KHORAT’S ON FIRE

Obviously, in space, there is no such thing as scent, but something definitely smells fishy. Intense and conflicting reports are coming from Khorat, a beautiful planet with really extraordinary wildlife, found only a short time ago by brave earthlings. They thought they’d discovered paradise. Unfortunately, they were mistaken. We receive messages about multiple fire-fights on the planetary surface and no one seems to be able to tell what exactly is going on there.

We tried to reach the space police for comment but to no avail. Private security companies working in the region also turned out to be of no help. Some say that the planet has been used as a special polygon by secret services of the United Earth Government. Others mention space pirates and smugglers or even aliens — previously there were some strange sightings observed in the Khorat sector of the Galaxy. Adding to the confusion, Borg Johnson, a famous astroarchaeologist, just hours ago left his laboratory module on Steinwald and headed for Khorat on the UEG spaceship.

What is happening on the golden beaches of Khorat, in its humid jungles? What is that giant white sphere on its surface? Is it really some oversized artifact of an extraterrestrial civilization? And if it is, does this mean that right now humans on Khorat are being attacked by its creators, vicious aliens of unknown origins? Are we on the verge of the first galactic conflict or has it already started? Are we at war with something that can wipe us out — just as all those old science fiction writers feared?

I think people deserve answers from the United Earth Government, from the police and from Borg Johnson. We have the right to know.