Desperate Future

Introduction

Year 1993. Research center ISRO Bangalore, India.

The laboratory experiment on a new chemical element triggered concerns from the top officials of the Research Institute. The research named Xo12 had gone overboard with crores of Rupees in vain. The scientists on the other hand were working long hours and were very close to creating history.

At 6:00 pm board members were called upon for an emergency meeting. The Chairman spoke on various issues relating the funds and the time consumed by the project. Many still believed the project could result positive. Others were just worried about the funds getting dried and were against the project. At 8:37pm it was decided the issue would be sorted out by voting.

Next Day Morning.
News papers all over the country reported the mysterious death of senior ISRO scientist at his laboratory and many confidential reports and documents missing. The reports further stated about links of terrorist and political hands behind the scientist's death.

In the Research center notice period of 14days to shut Xo12 was shortened to 3days. The 2 scientists who were involved with the project Xo12 along with the dead scientist had known the board's sudden change of plan. That actually did not matter them since the project had successfully yielded its result. What worried them most were the missing scrap note and the documents that the dead scientist had scribbled in the previous night's meeting. One of the scientists had developed the detailed reports of the scribbled note. The notes were about stepping into a new era of technology. Things that could be achieved with the success of the project Xo12 that no human brain could ever imagine. This made them both vulnerable. The death of there colleague was no natural, it was a murder and now the death loomed over there head.

Year 2025. CBI Headquarters , India .
The agency decodes information on a possible attack on Washington DC by terrorists. The place, time and the intensity is unknown. The decoded message stresses upon "End of life". The message was shared with top US heads.

September 2025. Whitehouse , US .
President confirms a possible nuclear threat by terrorist. Many extremist caught and jailed. Security tightened all over the country. AIFN (Anti-Immigration for foreign nationals) law imposed for 14 months. Rapid fall of US economy had weakened the country. With such kind of law imposed it was harder to survive even for a country like US. Once known as superpower.

January 1st 2026. Early morning 3:15.
Reports of violence erupts from all over the world. Every city and town burns. Explosions create kiosks. Millions of people fail to wake. Darkness leave its trail all over. Gun firing, suicide bombing and battles sweep the entire world by surprise. At 4:45 AM first nuclear weapon hits US. Before rest of the world could do anything next one explodes at London bridge. The celebrations of previous night for a prosperous new year fails.

One by one every city failed to survive the impact of global terrorism. No army could stop the marching fate of human kind. The end was now just a formality.

February 14th 2026.
Earth was almost destroyed. Smokes from remains cast death all over. Life less body's laid on the street, blood all over. Life at last was sucked off from the earth. Not even the highest technology could save the humans from the destruction.

May 2026. Somewhere in southern India .
438 ISRO scientists and researchers surface out from their hiding place. They were horrified to learn that they could be the only survivors. The new world was full of horror. Before going undercover, 20years ago earth had promised an eternity of life. Now all has changed. The damage was too intense to be fixed. They'll have to find a way out of this mess.

July 2026.
A council was formed and two main rules were laid. First, Everyone is bound to the councils decisions. Second, No individual gain for anyone. And a new project was initiated called LoNP(Life on New Planet). This project was based on the success of Xo12. Time was ticking out for them. In few years or months earth will no longer be able to hold life.

328 of the survivors were assigned to build an artificial laboratory that could hold them all. The plan was laid. The laboratory was planed to hold artificial vegetation, Oxygen, sunlight and water. This was only the initial phase of the project. In September 2028 the structure was complete. It had 2000 acre of land covered. There were many concerns from the council on the completion of the structure but they had no time to waste on minuet details. The 2 nd phase had to be kicked off as fast as possible. In 2042 project LoNP was successfully completed. The council decided on the launch dates. With 287 humans surviving, and most of them in there old age there was another serious issue of surviving through the journey. An artificial fertility lab was made in the space ship to increase the population. 31 st December 2042, the test space ship took off from earth. After its success, 1st January 2043 the mother ship took its launch to an indefinite journey.

The initial journey wasn't smooth as expected. Many failed to survive the journey. It was a constant fight with new technologies emerging with new dangers. Time moved faster. From decades to centuries, journey never ended.

