“Aliens?” Liam repeated Caleb's words. Was there such a thing? With the minimal education they all got occasionally, it has been taught that in real life, there is nothing like aliens that live on other planets. They were simply tales used to keep cartoon and animated shows interesting.

That said, the thought of a green creature with oval black eyes, antennae, or tentacles having three fingers is simply absurd.

Nodding, Caleb explained that, indeed, there are life forms on the planet, and not just any life form; they were intelligent beings. A deep frown spread across his face, punctuated by his sudden irritation as he says “Intelligent beings that stand as an impedance to our leading a better life.”

Helen wasn't the brightest in the room, but she had a very inquisitive mind. “I don't get it” she tilted her head. Caleb has been going on and on about the new planet and how it's great and all that but it didn't make any sense to tell all that to a bunch of teenagers.

She came up with her conclusion. Her voice laced with sarcasm, she said “Don't tell me you nabbed us and tied us up just so we can listen to your sick fantasies about this ‘Tenth Planet'. Aren't you a little too old to be telling folktales?”

Caleb narrowed his eyes on her, his brows furrowing in the process. He bottled his growing frustration by gritting. He quickly fixed his face and relieved himself by exhaling. “Daughter of Hart, this isn't some silly little game, and I haven't brought you here to listen to stories.”

He cleared his throat and hand gestured Dr. Glassman to take over. Nodding, Dr. Glassman stood out. He sighed before commencing “You must know, the probability of humanity's extinction in three years or less is 1” he paused

“That isn't so bad,” said Helen with a half smile

“It means it is certain.” Dr. Glassman corrected and Helen mouthed an ‘Oh’ before averting her eyes. Dr. Glassman continued “This is where the tenth planet comes in. If all that was said about it is true, and if possible, we can leave planet Earth. We could start all over, create a proper cure for the virus, and populate again.”

He straightened his glasses, bracing himself to finally reveal the concealed. “The problem now is the intelligent life forms currently inhabiting the tenth planet. We can't say for sure if they are friends or a threat much bigger than the virus; that's why we need surveyors, intelligent minds who would blend in and explore the tenth planet and take out its inhabitants whether or not they pose a threat, for the complete safety of us humans. These…intelligent minds..”

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Dr. Glassman hesitated, the weight of the words forthcoming caused an uneasy feeling at the back of his throat. Caleb noticed this and continued in his stead “The intelligent minds are the five spawns of our astronaut heroes. In other words, the five of you”.

“What!?” They all chorused, all except Mark who seemed unbothered.

Caleb sneered, recollecting his words. “Well, I can't say you all are intelligent” he gave Helen a look, “But that's that. Just like your esteemed parents, you will take this mission upon your shoulders. You will raid this tenth planet, exploit the alien's weaknesses, and destroy them. You'll prepare the planet for humanity's arrival, and we shall call it our new earth.”

Mark looked up, his voice cold and distant, and he said, “I'm not going anywhere,” His words stirred up a silent rife within Caleb as he and Mark locked gazes.

It sounded like a challenge, but Caleb wasn't ready to believe Mark would stand up to him, so he asked, “What did you say?”

Unmoved, Mark declared again “You heard me, Mr. Hemsworth, I'm not going anywhere”

“None of us are.” Chloe glared.

Caleb chuckled at their boldness “Oh? Is that so?”. He clicked his tongue. “Perhaps I was wrong about you all having intelligent minds because you don't understand, do you? Our race is on the brink of extinction, it is either you go out there, or we die in here. Is that what you want?

Helen scoffed “You think we're stupid? Didn't our parents go for this same mission? Where are they now?”

Caleb opened his mouth to speak but Mark beat him to it. “Forget it, Mr Hemsworth, we're not going anywhere.”

Their refusal was inevitable, Caleb had anticipated especially Mark's stubbornness, which is why he came prepared.

Caleb gestured to one of the scientists, a case was brought, and its content was revealed. In it were an empty syringe and three vials containing a liquid form of the UA virus.

“Do you have any idea what this is?” Caleb asked.

“That's the virus!” Leah gasped.

“Correct!” A mischievous grin appeared on Caleb's face. Their grave looks confirmed they knew exactly what he planned on doing with it.

Mark chuckled dryly at this. His voice lacking any emotions, he said, “You think you can scare us by threatening to inject us with the virus? You might've forgotten, Mr Hemsworth, but we're auspicious.”

Caleb's grin grew wider, giving Mark the impression that what he had just said was narrow-minded. “First of all,” Caleb started, “You might be auspicious, but there's no telling what you'll be after taking a dozen shots. Second, why will I inject you?” He asked.

Mark's brows furrowed, slight confusion etched on his face. At that moment, realization dawned on his face, and his eyes widened. “You…!”