A ship descends out of the darkness. The twilight of stars against the canvas of space, giving way to the colours of the sky. The heat of the descent cloaks the craft in a glow of reds, oranges and yellows, growing more intense, almost as if in defiance of the encroaching blues of the atmosphere.
It breaks through the layers of water vapour which obscured the view of the planet below, the white pulling back, to reveal a deep, dark blue of surging water beneath. The movement, picturesque, but masking the raw power, the potential it possesses.
In it, a spec starts coming into focus. A co-ordinated confusion of white, orange and other colours begins to sharpen. Signs of movement, the activity can be seen, as other craft observed move about the facility. The shuttle heads towards a clear space, guided with purpose towards its designated resting place.
It comes to rest, gently falling the final few meters. Its movement, almost graceful, is contrasted by the angry roar of its engines as the force of them presses against the landing pad. On the pad, a familiar form begins to approach, cloaked in mesh and metal.
The image begins to fade, receding from conscious, like a twinkling light…
…
His eyes flick open.
The Apex Expedition Commander brings themselves to their feet, surrounded by the confines of the shuttle. He steps forward, making his way towards the exit. He checks the fitting of his armour, running a quick diagnostic on its systems. He trusted his engineers, but it was always smart to double check.
Satisfied with the readings, he makes his way towards the entrance of the shuttle. He steps into the airlock, the slight hiss as the sounds of depressurising at stepping into the foreign atmosphere. There is a brief moment of a lacklustre resistance to his movement, his armour compensates.
He steps out into the sunlight, the sounds of the sea breaking against the rocks, surrounded by the hum of motions of technology at work. Before him, stands a lone individual. He addresses her.
“Once again, I must congratulate you on your exemplary work. Now tell me, what have you found?”