Chương 2: Crash Landing: Into the Unknown

The next morning, after spending some time with his family, Jake strutted towards solitary confinement in the Sky Box. He couldn't shake the nervousness that gnawed at him. As he approached the softly lit cell where Egon was being held, he hoped that his young apprentice would choose the risky path of going to Earth rather than waiting for his inevitable doom.

Inside the cold, steel walls of the cell, Egon looked up as Jake entered. His eyes held a mix of determination and resignation. "Egon," Jake began, his voice tinged with both hope and trepidation, "I've spoken to the council, and there's a chance for you to go to Earth. It's a risky journey, and you'll be going alone, but it could also be the hope the Ark needs."

Egon's mind was swirling with questions as he processed the council's decision. "Why would they even consider sending me to Earth? It's supposed to be uninhabitable," he said, his voice tinged with stubbornness.

Jake took a deep breath, trying to convey the desperation he felt to get Egon to see the opportunity in front of him. "I was able to convince them to give it a shot, Egon," he explained, leaning closer to whisper. "Listen, they have a secret project they have been developing to enhance the human body. Abby has been working with a team of scientists, and doctors on this for over a decade. It's a project meant to ensure the body's resilience in extreme conditions, like surviving on Earth. You stand a better chance with it. Please, Egon, take this chance."

Egon's eyes narrowed, still skeptical and refusing to back down. "If they have been developing this so called secret project for over a decade, why would they waste that on me and not on someone specifically trained for it?"

Jake's frustration began to show, and he felt himself reaching a breaking point. He had started caring deeply for Egon over the past year and couldn't bear to see his young apprentice give up on this chance. "Egon, this is bigger than just you or me," he implored, his voice rising. "The Ark's survival is at stake, and we need every chance we can get to find a solution. This is your chance to live, to do something greater than yourself!"

Egon's resolve remained unyielding, not convinced by the offer before him. "I don't know if I'm ready for this, Jake," he admitted, his voice firm with determination. "I still think there must be a better way to help the Ark than taking a shot in the dark."

At that moment, the desperation in Jake reached its peak, and couldn't hold back any longer. "You have to be ready, Egon!" he exclaimed, his voice breaking with emotion. "It's either you take this chance and try to do something meaningful with the little bit of time you have or you just wait in this cell to die. I can't bear to watch you waste this opportunity!"

Silence hung heavily in the cell. Finally, Egon let out a deep breath, and a sense of resolve flickered in his eyes. "Okay, Jake," he said quietly but with some firmness. "I'll do it. I'll go to Earth and try to find a way to help the Ark."

Relief washed over Jake as he heard those words. He believed in Egon's strong will and intelligence enough to know that whatever obstacles come his way he would find a way past them. This was their best chance, and he was not about to let his apprentice go down there unprepared.

"One more thing, Egon," Jake said, his voice earnest. "When the council debriefs you on your mission, don't mention anything about the enhancement."

"Why not? You said I was going to receive it," Egon replied, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"Because they don't plan on giving you the enhancement," Jake explained. "They only intended to send you down with a backpack and a radio. Abby and I thought that wasn't enough, so we'll be giving you the enhancement under the guise of a health checkup."

Egon's concern grew, "Jake if they find out about this, they'll float both of you. Maybe we shouldn't take the risk."

Jake's determination showed as he responded firmly, "Egon, I won't just sit here and do nothing. I will do everything I can to ensure both the survival of the Ark and you. If that means bending the rules, then so be it."

The weight of Jake's conviction silenced any further objections from Egon. They both understood the risks involved, but Jake was resolute in his belief that this was their best chance at a future for the Ark.

"Hey," Egon spoke up after some silence in the stale cell. "When will this all be happening?"

"Right now," Jake said opening the door to the cell and walking out.

