Tom and the group entered the laboratory. Tom immediately went to one of the terminals and began inputting commands. Adams and the others took up positions nearby. This was the first time since bringing in Kra'tak that anyone other than the scientists had entered the lab.
Adams looked across the room at the 'bed' Kra'tak had been restrained to and briefly wondered whether it would have held if Kra'tak had chosen to break out of it. He doubted it.
Tom pulled up an overhead map on the screen in front of them.
"This is a map of the area made for us when we first came here," Tom informed the others. "A large area was scanned by ship."
Kra'tak and Tol'din looked on as Tom scrolled through different areas on the map. It was a satellite view, showing the greens of the forest and the greys of the buildings.
"This is where we are right now," Tom pointed at an area showing the base almost fully constructed.
He started zooming out, waiting for a response.
"Stop," Kra'tak said, in response to Tol'din speaking up.
Tol'din then took a step forward and pointed at a specific area on the map.
"The buildings are here," Kra'tak relayed.
The map showed nothing except more lush forest. There were no signs of human habitation in the entire area. Not even a small clearing to make way for a single building.
"There's nothing there," Adams said.
"It is there," Kra'tak confirmed.
Tol'din pointed at another area on the map, this one about a third of the distance away.
"He says this is where I crashed. Our ship broke in two and we were far from each other."
Adams now moved closer. "Looks like the Company didn't just forget to tell us. They changed the map to hide it."
Tom nodded in solemn agreement. "Yes."
"What now?" Amy asked.
"How long do you think it'll take to get there?" Tom asked Adams.
"It took four hours for Heathers team to get to and bring Kra'tak back." Adams replied. "This'll probably take about 6 hours one way depending on how dense the forest is further out."
"It'd have to be at least a day and a half trip. Safer to travel during the day and then travel back the next day," Tom continued Adams train of thought.
"I agree," Adams said.
"Short days don't help," Baseer chimed in.
"Is it worth the risk?" Amy asked, concerned. "What if the attack happens while you're out there?"
"If there's a ship there then we at least have a backup instead of just waiting for rescue," Adams replied.
"I need equipment from our ship," Kra'tak added.
"It would also be pertinent to know exactly what the purpose of this place was," Tom added. "There may be valuable intel or equipment there."
"Slim chance, but who knows," Adams responded. He gestured towards Kra'tak and Tol'din "Besides, it'd be worth it if we could get them a ship."
They each gave looks of agreement to one another.
"Well," Tom said thoughtfully, arms folded, "our second field trip on this planet."
The group didn't need to state what they were all thinking: helping Kra'tak to return home and not become property of the Company would stand them on good ground. It could help build a possible alliance with powerful allies against a common enemy.
"So...who goes?" Baseer asked.
"Me. I have the field experience. I recommend we take Heather and her team, since they've already been to the ship," Adams went through a mental checklist "We'll need someone who can pilot, and a scientist."
"What about a medic?" Amy asked.
"And a mechanic to fix the ship?" Baseer added.
"We'll need all our medics here," this time Tom replied. "Arthur should go. He's our best bet at fixing whatever vehicles you find there."
"Agreed. We all have good first aid skills, so we'll get by with that," Adams added.
"We will need to take our fallen clan mate with us," Kra'tak said.
"Okay," Adams replied. "There's just enough room to fit that many in the APC."
Adams turned to Amy, "You should come with us."
"I...I'm not sure. I've never been out there," she replied.
"You should go, you've gotten to know Kra'tak better than the rest of us," Tom insisted. "It'd be good for future relations with them."
"I'm not gonna go with them!" Amy quickly exclaimed.
"No, I didn't mean it like that," Tom said. "I meant, you seeing them off if we manage to get them a ship."
"Ok. That makes sense," Amy responded after a short delay.
"Besides, as head scientist the rescue team are going to want me here along with the information and materials that they collect," Tom added. "And I have some ideas I want to share with the leader of that ship."
