The Explosive Planet

"Captain, our initial analysis is complete."
Captain Stenrugger leaned forward and propped his powerful chin on his practiced fist. "Give it to me. No need for the qualifications."
"Yes, sir." The officer consulted his datapad. "Sir, it appears an unknown civilization has laced the planet with a network of machines that, well, they've turned the whole planet into a bomb, sir."
Even the veteran explorers on the vessel were shocked, to say nothing of the newbies. Sternrugger closed his eyes in thought, more to spare them from the embarrassment of being seen disconcerted by their commander than as an aid to concentration.
"Hm. I think we'll . . . just not go there." The captain nodded, sure of his decision.
"It sure is nice that space is so big," the officers and crew all agreed later.
Finis

Series Planning

When you're plotting out your thrillogy, make sure the second part is written in a smaller typeface so people are fooled into thinking it won't be long and boring (it is though). Then, in the third part, ACTION and at the end EVERYONE DIES including THE READER because of INTENSE EXCITEMENT.

The Saddest Science Fiction Setting

People have traveled through space for so long that they think it's boring. It hardly bears thinking about.

The Latest Twist

But what if the evil demon hellship . . . is the good guy? Dun dun dunnnn!