Lost Sols 1: Ancient Treasure (25 page)

The rest of the night and early morning were uneventful. Randy scurried about the ship learning what he could, and Sarah watched over Andy wondering what was going on inside the chamber.
Vincent let Julia inside the ship at seven to send Sarah and Randy off for some rest. “Enzo wants everyone to meet at three this afternoon. You two need some sleep. I’ll monitor communications and watch over the alien. I want to see what I can learn about these weapons systems too.” She said. “I’m not leaving this ship until liftoff. I need to learn as much as I can.” Randy said.

“Mr. President, we can take the ship.” President Louis had decided it was finally time to let the Department of Defense know about the alien at Area Fifty One and to provide an update on the current situation. “I don’t think it’s a wise idea. If we fail the government as we know it could collapse.” He said. “Mr. President, we train for situations like this all the time. We can go in undetected and take out everyone in the vicinity before they know what hit them. We’re not even dealing with another military organization. These are lightly armed civilians.” General Talbot said.

“You consider an advanced alien ship as lightly armed?” President Louis asked. “Satellite imagery indicates there are only two people on the ship. It will be taken without a fight. I can understand your concern Mr. President, but this is a very simple operation and something we know will work. We’ve conducted thousands of similar operations over the years all over the planet. Our men are deadly, and professional. Once the ship leaves we lose our chance forever. There is a very small window of opportunity here Mr. President. If we don’t act now it will be too late.” The General said. “I’ll agree to the mission on one condition. There are to be no casualties until we have secured the ship. The ship is the primary concern, not the people. Once we have the ship we’ll kill everyone who has any first hand knowledge of what has happened. We’ll leave family members alone from now on, unless we are sure any information they have constitutes a real threat. I’ve giving you the go ahead for this mission, it’s my expectation you will not fail me. I’ll be monitoring the video, don’t screw this up.” President Louis said.

Enzo believed in common sense and good people. He knew the crew who would be going through the gate had both qualities. Back in the villa he felt some motivational words were necessary. “We’re not a government, we’re not a corporation, and we’re not the United Nations. I still have no doubt we represent the best mankind has to offer. The risk is extraordinary and unknown. Everyone making this journey could die immediately when the ship passes through the gate. We weren’t invited and we don’t know how the aliens will respond. Vincenzo has proven himself as an honorable and able leader. Who wants to accompany him?” Enzo asked. The entire crew as well as Tony indicated they wanted to take the risk. Only Ra
ndy and Enzo were committed to staying on Earth. “Vincenzo, do you have any objections?” Enzo asked. “No Uncle, I need this crew. We’ve been very successful together. I need good people around me, and these are good people.” Vincent said. “It’s settled then. In two days the ship will depart. Until then take the time necessary to speak with your families and to finish any business you have left on Earth. Vincenzo, try to find a way to communicate if possible. Randy and I will continue our efforts to ensure at least some of the people have a chance to remain free on this planet and in our solar system. Find a way to relax for the next few days. You’ve had quite the ordeal. You need to be at your best to face whatever might wait on the other side.” Enzo said.

It had been ninety minutes and everyone should have been in position. Chris Hancock the Commander of Seal Team Seven was not happy with the performance of his men. They were three minutes late and still not in position yet. The performance was sloppy and needed to
be corrected. It was important to remain professional. In his experience he hadn’t encountered an operation which appeared as easy as this one. It was dark and would be getting darker. Cloud cover was coming. The moon would be covered soon, and night vision would ensure his team members had total superiority. He issued an order to have all electricity in the villa turned off. He didn’t hear an alarm or a word from the house when the power went out. There wasn’t anyone guarding the ship or even monitoring the lights. Five minutes later the clouds came in and the team went in.

Vincent was dreaming of Monique. The two of them were swimming on Europa toward the pyramid. “Wake up buddy.” Someone who obviously wasn’t Monique said. Vincent woke up staring at eight men pointing guns at his head. “Who are you? Do you have any idea who you’re screwing with?” Vincent asked. “I’m the person pointing a gun at your head. We’re here to recover the ship. For now, please join your friends in the dining room.” The soldier responded. “I had a deal with the President. My friends on the ship will come for us.” Vincent said. He went to the dining room and found all of his friends except for Julia and Randy. Each had been bound and was being guarded closely. Enzo couldn’t speak, but he didn’t need to. The look in his eyes told Vincent all he needed to know. The crew of the Constellation was in serious trouble.

