September 14, 2008






Werner Donitz drove down Route 50 towards his new job. The VW Beatle had been the only thing he could afford with what money he had. The hot Nevada sun beat down and he had the A/C blasting. Having spent most of his life in Germany he was unaccustomed to such hot weather. He had classic tunes playing from the radio. He was also singing along... very badly which wasn't helped by his accent. “We're talking away. I'm don't what I'm to say I'll say it anyway. Today's another to find you. Shying away I'll be coming for your love okay? Take on me take me on I'll be gone for a day or two!”
Werner let out a whoop in joy this was one of his favorite classic rock songs. As he drove further down the road he kept an eye for the turn which was marked on his map. On seeing it he turned down the road to his new home Pelvanida. A place that was spoken of in whispers and various conspiracies. Though not as famous or well known as Area 51 he was still on pins and needles. The lack of details and spoken for itself. And the person who'd approached him to work there was short on the details. In exchange for working there his mother a former worker for the embassy in Germany, would be cared for in a hospital nearby. As he approached the main gate he slowed down, noting a few of the various places where he could tell hid guns. Three figures stood by the gate in a guardhouse stopping at the gate and turning the radio and car off. He took his sunglasses off looking at the guard.



“Identification, Please.” the first guard a human said with all the charisma a guard could have. His partner, a large burly moose stopped by armed with an M-4 Carbine. Werner opened the glove box keeping on hand on the steering wheel digging for the necessary paperwork. Upon retrieving it he handed the papers to the guard who snatched them up, Werner putting the other hand back on the wheel. “Jim, run them to make sure he's clear.” The third guard, another human, was searching the underside and wheelbases of the car. Werner sat there in the car eyes forward not moving a muscle.



“Step out of the car please.” the third said as he'd finished searching the outside and underside of the car. Werner complied and got out just as the moose had returned.



“He's clear Phil.” the moose handed the paperwork to the first guard who handed it back to Werner as the moose and the third guard started searching the car. On finding nothing they put what few items there were back into the car.



“Alright proceed to the entrance. Stay in the lane. And Welcome to Pelvanida, kid.” the first guard said.



“Yes sir,” Werner replied, getting back into the car, starting it up driving down the lane. When Werner reached the parking lot and found a space shutting the car off and exiting. Werner looked at the building that served as the entrance. To the normal eye it was an unassuming former military base, but the majority of the base was underground. Werner opened the rear door and grabbed a box before heading inside. On entrance he was met by a Eagle at the front desk doing some work on a computer.



“Your papers?” the eagle asked, looking at Werner. Werner set the box down and handed his papers over.



“You sure you're in the right place?” the receptionist asked, taking the papers looking them over.



“This is Pelvanida right?”



“Yes.”



“Well then I'm in the right place.”



The eagle said nothing in reply but kept looking over Werner's paperwork. “Yes everything is in order. Welcome to Pelvanida, take the elevator right there.” the eagle motioned to the elevator. “Your lab will be on level four.”



Werner nodded his head in reply. “level four.” Werner picked his box up and pushed the button for the elevator.



The doors opened and Werner nearly ran into someone exiting the elevator. “Oh! Excuse me!” Werner said.



“No, it was my fault.” the other person said. The older man looked Werner over. “You seem kind of young.”



“Graduated top of my class.” Werner replied.



“What college?”



“Dresden Technical University.”



“At your age?”



“Got my doctorate there too.”



“Most impressive.” the older man looked Werner over. It seemed as if he was sizing him up. “Dr Bruce Tinner.” the man said, extending his hand.



“Dr Werner Donitz.” Werner said, moving his hand so he could shake it.



“Well Dr Donitz allow me to show you where you will be working. I'll take it from here Tina.”



The eagle nodded her head and went back to what she was doing. Werner and Tinner entered the elevator. “Floor four.”



“Ah, the fourth floor. You'll be working on the same level of some good people.” Tinner said.



“I may be young but I want to prove myself.” Werner said.



Bruce Tinner chuckled and patted Werner on the back. “I'm sure you will my boy. I'm sure you will...”



Werner had rarely felt uneasy, but there was something about Tinner's tone that made him uncomfortable. “I... hope so.” Werner said, though he was getting Emperor Palpatine vibes from Tinner.



Tinner seemed to catch on to the vibe and gave a friendly smile. “I have a bit of an eye for talent. Few have the will to make it here. It requires some nerve and a lot of will power.”