Chapter 1

This is IRM-R6687 reporting, Captain Ark! Good morning captain. Time is 6:00 AM, Date is 22nd May 2502. Captain Ark: Good morning trash. IRM-R6687: Captain, Would you like me to bother you again after 10minutes? Captain Ark: Nope. You are relieved.IRM-R6687: Thank you Captain. Would you like to have some Tea? Captain Ark: Nope. I'll have one at my desk.
Captain Ark lying in his bed thinking...
I wonder what it would be like if IRM-R6687 had a human brain or power to realize or think or feel. Its just a machine in human form.
Knock knock... Captain we have an emergency. West Door 116 needs an emergency repair, reason wear and tear.
The loud voice of Sergeant Roshan vibrates through Captains subconscious mind.
Captain Ark wakes up with a sour feeling in his tongue. Sergeant, command IRM-M0021 to report to me at my desk in half an hours time. And please upgrade my memory slot for memutor. Dismiss!
Half an hour later. Captain Ark in his office.
IRM-M0021 reporting sir. Captain Ark: IRM-M0021 we have an emergency in West Door 116. I want you to get down to 116 and fix the door in 17minutes time, Pressure there is high with magnetic force pushing things off the door. So I would like you to upgrade your memory chip with the latest program FD-PVer.4.2. The chances of you fixing the door is 92.78%. If you loose contact and in the course damage yourself please ensure you are destroyed. Is that clear? Over and out.
IRM-M0021: Yes Sir!10:26 Am 22nd May 2502Good morning Dr Shyam. IRM-P2287 Reporting. Dr Shyam: Good morning. Today's technology has outgrown Newton's shoes. When I was a child my mother always told me machines are scum of the world. They will bring the world to an end. End it was. But damaging stones were all of humans. IRM-P2287: Dr. do you believe there could be still life in earth? Dr Shyam: To believe is a hard word to swallow. And after so many years, it does not matter if earth has life or not. We still are alive. I mean I'm still alive. IRM-P2287 I'll have to pull your plugs off for sometime. I am going to upgrade your program to SWT/UB-56. This will enhance your reflexes, speed; sustain 1000LB additional power, with 20LB extra suction power. Your reasoning capability will go 2levels higher, so that will place you 1/10.29 th the capacity of human reasoning. Bip Bip Bip.... Dr Shyam this is Captain Ark.Dr Shyam: Hold on for a sec. (Door opens and captain walks in)Captain Ark: Hello Dr. How are you?Dr Shyam: What brings you to me Captain? Have you found a new planet with life? Captain Ark: Its not everyday that we encounter new planet with life Dr. We might not in our life time. Rebecca walks in with a smile. Hello Captain, what a pleasant surprise. Captain Ark: Hello Rebecca, You are looking gorgeous. Rebecca: Thanks Captain.Dr Shyam: Rebbaca could you please upgrade IRM-P2287 with SWT/UB-56 program. I have plugged him out. Rebecca: Sure Dr.Dr Shyam: So Captain, what brings you here? Shall we talk over a cup of tea? Captain Ark: That would be fantastic.Captain and Dr. walk out to the break room. Dr pours in two cups of tea.Captain Ark: Dr you are aware of the new virus. This is the first time our ship has encountered such kind of evil. Dr Shyam: I know Captain. The contaminated cell106 and cell229 are barred and defused from charges. We have no cure for it yet. It has claimed 2 life and is highly contagious. The Virus passes through gamma radiations so its very hard to prevent and is a dangerous weapon against us. The only way we could avoid this virus is shutting down the effected cells. Captain Ark: We have power station in cell229 and that means sacrificing another IRM. We can't afford loosing our resources this way. I would like you to join me with others for a meeting in BR-Room 002 at 4:00PM sharp. Dr Shyam: Right Captain. I'll be present.4:00PM 22nd May 2502Captain Ark: Silence please. Silence please. Thank you. As you are all aware of the virus breaking out in cell106 and cell229. We had to shut down power chamber cell229. I would like everybody's cooperation in this matter.... Bip Bip Bip... Captain there is an emergency in main control room. Please report immediately. Captain Ark: This meeting is postponed till further notice. Disperse!Captain runs to control room. Brain maps to open the security code and enters the control room. Captain Ark: Mohammad what is it?Mohammad: I have picked up a signal from 211.3 degree north our ship of carbon 26. We might be close to a planet supporting life.Captain Ark: Let me see. Captain analyzes the data and smiles. Captain Ark: How close are we?Mohammad: 0.2 to 0.3 light years.Captain Ark: How long do you think will it take us to reach there?Mohammad: 7 earth days.Captain Ark: That's great. Alert all control rooms and harbor our ship to safety zone above the planet.
2:00AM 23rd May 2502
This is auto generated message All alert, Possible detection of virus in cell 301. Please stay calm. The area is getting scanned. Stay where ever you are, you will experience a black out for a while. Sorry for the inconvenience. I repeat…(Repeat)
Captain Ark : Sergeant Roshan Please report in my office in 5minutes time. Over and out.Sergeant Roshan enters the room…
Sergeant Roshan : Sergeant Roshan reporting Captain. We have sealed the entire cell301 area and have disconnected the energy source.
Captain Ark : Good job Sergeant. But that's not what's bothering me. We are low on resource. Shutting cell301 would mean more load on other power stations.
Sergeant, declare conservation of energy law 021 in all message boards. We will have to survive for another 6 earth days before hitting on to the new planet.
This is auto generated message All alert, Casualty in cell301 is reported one life and 2 IRM's. We advice you to stay calm till the scanning process is completed. I repeat…(Repeat).
Captain Ark : There goes another depressing message.
Bip Bip…Bip Bip
Yep this is Captain Ark
Captain Ark this is Dr Shyam. We have had a break through in finding a cure for the virus.
Captain Ark : That's good news.Dr Shyam: But Captain to execute the cure we will need your permission. We have developed alpha conzant 1A. The liquid with high volt of energy will absorb all gamma radiation and hence it would destroy possible life source that depend on gamma radiations.
Captain Ark : I know what your point is. Energy is one thing that we are short of. How much energy do you think would be needed to execute this mission?
Dr Shyam: About 300KV/sec for a period of 57sec for each cell.
Captain Ark : That's a lot of energy. Hold back until further orders Dr.
Dr Shyam: As you say Captain. Just a reminder we are running short of time.Captain Ark: I know Dr. Over and out.
Captain Ark : Sergeant are you still hanging on?Sergeant Roshan : Yes sir!Captain Ark: Can we arrange extra source of energy for an immediate mission? Sergeant Roshan : Captain we might be able to pull in if BIRM is sacrificed. It's dieing anyway and is a burden to us.
Captain Ark : But sergeant BIRM is the oldest and it contains lot of our military data. Is there no other option?
Sergeant Roshan : Negative Captain.
Captain Ark : I want a backup for BIRM data, Plug off the old man. That's an order. Please inform Dr Shyam to execute the mission asap.
Sergeant Roshan : Yes Sir!
27th May 2502
Buzz in the Main control room.
Captain Ark : There it is. The planet we were looking for. Congratulations everyone… at last we have made it.
Mohammad: Captain we have a problem!Captain Ark: What is it?Mohammad: The gravitational force in this planet is a bit higher than that of the earth. Getting closer would mean getting sucked in and lose out energy. We are now in safety zone.
Captain Ark : Good Sergeant Mohammad. I want you to contact our Mother ship and pass the message to them. Give them our location and ID. I want 5 volunteers who can accompany me for mission planet BrhamaX.
Roshan: I'll go with you sir!Naga: Me too sir!Roger: Count me in sir!Kasim: Count me too! Saba: Command captain!
Captain Ark : Good. I want all of you to be in my desk in 5 minutes time.
5 Minutes Later…
Captain Ark : Welcome ladies and gentleman… You all know why we are gathered here.Everyone: Yes sir!Captain Ark: Good! Let me explain you: we only have a small chance of survival in this new land. We will be sending IRM-SFi1123, IRM-SFi1124 and IRM-SFi1125 shortly to survey the planet for different conditions and study if life can exist in this planet just the way it did in earth. After the primary study our small team will venture the planet and set a base station. Is that clear? Everyone: Yes sir!
IRM-SFi1123, IRM-SFi1124 and IRM-SFi1125 are sent to the planet. Soon it is clear life can exist in the planet BrhamaX. The data collected is fed in BIRM-202 to check if there is a possibility of danger.
31st May 2502
The signal from IRM-SFi1124 and IRM-SFi1125 is lost. An unexpected error shows IRM-SFi1124 and IRM-SFi1125 had to abort the mission and self destroy. IRM-SFi1123 was called back after the successful completion of the mission.
Captain and his team went through every little detail of the planet. They decide its time for them to execute the next phase of the mission. Face the planet themselves.
The bimotor Aircraft crash lands, fortunately all are unharmed. The gravitational pull in the new planet limits there motion.
Captain Ark : I want all of you to listen to me very carefully. The gravitational force here is acting against us. This will suck more energy from us than what our normal course used to be back in the ship. I suggest we conserve maximum on our supplies. No wastage please. First thing we need to do is setup an artificial base station here. We have to be in contact with our ship constantly. Kasim you are in charge of this. Once you have established the contact please send message to Captain Yung Cho to send us a back up aircraft. Do you need assistance Sergeant Kasim?
Kasim: Yes sir!
Captain Ark: Saba you will assist Kasim on his task. Do you have any questions?
Saba : No sir!
Captain Ark : Good. Rest of us will venture out 220 degrees north to check for any possible life form and water.
At that instant there was a mild noise. Everyone turns around, but find nothing.
Captain Ark : Ok soldiers, on your toes.
The terrain seemed desert for long long distance. There were occasionally plants with cylindrical leafs. They never grew more than 10inches and had maximum of 2 leafs. Walking in Planet BrahmaX turned out to be a nightmare. The steps were slow and heavy. In no time everyone felt being dehydrated. The sun associated to the planet was shining at its peak. It will go on for another 26 hours before the night falls. A day in this planet is approximately 58 hours. That's because the planet revolves its star slower and is one 3rd bigger in density to earth. Initial study revealed water deposits in this planet. I wonder how far we will have to go to reach there. And there seems to be no other life form seen here.
Naga: Captain that's it, I can't walk any longer. Captain Ark: We will camp for 2hours here. Sergeat Roshan, try contacting our base here. Find out if we have any help available?
Sergeant Roshan: Right away sir!After a while Seargent Roshan reports Captain Ark.
Sergeant Roshan: Captain we have Help from our Ship. IRM-M2910 is available with fuel-W-Heavy Motor. Captain Ark: That's great. Give him our location. How fast can he make it to us? Sergeant Roshan: about 8-9minutes.Captain Ark: Perfect. We will wait here till the help arrives.Sergeant Roshan: Yes sir!
IRM-M2910 arrives. This is IRM-M2910 reporting Captain Ark.
Captain Ark : IRM-M2910 what's the fuel status in your motor?IRM-M2910: Captain 1000Liters. Captain Ark: How far do you think we can make it by this fuel? IRM-M2910: about 64000Kms in normal conditions, but since the gravitational force is higher here 16000kms would be max. Captain Ark: Good. We will resume our journey in 1 hour 35minutes time.IRM-M2910: Yes Sir!
Again Captain hears a mild noise. He scans the area and finds nothing around.
Captain Ark : IRM-M2910 I want you to scan 300meters in and around us for any possible danger.IRM-M2910: Yes Sir!IRM-M2910 leaves on captain's order to scan the area.
After a while IRM-M2910 reports back.
IRM-M2910: Captain, area secured. No possible danger found.Captain Ark: Ok. We will start our journey now. I want everyone to be onboard in 5minutes time.
IRM-M2910: Right Sir!
