Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Enigma

     --AMF Airbase--
     William Sterling felt sorry for what happened to his friend, Justin and decided to try and make amends with officer Williams. He made a first stop at the airbase control station, where he encountered the young female bridge officers, including his sister. They were all sitting at their assigned stations when he entered through the automatic doors, and were quick to greet him.
"Good morning, corporal Sterling", Lucy smiled. He smiled back and waved and then headed over to his sister's station. Compared to the others, Alley's desk was a complete mess, she had soda cans and wrappers all over the top of it, and she just sat there, her eyes fixated on her monitor, playing solitaire.
She was wearing her headset but she had the communicator turned off, and was listening to the radio instead.

     William crept up behind her, assuming she didn't know he was there, and just as he was about to grab her she spoke up. "Touch me, and I'll kick your ass", she warned. "Someone's grouchy today" ,William remarked. "I hate my job", she replied. William noticed the computer game displayed on her monitor and nodded. "I'd hate my job too, if I had to sit on my butt all day listening to music and playing games". -"Why are you here?" she asked, as she took off her headset and threw it onto the desk. "What, I can't visit you anymore? he rolled his eyes. "Yeah right", she remarked. "You don't come to visit me, you come to annoy me!". William chuckled. "So what else is new?"
-"Not a thing", she replied. "Now scram". "Actually I came here to talk to officer Williams", he explained. "Do you know where she is?" "The gym", she replied. "Thanks", he said.
"yeah, yeah, now go".

     Sure enough Lynne was in the gym, because William could hear the sound of music as he walked down the hall, and as he entered he saw her at the bars,wearing a black tank top and sweat pants, doing chin-ups,
and from the looks of it, she had been working out for a long period of time. She stopped as soon as she saw William, and quickly grabbed a towel and mopped the sweat off her forehead and turned off the radio. "What brings you here?" she asked him. He looked over and noticed her boots beside the door, they had been cleaned and polished. "I've come to apologize for what happened", he said.
"I feel it was my fault". -"No need for that", she said. "It's been taken care of, my boots have been replaced". William was shocked, he had thought she just cleaned up the old ones, not went out and bought another pair. "Why did you buy new ones?" he asked. -"Couldn't get rid of the smell", she replied as she threw the towel aside. The look in her eyes, almost gave him chills, she seemed angry and vengeful, and he began to wonder if talking to her would make things worse.

     "You obviously wanted to talk to me about something more", she continued. "Or else you wouldn't still be here". -"I told you, I came to apologize", he said. "I feel it's my fault, I'm the one who asked Justin to come that night, and I provided all those drinks for him". -"That's still no excuse for his or your friend's behavior", she sneered. "They humiliated me!" "Look, I'm aware of that", he sighed. "But they were all drunk, what do you expect?" -"I demand respect when I am present", she said. "I refuse to be treated any less". William sighed again, while staring at the floor. "I'll talk to them", he said. "I can make sure that never happens again, but you've got to give Justin another chance".
"Why should I?" she snapped. "He's been nothing but trouble lately, and that's something my expedition team can do without". -"He's still young", William explained. "He's still a kid, so this kind of behavior is normal for him, I mean weren't you wild and crazy when you were his age?"
"No, I was not", she said. "I grew up in a strict household, I followed all the rules and did as I was told".

     "So you're telling me, you never once made a mistake?" he asked. "Your behavior was perfect?" -"Pretty much", she remarked. "But you see, I was too busy with training and learning all there was to know from my father, I didn't have time to screw around". William didn't believe her, he knew she was denial about her past, and would never come out with it. "You're not your father", he said.
"You don't have to act like him, and unlike your father you do care about us". -"Are you saying my father never cared for any of you?" she exclaimed. "Yes I am", he snapped. "And you know it's true, because where is he now?" -"He's on a mission", she yelled. "Even your parents are with him".
"What mission though?" he asked. "Why did they all leave?" She was silent, and instead she just shook her head. "I don't know why they left", she said. "But, I know they'll come back some day".

     "Let me ask you this", William continued. "Are you living your dream? Is this what you wanted to do with your life?" She nodded slowly. "Well that kid has a dream too", he said. "And right now you are keeping him from living it, and over a stupid mistake". His words were harsh, but straight to the point, and Lynne knew he was right. "I've known you and Stan for a long time", he said. "So, I'm asking as friend, would you please give Justin another chance?" She looked away for a moment, and thought about it. William's words had managed to sink in, and for a moment he made her feel guilty. "Fine", she said. "But I'm only doing this on your behalf, anymore screw ups, and that's the end!" "Thanks", he smiled. "You don't know how happy this is going to make him". -"But", she interrupted. "He needs to see me as soon as possible, because I need to discuss the details with him".
"Don't worry", William replied. "I'll see to it that he shows up, in fact I'll escort him myself, but by the way, why are working out?"

