Lost Sols 1: Ancient Treasure (24 page)

Dalton
was happy to see Sarah arrive back in the control center. “I’m so sorry Sarah you could have been killed because of me.” he said. “No worries Dalton, I’m fine. Thanks for helping get me back to the ship.” she said. “Welcome back to the land of the living. See what you can do to help out if you’re up to it. It’s good to have you back.” Vincent said.

"Computer, how long until we reach Earth at present speed?" Vincent asked. "We will arrive at Earth in thirty eight minutes at present speed." the computer responded. "Sarah, send a message to Enzo. Let him know we'll be there in thirty eight minutes." Vincent said. "Does anyone know what time it is in Trundle? I'd like to come in when it's dark if possible." Vincent asked. "We'll be coming in about nine o'clock local time. It will be dark in Trundle." Monique said. "Computer, turn off all illumination within the ship except for the displays in the control center." Vincent said.

"Patrick, do you think you can fly this ship manually in the atmosphere?" Vincent asked. "Isabella and I have been talking about that. She's familiar with the navigation display. The one we took from Rhea confirms what we've been seeing here. It looks pretty simple." Patrick replied. "Let's give it a try. Computer, disable automatic flight." he said. "Automatic flight disabled, the spacecraft is on manual control." the computer replied. "Patrick take us down to Antarctica. From there fly as low as possible until we reach Australia. Take your time and practice flying the ship for awhile if you need to." Vincent said.

"The ship should have been here by now. I hope they didn’t run into more trouble." Randy said. “Give them a few more minutes. I’m sure they’ll be here soon.” Enzo said. Tony was first to see the ship. He was getting used to using his telescopic vision. Anything within his range of vision he could see in detail. The ship came in quickly. The lake had only finished draining ten minutes ago. A large hole in the ground awaited Vincent and the crew. Once the ship was parked it would be covered with as many tarps as needed.

“There they are. It looks like Enzo has made us a parking spot. Put the ship down gently.” Vincent said. Patrick deftly circled once and parked the spacecraft in the mud of the recently emptied lake. The ship settled into the muddy bottom. “We don’t know a whole lot about this ship. I want one person to remain on board at all times. At the moment we need to give a tour to our benefactor and his friends.” Vincent said. “I just had a nice rest, I’ll take the first watch.” Sarah said. Vincent went to the hatch and opened the door. He looked up and saw Enzo, Randy, and Tony walking in from the shoreline. “I wasn’t sure I’d see you again Uncle. Welcome to our new ship, I think you’ll be very pleased with the contents.” Vincent said. Enzo hugged Vincent and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Excellent work Vincenzo. Thank you for keeping my son and the rest of the crew safe. Let’s go take a look at this ship of yours and see what you’ve brought back.”

Enzo, Randy, and Tony were amazed at what the crew had returned with. The sheer volume of treasure was beyond what any of them could have imagined. Enzo knew he would never have to worry about money ever again.
After the tour Randy remained on the ship with Sarah. He was exploring the ship while taking notes and pictures of everything. He was bound and determined to learn as much as he could about the alien ship. Everyone else went to the villa to celebrate, relax, and drink.

Enzo sat with his son. “Vincenzo tells me your help was invaluable. I’m very proud of you. This trip was a good lesson in patience and guile. There will come a day when I’m too old and feeble to be of any use to our friends. It will be up to you to continue the work which needs to be done.” Enzo said.

Vincent and Dalton were speaking about the ruins in Cydonia and the gold walls in the underground city when Enzo interrupted. “A toast to the crew of the Constellation. Despite the best efforts of our government you succeeded in your mission.” Everyone raised a glass and there were smiles all around. “The question now is what to do with the ship. We can’t keep it hidden forever.” He said. “Uncle Enzo, without your help we wouldn’t have been able to leave Earth. If the ship stays here the government will eventually find out and they will come and take it. The ship will be followed no matter where we take it in our solar system. We know of a gate at the edge of the solar system which we believe will take us to an alliance of alien species. I respectfully ask to take the ship through the gate. I’d welcome any crewmembers who would like to remain with me. We have no idea what we might find. I would like the opportunity to find out, regardless of what danger might lie ahead.” Vincent said.

“Vincenzo you make a good point about the government. I’m getting too old to play keep away with our government everyday. Randy wants to learn about the ship. For now we will keep it here for a few days so he has a chance to learn what he can. After he’s done you may take the ship on one condition. You must return within a reasonable time. You are to bring back technology and information about any new friends you make. Most importantly, you must try
to form a personal relationship with the leaders of this alliance. Become friends with the leaders and prove to them our species is reasonable and worthy of their friendship and trust. For now let us enjoy the rest of our evening. This celebration has been well earned by all.” Enzo said. “Thank you Uncle, I promise to return. A toast to the most influential man on Earth. Without you, none of this would have been possible.”

