Something Strange

[Hannah McDowell 0]

The initial scans and photos of the site were inconclusive. They would have to start excavating the site to get more data. Hannah was not surprised nor discouraged. If the artifact was there, it had been there for an extremely long time and could be buried deep. She did, however, miss the Sentinel's sensors. They could have looked deeper and farther then the equipment the settlement had. They had been recalled back to earth so it was just the colonists now. Hannah had considered asking Aegis to assist but only if necessary.

 

“Well as you know there are 5 elements that sensors will normally not detect unless you adjust the parameters of the scan.” Dr. Asgar was saying as he started his briefing to Hannah that morning.

 

“Aye I do. Jakmanite, invidium, saltzgadum, selgninaem and lucovexitrin.” Hannah replied promptly.

 

Nodding gravely, Dr. Asgar continued. “Well I added the parameters to our sensors before we left earth. I wanted the sensors to be able to detect as much ::coughcough:: as possible. Hannah.... the sensors picked up Jakmanite.”

 

“Damn it! Why didn't we know this before?” Hannah swore, already knowing the answer. Dr. Asgar could only shrug his shoulders. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. “Ok, so we have jakmanite. Is it affectin the equipment yet?”

 

Asgar nodded. “But only slightly because the amount is so small. Otherwise our equipment would be mush by now. However, I believe we can neutralize the effects by exposing everything to -200 degrees for a few seconds. The equipment can handle it but it will render the jakmanite inert. Then we can put up a shield around the complex to block the jakmanite radiation.” He finished confidently.

 

Hannah nodded. “Very well, let's begin right away ::cough::. We can't afford ta lose any equipment.”

 

“There's one more thing Hannah.” Asgar continued hesitantly. “The jakmanite is having a very strange effect on all the surrounding metals and rock and such. It's causing the release of an unknown component into the air. I don't know yet what it is or if it's harmful. I believe it's a radiation of some type but like I said, I don't know if it's harmful to us or not. None of the survey missions picked it up because their sensors weren't calibrated to detect jakmanite. It's stongest over the site.” He finished grimly.

 

“Very well. Let's get everyone together. We need a plan. Oh and by the by, did the sensors pick up any neutronium?” Hannah asked.

 

"Inconclusive Hannah. Sorry. We'll know more once we start digging." Asgar replied.

 

Hannah was so preoccupied with this setback that she hadn't noticed that Asgar was a bit pale. In fact, the whole team was looking a bit pale. Those that had noticed put it down to fatigue and being worn down after their long voyage and they recommended a good night's sleep. Those that hadn't noticed, would be noticing very soon.