The Sirius Chronicles (2 page)

When I arrived at the ACI launch facility just outside the Capital, it was ablaze with life. It was easy to tell they were preparing for our mission. Every few minutes transport ships were taking off for The Aurora and everyone seemed to be in a big rush. I had never actually been in space so the excitement only added to what I was already feeling. I couldn’t wait to head up to the Aurora and be able look down on Aeris for the first time. I had always heard the sight of it will change your life forever… Someone once told me – “It would make you realize your insignificant place in what we have deemed the universe.”

I walked for what seemed like forever, the complex was bigger than I had ever imagined. I could really feel that I was somewhere important. The impressiveness of the whole operation made me feel at ease; these people definitely knew what they were doing. My nerves vanished and were immediately replaced with the same excitement and curiosity I felt in my youth while looking up at the sky, wondering what might be out there.

As I approached the transport section I came upon an ocean of people, literally as far as I could see. Announcements were coming from all different directions – “science division gate 1, engineering gate 2, health division gate 3, ACI officers and general crew members gate 4, All militia personnel gate 5, mining operations gate 6, general maintenance gate 7”.

I made my way over to the militia loading gate and looked for familiar faces. I had made a few friends at the academy but I had no idea if any of them signed up for the mission to X-451. Surprisingly, as I got closer I immediately spotted my longtime friend, Kayin. He had trained alongside me as a militia technician, so I could only assume he’d be in charge of equipment operation and repairs while in the field.

I snuck up behind him and slapped him on the back – “Tighten up soldier!” He jumped and turned around. When he saw me his eyes lit up and he starting laughing, then he said “Oh I’m so happy to see you man, this is going to be way better with you here.” We shook hands and I replied “First thing I did was start looking for someone I knew… gotta say I’m happy it’s you instead of Silas or Zara. I love those two guys but they could get you killed.” - We both laughed.

Kayin and I were the same age; we even joined the academy the same month. He was bigger, stronger and faster than I was. He always got near perfect scores in marksmanship and was a technical genius. I was thoroughly happy and relieved to know he’d have my back. If we got assigned to the same unit he would definitely be accompanying me for any type of first contact. Hopefully I could use my position to influence it to happen, even if that wasn’t the case.

We stood around a talked about old times for a while, laughing it up as we always have. Soon after a man came out to make an announcement – “All militia will begin boarding the transports in less than five minutes!” When I looked over at Kayin, I could tell he was even more ready to go than I was. As always, he was the inspiring type of guy. He was the one who would always jump first. I on the other hand was cautious and meticulous, which is most likely why I’m a first encounter specialist. Funny that I’m called a “specialist” because we’ve never made contact… therefore such a thing can’t exist yet.

As the line started to move, my excitement only grew. It was strange to think I could be gone for years, but at the same time it was just fine because there was no one waiting for me. It would be interesting to see how much Aeris would change after such a long period of time, especially since I’d be in stasis and wouldn’t age. From my own perspective you could almost say it would be like time travel.

It was finally getting to the point where Kayin and I would be in the next group going up to the Aurora Station. Within minutes I would be boarding a transport ship for the first time. I started to get a sick feeling in my stomach but I knew it wasn’t from nerves… Just then the man controlling the boarding process said “next group!”… As I walked through the doors out to the departure area I realized that from this moment on my life would never be the same… It would be extraordinary.

When we boarded the transport ship, Kayin and I immediately began a struggle for a window seat. He of course won, so I just went to the back and found another seat. There was no way I was missing out on the view of Aeris from space. Once we got to The Aurora, Aeris would barely be distinguishable.

The Aurora was about ten times further away than the moon. It was a safety precaution in case something ever went wrong with the new technology the ACI was using to power The Aurora. They had found a way to draw immense amounts of energy directly from subspace. A rumor spread throughout The Capital, that if it were to ever detonate the explosion could seriously affect Aeris. The ACI claims it isn’t true, but to silence the protestors they agreed to operate at a “safe” distance.

The anticipation made it seem like hours before the transport ship finally launched. It was quite a sight to watch Aeris fade and the blue sky turn into a starlit background. The sight of civilization disappeared, revealing only the face of nature. I couldn’t help but be transfixed and I thought to myself, “This definitely won’t be the last time I do this.”

After about 30 minutes or so there was an announcement – “We are now approaching The Aurora Station, should be docking in about 10 minutes.” As The Aurora came into sight it was absolutely overwhelming. It was almost like a separate civilization floating above Aeris. The best way to describe it would be a city in the stars.

As the transporter began to dock I could see the legendary Asirium Hall. Asirum is a clear, glass like substance that was found on D-217 and it just so happens to be one of the strongest materials we know of. It’s a perfect example of helpful discoveries that can be made from the Sirius missions.

The ACI decided to make the outside walls of one entire floor from asirium. The Aurora was spherical and the Asirium Hall wrapped around the whole station. You could walk for hundreds of miles with an ever-changing view of space. It’s something I definitely planned on doing tonight since we wouldn’t be leaving until the morning.

When the transport ship docked and Kayin and I boarded The Aurora, we were both speechless. All we could do is look at each other and point at everything. It became very apparent that the ACI was far more advanced than the public and our government. The Capital was amazing… but nothing like this. Walking through the doors onto The Aurora was almost like stepping through a portal into the future. If the cities outside the protected zone saw this, it would surely provoke another war.

We followed the group to the north side of the Asirium Hall. It was one of the most incredible things I had ever experienced… The asirium was so clear that it gave the effect of actually walking in space. I was lucky I didn’t bump into anyone or trip; I couldn’t keep my eyes forward as we made our way to the orientation area. The only way I could describe it was hypnotizing and when I looked over at Kayin, I could tell he felt the same way.

