The Starfleet shuttle descended slowly into the planet's atmosphere. For a
while the shuttle followed a small canyon, which cut through a large field
of green crystals. After several miles the shuttle landed on a small hill on
the edge of the field. The shuttle hatch opened and two people in
environmental suits stepped out. One of them scanned the surroundings with a
tricorder. He then looked at the other person and nodded. "This location
seems to be perfect, Dr. Moebius."
"I quite agree," the other man, who had been called Moebius, answered, while
he looked around. "Have you ever been to Rome, commander?"
"Sir?"
"This area reminds me of the Tiber Valley in Italy," Moebius said. He turned
around and pointed at the hills to their right. "Seven hills, just like the
location where the twin brothers Romulus and Remus founded the city of Rome
three thousand years ago."
"Should we return to the ship and let Starfleet know we found a suitable
location?" the commander asked.
Moebius looked at him. "Yes... Of course... The sooner we can get started,
the better."
The two men walked back to their shuttle but before they got in Moebius
turned around one last time and looked around. "It's surprising that nobody
ever visited this planet. The view is magnificent..."
"It is," said the commander. "But the air here is quite toxic, even at this
distance from the crystal fields." The officer paused. "We have to go now
Dr. If all goes well you can enjoy the view again in a few weeks."
"You're right," Moebius said and he entered the shuttle, closing the hatch
behind him. While the shuttle climbed higher and higher, something that
vaguely sounded like the howling of a wolf was heard in the distance.
