University of Cambridge, Geospatial studies facility, northern hemisphere
March 24, 809 AS, 16:26
Two men are walking slowly through the corridors of the university. One is professor Felix Stavaru, a controversial man, that believes that life will always happen, no matter what natural cataclysms happen. He's a known supporter of the Green Front political party and not once he's been investigated by the BPA but they were never able to prove a connection with the Gaians.
The other one is a young student named Peter Shelby. Both his parents killed in the war, he was raised by an uncle. The boy showed interest for geography in general. The way the planets formed, the way they could have been terraformed to allow humans to live and the way life was reacting to everything were the things that caught his attention. Stavaru noticed that and took him under his wing right from the start, from when he was nothing but a freshman.
- Ready to take over the scientific world, son?
- Ready, professor!
- Good, I chose you because you're one of my best students and because you're open to new things, not like the others that sit and wait for science to come to them.
- Professor, you haven't told me what this expedition is all about. But I won't ask. I will try to scientifically determine that.
- That's my boy. Let's hear it.
- Well, you never liked terraforming, even if you teach students about that in your class, so that's excluded. Bretonian Geography wouldn't require our own ship, we could travel by regular passenger transports. So, I'm guessing it's about Xenobiology and it's on a remote planet, maybe outside of the kingdom?
- True. Come on, pack your things. Meet me at the docks in 3 hours. I need to go talk with chief Dasker.
- Sure thing, professor...
- And one more thing, Peter, bring your knowledge package with you.
Milton Spaceport, Planet Cambridge, northern hemisphere
3 hours later
Peter got there earlier. He was eager to go, just like a kid, despite his age of 22. This was his first space trip so we have to understand him. He was expecting to see the ship but all he saw were a couple of normal ships that can only reach the orbit and get back. So he asked the dock workers:
- Sorry, can you help me with something?
- Wha' 'dat you need, son?
- Is there a ship here registered on the name of professor Felix Stavaru?
- Aye, the professor, it's that one, said the guy, pointing at one of the transports.
- But... that thing only goes to the orbit and back. It doesn't go on trade lanes or longer flights...
- I dun' kno', boy. Ask your professor.
- Yea, ok, thanks, man.
A few minutes later the professor got there.
- Ah, Peter, get in, there's been a small delay but now we're ready to go.
- Alright.
- So, Peter, here's a list with icy planets. Most of them were never properly explored. Some scans from high orbit and that's it. You'll notice that on most of the planets where there were research bases on the ground, life has been discovered, even if it's microorganisms we're talking about. Still, life. Our job for the next three or more years will be to find life on the planets that were never searched properly. Here, you go, read it.
- Sarum, Waterford, Wight, Glenn, Glenn II, Pecos, Wainwright...
- We will head over to Newcastle first. There's Ashington. A moon, not icy but life has been discovered there. So... if we have life on a place like this, with almost no water, there's no way we don't find something on icy worlds.
- But, professor, why are Pecos and Edmonton on the list? There's nothing to prove there. Life was found on these two planets.
- Edmonton, my dear boy, is on the list because that's where we will start. You see? I already taught you and your colleagues this. First, you do the research, then you write the theory, then you apply the theory elsewhere and see if it's confirmed. We go to Edmonton, we study the lifeforms there, we elaborate our theory and then we apply it to other worlds such as that one and see what we get.
- That's brilliant. That's...
He had no time to complete his sentence because their transport just arrived at the mooring structure, in the orbit of Cambridge. A Democritus was waiting for them right there.
- Ah, yes, said the professor. Curious One, meet Peter Shelby. Peter Shelby, meet Curious One. This is a "Democritus" - class luxury yacht. Of course, it's not "luxury" anymore. I like to call it "Leucippus" - class scientific frigate. As you already know, Leucippus was Democritus' mentor. Anyway, let's meet the crew, and you'll have time to know the ship better after we settle you in.
Newcastle system, sector 4C, Ashington planetoid high orbit.
April 01, 809 AS, 06:02
Curious One arrived to its first destination. The professor assembles everyone from the scientific crew on the observation deck.
