Chariot 3: Conception
Chapter 16 – The perfect spot

“Here. It looks like a perfect spot for landing. Sissy, any readings on nitrate deposits?”

“Affirmative Captain. Large concentrations of nitrate have been located approximately 15 meters underneath this soil.”

“Landing.” V-Nus calmly lowered Chariot 3 down to the ground while Cai Yiu scanned the perimeter for any life forms or possible treats.

“Sissy, initiate immediate analyzes of NaNO3 and possibility of synthetizing the fuel…”

“Already processing, Sir. Refinement of sodium nitrate is feasible. Starting extraction.” Chariot 3 knew they had no time to waste.

Her phrase ended with a heavy tremor being felt under their feet, followed by a noise of rocks been crushed.

“What are you…”

“Sir, I tried to inform you before that I took the liberty of performing a few improvements on the ship.” Sissy answered Captain`s question before he had the chance to ask it.

A radiant white light was projected down onto the ground by the ship`s Extractor, how the Nibirians liked to call the tractor beam they had developed.

Chariot 3`s magnetic passage was opened. The molecules of NaNo3 were being sucked through imperceptible pores on its edges and then separated from the other elements present in the soil, leaving a thin and misty white cloud in the gap between the ship and the ground.

A sound like the wind could be heard followed by a metallic clatter in the background.

“Sir, although the area does not seem to be hostile, we should probably remain alert. Chariot 3 does not have enough power to activate any protective shield and as you know, I regretfully understand that the ship carries no weapons onboard.”

Cai Yiu had obvious concerns about the safety of the ship and its occupants. During the extraction of the sodium nitrate Chariot 3 had one weakness, the magnetic passage, an open doorway into the ship.

“V-Nus, I want you to stay on the flight deck and watch the magnetic passage. Cai Yiu, you may remain on the bridge with Flumen and I. Stay alert.” Shoffer was rather considerate to Cai Yiu`s observations.

Captain Shoffer looked down the pipe from the bridge and observed V-Nus placing a helmet on his head, hoping to avoid the mist of dust that the extraction of nitrate started to leave in the air.

Relieved, Shoffer sighed, with a slight feeling of accomplishment for at least replaceing a good spot for landing. “Soon we will back on our path.”

“How soon?” V-Nus wondered in silence while looking around with a strange feeling of being observed.