Day 2: Light

We have some hope now of surviving our expedition. While we slept, there was a shift in the meteorologic conditions, resulting in significant precipitation. It appears that this might be a cyclical pattern: thickening atmosphere, to the point of suffocation, followed by precipitation which clears the air sufficiently to allow light to permeate the upper levels. The conditions outside appear to have improved to the point that we would be able to move around, were it not for our exit hatch still being buried in the more noxious substance still surrounding the lower level of our craft.

Our atmospheric analysis has shifted slightly, as well. Our new samples, although nearly as offensively odoriferous as earlier, contain increased levels of oxygen, and even hints of chlorophyll. What concerns us, though, is the continued low frequency vibrations that appear on our instruments. Some of them are in fact detectable without instruments, feeling like a minor quake. Others are clearly audible. The nearest cuneiform equivalent would be something like - we know this sounds ludicrous, but - something like: "Moooooooo." The quake-like vibrations have come frighteningly close to our craft, while the sound waves seem to be farther away. We have activated our deflector, and our holocover, so that we appear to be nothing more than a chunk of their native igneous matter.

Again, the advance team has a lot to answer for.

We pledge our all to the almighty galactic empire of Gravnek Prime, and to her wise and benevolent leader! May we live to die in her glorious service!