by Angela Timms
Briefing is at 0800 hours, welcome to the team.”
At 0800 hours Kel, Rennon and Kyla sat in the briefing room. Rennon had his notepad beside him and he was scribbling and doodling, Kel was sitting on one chair while having his feet on the next chair. Kyla sat bolt upright, her hair neatly brushed and her newly issued uniform pristinely clean, well pressed and smart. Her friendly “girl next door” smile reassured Rennon who had looked up nervously. Kel rapidly swiveled to drop his feet to the floor as the Commander entered, followed by the four Terran Emissaries as they had come to be known.
The Commander took his seat at the head of the table and the Terran Emissaries sat opposite Kel, Rennon and Kyla. He put his red folder down and opened it at a page he had bookmarked. “Gentlemen and Lady, welcome to the briefing. May I first introduce you? On my left there is Captain David Rennon, our Science and Research Officer, to his left Kel Elyn, our weapons and ethnic tribes expert and our newest recruit, Kyla Deralis who joins us as our Combat Medic and Esoteric Expert. On my right I would like to introduce you to Connor Taylor who is an Astrophysicist and Weapons specializes in Computers, Eric Lockhart Terrestrials and Daniel Carlton who is also a Weapons Expert. These are the representatives from Earth who will be taking part in this expedition. They are part of a team known as Red Rock which is concerned with Research and Development. You will have an opportunity to get to know each other later but for now I must continue with the mission briefing. We only have a short time to meet the window to get you to Earth.
We have been liaising with representatives from Earth for some time now and an ambassador visited us last month when it was agreed that increased liaison and a joint mission may be beneficial to all of us. Since then top people on Earth have been looking for a likely location to begin. Since then it has come to our attention that there is a foothold situation on Earth. The planet has been infiltrated and key officials who supported our cause have come under threat, been eliminated or have been put in such a position as they cannot effectively carry on. I received a report this morning and I will relay now what it contained.
It seems that the Earth Research Team has located an ancient Expert, Damien Castle who who specializes in Extra scroll in a building known as The British Museum in the City of London, Britain, which has formed the basis of their research. The scroll is of epic proportions but the main bit they managed to translate was “To find the Isle of Hercules you need to seek the Sun in the Sacred Grove of the Kingdom of Heaven”. In itself it sounds a pretty tall order but with a bit of cross referencing and their best people working on the case they have come up with a location.
Their investigations led them to take a look at an island in the Bristol Channel. This is a large river outlet on the West side of an Island known as the British Isles called Lundy. Lundy in its translation means Sacred Grove. It is also known as the Isle of Hercules. It is the only incursion of what they call Pre-Cambrian rock which is estimated to be 400 million years old.
As you know activation of certain artefacts involves an ancient bloodline. It is possible that this bloodline can also unlock certain places which may have been sealed for centuries . That bloodline was preserved through the centuries on Earth. This protection fell to the Knights Templar organization which still exists in modern Earth. It is mostly seen as a charitable organization but its duty in history is far more martial. It was they who owned Lundy Island in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. This connection could not be ignored either, as it is possible that there may be artefact based technology secreted on the island as well as information which may have been overlooked as irrelevant by the casual visitor. They protected the bloodline, they protected the island. It is not impossible that the two go together. There is a face like rock on the Island known as Templar Rock; we would like you to take a look at this among other things. The Church on Lundy was built by the then owner, Reverend Heaven. The island was owned by the Heavens for a number of years and they were responsible for building many of the buildings that still stand today. We’d like you to take a look at the Church as it was not built in the traditional alignment for churches but in a more “pagan” alignment which fell in line with the Summer Solstice. The church is dedicated to St Helena who was the mother of the Emperor Constantine, an emperor from Earth’s history. He is associated with being a follower of or having connection with a Sun God. It is similar to Chartres, in France and a separate delegation has been dispatched to investigate that location.
It is also said that Lundy was known as Gwair’s Island, Gwair being a Celtic Sun God who was in legend imprisoned on Lundy. It is at least another sun connection.
Although nothing here would give us any indication that there was any alien influence there is one thing which may prove interesting. We have found information that two eight foot tall skeletons were found buried on the island in ten foot coffins. This in itself could be something worth investigating as according to the writings of Enoch, an ancient Earth writer, giants were supposed to be the children of an association between Angels who fell to Earth and mortal women. They were said to be giants who consumed the Earth because of their voracious appetites so they had to be eliminated which was the reasoning behind a great flood which is part of Earth’s mythology and history. An interesting sub text that the researchers also sent was about the bloodline itself. As you know Kyla here carries this bloodline which you may find very useful in your research. Members of this bloodline were known as “The Shining Ones” by various people on Earth. They have other names such as “El” was used to identify a “lofty one” which also meant shining in Mesopotamian Sumer. This became “Aelf” in Saxony and “Elf” in England. The plural of “El” was “Elohim”. In Gaelic Cornwall which is a county in Western England, the word “El” was the equivalent of the Anglo Saxon “engel” and the Old French “angele” which in English became “Angel”. So it is possible there was some sort of association of these giants being the children of
“Heaven came to Earth” which
connection.
the Shining Ones, also known as may be some sort of “alien”
It was a very tenuous link but sufficiently interesting for the researchers to want to make it known to you that they took a look at the location of Lundy. The Latitude is 51.166666 and Longitude 14.166666, that aroused some sort of suspicion with the mathematicians. Add the 5 and 1 you get 6. Add 5 and 1 and 1 and you get seven. There are texts that refer to the Seven Sisters but as yet we know very little about this connection and it could be a coincidence or irrelevant. Add the 1 and 4 and 1 and you get 6. Then you have the 6 recurring. 666 is the circumference of the earth, it is also a “magical” number and associated with a magic square which is also associated with the sun.