“So I've heard but I think I can do it.” Werner replied.



Tinner nodded his head as the elevator came to a stop. “Ah here we are.” Tinner led Bruce out of the elevator down a series of halls and led him to a door. “This'll be where you work.” Tinner indicated opening the door to a lab. The equipment was uncovered and Werner set the box on an open table. Another scientist walked by which caught Tinner's attention.



“Dr Zanasiu!” Tinner called catching the other scientist's attention. “Meet Dr Werner Donitz, our newest scientist.”



“Pleasure to meet you.” Werner said, walking over extending his hand.


The other man looked at Werner with a bit of a shocked expression on his face. The man shook his head to re-composure himself. “Nice to meet you. I'm Dr. James Zanasiu.”


“Dr. Werner Donitz,” Werner replied.


Where did you graduate from.”


“Dresden Technical University. I was on a special program.”


“Childhood genius huh?”


“Something like that yeah.”


“Well I hope you're ready for this place.”


“Dr Tinner told me the same thing. I'm sure I am ready though.”


James nodded his head. “Well I have to head back to my lab. If you need anything my door is open.” James left the room and walked the direction he had been going in.


“He seems nice.” Werner said.


“He is a pretty nice guy.. Oh! Right! The key to your lab.” Tinner produced a key handing it to Werner.



Werner nodded his head in thanks and took the key. “Where's next on the tour?”


As Tinner was about to open his mouth the intercom came on. “Dr. Tinner please report to the control room. Dr. Tinner please report to the control room. “Looks like the control room.”


Werner nodded his head and followed Tinner out of the lab. “Who was that?”



“On the intercom? That was Dr. Shelton. Good scientist but a bit of a douche. Man won't consider my greatness.”


“Okay then...” Werner wasn't sure what the beef between the two was but he also didn't want to ask.


Tinner for his part caught on quickly. “But VR still is viable. Don't let him dissuade you.”



“Maybe it will in the future. But for now it requires a lot of fine tuning.”



Tinner's attitude towards Werner seemed to change at that moment. However the smile soon returned only it seemed a bit forced. The walk there was dead silent Werner wondered if he had said something to offend tinner. When they arrived Tinner marched straight up to a dark haired fair skinned human. “Shelton!”


The human jumped up in surprise whirling around. “For crying out loud Bruce don't do that!” he held his chest breathing heavily. He then turned to Werner then back to Tinner. “Who's the kid?”



“Meet Dr Werner Donitz, our newest scientist.”


Werner waved a hand meekly. “Hi.”


“Hello.” Shelton looked unsure about Werner. But he quickly shook it off. “Hope you're ready for this place. It doesn't have the reputation it does for no reason.”



“I keep hearing that but I'm ready.”


“Excellent! How about you say here for a bit with Dr Shelton?”


“What?!”


“What?!” Werner and Shelton said in unison.



“Great, have fun you two!” Dr Tinner then abruptly left the room leaving the two alone.


“Is he always like this?”

“A jackass? Yeah pretty much.”


“There's something about him though.”



“That makes you not trust him? You've got a sharp mind.”



“Thanks.”


“And let me guess he left you here with your tour unfinished?”


“Yep, though he did give me the keys to my lab.”


“Least he did that and not forget.” The two chuckled before a woman walked in.



“Dr. Shelton I... Oh! Who's this?”


“Dr. Joe, this is Dr. Werner Donitz. Dr Donitz this is Dr. Joe.”


“Nice to meet you.” Werner said, shaking Dr. Joe's hand.


“You as well.” Dr Joe replied, shaking Werner's hand. “Where's your lab?”


“Not too far from Dr. Zanasiu's lab.”



“Oh james? He's a good neighbor to have. I still have some things to do in my lab. Do you mind helping?”


“No problem, I'm willing to help.” Werner said.


“I'll be working with one of our experiments today. It'll be a good way to start.”


“You were working with Snow today right?” Shelton asked. “You know how she is with the science team.”


“Werner will be okay.”


“Just saying.” Shelton said raising his hands defensively.


“Come on.” Dr Joe said to Werner as the two walked off. The two talked as they were walking. “You have any interests?”


“Shakespeare for one. I'm a big fan of the bard.”


“I know some of his works.”


“I have a completed collection of his works. It was a birthday gift.”


