Oxygen Levels Running Low

Mission Start

January 12, 2541 - I had been given the position of 'Commander' to lead a team of troopers on a mission to space. I had 5 troops on my team, including myself. I was told that our mission was to scout and collect data from an astronomical body that had mysteriously surfaced itself near the moon on Earth's orbit. The phenomenon baffled our researchers when they discovered it. The astronomical body is spherical in shape. That made our scientists believed that it was a planet. The information was hidden from the public. It was only known by personnel of Space Trooper Army Recruitment (STAR) with Level 5 classification or higher. Being a Level 5 personnel, I found out about the planet through a conference. The conference explained and enlightened us about the new planet. Well, whatever they could find out about the planet.

The planet had been nicknamed 'Moon's Shadow' due to the fact that it was near the moon and only darkness could be seen when viewing the planet. The planet's surface seemed pitch black when viewed closely with a satellite. The planet was visible because it was covering a large segment of the moon when viewed at a certain angle. Through careful observation, the planet was noted as smaller than the moon which made our scientists and researchers theorize that the astronomical body was a satellite rather than a planet. What was another moon doing on Earth's orbit? How did it appear? Is it a threat to Earth? That was the only true information about 'Moon's Shadow' that our scientist and research team could find out. Our scientists had many theories as to why the phenomena occurred but none of them could be proven without actual facts. That was where my team come in.

My team and I were already professionally-trained soldiers but we were given more proper training to ease our journey to the planet and back. Since the planet's surface had been noted to be pitch-black, the scientists had integrated a very powerful light source into our weapons and spacesuits. Our weapons and suits had also been upgraded for the occasion.

Before we got ourselves into any real danger. The scientists and research team tested us in a simulated world inside a chamber. The room was replicated to look like how the scientists imagined the surface of 'Moon's Shadow' would be. It was very dark. We could barely make out each other's faces even when standing up close to each other. We were tested to see if we could survive at least a day on Moon's Shadow.We had been told that if we failed the simulation, they would test a different group of troopers until one was able to succeed in the test. The group that succeeds would be the one to get sent to the satellite for the mission. That only motivated us to do our very best in the simulated test.

Everything in the augmented reality felt real but truly, nothing was real. Any injuries sustained within the simulation would feel like the real thing but death within the simulation would cancel the simulation for the person who died. We were armed with fake weaponry to simulate holding weapons and suited up with fake armor to simulate protection. Each item had its own fake version to help simulate movements or actions done inside the simulated world.

Our mission in the simulation was the same as our real mission; to scout and collect data. We had to face many obstacles that the scientists had placed inside the simulated world. Most of them were easy but some of them were quite challenging. In the end, all of us did an excellent job surviving the simulated world. No injuries nor casualties were caused during the simulation. It was safe for the scientists and research team to confirm that we could survive approximately for a week on the satellite. That was more than enough time that they need to scout and collect data. The only problem was that the simulated world didn't follow real time as that would cause the test to last longer than it initially would. However, the scientists and research team were very confident with their calculations.

January 13, 2541 - Today was the day that my crew was going to travel to 'Moon's Shadow'. I had to admit, I was terrified to go on the mission. The constant thoughts of the dangers lurking inside the planet would sometimes get to me. However, the moral support that the people of STAR and my team gave me had given me enough confidence to continue the mission. I got rid of any doubts left in me and focused on the good side of things. I mean, we had many light sources, we had powerful weapons and protective armors but most importantly, we had ourselves and I couldn't be anymore proud of my teammates for tagging along with me.

Our vessel had already been prepared for us. It was the perfect vessel for fast travel and for dark places. It is equipped with a variety of weaponry along with the powerful light source. Everything that they would ever need would already be inside the ship. Space beds, space food and beverages, games and others but the most essential item was the oxygen tanks. Their suits were already filled with enough oxygen but the oxygen tanks were there as backup, just in case they needed more. The engineers did one last routine check before confirming the ship and everything inside was in tip-top shape.

My crew and I thanked everyone that had helped us and supported us till the day we leave. The highest commanding officer, the leader of STAR himself had came to send us off. He wished us good luck and reminded us to be careful out there. He told us to never lose hope and to not let things get in our way. His inspiring speech nearly made my tears fall. "Sir Yes Sir! We won't disappoint you sir!" We all said in unison before entering the ship.

The speech kept replaying itself in my head and I reminded my crew the advice our leader had given us. I promised them that I would be a remarkable commander, maybe as remarkable as our leader. My crew cheered in unison. They were as high-spirited and fueled as I was. We were ready to take on anything that would come our way as we journey to 'Moon's Shadow'!