Solar Warden

The vault gate Part 112

"Captain, the stuff down there is very interesting. If we can take samples and do more analysis, we could gain much knowledge. Their farming stuff can improve our vertical farming by ten years. These humans we found are in hibernation as far we could tell. There we could find out if we can wake them up. So we could ask them questions. Also their breeding station is much of interest. Is there a way I can get down with a small research team?" Watkins asked.

"We are on a rescue mission. It will be quite dangerous. Also the situation could change any moment. I cannot guarantee for the safety."

"I'm a member of SW-5. I know the risks. Also two of my lab scientist are willing to take it. Another two of the physic department are also eager and know the risk." Watkins replied.

"You have at least some combat training, but the others scientists have none. I ask Ryan how he evaluates the situation, then I call back," the Captain said and closed the channel, then said to the communication officer, "Give me Ryan."

"Captain. What's up?" Ryan asked.

"I have a request from Watkins. She wants to bring down a small science team to take samples and try to wake up one of the humans. Can you provide enough cover for a safe retreat if needed?" Fisher asked.

"Good question. We have a good fortification, but not too much cover. They might at least get in the line of fire. However, they would be as far away as it is possible in this hall. With the bikes it should be no problem to get away in time. With the lower doors we don't expect another machine. When we open the other door in about one hour I may send them out. This means they have only less than 30 minutes to get something done. Then it is unknown how the situation evolves." Ryan replied.

"Depends what behind the door. They can sure continue if there is no resistance. I cannot say what the aliens do with this tactic. But somehow it seems they do not want to engage us further," Fisher added.

"Or they still preparing. Nevertheless, our mission is to get intel. Tell Watkins this will be no picnic. She has no real combat experience and the other none at all. Well, I have time to talk to her when she is here. At least I want to know what they do with the humans. I send SW-2 to pick them up at the landing site."

"Ok. But send them back as soon it gets dangerous." Fisher also wanted the intel. He informed Watkins and let prepared a shuttle for them. It was a risky attempt. But maybe having no confirmed losses did encourage his decision or the progress they made. Still the intel about the aliens was there and to get another chance very unlikely. Sooner or later reinforcements will arrive. Then they had to be away. Was there estimation correct? Three days, maybe five, but not more. To gain intel they needed time. First to secure the area if this was possible at all. What will they do if they get the others back? Retreat at once? Or continue on the intel gathering? The Captain was thinking. They had now a lot of stuff to analyze. But still do not know what the aliens were doing exactly on this planet. A secret outpost? A research facility for what? And now these humans. He went back to the table, which was displaying the pictures of them.

"Has the analysis here brought us some data?" he asked his communication officer, which immediately checked the status.

"Yes, sir. The data is now transferring to the table."

Then the leader of the analysis team spoke, "Captain, we checked our database as ordered and found some similarities to some abduction cases in the past. But there is something strange. They seem to be younger or have similar age to cases that were decades ago. Sadly, we have in most of the fits no DNA data to compare. But on we could."

"Good work. I inform Watkins to check this out."Fisher looked at the archive data and compared the pictures. What did thealiens? Now he had a riddle to solve and more reasons to pursue aninvestigation.