"What! Are you serious!" Egon shouted as he scrambled to catch up to Jake.

~~~~~~~~~

Council Room

Inside the Ark's council chamber, Egon sat facing the stern faces of the council members with Jake standing off to the side. The weight of the impending mission to Earth hung heavy in the air, and he could feel the gravity of the responsibility on his shoulders. Chancellor Jaha cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had settled in the room.

"Egon Matthias, you have made a brave decision to embark on this mission to Earth," Chancellor Jaha began. "Your determination to risk your life in hopes of a solution for the Ark's survival is commendable, and we will support your efforts."

Egon nodded, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. He was determined to make a difference, but he also knew that the road ahead would be perilous.

"Your destination on Earth will be near a fallout shelter known as Mount Weather," Marcus Kane interjected, studying Egon closely. "While it's a hazardous region, particularly during certain times of the year, our intelligence indicates it might offer valuable resources to aid you. Your survival will depend on your ability to navigate these challenging conditions."

Egon took note of the information, realizing that landing near a fallout shelter might offer him some protection and potentially valuable supplies. "I understand," Egon replied, trying to project confidence despite the apprehension he felt. "I'll need to be prepared for anything."

"Indeed," Charles Pike chimed in, his sharp eyes fixed on Egon. "That's why we'll equip you with a backpack full of essentials to aid in your survival." He motioned to a nearby table where the said backpack was placed.

Egon's eyes widened as he saw the contents of the backpack. He knew that he was going to receive a backpack full of supplies from Jake, but nothing to this extent. Inside were maps of the regions, a compass, flint, and steel for making fire, binoculars, and a thick book on wilderness survival.

"There's a weather monitoring station on the Ark that will keep track of the conditions in the regions," Jacapo Sinclair added, his voice reassuring. "We'll be in constant communication with you through the radio we're providing. You must check in regularly to receive any updates or warnings.

Egon nodded, understanding the importance of staying connected with the Ark during his stay on Earth. The hazardous conditions on Earth were unpredictable, and having real-time information would be crucial for his safety.

Chancellor Jaha continued, "Before your departure, you'll need to undergo a health checkup to ensure you are physically prepared for this journey. We want to be certain that you are in the best possible condition to face the challenges ahead."

"I'll be sure to do the checkup," Egon replied, sneaking a glance at Abby who nodded subtly.

"Good," Chancellor Jaha said with a nod. "The health checkup will take place after this meeting, and assuming everything is in order, you'll be departing for Earth tomorrow morning."

Egon's heart raced at the thought of finally setting foot on Earth, the place he had only heard stories about. It was a mixture of thrill and trepidation.

"One last thing," Marcus Kane chimed in. "We've also marked some locations on your maps that might contain supplies. It's a backup plan in case you encounter any unforeseen circumstances on your way to Mount Weather." Egon felt a surge of gratitude for the council's efforts to ensure his safety and success. He knew that he couldn't afford to be careless with these provisions and that he must use them judiciously.

"You must understand, Egon, that this is not without risks," Marcus Kane said firmly. "Your survival on Earth will depend on your resourcefulness, determination, and intelligence. It's a slim hope, but it's also a chance to have a future on Earth."

"I know the risks," Egon replied, his voice steady. "But I won't just sit back and do nothing while the Ark faces its doom."

Chancellor Jaha nodded, acknowledging Egon's determination. "We believe in your abilities, Egon. You have shown great potential, and we hope that you can find a way to aid the Ark in its time of need." As the council meeting concluded, Egon was taken to undergo a thorough 'health checkup' by Abby with Jake following behind them.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Abby's Medical Lab

As the three made their way into Abby's personal Lab, Egon not being one to beat around the proverbial bush got straight to it. "Mind explaining the procedure Abby?"

"Alright," Abby began, her tone resolute and serious. "The goal is to enhance your physical capabilities, making you better equipped to withstand the challenges of Earth's environment and increasing your chances of survival. My team and I have over the past decade created a groundbreaking approach to achieve this."

