Ancient Astronauts

Planning

From Maley's account, Hans figured the creature was nocturnal. He planned to spend the day getting his men ready and determining the types of equipment needed. A commando unit was already at the coordinates Maley had given him for the site of the attack. He'd issued them a handful of the colony's limited blaster rifles. They were solid men and he counted on them. He also sent MP's to lock down the oil refinery.

A knock at the door announced the arrival of James Martin and Shooby Stalbot. Katherine Stalbot slid into the room discreetly and stood by the door. Hans waved her forward also and had an extra chair brought in.

"I don't know anything about the incident at the refinery, Governor," James stated in an even tone when Hans finished explaining the reason for the summons, "but I appreciate you bringing it to my attention."

"Mmhmm," Hans said, "and the fifty barrels of crude oil that went in and never came out went...where?"

The two businessmen seemed taken aback by the governor's question. Clearly neither had expected him to know about that.

"Come now, gentlemen," Hans said, his gaze firm as steel, "You didn't really think I wouldn't get caught up on everything as soon as I woke up?"

"Is this an interrogation, Governor?"

"No, James, that was an inquiry of a concerned friend and leader of a small colony teetering on the edge of oblivion."

"That was my fault, Hans," Shooby interjected, "I should've submitted the appropriate paperwork, but I took the oil for RnD."

"RnD of what?"

"I'm working on creating a new more efficient type of fuel," Shooby replied. "There are key molecular differences between this fuel and the gas from home that may make greater speeds at higher efficiency possible. Possibly even enough to turn your 'gallons per mile' on those tanks into 'miles per gallon'."

"That is interesting, Shooby, but may I remind you that no resources in this colony are to be appropriated for your personal interests until our basic needs are met?"

Shooby looked away, chagrined, "Oh forgive him, Mr. Agler," Kathy said, putting a hand briefly on his and leaning forward, "You know how he gets with his toys."

"Playing games seems like a sorry excuse for social irresponsibility, Kathy," Hans rebutted.

"Of course, sir, I apologize. It won't happen again," Shooby said hastily.

Hans sighed, "Very well, just give it back."

"Um," Shooby's eyes flicked from side to side for half a second.

Hans forced back a scowl, "What is it?"

"There's none left. We used it all."

"Used it all?"

"Yes sir."

"And was your experiment successful?"

"No sir, not yet, but we'll resume as soon as resources free up."

"Liar," Hans thought. There was something going on between these two, and he was gonna find out what.

"Very well," he continued out loud, "Get out of my office."

"Uh, sir," Shooby said as they got up to leave.

"Yes?"

"You're going to hunt this thing, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"When?"

"That's classified," Hans shot him down sharply.

"I'd like to come with you."

Hans was surprised, "You? You are not a soldier, Mr. Stalbot, and I doubt you've ever hunted an animal in your life. What possible interest could you have in the mission? What possible use could you be to us?"

"I am a scientist, sir," Shooby glowered down at the massive man behind the desk, "How do you expect me to pass up the opportunity to study a creature who, by one means or another, eats oil?"

"Wait..."

Shooby coughed.

Looking up, Hans barked, "Stop right there, James."

The oil baron stopped at the door, and turned around when MP's appeared on the other side.

"What makes you think this creature eats oil, Shooby?"

"Well, um, sir. It's common knowledge that–"

"None of this is common knowledge!" Hans shouted, steadily rising to his feet towering over the occupants in the room, "You both told me you know nothing about the incident, and all I told you is that some creature broke in and did some damage. How is it that you know nothing and yet know the creature eats oil?"

"Sit down," Hans growled, "And tell me everything you know about this thing, right now."

The three billionaires sat down again. Hans remained standing glowering and waiting impatiently.

Shooby looked at his wife, who shrugged like this wasn't her match. Shooby then turned to look at James. They exchanged a look and James started.

"The oil first started going missing about three weeks ago," he said, "and yes, you're right. It is about fifty barrels."

"Why didn't you say anything about it?"

"Supply chains run into issues all the time, Governor. Pests are just a part of doing business. It didn't seem necessary to bother you with it."

"It is never a 'bother' when critical infrastructure is threatened by a 'pest' or anything else."

James coughed into his hand to clear his throat, but Shooby stepped in, "At first we weren't sure what was causing the issue. In fact, we weren't really sure of anything until Lt. Harrison and her unit were attacked on my land. See, the monster had never hit the refinery before. Usually oil went missing in transit, often when the truckers stopped for the night. They often reported seeing large creatures around the trucks. They also found tracks, but lacking photographic hardware were never able to send anything tangible to us."

"So you just kept running your fleets without doing anything about it?"

"Yes," James interjected firmly, "A few barrels here and there are acceptable losses. And no human was ever attacked until last night."

"Ask yourself, Governor," Shooby jumped in, "Why is that?"

Hans sat back down, his hands folded in a steeple under his chin deep in thought. He looked up suddenly, "Kevlar."

Shooby smiled wide and turned to James, "I told you he was smarter than he looks."

Hans shook his head, "The commandos who found the bodies of Lt. Harrison's unit said they were intact except the heavy blunt force trauma that killed them. Their armor though was chewed to pieces."

"Which means that whatever this thing is is consuming petroleum based organic substances, like Kevlar and other synthetics," Shooby added eagerly.

"We practically opened up a buffet for them when we built the refinery," James finished. "It might have taken them a while to find it, but now that they have we can expect more incursions."

"Alright," Hans threw up his hand, "Shooby can accompany the convoy. I can use an expert eye on this mission." Rising to his feet and leaning with his hands on the desk he turned his gaze on the oil baron, "James, get to work on securing the refinery. The objective is to keep the bastards out for now until we can figure out what to do with them. Sgt. Christoph, who you'll find outside the door, will take some men and assist you."

"Certainly," James said, rising to his feet and extending his hand.

Hans regarded it for a moment, then picked his own up off the desk and seized James' hand pulling him in. James wasn't a weak man by any means, but that grip was hurting something terrible. He looked up into the burning eyes of Hans Agler, "If you two ever lie to me again, I'll have your cocks for breakfast."

The billionaires scurried from the room like little mice.