Arcaida

-: Chapter 4 :-

Acts 20:28

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock

"The last thing I want is the damn military crawling all over Arcadia Beth, you know that. But what else can I do?" Things were going from bad to worse for Adam, a week had passed since the hunting party had returned with their news. A Victoria class battleship - Ilex had appeared in orbit in the middle of the night and was fast approaching Arcadia's orbit. "I'm sorry, I'm just frustrated, Ted Andrews from Hydroponics is complaining about root-weeds in the farms, Mary Lawson is getting at me about restocking the medical supplies and this whole alien thing is getting to me."

"I know love, I'm sure they will keep to themselves. They will be far more interested in the buildings than interfering with what you are trying to do here."

"You say that, but I've heard what bored Marines can be like, I don't want them causing trouble for our people!"

Beth moved over to where Adam was slumped and placed her hand on his, "they are still a few days off, you should contact whoever is in charge of that ship and set some ground rules." She smiled happily to her self and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'm sure they will see reason".

I have, he thought to himself, Ship-Master Jones wasn't a man Adam could just order about. He had asked about setting ground rules and had received a quick denial. The men and women aboard Ilex have been promised ground leave, they will be rotated fifty at a time to minimise disruption to your settlement. Ship-Master Jones carried a recent reputation for excellence, having won a convincing victory in a boarder skirmish against the Commonwealth of Northern African States. Indomitable the media had called him, just what I need.

Ship-Master Jones stood with his back to the small assembly, broad in his red uniform he contemplated what Joshua had just said. The man wasn't what Joshua expected, the media had painted the man to be sword brandishing hero, not this quiet thoughtful man.

"Doctor Dryden I am happy for you to lead the investigation into The Gardeners, you may have full access to the Victorias lab's and computers. I expect daily reports on your investigation, delivered to the Victoria's head technician." Still not turning to face them he said, "Mr. Lanston, the ground contingent will setup outside the Bramble that houses the ruins. Those on ground leave will be situated there, but will be given full access to the colony as we previously discussed".

"Thank you Ship-Master." Joshua said breathing a sigh of relief, he had been worried sick that Jones would appoint one of his own technicians to lead the investigation. "When can I get started?"

Turning to face Joshua he said, "Today". Everything the man said seemed to be slowly considered. "The Victoria's head technician is currently with the marines setting up the site base, they are expecting you there once we are finished here". He stopped to consider the room, "Engineers onboard The Victoria will be making landfall this evening, they will have access to the colony's communication array. They shall be redirecting all communications through The Victoria, she will scan the transmissions for mention of this discovery. Until we have ascertained the full picture of what happened here, it has been decided that it will be classified as a state secret." The room was silent as he spoke, he held gravitas that captured your attention. "The Victoria will be stationed outside of Arcadia's gravitational well as she is still marked under rapid response, every five days she will be brought back into orbit for planetside leave for the troops."

"Right, well yes... very well. Ship-Master would you care for a coffee?" Adam was clearly unsure with how to proceed, Jones commanded respect in way he was unable to replicate. As Adam faffed, Joshua took his leave.