NationStates Jolt Archive

Captain Victor Elmquest’s office served as an example of Pax Pacis technological achievement. It held more amenities and had more service built into then that of most heads of state, and those dignitaries that had visited his office had all been nothing sort of impressed. However, for Victor himself, he preferred the more simple things that the room had to offer. Things such as his fish tank who’ blue light now cast an ominous shadow over the room, or the breath taking view he had of the station. A view that he was now taking in.

“It is never easy to loss someone under your command.” stated Victor from the window. “As their commander you ask your self how you could have done things different. What piece of information that you might have missed. Anything that you could have done to change the way that things ended.”

He was speaking the only other person in the room, a woman that he only knew as Samantha. It was clear from the first time that he had met here that the two where on two different paths in life, but it the events of the past few days had seen those paths become crossed together. Victor knew very little about the woman sitting at his desk but there was something about her that caused him to trust her.

“Do you believe in fate Captain?” asked Samantha. She didn’t turn to face him, she just sat in her chair facing Victor’s desk, it was as is if she didn’t want to face that man that she now called friend.

“I don’t like to think that we don’t have a choice in what we do. That everything is planned out for us.” Victors voice was cold and detached; he never turned his gaze away from the window. “But I am starting the realize that think or want and how the universe actually works are two different things. I now know that it was you that rescued me from that fire, it was you that choose me over her. I don’t know how or why you did it, just that you did. You knew this was going to happen; yet you did nothing to prevent it. I hate you for those choices that you made, every moment of my life, nothing will change that.”

Silence fell over of the room as neither of them knew what to say to the other. Finally Samantha rose to her feet, and made her way over to where Victor was standing. “I don’t expect you to understand the reason why I did what I did, I don’t even expect you to trust me. But know that we all are free to make our own choices in life, and I have made mine.” Said Samantha as she joined Victor in staring out the window. “However, we both know that there is a storm brewing on the horizon. And when the time comes I know that you will make your own choice, even if that decision will damn you.”

Victor let out a brief sigh, for the first time in his life his face looked old then what it actually was. “My Father had a saying, he said that to know the future was to become trapped by it, I never understood what he was saying until now.”

Three Days Earlier

There was a crackle of energy as a lone vessel slipped back into normal space. Just from a quick glance one could see that this was not a normal ship. It hull was painted jet black making it simply hard to see with the naked eye.aslo the were no identification maker on the hull, nothing that would determine the country of origin for the vessel. It weapons system were cleverly hidden with the ship hull. Everything about this ship scream spec ops.

Pax Pacis Nav center was a flurry of activity, it was here that the stations controllers directed the endless amount of traffic in and out the station, and as the last staging point between Tappee’s two allies it was never a slow day. The station commanding officer, Victor Elmquest been called down what the crew had dubbed the ‘pit’.

“What going on?” he casually remarked as he made his way in.

“Captain we have a priory 9 message come in for your eyes only.” Quickly answered one of the controllers.

A confused look quickly fell over Victor face “Really? Transfer the message directly to my data pad.” He paused for a moment as he waited for the information to be uploaded to him. Reading the message he allowed his thoughts to drift for a moment.

“I want you to clear all traffic out of lanes 3 thought 7 until further notice.” he commander after a moment. “I also want shuttle bay 8 cleared of all civilian personal. Have both lieutenant Huchsen, and Commander Istamta meet me there in ASAP.

All theat stood between and Victor and the cold grasp of space was an invisible force feild. Victor had been first of the three to arrive, but he had been soon joined by the stations chief of security Jason Huchsen.

“What this about?” casually remaked Jason as he joined Victor side. Jason had served his current position since launch almost three years ago. At 33 he maintain a solid athletic frame, with firy red hair that almost watched his famous temper, he was only but a handful of people the Victor had come to trust. He took his job more serious then most and never really like being kept in the dark, for someone in his position it usually meant trouble.

Taking a moment Victor straighten his uniform, it was more of a nervous habbit then anything else, there was something about maintaining a good appearence that he found help calm his nerves. “I am not truely sure what is going on.” he answered once he was sure that his uniform was know in order. “I was hoping that Istmata could shed a little light on the subject.

“Were is Wonder Woman?” Jason was infact referring to Istmata the station Fist X repsentative, it was the nick name that he had given her years ago, a name that he was sure that she hated. It was never a good idea to push the temper of a member of the First X.