fuel-W-Heavy Motor makes a heavy sound moving forward. The speed is reduced drastically because of the gravitational force. In normal conditions fuel-W-Heavy Motor would cross a mile in a blink of an eye, Due to adverse conditions in this planet we get to catch up with the terrains. Though we were inside the motor still we were feeling very tired. It was like all energy is been sucked out of us. Still the bright light was in its peak. No one could sleep because of the light and constant draining of energy. There was a quick activity outside the window, it happened so fast that Naga could not really believe if it was true or it was just an illusion. She kept looking out. A few minutes later it happened again. It happened in a blink of an eye. Naga was unsure. And it happened again in few minutes. She immediately informed Captain Ark.
Naga: Captain I suspect we have company, but am not sure what it is. Its so fast that its hard to spot. Captain Ark moves close to Naga and observes through the window. In a fraction of a second something moves away from the motor. Cautious about this Captain Ark orders the motor to a halt.
Sergeant Roshan: What happened captain?Captain Ark: There is something out there. I would have not believed it myself but Naga noticed it first. It goes so fast that its hard to say what it is.
Captain Ark and Sergeant Roshan walk out of the motor to inspect the area. They wait for quite sometime. But there is no sign of anything except for the noise of wind blowing. Captain notices the plant with cylindrical leafs. Sergeant Roshan: Captain don't touch the plant, it could result fatal.Captain Ark: Sergeant you are right. Bring me the bio-detector. Lets inspect what kind of plant it is.
Sergeant goes to fetch the meter, in the mean time Captain wears his protective gloves and tries to uplift the plant. Captain was amazed to find that the plant does not have roots. Instead they just hang on to the surface with some kind of magnetic force.
Sergeant Roshan: Captain here is the bio-meter.Captain Ark: Thanks Sergeant, I just found out something about the planet.
Sergeant Roshan: what is it Captain?Captain Ark: This plant does not have genitals. (Captain winks his eyes showing the plant to sergeant) And has some kind of magnetic power to hold on to the ground even in this wind. Lets examine this in our bio-meter.
The Device blinks twice and starts collecting data. The green monitor of the device blinks again to show all the data is ready for display. Strangely the data shows red marks on its survival, there are huge packets of energy stored at the bottom of the plant. But the plant looks completely harmless and innocent. Captain takes up his knife and cuts a part of the plants leaf off. Miraculously the plant heals the cut portion in no time. And the fallen part is dried off completely to black. In the process of healing the plant contracts and expands vigorously till its back in its old shape. There was continues flow of air from the hollow part of cylindrical leafs, like lungs in humans. The only difference in both is that leaf is inhaling from one end and exhaling from the other.
Captain Ark : Sergeant lets go.
The journey resumes. Naga still looking outside her window is now convinced that there is something out there. Which is very fast and is hard to capture with human eye. No one spoke for long. Captain had to break the silence.
Captain Ark : Naga is there something bothering you?Naga: Captain it's the same thing. But am not sure how to explain. There is something that's out there, very fast. Captain Ark: Naga it could be some leaf or dust. If it was some kind of animal we could have spotted it when we stopped our motor. Naga: But Captain this does not look like leaf or dust. Roger: It must be a ghost from another planet. Hahahahahahh Naga: We are in another planet.
Everyone laughs spontaneously. Naga gets annoyed and tries to defend, but then she pauses coz she knows there isn't a point defending without an evidence. Captain Ark: IRM-M2910 Night is falling. We need to camp. Take 45 degree south 200ft and we shall halt for the night. IRM-M2910 takes an immediate turn. And there was two continuous thunderous sound. It was like something hitting the motor at very high speed. The motor comes to a stand still. Captain Ark and his crew are shocked by the sound.
Captain Ark : Sergeant Roshan load your weapon. We are going out.
Captain and Sergeant cautiously walk out of the motor pointing there guns. Smoke had reduced the visibility a little. There were two bodies of ugly looking creatures lying down. It was like nothing that captain had ever imagined. The fumes were coming from the body. And it looked like both the creatures were spot dead. Darkness had already given way to the bright crouching heat of the sun.
Captain Ark : Sergeant Roshan test the creature in bio-meter and check the possibility of any danger. We shall camp here for the night. Sergeant Roshan: Ok Sir!
Captain Ark : Everyone out of the motor. We will camp here for the night. Since the night is going to be oddly longer. We will start at the first break of light. In the camp Captain Ark, tired and lying down thinking of his past. His life had been a long journey. Many light years of traveling. He never had seen his parents. In fact his parents never knew each other. He was a product of laboratory. His biological parents lived somewhere in 2000 century in different parts of earth. They would have never even guessed in there wildest dream that they would have a son who will be born centuries after there death. Being born and lived in a artificial environment Captain could hardly remember his childhood. Right from the beginning he was taught of different planets and stars. Learning about IRM's, artificially increasing human memory capacity all that. It was a constant fight to discover life on an alien planet and there own survival. Many technologies came and went, Human mind constantly grew from better than the best. Captain from the day one had been outstanding. He was talented, courageous, hardworking and brilliant from every aspect of life.
Sergeant Roshan: Sergeant Roshan reporting Captain.
Captain Ark comes back to present.
Captain Ark: What is it Sergeant?Sergeant Roshan: Captain all tests have been done on the creature that we found. Captain Ark: That's good, any possible danger? Sergeant Roshan: Negative Captain. The creature is harmless. The tests reveal that the creature is herbivore. We have asked Kasim to send a team to collect the samples for more research on this creature. Captain Ark: Ok, Is there anything else that you would like to add upon this creatures? Sergeant Roshan: Yes sir, I am not sure how to put this on, they somehow seem to hide from our eyes. Either they are too fast for our eyes or they are able to make themselves invisible. Captain Ark: That's an interesting piece of information. Sergeant keep me posted on the latest development on the research. Sergeant Roshan: Yes sir!
Next Day morning everyone but Roger were in the bus before the sun rise.
Captain Ark : Where is Roger? IRM-M2910 check on Roger and report me back.IRM-M2910: Yes Sir!After a few minutes IRM-M2910 comes back and reports to Captain Ark.
IRM-M2910: Captain, Roger is drained out of energy and is not responding. He is showing unusual symptoms. Immediate attention required on his medical condition. Captain Ark: Naga follow me. I'll require your assistance.Captain was shocked seeing Roger. Roger had gone pale, like something had totally drained off energy from him and had lost lot of weight. Captain without wasting more time checked Roger's pulse and heartbeat. His pulse were abnormal and heart beat was very fast. He was not responding to anything. As Captain moved his attention to address Naga, he noticed something unusual. The plant with cylindrical leaf was lying next to Rogers exposed legs. Captain pulled in his gloves and tried removing the plant from its position. But the plant was like attached to Rogers leg. Captain had to cut off the plant with his knife. Roger then was given shots of glucose pills to gain energy. In few hours Roger was moving a bit. He still looked pale and shrunk. He could hardly talk.
Captain Ark : IRM-M2910 carry Roger to the motor, he will be fine with a few more glucose doses. We shall reassume our journey. Roger was getting back to normal. The plant had sucked out almost all of his energy. A little delay could have resulted in Rogers death. The journey was getting more tiring. Sun was ferocious again. A few moment of relief thou persisted due to the greenish black cloud that was trying to cover the sun. After an hour of journey clouds had conquered the Sun completely. It was a bit dark and looked rainy. We could hear thunders deafening and lightening seemed to destroy many life source. IRM-M2910: Captain, We are being followed airily.Captain Ark: Is there any danger? IRM-M2910: Yes captain. But only if we are exposed outside. Please check the HB-2C monitor. Its got 300m in and around view of our top. Captain and the crew watch the HB-2C monitor.
Captain Ark : These look like birds. Sergeant Roshan attaché the bio-meter to the HB-2C monitor and read the data. Sergeant Roshan: Yes Sir! The birds were of 1½ft in length and were not very fast in there flight. They were in different colors. With big eyes, mouth with sharp teeth like things black in color, Long wings that stretched up to 3ft to 3½ ft and had no legs. They were flying very high. Captain Ark: IRM-M2910 we will have to shoot one down. IRM-M2910: Yes Sir!
One bird was aimed and shot down. There was a kiosk in all other birds. Millions of them followed the falling bird. Captain Ark: What the hell happened? What went wrong? Why are they following the shot bird? IRM-M2910 stop the motor. IRM-M2910: Captain it could be dangerous.Captain Ark: IRM-M2910 stop the motor that's my order. IRM-M2910: Yes sir.
Immediately the motor came to a halt. There was a thunderous bang behind the motor that took everyone by surprise. Captain spontaneously got down for inspection. It was the same ugly creature that had crashed on the motor again. The crash had almost burned them half. Sergeant Roshan: Captain, look above. The birds were clearing off. It was like nothing had happened. A few were still flying high.
Captain Ark : IRM-M2910 shoot again.
With another shot one of the bird falls down, again from all directions birds crowd up towards the falling bird. A few seconds later no sign of shot bird and the birds go back to where they came from.
Captain Ark : This is weird. Looks like they are feeding on there own mates. IRM-M2910: lets move on.
After a few more hours of journey IRM-M2910 alerts captain.
Captain Ark : Yes IRM-M2910. What's the matter?IRM-M2910: Captain, I spot tall trees ahead. We will have to reduce our speed.
Captain Ark : Halt the motor. Before we proceed any further I want the trees scanned for any possible danger.Captain moves to the motor's driver cabin to have a complete view. To his amazement he sees a forest of tall trees. And above the trees there is a black layer which has a continues motion.
Just a few meters ahead, pile of something lying dead. There were millions of it lying motionless in fact.
Captain Ark : IRM-M2910 scan those things. IRM-M2910: Yes Sir!
As IRM-M2910 is walking, from all directions the birds fly and cover IRM-M2910. Captain Ark commands IRM-M2910 to stay still. In few minutes the birds fly back from where they came. IRM-M2910 again tries to walk a little distance and is covered by the birds. As he moves the birds attack the robot. Damaging one of the internal circuit resulting in malfunctioning of IRM-M2910's one of the cameras. After a while the birds don't bother IRM-M2910's motion. IRM-M2910 collects the data and gets back to the motor.
Captain Ark : IRM-M2910 fix yourself. We will analyze the data before heading any further.
The data showed the dead corpse of the birds in millions lying. It was like a burial place for the birds. IRM-M2910 had collected a bird for sample.
The bird had one big eye. In fact the eye was in odd shape. It was a ring on its head. Giving it a 360 degree view. Eye was greenish blue in color with eyelids protecting them. A few drops of jelly kind of liquid came out from it. It had no beaks, instead had a mouth with black teeth like thing very sharp and elastic. The tongue too was sharp but stiff. No legs, the feathers were large. A thin bone structure carried all the feathers neatly line by line equal in length. Except for that there wasn't a sign of bone anywhere else in the body. The rest of the body had golden ring and green colored hair covering.
Sergeant Roshan: Captain, don't you think the bird is getting bigger in its belly? I mean its expanding.
The bird was showing unusual signs. It was like its going to explode. Small feathers were growing from its body and the belly especially was growing. Bird was changing its color to multiple colors.

