Nova Sol - Rebellion (Being Translated)

Bears and Wolves

MARA announced to Lao's helmet that the decoding was ready. Immediately, Lao went to the cargo bay, and pushed the right buttons to open the container. At first, he did not recognize what was in front of him. It was a metallic orb, no visible seems or parts that indicated something else inside of it. Clearly his science knowledge was not the best, so he decided to stop fiddling with the object. He closed the container, and headed for the cockpit again.

- What are we transporting, captain?

- I don't know Kelly... Whatever it is, it's nothing like I've ever seen before. Doesn't seem to be very useful.

- Why do you say that captain?

- It was a metallic orb, Kelly. Just that. No seams, no controls, no codes. Just a metallic orb.

- That's weird... What do you think it is?

- I don't know. But I know of someone who might... But first, we gotta fix that arm.

- I'm ok, the painkillers are working already.

- I get it, but I still need you to be my copilot. We're in this together and I think we have a better chance at survival if we stick together. If they knew where we were going, they surely know our identities.

- I agree... So, where are we headed?

That was the million dollar question. Now that he had pondered the situation a bit more, they couldn't go to any medical center, lest of all a public one. The people that attacked them would surely check hangars and workshops, if they were able to see the damage in the plane. He had few options, and only 30 minutes to solve the situation. He decided to collect a favor, and made a phone call. He didn't want to use that card unless it was absolutely necessary, and this seemed like that opportunity.

- MARA, open a coded channel.

- Yes, captain. Channel ready. Shoul I call to the registered contact for this situation?

- Yes Mara, call the number. I hope he's willing to talk...

- Very well, preparing the communication... Communication established, making the first attempt.

The phone rang for about 90 seconds, which seemed like an eternity given the circumstances. Finally, a voice answered on the other end of the call.

- Yes? Don't you know what time is it?

- Boris, it's Lao. I need your help.

- Lao? by the heavens, what have you gotten yourself into now?

- You make it seem like I'm always in trouble, Boris.

- No, no, no... Don't misunderstand me, but it's been a while since I last heard from you.

- I'm sorry Boris, I've been busy...

- Yeah, yeah... What is the nature of your problem?

- My copilot has a humerus fracture in two places... And I need to send a message, but for that I need a landline. Do you still stitch up soldiers like you did?

- Is my last name Stepanov?

- I was just making sure...

- Bring your copilot, and you can use my computer to send your message.

- Thanks Boris.

- Naah, it's ok Lao. But after this, we're even.

- Sure.

MARA cut the communications, while Lao was still thinking on how the hell they would get out of this jam. Opening the package only brought more questions. What was that orb? Why were they attacked with military grade equipment? Who attacked them? and so, quite a few questions that haunted him. MARA interrrupted: