***NO PROOF READING. KINDLY IGNORE SPELLING AND GRAMMATICAL ERRORS.
===Chapter 3===
||Mysteries to solve||
Arjun frowned looking at the reports delivered to him by Dr. Zaslavski. It was the 10th time he had gone through it but each time his confusion increased and he felt like his head was going to burst. He was having a headache now and decided to let the burden off of his head. It was too much for him. He sighed.
"Dr. Zaslavski, I don't understand. What are these?"
"These are the reports we got from the thermo detectors captain."
"I can see that sir but will you please explain?"
"In the simplest way I can say that this planet has change of temperature every now and then. Like in seconds it's temperature can take a 360 degree turn. Example, suppose now the temperature is 79 degrees and then in the very next second it is -260 degrees and then again suddenly 150 degrees. It is a ridiculous fluctuation. It's incredible."
"And how the hell is that possible I mean did you get anything?"
"Neutrinos can be responsible but not this kind of fluctuation I mean I don't think I've ever seen this."
Arjun kept his eyes closed and rubbed his forehead. Dr. Zaslavski patiently waited for him to continue. A lot was going on inside his head; so much that Arjun found it hard to reach a conclusion and decide what to do next.
"What do you suggest sir?"
"At this point, captain I guess it will be wrong for us to reach any kind of conclusion for anything. We need to do a lot of research first. Only then we can decide on what should be our next move."
"Hmm you're right sir."
"Also, we need to figure out if there are any living beings on the planet."
"And that is a major part right?"
"Yes captain. That surely is. And if we do find any traces, we'll have to communicate with them. Only if they are friendly though. We really don't need enemies here right?"
"I really hope that the latter is wrong. You are right. We really don't want creepy enemies from this creepy planet."
They both chuckled a bit.
"What I don't get sir is that with this odd atmosphere of this planet, it is kind of impossible for living beings to exist. Don't you think?"
"It is a possibility but anything can happen. If this planet has some incredible abilities then maybe it's dwellers have the same kind of ability to adapt to it."
"We really need to keep a safe distance sir."
"I understand your insecurity but we'll have to take any kind of action if it is needed for further research. Even if it means landing on the planet itself."
Arjun's eyes widened and he wanted to protest but he realised that Dr. Zaslavski was right. They had to take risks if it was meant for the progress of research. Not that the WSE had literally compelled them to commit suicide for the sake of the mission but they had to try. That's what they were payed for.
"I know..."
Arjun's voice seemed a bit uncertain. He discussed the matter a bit more with Dr. Zaslavski. When he left, Arjun tried to relax a bit. But again it revolved around his head- something wrong is going to happen, something horrible. His sixth sense was urging him to leave. To abort this mission immediately and leave. He was having a kind of intuition. He was fed up with this battle between his inner self and his brain. He groaned in frustration when the shuttle opened bringing him out from his whirlwind of thoughts.
"May I come in captain?"
There it was. The voice that soothed him. The voice that filled his heart with peace and relief. The voice which had the power to free him from all anxiety and stress. The voice which overjoyed him. The voice that made him alive.
"Yes Radhika, please come in."
He said in his deep husky voice. Radhika felt like she would melt. A sensation which she couldn't decipher. But it was awakened by this man. A sensation which was unknown to her but still so familiar. She forced a smile, struggling with the storm emerging inside. She took small steps towards him, now completely regretting the idea of coming here. She knew she shouldn't be near him. It is probably the best for the two of them. But she couldn't help it. Seemed like her feet wasn't obliging her brain's orders anymore. They seemed to work on their own will. And they directed her to the path of his cabin. With two coffee cups in her hand. 20 minutes back she decided to have coffee when tiredness took over her. And then her brain passsed a stupid idea. Well not her brain actually, it was her stupid heart.
You want to have coffee? Why not with your future hubby? Ooops too far!! No no no hold on! Okay take it slow! Let's have coffee with your big crush!!! Huge actually! Whatever!...
Radhika mentally slapped her inner self for the idiotic idea. What was she going to tell him? That she came here to have coffee with him?
A coffee date actually. ..No! Hold yourself Radhika!
What if he gets angry?!
Oh no!
She knows how much Arjun is passionate with his job and how much he is serious about work. He would surely not appreciate her for interrupting. Adding to the problem was the fact that she took a break too. She hampered her own work and now she wanted to do the same to his.
Whoa whoa! Easy! Where are you going with this? Stop blabbering like crazy you idiot!
Radhika literally jumped coming out of her thoughts when Arjun tried to catch her attention
"Anything wrong Radhika?"
"Huh? Umm no.. uh I just.."
Arjun passed an amused look as he gestured her to sit. As if he was obvious of the effect he had on her. Radhika nervously placed the cups on the floating table; slightly embarrassed.
"So?"
Radhika looked blankly at Arjun and found herself at loss of words. She opened her mouth to speak but Arjun cut in the middle
"Thank you Radhika. It is nice of you to bring me coffee."
"Umm thanks I mean you're welcome captain."
Arjun smiled. It was his famous killer smile which was enough for a girl to go week on her knees. Radhika felt her breaths getting heavier. She tried to bring something up to start a conversation.
"I saw Dr. Zaslavski leaving. He had a tense look on his face. Is everything okay?"
"Yeah just you know he seems like to find something very interesting."
Arjun explained the situation to Radhika. When he finished, Radhika too was lost in her thoughts.
"Oh my god! Captain, this is something really strange."
"Dr. Zaslavski wants to take Omnion within 1000 kilometres from Genevon."
"Captain I think that's risky."
"I know Radhika. I haven't agreed yet. I told him I needed time to think. I will let everyone know my decision."
"Captain, what I'm saying is if we enter that region, it is very likely to fall victim to any kind of danger. Once we take the step there is no turning back."
"But Dr. Zaslavski has a point too. If we just sit here and imagine things, I'm afraid it's not gonna work."
Arjun sighed in frustration and leaned against his seat. His eyes flipped open when he felt smooth hands slightly squeezing his shoulders. His eyes closed again; this time with a satisfied groan. Radhika's hands travelled from his shoulders to his neck and then made their way towards his head. Arjun arched his back while Radhika's soft fingertips rubbed his temple, slowly, softly, lovingly like a caress. And then the magical touch vanished. Arjun felt like he was kicked out of his paradise. His eyes found Radhika in her seat next to his. Radhika took a cup and sipped her coffee while gesturing Arjun to have his. Arjun felt disoriented for a moment and nodded subconsciously
"I'm sorry... I.. I just thought you needed the massage to relax."
Radhika's voice choked a bit. Arjun smiled
"It's ok. I really needed it. Thanks again Radhika."
The intimate atmosphere was replaced by an awkward silence all on a sudden.
"Captain, I was thinking we probably should send rovers."
Change of topic
"Also we can send orbiters instead of Omnion orbiting the planet itself. You should suggest it to Dr. Zaslavski."
"I already did Radhika. But he said that rovers can't help to a great extent. He knows better you know. It is best for us to listen to him and do as he says."
"Then I guess we should be ready to face what is in store for us."
Radhika sighed. Arjun took her hand and rubbed her palm. Her skin felt instantly electrified. His eyes seemed to gaze her intensely. But probably she was just assuming the whole thing. Arjun probably never thought of her that way. He was just concerned and was trying to assure her by the caring gesture.
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