Making A Base In A New World

Morning arrived on the new planet, casting a cold, pale light over Aldric's camp as he reviewed his plans for the day. He envisioned a 10-kilometer radius base, designed not just for survival but as a foundation for potential future operations. Beside him, Cen, his advanced AI companion, hummed to life with a flicker of holographic lights, ready to assist.

Cen greeted him, its tone always a touch too precise. [If I may make a suggestion, the first structure we should construct is an underground hangar bunker for the Arcadia. This would ensure its safety as our last line of defense.]

Aldric rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "An underground hangar? Ambitious. What's the logic, Cen?"

[Besides providing cover, it would allow us to conceal the Arcadia from potential threats] Cen replied, its tone calm as usual. [My recent scans have identified flying lifeforms with a threat level of five out of ten in the immediate vicinity. While manageable, they could become problematic without countermeasures.]

"Right," Aldric muttered, "last thing I want is to be blindsided by a horde of oversized predators thinking my ship's a snack."

[Exactly, sir] Cen continued. [The underground hangar would also facilitate resource storage, potentially evolving into a mining facility. We're standing on ample resources, after all.]

Aldric was impressed by the suggestion, but something lingered on his mind. He turned to Cen, curious and with a trace of apprehension in his eyes. "Show me a visual of one of those flying creatures, Cen. I want to know what we're dealing with here."

Without missing a beat, Cen's holographic interface blinked, rendering a three-dimensional image that slowly rotated in midair. Aldric's eyes widened as he took in the sight—a creature both terrifying and magnificent.

The creature was gargantuan, with a wingspan that stretched easily the length of a small transport ship. Its body was sleek yet armored, covered in scales that shimmered with a metallic, obsidian hue. Each wing was lined with translucent, membrane-like feathers that seemed to ripple in the air, adapting to atmospheric currents and giving the creature a surreal elegance in its flight.

Massive claws curved from its taloned feet, each one longer than Aldric's forearm, while its head featured a beak-like protrusion flanked by clusters of narrow, predatory eyes that gleamed with an almost reptilian intelligence.

"How… how can something that big fly at that altitude?" Aldric murmured, trying to reconcile the sheer size and build of the creature with its obvious aerial agility. "And it's… barely restricted by its size."

Cen responded in its characteristic analytical tone.

[My scans suggest that the creature's skeletal structure is laced with a unique material that is both exceptionally lightweight and durable. Combined with its wing membrane, which appears to operate with a sophisticated muscle and joint network, it maintains extraordinary lift and maneuverability. This adaptation allows it to soar at high altitudes, likely for hunting purposes.]

Aldric's eyes remained fixed on the creature. It was unlike anything he had seen in all his years, even on the most hostile planets New Earth had encountered. There was a fierce intelligence in those eyes, a reminder that this world was untamed, unpredictable, and far from the domains humanity was accustomed to.

"How big is it, exactly?"

[Approximately fifty meters from wingtip to wingtip.] Cen confirmed, [With an estimated weight of several tons. Yet, its structural adaptations suggest a level of mobility we previously considered impossible for creatures of this size.]

Aldric's gaze hardened as he processed the information. This was a creature that defied the known laws of biology and physics back on New Earth.

He felt a surge of both excitement and caution—a reminder that this was truly unexplored territory, filled with unknown dangers and mysteries. If creatures like these roamed freely, even larger or more dangerous threats could lurk nearby.

"Alert status, maximum," Aldric ordered, a new edge to his voice. "I don't want to take any chances. If that's just one creature out there, we can't be sure what else this world has hidden. Let's keep our defenses sharp."

[Understood, Commander] Cen replied, its voice unwavering.

Aldric nodded. He immediately visualized what he needed to do: "Cen. Let's run through our resources."

Cen's display flickered, showing a comprehensive list.

[We have eighty energy cores remaining, which could power more Guardian Constructs if needed. Additionally, we possess a decade's worth of essential supplies—food, water, and daily necessities—alongside substantial reserves of Brimsteel weaponry.]

Aldric raised an eyebrow. "Brimsteel?"

[A term I devised for our supply of conventional gunpowder-based armaments. We also have a significant backup of energy rifles, reserved for last-resort scenarios should Brimsteel reserves ever deplete.]

Aldric chuckled, impressed by the AI's quick thinking. "Brimsteel it is, then. How about fuel reserves for the Arcadia?"

[We're in excellent condition on that front] Cen responded. [Fuel reserves are ample for sustained orbital activity, with contingency measures for rationing if we encounter prolonged emergencies.]

"Good," Aldric said, folding his arms. "With those resources alone, our base is starting to sound like a fortress. Food and water?"

[Supply chain projections are optimal] Cen reported, displaying resource graphs in a glowing hologram. [With only you requiring sustenance, Commander, we have enough food and water to last a full decade at your current consumption rate. However, given the immense biodiversity of this planet, including creatures that defy known classifications, a longer stay would be ideal for full study. From preliminary scans, this world ranks as one of the most resource-abundant and ecologically rich planets discovered in over a thousand years, surpassing any in New Earth's database.]

Aldric absorbed the information, nodding. "Ten years might be too little, then," he mused, eyeing the surrounding landscape through the viewscreen.

[Agreed, sir] Cen replied. [To fully explore and analyze the planet's potential, a significantly longer operation may be required. Unfortunately, signal disruptions are still affecting the range and effectiveness of our reconnaissance drones, and several malfunctioned on their initial runs. Conducting manual exploration would pose unnecessary risks, especially with the Arcadia left unattended—even with security systems at maximum alert.]

Aldric exhaled, his fingers tapping on the control panel. [You're right, Cen. Until we secure consistent drone functionality or improve our communications, it's best to operate close to the ship.]

Aldric smirked, appreciating Cen's cautious calculations. "Then let's keep the Constructs on standby when they're not needed. Save the energy cores for more urgent matters."

[As you wish, Commander. Are there any specific directives for today's operations?]

Aldric's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the horizon. "First, let's establish this underground hangar you recommended. And keep an eye on those flying monsters—I don't want any surprises."

[Understood] Cen replied. [Shall we initiate construction, then?]

"Let's get to work," Aldric said, giving one last look at the surrounding foreign landscape. He felt a familiar thrill he hadn't felt in years. Out here, he was far from the comfort of Earth, but he felt alive for the first time in a long time.