As the Tappee's ruling body, and its most clandestine organization, its members had full authority to any thing that they pleased.

“I am not really...” Victors words were cut short as the space began it entry in the bay.

With both grace and eligance the spacecraft's pilot maneuvered it into place. Within seconds the craft setting down the external bay door slide closed. There was a hiss of air as the force feild dropped and air was sucked into the vacuum and the warning light switched off.

From the look of the ship it was clear to them that this was one of the First X's ship, and if that was the case things around the station were going to get much more interesting.

No sooner had the ship touched down, when Carlson and he team had assemble in the air lock, in his line of work time was everything.

As a man in his late fifties he hide his age well, his face was hidden behind a full beard that still had the colour of his youth. He carried a solid frame that made him more then look a touch threatening, something that he was. In his career, he had gained a reputation of getting the job done, not matter how unpleasent it might have been.

There was a breif hiss of air as the seal on the air lock broke and the lowered down to the plateform. Carlson could see the Captain Elmquest and the ship cheif of security had gathered to meet them. He had never met the two but reconized them from his security breifing, he never everything that there was not know about the station and more.

Quickly he went down to met the two, while the rest of the team rushed passed them going about their assinged business. “Hello Captain, I am Carlson Tanso.” Carlson negected to shake Captain Elmquest hand, Carlson honestly felt that his position put him well above that on the Captain and did not feel the need to give him that level of respect. “I want you to suspend all traffic in sector two, and allow my team and I full access to the planet bellow.”

“Ok” answered Captain Elmquest quickly confused, as far as he knew the planet that the station orbited we complete devoid of both life and anything of value. “Very well, I well have my Nav team keep the area clear. However Commander Ismata did not inform us of your arrival.”

“She didn't know.” shot Carlson. “I am afraid that I can not give you any more information then I have already given you, I just need you to give us your full cooperartion on this matter Captain.”

Victor gave a slight nod, “With out question, I do believe that Commader Ismata should be here shortly.”

“Very well Captain, I shall ask you leave now.

Taking a small sip of his tea Victor sat back in his chair allowing himself to fall deep in though, this matter with the First X had him concerned. If history had taught him anything, it was that were agents of the First X were, trouble soon followed. However, he had no idea what they were suddenly interested in the planet below, it had been thourghly explored before the stations creation, so why the sudden interest. To make maters more complicated the King Calnuxia was coming to visit the station tomorrow.


“I've seen that look on your face before.” The voice snapped Victor from his thoughts back to reality. Glancing up his was greeted by a warm smile.

Victor was suprised to see the stations cheif engineer standind there her name was Ella Friwiski. Not only was she the stations cheif engineer, she had also been the one who had designed it, there was no other person that knew the station better then her. Despite her age she was nothing sort of genuis. Ella was a bubbly young woman who always seemed to cheer up the room when she entered. She had even some how even managed to bring a breif smile the Captains face before it quickly disappeared. With out an inventation she took the open seat across from the Captain.

“I want you to do a full station scan.” Victor did feel like making small talk decided to jump straight to business.

Ella's smile never faded “Already done. I've spoken to Jason he has already filled me in, I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I am on top of it. You looked worried.”

Victor was caught be suprise, he did not think that he wore his emotion on his sleeve. “Yeah, I can't shake the feeling that his is going to led to some bad.” he paused to glance over at her. “And given this station history I have every right to be worried.”

Approaching the office Carlson found the door to be left wide open almost inviting him to enter. However, years of service made sure that it was first safe to do so. He could see Agent Istmata sitting at her desk, her attention fixed to what paperwork that she was doing.

“It was very unbecoming of agent not to meet us when we arrived.” Said Carlson as he entered the office. The office was perfect, not a single item out of order, everything had been meticulously placed and maintained. Every picture in the room told a story, the personal items, were perfect, but it was all nothing more then a clever hoax. Everything here was designed to guide one impression in one-way or another. All of the pictures in the room were fake, computer generated. Every item served another more sinister purpose; this was the way of the First X.

“So is coming unannounced” snapped Istmata ending the silence between the two. Her gaze never shifted from her work.

“Our mission is classified.” Answered Carlson holding his ground.

“Not from me.” she retorted. Her gaze finally lifted until it met his, she peered out at him for a moment from behind her glasses. “As this sector senior agent I am to be informed of all operation in this sector, no exceptions.”

