Doc's eyes stung as the blinding light faded. His head throbbed with a dull ache, and his ears ringing from the alarms. He blinked rapidly, trying to clear his vision. The shuttle's interior gradually came back into focus – control panels still lit, life support humming. Somehow, they were intact.

  "Lux, status report," he groaned, pushing himself upright in the pilot's seat. His fingers automatically moved to the control panel, muscle memory taking over.

  "All primary systems functional. Secondary systems operating at ninety-three percent efficiency. Minor power fluctuations detected in non-essential circuits," Lux reported with mechanical precision.

  Doc ran a quick diagnostic, confirming Lux's assessment. "What happened to us? Where are we?"

  "Unable to determine current location. Stellar cartography database shows no match with visible star patterns. Communication systems detect no Colonial Administration beacons or settlement signals."

  That got Doc's full attention. He pulled up the navigation display, scanning through the star maps. Nothing matched. Not a single constellation aligned with any charted region of Colonial space.

  "Run a complete astronomical analysis. Check for any recognizable stellar formations, pulsars, quasars – anything we can use as a reference point."

  "Analysis in progress. Estimated completion time: four minutes, twenty-seven seconds."

  Doc moved to the viewport, staring out at unfamiliar stars. The anomaly had done more than knock them off course – it had thrown them somewhere completely unknown. The rational part of his mind started calculating possibilities: wormhole, spatial fold, temporal displacement.

  "External hull integrity appears intact," Lux continued. "However, I cannot verify without physical inspection. Recommend locating suitable landing site to conduct repairs and reassessment."

  "Agreed. Scan for habitable planets within range. We need somewhere with breathable atmosphere and moderate temperatures."

  "Scanning. One candidate detected within shuttle range. Class-M planet, oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere, gravity 1.07 standard. Distance: approximately 340,000 kilometers."

  Doc pulled up the scan data. The planet looked promising – blue oceans, green landmasses, white cloud cover. If they were lucky, they might even find intelligent life that could help them figure out where they were.

  "Set course—"

  A sharp ping interrupted him. The main display flickered, replaced by an unfamiliar interface. Glowing blue text scrolled across the screen:

  [INITIATING CLASS ASSIGNMENT]

  [SCANNING SUBJECT...]

  [DETERMINING OPTIMAL CLASS ALIGNMENT...]

  "Lux, what is this?" Doc's hand moved to the emergency shutdown switch.

  "Unknown system intrusion detected. No match in security database. Appears to be attempting to interface with your neural implant."

  [CLASS OPTIONS GENERATING: SCIENTIST, EXPLORER, TECHNOMANCER...]

  "Block it!" Doc shouted, feeling a strange pressure building behind his eyes. "Full security protocols!"

  "Implementing countermeasures. Firewall engaged. Neural shield activated."

  Doc's fingers flew across the control panel, initiating the shuttle's defensive systems. Whatever this "class assignment" was, it felt invasive, foreign – like something trying to rewrite his very identity.

  The blue text flickered, then stabilized:

  [ASSIGNMENT REJECTED]

  The strange interface vanished as suddenly as it had appeared, returning the shuttle's normal displays.

  "Intrusion neutralized," Lux confirmed. "No detectable changes to shuttle systems or neural implant functionality."

  Doc exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples. "What the hell was that?"

  "Unknown. The intrusion pattern does not match any known cyberattack methodology. It appeared to be attempting to categorize you according to some predetermined classification system."

  "A classification system?" Doc frowned. "Like it was trying to... label me somehow?"

  "Affirmative. The interface indicated multiple potential 'class' designations before our countermeasures blocked the process."

  Doc stared at the planet growing larger in their viewport. "Set course for that habitable world. We need to land, assess damages, and figure out where we are."

  "Course plotted. Entering atmosphere in seventeen min"

  The shuttle glided through the upper atmosphere, heat shields glowing faintly as they dispersed the friction. Doc monitored the systems while Lux ran continuous environmental scans.

