Lost Sols 1: Ancient Treasure

by James Bisceglia

  “Computer, this is the key holder. Set a course for Earth. We will be leaving on my command. All hands prepare for immediate departure." Vincent said. “It will be nice to be inside this ship, I’ll feel so much safer.” Isabella said. “I don’t believe this ship is completely safe from man made weapons. I’ve learned how to fire the weapons systems just in case.” Sandy said.

  Hector was still recruiting any remaining personnel available on Mars. If he had killed the four people returning to the pyramid, there were still more inside. The President was insistent Cydonia was to be completely surrounded. Any ship in orbit and those arriving were required to turn over all their firearms to the ground forces. He finally had enough people on the perimeter to prevent any escape. Lookouts were observing the pyramid for any sign of activity. As soon as the terrorists began heading for the perimeter all forces would converge on the anticipated exit location. He would overwhelm his enemy with shear numbers.

  "Sir there is some sort of activity at the pyramid." Hector wondered if the terrorists were giving up. They had to know they were out of options by now. Hector hadn't taken off his EVA suit and went outside to see what was going on. There was a high amount of chatter in his ear. Everyone seemed to be trying to talk at once. He looked toward the pyramid and his jaw dropped. An entire side of the pyramid was opening outward. He could see a lighted ship inside as the side of the pyramid opened wider. Within just a few moments the side was completely open and the ship began to move. It moved slowly at first, then suddenly accelerated and flew over his head into the red skies. It was gone before he could take another breath. He looked back at the pyramid. It was closed again, and appeared as if it had never been disturbed. He was scared and his heart was in his throat. He rushed back inside to send a message to President Louis.

  The speed of the alien ship caught the crew of the Constellation by surprise. "We should have been feeling a tremendous amount of g-force. The aliens have created an artificial gravity field somehow." Monique said. "I suspect they've done quite a bit more then that. We're likely to experience more unusual surprises. It's something we should brace ourselves for. Their technical and engineering capabilities are unknown. It would be like us putting a caveman in an airplane." Isabella said.

  President Louis was updating his department heads on the most recent events on Mars when his aide interrupted. "Sir, we have an urgent message from Mars." she said. "Put it on the monitor. Everyone who needs the information is already here anyway." he said. Hector appeared on the monitor out of breath and shaken. "Mr. President, an alien spaceship has just left the pyramid. It was gone within seconds. We were unable to track it or determine where it was going. I'm uploading the video now." The President and the department heads watched in awe as the side of the pyramid opened and the ship became visible. "If that ship is armed, we are in serious trouble." Director Spencer said. The ship rose from within the pyramid and was gone within seconds. "Jesus Christ. They've got one of the transports. I need some options now gentlemen." the President said. "We don't have any known effective defense against these ships. Every test we've conducted has failed. The material on the alien ships is impervious to anything we've tried, including nuclear weapons." Director Spencer said. The only option I think we have is to collide with it. Captain Stukey needs to have one of his ships ram into the thing. His ships are coated with tratium for defensive purposes. If we can disable it, we can then try to board the ship. If one ship isn't enough he needs to try it with all five." said the Secretary of the Navy. "We won’t use all five. We can’t just ask all these men to throw their lives away. Send a priority message to Captain Stukey. Instruct him to remove all non-essential personnel from one of his ships. The remaining personnel will be required to maneuver the ship. Instruct the personnel left on the ship to put on their EVA suits and to prepare for a hull breach. Do it now, we know how fast those ships can travel. Tell him to expect the ship any moment and remove the non essential personnel immediately." President Louis said.

  Enzo received a new message from Vincenzo. He notified Randy the crew of the Constellation would be arriving soon. “We need to make sure everything is place when they get here. That's a massive ship. It's much bigger than the Constellation." Enzo said. "What are we going to do with the ship when the crew gets back?" Tony asked. "I don't know for sure. It's an issue we'll all have to discuss when the crew arrives. It's probably too big of a prize for us to keep. We might be able to keep it hidden for awhile, but eventually word will get out somehow." Enzo said. “Where are we going to hide it?” Randy asked. “I had planned to empty our small lake into Yarrabandai Creek to make room for the Constellation. The same plan will work for the alien ship. We can put blue tarps over the lake area after the ship has landed. As long as nobody looks real close the change shouldn’t be noticed. I’ll send Vincenzo the coordinates for landing.” Enzo said.

