Exetor

By Dennis Joe

High school senior and NASA apprentice, Tess McLary, views a meteor while monitoring space debris. She and her father, Jim, investigate the next morning discovering a strange reddish blue dust covering the outcropping above a cave museum owned by George Peters, a Native American and friend of Tess’ father. Jim secures a sample for examination.

The next morning, George explores a lower chamber and is injured. The chamber has ancient pictographs covering the walls. Tess, with the help of her mother, father, teacher, George, and a crusty oilman determine the pictographs describe the total destruction of earth. The chamber, according to the drawings, is a transmitter built centuries ago by aliens intent on pillaging earth’s energy resources. With the transfer imminent, they redouble their efforts to find a way to stop the destruction. Tess’ teacher, Millie, turns out to be an alien and the good sister of her Evil sibling who returns to complete the transfer of energy.

Tess’ pet Labrador retriever, Skits, finds an amulet in the. While reading old manuscripts of his grandfather, George discovers that a crystal he has and the amulet are the key to preventing the destruction.

Jim, George, and Billy descend into the chamber to insert the crystal into the transmitter to stop the transfer. Millie fights with her sister killing her and dies. The crystal reverses the transfer. Millie’s body is taken back to the McLary home and mysteriously disappears.

A NASA official and his daughter, Maria travel to Exetor to investigate. Simon de La Fuentes, Maria’s father compiles a report promising not to bring undue notoriety on them

As Maria and her father leave, the reader finds they are good aliens sworn to fight against the evil faction of their race bent on domination.

Millie appears to Tess in a dream and tells her she has been chosen to continue in her stead since the threat to earth still exists. Millie gives the amulet to Tess.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dennis Joe
• Release date: Nov 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9780990800118

Dennis Joe

After many years in the grind of corporate America, Denny found it necessary to widen his creative endeavors. Being an avid reader, he is drawn to the written word and stories that entertain and surprise the reader. Fictional stories aren't governed by facts but by the limitless bounds of imagination. A native Texan residing in central Texas . . . he enjoys the outdoors and the climate.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

BY THE 1800s the decline of the North American Plains Indian was inevitable. This was due, in large part, to the renewed self determination of the Americans after the defeat of the English in the War of Independence. The inexorable westward expansion displaced and pushed the Native Americans from the lands they had inhabited long before the Europeans arrived. Among them, the Jumano tribe in Texas had withdrawn into the isolated high-desert of West Texas.

As the leader of his people, Grey Wolf ruled with a benevolent fairness not practiced by other tribal chieftains. He had long ago earned the respect of other tribes through trade and occasional conflicts. Because of this, his tribe prospered and grew.

One evening, as was his custom, the chieftain and his warriors made their way toward an outcropping of rocks that rose from the desert floor a short distance from their camp. The late summer sun hung low in the west as a prelude to a cool clear night. He hoped his meditations would be blessed under such a favorable sky. As the leader of his people, his communion with the spirits and prayers for good fortune were Grey Wolf’s main duties. This had been the custom for generations.

As they walked, the group remained vigilant for any signs of trouble. When they reached the sacred site, his seven warriors positioned themselves around the base while Grey Wolf ascended to the summit. To ward off the coolness of night and as part of his ritual, he lit a small fire and began a prayer.

Oh, Great Spirit, your voice is the wind and your breath gives life. Give us your strength and wisdom. Keep me in your beauty...

At this point in his ceremony, what appeared to be a star plummeted through the atmosphere accompanied by a fiery roar. In an instant the area was bright as day. Grey Wolf stood in an attitude of prayer, arms raised with palms open toward the light. The noise of the explosion and sudden light caught the men by surprise. Fear gripped his warriors and they fell to their knees in terror. The star veered to the right in a slow wide arc reducing its steep trajectory. Its collision with the earth caused the object to tumble end over end until it came to rest.

