The final preparations for the mission were underway. In the heart of the lab, Dr. Dew stood before the Tech Upgrade Console, its interface glowing with endless possibilities. Leonardo da Vinci and Paracelsus observed as Dew calibrated the enhancements they would need to survive the moon's hostile environment.
"Power armor is essential," Dew said, keying in commands. "But mobility is just as critical. We'll be dealing with zero atmosphere, rough terrain, and the potential for rapid escape."
He pulled up the three essential techs for their mission: Spike Sphere, Sprint Tech, and Rocket Jump Tech.
"The Spike Sphere will let us cling to any surface," Dew explained, demonstrating as the blueprint illuminated on the screen. "If we need to escape quickly or navigate vertical shafts, this will be our best tool."
Leonardo studied the schematic with interest. "A body augmentation that allows for climbing? Ingenious."
"The Sprint Tech will let us move fast," Dew continued, "but it drains energy quickly. If we push it too hard, we'll be left vulnerable until our systems recharge."
Paracelsus nodded. "Energy management will be key."
"And finally, Rocket Jump Tech. Simple, but effective. If we need a burst of height or a last-minute escape, this will provide just enough propulsion to keep us from plummeting into a pit or being cornered."
Leonardo smirked. "We shall ascend like Prometheus himself."
Once the tech augmentations were installed, Dew turned to the last essential item—the Matter Manipulator. The tool hummed in his hand, capable of carving through rock, shaping terrain, and constructing the very foundation of their mining station. He passed one to each of them, ensuring they had full access to its functions.
"This will let us build the station quickly," Dew said. "We won't mine any Erchius right away. We construct, we place the Erchius Force Field Generator, and we get out. No unnecessary risks."
Paracelsus glanced at the display. "And the G.E.C.K.s?"
Dew nodded. "Once the foundation is set, we place them and leave. The terraforming will take time, but when it's done, Erchius will form naturally. No need for reckless mining."
With everything ready, they boarded the Starbound-class vessel, the culmination of years of research, labor, and innovation. As the engines roared to life, Dew guided the ship through the upper atmosphere, the large town shrinking beneath them as they ascended into the void. The trip was short, but the sight of the barren, cratered moon looming ahead was enough to steel their nerves.
Upon landing, the silence was suffocating. No wind. No sound. Just the soft crunch of their boots against the lunar surface. Their EPP backpacks ensured a constant supply of breathable air, but the vast emptiness of space was a reminder that any failure here could be fatal.
"Work fast," Dew instructed, activating his Matter Manipulator. "We're not staying any longer than necessary."
They began construction immediately. With the efficiency of their tools, the mining station took shape in record time. A small mine shaft was carved, reinforced, and sealed for future use. Every action was calculated—no wasted movements, no unnecessary exposure.
Once the foundation was laid, Dew carefully placed the Erchius Force Field Generator in an easily accessible location. It was their only defense against what lurked beneath the moon's surface.
"What exactly are we defending against?" Leonardo asked, watching as Dew calibrated the device.
Dew's voice was calm but firm. "The Erchius Ghost."
Paracelsus frowned. "You've mentioned this entity before."
Dew nodded. "The moment we start mining Erchius, this thing will appear. It's an incorporeal predator. It cannot be harmed, it cannot be outrun indefinitely, and it phases through all matter."
Leonardo's expression darkened. "So it is death incarnate."
"In a way," Dew admitted. "But the good news is, it only reacts to Erchius. As long as we don't have any on us, we'll be safe. The force field generator, once powered by Erchius, will keep it at bay. The problem? We won't have any Erchius to power it until after mining begins."
Paracelsus crossed his arms. "Then the window of vulnerability is brief but absolute."
"Exactly," Dew confirmed. "Which is why we had to build this first. Once the G.E.C.K.s are activated and Erchius starts forming, we return to power up the generator before mining begins."
Leonardo exhaled. "And if something goes wrong?"
Dew glanced toward the mine shaft, his mind already calculating possible failures. "Then we don't stop running until we're off this moon."
With the mining station completed, they moved to the next phase—placing the G.E.C.K.s. One by one, they positioned the terraforming devices in strategic locations across the moon's surface. Each device activated with a low hum, their effects invisible but inevitable. The barren landscape would soon transform, reshaping itself to yield what they needed.
With the final G.E.C.K. in place, they returned to the ship and launched back toward Earth, leaving the moon behind. From orbit, they watched. At first, nothing. Then, slowly, the lunar surface shimmered, subtle changes rippling across the terrain as the G.E.C.K.s rewrote the very nature of the celestial body.
Leonardo leaned forward. "It's working."
Paracelsus studied the readings. "Preliminary atmospheric shifts detected. The process has begun."
Dew allowed himself a small smile. "Now we wait."
The hard part was over. The true challenge, however, was yet to come.
End of Chapter Twenty-Four