G.O.D Complex// Earth Prime

A strange, bird-like screech echoed as a black box opened, releasing a hovering orb. It flew up to head level and emitted green linear beams in all directions, scanning the area. The beams met with those from four other identical orbs, each launched from similar black boxes. Together, they wove a holographic mesh that projected a realistic forest environment, blending into their surroundings.

"It's all set," Paul reported, studying the holographic interface and nodding in satisfaction.

"Good. Since we're still unable to reach the other cargo ship, we'll wait through the night. Tomorrow, we'll set up camp, assess our situation, and plan our next steps," said Beatrice.

Under normal circumstances, protocol dictated that survivors of a crash move out to locate the nearest scavenger shelter. In return for compensation, the scavengers would lead them to a colony or safe zone.

However...

"We're broke," Beatrice continued. "We can't pay for their help. Worse, we could be captured and sold as slaves—to colonies or, worse, to the Bipedal species."

"What if we don't hear from Captain Cross and the others? What if we can't reach them?" Lucas asked nervously. The howls and growls from the dark forest filled the air, making his anxiety worse.

"Then we'll have no choice but to leave. We can't stay more than a day—resources won't last. We need to remove our helmets to take nutrient pills, but with the cargo ship dead, the air filters are offline. All remaining power is used for the distress signal," explained Beatrice, stealing glances at Linus, who stood apart from the group, ignoring everything.

"What's he doing?" she wondered.

Linus was busy working on his suit's radio, analyzing a persistent interference. After running a breakdown of the signals, he concluded the interference came from the forest itself—possibly a magnetic field or something more obscure.

He accessed his suit's internal panel.

[LINUS GREY]

[Combined Survival Skills: Engaged]

[Skills Learned: 05]

[Rank: Red Flag Authority]

[Health Status: Slightly Dehydrated]

"These people are a distraction," Linus thought. "I need to start building my colony. For that, I need a base."

He pondered the reality of Earth's current generation—those born after the original descent. They didn't have AI-linked implants or direct tech access like the pioneers. Whatever knowledge and tech they used had to be passed down manually.

He looked at Beatrice again. Their eyes met. She squinted in suspicion.

"Gather everything in one place," Beatrice ordered. "It'll help us move faster when it's time."

Linus walked over to her. She didn't even bother turning.

"Whatever you're about to suggest, just keep it to yourself," she snapped.

"Where's this hate coming from? How old are you?" Linus asked softly. His unreadable tone made her even more irritated.

Charlotte stepped in, trying to maintain order. "What do you want?"

"Waiting is a waste of time. I say we leave at first light. We don't know if the other team is alive."

"They're alive," Beatrice shot back. "Unlike your team. Ours will come looking for us. And if they don't—we'll go find them."

Linus looked at her calmly. "That's immature."

"What did you say?!"

"It's stupid. Risking your team to go save others when your survival isn't guaranteed? That's not leadership. That's recklessness."

Everyone paused, watching the rising tension.

"It's called being human! You cold bastard! I knew there was something off about you from the beginning!"

"You want to risk everyone's life on hope? On luck? That's careless."

"You're one to talk about carelessness! We're in this mess because of your stunt with the nuclear star! We're lucky to be alive!"

"I made the call to erase all traces of our presence. I won't deny it was a gamble—but I succeeded. I ensured no one would follow us. You, however, want to risk lives for a search mission that could end in tragedy."

"No one invited you to this discussion!" Beatrice shouted, trembling with anger.

Charlotte stepped in again. "Mr. Linus, respectfully—what exactly is your plan?"

Beatrice glared at her in disbelief, but Charlotte held her gaze firmly, silently reminding her of her leadership role.

"We contact the nearest scavenger team. It's risky, but at least we survive the night."

"Rejected," Charlotte said calmly. "You're new to Earth. Things here are more complicated than you think."

Linus frowned. "Then explain."

Charlotte took a breath. "Teilvel controls the scavengers. Anyone sold as a slave is logged into their administrative system. If you escape, fight back, or even survive—Teilvel will hunt you. You become their property."

Linus was silent for a moment. "That's... unfortunate," he admitted. "Still, it might be our last rope."

Everyone turned to follow his gaze.

In the darkness, shadows moved among the hills—stealthy and powerful.

"Vampire Wolves," Beatrice and Charlotte said simultaneously.

---

Velvet groaned as she was tossed into yet another cell. Kelly followed, then Fischer.

"I left my chess board behind... Damn," Fischer muttered. He looked at their captors, who stared hungrily, and decided not to push his luck.

"Well, at least this one's cleaner than the last," he said, sitting down.

Kelly helped Velvet to her feet. "We're being traded... to scavengers."

Velvet looked at her and nodded grimly. The question now wasn't whether they'd be rescued—but whether what waited outside was any better than the prison they were in.

To be continued...

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