The real photos of the planet are mostly what you'd expect a potential life-supporting planet to be: mostly dry, with a few oases scattered around. Bar a few places.
      What's incredible is that we actually have them. For centuries, even millennia, humankind has looked to the stars and wondered about what's out there. And now we know. Well, we know about one planet outside of our solar system. But it's a start.
My favourite picture is the one of a civilization. A city, more advanced than anything possible on Earth, straddles a canyon deeper than the Mariana Trench. No visible people, humanoid or otherwise, but so many colours. So many colours, so many buildings, as if it was a painting, not a picture.
I keep coming back to the fact that I can't spot any people. Granted, they definitely don't look anything like humans, but still. I don't think they'd be edited out, either. So where are they?

      Later, I receive an email from no one other than the Head. I've been asked to attend a meeting. Could they know about my hacking? Of course, I accept. There was nothing else I could do.

~~~

I might have found cloudryebird—Cat. Canadian, a Skylar Riley Robinsen. Living in Vancouver, public junior high school. Ninth grade, but for some reason I can't get his or her gender. Okay grades in most subjects, no visible record of aberrations. Bit of a computer nerd, probably. Which would make a lot of sense.
      I can't take this to my father until I'm sure. The school's website has various emails on their page, and I send an official off to the head, telling him about my suspicion without actually accusing Skylar. I've asked him to arrange a way for me to talk to Skylar and confirm or deny.
      One job down. One to go. Pulling up my previously disregarded email, I settle back in to the rhythm of writing.

      Through the Headmaster, I arrange a meeting with Skylar for later next week. I'll get something out of him — or her.