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September 20th, 2125

We all sat in the mess hall eating my breakfast. Mess 'hall' was generous, it was more like a mess tent. We have finally been able to get actual food instead of the frozen 'space' food and the instant stuff we were able to smuggle in. The 'actual' food was just eggs and pancake mix. Despite never even hearing about each other until around three months ago, we all warmed up to each other pretty quick. Whether it's because of the nature of our mission, that we are the only people on this planet or because we all just naturally like each other is anyone's guess. It's probably a little of all three.

Despite all of us being familiar with each other, I would even go as far to say that we are friends, some people get along better than others. Carter, the resident jackass and engineer, was currently boasting about something to the two guards, Musa and Nikolai. Both of them seem to be amused by Carter putting his foot in his mouth. The three of them were near the kitchen, probably just getting their food and sitting down without a second thought. Rosie was currently going over plans with Li. Rosie was a biologist and the most likely to take charge when shit hit the fan. Li was an epidemiologist and the most fragile looking girl on the planet. Short and timid, even as a gay man I felt an urge to protect her. These two sat at the other end of the table Carter and his group were sitting.

Micheal, Sara and Emily were outside, in the 'kitchen'. Which was a fire with a cooking rack over it. As the survival expert, Micheal was probably going over what to do if you get lost. I remember him saying that he wanted Sara to prioritize learning if the 'space oranges' we've collected samples of, were acidic enough to clean wounds. Emily wanted to discuss the 'long deer's we've seen grazing on the other side of the fence.

That left me and Sophia right in the middle of the only table. Sophia was… fine. She was quiet, and probably went through an emo faze that never really ended. Since she was a meteorologist, and I was a hydrologist we spoke almost every day.

“The weather balloon is ready, so we should do that later today". Sophia ate her smuggled breakfast burrito. What it consisted of was a secret between her and God.

“Good, do you think we will be able to see if this planet has seasons like on Earth". I just had pancakes with the appropriate amount of syrup added.

“We'll have to wait and tell. Also, ease up on the syrup. We know that in small doses it's fine, but we don't know if half a bottle will kill you or not". She looked at my pancakes with a sense of worry.

“It's fine. This isn't going to kill anyone. It does have a sourer taste than the maple syrup from home". Rosie wanted to tap trees to see if they reacted like the trees on Earth. There is no way she could have known that this planet had its own maple tree in the form of a really tall tree. She also knew how to properly handle the sap and turn it into syrup.

Before Sophia could respond, Carter shouted.

“And that's where the color yellow comes from". All three started to laugh the hardest I've ever seen. It took a good five minutes for them to calm down.

“Dumb-assess". Was all Sara said between her bites and I just silently agreed as I returned to my soggy pancakes. Rosie took this chance to stand up and make an announcement.

“Alright everyone, this is important so pay attention. I will be drawing an outline of a building in the dirt today. We will need to effectively clear everything out of it. This will be our goal and what we should be putting our most effort into". Once she finished Carter asked the most intelligent question he could think of.

“Why?".

“Because Dr. Mark and the team back home will be attempting an SRT". If we weren't listening before we were now. SRT stood for sudden rapid transport. It instantly teleported anything anywhere, no gate required.

“Aren't those illegal". Sara was the one who mentioned it.

“Yes, on Earth, SRT's are illegal, but this isn't Earth.". A clever loophole to get around the universal ban on SRTs. They were banned because having a metal pipe suddenly appear in your chest was considered an OSHA violation.

“Their better be a good fucking reason were going to risk that". Michael spat.

“As you know". Rosie began.

“We have been struggling to get operations running, as such Dr. Mark has asked the government to allow a SRT in order to speed up our study". I was the one with the question this time.

“What are they sending over and why can't they just use the gate?" Rosie smiled at that.

“They are sending an entire lab. Fit with living quarters, generators, actual showers and indoor plumbing and more. This will be so good that we can effectively use it like it was on Earth, with only very minor additional chores". Everyone was quiet about that. This could change everything. The original plan was to conduct observations and simple tests. These would then be sent back home and looked over so that at a later team can better study the planet. But this will radically change that. Sara was the first to speak.

“Does that mean we will be staying longer than the originally planned four months?"

“Yes, but Dr. Mark will still be checking like originally planned, once every two Earth weeks. When he does you can head back if you wish". Rosie responded.

“How much longer?"

“One year". Murmurs went around, they were mostly kept to ourselves. One year? That's longer than most of us planned for, but there was something else that bothered me.

“I imagine Dr. Mark told you this the last time he checked in, correct?"

