Steve takes it all in.

"Someone had another fall back. Another level of the rabbit hole to bolt into... and they couldn't or wouldn't take everyone. They grabbed the important stuff and killed everyone else before the nukes hit. Interesting. Maybe there are survivors somewhere. A deep mine shaft, or a space ship or off planet base... or maybe even in a different time. That gadget might even be our time machine. Sorry. I meant their time machine."

"No way should we touch that big thing before looking over everything else. Let's grab all the servers and computers and take them up to Lorean. We're deep underground, they might have ignored an EMP, actually the whole base might be shielded."

"The other thing I want to do is poke around here on the outside, and look at all these maps. If we get lucky they might tell us of other Aeon bases."

Andrew begins to study the device and the four tubes, "I'd like to start looking over this, it's clear that there is no power to the building it should be safe enough ... don't worry Steve I won't push any buttons."

Andrew clasps his hands behind his back and begins to closely examine the objects noting any writing or symbols and any connections bewteen the objects and the base power or other utilities. While doing this he expands his perceptions by growing an additional set of compound eyes with UV, IR, and Macro/microscopic capability to overlay with his own normal vision.

Steve says,

"Don't count on no power stopping this, I'd say it's on a seperate circut."

"A valid point but unless it's on a very efficient battery system it probably will not be on an active circuit. I grant that it could be on nova built batteries but even still I won't touch anything ... yet ..."

Steve says,

"Don't think of them as batteries. Think of them as bullets."

As you examine the systems, without touching, you can see that there are still energy indicators on the 'batteries' that register low levels of power. From looking you can't see any way to plug these things into anything. Your EM vision doesn't see them the way you'd expect either, they don't have the same kind of glow that regular electricity has more like the kind of power signature that Lorean displays.

It takes several warps for you to get all the disks and servers transfered to one of Lorean's cargo bays. After that you clean up the war room and take all maps and other papers that might contain useful information. You also take the PC from the office.

The most difficult part is taking the device. Given it's size Morgan has to really strain to make his warp big enough to accomidate it's size. It is easily 9 feet tall, and 6 feet wide and 6 feet deep. It has a pad to stand on and an arch over the top of the pad with some kind of circuitry on the underside of the arch focusing down toward the pad. It's not as pretty as the old Star Trek transporters, but it sure does remind you of one. You do have to disconnect the batteries in order to get the device through the warp.

Once back aboard Lorean you all get bathed in UV light and take sanitizing showers that are not terribly pleasant but are a very good idea given the potential for viral or bacterial infection. Omar's suit also goes in for it's usual cleaning. It's a good thing you guys picked up a slightly larger crew than you had originally intended otherwise you'd be cleaning your own gear and this time the suit smells almost as bad on the outside as the inside. Your clothes need some intense laundering as well.

Cody nods at Steve's ideas.

"So many leads and all of them connected to this Aeon Society. It's becomming too tantalizing to pass up..."

Back on the ship, Steve says,

"Computers first. I'll clean these and see if I can get them up and running. Lorean, if we can turn them on, is that enough for you to go in and copy them?"

(Fast Tasks On)

Steve says,

"On that subject, Cody, I think you need to start teaching mental defense to people. Telepathy is going to be a problem when, not if but when, we come up against them."

"I don't know if I can teach others how to defend themselves mentally," Omar interjected. "I have always been able to defend myself from mental attacks...at least since the time I was tortured by Saddam. All I do is focus on overpowering a mental influence, and it just happens. It was just something I was able to do before I became a Nova."

Omar wondered just how long this 'Aeon' society has been around. Could it be that they were always there, behind the scenes, influencing society from the shadows.

Omar watches Andrew work on the computers. He was always fascinated with those electronic gizmos. They were oddities that he had never really been exposed to until the liberation of his country. At that time, the Americans opened up the markets, and computers became available to everyone who wanted to buy one.

Lorean responds to Omar, "Aeon seems to be on almost every world where N-day occurs and many where there are novas, but so far I haven't found it on any world that doesn't have novas at all. I'm sure there is a correlation, but I haven't foud it yet."

Steve sets a furious pace on reconditioning the computers and after a day of work has them functioning again. There has been some degredation in the storage media unfortunately. Even under the best of circumstances storage media should be replaced every few years and the data copied to new media, but since these have been sitting for quite some time unattended roughly one third of them have at least some degree of data loss. Luckily their underground storage vault was about the best possible environment for them or more would have gone bad.

