Trollzawa's Comet
by Robert Teague
This story is written solely for the entertainment of Trollz fans, and no copyright infringement is intended. This story may be reproduced, provided no changes are made, and you let me know.
Author's Note: This is the third story in the series, and you need to read "Passing the Torch" and "Return to Trollhiti" first to get up to speed.
I've got a number of maps and other Trollz-related art on my deviantART account that might be of use while reading these stories. My account name is Penumbrus.
Chapter One
The road between Trollzopolis and Trollenburg was deserted except for a few trucks and a lone car. The car held two female trolls and was the same color as the driver's hair, a two-tone green. Her eyes matched the lighter green. The passenger had blue hair and eyes, and was constantly checking a map she held.
"Sapphire, will you relax?" asked the driver, "It's only a seventy-five mile trip. We'll be there by lunch."
"I just don't want to miss the turnoff," explained the other, "We should get to it pretty soon."
"Don't worry, we won't miss it because there it is now," said the driver, pointing.
Sure enough, just ahead on the right was a two-lane blacktop with a sign reading: "Mt. Trollamar Observatory 6 miles".
The blue haired girl gave a sigh of relief. "Glad to see it. Thanks, Jade."
"Hey, I'm just as anxious to get there as you are, if not more," answered the other, "I've always wanted to see the observatory."
"Me too, and now that we have the chance, I want it all to be perfect!" said Sapphire.
Jade smiled, but didn't answer. She slowed, put on her turn indicator, and made the gentle turn to the right. The woods suddenly surrounded them far more thickly than it had out on the highway.
They rode in silence for a while, then the trees grew thinner and ahead of them was the last of the line of hills that stretched from east to west. It was named Mt. Trollamar and at the top was one of the most famous telescopes in the world.
It was no longer the biggest (that honor went to one high on a mountain east of the Great Lake to the south), but it still did a lot of useful science. The word "mountain" was just barely applicable for the ground on which it sat, and trees covered the sides nearly to the top.
At the foot was a small town built just to support the telescope and the scientists that manned it. As they drove down the main street, they took in what there was to see.
"Hey, they're building a conference center," said Jade, pointing to a construction site next door to the hotel.
"Well that's odd... this facility is a over a hundred years old. Why would they build that now?" asked Sapphire.
"I read that they were making some major upgrades on the telescope, and expect to make important new discoveries," said Jade, pulling into the hotel's parking lot. "It makes sense to have a place where press conferences and meetings can be held."
Hm... you're right," agreed Sapphire.
Their reservations were waiting and soon they were checked into adjoining rooms. Sapphire called the observatory to let her contact know they were there.
"You're early, Miss Trollzawa," said Dr. McTroll, "Eager to get started, are we?" There was a note of teasing in his voice.
But when it came to science, Sapphire was all business. "Yes, sir. I want to know everything I can before the evening starts."
"That's commendable, but you need to relax. The telescope's not going anywhere, and there are hours before night," he answered with a chuckle, "Why don't you get some lunch first, and then drive up?"
"O-okay, sir, I'll try to relax. I've got someone with me, is she welcome too?" Sapphire asked as Jade came in through the door between their rooms.
"The invite was for you plus one, so of course. Is she a General Specialist major too?" he asked.
"No, her name's Jade Trollberger. She goes to Trollzopolis Community College. Right now she's taking secretarial courses, but is switching to Lab Assistant next semester," was the answer.
"I see. And I gather she's also your assistant?" he asked.
"Yes sir," answered Sapphire, "And a friend."
"Very good. I'll see you in a while. Oh, be careful driving up. The road is paved, but it's narrow and winds," he said.
"we will. I look forward to meeting you, sir. Goodbye." said Sapphire, and hung up.
"Well?" asked Jade.
"All set. He suggests we eat, first," said Sapphire.
"Sounds good to me," was the answer, and Jade stood up. "Say, you never did get around to telling me how you managed to get this opportunity. You haven't even started the astronomy section of your studies."
"I got lucky," said Sapphire, heading for the door. "The undergrad who's turn it was had to drop out of school, and no one else could take it."
The hotel was 70 rooms in a two-story building, and because it was nearly empty right now they were on the ground floor near the lobby.
A map of the town showed every business there, and they decided to walk over to a Fizzy's Cafe just a few buildings over.
As they waited for their food, Jade smiled at her friend. "Saph, thanks for bringing me with you. I'd never be able to do this if you hadn't."
"Hey, you're my assistant," said the other, smiling, "What good are you if you aren't there to assist?"
After lunch they got into Jade's car.
"Oh, he told me the road is narrow and winds, so you have to take extra care," said Sapphire.
"Yeah, I remember that from researching the facility," nodded Jade.
"If the road is so dangerous, why don't we take a portal?" asked Sapphire.
"We can't," answered Jade, "Some of the instruments are magic-enhanced, and using a portal spell can disturb them."
"Oh, that's right, I'd forgotten that. Glad you remembered," said Sapphire, buckling her seat belt.
bffl bffl bffl
The trip up to the observatory itself took a lot longer than either girl thought. In a straight line it was about a mile, but the road was steep and consisted of switchbacks with narrow turns. Jade had to drive very slowly, as there was no rail and not much in the way of an edge between the road and the open air.
Finally, though, they made it to the parking lot and found the "guest" spot. Getting out, they looked out over the land. Trollzopolis was lost in the distance to the south, but the town below was quite visible.
"I wonder if lights from the town are a problem?" Jade commented.
"Actually, no," said a voice behind them.
They turned and found a troll in his forties with glasses and some gray in his dark orange hair. He also had a bit of a paunch.
"The town is there to support the observatory, so all lighting is shielded," he explained, "I'm Dr. McTroll."
"Nice to meet you, sir, I'm Sapphire Trollzawa, and this is Jade Trollberger," said Sapphire, shaking his hand.
"Welcome," he said, "Follow me, and I'll show you what you need to know."
They were given a quick tour of the dome itself and shown the telescope. Then he led them to the control room, filled with monitors and computers. These days it was actually rare to observe through the telescope. Electronic sensors did a much better job than the naked eye, and the data could be analyzed immediately.
"So what are we going to be doing?" asked Jade at last.
"What that other student was going to, actually," he answered, "There are three observing runs scheduled for tonight, and all three will be done fairly early. You'll have the rest of the night to search for comets."
He showed them what they needed to know, and asked if they had remembered their jackets. This late in the season it got cold, and there was no heating in the observatory (rising heated air distorted the view).
He was going to spend the evening in the small bunkroom across the parking lot. He had some calls to make and papers to review, but if they needed him, they shouldn't hesitate to call.
Alone at last, Sapphire and Jade grinned at each other. This was going to be an unforgettable night of fun! Pure science!