Exolegacy by Andr Moș

Author:Andr Moș
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Andr Moș
Published: 2022-12-14T00:00:00+00:00

30 Ago-13

Xikse came through with flying colors. Thankfully, he didn’t have to involve another of the Manaiar in Gin and Rez’s plan. The Straj of Zelmas approved his request to accompany the visiting scientists to Ago-13 (the Manis name and designation for the engine) for scientific cooperation. He explained that this was a very official-sounding reason and that Rez shouldn’t get her hopes up that she might be able to learn anything about the internal engineering of the massive ecopoiesis engine.

Gin, on the other hand, was ecstatic. Ago-13 was situated smack in the center of Asimov Crater on her human map, and the proposed quarry was within a couple of hours’ walk from it. She hoped that she would have the opportunity to break away when they arrived to explore on her own and without supervision.

Xikse arrived at the Hernandez estate in a similar, if not the same flyer as when he rescued Alsón back on his ill-fated hike. “Ago-13 is only accessible from above. Most of the Ago network was established in locations not yet developed or explored, so we will have to fly. Unfortunately for you Gin, I don’t think I will be able to drop you off anywhere along the way.”

“I don’t think it will be a problem, actually. The more detailed topographical maps that you provided me with detail a route that I could walk from the structure in only a few hours round-trip.” Gin explained.

“Ah, well, if you can break away from the group that is meeting us there, perhaps. Apparently, this is the first time humans have been allowed to observe the structures, and I am afraid I had to mention your name and family connections to get the Straj to allow it at all.”

“Do you think they’ll force me to be there the whole time?” Gin asked, horrified.

“Most probably, yes.” Xikse said.

And with that, the conversation was over. Rez had already mounted the passenger compartment to the flyer and was waiting for the others as they joined her and strapped in.

Gin held out hope the entire three-hour journey that she could somehow excuse herself without being too noticed and reported. As they reached the midpoint on the map, Xikse turned to them both, “You will both need to wear these filter masks that I have brought. The atmosphere here is too thick for humans to breathe safely, both outside and inside the Ago. Even I have been given an inhalant so that my lungs do not suffer damage while there.” Both women confirmed this visually by looking out the windows of the craft, a gradual haze had started to gather, and the horizon ahead was hidden in a brownish fog.

By the time they were within visual sight of the Ago, the ozone fog was so thick that they couldn’t see much further than fifty meters in any direction. The facility coalesced into a solid shape as the flyer touched down near the main entrance. Even if it had kicked up any of the dust on landing, it would have been unnoticed.

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