Chapter One - Part 8

Cabinet Chairman Roberts stood on the observation deck of the station waiting for order to board the surface transport. In even tones he asked his new assistant, "Have you any word on Magera's progress?"

Shifter cleared his throat. "If we had access to conventional power..."

"Ancient power sources, ancient weapons. You know our limitations - and we won't be able to use these as excuses should we fail. One of the first things that would happen to us, unless we are very lucky, would be the removal of our tongues."

The Chairman intentionally adopted a posture that conveyed to any distant observer that he was having a normal conversation, he even managed a smile. "We will go down to the crater rim within a turn. Within another turn, I will expect an update."

Shifter nodded his agreement.