Kaleb was infamous for his laziness, a trait that had somehow managed to keep him employed at a space logistics company where he handled shipments for wealthy clients bound for the farthest reaches of the galaxy. His latest assignment was simple enough: help load a massive research submarine bound for a newly discovered ocean planet. This giant submarine was built to explore the planet’s deep, alien waters and was set to be delivered to a rich explorer who wanted exclusive first access to the uncharted, underwater world.

Kaleb’s shift had been dragging on, and he wasn’t exactly motivated to work. As he glanced around for a quiet place to sneak a quick nap, he spotted one of the small, submersible pods docked to the side of the giant submarine. These pods were designed to detach and explore the narrow, darker parts of the alien ocean that the larger sub couldn’t reach. They were small, cramped, and probably uncomfortable for long trips, but to Kaleb, it looked like the perfect hiding spot for an undisturbed snooze.

Without thinking much of it, he climbed inside one of the smaller subs, settled into the seat, and drifted off, figuring he’d wake up in time to finish the rest of his shift. But when he opened his eyes, things felt… wrong. The pod was swaying gently, but it wasn’t from the ship’s movements. No, this was different. He felt a strange sensation, like he was floating. Rubbing his eyes, he leaned toward the small viewport, and his stomach dropped.

Outside the glass, dark blue water stretched in every direction, dotted with eerie, otherworldly bioluminescent creatures that drifted past in total silence. He felt a cold sweat as he realized that he—and the small sub he’d napped in—were no longer in the cargo hold of a spaceship. The whole submarine, including his tiny pod, was now submerged in the waters of an alien planet.