FSE

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CHAPTER 19 The planet

The image of a white Retcan was displayed by the holographic projector at the table in our Planning and Strategy room. After our return from the comet, we had a brief moment to relax ourselves and recover our energy from being half of the day inside the environmental suits. It was now time to continue with our duties.

"I will go right to the point, D.E1." Silver said. She gazed at us with her silverish eyes. You could feel them piercing through you despite being just a holographic image. "We will need your assistance in a new exploration mission."

What we heard at that moment was completely unexpected, though we imagined there was still much to do in the comet. But to our surprise, it was not the comet what interested the Retcans anymore.

"We have all been witness to what happened in that comet. But if we recap all what we saw there, it is still unclear of not only what happened in that mine, but if it's still in possession of those creatures." Images of the mine, the ships and some of the bodies appeared on the screen, minimizing and displacing Silver's image to one corner. "As you know, this Mineral is very important for both of our species. The amount of Blue Crystals is worth many years, if not decades of energy. We cannot leave it."

"But what do we know about the creatures that were found in the comet? It's obvious that the place belongs to them." K9 asked.

"Unfortunately, like I've just said, we can't conclude if they are still in possession of the mining outpost. Now that we've found those transport ships and the bodies inside the mine, more doubts have risen. However, there is still one more piece of evidence that could lead us to the truth of what happened there."

Silver's image disappeared completely and a large image of a planet appeared on the holographic projector.

"That planet..." K9 said. He didn't sound surprised at all. It seemed like he knew of the existence of this planet; we didn't however.

"My scientists have concluded that this might be the planet where those beings belong to. There isn't any other planet that holds the necessary elements for life. And what has caught our attention even more, is the fact that the comet passes close to this planet every twenty-five years."

"It makes sense." Kala suggested. "What if they fly to this comet within this period of time to work on the mine?"

"Very good observation, Kala." Silver replied.

"But that could mean that they are still not within the period when they arrive at the comet. Though that wouldn't justify the conditions in which the outpost was." I also suggested.

"That is also correct, Husky. As you all noticed, the mine and all of the machinery appeared to be in an extremely eroded condition. A few tests were conducted and it appears that those objects have been there for almost a thousand years."

That didn't seem like a surprise. The place and everything on it looked very old.

"But wouldn't this be enough evidence that they don't own the mine and its contents anymore?" K9 said.

"It might be enough evidence." Silver responded. Her image went back to the center of the holographic projector. "However, it would be wrong to take what doesn't belong to us. We have to be certain that those beings do not control this mine anymore, or that they have no interest on the Blue Mineral."

"And the only way would be investigating the planet, I suppose." K9 concluded.

"That is correct, Captain K9." Silver replied.

We were in disbelief. First we land on a comet and now we would be entering a planet. We weren't so sure how this could help us on knowing if the beings were still in control of the mine or not, but we thought that Silver and the Retcans had a plan. Also, our involvement in this mission wasn't clear. What were we exactly going to do?

"I apologize, Captain. How exactly are we going to know what happened at the mine by visiting the planet?" Fx dared to ask.

"Originally there were no intentions to get close to that planet. As you already know, we try to avoid contact at all costs." Silver said. "We sent some probes to the planet in hopes to find evidence that there is a civilization there; that would be our call to withdraw from this solar system. However, our probes haven't found any signal or anything that can point out that there is activity in that planet. For all that we can see, that planet is completely deserted. Look, I know this is getting a bit out of hand, so we will try to do this a fast as possible. We will have a look at that planet and if we don't see anything, the gathering of the mineral will proceed. By next month we should be gone from this system."

So it was decided. We would scout the planet quickly in search of any civilization. Our job would be to do these initial flights. The reason why Silver decided that we were doing this was to help us continue our tests. The development of the D.E project was still a high priority.

