The Coming Storm By Commander [i]Chapter one[/i] [i]The Golden Age was a time of greatness. Humanity had dreamed what was possible. We were discovering more about our solar system. The Traveler helped us reach out for the stars. New sciences were developed. Peace was made to achieve the goal of advancement.[/i] [i]Humanity was nearly wiped out when the darkness came to battle the Traveler. Yet secrets lay buried still in the Earth and out across the solar system. The human dream was crushed turned into a Nightmare.[/i] [i]Secrets of the past were waiting to be discovered as the Traveler hovered over the battle spot it had defended. Years have passed as those from the Last City sent out teams to explore. Some secrets were meant to be hidden.[/i] [i]Twenty years ago[/i] Cynthia Wright watched out the starboard window of her room as Europa came into view. It was a large ball of ice mostly. Jupiter was bigger than she had imagined. Her Guardian friends no doubt would want to explore it as it had a research station not to mention a small colony. They had two ships so it would not be a problem getting off planet. The lines on the surface of Europa looked as if you had ice skated across the surface for too long. She smiled at that thought as winters in the Last City could be fun with snow angels or ice skating. Cynthia had a far off look as Erica her bunkmate came up looking out the window also. " Nice view." Cynthia smiled." You think anything is worth finding down there ?" Erica shrugged." We will not find out way up here. Lets get cleaned up and ready. You know how James is when we are not ready." Both of them laughed as James did get steamed about those kinds of things. ------------- They Landed at an old space port that had seen better days. It would be really cold so she made sure she had on her thermals and heated gear. Even her canteen would have to be heated. Lisa was ready also as James had flown them in waiting for them in the ships Galley. Lisa walked up to James with a smile." So love what is happening ?" James checked his weapon over making sure it was loaded not to mention ready if he needed it. " My friends on the other ship will check things out. They want to secure the Spaceport first. I know we are just the salvage crew. They are pretty good in a fight. Still we should be ready in case they need our help." James could be really serious at times. Lisa knew how to handle him but when he was like this it was no use. James helped Cynthia as she seemed not too good with guns. Computers were much nicer also did not make so much noise. He checked over her SMG and the pistol she had to make sure that it was useable handing it back to Cynthia. Also after that incident of her at the shooting range she was not really a gun person asking for James help. It was good she had the gun pointed at the ground at the time just not that it went off at the wrong time. They waited as time ticked on, James would look out the bridge window as they could see the ramp was open every so often. The three others waved at them after twenty minutes, as they climbed up the ramp. " Did you miss us ?" Red called up to James." Funny, Did you find anything ?" The voice was bored as Red sighed." Nothing. All empty from what i could see. No one lurking about to ambush us so that is a relief. Just snow ice and rocks here." " Good lets get some chow, meet you on your ship to explore some or do you want to rest up ?" Red chuckled." James you never change. Lets wait see if we can find out more about this place before we go poking into dark places." " Sure welcome to have chow with us if you like." Red's voice was pleased." I will one day, Tomorrow at 0600 Greenwich time ?" James was in a good mood." Sure bring some hot Coco and marshmallows." Cynthia was not sure what happened. James seemed to like that Red lady. Erica seemed quiet as she took Cynthia dragging her off by the elbow to the Galley while James did some checks on the Bridge. Cynthia could see Erica was upset but not sure about what since James was being friendly. Erica had been friends with James for two years now. Cynthia just kept quiet listening to Erica rant as she heated up a few meals for them, going on about how James needs to pick his women better. That was why she liked computers better. Cynthia loved her friend's it was just embarrassing to talk about all that stuff like Erica did.