Museum of humanity.

Earth. Sol System

2613

I didn't know what to think when I saw what was waiting at the Rotunda. Along the wall were deployable separators with several people inside them. Cameramen, sound operators, and their equipment were seen in a few of ones that had the curtains open. If the overall quiet nature of the building was eerie before, now it would have shaken the most battle hardened of the veterans that were present. It was completely quiet save for the squeaks of shoes that was heard.

I looked at the center of the room. Unlike the rest of the building, this was a barren mound of dirt, a slab of metal protruded from the middle of it. No one needed to be reminded of what it was. Admiral Hood said that this mound would remain forever barren. And so it shall. The sunlight illuminated the room through the glass panels overhead, showing the only writing on the lone slab of metal. 'In Memory of those fallen in defence of Earth and her colonies. March 3 2553' If you looked closer you could see some numbers faded by time. One. One. Seven.

Just as I was about to ask someone what I was doing here, I felt someone grab my shoulder and turn me around. "Grayson Young! Come here you big Fucker!"

I recognized that voice. "Al?" I asked and looked at the face of the man who stood before me. Sure enough there was the other sole survivor of the eleventh.

"The one and only man. How have you been? Still with that spit fire?" He Smiled. "And how's her sister?"

I laughed, my deep Voice echoing across the room. A few veterans and staff looked at us before going back to do whatever they were doing before. I pulled him into a one armed hug. "Man! Grate to see you! I'm fine and so's the wife. How about you how's the prop treating you? Still useful with the ladies?" I gave a smirk. "And her sister still says no."

"Man you always were the ladies man and you know it. Besides, this old thing needs a few replacement parts," He said as he rapped his knuckles on his metal leg. "I doubt that any lady would want a rusty thing like this on her carpet," He said with a devious smirk. "So why are you here? Seeing the sights or visiting some friends?"

"Nether," I pulled out the slip of paper. "I got this and was told to come here."

He snatched the paper from my hands and gave it a quick read. "You lucky son of a bitch. Of course they go with the blue eyed blond beauty," He said mockingly.

"Hey, I'm sure they would have chosen you had you done something during the War," I said as I gave him a punch to the shoulder.

He smiled. "Well I'm here to provide security for the boys so they can play with you."

"Hey. Do you know what they are doing?" I asked pointing over to a closed sectional. "I was only told that it was a documentary for the War. But no specifics."

"What still don't like being on camera?" he asked as he poked a finger at my chest.

"No, The last time I was on camera I was used as a propaganda ginny pig. What makes this 'documentary' so different?" I asked as I shoved his hand away from my chest.

"So I guess you didn't hear the news. ONI cut the red tape of all the classified missions of the war. Everything's coming out. So instead of having rumors, the big guys up top asked these guys to take people who were there and clear the facts. Or well... that's what these guys said. I'm sure ONI will check what get said for any secrets that they still want buried, you know how those spooks are." He told me as a group of techs closed another sectional.

I nodded my head. I knew all about the spooks and their secrets. The biggest battle of my life was because of one of those secrets, hell it left nearly six thousand men dead and the rest with survivor's guilt. And in the end it wasn't all that necessary like they had told us. Sometimes the spooks were our greatest asset and our greatest threat.

I remembered that I had an objective to complete. "Where do I need to check in at?" I asked my former squadmate.

"Oh? I'm not good enough for you Young?" I gave him a look that he knew all too well. "That table over there is where you sign in." He said pointing to the table in front of the memorial. I gave him my thanks, my number and told him we should have a drink like old times. He smiled at that and we separated. I was never one for drinking but with a fellow comrade I would gladly take a few shots for.

I walked up to the table and got the attention of a young girl who was working on the portable laptop. "Um. Yes, Excuse me? I'm here for this." I said, unsure of what I was doing. I handed her the slip of paper. She skimmed through it before typing something on the computer.

"Ah Yes Grayson T. Young. Enlisted in the 105th Marine Expeditionary Unit August 4th. 2547 At the age of 20. Retired September 2nd. 2572 at the age of 45. If you would follow Mr. Burns here, he will take you to where you need to go." She said in an overly sweet voice. It almost made her seem friendly. Almost. But I knew that she was doing what her job was telling her to do. Witch in this case be nice to the veterans.

Neverless I did what I was raised to do. "Thank you kindly miss," I said in my deep voice. It seemed to have the desired effect on the girl as she looked up at me in surprise. Nowadays people tend to forget their manners. It would be funny if it weren't so sad to see the faces of confusion when someone thanks them for doing their job. She was no different.

I left without another word and followed the stocky man known as Mr. Burns. He led me to a sectional witch had several people inside waiting to be used. As soon as I entered he left and closed the curtains. Instantly any sound that was heard before was cut off. I looked at the person who was closest to me. He was tinkering with his camera.

"It's a nano stitched polyester. Dampens sound," He told me without looking up from what he was doing. I just nodded. I looked around. There were seven people in total two techs were playing blackjack, the cameraman, a soundman working with his equipment, another person sleeping in the corner using a bag as a pillow, and one who was dressed more professionally than the others. I guess she was the one in charge. To say she was beautiful would have been an understatement. Her face was flawless, her bulky glasses made her already small face seem tiny. But hey I was 6' 1" and 240 to me anyone would seem small. Except the S-VIs those guys beat even the tallest ODST in regards in height

"When would you like us to begin?" I asked her. She looked up from her Datapad in surprise and frustration. She obviously doesn't like getting surprised. If I would guess she was from either Japan or Luna. She stood and extended her hand to me.

I firmly grasped it only to be met with a similar grip. I saw a ghost of a smile spread on her lips. as her eyes bore into mine in search of information. Man, glad the wife wasn't here. Al doesn't call her a spitfire for nothing. If she saw the intense stare off we were having she would have to mark her territory... Not that that's a bad thing. She released my hand, and allowed hers to fall to her side. "One thing that I've learned from all my years with family who were military is that you jarheads like to show your strength in everything you do," She stopped, as a full smile spread across her plump face. "So do I."

I smiled. I like this girl.

"She looked at her datapad again and typed a few commands. "Ah, Mr. Young, I was expecting they send me someone. Glad they sent me a married man instead of one of those Sex crazed Army singles. I let out a chuckle when she said that.

"Well ma'am we old guys do have needs." I said in defence to my horny brothers. One of the techs groaned as he covered his ears.

"Too much info man!" He cried. That made my smile deepen.

"Please, call me Yamada. Ma'am makes me sound old," She pointed over to a couch. "You will sit there. If it helps you can only focus on me. I'll be right next to you. Max will take care of everything else," Max as it turns out was the cameraman.

"Yeah all you have to do is relax and tell us a pretty story," Max said as he closed up the maintenance hatch to his camera, and got into position.

A series of memories flashed across my vision. Blood, gore, death burning planets. I shook my head clearing my thoughts. I haven't had a relapse sense New Phoenix and I wasn't to have one now. "Alright Just one question," I said as he started to record.

"Yes?" She asked straightening her skirt.

"Are YOU ready?" I asked as I glanced into the camera with a serious expression.