MILKY WAY TIME: 1 YEAR 8 (ALMOST 9) MONTHS SINCE NAMJOON AND SEHUN WENT MISSING

NAMJOON AND SEHUN'S TIME: 18 HOURS SINCE THEY WENT MISSING

Surprisingly enough, Sehun might've been right before about that creature outside being a human who came here and that was the end result. The reason he believes this is because they're in the cave safe and sound. It's tiny, only enough room for around eight people, but that's all they needed. No one, or nothing, else is present. Not a single soul whether it be a known or unknown entity. Akira's never been more grateful for something in his life.

"No, really, what are the odds we see a fucking dinosaur around here?" Akira asks, Rosalind and Jihyun chuckling at the question. "It's a serious question."

"Oh I know, but it's hard to take you seriously when your hair is spiking in ten different directions," Rosalind says. Akira shoots her a dirty look, rubbing his hair down while Jihyun laughs at his expense. Akira can't stop his smile. The kids are sleeping, by kids Akira of course means Sehun and Namjoon, so Rosalind, Jihyun, and Akira decided to wait for them to wake. If they aren't up soon, they'll wake them themselves.

"Alright alright, more serious question. If we get back-"

"When," Jihyun interjects.

"When we get back, where's the first place you'd want to go?" They pause, considering his question seriously. "I know I'd choose Earth. My hometown y'know? Get back to Tokyo and see my family for the first time in years. Haven't seen them since uh... since my best friend passed. I wonder if they're still around."

"Any friends?" Rosalind asks.

"Nah, nah, never had time. I was training constantly to get a chance at being on the Tokyo. Multiple academies, ranked up as an intelligence officer until I was gold. Either my application was really impressive or the Tokyo was really desperate. I got a call back within a couple days. Even at fast food jobs I didn't get a call back that soon."

"We're all a bunch of Earthies then, huh? I don't think they have fast food anywhere else," Jihyun says.

"Oh nonsense, Mars has plenty," Rosalind replies.

"You've been?"

"Twice. I wanted to see the dome projects, thought it'd be pretty to sightsee."

"Was it?" Jihyun asks.

Rosa pauses, smiling. "It was. I'd love to travel all around the solar system. Everywhere, even the Belt."

Jihyun stares at her side profile, her staring at the entrance of the cave, where the fur scarecrow is, facing the lip of the hill leading to this place. Akira glances between the two, wondering what the fuck is going on there. He chooses not to voice his concerns as to why Rosalind has such a spark in her eye or why Jihyun's staring at her- oh, they're in love. Akira snickers at his own inner voice, shaking his head and averting his eyes to the sleeping children. Or, not children. They're legally adults, not that they act like it. At least they know that though. The first step is acceptance.

"You know, Park, you're not a bad engineer," Akira says.

"Oh you know, only studied it my whole life."

"Anything else you study? Other than pop culture references. Before you say anything, making pop culture references shouldn't make up anymore than twenty-five percent of your personality. Preferably less. If it takes over that, I'll personally leave you behind when we find a portal."

"Gee, thanks sir, I'm feeling the love," Jihyun says. "Guess there's no need to worry, I'm not my brother in that regard. God, he always loved those really old movies. Made me watch like sixteen Sherlocks in a row."

"In one day?"

"In one day." Jihyun pauses to turn to Akira. "I've never seen a movie series go through so many British actors. Seriously, what the hell was up with that? I've never seen so many British people in my life."

They laugh, Akira sighing. He was never a big movie guy. His friends loved film, sure, but he never did. Seeing as Earth is the movie capital of the system, he's not sure why he doesn't see more. Each planet has things it's known for. Earth of course for being the human's home, Mars for architect, Pluto for being fucking weird. Thank the lord Akira has never touched down on Pluto.

"We should probably get moving," Akira says. "We only have so much time. I don't want the kids to go back to skeletons as parents. I'm sure we could handle it if we lost some people, but let's not put them through that."

Jihyun and Rosalind sigh and stand, striding outside of the cave. Akira furrows his brows and follows. "Sorry sir, just wanted to appreciate the snow a bit," Jihyun says, grabbing a snowball and tossing it off the mountain.

