[ WP ] Scientists have finally discovered the homeworld of the Humans , a race that thousands of years ago conquered the galaxy then vanished .

`` Sir the signal checks out.'' 
 
 `` There is absolutely no way.'' 
 
 `` It's them sir! It ca n't be anything else.'' 
 
 The men currently on the bridge of the archaeological ship *Peleus* had met with intense ridicule when Professor Jun had initially requested the leave time to investigate System 0375465. A tenured professor at the Galactic Science Ministry he had of course had his request granted. 
 
 Several lab technicians were thrilled to get a chance to accompany such a distinguished professor on an expedition like this. The crew on the other hand, were just happy to get a paycheck. This expedition was credits in their pocket, regardless of the outcome. There had been a noticeable shift in the attitude aboard the exploratory craft after they had been bombarded with signals from destroyed Terran Empire craft. 
 
 `` Kloss come here.'' Professor Jun had invited his assistant to the bridge once they entered the system. 
 
 `` Yes sir?'' 
 
 `` This is it. This was the Terran Empires final stand. A combined force of every member species currently in the Galactic Union drove them back to their home system. Here they fought more fiercely than anything our soldiers had encountered before. Captains crashed their ships into our craft rather than surrender. Their combat mechs decimated our troops before we blasted them off of every planet in the system but the last. The third from this systems star. Their home. The rest descends into folklore at that point, with reliable records failing us.'' Jun said grandly. 
 
 `` We devolved them did n't we?'' 
 
 `` The equivalent of a stint in prison for a species yes. If the accounts are to believed, Admiral Bilaba decided that mercy was better than extermination. There was a vain hope that they might become contributing members of galactic society some day. However no species has ever bounced back from being devolved. Taking apart your society brick by brick and sending it back to a pre-industrial age has a very damaging effect on a species psychological health. Considering we have n't heard from them in several thousand years, main stream science seems to believe they've gone extinct. I hope to prove my theories that they are still here. Species sometimes turn to isolationism after an event like the Great War. I believe that we will find a flourishing agrarian society. Dreams of galactic conquest forgotten.'' 
 
 `` I hope you're right sir.'' Kloss said. 
 
 They had spent weeks surveying the wreckage at the edge of the system. Documenting things that had n't been seen since the War. The signals had gradually increased in strength. The captain of the *Peleus* had expressed concern at that point, demanding they investigate. Finally the archaeological team had been persuaded to analyze the signal to see if it was anything more than white noise. 
 
 Jun and Kloss had been arguing with Garber over the results for the better part of an hour now. 
 
 `` Its a hailing frequency! It matches the wave patterns from Terran Empire craft. It's not exact, but it's far too close for comfort.'' 
 
 `` There is no way thats what it is. There is too much margin for error! If the species that almost drove half the galaxy to extinction is using space travel again, we have to be certain!'' 
 
 `` There is one way to be certain Professor.'' The captain said. The fear and tension in the air had settled into a heavy pall over the bridge crew. 
 
 `` The third planet?'' 
 
 `` The third planet.'' The older man nodded. 
 
 `` We were planning on venturing there in a few days anyway. Better now, so we can settle this.'' He fixed Garber with a glare. 
 
 `` Helm, run us silent.'' The captain called to the command crew. The engines went dark, only maneuvering thrusters fired in short bursts to push them in the right direction. 
 
 `` Passing the fourth planet sir.'' A crewman called. 
 
 `` All stop.'' The captain said. 
 
 `` This..this is impossible.'' Jun was floored. The long distance surveys for centuries had shown nothing but a peaceful blue planet. The immediate orbit of this world was a hive of activity, massive hulking warships loomed at orbital dry docks. Long tethers connecting the facilities to the planet. The beautiful luminescent moon was a mined out husk of its former self. Massive orbital guns stood guard on this shipyard. 
 
 `` We have to warn someone.'' Kloss said, his voice rising in urgency. `` We need to get out of here. 
 
 `` This could all be defensive.'' Jun said firmly. 
 
 `` Those are WARSHIPS Professor!'' Garber said. 
 
 Their comms crackled. 
 
 `` Unidentified craft. You are trespassing in sovereign Earth space. Power down and prepare to be boarded.'' 
 
 A dozen dart-like fighter craft zipped past the viewport of the *Peleus*. 
 
 `` What the hell do we do?'' The captain said. `` You're our resident Terran expert.'' 
 
 `` We uh..We do like they say. If they are anything like they once were, discretion is the better part of valor here.'' Jun said. He keyed the comm. 
 
 `` This is Professor Ozzik Jun with the Galactic Science Ministry. We do n't want any trouble, we're powering down.'' 
 
 `` Wise choice Professor.'' 
 
 The crew waited nervously as a heavily armored boarding craft latched onto the cargo door. A heavy rhythmic tapping emanated from the heavy plating. 
 
 The doors exploded inward with incredible force. The cabin flooded with heavily armored figures. Jun, despite the situation was eager to see up close the creatures he had been studying his entire life. The boarding party all looked the same, heavily armored, with some sort of weapon slung across their bulky chests. The mask was an expressionless eyeless dome. A human with gold stripes on it's armor steps forward. 
 
 `` One of you spoke English?'' A heavily filtered male voice said. 
 
 `` T-Terran? I speak Terran.'' Jun said nervously. 
 
 `` My name is Major Smith with United Earth Fleet Command. We're very happy to have re-established contact our neighbors so to speak but we need to make sure you guys are n't here with ulterior motives alright?'' The gold striped human said. 
 
 The crew looked at him blankly. 
 
 `` Can you translate that professor...'' He said, a vague hint of exasperation in his voice. 
 
 `` Jun. And yes.'' He relayed the message to the crew. There were some things that did n't translate between modern English and ancient Terran but Jun had understood enough of it to get the gist. 
 
 `` You're coming with me. The rest of your crew is staying here. Agreed?'' Major Smith said. 
 
 `` If one of them so much as twitches, ice em.'' He said to another soldier. Two soldiers broke off from the group to escort Major Smith and Professor Jun to the boarding vessel. 
 
 `` High O2 content sir, ships air should be breathable.'' One of them said. 
 
 `` Tell Sergeant Marion the men are to leave buckets on until we sort all this out. This does save us from having to fuck with the atmo in the interrogation room.'' Major Smith said. 
 
 Another armored man greeted them after they passed through a series of air locks. The air felt strange if breathable to Jun. This human had his helmet off, giving him his first look at a living Terran. 
 
 This one was a female with short white hair, tied back behind her head. Jun had seen her type before, thousands of times when applying for dangerous expedition permits from the military. She was a career soldier. Hard lines made her face seem as if it was etched out of stone. 
 
 `` Professor.'' She greeted. `` We had expected to encounter the Galactic Union again, just not until we were back at full strength. Welcome aboard.'' 
 
 `` Full strength?'' 
 
 `` Well one generally wants ones military to be ready BEFORE the war starts yes?'' She smiled a predators grin. `` Welcome aboard.'' She said again. Jun was too transfixed by her to notice the stuttering light emanating from his ships bridge viewport as his crew was put down. 
 
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 Sorry this turned out kind of dark, awesome prompt though!