A mile away, the elder and his guards felt the ground rumble from the shock of the collision. Grey Wolf raced down the path, calling to his warriors, Come! It is an answer to my prayers! It is a welcome sign.

As he led his nervous men toward the impact area, he noticed the brightness had begun to fade. Near the site, Grey Wolf stopped and held up his right hand. The others stood speechless, cowering in fear at the scene before them.

Two figures lay facedown amid scattered debris on the other side of a large metal object.

He hurried to the figures and knelt beside each one to see if they were alive or dead.

The creatures had the physical size of adolescent children. Their heads were large for their unclothed bodies. One was lifeless. Unintelligible chirping sounds came from the other.

The chief had seen rock drawings resembling the figures lying before him but had never seen actual beings like these. He concluded they were holy. The superstitions of Star People from the sky were accepted belief among indigenous peoples. Because of this, his fear and instinct for caution were gone. He gently held the live one’s head and motioned for his men to bring water.

They remained afraid and held back.

The figure raised its trembling hand and placed it on the side of Grey Wolf’s head.

The elder jumped up and took a gourd from one of his warriors. He dripped water into the mouth of the being.

It began to swallow. Slits on its face slowly opened revealing large black eyes which reflected Grey Wolf’s image in the faltering light.

A strange but calming feeling came over the chief. He began to hear words in his mind and understood what the creature said.

Holy One...where...? Grey Wolf began.

Please help me. I am in great pain. The figure’s mouth made no movement.

How...?

In my ship is a clear stone. Please get it. Hurry! I do not have much time.

Grey Wolf turned to his frightened braves. Bring the..., he said, pointing at the shiny metal object. ...the clear stone.

The being could see the braves hesitate.

No! It told him. Only you. You are the chosen one. Only you may touch the stone! It is in a dark box. Its mouth remained motionless.

The warriors held back. Their fear increased with the sight of their leader talking to the figure that seemed never to respond.

Grey Wolf ran to the wreckage, reached in and retrieved the box. He opened it and removed a pear-shaped object. He could feel the coolness of the stone as he placed it beside the small figure. The being became more alert as its breathing slowed.

Holy One, where are you from? he asked again.

We have traveled many of your moons in the blink of an eye.

What do you mean?

Understand that travel in my terms cannot be explained in your terms. Nothing you can think of is as fast. I have come from far away.

What are you called? Grey Wolf asked.

The figure’s eyes closed as it lost consciousness.

In an instant, Grey Wolf decided what he must do. You need rest. Our camp is near. We will take you there.

One of his trusted warriors moved nearer.

You spoke, but we could hear no words from this strange one. Are you...?

Prepare a litter, he commanded.

His men again held back as their fear mounted.

We must take him to our camp.

Reluctantly, his men placed the injured stranger on a litter hastily fashioned from leather straps and loincloths. Grey Wolf placed the clear stone beside the being while two of his guards hoisted their burden.

As the surreal procession made its way back to camp, Grey Wolf was amazed that this being was still alive. He thought, Our people have faced great hardships in the past. How could this small creature survive...?

CHAPTER ONE

It was May 2000, and the end of her senior year was less than a month away. As other kids her age, Tess McLary was uncertain of her future after graduation. The bank of windows in the classroom provided a frame for the Guadalupe Mountains in the distance. Cold crisp air and a golden sunset casting long shadows crept into her thoughts.

Tess’s marks in school were high. The class she had the most trouble with was algebra. Theorems and their practical application in solving mathematical equations escaped her. Being a visual person, it was hard for her to comprehend certain aspects of the course. She would pass but knew she could do better.

Tess, could you explain the basic concept of factoring? Mrs. Smythe asked.

Why is it when you aren’t paying attention, the teacher always calls on you? She thought then, with no hesitation, answered, Factoring must begin with solving from the inside to the outside of the equation. The concept is to place every part of the equation in a common denominator position. Then, use basic math principles after that to solve the problem.

