Cambridge Stellar Research, Surveillance Mission #3, Goddess Geode, Baffin

[Malaclypse 666]

The Episkopos guided the researchers towards a group of tourists as he answered their questions.

"Vii is correct, Roy. We have just passed through 75 kilometers of the Geode's crust to reach this platform. Much of the crust is still unexplored; but radar has indeed comfirmed many small cavities connected by a network of tunnels."

As they approached the tourists, Mal motioned to two of the Geode's "Rangers". Like "park rangers" on ancient Terra, the Rangers were responsible for protecting the Geode and its' visitors, as well as providing information and acting as guides.

The Rangers approached Mal's group carrying a number of harnesses, identical to those used for climbing and rappelling. Within minutes, the researchers were being helped into the harnesses as Mal continued.

"I had planned to take you to my 'Retreat' at G.0.0.0 today, but it is currently occupied by a couple of my Popes who were in need of 'alignment'. Instead, I'm afraid you'll have to be content with one of our newer 'amusement rides'.."

The group moved to the platform's edge, and Mal pointed out a web of "static" lines radiating from the platform. "At present, these lines only extend a few kilometers around the interior surface of the main chamber. At intervals, they have been attached to some of the taller spires that grow inwards towards the center."

Mal paused, watching the Rangers as they double-checked the researchers' harnesses, pointing out the unique features attached to the webbing.. a small tank of compressed air with a flexible discharge hose for emergency "propulsion".. small but intense lighting units.. and an emergency transponder in case the wearer should become lost or "stuck".

"Some of the 'older' crystals you will see today are 20 to 25 meters tall. You will see a variety of colors, caused as you know, by the presence of different 'impurities' in the crystalline structure. You will see a large variety in the number of 'facets'. Currently, we've recorded crystals with as few as 3, and as many as 12 'faces'. What we hope to discover is how these variations affect the resonance frequencies and the 'amplification factors' of the crystals."

One of the Rangers had attached himself to a nearby line, and had moved a few meters from the platform, waiting patiently for the Episkopos to conclude. Mal touched Vii on the shoulder, and pointed off towards a small flurry of activity in the distance.

"As to Scrubbies, Vii, you'll encounter many small 'schools', browsing and playing among the crystals. They are quite curious, and I'm sure you'll have a chance to interact with them.

"If you're referring to 'my' Scrubbies, the group that seems to have 'adopted' me over the past few years, they tend to stay near my Retreat, cleaning up after me and keeping the place 'aerated'. At the moment, they're probably bothering Josh the Dill, who I need to check on soon. For the time being, I would prefer that you not collect any specimens from within the Geode itself. I would hate to learn that 'Ralf' or 'Charlene' had been disected by accident, if you get my meaning."

The remaining Ranger finished attaching the group's harnesses securely to the static line, and the group began to slowly move off, gaining speed and confidence as they did so.

"After I've visited Josh, I have some matters to attend to up at the Temple. The Rangers will attend to any other questions or needs you might have; and I shall meet you back at Sin's for dinner. Shall we say.. 18-ish?"

Mal waved, made an easy vault over the platform's railing, and within minutes was lost in the huge cavern's distant haze.

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