Europa 2049 by Joel Puga

Author:Joel Puga [Puga, Joel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ice, aliens, jupiter, europa, gru, spetsnaz, divers, 2049, ice base, inner ocean
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

In the following days, I seldom leave my room. I even stop taking my meals in the mess hall, going there just to get some food.

The look that everyone else gives me has become unbearable. They all know that their jobs are dependent on my success. If OST cuts the funding, this base will return to its state before the beginning of trade with the natives: a minimum team with little resources.

In the eyes of some military, I even see hatred. Many have lost friends in the fight against the aliens, and they fear being next if I can't find a way to end this war that they know they can't win.

Due to the pressure and lack of sleep, my mind isn't working very well. I spend hours moping around my room, thoughts going through my head at surreal speeds, not allowing me to focus on any one. A growing dizziness clouds my mind, adding to my immense despair.

One morning, Megumi enters my door, not announcing herself or asking for permission.

“Major Vassiliev, this is your only warning. You have been here for almost a month and I still don't see any progress on your part. I want to have on my desk a report with your recommendations by tomorrow, otherwise I'll send you back to Earth with instructions to be prosecuted for breach of contract. Are we understood?”

“Mrs. Kotomi, I reviewed all the data, documents, and videos several times and I have spoken with all the experts. I don't have enough information to reach any conclusions. I need to know a lot more about our enemy and the environment it lives in. I need to be able to communicate with it. Otherwise, I can't tell you anything useful. It requires a lot more time and research.”

“That is unacceptable! If you aren't capable of doing what you are being paid to do, tell me now, and you can go back to Earth on the next shuttle. My bosses won't invest more money or wait much longer. If we don't increase our profit margin, they will put an end to our operations here and open a mining post in the asteroid belt, like the competition.”

Faced with such an ultimatum, I agree to keep trying in spite of not knowing what else to do.

As soon as Megumi leaves the room, I begin moping around again. What can I do? What can I do? What can I do? Finally, I think of something. Deep down, I realize that it's a bad idea, dangerous and stupid, but my fatigue, despair and dizziness lead me to ignore it. After all, nothing more comes to mind and I've got to do something. Too much depends on me for me to just give up.

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