  The crew of the Constellation was speeding through the solar system in their newly acquired ship. Out of habit, Vincent, Sarah, and Patrick remained in the control center. Sandy had joined them and was still investigating the weapons systems. The rest of the crew were either resting or exploring the ship. "Five unidentified ships are in range." the computer suddenly said. "This could be interesting. Plot an intercept course and match the course and velocity of the unidentified ships when we arrive." Vincent said.

  Captain Stukey received the unbelievable message informing him of the alien ship. Suddenly, he didn’t feel so invincible. He immediately began issuing orders. He docked with the closest of his ships and began removing personnel. He left the Commander, the pilot, and the navigator onboard to conduct the ramming of the alien ship. Captain Stukey didn't like the plan. It smacked of panic and desperation. From the mission updates he had received he knew the terrorists had advanced alien EVA suits. Even if he managed to disable the enemy ship, the crew onboard might survive. His small armada would likely succumb to the alien weaponry the terrorists had at their disposal.

  "Are those ships from Earth?" Patrick asked when the five ships came into view. "I believe so. The design is anyway. The CIA was testing the tratium found in the rings and it looks like our military managed to apply it in the design of the most recent ships. Monique said. "What about weapons? Has the military been able to figure out how to incorporate tratium into their weaponry?" Vincent asked. "Not to my knowledge. I'm sure they've been trying." Monique responded. "Sarah, I want to send a message to those ships." Vincent said. "Whenever you're ready Captain. You're on now." Sarah said as a face came up on the alien display. "This is Captain Moretti of the Constellation. With whom am I speaking?" he asked. "This is Captain Stukey. I am the leader of this task force." the Captain replied. "What are you're intentions Captain? You must realize you are outgunned and you can't damage us with your weapons. I’m only here to have a conversation, but we will defend ourselves if the need arises." Vincent said.

  Captain Stukey hadn't prepared himself for any negotiations and was caught unprepared. "I'm here to reach a mutually beneficial settlement to this situation. You are in possession of alien technology. Such technology belongs in the hands of the government. If private citizens were allowed to maintain control over such technology Earth would be in chaos. Governments would collapse. Surely you must understand the technology you have in your possession should be studied by our military leaders. We can learn the secrets of the ship to help protect Earth from future invasion. I'm here to negotiate the transfer of the ship to the United States Government. Please excuse me for one moment." Captain Stukey said as he briefly conferred with his second in command. He issued instructions to commence with the ramming of the alien ship. His ship had come up from behind and was now in position. "Sorry for the interruption Captain. Are you prepared to transfer your crew to this vessel, and to turn over the alien ship?" Captain Stukey asked.

  Vincent was about to respond when he heard an explosion. "Captain we were about to be rammed by one of their ships. I didn’t have time to notify you. It was about to coll
ide with us, so I fired a missile and destroyed it.” Sandy said. There are still four other ships. Do you want me to fire on them?" Sandy asked. “Hold your fire Sandy. I will continue to discuss the situation with Captain Stukey. Continue to monitor the other four ships. If any of them do anything stupid feel free to fire.” Vincent said knowing his exchange with Sandy had been overheard by Captain Stukey.

  "It appears as if you've done something stupid Captain. You've lost lives unnecessarily. Listen to me carefully. I've shown tremendous restraint. I could wipe out you, and your remaining crew in the blink of an eye. I doubt if you know what you're really fighting for. You and your crew don't deserve to die. You've been misled by our oppressive and corrupt government. The people our government supposedly represents should not be lied to. I have a message for the President and the rest of our leaders on Earth. My crew and I will be meeting very soon with the aliens who have been visiting Earth in the past. I will discuss the United States Government with them and will inform them about our lack of individual rights as well as the atrocities committed by the current administration. Let me ask you a few questions Captain. Did you know the crew of the Lexington and their family members were killed for simply knowing something our government didn't want them to know? Do you think it's right for the government to take away our freedoms and to track our daily movements? And lastly Captain, do you and your crew wish to die today?" Vincent asked.