Akira stares at the scarecrow next to them, Rosalind doing the same. "Think it'll randomly wake up and murder us?" Rosalind asks.

"Well gee, you're peachy, remind me to invite you to my birthday party," Jihyun replies.

"Is it superhero themed?"

"Of course."

"Nerd."

Akira ignores the two of them as they move on to bicker about the best cake flavor. Akira pokes the creature again. It doesn't appear to even have skin, just fur. There's nothing underneath. It feels hollow, nothing inside. Funny, Akira feels the same way from leading a crew and trying not to break down in the middle of it all. The last thing the crew needs is a commander who's lost his mental state. So, he represses his thoughts for now.

"Wake the kids and prepare to leave. I'll be waiting," Akira says. Rosalind and Jihyun agree, Jihyun lingering to feel the snow before walking back inside with Rosa.

Akira observes the terrain, noting the cloud of fog not far from them. A cloud of fog that completely covers the biome they were in not long ago. He wonders if any species ever land on the wrong side. Maybe that fish flies through here every once in a while.

Two minutes later, a grumpy Park Namjoon walks out of the cave with a chipper Jeon Sehun behind him. Well, if Akira were to guess which one of the two is a morning person, his bet would be on Sehun. Just a theory though, may not be correct.

"Morning sleeping beauty," Akira says.

"Fuck this. Fuck everyone. I wanna fucking die," Namjoon mumbles, rubbing his eyes.

"Thanks for your input, princess. Want some tea while we're here? I can put some sugar in it," Sehun says, nudging his friend's side.

"The only sugar I want you to put in my tea is poison."

"Alright, as enthralling as this conversation is, where are my two favorite people here?" Akira asks. Rosalind and Jihyun pop up behind them, Namjoon and Sehun scoffing. Akira doesn't answer their dirty glances as his crewmates step up. "Let's move out. I know it's hard to see, but try your best to keep an eye on everything happening. If you see any movement, let me know and get behind me."

"You don't have to tell me twice, sir," Rosalind replies.

"Alright wiseass, I'm making a new rank for you. What's that material that's like... I don't know, weak as fuck?"

"You," Namjoon replies.

"Okay, I'm reporting you to your father for that comment, smartass. What a wonderful crew. Wiseass ginger, nerd Park, discount smartass Park, and Sehun."

"I'm honored. And sir, the weakest mineral is talc," Sehun says.

"At least someone's useful. Rosalind, you're Talc Medic now. Let's move."

They snort but don't reply. The group of five continue down the mountain, Akira keeping his eyes on the scarecrow on their rear since Jihyun probably isn't. Akira loves that kid, but he's not the most observant person in the world. Akira sighs, averting his gaze to the sky for a moment.