“Julia, do we have any food left onboard? I’m hungry.” Randy said. He had returned to the ship after the meeting. Time was short, and he had so much to learn. “Sorry, we’re out of food, you can eat the stuff the ship provides and take your chances, or you can contact Vincent. You need some rest anyway.” She said. “Fine, I’ll grab a quick bite and take a nap. I want real food, give Vincent a call please.” Randy said. “That’s strange, he’s not answering.” Julia said as she looked outside the ship and didn’t see anyone. Sunrise was in half an hour and the darkness was giving way to light.

“I tried contacting
Dalton and Sandy. Nobody is responding at all.” Randy said. “I’m going to try and find a manual release for the door.” Julia said. When she made it to the exit, she could hear somebody on the other side speaking. “We’ve tried everything else, let’s just blow it open.” Julia heard someone say. She ran back to the control center startling Randy. “Computer, bring the ship a half mile above the surface now.” She said. “What are you doing?” Randy asked. “Nobody is answering because they’ve all been captured. Now somebody is trying to get inside the ship.” Julia said as the ship rose from the surface. Once airborne Sarah and Randy saw two teams of five soldiers where the ship had been. “Now what do we do?” Julia asked. “We don’t give them the ship under any circumstances. Once the government has the ship, everyone becomes expendable.” Randy said as his phone rang. “This is Commander Hancock, return the craft to the surface and nobody will be hurt. If you don’t comply we will begin killing your friends one by one. I’m bringing your leader outside now. He will be the first casualty. Bring the ship down now.” Randy saw Enzo exit the villa with the soldier and knew it was time to go on the offensive. Enzo would never give in, and neither would he. Enzo and Vincent had tried to play nice with the government. It was time to turn the tables. “I have a better idea Commander Hancock. I don’t like speaking to low level intermediaries. I’m going to go find your boss, and you’ll be releasing the hostages very shortly. If any of my friends even have a scratch on them you and all your men will die. Stand by, you’ll be hearing from your President shortly.”

Randy had studied how Patrick had been piloting the ship when they had gone to
Roswell. It was time to put what he thought he had learned to the test. There was no other choice at the moment. He banked the ship to the north and began accelerating. About a mile away from the villa he spotted the military vehicles. “Those must be their vehicles.” Randy had barely spoken the words when the vehicles exploded in a blinding flash. “I think I have the weapons system figured out now. That was the plasma beam. It works wonderfully.” Julia said. His flying was bad, but the ship remained airborne and headed in the right direction.

President Louis w
as livid. He had been guaranteed the ship would be taken. Now the ship was coming, and he expected whoever was in command to be angry. As soon as he heard the bad news he issued an alert. All federal buildings were being evacuated and the Secret Service was moving him to the Emergency Operations Center under the East Wing of the White House. The ship was expected any minute. President Louis knew his government was helpless against the alien vessel.

Randy brought the ship up the east coast of the
United States. The first large city the ship flew over was Jacksonville Florida. Thousands of people on the ground saw the ship as it quickly flew past. Some news outlets had caught the ship on camera. Each major network began to report the sighting of the ship, and the general direction it was heading.

As the alien ship passed through
Richmond Virginia the computer informed them they had a communications request. President Louis appeared on the display. Randy was furious and didn’t have any patience for the President. “Hello Mr. President, we’ll be there in a minute or so. It looks like you’re in the Emergency Operations Center. That’s good to know.” Randy said. “Hang on a minute, let’s have a reasonable conversation. We can resolve this peacefully.” President Louis said. Randy listened to the President as he closed in on the White House. The ship was suddenly lit up by weapons fire. The White House had unleashed all their defensive weaponry in an attempt to bring the ship down. Julia began returning fire. Within seconds, most of the roof of the White House was missing and the White House was on fire.

The attack was being broadcast worldwide by all the major networks. Across the world people began to panic. Most people gathered with their loved ones. Rioting and looting began in the larger cities.

“What do you think, should we keep firing?” Julia asked. President Louis was still on the screen with a look of panic in his face. “For the love of God hold your fire.” He said. “Mr. President, have all the federal buildings in the area been evacuated?” Randy asked. “Yes, to the best of my knowledge all the buildings are empty.” he said. “Thank you Mr. President. We will be back in a few minutes. I think another display of our resolve in this matter is required. When we return, I will give you the terms of your surrender. Computer, end the transmission.” Randy said.

