Free Star Clusters: New Arrivals by Dalo Lorn Page B

the Xargans.”
    “They wiped out everything in the system, but based on this data, the majority of their hive clusters was concentrated in an area near an archaeological site on Daserus Three; nobody found it unusual at the time, as the location was quite defensible.”
    “And you believe this was not an accident?”
    “Think about it; if you found out that some alien race had tampered with some of your ancestors, wouldn’t you try to figure out what happened to their descendants? There might even have been something vital to their plans there; we could find out just what they’re after, and more importantly, what they’re trying to do.”
    “If this is true, then it is possible that there may have been other sites in some of the other systems attacked by the initial wave of Xargans.” Upon saying that, Hatos quickly searched the database for planets matching his criteria. “Yes… Holsen Seven, Cartha Three, and Lieproi Five were also planets believed to have been inhabited by the race whose ruins were found on Daserus Three. Not military bases, but the Xargans chose to wipe out everything in their respective systems, which made you believe it was a direct assault. Even if it is one now, they may have been looking for the ruins when your peoples offered themselves as an alternative target.”
    “Cartha Three, you say? I think it’s time for a field trip…”
    Soon, Hatos, Zeshaira, Lanis, Herrun, and several Tarhedian drones of varying purposes and appearances assembled in the transporter room. “This planet is somewhat inhospitable,” Hatos said, finishing putting on his AEA suit, “due to its proximity to its star; this could be beneficial as less people will have disturbed the site since the Xargans left. However, there may be some Xargans down there that have avoided detection, so be on your guard.”
    The transporter activated; the team reappeared just outside a cave on the arid third world of the Carthan system, in the middle of a sandstorm. “I don’t see any ruins!” Herrun said.
    “Are you sure you got the right coordinates?” Lanis asked Hatos.
    “Yes; we must be missing something!” he explained.
    “Perhaps it is hidden within?” Zeshaira suggested, pointing at the cave. Everyone went inside; but the cave was a small one, and there seemed to be no technology in it.
    “Look around,” Hatos said, “perhaps there is something buried beneath all this sand.”
    After a brief search, Herrun found a small, worn out control panel underneath a massive pile of sand. “I found something.”
    The drones analyzed the sand and the control panel, reporting to Hatos and Zeshaira - who, in turn, shared that information with Lanis and Herrun - that while there were traces of Xargan DNA in the sand, it appeared that no Xargans had touched the control panel. “Now what?” Lanis asked. “We can’t just randomly push buttons until something happens.”
    “Actually,” Hatos replied, “this looks somewhat familiar. The layout reminds me of early versions of transporter technology. I cannot read the text, but if I can just remember...” After a brief pause, Hatos pressed a few of the grey, rectangular keys.
    There was a blinding flash of light, and the team - along with some sand - found that they had been transported into an old facility of a design unlike anything they had seen up to that point - but sharing visual elements of Tarhedian and Petran technology at the same time. “What is this place?” Zeshaira asked.
    “The source of our answers, no doubt; but look! Someone has been here since it was abandoned,” Hatos said, pointing to a small heap of sand which had not arrived with them. As usual, the drones scanned the area. “Whoever it was, they do not appear to have left anything we can identify,” he added upon hearing the report.
    The entire complex seemed to be gradually coming to life with their arrival. The lights were slowly powering up, consoles and displays lit up under the layers of