"We will start by utilizing cutting-edge nanobots," Abby continued with a hint of restrained excitement in her voice. "These tiny machines will not only reinforce your bones, making them more durable, but they will also work to increase the density of your muscles, granting you enhanced abilities. With these enhancements, you'll have the power to face whatever challenges Earth throws your way."

"But that's not all," she continued, her eyes shining with conviction. "The nanobots are truly extraordinary; they possess the capability to heal injuries and mend any damage you may encounter during your journey. Their regenerative abilities mean that you'll recover faster from wounds, allowing you to keep going even in the most perilous situations."

"However, it's important to be aware that the nanobots do have a limitation," Abby added with a more solemn tone. "In the case of life-threatening injuries, there won't be much the nanobots can do other than prolong your life long enough for you to reach medical attention. While they can provide a crucial buffer, it's essential to exercise caution and take all necessary precautions while exploring the Earth."

"Now, here comes the most innovative part," Abby continued, her focus unwavering as she delved into the details of the procedure. "For your cardiovascular system, we'll be utilizing gene-splicing technology to integrate plant cells into your cellular structure. By doing so, we aim to provide improved delivery of oxygen into your muscles, which will not only enhance your endurance but also enable you to endure even the harshest conditions on Earth. This infusion of plant-based resilience will make you more adaptable to the planet's diverse and sometimes harsh environments."

"As part of the procedure, I'll also equip you with a state-of-the-art radiation-resistant shield," Abby explained, her eyes intensely focused on the tablet. "This shield is a marvel of technology, designed to provide enhanced protection against the lethal levels of radiation that still plague Earth's surface while neutralizing any toxic or corrosive substances you may encounter. It's your constant guardian, always working to protect you."

"But I must clarify," Abby continued, her tone deadly serious, "while the shield is exceptional at shielding you from radiation, it does not make you invincible to all forms of harm," Abby emphasized. "It's an essential tool for your survival, but it does have its limits. You should remain vigilant and continue to exercise caution during your expedition."

"As you venture into the untamed wilderness, the shield and the nanobots will work in harmony, offering you unparalleled protection and support. This ingenious combination of cutting-edge technologies will not only safeguard you from the dangers of Earth but also empower you to thrive and adapt in this new environment, fulfilling your crucial mission of exploring Earth's potential for human habitation." Abby stated finishing her explanation of the procedure to Egon and Jake.

The humming of the lights in the lab was the only sound that could be heard for a brief moment until Jake spoke up "I knew we were planning on enhancing him but I didn't think it was going to be anywhere near this big of a procedure."

"Damn, and here I thought you were gonna give me some super serum that would make me like that guy with the red and blue shield in the picture books I read as a child." Egon's statement got a chuckle out of both Jake and Abby which seemed to ease the tense atmosphere in the lab.

"This is going to hurt isn't it?" Egon asked.

"No, it'll feel like the time you got your back tickled by your grandma when you were a kid. Of course it's going to hurt Egon!" Abby responds with a heavy dose of sarcasm as she heads over to what looked to be a Regeneration Cradle.

"Hey! I was just asking for clarification" Egon indignantly stammered.

"Ask stupid questions, get stupid answers" Jake butted in patting Egon on the shoulder, and walked off after his wife. Egon hung his head in defeat, a defeat handed to him by an old couple no less, sighing he made to follow after them.

Abby took a deep breath, preparing herself for the next part of the process. "Before we begin, Egon, we need to ensure that your body is sanitized thoroughly to prevent any contamination during the procedure. I need you to strip naked." she explained, her voice steady as she reached for a container of medical-grade sanitizing solution.

Egon paused in embarrassment, cheeks tinting red but doing as asked nonetheless, understanding the importance of maintaining a sterile environment for such a complex enhancement. Abby carefully and methodically wiped the solution over Egon's exposed skin, cleansing every inch with utmost care.

As Abby and Egon prepared for the procedure, Jake discreetly placed a small, inconspicuous device on the wall of the lab. "This will help cancel any noise that might be produced during the procedure," he explained not wanting the inevitable screaming from Egon to be the reason they get caught.