Why, that’s correct, Mrs. Smythe replied.

The other students fixed their attention on Tess in amazement.

As her teacher continued her lesson, Tess slipped back into her thoughts. Her ability to grasp fundamentals quickly had helped her maintain better grades than most of her classmates. Algebra was different. It was the only class in which she carried less than a B average. Complex equations appeared as gibberish, and studying for the course had become problematic. Finals were a week away, and the thought of not scoring well on the upcoming algebra exam consumed her.

Added to this, she was wrangling with deciding which college to attend. Her father had attended the University of Texas, and her mother had gone to Texas A&M. With its Astronomy Department, the University of Texas was her first choice, but getting accepted there all boiled down to grades. Good grades meant scholarship money.

This brought her back to algebra and her need to do well on the final.

The bell sounded, and Mrs. Smythe rattled off several reminders to the class. Along with the other students, Tess gathered her books and hurried toward the door to leave.

Tess, could I have a few words with you? her teacher beckoned.

Uneasy at being singled out, she stepped aside to allow the last of her classmates to leave the room.

Tess, what’s going on with you? You seem to be detached and inattentive. Is something wrong?

Nothing’s wrong, Mrs. Smythe. I...well, I just can’t seem to get word problems.

Hmmm. Word problems. That’s it? Is there anything else?

No, ma’am.

Well, stated problems are math problems with words thrown in for good measure, Mrs. Smythe explained.

If only it was as easy as that.

It is! Take the words out, and all that’s left is a lot of numbers. Why don’t you come by my house and I’ll help you? Finals are right around the corner, and I want you to score well.

Tess didn’t want to be impolite, but she also didn’t want this conversation to last any longer than it already had. I’ll talk to my mother.

Her teacher persisted, I know you’re bright and can do better. You only need to apply yourself. I don’t mean to preach. I heard the same thing from my parents. The real lesson to learn in life is this: Determine whether or not the advice someone is giving you is valid, then act on it. How you act on it is...

Tess remembered a line from Against the Wind by Bob Seger came to mind, I wish I didn’t know now what I didn’t know then, and smiled.

...your choice. Don’t limit yourself. She reassured.

Thanks, Mrs. Smythe. I’ll ask my mother.

Tell her hello.

Tess walked down the hall to her locker near the front of the school. She remembered having the same conversation with her mother not long ago. Her teacher had said nothing she hadn’t heard before. She simply said it in a way that made Tess feel special. Gathering her books, she recalled how Mrs. Smythe always treated her as if she were unique, an attitude that bolstered her own feelings that she was destined for a life different from the confines of a small town in west Texas.

As she stepped out into the afternoon sun, she drew a deep breath and exhaled. For a May afternoon, the weather was warm. The first hot day since last summer, she noted.

The school was home to all grades, kindergarten through twelve, located south and west from the center of town. The town square had been built around the courthouse and in most respects was very similar to that of other small towns. Tess was bored with it all. She was anxious to experience life outside the confines of her hometown.

Exetor was located within Capitan Reef in the Trans-Pecos region of west Texas, which had been formed by several mountain ranges that bounded the area. To the northwest stood the Guadalupe Mountains and Guadalupe Peak, the highest spot in the state at over 8,000 feet. To the southwest and the southeast stood the Apache Mountains and the Glass Mountains respectively. To the northeast and east stretched the Llano Estacado.

Tess reached Main Street and turned east toward the center of town. Pretty quaint, she thought. It always reminded her of the town square in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life. Heading home up Third Street, she began to think of the beginning of the town during the oil boom. It amazed her that the streets were laid out with some fore thought. At its zenith, Exetor’s population had risen to over 20,000. After the oil bust, it had declined to a little over 400 and had grown over the years to 4353. Where oil production, ranching and some farming had once formed the basis of the economy in Exetor, ranching soon dominated the three.