  "Activating cloaking systems," Doc said, flipping a series of switches on the control panel. A faint hum vibrated through the shuttle as the advanced light-bending technology engaged. "Let's find somewhere isolated to set down. I'd prefer to avoid any local populations until we know what we're dealing with."

  "Acknowledged. Scanning for suitable landing zones. Recommend forested region approximately seventy kilometers ahead. Minimal signs of settlement or development."

  Doc banked the shuttle gently, following Lux's navigational markers on the heads-up display. The planet below looked remarkably Earth-like – lush forests, winding rivers, and rolling hills. Too Earth-like, almost suspiciously so.

  "I'm detecting an anomalous heat signature at two o'clock, approaching rapidly," Lux announced. "Size indicates large airborne organism. Mass estimate exceeds standard biological parameters for known flying species."

  Doc adjusted course, bringing up the thermal imaging on a side display. "Probably just some local wildlife. The cloaking should keep us—"

  The thermal signature suddenly changed direction, heading straight for them.

  "That's impossible," Doc muttered, fingers tightening on the controls. "It's tracking us through the cloak."

  The side display showed the heat signature growing larger, moving with impossible speed and precision.

  "Visual confirmation required," Lux stated. "Switching to optical enhancement."

  The main viewscreen shifted, zooming in on the approaching object. Doc's breath caught in his throat.

  A massive reptilian creature with leathery wings spanning at least thirty meters cut through the air toward them. Scales gleamed like burnished copper in the sunlight, and its serpentine neck ended in a horned head with jaws that could swallow a small vehicle.

  "That's a dragon," Doc whispered, his scientific mind struggling to process the impossibility before him. "An actual dragon."

  "Organism matches no known xenobiological profile," Lux confirmed. "However, it bears striking resemblance to mythological creatures from Earth folklore. Threat assessment: extreme."

  The dragon's eyes – intelligent, predatory eyes – seemed to stare directly at the cloaked shuttle. It opened its massive jaws and a bright glow built at the back of its throat.

  "Evasive maneuvers!" Doc shouted, yanking the controls hard to port.

  The shuttle banked sharply just as a stream of white-hot flame erupted from the dragon's mouth, scorching the air where they'd been moments before.

  "How is it seeing us?" Doc demanded, pushing the shuttle into a steep dive. "The cloaking system should be rendering us invisible to any known visual spectrum!"

  "Unknown. Possibility: the organism possesses sensory capabilities beyond standard electromagnetic spectrum detection."

  The dragon tucked its wings and dove after them, moving with surprising agility for its size. Doc pulled the shuttle into a tight spiral, the inertial dampeners straining to compensate.

  "Engaging auto-cannons," Doc announced, flipping the weapons systems to active. "Non-lethal deterrent only."

  The shuttle's defensive cannons deployed, firing bursts of high-energy pulses designed to disrupt rather than destroy. Several struck the dragon's hide, causing it to roar in anger rather than pain.

  If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  "Minimal effect," Lux reported. "Target's dermal layer appears highly resistant to energy-based weaponry."

  The dragon retaliated, spewing another jet of flame that caught the shuttle's port side. Warning alarms blared as the shields absorbed most of the impact.

  "Shield integrity at seventy-eight percent," Lux reported. "Recommend immediate disengagement."

  Doc pushed the engines to maximum, trying to outrun the creature, but the dragon matched their speed with powerful wing beats. It slammed its massive body against the shuttle's hull, sending them spinning.

  "Port stabilizer damaged," Lux announced as Doc fought to regain control. "Shield integrity dropping to fifty-three percent."

  Doc gritted his teeth and pulled the shuttle into another evasive pattern. The auto-cannons fired continuously now, finally seeming to irritate the dragon enough that it hesitated in its pursuit.

  "We need to land," Doc decided, scanning the terrain below. "Find me a clearing, now!"

