Chapter 15: Uncovering A Mystery

As Dutch starred at the door before taking off to search the facility.

"A moment later and we would of been pancakes!" Exclaimed Dutch.

"I like pancakes!" Replied Suvi.

"Of course!" Replied Dutch with a chuckle.

They had looked around the room, some form of garage mixed with a contamination room?

"Hey Captain! I found a door, one you might wanna see!" Shouted Vall.

Dutch made his way over to Vall, the door was torn open, by something about their size. A bunch of claw marks and clearly whatever it was, it was strong. The door was a reinforced steel door with a magnetic lock.

"I fucking hope thats not in here still!" Exclaimed Vall.

"It's probably long dead, but with some of the creatures that have been encountered. Don't get your hopes up!" Replied Dutch.

"Very reassuring Captain…" said Vall with a worried tone.

Dutch went back to the door where the injured were.

"So we have to split up and search the compound. Now this isn't a large compound but we aren't exactly sure on the size. We will split into teams of 2 or more. Extract all available data, report anything weird, and stay on guard. We don't know if those fucking creatures can get in here!" Dutch barked.

"You saw the door when it opened! A dust cloud!" Said one of the Star Corps.

"This area might of been closed off, but maybe not the rest! Plus, Vall found a door that was torn open, old but if it is still around. I do not wanna fuckin encounter it!" Replied Dutch.

Suvi had taken a moment from assisting the injured to find a possible map or nav system for the compound.

"Alright, Suvi. I'll need you to come with me, Vall I want you to stay here with Vetra and injured, all Recon stays here. The Star Corps will search. All search teams, call before returning. All those staying here, shoot anything that moves! Personally right now, I don't give a fuck who pairs. Just do your jobs!" Shouted Dutch.

As he finished saying that, Suvi came around with nav system data.

"This will help us navigate the compound, the issue is. It's accurate, but level clearance reveals available to access areas. Just for that clearance level, which all of us will have level 1, which is not just low, but limits our compound access!" She explained.

"How do we get access to higher clearance?" Dutch asked.

"The Compound officers office, we can access the computer there, but with the clearance we got. It's not likely. Use your TIC's to access panels." Suvi replied.

"Understood, search teams! Let's go!" Dutch shouted.

Dutch and Suvi used UV sights in their Helms to follow the residue trail from the door.

"Please tell me we aren't fucking hunting that!" Suvi exclaimed.

"We gotta make sure the damn thing isn't alive or here! Because if it is, we got a problem!" He replied.

She knodded with no further complaints.

Vall stayed behind with Vetra as ordered. As all the teams went off, Vall kneeled down next to Vetra, who was against the wall resting.

"Come on, what did this to you? A piece of paper?" He said to her with a laugh.

"Ha Ha, asshole! No, there were these fast as fuck spiders!" She replied.

"Aww, did an itsy spider hurt you? Let me get a roll of paper!" He said with a chuckle.

"Nah, the size of a canine. How about you step outside? Go pet them!" She answered him with a laugh.

"But seriously, how are you feeling?" Vall asked.

"Just a bunch of pain, but I've had worse!" She replied.

"That's good, do you think we will find anything good or useful here?" He asked.

"Like I would fucking know!" She replied.

Dutch and Suvi had followed the trail down 2 levels, there were scratch marks across the walls. No forced entries or trails going off this path.

Suvi got curious, "Dutch, was there any skeletons or remains in that room or near the door? What is this residue trail that we are even following!" She asked.

"All bases of the New Horizon here, are about 900 years old. All organic matter is probably dust by now!" He replied.

"Wait… but a residue trail lasted this long?" She asked curiously.

"Suvi, residue trails can last years!" He replied.

"900?" She replied with an aditude.

"Suvi, use your brain! If it's here, that it wasn't 900 years ago when this trail was made! Plus, the brighter the more recent!" He replied irritated.

Suvi stopped in her tracks due to realization.

"THIS TRAIL IS VERY RECENT?!" She said in a panic.

"Yes! Now calm down! I'm more curious about where it came from and what it is!" He stated.

She took a deep breath, shaking. Though the compound had power, some areas lost light due to erosion, exposure, and more.

Little did the 2 know what they were hunting. Was not fair behind them.

Back at the door.

"So, why did Dutch have you stay behind? He likes you!" Vetra asked.

"Vetra, uh…" he hesitated to reply.

"What?" She asked starring.

He leaned in to whisper.

