The beginning after the end

*Plop* *Plop*

Klautz opened his eyes, finding himself surrounded by hundreds of people.  But he was expecting this much. He looked up at the sky. It was the same blue sky and blazing yellow sun as back on earth. But the land below was completely different.

"I am finally back," Klautz whispered as he looked around.

All the trees around had dried out and stood leafless. There was a river nearby but water didn't flow in it. Instead a purple nauseating substance found their way through the channel. Air bubbles rose from the bottom as they popped as soon as they came to the surface adding to its grotesque appearance.

Hell! even the soil they were standing on had patches of purple which complemented the green moss here and there.

"So, these are the ones who have survived."

Klautz nodded.