Rigel Kentaurus (Deep Space Book 1) by Rick Novy

Author:Rick Novy
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, azw3
Publisher: entropy-central.net
Published: 2012-02-21T00:00:00+00:00

Thirty-Four

Calculations for orbital insertion worked exactly as expected. Deep Space settled into a medium-altitude orbit around the new planet Toliman. In some ways, the planet resembled Earth, in others, it appeared very different.

The oceans of the planet covered far less than the 70-odd percent of Earth, probably closer to fifty percent. A land-bridge completely circled the planet longitudinally. Much of the land appeared blackened, as if an enormous firestorm had consumed the entirety of the planet's landmass.

Patches of green showed through in places. Perhaps the planet suffered the fires some time ago, and the land had begun to heal itself. Green, even if sparse, might mean life! All of the awake crew of Deep Space gathered on her bridge to assess this new planet with their own eyes.

The concern about encountering Thrace at Rigel Kent seemed to have been overblown, for no trace of the mortal enemies of the Betels could be found. More worrisome, there was still no trace of the fuel drone they so desperately needed to get home. That had everyone a bit on edge, more so than they wanted to admit.

A tap on the shoulder shook Frank from his thoughts. He looked back to see Fernandez standing behind him.

"Bigby wants us in the conference room right away." She did not wait for him to acknowledge. Instead, she walked toward the door as Frank programmed the navigation console for autopilot. Navigation really had very little to do while in orbit. The mechanics took care of themselves.

Autopilot set, he made his way to the conference room for the urgent meeting with Bigby. He caught up with Fernandez and they walked into the conference room together. Inside, Bigby chatted with Nguyen. Also in the room, Rasha Tarek, sitting by herself at the other end of the table.

As Frank and Fernandez entered, Bigby finished up a few words to Nguyen before turning his attention to the newcomers. "Excellent." Bigby waved with his right hand toward a pair of unoccupied chairs. "I won't waste time. The computer released a message received from Mission Control around flip-over. The message was intended for our ears only upon arrival at Toliman.

"Our mission is not simply to explore this world, but to explore it with the aim of colonization. Evaluate and report prospects of colony success. Dr. Fernandez should be familiar with the requirements necessary for a planet to sustain human life."

Fernandez nodded, though she did seem a bit surprised to hear the news. Not Frank, though. Frank would be surprised if conquest of the galaxy did not come next. After all, it's how humans treated their homeworld, why expect it to end there?

Still, he would do his part for conquest, even if that involved nothing more than shuttling a planetary scientist to and from the surface.

Bigby deferred to Nguyen, who stood. He walked to the front of the room and grabbed the projector remote. The projector showed the surface of Toliman as seen from orbit, filmed through one of the telescopes.

Nguyen paused the image and walked to the screen.

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