"That door, there were sighs, marks, residue, and even evidence. That it was quite recent. Maybe a week or less, we would of shrugged it off, if it wasn't for the very recent residue and organic liquids dripping around the room! If anything happens and we have to leave or get evacuated. Someone who knows, needs to get out!" He explained to her.

"Oh shit!" She replied.

"Yeah, not exactly my idea!" He stated.

She thought for a moment, with how things are going and her condition. She took a step up, she hasn't really told anyone and she might as well try.

"Vall, if we get out of this alive. Would you go on a date with me?" She boldly asked.

"Whoa! That was…. Sudden? Where did you get the idea to ask for a date, from all that?" He asked nervously.

"A women has her reason! Yes or no?" She asked.

Vall took a moment, he remembered Dutch's policy on dating colleagues, especially with the Valarian girl, he takes as a sister!

"Sure, Vetra… um…. Protect me from Dutch, ok?" He answered anxiously.

She removed her helmet, to the dust filled air. With a beautiful smile and a small bleeding scratch on her cheek.

"Vall, I will!" She told him with a very happy tone. Since, this is the first time anyone has even considered a date with her.

Back in the 2 lower levels, which have been found to go down further.

"HOW MANY FUCKING LEVELS ARE THERE!?!" Suvi yelled over the radio.

"Keep quiet! Also, this nav system only shows 3 lower levels, 1 is for ventilation and power. The other 3 are housing, research, and more. Just, they aren't big!" He exclaimed to her.

"Is there a bedroom for privacy?" She said with a wink and smirk.

"Suvi no!" He replied.

"Suvi yes!" She replied.

In one of the rooms nearby, a creature was lurking. Ready to devour something, but what no one knew. It can't see anything but heart beats.

It was seeking the 5 heartbeats near it.

It started towards Suvi and Dutch, who were having a small debate.

"Come on! One of these rooms is sound proof!" Suvi stated.

"Just a moment ago you were scared of this possible creature!" He replied as he cleared the next corridor entries.

"But when will we get alone time like this again!?" She asked anxiously.

"I have no idea! We aren't dating! We-- Suvi…. Do you see that?" He replied and was pointing down the hall. Towards a tall being, boney, and no eyes.

"Nope! Fuck this!" Suvi stated as she started back the way they came.

"Get your ass back here! We gotta deal this!" He demanded.

"Dutch, I am not rexpirencing Vernon 8 again or some fucking nightmare fuel, did you see that shit!? That looks like a skinned and fucked up human with growths!" She replied. Clearly not joking.

Unaware it was approaching them silently, the 2 debated.

"What will it take to get you to stay!?" He asked, regretting it.

She turned with a raised brow and smile.

"A date! Just us, our quarters!" She answered.

"Oh for fuck sake! Yes! Now help me!" He replied desperately and regretting the simple agreement.

They turned the corner only to come face to face with it, as they did. A loud screech was let out as it swung.

A screech was let out and it could be heard throughout the facility.

"What the hell was that!?" Shouted one of the teams over the comms.

"No fuckin clue, all sesrch teams. Investigate!" Replied Vall on the Radio.

"I am a Sergeant! I outrank you, I'll be giving the orders! Said one of the team leaders, who was one of the search members.

"Yes, but you're already about and plus the Captain probably favors me more than you, so eat me!" Vall replied.

"I'm going to kick your ass!" The Sergeant said, very pissed.

"Ok, do that after you investigated the sound!" Vall said with a very firm tone.

"Fuck you! Everyone, find the sound and deal with it!" Barked the Sergeant.

"Dutch! Suvi! Captain and the Lieutenant! Do you read me? Fuck, they probably shut off comms and snuck off! Assholes." Vall said.

"You know they're not actually a thing right?" Vetra asked Vall.

"You sure?" Vall asked back.

"I've spoken to both of them, yeah. I'm sure!" She replied.

Dutch and Suvi were held up in a room, after the creature swung its arm and the 2 managed to avoid it. Its claws got stuck in the wall, giving them a chance to run.

"You know we shut off our comms right?" Asked Suvi.

"Yeah, I know. It was so they didn't have to hear us!" Replied Dutch.

"Maybe we should inform them?" She suggested.

"Why didn't we just light that fucker up?" Asked Dutch.

Suvi looked at him confused.

"We had a chance and opportunity to rittle it with holes and we didn't!" Explain Dutch as he was shaking.

"We were scared! Fuck, we ran into a room with its door torn up! That isn't gonna stop it!" She pointed out.

"Ugh, yeah… uh… Suvi? Where are we?" Dutch asked as he looked around.