"Fx, Husky, Anubis; you will be flying into the planet tomorrow at first hours." Silver said. I felt a sudden pressure in my gut due to the magnitude of such assignment. "As test pilots this will be a great opportunity to further test the capabilities of your ships. However, you will need to be extremely cautious. You will follow every single order given by Captain K9, as well as my own crew that I will be assigning to assist you in this operation. I want you to listen to me very carefully... The technology that we've given you is made to support your life and safety at any given situation, nonetheless you have to stick to procedures, be extremely responsible with your ships, use your common sense and never forget what you've learned so far. Do I make myself clear?"

Fx, Anubis and I were extremely anxious. We never thought we would be flying into a planet. There was a slim to none chance that opportunities like these would be experienced by our race; even with a permanent D.E pilot. We had to be very cautious, yet we should embrace this very rare opportunity.

While we were making preparations at the D.E Cruiser, at Canis Major the news didn't take long to arrive. Hasky, Hemi and the others were working really hard on memorizing hundreds of files worth of procedures and technological aspects regarding the D.E Project.

"This is unbelievable. They are going to a planet." Luke told Rika as softly as he could so he wouldn't bother the rest.

With the Learning Enhancers it's really hard to concentrate with what's going on around you since your brain is absorbing information at a massive rate. But Hasky couldn't help to eavesdrop on the conversation.

"Are you sure?" Rika responded quietly.

"Yes. Apparently they need to find more clues on who controls the mineral crop in the comet. According to Silver, the only way is to investigate that planet."

Hasky noticed how Rika just sighed much in discomfort to that revelation.

"I don't know about this, Luke. It's true that we will do this at certain point, but I think it's too soon and highly risky for the current D.E crew."

"I know. But we can trust the Retcans..."

Rika didn't felt convinced. She soon told everyone to take a break to discuss this better with Luke. Lya, Ace, Hemi, Spot and Nanook left the room; however, Hasky stayed and approached Luke and Rika. Lay and Laser lurked close to the entrance of the study room; somehow they knew something was going on.

"What is this all about? D.E1 is going to a planet?" Hasky confronted them. She was ok with the first flight tests and somewhat acceptant to the mission to the Blue Comet, but a flight to a planet sounded too risky for a couple of test pilots and newly trained engineering assistants.

"You heard, Hasky." Luke said. "Yes, apparently the Retcans have planned to investigate the planet that's close to our location. They have concluded that the planet might hold the clue that they need in order to determine if the blue mineral doesn't belong to anyone anymore..."

Luke explained the entire situation to Hasky. For the first time she didn't feel too sure about this. She was not the only one to feel this.

"I think they are taking this too far. I knew this would happen eventually." Lay jumped in. He also heard the whole conversation.

"We are still not sure what they will be doing in that planet. As far as I've been told, the Retcans are going to do whatever they need to do there and the D.E crew is only taking the opportunity to further test their equipment." Luke assured.

"I don't think I'm too comfortable with Husky, Fx and their friend Anubis getting inside a planet." Hasky confessed. She usually doesn't act this way but Jade's behavior from couple of days ago really had her nervous.

"Hasky is right. For what I know, reentering a planet's atmosphere is not a simple task. The light and almost inexistent atmosphere of the comet is no big deal, but a planet is something else." Lay added. He was starting to show a lot of discomfort.

"Look. Let's try to calm down." Rika interrupted. "I know we didn't expect something like this to happen so soon, but due to the circumstances we have not much of a choice. The D.E members will eventually face these kinds of situations in the future so it is good that we are prepared. I know Husky and the others are young and inexperienced, but I trust the training and their abilities. I know my friend K9 wouldn't let this happen if he wasn't sure about it."

"We don't know how long this is going to take, but you and Hemi are about to conclude with your training." Luke acknowledged Hasky. "I'm sure that if D.E1 and the Retcans are still there by then you'll get to join them."

"I really don't know if I care much about being able to go to that planet. What worries me is the fact that we are going there." Hasky replied concerned. "I don't know, maybe I'm being a bit protective, but I feel something is not right..."

Indeed there was much at stakes.