Tess’s walk home took thirty minutes. Besides being hot and dry, she noticed the wind direction had changed and was coming from the north. The weatherman had predicted cooler temperatures and clear nights. She grinned. Cooler? Cooler than what?

Starting up the walk to her house, she could hear Skittles yelping with expectation.

The black dog was up on his hind legs, front paws against the inside of the glass door.

It’s okay, Skits. Did you miss me?

Down Skits! Tess’s mother commanded, walking up behind him. Hey, sweetie, she called to her daughter as she opened the door.

Hi, Mom.

Skits galloped down the steps, circling Tess with a series of bounding hops.

You silly boy! You wanta play, don’t cha?

At that point, the Lab bolted around the house and down the driveway, returning a few moments later with a small section of jute rope. Tess’s father had brought the chew toy home from his office for Skits, who always presented it to Tess when she came home. He sat and waited for her to take the rope from his mouth and throw it so he could retrieve it.

That crazy dog! He’ll play fetch until he drops dead, her mother observed. Come on in, dear. It’s too hot. Let’s get dinner started. You can tell me about school.

A couple of tosses later and Tess was in the kitchen with Skits close on her heels. He stood wagging his tail for a moment, then trotted to the doorway, nudged the back door open and went out. Soon he lay dozing on the back porch.

Chicken? Tess groaned.

Kathryn McLary gave her daughter a wry look as she closed the refrigerator and set the package of breasts and thighs near the sink. "Yes, and it won’t be fried. Turn the oven to Broil, please."

Done.

...and...

I’ll get the broccoli, Tess finished her mother’s request.

What are you, a mind reader today?

"No, ma’am. It’s Friday. We always have chicken. Chicken and broccoli."

I’m not too predictable, am I?

A little, Mom.

They had a close relationship. Tess was an only child and had spent a large part of her childhood with her mother. The demands of her father’s position with the oil company pulled him away from home. Since becoming line supervisor in Exetor, travel was rare.

It won’t be long before finals. Are you ready?

Tess drew a deep breath as she remembered her conversation with Mrs. Smythe. I’m okay, ’cept for algebra. Those word problems still get me. Mrs. Smythe asked if she could help me.

Really? Kathryn tried to hide her surprise.

Yes. I was surprised, too. Can I, Mom?

Kathryn knew her attempts to help Tess before had proven less than successful, so she was willing to try someone else’s fresh approach. It might be helpful. I guess so. When?

I dunno. I think soon. Like maybe this weekend.

What about your shift at the observatory?

I have to spend at least eight hours there this weekend. It’ll be clear.

How does Sunday after church and lunch sound?

Uh...Okay, Tess said, startled into realizing that her finals were next week. I guess it’s the last chance I’ll get.

"I’ll call Millie after dinner. Do you have to go to the observatory?"

Oh, Mom. I can study while I’m there.

I don’t think it’s a good idea...

The beefy sound of Jim McLary’s company-issue Ford pickup interrupted Kathryn as it rumbled to a halt at the rear of the house. Skits tilted his head and announced Jim’s arrival from the back porch, his sharp yelp echoing across the open field.

Please, Mom. It’s been two weeks, and I’m behind on my shift time.

We’ll see. Kathryn began drying her hands, then, brushed back her auburn hair in anticipation of her husband’s arrival.

Tess smiled, You look hot, Mom!

Tess! The color in Kathryn’s cheeks deepened to a rosy red.

Jim climbed the back porch steps swatting himself with his wide-brimmed hat. Dust drifted into the waning afternoon with each swat. Skits pranced over and greeted him with the wet length of jute.

Not now, boy.

Skits persisted, so Jim took the rope and tossed it into the low draw that bordered the backyard. The Lab galloped off in pursuit, raising dust clouds with each paw.

Hey, ladies! How goes it? He stepped into the kitchen, pulling the screen door shut behind him.

Kathryn threw her arms around her husband. You been wallowin’ in the dirt?

