Chapter 9 IC: The Road Less Traveled
Zelpuz is informed he would have to register with the library authority to access the library first. Otherwise perhaps a nearby cafe or restaurant as the clerk has no idea what people like you are into (and you are obviously not from here), though he does not say it as bluntly.
The trio kill a few hours, deliver the sample and then set about securing accommodations for the new several days while they are in Daedalum. In the intervening days before the briefing they make themselves familiar with the city layout, public transit system and identify a few shops that are likely candidates for outfitting.
Finally, the day of the briefing arrives. It starts early in the morning in a smaller-sized auditorium room that holds about 50 people, though only about 2/3rds are occupied once the briefing starts. Dr. Vaanhaak and Dr. Ulaar introduce themselves to the assembled crowd, along with six research assistants. They next go through the audience and identify the various groups and specialists assembled; there's a group of six undergrad assistants, a pair of mechanical technicians, a pair of electrical technicians, an architect, 3 logistical administrators, and then the Freelancers (PC's). Beyond the group here there will be a pair of guides meeting at the landing point and also a pair of engineering archivists from the Spacer station Kallian joining in orbit.
The group will depart from the harbor via shuttle in six days time. They will take the shuttle to the Kallian station to pick up the engineering archivists and some specialized equipment, at this point Dr. Vaanhaak explains the Spacers are partially funding and supporting the expedition, then proceeding to the landing point off the southwestern coast of Zhen Falas continent. During the explanation a vid screen displays the travel route from an orbital perspective, with the destination far to the south and just above the antarctic islands.
The landing zone is near a town named San Haelm [the screen zooms in to a orbital photo of the town]. The town primarily depends on fishing and resource extraction, and their two guides are actually prospectors. The hope is their detailed knowledge of the geology and terrain of the area will assist in locating, even though it should be some ways up river from the town. The map zooms back out slightly and highlights the river running northeast from the landing zone; the Kuilan River. You can see the river begins in the mountains, but a red circle appears in the foothills region, Dr. Vaanhaak explains that with the assistance of orbital scans from the Spacers and the records we have the red dot represents where they hope to find the ruin.
As for the target itself the presenters explain they do not know too much, save for its suggested existence through ancillary records, backed-up by some interesting results from the orbital scans. An analysis of the geology in the region suggests there is a good chance the facility is intact due to its stability. Due to the lack of public records of the facility, Dr. Ulaar explains they is a chance this facility was a military or secret research facility of some sort prior to the Golem Wars. Thus, she warns, the utmost caution should be exercised until a positive identification can be made since there may be volatile or dangerous items about.
This initial expedition is expected to last 35 days, with the first five days travelling to the site, the following 20 days spend locating the site and performing initial exploration, and then five days back. A five day contingency has been built in. Furthermore, depending on what is found a contingent may be asked to remain to secure the site. In that event Daedalum and Kallian station will be notified promptly so relief teams can be dispatched as soon as possible.
At that point they open the floor to questions.