The day passed quickly. We spend much of it and part of the night preparing everything and double checking the systems. At 0030 we were in bed. We didn't have much sleep due to the anxiety, but at least we got to rest a bit.

It was 0530 when K9 woke us up and gave us the order to proceed with the mission. We didn't hesitate for a second. Any doubts at that moment would only distract us for our necessary concentration.

Our usual playful demeanor was gone that morning. Zulu, Kala, Anubis, Fx and I were at the armory helping each other with our armors and prepare for our departure. This time we were using the PX500 armors since we wouldn't be exiting the ship. Wearing the L3000 would be unnecessary extra equipment; at least we would be more comfortable this way.

Kala and Zulu would be piloting an explorer vessel Wolf350EXP. They wouldn't enter the planet and only serve as mission control. We would need to deploy our own probes to put them to a test and it was the twin's job to check that every single system worked perfectly.

"Are you ready, guys?" Fx asked.

We all just nodded. There wasn't much to say at that moment. We accepted the mission and we would need to comply with it.

"Do you find it a bit ironic that that we come from a planet and we have never been actually in one?" Zulu asked.

It wasn't really a question; just a thought. He was actually right.

We were finally done with putting on our armor suits and ready to commence with our mission. K9 didn't ask for us to report to the bridge, but directly to the Hangar. There wasn't anything else to go through anymore. This was it.

At the hangar, each of us boarded their respective ships. Before starting them we did a last check up on the systems. K9 communicated us the last indications.

"Team, you know what to do. Once you exit D.E1, Storm will be joining your formation. Once you reach the planet's orbit, Pioneer001 will set an observation point. Once this is done, Fox01, Siberia02 and Anubis03 will proceed with the entry."

"Understood, Captain." Fx confirmed.

"Kala, Zulu, I need you to verify the probe's systems are working at full capacity. I also need you to start monitoring them as soon as they are deployed by the Wolf team. Report any anomaly immediately.

"It will be done, Captain." One of them replied.

After a few minutes everything was ready. Fx stepped out of his ship and approached us.

"Guys, please be careful. Let's keep our formation at all times. Good luck, my friends." He then returned to Fox01 and closed sealed his cockpit. We all followed.

After the normal depressurizing procedures we finally exited D.E1. Behind my rear view screen I saw how the D.E Cruiser got smaller until its reflective camouflage made it impossible to see with the naked eye.

"Wolf500 team, do you read." A voice echoed in the com systems. A signal appeared at our nine o' clock.

"We read you loud and clear, Storm." Fx replied. A Retcan Wolf fighter approached and joined our formation.

"Ready to do this?" The black and white young Retcan appeared in our screen. He would be joining us once again.

We all agreed. Storm would be serving us some company and also show us some tricks on handling the entry the most efficient and safe way possible.

"Nervous?" He asked.

"Excited. But yes, I guess I'm a bit nervous." I replied before anyone else. "I don't know about my friends.

The rest also admitted their concerns.

"Don't worry. This will be a lot of fun, trust me. Stick with me like when we entered the Comet and everything will be alright."

After a few words of guidance by our now good friend Storm, we hit the accelerator knob to its limits. The deep faint grunt form the Ten Chambered engine engulfed our cockpit as we were pushed back to our seats. Pioneer001 had some problems keeping up, but thankfully they managed to keep within the minimum limits of the formation distance.

It didn't take long for us to notice how a tiny blue star started growing bigger on our screens. Our navigation systems indicated it as our objective. After a few minutes we saw how this tiny dot turned into a massive blue and brownish sphere covered most of our horizon. It was truly intimidating.

"I think we are very close now." I said. My handpaws gripped the directional controls so firmly that my fingers were going numb.

"I never imagined a planet would be so massive." Kala said in absolute admiration.

"How much time left to reach the planet's orbit?" Andy asked.

"Four-hundred seconds and counting... Reduce speed to minimum." Storm replied.

"Good." Fx said. "Kala, Zulu, prepare the probe deployment."

