Planetfall

"My lord, after you left, we dispatched six mortal reconnaissance companies to the Planet's surface aboard two Assault Landing Craft."

"We lost all contact once they passed through the Planet's strange barrier. Their orders were to leave the Planet within thirty minutes of deploying their personnel and return to low orbit for a communications check."

"But neither Assault Landing Craft has reappeared since we lost their signals."

Calando took the Dataslate from the Captain's adjutant and carefully reviewed the mission orders and departure times.

Then he turned to look at Iax, who was still standing on the Bridge, gazing out the window.

"Adrian, has Iax been standing here staring at this Planet the whole time?"

Adrian walked back from the nearby Scanning Platform to Calando's side.

"Yes, the Ancient Construct has been watching it like this without leaving or moving around. Honestly, I don't know whether all Ancient Constructs have this habit."

Calando nodded silently, looking at Iax.

"Iax, you said earlier that this Planet was unusual. Can you tell me why?"

Calando had paid little attention to what Iax had said when he pointed at the Planet earlier, but after finishing his prayers, he had begun to suspect that the Ancient Construct might have discovered something.

"Illusory Projection."

"Perhaps you aren't familiar with this technology."

"It's a form of visual camouflage. My kin and the Creator once used this technology to conceal certain special facilities or institutions. However, this is my first time seeing an Illusory Projection on such a vast scale."

"The Planet's actual condition is entirely different from what your optical observations show."

"My detection range is limited. From orbit, I can't determine the actual conditions on the Planet. Once we descend, we might plunge straight into scorching magma, or find an ocean of deadly poison, or