- Good, you're all here? Peter, late as usual but that's ok, I got used to it. Alright, people, settle down. Many of you don't know what this whole expedition is all about. You trusted me and came without asking too many questions. I appreciate it and I have to say there's no other reason for this secrecy but to see who is actually trusting me. And you are the winners and I thank you for that. Now, it is time to let you know about our mission. I am, and I'm sure you already know this, a member of the Green Front. Since this political organization is focusing its efforts on preservation of nature and life, I'll contribute to this cause by finding life that needs preserved... and you will help me. It seems strange to talk about life and having this dead piece of rock behind me, right? Not exactly. You all know about CSR and what they did here. They theorized that on this piece of rock, life existed a long time ago, then it migrated to Carlisle. A lot of people find that very hard to believe, I know. There's an entire study about this event and more than that, if you're interested in Sol geologic history and Earth's history, you'd probably know about a similar theory about Earth's life cycles. Zara, simulation one on screen, please.
- So, this is what happened. A large stellar body smashed into Ashington. Large portions of soil and rocks are dislocated and thrown into space, due to the lack of atmosphere and the power of impact. These elements contain highly adapted bacteria. They travel through space until they land on a different cosmic body; in this case Carlisle. Because the blocks of rock are so big, they don't completely vanish when they meet the atmosphere and the microbes on it don't die, not all of them.
- Professor, but this doesn't prove that Ashington is supporting bacterial life.
- No. Ashington is dead... completely. But you're missing the point. What I wanted to say with all this is that life will always find a way to... not end. Life can exist in the harshest conditions. The organisms we're talking about are extremophile and they are the reason of this expedition. We will have to prove that bacterias on different worlds evolved. This takes me to my next announcement. I have arranged for us to work on one of the planets that has been confirmed to sustain life. It's planet Edmonton in Alberta. We will be setting up an underground research complex there. Don't think too big. We only have funds for a very small base that will be composed of a lab, several dig sites and two bedrooms, one for the boys, one for the girls. A maximum of ten will go on the surface and work there for 3-4 days, then the shift will come. This ship will remain in orbit and will be our home for the next three years. Questions? No? Well then, for those of you who don't know him yet, there's captain John Scott. John, I can imagine you're quite bored after this "lesson" so I won't keep you any longer. We're ready to depart.
- Actually, Felix, it's been quite interesting. Now I understand why the kids love your speeches. You speak on their language, unlike those arrogant scientists back on Cambridge.
- Hah, thank you. I can assure you they're not all that bad.
- I'll take your word for it, Felix. So, to Alberta?
- Yes, sir!
- You got it, professor.
Alberta system, sector 2B, Planet Edmonton high orbit
April 08, 809 AS, 10:16
Captain Scott ordered the navigator to enter orbit and then he made the announcement:
- Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at our destination.
Felix Stavaru was discussing on the NeuralNet when Peter entered his cabin.
- Yes, I'll have a dig site ready for your team in two days. Yes... just a moment, Peter... yes, have your team and the gear ready for some harsh environment. Yes, I already told you, it's Edmonton but I will try to find a good place for the excavations. Alright, be ready! See you in two days. Good bye! Yes, Peter?
- Sir, may I start scanning the northern hemisphere?
- You want to do it? Keep in mind, Peter, that the person who does that will never get down on the surface. The scanner always stays in orbit.
- Oh... I... I didn't know that. Sorry.
- Don't worry, Peter. You're young. You have time to learn all this. Go and tell Zara to start the procedures and assist her.
- I'll do that. Thank you!
The ship had several laboratories and a deck from where surface operations were conducted. That was Zara's playground. The team's tech engineer and part time scientists, Zara Harford joined the team right after she got our of school. She has graduated New London's University of Science and she has a diploma in the NeuralNet Applications for Ultrasound Engineering specialization.
- So, pretty boy, did the old man gave you the "go ahead"?
- You should start the procedures, Zara.
- Alright. Drones away.
- How many do we have?
- 16. I'm going to send 8 now and keep the rest as replacements if anything happens.
- So, how long till we get reading?
- Well, we should get them as soon as they reach the optimal altitude... and on Edmonton, that is like 16.000 meters. So, if my calculations are correct, we should have readings in 15 minutes tops.
- So, anything I can do?
- Yes, sugar. Get me a cup of tea, will you?
- I... Fine.
- Ah, relax. I was teasing you. You're such a sweet boy. Anyway, I'll go make that tea and see you here in 15.
All of the sudden an alarm goes on on Zara's console. She gets back and tries to figure out what was going on.
- What the hell? One of the drones exploded before entering the atmosphere. I don't understand. i did all the calculations well. The entering vectors were perfect, there are no satellites around...
