first steps to infinity

The next morning, Zugiy woke at dawn, with soft light filtering through the window of his room. He stretched slowly, the fatigue from recent tests still evident in his muscles. His mother, already busy in the kitchen, was preparing breakfast.

As they had breakfast, Zugiy received a notification on his communication device. It was a message from the recruitment base. He read it quickly, keeping his expression unchanged.

— I've been accepted into the Special Forces. I'll start training for off-planet missions — Zugiy said, his voice calm and controlled.

Zugiy's mother, worried, looked at him with a mix of pride and apprehension.

— That's... incredible, son. But it's also dangerous. Are you sure you want to go down this path?

Zugiy, showing his determination, replied:

— Yes, it's an important opportunity. Someone needs to face these challenges. I don't mind the risks.

His mother sighed, understanding her son's resolve. Zugiy had always been different, more focused on tackling challenges than worrying about dangers.

— If that's what you want, I'll support you. But please, be careful.

Zugiy nodded and soon began preparing for the next stage of his life. He set out for the transport that would take him to the training base, aware that he was about to embark on a journey that would change his life.

Upon arriving at the Special Forces training base, Zugiy encountered a futuristic facility, filled with metal and glass structures, with ships and vehicles ready for interplanetary missions. He was led to a large auditorium, where other recruits were already gathered.

The auditorium was vast and modern, with a large holographic screen at the back. The recruits murmured with anticipation as they awaited the start of the presentation. On stage, a figure in black and silver uniform, Commander Morales, waited in silence.

As everyone settled, the holographic screen lit up, displaying a large number.

— This is the number that defines the group you will be assigned to — announced Commander Morales, his firm and authoritative voice capturing everyone's attention.

He continued speaking as the recruits began to move, heading toward different areas indicated by the number on the screen. Each group was guided to a specific instructor, awaiting directions for their new journey.

Commander Morales, observing the process, emphasized:

— Each group will have an instructor responsible for preparing you for missions. Pay attention to the instructions and be ready to start immediately.

As the recruits headed to their instructors, Zugiy found his team: Mel, Melissa, Rosvaldo, and Victor. They were preparing for their first mission: boarding the ship that would take them to Space Station Helios.

The ship, the *Astral Hawk*, was being loaded by Lola, a friendly and funny robot with an animated personality. Lola had a special knack for piloting the ship and was visibly excited about the new mission. Her presence eased the tension with her jokes and casual comments.

— Hello, everyone! Ready for takeoff? Let's make this mission a fun journey! — Lola exclaimed, wagging her sensors with enthusiasm.

Zugiy and the others settled into their seats, while Instructor Kira took command.

— During the flight, you will receive instructions on safety procedures and space combat. Stay focused and be prepared for any eventuality — Kira commanded through the internal communicator.

The *Astral Hawk* began to move smoothly out of the hangar, with Lola in control. The ship advanced into the vastness of space, and Zugiy watched with his characteristic calm as the journey to Space Station Helios began.

— Course set for Space Station Helios — Lola announced with enthusiasm as the ship drifted away from Earth.

As the ship progressed, the onboard atmosphere was one of anticipation and concentration. Each team member understood the importance of the mission and the need to collaborate. Zugiy, despite his introspective nature, was ready to face the unknown with the same calm he always demonstrated.

The journey to Space Station Helios marked the beginning of a new phase for everyone on board. They were about to start essential training to defend Earth and its colonies against the upcoming threats. Zugiy, with his quiet determination, was ready to face any challenge that lay ahead.

The spacecraft was heading towards the Helios Space Station, and the group of recruits was settling in, still trying to get to know each other. Victor, with his challenging posture, tousled brown hair with a side part, and impatient black eyes, looked at the others with a disgruntled expression.

— Does anyone know more about what we'll find at the station? — Victor asked, irritated.

Melissa, with short brown hair with red tips and intense black eyes, and a touch of sarcasm, tried to ease the situation.

— Relax, Victor. What matters is that we're ready for anything. Or at least, we should be.

— I trust the training, but... wouldn't it be better to have more details? The commander didn't say much — Mel commented, with brown hair and light brown eyes, expressing her concern with a calm tone and a slight tremor of nervousness.

Rosvaldo, with black hair and blue eyes, and his confident and natural leadership demeanor, tried to reassure the recruits.

— We need to trust our skills. We were chosen for a reason. The rest we'll find out when we get there.

Zugiy, quiet in the corner of the cabin, observed in silence. He preferred not to get involved in unnecessary conversations. Rosvaldo noticed Zugiy's reserved attitude and decided to ask.

— And you, friend, what's your name? — Rosvaldo asked, trying to include the new colleague in the conversation.

Zugiy glanced at him briefly and responded in a direct and reserved tone:

— Zugiy.

Before they could continue, Lola entered the galley of the spacecraft. She was a robot designed to operate the ship and, as always, attempted to get involved in cooking tasks, despite her questionable skill.

— I think I'll prepare something for us to eat. I can't let us go hungry — Lola said, laughing as she rummaged through the cupboards.

— Good luck with that. Space food isn't the best — Melissa commented, with a touch of sarcasm.

As Lola tried to cook, a strange smell began to spread throughout the ship. The recruits started making faces.

— What the heck is that smell? — Victor complained, covering his nose.

Lola looked at the pot with a frustrated expression.

— I think I'm not doing too well with this — she admitted, visibly disappointed.

Zugiy, observing the situation, decided to step in. He didn't like drawing attention but couldn't let the group go hungry.

— I can try to make something, if you don't mind — Zugiy offered, getting up and moving towards the galley.

Lola looked at him, relieved.

— Really? Go ahead. I'm officially giving up — she said, handing the pot to Zugiy.

Zugiy took control of the kitchen, moving with calm and efficiency. He gathered some ingredients and began working. The others watched in silence, curious to see what he could do.

As Zugiy cooked, Mel looked at Rosvaldo and whispered:

— He doesn't seem to like talking much, does he?

Rosvaldo nodded, respecting Zugiy's reserve.

— I think he's more of the action type than the talker. Nothing wrong with that — Rosvaldo commented.

After a while, the aroma of a delicious meal began to spread through the ship. Zugiy served the dish to the others, who began to eat with enthusiasm.

— Man, this is amazing! Much better than those emergency rations — Victor praised as he devoured the food.

— You really did well. You saved our stomachs — Melissa said, giving a rare smile.

Rosvaldo, noticing Zugiy's reserve, decided to respect his space but also ensure that he felt part of the team.

— Good job, Zugiy. If you need anything, we're here. That's what a team is for — Rosvaldo said, with a tone of leadership.

Zugiy simply nodded, satisfied to see the others enjoying the food. He returned to his usual state of silence, observing the others with a serene look.

The initial tension among the recruits began to dissipate as they realized the importance of working together, despite their differences. The challenge ahead was great, but now they knew they could count on each other — and, perhaps more importantly, that they could face anything with a good meal.