Chapter 1
Italics – Thoughts
Prelude
It was the year 3018. After three millenniums of human exploitation, Earth was left barren and depleted. Gone were the sprawling cities of yesteryears – in its stead, were left with haunting reminiscent of the cities former glory. Massive conflicts over the centuries between countries and continents scarred the land and the remaining human capital now stands solo, with fragments of migrating factions scattered across the globe. Now, it seemed like Earth's atmosphere was blanketed in incessant smog and the scant greenery that was left were easy victims to desertification.
The human capital – Windbloom – boasted formidable walls. Apparently, its strategy of neutrality and adoption of defensive policies secured its position while the rest of the world was battling it out. When it was finally dragged into battle, the remaining factions, exhausted and war-weary did not put up much of a fight and victory was decisive. What started out as a defensive wall against the ceaseless crossfire of strife evolved into intricate divisions between the different classes of society as more and more refugees sought shelter within the walls. Windbloom, led by a Council of Five, allowed refugees in to aid the economy, especially with farming and other menial tasks.
However, the increasing insecurities felt by the higher levels of society led them to construct walls, separating their mansions from the slums created by refugees. As the construction costs were pooled together by the nobles and it created jobs, the Council of Five raised no objection.
The social strata within Windbloom was, a vicious cycle, really. Nobles controlled mostly every essential necessity needed to survive and their companies were handed down from generation to generation. Whatever remuneration that was paid to the lower classes was just taken back in the form of payment for utilities, public transport, food and entertainment, leaving a meager portion for anything else. This had been the way for the past millennium. But the time for change had come.
Reforestation efforts have had little effect with the rapid desertification of the lands outside the walls, leading to a downward spiral of the ecosystem. Within the walls, tillable land had lost a significant amount of fertility and harvests were dwindling. While not an immediate cause for alarm, something had to be done.
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In the Council Room
".. And what I'm saying is that we should not send any more of our able personnel to the infinite depths of space for some pipe dream. Who know what is out there? Also, we are having enough trouble as is maintaining and feeding the current populace. Food and fuel are both required for journeys like these and that's certainly not what we can afford to waste right now," the toffee-haired woman spoke, heaving a sigh.
"Yes, but for how much longer? Are we to sit here and wait for our supplies to dwindle and slaughter one another as we fight for survival? I say, we should take our chances and look to the future! It's a risk, but I say we take it! Besides, our preliminary scout-drones have already indicated certain livable traits in Planet E!" Haruka exclaimed, eyes gleaming, slamming her hand on the table in her usual way to get a point across.
The ebony-haired man, Reito Kanzaki, crossed his arms and shifted in his seat before speaking "I'd say I'll have to agree with Haruka. We should go forward instead of sticking to the certainty; and we all know for certain what's at the end of the road – I'd daresay we would stumble upon that within the next century. Our greenhouses and genetically enhanced crops can only last THAT long."
Youko grimaced at the thought of what Kanzaki was saying. Frowning, she raised her hand "If we were to agree upon it, I'd hope that we take into account of what Yukariko is pointing out as well. We should not squander our food and medical supplies. Could we take another look at the reports again before sending forces in for colonization?"
Haruka nodded, turning the screen to face the council, clapping and flipping her hands in an outward motion, she expanded the view to fill the center of the circular desk, "Here you can see the overview of Planet E." Touching the 3D map, she continued, "Over here you can see similar vegetative state to ours a millennium back, before the wars started. Not only that, large bodies of what seems to be like water was also spotted." She pointed out, pulling another image in, "When we sent that initial team to test the air levels, though a large percentage was Helium and Nitrogen, we also detected sufficient levels of Oxygen – enough for them to try breathing without aids! Dear council members, what are the chances of finding another planet that is so similar to our own?"
The cobalt-haired woman stood up, seizing everyone's attention as they turned their heads to look at the eldest of the Council, "I propose that we send one company on this expedition. As for supplies, I believe the journey there takes – one month on a Starliner – Haruka?"
She got a nod in response.
"Thus I propose an eight month supply, enough to last the divisions six months, including getting there and back. Additionally, I would also like to propose that we bring along enough crop seeds. As a test if the land there is suitable for future sustenance." She paused, "In the event of hostile life forms, might I also suggest some Durans and Hoverterrains? It would be Kuga Tech's honor to provide additional units if required."
Ears perking at the sound of Duran, one of the city's epitomes of machinery, Haruka silently nodded to herself. Durans were one of the most flexible warmonger in Kuga Tech's line of defense and offense. Boasting an array of weapons from sniper-like accuracy to large destructive land-levelers, they could also be used for commercial purposes – such as clearing forests and the like, by re-fitting the necessary tools.
Recent modifications enabled Durans to sync the machines' movements with the personnel controlling it to a higher level. Instead of the clunky and cumbersome movements the previous Durans sported, the latest was streamlined, virtually rid of their mechanical whirling and other obnoxious sounds. The capability of the machine was as good as the person controlling it – if given to the right user. Her old friend had outdone herself with the new modifications.
"Thank you for your proposal, Councilor Kuga, as well as your generosity. May I ask which company we propose to send, before casting my vote?" Youko queried.
Reito hummed, tapping his finger to his forehead, "I believe company 6 has certainly outdone itself in the recent defense against those marauding factions – which I would rather call bandits – without any major losses on our side with their famed guerrilla tactics. Their captain, Yuuki, is resourceful and particularly apt in reconnaissance as well. That might just prove useful in for this particular mission." He flashed his teeth in his signature smile.
Haruka snorted, "That little delinquent is known for not following ANY rules in place! She just runs off, does her little Yuuki business, doesn't keep us updated and just magically reappears with that smug look on her face! We can't lose communication when they are out there!"
Yukariko chuckled slightly at Haruka's outburst, before adding, "Well, but she does what she does and she's good at it. We definitely need any extra reconnaissance we can get when we first arrive there, the more we know about Planet E, the better. I still do have my concerns about the possibility of eight months wastage of supplies, but I believe it is relatively reasonable. I am willing to make a concession here, Haruka – Councilor Kuga's proposal, Company 6 to be sent, eight months food, no more, no less, and I will fully support this motion. "
Grunting, Haruka nodded begrudgingly.
"Seems reasonable. Aye here, then," Youko waved her hand.
"It seems we are all in consensus. Let's finish up the necessary, and give word to the relevant parties," Kuga nodded, pushing up her thick framed spectacles, simultaneously tapping the screen in front of her, typing in relevant details about today's Council resolution before swiping the screen, causing it to flash green – a vote of Aye.
The other four Councilors scanned through the details she transmitted on their screen, before following suit.
