The Edge of the Star Field

Three Suns

As the spacecraft accelerated, the scenery before my eyes underwent a rapid transformation. The celestial bodies and galaxies adorned the sky like flowing ribbons, shimmering in a dazzling array of colors. The radiant and colorful lights reflected on the spacecraft's metallic hull, creating a dreamlike spectacle.

"Let's talk about the final destination of our expedition."

Suddenly, a holographic image appeared, revealing an expansive forest stretching endlessly across the vast terrain. Towering trees reached into the sky, forming a lush green ocean.

Ji Xuanwu stood up from the pilot's seat, pointing towards the projection. "This is our goal, the largest rainforest on Xeno-7 planet. At the current speed of the spacecraft, it will take approximately three hours to reach."

Lin Fan naturally understood what a rainforest was. Textbooks described it as a rich and complex ecosystem, usually located in tropical regions with abundant rainfall, harboring diverse plant and animal communities, second only to the ocean in richness and complexity.

Ji Xuanwu continued, "Rainforests typically have a humid and warm climate, making them prone to the proliferation of bacteria and viruses. Therefore, safety precautions are essential to prevent injuries and infections."

"Yes, Captain!" Lin Fan and Sarah nodded in agreement.

Ji Xuanwu nodded and gestured towards a nearby weapon box. "Equip yourselves with electromagnetic pulse pistols and energy shield devices to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances."

Lin Fan and Sarah had no objections to the captain's arrangement. They calmly picked up the weapons and devices, securing them to their waist belts.

After preparing the weapons, Lin Fan interjected, "Captain, are you sure it's okay to leave the pilot seat? What if we deviate from the course?"

"Heh, no need to worry. The spacecraft has autopilot function," Ji Xuanwu casually replied.

"Autopilot, impressive," Lin Fan marveled sincerely.

"Indeed, very impressive. Just input the coordinates, and the spacecraft will automatically follow the preset route without the need for manual control," Sarah added, suddenly placing her left hand on Lin Fan's shoulder. She asked playfully, "Isn't this more interesting than being on a spaceship?"

She paused for a moment, jokingly continued, "That's the benefit of being a member of the exploration team. It may be more dangerous, not knowing if you'll die on a mission one day, but there are things you'll never experience inside a spaceship."

Lin Fan was startled by Sarah's sudden intimate gesture, so much so that he didn't hear what she said next. His face turned red, and he completely missed her subsequent words.

...

In the following moments, the spacecraft smoothly traversed through the cosmos. Lin Fan remained focused, occasionally expressing amazement at the scenery outside the viewport.

As the spacecraft approached, the target planet became clearer. Its surface was covered with a dense layer of clouds, resembling a massive mist enveloping the entire planet.

Suddenly, the spacecraft shook violently, producing a loud noise. Lin Fan, Ji Xuanwu, and Sarah felt their bodies being jolted by the intense vibrations.

"What's happening?" Lin Fan shouted loudly, unable to conceal his panic.

"Don't panic!" Ji Xuanwu straightened up, calmly stating, "The spacecraft has been captured by the gravity of the target planet. The shaking is temporary; it will pass soon."

Upon hearing Ji Xuanwu's assurance, Lin Fan regained some composure, loosening his clenched fists. He glanced out the window and noticed the spacecraft's vibrations gradually diminishing, as if adapting to the gravity field of the target planet.

Just as Lin Fan sighed in relief, Ji Xuanwu's voice came, "Hold tight; the ship is entering the atmosphere."

With those words, the external scenery instantly turned chaotic and inverted. Lin Fan felt his body experiencing tremendous pressure, as if enveloped by an invisible force.

Outside the viewport, dark clouds covered the sky, creating a hazy scene. The spacecraft twisted and shook in the atmosphere, accompanied by intense trembling, as if it could fall apart at any moment.

"Drip... drip... drip..."

The window glass gradually blurred with raindrops, obscuring the view for the three inside. Lightning streaked across the sky, emitting a dazzling light that made it impossible to keep their eyes open.

Ji Xuanwu focused on the console's indicator lights and instruments, maintaining control of the spacecraft's heading and speed. Without any hint of panic, he calmly responded to the atmospheric changes.

Suddenly, a powerful thunderclap resounded, as if tearing the entire atmosphere apart. The spacecraft shook violently once again.

Lin Fan tightly gripped the seat's armrest, his heartbeat accelerating, feeling as if it might burst from his throat.

Time seemed to pass for an unknown duration until the outside view gradually brightened. Raindrops became sparse, and the clouds dispersed, smoothly overcoming the atmospheric resistance and entering a calmer airspace.

Only when the spacecraft stopped vibrating did Lin Fan turn his gaze back to the window.

The spacecraft traversed through the clear blue sky, surrounded by various shapes of white clouds.

Suddenly, an expression of disbelief appeared on Lin Fan's face. He rubbed his eyes to ensure it wasn't an illusion.

"The sun... there are three suns in the sky."

On the azure firmament, three fiery orange suns hung high, radiating endless brilliance that illuminated everything.

He was so absorbed in staring at the three suns that tears welled up in his eyes, not moving his gaze away.

"Hey! Do you want to lose your eyes?" Sarah teased, giving him a nudge.

"Huh?" Lin Fan snapped out of his trance, hastily rubbing his eyes and wiping away the tears.

"Here, put this on before looking again," she said, handing him a piece of equipment.

Lin Fan recognized it as an oxygen helmet.

"Thank you," he expressed gratitude, taking it but not immediately putting it on.

"The sun has strong radiation. Staring directly at it can cause eye damage or even blindness," Ji Xuanwu lectured, taking the opportunity to teach, "The spacecraft is about to land."

"After landing, don't rush to get off. First, observe if there's anything unusual around."

He pressed a red button on the dashboard, and the spacecraft's engine hummed, halting its forward motion. It then slowly descended, landing on a spacious area with sparse trees.