The voice of the captain breaks the line of thoughts.
- All security personnel report to your turret posts. We're under attack. Professor Stavaru, please come on the command deck ASAP.
- What's the situation, John? Felix asked when he got there.
- Liberty Rogues.
- Oh... those. Good thing they're not Xenos. Did they ask for anything?
- They're hailing us right now. This is research vessel Curious One flying under civilian iff.
- Aye... smart farts on board, pal?
- This is professor Felix Stavaru, leader of this expedition. What do you want?
- So you're the smartest fart around, boy? We will want credits, farty. Nice, good smelling and many credits.
- You've already been paid. The account from which you received the credits belongs to the Green Front.
- Hah, so this is the ship, aye? We want more.
- I knew you'd say that. Captain, blast those fools. They're nothing more then common thieves. Their leadership won't mind. We made them a nice, generous offer.
- All turrets, open fire.
In seconds, the two rogue fighters were reduced to a pile of burning metal scrap. Still, the fire only lasted as long as there was oxygen.
- Zara, replace that drone.
- Sure thing, boss. By the way, readings are coming up from the first probes.
- Good. You and Peter find a nice spot for our complex. Try to find a place where the ice layer is thinner and maybe some mountains nearby... and keep in mind that we need ships to be able to operate there. The complex is modular but still.
- We know, we know. Don't worry. We'll find a nice spot for you to build your winter residence.
Alberta system, Planet Edmonton, building site, northern hemisphere
April 10, 809 AS, 04:58
A private building company was hired by Felix to deal with the construction of the small research complex on Edmonton. They started working very fast and in less than three days, they had the place excavated and ready to receive the modules. The workers were impressed by the very good spot that the team found. Wind and storms were not a big problem in that area and the layer of ice was thin. In five days, everything was ready and the first research team was sent to the base. Felix and Peter were part of it.
- We will spend several months on this frozen planet so don't expect to not get bored. I hope you have toys and games with you, said Peter.
- Don't worry, Pete, we won't have time to get bored. We will work hard... to get what we came for and to survive. You three, take your suites, go outside and set the turrets on stun. You two, start working on that drill. Peter you come with me. We need to set our perimeter sensors. We don't want to be attacked by who-knows-what big evolved creature. We know there are microbes on this planet but maybe their evolution rate is just that high. Don't want to risk it.
Alberta system, Planet Edmonton, building site, northern hemisphere
October 24, 809 AS, 14:15
- Zara, are you getting these files? Peter asked through the comms.
- Yes, sugar. The professor is impressed.
- Good. I think I've found a mutated Psychrobacter. This little fellow is still alive at -60°C. You have all the data there.
- The professor is already looking on it. Peter...
- Yea?
- Good job. I think you just made a huge discovery.
- Peter, my boy, you just discovered a Psychrobacter extremis. Congratulations, boy. Your shift ends now. I'm sending the shuttle. We need to celebrate.
Peter's discovery made Felix the happiest man alive. He soon called for a meeting with all the members of the science team. The ground team was just arriving when professor Stavaru asked the discoverer to join him for a little speech.
- So, as you know, today, our young scientist Peter Shelby made a breakthrough discovery, giving us Psychrobacter extremis. This little bacteria is partially the reason why we started this expedition, in the first place. So... after how many months? Eight? Yes, eight. After eight months we did it, people. Good job! Pick up your glasses. Here's to... LIFE! Peter, this was phase one and now, it's time we move to phase two. But there's a catch. Since you discovered the bacteria, you'll be in charge of phase two. I will remain here with my ship and a few members of the team. We will continue to study Edmonton till our funds will hit the bottom. maybe we will find something even more evolved to the harsh conditions than your microbe. Meanwhile, you pick a team and head to Wight. I already arranged for you to get a ship and no one will bother you while you're working there. You won't have the funds to set a proper complex, like this one, but I'm giving you a ship that can land on that planet and be able to take off again. You won't be able to spend the night on the planet's surface. The ship can't handle that much freezing.
- I don't know what to say...
- Say nothing! Have some Liberty Ale! Your new ship is arriving tomorrow, captain so pick your team this evening.
- Thank you, professor! I shall write the names of my team on a list and hand it over to you tomorrow morning.