“What’s your plan?” Julia asked. “We’re going to pay a visit to the
Capitol Building. Congress doesn’t use it for anything useful anyway. Do you want to try a missile?” Randy asked. “That sounds like fun, I’ve been wondering what kind of damage a missile could do.” Julia said. “We’ve arrived at the Capitol Building, now’s your chance. Fire when ready.” Randy said. “I hope I have this targeting system figured out. Here we go.” Julia took a few more seconds to confirm the settings and fired the missile. It flew straight and true and struck the center of the building. The explosion was massive. The Capitol was obliterated. Only one end of the building remained partially intact and standing.

President Louis watched in horror as what was left of the
Capitol Building burned. “Mr. President, we’re receiving a transmission from the ship.” The communications officer reported. “Let’s have it now.” he said. “Mr. President, are you ready to accept the terms of your unconditional surrender?” Randy asked. “Name your terms.” President Louis replied knowing he had no other choice.

“You will immediately release my friends in Trundle. Your soldiers on the ground will turn over their weapons and leave. You will return all my personal and business assets, and you will return control of Leviathan to me. I expect all of your operatives to be gone from Leviathan by the end of the day. You will not take Enzo or I into custody ever again. If anymore attempts are made to seize this ship you will be killed along with the senior leaders of the government. Do you accept these terms Mr. President?” Randy asked. “You’ve given me no choice. I accept the terms. I would like to request a meeting with you and Enzo in the future.” President Louis said. “I will speak with Enzo about your request. We will be leaving for now Mr. President. Get your people out of Trundle, and out of Leviathan immediately. You’re nothing but a prostitute for the special interests and the corporate executives. Politicians like you commit crimes against our nation every day, and your days are now numbered. Prepare yourself and the government for a new reality. Computer end transmission.” Randy said.

Commander Hancock received new orders directly from President Louis. He shared the news with his men. The hostages were to be released and all weapons were to be handed over. He didn’t enjoy the thought of being defenseless against people he’d been keeping against their will. He took the gag off Enzo and released the restraints. “It appears you’ve won your freedom. I’ve been ordered to release all of you and to give you our weapons. We didn’t harm you and we expect the same in return.” he said. “Have your people leave their weapons out in the yard. Bring me my phone.” Enzo replied.

Randy and Julia began making their way back to the villa in Trundle when Randy’s phone rang. He saw it was Enzo. “Have you been freed my friend?” he asked. “Yes, the soldiers are releasing us and turning over their weapons. What did you do?” Enzo asked. “I convinced our President we were rational people and negotiated the terms of his surrender with a bit of powerful persuasion. Turn on a television, and you’ll be able to see the results of the negotiations.” Randy said.

Vincent was in the yard gathering weapons with everyone except Enzo. The soldiers began to leave as the Commander approached. “We will be back. You’ve won this round, but we always win the war. You’ve only won a reprieve from the inevitable.” he said. From the periphery of his vision Vincent saw someone raise a gun. He tried to react but it was too late. Before he knew what was happening he heard the loud report of the weapon. The Commander collapsed to the ground with most of his head missing. “You won’t be back you fucking asshole. Never again will I be taken hostage.” Sandy screamed with a wild look on her face. Flesh and blood was everywhere. The departing soldiers weren’t sure what do to. They were too far away for any hand to hand combat. Most of them began running away, but a couple began running back toward the villa. Vincent tackled Sandy and took the gun. He pointed it at the approaching soldiers. “Stop. This is over. Leave peacefully and you will live. This was an unfortunate accident. Report the incident to your superiors and let them decide what to do. We don’t need to waste anymore life today.” he said. The soldiers hesitated for a moment before turning around and leaving.

Enzo was watching as the chaos around Earth escalated. The video from the capitol was shocking. Randy had inflicted a lot of damage and people around the world were panicking. The President had issued a statement which said everything was now under control. He would address the media and the world shortly. Enzo was about to sit down when he heard the gunshot from outside.

He ran outside and found a dead soldier on the ground. Vincent was talking to Sandy who was on the ground sobbing. “What happened?” he asked. Vincent took Enzo by the arm and walked him out of earshot. “Sandy shot the Commander in cold blood. He was unarmed and about to leave. He had made some remark about coming back and Sandy snapped.” Vincent said. “Let’s medicate her and get her into one of the rooms. First we need to get the rest of the weapons secured. I’ll take care of Sandy, get the weapons, watch the perimeter, and don’t take any chances. The ground force might try to regroup and come at us again. We must remain vigilant. You and the rest of the crew will leave in the morning. When Randy and Julia get back we’ll have one last meeting.” Enzo said. He helped Sandy get up, and told her to follow him into the house. A short time later, Sandy was sleeping soundly.

