Argonaut - The Precursor (Prequel)

Chapter 1 - Mission Statement

Chapter 1 – Mission Statement

14th Oct 6:36 AM

-1994-

The rounded metal corridor was empty, and completely quiet. Killian walked briskly, keeping a steady rhythm as his footsteps echoed through the space. They didn't appreciate it when Captains were late.

He wore full Aquila grade armour of course, more of a formality within the confines of these walls than anything else. Where most other operatives would have an insignia notifying others of their team and rank, his armour was blank. A single large device hung across his back, secured by its magnetic holster. The hallway ended abruptly in front of him, a heavy door marked the entrance to their audience chamber. Killian stopped in front of it, waiting in silence as several seconds passed.

An echoing boom echoed through the space as the great circular door finally opened, splitting down the middle and swinging inward to allow him to pass. He entered a rounded auditorium, with fifteen finely crafted seats arranged on a level above him, spread out to completely encircle whoever would address them in their chamber. He walked into the middle of the space, looking up at the throne directly in front of him. All of the them were currently empty.

"Welcome, Captain Killian," a voice echoed from above, its origin lost in the space, "I trust that your last assignment went well?"

It was just a courtesy, of course. They already knew everything.

"You have my mission reports," he replied, "It was acceptable."

Suddenly, catching up with the voice, a figure flickered into existence inside of one of the thrones. Another followed half a second later, and another, and another. Before too long, fifteen figures in ceremonial armour loomed over him. The grand and mighty Archons. He bowed his head in respect as they spoke. They might not actually be here, but even their holographic presence warranted his submission.

"Not just acceptable, I think," a different voice called out, the light and measured like running water. Uriel. "You have done us all proud again, Captain. We are blessed to have you in our service."

His head bowed a little lower.

"Your service record is impressive," a deeper voice added, resonating through the chamber. Sandalphon. "You alone have accomplished more in your career than most teams. You are a credit to your city."

"Thank you, my lord," Killian replied, "I only seek to serve my people."

"And you have done so with great capability," a third voice replied, Gabriel, "We would ask that you do so once again."

"What's my assignment?"

"Yesterday, a team send out on assignment over Northern France failed to return," Uriel explained, "This is the third such occurrence in Europe in the last two months. Needless to say, this concerns us."

"What was the team?" Killian asked.

"The Venerators."

"I know their Captain, Therese. She's a good soldier. What was the last communication you had with them before they disappeared?"

"They had just completed their mission, recovering stolen Archaean data from a human research team. They'd just called in to report that the mission was a success, and that they were returning to Olympus. We lost contact with them shortly after."

"What are we thinking on this one, Niphal or Humans?"

"That much is unclear," Zadkiel said, "We're sending you to investigate the disappearances."