When we all made it to the orientation room there was already a man standing at the podium waiting to speak. He was obviously ex militia and probably pushing 60. He looked intensely serious… like he had been through a lot.

He cleared his throat and began to speak – “I am Commander Neros, and I would like to start by congratulating all of you, as you are now officially members of the Aeris Coalition of Intelligence… From the moment you entered this station, everything you see and hear must be considered as classified. From the moment you enter your assigned ship, The Sirius 7, everything you see and hear is classified. Does everyone understand?” We all replied “Yes.”

Commander Neros stated “All the ships at the ACI have been named The Sirius because they are our greatest hope to once again find something that could change the world forever… This mission will be potentially deadly and quite possibly unsuccessful, but you’re all here because you know it’s worth the risk. We must no longer stand by and watch the rest of the world suffer, simply because we have the technology to help ourselves. Otherwise we are no better than the men who destroyed the atmosphere through industry so long ago. I have faith that we will correct their mistakes, and that all of us will return as the saviors of humanity”… After hearing his words I knew that I truly was in the right place, and that I would never regret my decision.

Just as Commander Neros finished, another man stood up and proceeded to take the podium. – “Hello everyone, I am Director Orion. I’m basically in charge of The Aurora, once you get into space, Commander Neros will be who you answer to… The Sirius 7 will be leaving tomorrow morning, before then please take the time to see what The Aurora has to offer… Best of luck to all of you, please know you have my utmost respect for your efforts and courage… Oh yes… All technicians report to area 17 in the west wing for technology orientation. I promise you will all be very intrigued by our new creations.”

I looked over at Kayin and I could tell he was excited. He said “Oh this is going to be great! I can only imagine what kind of classified tech these guys have. You know I drool over this stuff Atlas… I’m outta here, I’ll come find you as soon as I’m done.” He slapped the back of my head and took off running… I’d get him back.

I walked back out into the Asirium Hall and continued to gaze at the stars for quite some time. Then I noticed someone out of the corner of my eye – “Amazing isn’t it?” I replied “Yes it is… I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to stop looking.” He put out his hand and said “My name is Cyrus, I’m the head of the science division for The Sirius 7” I turned and said “Science division? I think you’re in the wrong place; we’re all militia in this section… Atlas, by the way.”

He said “Well actually before I go on any mission I always go around and look for an assistant from another division… Scientists can be arrogant, combative, and annoying.” I paused and said “Didn’t you just say you were a scientist?” He laughed - “Yes I’m a scientist, and it’s my duty to present reality.” I smiled – “Hey, you said it”.

He turned and faced me – “Why are you here Atlas?” I thought for a moment – “Well… you may not believe this but it’s because I’ve been thinking everything that Commander Neros said for a very long time. Just because we all live in safety, people seem to forget about the billions on the outside of the protective field. I don’t know about you, but I’m not ok with that.”

He looked at me for a few moments – “So you’re not here for money or a good time?.. Actually I already knew that, I was watching you while the Director gave his speech. I could see it in your eyes. That’s why I came over here to talk with you… Follow me.” I wasn’t quite sure what had just happened but I have a feeling it was a good thing… Cyrus looked to be at least 50, maybe even 60. He had an odd look in his eyes, almost as if he knew something the rest of us didn’t. I could almost describe it as unwavering confidence and wisdom. I wonder what he could possibly want from me?

As we walked, I was about to ask a question and he said “Why you?.. Well most people in the science division are only here because their families could afford the academy. Most of them are money driven, shallow, and lack any real vision. That’s where the qualities I dislike seem to come from. I don’t need someone to second guess my work and try to outshine me; I just need help with certain things… and of course you’ll act as my private bodyguard if we go down to X-451. You’ll learn as you go, and I can promise that you’ll enjoy it much more than whatever else you would be doing… You don’t seem like a militia guy anyway.”

He asked about my life back on Aeris and how I ended up joining the Malitia. By the end I’d basically given him my whole story. I guess he wanted to know exactly who I was… I had the feeling that I was about to become a part of something very important.

This was all so strange, between everything else that had happened and now this… It’s beginning to feel like a dream, almost as if I could wake up any moment and be back on Aeris. I just hoped I could do whatever it is he wanted of me. I could tell he was very particular and demanding just from our short time together.

As we continued on, he gave me a history of The Aurora Station and explained what his science team would be doing on the planet. Since there was plenty of room on The Sirius 7 to bring extra personnel, the government and the ACI agreed the importance of studying an Aeris-like planet warranted the extra time and money. He said if it were only a mining operation chaperoned by militia, the Sirius 7 would have set off over six months ago. Apparently his private division was even kept a secret from the public to avoid any problems with funding.

Cyrus came to a stop, pointed me in the direction of the personnel quarters, and told me to find an empty room. He said “I’ll come get you tomorrow morning and explain further. Oh, and I’d wander around after I settled in if I were you… There’s a lot to see. The west side of the Asirium Hall has the best views and the nutrition center is on the way there.”

I was getting hungry so I decided to take his advice. It only took me a minute to find a room and I hadn’t brought anything with me, so I posted my information card on the door and headed for the south side of the Asirium Hall.

I was still in a state of utter amazement, to think so many people could be living up in space like this. It really was like a separate world; even the people seemed different than everyone back home… I liked it. There was no threat of war, it was just peace and silence surrounded by the beauty of space.

I walked the Asirium Hall for hours, just taking in all the amazing sights and technology on the Aurora. I had no idea what time it was but I didn’t care. I’d be in suspended animation for 6 years and there was no need to rush. I was sure this upcoming night would be just like the last; sleepless.