The following week saw the activation of the GYN-01, and as planned the GYS-2 (the official designation of the Airships housed aboard the U.S.S. Darkhorse) joined it. While the GYS-1 was used by the BGY-11 to act as a 'support vehicle and rarely was used in combat the GYS-2 was outfitted to be a virtual weapons platform. Dozens of armaments capable of operating in any conceivable environment dotted its surface as well as more than a few hidden armaments. Dwyane and Jo were both kept busy with training exercises , while Erica spent most of her time working on the new upgrades for Earl that her and Dr. Poindexter had devised. The tests so far had been a success, but it would take a lot more time and practice to ensure that everything was fully functional before she could truly trust Earl to carry out missions. Meanwhile, Dr. Slate had been hard at work getting the new GYS-2's flight controls and autopilot up and running. Her primary objective was to modify the system to allow it to operate in Earth's exosphere without requiring extensive modifications to the ship's airframe. That task was made easier by the fact that the GYS-2 didn't need to accommodate a pilot. The GYS-1 was normally flown by the BGY-11, but the GYS-2 required no such input.
Dr. Slate was currently in the middle of a test run when the communications console on the bridge gave a soft chime indicating that a transmission was coming through. Without even stopping what she was doing the scientist quickly tapped out a command and brought up the incoming message. It was from Quark Industries HQ, requesting that Dr. Slate come to their offices ASAP. The request didn't require much thought on her part as she knew it must be related to the ongoing investigation into the Legion ex Machina. She quickly dismissed all other work to prepare for the trip. When she arrived at Quark Industries' main campus she found a familiar figure waiting for her in front of the building... Jo. The new pilot seemed to be waiting for Dr. Slate's arrival and stepped forward to greet her. "Hello Dr. Slate... I was wondering if you were going to join me today. You received a message as well?" Slate smiled warmly, "Ah... yes... I did. they said it was quite urgent." Jo nodded in response before continuing, "So do you know what this is about? They told me nothing." Slate shook her head, "Unfortunately... I don't know either." "Well... I guess we'll find out soon enough."
They stepped inside together and followed the receptionist down a hallway until they came to a pair of double doors that read 'Quark Industries Security Office'. The receptionist knocked twice and then waited for a response before opening the door and stepping aside. Inside the room was a man who appeared to be in his mid-forties. His hair was graying and neatly cut. He wore a business suit that looked expensive and rather fashionable. "Doctor Erica Slate, I presume?" The man asked. Erica smiled nervously [a little formal isn't it?], "Yes..." The man stood up and extended his hand, "I'm Colonel Matthew Tanner... I suspect you have guessed this meeting concerns the Legion ex Machina, but before we begin can you tell me anything? Has Dr. Poindexter given any new details?" Erica paused a moment before replying, "Not really... just that he seems to not recall much on the subject. It's almost like the information was forcibly removed." Tanner nodded, "I wasn't aware that was something the Legion was capable of. Do you have any theories as to how that might happen?" Erica shrugged, "I have none, but I have a feeling that whatever was removed was vital to keeping the seventh remaining member hidden..."
Tanner nodded slowly, "Exactly! If we are dealing with an entity that is able to tap into our memories... then we have to assume that all knowledge is potentially vulnerable." Erica nodded in agreement, "Including the newest additions to the Big Guys...Family?"... Dr. Slate let out an uncomfortable laugh. Colonel Tanner nodded in agreement. "We have to keep any relevant knowledge safe...and that brings me to our meeting today. Effective immediately you are restricted to Quark HQ or aboard the U.S.S. Darkhorse. You may travel between the two only with authorized approval and an armed escort. This will be permanent until the 7th Legion member is found." He quickly held up a hand to silence her retort. "I know you probably feel like a prisoner, but we cannot take unnecessary risks at this point. You are essential to the GYW/BGY project and by extension finding the 7th Legion member... so please cooperate." Erica thought for a moment before responding, "Understood sir." She bowed her head in respect, "I'll stay." He smiled, "Thank you... now, I hate to leave on such a sour note, but such is the nature of our work. As Erica left the room Colonel Tanner missed the scowl on her face. "This isn't over."