Chapter 2

Saba : Kasim, I have a message for you from our ship. The council has agreed to send us 10 IRM S series and 5 Humans. They will be carrying the latest supersonic airborne FS land cruiser. The help will reach us in 8 BrhamaX days.
Kasim: I'll try contacting Captain Ark and inform him the good news.
Saba : Kasim I have a strange feeling that we are not safe here. There is something creepy watching us closely.
Kasim: i'll have a look on it, will you contact Captain Ark and pass the message from our council? Saba: I'll do that sir! Kasim: Activate the Laser3M-Auto-Security-Weapon till you hear from me. Saba: Positive sir!
Kasim disappears in the dark. The wind was making it impossible to move any further. The plant with cylindrical leafs were sticking on to him. Luckily he was fully covered, He had heard what had happened to Roger. Kasim was finding it hard and getting scared to move on. He was alone in an unknown planet. From far he could hear weird noises. It was getting closer and loud. There was no way he could run or hide in such short time. He drew his gun and rolled on to the ground. Switching off his lights, so as to avoid easy notice of him from any possible predator. As he waited the noise grew more stronger. To Kasim's surprise, the plant with cylindrical leaf had covered him completely. He had to keep removing the ones that covered his face mask. As he was removing one of the plant from his face mask he saw a bluish eye shutting and opening. In dark it was hard to say what it was. Kasim concentrated on the creature to get more precise look. The creature was sniffing for something. It opened its mouth and a bad smell filled up the place. Kasim went on to remove another plant that was covering his view. The creature alarmed from the moment of Kasim's hand came closer to him. It had Oval flat face with tentacle like things attached. They grew longer in the Kasim's direction. The creature had stopped all its motion and was concentrating on Kasim. It stayed there sniffing for sometime and then ran on to where it came from. Kasim was relieved for sometime. He removed the plants from his face mask and was ready to move ahead when he heard loud noises running towards him. This time it was ferocious. He could see many creatures running towards him. In a fix, not knowing what to do Kasim open fired. He shot many creatures. But the number game was closing on to him. There were thousands of the creatures coming from the dark, Kasim kept the finger on the trigger and pointed the gun in arc angel killing all that came under 50 ft distance. Suddenly the numbers started reducing. And soon many ran and those who showed guts to stand in front of the gun died. Kasim took a breath of relief. He screamed on top of his voice to mark his victory. He shouted out loud…"Whats wrong you bast*s?, come and fight me." Kasim started running towards them so he can kill as many of the creatures as possible. Very soon he realized he was getting worn out. He was gasping for air. He threw his body on the ground and lay down for sometime. The air had foul smell. He had to increase the oxygen level to 3units to keep up with his breathing. His eye lids were getting heavy.
When he opened his eyes it was still dark. The plants had covered him completely. He stayed there for sometime motionless. The air was more foul, because even at 3units he could feel the presence of the weird smell. Kasim lifted his hands. They were still feeling heavy and wiped the plants off from his mask. The vision up in the sky was marvelous. The stars from far away were twinkling and the sky was dull purplish blue. It must have been a long sleep. He somehow manage to stand on his foot and started walking again. He took a few steps and switched his lights on. A sudden chill shook his nerves. The creatures that he killed were been eaten by some kind of insects. Some of the plants were sucking the dead creatures. Thousands of creature that he killed were been eaten by billions of insect. It was a horrifying scene. Kasim felt puckish. What he could not understand was why was he been spared. He stamped on one of the insect and crushed it. The other insects immediately pounced on the dead insect and in no time the dead insect vanished into the others mouth. Kasim then slowly took one live insect and pushed it inside the sample bottle he was carrying with him. And quickly walked towards the base. The wind was still blowing but this time mildly. As he reached closer to base, he contacted Saba through the mobile device.
Kasim: Saba this is sergeant Kasim. I am near the base could you please deactivate Laser3M-Auto-Security-Weapon?
Saba : As you command Sergeant.
Kasim enters the base. He is still shaken up with the things he had gone through. For a few minutes he stayed silent. When he came back from the shock he heard Saba shouting. Saba: Sergeant, Sergeant, Sergeant, Sergeant… What happened? Talk to me. Sergeant, Sergeant… Are you alright?Kasim: (In a very low tone) Yes.Saba: What happened?
Kasim unloads his baggage on to the table lying next to him and removes the sample from it. He keeps the sample in table and is still terrified and shivering because of the whole episode.
Kasim: They were in thousands. They wanted to kill me. I killed them all. Insect eating. Aaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
For sometime Kasim could not control himself. He was mentally unstable. Saba immediately injected him with a tranquilizer. Kasim relieved from mental agony went on to sleep. He dreamt about the creatures, plants, the purple blue sky and stars.
Kasim when woke up found himself in the bed. Dr. Shyam was asking Rebacca if she had seen an old movie "Laga raho Munna Bhai".
Dr. Shyam seeing Kasim awake.
Dr. Shyam: Kasim how are you feeling now? Kasim: Better Dr. But where am i? It looks like a dream. Dr. Shyam: You are home and its no dream, we had to ship you back. You were not feeling well. I have changed your memory with MG S-53 program. This removes partial recollection of what you went through in Planet BrahmaX. You can latter go back to your old memory program once you are completely recovered, by the way we have the back up stored in your memutor.
Kasim: What day is it? How long am I here?Dr. Shyam: About a month. Your brain wasn't responding positive. So we had to keep you under observation in laboratory.
Few days pass by, and now Kasim is back to his health. He is eager to know all the latest things that was going on in the new planet.
Kasim: Captain Yung Cho, Kasim Reporting.Captain Yung Cho: Good to see you back Sergeant. You look fit and fine. Kasim: Captain, I would like to go back to the planet and help my team. I need your orders. Captain Yung Cho: Sergeant would you like to have some tea?Kasim: Yes!Captain Yung Cho: Good! follow me.
Kasim was finding it strange. There was something wrong.
Captain Yung Cho: Kasim before I give you any orders, let me update you on the status of mission BrhamaX. We have lost all contacts with Captain Ark and his crew. Its hard to say if they are still alive or dead.
How many sugar cubes?
Kasim: 2 Captain.
Captain Yung Cho: Hmm.Captain hands off the tea to Kasim.
Captain Yung Cho: This is a sad news, but I want you to take it positive. There are still chances of Captain Ark and his crew being safe. We have sent a search team to locate them. Another team will be leaving east 31 degree day after tomorrow. You will be in charge of the team sergeant. You will report to me direct. You will need to reinstall your old memory program. Best of lucks Sergeant.
Kasim: Thank you sir! I'll do my best.
Kasim reinstalls his memory program. The creatures and insects fill his mind back. A sudden chill fills up his body. He recollects the sample he took from the planet. The memutor blinks twice its green light to signal the program has completed successfully. The last he remembers is keeping the sample on the table in the artificial base station of BrahmaX.
Kasim: BIRMO please connect me to Saba in our artificial base station. This is most urgent.
BIRMO: Hold on please, I'll try connecting the artificial base station in BrahmaX.
After a few minutes BIRMO on the line.
BIRMO: Sir we have no entries on Saba lately from the station. Would you like to talk to someone else who is in charge of artificial base station.
Kasim: Yep, connect me on.
The phone rings for some time. Ring ring ring…
Mark picks up the phone.
Mark: Yep! this is Mark.Kasim: Mark, this is Sergeant Kasim. Mark: Hello Sergeant! How are you? Its been long. Kasim: Yep Mark. I am fine. Could I talk to Saba? Mark: I am sorry Sergeant. But Sergeant Saba was killed in mission.Kasim: What? When? How? And what mission?Mark: I don't have those information on that sergeant. Kasim: When did you take charge of the station? Mark: About a month ago.Kasim: Thanks Mark.
Kasim hangs up the phone without uttering any other word. He is shocked to learn the information. Only person who will have all the answers is Dr. Shyam. Kasim heads to Drs. Laboratory.
Kasim: Dr. What had happened to Sergeant Saba? What mission was she in?Dr. Shyam: Kasim I am not authorized to give away the information regarding Sergeant Saba.
Kasim: What? What happened to the sample that I left on the table before leaving the base station? That contained a dangerous insect. Dr Shyam: There was no sample recovered from the base station. What are you talking about?
Kasim: Do you have my memory backup? Could we play it on your monitor?Dr. Shyam: Yes of course.
Dr Shyam plays the memory backup of Sergeant Kasim.
Kasim: Forward… Forward… Forward… Not this… Forward again. Yes stop here. Play now…
When he opened his eyes it was still dark. The plants had covered him completely. He stayed there for sometime motionless. The air was more foul, because even at 3units he could feel the presence of the weird smell. Kasim lifted his hands. They were still feeling heavy and wiped the plants off from his mask. The vision up in the sky was marvelous. The stars from far away were twinkling and the sky was dull purplish blue. It must have been a long sleep. He somehow manage to stand on his foot and started walking again. He took a few steps and switched his lights on. A sudden chill shook his nerves. The creatures that he killed were been eaten by some kind of insects. Some of the plants were sucking the dead creatures. Thousands of creature that he killed were been eaten by billions of insect. It was a horrifying scene. Kasim felt puckish. What he could not understand was why was he been spared. He stamped on one of the insect and crushed it. The other insects immediately pounced on the dead insect and in no time the dead insect vanished into the others mouth. Kasim then slowly took one live insect and pushed it inside the sample bottle he was carrying with him.
Kasim: Dr. stop here. See I have the sample in my hands… Play on.
Saba : Sergeant, Sergeant, Sergeant, Sergeant… What happened? Talk to me. Sergeant, Sergeant… Are you alright? Kasim: (In a very low tone) Yes.Saba: What happened?
Kasim unloads his baggage on to the table lying next to him and removes the sample from it. He keeps the sample in table and is still terrified and shivering because of the whole episode.
Kasim: They were in thousands. They wanted to kill me. I killed them all. Insects eating. Aaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Kasim: Do you get now what I was talking about Dr.? Dr. Shyam: Oh my God. We will have to check on Saba's Memory. I'll get the permission from the council. Kasim give me a few hours. I'll contact you when I have the permission.
In normal conditions it is illegal to fetch data from a dead persons memory. It was like prying on his/her personal life. But this was a different situation. It is hard to convince the council. Anyway there was nothing more to do except wait.
Dr. Shyam: Respected Council, This could be crucial in all aspects. With this we can save more lives. Council: Dr. You know the law. We can't permit you to break the law. Dr. Shyam: But sir the law is meant for us to live our life. If the very own concept of life is in danger it should be molded or bent. I am not asking you to permit me to go through the victims whole life. Am just asking you to permit me the access of victims last two days. Even if we can save one life I think its worth a try. Council: Dr. give us few minutes time. We will discuss among us and give you our decision.
Council argued on various issues pertaining to law. Few opposed to such thing as molding the law. But for the safety of the human kind, they decided to let the law be bent for one time. Dr was given the permission to accesses the last two days of Saba's memory.
Dr. Shyam and Kasim walk to the laboratory.
Dr. Shyam: Kasim, from here on is a prohibitory zone. I hope you understand. There are many materials that are of most important for our survival. This has to be kept as secret from everybody. I would suggest you be blind folded till we reach the Brain bank. Sergeant Kasim: Yes Sir!
Dr. Shyam holds Kasim's hands and walks towards the Brain Bank. Kasim could hear occasionally noises and screams. He is wondering what would be here that is of so much importance? He quietly walks beside Dr. for sometime. It looks the walk is never going to end. After a long walk they reach the Brain Bank, Kasim unfolds his eyes. The very sight of the Brain Bank impresses him. Huge Monitors and huge storage equipments lie in the center of a huge room. The room walls consisted of millions of small shelves. And each set of shelves were attached with wires and connected to the storage units. There was a mechanical arm fit at the center of the storage unit. It constantly did some work, not a sec. was it idle. Strangely it changed the shape of its fingers as and when the requirements changed. Dr. Shyam: This is our Brain Bank. How do you feel here?Kasim: Dr. This is amazing. This is huge and anything that I had ever seen in my entire life.Dr. Shyam: Good! Lets do our job.
Dr. Shyam picks up a mic lying near him. Directs Kasim to sit. In a different tone he asks for Brain Map Device. The Device pops up from the center and sits over Drs. Head. The Brain Map is successfully completed. A key pad is pushed towards the Dr.
Dr. Shyam: BIRM-BB01 Play backup of Saba memory.BIRM-BB01: Enter the date or specify the criteria.
Dr. Shyam punches a few keys on the key pad and is instantly asked a few more options. Dr. Shyam works through it in details. In the end the mechanical arm roles on to one of the shelves and opens it. Then it removes a box and plugs the box into the empty slot of the storage device.
Dr Shyam: Kasim, we are ready. Shall I start the memory reading process? We will be able to see the visuals on that monitor. Kasim: Yes Sir!

