On Day 5, Generals Joe and Lady Vee could no longer ignore the desperate state of their governing council members. The relentless heat, coupled with crushing hunger and dehydration, was taking its toll. It was painfully clear: if they kept pushing at this pace, more would fall ill—and worse, more would die.

  In a private council meeting, the generals agreed that immediate action was necessary. They had to organize an expedition to secure food and water. With Team Uno lost and not returning, a fresh team of 50 was essential. Relying on Jewel's keen information gathering, they planned to assemble a group with the best odds of survival. Their hope was simple yet profound: if one team could endure a few hours in the forest and return successfully, it would restore confidence among the settlers. Ideally, this victory would encourage other groups to eventually venture out on their own, alleviating the impossible burden of feeding everyone from within the settlement.

  After lengthy discussions, they resolved to send out two groups of 50 for a six-hour exploration, each dispatched to a different section of the forest to collect vital information about their environment and the surrounding world. The inevitable had been delayed for too long; people were already collapsing, and both common and unusual illnesses were spreading.

  General Joe led his group north, intent on hunting for suitable meat sources while simultaneously assessing potential candidates for his upcoming training program. Meanwhile, General Lady Vee took her team west, focusing on gathering research materials and deepening their understanding of their surroundings. Both teams were crystal clear on their mission: locate and secure food for themselves and for everyone back at the settlement.

  Once all was said and done, they ventured into the forest without a moment's delay. Within minutes, the overwhelming mix of rich scents, shifting temperatures, a chorus of sounds, gentle breezes, and the forest’s mysterious atmosphere left them awestruck.This was likely what Team Uno’s five intrepid members had felt when they ventured into the forest in search of food and water.

  Back at the settlement, anxiety gnawed at those left behind, but in the forest, both teams began noticing edible plants and insects. A quiet regret set in as they realized they might have saved themselves from needless suffering if they’d ventured out sooner. Their fear and misunderstanding had held them back, leading them to sacrifice potential safety for the illusion of progress.

  While the forest teams risked their lives beyond the tree line, General Gemski remained to oversee the settlement. He pulled aside a small group of labourers to work on constructing the headquarters, fully aware that morale and a secure base were just as critical as the food and water the forest might yield. Recognizing the relentless strain—five days of scavenging and labouring more hours than any trade worker on Earth—he granted the workers a much-needed break until the search parties returned. Although there was still some digging to be done, most of their time was spent positioning support beams, each one a step toward rebuilding their fragile home and securing a future worth fighting for.

  Gemski (raising a hand):

  "Will! Hey, dipshit, get over here and help me with these support beams!"

  Will (panting):

  "Right here, sir. I’m trying not to drop dead in this heat. You good?"

  Gemski (smirking slyly):

  "Me? I'm always good. Why the stiff demeanour? You're like a robot on autopilot. Lighten up, man. I almost mistook you for a drive-through attendant. Your energy reminds me of a poorly kept fast-food joint."

  Will: HAHA. Sorry, Sir. Not funny, but I'll try to tone it down and be an average dick like some people.

  Gemski: Okay, Willy Will. I see you. That's the spirit! But keep that Big Will energy in your pants. You're talking to your general and leader right now. Be a little bit more serious. You look like you're about to fold. Relax—no sense draining yourself before the real work starts. We've still got a bunker to dig, more huts to raise, plus a special errand I need you on; let's have a chat as we work. I don't want to slow up the workflow; we have lots to do."

  Will (straightens up, curious):

  "I'm listening."

  Gemski props a foot against a stack of timber, eyes flickering with mischief.

  Gemski:

  "You notice how quiet those 'star-gazing scientists' have been lately? Day one, they announce we're on some alien planet—then they vanish. Not one of them even tried to join the council or the discussions. Feels like they're hiding something. Hell, they might know a whole lot more than they let on."

  Will (unsure):

  "Why would they keep secrets if it might help us survive? Do you really think they have some kind of a connection to us being here?"

  Gemski (shrugging with a half-grin):

  "Greed, fear, or maybe they're jockeying for power—who knows? If they don't want to share what they know, we'll have to pry it out of them. Discreetly. That's where you come in. I want you to befriend them, help out with their research, gain their trust. Nothing violent or shady yet—just cozy up and see what you can learn. If we're going to make it here, knowledge is power. And I want that power in our hands."

