His decision to destroy the mine and surface of the planet to get rid of its invaders had been risky, and he began to think that the damage went deeper than the planet's surface. They'd never know for certain, however, until they were able to enter the mines and assess the layers beyond Anshan's outer crust.
"What is their assessment of the potential loss of life, if we start mining now?" he asked.
"There are too many unknown factors," the warrior reported. "We will have to drill new mines without knowing if the ground itself has become contaminated like the air."
A'Ran considered the words. His attention went once more to the planet projection spinning on the conference room table. While pleased with the mines' activity, he had hoped not to place more of his soul-weary people in danger. It was not an easy choice, but it was for the greater good, like every decision he'd made the past fifteen sun-cycles.
"Start drilling immediately," he said with some reluctance. "Convert any of our battleships needed to support the mining. I will contact Qatwal about the atmospheric filters." He would have to tell Kiera she was right about melting a ship or two.
The warrior bowed and strode from the conference room into the hallway. A'Ran was still for a moment, thoughtful. He didn't like the idea of contacting his former ally-turned-enemy, but there was no real choice. They needed the filters to save what miners they could during the dangerous process of trying to extract ore in a toxic environment.
He touched the panel on the planning table. A projection of Mansr's face replaced the planet on the communications viewer.
"We will need Jetr," A'Ran said, referring to his only remaining ally on the Planetary Council governing the Five Galaxies. "I need the filters immediately, and Qatwal will not be likely to respond to me."
"I will contact him upon our return," Mansr said. "We are leaving Anshan now. I am headed back to discuss a matter with you, if you are available?"
A'Ran nodded and tapped the viewer channel closed. The planet returned, and he paced around it. After years of leading battles, he didn't know as much about the planet's mining operations as he thought he should. Mansr had always stayed behind to govern, while A'Ran negotiated with the Council and fought off the Yirkin invaders that took over Anshan.
His thoughts turned to what nishani had told him about the man who impregnated one of his sisters. A miner by trade, Ketnan should know more than the basics about the potential for operations in a toxic dust storm.