Randy circled Trundle three times before bringing the ship back down to the villa. The only activity he saw was a group of soldier
s about a mile away heading toward town. As soon as the ship touched down Vincent opened the door. Patrick and Isabella were with him. “Enzo wants the blow by blow description from you two.” He said to Randy and Julia. “Patrick and Isabella will keep an eye on the ship for the next few hours. Patrick, I want you to take off every fifteen minutes and conduct a visual sweep of the area. Call me immediately if you see any suspicious activity.” Vincent said.

Randy and Julia returned to the villa and shared their story with a fascinated audience. “Nice work you two. I think our President will leave us alone now. It looks like you’re back in the space business Randy. That was quick thinking. We’ll all meet on the ship in a couple of hours. I think it’s best we meet in the most secure location possible. The President is going to speak in a couple of minutes. I expect it to be very interesting.” Enzo said.

Everyone in the villa except for Sandy watched the chaos on television. The President appeared and began to speak. “My fellow Americans, and friends around the world, first I would like to report all threats have been contained. There is no need to worry about further attacks. Our military forces will remain on heightened alert. It has been reported the ship which attacked our capitol was extraterrestrial in nature. This analysis is incorrect and is a misconception. The ship was an experimental spacecraft developed by the United States which was stolen from Edwards Air Force Base. A handful of radical terrorists posing as soldiers gained access to the base and took the craft. The Air Force drove the ship out of the Washington area and shot it down over the open ocean. We don’t negotiate with terrorists. The threat has been illuminated. Anyone associated with these radicals is being hunted down and will be brought to justice by any means necessary. I ask the American people and people around the world to monitor and report anyone who would do harm to our country.

I’ve just issued a Homeland Defense emergency order. Our electronic warfare division will now have access to every computer and all other forms of electronic data owned by any corporation or individual in the
United States for the next six months. To keep our country secure we need information about our enemies. Small personal sacrifices are needed to keep the United States safe from all enemies both foreign and domestic. That’s all the information I have for now. After we are done assessing the damage, I will hold a full press conference. We are a strong country. Have faith in your government. God bless the people of the United States.”

“I’m so ashamed I was ever part of the government.” Monique said. “The President is quite adept with spinning the truth and taking advantage of the innocent. You’re with the good guys now Monique. That’s all that matters.” Vincent said. “Find something to eat and take care of any last minute business. We’ll meet on the ship before departure. You will leave at seven in the morning tomorrow. This will be your last chance to back out if you want to stay on Earth.” Enzo said.

Back in the villa Dalton found Randy in his room. “That was a nice piece of work in Washington. You saved our asses.” He said. “I think anyone here would have done the same thing. I just happened to be the one on the ship at the time.” Randy replied. “Since you’re getting your company back, I’d like to make a request. I want to stay in our solar system and explore. I’d specifically like to study the Cydonia region and continue my research in the lost city. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. In our brief time on Mars we found evidence of at least one civilization as well as the obvious fact the aliens have been there as well. The history of the Martian civilization is waiting to be unlocked. I need you to get me, and a very small team to Mars.” Dalton said.

“What you ask will not be easy. You and the rest of the crew were very lucky to make it back to Earth in one piece. You need to understand the risk is very high. It might even be more dangerous then the first trip. How many people would be in this small team?” Randy asked. “It would be me, and two others. We’d remain underground so we wouldn’t have to deal with the forces on the perimeter. The government can’t get into Cydonia, and we can. We have the opportunity to make discoveries the government won’t know about.”
Dalton said. “If you’re willing to accept the risk, I’m willing to try. This has to remain a research operation only. Trying to get a ship in and out of there with artifacts and treasure is too complicated and brings too much attention.” Randy said. “That will work for me. I won’t disappoint you.” Dalton said. “I expect you to share all your discoveries with Enzo and I. It’s my intention to advance our knowledge and to bring humanity out of our solar system and into the stars.” Randy said.

