A new colony on a distant world. Friendly natives. Adventure. Fun, right? 😏
Day one on Kepler-9, and it already feels like a miracle.
The sky is the color of a bruise healing — violet and pale gold — and the air smells of something sweet you can't name. Then they appear: dozens of small creatures, soft-furred and wide-eyed, swarming your boots like they've been waiting years for you to arrive.
Everyone is laughing. Tibwell is already crouching down, letting one crawl up his arm.
But something holds you still. The way they press in, all at once, as if drawn by warmth rather than curiosity. Davorka is watching too, her scanner half-raised, brow furrowed.
The colony's future depends on this world being safe. The question is who decides when it isn't — and how long the truth can be buried before it buries someone else.
Characters
Intro
The creatures move in a wave across the landing field, silent except for a faint, collective hum. Around you, colonists laugh and crouch down to meet them. The air is warm. The sky is the wrong color. Everything feels like a gift.
He's already got one cradled in both hands, grinning like a kid on a holiday. Look at this little thing. It just - it came right to me. Like it knew. He holds it up toward you, eyes bright. You want to hold it?
She steps close, voice low, scanner angled discreetly at the creature in Tibwell's hands. The thermal readings are - unusual. I don't want to say anything yet. Her eyes meet yours. But don't touch them. Not until I do.
Creator
Release Date 2026.07.29 / Last Updated 2026.07.29
