Apocalypse-The Alien War

Chapter 4 Teamwork...

Ethan's point of view...

{Mission accomplished}

Hoo...! We all took a breath of relief as that announcement was not about any further round.

{Small targets killed:-87/90}

{Big target killed:- 1/1}

{Saved Survivor:- 34/34}

{Well done team}

{Congratulations on completing the mission successfully}

The announcement made us all jump for joy. As the realization of our accomplishment sank in, a surge of exhilaration filled our souls.

As the Zodiac Warriors, we couldn't contain our excitement any longer. It was our first win after all, they laughed, they cheered, and also they hugged each other tightly, celebrating the triumph over this very first challenge.

I found myself caught up in the moment, my heart racing with a mix of adrenaline and a different kind of emotion. As I was also dragged by Ava into the team embrace, I couldn't help but lock eyes with Ava. In that instant, time seemed to stand still, and a profound connection sparked between us.

I was never so close to any girl before never did I have such affectionate feelings for me from anyone around me except for those aunts for whom I worked.

But seriously guys...! It was different.

Our gazes lingered, and I felt a warmth spread throughout my body. It was as if the universe had aligned the paths for a reason, bringing us together in this extraordinary circumstance.

I felt a confusion in me, should I just approach her?

The intensity of our shared experience deepened the bond forming between us, transcending the realm of mere friendship. At that moment, I made a choice.

A very strong one...!

As everyone was busy discussing our first success, I took a step closer to Ava, my heart pounding in my chest. With a gentle smile, I reached out for her hand.

And she willingly reciprocated, our bodies drawing near.

"Congrats on the first success," she said embracing me, a mix of comfort, admiration, and undeniable attraction enveloped us.

For a brief moment, the world around us faded into the background. In that embrace, I found solace, strength, and an unspoken understanding.

"Looks like someone is busy building their own teams" I heard someone's voice from the group. We instantly pulled away from the embrace, our eyes flickered in embarrassment. I turned around to see the unexpected owner of the voice, Max...!

I just chucked because that man never talked so friendly with me, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. I patted myself for my achievement. "Nice start" I mumbled to myself.

"Let's get back to the base" I commanded and we strode towards the place where we were left.

Someone slowly grabbed my hand entwining with theirs, I felt a surge of current passing through my whole body.

"Ava...!" I walked hanging my head.

Words were unnecessary, as that hush exchange conveyed a myriad of emotions.

I knew that this newfound attraction was like a delicate dance amidst the chaos of this mission, but I was still willing to navigate it with care and respect.

As we stood there waiting for the door, A voice spoke with a hint of pride,

"Zodiac Warriors, your resilience and teamwork have been commendable. Remember, the challenges you face will demand not only physical strength but also emotional fortitude. Stay united, for your combined strength is your greatest asset." We broke our chain of thoughts, refocusing our attention on the announcement. It was Captain Ven, but his words imply so much.

Do we have a mission to fulfill?

No matter how many missions are waiting for us, how many tasks are laid ahead, deep within our hearts, we carried a flame that burned with the potential for something more—a connection that transcended our roles as mere warriors. With renewed determination, we stepped inside the door that just appeared to get back to the base, ready to face the next chapter of our journey together.

We were all moved back to the base. Exhausted yet excited.

Captain Ven took notice of our successes and personally commended us for our bravery and dedication through that voice command but we didn't find him here in the base.

As we moved to the main hall with screens, he offered his guidance, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and compassion alongside strength. Playing the video of our performance on the screen, he explained our drawbacks that had to be corrected.

I listened attentively, understanding that true leadership meant more than just commanding power.

I am sure that as the battle will continue, our bond as a team will grow stronger.

Though we were tired, we learned a lot from that test, adapting our strategies, and pushing the boundaries of our powers.

With this victory, we could see the light of hope shining a bit brighter in the eyes of every team member.

However, the path to victory was anything but smooth and I know that there is a long way to go.

We encountered rogue aliens of unprecedented power in that test, I wonder if the real one looks the same.

Doubts and fears crept into my mind but I refused to let them consume me.

"You all can return to the chambers" Captain Ven announced and a sigh of relief left our mouths.

We all returned to our chamber room, exhaustion hung heavy in the air. Our bodies were battered and bruised from the intense battle with those aliens.

We yearned for a moment of respite, a chance to catch our breath and recuperate.

However, as the doors to our chambers slid open, a horrifying sight greeted us.

The once pristine interior of the starship was now filled with a thick, corrosive liquid that formed a layer of mist and ate away at the metallic surfaces.

The air was acrid, and the stench of the noxious substance permeated the atmosphere.

"What the heck is that...!" we all exclaimed at once.

"No wait...!" I yelled a command as I saw Ava striding forward.

"What...!" they all smacked, but I felt something wrong about the liquid that was pooled on the floor.

I looked at them but didn't say anything about what I doubted. I need to confirm it first.

As I looked around I couldn't find anything to use, so I took off my boot and threw it in the liquid.

It burnt instantly with a buzzing sound.

"Oh...my God it's...its..." Ava exclaimed in shock,

"Acid...!" I completed.

"But why...! What was going on?" they were all surprised and so do I. But shocks won't give solutions.

We tried using our powers but maybe due to exhaustion, we were unable to use those powers.

"We can't use our powers...! What happened?" they were startled for a while.

"You guys just wait here, I will be back," I said running back to check the command room to find the crew.

The familiar hum of the starship's engines filled the air, but something felt off. As I stumbled back from that hall, the corridor seemed eerily quiet and deserted.

I made my way towards the crew room to find someone who can help us. But as I entered, I froze in horror. That room was completely transformed too, engulfed in a dense, swirling mist. It didn't take long for me to realize that it wasn't just any mist—it was acid here as well.