  "Suitable landing zone detected. Three kilometers ahead."

  The dragon roared behind them, unleashing another blast of flame that glanced off their weakening shields. Warning lights flashed across the console.

  "Critical damage to aft propulsion systems," Lux reported. "Initiating emergency landing protocols."

  The shuttle lurched downward, smoke trailing from the damaged engines as Doc guided it toward the clearing. Behind them, the dragon circled once, then veered away, apparently satisfied it had driven off the intruder.

  The shuttle plummeted toward the clearing, its damaged systems groaning under the strain. Doc's knuckles whitened as he gripped the controls, fighting for any semblance of control.

  "Brace for impact," he warned, more to himself than to Lux.

  The trees rushed up to meet them. Doc pulled back on the controls with all his strength, trying to level their descent. The shuttle's nose lifted slightly, but it wasn't enough. They hit the treeline with a sickening crunch of metal and wood.

  The world became a chaotic blur of motion and noise. Tree trunks snapped like twigs. Alarms blared. Warning lights flashed across every console. The shuttle bounced once, twice, carving a deep furrow through the forest floor before slamming into a massive boulder that brought them to an abrupt, jarring halt.

  For several moments, Doc just sat there, hands still locked on the useless controls, heart hammering in his chest. He was alive. Somehow.

  "Lux?" he croaked, tasting blood where he'd bitten his cheek.

  "Operational," came the immediate reply. "Damage assessment in progress."

  Doc unstrapped himself from the pilot's seat, wincing at the sharp pain in his ribs. Probably bruised, not broken. He'd had worse.

  "Run a full perimeter scan. I need to know what's out there." He limped toward the emergency kit, pulling out a portable scanner. "And analyze the atmosphere – make sure it's safe to breathe if the cabin loses pressure."

  "Atmospheric analysis complete. Oxygen levels at 23.1%, nitrogen at 75.4%, trace gases within safe parameters. No detected toxins or pathogens. Breathable."

  Doc nodded, relief washing over him. At least they wouldn't suffocate.

  "Perimeter scan in progress," Lux continued. "No immediate threats detected within one kilometer radius. Local fauna appears to be retreating from our crash site."

  Doc slumped against the bulkhead, suddenly overwhelmed by what had just happened. "Lux," he said slowly, "did we just... fight a dragon?"

  "The organism displayed characteristics consistent with mythological descriptions of dragons from Earth folklore, yes."

  "No, no, no." Doc shook his head vigorously. "Dragons aren't real. That's... that's impossible." He pressed his palms against his eyes. "Maybe I hit my head during atmospheric entry. Hypoxia? Hallucination from cosmic radiation?"

  "Your vital signs show no indication of cerebral trauma or oxygen deprivation," Lux replied helpfully. "And my sensors independently confirmed the organism's existence."

  Doc paced the tilted floor of the shuttle, running his hands through his hair. "Maybe it was just a large flying reptile. Some kind of... undocumented pterosaur variant with an unusual defense mechanism. That would explain the fire-breathing."

  "The creature's estimated mass exceeded twenty tons. No known flying vertebrate has ever approached that size. And its flame-generation capabilities appeared to involve—"

  "Stop, stop!" Doc held up his hands. "I know what I saw. I just can't... process it." He laughed, a slightly hysterical edge to it. "A dragon. A fire-breathing dragon that could somehow see through our cloaking technology."

  "Perhaps the organism possesses sensory organs capable of detecting energy fields beyond standard electromagnetic spectrum."

  "Oh, sure," Doc said, throwing his hands up. "Maybe it has magical dragon vision too! And shoots rainbows out its—"

  "I detect no evidence of rainbow production capabilities," Lux interrupted seriously.