"I have no idea, we ran to the first open door that we saw!" She replied.

"Is, that a set of servers? Damn, I wish Revan was here!" He stated.

"Why wasn't he in our team?" Suvi asked curiously.

"Maybe to get away from our constant crap?" Dutch said jokingly.

"Oh, um… fair?" She replied confused.

"He's with Nubasik and a bunch of the new recruits!" He ensured her.

"Well, let's see if we can access these computers!" She said as she pointed.

"Good idea, watch the door!" He ordered her.

"The upper levels are clear, all Search teams are moving down! The nav system shows 3 sublevels. Move!" Ordered the Sergeant.

Aa the 7 soldiers moved and cleared the stairway and doors. Using thermals and NVG for spotting.

The Sergeant activated a UV sight, checking for possible incidents, but only saw a residue trail and could hear a struggle.

"Move out! Find the source of that sound!" Barked the Sergeant.

"Vetra, I'm curious. What was with the sudden interest in me?" Asked Vall.

"Um… realized life is too short and I should give dating another try. Even with my… past experiences." She replied.

"Oh, well… I'm glad you asked me. Sorry it was just so sudden to me!" Vall replied.

"I get it, I just *cough* just *cough* I just *cough*" Vetra tried replying.

"Get your helmet on! The air is nasty!" He exclaimed at her. Unaware it wasn't the air, that was killing her.

Dutch had manage to gain access to the computer, an error allowed him to enter the computer and access the files.

"File 4499, file 4500, file error, file error, file… 4509? Would you like to open? Yes." Dutch said to himself.

He began to read the file, as he read. It was about a plant on the planet, maybe the 4509? What did the Vetra from their hallucinations mean?

"Hey Dutch, I just noticed these computers are marked. That's flore, there's fauna, expiremments, reports, and more!" Suvi pointed out.

Dutch looked around and saw a computer marked as, Anomaly?

He got access again due to an error, but there were only files available, the remaining 7,000 were corrupt.

"Files 1102, 2341, 3301, 4088, and… 4509? Is this it?" He asked himself.

He heard gunshots, the remaining teams must of encountered the creature. He decided to take the given time to read the file.

File 4509

!#;'nsznsskkkkkk

Date: 3309-5-11

Andromeda's "space dragon"

Report recorded by Dr. Issac

This is Dr. Issac on the report about our nice big old migrating pet.

We have discovered this creature has a migration pattern that is on an unchanged migration pattern. This creature has a natural warp drive, so it can go system to system as it pleases. It's pattern consists of almost all mid rim systems, which we aren't sure how many there is, at this time.

This creature emits a comic cloud around it, as a form of cloak. It's actual appearance has been observed but only its head, accurately. The comic cloud is about the size of earth, the deeper you go in, the hotter.

Though, the head is roughly 20,000km in length, roughly 12,000km in width though. Then from the back of it's head down to the snout, it decreases to roughly 9,000km.

Visuals show it has a neck and a small body. If we are correct, it's similar to a serphant but it has a testicle body and is capable of a form of telepathy.

The reason we call this creature a "dragon" is, its comic cloud is made of pretty much fire and space lighting. These are defensive and offensive measures. The lightning can be directed and stun enemies of any type, then its fire can be spread or directly into only what can be described as a "column of fire". Both are capable of wiping entire surfaces off of planets, though the lightning isn't needed. It ensures the local life won't struggle.

Though it only does this in an act of defense, it will usually ignore any civilization made crafts.

How do we know about these attacks? Well a planet in a nearby system was used as a scanner, to see past the comic cloud that it emits. Well, I guess this creature took it as an attack, because Juilian V was eradicated within minutes of the scan, the scan was not complete either.

So, upon this report. The New Horizon board asked for my recommendation. Well we need to study this creature, but it must be protected too! If it falls into the wrong hands and they even gain a foothold on how to handle it, we could have a devastating mega weapon on our hands!

What i said before about its attack and defense. Well, it's been estimated that this is an act of 10% of its power and capabilities. Anything over 30% might end up actually collapsing a star! Well, theoretically that is.

Now about its telepathy, New Horizon dispatches a fleet to meet and observe this creature. We have been in this new galaxy, for roughly 10 years? I've lost track.

Yet this is a big discovery! Not many creatures even come close to this!

Our fleet crews and commanders stated that, when they're near. A voice could be heard, something old, ancient, and has probably more of a cosmic connection than anyone.

They would hear these phrases most of the time.

