The Shadows In The Dark

Chapter Two

Standing at one of the many monitors on the main bridge of the Dawnbreaker, Domin listened to Freya and Tor'Valen as they reported in from the UNSC Outpost.

"Final scan; the station is clear of any living matter that was not meant to be here", came Tor'Valens voice. 

Freya's voice spoke up next. "All generators, defensive structures, and living functions are online. Full power will be returned in an estimated 5 hours. It is clear to dock and begin moving personnel and equipment."

"Thank you", replied Domin, "Tor'Valen, I'd like you to perform an assessment on all available supplies on the station. Let's make sure that nobody decided to borrow anything while I was away."

"Yes, Captain." The deep voice of the alien cut out, and Domin directed his next orders to Freya.

"Freya, I'd like you to gather your team and head out to Harpsil 5 as soon as possible. I want to know the status of the nearby UNSC forces, and if the public is aware of anything."

"Yes, sir. I'll be leaving in under an hour. Freya out."

"Perfect." Domin turned towards a tall man in a gray bridge-personnel suit. "Hall, can you direct the flow of staff and equipment?"

The man straightened up and nodded. "Of course, sir."

"Good. I'll be in my lab, contact me if anything comes up." Domin headed towards the door, following his earlier path down to his quarters. When he arrived, he noticed that one of his experiments, the Cyber Staff, was missing. He smiled to himself. Freya must have decided to finally test it out. Took her long enough.

Apollo appeared in hologram form on top of one of the tables. "You have a visitor, Captain."

On cue, a melodic noise resonated from the door, and Domin gestured for Apollo to open it. The AI would have told him if they were dangerous.

The door hissed open, and Domin again found himself looking at the head of the medical staff. Etain walked into the room, glancing at some of the projects littering the room. 

"This place is as messy as ever. You really need to get a larger laboratory if you're going to continue making these toys. Or a new hobby."

"You need to stop criticizing me", Domin fired back.

They smiled at each other, and Etain stepped closer to him. "So, my medical team is beginning to guide some movers on what to take down. Should I assume that some of my people will be staying here for awhile?"

Domin gave her a short nod. "I'd like for most of your staff to stay, as I suspect that people will start showing up pretty soon, whether they be friendly or not. I need to try and make this station a bunker to hold out against any attack, and so I'll need plenty of people to patch up the troops when they decide to do something stupid."

Etain smiled at that remark. "Always."

Turning around, she started towards the door. Looking over her shoulder, she said, "I'll make sure there's plenty of people to take care of their little bodies. Don't think I'm not coming with you wherever you go, though."

Domin flashed her a childish grin. "Wouldn't want it any other way."

She threw a wave at him, and left with a swoosh as the door closed behind her. Apollo gave Domin a look, which was promptly ignored by the captain. 

Sighing, the captain looked at the monitor that was recording any emergency broadcasts from the UNSC. Still nothing.

Biting his lip, Domin started working on his newest project: figuring out what the hell he was going to do.