Hi, Dad.

He winked at Tess. Yup! Over at Number Three around noon. The pump started making some noise. It sure was hot.

Kathryn rolled her eyes at Tess. They both knew he had a yarn to spin.

Jim continued, In fact, it was so hot the lizards had their umbrellas open. Then out on the horizon, wild Indians came thundering across the desert and chased me. I outran ’em, but they cornered me and...well, it was hand-to-hand combat for the rest of the afternoon.

Yeah? It appears you got the worst of it. You better get washed up. Dinner in fifteen, Kathryn said with a chuckle.

Jim had worked in the oil fields most of his life, starting as a roustabout and working his way up to drilling supervisor. During that time, he had attended the University of Texas and graduated with a degree in petroleum engineering. Before he and Kathryn wed, he had been assigned to the Middle East and helped train the Kuwaitis to develop their oil production. After several years there, growing tensions in the region forced him to consider a less hazardous location.

The position in Exetor as line supervisor for Texas States Oil Production, Inc., was perfect for him. His income had dropped somewhat, but he and Kathryn had been frugal with their savings and investments. This helped mitigate some of the loss of income they had been accustomed to. However, line supervisor wasn’t a clear indication of his position since he performed any and all duties. He handled all the pumping activities for West Texas, including all crude coming out of the area. Because he had managed Texas States Oil’s lease agreements so diplomatically with area landowners, he was well respected in the community.

Oh! Tess? he called from the top of the stairs.

Yes, Dad.

Get my lunchbox outta the truck, please.

Okay.

The aroma of the broiling chicken with tarragon had made its way upstairs before him. Katy? Are there any portobellos left?

They go in the oven in a few minutes. Dinner’ll be ready when you are.

Tess returned with the lunchbox and put it on the counter. Can I? Please, Mom?

Oh, I guess so. We’ll have to convince your dad. You know he won’t like the idea of you getting distracted with finals so close.

I know. I’m ready.

You’re ready for what? Jim made his way to the island in the center of the kitchen and grabbed several stalks of celery.

Tess and Katy stood speechless before Katy began, Uh...Tess is...

Laughing, Jim pointed at them with his celery. You look like two deer caught in headlights.

Dear, Tess needs to go to the observatory this weekend.

Only crunching sounds came in answer from Jim.

Tess stood eagerly awaiting his decision.

In a mock-stern voice, Young lady, have you prepared for your exams?

Well, I...I do have a little studying left to do, Tess said nervously.

And you feel that going off to look at stars won’t interfere with... Jim wasn’t able to continue the ruse and began to chuckle.

Millie’s gonna help her this Sunday after church, Katy said quietly.

Millie? Haven’t heard her name for a while. What’s she helpin’ you with?

Word problems! Yuk!

Take your books and you can go. But! You gotta promise you’ll study and not stay up all night as you did last time. Okay?

Thanks, Dad. I promise. Tess threw her arms around him.

Let’s eat. Katy handed the chicken to Jim to put on the table. I’ll call Millie after dinner.

By six o’clock dinner was finished. Tess was packing for her overnight stay at the observatory while her parents put things away in the kitchen.

How ready is she?

Ready? For what? Oh, the exams! Sorry. I was thinking of callin’ Millie. Tess is ready. She needs a little help with algebra. I think Millie can take care of that.

You’re not worried about callin’ her, are you? A lotta water’s gone under the bridge since then.

I know. It would be awkward. The way the town treated her after we played in the bridge tournament. It’s not fair.

Really? Jim took her into his muscular arms. Are you tellin’ me that goin’ by the rules, he teased, and takin’ the high road while others don’t ain’t fair?

It’s been three years! You’d think everybody would’ve forgotten by now.

Jim inhaled deeply. He’d heard the story so many times he had lost count. Easy, dear. Don’t get yourself all worked up.

I can’t help it! We played so well. And we should’ve won! Katy sighed. But you know Millie. She wouldn’t let it go.