  Will:

  "Guess I can do that… so you're basically telling me to go snoop for intel?"

  Gemski:

  “Bing-bong. But keep it subtle. I'll handle the rest."

  They settle onto a fallen log, adjusting their sweaty shirts, joining the many who took the opportunity to rest.

  Gemski (exhaling):

  "Man, I still can't believe it. I mean, this is our life now: alien trees, alien weather, digging holes like we're prisoners. Sometimes I catch myself thinking about Earth—thinking about the days when I was a part of the military, my… whores, cars, and collection of Pokémon cards, all these things I'll never see again if we can't find a way back to Earth… Remember when we all had normal jobs and could get stuck in traffic and complain about bills and pussy? Woe were the days."

  Will spoke softly:

  "I think about them every day. Well not pussy. I mean my friends and family. Especially my little niece… I was supposed to take her to the park New Year weekend. Something she was looking forward to since Christmas. That's all gone now. We're just… out here. No idea if we'll ever see them again."

  Gemski (eyes distant):

  "Gone' is a harsh word. I like to think they're waiting for us. Worried about us. Searching for us. Hell, if I get the chance to go back, I'm going to. If not, maybe the next generation will get that opportunity. In the meantime, we need to do something with our lives here—anything to make this easier on those who come after us."

  Will:

  You're pretty optimistic. Is it that easy for you to accept that you might not return to Earth?

  Gemski chuckled:

  I'm not saying that it's easy. I've been thinking about what it means to advance, to excel, to put aside the old and step into the new. This planet is the new. To return to the old, we have to embrace the new. Understand it! Use it before we can establish, enforce and control future outcomes.

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  Will:

  I Hear you, but I don't think I quite understand what you're saying.

  Gemski sighs:

  It's our mindset! It's stuck on Earth! We're not making room to think of new possibilities. We're like old dogs who are not even aware that there are new tricks. When we came up with the design of the settlement, we relied on earthly architecture. And to be honest, I just wanted to leave a mark on an alien world. And the thought of seeing the architecture of this planet is another driving force for me. I tell you, Will, I’ve been worried that we might be looking at advancement wrong. Four days ago, the temperature was lovely, and on day five the temperature spiked. What if it gets hotter? What will the next five days feel like? Will these lands catch on fire? Or have the plants managed to resist heat? We know nothing about these lands, and I have a feeling we won't fully understand it either.

  Will:

  Wow. Tell me how you really feel. You're not wrong, but we still haven't seen what this world offers. I heard a few therapists are helping a few people in the evening to cope with the thought of not seeing family members, those unable to distract themselves with labour. Many of them are mentally struggling and are losing themselves and identity. I do believe that change will come, but we can't expect it to happen in a week. Rome wasn't built in a day.

  Gemski taped his bicep, flexing.

  "You notice the difference in your body yet, Will? You talk about Rome being built, but from the looks of things you or anyone else haven't acknowledged the changes to the body that happened the instant we arrived. Now, since my time on Earth I was always a fit, buff guy. I had a good feel and understanding of my body at any given day. But since coming here, I feel like a damn superhero sometimes—moving these logs, building huts, going without real food for days, and still not keeling over. It's insane. We're on day three without water and were not dead. If that ain't God, then it must be aliens. We must be aliens. Look at the people around us. I have them digging a fucking hole in the hot sun. They more than anyone right now must have gotten a glimpse of what being a slave could be like."

  Will (nodding, brow furrowed):

  "It's… surreal, but its nothing close to slavery right? However, I do see what you’re talking about. I used to struggle just carrying my groceries from the drive way to the fridge. Now my output and endurance are so noticeable I can assist in lifting logs like they're made of styrofoam with the help of you guys. But your right. No one is talking about it—but who are we to think that they weren't like that back on Earth?"

  Gemski (grins):

  “This life and everything we’re going through — it could be a gift or a curse. Maybe it’s thanks to those scientists, or whoever — or whatever — dragged us off Earth. Doesn't matter. Not everyone is fit or strong. I've seen a few fatties but they look like tanks. Nothing to mess with. This advantage has more to it. I can feel it. I'll use it. You should take the time to understand your body and its capabilities and use it too."

