John looked at Jeffery and Simon, maybe they didn't want to become famous, maybe they just liked their actual life and didn't want it to change. Maybe all they wanted was to be happy, to be a common citizen. But they were the best of the best, chosen by the Council itself, the chances of success would diminish if they refused to participate. The destiny of Aurora was in the hands of these two men.
Leung leaned back and stared up at the ceiling. 'He talks like we were in debt with them, actually' He thought to himself. Then, he cleared his throat before answering.
"Mister Madden, as you might perfectly know, I've got a more-or-less long career as cargo ship pilot. Did you ever pay a visit to that frozen hell where the Deuterium is extracted and refined? I've been doing it for three years..."
Leung glanced at Erica before continuing"... and during these three years I learned that I couldn't trust the Police departments across this planet. So, why should I trust the DES? How can I make sure you're not sending us into a suicide mission? The destiny of our people...? Come on!
John stared at Simon, trying to find suitable words.
"My job is different, Mister Leung, but it is no less tideous than yours. We all work for the same thing : The prosperity of Aurora. We have studied your past, you say you can't trust the Police, sure. But why would the Lieutenant Johansen trust someone who has repeatedly came in violation of the law, willingly. Think about it, you are here because you are the best in your domain, we are asking you your help to make sure this mission is successful. You can refuse, it's your choice."
Madden was right, the police officer sitting a few meter from him wouldn't trust a guy who had been sanctionated uncountable times for breaking the speed limits. But this time everybody had to leave the past apart and focus on the present, on the future of this mission.
"Definitely, the Council want me to give up everything my company, the ship and my partners... in order to save our civilization, right? I will have to make a great sacrifice by leaving my people alone, so... If we ever come back from this mission, I wish to have my law-violation record completely removed. If you accept, I will accept this mission."
Jeffery but his lower lip as he considered the choice he had to make. He listened to all the arguments of everyone else, and was a bit unnerved by the continuing glances from John.
For the better of Aurora, or for all the people who needed him back here?
"I will do it, but as long as my medical station is filled by someone capable of such responsibility.
"Well, the council can make sure your company stays alive during your assignment, Mister Leung. We'll regulary fund it and ensure your employees are paid. Mister Aldan, just nomitate someone if you want or we can make sure we transfert someone skilled to your hospital."
Jeffery seemed to ponder it a moment, wringing his hands in the process.
"I will allow for a trusted adviser to do it, Daniel, ask about him, everyone knows him. But I would also ask for you to instate someone to keep an eye on the place, make sure everything still flows smoothly"
He smiles at John, and looks around the room nervously.
Leung crossed his arms and stared at the ceiling again. Once the doctor replied, he answered in a calm tone.
"Alright... If you can ensure Tsai Spaceport will keep its landing pad for our cargo ship and keep alive the Deuterium market... Fine, I accept. We'll discuss about criminal records once we are done with this mission."
John tapped the screen, deactivating it. He sighed, he was looking at the four that were going to change the destiny of all the Aurorans, and they didn't realise yet how important the task they just accepted was.
He took out his PDA, and called a DES operative.
"It seems we are set. The sergeant will escort you to a military vessel outside of the building. The ship will transport you to the Pride of Aurora, currently orbitting the planet. We are all counting on you." "Follow me." said the DES Operative, on a professional tone.
As they were walking in the corridors, a few new questions raised in their minds. The Pride of Aurora was one of the most secret elements of Aurora, a spaceship that took twelve full months to be built and is equipped of all the latest discoveries of the auroran engineers. Yet, everything concerning the ship is kept secret by the Council of Aurora, even its crew, except the name of the commander. What did the Pride of Aurora had to do with this ?
But it was too late, the time of questions had passed as they arrived outside of the building and looked at the military transport landed in front of them. Once everyone sat inside the ship, the rear door closed, and the engines turned on. The small transport ship was now making its way to the orbit of the planet, heading straight to another mystery the four adventurers were about to discover : the Pride of Aurora.
Erica looked at the stars through the window, it was the first time she ever left the planet. It was not a simple task that they received, and it would be full of dangers. Were these three other crew members up to the task ? Time would tell, but it was too late for any reconsideration.
![[Image: aurorasignature.png]](http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/8885/aurorasignature.png)
