Lost Sols 1: Ancient Treasure by James Bisceglia Page A

definitely called that one well Enzo. It was a brilliant plan." Randy said. They went outside and watched the debris from the transport as it began raining back towards earth. "I think we'll see treasure from Mars when pigs fly." Enzo quipped.
    Monique was at CIA headquarters and had observed the destruction of the transport. Her boss had watched as well and didn’t show any emotion when the eight people onboard had been killed. The agency had someone inside the Leviathan complex who had provided intelligence. Vincent and Dalton had been on the ship. Once again she had argued with Benjamin. She told him the transport could be intercepted once it left earth. Once the ship had been intercepted everyone on board could have been interrogated. In her opinion she still could have got the information from Vincent or Dalton. Benjamin argued the resources available to the agency in space were severely limited, costly, and there would be no guarantee of success. The agency knew Vincent was going to Mars. Whatever he was searching for would be found by the agency now that he knew where to look. He was adamant in his belief any artifacts or alien technology belonged in the hands of the United States Government. Monique was ordered to New Mexico the next day to conduct the clean up operation and to ensure there were no unexpected surprises.
    The reality of the situation was felt by all members of the crew in the safe house. Enzo himself had picked them up in the hanger and driven them to the safe location. All the employees at Leviathan believed they were dead. None of them knew the crew hadn’t been on the ship when it was destroyed. A small memorial service had already been scheduled. The danger was real and it was deadly. Vincent was angry and his need for vengeance went up a notch. The United States Government was killing people needlessly in order to keep secrets hidden.
    The crew for the next launch at Leviathan was notified they had been replaced. A reason was not given, they were given a bonus, and instructed to take extended paid vacations outside of the United States. Instructions were also given not to talk about their work at Leviathan under any circumstances.
    It was just over two hours before the next launch. Randy picked up the crew from the safe house and brought them back to the hanger at Leviathan. Once in the hanger the crew entered a cargo container which was immediately sealed and brought on board the transport. It was a crew of eight which consisted of Vincent, Dalton, Dominic, Captain James Basso, pilot Patrick Weeks, navigator Sarah Dew, engineer Isabella Bilotti, and specialists Julia Parsons and Gary Schmidt. The crew had been told the true nature of their mission and was nervous. They had seen the video of the previous ship which had been destroyed. The extra money for this mission would be nice, but it wouldn’t be much use to a dead person. Randy addressed the crew. “This is your last chance to withdraw from this mission. Let me know now. Once you leave it will be too late.” he said. “I’d like to withdraw. I have a family and the risk is too great.” Gary said. “I understand Gary, you are dismissed from this mission. You will get a paid vacation just like the rest of the crew who were originally scheduled. Do not talk about Leviathan while you’re abroad. Everyone else, it’s time to leave Earth.” Randy said.
    Randy went to the airport and left for a meeting in Houston. He had left instructions for all personnel to be cooperative as possible with any investigation which was being conducted by the authorities regarding the accident with the transport. He had raised hell with the military, with NASA, and the government in general regarding the accident. He was assured future launches would be safe and an investigation into the tragedy was ongoing. He expected the typical government response, and wasn’t disappointed. Enzo had returned to New York the previous day. As far as anyone was concerned