Once the sanitization was complete, Abby led Egon to the imposing structure of the Regeneration Cradle. Its sleek, metallic surface gleamed under the lab lights. "Climb inside, Egon," Abby instructed, her gaze unwavering. "Once you're in, we won't be able to stop until the procedure is finished. Jake and I will be right outside, monitoring you every step of the way."

Egon glanced at the Regeneration Cradle, a mix of excitement and nervousness evident in his eyes. He took a deep breath and climbed inside, settling himself into the cradle as Abby checked the monitors and connections, ensuring everything was in place.

"Are you ready, Egon?" Abby asked gently, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"As ready as I'll ever be," Egon replied, trying to suppress the slight tremor in his voice.

"The procedure will take approximately three hours. During this time, the nanobots and gene-splicing technology will work together to enhance your body, and the radiation-resistant shield will be seamlessly integrated beneath your skin."

Egon nodded, steeling himself for what lay ahead. "Three hours got it," he replied, determination in his eyes.

Abby gave him a reassuring smile before stepping back and initiating the procedure. The cradle hummed to life, enveloping Egon in a cocoon of advanced technology and innovation. Jake and Abby stood just outside, watching over him with a mix of hope and anticipation, knowing that their mission to bring humanity back to Earth rested on the shoulders of this young man.

As the procedure commenced, Egon's body was engulfed in an intense surge of sensations. The nanobots worked tirelessly, reinforcing his bones and increasing the density of his muscles, but the process came with a price – an excruciating pain that radiated through his entire being.

Egon couldn't contain the agony, and he found himself yelling out in torment. Every fiber of his being felt like it was being torn apart; the pain was unlike anything he had ever experienced before. He gritted his teeth, trying to endure the overwhelming sensations, but the anguish was almost too much to bear. Abby's heart ached for Egon, knowing the immense pain he must be enduring. Yet, they also knew that this transformation was necessary for the success of their mission.

As the nanobots continued their intricate work, integrating plant cells into Egon's cellular structure through gene-splicing, the pain intensified even further. The radiation-resistant shield, seamlessly integrated beneath his skin, added to the strain on his body. Egon felt like he was being torn apart, his senses overwhelmed by the intensity of the process.

To help Egon endure. Jake adjusted the lab's lights to create a serene atmosphere, fostering an environment conducive to recuperation. Despite their preparations, the pain became too much for Egon to bear. As the nanobots and gene-splicing technology worked in harmony to complete the enhancement, Egon's vision blurred, and his consciousness wavered.

With a final surge of agony, Egon's body succumbed to the overwhelming stress, he losed consciousness. Abby and Jake exchanged worried glances, trusting in the process but still concerned for Egon's well-being.

The lab fell silent, save for the low hum of the Regeneration Cradle and the soft whirring of the advanced technology at work. Time seemed to stretch, each second feeling like an eternity as they waited for Egon to awaken.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Egon's eyes flickered open. His breathing was heavy, and his body felt weak, but there was a newfound sense of strength and determination in his gaze.

"You did it," Abby said softly, relieved to see him awake. "The procedure is complete, how do you feel?"

Egon managed a faint smile, his voice slightly hoarse as he replied, "Sore, and tired but also wide awake if that makes any sense."

Abby nodded, her heart swelling with pride for the young man before her. "That would be the enhancements at work."

Egon slowly emerged from the cradle, feeling the effects of the procedure settling in. He looked at Abby and Jake, gratitude and determination shining in his eyes. "Thank you," he said, his voice tinged with emotion. "Thank you for believing in me and giving me this chance."

Jake came over to hand him some spare clothes. "Think nothing of it. Now how about we do some tests to see what we are working with?" Abby agreeing with her husband went and grabbed her tablet along with a cart full of medical equipment. Wheeling over the cart she picked up a Stethoscope before holding it up to Egon's peck to listen.

After doing all the generic tests they could do in Abby's lab they decided to head for the gym under the pretense that they needed to make sure he was at his peak physical form. Unnoticed by all three, a previously wilted plant on Abby's desk seemed to have regained some of its vitality.

