CASPER estimates that with the methane level dropping at current rates, it should be possible to restore production within 10 days, and a 60% load should be deliverable when the next transport arrives in eleven days. Yiris questions the computer as to why this structure was never identified. CASPER replies that based on its data analysis the structure appears to either cloak itself or absorb the microwaves and return a report of what surrounds it instead of itself.
Bratrizik tasks CASPER to develop an algorithm that would create a model of the void of what cannot be detected. CASPER estimates that this will require at least 26 hours of effort, as it is not designed with enough processors for performing the necessary calculations. Bratrizik then considers seismic detection using pressure waves and possibly come up with a full survey of what's below the ground. CASPER indicates that there is no such equipment available in inventory. Nict, however, knows that she can build a few units to perform that role. Nict takes three hours to build six seismic detection units, while Bratrizik builds pile drivers to hammer the ground and send out pressure waves.
@ 12:02
Nict and Bratrizik head out onboard CAT-1 to deploy the three sensors and the six drivers. They position them strategically around the mine, based on the map from the 400th level so they obtain a baseline for what's there.
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| Mine-2, Level 400 |
Returning to base, Bratrizik and Nict leave CAT-1 and join Yiris aboard CAT-2. They head out in the direction they explored with the freighter yesterday.
@ 15:58
Based on the information reported by the sensors and the drivers placed by the crew, CASPER reports on the probable shape and measurement of the object DR-328-S inadvertently broke through 48 hours ago. The object resembles two opposed tetrahedrons with a triangular prism in between. CASPER estimates the length of the entire object to be about 27 kilometers long by about 6.75 kilometers wide.
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| Opposed tetrahedrons with a triangular prism in between. |
@ 16:56
A tunnel twelve meters deep of icy methane has melted to reveal part of the titanium structure. Nict lowers a drone down the tunnel. From the drone's video sensors, Nict and Bratrizik observe clear scorch marks. Using his combat experience, the Vesk estimates that the marks were caused by the firing of energy weapons. Yiris proposes to perform more oxidizing to find an entrance. She heads back up there to install more equipment.
CASPER reports that the methane has finally drained and the temperature is back to normal. Some of the mine's functions have been restored. Bratrizik tells CASPER to open only the blast doors leading to the impact site and send a drone. CASPER reports that three drones will be dispatched, one surveillance drone and two repair drones to fix the blast doors and revive sensors along the way. The drones are immediately sent.
Since the sensors available to the crew appear unable to pick up the titanium structure, Yiris proposes to use paint with metal shavings to cover the exposed wall so that CASPER can keep visual and radar contact with it. She climbs up the ice wall and successfully paints part of the structure. Nict then climbs up and sets up a remote sensor to broadcast the visual signal back to CASPER. The crew returns to Mine-2 aboard CAT-2.
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| Remove sensor installed on the side of the hill. |
CASPER reports the repair drones have fixed the blast doors and restored remote control, and the surveillance drone is on its way to the impact site.
@ 21:46
The crew arrives at Mine-2 and disembarks in the crew quarters. CASPER reports that the drill DR-238-S has disappeared. The surveillance drone has found no trace of it. Bratrizik speculates that the flooding must have moved it somewhere else. Yiris questions CASPER on how much time has elapsed since the methane first flooded. CASPER responds that 27 hours have passed. Yiris wants to go to level 400 to install bio-sensors, to detect any activity. Bratrizik asks CASPER to run calculations on whether there is a way to alter the weaving and create an opening by sending a signal. CASPER will run tests but is unable to predict the outcome. The Vesk wonders if the titanium wall would react if some of the fragments were returned to it. He takes a couple of them and place them in his pack.
Yiris sets up an isolated lab down in an old quarter and runs an analysis on all of the data they have collected so far. Nict checks the titanium samples that was recovered from the missing drill. The molecular weave structure has not changed, nor its size. CASPER still detects the samples as regular titanium and cannot remotely identify it as purer.
@ 23:43
Bratrizik and Yiris head down to level 400. Bratrizik notices scarring marks on the wall at the intersection of the main tunnel and the subsidiary tunnel that heads to the titanium structure. Bratrizik thinks they indicate something dragged back, while Yiris believes something propulsed forward.
