All That Glitters Ch. 00 - Prologue

"They were attacked." The CCO whispered.

"From what I have been able to discern, the platform came here between 280-250 years ago. It was attacked and destroyed some forty years after it was built, approximately 240-200 years ago, presumably by the original inhabitants of this planetary system.

"That suggests two things: First, the original inhabitants are within twenty years sub-light of this star system and they regularly monitor their original home world. I suspect that they look on this system as a cemetery. Those that disrespect their home world are 'punished' in the most severe manner possible, to whit, they are destroyed.

"Second. the original Pisciums probably didn't have FTL capability when they abandoned their home world and likely still do not as FTL is not an intuitive invention. We discovered the principles by accident. If they had FTL, they would already be here.

"The second set of aliens most likely has FTL, as mankind have not bumped into them as we have expanded. That is not as unlikely as it seams, as space is largely unexplored, even within the Terran sphere of influence. But for a non-FTL species to get this far into space from their home world would mean that they would have to build up in a given direction jumping in line from one planetary system to another. FTL would allow them to jump several systems without buildup if necessary. All they'd need is the system coordinates which could be provided by probes. This system has the riches density of mineral wealth for several light years, which is why we are here. And likely why they were here.

"The latest planetary survey of this region shows two planets that could be inhabitable within twenty years sub-light. The direction of human exploration has left those planets unexplored for now. The luck of the draw took us in a different direction, or we would likely have met the Pisciums before this.

"There did not appear to be any build up of defenses on or near the mining platform prior to the attack, which indicates that the original inhabitants attacked the miners with little or no warning. We have been in this system for twenty-four years now, which means that the original inhabitants are likely now aware of our presence here. If things go as they did last time, we can expect an attack from an unknown quarter within the next sixteen years.

"You will need Union Ships to protect this mining platform, but Union law would support the original inhabitants of this system, meaning that eventually you will have to move this platform. Unless you can make some kind of arrangement with the Pisciums. Seeing as how they destroyed the last platform; I deem that unlikely.

"I have now completed my duties by informing the authorities of this station as to what is happening out there. There is one more item." Once more Clark flicked his fingers.

An oddly spherical vessel appeared on the monitor. Inside, seen through the large front windows, was another of the blue miners. Surrounding the miner were a series of twinkling lights. The blue colour of this one's body was different than that of the others. The others were quite obviously dead. This particular miner did not appear to be dead. The blue colour was, for lack of a better word, 'alive'.

"I think that this one is in suspended animation. That it has been kept alive for two hundred years is quite significant, especially as we have not come up with a method of suspending life after an accident in space. We could use this technology, if we can figure it out, and if it is compatible with human physiology.

"The Terrain Union will likely send scientists here to deal with this. First, you don't have the ability to work this yourselves. Secondly, they would not like to move the bodies further into human space than it already is. There are protocols for such actions.

"While I was mustered out of the military after the war, because of my unique employment I am maintained on a call-up list. Meaning, that I am still bound by military law. As such, I was required to report this to the authorities as soon as I possibly could. Terran Union Governmental Authorities vice the authorities on this station, something I completed last night after arriving on station and acquiring a room to 'sleep' in.

I sent out a message on the daily communications probe. By now, that message, including all of the images you have just seen, will be in the hands of senior members of the Terrain Union Government. They will send a ship to talk to me and arrest me if what they see now is a hoax.

"As the local authority, the Union Ship will defer to you where mining is concerned, but they will take over where the aliens are concerned. They will likely ask for space on this platform. You should provide it. It will give you grounds for maintaining your local authority. Fight them, and they will bring in larger ships and take over large portions of the asteroid belt debris field keeping you out. If you are the local authority, you can confine them to localized areas instead. Cooperation works for you.

"That's my suggestion to you Ms. Marsh. I have other suggestions if you are willing to listen to them." Clark Concluded.

"Thank-you Mr. Clark. Could you and Liea give us the room please? I would like you to have a VIP guest room on this level so that we can converse with you as needed. Liea is already in one. It would be more convenient if we need to get a hold of you." Fiona said.

Raymond nodded, picked up his jump bag, took Liea's hand and together they left the room.

"My VIP room is really nice and more than large enough for two people." she said with a shy smile.

Raymond smiled back, remembering the last time he had been with Liea. He let her lead him to the room.

End of prologue.

So, there you have the introduction to the series. I hope that you enjoyed it. You have been introduced now to several of the main characters. Did you spot them? Chapter 01 will confirm them and introduce a few more.

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Thanks, Bigtddybr