ICE

Chapter One: Cold Welcome

ICE

Chapter One

Cold Welcome

"I want you down there with me. No buts! You're our best Scientific mind."

"As you wish, Daniels. Has there been any contact?"

"None, still dark... And that concerns me deeply. Samantha was sent out here two months ago. She said that they had discovered something quite remarkable, what it was she could not say. Security's tight on this one."

"And ONI?"

"Tight lipped as usual. I contacted Dr Jacobs before we left orbit, he sent me all he had... Even the bits ONI don't want us to see."

"And?" he questioned further.

"If I told you, you wouldn't be here now." Daniels said as he scanned the site. "Nothing... No signs of life."

"Samantha is a bright girl. I'm sure she is safe somewhere, waiting for the Evac."

"I hope so, Dr Cole." his tone lowered and he wiped his eyes. "Get suited up, we drop in twenty!"

"Yes, sir!"

As the door slid shut, Daniels sighed and reached for his helmet. Wiping the visor he gazed upon his reflection. Years had passed, age was catching up with his service. Many missions took their toll upon his face, upon his mind, but this one had his personal interest... Samantha.

Collecting his thoughts he stood and walked towards his lock-up, entering his code the latch clicked and released the door. Within, his weapons of choice. The trusted Jenkins RT-14 Assault rifle, a Vanguard MKII silenced 9mm pistol, and a harness with the usual explosive apparel. This he clipped to his armoured suit, and holstered the pistol. His rifle he slung over his shoulder before looking at the picture of Samantha pinned to the inside of the door. Slowly he closed it as the shadow passed over it, then clicked shut.

Approaching the door to his quarters he looked at the comms panel upon the wall, pressing the open channel button he paused for a moment...

"James, are we live?"

"We are sir, shall I prep the Taxi?"

"Yeah, and keep the meter running." he smiled. "The Dr will be joining us today, and he's paying."

"I don't see how that's funny, sir..." James replied.

"I'll explain when we get back."

"Anything else, sir?"

"Nothing else, James. Be ready to depart, and bring Betty... We might just need her."

"Will do! See you at docking bay sixteen, sir!"

Tucking his helmet under his arm, he left his quarters and walked along the passages towards the docking bays. At each turn crew busied themselves, preparing to receive evacuees. But first the site had to be secured, and that was the first priority for Daniels. Passage after passage passed by, focused and ready he put aside his concerns for Samantha. Right now the mission was paramount, and his team, hand-picked for their skills. Picked for any situation possible, beyond the hull of the Dorchester, anything could happen.

As he entered the docking bay, his team stood at ease. Each wondering why they were there. James approached him and saluted. "Taxi prepped, the driver is waiting, and... the meter is running." James said as his hand lowered confused.

"Well done, James. And Betty?" he asked.

"In the boot, sir!"

"Gentlemen!" he called as he came to a stop before them. "I understand that some of you were pulled from leave to be here. For that I am sorry, but I need your skills. As of now the meter is running, so i will make this quick. The Nilsen Heavy Industries installation has gone dark. The Archeology team sent a transmission two months ago claiming a huge find. Nilsen responded with a large team of scientists, now for the good part..." he paused. "The Office of Naval Intelligence received a report from Nilsen, deeming that further work at the installation should cease... Until further notice... This notice did not commence. Nor did they state why."