  "You raise some legitimate points Captain. This is not the way to go about change. Hand over the ship and I’ll make sure you receive a proper forum to discuss your grievances." Captain Stukey replied. "Captain, with this ship I could annihilate all the governments on Earth. I will never turn myself or my crew over to any government on Earth. We'll be back there very soon. Let the President know the people will be safe, but if he continues down the same destructive path, I will decimate the infrastructure of the military, and I will make sure we get new political leaders. One more thing Captain, if anything should happen to any family member of my crew I will be back with this ship and there will be havoc. The same goes for my uncle and his friends. Tell the President to consider it a promise. That's all I have to say Captain. Sarah discontinue communications." Vincent said.

  Captain Stukey knew when he was beat. He had no way of taking the ship, and he wouldn't throw away lives in another useless attempt to ram it. "What are your orders Sir?" his second in command asked. "Stand down, and lay in a return course for Earth now. I’ll send a message to the President. His reply should be interesting to say the least." Captain Stukey said.

  "Computer resume course to Earth." Vincent said. "That was good Vincent. We pose an unprecedented threat. You haven't given them much choice if they want to stay in power." Sandy said. "We'll see, I doubt if they'll change. Our government has been run by special interests and corporations for decades. The politicians may not be able to rid themselves of their wealth and the perceived power which comes with it." Vincent replied.

  President Louis watched the report from Captain Stukey. The conversation between Captain Stukey and Captain Moretti had been recorded and included with his report. "Fuck." he said. "Are you all right Mr. President?" his aide asked. "I'm fine, get the hell out of here." he said. There weren't many options. He would call his staff for another meeting. He knew there weren't any viable solutions. So far the military had not had any success in making any type of weapon from the tratium. He would order Captain Stukey to try and pursue the ship and to report back. Finding any vulnerability in the alien ship was unlikely.

  Julia watched as Sarah began waking up. “Good morning sleepy. How are you feeling?” she asked. It took Sarah a moment to remember what had happened. She looked down to see what was left of her leg. “That’s weird. What did you guys do?” she asked as she tested out her fully functional leg. “It’s our new magical ship. You almost sound disappointed.” Julia said. “Hell no, I was just expecting to be missing part of my leg. I love these aliens!” Sarah exclaimed.

  Dalton was happy to see Sarah arrive back in the control center. “I’m so sorry Sarah you could have been killed because of me.” he said. “No worries Dalton, I’m fine. Thanks for helping get me back to the ship.” she said. “Welcome back to the land of the living. See what you can do to help out if you’re up to it. It’s good to have you back.” Vincent said.

  "Computer, how long until we reach Earth at present speed?" Vincent asked. "We will arrive at Earth in thirty eight minutes at present speed." the computer responded. "Sarah, send a message to Enzo. Let him know we'll be there in thirty eight minutes." Vincent said. "Does anyone know what time it is in Trundle? I'd like to come in when it's dark if possible." Vincent asked. "We'll be coming in about nine o'clock local time. It will be dark in Trundle." Monique said. "Computer, turn off all illumination within the ship except for the displays in the control center." Vincent said.

  "Patrick, do you think you can fly this ship manually in the atmosphere?" Vincent asked. "Isabella and I have been talking about that. She's familiar with the navigation display. The one we took from Rhea confirms what we've been seeing here. It looks pretty simple." Patrick replied. "Let's give it a try. Computer, disable automatic flight." he said. "Automatic flight disabled, the spacecraft is on manual control." the computer replied. "Patrick take us down to Antarctica. From there fly as low as possible until we reach Australia. Take your time and practice flying the ship for awhile if you need to." Vincent said.