Kra'tak spoke up. "Helping humans will be difficult. Your kind have many that do not seek friendship, only destruction."
"Like the Company..." Adams said grimly.
"At least we can do this one good thing for your kind," Tom responded.
"Oh," Baseer spoke up. "What about radio coverage that far out?"
"Good point, I'll check with communications," Adams said, picking up his radio.
Matsu answered, Raul finally having some rest after an eventful day.
"Matsu, Tom is sending you a map. Can you tell us how far out radio coverage would go?" Adams said.
"Got it, let me see."
There was a pause.
"It'd get halfway at best. It'll cover your first marker, but your second marker is way too far. What's out there?" Matsu queried.
"Thanks. We'll tell you shortly," Adams replied, keeping hold of his radio.
Tom looked at Adams, "We'll have to hope that there's usable equipment out there that will allow you to communicate with us."
"What're the chances of the place still having power?" Amy asked.
"It's possible. I know in the past they've designed places to last for a long time. They do this so that they can recover lost intelligence, research and materials long after abandoning a place." Tom replied.
"They learnt from experience," Adams included.
Adams and Tom then radioed a message via the general frequency to inform everyone about this new revelation and the plan to travel out in the morning. Heather responded to confirm that her team would be ready to go and that she would go check on the APC to ensure it was ready.
When Adams asked if anyone could fly a ship, to his surprise, only Smith replied.
"Yeah, I thought just being a sniper would've been too one dimensional so I took up a pilot licence," Smith told Adams over the radio.
"You should stay here, you have family here. I can't ask you to risk leaving when we have an impending attack," Adams replied.
"I know," Smith said, "but Toms right about helping Kra'tak. This is important."
"Are you sure about this?" Adams asked again.
"I'll discuss it with Patia and Caley tonight," Smith replied.
"Ok, let me know as soon as you do," Adams said.
"Will do," the radio clicked off.
Next Adams radioed Arthur the mechanic.
"Makes sense, I'll go," Arthur replied.
"One more thing," Adams added, "can you fly a ship?"
"Sorry, I should be able fix them but I have no flight experience at all,"
Damn, Adams thought as he looked over at the others who were in quiet contemplation. Kra'tak and Tol'din were busy conversing with each other.
Heather knocked on the door of the garage with the butt of her rifle. The loud clanging brought Arthur, the mechanic, out of his little office.
"You here about the APC?" he asked.
Heather nodded.
"Need to make sure it's up and running, ready for first light in the morning," she continued.
"Same one as last time?" Arthur asked.
"Yup."
"It's been running fine since I cleaned it up after you went out last time. I'll check it over the next couple of hours and make sure it's ready by morning," he confirmed.
She gestured towards his hands. "How come you have such clean hands for a mechanic?"
"I moisturise," he replied and threw her a quick smile before turning and walking towards the APC. "I'll get to it."
"You do that," Heather said as she too turned to leave.
It was time for her and the rest of the group due to head out in the morning to get some rest. They had a busy couple of days ahead of them.
It was an hour before dawn as Adams walked in to the mess hall along with Amy, Smith, Kra'tak and Tol'din. Heather and her team were already gathered there, talking quietly amongst themselves. Andre, the head chef had decided make them a special meal before they set out on their journey.
"This almost feels like some sort of last supper," Private Gustav remarked.
"Let's hope it's not," Adams said dryly, taking a seat.
"What's for breakfast?" Smith asked.
"Omelettes, pancakes, toast, sausages," Andre shouted over the counter. "Get it while it's hot."
"Damn, Andre. You sure you ain't gonna run out of food if you feed us like this?" Private Callum half asked, half stated.
"We've got enough," Andres answered straight forwardly.
Adams looked at Smith. "How did it go last night?"
"Better than expected. She understands how important this could be. She's also just as pissed off as the rest of us about this other place." Smith replied, getting back up in order to grab some food from the counter.
