With the long-range systems affected, the survey team will have no access to Alpha's resources; all necessary equipment must be brought with them. As the power loss climbs to thirteen percent, Eagle One departs. Computer's additions to the team are aerospace engineer Luke Ferro and research supervisor Anna Davis. An expert photographer, the Italian extrovert playfully snaps pictures of Anna as he tries to chat her up. Not interested, the prim English girl tries to ignore him. Later, she is embarrassed when she wakes from a nap with her head resting on his shoulder. After a fifteen-hour flight, Eagle One arrives at the planet. The preliminary data shows this world was devastated by a nuclear holocaust sometime in the distant past. A low-altitude reconnaissance reveals no sign of life on the barren and inhospitable surface. Though discouraged, Koenig and company touch down and make camp. Keenly aware their very survival depends on any answers found, the Alphans then set off in teams of two across the desolate landscape. While taking photo-scans of charred, leafless trees, Ferro experiences a growing trepidation—as if they were trespassing on sacred ground. Anna has gathered some petrified leaf remnants; as she consults a botanical text, her excitement is seen to grow with each sample she examines. Bergman and Helena's assessment of the environment is encouraging; the radiation levels are tolerable and the soil can be rejuvenated by introducing the proper bacteria and fungi. Returning to camp, they come across a narrow cave opening. The interior is oppressively silent but, as it may contain answers to their dilemma, they enter. The two are shocked when their hand-torches illuminate a grisly tableau—a rough wooden table and benches occupied by a party of skeletons. As the others assemble in the "de facto" crypt, Bergman makes another discovery. Text inscribed on the rock wall resembles Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-European root language. Helena recalls that polymath Anna is a trained philologist. On arrival, Anna instantly forgets her undisclosed botanical discovery as she, too, recognises the text as Sanskrit—but a different, perhaps earlier form. As she begins the herculean task of translating the passage without access to the reference library, Ferro is drawn to a skull at the head of the table. He stares into the empty eye sockets as if mesmerised. Forensic analysis of the skeletons shows these beings were virtually human, dying 25,000 years ago from radiation poisoning.