Enzo poured Vincent a drink. “It’s been a long road nephew, but we’ve done well. You still have a lot of unknowns ahead.” he said. “It’s definitely exciting. This business with
Sandy disturbs me. We’re about to make contact with an advanced intelligent species and Sandy commits such a cold hearted act. I had trusted her just like everyone else in the crew. I’m not taking her with us.” Vincent replied. “I wouldn’t take her either. I’ll find a place for her. Her anger toward our government is justified. It simply needs to be channeled in a productive way. I’ll put her someplace quite for awhile. After she has time to reflect she can be given duties which will satisfy her vengeance and help our cause at the same time. You still have a good crew. I have faith in you Vincenzo. You will make a fine representative of mankind.” Enzo said. “Thank you Uncle, I hope so.” Vincent replied. “Come on, let’s get to the ship. It’s almost time for the meeting.” Enzo said. “You’re right, besides I have to tell the computer to open the hatch so everyone can get inside.” Vincent said.

Patrick and Isabella had been spending half their time airborne for the last few hours. Taking the ship up and bringing it back down was good practice. Nothing had been spotted out of the ordinary. With the ship back on the ground people began to arrive for the meeting. Isabella had found an area which looked like a conference room and directed everyone in the right direction. Randy was the last to arrive, Vincent followed him to the conference room and the meeting began.

“Well it’s been an interesting day. Earth is in a panic because of our actions. The government is doing what it usually does. The facts are being covered up and the President is working feverishly on damage control. Very soon he will convince everyone his story his accurate. Experts and eyewitnesses will come forward. Facts will be manufactured to fit his description of events. He’s done us a favor for the moment. We don’t need any extra attention. The ship will leave Earth in the morning. The last time I asked, everyone but Randy and I said they wanted to go with Vincent. Has anyone changed their mind?” Enzo asked. “I have. I’ve made arrangements with Randy. I’m going back to Mars to continue my research and to see what else there is to uncover. Those golden walls need to be deciphered.” Dalton said.

Vincent was taken aback but not surprised. “Are you sure
Dalton? We’ll have entire new worlds to explore.” Vincent asked. “I want to be able to research Cydonia before the government figures out how to get in there. If I don’t get there first the findings will be hidden from the scientific community. There are too many questions and not enough answers. We barely scratched the surface at Cydonia. We need to find out what happened on Mars. Now that we have access, it’s something which needs to be done. I’m as excited about Mars as you are about your new voyage. It’s what I want to do. Besides I’m not young like most of you. I’ve already had trouble keeping up with the rest of you.” Dalton said.

“
Sandy will be staying as well. After recent events she needs some time to deal with her loss. I’ll make sure she gets the help she needs. I’ll inform her when I return to the villa.” Enzo said. “If Sandy is staying I’m staying too. She doesn’t have any family and we were close once. I’d like to stay and help Enzo. Besides after seeing Andy I’m not sure I can be around another species constantly. It seems unnatural and creeps me out. If it’s alright with you Randy, I’d like to resume working for you when the time is right. Perhaps after some time Sandy will be able to resume her duties as well.” Patrick said. “You’ve always been one of my best pilots Patrick. I’d be happy to have you working for me again. Now more then ever, I’ll need people I can trust.” Randy replied.

“Tony have you experienced anything new which might need attention before you leave?” Enzo asked. “No, there’s been nothing new. My abilities seem to keep improving. The eyesight has become amazing. I can see anything within my r
ange of vision with great clarity. It’s something which might come in handy.” Tony said. “Does anyone else have anything they would like to say?” Enzo asked. “God bless the new crew.” Isabella said. “I think he already has. If you have any last minute preparations to make, now is the time. The ship leaves at seven tomorrow. Randy and I will be here to send you off.” Enzo said.

Most of the crew stayed on the ship. After the attack by the government everyone felt the ship was the safest place to be. Vincent went to the Villa with Enzo, Randy, and
Dalton for a drink. “You’re going to need some of these Dalton.” Vincent said as he handed Dalton four of the ETS spheres. “I’ll want to have a look at those. Maybe we can reverse engineer the design. It would be nice to be able to produce those on demand. It would help to get as many people inside the pyramid as possible to conduct research.” Randy said. The four men played pinochle and enjoyed what could be their last night together. With each drink, the laughter and stories became louder. Around midnight Vincent returned to the ship.

Enzo knew Vincenzo was right about not taking
Sandy through the gate. She was unstable which wasn’t a big surprise after what she had gone through. She was angry and acting irrationally. In his youth he had acted foolishly many times out of anger and his perceived need for vengeance. His father had told him to be patient. “A foolish man behaves like the jackal and gets eaten by the lion. A shrewd man lies patiently in the grass like the snake and strikes when the prey comes to him.” his father had said. He would protect Sandy and teach her patience. Her anger would never abate until she took personal vengeance, and he would use her anger to his advantage when the time was right.