Chapter 3

Sergeant Roshan: Captain, release the bird. Its going to explode.
Captain Ark threw the bird in an empty area inside the motor. The bird gets bigger and bigger. It changes in different colors. At last giving a black look. Then tiny pieces from the birds detach. In no time the whole bird is multiplied into hundreds of small birds. The small birds fly in different directions of the motor. Thousands of them occupy the motor.
Everyone in the motor panics. One of the bird sticks on to Roger's face mask. In a panic Roger fires blindly at the birds.
Captain Ark : Roger, stop firing. Stop the god damn firing.
The birds escape from the holes that were created by Roger's firing.
IRM-M2910: Captain, we have a dangerous situation forming here.
Captain runs to the drivers cabin. He could not believe his eyes. Millions of birds in the sky gather and are moving towards them. It seems the shooting had attracted their attention. The motor wasn't a safe place.
Captain Ark : Everybody out of the motor immediately with whatever you can get your hands on. Sergeant Roshan: Captain, what about the communicator device in the motor? Captain Ark: That's very heavy, we will have to leave them inside the motor. No time to waste sergeant. Move to a safety zone. Pick as many weapons as possible.
Captain and his crew run towards the trees. The trees were tall and big in width. They find a huge tree as cover. The birds in meantime had completely covered the motor. And some were able to get inside the motor. Damaging most of it.
Captain Ark : IRM-M2910, activate self destroy program of the fuel-W-Heavy Motor.
In few seconds the fuel-W-Heavy Motor blows and a huge fire burns most of the birds down in a blast. The remaining fly off to different directions to save their lives.
Captain Ark : IRM-M2910 please ensure the safety of our region immediately, cover 300 meters in and around. I want you to check our security airily too. Sergeant, check the mobile device. Will we be able to contact the base? Ask for help if we connect. Sergeant Roshan: Captain Negative! We have lost all contacts to the base. We are almost 1,452kms away from the base. Captain Ark: Holy shit! We are screwed. How much of ration are we carrying?Sergeant Roshan: For about 3-4 days. IRM-M2910: Captain area secured in all directions. Captain Ark: Good! IRM-M2910 please activate your surveillance program. Sign Red Alert and low beeps for danger. We don't want anymore surprises. We will camp for the night here.

