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2 I have requested the presence of the other key holders today to express the dire nature of our current situation. A few hours ago I was given the order to immediately move forward with the Contingency. It would appear that our planning and diligent readiness is, unfortunately, about to be called upon. The room fell mournfully silent as Admiral Neriuss shocking announcement settled over the room. Three of the key holders were present staring solemnly back at the Admiral. They believed the day would come but were none-the-less shocked that it had suddenly arrived. It had been only five years prior that the key holders in this room had been approached by their government to become involved in this top secret program. Today, after years of secret preparation, it appeared that their patriotism would finally be put to the ultimate test. The small conference room was chosen by Nerius for its uncompromised security. The location was secret and known only to the

3 five trusted key holders. Each individual brought into the room a gift that charged the claustrophobic room with energy. Their anticipation was soon to become action. Present was Dr. Derech Drash, psychology professor, advisor and cultural attach to the Commander General. Dr. Drash was the quintessential professor type; well dressed and well spoken. Handsome, strong features forgave the wrinkles which only added to his contagious air of confidence. Salt and pepper hair and soft black eyes allowed him to relate to any one of any age. Well connected amongst the planets artistic elite, Drash was an admired and trusted scholar. He was a leader and diplomat whose gift was persuasion and his address to Nerius was as passionate as it was confident. Admiral, my draft recruits are ready to serve. They do not completely understand what will be expected of them but they are loyal, patriotic and ready to act without

4 question or hesitation. They simply know their talents will of incalculable benefit to their government. We are ready. To his right sat Mr. Eglon Shobek, wealthy mining magnate. Once an imposing, athletic man, Eglon was now as removed from his athletic physique as he was from reality. Borne into wealth he was lost to any knowledge of life as a common citizen. His beady black eyes were a size to small and that smallness was exaggerated by his pudgy pale cheeks and extra chins. Through his pale, flaccid completion one could almost see his self serving soul trying to surface and yet somehow remain hidden. The Shobek family was one of the richest and most powerful families in the world. He was a spoiled man-child whos power made him a necessary evil which to be dealt. Without his assets the Contingency would have been impossible. His gift was wealth. There was a shimmer of nervous pride and excitement in his eyes as he addressed the group.

5 My recruits and resources are ready immediately. All the resources, great minds and equipment we will need for this mission are standing by. Abaddon is staffed, online and ready. Our fleet is at your disposal. Rounding out the team was Dr. Daat Moreh, President of the State Science Academy. She was the worlds most celebrated young scholar and, arguably, one of the most brilliant women alive. Her genius only matched by her ambition. She was as beautiful as she was brilliant and as shrewd as salacious. Dr. Moreh was a raven haired, green eyed triple threat of beauty, cunning and intelligence. These qualifications, and the fact that she had been Neriuss secret lover for six years, made her a trusted recruit for the project. Her gift was knowledge. My Recruits are ready for service. They have been selected carefully and will serve honorably when drafted. They know only

6 what they need to but they are they are citizens of the finest intellectual fiber. The choices were brutally difficult to make but you can expect the best team I could possible assemble. Nerius stood before them relieved. He was prepared to assuage doubts and hesitation. It now appeared that the three civilian members of the operation would follow Kol and himself without question. His cunning was not needed to encourage their follow through. They were ready. As he stood there in full uniform feeling suddenly as if some mechanics of destiny had began to synchronize. With time of the essence he left the team with one parting message It sounds like we are ready. Draft notices are being issued immediately. In less than two days we will be addressing our chosen recruits at Abaddon.