Fragments 1: Devolution Landing

Departure Plans

As the sun set that evening, the archaeologists gathered around a rickety metal table to compare notes. Several mugs were steaming before them, and crumpled papers lay in rough piles. The survey team had already finished for the night and were tidying up.

Professor Androbos sat on a folding chair and flexed his fingers.

"We are due to depart tomorrow evening," he stated bluntly. "If we are going to catch the last shuttle out, we will need to leave here by sunset, and... and we will be on that flight."

Elveren breathed a sigh of relief. The professor was going to resist the temptation to stay.

The others were less happy. Marcus could think of many reasons why they should remain for a few days longer. Doctor Moorfier was angry that she had not been given time to do any proper fieldwork. In the face of their complaints however, Androbos stood his ground.

"We knew that this was going to be a short dig," he said firmly. "That was the deal - a quick look and then we leave. That's all we can do."

"No it's not," said Moorfier crossly. "We don't know there'll be a war. Just because one treaty lapses, it doesn't mean there'll be an invasion straight away. There'll be talks and sanctions, and who knows what... and anyway, what has any of this got to do with us in the first place. Just because there's a new government, it doesn't mean we have to leave... surely they'll let us stay?"

Androbos shook his head sadly.

"I'm afraid our instructions were clear," he said, sounding unhappy with the sensible role that he had taken on. "We need to be out of here by the time the new treaty is signed or the Trucanni will consider us as fair game."

"I don't care about petty local politics," complained Marcus. "I want to speak to some of the original settlers. I've spent my entire life studying their language, but I've yet to speak to any of them... and now I've got all this new data to help me... You just can't do this!"

He banged his fists on the table angrily, dislodging some of the papers that fell to the ground.

"I'm sorry Marcus, but that's just the way it is."

"I have travelled six thousand light years to be here," the young man continued. "I have had to give up my home and my university - and now you're telling me that my life's work is over!"

He stood up angrily, knocking his fold-up chair over as he did so.

"This is just another job for you," he said as he waggled his finger at Androbos. "But for me, this is everything."

He turned and stomped away as he headed for his own tent.

Moorfier watched him go before glaring at the Professor.

"I may not like him very much," she said sharply. "But for once, I agree with him."

She stood up with a little dignity and left.

Androbos looked crushed. Elveren knew that he wanted to stay too, but was secretly pleased that he had seen sense.

Perracheck stood up.

"Look Prof," he began. "I'll go and talk to them. I'm sure they'll come round."

"Thanks," said Androbos. "But I don't think they'll be talking to me tomorrow."

"They will," said Perracheck confidently. "Just give them time."

He nodded to Elveren and strode off in the direction that Doctor Moorfier had taken.

Professor Androbos sighed.

"Well!" he said to his assistant. "It looks like that young man is finally showing why he's here."

She nodded slowly as she watched him go. She couldn't help thinking the Perracheck was up to something, but she really couldn't tell what...