[snip]

On scans the system was as much described, a single solar body, three inner lifeless small planets of various mineral make up, a large outer gas giant with a multiple ring system and small moons, and in between a single class-m world with a pair of orbitally opposing small moons. Nearby at the edge of the system the colony’s long range subspace relay was present and by all scans showed active and in good shape, so on the surface not likely they had a communication failure. Inside the system a 30 some year old automated gas collection and processing drone was still busy floating in a low orbit of the gas giant collecting and processing helium and hydrogen gases, again no signs of problems there. Orbiting the Unity itself the class M world, a few smaller orbital satellites were present for weather and in-system comms and navigation all seemed operational. But long range scans of the planet while indicating life signs, could not resolve if there was any human life signs, or their status.

“Switch to manual and continue to hold this station, outside the colony’s claimed system space for now,” Glen instructed. “Any unusual readings on the instruments?” Glen asked. “I’d like to see all the reports please, preliminary geological lab survey reports, spectrographic reports, communication surveillance analysis. Is there any sign of alien technology present? Anything at all seem out of order for an old Earth colony about as far out as their primitive Warp engines could reach?”

• Glen, CO