The Sirius Chronicles Read Free Page B

the science division for The Sirius 7” I turned and said “Science division? I think you’re in the wrong place; we’re all militia in this section… Atlas, by the way.”
    He said “Well actually before I go on any mission I always go around and look for an assistant from another division… Scientists can be arrogant, combative, and annoying.” I paused and said “Didn’t you just say you were a scientist?” He laughed - “Yes I’m a scientist, and it’s my duty to present reality.” I smiled – “Hey, you said it”.
    He turned and faced me – “Why are you here Atlas?” I thought for a moment – “Well… you may not believe this but it’s because I’ve been thinking everything that Commander Neros said for a very long time. Just because we all live in safety, people seem to forget about the billions on the outside of the protective field. I don’t know about you, but I’m not ok with that.”
    He looked at me for a few moments – “So you’re not here for money or a good time?.. Actually I already knew that, I was watching you while the Director gave his speech. I could see it in your eyes. That’s why I came over here to talk with you… Follow me.” I wasn’t quite sure what had just happened but I have a feeling it was a good thing… Cyrus looked to be at least 50, maybe even 60. He had an odd look in his eyes, almost as if he knew something the rest of us didn’t. I could almost describe it as unwavering confidence and wisdom. I wonder what he could possibly want from me?
    As we walked, I was about to ask a question and he said “Why you?.. Well most people in the science division are only here because their families could afford the academy. Most of them are money driven, shallow, and lack any real vision. That’s where the qualities I dislike seem to come from. I don’t need someone to second guess my work and try to outshine me; I just need help with certain things… and of course you’ll act as my private bodyguard if we go down to X-451. You’ll learn as you go, and I can promise that you’ll enjoy it much more than whatever else you would be doing… You don’t seem like a militia guy anyway.”
    He asked about my life back on Aeris and how I ended up joining the Malitia. By the end I’d basically given him my whole story. I guess he wanted to know exactly who I was… I had the feeling that I was about to become a part of something very important.
    This was all so strange, between everything else that had happened and now this… It’s beginning to feel like a dream, almost as if I could wake up any moment and be back on Aeris. I just hoped I could do whatever it is he wanted of me. I could tell he was very particular and demanding just from our short time together.
    As we continued on, he gave me a history of The Aurora Station and explained what his science team would be doing on the planet. Since there was plenty of room on The Sirius 7 to bring extra personnel, the government and the ACI agreed the importance of studying an Aeris-like planet warranted the extra time and money. He said if it were only a mining operation chaperoned by militia, the Sirius 7 would have set off over six months ago. Apparently his private division was even kept a secret from the public to avoid any problems with funding.
    Cyrus came to a stop, pointed me in the direction of the personnel quarters, and told me to find an empty room. He said “I’ll come get you tomorrow morning and explain further. Oh, and I’d wander around after I settled in if I were you… There’s a lot to see. The west side of the Asirium Hall has the best views and the nutrition center is on the way there.”
    I was getting hungry so I decided to take his advice. It only took me a minute to find a room and I hadn’t brought anything with me, so I posted my information card on the door and headed for the south side of the Asirium Hall.
    I was still in a state of utter amazement, to think so many people could