“…The derelict space ships that litter Earth’s orbit are left over from many things: the Third World War, unfinished science programs, but mostly failed attempts to retrieve the ruins of certain science stations. No one knows what happened at these stations, but there are rumours going about. Some say they tested viruses, others say it was new energy sources, but the most radical views are that the governments that swore never to test or clone humans were doing just that.

“There are missions that were sent to investigate these space stations, these recon units were the best we ever had. I say were, because almost none of them came back alive. The ones that did come back were totally insane, but despite this the authorities still want the technology from these stations, or “Haunts” as the crews call them nowadays. Many of the teams are now thinking the radical rumours are true, despite these speculations we send crews up every year to investigate.” As the speaker pauses his speech for a moment, the assembled mass of scientists and military officers start to murmur and talk with suspicion and discontent.

“Thank you ladies and gentlemen for coming to this meeting,” says the speaker who presents the briefing, “I want you all to know that this conference is for military and reconnaissance purposes only and cannot be divulged to the press. Any information that is leaked will be punished by death.” With that an angry roar bellowed through the conference room as the scientists rebelled against this notion and that it infringes on their free speech. Some even tried to leave, but were stopped suddenly by armed guards. The speaker smiled in the shadows behind the podium and began to speak again, “Why, you ask? Why, because this information is strictly confidential and is strictly a level five clearance issue. If any of it were released, we would have a repeat of last year’s human rights riots.” This last comment calmed the audience down. Fore the last years riots had caused the deaths of thousands in all the countries around the world and no one wanted to go through that again.

The only people, who did not stir, are five men and one woman sitting in the front row of the conference room. They are dressed in military garb that indicates they are pilots, but three of them, including the woman are generals. As they sat there the room slowly quieted down and they watch in silence as the speaker rose again.