The Planet of Dread

Chapter 2

As Kristy and the others stepped aboard the ship, they found the Captain and the crew huddled around the console, their brows furrowed in concentration as they worked diligently to restore the malfunctioning computer.

"How's it going, Captain?" the Commander inquired, his voice laced with urgency.

"We're doing our best to fix the Relay Nexus," the Captain replied, determination flickering in his eyes. "I believe we can get it back online."

The Relay Nexus, a sophisticated piece of technology, served as a vital hub connecting their Telelink devices to nearby satellites and communication networks. Its advanced systems were designed to automatically seek out and establish connections with available satellites, extending their reach far beyond the confines of their current location. This capability was essential for maintaining uninterrupted communication, even on the most unfamiliar planets.

A Telelink is a compact, high-powered communication device used by space travelers to stay connected across vast distances. It resembles a sleek, advanced mobile device with a holographic interface, capable of transmitting data, audio, and video across planetary systems. Each Telelink connects through the ship's Relay Nexus, which amplifies and directs its signal to the nearest satellite or communication network. With adaptive frequency modulation and built-in encryption, the Telelink ensures secure, real-time communication with Earth—even from the most remote and uncharted locations in the galaxy.

"Did you find anything about the planet we are in?" Captain paused his work, looking intently at the Commander.

"Yes, and it's not good news, Captain. We are on the Planet of Dread," the Commander said, and a pall of unease fell over the room, causing everyone's faces to go pale.

"Oh my gosh," Casey exclaimed, her voice tinged with frustration as she anxiously ran her fingers through her short blue hair. More than anyone else, she felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her. "What can we do now? Do we know anything about the planet at least?"

"No one knows much about the Planet of Dread. The only thing they agree on is that if someone gets here, they'll never go back," Krastyo replied, his tone grave. Known for his reserved nature, Krastyo rarely spoke; when he did, it was a clear sign that they were facing a serious situation.

Cho sank into a nearby chair, her legs feeling like jelly beneath her. The news about the ships lost near the Planet of Dread weighed heavily on her mind. Most of those vessels were illegal, fleeing from the relentless pursuit of space police.

"Are you okay, Cho?" Ned asked, concern etched on his face as he approached her. Cho glanced up at him, nodding her head to indicate she was fine. However, it was clear to everyone that she was far from okay. Ned placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, hoping to offer her a sense of safety amidst the growing tension.

"Okay then, we better stay inside the ship no matter what, I guess," Captain said, uncertainty creeping into his voice.

"What if they come to our ship to attack us?" Jerry asked, and the room fell silent as everyone turned to look at him.

"Who? Who's coming to attack us?" Layton shot back, his fists clenched and ready for a fight. Layton was the kind of person who would fight to the last breath if necessary.

"I... I don't know. Maybe the aliens?" Jerry stammered, a hint of fear creeping into his voice.

"That's why we had a survival lesson, guys. We need to use that knowledge if something like that happens. And we have weapons too," Captain reassured them, though his own confidence seemed to waver.

"But do you think they'll work? We don't even know what kind of creatures inhabit this planet. What if they try to eat us?" Jerry replied, his tone anxious.

"Stop it, Jerry! Why are you trying to make the situation worse?" Casey snapped, anger flaring in her chest.

"I'm just saying," Jerry muttered defensively.

"But that's not helping, Jerry. What benefit does that give us right now?" Kristy asked, her voice tinged with frustration as she turned to face him.

"Maybe to be prepared," Jerry replied, rolling his eyes in exasperation. Kristy shot a glance at Captain and the Commander, seeking their support.

"We'll fix this before that happens," Captain assured them, returning to his work with a focused determination.

"Okay, everyone, let's head to the deck and check our weapons," the Commander announced, his voice steady and authoritative.

"I'll come with you, Commander," Layton said eagerly, while Ned and Jerry followed suit, ready for action.

"Let's go and make something to eat for everyone," Kristy suggested, turning to Cho and Casey.

"I don't want to cook," Casey snapped, her irritation evident.

"Okay then, you can go with the Commander or help the Captain," Kristy replied, her tone firm yet understanding.

Casey, lacking significant technical knowledge to help fix anything, reluctantly decided to follow the Commander.

"Do you think we'll get attacked?" As Casey reached the others, she overheard Ned asking the group. They were unaware that she was following them, and the dim lights of the ship provided just enough illumination to navigate the narrow corridors, their soft glow flickering as they moved.

"I'm not sure. Casey was the one at the control panel during that time," Jerry responded.

"Even she doesn't know what happened. It's her fault we got hit by something or got attacked. It was her job to keep an eye on the surroundings," Ned said to Jerry, his voice dripping with accusation.

"Even at Space School, she didn't do her part right. We all know why she's here. She didn't even get high marks," Jerry agreed, nodding in solidarity with Ned.

"Hey, there was nothing on the screen at that time! I was monitoring everything closely. The security alarm didn't ring, and don't you dare talk about my marks!" Casey retorted as she approached them, her voice rising with indignation. Standing shorter than both of them, she felt the weight of their words pressing down on her.

"You have low marks, and we all know that. They just let you come for sympathy, not because you're good for anything at all," Ned shot back harshly, causing Casey's lips to tremble with anger, leaving her momentarily speechless. The truth stung; she had indeed scored lower than everyone in her batch.

"And you're proving just how unfit you are for your own job by talking about alarms. The alarm doesn't ring all the time. This isn't a warship; it's a research vessel," Jerry added, his tone condescending.

"Are you guys not coming? What are you doing back there?" Layton called from down the corridor, his voice breaking through the tension. Ned and Jerry exchanged glances before heading down to the deck, leaving Casey feeling isolated and hurt.

With a heavy heart, Casey made her way to the kitchen. She didn't allow herself to cry, believing that tears would only signal weakness.