Tracking Developments
Dr. Maxwell: This is very peculiar...
Dr. Maxwell: A star system used to be here.
Karen: Still examining the data from that disc?
Dr. Maxwell: Indeed. I'm using the space telescope to re-examine that region of space.
Dr. Maxwell: Nothing in terms of a star or planets but there is a small nebula in that location.
Karen: Let's make sure the telescope is oriented properly...
Dr. Maxwell: I've verified that it's focused on the right area. The relative coordinates are very clear in the data.
Karen: Hmmm... 142 light years away.
Dr. Maxwell: Right. What we're looking at is how it appeared 142 years, or 444 "Earth years", ago.
Dr. Maxwell: See...? Just an odd-looking nebula.
Karen: Not indicative of a supernova.
Dr. Maxwell: Not at all. I don't know what could have caused this. Maybe it was...
Dr. Maxwell: It was what prompted the migration in the legend. They might have seen something coming.
Karen: Hmm... Oh, that tracking beacon alert, there.
Dr. Maxwell: Isn't that the girl rescued from the ruins?
Karen: Ick! What was that?
Dr. Maxwell: Oh, they're still doing reconstruction on the lower levels.
Karen: Whew. I thought we may have been under attack again.
Karen: Anyway... that tracking beacon. Yes, it's her. She's not with the others. Odd.
Dr. Maxwell: I'm fairly sure she's not authorized to run around by herself, especially not in the capital, of all places.
Karen: Maybe I'd better make a call. Excuse me for a moment.
Dr. Maxwell: Alright. You make sure she's okay. I'm going to get some lunch, Karen.
Karen: Remember your diet, Dad!
Dr. Maxwell: Yes, yes. My diet. Bleh.
Greta: Mrs. Greta Kaperth speaking. How are you, Karen?
Karen: Doing well, Mrs. Kaperth. How is your husband?
Greta: Grady is finishing up some work on the new shuttle craft. He's looking for someone to take it for a test flight, come to think of it.
Karen: He's always tinkering with the latest technology, isn't he?
Greta: Yes, he's always liked working with flying craft. We're not keen on implants and genetic engineering, of course.
Karen: I know. That's okay.
Greta: Some things we just prefer to do the old-fashioned way. Enough about that, is there anything you wanted in particular?
Karen: Yes, I'd like to request a transport to Fumacine City. We need to check up on someone in our care.
Greta: How convenient. Grady wants to test out the new ShockShadow II. I'll ask him to send it to Pandora.
Karen: Thank you, Mrs. Kaperth! You and Grady are so generous!
Greta: They did name the planet after our ancestors, so we try to contribute to the good of humanity whenever we can.
Karen: Your family has done a lot to help those in need over the centuries.
Greta: After you're done taking care of things in the capital, stop by our place. I made plenty of food!
Karen: I'd love to. See you soon!
Greta: Have a safe journey.
