Shadows of the Gods: Crimson Worlds Refugees II by Jay Allan Read Free Book Online Page A

mass insanity…even religious fanaticism. To that list, we must now add another possibility. War.”
    “It certainly looks like there was fighting on this planet, sir.” James Preston was the commander of the fleet’s Marines, and a veteran of more than one bloody conflict. “But how do we explain the other worlds? Billions lived there, and we found no signs of significant conflict.”
    Compton sighed. “I can’t answer that, Colonel.” He looked out across the table. “I’m hoping some of the people in this room can provide me with some hypotheses given the time to review this material. But that is not our primary issue right now. There is only a single question we must answer at this meeting. Is planet two suitable, both for the growth of crops and for research?”
    He looked around the table, his eyes pausing first on Barcomme. “Commander? Your mission in the most vital in many ways. We cannot take the risks we are taking only to find out that the planet is not suitable for producing the crops we require.”
    Barcomme was staring down at the ‘pad, but after a few seconds she looked up and turned toward Compton. “I believe it is very suitable. I’d normally be concerned about the radioactives, but after half a million years, I wouldn’t expect any problems. Of course, we don’t know if there were any other contaminants that resulted from the fighting, but the planet is damned near perfect in distance from the sun, climate…” She glanced back at the ‘pad for a few seconds before she turned back to Compton. “I say yes.” Another pause. “And, to be extremely candid, I’d be hesitant to waste any more time if we don’t absolutely have to. We’re going to be looking at some pretty unpleasant rationing as it is.”
    Compton nodded. Then he turned toward Cutter. “Hieronymus?”
    Cutter was silent for a few seconds. “Well, sir, if the cities are all destroyed, rather than simply decayed by time, we may find it more difficult to find intact artifacts. This is, of course, of considerable concern. However, if there was widespread war on this planet, it is possible that we will find much remaining equipment from that conflict. And I suspect the First Imperium is no different from us in one respect…the leading edge of technology is employed in war.”
    The scientist hesitated again, flashing a glance toward Barcomme. “It’s a gamble either way, sir, but if Dr. Barcomme thinks the planet is suitable for her needs, my advice is to proceed.”
    Compton nodded. “I am inclined to agree with both of you. I’m uncomfortable with this entire operation, but I’d just as soon complete it as quickly as possible.” He looked around the table again. “Does anyone disagree? Any comments?”
    There was a ripple of nodding heads, but no one spoke.
    “Very well,” Compton said. “It is decided. Commander Barcomme, Dr. Cutter, you will both plan your expeditions immediately. I would like everything ready to go in forty-eight hours.”
    “Admiral, that is…yes, sir.” Barcomme’s objection died mid-sentence. Everyone present, including her, knew that the fleet couldn’t remain in X48 for long, especially not with the danger that the expedition could accidently alert the enemy. It was an unspoken fact, but one everyone present well understood. Those going down to the surface were expendable, at least more so than the fleet itself, and once they were landed, they would be on their own. When they were ready to return, enough ships would be dispatched to collect them, and the food and artifacts they hoped to bring back. But the fleet would be gone, waiting in some system farther ahead…distant enough to escape the cataclysm if anyone triggered an alarm that reached an enemy base.
    “Hieronymus?” Compton shifted his gaze to the scientist.
    “My people will be ready, Admiral.” He didn’t sound much happier about the time constraints than Barcomme had, but he didn’t ask for more either.
    “Very