Batgirl could hardly contain her excitement as they approached the America. The sheer size of the ship was mind boggling. But still she couldn't help at feel a little scared.
If she read the president and the Admiral correctly she was in for one hell of a ride. A grin etched across her face. She couldn't wait.
As she looked out the window, she noticed the America was far from complete. Sections of her were missing. She watched as a huge crane maneuvered a huge sponson towards the America. Yardbirds were near the spot it was going were ready to attach it once it came near them.

(Author's note: Yardbirds are navy slang for civilian shipyard workers.)

As the Caravan passed under the port nacelle, she noticed that the ship was resting on huge pillars. She guessed each one was about 100 feet in diameter and were between 100 to 200 feet in height, depending on which part of the ship rested on it. To her it looked like a giant model n display.
She turned and looked back t her fellow shipmates. Doc, Flapjack and Opie were in full ohh and ahh mood.
"Sweet Allah, that's Egyptian hieroglyphics on the pillars" she heard flapjack say as they past one of the huge pillars. She looked at the pillar he mentioned and saw that it was hieroglyphics, this was getting stranger and stranger by the minute.
"Damn Yankee, looks like we're not in Kansas any more" Opie said
Doc just shook his head in agreement, For once Dock let Opie get the better of him.
But it was the look in Wildcat's face that sent chills down her spine. Her head was bowed and her eyes closed. In her hands was a silver crucifix that was attached to a chain around her neck. As she rubbed the cross, her lips moved in a silent prayer.
She didn't know Wildcat very well, nobody did. But the look of concern on her face worried her. Maybe not everybody was going to be happy with this new assignment.

She felt the Humvee turn right and saw that they were heading towards the stern of the ship. As they passed the starboard nacelle, she noticed there was a long ramp leading towards the end of it.
The ramp started out past the huge engines and rose to meet the opening. The ramp appeared to be made of solid rock, or at least concrete. It was wide enough for three tractor trailers side by side to move up and down with ease.
As they moved up the ramp, she noticed the America's huge engines. There were a total of four in all. She could only guess at thrust these babies could produce. Just by looks alone, these babies made the Saturn five look like a bottle rocket.
"Hey one of them fighters is landing!" shouted Opie. She looked to where Opie was pointing, sure enough a wildcat came into view. It was landing on the port bay, its gear down. It was coming in at the standard rate of speed, just barley above stall speed. To her it looked like a typical carrier landing.
Just before she lost sight of it as they passed the engines, she could have sworn she saw no pilot! "Stranger and stranger" she said to herself as she looked forward and noticed they were about to enter the ship.
The driver an Airman named Jones, who until now had remained quiet said
"Ma'am if you think the outside is something, wait till you get inside her, then you'll really be amazed!"
she looked at the Airman just as they crossed thee threshold of the bay and said "Jones, I honestly doubt that, I've think I've been amazed enough to last a lifetime."
"yes Ma'am That's what I keep telling myself everyday, have a look for yourself." he said pointing forward
As she looked forward, all she saw was Phantom after Phantom, all lined up in a neat row. They stretched almost the length of the bay. There must have been at least fifty of them.
Each one was gleaming with new paint, some had their canopies open with plane captains and technicians worked on them. She then saw the squadron's insignia. VF-102 the Diamondbacks. Last she knew that squadron was decommissioned some time ago.
As they slowed as they came to the end of the hanger she saw another type of ship. She saw several boxy shuttle type craft; they were fairly large about fifty feet long and twenty feet high. Each had two engines.
The caravan came to a halt at the end of the hanger bay, as she now called it.
"End of the line Commander." Airman Jones said as he put the Humvee in park and shut off its engine.
She opened the door and exited. She looked around the bay; it had the familiarity of an aircraft carrier. The sights, sounds and smells, made her feel at home. As she stood there soaking it all in, she was joined by the others. As they then walked towards the President's Humvee who was in another Heated argument, "damn it doesn't that Fuzzy ever give it a rest" she said to herself.
"Mr. President you can't honestly expect me to believe that this base has been in US control for over 70 years!" Senator Cummings said his face turning redder with each word spoken.
"Fuzzy, you need to give it a break, remember your blood pressure. And yes it is true, I know it's hard to believe, but it's all there in Black and White. You will be briefed more at supper, I assure you." the president said noticing that everyone had gathered around them.
He smiled for a brief second before addressing everyone
"OK everyone please follow me, we're heading towards that lift over there. From there you will be heading towards your berthing area. Each group will be given a guide to help you find your way around the ship.
For those of you that need change of clothing, your guide will take you to the ships store where you can purchase those items you need. You will be given a $500.00 chit in which to make your purchases" he paused for a moment letting the fact that they were receiving 500 bucks. Then he continued.
"For those in the military, uniform of the day is Standard BDU's for officers and enlisted. For civillians it's dress casual. And the smoking lamp is lit only in berthing areas and crew's lounges. Does anybody have any questions?" he asked looking over he crowd. Seeing that no one did he said.
"Alright people, times a wasting. Chow's at 2000 hours that's in an hour and a half so let's go.
Having said that the president turned stuck his hand in his pockets and headed towards the lift whistling Dixie.

