Chapter 01 (IC)u
Dr. Kaspersen replies to Jherad first, "the facts are unconcerned with your beliefs, as am I with your conspiracy theories." Before he can say anything else, Dr. Spence stepped forward.
"Which is to say that despite your credulity, the situation is exactly as described. The records were not lost, they were likely erased, and there is no ulterior motive for our presence here. Near as we can tell, they preserved in archive form certain technological advances, but do not use them, including interstellar travel. Given the presence of orbital communications relays, they have some space capability," she explained. She then turns to Rulee's question. "Yes we are sending a delegation down, which is why you are all here. One of the Pelican shuttles is being fitted with the mecha bay, Mr. Munroe, Darwin recommended you for security on the detail," Kaspersen and Darwin share a look across the room that makes obvious their disagreement on that point. "You, Ms. Canera, will accompany just in case. We are also sending Ambassador Mojgan's aide, Mr. Rousseau as our diplomatic lead, medical personnel, shuttle crew, and Ms. Krocket the anthropologist," she said. Each of the named people nods or smiles as they are called out.