Hector gulped down another cup of coffee.
“We getting anywhere?” Jack asked.
Taylor stared at Hector, who returned an unblinking glare.
“Two weeks ago we intercepted an encrypted message transmitted across a rarely used XLS communication channel. We finished decrypting it yesterday.”
Jessica brought up the message on the monitor:
Exodus Project…data extracted…measures in place for full…
“That’s it?” said Hector.
“How much do you know about the Exodus Project?” Taylor asked.
Jack shrugged, “Not much. Heard rumors as a kid, but that was a long time ago. It was hyped as somebody’s modern-day Christopher Columbus fantasy.”
“It’s more than that.” Taylor played the video clip Jessica had found. When it was over he switched to a three dimensional rendering of the spacecraft. “It may be an XLS target.”
Hector’s frown deepened. “You think some division of the Union is still trying to build that thing? Wouldn’t we know about it?”
“It’s wrapped up in so much red tape, we’re not sure,” Jessica said.
“We’ve turned up some interesting findings,” Taylor noted. “After that story ran, everything about the Exodus Project went dark. The media stopped reporting on it. All Union files became classified.”
“And forgotten. That story came out at least twenty years ago,” said Jack.
“Thirty. Which means it may be nearing completion.”
“What does that have to do with JFK or the Apollo Program?” Jack asked.
“They’re all tied to space exploration. It’s not solid, but it’s all we’ve got. We can’t wait for them to sabotage another rocket or put a bullet through a former president before we make a move.”
“What about my sister?” interjected Hector.
Jessica’s shoulders sagged. “We haven’t found anything–”
Hector jumped up. “All we have is half a sentence. We need more! Maybe Alexandra can help!”
“The bounty hunter? We’ve never seen her before. We have no idea what her role is. She may not know anything. Besides, if she is your sister, she’s one of them,” said Taylor. “She tried to kill you.”
wwwhhhhaaaaaaAAAAAA!!! The emergency alarm blared.
Taylor cursed and grabbed his communicator. “Report!”
“Molecular transfer, sir! Moscow, 2019.”
“Jessica, Sam, suit up!” said Taylor. He turned to Hector and Jack. “You two stay here.”
Finally caught up! Can’t wait for the next episode. You definitely have a fan! I always try to figure out the next part when I read a great mystery…. you have me really guessing. Great writing. Love the illustrations, too.