Chapter 12

Getting over 1000 people settled was a task that was best suited for others so I made myself scarce by heading to the command room of the base. It was set up very similar to the bridge of my ship. The main difference being the double manned stations. There were also several video screens placed against the wall where the main screen on the forward wall of the ship would be.

I looked around at the various displays before sitting in the command chair. "Christine, are you patched in?"

"Yes captain. Chris has finished the connections and I now have complete though indirect access to the base."

"How much time will the download into the bases mainframe take?"

"Two days captain. One for the download and another to acclimate myself to the new system. Would you like for me to start the download now sir?"

"Not yet Christine, let's wait until after this situation with Jake is over. Once the download begins we'll have no access to the bases system or defenses I'd rather wait until our armed aggressor is gone back home."

"As you command captain."

"How is our friend anyway?" I said typing in some commands on the arm rest. One of the view screens came on and I was now watching the same scene Christine was describing.

"His group is now on it's way, approximate time of arrival is 1 hour 47 minutes. It seems that he is insuring that his group sticks together."

"There you are," Jane said as she entered the command room. "Why are you hiding in here?"

"Just trying to figure out what to do about Jake," he said turning back to the screen. "He'll be here in under two hours and I don't know what I can do about it."

"Why are you worrying about it? You said it yourself, with the Valcun's on Earth there isn't anything you can do. Jake will just show up, realize that no one's there and leave. He'll probably blow up a couple of buildings in the process. What does it matter? We're safe here. You don't think he'll be able to find us here do you?"

"That is very unlikely. We are about 800m below ground. I don't even think there is anything in earth's ordinance that could create a hole that big."

"So why are you worrying?"

"Because I said I'd help you guys, and by leaving him out there I feel as if I'm failing."

"Well you're not. We're safe and you'll go out and save the world when the time is right."

She was right and I knew it. I didn't need to just sit here and feel sorry for myself I needed to do what I did best and that was think. I had to make a list of the resources I have and figure out the best way to utilize them.

"You're right," I said. "I don't have time to sulk. I've got to get started." with that I left to find my lab.

"Captain, you wished to be notified when the men from Ft. Knox reached the campus."

"I'm on my way Chris." Soon I was back in the command room. Derick, Ally and Jane were there as well. Three of the view screens were active each giving it's own perspective. We were watching the men searching the various buildings. They weren't that thorough but they sure were messy. After about an hour the men charged with searching approached Jake apprehensively There was an argument for all of two minutes before Jake pulled his side arm and fired. The hole produced from the round proved that the shot was fatal even if the body falling limply to the ground didn't.

"Oh my god!" the dynamic duo screamed. I watched as some men were told to remove the body and others to resume searching. After another hour they too returned with unfavorable news. I could almost see when he lost all control of his rage. He order the place leveled and we watched as the tanks began firing their main canons. The helicopters also released their various armaments. 10 minutes passed before Jake called a halt to the attack his anger along with his ammunition exhausted. He laughed as the smoke dissipated, and as his vision slowly returned his level of amusement increased. The man was crazy, that was for sure, the maniacal sounds emanating from the speakers told that story. Something had to be done and had to be done soon.

Derrick and I went to the community dining hall. Ally and Jane joined us as well. Our meal was very subdued after witnessing the images we'd just seen. After we'd finished eating the doors opened and people started milling in. it was then that I was told that the attack on the campus was shown throughout the base. The look of defeat was on everyones faces. It wasn't much of a home but it was their home. And it was gone now. I stood and asked for everyone's attention.

"Listen, I know today you all received another blow to your lives. It isn't fair the things that have been done to each and every one of you. I can't change the past but I can help with the future. From this moment on we have to stop thinking about what happened in the past but what we can do for the future." I wasn't much for public speaking and this probably wasn't the best speech given but I could see the glint of hope in their eyes now. That was all I could ask for right now.

"That was quite a speech there," Derrick said as I retook my seat. The comment embarrassed me some but Jane came to my aid by taking hold of my hand under the table.

"It seemed like the right thing to do."

"It was at that, you beat me to it. I was just about to stand and say something along the same lines." When I heard that I didn't have to make that speech I started laughing. This drew some curious looks from those close by but I barely noticed. This also seemed to be just what was needed to completely break the somber mood the base had held for the last two hours. Soon people were talking animately, spirits not exactly high but rising with each passing moment.

Just then Chris walked in with 7 of the rescued women following behind her. They walked up as if prepared for war and this caused my hackles to rise. Nothing good could come from the looks these women wore. "Captain, may I speak to you?"

"Go right ahead Chris. With this many people here I doubt any conversation will remain secret for long."