CHAPTER 1 - The Mass Near the Star
Marduk stood beside the scientist comparing the star’s latest measurements with earlier records. The main screen displayed data on the star’s structure, while the image beside it showed the movement of surrounding matter. The research ship had been in this system for a long time. The teams had completed their observation periods and opened records from different dates to make the remaining comparisons.
“This part is complete, too,” the scientist said. After checking the results, the scientist added them to the files for transmission. “We can send the long-term changes along with the latest observations.”
Marduk reviewed the transmission list. The star’s structure, the movement of surrounding matter, and changes identified in the system over time were organized under separate headings. They were preparing the final portion of the data they regularly transmitted to the Federation’s science centers. Most of the work was finished, but the observation instruments continued taking measurements.
The researcher at the adjacent console enlarged a record. Selecting a region far from the star, the researcher checked the measurement time, then opened the previous image of the same area.
“Marduk, there’s an increase in density here,” the researcher said.
Marduk moved closer. The researcher brought the selected region onto the screen and marked the area where matter appeared denser than its surroundings.
“Just one measurement?” Marduk asked.
“For now. The observation system detected it in the latest scan.”
Marduk examined the area covered by the image. They sometimes encountered concentrations like this as matter moved through space. The increase in the first record alone was not enough to redirect their work.
“Measure the same region again,” he said. “Keep the results separate. Let’s compare them with the first record.”
The researcher started a new measurement. The other scientist closed the star’s file and brought the adjacent console’s data onto another screen. When the first result arrived, they placed the two records side by side. The concentration was continuing. They waited for the next measurement and added it to the comparison.
“There’s no decrease,” the researcher said.
Marduk checked the intervals between measurements. After confirming they covered the same region, he examined the values again.
“The increase is continuing,” the scientist beside him said. “There’s more matter than in the first record.”
They took several more measurements. Density rose slightly with each new record. As the researcher opened the results in sequence, Marduk approached the edge of the table. The latest images alone would not tell them whether this was a temporary accumulation.
“Bring up the older records for this area,” he said.
The scientist found earlier observations of the same region in the archive. The images were arranged by date, with their coverage matched. In the first record, matter was spread over a wide area. Later observations showed that distribution changing. As the researcher switched between images, it became clear that matter had begun moving toward a particular point.
Marduk asked for the latest record. He compared the area of scattered matter with the center of the concentration, then had the first image reopened. For a while, he silently examined the difference between the initial wide distribution and the mass before them.
“Scan the entire region again,” he said.
The crew redirected the observation systems from the star to the concentration. The researcher expanded the scan boundaries. The scientist alongside prepared a work screen to compare the new data with the old records.
As measurements arrived, they began examining the mass’s structure in greater detail. First they tracked matter moving toward the center. Then they overlaid records from different times to compare changes within the mass itself.
“It isn’t just collecting matter from the surroundings,” the scientist said.
Marduk looked at the selected image.
“Show me the change,” he said.
The scientist opened the area identified in the earlier measurement and overlaid the new record. The researcher brought up density values for the same interval. Together they checked the results.
“The mass is collapsing inward,” the scientist said. “Its density is rising as it does.”
Marduk asked them to begin the calculations. The teams divided the tasks. One group studied the mass’s movement while others calculated its density and its effect on surrounding space. They transferred their results to the shared screen. Each team showed the measurements it had used and compared its conclusions with the others.
When the first calculation was complete, Marduk did not immediately order transmission. He waited for the next measurement to be included. The scientists processed the new values and checked the difference from the previous result. Successive calculations led to the same conclusion.
“If the collapse continues like this, a new black hole will form,” the researcher said.
Marduk returned to the record showing the mass’s movement. After checking the supporting measurements once more, he looked at the officer at the transmission console.
“Send it to Federation headquarters,” he said. “Include the earlier records and comparisons.”
The teams continued calculating while the officer transmitted the files. The Federation had studied black holes for a long time. It held extensive records of black holes in different regions, their movements, and their effects on surrounding space. The scientists used these for comparison. But the mass they were studying had not yet become a black hole.
Marduk closed the list of transmitted files and left the ongoing measurements on the main screen. Each new record of the collapse was added to the observation sequence. The teams continued working while awaiting headquarters’ decision.
The reply arrived soon. Marduk opened it, read the decision, and turned to the scientists.
“We’re continuing the work here,” he said. “Transfer the research on the star to the other systems. Assign the main observation instruments to this mass.”
The crew began the transfer. Open star-research files went to the relevant systems. The ship’s main observation instruments were directed toward the concentrating mass, and preparations began for additional observation systems to be sent to the region.
Marduk remained at the newly arranged observation screen. The scientists recorded measurements, placing each in the same chronological sequence. The mass was slowly but steadily collapsing inward. This time, the Federation would not begin by examining an already formed black hole. With the records before them, they would observe its birth from the beginning.
