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Chapter 19

Chapter 19

July 18th 2157

While studying linguistics at university, Logan had little time for socializing other than with the group of students who were in the same field of study as himself.  At first the group would meet together to study and discuss the work assigned to them.  As time progressed the group evolved into deep friendships that lasted for years afterward.

James was beaming at him with the wide grin that he was known for.  Logan couldn't help but feel the infectiousness of the smile, and return one of his own.  The two converged in the center of the room and hugged.  Following behind James was Nora, another from the study group, and James wife.

"James, how are you doing?"  Logan asked.  "It's been, what, two years since the wedding?"  Logan broke off the hug with James and moved to Nora.  He hugged her as well, "How has life been treating the two of you?"

"It's been treating some of us better than others," Nora laughed as she reached over and patted her husband on the potbelly that he had developed since the last time they had been together.

"What can I say, you are a wonderful cook."  James joked back at Nora.  His expression changed subtlety as he looked back at Logan, "so, any idea what is going on here?"

In the excitement of seeing old friends, Logan had completely forgotten where he was, and what was going on.  "Uh, no."  Logan said and nodded toward Mike.  "My new friend hasn't explained anything to me yet.  I have no idea what is going on."

Just as he had finished his sentence a little old man in a white lab coat walked up to Logan.  A young man that stood close to two feet taller than him followed.  The younger man carried a case, and was obviously the old man's assistant.  "Would you roll up your sleeve please?"  Wheezed the old man.

Out of obedience, Logan began to roll his sleeve up as he watched the younger man unfold legs from the case that he was carrying and opened it up.  Logan noticed a mechanical syringe, along with several spaces to store vials that were filled with blood.

The little man took the syringe and placed it to Logan's arm, and began to extract a vial of blood.  "What is this for," Logan asked curiously.  He hopped he wasn't overstepping any bounds by asking.

"I am collecting each members DNA, in order to culture your cells.  I am much too busy to explain right now, but if you are still curious I can explain more on the ride out."  The reply was precise and direct.  The little man removed the vial from the syringe, and placed it into one of the storage slots.  He then turned and left as quickly as he had arrived.

Logan looked back to James and Nora, and it was James who laughed first.  "Well, I guess we are going for a ride out," James said with a little more emphasis on the last two words.  After the laughter died out James adopted a more serious expression.  "It seams that entire group over there," pointing behind him, "are all language experts.  And that group over there," pointing to the group were Mike was standing, "are all Security Special Forces."

Nora broke in, "whatever reason we are all here they are keeping this secret from everyone."

"Doesn’t make too much sense to send all of us into space with military escorts."  James continued, "I guess that it is possible they are having trouble with one of the international stations and want us to go in as mediators."

"Where do you think we are headed?" Logan asked to no one in particular.

"Well if we are mediating a multi lingual group, we are probably headed for Venus, or Mars," James said.  James noticed the brief look that betrayed Logan's emotions.  "Hey," he said placing his hand on Logan's shoulder, "I'm really sorry to hear about Jake.  If you ever need to talk, please just let us know.  We are both here for you."