Cat & Mouse

Arrived

Tensions were definitely high for those 13 days as Nadia predicted. But no one killed each other and everyone minded their own business. So there was that at least. Mostly towards the end everyone was only getting antsy. Turns out being stuck in a space ship for 2 weeks even with people keeping you company gives you cabin fever. Everyone waited patiently in their seats on the space shuttle. It had already been launched from the ship and was making its way towards the abandoned planet. "Attention all passengers. We are about to to enter the planets atmosphere. Please make sure you are properly buckled down, as we see a little bit of resistance and turbulence. We ask you stay fastened until we land at this time." the speaker dinged and the light blinked off ending the transmission. Everyone hurriedly complied. Part excitement they had finally made it, and part they didn't feel like going for a flight when the so-called turbulence and resistance started.

Nadia mostly was just excited and couldn't contain it. She clung to Roxy's hand as she stared out the windows of the shuttle,  tapping her feet rapidly against the ground. Roxy smiled at her best friends happiness. If the marines did anything to fuck this up and got her or another person hurt she would be sure to make their lives hell. The flight crew wasn't wrong, there was definitely a decent amount of turbulence and resistance. Some people were holding onto each other for dear life, some looked like they were praying, and others with more experience just leaned back and went with it. Nadia was one of those that were holding onto someone for dear life. Roxy of course was that unlucky victim. While Roxy herself was the experienced one just going with it.

After what felt like eternity the space shuttle landed. Everyone sighed with relief. The speaker dinged and lit up, "Well that was a little rough wasn't it? I have good news and bad news. The good news is we've landed..." there was a long pause as everyone looked nervously at each other. "Then what is the bad news...?" one person spoke softly. As if hearing the pilot continued, "The bad news is the free ride is over and now you all have to work." the voice said with amusement. There was a communal groan. What a dad joke. However, Nadia snorted before quickly covering her mouth in embarrassment at all the surrounding stares. Roxy grinned at her friends expense. Everyone unlatched their buckles and exited the shuttle. One person sprinted out actually, and everyone soon found out why as they heard the sounds of heaving and vomit hitting the ground. Good thing they already knew the air was breathable and not toxic. It was something the scientists tested before they even boarded the shuttle. After all, why waste resources and time on a planet that had air that wasn't even breathable.

While everyone unboarded the shuttle, other space crafts began arriving. Carrying more people, but also dropping supplies. From their equipment and belongings to a handful of large trailers that would serve as temporary housing and lab facilities. The trailers for labs were just that, mobile labs. The trailers for housing were large enough to house six twin sized cots, three small bathrooms, and a kitchen with a seating area for meal times. The living area would be considered anywhere that didn't have a bed, bathroom or kitchen. It wasn't exactly a 5 star resort, but it would be cozy enough for temporary residence. Also sort of an incentive for them to start and finish their work quicker. Not everyone was to stay on the planet however, there were still people above the planet on the main space ship.

Roxy called everyone on the research team to gather round. "Alright everyone. First day here we go. Today the agenda is basically to just settle in and get everything set up and unpacked. Tomorrow we will be begin our explorations. I have been given a map of all areas of interest. Some we can reach by vehicles, but others will require hiking. And some a little bit of both. Naturally we will start closer first and work our way out. I simply ask that you listen to me. When I say stop we stop, we go when I say so. You pack what I tell you to, no less and in some cases no more either. Is everyone clear with that?" she questioned and everyone nodded in agreement.  "Then wonderful. You may all go and get started." She finished and the group dispersed.

Nadia and Roxy once again chose to room together. They also found a few others to complete their sleeping arrangement for the trailer. They found two females and two males willing. The two males were actually a gay couple they discovered, and it was adorable. One was a field medic and pathologist, while the other was a Botanist. The medic's name was Alec, while the Botanist was Eli. Of the two females, one was a Biologist, and the other a Paleontologist. The biologist was named Marissa, and the Paleontologist was Claire. The group got acquainted and became friends rather quickly.

All four girls were shocked to know Alec and Eli were dating. But it was a pleasant surprise. Alec was just a tall, attractive and polite country boy. He even had a southern accent. Eli however looked like he belonged in a k-pop boy band. He was beautiful and flawless. The pair really complimented each other. Marissa looked like an Instagram model, and Claire had wild thick red curls falling everywhere with a button nose. Strongly resembling Princess Merida from an old Disney movie. She was adorable to say the least. Nadia really felt out of place surrounded by all these attractive people.

---The Next Day---

"Alright listen up, people. Today's destination is going to be half vehicle and half us hiking. Make sure you are all wearing the appropriate footwear and appropriate clothing as well. If you are in sneakers make sure the laces are loose on your foot but tight on your ankle. If you're wearing boots you want the laces tight on your feet and loose on your ankles. Make sure you bring enough water, extra socks and undergarments are never wrong, and one other set of appropriate clothing and shoes. I recommend you also bring baby wipes and hand sanitizer. You can also bring snacks. Protein or nutrition bars would be best, or various dehydrated items like fruit and meat. As far as actual meals go, we will have MREs provided by the marines. That's all for now. Enjoy the rest of your breakfast. We will leave in 45 minutes." Roxeanne stated and sat down. Nadia smiled. Her best friend was so cool. Both girls finished their breakfast and each checked their bags, double and triple checking they had everything they would need. When it was time, they all loaded into the armored vehicles and departed.