Carlson just returned her glare “Sorry, you don’t get to play this time, the order comes directly from the deputy director herself.”

“On what grounds.” Istmata already knew the answer to her own question but wanted to her it from Carlson.

“Given the station history, we have reason to believe the there is a security leak so where within the station, given the nature of the mission we can not risk compromising it.” Stated Carlson.

“I see.” said Istmata containing her emotions. There was little doubt in her mind that there was a security issue in regards to this station, but she had her own suspicions as to what that leak might be. “So what is the cover for this then? Because I will need to tell Elmquest something.”

“Tell him whatever you want” snarled Carlson back “ That is you job, just keep him and his people out of my way.”

“Very well” nodded Istmata. “Now if you will excuse I have other more important matters to attend to then to baby sit you and your team while they go site seeing.”

Carlson face turned red with anger as he spun on his heel and left the office.

Junction station was a ten level complex served as the main hub of Grathmoras’ commuter network. As Tappee’s capital it was home to nearly 300 million soul, and with an average on two million people passing through the station each day, it could easily be argued that this was of the most busy locations in the city

Sitting alone on a bench Abigail simply watch the crowd of people move around her as if she not even there. As the deputy director of the First X Abigail was without question the second most person in the nation, but only a handful of people would recognize her, something that she wanted to change.

With so many people moving about, the noise that they left in their wake made it extremely difficult some one to listen in on clandestine conversation. For some time she sat there waiting patiently, but as the time grew longer she became more and more annoyed.

Final someone took sat on the bench behind her, he had his back to her, but she could tell in the way that he carried himself that this was the man.

“Why did you order the team to Pax Pacis?” he asked after taking his seat. His voice was callous.

“In a number of archeological sites there was reference to that location. At every location it spoke of a powerful weapon that was used by the Gods. I figured it would be best for my plans to look in to it. If it turns out to be true, it could be what I have been looking for to help turn the tide.” It was a bold move, Abigail knew that, but she honestly felt that it was worth the risk.

“You stupid whore” snapped the man quickly. “You should know your role. I told you to leave such matters to us. You have put everything that we have worked for in danger. I should have never allow a peon such as yourself so much freedom.”

His words cut her deep, she was unaccustomed to such insults. She spun to fire back her own insults only to the bench behind her empty.

Jason found himself in the lower decks of the station, the air was a bit different here, it had a different smell and seemed a bit staler. It didn’t surprise him though, most of the station systems were down here and it was off limits to the general population. As such it lacked the normal amenities that were typically found in the rest of the station, like space. For Jason who was not accustom to being down there, it seemed like an endless labyrinth of cramped corridors. Finally after what to him was an eternity he turned the corner to found the one person on the station that he was looking.

“What can I do for you Jason?” yelled Ella out while working inside a small crawl space as Jason drew near.

He was surprise that she was able to hear anything over all this noise, little alone his footsteps she knew it was him without ever turning from her work. “How did you…”

“You walk heavier then most.” She said interrupting him “a pack of wild animal would more quiet then you.” She turned to give him a brief smile before returning back to her work.

“Oh” he stuttered back. Jason had always thought that he was rather stealthy. His mind started to drift for a moment before he snapped it back to what he had actually came here for. “Hey Ella when you have a moment I need to run some diagnostics of some the stations security systems, with every thing that has been going on I just want to make sure that every thing is order, you should something happen.”

“Already done” said Ella never turning from her work.

“But you have no idea what systems that I need checked.”

“I have already check that primary, and secondary weapon systems, the station intruder suppression protocol, all of the emergency response system, civilian and military comm. systems, primary secondary and emergency power system, all command system, as well as the flight system.” Ella paused for a moment as she tried to think of any others. “oh yes, the fire suppression system, and I have had my team do a full sweep of the station on the look out for any explosives. Don’t worry, it has all be taken care of.”

Once again he was surprise, she had even check over a few items that he didn’t think of. “Good I’m glad” he said trying to take on a bit more serious tone. “I guess that if every thing is done then perhaps…”

“Afraid not.” shot Ella interrupting him again. This time she turned to face him. “I will not go out with you to dinner.”

“Why not, you have nothing more to do, the visit is tomorrow so both us will be stuffed into our dress uniforms all day so why don’t we take the chance now to relax?”

“Sorry Jason, I would hate to see you get hurt.”

“I can take it” he was right on the line between just asking and pleading.

