The Pursuit of Teleported Workers

Jaxon Rhylis and Paula Strix were in the cockpit of the ship, the light from the control screens casting a bluish glow on their faces. Calm finally prevailed after the intense battle against the pirates. Jaxon loosened his clenched fingers from the controls and glanced at Paula, who, despite the visible tension on her face, had a slight smile of satisfaction.

Paula exchanged knowing looks with Jaxon, each aware of the trials the other had endured.

— Where were you during that month after the first attack near Tycho? asked Paula.

Jaxon took a deep breath before answering.

— I was in cryogenic hibernation. My ship activated the emergency protocol to keep me alive while it self-repaired.

— Hibernation? All that time?

— Yes. The damage was too severe, and the automated systems deemed it the best solution to preserve my chances of survival. The ship repaired itself slowly, piece by piece, while I slept.

Paula frowned, pondering the implications of this situation.

— On our side, it took us time to rescue the few people around the Moon. The NHU not finding you there, hopes of seeing you again were slim.

— With my hibernation and isolation, I had plenty of time to think. I prefer to conduct the rest of my investigations alone. I never approved of Pier's actions, and what just happened on the Moon convinced me completely.

Paula received the news with annoyance. Long loyal to Pier, she had a strong sense of duty. For her, the priority was to serve a cause, the defense of Earth, before getting caught up in personal disputes.

— But don't worry, Jaxon continued, I'll give you a small shuttle to return to your new ship whenever you want.

Paula inclined her head, standing up from the co-pilot's seat. She walked over to the bay window, observing the stars dotting the black vastness of space.

— That's fine, but first, we need to find out where the teleported workers are and the hideout of the true masterminds behind all this.

— I've already thought about that, said Jaxon, pausing. When I landed near the dome, I asked Nate to scan the electronic devices in the area. I estimate that using devices capable of teleporting humans in such large numbers requires enormous energy. It must have been recorded. These data will definitely give us more clues.

Paula turned to the control screens, a determined look on her face.

— Very well, let's analyze the data immediately. Nate, activate the analysis of the energy records you obtained.

The ship's artificial intelligence responded with a mechanical and reassuring voice, resonating in the hushed cockpit.

— Data analysis in progress, confirmation of abnormal energy spikes detected at coordinates 24.67°N, 44.58°E, on the lunar surface. High energy intensity at intermittent intervals.

Nate's words floated in the air, filling the cockpit with palpable tension. Jaxon nodded, satisfied with the results. The blue from the control screens accentuated the gravity of his features, each shadow highlighting his determination.

— Perfect, that gives us a starting point. Paula, get ready, we're going to explore that area. We must be very careful not to run into our attackers again.

Paula, standing by the bay window, turned with a resolute expression. She headed to the storage compartment and meticulously checked her equipment. Her black and silver suit fit her perfectly, offering both protection and mobility. She tightened the buckles of her protective armor, each click resonating like a promise of safety.

— Ready. Let's hope we find clues about the workers and those responsible for their disappearance.

Jaxon watched Paula, appreciating her determination and professionalism. He activated the ship's engines, the thrusters emitting a slight rumble before lifting off powerfully. The cockpit vibrated slightly under the effect of the acceleration, and the stars outside turned into luminous streaks.

— Heading to the anomaly point. Together, we'll solve this mystery and bring back those workers.

The ship shot into the darkness of space, its metallic panels reflecting the distant glimmers of the stars. The vastness of the void surrounded them, each second bringing them closer to their destination. The Moon, white and mysterious, loomed on the horizon, its cratered surface hiding many secrets.

As they approached the coordinates indicated by Nate, the lunar landscape became increasingly detailed. Mountains and valleys were sharply outlined, and the darkness of the craters seemed to absorb all light. The anomaly point was near an old mining facility, its dilapidated structures scattered like forgotten skeletons.

Jaxon gently brought the ship down, the retro thrusters kicking up clouds of gray dust that swirled slowly before settling. The lunar silence was total, oppressive, only broken by the regular beeps of the ship's control systems.

— We're here, murmured Jaxon. Let's be careful.

Paula nodded, her eyes fixed on the screens showing the exterior environment. They donned their helmets and checked the communication systems. One last knowing look, then they descended the ship's ramp, their boots sinking slightly into the powdery regolith.

The cold, still air of the Moon enveloped them, and each step raised plumes of dust. Paula activated a handheld scanner, searching for clues left by the missing. The oppressive silence was only broken by the regular beep of the scanner.

— Over there, she said, pointing to a collapsed metal structure. The readings show footprints.

Jaxon followed Paula, their silent steps perfectly coordinated. They reached the structure, and Paula bent down to examine the footprints in the lunar dust more closely. The footprints were numerous, all heading in the same direction, leading to a series of half-destroyed teleportation cabins.

— These footprints are recent, Paula murmured. They converged towards these cabins.

Jaxon examined the damaged cabins, their panels torn off and internal circuits exposed. He approached the remains of the devices, the scattered metal fragments still emitting faint energy residues.

— Paula, look at this, he said, pointing to the debris. It looks like these devices were recently overloaded. They probably teleported the workers before destroying themselves.

Paula brought her scanner closer to the cabins, analyzing the energy residues. Her device emitted a louder beep, detecting a particular residual signal.

— I've found something, Jaxon. A unique energy signature, like a destination marker. If we can analyze this signal, we could determine where they were teleported.

Jaxon nodded, his eyes bright with hope.

— Excellent discovery, Paula. Let's download this data into the ship. Nate might be able to triangulate their destination from this signature.

Paula transferred the readings to her portable scanner, sending them directly to the ship's central computer.

— Data transferred. Nate, can you analyze this energy signature and determine its possible destination?

The ship's artificial intelligence responded immediately, its voice echoing with a slight metallic ring.

— Analysis in progress. Triangulation of the energy signature. Please wait.

Jaxon turned to Paula, adjusting his helmet and checking the oxygen levels in his suit.

— Alright. While waiting for Nate's results, let's continue exploring the surroundings for any other clues. Stay vigilant; we don't know what awaits us here.

Paula nodded, determined. Together, they continued their investigation, inspecting the cabins and the immediate surroundings. Each discovery brought them a little closer to the truth, shedding light on the mystery of the missing workers.

The ship emitted a sound signal, and Nate's voice resonated again.

— Triangulation complete. The energy signature corresponds to a region on Deimos, one of Mars' moons, near coordinates 1.66°N, 58.77°E. High probability of finding structures compatible with current readings.

— I would understand if you didn't want to accompany me, Paula. It will take us four months to get there and as much to return, unless we get our hands on this teleportation technology. At worst, we can cryogenize ourselves. But the fate of these men and even of all humanity is at stake if these weapons are used on a large scale against Earth.

Paula thought for a long time, her eyes distant.

— It will take too long to explain the situation and form another garrison with the NHU, Paula said. I'll accompany you, Jaxon. We need both our combat expertise. Sorry, but you'll have to put up with me for all those months.

They looked at each other intensely, certain that they were about to experience incredible events.