Although there has been no factual information provided as yet to back this up it has also been pointed out that there are people on Earth known as Native Americans and they have ancient pictograms which depict future possibilities. On one of these pictograms there is the depiction of the Rising Sun being important at the end of days for the planet or at a time when the planet’s people ascend into a different consciousness.
We believe that this association with the Sun is something specific and there are far too many connections for it to be mere coincidence.
So, I would like you to prepare for a trip to Lundy Island. As those of you from Earth know our transport methods are very limited as Earth is in a closed galaxy. The only place we are able to bring you to the planet is to a remote location in Wales. The Government has contacted us so we are acting officially but no doubt should anything go wrong they will accept plausible deniability for our presence on the planet. We have technology installed which will facilitate a smooth transition from this galaxy to the Milky Way which is the galaxy where Earth is located. It will also shield any energy signature caused by your arrival. It is one of our time, space and dimension travelling devices so it already has its shields active. We need to get you all in and out with the minimum amount of
intervention and effect on the local population.
It may seem strange to you but you will be arriving on a smallholding in the Hill Country of Mid Wales which is a cover for one of the bases used by our new friends on Earth. You may have heard a little about it already. It has a good cover story. Players come and go and the locals think nothing of seeing strange machinery and other “props” that are used in the game. The players and referees themselves know nothing about the area’s other use. The owner does now although she is thankfully happy not to mention its other use.
Kel, I can see you are mystified by this. I was too when I first heard about it.”
Kel grunted. “I can’t understand this roleplaying thing.”
The Commander sat back and looked around the group. “It is a hobby, a pastime. There are groups of people on Earth who have a hobby which pretty much mirrors what we do for training here in the outer galaxies. They are given a persona or choose one and then they turn up for a weekend and act as that person for a weekend or longer. Where we are technically training people reasonable when we are training soldiers, training as if they are soldiers. The strange thing is that they actually choose locations and situations which mimic other galaxies. This has been used to Red Rock’s advantage. They call themselves Role-players as they take on a role and they dress in a manner in keeping with the story they are investigating and carry replica weapons and other representations of the sort of things that we use on a regular basis. It was felt that having this sort of activity going on on the doorstep of a base where people are coming and going is perfect. This base in Wales has been set up as one of these roleplaying locations. It suffices to provide an income for the operatives who look after it and also a cover so that our people can come and go freely and so that any technology that we bring in and move about does not arise any suspicion. So, you will be arriving during one of these gatherings.
When you arrive you will be met by a vehicle which will take you to a helicopter pad where you will be flown directly to the island.
You must under no circumstances draw any more attention to yourselves than is absolutely necessary. Also, don’t let the role-players get their hands on any of your equipment as they will use it. Your arrival will be timed to hopefully ensure that all of those involved are a long way away investigating something on the other side of the valley but should there as themselves, which is these people are actually be a problem you will have to improvise. Please remember, your weaponry is real, theirs is not so please try to avoid any unfortunate incidents. If challenged you should rely on the owners of the house to deal with the situation. The host and hostess who own the building are very understanding and accommodating and we try to be as inconspicuous as possible. You arrive; you leave, let’s hope it is that simple.
When you arrive on the island you will be staying in a building known as The Castle. Your booking has been made and they will be expecting you. You’ll arrive after dark and it would be best to make your way to the Marisco Tavern which is amongst the main grouping of buildings. It is in the off season, the month there is late October and the majority of the visitors have now left so you will have plenty of chance to move about freely. Your cover has been arranged by our new friends on Earth. They are carrying on the roleplaying theme as apparently they find this a really useful way of moving around. Your cover is going to be as a group of organizers of one of these games as we believe that the island has been used for such games before so they will know what to expect. You will not arouse suspicion should anything be overheard but we would urge you to be cautious all the same. They won’t take much notice of your equipment either.