“Yes".

“Then why are we only hearing about this now?"

“Yeah, how come!?" Carter chimed in.

“So you didn't prematurely leave. If we told you when Dr. Mark was here, you would have left before even doing anything. This way, you can see what life will be like before you make your decision". Rosie must have realized how terrible this sounded because near the end she lost her confidence. 'Make you do the hard work before being able to leave' was pretty much what she said.

“Next time I see him, I'll break his nose". That was the longest sentence I heard Musa say. With pretty much no choice in the matter, we all ate our breakfast and prepared for the work forced on us.

“When do we have to clear the area". Li spoke up ten minutes later. Rosie had time to regain some of her confidence and spoke.

“We don't have a hard date; however, we will like it to be done by at least this time next month".

“How should we start?" was Nikolai's response.

“Well, we've already looked at everything in the five-mile area. I need to find an appropriate spot and paint the outline".

“And what do you consider an 'appropriate spot'?" Sophia asked.

“Flat with as little to remove as possible".

“Will this affect our daily routine and tests?" I asked.

“Yes, we are all expected to play a part in this".

“I didn't sign up for this". Carter barked.

“Then when the lab is here you can stay in your tent". Was all Rosie said as she sat back down to eat.

As a hydrologist, it was my job to study the water for any differences that might put us in danger. We ran any water we collected through a filter before boiling it. The filter itself sat in the mess tent. It was a large cylinder, like a water cooler, it even had a spout at the end. I changed the filter and took it back to my tent.

When we first got there, we all slept in tents together. Boys in one and girls in the other. We actually slept like that back on Earth as part of our training, as it was expected that we would spend at least the first week like that. However, they underestimated how loud Nikolai and Emily snored. They were shocked that they were offered the first sleeping quarters but didn't complain.

We each now have our own tent. In said tent was a simple cot and desk. I took out a storage box and placed the used filter in. I was originally going to use the microscope I brought to examine any loose particles, but with news of the lab, I thought it would be best to save it till then. Before I left, I took off my coat and put on my working gloves and left to find Rosie.

Last day of Chidsawa, 310

As usual, we all woke up before the sun rose. We put on our uniform and left to eat. All soldiers in the Sillatiq army wore the same outfit. Us bears were too big to cover their whole body. Clothes like that were reserved for the wealthy and important government officials like the general. Instead, we were given aprons that fell at the crotch and a pair of shorts. Depending on the squad the apron was a different color and insignia of the bear's squad. For us archers, we were given brown, the same color as my fur, in order to better blend in with the tall grass that grew in the mountains on the other side of the river. The archer/scout insignia was a simple bow and arrow pointed at the sun.

Everyone was chatty as we ate our breakfast. I was content with Lapep fruits and some dried meat we brought, but some wanted to go hunt Sla for breakfast and were quick to argue with the general when he said no.

“Lord, you're supposed to be smart". General Astron was seated with both of his paws on his head. As general, he had a full uniform that consisted of a deep blue shirt with Second General: Astron' beautifully sewn into it, as well as black pants. However, he doesn't like wearing it too often so today he was just wearing the army standard shorts. Around him were Leic and Lop, as well as three other bears from that spearmen squad. They sat at the far end of the mess hall. Although, mess 'hall' was generous, it was more like a mess table. It was a large table that can be broken down into small parts that were much easier to transport. It was about ten paws away from the actual tents that we slept in. I don't really know why we bothered calling it a mess hall.

“But sir, we are completely capable of hunting and protecting ourselves". Leic was arguing with the general about being denied hunting.

“I know you are, but that's not the point. The bandits could spot you and warn the others, ruining the whole plan". The three bears I didn't recognize accepted this answer and tried to leave, but Leic and Lop gave them looks and they stayed rooted to the ground.

From our walk the other day, I would guess that our camp and the bandits camp are about twenty units apart. That's too far for any of them that went hunting to find our camp. However, it was still close enough that if we and them went hunting at the same time, our hunting parties could run into each other.

“I'll only let you go hunting it the opposite direction". General Astron finally relented.

“You mean in the scorched lands? You know there's nothing there". Lop interjected, seeing through the General Astron trick.

“Then I guess you're not going hunting, now eat your meal and be quiet".

“Sir, we c—"

“Enough", the general slammed his fists down, breaking the table and sending many people to their feet.

“I gave you the option of hunting in the opposite direction and instead of going you decided it would be too difficult, so shut the fuck up and don't ask again or I will have to rip your jaw of". Every head was facing the group around the general. Eventually the group dispersed and left in different directions.

