Circumstances (part 3 – The Discovery): Takes place several weeks after part 2. The members of the Advance team work to prove Danziger's innocence and have him returned to the colony.

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Voice of Alonzo: "In the seven weeks since John Danziger has been banished, I have tried to contact the terrians to find out where Danziger is and how he is doing. So far, none of the terrians have seen him. A few members of the advance team fear that Danziger was killed but Julia believes Dr. Vasquez wouldn't allow such a thing. I have to admit; so far I have not been impressed with Dr. Vasquez and it is not because of the way he treats Julia, which is like an intern. No, my major complaint with Vasquez is he refuses to take a stand on anything. During the ordeal, the only time he spoke was to suggest he accompany Danziger. While chaos reigns, he says nothing.

The colonists are confused. Morgan and Yale were able to view the details of Harper's murder. They have convinced several colonists that Danziger couldn't possibly have committed the crime as he was at the hospital for almost an hour before the murder to an hour after the murder fixing a broken solar converter. Several staff members saw him there and are willing to testify to it. There is even footage from a security camera showing him there. So far the committee has refused to call a hearing or meeting regarding the matter. When one of the Advance team attempts to bring it up, they are cut off. So far, high-ranking colonists have suggested that the staff is mistaken on the date that Danziger fixed the converter and have suggested the security footage is fake.

For the most part the colonists are decent individuals but they have spent their lives blindly following authority and are unable to take a stand now. I also think that some feel that if they speak up, they will be banished. The colonists know that without the support of the colony, they could not survive. The wedge between the Advance team and colonists grows. Some members of the Advance team have suggested we branch out and start our own colony but the thought of starting over with nothing does not appeal. There is also the question of Devon and Danziger. Only with the hospital's equipment can Julia hope to find a cure for Devon's illness. And few of us doubted Danziger when he said he would be back."

Winter was just around the corner; the residence of the New Pacifica colony went on with their daily chores. Many of them were still adjusting to having to work for a living for they had been born into the station's elite families. Work was as alien as concept to them as this distant planet they now lived on.  Never had they imagined what life on this planet would entail although few that stayed regretted their decision, their child was cured and had a life ahead of them, what else could any parent want.  For many of them the murder of Justin Harper still had them on edge. Some also feared the way the trial, if it could be called that, was handled. Back on the stations, things had seemed so organized and safe but planet side all was different. Many realized that this was due the fact that Devon Adair was missing. Rumors had started to circulate that Danziger had poisoned Devon in order to get control of the group. Few believed this, although some did, if only to ease their own conscience for convicting a man without a trial.

One such colonist that had doubt was Sam Gaines. He was a member of the aircraft maintenance crew and had information that may be crucial for Danziger's well being. He had this knowledge for six weeks and it was eating him alive. Finally last night he decided what had to be done. That morning he had made an appointment with Morgan Martin on the pretense of discussing a plot of land for his children to cultivate the next spring.

"Mr. Gaines, what crops do your children plan on growing?" Morgan Martin asked. His position in the colony had been reduced to handling request for plots, of which this was the first and demands for supplies.

"Well, I hadn't really thought about it. I mean I haven't spoken to the kids yet. I wanted to surprise them. Does it matter?"

"Yes, it would help determine the best possible soil conditions for growing."

"Well, my oldest son, Philip is in class with True. He had some berries that he raved about so how about a plot suitable for growing berries."

"OK, I'll need to consultant my wife, she is a little more knowledgeable in this area but I think that I can get you the necessary plot."

"You're a lawyer aren't you?" When Morgan nodded, Gaines continued. "If I was to tell you something could I do so on the condition of confidentiality?" Again Morgan nodded. "Well, I am not sure if you know that I am on the aircraft maintenance crew. Well after Danziger was banished, I was responsible for the check out of the VTO. I have all the records for the trip, things like mileage and such. About a week after Danziger was banished, Chuck Burton, who was the pilot on the first trip, took the VTO out late one afternoon. I was also responsible for checkout after that trip."

"What did that checkout show?" Morgan asked in a very shaken voice.

