Voyage to Alpha Centauri: A Novel by Michael O'Brien

Author:Michael O'Brien [O'Brien, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
ISBN: 9781586178321
Published: 2016-04-05T06:00:00+00:00

Day 184:

It is out of our hands now. Dariush reported our findings to the archaeology team leader, and he in turn approached DSI. With only a little hesitation, the DDSI mandated a full-fledged exploration team, including the archaeologists, Dariush’s linguistics people, and engineers for excavation of the site. In practical terms, this has been swiftly translated into the building of a mission base in the valley between the towers and the cliff mural. It is nearly completed. Media programs on the Kosmos’ panorama screens have shown the establishment of a compound with a perimeter fence, ten residence pods, and working annexes for examining any artifacts that may be discovered, as well as an AEC landing pad. The base is situated on the higher ground overlooking the trench, midway between the towers and the cliff.

Quite rightly, the discovery has been attributed to Dariush and his detective work. Thankfully, no one has inquired about who went along for the joyride. I have melted away into the invisibility of the dysfunctional. With all the attention now focusing on the site, sneaking downstairs for more on-ground adventures is impossible. The region is being strictly supervised “for security reasons”, which probably means for the purpose of preserving a heritage site, protection of artifacts, and preventing amateurs from stomping all over the place with their little pails and shovels. While I regret my exclusion, I know that my friend will be telling me everything, and I can also watch what happens via 3D programs, some of them in real-time.

The news of the discovery has electrified the entire crew and all science teams—the thrill, the mystery, the shock of the incontrovertible fact that we are not alone in the universe. It is interesting to listen to the common themes that arise in overheard cafeteria discussions and the official commentary in media presentations: Were they colonizers, or were they tourists like us? Or were they native to the planet? And where are they now? Did they have wings and three eyes, or were those details only symbolic? What, really, did they look like?

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