Chapter 6 - Mission Impossible

"Bringing everyone's attention back to the gate, if you don't mind. This gateway takes those that enter into a small cave beneath the surface of the Moon. Like other mi-go Gates of this type, it alters the bodies of those who travel through, so they can survive the inhospitable destination. We learned of this Gate’s physiological tampering from Subject X and sent a dog through the Gate to observe what would happen. The dog, plus the two men who were sent in after it, made it back okay. To the best of my knowledge, the Gate is safe for humans to use."

"Mr. Abelard wants you to retire to your rooms for a few hours to consider the ramifications of our request."

Steele-Muldoon doesn't have much to say through the experience - all the talk of nutrients this and electrodes that have his eyes glazing over as they're brought towards the gate, and in general he's too distracted by all the whirring gadgets and disinterested in a history lesson about some astronomer from 200 years ago to have any input on anything.

However, as soon as the business of the gate and going to the moon is brought up, he practically starts salivating. For him, there are no ramifications. The eggheads say it's safe, and the thrill of a new frontier, not to mention the bragging rights upon his return...

His mind is made up. He'll be damned if he's not the first through that gate. He spends the evening dissembling, cleaning, and polishing his small personal arsenal, daydreaming about all the fantastic sorts of beasts he might encounter on the moon and how they might look stuffed and mounted above his fireplace.

Dr. Mallard is fascinated by everything that us happening. The opportunity to leave earth and all memories of that bloody awful war...it could make a fascinating epic novel. He settles in and begins writing until he falls asleep on his desk. he will be waking up with glasses askew and an ink smear on his cheek

To think, we’ll be stepping foot on the moon well before Goddard’s rockets get anywhere close… Please, Dr. Masterson can I talk with you about how the gate functions? Charles well then spend some time talking with Dr. Matherson about what they’ve learned before retiring.

"I wonder if they could feel if we touched them..." Larry says absent minded, "Yeah, I'll go through the gate when the time comes."

A smile comes to Larry's face as he thinks about the glorious things he might bring back with him.

Charles hangs around to talk to Dr Matherson as the others are escorted to their rooms. You have two hours to discuss this if you wish.

I know i wouldn't

Larry is enjoying both a cigar and a whiskey. Listening, "I think we should all get a good amount of drink in us to prepare for tomorrow. You gents can handle you drink and still be good in the morning, right?"

Charles sniffs the bottle of whiskey, God, none for me... I had some of this at MU and mistook a garbage can for a lavatory. Charles settles into a comfy armchair. I can’t believe this time tomorrow we will have stepped foot on the moon! I mean, a month ago the only thing I had on my calendar was "Try Brussel sprouts"... oh that reminds me. Charles opens his notepad and jots some things down.

Both are expert marksmen, military veterans and loyal FOC employees. Abelard is proposing sending Riley and Lang with you, as in his opinion, the pair can watch the investigators' backs while you sabotage the mi-go plan. Bringing the military men could mean the difference between success and survival.

"So it's crunch time, gentlemen, are you in?"

Dr. Mallard smiles at the men and pulls out a notebook

You know my dedication Michael. Mr. Riley, Mr. Lang, do you have insights on the gate or what we will see?

"I wouldn't miss it. I might need more smokes though." Larry replies with a wink.