Shades of Earth by Beth Revis Page A

doesn’t want to do this in front of me. I let one eyebrow twitch up as I stare him down. He turns back to the computer and quickly enters the code.
    The screen comes alive as I step forward to get a better look. Amy’s father reluctantly moves aside to make room for me. For several minutes, all the screen shows is a twirling globe and a blinking bar labeled PROCESSING . . . SIGNAL RECEIVED . . . PROCESSING. Then the screen flickers, and the globe opens up, revealing an image of a satellite. INCOMING COMMUNICATION flits across the screen.
    Colonel Martin flashes a triumphant look in my direction, but I’m focused on the screen. Is it really that easy? A ten-digit code and suddenly we’re talking with Sol-Earth as if there weren’t light-years between us?
    A voice fills the air, and typed words on the screen transcribe the message. My breath catches in my throat. We haven’t had com from Sol-Earth for gens. And yet . . . here’s a voice, traveling across the universe just to speak to us.
    And all we ever needed to make this happen was a frexing military authorization code.
    Â 
    Congratulations, Godspeed! You have safely arrived at your final destination, the planet circling the binary Centauri system.
    Â 
    The deep voice speaks in a slow monotone, but I’m still grateful for the transcribed words scrolling across the screen.
    We know your journey’s been long, but we are excited to inform you that the probes sent prior to the ship’s landing have indicated not only a habitable world, but profitable environmental resources as well! As such, we’ve been busy on Earth, trying to find a suitable way to aid in the growth and development of the colony you are starting.
    Â 
    They want to aid the colony? Why didn’t they care about aiding the
ship
? When we lost com all those years ago, why didn’t Sol-Earth work to re-establish communication? I know I should feel wonder at this new com link that’s opened up, but truthfully, all I feel is rage. They could have helped us land. They could have helped us
before
we landed. Why did they abandon us, stranding us in the stars, waiting for us to land on our own?
    Â 
    In the time since the interstellar ark ship, Godspeed, departed Earth, we’ve continued with advancements in long-term space travel. A remote space station is already set in orbit around the planet you are currently occupying, which will aid in quicker satellite communication between the planets. Additionally, your first task is to locate one of the probes sent from the ship—the probes are equipped with advanced technology and will aid in our communication.
    Â 
    Colonel Martin’s entire attention is focused on the screen, but I just wish the speaker would be quiet long enough that we can ask some questions.
    Â 
    At the time of your landing, a signal was relayed directly to the Financial Resource Exchange. Rest assured that even now, the FRX is preparing a shuttle filled with aid and supplies for your colony. Advanced technology means that this shuttle should reach your location very soon.
    Â 
    I gape at the computer screen. Soon? What does that mean? It took three centuries for
Godspeed
to reach the planet.
    I glance at Colonel Martin. His hands twitch near the controls. He’s torn—do we interrupt and ask for clarification or wait for the end of the speech?
    The voice turns grave as it continues.
    Â 
    Additionally, it’s essential that we inform you of what dangers exist on the planet. First we would like to remind you that both the escape shuttle and Godspeed proper are equipped with lock-down capabilities, and should the need arise, do not hesitate to seal yourselves inside until our aid reaches you.
    Â 
    Static interrupts the message momentarily. Colonel Martin scans the controls but isn’t sure what to touch.
    Â 
    It is essential that you resume communication with us via the probe as soon as