honey and a cup of coffee—savoring every bite as if it were my last. 

Afterward, I set aside my dish and went to change. My uniform was military green, with a thick jacket that wrapped around me like a protective shell. Suiting up was always a meticulous process, particularly when there was no one around to check if everything was in order. But I had done this countless times before; I no longer needed a second opinion. Once dressed, I secured my APF at my hip and stepped out of my room, casting a final glance back before making my way to the command center.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by Director Arnold Greeves, a man of unwavering discipline and unyielding resolve, who wasted no time on pleasantries. His presence was a stark reminder of the gravity of the mission ahead.

Greeves: "Hendrickson, you're early. Good. The briefing is about to start—get in line."

Turning to my right, I joined the fourteen other military personnel who would also be descending to Azure. Unfortunately, we wouldn't be landing simultaneously; for the purposes of expansion, we would be stationed in different regions and tasked with conducting research, reporting back to intelligence. The briefing followed the usual format—standard protocol with periodic updates on planetary conditions and key areas of concern. Once the briefing concluded, the others departed while I remained to speak with Greeves. He was a towering figure, formidable in presence yet surprisingly gentle, particularly when it came to his grandchildren.

Me: "Sir!"

I raised my hand in a salute, displaying the proper respect for the senior officers, before lowering it to my side once more.

Me: "I know I've asked this before but after this mission, I'm free to retire once again with compensation ontop if that's correct yes?"

Greeves regarded me with his customary cigar clamped between his teeth—a habit so persistent that I had half-jokingly wagered with others that he even slept with it. He drew from the cigar, exhaling a cloud of smoke that momentarily obscured my view.

Greeves: "Listen up, kid. I've known you for twelve years; you know I'm not one to lie. After this mission, you'll receive $3 million upon landing and another $3 million when you return. Now, get geared up, unless you prefer heading down there in the nude."

He chuckled to himself as he turned, making his way toward the immense window overlooking the planet below. It was a breathtaking sight—reminiscent of Earth but devoid of the sprawling concrete cities that enveloped our home. After offering one last salute, I departed, heading to the dropship where the new military battle suits awaited. 

Donning the suit, which reminded me of the space armor seen in video games, I found it fitted snugly, tailored to my size. I equipped myself with my APF Dueller double-barrel 1911 .45 ACP pistol and an Armalite M15 A1 Carbine rifle. Settling into the ship, I joined the other fourteen personnel, all of us securing our seatbelts as the doors began to close. The interior was initially dark, but lights flickered on as the roar of the engine drowned out all other sounds. 

I reclined in my seat, trying to make myself comfortable while faintly hearing someone praying across from me. Opening my eyes, I saw a young man sitting opposite, visibly anxious like a child on their first day of school. Clutching a rosary in one hand and gripping the handlebar with the other, his gloved hands were pale, evident from the intense grip he maintained.

Me: "Hey, kid, it'll be fine, follow protocol, do as you're told, and we will settle in swimmingly. This ain't earth, your god won't help you here."

I didn't like being mean but giving it to him straight was what was best for him.

Ophelia: "He's right you know, don't worry, if what our researchers have told us is true, the habitants on this planet are no further along than swords and spears, you have a gun, you'll be fine."

Ah, they did mention that this planet might have humanoid inhabitants. I suppose I wasn't fully attentive at the time. As the ship around us began to rumble, signaling our departure, I gripped the armrests tightly, feeling the vessel enter orbit. The shaking lessened slightly as we descended. Then, the thrusters engaged, easing our descent into a gentle glide as we neared the planet.

Cristoff: "T-This is my first time, you know, doing this. I can't shake the feeling something will go wrong."

Me: "Hey, this is the first time for all of us, you aren't the only one dropping, alright? What did you do before this?"

Cristoff: "I… I was a singer, you know, Oprah, I used to sing all over the world, for rich and the poor, I loved it. And now I'm stuck doing this."

Lisbeth: "I was a librarian before coming here. I was hoping to open up my own little library if I could, didn't have the money tho, thankfully this job is paying me a pretty penny, guess I'll be opening a big library when I'm back haha."

Ophelia: "I worked at a cafe, family owned, used it to pay for my sisters collage tuition, after I'm paid, I can pay for her tuition ten fold."

Me: "I was a zoologist, worked with animals, I would-"

Before I could finish my sentence the speakers came to life

Speakers: "We've entered the planets atmosphere, currently 80,000m from ground point, lowering at steady pace, landing in T-minus 30 minutes."

The room grew quiet, with everyone either looking down or lost in their own thoughts as we awaited landing. Amidst the tension, Cristoff broke the silence.

Cristoff: "You know, even though we are landing in different countries, we should still try to meet up at some point, it probably can't be anytime soon but.. I'd like to see one of you guys at least once, I don't know if I can last without an earthling for 5 years."

He gave off a subtle laugh as a few of us nodded our heads

Me: "I'm landing in Valor, I'm not sure who here lands in a neighbouring country but I'll head north daily. I hope to see one of you."

Ophelia: "I think I'm pretty close, I can probably-"

It felt as if we had skipped a crucial scene—one moment everything was normal, and the next, everything had gone awry. I had been looking across the dropship at Ophelia as she spoke, and now I found myself staring into the open sky, the rear half of the ship vanished. I sat in stunned silence. Out of the fourteen of us, four who had been seated at the front were now faced with the stark reality that the rear section of the ship was… gone.