The mystery of Deneb IV

Dave Carter, a seasoned navigator recovering from a reactor explosion, picks up a desperate SOS from the Vanguard expedition on the uncharted world Deneb IV. He diverts his small shuttle, arriving to find the planet seemingly empty, only to be ambushed by a fierce, uniformed stranger. The encounter reveals that not all is as it seems—an Earthman in hostile stance, the mystery of a missing crew, and a jungle teeming with hidden dangers. As Carter wrestles with his own injuries and a lingering titanium plate, he realizes the rescue may have turned into a trap.

Forced to follow his captive through dense, alien foliage, Carter discovers a gleaming ship hull and a makeshift settlement of survey officers who claim everything is fine. Their commander, Gendron, denies any distress, deepening the confusion and raising questions about loyalty, deception, and the true purpose of the SOS. The jungle’s secrets begin to surface, hinting at an unseen threat that could jeopardize both the rescued and the rescuer. Listeners are drawn into a tense, first‑act mystery that blends classic space adventure with a pulse‑pounding survival scenario.