“It is good to have a way to take a break from the work here. This place isn't exactly an easy place to work at.”



“I've heard that. But I believe I can do it.”


“I really do think you do Werner.”


As the two reached the corner to Dr. Joe's lab there was a yelp followed by a loud crashing sound and the sound of whirling flames. “Oh Dear...” Dr Joe murmured rushing forward Werner following right behind her.


“What is going on?” Dr Joe demanded when they arrived.


“We were just prepping Snow when Alec here slipped up and activated her powers.” Inside the lab there was a swirl of fire surrounding the angry husky.



“Hey! How the hell was I suppose to know that accidental mind you poke would set her off?!”


“You already know she doesn't like anyone on the science team!”


“Alright! Calm down both of you!” Dr Joe shouted. “All we can do is wait til she calms...” it was at that moment Dr Joe noticed Werner had entered the room with a protective suit. “Werner wait!” Dr Joe shouted but the door closed behind him.

Snow growled at the figure who entered the room the ring of fire swirled faster grazing the figure as a warning. But something happened that she did not expect. “Hello there, I'm Werner what is your name?” the figure asked.


Snow growled but more softly more cautiously. “Snow,” she replied.



“It's nice to meet you Snow,” Werner said. Werner noticed snow was hiding something.


“I have not seen you here before,” Snow commented.


“It's my first day.”


“You do realize what happens here right?”


“I may not know everything, but that doesn't mean I need to be an asshole about it.”


The fire swirled slower than it had been. “So you're like Dr Joe then?”


“She comes off to me as a good person who wants to help.”


“She is.” the fire was swirling slowly enough that it was safe for those outside to enter but they kept watching in stunned silence.


Werner took the protective helmet off his head. Did one of those others hurt you?” Werner asked.


Snow for her part showed the wound where the scientist had poked her while prepping. It was a relatively minor wound but Werner understood how it could've set her off like that. “Do you mind?”


Snow shook her head and werner approached slowly and looked at the wound very carefully treating it. The other two scientists looked on in near surprise except for Dr Joe meanwhile had a slight smile on her face. The fire stopped swirling and the other three entered the room.



Snow's face got brighter when she saw Dr Joe. “Hi Dr Joe!” snow said looking to her.


“Hello Snow. Werner here is our newest member of the science team.” Dr Joe said.


Snow looked back to Werner her demeanor went to cautious before quickly returning to how she had been when she saw Doctor Joe. “Can he stay here during our time?” she asked.


“If I can I will.” Werner said. “Besides I don't know my way around here fully yet so... it's probably best I do.”


“If it keeps snow calm and at ease it shouldn't be an issue.” Dr Joe replied. The work lasted until lunch and by the time Snow was lead back to her holding area Werner was starving.


“How's the food here?” Werner asked Dr Joe as they walked to the Double helix Cafe together.


“It's pretty good. Dean's an excellent cook.”


“Wonder how his German food is.”


“Don't think it's too well but not many here eat that.”


“Doesn't mean I can't broaden my cuisine.” Werner chuckled. Dr Joe smiled as the two entered the cafe and got in line. The room was packed with staff as the two got in the back of the line.


“Looks like there's tacos today.”


“Haven't tried those before. They sound good.” The two made their way to the front of the line.


“Hello Dean!” Dr Joe exclaimed.


“Ah! Dr Joe! Good to see you!” Dean said. He looked to Werner. “Who's this?”


“Dr. Werner Donitz.” Werner replied.


“Oh the new doctor?” Dean looked Werner over. “You're younger than I expected.”


“Yeah, I've been getting that a lot.” Werener replied rubbing the back of his neck.


“He was able to calm Snow down after one of the assistants agitated her.” Dr Joe said.


“Truly?” Dean said his mouth agape.


“Yeah. Snow doesn’t trust just anybody for no reason and yet Werner here a stranger to her was able to calm her down.”


“I just figured staying calm would work. Believe me I was terrified beyond belief.”


“If Dr Joe thinks you'll do good here. I'll have to agree with her.”


“What's on the menu today?” Werner asked.


“Ham and cheese, tacos, a few salads oh and for dessert you have to try the key lime pie it's my mother's recipe!”


“I think I'll have some tacos and try a slice of the pie.” Werner said after looking over the options.


“Salad and a slice of pie for me.” Dr Joe said. Werner and Dr Joe got their food and found a table to sit at.

“So where in Germany are you from?”