Once the computers are working Lorean connects and begins to download the knowledge that remains. Since she has to rely on the media to be physically swapped out, this takes another two days.

After she's done she reports, "About half the data was a secure copy of the library of congress. Apparently a effort to protect the sum of human knowledge. The rest were the private records of Aeon. Since these were the private records and not for public consumption there is no History of the Aeon society, but I can make a pretty accurate record from what I found.

The society was formed in the early 20th century by a Max Mercer. He and a group of friends apparently decided to form the group for the betterment of the human condition. They had very high minded goals and did quite a lot of good throughout the 20th century. Interestingly there are a few private letters from Mr. Mercer to his friends and to the board of directors included. It seems they did indeed have foreknowledge at least through the beginning of the 22nd Century. Mercer seems to have had the ability to travel through time and shared some of his knowledge with the Society. From all the records, I can't find any reference to any time at which Mercer used his knowledge for anything but the best of purposes. Unfortunately, there was a snake in the garden, but I will get back to that in a minute."

"The society was initially formed from a core group of people who were something more than merely human. Mercer along with several others attended a scientific unveiling of a machine designed to tap or detect a new form of eneregy by a scientist named Hammersmith. It seems there was an accident and an explosion flooding the group with this energy. Those who survived were changed in one way or another. Some were turned into what I can only describe as an early form of Novas, some seemed to have developed Psionic talents similar to the Psions we discovered on Andrew's home timeline, and others developed a less quantifiable ability to just be heroic and lucky. I'm sorry but even Mercer didn't seem to have too clear of an understanding on the three groups at that early time. The records from later times only seem to discuss the two main groups of Novas and Psions.

There is mention in the records of Mercer being a friend of Divis Mal from long before N-Day. They also seem to indicate that there is suspicion of Mal being responsible for that event.

Now for the snake in the garden. As I mentioned, Aeon seems to truely be dedicated to the betterment of mankind as a whole. Unfortunately, Mercer whose vision established Aeon, seems to be absent for long periods of time in his records; presumeably time travelling. During one of the later periods a high official in the orginization seems to have taken a much darker perspective on the meta-humans. This person is only identified as Director Thetis, but given the power they wielded they must have been one of the board members. It was this Thetis that ordered the sterilzation, and whose actions eventually led to the war on this world."

Lorean pauses, "Realize that I base all this on very scant records. Thetis was extremely accomplished at covering his or her tracks. In this world Mercer seems to have been absent during the war and Thetis had control of the strongest faction within Aeon. Apparently Thetis' operation within Utopia was called Project Proteus."

Steve gives Omar a "I'm impressed" glance and says,

"Now that is good news... I've been told all I lack is formal training and it should be easy, but I've never had the time or need. We really need to have Cody test us out."

Steve frowns and says,

“Thetis & Proteus… I know those name. Ah, they’re Greek gods. Thetis was a sea nymph, courted by Zeus and Poseidon, but prophecy said her son would be much more powerful than his father, so she was given to a mortal. She became the mother of Achilles and made him invulnerable. Not the sort of name a guy would choose, probably means it’s a girl with a bit of an ego, or a guy being deliberately misleading.

“Proteus was a god who could tell the future, but he would shapeshift so that he didn’t have to. Cute. It was also the name of an experimental submarine which was shrunk and injected into a dying scientist to save his life in the movie the Fantastic Voyage, I think the scientist had cancer.”

“Lorean, is there anything in the records to indicate what that big device is, or what was on those shelves, or what a #232 - Quantum Field Suppressor is? How critical is the information that was lost from degradation.”

"There is no way to know how critical the missing information is. That room apparently held a number of the devices that Utopia's Technology division considered too dangerous to develop. From the records of other timelines I suspect that the technology that was conficscated is either dangerous to Utopia or useful if you have it and no one else does, such as a quantum field surpressor.

I've scanned the device and I believe it is a crude teleporter. The good news is that with some tweaking it could be redesigned to work in a more useful fashion. It does run off of quantum energy and as such I could run it if I used my own power. Unfortunately, it is very primative and inefficient and would use as much of my power as a 5 light year jump. With some work it might be made to work with designated coordinates so that the crew would have the means of teleporting down to the planet in case of emergency. Unfortunately, right now it will only teleport to one location assuming it works at all."