  Will:

  What if we're like Superman? And on this planet, we can do stupid unrealistic shit? Then what Mr Optimist?

  Gemski (checking the beams, then glancing slyly at Will):

  "You think I'm an optimist because I think it's all gonna work out? I'm more like an opportunist. Whatever this planet throws at us—if it's water, we drink; if it's wood, we build, if it’s pussy, we fuck, If it's a fight, we scrap until we own the place. Honestly, I'm just glad we arrived here after my last New Year's party. That night. I was really superman.”

  He leans in, lowering his voice with a wicked grin.

  "You should've seen me that night—two ladies, a shitload of booze, and a lot of fucking, with an entire city block of fireworks going off. I am not gonna lie. I thought my heart would explode from the high I was on. Right up until the clock struck midnight when my nut was avalanching on the lady's powdered faces, then bam! Next thing I knew, i was teleported here. I gotta say, it's surreal that I showed up with pants on. Frankly, I'm half surprised I didn't come through buck naked, dick raised in the early hours of moonlight.”

  Will (grimacing):

  "Ugh, sir. That's a lot of detail. Keep that to yourself. I'll stick to nightmares of chopping logs, and aliens, over that image you’re trying to paint in my head, thank you very much."

  Will (hesitant):

  "Look, changing topic—any word on how Joe is doing? I heard he had a meltdown, blacked out or something like that. Rumour has it that he was seeing… something, that caused him to lose his mind. Rumour also says it took 50 people to subdue him."

  Gemski (rolls eyes):

  "Exaggerated as hell. It was only 21 who pinned him, not 50. Joe's tough—maybe the strongest we've got from what I can tell, and that could be a result of the changes we were just talking about. When Joe was restraint, to my knowledge he wasn’t conscious, which could be why he was able to surpass a limit of some kind—but don't let him overshadow everyone else that came to this planet. He had some hallucination or stress induced meltdown. He's alright now, though. Think of it as him flexing his muscles in the worst possible way. He'll bounce back. And look at it this way. If he’s capable of that level of strength, then so can we.”

  Will (relieved):

  “Well I’m glad to hear it. Joe's intensity can be… reassuring. But also scary. And his heart seems to be in the right place, so I want him to live. Live to see his loved ones again.”

  Gemski:

  "You said it. Still, keep your eyes open. There are plenty of strong folks around here, not just Joe. I can see the power shifting among the people daily—some people see that as a chance to grab the throne.

  If the council wasn't established on day one I think most of us would have split into groups long ago and gone off into the forest to live. And to be honest I think we would have been better for it. But then, when it would come time to take on the bigger world beyond this crater, we would be at a bigger disadvantage."

  Will:

  "Speaking of power… Jewels has been making good use of her collection network of information, and the word is, Ken's been rallying crafters and labourers for something. They were gathered outside of the bounds of the settlement not too long ago. What are your thought on the matter? Any ideas on what he could be up to? I’m pretty sure they might be gathering materials over there.”

  Gemski (snort-laughs):

  "Ken, huh? I spotted him earlier, heading into the forest with Joe’s exploration team. If he's dumb enough to try anything in the forest after hearing the rumours that Joe might not be a hundred percent, he's basically signing his own death warrant. After a few conversation with Joe, over the pass three days, he's the type that doesn't tolerate that kind of bullshit. It'd be a one-man slaughter if Ken starts a mutiny outside the settlement walls. If it’s one thing he’s good at, its teaching. The hard way.”

  Will (raising an eyebrow):

  "So you're not worried?"

  Gemski:

  "Not yet. Ken's loud, but he's no mastermind. Let him blow off steam. If he tries to sabotage things, then we'll worry then. But remember this: The strong and wise only strike when the time is right, and they don't stop when the iron is hot."

  Will glances across the field at the group who were still digging the two colossal pits, piles of dirt mounded around the edges.

  "Okay, last thing—why are those people over there digging two holes? They're making a mess of everything. I heard talks about it being a bunker or something?"