Ella expression changed becoming a bit more somber, “I’m sorry. Now if you will excuse me there is more work for me to do.”

Victor sat alone in the corner of shop with only his thoughts and his work to keep him company. He had purposely selected this table as he currently felt the need to be segregated from everyone else, he needed time to get his thoughts together. It had once been said that military officers we control freaks, they never liked it when things were outside their level of involvement, and Victory currently felt out of the loop. He was not sure if that annoyed him, or worried him.

“May I join you Captain?” asked a voice.

He didn’t even need to look up to know who it was, but did any ways out nothing more then respect. His eyes locked with a beautiful young woman. Her green eyes sparkled even in the dim light; her dark hair was held back a neat ponytail hidden behind her hair. She had a gentle voice that seemed to calm him. However, there was no smile, no expression, she was here for business and that alone.

“Samantha, it is pleasure, of course you are always welcome to join me.” Ever since Victor came this station Samantha had a source of clandestine information, but only giving a small piece of the puzzle, enough to give him a gentle push in the right direction. Since the arrival of the First X he had been sure that she would show up to give him sage like advise.

Samantha took a seat across from Victor and placed her own cup of tea on the table, she gave him a brief forced smile as sat. “I understand that you are currently playing host to a most despicable group of characters”

In truth he was not surprised that Samantha knew about the First X, she always seemed to one step ahead of everyone else, even them “Yes, they arrived early this morning” said Victor as he took a sip of his tea. “You wouldn’t happen to know what they want would you?”

“Be careful of the questions that you ask Victor, sometimes that answers are not as they seem” she warned

“I am responsible for the lives of every person on this station.” Said Victor as moved a bit closer making sure that no else could over hear their conversation. “If there something going here that would put them at risk I need to know. Now you always feel that I am being left out of what club is going here. But you seem to be in the know, I need to know what you do, so that I can make sure these people that you see around here are safe.”

For a moment Samantha seemed to be taken a bit aback, for as long she had know Victor she had never know him to so abrupt. “Victor, things are never that simple, you know that better then anyone else.” She was picking her words carefully. “You and this station are part of a much larger puzzle, the things that go on here are never just random events, they all have much more different purpose.”

“What do you mean?” Victor asked intrigued.

“Ok well…” answered Samantha as she was trying to gather her thoughts. “Why do you think that King of Calnuxia is coming to visit the station?”

“Our government has been placing more pressure on them to become more involved with Caves military operation, then they are thing sending a number of Officer as put of training program.” It seemed to him to be nothing more then that.

“That does not strike you as a little bit odd?” commented Samantha changing the expression on her face.

“Well not really” said Victor, but her words caused him to pause and think about it for a moment. Cave was a defensive alliance designed to protect that core of the Cave star system, while Pax Pacis was designed to a platform to increase relations with other nations and as the last staging point between Tappee and it two greatest allies of Clairmont and Steel Butterfly. Pax Pacis served as Tappee military base that operated well outside the boundaries of Cave defensive network. That realization started a domino effect that quickly led from one thought to another.

“He is here for another reason” Samantha could now sense it doubt and began feeding on it. “Like so many things, there is more going here, and every thing here is more then what it seemed.”

With his mind consumed with thought he sat back in his chair as he so desperately tried to connect all the dots. He struggled for a moment but a pattern began to emerge. He had looked at all of the reports that were coming out of the Orion sector, and there was every indication that Tappee might get pulled into another conflict there. However, that was an obvious assumption, and like Samantha had said things were more then they seemed. Then it hit him just out of the blue.

“They want to increase the troop levels here.” He muttered but his comment brought more questions then it answered, he looked over at Samantha “Calnuxia has never had any interest in getting involved with galactic affairs, nor would they be able to provide any real support other then man power. If a second Orion war their presence here would matter.”

“The government is not worried about another Orion war.” Remarked Samantha casually, “They are more concerned about the war in the shadows.”

Suddenly Victor felt his stomach sink, she had used the word ‘war’ in the present tense, not future. “Are you saying that we currently fighting a war right now?” Concern could be heard in his voice.

Samantha slowly leaned in so only Victor could hear her. “That is exactly what I am saying, only in this war we are our own worst enemy, and before the dust settles, Tappee will be ripped into two. However Victor, I have already told you too much, I can only give you the tools. What you do with them is up too you.”

Taking the last sip of her drink Samantha rose from the table and quietly left the store, once again leaving Victor too his thoughts.