Andrew brightens at the most recent news, "Lorean do you know where it will teleport a person to? If yes we should check it out. If no ... well we should still check it out we just need to be more carefull...."

Steve comments,

“So those racks are developed black tech. My faith in Utopia just slipped a notch, those things are supposed to be destroyed. As for Max… basically N-Day was decades earlier than anyone figured. I can’t imagine novas on the same scale being secret, but if they were fewer and maybe weaker, then things make sense. Divis makes more sense too… he’s got a century more experience than the rest of us, no wonder he’s so strong. Assuming Divis was responsible for the second N-day in 98, then removing him back when he was weak… ah, that’s the difference. I’ll bet on the crew’s world Divis died in the early days of Aeon, or missed the opening day, or otherwise changed his mind.”

Lorean responds, "In fact there is no record from Andrew's world of a Divis Mal. Perhaps he was never born in that there."

"Andrew, I do not know where it would go if activated, but I can not see any way to change its destination so I would assume it is hardwired. I would guess that whoever went through probably took all of that black tech with them that is missing."

Steve says,

"Divis Mal loosely translates into 'Evil God' so we can assume that's an alias."

"Lorean, do you have a probe we could send? These communication things inside our ears, do they track location? Could we put them on a cat or something?"

"I could send a probe. I have a small number of them. No need to sacrifice a kitten, I'll send one with a camera."

It take some time but Lorean uses her ability to reconfigure to take in the batteries and use her own energy to power up the machine. The small probe disappears with a barely a disturbance. There was no lightshow or noise when it was activate. There was a slight burning smell however.

Lorean says, "I think a circuit burnt out on one of the boards in the device, but not before the probe was teleported. I'm receiving data now, if you'd like to return to the bridge I'll display it."

A few moments later you are standing on the bridge looking at a two dimensional view of a very serious bunker complex.
"This complex is apparently on Mars. Or rather under Mars, it is over a quarter of a mile underground. I am detecting one human life sign, although it is not with the rooms that the camera can access."

Steve says,

"Lorean, how long ago was the war? And what can you scan of Mars from here? No, let me rephrase that, if that base or Mar's moons had anti-spacecraft weapontry, would you be able to detect it?"

"I doubt that it does. It is very far underground. It is likely they established it for it's value as a hidden location. However, given their Utopia confiscated technology the person down there may still be dangerous to you if not to me."

Omar watched with interest as the probe revealed its location. It looks like there might be a chance that they would find someone alive. That they could be dangerous, made Omar a little excited. He had been on board for quite some time, and was actually itching for a confrontation.

"Why don't we have Lorien jump to Mars. That way, we can go down as a group. Especially if there is going to be trouble. Besides, the teleportation device smells like it burned out anyways."

Steve nods,

"Good idea. I gather that gives us a day to prepare."

"Lorean, do we know how long ago the war was?"

Lorean considers the records then says, "The war began 23 years ago, the bombs dropped 21 years ago."

After a moment you feel a slight sensation as Lorean jumps, and you find yourselves in orbit around Mars. "I don't detect anyway down to the complex. I suspect they used Nova labor to create the complex from a natural cavern. You will have to either teleport in or make use of Morgan's warp."

Steve nods and says,

"So we could be looking at the janitor, or the insane last guy on the hill who lived by eating everyone else. But as far as he knows, the war is probably still going on, and most or all novas are on the other side. And he might have a blow up the shop if novas show up switch. I think at first glance we should try to look like baselines from a colony or starship or somewhere.”

Steve gestures and a Captain’s uniform from the United Federation of Planets forms on him, turning him into something that could have walked off a Hollywood set. He points at Andrew and says,

“Since you have the option, I think you should look like a baseline and not a nova. Feel free to give yourself a blue shirt with two pips, that’s science officer.”

“Morgan, I’m sorry but you are the only person who can supply backup, or a rescue, or retreat, so it’s tactical insanity to bring you. If anything happens to you or your powers, like from a Quantum Suppressor whatever that is, then we are all stuck down there. I want you to stay.”

Morgan nods. "I don't like it, but it makes good sense."

Let me know when you are ready and I'll open a warp.

