Before the four were allowed access into the base, they were stopped by two armed guards who reminded Gantu of the small white and black soldiers back at the Federation. Only difference was these guys were bigger and were dressed all in black and carried much more powerful blasters. They requested ID from the three pilots after which they ran a metal detector over Gantu, informing him that it was standard procedure to ensure that he wasn't carrying any weapons on him. After all was said and done, the three pilots and Gantu walked through the automatic sliding doors and into a huge lobby that suddenly opened up before them. It was very roomy and Gantu could feel a slight draft washing over him from the ventilation duct over his head. There were even more heavily armed guards in here as well and by the looks of the weapons they carried were trained to shoot first ask questions later. Just off to his left, the former captain saw two guards standing on ether side of a large pale blue door that was marked ''Head Office'' in white army style writing.

''Go through that door,'' said one of the pilots '' we've already cleared you. Our commander is waiting.''

Nodding in acknowledgement, Gantu walked up to the main office as the two guards moved away a little to allow him entrance. As soon as he went in he was greeted by another of his own kind, he was as big as Gantu himself except he was deep blue on top and white below with dark navy stripes going down his back and arms. His eyes were shining silver and he had a deep cut taken out of his right ear, most likely a combat scar the captain figured. He stood up from behind a paper covered desk and extended a hand.

''Welcome to the Base.'' he said it a pleasant middle tone voice ''I am Commander Raicus and you must be....?''

''Gantu.'' the captain replied as he firmly gripped the commander's hand.

''It's a pleasure to meet you, come have a seat.'' Raicus said as he pointed to a chair behind Gantu.

'' I already know why you're here,'' the commander began after they had gotten settled into their seats. ''You're here for the job opening I have, but before we get started I'll have to run your name through my computer. Just want to make sure you haven't been in any trouble with the law.''

Raicus pulled the computer screen towards himself and began to move his fingers over the keys, punching away until he found what he was looking for.

''Hmm Gantu, Gantu ah! here you are.'' Raicus said as he leaned back in his chair, one hand still on the keyboard. '' It says here that you were the head of security at the United Galactic Federation back on planet Turo. Most impressive, but you were put into early retirement after two failed missions involving some creature called Experiment 626.''

Gantu bit down on his rising anger a the mention of that name, not only had the little abomination cost him his old job but probably this one too, Gantu knew that these military types like Raicus were like himself and had little tolerance for failure. He was beginning to think that coming here was a bad idea and that he could have saved himself further humiliation at being rejected.

The gray alien sighed mentally. Would he ever live those past events down?

''Well,'' the commander began with a breath ''I must say that other than your past failed missions, your background files are very impressive and well hey we all make mistakes.''

''So you're saying I have the job?" Gantu asked.

''I'm saying welcome aboard.'' Raicus smiled as he extended his hand again in the gray alien's direction.

''Thank you very much sir.'' Gantu said returning the handshake while trying not to sound overly relived. ''I won't disappoint you.''

''I'm sure you won't.'' the commander nodded '' Also you couldn't have shown up at a more opportune time because I have been looking for someone of your skills and insight to partner up with another soldier I have here. Come I'll introduce you.''

Gantu and Commander Raicus got up and went through a door near the back of his office that lead into a lounge like room, plush chairs sat in many different locations and some beside very exotic looking plants. The great wide window just off to the right over looked most of the base and landing strips, as Gantu took a seat in one of the chairs near as large palm tree like platform Raicus went out of the room through another door at the far end of the lounge to get his new partner.

The captain didn't have to sit long for Raicus came in just a few minutes later only this time he wasn't alone, holding the door open Raicus motioned for the one who was with him to come in and that's when he saw her. She was dressed in a black and red uniform that hugged her slender body and short sleeves came about her arms, clearly a suit cut for a female of his kind. Her ocean blue eyes had short dark lashes that set off the soft blue of her skin and elegant looking head very nicely and Gantu could just smell the sweet hint of her perfume.

''Captain Gantu,'' said Commander Raicus '' meet Gallie.''

Continued