  "The ship should have been here by now. I hope they didn’t run into more trouble." Randy said. “Give them a few more minutes. I’m sure they’ll be here soon.” Enzo said. Tony was first to see the ship. He was getting used to using his telescopic vision. Anything within his range of vision he could see in detail. The ship came in quickly. The lake had only finished draining ten minutes ago. A large hole in the ground awaited Vincent and the crew. Once the ship was parked it would be covered with as many tarps as needed.

  “There they are. It looks like Enzo has made us a parking spot. Put the ship down gently.” Vincent said. Patrick deftly circled once and parked the spacecraft in the mud of the recently emptied lake. The ship settled into the muddy bottom. “We don’t know a whole lot about this ship. I want one person to remain on board at all times. At the moment we need to give a tour to our benefactor and his friends.” Vincent said. “I just had a nice rest, I’ll take the first watch.” Sarah said. Vincent went to the hatch and opened the door. He looked up and saw Enzo, Randy, and Tony walking in from the shoreline. “I wasn’t sure I’d see you again Uncle. Welcome to our new ship, I think you’ll be very pleased with the contents.” Vincent said. Enzo hugged Vincent and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Excellent work Vincenzo. Thank you for keeping my son and the rest of the crew safe. Let’s go take a look at this ship of yours and see what you’ve brought back.”

  Chapter 14

  Enzo, Randy, and Tony were amazed at what the crew had returned with. The sheer volume of treasure was beyond what any of them could have imagined. Enzo knew he would never have to worry about money ever again. After the tour Randy remained on the ship with Sarah. He was exploring the ship while taking notes and pictures of everything. He was bound and determined to learn as much as he could about the alien ship. Everyone else went to the villa to celebrate, relax, and drink.

  Enzo sat with his son. “Vincenzo tells me your help was invaluable. I’m very proud of you. This trip was a good lesson in patience and guile. There will come a day when I’m too old and feeble to be of any use to our friends. It will be up to you to continue the work which needs to be done.” Enzo said.

  Vincent and Dalton were speaking about the ruins in Cydonia and the gold walls in the underground city when Enzo interrupted. “A toast to the crew of the Constellation. Despite the best efforts of our government you succeeded in your mission.” Everyone raised a glass and there were smiles all around. “The question now is what to do with the ship. We can’t keep it hidden forever.” He said. “Uncle Enzo, without your help we
wouldn’t have been able to leave Earth. If the ship stays here the government will eventually find out and they will come and take it. The ship will be followed no matter where we take it in our solar system. We know of a gate at the edge of the solar system which we believe will take us to an alliance of alien species. I respectfully ask to take the ship through the gate. I’d welcome any crewmembers who would like to remain with me. We have no idea what we might find. I would like the opportunity to find out, regardless of what danger might lie ahead.” Vincent said.

  “Vincenzo you make a good point about the government. I’m getting too old to play keep away with our government everyday. Randy wants to learn about the ship. For now we will keep it here for a few days so he has a chance to learn what he can. After he’s done you may take the ship on one condition. You must return within a reasonable time. You are to bring back technology and information about any new friends you make. Most importantly, you must try to form a personal relationship with the leaders of this alliance. Become friends with the leaders and prove to them our species is reasonable and worthy of their friendship and trust. For now let us enjoy the rest of our evening. This celebration has been well earned by all.” Enzo said. “Thank you Uncle, I promise to return. A toast to the most influential man on Earth. Without you, none of this would have been possible.”

  Director Spencer had never been in the White House in the middle of the night. He entered the Oval Office to find President Louis pacing in his pajamas. “We have a decision to make and we don’t have much time. You and I are the only two people who can make this decision. Nobody else knows what we have at Area Fifty One. I have intelligence which confirms the crew of the Constellation is back on Earth.” The President said. Director Spencer was briefed on all the latest developments. “We don’t have many options Mr. President. As much as I hate to say it, we need to make a goodwill gesture. We’ve learned all we can at this point anyway.” Director Spencer said. “I’m of the same opinion. If we don’t return what we have, we could be in for a world of hurt.” The satellites have tracked the ship to Australia. I’ll make the arrangements. Notify your people in Nevada and have them ready.” President Louis said.