The Planet of Dread

Chapter 3

A few miles away from the research ship, Hunter, an 18-year-old with a tall and muscular build, stepped out from the craft and scanned the unfamiliar landscape. Behind him, Ray, also 18, adjusted his glasses as he followed closely.

"Where the hell are we?" Ray asked, his brow furrowed in confusion as he glanced around, taking in the strange surroundings.

"I don't know. You tell me," Hunter replied, his voice steady as he turned to face Ray. The contrast between them was stark; Hunter's broad shoulders and confident stance made him look formidable, while Ray, with his strong build and focused demeanor, radiated a more cerebral energy.

"I don't know much about planets. I only have technical knowledge, man," Ray admitted, frustration creeping into his voice.

"Yeah... we are free..." Vaska, a 13-year-old, and Coby, a boisterous 14-year-old, burst out of the ship, pushing against Ray and Hunter as they screamed with exhilaration.

"Hey, you two, come inside. We still don't know where the hell we are," Hunter called out, his tone stern.

"You're not the captain to give us orders," Coby shot back defiantly.

"But I can find a stick and whack you both," Hunter retorted, his firmness silencing Coby's cheer. "Now get your butts back inside and stay there while we figure out where we are," he insisted again, his voice leaving no room for argument. Reluctantly, Coby and Vaska complied, slipping back into the ship quietly.

At that moment, Emmy, who was the same age as Hunter and Ray, stepped outside with the others to see what was happening.

"Where the hell are we?" Lina, a cautious 15-year-old, asked, her eyes darting around in alarm.

"Oh, I think I know where we are," Emmy said, her voice trembling slightly. With her knowledge of planets, she added, "I've seen pictures of this place. It's not good, guys. We need to go back."

"What is it? Tell us!" Hunter pressed, confusion etched on his face.

"Why does it matter? I said it's not good. We need to fix the ship and leave here as soon as possible," Emmy asserted firmly.

"Why the hell can't you just tell us what planet we're on?" Ray asked, his tone laced with frustration.

"Do you even know what it is, even if I told you the name? Ha?" Emmy challenged, her gaze fierce.

"I'm fucking done with this bitch," Hunter exclaimed angrily, and Emmy looked at him in disbelief.

"How dare you talk to me like that?" she shot back, indignation flashing in her eyes.

"Emmy, why can't you just tell us the name?" Mindy, a soft-spoken 17-year-old, interjected, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Oh, shut up, Mindy! Do any of you fools here even know about any planet other than the one you came from? I'm the only one who knows at least something about the universe. And this is all your fault that we're here. Are you happy now, Hunter?" Emmy said, glaring at Hunter's green eyes.

"Yes, it's your fault. You two put all of us in danger," Kayra, a 16-year-old, chimed in, her voice filled with frustration.

"Wow! Look at you all now. Suddenly changing sides, right? A few hours ago, you wanted this! Now you all blame us when things go wrong," Hunter shot back, disbelief washing over his features as he glanced around at the others.

"Hunter, I'm always on your side," Vaska said, clutching Hunter's hand, her innocent 13-year-old gaze locked on him.

"I know, Vaska. You're smart; that's why you're with us," Hunter replied, a smile tugging at his lips as he appreciated her support.

Emmy let out a laugh at Hunter's remark. "Oh, come on. She's just 13. What does she know about anything?"

"Can we just stop fighting and do something about this? Maybe this planet isn't that bad. Maybe we could live here without any problems," Ernest, a 16-year-old, suggested, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Live here without a problem? You're a joke, Ernest. Such a joke," Emmy retorted, rolling her eyes.

"What the fuck is wrong with you, Emmy? If you know something, just tell us without spouting bullshit!" Ernest yelled, his frustration boiling over.

"We're on The Planet of Dread, you idiots!" Emmy exclaimed loudly, and everyone turned to her in shock. They had no idea what the hell that meant—except for Ray, who paled at the realization.