     "It helps me release negative energy", she replied. "And also, I'm preparing to take one of our mechs for a flight test". -"Isn't that dangerous?" he asked. "And do you even have a pilot license?"
"Yes, and no", she said. "But that's not the point, thing is I don't trust the council, or their funding for the galactic knight project". -"So you're putting your ass on the line?" he said with a raised eyebrow.
-"Basically", she laughed. "Have you even seen our so-called test pilots? They're always getting plastered, and it's against the rules to operate any craft or vehicle under the influence of alcohol".

     "So hire new test pilots", William suggested. "Why take the risk when you don't have to?"
She crossed her arms and let out a deep sigh. "I don't know", she said. "I guess I just feel like nothing around here is being accomplished, and so I feel it is my duty to take care of it all". -"Well, I can't stop you", he sighed. "But all I can do is wish you luck". -"Well I appreciate it", she replied. "I really do, but I assure you, I'll be fine".

--Atlantis City Times--
A young man named Daniel Morrison stood in front of the editor's desk, his camera clutched tightly in his sweaty hands. He was nervous, for he was new and was about to receive his first assignment.
The editor had been on the phone, and talked for at least ten minutes before hanging up and shaking hands with the man. "Glad to have you", smiled the editor. "Ready for your first big assignment?"
-"Yes", Daniel nodded. "I'm very excited, because I know I won't let you down". -"Good", replied the editor. "I need you to snap some shots of Natoya Stronghold", he instructed. "She's going to have public appearance at Club Norway tonight". -"I'll get right on that", Daniel nodded. "But, don't forget", the editor interrupted. "you're a free lance, if you see anything news-worthy, don't be afraid to snap a photo, got it?" -"Got it", Daniel nodded.

     Brian Smith awoke that morning with a terrible headache, he rushed to the bathroom and looked in the medicine cabinet for something to take. Much to his disappointment, he didn't find anything, and even worse he had awaken from the same nightmare as before, only this time he saw another figure in the distance, but unlike the dark silhouette with the sword, this one was surrounded by a strange white glow, and appeared to be looking out for him. "What is it the nightmare of good versus evil? he thought. "Why am I dreaming of the same thing anyway?". He just shook his head and headed to the ice box and grabbed an ice pack for his head. "It's better than nothing", he sighed.
Brian took a seat on his couch and flipped the television on as he held the ice pack over his head.
He flipped through the channels till he stopped on the news, something had caught his attention.
"Miss Natoya Stronghold is not only going to make a public appearance at Club Norway", announced a reporter. "But she is also going to model for Atlantis City Lite! That's right, Natoya is going to pose with a bottle of Atlantis City's finest whiskey!"

     "That's big news?" Brian rolled his eyes, and then the news went straight to a public interview with Victoria. "I am here with Miss Vicky "The Vamp" Thompson", said the reporter. Victoria tried to ignore the reporter and the flashing cameras. "C'mon get outta here, I'm busy", she demanded.
"Miss Thompson", the reporter continued, while holding her microphone in Victoria's face. "What do you think about Natoya's next photo spread?" Victoria scoffed and shook her head. "She's a french tart", she remarked. "The only reason, they chose her is because of her accent, which you ask me is a bit overplayed". Victoria's remarks, only proved that she was indeed jealous of Natoya's publicity, and even worse it made her look bad amongst the public. Brian flipped the television off, and then stood up and headed over to the closet to get his jacket. He decided the only way to get over his recent nightmare and its affect, was to get out of his house.

     Bhor filled a rusted ladle with a green soup like mush, and dumped it into a brown bowl, and then placed it in the hands of one of the female zyrians named Nepheria, and by her side stood her sister, Morphilia. "What am I supposed to do with this?" Nepheria asked. "Take it to the prisoner", Bhor replied. "You're feeding the prisoner?" Morphilia chimed in. "Yes, after all we need to keep her alive", he said. "Lord Bhor, we are warriors, not personal servants", Nepheria sneered.
-"Ah,but are we in battle?" he remarked. "No, we are not, so until then, you might as well make yourselves useful". She gritted her teeth and stormed off, her sister following behind, and started heading in the direction of the chamber where Xxionia was being kept. Inside the dark cold room, Xxionia looked down at her red pendant, as if she were trying to communicate with someone. She had been told by her parents that if she ever needed help, to use it and here she was trying to use it but heard nor saw a thing.