"Probe's systems on standby..." Kala informed.

"Deployment in 3...2...1... Probes deployed." Zulu added.

"Team, be ready to attach probes on the Wolves' hull." Fx ordered. He was once again in the lead of our group formation.

The probes approached slowly and finally attached to our ships. Our shielding would protect our probes during the entry. It didn't take long, so we were finally ready.

"Fx Fox01 reporting. We have attached the probes to the Wolf500 ships. We have reached orbit. Awaiting instructions."

"Proceed as planned." K9 replied from D.E1. "Good luck and be careful."

Storm reported with R105 as well. They also gave him the go. This was it.

"Ok, D.E1. Activate magnetic shields to entry mode." Storm indicated. "This will be much different from what you experienced in the comet. Be calm at all moments. The sensation of being sucked into a planet in such a small ship will be very intimidating but these ships are made to withstand these forces. The gravity shields inside of your ships will ease the forces but you will be able to feel them at some level. Remember your blood pressure controlling exercises. Let's go!"

The immense planet covered almost 50% of our field vision at that point. My eyes were fighting with my brain to process the immensity of that celestial body. After following Storm's orders, we set our shields to entry mode. Our ships were surrounded by an intense blue glare with miniscule bright white particles. One by one we accelerated towards the planet.

The first seconds I couldn't feel anything. As a matter of fact, our way down was much calmer than I ever thought. The only thing I noticed was the planet covering even more of my horizon.

A few more seconds and I noticed how my speedometer was starting to accumulate speed in a way that it became frightening. Four hundred meters per second, and climbing. The accelerator knob was barely at half of its full travel. The planet was starting to suck us in.

"Activate reverse thrusters. We will give them the engine's full power, but do it slowly." Storm indicated. "Giving all the power to the reverse thrusters will compromise the integrity of the ship. Be careful"

To that point there wasn't still any sensation. A closer look to my surroundings, and I notice how the darkness of space was starting to get consumed by an intense blue. That's when things started getting scary.

"Ok, team. We are reaching the atmosphere. Brace yourselves and keep calm." Those were Storm's last words until the entry was completed.

Without any notice, the silence of space started to be consumed by a terrifying racket. The smooth ride of the Wolf500 got invaded with intense vibrations that worsen by the seconds. We were entering the planet's atmosphere and were starting to find ourselves with the air resistance.

Less then a second after that heavy vibration struck my ship, I noticed how the G's were a hundred times stronger than what we felt in the comet. Suddenly, the blue light of the shields turned amber at the nose of my Wolf500. A quick glance at my speedometer told me that I was descending at a speed of more than twenty thousand kilometers per hour. For the first time we were filling the full effects of the G forces in a planet. I couldn't bare it. I closed my eyes before noticing that the division of space and the planet's sky couldn't be seen any longer.

The entry didn't last as much as I expected, though. It was around two minutes and a half. Of course it felt like an eternity.

Everything went to a complete calmness. The vibrations and the strong noise disappeared and only the hissing of the ship's engines could be heard as we started flying at a steady level. Another strange sensation that I noticed was the force that was pushing me to my seat. I checked the gravity shield regulator and it was completely deactivated. This gravity regulator makes you feel like you're always flying at a steady level, no matter your position, but this only worked in space. In a planet, this force is only going one way; down.

Still with my eyes closed and my stomach wanting to betray me, I suddenly felt a faint light piercing through my eyelids. As I opened them very slowly, I noticed something that I couldn't even imagine in my wildest dreams. I noticed this blue sky all around me. It didn't matter if I looked up, or to my sides; it was everywhere. This was different form the comet's blue light that felt somewhat unnatural, with its intense dark blue light that almost seemed artificial. I looked down, and I noticed theses cotton like things floating above the brownish ground. Far away at our left we could see how the planetary system's sun lightly caressed the horizon...

"We are in, team. Well done. And by the way, welcome to a planet." Storm said. Even with that last sentence, it was still hard to believe where we were at that moment...