Traveller Inceptio

The announcement was met with a stunned silence, then a barrage of angry questions. Camera operators sprinted to access the best angles, the journalists livid at the media-ban that was to take place until the Travellers actually returned. Held just outside of the shed where the Transporter was installed, the improvised media conference was simply a statement from Captain Murdoch as to how the media was to behave. Though only three television networks were so far represented, all knew the area would soon be swamped as competing networks vied to access the story of the year. Until recently, none had seriously believed the government would allow the Traveller Project to become a reality, that they would never actually send anyone back in time.

There had been enough controversy regarding the poor media representation with Hurley’s mission. Now, when the lid was going to be blown off the biggest story for many a long year, they had to wait?

“If any of you break this curfew, believe me, I’ll make it my mission to block you from every aspect of the story. Do I make myself clear,” growled Murdoch.

Professor Taylor gently interrupted. “My dear ladies and gentlemen of the press, we are taking these rather draconian steps to ensure the safety of our team members and their effective return.”

“But what’s this all about, Professor?” called out a pretty, young reporter from a commercial network. “We need some details.”

Murdoch looked at Professor Taylor, and at their exchanged glance, she shook her head, resigned to their decision, so Professor Taylor continued.

***

Vikings, for God’s sake!

Initially the reporters thought it was a joke, but Murdoch looked not to have the imagination to be funny.

Professor Taylor’s question and answer session lasted only a few minutes before a printed press release was handed to each of the reporters. They were to keep quiet, no news at all, and any of the networks who let the tiniest piece of information slip would be black-banned, a threat not only Murdoch, but also the more compliant Taylor was willing to enforce.

Mobile phones immediately ran hot. Though they couldn’t detail why, the story had exploded and editors were advised to get as many resources on-site as possible.

Now they simply had to wait.