Chapter 1: Introduction
The Research Outpost Europa-1 hummed with the collective energy of eager minds striving to unlock the secrets of Europa. Though several scientific breakthroughs have been made in the months since the facility's construction, all within know they've only scratched the surface of Europa's secrets...both figuratively and literally.
Of course, none of those stationed at Europa-1 will tell you that this work was easy, or that its never boring. Any who are asked will always tell you how the work that comes with surveying and studying one of the many celestial bodies within our solar system has its dull moments.
Many at Europa-1 will adamantly agree to there being no shortage of "dull", "arduous", and even "boring" tasks, but will also agree that complaining about such work solves little.
For three of these astronauts, its business as usual. Some work outside the outpost needs to be done, but they're up for it.
They're not going to complain, because if they do, they'll get called out by someone else, and it's best to just keep moving forward.
So, with that mindset, Arthur, Ollie, and Jazz enter the locker room to change into their suits.
As they walk in, the scent of heavy perspiration lingers in the air -- a reminder of the intense physical labor endured by everyone at Europa-1. The trio exchange idle conversation, their voices echoing off the cold carbon-steel walls.
They each grab their respective lockers, their movements precise and methodical, as if rehearsed countless times before. Each locker contains everything needed for the day ahead: space suits, helmets, tools, and other essentials.
The process of getting suited up can be tedious, especially when dealing with bulky equipment, but Arthur, Ollie, and Jazz have become well-versed in this. Jumpsuits come off, space suits go on. Make sure the systems within the suits are working properly, and don't leave the airlock until your suit's seals have been checked.
It's almost like a choreographed dance, each knowing their part in the routine. As they strap themselves into their suits, the faint sound of their breaths becomes more pronounced, a stark contrast to the silence of the base.
Once they're ready, the trio gathers in the main chamber, checking their instruments. Arthur, ever the curious explorer, taps at his wrist device, looking over data feeds and satellite images. Jazz, meanwhile, runs through her checklist, ensuring that her equipment is functioning properly.