Istmata took a moment to make sure that she had a confidential and secure connection before proceeding with her transmission. It was typical for the First to make sure that all communications was properly encrypted so the no one else could listen in.

An image appeared on her monitor, she easily recognized the person on the other side. Istmata found her self talking to Jade Allenson, chair woman for the Tribunal and Director of the First X and without question the most powerful person in the nation.

“Good morning Director” said Istmata noting the time difference between the two.

“Thank You” Jade nodded her slightly “What your report?” a person of Jade’s position never had enough time in the day, as such there never time allowed for small talk.

“Deputy Director Abigail has dispatch a team to the planet below, and they are keeping me out of the loop.” Istmata paused for a moment as she forwarded Jade her written report and all other relevant information. “I can only assume that if she is willing to make such a public move that what is ever down there must be important.”

“I am already aware of Abigail’s move” quickly answered Jade “Our associates have already brought this to my attention, and they have decided to intercede on this mater. They already have people in place”

Despite all her of training Istmata could not keep the look of surprise of her face, there was a lot more going on here then even what she had thought. “Alright, then what is my ROE?”

“You are not to get involved, keep every one away, they have assured me that this will be a clean operation. Besides this is well beyond our scope. There is also another matter that I wanted to speak to you about.” Jade waited as Istmata collected her thoughts. “I have received word that Agent Nixon has been killed, as such we no longer have that any more resources to continue the search for Agent Xavier. I have ordered that the mission be aborted, and Agent Xavier be listed as MIA. I’m sorry, I know that Sigmund and your self were close.”

Gathering any personal feeling that she might have had she hide them deep. “I understand. I will update you as need be.”

Closing the transmission Istmata allowed her self to sit back in her chair, she felt that she had been hit with a tonne of bricks. However, she could not allow herself to lose focus, to do so could mean disaster.

Victory stood alone, leaning on the railing of second level on the stations main promenade. He watched intently as everyone below went about with his or her daily activity. It wasn’t that he was neglecting his duties as station commander, it was that he found his mind pre occupied with Samantha’s comments, and there was something about standing here he found calming and helped clear his head.

In truth Victor had trouble believing her comment about Tappee being stuck in the middle of a civil war, the closest Tappee had ever come to a civil war was the COT conflict, but that ended nearly 20 years ago.

The COT conflict was centered around a small group of extremist called The Children of Tappee that demanded there own independence, but that conflict was quickly resolved when it was discovered that the group was being control by a foreign influence that eventually eliminated. To the best of his knowledge any remaining pockets of the COT had removed by government forces. So Victor could, at least in his mind, could not figure how a civil war would presently exist within Dominion Space.

Finally frustrated and at his wits end Victor decided that at least for the moment to give it rest and turn his attention back to job, he did after all have a lot more pressing matters to deal with before the King of Calnuxia arrived.

As he turned to make his way back to his office he noticed one to station many vendors simply staring out a near by window. Though the mans name escaped him Victor recognized the man, and couldn’t help but notice his look concern, which was a stark contrast to everyone around him.

“Is everything ok” Victor inquired as walked up beside the man. Part of a station commander’s job addressing every concern even that of the local vendors, and really he just simply needed a change in conversation.

Victors comment seemed to catch the man by surprise; he seemed a touch intimidated by Captains presence. “Oh its nothing… I was just looking out all the ships out there, and it seems that there is more then normal. My last supply shipment is running a bit late, and I am just concerned that should all those ship come in, and give their crew any shore time that I would have enough supplies, that will leave normal customer a bit out luck for the time being. It is so competitive here, I don’t think that I can afford to lose any customer”

His concern was a valid one, Victory felt the need to put his mind at ease. “Don’t worry those ships, as you know the King of Calnuxia is arriving here tomorrow to come see the station. Those ship are here as nothing more the a precaution measure, Command does not want to take any chances…”

Suddenly something that Samantha had said to him came back, she had told him that things were not always as they seemed. The force that the vendor was referring too and arrived but a day earlier, and tomorrow the King arrived he would be accompanied by his Honor Guard, along with a Tappee military escort. By time everyone arrived their was be a full battle division surrounding the station, and as far as Victor new they were not expecting any trouble. They would have more firepower then they would ever possibly need. That along with the arrival the First X’s team was a bad combination.