~~~~~~~~~

The Gym

When they got there Abby used her power as a council member to get everyone to leave and have the cameras turned off. "Alright, Egon I want you to try all of your PRs (Personal Records)," Abby asked.

"Yeah, no problem," Egon told her as he walked over to the bench press. Jake followed along helping out by putting the weights on the bar. "My previous record was 225lbs. (102kg)" Laying down on the bench Egon proceeded to lift the weight as if it only weighed 20lbs. Re-racking the bar after doing 5 more reps Egon sat up and looked at his arms in amazement.

"This is fucking awesome!" Egon exclaimed in wonder. Jake and Abby shared a small smile at his outburst.

As the physical test went on they would learn that Egon's physical limit was far past their expectations. Running at an astounding speed of 27mph on a treadmill without breaking a sweat, beating all of his PRs as if they weren't even worthy to be a warmup might have also helped with that realization.

"Okay, that's enough tests Egon," Abby's raised voice could be over the constituent whacking of a rope against the ground. "We need you to get back to your cell before people start asking questions that I won't be able to answer." This comment put a bit of a damper on Egon's good mood, reminding him about what was going to be happening tomorrow.

Egon stopped what use to be a good workout with a jump rope and nodded his head in resignation. Jake came a patted him on the back reassuringly, "Look at the bright side tomorrow you will get the opportunity of being the first person to step on Earth in almost a hundred years." Managing to bring Egon's mood back up a bit based on the small smile Egon had on his face, Jake considered his job as mentor completed and led Egon back to his cell for the night. Knowing that the young man next to him would need all the rest he could get for what was to come tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Egon stood at the threshold of the airlock, ready to step into the single-person dropship that was meant to get him to Earth. His backpack was secured tightly beside his seat, and the weight of his departure felt tangible. Jake stood beside him, a mixture of pride and concern evident in his eyes.

"Listen up, Egon, I've seen you overcome obstacles before, and I know you've got what it takes," Jake said, his voice soft but resolute. "You're more capable than you realize, and I believe in you. Remember, you've got the strength, the skills, and the heart to conquer whatever comes your way. Prove to the council that I was right to put my faith in you!"

Egon nodded, grateful for Jake's unwavering support. "Thank you, Jake. I'll do everything I can to make sure humanity prospers back on the ground."

With a final farewell, Egon stepped through the airlock, the door closing behind him. Determined and ready, Egon took a deep breath as he prepared for the moment of truth. The launch sequence began, and he could feel the powerful thrusters propelling the shuttle forward. The moment he had spent all but two days preparing for was finally here – he was being launched from the Ark to begin his descent to Earth.

As the shuttle pierced through the outer atmosphere, Egon braced himself for the intense heat and turbulence. However, it quickly became clear that something was wrong. The shuttle's systems started to malfunction, and alarms blared in the confined space. Panic started to rise within Egon, but he forced himself to remain focused.

Despite the malfunction, the shuttle's safety procedures kicked in, attempting to stabilize the descent. The shuttle's automated systems were doing their best to save his life, but it was evident that the craft was not up to the task of handling the harsh re-entry.

As the shuttle continued its turbulent descent, Egon held on tightly, his heart pounding with fear and adrenaline. The G-forces were intense, and the violent shaking made it difficult to maintain consciousness. In a desperate attempt to regain control, he strongly gripped the control panel, trying to guide the falling shuttle. But the forces were too much to bear, and a moment later, Egon's vision blurred, and everything went dark. He had been knocked unconscious during the crash landing.

When Egon finally came to, he felt groggy and sore. The shuttle was a wreck, with smoke and debris filling the air. He tried to move, but pain shot through his body, making every movement excruciating. With great effort, he managed to sit up, taking in his surroundings with a disoriented gaze.

The once pristine shuttle now lay in ruins, and Egon could hardly believe that he had survived such a disastrous crash. It was a miracle that he was still alive; he would have surely died if not for the enhancements. As he looked around, he realized that he was no longer inside the shuttle; somehow, he had been ejected from the wreckage.

Slowly and with the help of some exposed rebar, Egon managed to rise to his feet. Despite the pain and disorientation, he knew he had to keep going. The Ark's hope rested on his shoulders, but Egon couldn't for the life of him remember why that was. He couldn't remember a lot of things like the faces of the people he held as important in his young adult life. Yes, he could remember their names but couldn't put a face to the names, nor did he know why they were important to him.

As the ringing from the crash echoed in his ears, panic began to take hold of Egon. In the vastness of the unknown, he looked around, feeling lost and disoriented. The Ark's hope in him might have seemed extinguished at that moment when he whispered in a barely audible voice, "Where am I?"

(AN)- Well that's chapter 2 done and dusted! Not really sure how I feel about it but let me know what you think. As always constructive criticism is welcomed. I am always willing to try and improve my none existent writing skills XD.