Terra. You grew up hearing about it, but I never figured I would be going there. When the first probes returned, science had made its greatest accomplishment since the moon landing. Well, it depends on which scientist you speak to. On one hand, we discovered intelligent life. The aliens, or Terrans, have animal parts, but otherwise look exactly like us humans. Prettier on average, I'd also say. The first "alien" the rover encountered was a godamnned supermodel with a golden lab's tail. The planet has 1 super continent and 2 moons, but you could say it was almost a carbon copy of Earth. Except for 1 mineral that exists no where else in the universe, Originium. It kicked Nuclear to the curb and jumpstarted the Quantum race. Shit was the new oil, but the old world didn't want to let go of their black gold. The 2nd War on Terror broke out. I was sent to Venezuela where the last Petrol Barons were holding out. I lost my legs, and was discharged from the Corps. I joined for the travel, for the adventure. It was all over, until the RDA offered me to join the "Avatar" program. I heard they can put you in the skin of the Terrans. Sounded like a swell deal. Travel to a whole new planet, all expenses paid for, and I'd get complimentary cat ears. It was a dream to me.
But for Terra, the RDA became its worst nightmare.
"Hell's Gate" Command Center, Acahualla
"General, the radars picked up a large aircraft bearing for HQ." An officer manning a holographic display reported.
The General, with aged white hair, took a sip from his mug of coffee.
"Do we have a proper picture?"
"The bogey does not have IFF tags belonging to the RDA or Columbian Air Force, sir. It's cross-section resembles a tilt-rotor style aircraft."
A visual aid appeared on the officer's screen.
"A V-22 Osprey." He paused, as memories returned. "For a second, I'd believe our boys forgot to turn on their transponders. I want that bird grounded, and divert a patrol to investigate."
"Copy, sir!" The officer replied, then sounded the alarm. "Attention, Hell's Gate is under an air raid alert. Please stay clear of the surface to air missile site."
Just outside the HQ's gates was a massive clearing, where four 16-wheeler trucks begun to erect towering launch tunes. Once they were upright, 2 missiles were unleashed from one one the trucks. They barreled off into horizon, traveling several times the speed of sound. No escape.
Crash Site, Acahualla.
2 Samson Transports touched down at the location of the aircraft. It's hull had been scorched, and suspiciously, was missing both engines.
2 fireteams poured out from Samsons. Leading the troopers was a well-built, bald male, who swept his sights around every tree, rock, and fern.
He inspected the downed aircraft, then pulled out a PDA to report back. "Lieutenant Wainfleet. Aircraft has no identifying emblems or flags. No weapons, though it is likely they were destroyed in the crash."
"Dammit, then who sent the bird after us?" The frustrated voice on the other end cursed.
His cautious eyes drifted to the other side of the aircraft. Red designer sneakers.
"HANDS UP! SHOW YOURSELVES!" Wainfleet yelled. Each half of his troop swarmed the aircraft was opposite ends, slowly converging in on the perpetrator.
A young, college age girl with brown hair lied unconscious on the ground. Her clothing was modern compared to the Acahualla locals, being a white sweater worn loosely over shorts. She had a red and white band tied around 2 vulpine ears. A metallic staff lied clutched in her right hand.
"Is she supposed to be a fox or wolf?" One asked.
Meanwhile, Wainfleet contacted the General. "...Rhodes Island?" He noticed the blue "X" necklace and wristbands the girl wore. "Bring her in. I want to get to the bottom of her little field trip into this lovely jungle."
Wainfleet hoisted up the girl on his shoulder. "General, what should I do about the bands?" He spoke with his holographic PDA in the other ear.
"Homing beacons. Smash them, Lieutenant." The General replied.
Unquestioning, Wainfleet tore of the devices, drawing blood. The girl winced in pain, but remained unconscious for the flight back to Hell's Gate.
She too, yearned to travel. Her wish would be filled, in an ironic sense.