Captain was worried. There was no way they could get any help now. The supply won't last long. Going back will be equally foolishness. Darkness swept slowly across the forest. The forest was dense but calm. The high velocity wind had died off. Now it was a pleasant breeze. Tomorrow is a long shot, Surviving the night would be a hard task. Motors explosion had kept the birds off from the sky. Much for our relief no life forms detected near us.
Naga: Captain, Its too dark. Why don't you catch up some sleep? I'll stay awake.Captain Ark: Don't bother about me. I won't get sleep anyway. Naga: I'll stay awake with you captain.Captain Ark: Ok!
It was nearing mid night. IRM-M2910's vigilance kept us all at peace. Naga had taken a nap. Captain kept his eyes open and on IRM-M2910. Somewhere in his mind he was troubled.
We still have not hit the water resource. For human life to exist water has to be found. There should be water near. In all aspects this planet is no different from earth. By now the samples all must have been tested. It would have been nice if we could contact our base station. The tests should have revealed vital clues. No point in thinking.
Naga woke up after a bad dream. In dream she saw wild animals chasing her. She was battling alone for her life. A beast came close to bite her and she woke.
Captain Ark : Are you alright Naga?Naga: Just a bad dream captain.Captain Ark: Was it worse than the life we have it here? Naga: Much worse captain!Captain Ark: We are lucky then!
They passed smiles at each other.
Roger was still not in his 100% and the fear won't let him sleep either. Deep in his mind he felt a guilt of putting his team in danger. If he had not shot at the birds they could have been safe inside motor. Somehow he thought everyone will make it to the ship on time and life will resume again for the search of another much safer planet. Till now he had been a burden to the team. So he decided when the time comes he will put his life on the line of duty. Roger checked his hand device and it showed another 12hours for the first light to break.
He was feeling restless. After a while with many unsuccessful attempts of sleeping he decided to have a talk with captain.
Roger: Hi Captain, how are you doing?Captain Ark: Not bad. But Roger you need rest. You should be in bed. We have a hectic day tomorrow. Roger: Captain, not able to sleep. The guilt of putting the whole team in danger is killing me. I should have avoided shooting the birds. Its just that the fear got better of me. Those little bastards got me on my nerves. I am sorry Captain. I know the apology would not make things better. Captain Ark: Hold it Roger. It wasn't your mistake. Anyone would have done the same in your position. Don't take this hard on you. We are one team and we all have good and bad. Try to forget the incidence. We need to move on. Roger: Thank you Captain, this made me feel better. I wish we all reach the ship safe. Captain Ark: I wish that too. But not before we accomplish our mission. Naga: Captain, do you believe there would be water ahead in this forest? Captain Ark: Yes, Naga! What makes you think that it won't?Roger: This planet looks very creepy. I have not imagined a creature that could even closely resemble the once we saw here.Naga: I hope the birds would say that too when they saw you. Naga and Captain laugh out loud. HahahahhahahahRoger: That wasn't funny Naga.Captain Ark: If there is a life here, there has to be water somewhere. We need to discover that first. Tomorrow is going to be our first test for survival. Roger: Captain, why don't you take some rest? I'll give company to Naga!Captain Ark: Ya, I think its time I catch up sleep.
Everyone was ready 4hours before sun rise. IRM-M2910 kept his vigilance on. Captain and crew sat down making plans of how to approach further. The next phase of the mission would be to discover water. The dangers that could pop up and how to tackle them. Roshan was the most experienced and skillful in combat. He carried the most sophisticated weapon. Each one of them volunteered for there share of task. At the end Captain was confident enough to make a start.
They walked deeper into the forest. There were different Varieties of trees. There were trees with maximum two or three leafs in them and the leafs were so big that they could cover one adult elephant, All had big trunks at bottom and it narrowed to the top. Some had leafs but no branches. They were arranged very closely, thick, and multiplied from one leaf. The sun's light hardly could penetrate them. Some of them were usual small trees but different shaped leafs. Many different kinds of insects kept humming around us. Some attacking but they weren't strong enough to damage our combat suit. Small animals living on the trees and plants made noises. Few of them chewed on the fruits that had fallen from the tree. They had weird and very sharp teeth, that could break a shell easily. Occasionally big animals showed up but seeing us they ran off. But they all looked harmless. The forest was busy making different noises. Roger was tempted to find out if the fruits from the trees and plants were safe enough to be eaten. But for that the team had enough time. They still had some supplies left. They had walked for almost 6 to 7 hours taking many breaks. Everyone was tired and ready to give up his life for a sleep. They walked not knowing what they will find next.
Captain Ark : Don't move!
Captain was motionless and was trying to listen to some noise closely.
Everyone was alert. Ready to strike at the next dangerous thing they saw. Roger tried to shift his view to see if he could catch anything behind. In the course his foot made sound.
Captain Ark : I said don't move. Listen carefully. Can you hear?Naga: Captain, hear what? Captain Ark: Concentrate, Can you hear sound of the water? Naga: Yes Captain, looks like there is a water fall ahead. Sergeant Roshan: No Naga, the sound is coming from that direction, pointing to east. Captain Ark: Lets hit the water source.
Everyone gets a new life. The search for the water is nearing to an end. A fresh energy flows through them and everyone increase there pace towards the sound. The sound gets stronger and stronger.
Captain Ark : Soldiers, we will halt here before proceeding any further. Sergeant Roshan: What's the matter Captain?Captain Ark: Roshan, we are aliens in this planet. No one can predict what we will encounter. Water is a resource that every living being depends on. So lets not become a lunch to someone. IRM-M2910 please ensure the area and path from here to water source is safe. I want you to capture every single detail of it. Inform us through the mobile communicator if you find any danger. Report to me back asap.
Relaxing in the alien wild jungle was hard. On every single noise heart beat went on high. Roger was not in his best. He kept looking at all directions. Weird kind of insects and plants kept his mind occupied. Anything that came near him was crushed. He showed no mercy to life in the planet.
A while later two insects attracted to the face mask of Roger kept dashing to it. They had sharp and strong beak like mouth. Irritated by this he tried crushing them with his fist. After a few unsuccessful attempts he went wild. He got on to his foot, and picked up his laser gun aimed at one and shot it dead. The other one flew a little high. Roger kept his eye on the one that was still alive, he was prepared to kill that one too if it came back. The insects beak was changing its color. Roger could not believe his eyes. The beak of the insect was getting hotter and it was ready to attack him. As he went on to pick his laser gun again, the insect flew at a high speed towards him. He did not have enough time to react and could see the insect pouncing on him very close to his eyes. Only thing he could do now is to just close his eyes and leave everything to his fate. He heard a quick noise. And when he opened his eyes he saw angry captain walking towards him. The insect was lying on the ground burned into ashes.
Captain Ark : Roger, listen to me very carefully. We are the aliens in this planet. Respect the life here. Don't kill another life or the next time it will be me who will put a hole in your body. Is that Clear? Roger: But captain, this one could have killed me. Captain Ark: If you had not shot the first one, We had no situation like this. Am I clear? Roger: Annoyed. Yes Captain.
IRM-M2910 reports back. Captain and his crew get busy reading all the data. They find the data a little strange. But the risk had to be taken at any cost.

Captain Ark : Lets split this time. Roger, Roshan and IRM-M2910 you will head from right direction. I and Naga will head from left. Roshan I want you to be the lead. If you get into any trouble contact us through the mobile device.
Roshan: Yes Captain!
Captain Ark : Roger watch your steps. Don't shoot unless its highly recommended. You can put our mission in danger.
Roger: Your Command Captain!

Roger felt this insulting. He did not like the way Captain was putting him down.

Both the teams split to there respective directions. Captain and Naga were very alert on their every step, walking as slow and noiseless as possible. They knew anything can happen from anywhere. Roshan was equally worried, but Roger kept thinking of his insult. He walked a little behind. Never in his life he had been treated this way by anyone. Not able to let his insult surpass him he started lagging in his walk. Very soon he was left alone. When the realization struck him it was too late. He could see no one in front of him, all trails of his team had been lost. A sudden panic hit him, he pulled his gun and was walking cautiously.

Captain and Naga could see the water fall now. It was beautiful. Nature at its best. In between the two mountains water sparkled and was falling at a great speed in huge quantity.

There was a loud screaming noise and a guns shot. The scream lasted for few seconds. After a while another sound that was much more weird but it was by some animal. Captain and Naga were now looking face to face. They knew the other team was in danger.

Captain Ark : Naga, contact Roshan immediately.
Naga: Yes Captain!

Naga: Roshan, what was it? Are you guys alright?
Roshan: I thought it came from your end and you people were in danger.
Naga: Count your Crew immediately Roshan.

Roshan looks behind and instantly knows who is missing.

Roshan: Naga Roger is missing.
Naga: Captain, Roger is missing.
Captain Ark : Shit! What happened? Give me the phone.
Roshan, what happened?
Roshan: I don't know captain, it seems Roger was left behind. We thought he was with us.
Captain Ark : Ok! Pull back. Head 90 degree north. We will halt here for you to join us.
Roshan: Yes Captain!
IRM-M2910, Locate Captains position, we are heading north.

Naga: Captain look!
Captain Ark : Holy Shit! What the hell is that?

A huge animal runs in front of them. Its so huge that when it runs due to the vibration the rocks from the mountains fall. Captain and Naga run for the cover. As they run the animal picks up their motion and stops. Then it runs more faster away from them. The animal was covered with a hard rock like thing at its top. It had thin 12 to 14 legs and a huge mass of meat above its legs. It had no signs of eyes from the place where they were looking. It was like the animal was running from a bigger predator. There was a much smaller vibration that came from above the captain and Naga's cover. It looked weird, not so big comparatively smaller. Slim body with one massive leg and two wings to glide. It fluttered its wings and ran with one leg. It had a pointed mouth with a big tail. As the action ahead was getting hotter, Captain and Naga moved to a better place from where they could view more clearly.

