Lost Systems: Legacy War Book 2

by John Walker

  “Because the signal went to many other worlds,” Thayne said. “Gil is doing a tally right now, comparing it against the list of known dead planets we’ve explored in our culture but that won’t be done for a time. However, we know that our home, as well as yours, received the broadcast. We simply didn’t have the technology to impact … so it harmlessly connected and went silent.”

  “That’s chilling.” Vincent’s eyes were wide. “I mean, to think if this would’ve happened last month, we might’ve experienced some of this damage too.”

  “Exactly,” Thayne replied. “Our own world would’ve been torn apart. Now, the Tol’An has the wrong idea. More technology is not the answer to face the virus we have seen … More importantly, some species created the virus and attacked the Grax. We do not know anything about them but there’s a good chance they have survived all this time … a real threat in the shadows.”

  “Do we have details about the virus then?” Desmond asked.

  “Yes, Gil and I were able to isolate it from the signal that went to the other world. We understand it and as a result, we can very likely put together a defense. That’s what I was speaking to Engineer Webber about. I thought he might have some ideas and he did. If we put great minds toward this, we can overcome it. I recommend we be quick about it.”

  “Of course.” Desmond rubbed his chin. “The Tol’An think they’ll find a solution if they bring the Orbs together … Do you think there was one at the Grax site?”

  “If so, a few things might’ve happened,” Thayne explained. “One, it may have been destroyed. Two, their enemy may have taken it or three, the Tol’An found this area and took it themselves. We have no way of knowing at this point until we discover it. Somehow, they did have an Orb at one time though. That much is certain.”

  “We need to get back to Earth and report in,” Desmond said. “Explain what we’ve found and decide what to do next. Maybe this information will help us negotiate with the Pahxin. What do you think, Thayne?”

  “It is very likely. Coming to our people with a proposal which can help us defend ourselves will go a long way. I’m hopeful about the work we’ll be able to do together, two likeminded cultures and all that.”

  Cassie leaned back and stared into space, considering the vision she received from the Orb. Knowing what happened, how the signal had become infected, made her all the sadder about the outcome. She felt for those souls who died not even knowing what killed them. If they had any chance of helping other people avoid such a fate, she looked forward to being involved.

  “We’ll have to reach out to them soon,” Cassie said. “If we want them to be prepared, we’ll have to work quickly and together to avoid it.”

  “There’s another concern,” Vincent said. “One we should be worried about. Maybe the Tol’An aren’t trying to stop this from happening. Maybe they want to learn how to recreate the virus. It would be a powerful weapon in the hands of zealots.”

  “Terrifying thought,” Desmond replied. “They needed to be stopped before but this … this ups the needs by a lot. Good work everyone, and thank you for the briefing. You know the guys back on Earth will need a full presentation prepared so let’s get it done before we get home. Send it my way and I’ll have a once over to ensure we’ve covered everything.”

  The captain rose and offered a nod before leaving the room. Thayne and Gil turned to their computers and began typing away, chatting in their language. Cassie smiled at Vincent and shrugged her shoulders. “I guess there’s no rest for the weary, huh?”

  “I guess not.” Vincent hesitated for a moment before getting up. “I … should get back to my post but … I’ll talk to you before we get home, huh? Lunch or something?”

  Cassie nodded. “Sure, I’d like that.”

  “Perfect … See you soon.”

  Cassie watched him go and sat quietly for a moment before returning to her terminal. It was nice to have a few regular interactions that didn’t involve changing the world, defending the universe or solving intergalactic problems. A couple seconds with a fellow human being talking about something frivolous, beating around the bush about a date or even just being friendly felt right.

  That’s what we’re struggling to protect when it comes right down to it and I’m glad to be part of the team.