"Only the children of Adam may pass!" Jason said to himself. What in God's name did that mean? Wasn't all of humanity all of Adam's children?
"OK Dick may I ask what does that statement have to do with me?" he asked
Admiral Flemming reached under his seat and pulled out a manila envelope. He reached over is head and handed it to Jason.
"These were taken earlier today; they show the entranceway and the writing in high detail. Anything that looked important was photographed. You tell me what they mean." he said.
Jason took the envelope and removed the photographs. The detail was amazing. They had to be taken with the latest digital camera. The first one was an overall view of the doorway. He could make out the inscriptions on the door and some characters above it.
The second was a close-up of the door. It was recessed into the side of the pyramid. The inscriptions were plainly visible. Below the inscription was an indention of some kind.
The next photograph showed the same inscription in full detail. As he examined it, he realized it was in Sumerian like the admiral had said. And the translation was correct. Shaking his head he moved on to the next. This photograph showed the indention. It was circular shaped with a diamond recessed into the circle. It made no sense to him.
"Your interpretation of the Sumerian is correct, but I still don't get what it has to do with me!" he said sounding puzzled.
"Which photograph are you looking at now?" ask Admiral Flemming
"the close-up of the indention, haven't gotten any further" Jason said
"Keep looking, then you'll understand."
Jason looked at the next one, it was a wide shot of the drawing above the doorway. They were Egyptian in nature, which didn't surprise him. There were five images. The first three was male, the third female, and the last one male again.
All were images of various Egyptian gods. The first one was of Thoth the God of wisdom, the second was of Osiris the God of the underworld, which was followed by Ptah. He was the God of craftsmanship, then there was Isis the Goddess of healing and lastly was Ra the sun god. Still it didn't make any sense.
He looked at the next photo it was a close-up of Thoth nothing remarkable here but the inscription above him looked familiar.
He looked at the rest of the photo's one by one they too were close-ups of each God or Goddess. Above each on was the same familiar writing. Somehow he knew this but from where. As he studied the last photograph he finally realized what it was.
"Admiral is this some sort of Joke?" he asked
"No Apollo its not, you now realize what we mean?"
"Yes sir when I first glanced at the last photograph, I thought it was of the sun god Ra, but its not, it's of the Greek God Apollo he's riding a chariot, holding the sun in his outstretched hand. But it's not the image of Apollo that scares me sir; it's the inscription above it."
"You can read it, everyone we have shown it to say it doesn't exist" exclaimed Admiral Flemming.
"Sir there used to be seven people on this planet who can read this after 9-11 the number is down to five. It's a made up Language sir. My brother's and sister made it up with the help of my parents. Above each image is our names Cain, Able, Seth and Ruth and Jason. All in which the order we were born
Silence filled the cockpit. The only sound was that of steady hum of the engines. After a few minutes the Admiral broke that silence.
"Look Apollo, I'm sorry, but we had no idea that's what the inscriptions said. But I understand if you want out of this project now, we was just hoping you could shed some light on this." the Admiral said with heartfelt sorrow in his voice
Jason closed his eyes fighting back the tears of his parent's deaths on that fateful day! No he would continue on.
"No sir, I'll stay on! My curiosity has been raised. I want to find out what it means. This will be hard for me and my family, especially my brother Seth. He blames me for his son's death. Sometimes I think he's right. But if it takes the children of Adam to end this mystery, then that's what will happen and maybe a few hearts will be mended" Jason said knowing what he must do next.
Admiral Flemming sat there in silence listing to Apollo. He felt the tears for in his eyes too! Damn if he knew this was going to occur he would have done it differently. Glancing at his watch he saw that they had to be heading back.
"Again I'm sorry Apollo, but we have to be heading back now. The President is expecting us and we have a lot to discuss later."
Jason looked up at the moon, which was getting closer by the minute. Yes they had to get back. He had a lot of thinking to do.
"OK sir lets head back; I'm getting hungry"
at that the admiral turned the phantom back towards earth.