“Leipzig.”

“Been in the U.S long?”

“Not really. Just a month or two.”

“Your English is pretty good.”

“I took some lessons while at the university.”

“How'd you land this job?”

“Some big shot from what I heard. Dunno who but they found some of my work interesting. Next thing I know I got the letter and paperwork already filled out.”

“Strange.”

“Yeah really was.” Werner dug into his food. His expression was mixed and varied. “This is my first time having tacos.” Werner took another bite. “I... I love this!” Werner wolfed down the taco he had in his hands.

“Hey! Slow down!” Dr Joe warned.

“Sorry.” Werner sheepishly apologized.

“It's fine, just maybe not eat like that again?”

Werner nodded his head. “So, what's your favorite Shakespeare piece?”

“Midsummer's night dream probably.”

“That's a good one.

“Mine would probably be Hamlet.”


“What about your favorite line?”


“Hamlet Act III Scene I.”


“That's quite a favorite line of many. Don't really have a favorite myself.”

“That's quite alright. There are quite a number of good lines.”

“True.”

As the two talked a cassoway sat at the table. “So you're the new fish eh?”

“Hmmm?” Werner asked looking at the newq comer. “Oh! Dr. Wener Donitz. And you are?”

“Dr.Yuri Kerzach.”


“Pleased to meet you.” Werner and yuri shook their appendages.
The three had quite a lovely chat about various things until lunch ended and all the scientists went back to their labs.

“Well back to the grind,” Kerzach said getting up from the table.

“Yep,” Dr Joe said also getting up.

“Well back to the lab. That was a nice conversation.” Werner said.

“Yes we should do this again tomorrow.” The three made their way back to their respective labs. Dr Joe lead Werner back to his lab where there was already a small pile of things on his desk.

“Good luck.” Dr Joe said seeing the work before patting him on the shoulder.

“Thanks.” Werner said dryly. Dr Joe departed and Werner sighed and walked into his lab. Werner looked over the work before getting started looking over the pile. “lab note, lab notes, object notes and mre object notes.” Werner chuckled and chose the top folder to get started on. Werner worked on the notes tirelessly. When Werner finished one folder he moved to the next.


Dr shelton walked down to give Werner another folder. When he entered he noted the speed Werner had been working at. “You sure those are complete?” he asked pointing to the completed pile.


“Hm?” Werner asked looking to the door seeing Dr Shelton. “Yes, they're done. Ready to go back to their respective sections.

“Well I have another one for you.” Shelton walked over noting Werner was working on something else.”What's this?”


“A little project of mine. It's an idea I've had for a while.”


“Mind if I take a look?”


“Go ahead.” Shelton took the paper looking it over carefully. “This seems risky.”


“Maybe, but I think it may be worth it.”


“Trust me it probably isn't. But it wouldn’t be the worst thing this place has created.”


“I appreciate the warning. But I think I can handle it.”


“Sure, if you say so.” Shelton said with some skepticism. He took the completed pile and dropped the new file off. He then departed and left Werner to his work.


“I think he's starting to warm up to me.” Werner thought. Werner switched to the new file and got to working. Werner looked over the notes of the file he'd switched to. “Yes, that could work nicely.”
Werner did what he could here and there to help with the folder before putting it in the complete box.
Werner went back to his personal project. “Now how would I pull this off?” Werner thought. Werner thought for a while jotting down his ideas. “Yes that could work.” Werner said aloud when he finished the notes.


“What could work?” a voice asked. Werner jumped startled by the sunnden interruption to his thoughts. Looking bto the door he saw Dr Joe standing there.

“Oh Dr Joe! You startled me there.”

“Sorry,” Dr Joe apologized. “I was told to get you. One of the other scientists needs help with something.”

“Alright let's go then.” Dr Joe lead Werner down the labyrinth of hallways to another lab. When the two entered they were hurried by another scientist behind a shielded area.

“Good! Good you're here!” the scientist exclaimed at a fast pace. His hair was a wild mess.

“Um, hello uh?”

“Oh! Dr. Braunsky. Charles Braunsky.”

“Dr Werner Donitz.”

“Oh! The new guy! Excellent!” Braunsky said. It felt as if he sustained himself on Coffee alone at the speed he spoke at. Braunsky looked back to his project which involved electricity. “Now watch carefully!” Braunsky attached two wires to an object. “Now with the careful application of electricity.” Barunsky shocked the object which caused it to begin to float.” braunsky cut the power but the object still continued to float.

