Exodus 2057, Book III

Synopsis

THE DISTANT FUTURE, 2139. A space shuttle violently shakes as it flies through the atmosphere of a planet in the galaxy. As the craft prepares to land, a sudden burst of warped air throws it off course – four astronauts are knocked unconscious as smoke fills the damaged cabin… Hours earlier, CAPTAIN DAMON BLAKE (42) sleeps alone on the bridge of the spaceship EROS. Traveling for decades on an exodus mission from a dying Earth. He’s suddenly awakened by a computer announcement: EROS is only five hours away from orbiting a new home planet for Earth’s refugees. Damon awakens his crew from hibernation. Soon he learns that a failed engine needs repair before it impacts the ship’s life support system. It’s also reported that the planet’s atmosphere is suitable for humans. Anticipating a successful mission, Damon names the new planet Somnium. As the ship orbits the planet, several crew members suddenly need medical attention. Damon visits the infirmary to investigate, he’s shocked to find his ex-wife DR. ROSE BILLINGTON (43) is in charge. Four probes are deployed to explore the new planet. The probes reveal mud dwellings and a herd of antelope-like creatures. Damon hears that one of the planet’s two moons has breathable air. Suddenly, one probe is shot down by a hostile force’s unseen weapon. Damon awakens COLONEL JAY RAMIREZ (52) and his team to address the situation. Priority One is now identifying the planet’s sentient beings and their capabilities.

Meanwhile, Rose is concerned about the crew’s health as the infirmary becomes crowded with new patients. When Colonel Ramirez takes military command of the bridge, Damon volunteers to explore Somnium but Ramirez postpones the mission and orders Damon to evaluate the moons as alternate home planets. Meanwhile, Damon is surprised to see his girlfriend KATHRYN RAMIREZ (31) as the ship’s counselor. As the couple share a kiss hello, Damon notices her name tag and realizes that the Colonel is her father. He also learns that five explorer teams will travel to Somnium without him. When Damon confronts the Colonel about joining the mission, he’s ordered to stay on ERO to oversee the shuttles. As Rose and the Colonel discuss the deployment of medical teams, Damon notices a spark between them, especially when Rose uses the Colonel’s first name. When Rose leaves the bridge, the Colonel orders Damon to eliminate medics from the exploration mission. Security Specialist LESLY and Ethics Officer AIESHEH now report for duty. Lesly isn’t happy to see Damon. While the Colonel reveals his intention for aggressive campaigns, Aiesheh urges him to proceed with caution. Damon, without the Colonel’s consent, joins the Shuttle Four team when he learns the pilot is sick. A wave of warped air hits Damon’s shuttle, and it crashes on the ground, leaving the crew unconscious as giant dragonfly creatures attack the shuttle! One creature is shot down by an unseen weapon while two continue their assault. Damon awakens to find his crew injured. The Colonel deploys drones to attack the giant dragonflies. While the drones distract the creatures, a shuttle lands to rescue Damon and his team. Lesly fires a high-powered beam from ERO and incinerates one of the creatures. The injured crew is teleported back to ERO for medical attention while Damon and four others stay behind to investigate the woods. As Damon’s team advances with weapons ready, sentient bushes move aside to create a pathway! As the team moves deeper into the woods, their helmet cameras provide images for the ERO crew. Their sensors detect the body heat of eight beings, Damon is shocked by what he sees ahead…