1 Chapter 1 - Landfall (1/2)

The chains rustled as he shifted slightly, already steeled for the electrical discharge as punishment for moving.The onlooking guards smirked at the beep of the machine as it began recharging.Dustin's breathing never changed.He was used to the pain by now.He just wished the chair was more comfortable.

”Prisoner 313564, stand up.We have arrived at our destination.Time for you to receive your sentencing.”

The guard's breath smelled awful, as he leaned down into his face to give his orders.

Standing suddenly, Dustin smashed his head into the guard's face, and keeping physical contact while the machine discharged.

”Ahhhhh!” the guard screamed, falling to the ground, and promptly peeing himself.He clutched his face where blood was spewing.

”Oops,” he said, not moving as he spoke so as not to set off the charge again.The beep of the machine was loud as the other guards glared at him.

”Turn that thing off, and get him to the discharge room!” barked the commander as a few more guards entered the room to drag the injured guy away.

Dragging him from the room, Dustin was carried to an unimpressive room with a small emergency evacuation capsule.

”Prisoner 313564, you have been charged with murder.You have been sentenced to one year on planet 3.54365.As compensation for your family holdings, you will be given a Personal Evolution Device, or PED.I'm sure you are familiar with them.As per custom, if you are found alive, at the end of your one-year sentence, you will be cleared of all charges and free to go.Also, half of all of your family holdings will be returned to you.”The mechanical voice shut off with a whir.

One of the guards stepped forward, while the others held him still, and closed the bracer-like device over his forearm.Gritting his teeth as needles drove themselves into his arm, he fought the urge to pass out.He would not give them that satisfaction.

The commander motioned for them to place him inside the capsule, and he stared at it in horror.It would be a tight fit, and there were no safety features.If he ran out of air before he landed, he would die.It probably didn't have a parachute either.

”Just so you know,” said the commander while they shoved him into this coffin, ”this planet is known to be a hunter paradise world among the Josagn aliens.No one has ever survived this.I don't expect to see you again.”

Dustin took a calming breath, as they strapped him into the temporary restraints, and released his cuff restraints.He closed his eyes and focused on slowing his breathing and his heart.He needed the air inside this tank to last as long as possible, and if he could slow his body down, it would need less.As soon as the latch was sealed, the restraints automatically released, but he didn't move.

He could hear them, vaguely, on the outside of the glass, laughing and hazing him, but he shut it out.He knew they were taking a long time to release him, probably to use up more of the air.

There was a whoosh, and then it was silent.Immediately, he felt the cold of space, and cursed inwardly.This crappy coffin didn't even have any protection from the elements.How was he supposed to survive reentry?

”Initiating reentry,” came a soft voice in his ear.There was some form of computer in this thing.Maybe he had a chance after all.

”Computer, tell me about the planet,” he asked, slow and gentle.Talking used more oxygen, but he needed to know what to expect.