This is gonna be a long day.

~~~

Akira isn't sure how long it's been, but it's probably been a good six hours, meaning Namjoon and Sehun have been here a whole day. 2.6 years back home. Good news: they left the tundra a while ago. Actually, they traversed through three whole biomes, with the tundra being the longest. The second was covered in crystals. Aquamarine crystal trees and grounds. That took a long time too since there were so many spikes they almost broke the soles of their shoes. The third one was hills. Nothing special; a bunch of black hills that varied from large to small. In the two new biomes, they didn't find any creatures.

Now they're in the next biome: grasslands. Not the same tan grass Akira recalls eating out of desperation. The grass here is multicolored, fading between reds yellows and greens to purples blues and blacks. Akira and the crew took a solid five minutes to gawk at the very idea that grass can be different colors. They act like LED lights, shifting between the colors of the rainbow with some extra added on.

Akira is taking point, already seeing the next biome up ahead. Far away, but thanks to the sky being clear and not covered with crystals, mountains, hills, or fog, he can see a bit farther than average. The next one appears to be more mountains. Mountains that aren't covered in snow this time. Spiky like the crystals, a much darker color now. Maybe a gray or pure black. Akira can't tell all the details from here.

The grasslands are massive. Probably the most enormous biome they've been in. They're exhausted from the constant walking, but no one voices any complaints. Even the 'morning person' Park Namjoon is keeping his mouth shut. The bags under his eyes are apparent, but Akira's sure it's the same way for everyone.

There's a shake, almost like a loud bang, Akira and his crew stumbling. They regain their footing in time for another tremble to come. This one shakes the ground enough to send them flying to the multi-colored grass. Akira groans and holds his head, turning to see what could've possibly used a force strong enough to push them back that far. The result has Akira's jaw dropping.

Not far from them, only about seventy feet away, is the tallest creature Akira has ever seen in his life. Akira has read textbooks on certain wildlife on other inhabited planets evolving due to the environment, but this is nothing like that. Instead of being a few feet taller than Akira, this massive beast has to be at least 150 feet taller than him. With six boney, long legs and an animal-like body resting atop them, the alien somehow appeared out of nowhere despite the plains being so open.

The entire crew halts their movements, staring at the tentacles coming out of the thing's face, the countless body parts waving in the wind. "What the fuck?!" Jihyun shouts. "What the actual fuck is that?!"

"Long legs, gigantic being, tentacles... I'm guessing it doesn't want anything to do with us," Sehun says. "Don't try anything, just let it pass. We're not food for it."

"Do I want to ask your theory on what the fuck is?!" Akira asks.

Sehun shrugs but doesn't reply, Akira grunting and turning his attention back to the monster. "May sound strange, but it's a giant monster in the grasslands. I'm gonna call it a Strider," Sehun says. No one agrees or disagrees with his words. Akira personally thinks it's a clever name, but he also doesn't care right now. There's a ginormous, 6-legged creature walking towards them and shaking the ground each step it takes.

Akira grunts as he holds on, attempting to keep himself steady. It comes closer and closer, but the crew is far enough to the left that the thing won't step on them. Akira sends a mental prayer to whatever's watching over them even though he doesn't believe in that shit.

It takes two minutes of pounding and nearly flying off the ground when it got close, but the Strider eventually passes. Akira is first to stand, taking out his weapon. "Do I really want to know what kind of predator could be feasting on that thing?" Akira asks.

"It may be the apex predator of this region, sir," Sehun says. "Either way, I'm sure whatever they eat must be large too. We should get out of here before we find out what that is. Might be small enough to consider us a decent snack."

"Every time you talk, my brain hurts more," Akira replies, dusting off his jacket and striding away. "Let's get to the next biome before anything bad happens-"

'Bang!'

Akira yells as a bright light explodes through his vision, his body quivering from the force of it. He feels a hand on his shoulder, his feet desperately kicking the ground. "It's me! It's me!" Namjoon says, pulling Akira back up. He thanks the Park, shifting his vision to where the sound came from.

"Shit, sir that's the exact same sound we heard when their ship entered," Rosalind says, pointing to Namjoon and Sehun.

"Shit," Akira replies, glancing up in time to see a large warship soar high in the sky, on course to crashing far away from them. Akira watches it fly all the way back where they came from, most likely either the same rocks that Namjoon and Sehun were or the fog realm. He sighs. "As much as I'd love to investigate, we can't. That's over a day's journey at least, and that's assuming whoever's inside is alive after the crash or didn't vacate before we can get there."

"I agree. We have higher priorities," Sehun says, pointing toward the end of the biome in the distance. "Speaking of: sir, we're not too much farther. Maybe half an hour at most. Look for holes in the ground or caves, there may be clues inside there. It'd be nice to be able to communicate with one of these creatures, even if they don't understand English."