  Doc stared at the ceiling for a moment, then burst into genuine laughter. "At least my AI hasn't lost its literal-mindedness." He took a deep breath, trying to center himself. "Okay. Working hypothesis: we've somehow ended up on a planet where creatures resembling Earth mythology exist. That's... that's fine. Totally fine. Just another day in the field."

  "Would you like me to classify this as a first-contact scenario with a non-sentient indigenous species?"

  "Let's hold off on classification until we know more." Doc moved to the viewport, peering out at the alien forest. "For now, let's just call it what it is – a dragon. A real, honest-to-goodness dragon that just kicked our highly advanced technological butts."

  Doc slumped into the pilot's chair, his body still thrumming with adrenaline. The crumpled shuttle creaked around him, a grim reminder of their unexpected encounter.

  "Lux, check our food supplies. What's the damage assessment?"

  "Scanning." A brief pause followed. "Emergency rations compartment sustained significant damage during impact. Seventy-three percent of stored provisions are compromised. Remaining supplies will sustain one person for approximately four days at minimum caloric intake."

  Doc pinched the bridge of his nose. "Four days. Fantastic." He surveyed the shuttle's crumpled interior. Just their luck to be stranded on a planet with flying, fire-breathing monsters and barely enough food to last half a week.

  "On the positive side, initial atmospheric scans indicate potential edible flora within this region," Lux added.

  "Yes, and potential predatory fauna that might consider us edible too." Doc pushed himself to his feet, wincing at the protest from his bruised ribs. "Let's not rely on foraging just yet. Open the equipment locker and engage exploration protocol."

  The back wall panel slid open with a hiss, revealing the compact but comprehensive exploration gear. At least that system still worked.

  "Preparing exploration equipment," Lux confirmed. "Recommend full defensive loadout given our encounter with the large flying organism."

  "Agreed."

  Doc approached the locker, running his hand along the sleek surface of his exploration suit. The carbon-polymer armor gleamed under the emergency lighting, its intricate servos and micro-hydraulics promising enhanced strength and protection. He'd used it on dozens of planets, but never in circumstances quite like these.

  He stripped down to his base layer and began the methodical process of suiting up. First the compression undersuit, then the segmented armor plates that sealed together with satisfying clicks. Each piece integrated seamlessly with his neural implant, creating a second skin of advanced technology.

  "Initiating suit calibration," Lux announced as Doc secured the final chest piece. "Syncing neural pathways... establishing power distribution... configuring environmental systems."

  Doc flexed his fingers, feeling the suit's micro-servos amplify his movements. He rolled his shoulders, twisted at the waist, testing the full range of motion. The suit responded flawlessly, enhancing his strength while remaining lightweight and agile.

  "Power cells at ninety-seven percent capacity," Lux reported. "Environmental filters active. Defensive systems online."

  Doc reached for the weapons rack. The plasma sword sat in its charging cradle, a marvel of focused energy technology. He clipped it to his hip mount, then checked the plasma pistol. Its power cell glowed with a reassuring blue light. Standard issue for research vessels, these weapons were designed for defense against wildlife, not combat. He hoped they'd be enough against whatever else this planet might throw at them.

  "I'm detecting multiple small life forms moving within fifty meters of our position," Lux said. "Size and movement patterns suggest non-threatening local fauna, likely investigating the crash site."

  Doc nodded, sliding the pistol into its holster. "Let's hope they stay non-threatening." He secured a portable scanner to his wrist, checked that his emergency beacon was functioning, and grabbed a sample collection kit out of habit.

  "Suit integrity at one hundred percent. All systems nominal."

  "Good." Doc took a deep breath and moved toward the emergency hatch. "Keep scanning for any large heat signatures. I don't want another surprise visit from our scaly friend."

  "Continuous perimeter scan engaged. Alert protocols active."

  Doc positioned himself at the hatch, hand hovering over the release mechanism. Through the small viewport, he could see alien trees swaying in a gentle breeze, sunlight filtering through unfamiliar foliage. Beautiful, if not for the knowledge that somewhere out there, impossible creatures roamed the skies.

