[snip]

“Launch two probes please. One to make a low but concealed fly-past of the planet surface. The second to inspect the condition and activity of the autonomous mining drones, please,” Glen told Lt. Malone.

Lance listened to the request for two probes, and he quickly programmed the requested activity it. He also added for the probe that was to make the fly past pick up on simple surface communications. “Probes away captain” he said as he sent the probes down to the planet keeping an eye on their readouts.

“It seems strange that people aren’t venturing out, I mean even if was an enslaved population you would expect the resident over lords to be sending people out to pick up the minerals and other ore.” Maybe his odd reading habits were clouding his minds with regards to how people behaved.

“Or perhaps the people are scared to leave and maybe in some self imposed quarantine. The probes will pick up the environmental factors but this may be a human nature problem and the probes sadly can’t figure that bit out.”

With twin soft thuds the probes were launched. The first directed to the automated systems/drones around the system was first scanned in more detail, mostly they confirmed what was already picked up and the lack of use or connections to their home planet for some long months which was impacting systems on them in various ways forcing them soon to shut down until fixed or material picked up. The twin probes soon looped closer though to Unity, and began a more in depth scan around the planet over the next 30 some minutes.

Human life signs were confirmed, nearly 790 thousand individual life signs ranging from babies up to 80 some years of age scattered across the planet in small and large cities or towns alike. Given the colony had started years ago with roughly 200 thousand some members this would fit in growth as well as going off the last record a year or so ago from a member of the colony who had left due to not wanting to stay. Picture and video scans showed the colonists going about their day to day lives, doing jobs, shopping, and such, all quite normal it seems. The colonists form of dress was pretty normal too for clothing fashion about 70-80 years ago within the civilian population of the Federation for humans, while some changes were noticeable most had stayed the same. The same for technology was evident in style, function and the like, all seeming well maintained and operational. Animal life equally was seemingly unaffected by anything odd on scans. As the probes completed their passes over the planet the only thing they also confirmed was no outward going signals from the planet were going to the in orbit satellites. It is as if for some reason the entire population months ago decided to remain isolated planet side. They certainly weren’t suffering by this choice it seemed, plenty of food sources were evident on the planetary scans, as were mineral and mines all in active use. There was even regular signs of oceanic vessels, air craft in the skies, etc. But nothing higher then that actively manned in orbit.

As the probes completed their scan of the planet they made one final pass near to the inner most planet to confirm readings there near an automated mining outpost that also was signaling being full and requesting service. It was here the probes finally made their first curious discovery! A human life sign! No sooner had this registered then a short range comm hail was sent to the probes in rapid succession.

On audio a strained, tired, perhaps even isolation starved sounding male voice spoke, =/\= Hello?!? Is someone out there?!? Oh god please tell me those probes have people behind them?!? Anyone answer please?? Oh God am I hallucinating again? Oh God I’ve cracked ARGH!=/\= The obviously stressed out man’s voice said babbling to himself now.

Cross was about to enter the lift when she heard the male voice ,shaking her head sadly the doctor stepped inside =/\= Sickbay =/\=.

“Please make to him,” Glen told NE Morse, communications officer =/\= To unidentified mining outpost. This is Captain John T Glen of the USS Merrimack. You are not hallucinating. Those were our probes. We are on a peaceful mission. Can we be of assistance to you? Do you require medical help? =/\=

• Glen, CO