Suddenly Victor became aware of the vendor who looking at him funny, he had stopped mid sentence. “Those ships will not docking with the station, they are scheduled to leave late tomorrow. However, if you excuse me I do need to get back to my office.

Once again he turned his mind racing working the problem from a number of different angles. Perhaps his first thought of a civil war being fought was correct, but that did not mean that the people were very quietly picking their side. If the government knew about it would only make sense that they would have get some allies above and beyond what they currently had, and the Calnuxians would be the perfect fit. Something that this mysterious other side would want to prevent, thus the added security. His mind wondered again, if they were so worried why not have the meeting at a more clandestine location, every in sector knew that the king was coming, they were practically inviting an attack then.

Victor stopped dead in his track at the realization. This was the key that he missing, perhaps the government knew that there was a enemy lurking in the shadows but had no idea of who it was, and that inspection of the station was nothing more then a desperate gamble to draw this unseen foe out into the open and draw the battle lines.

Quickly he pulled his out his comm., “Jason I need you in my Office ASAP.”

AsJason entered Victor office he could tell that something was wrong. One look at Victor could tell that there was something serious on his mind. Second was the setting of the office.

The lights were dimmer then normal, hiding thing within in a shadowy veil. Music could be heard loud enough to drown out any background noise, but quiet enough to hear each other over a short distance. Everything here caused Jason be become concerned himself as he took a seat across from Victor.

“What going on?” Jason made no effort to hide the concern in his voice.

“I am not entirely sure.” Quickly answered Victor “But I am not sure who I can trust.” He was obviously referring to the clandestine nature of their meeting.

“If there is a threat to this station, as chief of Security, I need to know about it.”

Victor went to say something but a voice on the intercom interrupted him. “Captain, Commander Carlson has requested that we clear the shipping lanes around the planet, so that he and his team an begin their decent to the planet.”

It was clear that Victor was annoyed by the sudden intrusion, but had no choice but to respond. “Very well give Commander Carlson what ever he needs” answered Victor as glanced over Jason.

“You are concerned about what they are too?” asked Jason.

“It is more then that Jason.” Victor sat back in his chair. “I want you to increase security for the Kings visit. I would also like to provide me with emergency response procedures for an enemy attacked scenario in which the enemy force is using standard Tappee weapons and tactics.”

Jason was utterly floored by what Victor had asked him, and it took him a moment or two to collect his thoughts. “I just want to clear this up, are you really asking me to do what I think that you are?” he watched as Victor nodded. “Ok I will have everything ready by morning then.”

For a moment Jason cheeks burned for a moment as the after-shave took affect. He had traded his usual scruff for the clean shaved looked, just another thing that he hated about these formal visits, and it had nearly double his normal morning routine. Not mention the fact that he had to some how fit his way into his dress uniform, an item of clothing that he not fit him since his time at the academy. He had always meant to get it tailored but never saw any real need to get it done due the amount that he actually had to wear, but at times like this he wished that he had. After a little bit more work he found that his transformation from soldier to refined gentlemen had be completed.

Taking a moment he took a quick look in the mirror to make sure that everything was in order. Satisfy that he looked the part, Jason began his journey toward the stations main docking bay. The king of Calnuxia was not due to arrive for another 45 minutes, but Victor had requested that the rest on the senior staff meet him there a bit early to hold a quick briefing.

Jason did not need to look down at his watch to know that he was running a late, he always was running late, it was just who was, the guy who was late for everything. However, he decided that it was not to push Victor patience too much today, the Captain seemed to be under a bit more pressure then normal and Jason though it would not to incur his wrath. So as bit of a preventive measure he found himself walking a bit more quickly through the stations corridors until he found himself waiting at lift terminal.

As the doors to the lift slide Jason found Ella’s pleasant waiting for him on the other. She too was wearing her dress uniform, but unlike his, it fit her much better. He noticed that her hair was down today, and even styled. Today she seemed to carry herself with a bit more elegance and beauty then normal.

“Are you going to get on, or are you just going to stand?” she casually remarked.

Her comment seemed to catch him by surprise, he didn’t realize the he had been staring, “Umm… sorry” he muttered back as he stepped on the lift as the door closed behind. “I didn’t get to last night, guess I’m still groggy.”

“Groggy?” jabbed Ella back, her smile had turned to a bit of smirk. “What kept you?”

