Following the last report from lieutenant Winston, providing information about status of runner drones, Cunningham put away their walkie-talkie before looking at the two people who were with him.
- So now we know what's the thing. Still, the key equipment is damaged, and we don't have any spares. We would have to get them back for repairs, but we were not supposed to approach too close. I hate to admit that, but it may be better to get back now since drones are in dangerous area now, and we cannot get there.
- Are we sure about that though? - Keira asked - Taking into account what we found out so far, the pyramid does not show any signs of posing direct danger to us. During initial check in alien megacity, just getting a drone inside meant we lose it. However, in case of this place, soldiers reported that pyramid seems functional, that it opens, but how can we be sure it reacts to our presence and it is not just a pre-programmed function?
John was honestly surprised by this kind of logic being brought in by miss Evergate. He did not expect her to have this much insight out of her area of expertise - he even felt bad for doubting her usefulness. It turned out she could actually be a great addition to this field team.
- You may be right, that's a fair point - Marlow agreed with her - Still, how can we check that without risking someone's life? We cannot know if your theory is correct unless someone goes there. I'd rather not risk losing a Savage, so MTS are not an option. That means we are left with someone going on foot...
- I can volunteer - Keira offered immediately - Waiting here doesn't change much for us, and I have a feeling my theory is right. I don't feel there is a point in making theories if I cannot prove them.
Major did not like where this was going. He was highest in rank when it comes to military side in this group, meaning it was equal to being responsible for their lives. Allowing anyone to risk their lives unnecessarily was not an option. However, looking at both Keira and Connor, he felt he already lost this fight.
- Ok, let it be. I agree to this idea, but I'm going with you, Keira.
She looked at him, smiling.
- Are you worried about me?
- I'm worried about everyone here. After all, lives of the crew are military's responsibility. Put on your F-suit, because your current clothing gives you nearly no protection.
It was a fact - miss Evergate was wearing work clothing typical for excavation works on Earth. These might have been adjusted to local climate, but was otherwise useless should anything dangerous happen.
Putting on the field suit took her about two minutes. Once she became ready, without further delay, they went to the closest location where there was supposed to be a runner. Connor and Winston, staying in continuous contact with John and Keira, were guiding them by providing directions from their respective positions.
Reaching the first obelisk went without problems and took about fifteen minutes. Even in its closest vicinity, there was no reaction from the pyramid. To be honest, it was way too calm.
- In the movies I've watched in my life, whenever protagonists were in similar situation to ours, something bad or unexpected would likely happen, even some kind of danger - Keira started talking, while John started tinkering with the runner - What do you think?
- I think you shouldn't say such things, because it may bring us bad luck - John replied - Better help me hold it like this, so I can plug in directly.
Marlow quickly managed to get into the runner's memory. As they expected, circuits got burnt, literally toasted. Still, if it was only electromagnetic interference, it could not pose danger to humans, though electronics were a different matter. The question was how these pulses are being made, specifically the origin of the energy.
Before starting to seek the answer, he made the runner functional again.
- Try now - this time John contacted Connor by using the implant - Systems look operational now so there shouldn't be a problem with connection.
- Yes, it's all fine. Data transmission looks perfect. Question is, what do we do next?
- Let's go with the most recent idea. Lead the drone deeper, and try to gather more data. We will take care of other runners. Let us know should you come upon something interesting.
- Roger that, stay in touch.
Following the agreed plan, they went to other three locations and repaired remaining drones. One of them even had readings concerning the pulse that hit it. The pulse originated from the pyramid's central part, moving in a circular pattern limited by the obelisks. That meant pyramid was capable of generating energy.
- That's interesting piece of information, but what kind of energy it is? - doktor Cunningham started analyzing the data sent by Marlow - Looking into the scan, this dark undergorund area is the answer.
- If we had a way of getting there, we wouldn't have to wonder - John concluded - The problem is, we don't have means to get underground and getting closer is risky for any piece of electronics. Right now, I'm worried about my PEC by standing so close.
- John, could you come here for a moment? - Keira interrupted his conversation - I've found something interesting here. Just have a look.
She pointed at several spots on the obelisk. It looked like some kind of inscriptions, hidden in-between sophisticated, decorative grooving. He recalled learning about hieroglyphs and other forms of writing during ancient history lessons, but markings he saw here were much more complex than anything he remembered.
- Can you read it?
Miss Evergate shook her head.
- There seem to be some patterns, but I won't be able to understand it from the get-go. I can see pieces typical of ancient Egypt, but also Sumerian and Aramaic. It's unlikely these should be read together due to base differences, though I cannot exclude the possibility. For now, I need to get the footage for source materials. If possible, I would like to check other obelisks once again.
Major was not sure if it is a good idea given the current circumstances. After all, they did not know how the energy source works and what is the frequency of the pulses, or if it is any specific trigger for them.
- I'd rather not stay here for longer. Let's go back for now. We can discuss this matter back in camp and return here when we have some good plan in place.
