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[USEC_OFFICER]

Due to size constraints drones lack any means of propulsion to escape from the gravity well of a planet. Therefore once they land we do not have a means to retrieve and reuse them.

[hermes]

Kitty, sitting in the pilot seat, turned to the rest of crew "So, we check the nearby systems first before heading to 15,10?"

Cyd:  Agreed, Captain.  Though might I suggest we save one or two of our drones in case we require them for unexpected surveillance, sir?

[Remuthra]

Kitty, sitting in the pilot seat, turned to the rest of crew "So, we check the nearby systems first before heading to 15,10?"

Cyd:  Agreed, Captain.  Though might I suggest we save one or two of our drones in case we require them for unexpected surveillance, sir?

((Captain?))

[hermes]

Kitty, sitting in the pilot seat, turned to the rest of crew "So, we check the nearby systems first before heading to 15,10?"

Cyd:  Agreed, Captain.  Though might I suggest we save one or two of our drones in case we require them for unexpected surveillance, sir?

((Captain?))

Cyd:  Er.. er... Navigator!  Apologies, Captain.  ((Cyd smacks his head hoping to jolt the neural implants back into place)).

[USEC_OFFICER]

I have piloted the following course: 16,13 - 17,13 - 16,14 - 15,13 - 15,10 - 16,13. Assuming that all goes as predicted, we shall return back at Sol in less than ten weeks, having used all of our fuel and nine of our drones. Is this acceptable, crew?

[scapheap]

"Seem fine, Maria"

[Gotdamnmiracle]

Watching.

[USEC_OFFICER]

Excellent. Then we shall start at once.

1100, 9:09:31

System (17, 13) visited. System contains 1 molten planet, 4 rocky planets and 1 gas giant. A drone was not sent to the molten planet due to its high temperatures. The four remaining planets were scanned and their data logged for the United Government. The second and third planets contained unusually regular subsurface features, which could not be explored in further detail due to lack of equipment. The regularities were noted for future investigation by first-stage colonists.

1400, 15:09:31

System (16, 14) visited. System contains 2 rocky planets and three gas giants. The two planets were scanned and their data logged. The unusual features from system (17, 13) were noticed on the second planet in the system and marked for investigation.

1700, 21:09:31

System (15, 13) visited. System contains 2 molten planets, 3 rocky planets and 2 gas giants. The three rocky planets were scanned and their data logged. The regular subsurface features were once again detection on the third and fifth planets.

0100, 10:10:31

The UGS Unity entered System (15, 10). System contains 1 molten planet, 3 rocky planets, 1 terran planet and 4 gas giants. Sensors indicated that the terran planet had a functioning colony, with 2 orbiting facilities. Rendezvous with the Martian colony proceeded as planned, as no alarming or abnormal data was detected by the sensor package.

0400, 16:10:31

Good morning crew. I am sorry to have woken you so early, but we have recently entered orbit above the colony as well as communications range. In response the colony has hailed us using currently standard UGSS transmission protocols and, well, I shall put their transmission up on the main view screen.

Spoiler: Main View Screen (click to show/hide)

Um... hello?

Spoiler: UGS Unity (click to show/hide)

((I'd be surprised if you didn't expect something to happen at 15,10))

[Remuthra]

Greetings, this is the UGS Unity, Captain Bridger speaking. We have been sent to observe the progress of the colony, as part of our surveillance routine.

[USEC_OFFICER]

Err... I'm sorry, that means nothing to me. I don't even think you guys are in our computer, right? Yeah, I thought as much. Thanks.

...

Look, I have no idea what to do. Our reception is really bad right now but I'll get Elias to try and contact High Command. How about you guys do the same for your leaders and we'll get the two to teleconference or something? Umm... Sound good?

[Remuthra]

Computer, prep the ship for descent. We'll just have to take a look at the colony the old-fashioned way.

[Dwarmin]

Kathryn was never bored tinkering with the engines. But, she would have liked something interesting to do...

...

She found herself on the bridge, leaning back in her chair.

She looked over Bridger, smiling benignly.

"Say Old Man...er, uh, Captain Bridger...if we're visiting the colony, you think I might be able to get a look down there? I might be able to diagnose the colonies communication problems if it's not solar interference or bad software. Hell, just give me a problem I can fix with my hands, and I'll trouble shoot it." She mentioned, miming a revolver shot.

Of course, she actually *had* a revolver on her hip...regulations were unclear...

[USEC_OFFICER]

Captain, the UGS Unity is not equipped for atmsopheric re-entry. However I'm sure the colony has a shuttle they could lend us.

[hermes]

Cyd:  Captain, *gulp!* request permission to stay aboard and monitor the planet, its biosphere and the colony for the duration of the expedition.  I can provide you with better information when I have access to *gulp!* these machines.

Cyd waves his hand in the general direction of the science officer's console.  He's seen too many classic science fiction horror movies, and has too much of an active imagination, to even contemplate going straight down to the surface with anything less than some kind of gatling laser gun.

[Remuthra]

Permission granted, both of you. Kathryn, can you boost our signal?