CHAPTER 1
"Space Exploration," the code read. It was an urgent wake-up call for everyone who was asleep, summoning them to go to the mess hall for the next mission's drafting.
However, I was not asleep. I was up and checking on the night workers. It's part of my job as a Crew 719 Private.
I ran over to the locker rooms, followed by Imported Peaches and Qwutl-vik. I changed into my day suit and went back to the mess hall where everyone was gathering. I went over to the counter and grabbed my morning meal: a warm Delepie. I sat at my table and ate the Delepie, waiting for the meeting to begin.
"Space exploration code number N43R0L3D drafting begins now," Commander Metal Roof rasped into the microphone a few minutes later. It began calling the names of the explorers of the new planet that was discovered. Commander Metal Roof was the old, battle-scarred commander. It was probably going to die soon.
I ate my Delepie, unaware and not paying attention to who was being called on the mission. That was until I was called. I sighed sadly. I had only just become a private after fighting off the rival crew, Crew 725, who lived on the shores of our ocean, and this was my first mission.
Distracted from my worries of the mission, I ignored who else was called on the mission. What if we were captured on the planet, with no food or water? What if we got into a war with another Crew? What if we run into Crew 725? What if we're shot to death?
"To those going on the mission," Commander Metal said to conclude the meeting. "Meet in Garage B in 15 minutes. You will leave in 30."
At that, everyone left the mess hall. I left and went over to the sleeping quarters and packed up most of my belongings in a duffel bag. I then went over to the locker room and got out my clothes. I then went over to garage B. Sitting inside was Crew 719's exploration ship.
The exploration ship is about a quarter of the size of the hub and could house about half of the Crew. I put my bag in the boxes that were to be loaded onto the ship that were in the garage. Corporal Super Sock Sorter opened the ship and loaded everything on board.
After a few minutes, we were all on the ship, and unpacking our belongings. Then, the 5:00 alarm rang, signifying that breakfast was ready. But that was the bell for us to depart. As we all pressed against the windows, we pulled away and waved goodbye to the others, possibly for the last time.
