Beyond the Surveyors Read online

  Chapter 3

  Starlight Observers

  Planetoid Vessel, Mantle Halls

  Logan trekked through the eerie bowels of the planetoid station, following closely behind BC. The young man appeared fixated on the readings of his scanning equipment, maybe a little too much. It was great that the air was breathable, but considering the multitude of biomes across the galaxy, it didn’t make much sense that he should be able to take his helmet off in hindsight. Factors such as atmospheric pressure and the specific content of breathable atmospheres varied wildly even across Terrace environments.

  “You’re thinking about something again,” McKenzie said.

  Logan paused, though continuing his pace. “Just about what you told me. It seems to me they were prepared for our arrival. I don’t see how you can pump an earth centric atmosphere into a planet-sized ship in less than 24 hours.”

  “I see,” she said. “So that’s what’s troubling you.” McKenzie picked up her pace to meet him by his side. She whispered something into his ear. “What makes you think they had 24 hours, Captain?”

  “Excuse me?”

  She pressed her finger to her chin and looked up at the framework of piping and circuitry lining the walls of the station halls. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but closed it before the words came out. Doctor McKenzie glared at BC up ahead, her face displaying a slight scowl. She believed his efforts were in vain. She was certain that whatever the aliens were, they would show themselves when they damn well pleased. She was probably right.

  “Let’s be honest for a moment, Captain,” she said. BC continued ignoring her.

  “Sure,” Logan said. “If you have something on your mind, Doctor, let’s talk.”

  McKenzie cleared her throat. “Do you find it strange that a race of super beings saw fit to craft their interstellar vessel in the form of a planet?”

  “Is there something wrong with the shape?” Logan asked.

  “For one thing, it’s horribly inefficient, Captain. So many other forms would haul the same cargo for a fraction of the energy cost. Our benefactors have gone far out of their way to force their craft to resemble a stray world.”

  Stinson chimed in. “It’s a deception, Captain.”

  “I agree,” Ashley added. “Doctor McKenzie is right. The aliens built this ship to hide themselves from prying eyes.”

  “Like our telescopes,” McKenzie said. “There’s a reason we haven’t found alien life or at least not this particular breed.”

  Logan folded his arms and scratched his chin. He was hardly the most intelligent individual in the away team, but he was beginning to piece it together. They hid themselves because they too were observers. The aliens had prepared for this day, and it was a long time coming, but why?

  Why watch a fledgling rock in the middle of nowhere? Could it be that Terrace was worth their time? Hell, maybe they were the only two species for lightyears or in the galaxy for that matter. Regardless, Logan shot McKenzie a glance to show his understanding and nodded his head. The good Doctor smiled, and for a brief moment, the two of them actually agreed on something.

  “I hate to interrupt your privy chat, Captain,” BC said. “We’re about at their doorstep.”

  Logan glanced ahead. “Excellent work, BC. Any more luck with your life form scans.”

  “I’ve about given up on those,” he replied. “There’s definitely a good amount of activity on this station, but I doubt you’re going to find flesh and blood creatures.”

  “Understood,” Logan said, briefly glancing back to McKenzie who shot him an ‘I told you so’ look. “Keep your wits about you and a hand on your sidearm. I don’t expect the next few minutes to be anything easy.”