Re: Part 12 - Osmur
The admiral rises, and performs a small bow. "Thank you, Lady Nimadda. I shall accompany you for the first part of the tour, since my duties carry me in that direction anyway." He gestures towards one edge of the platform. Some of the buildings can be seen a short distance away in that direction, linked to the platform, and each other, by gangways raised about a half metre above the blazing sand.
The parabolic dish is also in that direction, just beyond the buildings. The shade beneath it looks extremely welcoming...
As the admiral, and the visitors, start to walk in that direction the other officers fall in behind them, and the admiral starts to speak.
"We have made good progress. We are actually three weeks ahead of schedule at this stage. The project has, of course, become even more important because of... " a pause, as if he is unsure just what to say, " ... recent events. The Imperial Navy has been commanded to provide additional personnel."
Down a ramp and onto the gangway, which echoes and vibrates under their footfalls. "Construction has already begun on the primary armature which will, of course, house the reactor core and provide structural support for the drive systems. Within two days the shield projector," he points in the direction of the parabolic antenna, "will be operational, protecting the project from potential Rebel aggression."
"Here we are."
He leads the group into one of the buildings, a low bunker-like structure, heavily fortified. Inside the air is cooler. There are technicians working at several consoles spread around the large room which seems to occupy the entire structure. Few of the consoles appear to be operational, in fact most of them still appear to be undergoing assembly.
"This room will, once operational, serve as a control centre for the entire project. If you have any questions, I will be pleased to answer them, before I leave you in the hands of Captain Alates."
A hand reaches out and beckons one of his subordinates forward...