Director Spencer had never been in the White House in the middle of the night. He entered the Oval Office to find President Louis pacing in his pajamas. “We have a decision to make and we don’t have much time. You and I are the only two people who can make this decision. Nobody else knows what we have at Area Fifty One. I have intelligence which confirms the crew of the Constellation is back on Earth.” The President said. Director Spencer was briefed on all the latest developments. “We don’t have many options Mr. President. As much as I hate to say it, we need to make a goodwill gesture.
We’ve learned all we can at this point anyway.” Director Spencer said. “I’m of the same opinion. If we don’t return what we have, we could be in for a world of hurt.” The satellites have tracked the ship to Australia. I’ll make the arrangements. Notify your people in Nevada and have them ready.” President Louis said.

Vincent was drunk. The responsibility for keeping people alive was gone and he could let loose and relax. He was dancing with Monique and had only one mission on this night. She took the margarita he brought, and the two of them began dancing again. “Captain, we have received a communication from the White House. President Louis wishes to speak with you personally.” Sarah said as she interrupted his stellar dance moves. “Aren’t you supposed to be on the damn ship Sarah?” Vincent as
ked. “Yes Captain, but this is urgent. Randy is watching the ship in my absence. Come with me Captain.” Sarah said as she grabbed Vincent by the arm and led him to the ship.

Vincent arrived on the ship and wasn’t happy. For one damn night he wanted nothing more then to take a break from reality. He felt he had earned it. When he sat down he found the face of President Louis on the display staring back it him. “Mr. Moretti, we have a few things to speak about.” President Louis said. “What the hell do you want? I’m guessing you received my message. Why are you bothering me? We have nothing to discuss.” He said. “It’s good to see you’re willing to dispense with the bullshit. We do have a few things to discuss. I understand your frustration with the government. I did get the message you gave to Captain Stukey. I’ll admit there is too much bureaucracy and corporate involvement in our political process. For now, how about you turn over the ship, and let the proper authorities investigate Mars and past alien visitations?” President Louis asked. “This ship will not be turned over to any government on Earth under any circumstances.” Vincent replied. “I thought you might say that. Do you really believe you can take the ship and meet the aliens who have visited our solar system?” President Louis asked. “Yes, I will meet them in very short order.” Vincent said. His instinct told him the President was hiding something. He just didn’t know what.

“The United States would like to return something the aliens left behind.” President Louis said. “What do you need to return President Louis?” Vincent asked. “One of their people. Please proceed to Roswell New Mexico to transport this alien as a gesture of goodwill by the United States Government. We’ve had the alien since his ship crashed. From what we can tell, the alien is in a self induced stasis and has been since the crash. Despite our best efforts the pilot has not regained consciousness for one hundred years now.” President Louis said. “I’ll agree to pick up the alien if you remove unnecessary personnel from the base. If the military is present, I will abort the pickup. Are we clear Mr. President?” Vincent asked. “I will remove the military and unnecessary personnel as much as feasible. You might be surprised to know we have kept this particular secret very well. The base will be nearly empty. We will transfer the alien to the ship with only the medical staff present, and nothing more.” President Louis replied. “No tricks President Louis or the deal is off, and I’ll let the aliens know you are keeping one of their people hostage.” Vincent said.

Enzo and Randy had entered the control center.
“Vincenzo, we’re going with you.” Enzo said. “Alright, I’ll go back to the party and see who else wants to go.” Vincent said. His head began to clear a little as he returned to the festivities. Each member of the crew wanted to go except for Sandy. She didn’t want to be near any government agency.

“Patrick
take us to Area Fifty One. Computer, reestablish communication with the previous contact.” Vincent said. President Louis appeared on the screen again. “We will be arriving in Roswell shortly. Make sure any personnel transporting the alien are unarmed.” Vincent said.

President
Louis issued orders to General Parker at Roswell. The General questioned the order to release the alien. In one hundred years the alien had been in a comatose state. At no point had there been any discussion about moving the alien to a different location. “General, let me make this real clear. This alien is returning to his people. If we were to keep him, we would become enemies of an advanced species with the power to decimate us. Release the alien when the ship arrives. Don’t question my orders, follow them.” General Parker issued an alert directing all personnel to relocate inside the facility.

Tony was exploring the alien ship on the way to
Roswell. While touring the ship he began to feel he belonged in space. He had an urge he didn’t recognize and a desire to find something. He wasn’t sure what it was, but he knew it was out there somewhere. When the ship left Earth he would be on it. Whatever this new desire required, it wouldn’t be found on his home planet. Touching a wall he could feel a small satisfying vibration as the ship traveled through the atmosphere. He didn’t know what was waiting, but he was determined to find out.

In the command center Enzo watched as the last few stragglers entered the interior of the buildings at Area Fifty One.
Two technicians were waiting on the tarmac with medical equipment and what looked to be a large plexiglas container. “Vincenzo, Dominic and I will great our new guest, and speak with the technicians.” Enzo said. “I’m coming too. They will have a chart and the medical information for the alien. I might need to ask some questions.” Julia said. “We better get going, they’re heading this way.” Vincent said.

