“Tell them what you discovered,” Aries prodded, aiming his fork at Aquarius.
“When I cross-referenced the appearances of the creatures against the areas the meteors hit, I discovered something odd. We had active scenarios in twelve of the thirteen locations.”
“Perhaps one of the fragments didn’t contain any of the alien organism or got burned up in the atmospheric entry,” Leila theorized.
“A possibility,” Aries agreed with a nod, “but we need to know for sure because the area where it landed is actually quite unique.” He glanced at Aquarius, who took over again.
“By all indications, that meteor landed in or around Tanzania’s Lake Natron. For those who’ve never heard of it, its waters are deadly to most animals, as they are heavily saturated with salt, soda, and magnesite deposits. It’s often known as the lake that turns the living to stone, not actually true, of course. What happens is the waters calcify animals that come in contact with it, preserving them so that they appear as statues. It’s possible this toxic combination is why no aliens developed from that asteroid chunk.”
“Or it could be that the waters lack the life needed for the alien microbes to feed, thus basically acting as a prison, or a stasis tank, if you prefer,” Leila opined.
“We need you to find out for sure.” A statement that appeared not only directed at Grayson, but also her.
“I’ll be glad to run tests on the water once Grayson returns.”
“You’re going with him.”
The unexpected announcement led Leila to exclaim, “Why would I have to go?”
“Because it could be something other than the water that stunted their development. While Libra wouldn’t necessarily recognize it, you might.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I don’t go on missions. My work is here at Tower.”
“Not today, it isn’t. You’re being called upon to aid in the fight. Although, in your case, it will be more research than physical violence. The area isn’t known to have any predators, just flamingoes, right, Aquarius?” Aries glanced at the other man.
“Yeah, they love that lake and actually flourish, which is wild considering how deadly it is to pretty much everything else.”
Grayson cleared his throat. “If I might ask a question… You say the area hasn’t reported any aliens, but by the sounds of it, the inhospitable nature of this lake might mean no one’s noticed them. They could be growing at a slower rate due to a lack of the proper meat protein.”
“A possibility, which is why you will, of course, arm yourself before leaving. Should the area in actuality be compromised, you’ll be able to quickly return with the doctor by calling upon your constellation.”
“The beaming thing?” Grayson clarified.
“Yes.”
“Which I’ve never done on my own before.”
“It’s actually rather simple. Just concentrate and the Astraeus will do the rest.”
“And how will we get there?” Leila interjected. “As Grayson pointed out, he’s rather new, and knowing the complexity of the calculations required to land in a specific location, I am not risking my well-being.” Leila couldn’t help the tart retort.
“I agree, he’s not ready for a precise location beam, hence why you’ll be flying from Baghdad airport to Arusha, Tanzania. The city is about seventy miles from the lake. A rental with supplies will be awaiting you.”
“Um, you told me to bring weapons, but not sure how I’m supposed to pass security with them,” Grayson pointed out.
“You won’t be going on a regular flight or via the main terminal. A charter jet will be waiting.”
Everything had been planned, and Leila couldn’t help a spurt of panic. “I can’t leave. What of the alien I’m studying in my lab?” What of the fact she never wanted to leave Tower? Never wanted to accidentally run into someone from her past?
“It will be there when you return. Asterion has agreed to keep watch over it. This mission is more important. If those lake waters really are poisonous to the aliens, then this could mark the difference between another massacre or eliminating the threat.”
Despite her trepidation, she could not refuse the plea. After all, she’d become a scientist to discover and maybe help humanity.
“Very well. I’ll go.” To which Sage, her eyes turning cloudy, stated, “Beware the thunder that brings peril.”
Apparently, the baby didn’t like the premonition, for she woke and began to screech, ending breakfast.
“I’m sorry.” Grayson followed her from the dining room.
