Alice-Louise Isla's Story

“Glad to see that everyone has made it.” Dr. Hook smiled as the last of the crew members made their way to the bridge. “Now that we’re in orbit around Earth, I can brief you all on the mission. As you all should be aware I’m a collector as well as an educated historian well-versed in the ways of ancient Earth.”
“Yeah, yeah quit blowing your own horn and get to the part where any of us should care.” Thomas interrupted.
“Yes… well I’m also quite wealthy as a result of my collection and that wealth, for many of you, will be the sole incentive on this mission, especially after we retrieve what’s down on the surface. However, I do hope for all of you to take home an intellectual reward from this experience as well.” He said with an accusing glare cast at Thomas.
“Anyway, back to the mission. This ship is equipped with a multi-terrestrial transport, or MTT, that will serve as our way down to the surface and as a means of transport on the surface if needed. You have all been selected specifically for your unique individual …talents. There’s no telling what kind of security may be down there, but you can bet that what we’re after will be heavily guarded. Just because there’s no life signs, doesn’t mean there’s no danger so stay alert at all times. You all have two hours to get prepared, double check your suits to make sure they fit properly, make sure your oxygen tanks are filled and then meet back at the MTT. So, if you have any questions now’s the time, otherwise you’re all dismissed.” Dr. Hook paused and waited so the crew could ask any questions they might have about the mission as he knew the detail he had given were sparse.

Abielle and Nathan listened carefully. Abielle could feel adrenaline coursing through her veins. She couldn't wait to get started. She wondered what they would find exactly? Unlike the some of the others, she nor Nathan didn't need the money. Well, she felt Nathan deserved some of money for years of service, but he was insistent that most of the money he would receive would go towards the Orphanage they opened. Having been an orphan himself, she understood his need to help those who were in his situation.

Nathan could see how eager Abielle was to get going. She always held her heart on her sleeves. Her late father had seen to it that she lived a normal life, which was hard considering all of the issues and conflict that happened. As he listened to Dr. Hook, he glanced at the others on the bridge. He made sure to get all of their names down quickly. Communication would prove critical soon. Having been in hostile and unknown places before, he would make sure to do his duty to help protect the group. Having eagle eye vision, he couldn't recall the last time he missed a shot. It also helped he was agile, but he could adapt also.

When Dr. Hook asked for any questions, Abielle found herself asking one, "Just what exactly are we looking for?"

Nathan smiled at Abielle. She had the tendency to ask the most direct questions.

Dr. Hook could feel every eye on him after Abielle asked the simplest question. Simple, yes, but he couldn’t explain right now that he was using one fairy tale artifact to find the rest of them and that he had no idea what artifact they’d find. Thinking fast, he came up with an excuse.
“Well… You see, I have a… device. This device is an ancient locator that has been calibrated to lock onto a unique radiation signature that only these specific artifacts put off. The radiation is harmless. So basically I follow this device and we don’t know what we’re getting until we find it. But I’ll know it when I see it.”
“Seriously?!” Gale interrupted. “You dragged us all out to this wretched planet and you don’t even know what it is we’re looking for!?”
Dr. Hook pulled out his enchanted compass and showed it to Gale. “This thing will lead us all exactly where we need to go. If you have a problem with that, we can turn around and go back …empty handed. However, if I don’t get my artifact, nobody here gets paid and while you may be okay with that, I doubt the rest of the crew here would agree. We’ve got the best protective gear. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“Fine, but if you get yourselves killed no one get paid either, remember that.”