     Bhor's two subordinates Khan and Ahtor were fortunate that he couldn't find them, or else they'd be the ones serving the prisoner. Instead they were standing right in the entrance of the sacred temple, staring at all the treasures on display. One in particular had caught their eye, and it was one of the most valuable treasures in the temple; the golden scarab. They gazed at it, enthralled by its shimmering appearance. "I've never seen anything like it before", Ahtor commented. "Out of all the treasures, this is the only one I have ever desired to touch". -"It's a beautiful piece", added Khan.
They started to approach it, when suddenly Ahtor bumped into something and quickly turned around. "Ahhhh", he exclaimed in fear as he stood face to face with a giant reptilian skull. -"It's dead", Khan scolded. "See? It's nothing but bone". -"Still gave me a fright", Ahtor shuddered.

     Suddenly Ahtor smiled with a wide grin, and glanced over at Khan. "I see that look in your eyes", he remarked. "You're thinking of stealing it, aren't you?" -"Why not?" Ahtor replied. "No one would know, we could get away with it". -"Perhaps we could? Khan thought to himself, and then without a warning Ahtor lunged forward and snatched the scarab, then took off running as fast as he could. "Hey" Khan shouted as he chased after him. "Get back here! You're supposed to share!"

     Suddenly the door opened, and a bright light shone in, Xxionia quickly shielded her eyes, but soon the light was blocked out as two figures stood in the entrance. "We have something for you", one of them said. Xxionia lowered her arms and watched as one of them walked in and placed a bowl beside her and then turned to leave. "Enjoy", Nepheria scoffed as she shut the door behind her. Once again the chamber room was dark, but now she had something else to keep her company, a bowl containing a foul smelling soup. She picked it up and looked at it, but felt too upset to even think about tasting it, so instead she tossed it aside and pulled her knees close to her chin, to try and keep warm.

As Bhor was passing by, he heard the sound of quarreling coming from the end of the hall, and he was quick to investigate. Much to his surprise he saw Khan and Ahtor fighting over what appeared to be a piece of treasure from their sacred room. Bhor's eyes widened with rage once he caught a glimpse of which treasure it was, and he demanded that they put it back. "You return that golden scarab at once", he barked. "Khan stole it from the temple", Ahtor exclaimed. "He was going to keep it for himself!"
-"I was not", Khan snapped. "You're the one who stole it and took off running!, You even told me you were going to steal it!"

"Silence!" Bhor shouted at the top of his lungs, and then he snatched it from their hands. "This does not belong to you, it is a sacred treasure of our temple. How dare you contaminate it with your hands!"
"We are sorry", Ahtor said as he knelt before him. "But we were tempted by it's beauty, please forgive us". -"I will return it then", Bhor said. "And trust that you will not venture into that temple for any other purpose other than to admire our collection". "We promise", they replied in unison.

     Justin had arrived as William promised, and Lynne was there to greet him despite the fact she was still mad over what happened. Along side Justin, was Stan Winston, he had also been ordered to report to officer Williams as well. "It's good to see both of you following orders for once", she nodded. "Stan, please head on over to the scanner". Stan walked over to the finger print scan, and placed his index finger in the correct position, and waited. Lynne sat at the desk and brought up the scanning system on her monitor and hit start. Just as Morane had hoped, the scanner was fooled into copying the false print, and Stan was able to send it into the database without being detected. "Thank you", she said. "I've got it, you're good to go". -"Was no problem at all", Stan smiled.
And now Lynne turned her attention to Justin, and immediately brought up the subject of a top secret project. Of course Stan was still in the room and recorded every word she said of it, but then she asked him to leave. "Only for a few", she explained. "I've got something private to talk about with corporal Church". -"Are you sure you cannot let me know as well?" he asked. "Sorry, Stan", she replied. "But this isn't for everyone's eyes, in fact very few are to be included". "I see", he nodded. "Well, I'll be outside waiting then". -"I'm sorry", she said again. "I hope you can understand, and won't hold this against me". "Oh, not at all", he said as the doors closed behind him.

     Lynne had explained everything to Justin, including the special expedition team, that he was going to be a major part of. He was beyond intrigued and enthralled, he even thanked her for including him in the project. "You cannot tell anyone", she said sternly. "This is only between you and I".
-"I understand", he nodded. "I won't tell a soul". As Justin exited out the doors, he saw Stan standing against the wall, his arms folded across his chest, with a perplexed expression on his face. "Anything you can share with me?" he asked. Justin shook his head. "Sorry man, but it's classified information".
"Such a disappointment", Stan uttered. "I really don't like being left out". -"Sorry, can't tell you a thing", Justin said again. Stan looked away, and decided not to ask anymore, so he just walked along side him, quietly.

