Episode 6

The captain gestured for the engineer to come down, and surprisingly nimbly, the stocky constructor scampered down the steep slope.

“Poor fellow,” Brainy shook his head, leaning over the lifeless body of his colleague. “He didn’t deserve such an inglorious end.”

“Where were you all night?” Bohdan asked sharply.

“Standing watch, where else?” The professor shrugged carelessly.

“Then how could you not notice when two of your colleagues vanished right under your nose?!” the commander demanded.

“I didn’t think much of it,” the scientist’s face betrayed no movement of a muscle. “I assumed you wanted another heart-to-heart talk.”

“And you didn’t hear my screams either?”

“As soon as I heard the noise, I immediately decided to check if something had gone wrong,” Brainy recounted calmly. “I saw you on your knees, then dashing toward the precipice like a scalded animal. After that, you know the rest.”

How convincingly he speaks, the captain thought. But why don’t I trust him? He’s far too composed and… indifferent.

“All right,” the commander finally said. “Help me lift the body to the top.”

“For what?” the professor asked in surprise. “We can bury him here without wasting so much effort.”

“He became my friend over these past few days. So I ask you, Brainy—not as a superior, but as a man who just lost a comrade—help me give him an honorable burial.”

Half an hour later, they dragged the deceased colleague to the dune’s summit. Bohdan chose the burial site himself and, not sparing his fingers, dug a deep hole in the sand.

“Now you can watch the most beautiful sunset every day,” he whispered, closing the pilot’s eyes. “Rest in peace, friend. I keep my word.”

When the farewell ceremony was complete, the captain turned to the constructor.

“Given the circumstances, I deem it necessary to leave T-431 immediately and return to base for more thorough preparation.”

“The journey has just begun, and you already suggest giving up?” The engineer’s tone revealed that he hadn’t expected this turn of events.

“I’m not suggesting,” the commander cut him off. “It’s an order. We’re returning, Brainy.”

“No!” the scientist protested. “The data from the rover is too valuable to ignore the only chance to collect it intact.”

“More valuable than our lives?” Bohdan fired back.

“For science, it’s merely statistics,” the professor replied coldly. “What are a few lives compared to the benefits our discovery could bring humanity? Perhaps it could one day save our species from extinction. The samples we bring back could provide raw material for medicines to cure cancer, HIV, the plague…”

“If for you the death of half the crew in two days is just ‘statistics,’” the captain grimaced in disgust, “then for me it’s a clear signal to end the mission. As head of this expedition, I am responsible for the safety of every member. Even one as reckless as you,” he added.

“No, you can’t just abandon everything halfway!”

“Oh yes, I can!” The commander was resolute. “Damn it, Brainy, this cursed planet slaughtered our comrades like lambs while they slept defenseless! Haven’t you realized that resting at night means certain death for us?! We won’t survive three days without closing our eyes.”

The engineer snorted in annoyance, yet submitted. They again descended the partially bloodstained slope and took a course south.

The travelers made camp as the sun dipped below the horizon. Two sleepless days had taken a toll on the captain. He became irritable, silent most of the time, eager only to complete the treacherous journey and never return to the murderous desert that had cunningly claimed his comrades. Even though he hadn’t been close to the mechanic, Bohdan caught himself missing even the perpetually displeased face of Rench.

At least I always knew what to expect from him, just as from Max, a bitter smile twisted his face. Emotions. Turbulent and sincere—they make us unique. But this doesn’t seem to apply to the professor. I don’t recall ever seeing him joyful, sad, or embarrassed. But one thing he can’t hide: anger. What fury filled his eyes when I even hinted at retreat. Does he truly have his own motives? And Max was right—he knows far more than he lets on.

“Would you like some tea?”

The scientist’s offer pulled the captain from his thoughts.

Don’t trust the professor, arose from the depths of his subconscious.

“No, thank you,” Bohdan declined politely. “It’s hot enough already.”

“Just think, the drink is wonderfully invigorating. Warm water also quenches thirst faster—it’s a well-known fact.”

“No, still no.”

The commander was unwavering.

“All right, your choice.”

The constructor smiled enigmatically, and Bohdan felt uneasy at the expression. Yet he attributed it to his exhausted mind and continued observing his colleague, who soon began sifting through sand with a fork.

“What are you looking for? I’ve seen you do this before.”

Brainy did not rush to answer.

“Does it have something to do with the crew’s deaths?”

Silence again.

“If you’ve discovered hallucinogenic properties in the sand, I advise not keeping it quiet. We must notify command immediately, or else…”

Before the commander could finish, the professor interrupted him. He spoke slowly and stealthily, trying to avoid a direct answer.

“What if I’m a collector? I like to gather stones of unusual shapes.”

“Nonsense,” Bohdan snapped, offended by the mocking tone.

“Don’t look for hidden meaning where there is none. Sometimes a desert is just scorched earth. Who do you take me for? An evil genius? A mad professor? Can’t I have a hobby?”

The captain pondered.

What if I am being too critical? Yet his indifference and inaction amidst all these deaths… there’s something inhuman about it.