- Do you even realize how grand this discovery is!? This signs may help us find an answer to your energy source question.
Marlow sighed.
- I don't doubt that. Problem is, if strong enough pulse hits, it may even burn our implants, and that means all the data you've gathered here will go to hell. More than that, it could burn our brains altogether.
Hearing the explanation, Keira finally gave up and agreed to go back to the spot where Connor was waiting. Some time later, runners stopped responding yet again.
- The pulse appeared over two hours after the previous one - doctor Cunningham informed the other two - I've been measuirng the time just in case. If possible, I'd like to check whether intervals are regular.
- It would mean going there once again and try to wake up our drones... It may be risky to our PECs. I've already talked Keira into going back here.
John still had concerns, and had to put emphasis on that. Learning whether pulses were regular would surely be useful to their future action, he had no doubt about that. However, it could not change the fact any subsequent approach to the pyramid was risky.
- I bet Connor knows it well. Don't worry, John, I'll go with you.
Keira obviously had something else in her mind.
- You really care that much about these scribblings?
Miss Evergate made a slightly angry face in the response, but said nothing more.
- How's the situation with other teams now? - major continued talk with Cunningham.
- They are gathering additional data, because subsequent scans did not bring anything new. Basically, we have no idea about what's beneath the pyramid after all this time. It's as if some kind of force field was blocking us.
- So maybe we could re-assign them to help with the drones? Since you seem so eager about checking the pulses frequency, there shouldn't be an issue with moving them into the internal ring, right?
Connor showed him a forced smile. It was obvious he was ready to risk human resources as long as they were not from his own team.
- We don't need to repair all of them. Any would be fine, so we can go with the closest one. Would you be so kind and just help with the on which is the nearest here?
Marlow sighed, but agreed in the end, wanting to just conclude the current mission as soon as possible. Keira followed him.
- Whatever you say, I'm also going!
- Even if I'm going to fix only a single drone?
- It doesn't matter.
Despite what miss Evergate said, she still talked him into taking a route that allowed her to have a closer look at obelisk on which she had no data yet. Marlow did not want to argue, especially since the change did not affect the end result much.
Unfortunately, they had a big problem with spare parts from the very start, so making a repair once again required much more tinkering now.
Fixing the drone took John nearly thirty minutes, so the time they had for falling back was sufficient, given Connor's expectations were correct.
In the end, another pulse came after a similar time as before. This information made the whole crew relieved - they could finally plan remaining works to not risk the equipment being damaged.
The next step they made was to move the posts closer to the pyramid inside the circle made with obelisks. Lower distance between the transmitters meant the higher intensity and signal strength, which could potentially allow them to get more precise readings. Additionally, they added three more transmitters, using all the spare ones to made up for originally observed interference.
Once all the transmitters were fit and ready, they could finally resume the operation. However, once equipment was turned on, everyone could feel a slight vibration accompanied by a small, irregular pulse. It was not strong enough to damage the measuring devices, but still forced the team to area considered safe, and observing further events from the distance.
Following the next, regular discharge, they finally started to grasp the basic idea behind the process happening under the pyramid. That dark ring appearing in the scans, a cylinder made of unknown substance, seemed to be something like an electrical conductor. Following the group making a borehole revealed a type of metal being a solid matter in its free state, changing into plasma, but with consistency similar to mercury.
This discovery caused quite a stir among the team as it turned out this place was likely a type of energy generator. They further theoritized that local sentient beings living on this planet in the past were capable of sending the energy throughout the globe by using the net of similar buildings.
What was interesting was the fact that similar constructions investigated by scientists remotely in the past seemed to have numerous security systems implemented, and the one here was not the case. Possible reason was that the pulses themselves were enough to make the most of dangerous devices inoperable, and major security systems were unnecessary for small transfer hubs - according to Connor at least.
- What if we are missing something? - John felt like there were too many holes in that logic, and this kind of explanation was way too simple - What if these systems have some kind of a trigger we are unaware of? Or maybe this specific hub got damaged over the years and has limited operability? There are many more things to take into consideration here...
- I understand your concerns really well, John - Connor said these words, clearly confirming he took major's words to heart, though his tonne remained unfazed, making the sentence sound insincere to an extent - It's a fact we need to investigate further, but - on the other hand - this very building here looks harmless. I believe we will be able to set a small camp in the area and thoroughly study how this whole system works.
Marlow was not showing the same level of excitement. Sure, technological solution he saw here was something unheard of and - if used back on Earth - could solve energy problems for good. Still, what they had now was only superficial knowledge. There was no way of knowing how much time was needed to solve all the riddles connected to this place, and they could not forget getting to and investigating the megacity was their main mission. Setting up a camp here was also a different matter. From tactical point of view, topography of the area was not giving them any kind advantage - moreover, it could be even considered unsafe to set up here without sufficient equipment prepared beforehand. Comforting thing to John was the fact that the final decision belonged to Ryan.