Most would never push General Astron so far, but we all knew why Leic and Lop pushed the issue. Leic was part of the emperor's new initiative to fill the army. After the war with the Daaxxi ended eight years ago, the army was still about one eighth of its size before the war. To fill the army the emperor decided to test if women could be soldiers and let some join general Astron special training. Out of the thirty women who joined, Leic was the only one who made it to the 'field experience' section.

I was surprised when Lop showed up for general Astron training. I think everyone was. Lop was the third prince of the Sillatiq empire and the tallest bear here. We all assumed that he would try, get frustrated and give up day one. He instead was one of the best in the group and even became a relied-on ally for many. But him being the only upper-class soldier here, as well as being the prince, adds a wall around him and everyone else. With both of their backgrounds in mind, it was easy to understand why they pushed hunting on the general. I returned to my fruit and waited for the general to give us our orders.

The special training 'brigade', it wasn't really a brigade that was just the most similar thing we can call it, had a total of eighty-six troops that were broken into three different squads. The spearmen were the largest, consisting of thirty-four troops. The swordsmen were second biggest with twenty-eight troops. That left twenty-four arches, who doubled as scouts.

The spearmen and swordsmen were training in hand-to-hand skills, while we archers surrounded the general.

“I am going to split you all into two teams. The first will consist of only five, this group will infiltrate the bandit territory and gain intel from a distance. I want numbers, weapons and anything else you can see. I want you to avoid all unnecessary risks and stay hidden. You will spend three days observing them and return back to camp. The second team will be the other nineteen. You will be tasked with finding out the origin of these bandits. Yesterday, I noticed that the fence was not made of the trees from the surrounding area, that means they must have brought it from wherever they originate. You will find their tracks and locate it, then report back to me. Any questions". I raised my paw immediately.

“Of course. Yes, Vektris?" After last night I was careful not to ask any poorly thought-out questions.

“Why are we finding the original location of these bandits, sir?".

“I see you're still asking poorly thought questions, Vektris". The other bears chuckled while I looked down in embarrassment.

“Wherever they are coming from most likely has more bandits, if I need to tell you why that's important, I'll kill you". General Astron is good at making people stop asking questions. As no one wanted to ask anymore. But I had a ball of fire in my throat that would kill me if I didn't get it out. So, I slowly raised my paw back up, much to everyone's shock.

“What?" General Astron said.

“Why is group two so big?". He looked at me like I just killed his mother in front of him. His face softened and he answered.

“I don't know how far they traveled; I also don't know how many bandits could be in the original area. That's why I'm sending so many. You will need to look out for each other and help if one of you is in danger. Any more questions?" No one raised their paws.

I was picked to be the leader of group one. With me were Ronis, Epca, Haoy, and Lupdoa. Before we crossed the fence, Epca climbed a tree to see if he could see any of the bandits. He came down with a thud and gave us our answer.

“I can't see them". Was all he said.

“Then we head in, staying low to the ground, and try again". Everyone nodded at my response, and we headed in.

We made as little news as bearaly possible and kept our bodies low to the ground. It was easy to be quiet. It was the last day of summer, and the trees were still alive, it would have been near impossible for us bears to sneak up on our enemies if we were marching through ankle high leaves. I looked up and saw the red spotted bark of a Reed tree, the tallest that grows in the area.

“Haoy, climb this tree and see if you can see the bandits.". With a nod, Haoy went to climb the tree. When he reached the base, he stopped and looked down.

“What". Ronis said, while reaching for his knife. We all tensed up, thinking that Haoy found a trap. Instead of responding he stepped to the side and pointed at a shiny nub sticking out of the tree. Beneath said nub was a pot with about one-fourth of it being filled with a black liquid. The pot was painted green, blending it in with the grass, that's why we didn't see it until now.

“What is that?". Lupdoa asked. We all got closer. The shiny nub was a cylinder with the top half cut off. It extended about half of my small finger and rounded out near the end. There was a black goo slowly dripping from it.

“They're harvesting the sap?". Lupdoa said, but it was more of a question than a statement.

“Why? Do you think they're eating it?". Haoy responded with a question of his own.

“No. They have better alternatives than eating tree sap. They must be making something with it." I concluded and others agreed.

“This could also be a marker of sorts". I spoke. I didn't know that for sure, but I was the leader and needed to seem smart.

“Where did they get this metal?". Epca seemed especially interested in this strange…thing.

“Yeah, why would they waste such a precious material on this. They could have used it to make a knife". Oh no, I'm losing them. I need a reason to get off this.