“Incredible!” Werner said looking at it.

“Should be safe to touch with protection.” Braunsky handed a pair of gloves to Werner. Werner hesitantly looked at the gloves, to Joe, to Braunsky then back to the gloves before taking the gloves. Werner put the gloves on and went around the screen reaching out to touch the object.

“Careful Werner most of Braunksy's experiments end in...” Dr Joe was cut off the the sound of electricity surging through a body before seeing Werner being thrown against the wall.Werner!” Dr Joe screamed out hitting a button to summon medical teams.

“Wow...” was all Wener managed to say before he lost consciousness.

When Werner awoke he was laying in a bed hooked up to a monitor. “He's waking up!” Werner looked over to see Dr Joe sitting in a chair next to the bed. A few more familiar faces came into the room.

“Oh, hey everyone.”

“What the hell was that idiot Braunsky thinking of having you be the one to grab that item? And why the hell did you do it?!” Shelton said in a berating tone.

“Calm down Shelton!” Dr Joe matching his tone.

“Both of you calm down!” the CMO shouted his tone drowning both Shelton and Joe out. “If you want to fight get the hell out of my med bay!”

The two scientists said nothing in response. “How is he?” James said breaking the awkward silence.

“Well Dr Zanasiu, Dr Donitz seems to be recovering fine. Quite frankly I'm amazed he wasn't more seriously injured.”

“I've always been a quick healer.” Werner said slowly sitting up.

“Hey! Take it easy!”

Werner looked at the CMO and nodded his head. “understood.”



Yuri entered the room with a tray of food and a drink. “This has to be a record for fastest injury here.”

Werner rubbed his head through his hair which was standing on all ends. “How's it look?”

“Like you just had a run in with an electric eel.” Yuri set the tray down and werner started eating taking sips of the drink in between bites.

“I want you to stay here overnight for observation at least.”

“Yes doctor.” Werner replied.

“I will allow one of you to stay if the patient wishes.”

“Werner?” Dr Joe asked. “You want some company?”

“Sure would be better than just laying here doing nothing. Think we could get a chess board up here?'

“I'll see what I can do.”

“Take care kid.” James said. “See you in the lab tomorrow.

“Just don't do anything as stupid as that again.” Shelton said.

“Yeah we don't want to have to find a replacement for you.” Kerzach said. The three left leaving Joe and Werner alone.

“So, you any good at chess?”

“It's been a while since I've played it.”

“Now's a s good a time as any to relearn.” Werner continued eating the food that had been brought to him. “Any word on what's happened to Braunsky?”

“The higher ups are not happy with him.”

“Has he always been like that?”

“Long as I've known him yeah.”

“Hope he doesn't get into too much trouble on my account.”

“If anything he'll probably be transferred to somewhere else.”

“Still... I'm not going to hold it against him. ”
“You really do have a heart of gold huh?”

“I've always told I was one of the kindest people by many who've met me.”

“Werner, I think this is the beginning of a great friendship.”

“So do I Dr Joe. So do I.”












                              Epilogue.






Meanwhile in a small desert community not far from Pelvandia a middle aged man walked through the settlement. The sun had already set and the heat of the day cooled down. The man approached a tent and opened the flap. Inside was a male velociraptor stood at the head of a table, while several other humans stood around it. “Ah, Hans. You're just in time.” the raptor said.

“Sorry if I'm late Halsey.”

“Don't worry about it.” Halsey waved his right claw. Now then gentleman and lady.” Halsey looked over to a woman who nodded her head silently.

“What's the job boss?” one of the other men asked.

“He'll tell us when he tells us Udesky.” Hans snapped.

Udesky grit his teeth glaring at Hans. “teacher's pet.” he muttered under his breath.

“What was that?” Hans asked, glaring back.

“Both of you calm down.” Halsey growled baring his razor sharp teeth.

“Sorry boss.”

“Apologies sir.”

“Now then. This will be our most ambitious plan yet.” Halsey grabbed a sheet that was on the table and ripped it off revealing a modeled map of a base out in the desert. Everyone around the table scrambled to get a better look. Halsey meanwhile had a slight smile on his face. And on that map a single name was printed over it.





                                                                                          PELVANIDA

M

L

B

Ocean

A

Grin

Ally

B

explorer