Solar Warden

Decisions Part 22

Watkins was in the lab. The faster analysis was already running and she prepared the longer ones.

"Dr. Watkins we have all the results now," one of the other scientists reported.

"Good, give me a second then I come," she replied and put the prepared labeled specimen into the analysis device. Then started the process. She left the lab and went for the next free terminal. Other Scientists were already checking the data. She looked at the results and then started comparing the relevant data of the ships database. It was strange they had prefect fits with Earth plants. She continued to check more of the results and all had that fit.

"That can't be or should not. These plants are the same as on Earth. Did you come to the same conclusion and what's with the microbes?" she asked to the other scientists.

"Yes, we have the same conclusion. They must be taken from Earth or does life always evolve the same way. None of us thinks so. The microbes seem also be the same. Still we done only the fast analysis. But if the genetic tests tell the same we have to assume someone planted this. Maybe we should search for the oldest trees. Take probes from the oceans and dig deeper," one of the scientist replied.

"Well, yes. We have to take further specimens from over 100 till 1000 years at least. I can't believe this is a normal evolution. This had to be planted or let's say terraformed. I report to the Captain. At least we can say the landing zone is like Earth." Watkins turned back to the terminal and called for the Captain over the communication officer.

"Yes, Dr. Watkins you have a report?" the Captain came to the screen of the communication officer.

"The landing zone is like Earth, there is very low risk breathing the air or touching the plants without protection. We still have to wait for the genetic analysis to be 100 percent sure. But such a discovery we made is very unlikely. We suggest that the area has been terraformed. Therefore, we need to get more probes of more time periods from the past," she reported.

"What about the area of the facility. We saw around it different kind of plants and how long will it take getting the probes with what resources?" the Captain asked.

"I will still recommend using the protection especially near the facility. These plants there are not tested yet and we don't know what the facility is exactly for. From the satellites scans these plants could have polls. With the mountains around those polls wont travel to the landing zone. So we have a different environment around the facility. Now to the tests I need to do. I need two shuttles. One for a beach near an ocean and another back to the landing zone. For the drilling we need I guess five hours. But if all works well it will be three," Watkins answered.

"I inform the ground troops that in an emergency removing the protection can be still risky. At least in the landing zone it has a low risk. Also I mention the terraforming theory which suggest that the facility has something to do with. How many scientists will you take down?" the Captain tried to verify that he had all information he needed.

"Correct. It will be three scientists in each shuttle including me," Watkins replied.

"Good. I have two SW teams as replacement. They will escort you and cover your operation. Try to meet the three-hour window. Report when you are ready to go," the Captain informed her.

"Yes, sir." She at once selected the teams for the operation and went to the equipment room. Two scientists were left and continued the work at the Icarus lab.

"Prepare five fighters and drones for launch. They should escort the shuttles. Three fighters replace the current two on the planet. Three drones reinforce the current landing zone the other two drones also reinforce after the escort is done. Use the drones also to patrol around the mountain and scan the area," the Captain ordered.

"Yes, sir," came it back from the drone control officer. He was just the head of a five-man team taking care of the drone operations. The rest of the team was down in the middle of the ship near the analysis offices. These drones could also take order from nearby crafts. But the main operation objectives and rules had to be entered via a wired link. This was needed to secure them from getting wrong orders from an enemy that knows how to command them. So in an extreme case the taking order via wireless link could be turned off.

"Did we use the drone commanding yet?" the Captain asked.

"No, sir," the drone control officer replied.

"Good. Then we continue with the limited wireless command option," the captain ordered. This option let a friendly nearby craft give some limited simple commands which would help in an attack situation and also let the drone be recalled by the Icarus.