"How would we do that?" Namjoon asks.

"It won't be easy, but think of it like teaching a dog basic tricks. Sit and they sit down, shake and they shake your hand. New puppies can learn those in minutes depending on how smart they are. Maybe we can teach them through a combination of hand signals and clear articulation."

"You know, for someone who crashed their ship in a foreign alien world, you're not too bad, Jeon," Akira says, patting him on the shoulder before walking by him. "At this point, I'm willing to try anything, Rosalind, do you have any experience in linguistics?"

"Some. I learned French in university."

"Rosa, I'm pretty sure learning a different language and linguistics are two completely different things, but thanks for the effort, Talc Medic."

Rosalind nearly whacks Akira, then freezes halfway. Instead she goes back to walking by Jihyun's side, her eyes on the new environment up ahead. Then, she halts her body, taking the rest of the crew with her. "Uh... guys, do you see that thing?"

Akira stares where she's pointing, furrowing his brows when he sees a small body there. It hops around, using its three legs to traverse. An overwhelming urge to vomit at the creature's grotesque appearance hits, but he knows they need help. Wildlife is the only way they're going to get that help.

The creature has celadon skin, wrinkles covering it, no eyes present on its face. Well, if it even has a face, that is. The thing seems to be a football-shaped creature with its face being the front opening on its body, the opening containing a single circle Akira assumes is the mouth.

"That may not be our best candidate," Sehun says. "But I'm more concerned with how these things are appearing out of nowhere while we're in grasslands. How are we not seeing them?"

"Caves?" Rosalind suggests.

"That'd have to be one massive cave to hide a Strider," Akira replies.

The others silently agree while the creature hops closer to them. It hops and hops until it stops only six feet away. Akira stays in front, Rosalind at his side. He considers her his XO for more than just the 'she's the second highest rank' reason. She's a determined person from what he can tell, plus he doesn't want to get on the medic's bad side. He loves Jihyun very much, but the medic is a bit more important in a situation like this.

"Hello," Akira says. "Any chance you understand us?"

It roars in response, Akira pulling out his pistol but keeping it pointed at the ground. Rosalind and him share a look, Jihyun drawing his handgun as well. Rosalind follows suit. However, no one gets a chance to talk again seeing as the thing charges forward in a fit of rage. It's just now that Akira notices that it has a sharp, long tail. It swings the tail around, Rosalind caught off guard. She gets hit with it and cries from pain, falling to the ground.

"Rosa!" Akira shouts, firing several rounds into the thing's back. Jihyun steps where Rosalind was, shooting and shooting. Akira struggles, attempting to herd the group back, but the creature nearly kills him for it. Jihyun pushes Akira aside, protecting him from getting his head cut off by the tail. Akira gasps, falling to the ground. He snaps his head up, observing Jihyun. The younger man fires once, hitting the creature in the face. It snarls, hissing and growling. Then, it falls over, dead.

Jihyun helps Akira up, him nodding his thanks to the rookie before going to Rosalind. She's whimpering, Akira inspecting her skin. "It cut me, pretty deeply," she says, pointing to her shredded shirt. It made a deep gash from her right shoulder to her left collarbone, the mark stopping right above her left breast.

"How bad is that?"

"I'll be able to move. It'll hurt like crazy, but I won't be in life-threatening danger until I get an infection, and I can almost guarantee I will get one."

"Shit," Akira whispers, helping her to her feet.

Jihyun is right next to her, wrapping her arm around his shoulder so he can support her as she walks. Akira lets him do it, the two testing out walking together. "How is it? Can you move at the same pace?" Jihyun asks.

"N-No, I'm sorry, but no, it's burning too badly."

"It's okay, do you have any medical supplies on you?"

"We don't have much," Sehun says, taking off the bag on his shoulder and rifling through it. Jihyun stays with Rosalind the whole time, inspecting the wound as closely as he can, not that he'd know much about medical situations. Or maybe he does. After all, the Tokyo's head scientist and medic are his brother's best friends: Sapphire and Anya. "Luckily, Jimin is overprotective, otherwise we wouldn't even have painkillers." Sehun takes out two pills, handing them to Akira. He transfers them to Rosalind, Jihyun taking a water out of his own bag to provide for her.

She thanks both of them, swallowing the pill and leaning on Jihyun for support. "I'll stay by her, sir. We need to keep moving, as much as I hate to say it," Jihyun says.

"Thank you, engineer. Nice shooting too," Akira says.

"I learned a thing or two from Yoongi," Jihyun replies with a nod.

Akira doesn't press any further; he doesn't have a reason to. He eyes the next biome, his worry pumping through his veins at the thought of traversing through more unknown territory with an injured girl. His eyes travel to the dead creature on the ground, Sehun kneeling and eyeing it without getting too close.

"Nothing," he mumbles when he meets Akira's curious eyes. Akira averts his gaze, the sky cloaking his skin in a sheet of darkness. A new ship, Striders, a creature that attacked them, an injury, and now one of the youngest of them is the smartest. Akira holsters his pistol, clicking on the safety for good measure.

What the hell has his life become?