The Case

Back at my desk, things only got more bizarre.

"I've retrieved the plan files, sir."

"Good. Open them, and follow instructions. Thank you for your service, Lieutenant."

The SecDef hung up. Not even annoyed at the wait?

I stared down at the file case, reflecting sparkles of red from the "classified activities" warning lights that came on automatically when I returned. This thing was networked into our security system, somehow.

Boris peered curiously over my shoulder as I ran my fingers along the smooth, glassy sides of the case, looking for a latch. It popped open on its own.

Flipping up the lid, I was confronted with an angry warning letter in archaic legalese. From the date, it was over a century and a half old.

Setting it aside revealed the real contents: Some sort of tablet computer, bolted into place. A plastic tab read "Pull Here," so I yanked it free.

The screen flashed: "Hello! I am an expert system for implementing ELECTRIC RAVEN. I need to ask you some questions before we can get started."