Chapter 1
Survey Abstract:
Ploba is the second and by far the larger, of Antaeus' two gas giants. Active scans by survey ships have returned tantalizing indications of massive, solid structures deep within the atmosphere, too regular in pattern to be anything natural.
Some believe Ploba is a "Jupiter Brain," a planet-sized supercomputer. Adherents of this theory have fruitlessly beamed signals toward the sunken megastructures, hoping to get the machine's attention.
Others believe that an ancient spacefaring race disposed of their weapons of war by dumping them into the planet. The last attempt to reach and salvage Ploba's "Deep Anomalies" went tragically wrong, and ended with a crew of 12 being trapped and crushed in the gas giant's lower atmosphere.
Good evening, professor.
Good evening, James. I hope you and your research team are well.
We are all well, professor. We're currently taking a break from our expeditions around the Attican Traverse and Terminus Systems. In the meantime, I'd like to hear your thoughts about the research papers I've sent you a few weeks ago.
Yes, well… to be honest, while I would be happy to hear more about your surveys to these 'anomalous planets' you've written, I must stress the importance of staying on the safer areas of your ventures, as well as keeping your papers from straying too close to myths and conspiracy theories.
So you believe that I'm verging on fringe theories in my research, sir?
Correct, especially regarding this gas giant called Ploba. You must've heard it; countless failed expedition on this gaseous planet to try and discover its secrets, the last one even ended in the deaths of its participants. I say you go find other celestial bodies that are not gas giants.
I'm aware of the dangers, sir. I promise I won't put myself nor my team in danger.
Very good. Carry on, James.