Ransom Caldwell pushed back from the command console of the Gozanti Freighter, Kalikori. With excitement in his step he turned and checked the read-out monitor of the modified freighter’s scanning equipment with a joy in a sense of purpose. There was a faint signal coming from below the planet’s surface. He looked down to his datapad, cross-referencing telemetric data points and energy signatures. Rance was trying to pinpoint the signal as close as he could but was having diminishing returns as time went on. At least he had it narrowed to a couple dozen kilometers. He keyed Kalikori's PA system.
“Corda, Cardamom, Callywhomp, what’s your name again? Can you come up to the bridge, please? Thank you.” He chortled into the receiver.
Cawdry, the brightest of Dr. Caldwell’s interns came through the gangway moments later with a frustrated look on his face. “It’s Cawdry, Dr. Caldwell, Cawdry.”
“Don’t you think I know that, Cattleprod? After all, you are my favorite intern. Just be happy I’m not calling you, ‘Intern A,’ or ‘Disposable Assistant Alpha.” Ranse smiled warmly at the young Corellian man, barely rounding his 22nd year, “You know I do this to keep the others on their toes. If they found out I favored you above the other--”
Cawdry balked, “They already do know that! How could they not? They’re bright enough to make it here! What makes you think they’re too dumb to figure that out? The least you could do is model what it’s like to be respectful to them.”
The archaeologist reeled from the outburst. “Look Cawdry, this is how it was when I was an intern, so this is how it's going to be for you.”
Incredulously, the young intern took a step forward threateningly brandishing a purposeful finger, “And just because a previous generation did something poorly does not mean that one must perpetuate the cycle.”
Ranse stopped and stepped closer to him, uncomfortably close. “Perhaps you are right, pupil and I will endeavor to change my ways, but trust me, if you step to me like that agai--”
“What did you want anyway, Doc?” Cawdry interrupted.
“We’re heading down in a few hours, we aren’t going to get any further with this equipment from orbit. Will you prep the Theodolite?” Ranse pivoted to the new topic, unsure the result of continuing the conflict. “Assign someone to stay in orbit and organize the team to be in the shuttle by 0900 galactic.”
“You got it, Doc. Do you think we’ll find that droid you’re looking for?”
Ranse smiled, “Whether we find what I’m looking for is irrelevant, with a little bit of gumption and the Force willing, we will find something no matter what. Remember, Coddy-boy, our duty is to knowledge first, our personal pursuits second. Not a lot is known about Lysatra and less about its role in galactic history. And after that recording in Cheunh we found about the Grysk, there is clearly more to this planet than we thought. They deserve to be adequately represented in the history records.”
“I agree, but the way you talk about this droid, it would seem it would contribute more knowledge than any ancient, decrepit mortar and pestle we may find.” Cawdry challenged.
“Perhaps so, but nevertheless, we have a grant to maintain and I sincerely doubt the Denon Archaeological Society is all too keen on funding my pet projects without any demonstrable returns. We’ve got to keep our supply to them consistent if I’m going to ever find this droid. The droid is a long-game. For the time being, we should stick with mortar and pestle.” Ransom Caldwell clapped the young man on the shoulder. “We must be patient.”
“You’re starting to sound like a Jedi.”
Rance bowed a little, “Gah! One can only hope, my friend. I’ll see you in a few hours, I’m going to send a report to Denon before we head down.” He keyed the comm-relay messaging system.
::::Dr. Caldwell to DAS records administration.::: Have exhausted orbital observation methods. Will proceed to planetfall to pinpoint and investigate phenomenon. Sensors are ineffective at this range implying that communication will be limited. Power readings of the object are originating from under the planet's surface--likely a mine, temple, shelter, or ancient refrigeration catacombs. Will determine. Considerations to underground access points are the primary concern. I’m reluctant to bring the Kalikori into orbit to unearth the object and am unlikely to do so under any circumstances. It is not in the best interest to cause unnecessary damage. Will proceed on speeder with shuttle spotting locations, exhume an entrance if necessary, and proceed down until my team identifies the source of the signal and can facilitate extraction. Will report in time. Caldwell Out.::::
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