Batgirl was running late. The trip to the berthing area and then the ship's store had taken longer than expected. It wasn't because of the distance it was because almost around every turn they took somebody would see something that interested them and would ask their guide Airman Jones questions.
One of the things that struck her the most about her quick tour was the familiarity of it all. Everything reminded her of a US Navy ship. From her wide passageways to the design of her stateroom screamed Uncle Sam.
As she buttoned her blouse of her BDU's she bought at the ships store, she wondered why the navy didn't use jumpsuits like they used in the movies and on TV.
Not that there was anything wrong with the BDU's, they were actually quite comfortable, after all, the Navy spent a bundle on its design. Anything beat khakis and the old fashion dungarees.
(Author's note: If you didn't know it the Navy now wears BDU's. follow this link to see what they look like .mil/view_?id=32392 )

Just as she finished the last button the ships 1mc came to life. First there was the shriek of the boson's pipe followed by the voice of the BMOW (Boatswain Mate Of the Watch). "Now hear this! Now hear this! Supper for our new shipmates and the president has been delayed until 2030 hours. I say again supper has been delayed until 2030. That is all."
"Shi#!" she said out loud. She had just taken a quick navy shower, dried off and put her clothes on in less than 15 minutes. Now she had to wait at least another half hour.
"Uggggg" she grunted as she started brushing her hair. As she looked into the mirror, she couldn't help but smile at the image that stared back at her.
At first glance one would think she was full blooded Irish. For her copper colored hair, light complexion, and by what she has been told many countless times the most striking emerald green eyes.
But they would be only three quarters correct. She was also one quarter Cherokee Indian.
And what she inherited from her nation was barley visible. It lied in her cheekbones. The Cherokee became very predominate in her facial features.
That was one of the reasons she used the nick "Batgirl". That character best describes her. Or at least that is what her grandmother told her.
Her grandmother loved cartoons, especially batman and superman. When upon hearing that her little princess had joined the US Navy, but she wanted to be a fighter pilot also. The old woman turned off the television she was watching stood up and placed her hand on Rachel's and said
"Ah good, the princess wants to be warrior now. This is a good thing. From this day on she will be known as Batgirl. Now I have spoken." Just as she finished she removed her hand sat back down in her chair and turned the TV back on. On the screen was the image of Batgirl, the onscreen image was in the middle of a fight with some thugs beating the pure living crap out of them.
Another image crossed her mind and she couldn't help but to crack a smile as she pulled her medium length red hair up into a proper military manner.
She couldn't help but think of Fuzzy. Yes there were times he was a pain in the ass, but there were times he was a good man! Still it was the pain in the ass part that had her worried right now.
She looked one last time in the mirror, doing one last check over nodding in approval she turned and left her

As she headed towards the lounge area they all agreed to meet at, the realization of what she was on was beginning to hit her. She saw another familiar sign. As she approached it she noticed it was a general schematic of the America. Stopping to get a better look at it she noticed it was like a sort you are here type layout. Emergency routes and locations.
She turned and resumed her little trek. She walked another 100 feet or so when the passageway gave way into a rather large commons area.
It was big enough for maybe 20 people, perhaps 25. It had a couple couches in front of a rather impressive big screen television, along with a couple of poker tables and there was even a small pool table.