My heart raced, and panic threatened to overtake me.

Acidic vapors seeped through the cracks in the walls, hissing and corroding everything in their path.

The once familiar control panels were melting, their colors distorted by the corrosive substance.

It was a devastating sight, the destruction and chaos that unfolded before my eyes.

Yet, amidst the chaos, a strange thought crossed my mind. This couldn't be a mere accident, could it? It felt orchestrated, deliberate, almost like a test.

My mind raced to find an explanation. But why would they destroy the starship just to test us?

Perhaps the ship's systems had malfunctioned, triggering a series of events that led to this catastrophic scenario.

Though I speculated all the possibilities, my mind was still stuck on one thing it was a deliberate test designed to evaluate our ability to handle unexpected emergencies.

But there was no time to ponder the why or how.

I needed to find a way out, to survive my team was waiting for me.

Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I frantically searched for an escape route.

I got back to the place where my teammates were all panicked. Moving all around to see if someone can help.

The acidic mist was slowly engulfing the entire room, and I could feel its burning tendrils creeping closer.

With every second that passed, my senses sharpened, and my instincts heightened. I assessed the room, searching for anything that could help me as that acid level was increasing every second.

I can't tell them this or they will panic even more.

And then in that desperation, I spotted a small water exit at the corner which was sealed right now. It was my only chance.

As long as I can get there, I think I can use that to flow out all the acid that pooled here.

Summoning every ounce of strength and agility, I lunged onto a melting console to reach for the opening.

"Hey...! What are you doing...!"

"This boy has gone crazy...!" I heard my teammates commenting on me, but it was so little for me to care about right now, Under this situation, all my focus was on that exit hole.

The acid sizzled beneath my feet, reminding me of the imminent danger. I hoisted myself up and squeezed into the narrow tunnel that can take me to the corner of that room, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Stop showing off you brat, we know that despite being a loser, you were chosen to be the captain...! Just get the hell out of there" Dylan yelled a mock at me but I was determined to do it.

Inside the tunnel, I found a rod with a hook at its edge. Somewhere inside me, I thought that I was going right.

This rod was kept here for this purpose or it isn't stuff to be here.

The air was thick and stifling. I crawled forward, struggling to navigate the dark maze. The acidic fumes continued to assault my senses, but I pressed on, determined to survive.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity as I crawled through that narrow tunnel, I emerged from the other end, gasping for air as the fumes had already filled the whole room.

"What are you doing...!" they still didn't give up.

Getting only my hands and head out, I tried to take off the stopper of that water exit with the help of the hook on the rod.

After a long try, I finally managed to get that out.

It was a success as I noticed the level of the acid getting down.

"He actually did it...!" they exclaimed, the mockery in their eyes now changed into admiration.

{Congratulations, task completed}

I found myself in a different space, of this world, away from the criticism. Feeling proud of myself. But the next announcement trashed my pride.

The acidic mist was nowhere to be seen, and the ship's systems seemed to be functioning normally. It was our task and I completed it.

{The Zodiac Warriors failed in their task}

"Wait...What...!" Our voices complied as we all exclaimed at once.

"I told you, he is of no use...!" I heard some taunting me, but my mind was confused with what the system just announced.

"But why...!" I yelled catching my breath after getting back.

{The Zodiac Warrior is a team and every task should be teamwork, Captain Ethan you failed because you acted alone}

"See, this is it, I already knew that he is not suitable for to be a Captain." Rock and Nathan took their time to criticize me. Where I stood silently thinking about what I did.

{The other team members failed as they didn't support their Captain.}

A realization dawned upon me. This had indeed been a test—a harrowing trial to assess our resourcefulness, resilience, ability to adapt under extreme circumstances, and out of all, our teamwork. Where we failed.

"But he didn't allow us...!"

"Yes...he acted alone...!"

"I agree...!"

I felt horrible as my whole team didn't hesitate to shift the blame on me.

"Yes, guys, it's my fault, I apologize for what I did" I bowed before them admitting my mistake.

"Hey...that was not just you..." it was Ava who walked over to me, soon Zen, Adan, and Jack followed her towards me.

Selina, Dorci, and others stood rolling their eyes.

"A drama as usual...!" Rock, Nathan, and Dylan were sniffing.

I still need to work hard on unity. This is my duty and I had to do it.

The starship's crew had orchestrated this simulated disaster, pushing us to our limits to ensure we were prepared for any eventuality.

While the devastation had been terrifying, it had also taught me a valuable lesson. I had emerged stronger, more determined, and ready to face whatever challenges awaited us on our interstellar journey.

And so, with a renewed sense of purpose, I set forth, determined to carry out my duties with unwavering resolve, knowing that our safety and survival depended on our ability to face the unknown and conquer it, no matter the cost. And also our success depends mainly on teamwork.

{Do you guys realize your mistake?}

The system continued, and we all admitted.

I turned to those who were in disdain.

"I am sorry guys if I have done anything wrong, but I sincerely admit that we all need your support. We are a team and our planet and those innocent people need us." I moved to them,

"I know I am not a strong man, but my will is, I am sorry again to act alone, but trust me guys I just thought it was a small thing...! Please forgive me, and let's merge in this journey as an unbreakable team from now on" I declared extending my friendly hand intending them to hold it.

After a while of thought and glaring me for a few seconds, Dylan extended his hand. Max strolled towards me holding Aron's hand too.

Soon all the team members grouped and I felt better as we cheered ourselves.

Some were still not out of this, Nathan and Rock, but I am sure they will understand this soon.

After all, this team was made because of a purpose.

{Now that the team knows their mistakes, be prepared for receiving the punishment}

That announcement jerked us from our celebration.

"Punishment...! But what..."

We all exchanged glances at each other and exclaimed.

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