ACTIVATION PROTOCOL INITIATED...

CHECKING SYSTEMS...

SYSTEMS INTACT.

LAUNCHING VIDEO TRANSMISSION.

The ship's cabin was brightly lit by the daylight lamps. Through the portholes there was a view of the atmosphere of an uncharted planet covered with clouds. In places one could see the funnels of hurricanes walking on the surface like light ballerinas merged in a slow and elegant dance.

-What a beauty... To think that we are the first to set foot on this planet after several centuries! Who can know what awaits us there?

The young man pressed himself against the porthole, mesmerized by the movement of the clouds. A swarthy face appeared in front of the camera lens, blocking the view.

-Agni, why do we need this... whimsy contraption? You could just use a holographic diary to keep track of your observations, but I'd have to keep an eye on this one to make sure it doesn't break...

-Numan, as if you'd find that difficult- A voice came from behind him, causing the man to turn around. A girl was looking at him with a smile -If they doubted your abilities, they wouldn't have taken you here. Besides, don't deny it, you're curious about how it works yourself. Am I right?

-Yes... But you know what a hassle it'll be if it breaks... I wish they'd give us something more reliable, but no, they needed to test a new model - Numan stepped out of the field of view, quietly grumbling about something.

-You don't have to worry about that! - Agni stepped away from the porthole and waved his hand. Silicone tentacles with claws at their ends began to flicker into view. The robot quickly approached the guy's feet and stopped. Agni took the device in his arms, turning it with the camera toward his partners.

-This model has been tested many times in a wide variety of environments. The tools, the casing, the storage - it can do so much more than just record logs! Tell me, what would you do if one of our engines stopped working?

-I'd fix it, - Numan grinned, scratching his beard.

-Yeah, but what if you weren't here?Then what?

-Then no one would be here to fix it.

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-Tifa, please, at least you agree that it's useful...

The girl, who was watching the scene from her seat, smiled.

-I didn't deny it. Besides, this robot is much better than the ones on our job. I'll be honest, it's kind of cute, in a way. Running around on command, like some alien puppy - Tifa waved her hand, and then the robot got off Agni's hands and ran over to the bench, stopping beside the girl.

-You see? Really like a dog. I hope Numan knows how to deal with animals, or they might not get along.

The three of them laughed. Suddenly, a loud beep was heard in the cabin.

-We're coming out of orbit and starting to descend. If anyone wants to fall because of the shaking of the ship, I advise you to stay on your feet. Otherwise, fasten your seatbelts and get ready.

Numan lowered down the metal arc, securing himself to the seat. Agni hurried to his place, doing the same. The click of Tifa's lock was heard behind the camera. The next ten minutes passed in silence, interrupted only by the sound of the devices. Unable to endure the quietness for so long, the young scientist spoke again.

-What do you think we'll find there? For five hundred years, no one has been able to communicate with the locals, much less get close... Ships just disappear as soon as they get near. Who knows how different everything is from the last data people have been able to exchange?

-Personally, I don't care that much. As long as the money pays, and as long as the machinery works without interruption, I'm happy. - Numan said with his eyes closed, as if dozing in his seat.

-You only care about money... - Tifa sighed heavily - but I agree, as long as things are going smoothly and we're not in any danger, I'm happy with any changes. Tell me, why are you so interested in Maltu? While the communications were still working, we had already recorded most of what we knew about the local wildlife, so why did you volunteer for this trip?

Agni glanced at Tifa, then sighed and looked out the window.

-It may seem ridiculous to you, but I've dreamed of coming here since I was a kid... Think about it, no one has ever traveled to this planet before the storms, much less after. We'll be the first to see all these animals in person!

-Do you really think they survived? I mean, if even Coalition ships were going missing, what about the regular animals? Frankly, I don't really like the whole thing... But, money is money. Besides... - Numan opened his eyes, turning to Agni, - you wouldn't have lasted long without me, even with such a marvelous instrument of yours.

The man chuckled, then closed his eyes again, leaning his head back. The ship began to shake noticeably, and the light decreased in brightness.

-Well, no, I don't believe they're all gone extinct...

-Life can be like that, you know.

-No, that's not what I mean... If all life disappeared, there would be no air in the atmosphere, yet it's been found. Besides, you can't kill an animal that easily. I'm sure we'll find a lot of interesting things.

-As you say, kiddo... I suggest we rest for now. When we land, we'll have work to do.

-I'm in! - Tifa pulled a remote from her jumpsuit pocket, pressing one of its buttons. The lights went out, leaving only the faint starlight seeping in through the portholes.

Agni sat in his chair, moving the holograms in the air with the motion of his hand. Small animals, unique flowers, huge fish - Maltu's nature was extremely diverse, though not fully documented. However, the scientist's face was shrouded in doubt...

END OF THE TRANSMISSION