Chapter 2
Survey Abstract:
Klencory is a rock and ice planet with an atmosphere composed of chlorine and argon. The frozen surface is mainly composed of potassium with deposits of Iron.
Klencory is famously claimed by the eccentric volus billionaire Kumun Shol. He claims that a vision of a higher being told him to seek on Klencory the "lost crypts of beings of light". These entities were supposedly created at the dawn of time to protect organic life from synthetic "machine devils."
Shol has been excavating on Klencory's toxic surface for two decades, at great expense. No government has valued the world enough to evict his small army of mercenaries.
Let's take a look at your second paper. The survey you've conducted took place on a planet called Klencory… James, what did I tell you about making a scientifically-coherent paper? If you want to publish a scientific journal, you cannot and must not base your data on unsubstantiated claims.
But sir, the volus has agreed to let my team do limited archaeological research on the planet… for a price, obviously. He was particularly eager to have someone publish whatever activity he was doing there.
All to discover this space angel that might or might not exist? What if this entire charade was a ruse to lure in unsuspecting victims?
At least we'll have a proper way to disprove his belief should the excavation turned out to be false, professor.
No can do, James. The planet is too dangerous to be visited by us humans or anyone that doesn't breathe ammonia like the volus. You best forget about this planet, James; there's no use dealing with an eccentric billionaire and his mercenary group.
Yes, sir.