In a way a very nice crews lounge, very nice indeed. Seated around one of the card tables was Doc, Opie, Flapjack and that camera man. It looked like they were in the middle of playing a round of poker.
She looked at the big screen TV and saw that someone was playing the latest version of the rouge warrior's spec ops game. Level 14! Pretty impressive, because she has only gotten to 12 herself.
She looked at the two sole occupants of the couches.
It was the two wandering soles she had the displeasure of riding with today.
The last time she saw them, they were two of the most disgusting creatures she has every seen in her life. Smelling of old spice and looking like sailors of old.
Now they were more squared away. BDU's ironed and boots shined. They had freshly shaven faces. Hogan's wire rimmed glasses were still dirty. The kid kinda reminds you of Radar from MASH.
His buddy Osborne had that look of your average country boy from Nebraska, which what he was. His short cropped hair was sandy blonde. His eyes hazel.
They were so engrossed in the game they didn't notice her watching them. It was only when someone shouted "ATTENTION ON DECK!" broke their concentration.
As she came to attention she noticed that Admiral Fleming had entered the room. He was still dressed in his flight suit. Right behind him was Captain Michels. He too was still in his flight suit. He was pulling his carry on luggage behind him.
"As you were! Sorry we are so late. It's my fault wanted to get the ol captain here a grand tour, and maybe see if I could make him a little green." He quipped as he poked Captain Michels with his elbow.
She looked quickly at Captain Michels face and noticed a look of concern across his face. The admiral had told him something in private. And from the looks of things it was big! But what could be bigger than this ship. Unless… her thoughts were interrupted again by the admirals voice.
I have spoken with the president and we have decided to move the meal here. For those who forgot or who didn't know the president is a big football fan.
Well his favorite team the Miami Dolphins is playing in a big game today. If they win they get home field through out the play offs.
If they lose they have to possibly travel to New England.
So we all are invited to his playoff party here. His treat, which includes the beer. So enjoy!" at the he then turned and left to go to his quarters and change. The word beer sparked a rather loud cheer from those present along with football, this was turning into a great day.
She then noticed Captain Michels look at a piece of paper in his hand, and then started walking towards the same berthing area she was assigned to.
She turned and followed the captain. She was just curious on how was his flight and what did he see in a few quick steps she overcame him saying "Apollo, so how did it go?"
He shook in head in amazement.
"fan-freaking-tastic" was the only words he could muster
The Phantom is truly a remarkable bird. Hard to believe it use to be a Tomcat."
She nodded "I bet so, what was it like up there? She asked as they arrived at his quarters. Noticing where they were she quickly mentioned to Apollo that their berths were directly across from each other. He looked at his watch and notice it was getting late, he quickly mentioned that to her.
She said she would see him in the lounge turned and left to go back. The idea of a cold beer made her mouth water. Jason watched her leave and then closed the door.
He look around at his new stateroom. It was larger than he expected. There was an old metal desk in one corner, along with its equally old steel chair. He placed his bag on the desk half expecting it to collapse.
He then noticed the plasma screen television hanging on the wall; he glanced around for the remote locating it he cut the TV on. The pre game show was on and the announcers were making their predictions saying the Dolphins defense should handle the raiders offense.
He noticed that his bed was in a separate room along with his own private head complete with a shower. He sat on his bed testing it bounce. Sastified that he would have many a rest less sleep on this bed he got up grabbed his bag and unpacked. Grabbing his toiletry bag and a clean towel he headed off to the shower.

Senator Cummings had finally settled down. It didn't take him long to freshen up. As he sat down at the desk in his VIP quarters, he did have to admit these quarters were fairly nice.
The room had a fairly decent queen size bed, a huge big screen TV and a grand view of the bay. As the sun was setting he could just make out the pyramids. There was even a small kitchenette with a loaded fridge.
His laptop beeped letting him know it had booted up, while it was possible the room was being monitored, he wasn't taking any chances. He reached in his pocket and removed a small flash drive. He waited till the flashing light turned green he then logged in. a little present from a friend at the NSA. The room was clear of bugs and the area was secure.
As he waited for his laptop to boot. He stood up and went to the fridge. He grabbed a cold can of Pepsi. He opened it and took a big swallow. He closed the fridge and went to the large bay shaped window.
The sun had finally set and it was hard to see anything. He turned and walked back to the desk. His laptop had finally booted. There was a wireless internet connection. He paused for a second wondering if the connection required login information.
He quickly launched another gift from the same friend. Then he clicked on the wireless internet icon. Sure enough the connection was secured. He did a quick attempt to login using his DoD login information. As he suspected it was rejected. But he wasn't worried. A wicked smile etched across his face as a window popped open. A non traceable hacker program began its duty.
A light knock on his door brought him back to reality. He went to answer it there was another knock followed by the soft voice of his aide.
"senator are you ready? Our escort is here."
"almost Kristie give me a few seconds" he said as he closed the lid to his laptop hoping that by the time he got back from the presidents little party, he would be online.

