Orbist

The ship's alarms blared, red lights bathing the corridors in an urgent glow. Kael's voice cut through the noise. "We're losing power fast! Shields are gone, engines at critical. If we don't act now—"

"I know," you interrupted, forcing yourself to stay calm. "Get everyone to the pods. Plavo, initiate the evacuation protocol."

Plavo hesitated for only a moment before nodding, his small fingers flying across the console. "Broadcasting the message now. All crew, report to your designated escape pods immediately. This is not a drill."

The announcement echoed throughout the ship, a grim reminder of the reality they faced. Crew members rushed past you, their expressions a mixture of fear and determination as they made their way to the pods.

Kael turned to you, his brow furrowed. "And what about you? What's the plan?"

"We're not staying behind, if that's what you're asking," you replied sharply. "Once the pods are away, we'll take the last one. Plavo, how much time do we have?"

Plavo glanced at the display, sweat glistening on his forehead. "Five minutes. Maybe less. The reactor's on the verge of overload."

You nodded, your mind racing. The planet below loomed large on the viewport, its reddish surface dotted with swirling sandstorms. It was inhospitable, but it was their only chance.

"Kael," you said, locking eyes with him. "Get to the pods. Make sure everyone's accounted for."

Kael hesitated, his jaw tightening. "And leave you here? Not a chance."

You stepped closer, your tone firm. "That's an order, General. Go."

After a long moment, Kael relented, his expression hardening. "Fine. But don't take too long."

As Kael left, you turned back to Plavo. The boy's usual confidence was replaced by a nervous energy, but he kept working without pause.

"Pods are prepped," Plavo said, his voice steady despite the chaos. "All systems synced for descent."

"Good," you replied. "And the ship?"

"Dead in the water," he admitted. "We won't be able to salvage much."

A pang of regret struck you, but there was no time to dwell on it. "Then it's time. Let's go."

Together, you and Plavo made your way to the last pod. The corridors were eerily empty now, the sounds of rushing feet and urgent voices replaced by the distant hum of the failing reactor.

The pod door hissed open, and Plavo climbed in first, strapping himself into one of the seats. You took a final glance around, the weight of the moment settling heavily on your shoulders.

"Here we go," you murmured, stepping into the pod and securing the hatch behind you.

The release mechanism engaged, and the pod jolted free from the ship. Through the viewport, you watched as the massive vessel grew smaller, its lights flickering before vanishing entirely. Ahead, the reddish planet filled the view, its surface a harsh and unforgiving landscape.

Plavo's voice broke the silence. "We made it off. That's what matters."

You nodded, though your gaze remained fixed on the planet below. Your body felt heavier, exhaustion washing over you as the adrenaline finally subsided. The pod's steady vibrations and the dim lighting added to the surrealness of the moment.

A wave of dizziness hit you suddenly, and you gripped the armrest tightly. "Plavo..." you began, but your voice trailed off as darkness edged into your vision.

"Hey! Are you okay?" Plavo's voice seemed distant, muffled by the pounding in your ears. You tried to answer, but the weight of exhaustion dragged you down.

The last thing you saw before everything went black was Plavo's worried face, leaning over you as the pod hurtled toward the planet's surface