Unfortunately there is a weight limit as you will be travelling by helicopter. We had thought of sending you via the Oldenburg boat from Bideford but that would take up vital hours and put you in contact with other people which we would like to avoid. I also have no idea how you will be after your trip to the galaxy so we’d rather not put you in contact with a possibility of seasickness. So you will only be able to take a very limited amount of equipment. It is essential that you take certain sensors so your personal equipment will be at a minimum. It is possible to cook and there is a well- stocked shop on the island. Everything has to be brought on the boat so don’t be surprised if the bread is sold out of the freezer. We will send a box of supplies with you but you will have to buy anything else you need. We are expecting you to eat at the tavern. That is covered by expenses as are your drinks in the Tavern. It will give you an opportunity to question the locals. If you want to cook and that proves to be more convenient I understand that you have a supply of Earth currency. Castle nodded and patted his pocket. We will also provide you with civilian clothing and side arms.” The Commander noticed the worried look on Damien’s face. “Don’t worry, these role-players have been on the island before and they carry replica weapons so the islanders are used to seeing such things and would not assume that they are real. Basic rules, keep them under your coats and concealed. The role-players do so they don’t upset the islanders but what they don’t realize is that the islanders are used to it and probably find the role-players quite amusing. Of course if anything does happen try to be as diplomatic as possible. We cannot get official permission for the mission we are on and it is obviously not known that aliens, who are what you technically are, are present on Earth. I would say that the bottom line is do not get caught.
Do you have any
questions?” In turn they shook
their heads.
The Commander smiled. “Very good, well if you have no more questions, you have a go. Good luck.”
They stood up in silence and filed out of the room, following the Commander. He escorted them to the Hopper Bay. A tall thin man in a blue boiler suit was standing in the middle of the room making adjustments to various boxes of equipment. When he saw the Commander enter he stood up sharply, slapped his heels together and saluted.
The Commander smiled. “Well done, as you were. We’re ready to go. Are you ready Sanderson?”
The tall man relaxed. He ran his hand over his close cropped hair and looked worried. “As ready as we will ever be. All the systems are showing ready and I’ve run all the checks I possibly can. We are ready to go. Once we get this lot loaded you’ll be able to leave.”
The Commander looked around the room. “Thank you Sanderson. Well people, this is it. If you would step onto the metal plate one by one and when you are all on there we’ll activate the machinery which has been kindly loaned to us by Lord Joniel.”
There was the metal plate on the floor and in the middle of it there was a pile of bags and equipment boxes ready for them.
Kyla looked up at Kel and he smiled and stepped a little closer to her. Kel took a deep breath and stepped onto the plate. He looked around and then turned back to the rest. “Nothing, I don’t feel anything so far.” He held out a hand and Kyla joined him, taking his hand he reassured her. She then held her hand out and Rennon took it and stepped onto the plate.
One by one the others stepped onto the plate and
waited. Sanderson smiled. “Well, are you ready?”
They all looked at him and nodded. Kel piped up. “We’re good to go Sanderson, don’t be dramatic and draw this out, just get this over.”
The Commander smiled. “You have a go Sanderson. Good luck.” Sanderson threw the switch and the room was filled with a bright yellow light, there was a sound of wind rushing and the light was gone, as were the travelers and their luggage.
They appeared moments later in a small stone building which was a hollow shell. There were chalk marks on the floor which marked out tables and chairs. They carefully avoided these and then stood beside their equipment as they heard a metallic sound. The ceiling became a fluid blue, like water above them. Rennon was staring up in amazement. “That is the event horizon, how fascinating. How it can be on the ceiling I don’t know.” Nothing seemed to move but lit candles, tables and chairs materialized around them. They were standing in
what looked like a small bar. The stone walls were painted white and a candle chandelier hung above them. The ledge between the wall and the roof was decorated with plastic ivy and in the corner of the roof there was a large rubber rat.
Kel jumped slightly and drew his weapon as he was faced by what he thought was a robot in a boiler suit. She was tall and thin. Next to her was another one, a male. The man was extremely tall, just a little taller than Kel. He realized it was a mannequin when he saw that the male mannequin had a chipped nose.
The Terran group was laughing.
Kel holstered his gun. “So what is so funny?”
The men tried to speak but they were incapable. Then Connor managed to regain his composure. “They are dummies, props used in the game. Let me introduce you to Mac, the Mackenzie Unit. She’s a representation of a robot but they haven’t found a face for her yet. This is James who is here as there isn’t room for him anywhere else. Don’t worry they are quite harmless.”
Kel grunted. “Oh.”
The candlelight flickered as the aliens looked around the room. By the door there was an old map and amongst the ivy around the top various statuettes of wizards and brass knights. The rat looked down in a predatory fashion. Above the bar there were various candlesticks and a line of crystal balls. To the right of this what looked like a set of dolls which made up a small band in an alcove and above that a plastic construction which seemed to be glowing and powering down.
Kel grunted again. “So, what’s the story?”
Connor looked up. “The band, well they are a collection of small sentient AIs. Look at them now and they seem like they are dolls but each has its own programming. They are the maintenance crew. Above is the engine if it had such a thing. It is an Eion diode emitter which configures the sub atomic particles of this place to shift between dimensions and back to the new location, swapping with the particles there. It changes places. The rat is a rubber rat called Monty. Decorative only, don’t worry. The rather spooky rubber horror like tree with the evil smile is an addition given to us by Widget. That allows us to link in Joniel’s teleport to move personnel between the shells without having to move the whole tavern to pick them up.”