In the rear of the ship Enzo lowered the loading ramp.
The technicians were waiting. “Here you go, one old alien. You need to make sure none of the tubes are disconnected until you get him wherever you’re going.” He said. “Are either of you a Doctor?” Julia asked. The technicians indicated they weren’t. “I need to speak to the physician who has been caring for this patient before we leave.” Julia said. One of the technicians radioed in the request. Sarah began to look at her patient. He looked like the same alien species she had seen on the Atlantis video. He was wearing an orange vest which had wires and tubes running in and out of it. More wiring was coming out of a white cap on top of his head. “We call him Andy.” A voice said. She looked up as someone new approached. “Hello, I’m Dr. Skip Simpson. I’ve been taking care of him for the last twenty five years.” He said. “Who named him Andy?” she asked. “Nobody can remember. Somebody gave him the name after the crash and he’s been Andy ever since. He’s been marooned on our little island of a planet for the last one hundred years.

There’s not much to tell you about him.
His condition is virtually unchanged from the day he crashed. For the first year his heart rate gradually decreased. It beats about five times per minute now. The surgeons determined he was injured but stable after the crash. Some exploratory operations have been conducted, but we simply don’t know enough about his physiology to repair any of the damage. We’ve taken as many biological specimens as we could without putting him in additional danger. The intravenous drip provides basic vitamins and proteins. It will be easy to find the tube which removes his waste, you’ll need to change the bag a couple of times per day. It’s amazing he’s still alive after a century in this condition.” Doctor Simpson said.

“His species must have a long life span or has evolved an ability to hibernate when injured.”
Julia said. “There’s really nothing else to tell you. I hope you can get him to his people. I’ve become quite attached after all these years. I hope his people can repair the damage so he can have some kind of life again. If you ever get the chance, tell him about me. Maybe he can make it back here somehow. Good luck.” Dr. Simpson said as he walked away. “Thanks Doc, I’ll take good care of your buddy.” Sarah said.

The trio brought Andy up the ramp and into the ship. The crew couldn’t help staring at Andy. “It’s simply amazing. Vincenzo you have a great responsibility to get him back safely. It’s also time for us to take our place among the stars and survive as a species.” Enzo said. “We have a lot to learn and a long way to go. We’ll take our first step within days now. I think we have a good crew to represent humanity.” Dominic said. “Let’s get Andy to the medical center. Perhaps the computer can do something for him.” Julia said.

“Patrick, let’s get back to Trundle. Park in the lake again, I suspect our government already knows we’re staying there but we don’t want any trouble from the locals. Let’s keep the ship hidden if we can. Watch for drones and fighters. I wouldn’t want to disappoint our President if he tries something foolish. I’ll be in the medical center if you need me.” Vincent said.

Everyone but Patrick was in the medical center discussing the fate of Andy when Vincent arrived. “Julia, let’s see what the computer has to say.” Vincent said. “Computer, we have an individual of another species we are unfamiliar with. Can you diagnose and treat the injuries?” Julia asked. “The individual is a member of the Rabanah species. Remove his clothing, disconnect him, and place him in the regeneration chamber for analysis.” the computer replied. Julia followed the instructions with help from Sarah. With Andy disconnected he was placed in the regeneration chamber. After a few moments the computer gave the diagnosis. “The patient will make a full recovery in approximately seven months and will regain consciousness in approximately eight days if left in the regeneration chamber.” the computer stated. “I’m sure he’ll have quite the story to tell. We need to get him to his people before he regains consciousness. It doesn’t matter how advanced he is. Anyone waking up after one hundred years is going to freak out. At the very least he needs to wake up among his own people.” Sarah said. “He’s getting the help he needs which is the important thing. Computer, notify Julia every twelve hours on the condition of the patient, and notify me immediately if the patient begins to regain consciousness.” Vincent said.

“How’s it going?” Patrick said as he entered the medical center. He looked at the alien and shivered. The sight of the alien made him uneasy. “Wow that thing is creepy.” He said. “What are you doing here? Who’s flying the ship?” Vincent asked. “If I remember my training correctly, a ship doesn’t need a pilot when it’s parked. We’re back in Trundle Captain.” Patrick replied. “Good, everybody get some rest. Tomorrow we’ll begin finalizing preparations for your departure.” Enzo said. “I’m going to stay on the ship and watch over Andy. Julia you can get some rest now.” Sarah said. “I’ll stay as well. I’m going to figure out as much as possible about this ship before it leaves. Besides, someone should stay and monitor communications.” Randy said. “I’m going to instruct the computer to only allow the key holder to open any exterior doors on the ship. If anyone needs to get on or off the ship you will need to find me. The government knows where we are, and it’s p
ossible they will send in the military to try and take the ship. Let’s go get some sleep.” Vincent said.