  Gemski (grins, crossing his arms):

  "A bunker is what we're making. My bunker, to be exact. In case of a big threat—like that big ass bird we saw the other day, or maybe an alien assault—whatever. If it gets too hot to handle, we could stash folks underground. Basic fortress strategy shit. But to be honest, I just wanted to create a storage space. Two birds one stone. My mind is still on the possibility of it raining. I’m mainly worried because we live in the dormant crater of a volcano.

  The other hole further back belongs to Joe; I don't know what he has planned but it actually seems like it’s going to be a bigger project than the building construction. But the plans are still hush hushed even among the council and generals. All I know for sure is, he’s been talking to a clock expert or engineer about something that is hush hush.”

  Will (skeptical):

  "Interesting. What about dormant volcanoes or underground gas pockets? We know nothing about this planet's geology. A cave-in or toxic fumes could kill us faster than a rampaging monster. It's also not wise to waste energy like this. Digging instead of building is not the wisest approach to advancement."

  Gemski (shrugging):

  "Possible that those things could happen, but not likely, not if you consider the vegetation around here. If there was a massive volcanic network, we'd see more signs—scorched Earth, sulphur, weird rock formations. The forest is lush, so I'm betting we're safe. But we'll keep an eye out, anyway so don't worry, that hole will probably produce well needed minerals for crafting with time.”

  Their conversation carried on throughout the day as work resumed. Holes were dug, massive logs dropped into the ground to build the settlement's walls, striving to make the place secure and livable. Men and women sang and moved with energy, ignoring orders to conserve strength as they toiled under the sun.

  As the day moved on, the sun began to dip lower in the sky, and the sound of people chairing echoed over the camp. The foraging party—with their two generals and their respective teams—emerge from the tree line together from the northwest forest.

  It was slightly surprising to see them exiting the forest together, but what they carried was even more surprising. They were all hauling baskets of peculiar fruits and rough cuts of unfamiliar meat. Sweat dripping from their brows, and beaten up bodies, exhaustion clear in their eyes, yet a few triumphant grins peek through on their faces.

  Gemski (smiling, nodding to Will):

  "Look at that. Seven and a half hours in the woods, and they came out with arms full. But from the looks of things, they might have came back light. What they have is clearly not enough to feed three thousand people, but from here, if I had to make an estimate, I would guess they got anywhere from three to six hundred pounds with them, which is a start. That means, humans one, nature five. We're making progress, piece by piece, at least it looks like they all came back alive. So no more wins for nature today.”

  Will (exhaling):

  "It's encouraging, I guess. Better than nothing. According to Harry, to feed all of us, we would need over nine thousand pounds of food daily. But we have bigger things to focus on. Now that some sample food is here, let’s get these beams placed before the day's officially done. We can talk infiltration tomorrow—maybe I'll check in with those scientists."

  Gemski:

  "Good idea. But this is the first and last conversation we'll be having about the scientists. Handle the task as you see fit. Once they share everything and you have a full understanding of what they are about. Then you can approach me on the matter. Secure the future, keep your eyes open for answers—and keep your sense of humour. We're gonna need that if we want to stay human in all this madness."

  With that, they return to hauling beams and hammering posts, a silent understanding passing between them.

  Meanwhile, as both teams cleared the northwest forest canopy and entered the open field of the settlement, people ran over to give them a helping hand. Suddenly, a piercing screech from above quickly silenced the bustling crater. The sound was followed by a gust of wind that intensified as the screeches grew closer to the settlement. Frightened, the workers scrambled for the safety of the huts. Only the three generals remained unshaken, understanding what this meant; as leaders of this new world, they couldn’t afford fear. Initially, they’d called the pterodactyl-like creature the “Big Monster Bird,” but that name wasn’t sticking.

  Every so often, the creature would swoop into the forest, scattering dirt and debris as it tore through the canopy and soared back into the sky. Some of the onlooking hunters that returned took mental notes, studying the beast’s movements, determined to collect as much information as possible. They knew this wasn’t the last time they’d see it. After receiving reports estimating its size and power, the council finally settled on a name: Launch Bird. And with the arrival of this new threat, they realized this was only the beginning.