Protector's XO keyed in the request for the scans, and moments later data
began pouring in. The planet had some serious mineral deposits. From
precious metals to tritanium to dilithium deposits. Some in concentrations
that obscured the scans. Particularily in the hilly, mountainous regions.
As for the oceans, that was a different story. What they could scan of it
contained an abundance of marine life. WHile most of it was scanable
mineral deposits made the deepest depths unreadable. Analysis of trace
elements in the atmosphere and in the water indicated that this planet was
seriously polluted in it's past, intermediate past. At it's worse, some 440
standard years ago, just about all life was killed off. Sensors dis pick up
an anomoly. It looked as if it were a ruined city in the middle of one of
the great undersea plains. The trouble was that the data was unreliable due
to it's depth and complications due to mineral deposits.
The information was interesting, and deserved further study, but there was nothing
that that could help Liridian, and a lot that could distract him. "Keep working on
trying to tune the sensors through that noise for more info," Michael told him.
***** after they finish *****
Admiral Bedru then turns her attention to the operation on the planet and to
Mr. Nash.
"Inspector Nash, may I interrupt you for a moment?"
"Sure," Michael said. "What's up?"
"The Ramesar have responded to Mr. Watson's letter regarding our crossing
into disputed space. It was about what we had expected. They are rather
annoyed to say the least, and directly forbade us from being on the planet.
Mr. Watson and I both agree that they will be coming soon to watch over us,
so it may be a good idea to hurry along the landing party. Just in case."
He frowned. "Damn," he said softly. "Any idea on their ETA?"
(eh?)
"Steven," he said into the headpiece, "our friends are going to be here soon, and
they apparently will not be amused by our presumption. Wrap up what you're doing -
evac in five minutes."