     --Later that night--

     The young photographer named Daniel was devastated to find that he was too late, and the others had taken the shots before him. Still he tried to take some good pictures, but none of them were press worthy, he had already failed on his first assignment. "This is just great", he groaned.
"I've failed the editor, now what am I going to do?" Daniel had just about given up for that night until he saw something that might be interesting. A tall soldier was walking across the street from him, and heading towards a dark alley which was beside the city council headquarters. "A Soldier allowed in that building?" he asked himself. "This must be newsworthy". He began to follow the soldier, and peered around the corner and watched as the man let himself into the building. Daniel then made his way down the alley and began trying to look through some of the windows, but he saw nothing.

     The soldier had turned out to be none other than Stan, who was reporting to Morane for his debriefing session. He entered the secret lab room and took a seat on the prep table, and waited for his master to show up. Outside the building, Daniel was still trying to figure out a way to spy into the building, until he noticed the alley wrapped around the entire building, and so he ventured deeper into the darkness and noticed a small rectangle shaped window above. He tried to lift himself up to peer inside, but it was just too tall. Then he looked around and saw an old wooden box, and began pushing it till it was against the brick wall. He stepped up on it and sure enough he could see right into the building, and noticed the soldier sitting on a table. Morane then entered the room and dimmed the lights. "What have ya got for me today, Stan?" Morane asked. -"Something that might interest you", he replied. "Sounds inviting", cackled Morane. "Let's get you connected to the computer".

     Daniel watched as the figure connected some cables to the soldier's wrists, and his eyes widened with shock, as the image of the soldier flickered off, revealing a shiny metallic body.
Daniel felt his hands on his camera, he held it tight, but he began to quiver as he contemplated snapping a photo of this ghastly discovery. He realized he screwed up his assignment, but could this make up for it? Daniel looked down at his camera, he noticed there was only one picture left. He swallowed hard and his hands started shaking, he was scared of being caught, but wanted more than anything to prove himself to the editor. "Okay, I'll just do it, and run like hell", he whispered to himself.
He held the camera up and looked through the lens, and without hesitating he pressed the button down hard, and closed his eyes. It was too late when he realized he forgot to turn off the flash, and he knew he was in trouble, for the robotic soldier and the figure saw the flash.

     "What was that?" Stan turned around quickly. "A trespasser", Morane grumbled. "Well, you know what to do, kill him and dispose of that camera!"
Daniel had never run faster, he was determined to get out of there alive, and with his shocking image. He decided against going back the way he came, and tried to find another way out of the alley. He stopped for a few to catch his breath, and listened for any sound of footsteps, but he heard nothing.
"Maybe they didn't see me, or just don't care", he thought to himself. He continued on his way until he saw some light at the end. "I've actually found a way out", he said to himself. "I was worried over nothing!" Daniel had spoke too soon, when suddenly he felt something grab him. He was thrown against the alley wall, but could not see what it was. He scrambled back on his feet and continued running, without daring to look behind him. As he finally made his way out of the alley, he noticed a metal staircase on the outside of the building, and quickly hopped over it and began climbing the stairs as fast as he could.

     Daniel had now climbed about 40 feet, and looked down to see if that person was still chasing him. "I guess I was just too fast for them", he panted. Feeling safe, he decided to stay there and rest before attempting his final getaway. He closed his eyes, and felt his hands around the bars of the balcony, but suddenly he heard the sound of someone coming up the stairs, but he couldn't move.
He was too tired to try and get away, so he just sat there and waited. He closed his eyes again and suddenly felt someone grab him once again. He opened his eyes and stared in horror as he was looking directly into the glowing green eyes of the robotic soldier. "Please", Daniel pleaded. "Don't kill me, I'm sorry!" Stan ignored the man's cries and hung him over the railing by the throat. Daniel struggled to breathe and continued to beg the robot not to end his life. Stan continued to ignore him and soon he released his grip and watched as he fell to the ground below. He waited a few, just peering over the railing, checking to see if the man was still moving, but instead he lay still, and then Stan began heading down the stairs to see for himself.

     Just as he had expected, the man was dead. He had fallen and broken his neck, while still clutching the camera in his hand. Much to Stan's disappointment, the camera didn't sustain enough damage to ruin the film inside, and so he knew what had to be done next.
Stan snatched the camera out of Daniel's cold lifeless hand, and threw it on the ground, and with one stomp of his metallic foot, he smashed it down till it was flattened. "such a disappointment", Stan murmured as he looked upon the corpse of the man. He felt no regret or remorse for what he had done, instead he saw it as being an accomplishment. He had simply done what he was ordered to do, and that was all, he didn't even realize that what he had done was immorally wrong, and that it would affect the lives of those who knew him.