After getting the go ahead from the rest Morgan opens the warp into the room where the probe is located. "Remember, I'm listening over the comm, just say 'pineapple' and I'll drop a warp on your location."

Captain Jean Luc Courier, and Andrew Spock step through the warp and into a heavy duty bunker. Seems like everywhere you go you encounter new and unique smells. This one is odd. Unlike the Aeon building the air here is quite fresh, but it still seems to have a slightly unpleasant undertone to it. Looking around the walls are battleship grey and obviously covered in steel. There are three doors in this room and they are all heavy blast type doors much like you would find aboard a ship. Two of the doors are open and one closed. The probe has explored the two open doors and they lead to large storage areas. Aside from the doors there are ventilation pipes that brings in fresh air and takes out the stale. The probe couldn't fit through the grills covering the vents. The probe is about 5 inches across and looks kinda like a small flying saucer. It floats behind you guys nearly silently.

Morgan says in your ears, "The probe indicates that the survivor is behind the closed door."

Andrew rolls his eyes Of course I know what a blue tunic means! he thinks to himself, "I think I'll stick with jeans and a t-shirt, maybe a jacket as well." Andrew reforms the eufiber into normal attire, looks at is then concentrates. The gear suddenly looks far worse for wear and much dirtier. He nods in satisfaction.

"Seriously Steve normal survivor clothes will probably go over better that not. I just hope they don't have any way to detect that we are novas ... granted even if I could somehow suppress my quantum ability I'd be willing to wager my unique physiology would still show up on whatever scanners they have."

Andrew steps through the portal and looks around, "A man could go mad living in a place like this ... looks like our prize is behind door number three."

Andrew walks over to the final door and opens it, rapping his knuckles on the door jamb he proceeds through the door, "Hello, anybody here?" he says in a cautious voice.

Steve examines the door to try to determine it's locking mechanism.

The door doesn't appear to be locked, just a big round wheel in the middle of the door that you have to turn. Much like the doors inside a submarine, or navy ship.

You get no response. Opening the door cautiously you enter the rest of the complex. Behind the door is a long tunnel with several doors leading off of it. The two nearest doors are more storage rooms, unlike the one that you entered through, these actually have stacks of supplies. You keep going and come to a door on the right that contains a huge hydroponic garden. This is obviously how they keep the air clean, at least mostly clean. Inside you see an old woman walking between rows of hydroponic carrots tending the plants. She is talking to herself, having a conversation.

"So Sally says to me the other day that the war is going badly. Can you believe that? The traitorous bitch!"

"I know, I've told you for years now that you ought to put her in front of a firing squad. She's never been behind you like I have."

"I know Libby, but there are so few that I can really count on and she is so good at organizing the troops. She's practically a logistical genius you know."

"Yes Director, but genius or not if she is going to utter disloyal statements like that you should do something. I've never doubted your vision for humanities future, and I'm sure everything will be resolved in just a matter of days."

"I'm sure you are right Libby, but I..."
The old woman suddenly takes notice of the two men standing in the door.

"Director, are they Aberrant killers come to assassinate us!?!" says the old woman in a near shriek.

Then in a very calm and calculating voice you recognize as the 'director', "Calm down Libby, if they were assassins we'd already be dead. I'm sure they are hear to surrender, after all we most of Their kind were destroyed when China launched their missiles." Her voice almost cracks and she sounds angry when she mentions the missiles. "Lets hear what they have to say." After this last comment she composes herself and stands like a queen awaiting a foreign delegation come to pay homage.

Andrew looks at Steve while the woman is talking to herself and twirls a finger 'round his ear, the universal gesture for "she's a whack job". When the old woman takes notice of the two of them and seems to realize that they are novas Andrew gets confused, Is she that wacko or does she have a way to detect us? he wonders to himself.

"Uhh hi," Andrew says in an uneasy voice, something easy to fake given the circumstances, "Can you tell us where we are? My freind and I were looking for some food and supplies and we found this machine see, and there was a flash of light and then we were here. Umm ... so where is here?"

Andrew fakes embarassment and continues hastily, "I'm Andrew by the way and this is Steve ... "

At the mention of aberrant killers Steve looks vaguely alarmed and looks behind him, when the woman goes all noble Steve bows deeply and says,

"Greetins. We are pleased to meet you."