By the time Jason arrived the play off party was in full swing. The game was about to start and everyone was just about present. He noticed that there was several large coolers filled with ice, sodas and several varieties of popular beers.
There were also several tables, heavy laden with food. There was grilled hotdogs, hamburgers and chicken. Along with all types of fixings.
There was also small finger sandwiches chips and pretzels. There was even a football shaped cake. By this time had been well dug into!
He grabbed a plate and fixed himself a cheeseburger. Grabbed him some chips and cut him a piece of that cake. He walked to the cooler and saw a sight to behold. There was one icehouse left and it belong to him. As he removed the cold beer he heard the unmistakable sound of president Sander's loud boisterous voice
"Are you ready for some football!!" he hollered as he entered the lounge. To say the president marched to a beat of a different drummer all one had to do was look at the president. One side of his face was aqua marine the other orange. He was wearing a Dan Marino jersey and the same shorts and sandals he had on earlier. He had an Icehouse in his hand.
Jason quickly looked down at the cold beer he had in his hand. It would taste great, but he was drinking the president's beer. Thinking better of it he replaced the Icehouse and grabbed a coke instead. If he wasn't going to drink icehouse, he rather not drink at all.

President Sanders noticing captain Michels returning the beer quickly worked his way towards him.

"Having a good time Apollo? Asked the president after taking a sip of beer.

Jason had just bitten off a piece of his cheeseburger, quickly swallowed it and sat the coke down. He quickly offered his free hand to the president and said
"Very much so sir."

"Will ya cut the Sir crap Apollo? OK talk to me like I'm your wingman, which I was by the way!" the president said looking his best friend in the eye.
To Jason the words stung of truth. After all the man in front of him was more than the President of the United States. He was his best friend and former wingman; he will always be Jefferson "Dimebag" Sanders.

He looked at his best friend and nodded. He then grabbed the icehouse out of the presidents hand drained what was left of it. He then let out a suppressed belch and said
"You know Dimebag, your right now I hope you brought enough icehouses for both of us?"

The president smiled seeing his old friend return joyfully reached out and hugged his best friend and said "have I ever let you down Apollo?"

"Well there was that time down in Perth; her name……was….." Apollo said thinking about these cute twins down in Australia.

"Now that wasn't my fault, how was a suppose to know that they were the Prime Ministers Daughters" the president shouted pointing his finger at Jason
They both laughed at the memory of the incident.
"Yes there is more icehouse, but be warn I only brought a six pack don't think we really need to be drinking all that much now do we?" the President said reminding Apollo the real reason they were here.

The look in Dimebag's eyes told Jason there was awhile lot more to the story a whole lot more. But why was he having this very informal type of briefing.

"Time to start Apollo, grab your food and find a spot to sit. Ill have another icehouse brought over." he said as he left.

He looked around the lounge for a place to sit and saw Batgirl sitting at one of the tables by herself. Thinking she wouldn't mind he started to walk her way. As he approached their eyes met as if reading his mind she said "you can sit here Apollo."

"Thanks Batgirl." He said putting his food and coke down on the table.
As he finished he asked "So what do you make of all of this?"

Remarkable is all I can say. Apollo. This whole place, the ship, the island it's so over whelming. "She said waving her hands

Jason having taking another bite of the slider shook his head in agreement. As he swallowed he took a sip of his coke and said.
"What amazes me is even though this ship is a space ship; she has the feel of home."

Batgirl who was cutting a piece of the chicken stopped in mid stroke and asked him. "You noticed it too?'

The question briefly caught him off guard, and then suddenly everything came into focus.

"Yeah I think I have. It's like everything has a." he stopped. He couldn't think of the word.

"Familiarity?" batgirl question, hoping she was thinking along the same lines as him.

