SFSD-X Smackdown Challenge ✔️

1.1 The Endless Summer Of Love (Arrival)

1 - Arrival

The pen drummed rapidly against the edge of the console, the rhythmic thumps blending in with the low humming of the engine. Eureko's eyes were fixed on the map in front of him, oblivious to the painful frowns of the analysts around him. The find of the old treasure was still mindboggling and his entire time of the past six months had been spent in the preparation of this mission. He couldn't wait to set foot on the island no human had even laid eyes on for centuries.

"Sir, we are approaching a solid fog bank and the ship's instruments are highly affected by magnetic disturbances. Are you sure you want us to continue?"

Eureko's jaw almost dropped - what an idiot!

"Captain," he said, trying to keep the anger from his voice. "I was ensured that you're the best pilot left on this godforsaken planet but so far, I'm not impressed. Make sure you live up to your reputation and don't ask such a stupid question again. Of course I want you to continue."

With slumped shoulders, the captain retreated. Eureko clicked his tongue - courage seemed to have been blown to pieces together with the rest of civilization. What was left were cowards and wimps, scrambling to rebuilt something that was no longer salvageable. What they didn't realize was that their only hope was that island he was determined to find and which would guarantee him a chapter in future history books.

A strong jolt rumbled through the ship before half a dozen lights started to flash on the consoles. Sirens filled the room.

"What's happening?" Eureko shouted.

"Sir, we lost our radar." The captain tried desperately to stay upright by holding on to the back of his chair. His usual pale face had turned translucent. "We are blind as a bat."

The ship vibrated, threatening to break in half. The sirens almost split Eureko's eardrums and he held on to his arm rests for dear life. People were scrambling around him, hammering away at their keyboards or hitting against the instruments. Yells echoed through the room but were drowned out by panicked shrieks and those damn sirens. The whole scene looked grotesque and Eureko couldn't help but snicker. His goal was so close and yet so far and those stupid humans were ruining everything. The lights flicked before shutting off completely, surrendering the ship to darkness.

And then, the rapid descent began.