     "The results indicate nearly identical make up to the organisms on file. The analysis of the matter and energies in this new formation are identical to those on file from the old formation," OM stated.
    "I suppose we could refer to both formations, which are now one in the same, as our formation the older and the younger portions," Trent suggested.
    "What about where they mix? What about newly formed matter, energy and gravity in both? Would they not be the same age?" OM asked.
    "I guess the matter requires further thought. Produce a monitor to patrol the shore line at an altitude of five hundred feet and transmit that data back to Loma Dena. We also need a hyper acceleration for communications from this point," Trent replied.
    "I require more titanium, lithium, plutonium, carbon and some nickel. What name should we apply to this planet?" OM stated.
    "Let the students on Loma Dena chose, and initiate the scan," Trent ordered.
    The scan indicated two other hominid species, each slightly more advanced then the first. Trent swooped in with Ship and got some great pictures of some very surprised hominoids. From there it was back into space.
    "That is a very bright blue," Trent thought, referring to a nebula that stood out with spectacular brilliance.
    "It is a ruminate of a recent nova, perhaps only a year old," OM said.
    "Ship, to the nebula please," Trent said.
    "Underway," replied Ship.
    "I am detection concentrations of sodium, potassium, hydrogen and cobalt," OM stated.
    "Life signs?" Trent asked.
    "Not from the nebula, but toward the bottom there is several transmissions. One is close to universal the other is not. However, the nebula is expanding at a rate of twenty-three thousand miles per second, so they have already been over taken. There is one that should be unaffected upon our arrival, and is definitely close enough to have been watching the approach of the expansion from the beginning," stated OM.
    "Ship, adjust course to the afore stated planet please," Trent said.
    "A direct path is not feasible, too many obstructions. There are however two alternative routes. One will take two days and the other an hour or so longer," Ship replied.
    "Your choice," thought Trent.
    "Thank you, and underway," answered Ship.
    As they drew closer to the planet the view of the boiling blue nebula was breath taking.
    "How long until the nebula overtakes this one?" Trent asked.
    "Approximately seven thousand three hundred years. However, the radiation wave in front of the nebula will make it uninhabitable in around two hundred years," OM answered.
    "What is their stage of development?" Trent asked.
    "They call their planet Aumsima. They have nineteen satellites in orbit. They have a population of four billion two hundred million. They have more than a hundred ruling powers, some are democratic. Their gravity is two thirds than Loma Dena's. There are cults devoted to the gods of the nebula. Their science community is not aware of the nebula's lethal attributes. And if they did, there is nowhere for them to go. There are no planets within scanning range that could support their life forms," OM stated.
    Trent brought Ship to a stop far beyond a point where they could be detected.
    "We could save a few of them. But how to choose, or should we?" Trent thought staring at the approaching nebula.
    "This is a rather young space. There is a lot of turbulence and debris. Transport will need to be slow do to their fragility. In fact, even if there were an acceptable planet within my present scanning range it could take tens of thousands of years to make one transport if we used the freighter," OM thought.
    Trent watched the planet for a minute then ordered Ship into the nebula.
"Seems odd that something so profoundly beautiful can be so profoundly deadly," Trent thought as they passed through the dazzling blue cloud like formations of the nebula.
    "Most of the radiation levels are fluctuating, except for the bata waves," OM stated.
    "Is that the debris from the first two planets?" Trent asked.
    "Yes," OM replied.
    "Ship, I am taking manual control," Trent said.
    "Complying," Ship acknowledged.
    Trent dodged debris to make his way to the surface of the first planet. The cities were in rubble. The thin atmosphere was acidic. The river beds, lakes and seas were dry.
    "Can you estimate how many beings lived here?" Trent asked.
    "From what is left I would say three billion or so," OM answered.
    After a thorough Trent then made his way to the second planet. It had suffered far more damage.
    "So, this is the fate of Aumsima," Trent thought looking at the devastation showing through a dim almost heavy dark blue lumination.
    "Not quite so traumatic, but essentially the same end," stated OM.
    "Do you have all the data from this event?" asked Trent.
    "Yes. We are the first to explore this close and soon to this type of phenomenon, but there has been a great deal of analyses of similar events during later stages of activity." said OM.
    "Ship, ten degrees to the right if you will. Make the best velocity you can," Trent thought.
    "Underway," replied Ship.
    "To the right there is a planet showing signs of carbon fueling, oxygen and carbon dioxide balance and no electronic transmissions," OM thought.
    "Sounds interesting. Maybe the beginning of an industrial age civilization. Ship, if you would please," Trent thought.
    "Underway," Ship answered.
    Upon arrival they found a planet a few hundred years from electronic communications. Most of the centers of population were in various stages of turmoil, disease was rampant and literacy was poor.
    "Can you get close enough to get a picture of one?" Trent asked.
    "There are several at a dwelling far from any other beings. Ship could hover just over the top of the trees. From there I can get very good pictures and other data," OM thought.
    "Looks to be simple and pleasant way of life." Trent thought looking at the small farm.
    "If it was not for the short life span, painful aliments of numerous origins, the occasional passersby that would kill you for whatever you have or the tyrant who would take whatever he wanted as a tax," OM reminded Trent.