“Well Commander Carlson and crew went down to the surface last night, so I had to clear all the shipping lanes as they began their decent to the surface, and to was a bit of security nightmare.” Jason glanced over at her, trying to gauge if she had bought his story

She gave him a brief nod before shaking her head. He wasn’t sure if she was flirting him or just making fun it. But there was something about the way she looked today that made her irresistible to him “So I was wondering if …” he said finally going it.”

“No” she quickly shot cutting him off.

“But you don’t even know what I was about ask you” pleaded Jason “for all you know I could have been asking you to take a security system?”

Ella’s body shifted a bit as she turned to face; her shoulder dropped a bit as she placed crossed her arms. “Do honesty expect me to believe that you just ask about repair security systems when you jaw almost hit the floor when the lift doors opened?”

“I ah…” he went to say something, but the door slid opened, they had arrived at the shuttle bay, and he could see the Captain waiting for them just outside the door

“You too are late” snapped the Captain.

“Sorry sir” Jason has been saved, or at least for the moment

Carlson cursed the small narrow corridor that he currently found himself in. Him and his team had arrived in the planet surface just over four hours ago, but where still making the journey towards the dig site, most of which was via a rather narrow network of underground passages. It was during time like this that Carlson wondered how he got to where he is.

Four years ago Deputy Director Abigail had approached him about heading a special project. She told him that she was creating a clandestine division of the First X, and that its primary mission was to conduct archeological research. To say the at first he had reservation about taking command of such a project would have been an understatement, it seemed to him that such matter were best left to the academic community, not the intelligence service. However, all that changed after his first assignment, suddenly things were not as clear as he first discovered.

When ancient ruins where discovered on a planet near the outskirts of Tappee space Carlson and his team where sent out to investigate. Carlson initial findings was that the race it self had almost no technology, and relied no superstitions more then anything else, they had disappeared with no real explanation as to why. What caught Carlson attention was referral in their mythology to a war being fought in the Heavens, as war that had spilled down to the planet. On another dig within the same sector, it was the same story, a stone age race speaks of a war in the heavens then disappears. However, on the second dig they found something more then just stories, they found something.

Hidden within a temple his team discovered what could only be described as the hallowed out hull of a space freighter. From what the team could tell the temple had been built around the hull, carbon dating and other test showed the craft to around 3 million years old. The alloy’s of the hull were far more advanced then any thing that they had seen. They were able to move what remained the craft to the R&D department, from the discovery that they had made had put Tappee ship design program ahead nearly 25 years almost every night. Carlson now understood the need for the program, should this information fall into the wrong hands it would prove to be a disaster.

It did not take long for the team to realize the general trend, and as they started to look at more planets within the sector they would find the same thing. Each planet had a similar story, and each planet would give yet another piece of the puzzle. While each race had a slightly difference twist on the story there were consistent elements. There was a single race of being that were far more technologically advanced then anyone else, something happened which caused some sort of civil war, a war that was fought in the entire sector space, with the inhabitants of the planet acting as nothing more then observers of the events. From what Carlson could gather this war came to a stand still until one side made a weapon of unimaginable power. It was around this time that any records stop and everyone in the sector seems to have vanished without a trace.

It was this the mention of a super weapon that had been the reason why he found himself here today. He had been to too many planets, read to many stories to simply shrug it off as a myth. Following a hunch he had ordered a satellite survey of the planet below Pax Pacis, and sure enough the initial results had shown that there indeed was another site here.

As the team rounded the corner they no longer found themselves within the confines of the narrow corridors, they had moved into a giant cave. The room lit up under the gaze of their life, no living creature had stood within this room in millions of years.

At the far end of the cave stood a single doorway that was sealed by a massive stone tablet. Cautiously the team made their way to the other end of the cave towards the tablet, trying not disturb things more they had too they setup their equipment at the door.

Carlson could see the writing on the door, “I want to know what this says.”

“Just a moment Sir” said one of the tech as he finished setting some things up. They had complied a rather extensive database to alien languages an symbols, it would take the computer on second to translate any hieroglyphics that they encountered.

Soon information came up on the tech screen. “Sir we got our translation, you might want to take a look at this. We have seen this text before.”

Intrigued Carlson glanced over the mans shoulders, it read:

THE GODS PROTECT WARNING THIS IS PLACE, THOSE WHO ENTER ENCOUTNER THEIR FURRY.

“Interesting” muttered Carlson under his breath. “Alright everyone! I want this done by the book, and I wanted this door open within the hour”