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| Scarring marks on the walls, floors and ceilings of the tunnels that were flooded. |
Bratrizik places one of the titanium samples next to the structure, while Yiris installs her biosensors. The surveillance drone remains in visual contact with the structure. Yiris then orders CASPER to send drones and repair all of the sensors.
After the Gap - January 19, 317 @ 11:02
CASPER reports the drones found that 6 drills are disabled and will require complete overhaul. CASPER estimates it will take up to three weeks. Nict drives across the landing field in CAT-1 and gets to work hauling the machines back to the workshop on Level 5. Over the next four days, the crew pursue their analysis and continue to monitor the structure. There appears to be no changes in the titanium skin both on Level 400 and outside at the top of the structure.
After the Gap - January 23, 317 @ 11:02
Yiris's most promising field of inquiry with the titanium sample is how it reacts to telephatic current. Bratrizik inquires if an airlock could be placed to allow to easy transport through the titanium wall. CASPER speculates that in theory, such a device could be installed.
Working on the drills, Nict notices that one of them is missing its three servo-motors. They have been removed, and the cuts are clean. These motors are located in a hard of access place even to a mechanic. The Shirren spots the same scarring markings on the severed servo-motors cables. Nict has now fixed four drills.
After the Gap - January 25, 317 @ 14:47
Yiris asks CASPER if there are any new tunnels emerging near the structure. CASPER reports that it has lost contact with the orbiting ground penetrating satellite. Yiris inquires when contact was interrupted. CASPER replies that contact was stopped 7 hours ago. Yiris asks why CASPER did not notify of this breach of contact. CASPER replies that it is unknown. Yiris tells CASPER to run a diagnostic on the satellite and on itself. CASPER initiates a level 1 diagnostic. CASPER also reports that the mine is expected to produce 62% of the average amount of titanium for this upcoming delivery.
After the Gap - January 26, 317 @ 11:02
Bratrizik asks Nict and Yiris how much information they want to share with CIDERA as the transport is due tomorrow, and a full report will be expected. They agree to share the minimum information necessary to ensure that operations will continue and needed parts will be delivered. Nict files a report indicating that one drill was completely disabled during the flood, and several others need critical pieces of equipment.
The crew perform clearing operations, and the Serenity enters the atmosphere. As the CATs load their reduced cargo, the ship lands. Quehbeg, the Ysoki captain, accepts the report, and notifies the crew that it will take 37 days before the Serenity returns with the spare parts requested. Quehbeg also informs the crew that she has been having difficulty contacting all three mines with their landing status. She reports several communication shortages since their entry in orbit 12 hours ago.
Bratrizik asks CASPER to run a diagnostic check on the communication system. CASPER reports no issues. Bratrizik orders a level 3 diagnostic. CASPER replies that it will take approximately three hours to complete.
@ 14:22
CASPER reports that its level 3 diagnostic is complete. It has detected a consumption of additional bandwith. The bandwith appears to be using the communication satellites that orbit H-7758. Bratrizik isolates the bandwith and analyzes the data. It resembles no structure he is familiar with. Eventually CASPER is able to determine that it is a base-22 counting system. Further analysis indicates that there was a spike of about 31 hours in the bandwith consumption. Yiris shuts down the unencrypted signal on the communication satellites. CASPER report that the bandwith has returned to normal.
The other mining operations contact Mine-2 and request to know why the communications are suddenly encrypted. Yiris replies that they are running tests and need to secure the communication channel for the time being.
After the Gap - January 27, 317 @ 09:02
CASPER reports that all communication systems have restored their integrity. However, mining and monitoring satellites now show an increase in communications, with data still on a base-22. Whomever is using the system seems to be attempting to contact off-planet, but none of the satellites possess the capability to do so.
The crew decide it is time to enter the buried structure. Nict loads a big drill on CAT-2. Bratrizik brings a makeshift hatch he has engineered, while Yiris has created a signal booster to use a telepathy subroutine on a larger scale and determine if a door in the structure can be opened.
@ 13:57
After four hours of driving in a blinding methane storm, Nict, Yiris and Bratrizik pull next to the structure on board CAT-2. The sensor Nict installed sports titanium tendrils emerging from the frozen methane. Yiris speculates that this is how the ship has been attempting to communicate.
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