Genesis 4
Lira made it back to the Astronomy Tower before Hydracollis could do any damage. Scientists weren’t exactly cross trained in every discipline. After primary school and the sorting test, they would all take a core curiculum before they were again sorted into different masteries.
Once she entered the room she stopped him from toggling her equipment and immediately sent several of her drones to the star to collect any data they could.
“Please! I’m begging you to send ten more. You can spare ten more! They don’t all need to look for a planet!”
“A new planet is the top priority, Hydracollis,” Quarxley twiddled with her handheld communicator. “Though the more we can learn about creating our own stars may lend us the ability to create planets without all the hassle of searching. We would just need to manufacture the correct atmosphere . . .”
“Yes,” said Hydracollis, his tail wagging in excitement. “We could just manufacture planets and soon we’ll be able to manufacture the prime elements!”
“Not that pipe dream again,” said Quarxley. “Elements form, and that is based on factors we can’t comprehend.”
“But think about it! If we can create a star and if we can create a planet, we can reverse engineer the process and figure out exactly why they form and how to form them.”
“Well then perhaps Lira should send all the drones to the planet and collect data there,” said Quarxley.
“You’re a bit insufferable today, aren’t you Quarxley?”
“Did somebody mention a planet?” An old, dull-yellow Drakonian walked through the door, aided by a metal cane. He wore a white robe which signified his status as the Scientist Supreme: Fauchila.
Lira, Quarxley, and Hydrcollis bowed low in his presence, and as they did so, Lira’s machines began to chirp loudly three times every two seconds.
“As you were,” said the Scientist Supreme, his voice raspy, “Please, Scientist, your instruments, what do they tell you?”
Lira dashed to her computer and scanned her screens, each showing data for the atmosphere, soil, plant life, and wild life. “The drones are detecting favorable conditions for our habitation, Scientist Supreme.” She smiled.
“Thank Science it finally happened,” the Scientist Supreme said. He took a seat and stared at the work station monitors, surveiling the findings just as Lira had, checking her work. She didn’t mind. She knew she was right. This was it. Drakon 5 had been discovered.
“Ahem . . .”
It was Geb. The others had bowed so quickly that Lira had not noticed he had been walking with the Scientist Supreme, undoubtedly trying to get Lira in trouble for earlier.
Fauchila looked up at him. “Geb, this is great news. Don’t tell me you still feel sour from earlier.”
“Sir, I simply wanted to implore that we go to the King immediately and begin the expedition process.”
Fauchila stood up. “Yes! Of course! This is very important! We need to arrange a meeting at once! Scientist!”
Everyone turned, but he was addressing Lira. “Collect all that data onto a file and bring it to the meeting. Prepare a presentation. I’ll give you more information in the morning. Come on Scientist Geb. We’re going to see General Tarask.”
Fauchila moved quickly out of the door,