"Then I propose we divide into two teams to increase efficiency. Team 1 will be Alex, Ravi and myself, Team 2 will consist of Lucy, Emma and Rick and captain." Shaun declared calmly.
Everybody agreed. I mean it didn't really matter to them. The only person to argue was Rick but he's got 2 girls in team while other got none, of course he won't spoil it.
Captain took his team to the Communication room to show them their around. Others stayed.
"So it seems like you don't remember me, am I correct?"
Alex knew it's coming...he was seriously giving his best to remember him. "Uhm...may be you know me from the pro-gram competition?"
Shaun just stared at him for a few seconds..."Dude... who remembers that? I don't think anybody does, was it really a big deal?"
Ravi sensed danger... his carefully woven lies are fading by sudden attack...("Why is everybody's a genius here...")
Alex absorbed Shaun's glare, and reflected it towards Ravi.
"Okay okay, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to lie, i thought it would be easier to make friends like that, I just made up a name of competition and it happened to be true" Ravi seemed to genuinely apologise.
Alex accepted it, a little too fast. "Well not to brag, but there aren't many people who are able to fool me, what makes it more scary that you seem too familiar, you sure you don't know me from somewhere?...(gasp) Oh Shaun from martial art club, how did I forget...very sorry man."
"At least you remember it, anyway that reminds me, Ravi seems familiar to me too, unlike Alex I'm good with names and faces..."
"Now you two are creeping me out, is this the point of making us a different team? And I seriously didn't know you before, and I don't remember having a twin either." Ravi said in a comic tone.
"Okay, leave that, past isn't important anyway, so the reason I made us into a team because on the table, you both didn't look very concerned. I might have an idea, but I may be wrong, so you care explaining the asteroids?"
"Spot on. The asteroids aren't there, there shouldn't be a problem, and there is still problem, so asteroids were bluff."
Ravi's face suddenly changed, "I'll help you guys out for this time, but there's a payment."
Alex and Shaun were surprised, Alex got serious. "What is it? We gotta forget you?"
"On point, upon reaching Mars, we part ways. You didn't know who was beside you the whole trip, you don't get my number, deal?"
"You sure tried hard, bad for you the journey isn't smooth, ok deal."
Alex put his hands forward for shake hand, Ravi gave him a cold glare and left.
"Man, that sure hurts, ha?" Shaun commented.
"May be I'm really bad at this."
"Just like in school!"
"By the way Mr. Shaun, why are you acting like you were my best friend?"
"Who else there is to talk? Emma won't talk, and Lucy seems always pissed off at the IS students"
"I had a lots of friends you know, so if you think I'm starving for friendship, you're wrong."
"Don't get me wrong, but I am not craving to be familiar with you, I am just assuring my life to the safe side."
"I'm sure Ravi will pull something off, I hate the current plans anyway..."
Alex left the room. ( "Well it's not very convenient, I'm at stalemate. Ravi caught me off guard first and I used him, but no profit, just equal exchange. He caught my game and exited fast, at least he gave time until landing.")
[DINING HALL]
Ravi broke the ice right when everyone sat. "Change of plans, Shaun's team will sleep at the sleeping pod, not to mention without the hibernation."
Everyone froze. It's not everyday you see Ravi initiating conversation.
"Well somebody is talking today." Lucy tried to ease the pressure.
Ravi's smile returned in answer.
Shaun and Alex were ready for surprise. Captain and Emma seemed a bit concerned.
"We're expecting explanation." Captain said.
"In worst case scenario, if Martian government is really thrown down, nobody can guarantee our safety, on air we're at disadvantage. If we can somehow land safely, we can run away and hide until time comes."
Ravi stopped to catch breath.
"And if that's case, captain will most probably get murdered soon after they enter our ship."
"Hmm so you'll get chances after I get shot..."
The plan was sharply on the point, wasn't full proof, it's almost like it was determined that captain will get shot.
"Moreover, in case of any of you is forced to confess, confess about Shaun and me, leave Alex. And don't confess easily."
Alex suddenly raised his head, he didn't expect Ravi to say this.
"Don't get me wrong, but if everything fails, Alex can wish for a miracle, he's not much good in fight, but his quick wit is only the last resort we have."
"Trust me guys, things won't go too far to get to last resort." Rick said with confidence, "Believe in me".
To be fair, nobody 100% believed in Rick, moreover he still wasn't recovered. But his confidence was what everyone was lacking till then. They realised it was a good call to wake him up. But Ravi did caught attention, the silent kid finally talked and came up with a destructive good plan, and he's not even from 'IS'.
The meeting ended. Ravi, Alex and Shaun entered Pod. Captain started the Oxygen supply.
Others went to sleep on normal beds. The co-pilots weren't informed about this as it may cause panic.
================================
[MARS]
"There shouldn't be any mistake Sayak. I want each of them alive. Losing the small battle can be acceptable, but protect them at all costs." told Satya to a tall man.
"Understood sir, these passengers will get priority."
"And don't lose contact at any cost. Commander 010 will be live all the time."
The man nodded and left riding on his bike.
"You sure commander is in right mind?" Cécile emerged from shadows wearing new glasses. She was looking beautiful in white loose night dress.
"To be honest, he's never seemed to be in right mind. But he's never wrong."
"Ok, now tell me the plan. I gotta sleep."
"Yes."