"The mileage was almost identical. It was about 400 miles more the second trip. Now, I got a family so I won't say anything in a court or anything. But since you are in charge of supplies, if you wanted to do an audit of the hanger's supplies, unannounced of course, you could see the logs yourself.  All I would ask is that you asked for inventory records for the hanger as well as a couple of other places so it won't look suspicious. And that you not request any inquiry until you have several inventories."

"Agreed and thank you Mr. Gaines."

"No problem. I'm sorry this has happened. My son really likes True. It upsets him to see her so hurt. He also liked her father. Danziger always made time for his kids and didn't mind if they brought friends along. I'm sorry I can't do more. I don't know any more and even if I did, I would be afraid to come forward for fear of backlash. "

"I understand. " As Morgan escorted Gaines from his office he said. "I'll be in touch with the plot for your children in the next day or so. If you or the children decide in the meantime that you wish to grow something other then berries, please let me or someone in this office know."

"OK, thanks Mr. Martin. By the way, will I need to make a request for berry seeds or whatever in the spring?"

"Yes, this office could help you with that request as well."

As Gaines left, Morgan asked one of the clerical clerks if they had the storage records. As luck would have it, Gaines visit had come the day after inventory in the supply coffers had been conducted.

Morgan spent the rest of the day carefully reviewing the supply records. There were enough large requisitions made by the hospital, the school and the hanger to base the audit on. The next morning, Morgan instructed two clerks to audit the hospital and school. He would handle the hanger himself. There was several unsanctioned flights including the one Gaines had informed him of. That would be the basis of his report. Morgan forced himself to carefully review the hospital and school findings. He wrote a meticulous report detailing wasteful use of supplies at all three institutions and documented suggestions on improvements that could be made. 

The supply inventory was already on the agenda for that Friday's meeting. Several items were discussed prior to the supplies. Finally Taggert asked in a condescending voice. "Mr. Martin, anything you care to report regarding the supply situation?"

"Yes, as you can see, I have distributed a report detailing the findings."

"Very through Mr. Martin." Veronica Harris, the school principal stated. "Your suggestions are more then reasonable. As a matter of fact, I am ashamed that they had to be called to my attention."

"Thank you Ms. Harris. The purpose of the report was not to embarrass anyone. I hoped that I could head off wasting supplies before an emergency arises. The most disturbing in my opinion is the unsanctioned flights from the hanger. I believe that this community has the right to know the purpose of these flights, especially since they use such a large amount of supplies."

The colonists, fearing running out of supplies during the winter, demanded an inquiry. Taggert agree that on Monday, the purpose of all flights would be discussed. Also it was agreed that no flights would be allowed to leave without prior clearance.

Morgan spent a nervous weekend waiting for the inquiry. He had not told anyone, including Bess of his fears in order to keep them safe.

During Monday's committee meeting, all the flights had somewhat valid reasons, all except Chuck Burton's second flight. Burton had said the flight was for sightseeing.

"Sightseeing? You would waste valuable resources sightseeing?" Morgan demanded. "Is it just a coincidence that this flight has nearly identical mileage to the flight that Danziger was banished on?"

The crowd was outraged. Several felt bad that a man had been banished without a trial. Even those that disliked Danziger and could justify in their minds that his banishment was for the good of the community, were upset at this discovery.

Julia shouted above the crowd "I demand to see Danziger to ensure that he is safe."

The community supported this and soon, Julia, Alonzo, Dr. Vasquez and Burton were on their way to Danziger's location.  On the trip, Burton explained that Danziger had been moved since there was fear he would be found and returned to the community. Upon arriving at the location, Julia, Alonzo and Vasquez were dismayed at the barren island that Danziger had been sent to.

"I assure you that the island that I saw was more habitable then this one. There was adequate edible vegetation and fresh water. I would never had agreed to leaving Danziger here."

A survey of the island and the surrounding area showed no signs of Danziger. Julia had insisted on returning to the original location, once again no trace of Danziger was found. With reluctance, the group returned to New Pacifica.

When the community learned of Danziger's disappearance they demanded something be done. It was agreed that a trial to determine if foul play was involved would occur in six weeks. The trial would have a judge, a jury, a prosecutor and a defense attorney. The Advance team was outraged that their friend had not received the same treatment but all agreed that justice would be better served this way.

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END OF PART 3