Alberta system, sector 2B, Planet Edmonton high orbit
October 25, 809 AS, 18:46
A “Voyager” Deep Space Freighter moored with the Democritus. The captain informed the staff that the ship arrived and everyone got to the observation deck. Peter Shelby decided to hold have a speech and then read the names of the people that he wanted in his team.
- You know who I am and what I do. You also know the mission... from professor Felix Stavaru so there isn't much to say... actually, there could be something. I can tell you that this is now how I imagined the expedition will be. Oh no... I always pictured myself as a small part of this team, a worker, not a leader. I was lucky to find that bacteria and I don't think that luck should dictate who gets to be the leader. So I will ask the team to come with me, not as your expedition leader but as your coworker or friend. So, here goes: Michael, Jenny, Darstan, Mira, Danny, Zara...
- Really, sugar?
- Well, you don't have to come if you don't want but...
- Really as in I wasn't on the top of your list?
- Oh... I... I... when I made the list, I... please excuse me. You're top of the list here, in my heart, Zara!
- Well... took you long enough to realize that... lover. Now that we got it sorted, please continue.
When the list was completed it numbered 14 people. The 15th was the pilot... A recommendation of captain Scott. They left the Democritus behind them and moved on to their new mission. The mission in which they had to discover organisms on as many icy planets as possible. Planet Wight was next in line.
Manchester system, sector 4D, Planet Wight low orbit.
December 04, 809 AS, 22:19
The Voyager was spending its first day in Wight's orbit. Peter was discussing with his team in their common bedroom. The other rooms were converted to labs.
- This is how we will be working on the surface. Teams of five will work for four hours. That's ten members. The rest will be Zara, our guardian angel, Mr. Murphy, our pilot and Helen. You will analyze the data we send when we're on the surface so that we have access to information in real time.
- Right, hon. let's find a nice place to land this baby. Commencing scanning procedures.
- There, said Jackson. Mark that place. It fits the ship like a glove.
- Ice layer thin, small mountains close enough, something that looks like a valley. Sure, it seems alright. I'm uploading the coordinates... you can take us down, chief.
- Actually, he can't, said Darstan. It's night down there. If we land there we might not be able to take off. We'll need to wait for nine hours and twenty one minutes to land.
- Right. So here's how we'll work. We land, we set up our digging equipment and start digging. Don't forget to take samples. The ice is believed to be 110 km thick! Imagine that. The whole planet has a 12.220 km diameter. That means the ice is responsible for those extra 220 km. We will have to dig and at some point we should find some DNA traces indicating that microbes landed here after the spatial catastrophe.
- Our equipment can't dig that much. We're limited to a few km.
- Three to be precise.
- Small chances, Peter.
- We'll try to get better equipment after we get to 3000 meters.
Manchester system, sector 4D, Planet Wight low orbit.
March 10, 810 AS, 14:12
After all these months, the team reached 3000 meters with no result. The planet was dead for real.
- We're at 3000, Peter.
- Damn it. The last results came in. Negative.
- We need better equipment and more funding if we want to continue working here, said Zara.
- I tried to contact professor Stavaru on the Neural-Net. No luck. You know what? Run the tests from 2985 meters to 3000 meters again. We're missing something here.
- No way, we already double checked them.
What the team didn't know was that Peter altered the samples by introducing traces of DNA extracted from a Psychrobacter from the ship's lab. He wanted wanted to win this "race" by all means.
- Just do it, please!
- Pffff, alright but promise me we'll stop.
- Just run the tests and we'll go find the professor after that.
Professor Felix Stavaru turned to piracy in an attempt to raise his research funding. No one knows anything about him. Peter managed to hide his forged evidence and released a small article about the potential life that exists somewhere under the thick ice of Wight. he named the article: Sweet Kiss of Life. The following is extracted from that article:
Quote:While we didn't actually find living tissue or microbes, the DNA traces are a clear proof that life found a way to evolve on Planet Wight. I am certain that Psychrobacter Extremis or some relative of her exists on Wight, in the ice crust. If the Kingdom would divert some decent funds to the science community, I could go back there with proper equipment and pass the 3000 meters. And I am 100$ sure there is life below that point!
In the following months, many researchers ventured on the planet trying to continue Shelby's work and find some microbes but all of them failed. While no one reached the planet's crust yet, many keep trying to find life, even if the 3 km mark was passed long ago.
![[Image: ZZ0gBOD.png]](https://i.imgur.com/ZZ0gBOD.png)
