Project Gaia : The arrival of humanity

Chapter 17 : Colonization

"For a colonized people the most essential value, because the most concrete, is first and foremost the land: the land which will bring them bread and, above all, dignity."

- Franz Fanon

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~A few days ago. Gaia, New Washington. 1400 hours.

The wide, open meadow stretched before the landscape, undulating in a sea of emerald green and dotted with patches of vibrant wildflowers swaying gently under the caress of the afternoon breeze. The sun, a golden orb in the sky-similar yet subtly different from the sun of Earth-cast a warm, honeyed light over the landscape. The air was crisp and fresh, untouched by the pollution that had long plagued their home planet. To the colonists, the sweeping horizon was a reminder of new beginnings, a blank slate that carried both promise and peril.

The Nissan pickup truck rumbled to a halt, its engine's low growl fading into the gentle sounds of the alien world: the hum of insects with wings that shimmered like stained glass, the rustle of tall grasses whispering secrets, and the distant call of a bird with a song that mimicked a trill and a hum. The trio stepped out of the vehicle, boots crunching against the unfamiliar terrain, eyes squinting against the brilliance of the afternoon sun.

Peter Evans, a broad-shouldered man with sunburned skin and an unmistakable Texan swagger, adjusted his cowboy hat and gave a toothy grin. The glint in his eyes spoke of restless ambition. Beside him, Kai Brown ran a hand over his close-cropped hair, the skeptical crease in his brow deepening as he scanned the horizon. Ricardo Romero, shorter but wiry and quick with a smile, ran his fingers over the beaded bracelet on his wrist-a small comfort from home-while looking apprehensively around.

The newly dubbed "New Niagara Falls" roared in the distance, the sound of the crashing water a thunderous backdrop that reverberated through the rolling landscape. The vast meadow stretched around them, painted in vibrant greens, and scattered with clusters of wildflowers in hues of purple, gold, and white. The air was fresh and tinged with the faint scent of wild grass and water vapor, a reminder that humanity had found a world as pristine as Earth once was.

The wind tugging at his sun-bleached hair, and laughed with a carefree ease. "Ain't this something, boys? Who'd have thought we'd be living out here, taking in the sights of a whole new world?"

Kai chuckled, pulling the brim of his cap lower to shield his eyes from the glare. "Yeah, no kidding. Beats looking at concrete walls back home."

Ricardo, who sat in the back seat with his arms resting on the headrests of the front seats, nodded with a wistful smile. "This place reminds me of those old camping trips back in the Sierra Madre."

They parked the truck near the riverbank, stepping out and stretching their tired limbs as the sound of the falls roared in their ears. The mist hung in the air, tiny droplets catching the sunlight and creating a faint rainbow that danced in the breeze. They took turns snapping photos, trying to capture the beauty of the moment and the novelty of their new world.

"Hey, check this out," Peter said, leaning over Kai's shoulder as he reviewed the photos on his phone. The laughter in their eyes faded into stillness as Kai's gaze darted past the camera lens and out across the meadow.

"Wait... what is that?" Kai muttered, narrowing his eyes at a cluster of figures partially hidden in the tall grass.

Ricardo followed his line of sight, the smile slipping from his face. His heart quickened as he saw the movement-four creatures, their bodies lithe yet sturdy, with bright, impossibly colorful fur that glistened under the afternoon sun. Their eyes were larger than any animal's should be, expressive and filled with an intelligence that made Ricardo's throat tighten. One was a deep red with a shock of brown mane, while another was a pale peach with a golden, almost glowing mane.