Page 1 of Taken By the Alien Merking
Chapter 1
Brooke
“Well,humanityfuckedaround.And now, it’s time to find out.”
Brooke raised her eyebrows at the mumbled comment from the back of the craft as the landing capsule hummed withanticipation. Or perhaps it was just the vibration of the engines straining against the unknowns of Planet Sanos’ atmosphere. Brooke’s gaze was fixed on the hazy mostly-blue orb growing larger on the viewscreen, her mind a whirlwind of calculations and contingencies.
“All right, ladies,” Brooke announced, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest. “We’re programming the final approach. Once we land, you know what to do. We’ve trained for this. You’ll each meet with negotiators and leaders of the different species on Sanos and secure a future for humans.”
“Captain, are we sure that’s wise? We don’t know much about any of these species beyond what they provided to command.” Brooke recognized the voice of another captain on the mission and allowed herself a thin smile in return.
“It’s a risk, but we need to show them we’re serious. One leader to another. It’s why we’re all the same rank with the same training. It’s our only hope for this mission. And our only hope as a species.”
The youngest of their sevensome chimed in, her fingers dancing across the touchscreen as the capsule continued its descent. “And if they’re not as… diplomatic as we hope?”
“Then we adapt,” Brooke replied, the certainty in her voice belying the knot in her stomach. “We’ve trained for this. Our survival depends on it.”
The capsule shuddered slightly as it pierced the upper atmosphere. The buffeting was a reminder of their precarious situation. Brooke’s eyes remained locked on the horizon of the alien world, her thoughts straying to the generations aboard the USS Legacy hovering above Sanos. Their lives hung in the balance of this mission.
The next to final member of their team leaned back in her seat. “We’re making history either way. First human envoys to an alien world.”
Brooke nodded, the weight of their mission pressing on her. “Let’s make sure it’s a history worth telling.”
The capsule’s artificial intelligence, a soothing voice that had become a constant companion, interrupted their exchange. “Atmospheric entry successful. Preparing for landing sequence.”
Brooke’s heart rate ticked up a notch. The time for theory and training was over. It was time for action. She unstrapped from her seat, her movements fluid and purposeful. “Once we’re on the ground, it’s showtime. Remember, we’re here to secure a future, not just for us, but for every soul aboard the Legacy.”
As the capsule descended, the blue of the sky gave way to a landscape of verdant jungles and shimmering oceans. It was a world untouched by the blight that had consumed Earth, a reminder of what they were fighting for.
The landing was smooth, the capsule settling onto the alien terrain with a gentle thud. Brooke took a deep breath, steeling herself for the encounter ahead. She turned to her compatriots, her eyes shining with determination. “This is it. We’ll make contact and assess the situation and bring home a win for the humans of the Legacy.”
With that, Brooke stepped towards the airlock, her hand resting on the door controls. The future of humanity hinged on the next few hours, on her ability to negotiate with a species they barely understood. But as the door slid open and she took her first step onto Planet Sanos, Brooke felt a surge of hope.
This was their chance, their only hope, and she would seize it with every ounce of strength she possessed. The fate of Earth was in her hands, and she would not falter.
The first breath of Sanos’ air filled Brooke’s lungs with a scent so pure, it felt like drinking in the essence of an untouched world. Exquisite beaches stretched before her. The sand was a pristine white that seemed to glow against the cerulean expanse of the ocean. Lush jungles pressed at her back, a vibrant tapestry of emerald that whispered secrets and stories untold.
But there was little time for awe. Humanoid figures emerged from the foliage. Their scales shimmered in the sunlight, a mosaic of blues and greens that confirmed their identity—Quxoni. Theyapproached with a regal bearing, gesturing for Brooke to follow. She cast a final glance at the landing capsule, where the other five human females tasked with liaising with the other species of Sanos stood poised, their expressions a blend of worry and pride.
Brooke’s escort led her to a massive tent, its fabric billowing in the gentle sea breeze. As she crossed the threshold, her eyes fell upon a figure that commanded the space and attention. This must be their chief negotiator, though nothing in the dossier about the Quxoni could have prepared her for the reality of his presence. Towering and muscular, with long, flowing blue hair and bright green eyes, he was a vision of otherworldly allure. A sensation, undeniably primal, stirred within her, a pull that was both disconcerting and exhilarating.
“Welcome to Sanos,” the male’s voice rumbled, a melody of bass notes that resonated in her chest. “I am Zetron Kallithar. You will negotiate with me.”
Brooke met his gaze, her own voice steady. “Thank you for receiving me. I am Captain Brooke Harris.”
His lips quirked into a half-smile that seemed both a challenge and an invitation. “Curious, that you came alone. Only seven females to negotiate for the future of your people. Is this a display of trust… or desperation?”
She returned the smile, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Perhaps it’s a bit of both. But I assure you, we’re not as helpless as we seem.”
“Our scientists tell us that your planet is dying,” he retorted. “Your people are hungry. And your government has allocated a portion of the last of your people’s resources to sending you to negotiate with the species of Sanos. Ostensibly to beg for assistance. That seems pretty helpless to me.”
“Your scientists may be right,” Brooke repeated, keeping her composure as she walked towards him. Zetron cocked his head and moved slightly, taking a step as he gestured to her to follow him. “But we humans have a saying.”
“Which is?”
“We may be down, but that doesn’t mean we’re out.” Brooke’s lips twitched.
“Interesting,” Zetron murmured as he padded along next to Brooke. “Even with the extreme difficulties of your people, you remain hopeful.”
