First Flight

Chapter 3 The Forest

The next day they were up and out in a samson as soon as the sun rose. They were beginning their work on whatever Grace needed to do, Y/n didn't have enough time to ask questions about what Grace was working on, all Y/n knew was that Grace was researching something about the forest and its connections. It sounded interesting enough that was for sure, perhaps later that night she could ask the woman what exactly she was researching, and maybe Y/n could even learn a little more on the day's trip by just watching and listening. As they were flying towards their destination the scenery and beauty of the planet became even more breathtaking. It was what Earth used to look like, but ten times better, and now that they were far away from base more animals began to appear. Y/n and Norman made a short game out of how many species they could name during their flight, and Jake simply watched with a smirk, excited all on his own at the flight itself. Their team was already getting along nicely and there were six more years to get to know each other like family.

Finally touching down at their destination, everybody grabbed their bags and tools for their hike deeper into the forest, and thankfully Grace told the other soldiers to stay behind. It was uncomfortable enough riding in a scorpion with them, walking through an unknown biome would have been even worse no doubt they would have been jumpy and trigger-happy as all hell. This trip, as Grace said, was one for people who had well-maintained emotions and patience. Without even knowing those soldiers Y/n could already tell they were not any of that. It was just a routine expedition she said, nothing crazy. Walking through the forest was an experience Y/n had never had in her life. Life back on Earth was surrounded by concrete, LED lights, robots, AI, and everything humans made but natural nature. It had been years since Earth had any sort of real natural growth, they had killed off almost every species to build their immortal empire. This, however, was a breath of fresh air, literally.

Reaching a spot Grace approved of they got out their science gear and began a small test. Since Y/n was just a medic all she could do was watch quietly along with Jake. They both had no clue what Grace and Norman were doing, but it sure did look interesting. The sounds of the forest echoed all around them, creatures near and far all clearly audible from where the group was positioned, and just like Y/n it seemed as though Jake got a little bored of what the two scientists were up to and began to explore in the nearby foliage. Looking back and forth between Jake and the other two Y/n followed suit behind the marine. 'I'm no help to them right now, there's a whole forest full of cool shit I've never seen before, and I've got nothing better to do than stand there like a log and watch them do science.' Y/n tried to give herself many valid reasons as to why following behind this marine was better and possibly more helpful. Who knows, the two of them could have found a plant that was way more valuable to Grace than the one she was working on now.

As Jake and Y/n rounded the corner of a large tree some weird orange coral-like plants came into view. To Y/n they looked like they belonged in an ocean or a reef bed, they were such a bright color which made the girl hesitate for a moment as she watched Jake get closer. "Hey Sully, maybe don't touch the unknown plant? It could be poisonous? It is a bright orange after all and–", right as the girl mentioned not touching the plant, Jake, not much to Y/n's surprise, touched said plant. However, surprisingly enough the plant quickly closed and sucked itself down to the ground with a thwunk sound. "Woah", Y/n mumbled moving forward finally beside Jake. It was like the plant's own defense mechanism, any sort of movement meant danger and it closed to protect itself. 'So most likely not poisonous, right? I mean if it does that to protect itself then it has no other defense...' She came to her own conclusion as she reached her hand out to do the same since she couldn't help herself at this point, it seemed fun. Once again another coral plant shrunk itself in defense and Y/n let out a chuckle. There were so many left and it seemed like harmless fun so Y/n joined Jake in making the others close. It was like a game, and they were two delighted kids having the best day of their lives.