Nothing more to report at this time. Will keep you informed of developments as they occur. This is Nova, Sub-satellite Archaeology Research Team Seven. Commander Holly McKay, signing off.” “Message received and acknowledged. Please note that sun-shield goes up in six hours.” “Duly noted.” “Good luck, Commander McKay.” Holly Mckay switched off the communicator and smiled. Luck. What did luck have to do with it? After all, two previous expeditions had located absolutely nothing—no trace that anything at all had ever existed on this planet. The atmosphere being what it was, and the lack of a food supply, made it quite unlikely that except for bored scientists like themselves there had ever been an indigenous population. Even so, it was her first command post. At the very least, it would be good experience without the pressure of life-and-death decisions hanging over her.
