The preparations for the major celebration of the Empress' jubilee are in full swing, and Gottin's lamp in being decoration just like the rest of the station, as we are at the same time working hard to achieve the Blessed Exchange - completion seems within reach, given a final push.
Meanwhile, the geologists drilling down on the lava planet of Gammel XI are sending me an update. They have made great progress with the equipment that I have provided, and named a geological layer after me to thank me - the Savnar Layer.
It is in a layer that seems to be rich in organic materials, perhaps close to the original surface that had vegetation at the time of the cataclysm. It also contains black pyrite, a form of "fool's gold" not to be mistaken with the astrogeological pyerite mined by capsuleers. The geologists say the pyrite must have formed as the burned vegetation was pressed down into coal, creating an environment rich also in iron and sulphur. From its presence they surmise that the temperature cooled down rather quick (perhaps a couple of centuries) after the cataclysm, and indeed the layers deeper down appear colder. That is highly unusual.
I am not sure I should be happy to be associated with fool's gold. But on the other hand, these crystals also served as a touchstone, used by merchants before there were accurate balances. The precious metal content of a coin can be checked by rubbing it on the touchstone where it leaves a line that has a distinct color depending on the fineness of the alloy in the coin.
Their kindness comes with a request - they need new thermal hardeners, if possible tech-2 ones. The drill has hit a sort of cavern, but it has been damaged. When they brought it back up, it looked like it was cut off clean by whatever was present.