  "Here goes nothing," he muttered, and pressed the release.

  The door hissed as Doc pressed the release, but nothing happened. He tried again, pushing harder this time. The mechanism clicked but the door remained firmly sealed.

  "Great. Door won't open." Doc sighed, running a gloved hand through his hair. "Must have warped in the crash."

  "Structural analysis indicates significant frame distortion around the main exit," Lux confirmed. "Suggest utilizing the emergency hatch located in the aft compartment."

  Doc nodded and made his way through the tilted shuttle, stepping over debris and damaged equipment. The emergency hatch was designed specifically for situations like this—when the primary exits were compromised. He reached the small circular door embedded in the ceiling of what was now the shuttle's lowest point.

  "This should work," he muttered, reaching up to turn the manual release valve.

  The valve refused to budge. Doc applied more force, muscles straining against the resistance until the suit's servos whined in protest. The handle moved slightly, then stopped with a metallic crunch.

  "Damage assessment suggests the emergency release mechanism has been compromised," Lux stated. "The impact force appears to have jammed the internal locking pins."

  Doc let out a string of colorful curses that would have made a space dock worker blush. "So we're trapped in our own ship? Perfect."

  He paced the cramped space, considering their options. His gaze fell on the plasma sword hanging at his hip. He unclipped it, feeling its comfortable weight in his palm.

  "I'm going to cut our way out."

  "Recommendation: preserve plasma sword energy cells for potential combat scenarios," Lux cautioned. "Current charge level will sustain approximately forty-seven minutes of continuous use."

  Doc snorted. "If I don't get out of this ship, there won't be any combat scenarios to use it on." He activated the weapon with a flick of his thumb. The blade hummed to life, a shimmering arc of contained energy that cast an eerie blue glow across the shuttle's interior.

  "Fair point," Lux conceded.

  Doc positioned himself near the main exit, where the door frame appeared thinnest. "Stand by to monitor external atmosphere during breach."

  He brought the plasma sword down in a careful arc, cutting through the reinforced metal with surprising ease. Molten edges glowed orange-red as he carved a rough semicircle. The material bubbled and hissed, releasing acrid smoke that the suit's filters quickly neutralized.

  "Environmental hazard detected," Lux warned. "Recommend activating helmet seal."

  Doc tapped the control at his collar, and his helmet materialized from the suit's collar, nanomaterials flowing up to encase his head like a protective shell. The filtration system kicked in immediately, purifying the air.

  "Structural integrity of cut section at twenty-three percent," Lux informed him as he continued carving. "Breach imminent."

  With a final sweep of the plasma blade, Doc completed the rough doorway. He deactivated the sword and clipped it back to his hip, then planted his boot against the weakened section of hull. One firm kick, and the metal gave way with a screech, falling outward to crash onto the forest floor.

  Fresh air rushed in, carrying scents his suit's sensors immediately began analyzing. Doc stepped to the makeshift exit and froze, momentarily stunned by the view before him.

  The shuttle had carved a path through a forest unlike any he'd seen before. Massive trees with iridescent bark stretched skyward, their canopies shimmering with leaves that seemed to change color as they moved in the breeze—from deep purple to brilliant green. Smaller plants clustered at their bases, some sporting bulbous growths that glowed with bioluminescence despite the daylight. Floating motes of what looked like pollen drifted through shafts of golden sunlight, creating an almost magical atmosphere.

  "Atmospheric analysis complete," Lux reported. "No detected toxins. Oxygen levels slightly higher than Earth standard."

  Doc barely heard the AI. He was transfixed by the alien beauty surrounding him. Small creatures resembling a cross between butterflies and hummingbirds darted among the undergrowth, their wings leaving trails of sparkling dust.

  "It's... beautiful," he whispered, stepping out onto the soft, moss-like ground.