Both the animals battled. The big one was on defensive, blocking all blows with its hard armor like cover and the smaller one pulled its tongue out to attack the bigger one. In a fraction of a second one of the blows from the tongue landed on the bigger ones leg and then it followed with another attack till the bigger animal collapsed of its own weight. As it fell captain could see its eyes, 5 of it arranged in a line. They were small for its size. The smaller animal had started sucking the inner part of the bigger animal. In few minutes the bigger animal had shrunk like a balloon without air. After a large meal the smaller animal made some noise and ran away to its opposite side.

Captain Ark : Naga, it does not look like we are safe here.

The mobile beeps. Naga picks up the phone and lets Roshan know where exactly they are hiding.

Naga: Roshan, be very careful. Roshan: Yep Sergeant!


Chapter 4

Kasim and Dr Shyam looked into the monitor.

Kasim: Dr., forward, lets start from the time I left the base.
Dr Shyam: Ok Kasim.

Van Corn: Saba, Sergeant Kasim will be fine. He will be put under Dr. Shyam's care. Anything else you would require us to send you across?
Saba : No Van, I'll be fine.
Van Corn: Fine, Council will be sending Mark, Anand and Jennifer for your assistance soon.

Mark, Anand and Jennifer land in the base after few hours. They introduce each other to Saba.

Saba : So Mark you are from the draper unit! I have served the unit for 3years before Captain Ark pick me to his Unit.

Mark: Yep! Sergeant you were our instructor for Avion332. I liked the way you taught us.
Saba : Hmm. You all know the reason why we are here. Right?
Everyone: Yep! Sergeant!
Saba : You are fresh out of training and have lot to learn. This is a live task and a mission very dangerous. We are aliens here not the other way. Is that clear?
Everyone: Yes Madam!
Saba : Good. We here are direct contact to our ship, council, captain Ark and the other teams that will venture out for the mission. The messages that we get will be of highly confidential and important for our survival. I want each one of you to have maximum rest before report to me tomorrow morning.
Everyone: Yes Madam!

It was getting dark and Saba had many other work to do. There were many data's that had to be sent to the storage unit for analyze and there were many messages that had to be sent to different places. She had a hard day taking care of Sergeant Kasim.

It took till midnight for her to complete her task. As she got up from the table she saw the sample bottle. Realizing that Sergeant Kasim had dropped it on his arrival. She opened it to see an ugly insect inside it. Before it could escape she closed the lid. She added name tag on the sample and kept it back on the table for sending it back to the ship the next day.

It was getting chill in the night. She walked out of the base. It was a beautiful sight. Millions of stars twinkled and the sky seemed to be divided in bluish strips. Many old memories filled her mind. She was feeling tired, all that now she wanted was a hot bath and a good sleep.

She walked towards her work station slowly. As she came close to her desk she heard some noise. Anand was searching for something and he was carrying a gun in his hands. Saba moved slowly towards Anand. Feeling the presence of Saba's presence Anand turned back.

Saba : Anand what are you doing here? What do you want?
Anand: Sergeant, you caught me off guard. I was just checking for my memory chip. I think I lost it somewhere here.
Saba : Hold on! Put your hands on the air. Drop the weapon and turn your back.
Anand: Sergeant, this is not what you are thinking.
Saba : Then why are you carrying that weapon?

Anand did not have anything to say. He was getting nervous and sweating.

Anand: Ok Saba I can explain, but keep yourself calm. I'll give you your share.
Saba : Drop your weapon and put your hands on the air.

Anand went to drop his weapon. Saba was standing a few feet's away now. He dropped it and was looking at Saba straight in her eyes. As Saba went to pick the gun Anand picked the sample bottle that was lying on the table and hit her hard on head. She fell trembling on the ground bleeding in her head. The sample bottle broke and the insect escaped. Both Saba and Anand failed to notice the insect.

Anand walked closer to her…
Anand: Saba I'll give you your share. You can live happy. In fact we can live happy. They are ready to give me a Captains honor and luxury for life time if I passed the information of our location and the data of this planet.
You can come with me. I will speak to them to get you onboard.
Saba : You coward! Nothing will make you happy. You will die for the path you have chosen. I'll not let this happen.

Anand gives a devilish smile and walks closer to Saba.

Anand: Actually Saba you look very attractive. You have a beautiful eyes. We can have a good time before I terminate you.

Anand pounces on Saba and gets in control of her. She struggles hard to get out of his grip. In the end she gives up. Saba lies on the floor unable to believe what just happened. Anand picks his gun and empties it in Saba's body.

The screen goes blank after that.

Chapter 5

Incidence after Saba dies…
For a while Anand thinks what to do with Saba's body. He holds her leg and drags it towards the door. The insect hiding in the cover runs towards the body. It starts eating Saba as she is dragged by Anand. Anand notices the unusual behavior of the insect. As it eats it multiplies automatically. In few minutes the number goes to 100's and 1000's. They eat up so clean that Anand feels a sign of relief. An idea emerges in Anand's mind. He starts screaming at top of his voice. When others arrive, they find Anand crying and the insects eating Saba. Mark pulls his gun and fires at the insects. They hardly get distracted to the gun shoots. They multiplied till Saba was eaten up to her chest. Mark lifts Saba's head and removes the insects that were sticking on to it. The insects run to different direction and are seen never again. It horrifies everyone.

Anand: Jennifer contact the ship and pass the message of whatever took place.

Mark: Anand what happened here?
Anand: I heard Sergeants scream and came running here. I saw the insects eating her. I tried pulling them out from her, but they kept multiplying.
Mark: Where did this insects come from? We have Laser3M-Auto-Security-Weapon activated. Not a single moving thing can even come 300ft closer to us from the base. How did this thing get in?
Anand: I don't know, Mark!

After a while Anand breaks the silence.

Anand: I can't take this. This is weird. And am not going to die here like this. I am going back to the ship.
Mark: What about sergeant then? What will we answer Captain Yung Cho when he asks our explanation?
Anand: (angrily)Tell him what you saw. Leave me alone, I am not going to share the same death. I am leaving this place first thing in the morning.

Silence fall again.

Jennifer returns…
Jennifer: I have informed the incidence to Captain Yung Cho. We will have someone in the morning from the ship for picking whatever is remaining of Sergeant Saba.

Mark: Ok Anand, You can leave in the morning as well. Fill in the reporting sheet before you leave.
Anand: Am not going to take orders from any tom, dick and Harry. I'll submit my reports directly to Captain Yung Cho.
Mark: As you feel. We don't want anymore troubles here.

In the night Anand contacts Xavion Ship from his room.

Anand: Code Red, Danger. Ship me immediately. Location 27611198.66ly, 45degree morvan star. I have all the data.

Kasim: Shit! SOB!
Dr. Shyam: Holy shit.
Kasim: I'll kill that crap.
Dr. Shyam: BIRM-BB01 connect me to Captain Yung Cho immediately.
BIRM-BB01 connects to Captain Yung Cho.
Dr. Shyam: Captain, Arrest Sergeant Anand. He killed Saba.
Captain Yung Cho: What? Why?
Dr. Shyam: I'll tell you later, first warn all units and release arrest warrant on Anand.
Captain Yung Cho: I'll!

An emergency message of Arrest Warrant of Sergeant Anand is sent to all Unit. Requesting everyone to cooperate and hand over Anand where ever they spot him.

After many hours of search and wait, it was found Sergeant Anand was missing from ship. An investigation from the base station of BrhamaX revealed Sergeant Anand and Jennifer left together. They were never spotted after that again.

Mohammad: Captain, there is an alien ship harbored close to us in east 21 degree.

Captain Yung Cho: Shit! That SOB! Contact the search team and try if they have traced Captain Ark? Alert them about the alien ship if contacted. Kasim you can start your mission 4hours from now. Gather your team and resource. We have to hurry up now.


Chapter 6

Sergeant Roshan: (Looking at the dead animal )Captain! What is that? What happened here?
Captain Ark : That's a long story. I'll tell you sometime later. Lets get into action. This place is very dangerous. We can't be exposed for long. We need to take water samples and install location identifier meter here. I'll get the water samples and IRM-M2910 will install location identifier. Roshan and Naga you both give us cover. Shoot anything that looks dangerous and is in 50 meter range.

