The team had spent ample time resting, allowing the expedition members to fully adjust to the Primeval World's atmosphere. The initial dizziness and nausea had faded, leaving them prepared for the journey ahead.

  Nearby, Kevin was furiously scrubbing at his face and clothes, trying to rid himself of the mud he had earned from his reckless dive through the rift. His grumbling was mostly ignored, though Eric couldn’t help but smirk at his friend’s misfortune.

  “Everyone gather around.” Matelda’s called out, her voice carrying over the group.

  The expedition consisted of seventy people who included; fifty researchers, a reporter, other staff and twenty warriors. After the expedition team had gathered, the warriors got into position, surrounding them in the center. One of the expedition members seized the opportunity to snap a few photos before their departure. However, upon reviewing the images, he noticed something strange. His gaze instinctively shifted toward Eric, his pupils dilating in surprise.

  The group started moving down the mountain towards the valley below where a base had been set. Purple juice splashed as the warriors cut shrubs and vines that obstructed the path. They had cleared trees in the early expeditions however within a year the path would already covered with thick plantation. The archers were on alert ready to snipe any beast that might be attracted by the noise. Most beasts, avoided this area close to the rift, but it didn’t hurt to be careful.

  The team made it safely to the designated base location. At first the research team were confused, there was no sign of a camp, only dense vegetation and towering tree.

  Roshuk strode forward towards what looked like a massive tree stump covered in vines. He was a pale blue lizard-folk with cyan feathers on his head and a tuft of them forming an ear. Grabbing the vines, he pulled ripping them from the stump which was revealed to be an entrance, the base was an underground base. The entrance walls had been lined with purple like moss making it blend with the surrounding vegetation.

  ‘The Horizon Post’ – Roshuk swiped of some of the moss uncovering the writing underneath.

  Creak! The circular entrance creaked and groaned as it was forced open after a long time of disuse. The group peered down into the darkness below, a ladder leading into the underground base. Roshuk was the first to descend, gripping the metal rungs with ease as he made his way below. When his feet touched the floor, he scanned the room his eyes clearly seeing through the darkness. ‘Nothing seems out of order’, he reached and flipped a switch. The overhead lights momentarily flickered as they turned on, illuminating the dust laden interior.

  Matelda received a message from Roshuk, ‘everything was ok’. Nodding she gave the group permission to descend into the base. Once the whole group entered the base they made their way towards the central control room.

  In the control room the lights occasionally flickered weakly brightening the room. The room was larger than expected, with seats arranged in neat rows round a table, covered cabinets and computer desks arranged on the left and right walls and the main console on the front. Against the far wall, multiple large screens stood dormant, their surfaces veiled beneath thick, dark fabric. Every furniture and machine had been covered with protective dust covers, shielding them from the slow encroachment of dirt and grime.

  As Eric and the others moved deeper inside, their footsteps disturbed the settled dust, sending faint wisps swirling through the air. The room held the quiet weight of past expeditions, waiting to be brought back to life.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Matelda gave out tasks to the warriors to check out the base facilities to make sure they were functional. Kevin was assigned to lead the research team to their quarters, and to help them familiarize with the base’s layout. Eric was given the task of setting up the computers. With everyone assigned the people dispersed to accomplish their duties leaving only Eric and Matelda alone in the room.

  Eric hurled the luggage he was carrying onto a certain desk, unzipping it, he took out a black rectangular box – a high density battery. Tapping on a panel on the wall, he unlatched it and slid the battery into the open slot, the battery fitting with a click. Moving to the main console, he pulled off the dust cover that protected the computer sending plumes of dust in the air. He covered his nose wafting the air with his other hand. Powering on the computers a loud whir filled the room as the computer fan started. Moments later several screens in the base lit up filling the room with a soft blue light of the start screen with the whir turning to a gently hum.

  Eric started configuring the computers taking a just few minutes before everything was set and ready.

  “Are you done?” Matelda who was waiting on the side asked.

  Nodding, Eric affirmed.

  “Bring up the feed from the cameras.”

  Eric’s fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard, navigating through the system’s interface. The huge front monitor changed displaying a grid, each grid displaying the feed from various cameras placed around Horizon Post. Most of the display was dark with the status of two grids being offline while the rest displayed the rooms and corridors within the Horizon Post.

  Matelda folded her arms as she observed. “Status report?”

  “The internal cameras are fine, most of the external cameras are operational, but their lenses are obstructed, probably by overgrown vegetation. We’ll need to send people to clear them.” He pointed at the feeds with an offline status. “These ones, however are possibly damaged or disconnected. They might need replacing.”

  At this time the door swung open and one of the warriors, a girl named Taia came in.

  “Captain, I’ve completed my duty, the water treatment and filtration system is working fine.” She reported.

  Matelda nodded in acknowledgement, “Well I have a new task for you,” looking at Eric she continued, “Partner up and go fix those damaged cameras, I will inform the others to deal with the rest.”

  “Yes captain.” Taia said enthusiastically.

  Eric nodded and walked towards the storage room with Taia following him.

  Taia was a pure dark skinned girl with strands of blue tattoos peaking at her hands and crawling from her neck to the sides of her face. She had shoulder length dark hair and wore a simple shirt and fitting trousers with knee high boots and an enchanted hooded cloak, it could change color to match its surrounding. She was an archer and had her quiver mounted on the back and her bow slung over her shoulders. On her belt was a small sheathed dagger for she wanted to engage in close range.

  Reaching the storage room, Eric turned on the lights however they flickered before dying off.

  “That needs to be fixed.” Eric said.

  “Don’t worry I got you.” Taia said as she opened a flashlight pointing at the dark room, the light casting huge shadows across the room.

  “After you.” she gestured to Eric.

  Eric entered the storage room, glancing at the row of shelves trying as he searched for the right section. As he continued searching he noticed that Taia would occasionally angle the flashlight directly at him, seeing how it affected him. He chose to ignore her antics focusing on finding... Electronics, his gaze shifted towards the labeled section.

  Moving between the shelves he easily located the metal cabinet labeled ‘cameras and surveillance’. Pulling it open revealed neatly arranged compartments filled with spare cameras, wiring, and other maintenance tools, he quickly took two cameras and some coils of cable.

  "Got what we need?" she asked aiming the light beam directly at Eric's head.

  "Just need a few more tools," Eric muttered, rummaging through a nearby toolbox. He pulled out a screwdriver set, a multi-tool, and a small diagnostic device before nodding in satisfaction. He placed the cameras and tools into a small dusty bag he found earlier in the room.

  With everything gathered, the two made their way out of the storage room back into the lit corridor.

  "Let's move," Eric said, patting the dust of the bag.

  Together, they exited Horizon Post, stepping out into the vast expanse of the Primeval World.