  Doc surveyed the clearing, taking in the full scope of their situation. The shuttle lay half-buried in the soft earth, its hull crumpled and scarred from the impact. A long furrow stretched behind it, marking their violent arrival through the forest. Smoke still curled from the damaged engines, dissipating into the strange, grayish-tinged sky.

  "Complete structural assessment?" Doc asked, circling the wreckage.

  "Hull integrity compromised in seventeen locations," Lux replied through his neural link. "Power core stable but operating at thirty-one percent capacity. Navigation systems non-functional. Communication array destroyed. Primary thrusters beyond repair with available resources."

  Doc ran his hand along the shuttle's once-sleek exterior, now warped and dented beyond recognition. "So you're saying we won't be taking off anytime soon."

  "That would be an accurate assessment."

  The scientist sighed, kicking at a piece of debris. "Any signal from the emergency beacon?"

  "Negative. The beacon is operational, but I detect no response on any standard frequency. We appear to be well beyond normal communication range."

  Doc climbed atop a nearby boulder for a better view of their surroundings. The alien forest stretched in all directions, a sea of shimmering vegetation interrupted only by distant mountain ranges on the horizon. No signs of civilization. No smoke from settlements. No flight paths or energy signatures.

  "We're completely alone here, aren't we?"

  "Available data suggests that conclusion, yes."

  Doc jumped down from the boulder, wincing as his bruised ribs protested. "Well, look on the bright side. At least we're stranded on a breathable planet with seemingly non-toxic vegetation." He plucked one of the glowing plants, examining it with scientific curiosity. "Could have crashed on a methane gas giant."

  "Your optimism is noted," Lux replied, "though I calculate the probability of surviving a crash landing on a gas giant at approximately zero percent."

  "That was a joke, Lux."

  "Ah. Humor. I'll update my contextual references."

  Doc made his way back to the shuttle's makeshift exit, cataloging salvageable equipment. "We need to establish a perimeter, set up some kind of defensive barrier. That dragon might come back."

  "Agreed. I've been monitoring aerial activity, but no large organisms detected within scanning range."

  Doc nodded, pulling a portable scanner from his belt. He swept it across the horizon, collecting baseline data on the environment. "Temperature's dropping. Must be approaching evening here."

  "Correct. Local stellar radiation decreasing by three percent per minute. Estimated time until full darkness: forty-seven minutes."

  "Then we'd better work fast." Doc began pulling emergency supplies from the shuttle—portable shelter components, water purification equipment, remaining rations. He arranged them methodically on the forest floor, taking inventory.

  As the alien sun sank lower, casting long shadows through the trees, Doc finished securing their makeshift camp. The shuttle's emergency barrier field hummed softly, creating a protective dome around their crash site. It wouldn't stop a determined predator, but it would alert them to anything crossing the perimeter.

  Doc stood at the edge of the clearing, hands on his hips, surveying their handiwork. The damaged shuttle, their hastily established camp, the strange forest beyond—it all seemed surreal in the fading light.

  "So," he said finally, "crashed on an unknown planet, attacked by a mythological creature, ship destroyed, no communication with home base." He counted each disaster on his fingers. "Did I miss anything?"

  "Your summary appears complete, though I would add that our food supplies are critically low."

  Doc laughed, a short, sharp sound that echoed through the clearing. "Right. Can't forget that." He shook his head, watching as the first unfamiliar stars began appearing in the alien sky. "You know what, Lux? I think I'm going to update my mission log."

  "A sensible precaution."

  "Mission log, day one," Doc announced dramatically. "Have discovered conclusive proof that the universe has a sense of humor. And it's terrible."

  Thanks for reading the start of *No Classes Found*! This story is entirely written by me, though I use AI tools to help with outlining, editing, and formatting. Every word is mine—I just use a digital assistant to keep things clean and organized.

  Appreciate you giving it a shot. Chapter 2 is already up, and I hope you enjoy where the story goes!