Caleb stopped at the closest tree to check his weapons. Once done, he reoriented and scanned for the faint trail left by his team's last hunt. The landscape offered no guidance. Everything looked the same. He sighed, holstered his sidearm, and lifted his rifle before continuing. A fine mist hung heavy with the scent of moss and earth, obscuring his view.

Even the birds had stopped calling...

Jemma and Charles weaved through the heart of Comic-Con, their senses alive with the buzz of neon lights, distant cheers, and the scent of fried food hanging in the air. Cosplayers brushed past them in elaborate armor and silk capes, laughter echoed from panel rooms, and the murmur of thousands of fans filled the space like a living machine.

For the twins, the event held significance beyond simple escapism...

Tarian and his closest advisors stood atop the wall, staring out at the horde of alien creatures massing below. Through his telescope, he spotted trolls, goblins, and new, even more terrifying creatures. He lowered the scope, looked over his shoulder, and addressed his advisors. "Kel, there's more of them than last time."

Keldon reached out, and Tarian handed the scope over to his friend. With a sigh...

Tarian marched through the dense forest, his detachment trailing behind. Upon entering a small clearing, Tarian retrieved his radio. “Everyone on me, I’ve found a clearing, and I want to regroup.” As a series of confirmations rang out, he switched his radio to another channel as he leaned against a tree. “Kel, has your team found anything...

Tarian stood atop the partially constructed walls as his gaze swept across the writhing mass of monsters. As he surveyed a source of his nightmares, he rubbed his brow when he recognized...

A scouting squadron, responsible for finding safety, found it moored to the coast like a forgotten legend, scarred and silent, yet still afloat. A seemingly operable battleship, untouched by conflict or the passage of time. They hoped the vessel would be their chance to escape the dying world. Although it appeared safe, the fear of humanity’s bane terrorized the remnants of civilization...

Keldon brought his radio to his mouth as he walked up the hill. "Tarian, there's no sign of the missing colonists yet, and we've covered most of this sector."

Over the radio, Tarian's voice crackled with a mix of frustration and weariness. "Kel, during the last few months, we've dealt with everything from giant wolves to dragons...

With his back resting against a tree, Tarian held his canteen between his knees as he stared at the hull of the colonization ship. His gaze drifted to the gash running behind the metal carcass, and he drew in a breath as his eyes closed, expelling a tear.

Lucinda stepped beside Tarian and leaned against the same tree...

Tarian drew a deep breath as he peered through the colonization ship's windshield. He rested his fingers on the hull as he turned toward the other individuals on the bridge, Keldon and Sherry. With a soft smile, Tarian sauntered to Sherry's seat and touched the top of one of her screens. "Can you confirm if the planet is capable of supporting life...

...The navigator asked while she referenced her map.

The pilot’s fingers tightened around the steering yoke as he inquired, “Aside from us being at war?”

“Their aircraft aren’t as advanced as ours, Erik,” she said, leaning into her seat. The young woman pulled her legs onto the edge of the chair, wrapping them up with her arms.

“True,” Erik hedged...