Adventure of Krieosk Klauden 1

The escape pod tears through the canopy and slams into the forest floor. Krieosk crawls from the wreck, injured but mobile, while survival gear lies scattered through rising smoke.

A second pod burns roughly one and a half miles away. The operations chief and security officer remain with the other settlers aboard the first pod, leaving Krieosk alone beneath unfamiliar trees.

He crosses the forest carefully, following smoke and broken branches. Distant engines murmur overhead, fading before they can locate him.

The second pod rests against uprooted trees, its hatch jammed and hull glowing around the seams. Inside lies Lyra, an eighteen-year-old woman with long red hair, blue eyes, plump lips, and impractical formal clothing, with a slender build and pale skin, unconscious but breathing.

Krieosk forces the hatch open and pulls her clear as the pod ignites fully behind them. Her injuries appear limited to bruising and shock.

He gathers scattered medical supplies, checks her breathing, and treats what wounds he can beneath the forest canopy. After several tense minutes, Lyra stirs, still weak and unconscious.

Krieosk carries Lyra through the dense forest, following the sound of running water. At the riverbank, he lays her beneath a broad-leaved tree and unloads his rucksack.

He treats her bruises, cleans the shallow cuts, and secures fresh dressings with the pod’s medical supplies. A small shelter rises beside the river as daylight fades.

Night settles over the unfamiliar forest. The river reflects the first stars, while the distant wreck burns down to a dull orange glow behind the trees.

Lyra stirs beneath the shelter, her breathing becoming steadier. She opens her blue eyes and flinches at the unfamiliar canopy before noticing the bandages.

Her gaze finds Krieosk’s helmet and weapon, then shifts toward the river. She remains weak, but pushes herself upright with careful, uncertain movements.