But it proved more difficult than they thought to reach the Vane Colony. No signals reached the colony's communication center. Wilma tried several methods, including bouncing the signal off the planet Konis. Nothing was getting through.
"This is really odd" she said. "I wonder if there is interference, or they are just not accepting communications."
"Why would they not accept communications?"
"Several reasons, but I suspect it is that they wish to remain isolated."
"That would jibe with what this guy Jon told his sister. Do you think there's something going on in the Colony? Like something nefarious?" said Buck.
"I do not know, but I wonder what is so important that they cannot communicate with the outside world."
"Well, it sounds like we'll be making a field trip."
"I am afraid so. I think I will visit some people in the defense directorate to see if they have any additional information on the Vane Colony." Wilma said.
"While you do that I will looking into travel to Konis' moon and see about prepping for a trip" he replied.
It was several hours later when Wilma returned. She greeted Buck and he said, "You don't look all that happy, I take it you didn't get a lot of good news."
"More like, no news. The Vane Colony was registered with the Terrain data bank several years ago with less than 25 members. It was established on the current location shortly thereafter. It was started and led by one Gregory Vane. Little is known about Mr. Vane. Unremarkable upbring, good family. Was with the Entertainment and Culture directorate and rose as far as organizer but left to start his colony. No contacts at all with the Justice Directorate and no notice with Defense."
"Any friends or enemies?" asked Buck.
"None that I could find. He is described as quiet, thoughtful but also self-confident, one person described him as arrogant. He is also said to be well spoken and eloquent.
"Doesn't sound like the type of person who would shun communication with the outside world. I wonder if there is something else going on. Is there a list of the people in his colony?"
"Only a partial one, from the beginning. If someone like Jon Hart wants to leave his past behind and join there is nothing to stop him. So, we have no idea how many people are in the colony," said Wilma.
"Or what kind." Added Buck. "I didn't make out much better on the moon's surface. The only inhabitants are the Vane Colony. There is a landing zone within the colony, but access is severely restricted, there doesn't appear to be any other transportation options. There are no visitor residences or places to stay. So, if we are going to Konis moon we will have to land a ship outside the colony perimeter and basically camp out. I did find a decent clearing to put down a small craft."
"Camp? Oh, you stay within the ship." she told him and walked away towards the other room.
Buck raised his hand, finger pointed and opened his mouth to say something, but realized Wilma had already left the room. So, he shrugged his shoulders and went to work on the screen having a small ship ready and supplied.