"Cari?"

I looked at the control panel again in panic, trying to understand the readings that were showing up. Shaking my head I reset the readings for the third time.

"Everything alright, Cari? you look shocked" I turned to face him white as a ghost.

"Its this small blue planet captain, the one we're approaching. The readings I get are weird. And you won't believe me but its ....Earth"

The captain laughed as he walked over to my station.

"Let me have a look" I quickly jumped up from my chair and let him see my monitor, enlarging it for him with a flick of my hand.

He rubbed his head in confusion as he stared at the strange readings.

"It can't be, I don't understand" for the first time since working with him his voice sounded shaky,

scared.

Earth had been destroyed a long time ago. Humans had mistreated the green luscious planet and over the years the earth became toxic and humanity joined it. Fighting over fresh air or scientific advancement they began to fight and destroyed it completely with the biggest war that the planet had ever seen. Weapons of mass destruction were used to completely annihilate it eventually. Nothing could survive that or live there again for a very long time.

Humanity survived by leaving earth and starting a life on other planets, where they eventually found other life forms. I am half-human and half Tekaan. The humans found new planets they never knew existed, as they developed new technology.

But this planet here that we are currently looking down at is giving me safe readings, no toxic air. livable readings. All the readings are telling me its earth.

But the confusing part is we are nowhere near earth, where it used to be; next to mars.

"Ok Cari, take some more readings. We need to be sure. Find out what's going on. Are there any lifeforms? "

I sat back down in my chair and brushed my hair from my face nervously. Trying to control my emotions I quickly ran the tests for the captain. I felt like he was breathing down my neck as he paced behind me.

My monitor beeped as the reports scrolled down my monitor. My eyes widened again. I cleared my throat. "Captain. I can confirm there is life on this planet. All of the readings show up as Earth"

He nodded at me lost in thought. After a few seconds he raised his voice "Ok, we will send a team down there. We will take some samples and assess what the lifeforms are. Cari, you will lead the team"

I almost choked on my own saliva as I stood up in shock "Sorry captain. Me? lead the team?"

He pointed over to the bridge and started walking, I followed quickly "Yes Cari, you will lead the team. You have shown great leadership in previous missions. Being half-human I think this will be informative for you"

"Captain, you are also human?"

"Yes, I am. But if I leave there is no one to look after the ship and the rest of the crew. I need to have confidence that my crew can act without me"

"Yes, captain. It would be my honour to lead the crew. I shall prepare the equipment straightway sir"

"Choose a team of five. We will keep numbers low" I nodded confidently

"Yes, captain" I already knew who I would want as my team. These people I worked with on this ship were more than friends; they were family.

I quickly prepared the bags and five suits. I walked across the ship to the different sections to find my crew. Engineering was my first port of call.

It was quiet, so I snuck upon him as he worked. I wrapped my arms around his waist and breathed that familiar scent in "Hey" I kissed his neck as he smiled. His floppy blond hair bounced as he turned around and wrestled me to the ground "Hey, beautiful. What brings you here?"

He held my hands playfully as I stared up into his eyes "Actually I have a job for you. We are going down to the planet down there. All of the computer signs are saying its Earth"

He quickly jumped up pulling me up to a sitting position "Seriously, Cari?"

"Seriously, Jay! I kid you not"

"Jeez. I think I need a drink" I stood up and pulled him up "Well there's no time. we leave in 30 minuets. Can you go get Alex and doc?"

He nodded and walked off with a smile on his face. He knew I would choose the gang. Our team. I had faced death with these people around me.

I just had one more person to get. I quickly raced over to her department near the landing bay. She was the best pilot on this ship but also she was the most annoying. She had a temper and no social skills. She hated everyone, well nearly everyone.

"Blake?" I shouted for her across the hanging bay, it was huge and there was no way I could walk it all in time.

"Blake" I shouted again as loud as I could.

I could hear her cursing under one of the small ship's nearby

"YES?" I quickly ran up to her as she pulled her self out. She had black oil marks on her face and looked annoyed.

"Captains orders. You are joining me on the planet we found. The computer says its earth"

She let out a loud laugh and then wiped her arm across her face "Are you winding me up, Cari?"

"No, The readings are all accurate. We are going down to take samples and also look for the lifeforms. I need you, Blake. please?" I held my hand out and placed it on her shoulder.

She looked at me with her brows screwed up "you, need me?"

"Yes, Blake. you are the best pilot on this ship, heck in the whole galaxy here. I trust you. We have been through a lot together. Please join my team?" My eyes pleaded with her

"Ok, ok" She threw the large piece of metal onto the floor and followed me. I was surprised she gave in so quickly this time.

We walked to the briefing area and the Captain explained everything leaving me to do the rest. The five of us suited up and entered the small ship we would use to fly dow to the Eath planet.

The ship was a lot smaller and uncomfy but could fly like a dream. Blake took the pilot seat and I sat at the front with her. We left the hanger and flew over the blue orb. It was breathtaking from up here. The greens and blues that seemed to twinkle like a jewel.

The ship shook and the ride was bumpy as we entered the planet's atmosphere. The crew all held onto their belts as we shook. The noises that the ship made were horrific like it would just explode. We eventually made it through and Blake landed the small ship on the planet.

My stomach was doing summersaults as I punched the codes in on the main door of the ship. The crew stood fully dressed in their suits and backpacks on. I could see Jay and his calming eyes watching me.

"Here we go, guys. Thank you for joining me. We don't know what's out there so be ready for anything. Keep your eyes peeled and your senses sharp"

I punched the button and the main door flew open. Our eyes filled with sunlight almost blinding us instantly. I blinked them and tried to focus and I slowly left the ship. As soon as I set a foot down on the planet my eyes seemed to slowly adjust.

I blinked again in shock as something came speeding toward me.

"Cari, move! quickly"