"There be two devils in the dark"

Captain's Log Star Date 9921.81

Captain James T. Kirk Reporting

It has been a long time I have and the Enterprise have been back to Janus IV and the mining faculity. My orders given by Star Fleet Command are to investigate the rumors. Of why the only Horta alive other then the children are posing trouble once more after all of this time.

I have asked my science officer Mr. Spock to check into the computer logs. On just when was the last time any type of Federation vessel had visited the planet.

Along with the general facts for when any type of raw materials from the deepest parts of the tunnels. Were dugged out and shipped to any of the planets in the vicinity.

Currently since we are waiting for the last of the supplies to be beamed abroad from a freighter. In order for us to leave and head for Janus IV.

Mr. Spock advised me from the bridge. It will take another 15 minutes to be precise on his account. Otherwise I have issue orders. Once we finish up with the supplies. I asked all of my command officers to come to the briefing room to discuss the following options.

Janus VI

Manager John Martin in charge of the station for the last five years. Had issued orders for a small mining crew only start digging out the newest and deepest level. Left by the mother Horta and the children with-in the past week.

The entire production company haven't been able to keep up with the amount of raw materials.

Otherwise. Manager John Martin was able to hire further personnel and equipment to help at least with the additional work load the past months.

When he'd taken over to be in charge. He was truly amazed after seeing the creatures himself upon arriving. On just what they could do with tunneling through on the levels. He would be able to supervise.

Even though he's from Earth and born in Colorado. He'd heard stories from other Federation vessels. In regard to the mother Horta and her children. And just learned on how to get used to its appearance in general.

A Week Earlier

There was a strange sound coming from one of the newest tunnels recently made. And with-in the past few hours no less.

One of the mining workers stopping his work for a moment to investigate the sound. Carrying his lighting torch and other equipment on his right hip.

Hearing the strange noise once more. He goes to turn. When he sees it coming towards him. He starts to scream out. And then nothing...

It would be moments later. When the rest of the workers in the area. Came running. When they heard the first of the screams and seeing the following remains of what was left of his body. Along with the god awful smell of acid and the charred remains from what ever made it.

And when the report was made to the manager at that time. There would be three more attacks. With the same results for which the medical specialists working for the mining company. Weren't able to explain it to the manager. Since the production of the mining continued. Even though not on those levels.

Manager Martin decided not to take any further chances. He'd decided with making the only decision to send a priority one message to Star Fleet Command of the Federation. In asking for help to investigate the cause of the deaths.

But for now. There was nothing more to be done accept wait it out. And hope for the best.

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