Hi all! Big fan of the Orville, so here is my first fanfiction!

hope you like it!

"It's beautiful," Kelly stated in awe, as they stepped out onto planet 422x, just as the sun was setting.

"Isn't it?" Ed agreed.

They came across the small planet in their travels, when Claire asked to take a small trip. 422x was known to have some ingredients for medications and other uses. Gordon navigated the pod down, Ed and Kelly came along for the chance to explore and Talla was with them, in case of any danger.

"Do you know exactly what you are looking for?" Ed asked Claire.

"There's the tribeon flower, in particular, that are logged in many medical entries. They appear at dusk, with 5 yellow petals, and glow throughout the night."

"Glow?" Talla asked.

"Many plants here give off a glow, so we can pick samples of anything." Claire explained.

Almost as if on cue, everything around them seemed to "turn on" as flowers, stones and even some bark on the trees began to glow.

"Amazing," Ed admired.

They started to collect pieces, placing them into bags.

Kelly suddenly paused for a moment and turned sharply.

"Is everything alright?" Talla asked.

"I thought I heard something." Kelly replied. The group went silent and still. There was a rustling around them. Suddenly a screech as, what could only be described as, a mix between a lizard and a peacock leapt from behind some

of the plants. Instinctively, Talla kicked it back.

It fell with a "yipe", and they realized it was not alone. More of the creatures appeared around them, letting out little growls.

"Gordon, ready the pod to go!" Ed communicated, as he pulled Claire in front of him to run.

The group started toward the pod, and the creatures screeched as they pursued them.

Something whistled past Talla. "They are shooting something?" She called out. She stopped, turning to shoot two of the creatures.

Ed and Kelly both got out their weapons, shooting back. The creatures reared their head as something spit from their mouths. Kelly turned, her satchel catching in a branch.

"I'm caught!" She called out. She tugged in one direction, trying to free herself.

"Look out!" Ed pushed her in the other direction, which freed her. She shot the creature that was coming up on them, turning to see Ed standing, stunned, with a hand to the side of his neck.

"Ed?" She asked.

He looked around, as if not really processing what was going on. He slowly looked towards her, his lips moving as if he was trying to say something. His eyes rolled back as he crumpled to the ground.

"Ed!"

Another shot rang out, as Talla took down another creature, rushing back to where they were.

"Talla, take him!" Kelly ordered, as she let out a shot. The lieutenant took in the scene, seeing the Captain down.

"On it!" She rushed forward to fling him over her shoulders. "You'll have to shoot!" Talla told Kelly. Kelly nodded, raising her gun and guarding the others as they ran back to the pod, where Claire was already waiting.

Thankfully, they only saw one more creature on the way.

As they got on, Kelly called for Gordon to head back to the Orville, and Talla placed Ed carefully to the floor of the pod.

Claire was by his side, medical bag in hand.

"What happened?" Claire asked.

"Whatever the creatures were spitting hit him," Kelly said.

"Where?"

Kelly remember Ed placing a hand to his...

"There," she pointed to his neck, where, what looked like a long cactus needle was stuck.

Claire used a tool to remove the needle and put it in a container. She checked Ed's vitals.

"Is he going to be ok?" Talla asked.

"He seems stable." Claire replied. "Heart rate is normal."

Suddenly his eyes fluttered open. He looked around taking in his surroundings.

"Ed?" Claire said softly to him. "Are you feeling alright?"

His eyes went to each person in the room, as if he was counting them. "I-I think so," he replied. His hand went to his neck where the needle was. He pushed himself to sit up, but he started to tilt to the side. Claire pushed him back. "What happened? The creatures...?" He said, dizzily.

"Are behind us," Kelly said.

"We are heading back to the Orville." Gordon called over.

"What was it?" Ed asked Claire, his senses returning. His hand was still feeling around the small raised bump.

"I'm not sure," Claire admitted. She held up the sample container with the needle. "I'll have to run some tests. If you do feel any side effects, you must let me know." Ed nodded.

"Ed," Kelly started. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry?" He looked at her confused.

"If I didn't get caught, you wouldn't have gotten hit pushing me out of the way."

Ed looked at her as if she had two heads.

"It's alright. We do what we can to protect each other. You would have done the same for me... heck you have in the past. Remember you went in my place to the dinner with the Difalorideons?"

"You can't compare dinner on a musical planet to getting hit by some sort of poisonous dart."

"Even the furniture on that planet sings... going to the bathroom is practically impossible..."

"Well for you it is. You can't even go if someone is right outside the door," Kelly said with a small smile.

Ed returned her smile, knowing he had made her feel better. "And look... the 'poisonous' dart wasn't that effective."

Kelly nodded, feeling a bit better.

*O*

Ed looked into the distance from his seat.

"Captain?" Bortus asked.

" Yes?" He looked over.

"Are you alright Captain? I addressed you several times, but you did not seem to hear me."

Ed shook his head, clearing it. "Sorry, I was lost in thought."

Kelly and Talla glanced at him.

"I was saying, that the simulator has been updated and awaits your inspection."

Ed looked to Kelly," I'll take care of that, if you are alright here?"

Kelly smiled, "perfectly fine."

Ed stood, turning toward the door, but immediately stopped. His hand reached for the back of his chair, gripping it, his other hand going to his head.

"Captain?" Talla called, standing from her seat. "Are you alright?"

Ed gave a nod. "I'm ok. Must have stood up too quick."

"Are you sure?" Kelly pressed.

Ed flashed her a smile. "I'm good."

And with that he walked out, heading to the simulator.

Kelly and Talla exchanged worried glances.

Ed reached the simulator and entered.

"Simulation test A246," Ed called out.

The room created stars and planets around him, placing him on some sort of balcony of a high tower.

"Simulation test B319"

The room shifted again to a beach. Ed moved slowly, looking carefully around at details.

"Simulation test C785"

The room shifted into a long hallway with numerous doors.

Something looked off though. The picture looked... tilted? Swirled?

Ed looked carefully around, but suddenly he was feeling like he was overheating and his eyelids felt heavy.

The sound of rushing water filled his ears... or was that his breathing?

The room spun, and he placed a hand to his head and another hand out to a wall to steady himself.

Then everything went black.

hope you liked the first chapter! please let me know if you did!