Captain runs towards the water source. He is astonished to see many different kinds of animals big, small, ugly, attractive, insects, flies all sort of life. The water falling from the mountain went in thin stream. Groups of animals drank the water. Many fighting and many waiting for the kill. There were holes in the ground in both sides of the stream. Water filled them all. It was like someone stored water in it. Small and big fish like species swam inside the water jumping inside the water and jumping out. Captain chose a place which was abandoned by animals. Flies occasionally flew. He took five sample bottles from his bag and started filling them one by one with water, mud, insects, small fish like thing. Naga and Roshan kept there eyes on Captain. As captain neared a water hole. A big worm, size of a dog jumped out of the water towards Captain. Captain ducked in reflection and the worm fell a few meters behind captain. The worm had small holes all over its body. Greenish black in color and tiny hair strip on its top. Captain threw the samples down and picked whatever weapon came in his hands. He did not have time to chose his weapon. It was laser211i. He pressed the trigger aiming at the worm. To his shock the worm quickly in a fraction of second moved its place to avoid the shot. The laser created a hole in the ground and water poured out from it. Another worm jumped out from the newly created hole. The new worm was comparatively small but equally ugly. What captain did not notice was from behind there was a third worm getting closer to him. He searched his waist to fetch his long knife. Roshan aimed at the third worm and shot at its body. Captain turned back to see what happened. He saw the worm had become into two half's, with one half still alive and getting closer. He swing his knife and cut the worm in many pieces. The first two quickly tried closing up. Roshan aimed at them and fired many shots. Some missing the worm and creating more new holes on the ground. Captain had no choice, he picked the samples from the ground put them inside his bag and ran without looking behind what was happening. Roshan and Naga were firing ferociously, many times missing captain himself by a few millimeter. It was hard to match the speed of the worm. But the firing kept all worms behind. A few minutes later firing decreased and captain slowed down. He turned back to see what had happened behind him. Many of them lay dead and many crawled half dead. But no new worms were seen coming.

Captain Ark : Roshan and Naga, thanks for saving my life.
Roshan: Captain, the pleasure is ours.
Captain Ark : Lets get out of here. Where is IRM-M2910?
IRM-M2910: I am here Sir! I have installed the location identifier. Waiting for your next orders.
Captain Ark : Make us a safe passage and find a secured place to spend the rest of the day. We will plan what to do next, their.
IRM-M2910: Ok Captain!

IRM-M2910 leaves immediately scanning the place.
Captain Ark : Roshan I want you to shoot that leaf off from that tree. The leaf is big enough to cover us for some time.
Roshan: Ok, captain!

Roshan shoots the leaf off from the tree. The leaf makes a thunderous sound falling. From the broken part the tree oozes a kind of liquid continuously. Captain and Roshan work on the leaf. And soon they have there hiding place.

Many hours pass. IRM-M2910 returns and reports Captain Ark.

IRM-M2910: IRM-M2910 reporting Captain. I have found a place where we can spend rest of our day. The path is 63.121% safe.

Captain Ark : Lets spend time here till it gets dark. In dark I hope the danger we face will be less. At any cost we have to take chance but more than 35% is foolishness at this point. IRM-M2910 I want you to check the status again after 8hours time. It will be semi dark by then.

IRM-M2910: Ok Captain.

Captain and his crew made many plans to counter the problem. To get to the ship or finding a help at this point looked impossible. They kept thinking in all directions.

Captain Ark : How many mobile devices do we have?
Naga: Captain, 3 as of now.
Captain Ark : Ok, and how much charge will it carry?
Naga: Full charge captain, that means 15days active.
Captain Ark : Fine. What we will do is leave one mobile device here near the location detector. Anyone who comes close to the water source from our ship will know we must be around or will expect us here because of the location detector. If they can pick the signals from our mobile device and locate it, we have help for us. How does it sound?
Roshan: Perfect Captain, there could be no other better plan then that.
Captain Ark : Good. IRM-M2910 hide the mobile device near location detector so its safe and does not get damaged or carried away by any animal.
IRM-M2910: Ok Captain!

The team spends rest of the day looking at each other and restless. Every second passed with great difficulty. The slightest sound had fear stored in it. The leaf was getting dry and worn out. It would be lasting almost the same time that they had planed to move on. The only thing that was unbearable was the smell it left from the broken parts. All had tripped their oxygen level to 2. The gas the tree and leaf from the broken end was emitting was poisonous. This was adding up more problems. They were getting dizzy, puckish and dehydrated.

It was getting dark. The team survived the horrible hours. IRM-M2910 left to make sure the path was safe for team to travel. Inhaling the poison in small quantity for such long time had made them all weak. The skin had rashes all over and they were vomiting occasionally.

IRM-M2910: Captain, the path is clear. Its 86% safe to travel now.
Captain Ark : Team on your toes. We have to move on.

The team spends rest of the day looking at each other and restless. Every second passed with great difficulty. The slightest sound had fear stored in it. The leaf was getting dry and worn out. It would be lasting almost the same time that they had planed to move on. The only thing that was unbearable was the smell it left from the broken parts. All had tripped their oxygen level to 2. The gas the tree and leaf from the broken end was emitting was poisonous. This was adding up more problems. They were getting dizzy, puckish and dehydrated.

It was getting dark. The team survived the horrible hours. IRM-M2910 left to make sure the path was safe for team to travel. Inhaling the poison in small quantity for such long time had made them all weak. The skin had rashes all over and they were vomiting occasionally.

IRM-M2910: Captain, the path is clear. Its 86% safe to travel now.
Captain Ark : Team on your toes. We have to move on.

Walking towards the safe cover was more tougher task. All were half dead. With great difficulty and strength they marched. Due to darkness it was hard to see what dangers lay ahead. There were huge holes on the ground of well size. IRM-M2910 warned about every danger that came across. Roshan was vomiting now. He puked small quantity of blood. Not able to manage his steps he almost stumbled and fell on the ground. Naga helped him on his foot. She dragged him, occasionally Roshan tried walking with his foot. As they were proceeding towards a curve, Roshan lost his balance and slipped inside a hole. He luckily hung, holding his hand to ground. But the weakness took over him. Before Naga could pull him out he left his hand and fell free inside the hole. Naga screamed out loud. Captain and IRM-M2910 ran to see what had happened. They were shocked. Captain screamed for Roshan many times. Unable to get any respond captain ordered the rest to reassume the journey. Captain was concerned about his crew now. They were only 3 left. Death was looming above there head. It was only matter of time.


IRM-M2910 stopped near a cave. It was a huge, and ran deep in. Many plants had covered half the entrance of the cave.

IRM-M2910: Captain, this cave is safe for us for the night.
Captain Ark : IRM-M2910 I want you to switch your surveillance program. We will start our journey back to the base first thing in the morning.

Chapter 7

Kasim felt restless. He was worried about Captain and his crew. Deep inside he knew they were still alive. The last batch of search team had failed to locate captain and were all terminated. Kasim was fully loaded with ration, 3men and 4 IRM S and 1 IRM M Series in Neondap S41. Neondap was the fastest air born machine that was spacious and equipped with latest weapons. It had electro-magnetic cover on its surface that made it dangerous.

Kasim scribbled something in his notepad and then commanded IRM-M2991 to fly 31 degree east. He knew the primary task Captain would have set would be for water source. And the last he heard from Captain they were at this direction. After many hours of fly IRM-M2991 alerted Kasim of water fall. Kasim picked up a weak mobile signal from 12degree west. IRM-M2991 fly 12degree west. Two minutes later the signals were strong.

Kasim: IRM-M2991 halt mid air. We will venture out from here.

Kasim got to the ground with all the IRM-S. As he was moving towards the water source he heard foot steps behind him. He handed over his mobile device to one of the IRM-S and stepped two steps behind ordering them to carry on with their task. From a distance he saw a human walking towards them. Kasim was relieved. As the human came closer Kasim identified the stranger. It was non other than Roger. But Roger looked ill, he had rashes all over his body and wound marks on his face. He seemed hungry and thirsty. Kasim called him out. Roger… Roger… buddy its me Kasim.
Roger was alert. He looked at Kasim with a strangers eye and with a sheepish smile ran towards Kasim. Rogers eyes turned dark green, his mouth full of sharp black teeth and looked very horrifying. He jumped on Kasim. From behind IRM-S3322 pulled a warning shot on Rogers legs. Roger fell on the ground but recovered fast and jumped again on Kasim. This time Kasim pulled his trigger on Roger aiming his heart. Roger fell on the ground again. But this time he could not recover. Lying down Roger was crying and looked as if he might die any moment. Kasim went closer to Roger.

Kasim: Roger what happened to you?
Roger: K-a-s-i-m I' am dieing. I caught this plague from this jungle. Help me.
Kasim: I wish I could Roger.

Kasim pulled his gun again and was about to shoot when Roger caught Kasims leg and pulled it hard. Kasim lay on the ground. With the same sheepish smile he pounced on Kasim. IRM-S3322 shot many rounds and in mid air creating many holes in Rogers body. Roger fell on the ground with a thud sound, motionless.