"What are you little one?"

"Can you speak to me young one?"

"You are a curious one?"

"Can you guide me to the [unaware of what was said or couldn't be understood]"

"Don't worry little one, it's ok to be curious. Just don't try to hurt me!"

Its weird, but we think it can scan brains and gain knowledge or it uses our brains to automatically translate itself.

A plan was made for a ship to capture it and direct its power. Luckily, it was disbanded and the unfinished blueprint was handed over. I won't say who was involved though.

If the blueprint is to be seen for, its for the animals rights investigation and cosmic life protection. It's in the computers marked "blueprints and project's", to make it easier. The blueprint cache is also 4509. Though, downloads are restricted to anyone below a clearance level 4. Viewing is allowed to all. Bad idea? Not sure yet.

That sums up my report, sincerely Dr. Issac.

"Holy shit! Suvi!" Dutch excitedly shouted.

"What?" Suvi asked as she backed up to him.

"I think I just found what's been causing the PA events!" He said with excitement.

"Um, please tell me you're pulling my leg!" Suvi replied"

"Nope, it's something called Andromeda's Dragon. A cosmic lifeform in space, it seems it might be responsible. There was a blueprint on one of these consoles! To Capture it! Look for a console called 'blueprints and projects'!" He excitedly explained.

"Here!" She shouted and pointed.

"Ah yes! Ok, give me a minute!" Dutch said with excitement.

"Hey Dutch, how long has it been since we heard a gunshot?" Asked Suvi.

It dawned onto Dutch, the gunfire stopped a little bit ago, he managed to drown it out while he read the file.

"Come in search teams! Vall, do you copy?" Dutch asked on the comms.

"Vall here! What's up Captain?" Replied Vall.

"Here sir, me and the other search teams are in the lower level. We just put down some… growth?" Replied the Sergeant.

"Oh, that damn thing. Good job Sergeant, won't lie. Me and Suvi ran. Shit was scary! Also, we found valuable information! We need EVAC fast!" Shouted Dutch.

"Captain, well we haven't had any contact with the outside since we got in here! I'm not sure why. " replied the Sergeant.

"Well, let's get to that Officers office. Change our clearance levels and maybe use the compound comms to get a hold of the fleet." Stated Vall.

"Hmm, it looks to be on level 4, up top!" Pointed out Suvi.

"I didn't see a 4th floor on our way in." Stated the Sergeant.

"It's actually not a 4th level, isn't a floor. It is an oddly built in area of the 3rd. It's like a dome area that's been raised on the 3rd." Suvi explained.

"Then we need to meet up and head that way!" Ordered Dutch.

A few minutes later, the search teams had met up and gone up to the 3rd level.

"Ok, so other than the hallways. We have access to almost nothing. Everyone, breach charges! We will blow the door to the 4th level!" Barked Dutch.

As the whole group of 9 set charges and stacked on the doors. Dutch hit the detonator. Blowing the door open and they swept the room just in case. The room was dusty but clear. The compounds security systems didn't go off. Oddly.

"Ok, lets see…. That's weird…. There are clearance level restrictions or they were removed. We have full access to this system. Just not door systems." Stated Suvi.

She began to access the computer.

"Comms are up, send a message Captain!" Suvi said as she turned the comm mic to Dutch.

Just then, alarms went off. "Perimeter breach! Multiple targets! Perimeter breach! Multiple targets!" Screamed the compounds detection system.

Gunfire was hurt, something or someone was laying shots into the compound, from all around!

Out a window, one of the soldiers looked out and saw what was shooting.

"Devils and Fates! Shit! We have 2 houses here and laying into the compound!" The soldier shouted.

"Fuck! Vall! Get everyone down there and get them away from the door! Anywhere but that room!" Shouted Dutch.

"Understood! Everyone, we need to god damn move now!" Shouted Vall.

"Captain, we can still send a message!" Shouted Suvi.

Dutch grabbed the mic, "This is Captain Tvankiv! I need aerial support! Multiple targets, area hot! A platoon at least! Being over run and we have multiple casualties! We have high priority information Admiral! It can link G.T.M.I. to the PA events!!!!" He shouted.

All the soldiers looked at him, "wait, fuckin really?!" Asked one.

"Ok, i lied a little but I'm pretty sure!" Ditch replied.

"Pretty sure is not for sure!" Shouted Suvi.

"Hopefully it gets reinforcements here fast!" He replied.

"We need to dig in until our rides here!" Shouted Suvi, so began the long hold out for what, might end the war….