novelzi Chapter 15: To Halcyon
Chapter 15: To Halcyon
Chapter 15: To Halcyon
Mors smirked, clearly expecting the question. "Press this button here."
He leaned closer, guiding her finger to a concealed switch. A small, sharp blade extended silently from the side of the watch, glinting in the soft light of the room.
"Compact but effective," he said. "There's also an electrical discharge function for non-lethal defense. And a tracking mechanism. As long as you wear it, I'll know where you are."
Athena couldn't help but feel impressed, though she masked it with her usual stoicism. "And what's the price of such a generous gift?"
Mors chuckled softly. "No price. Call it... a husband's duty to his wife."
She rolled her eyes slightly but couldn't suppress the faint smirk that tugged at her lips. "This doesn't mean I owe you anything."
"Not at all," he replied, his tone teasing. "But perhaps you'll think of me if you ever need saving."
Athena stood and adjusted the watch on her wrist. "If I ever need saving, I'll handle it myself. But... thank you."
Mors nodded, his expression unreadable. "You should rest. The transport leaves early tomorrow. And remember, if you're ever in trouble, don't hesitate to use the watch."
Athena hesitated for a moment, then offered a curt nod. The ghost is very good to me. He's not cold or unreliable at all. I should treat him well.
For the first time in weeks, she allowed herself a small smile. "Goodnight, Husband."
"Goodnight, Wife," Mors replied, his voice low but warm.
-
Here we come! When Athena stepped off the transport onto Planet Halcyon.
The humid air wrapped around her like a damp blanket, and her senses were immediately overwhelmed by the dense, vibrant environment. The smell of fresh air...
Towering trees with emerald canopies stretched toward the sky, their leaves glittering in the sunlight as though dusted with jewels.
The undergrowth was thick, teeming with alien plant life that swayed gently in the breeze. Are the plants here conscious, like those I've read on Starnet?
It looked remarkably like a rainforest on Earth, but the bioluminescent plants and the faint hum of unfamiliar creatures told her she was far from home.
She adjusted her backpack and made her way to the camp where the production team had set up a temporary base. Everything looks normal here.
She stepped forward and joined Mors, who was already waiting for her with his usual calm demeanor. He still looks untouchable in public.
He nodded in acknowledgment but said nothing, his unreadable expression giving nothing away. What a good actor!
The director continued, "Each pair will be blindfolded and dropped at a random location on the planet. Your task is to survive for three months in the wilderness."
A random location? So... the pairs can only work hard together?
"You'll forage, build shelter, and face challenges both natural and, let's say, unexpected. The broadcast will run for fifteen hours a day, so remember, the world is watching."
Blindfolds were distributed, and Athena felt the rough fabric slip over her eyes.
She allowed herself to relax, focusing on the sounds of the rainforest, the rustling leaves, the distant chirps of alien creatures, and the faint hum of the transport vehicles that would soon scatter them across Halcyon.
The crew guided them to their respective transports, and Athena felt the vehicle lift off. As the minutes ticked by, she mentally mapped out a strategy for survival.
Her husband's presence complicated things, but she had no intention of relying on him.
When the vehicle landed and the blindfold was removed, Athena found herself surrounded by the dense wilderness of Halcyon.
Mors stood beside her, his piercing gaze scanning their surroundings. "Let's get to work," he said, his voice steady and commanding.
Athena nodded, her eyes glinting with determination. "Try to keep up, Major General."
"Let's check the area first, Ms. Demerin."
Athena adjusted the straps of her pack and glanced at Mors. "We'll cover more ground if we separate briefly. You take the west, I'll go east. We'll meet back here in an hour."
Mors considered her suggestion for a moment before nodding. "Stay alert. Call for me if anything unusual happens."
She gave him a small smirk. "You worry too much, Major General. I can handle myself."
As they parted ways, the faint hum of the camera bot followed her movements.
Athena could feel the mechanical eye recording her every step, but she tuned them out, focusing instead on the terrain.
This place is... very wild!