A barrier

 Despite an increased Triglavian presence currently in Gammel, I have arrived safely at the research station on the lava planet Gammel XI. They do not seem very preoccupied with the planet, and indeed their former interest in what happened here seems to date from the Triglavian war, according to my hosts. Who, as before, have given me a warm welcome.

Rather than students presenting their projects, the discussions have immediately been on the difficulties that they have encountered. They are convinced that the drill hit something non-geological - meaning artificial. It cannot penetrate the barrier. They will take me to see it tomorrow morning, the shaft down there is narrow but still wide enough to be lowered into.

I very much dislike small spaces.