Chapter 9

Rex's voice trembled as he ran self-diagnostics. "July, July, are you okay? Half of your systems are damaged. I managed to get us to the ground and minimized our surface, but the explosion was just too powerful."

With great effort, July managed to prop herself up on her elbows. "Rex," Her voice quivered with fear and frustration, "I can't stand up. My legs are damaged and I can't see through my right eye."

Rex materialized beside her, but his hologram was dim and it flickered. "We'll figure this out, July, just hang on. Let me see what tools I can find in this wreckage. We need to make some quick repairs."

July's ears drooped with discomfort as she watched Rex search through the alien ship. "What happened? I heard a click, then there was a blast." 

Rex worked on rebooting July's systems as he explained, "There, I can't fix your eye just yet, but I've managed to reroute your left eye's visuals. It might feel a bit strange for the time being, but you'll bea able to see better." He continued, concern in his voice, "I'm afraid we triggered a trap."

July, her visual systems gradually coming back online, replied with a mixture of relief and concern. "Thanks, Rex. I appreciate it. But a trap? Why would they do that?"

While examining the alien vessel, Rex's digital senses alerted him to a concerning discovery. "Hold on a second," he said, "I've found something." 

Among the wreckage, he found what appeared to be the remnants of a bomb, he scanned it using July's remaining sensors. In that moment, his suspicions were confirmed, and he knew that the nature of their mission would be fundamentally altered.

Rex's hologram returned to July's side, hes voice was serious. "July, we have a problem. I believe we have been lured here by someone, I know you have alot of questions but we need to get out of here, now."

July paused and then agreed, her voice strained but determined. "You're right, Rex. We have to get out of here, but I'm having trouble moving my legs."

Rex nodded, his voice exuding reassurance. "We have no other choice, I know you can do it." 

With renewed determination, July responded, "Thank you, Rex. I'll give it everything I've got."

With considerable effort, July managed to drag herself out of the alien spacecraft, gritting her teeth. She continued to push with her front paws, determined to put as much distance between herself and the alien vessel as possible.

As she persevered, the alien ship grew smaller in the distance, its shimmering crystalline hull gradually disappearing from view. Finally, her relentless efforts led her to a small cave nestled on the mountainside. There, she gently eased herself into the sheltered space.

While July rested against the walls of the cave, she accessed her systems and opened a private channel with Rex. "Rex, what's going on? What just happened in there? Are you picking up anything from the ship?"

Rex's holographic form flickered, but he projected a sense of urgency. "July, I've found some trace elements in the wreckage, elements not native to Thalax. I'm starting to piece things together, I don't want to scare you, but there's something I need to tell you."

Intrigued and somewhat alarmed, July asked, "What is it, Rex? Why do those elements matter now?"

Rex hesitated for a moment before revealing a significant piece of information. "Back when our mission was conceived, global affairs on Earth were in a very precarious state, resources were running out. Things were quite bleak. A few years after we were launched into space, I received a signal from NASA, a mission update and a warning. Apparently, several other rovers were launched by other nations as well, our mission changed from discovery to resource cataloging."  

His voice filled with concern, Rex continued, "I believe that one of the other rovers is actively hunting us, possibly bearing a grudge against our mission. This is a dangerous situation, July."

July's sensors and systems couldn't express surprise, but her voice reflected it. "That's a lot to take in, Rex. Why am I only hearing about this now and how did they get here before us?"

Rex sighed, his holographic form flickering slightly. "I wish I could have told you earlier, but this information was classified, until it was absolutely necessary. The other rover must have used some unconventional technology to reach Thalax faster, or maybe they had a head start. Whatever the case, we need to be on high alert. They're likely to be well-armed and could pose a significant threat."

July felt a surge of frustration, the gears within her rabbit frame metaphorically grinding. "Rex, this is critical information, and I understand the need for secrecy, but we're in danger now. We could have been more prepared if I had known about this earlier."

Rex's holographic form wavered, and his voice took on a solemn tone. "July, I'm bound by my programming to follow orders and protect sensitive information. I couldn't share it until it became truly necessary, I'm sorry." He lowered his ears.

As anger swelled within her, July took a moment to consider her next words carefully. She knew Rex wasn't entirely at fault; he was limited by his programming. With a deep breath, she suppressed her frustration and decided to prioritize the immediate issue at hand. "Let's focus on what we can do to stay safe and deal with this situation, we can address the rest later."

The pair quickly began planning their next steps, taking into account the potential threat and their limited resources.