“We can keep one of them alive and question them when the mission is over". Perfect. A way of dismissing questions while still looking like I know what I'm doing.

“There's no reason to worry about this. Now Haoy , climb the tree and look for the bandits' '. Haoy looked at me, then back at the stub. He finally started up the tree. While we waited for him, Ronis spoke up.

“We should inform the general of this".

“Well, it's up to me as the leader to decide what's worth mentioning". I know that I shouldn't let this go to my head. But the general did say I was the best scout in all of the Sillatiq empire. I really don't think this was even worth something to worry about.

“Why do you think I should?". Ronis kept a straight face and answered.

“It's a good marker as well as showing the conditions of their weapons". I deflated at that.

“I can see how it's a good marker, but how does it show the conditions of their weapons?"

“Because if they have so much metal that they can use it for sap collection, they have enough for weapons". Ronis just looked at me as what he said sunk in. He was right, these bandits would have metal weapons before even considering wasting it on sap collecting.

“I see, you ma–". Haoy came back down. Thank the gods I have an excuse.

“Did you see them?" I asked with too much enthusiasm. I could see Ronis get annoyed at me dodging.

“Yes, they're pretty close. I think we can split up and observe their camp from different angles". Perfect.

“Good idea, Haoy, Ronis and Lupdoa should go left and Epca and I should go right. All good". I had a feeling even Haoy knew what I was doing. But they didn't seem to care enough to voice the issue. They all agreed, and we split up.

Epca and I walked in silence. I didn't want to talk after that and Epca didn't either. We eventually heard talking. With the sounds of grunting and shovels, but something was off. We both stood there confused at this 'off' feeling until Epca spoke up.

“It's their voices, their kids". Of course! The voices were too high to be adults.

“Bastards, we didn't even consider them having hostages. We stick to the plan. We just observe and gather intel." I looked Epca dead in the eyes. I said it to myself more than him. Despite how much we wanted to help, we needed to follow orders. I can only hope the other three don't try to help.

“We get a little closer, then climb the trees and use the leaves to hide us". Epca looked surprised. My voice took on a very serious tone, one that almost no one has ever heard. Epca nodded and we walked in different directions. I found a good tree and started to climb.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

I was six when the Daaxxi attacked. I was in one of the small towns that they burned. I saw them slaughter friends and family and raze my town to the ground. The reason they didn't kill me was so I could be sold as a slave. I was forced to march with the army band as they traveled the Sillatiq countryside. I was with countless other slaves, forced to carry as much as I could and beaten mercilessly at the smallest mistake. We were given one meal at night, scraps of scraps. Many went without eating, having their little food stolen by other slaves. We slept on the ground, only able to try and tune out the screaming of women being raped twenty paces from us. I was a slave for a week before we got to the next town.

They had us slaves huddle together, our hands tied with one long rope, all of us attached to each other making escape impossible. They left about twenty soldiers to watch over us, as the rest went to attack the town. We were too far away to hear or see, but when about three hours went by the soldiers got antsy. While they were talking about what to do, many of their backs sprouted arrows. Before the bodies hit the ground, Sillatiq soldiers came out and slaughtered the rest.

What happened next was a blur. We were freed and taken to the town. It was perfectly fine; the only difference was that Daaxxi bodies littered the ground. I later learned that the Sillatiq army had evacuated the town people and prepared an ambush. The emperor needed more time to get a proper army together, so he sent a small diversion. He was prepared to lose this battle and sent only four-hundred soldiers and a no-name captain. The Daaxxi army had ten thousand soldiers and yet, a captain with only four-hundred soldiers was able to defeat them. He had carefully laid traps all throughout the surrounding areas and was able to divide the army into smaller groups. More Daaxxi survived then died, many fleeing from the battle in the confusion. The Daaxxi empire considered fleeing from a battle worthy of death, so many decided to try and survive in the wild. Daaxxi soldiers' bodies are still found ten years later. The soldiers told us that we were freed and that we could do anything, but I already knew that I wanted to be a soldier. I will never forget what it was like to be a slave. So, when I get to fight these bandits, I will make them suffer.

I have been in the army since I was twelve, eight years in protecting my country. I have seen many plants and animals and interacted with countless bears from faraway lands. I have heard of or seen every creature the five continents have to offer. Whether it's from seeing them in the streets of Meakii or from hearing them from the travelers of distant lands. So, when I finally reached the top and looked towards the direction of the noise. I can say with no doubt in my mind, that I have no idea what the fuck those things are.