"Yeah" he said nodding his head "I think it's by design, what's your professional opinion Commander?" he asked

"Excuse me sir." She said her mouth full of chicken. She quickly finished and continued "I think your correct sir. I think it's by design. How else would you get almost ten thousand crew and support staff to function in a spaceship overnight?"

"I agree with you commander, there is something big on the horizon something real big." he said reaching for the icehouse a steward had just brought him.

As he opened the beer another thought came to him. Invasion? Possibly! Maybe the government knows of some sort of impending invasion. Lord he hoped not. Still he had better wait and see.

Senator Cummings was the last to arrive, as he planned to be. The president and Admiral Flemings had a lot to explain. He quickly thought back to the documents the President had let him look at.
It was hard to comprehend what he had read. Eden's gate may be the name of the base, but to him it was like a personal hell.
But still it intrigued him. The whole concept of ancient spacecraft designed for humans left behind for us to find. But what do we do with it? Instead of making the ship on of peace, they make it a ship of war.
He saw the president sitting on one of the couches. He was talking to Admiral Fleming and the News reporter along with her cameraman. As he approached he noticed their conversation was becoming rather animated. Or rather the Admiral was.
"With all due respect sir, I totally disagree with you on that. If you're planning on doing this, why not use the press?" Admiral Fleming said
Upon hearing that he decided to act quickly and try to catch the two off guard
"And what is the President planning on doing Admiral?" He said taking a seat beside Miss Kinsley who was sitting on the other couch.

"Oh, that's still classified Senator." Admiral Fleming said
"I see." Senator Cumming scratched his chin and looked at the president, what was the man up to. Damn him, He was so hard to read. "Then why, may I ask, why is the press more informed in this than I am on this matter."
"No, they are not fuzzy" replied the president "if I recall you have seen some rather sensitive information just a little while ago, were you not?"
Damn it he thought the president out maneuvered him again. He looked at the president with an fck you stare! He adjusted his tie trying to think of a snappy comeback when the reporter's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Mr. President, all I'm asking much to Senator Cummings dismay is to record the events of tonight. One camera that's all and you get the disks afterwards." She asked
Senator Cummings fumed inside. They even had the press against him now. He might as well give up.
The President looked at Miss Kinsley. Yup a very pretty face, beautiful blond hair and hazel eyes. Still she wasn't his Martha. No one was. He felt a sudden pang in his chest and quickly regained his thoughts.
"OK I Agree. One camera and you give me the disks. And to make sure I get the disks. Admiral who is your MAR-DET's commanding Officer.
"That would be Major Shore, sir!" the Admiral said

"Have Major shore report here and escort these two around and collect the disks." The president said

"Aye, Aye Sir!" the admiral said reaching for a cell phone. After a few seconds the admiral had a brief conversation with the person on the other end. After he finished, he hung up the phone and said "Major Shore will be here within 10 minutes sir."

The president then turned towards the camera man and asked for the disk that was in the camera now. Travis shrugged like OK, what ever, as he opened the camera and removed the writable disk. He then handed it to the president.
Luckily for him he had switched disks 5 mins earlier and had that one safely hidden.
"And Ill take that disk you got hidden in your back pocket. Didn't think I noticed did ya?" the president said holding his hand out.
Travis with a surprised look on his face reached into his back pocket and removed the disc. He handed it to the president with reluctance.

The president then painted face and all handed the hidden disk back to Travis. Use this one first, hate to waste that footage you have already taken. Especially after that entrance I made.
Travis' face went from "down with the man" to "Hail to the chief" faster than you could blink.
"Thank you Mr. President, I had some great shots there." Travis said as he put the disk back in the camera.
The president looked at the Cameraman. He was a tall lanky skinny kid. He looked to be no more than 25 years old. He had his hair cut in the latest emo style. His nose was pierced along with both his ears. He was wearing a Bob Marley tied dyed t shirt.
"No problem kid, just do me a favor and keep that wacky weed you got in your luggage where's it at. OK?"
"Oh yeah no problem man. Your way cool in my book. Is in my room ok?" the obvious stoner said.
"Yeah no problem man, just use plenty of air freshener ok." The president said wondering if the last administration was wrong in reforming the marijuana laws.