CHAPTER 16
Immari One
Over the southern Atlantic Ocean—inbound to Antarctica
Raymond Sanders turned away from the plane’s window and answered his satellite phone. “Sanders.”
“We just got a report from the team examining the case. They say it’s empty.”
“Empty?” Sanders hadn’t expected that. “How do they know?”
“They used a portable X-ray machine. They also say the weight indicates it couldn’t hold anything but air.”
Sanders leaned back in the seat.
“Sir?”
“I’m still here,” Sanders said. “Is there anything else?”
“Yes. They think the case could be emitting some kind of radiation.”
“Radiation? What does that mean? It’s—”
“The team doesn’t know, sir.”
“What’s the working theory?” Sanders asked.
“They don’t have one.”
Sanders closed his eyes and rubbed his eyelids. Whoever was inside that structure wanted the case outside—and right outside the door. “Sloane left the case right outside the portal. Is it possible the Atlanteans need it there to get out—that it serves some kind of purpose there?”
“Possible, I suppose. I’m not sure how we would test that theory. The science staff and equipment on site is very limited.”
“Okay… Let’s get the case out of there. Put it in some kind of lead box or whatever can shield the radiation, and take it to our primary research facility—somewhere we can get real answers.”
“Who should we have look at it?”
Sanders thought for a moment. “Who was the cagey scientist, Chang?”
“He’s on a plague barge in the Mediterranean—”
“No, not him. The nuclear guy.”
“Chase?”
“Yes. Have him look at it. Tell him to report his findings directly to me.”