Chapter 4: Recruiting the Crew

The Erebus hovered silently above Earth’s atmosphere, cloaked from detection by the alien vessel’s advanced systems. Thomas sat in the pilot’s seat, staring at the planet below. Despite the ship’s sleek interior and overwhelming capabilities, he felt more out of place than ever.

“So, this is the plan?” he asked aloud, though he knew who would answer.

“Yes,” Solace replied in its steady, calm voice. “While you possess the genetic markers to pilot the Erebus, one individual cannot wield its full potential. Specialists are required to augment your capabilities and assist in integrating Earth into the galactic community.”

“Specialists,” Thomas muttered. “You mean other people to help clean up this mess.”

“Precisely.”

Thomas exhaled. He’d spent years trying to avoid people—relying on others hadn’t gone well in the past. But now, the survival of the planet depended on him assembling a team. Reluctantly, he nodded. “All right, let’s get this over with. Who’s first?”

A holographic interface shimmered in the air before him, displaying a list of names and locations. Solace highlighted the first: Dr. Elena Voss.

“Dr. Voss is an astrophysicist who was blacklisted by Earth’s institutions after her theories on extraterrestrial civilizations were deemed controversial. Her knowledge will be instrumental in understanding and adapting alien technologies.”

“Blacklisted?” Thomas said, raising an eyebrow. “Sounds promising.”

Solace ignored the sarcasm. “She is located in an underground research facility near Denver, Colorado. I will guide you there.”

________________________________________ Denver, Colorado – Underground Lab The lab was hidden beneath an abandoned warehouse, accessible only through a camouflaged freight elevator. Thomas descended into the facility, his hand resting on his sidearm. The air was cool and smelled faintly of ozone, and the hum of machines echoed through the narrow corridors.

Dr. Elena Voss was in the middle of a makeshift lab, hunched over a glowing piece of alien tech. She was a petite woman with sharp features and piercing eyes, her hair tied back in a loose bun. Despite the chaotic state of the lab, her movements were precise and deliberate.

“I don’t take visitors,” she said without looking up, her voice clipped.

Thomas cleared his throat. “You might want to make an exception.”

Elena finally glanced up, her expression skeptical. “Who are you?”

Thomas stepped forward, holding up the orb containing Solace. The AI’s light pulsed gently, casting a glow on the walls. “Someone who knows you’re not crazy.”

Her eyes widened as the orb began to hum. “What ... what is that?”

“Proof,” Thomas said.

________________________________________ The next hour was spent convincing Elena of the truth. She was skeptical at first, bombarding Thomas with questions and demands for evidence. Solace answered each query with precision, even displaying holographic projections of the Erebus and the Kael’dar.

“This ... this changes everything,” Elena said, her voice trembling with awe. She turned to Thomas, her doubt replaced by determination. “If what you’re saying is true, Earth doesn’t stand a chance without understanding this technology. I’m in.”

Thomas nodded, though he was secretly relieved. One down, two to go.

________________________________________ Houston, Texas – The Cybernetic Underground The next stop was the industrial outskirts of Houston, where Thomas searched for Gabriel “Gear” Ortiz, a former combat engineer turned outlaw mechanic. Gear operated out of a sprawling junkyard littered with the wreckage of cars, drones, and disassembled military equipment.