"And you're sure about going?" Adams continued.
Smith stopped, "Yeah, I thought about it all night. Didn't get much sleep. I'm the only licensed pilot so that means two things: either I can help the rescue effort if we find working ships, or I can teach Kra'tak to fly the ship so that he can go back to his people and not become Company property."
Adams watched intently as Smith moved off toward Andre. After a few moments of contemplation his stomach growled as if to remind him to get some food too.
Arthur entered the canteen and called to Heather.
"The APC is ready. Ammo is fully stocked," he reported, walking over to her.
Heather turned from her meal, "Thanks." She looked at his hands and mockingly added, "What a surprise! Nice clean hands as usual!"
Arthur looked away, slightly embarrassed.
"Join us, have some food," Heather asked genuinely.
"No thanks. I'm not hungry."
"The APCs parked outside. I'll do some final checks," Arthur said to no one in particular, and he promptly turned to leave the mess hall.
Tol'din spoke to Kra'tak though everyone else was too busy to notice. Kra'tak watched Arthur walk away, looked around at the others and then went back to his meal.
Earth – Space Transport Cargo Dock
Makalo and Jade, both grimy with sweat, were continuing their sweep of Section F. Makalo was wearing combat gear now. They, along with the other six, had been sweeping this section of the docks for the last hour.
They had carried out a sweep earlier in the dark and found nothing. The group had then decided to take a rest and wait for daylight to continue searching.
"How many do you think there are?" Makalo asked, putting a hand under his helmets visor to wipe off sweat.
"Hopefully, just one," Jade replied smoothly, concentration deep in her voice. "If there were more we'd have had more sightings or attacks."
"Yeah, I hope you're right."
"Me too."
"This is Echo Four. We've spotted evidence of the creature just outside the northeast area of Section F. Echoes Seven and Eight are ordered to join our flank."
"That's us. Let's move," Jade instructed.
They moved briskly to their new destination. When they arrived they found Echoes Three and Four waiting.
"We've got a trail leading into this building," Echo Four said, pointing at a large building in front of them. "The others are converging from the opposite side."
The building was a large concrete structure with very few, very small windows dotted around. It was a storage building. Due to the nature of its content, it had been designed so that no one could really see what was inside.
"Great, we wait for daylight and this is the building we have to check out?!" Makalo complained.
"Quiet," Echo Four said. "We go in two by two on my mark. Stick together and watch all corners."
Makalo gulped nervously. Jade seemed calm and cool headed to him.
"Echoes One, Two, Five and Six in position."
"Mark."
They moved toward the small double door entrance. Echo Four punched a code into the keypad as the others took up covering positions. Echo four glanced at the others, each giving a nodding confirmation, quickly grabbed the door handle and pulled it open.
Jade and Echo Three moved into the entrance immediately, Makalo hesitated momentarily before moving in too. Echo Four moved in last.
The smell hit Jade and Makalo instantly. The Echoes were wearing full face masks. It was the smell of rotting flesh, whether humans or animals they couldn't tell.
"Go slow, sweep the corners," Echo Four ordered.
The dark interior of the building consisted of large stacks of shelves filled with crates, none of which made obvious what the contents were. The scattered shafts of light coming in through the few small windows did little to help pierce the almost pitch black.
"Night vis on," Echo Four ordered.
"Roger that," the other Echoes replied.
"Shit," Jade muttered under her breath.
Both her and Makalo didn't have night vision. In response Echo Four took point and Echo Three covered their rear. Jade gave appreciative thanks in her mind, understanding what they had just done. Makalo was too jittery to take notice.
"Keep calm," Jade whispered to him. "We'll be fine."
She sounded more confident than she felt. They moved slowly through the aisles of shelves. Soon their boots were walking on something soft and mushy. Jade was glad they couldn't see what was on the ground.
The smell itself was becoming stronger.