***
- Safe passage is the most important thing right now. Based on your report, pyramid is harmless in specific time windows. That's enough for me.
McRae, similarly to Marlow, preferred to avoid unnecessary risks. Unfortunately, doctor Cunningham kept on pressing his point of view and force colonel into designating a crew to stay behind and investigate the building. Unofficial tonne he was using first turned official quite fast.
- Colonel, I would like to remind you that the main goal of our expedition is research, then settling. Having a possibility of looking into unknown technology up close, we cannot just let go. Were we not supposed to leave some staff to keep this base operational to begin with? Is it really such a bad idea to leave me here, colonel?
- It is not about you, doctor - Ryan replied in the same tonne as Connor - As a military chief, I am responsible for lives of all people here. I cannot make decisions that could put your lives at obvious risk. It does not mean I can force you to leave here, of course. If there are researchers who want to stay behind, I will not make them problems as long as they submit official, written request. However, I must declare that we have no additional people to spare for security. For now, we need to continue with scouting the area before we depart, so you have a lot of time to investigate that spot. This should also let you think about your final decision.
In the end, Connor thanked Ryan and left his quarters. John did not hear full conversation as he joined in the middle, but colonel gave him a short explanation, following with a question:
- And what do you think about it, John?
- That technology is definitely something useful. In long-term perspective, it could possibly solve most of the energy issues on Earth. Though, it doesn't change the fact that the whole building is out in the open, making it a dangerous spot to stay at without decent equipment. There are no natural covers aside from trees, but otherwise the area is exposed. Pyramid with the obelisks may not be harmful as it is, but we have no way to know there is nothing more dangerous located somewhere around.
- From what I understood, each time the pyramid opens, the energy flow accompanies, so it's powering up something. The question here is what is the thing that is being powered? Since there was nothing getting alive in the area out of sudden and nothing attacked you, we can send a scouting unit and look for the answers. Don't worry, John, I won't authorize departing until we secure a safe route.
Marlow had no doubts McRae would do everything properly. What he was worried about was how hasty some people in the camp were. As it turned out, colonel was of the same mind.
- With all due respect, John, it's how eggheads usually are. I know, you are also a science guy who just happened to join military because of perks, and I don't judge you. In fact, it shows you are a reasonable person. Discoveries and fame are one thing, but taking unnecessary risk is something else. I'm supposed to keep order here and make the people safe, so I'll do everything in my power to keep the situation in check. Sadly, I have limited options here. If they submit the official request, there is no way around it.
- It would be good to have contact with other groups. Maybe if Kaller would be here, they could listen to him...
Hearing these words, colonel shook his head.
- I honestly doubt that. You know Mathias well yourself to understand what I mean. He is the same type of man as Connor and I believe Mathias would support him. Anyhow, you've mentioned contact with others who survived. We used the short waves device you designed, but no response so far.
Marlow started thinking.
- I don't believe we are scattered that much. Maybe other groups in the area don't have anything to receive signal with.
- Well, your idea was really good and the guys said it should easily go up to five hundred kilometers range. I hope it's not that everyone around died and we are the only group in the area.
- Please, Ryan, don't say things like that. We didn't have anything to communicate with in the first place, so others may be in the same situation. Also, there is chance that interference present on this planet is too strong even for this kind of device. Our knowledge about the New Gaia is extremely limited after all.
McRae shrugged.
- Who knows. Even that "harmless" little pyramid may be doing something to our comms we have no idea about. Still, thinking positively, we had huge intervals in time between different groups leaving the Future's board. There is a chance we might have already gathered everyone who landed in the area. Others might have landed much farther, and in the areas where interference may be stronger.
- I much prefer this type of thinking. But speaking of comms, what about Future then? If they were on the orbit, we should be able to reach them.
Face Ryan made gave John the rough idea about the situation before colonel managed to say:
- There was no signal, no sighting of light signals in the sky during night too. Sure, with the amount of damage received, getting here could take them couple of months. Still, I won't lie that I don't worry.
- So, we are sure they are not on the orbit?
- Either that or they have some kind of technical issues disabling them from contacting us. Or the ship might have crashed too, though I prefer to not think about this possibility. But we both know pods and smaller vessels were sure to reach the surface much faster, especially with all these cosmic boulders on the way. Modules were damaged quite bad even before having to pass through these. I would love to have some flying units to do some proper scouting.
- Is there anything I can help with right now?
- For now, we need time the most. There is a lot of work to be done, and I rarely get moments like this to just sit and talk. So, if you are done with your recent assignments, I will require you do a bit of supervising from now on.
- You can count on me then.
- I will sure do. You survived the crash landing and fought possibly the most dangerous creatures on this planet. Dandling some people doing their work shouldn't be worse than that.
John did not say anything to that - both him and Ryan smiled, and exchanged a handshake before major left. Marlow went back to his quarters - he was to oversee the night watch, so it was better to have some rest when he had a chance.