Kristy followed Tyger down the stone steps through the dark cavern corridor. Her heart was racing because she couldn’t wait to see what was below the temple.

She has spent a month trying to open the entrance. Although Red has blown it up, it was worth it. She could continue her exploration without delay.

At the bottom of the stairway, they entered another corridor. This one appeared to be longer.

“How much further?” Tyger asked.

Kristy shrugged. “I don’t know. I haven’t reached this far.”

“It better not take long. Many lives are at stake.”

Kristy sighed.

She was glad her family didn’t live on Planet Bellona. She was born and raised on Earth until she completed her xenoarchaeology degree. Her family stayed on Earth in Africa. None of them enjoyed space travel. They preferred to be grounded.

“How long you were studying this place?” Red asked, approaching her from behind.

“About a month,” said Kristy. “I was researching these ruins alone, but it is worth it.”

“Do you like the jungle?”

Kristy giggled. “Not when it is trying to kill me. So is it true they made you in a lab?”

“Technically, yes. Dr.Linda created us on Planet Apollo. She wanted to make a unique team of superhuman star rangers, who can protect the colonies better than the other star ranger squadrons. To make us unique, she spiced human and cat DNA, which made us what we are now. After we were born, she raised us like her own children. She taught us how to read, write, and how to fight. We understand her well, no matter how old we were. Of course we have to focus on becoming star rangers. We went through aggressive physical to perfect our bodies for any situation. It wasn’t easy, and we nearly killed ourselves to move on. But Dr.Linda was always by our side. She gave us hope and courage so we wouldn’t give up.

“Some of our ideas came from movies we saw. Rambo, Kill Bill, and Star Wars. Not all of us took some ideas from movies. Maya got psionic implants and practiced on her own. She became good at it without letting her emotions get in her focus. After years of training, we proved ourselves by completing dangerous missions. No matter the odds, we get the job done. We made the Star Alliance proud of us, including Dr. Linda. And we became known as the Star Cats.”

Kristy smiled. “That is fantastic! Is Dr. Linda still around?”

Red opened his mouth.

“No,” said Tyger as he turned toward them. “She is dead…”

Kristy covered her mouth. “Oh… I am sorry. How?”

“Don’t ask.” Tyger glared at Red. “Let’s keep moving. The Star Alliance are counting on us.”

Tyger continued as Red walked beside him.

“I was only having a nice conversation, comrade,” said Red.

“I know, but our mission is our top priority,” said Tyger.

Red’s ears lowered. “Understood.”

From the corridor, they entered a giant cave with a black pyramid structure at the center. It was big as a baseball stadium, and it appeared to be built from smooth black stones.

Tyger stopped and stared at the structure. “I suppose the item we needed is in there.”

Kristy pointed her flashlight at the pyramid. “I believe so. Let’s check it out.