The Forgotten Outpost

– Milky Way Digest [MWD} vol 11 pg. 7 –

The research center sat nestled in the crags of the mountain range, the only signs of its existence the plumes of smoke rising from the chimneys and the occasional beacon flashing in the slate gray sky. The outpost had been established to study the frigid climate and its effects on the surrounding flora and fauna. Still, as the years went by, it became nothing more than a forgotten footnote in the annals of planetary exploration. The team of scientists had been holed up in the outpost for months, braving the biting winds and subzero temperatures. The harsh conditions had made it near impossible for them to gather the necessary data and complete their mission. The cloud cover was so thick that the team had not seen the sun in weeks, causing morale to plummet.

Despite these challenges, the team collected samples and analyzed data. They were determined to uncover the secrets of this frozen world and complete their mission, even if it meant sacrificing their comfort and well-being. One day, a distress call came through on the outpost’s communication array. The team quickly sprang into action, rushing to the control room to decipher the message. To their shock, they realized that the call was coming from the capital city and was a plea for help. The city was under attack, and the fate of the entire Inter-Planetary Alliance hung in the balance.

The team was torn. The team was sworn to protect the Alliance and all its citizens, but they were far from the city and lacked the resources to mount an effective defense. They debated for hours, trying to find a solution, but in the end, they knew what to do. The team set out from the outpost, determined to reach the capital and defend it from the invading forces. The journey was treacherous, the terrain impassable, and the weather unforgiving. But the team refused to give up. The knowledge pushed on them that the capital, their families, and their way of life were at stake. The team was greeted by utter devastation when they finally reached the capital city. The invading forces had laid waste to the entire Capital, leaving only rubble and ashes in their wake. The team sprang into action, fighting alongside the other defenders and using their knowledge of the planet’s terrain to their advantage.

The battle was long and grueling, but the team emerged victorious in the end. The invading forces were defeated, and the city was saved. The team returned to the outpost, exhausted but proud. They had accomplished their mission, not just as scientists but as defenders of the Inter-Planetary Alliance. As they settled back into the outpost, the team couldn’t help but reflect on the journey they had just happened. They had braved the harshest conditions, traveled to the farthest reaches of space, and fought to protect the Capital. The forgotten outpost was no longer just a footnote in the annals of planetary exploration, but a symbol of courage, determination, and selflessness.

Milky Way Digest [MWD} vol 11 pg. 7