Page 22 - The Chronicles Ser2 (6-10)

After she had settled in, she decided to explore the ship.
She had not seen one of her kind before. As with nearly all
military craft, the Rotan Klu was sparse on frills, but did afford
more luxury than most. Cabins for the crew were roomy.
Facilities were designed to accommodate all genders. The crew
had several alien species aboard this trip. Some were from other
world’s military research divisions, so there seemed to be a
common line of camaraderie among them that made getting
along easy. She recognised two Physicists from the Gilgar
Imperiate. The predominant race there being insectoidal in
nature. They would appear to be a married couple, both wearing
the traditional sash couples wed for a long time wore. One
morose individual looked, almost human from behind, but the
whiskers on the upper part of his pointed ears were a dead giveaway. He was a Lingaran; and in
hunting garb with a bow and quiver on the table in front of him. It looked like he was disappointed
about being there. R’Pak approached him. He was sitting at a viewing port with an empty glass in his
huge hands. He stirred from his deep revelry when she sat down beside him.

“Forgive my unsocial manners ma’am. May I be permitted to get you refreshment?” he said in a soft
deep voice.

“Mescal Inoxi; if you please. You are Dr Hurt Wigfall if I’m not mistaken?”
she replied. Marcus was at the bar, she noticed him stiffen and grimace.

“You are not mistaken. And I recognise you too, Dr Nuur. Mescal Inoxi it is.
I’m here on behalf of The Sonoran Trust. The ship is headed to the Brandt
Moran Lens; a new micro-star has recently started to form. I am to log the
events for the Unity Astronomy Coalition. Forgive my mood; I was on a
family hunting trip when the call came in. The timing is… unfortunate!” He
went to the bar and returned with two drinks.

“Micro-stars are a recent discovery, to see one form is surely to be an
astounding experience. It’s a pity my field of research is Bio-Genetics; I did have an interest in
Astronomy as a child.” R’Pak countered. The two of them chatted, R’Pak carefully avoiding the real
reason for her trip. At the bar Marcus downed his draft and left the lounge in a glum mood.

Galena had received a reply from Isaac. He was heading in her direction having had word of
the Sphere’s discovery. He had some of the modified head bands and a couple of his students were
adept in using them. He offered to help with communicating with the Grey just as long as they got to
study the Learning Alcoves. Galena had replied in the affirmative, he should be arriving in three days.

“Rupert; can you prepare some quarters for our honoured guests” she said over the intercom.
Rupert had anticipated her request.

“Already in progress; I’ve secured two suites near to our section of the base. I’ve also had word from
Dr Levi Strauss of the Genovan delegation. He and his team want to look into the Sphere’s Neuro-
Electronics. He may also be interested in the Brain scans. Should I prepare copies for him too?”

“Neuro-electronics; Hmm. Might be useful. But keep it discreet I don’t want others getting too
curious. Has the Engineer recovered any further from his ordeal?” Galena replied.