I’m with Millie on this whole thing. I might’ve handled dressin’ down the cheater with a little more diplomacy. But I gotta hand it to her, she’s got guts. She wouldn’t knuckle under.

Is that what you think?

Yeah. Jim kissed her.

Well, sometimes you gotta...

Ya know what else I think? Jim interrupted.

What?

She’ll be real happy to hear from you.

Yeah? Katy began to snuggle, burying herself in Jim’s chest.

Yeah, and it’ll be as if you two spoke yesterday. Jim leaned forward and kissed her full on the mouth. It was one of those tender kisses that two people enjoy after being together for so long.

Katy pulled away and whispered, No time for this now. Later. I gotta call Millie.

Okay. Okay, Jim said with a sigh and turned to finish the dishes. He glanced back. What bothers me is why in blue blazes George volunteered to be a judge in the damn thing, Jim sighed, considering the way he gets treated...bein’ an Indian and all.

She giggled, punched in Millie’s number and waited for the ring.

After four rings, Millie answered, Hello?

Hi. Millie?

Is that you, Katy?

Yes. How are you?

I’m fine. I’m glad you called. I spoke with Tess and offered to help her.

There was a noticeable pause, not an uneasy one, but one where old friends who hadn’t seen each other for a while fumble to find common ground.

You’re kind. And we appreciate it. I’ve tried to help but can’t seem to get through. I hope you can.

I’m sure I can. She’s a smart kid. Reminds me of me when I was coming up. I wasn’t sure where I was going after high school, Millie rambled nervously.

How’ve you been, Millie? Katy interrupted.

Better, now that things have somewhat settled down. You know, we shouldn’t be strangers.

Yeah, Katy agreed. What’s it been...?

Close to three years. Too long.

Jim lingered at the sink, drying small spatters of water on the counter. It was good cover for eavesdropping on the one-sided conversation.

Millie, the pragmatic one, cut to the chase as she always did. So, what’s a convenient time for Tess?

Uh, how ’bout Sunday after church?

Good. I’m looking forward to it. It’s good to hear from you, Katy. See you Sunday.

As Katy hung up the phone, Jim saw a tear roll down her cheek and fall on her white cotton blouse. He walked over to comfort her.

Well, I’m ready to go! Tess announced as she bounced into the kitchen. Then, she noticed her mother was crying. What’s wrong?

Nothing. I spoke with Millie, Katy sniffled. She’s agreed to tutor you on Sunday.

Oh? Okay. But...why are you cryin’?

She’s happy she called Millie, Jim suggested.

So, she asked as she dried her eyes, are you gonna take Skits?

I couldn’t leave him! He’s my bud. On the other side of the kitchen door, Skits pawed at the sound of his name.

Jim and Tess headed to the truck while Katy gathered sandwiches in a paper bag for Tess. Skits leapt into the bed of the truck and sat at attention.

Did you lock the front door?

No. Sorry, Katy said, turning back to take care of it.

Tess tossed her backpack into the cab and got in behind the passenger seat. Jim turned the key. Tess opened the back window allowing Skits to stick his snout through the opening.

Katy climbed back into the truck. Okay, we can go now. I don’t want it to get too dark on us.

Mount up, ladies! We got a long ride ahead of us an’ we cain’t be a burnin’ daylight.

John Wayne? Right, Dad?

Don’t encourage him, Katy laughed.

You got shotgun, Little Kate, he said, winking at his wife. Keep an eye peeled fer Hostiles. They’ll hit us when we least expect it.

Tess rolled her eyes as she glanced at her mother. They both laughed.

Let’s ride, ladies!

Jim turned the truck onto the main road and drove east toward the abandoned oil platforms. Shadows grew longer as the sun reached the horizon.

With a couple of miles behind them, they passed the cutoff to Millie Smythe’s farm. By the time they reached the turnoff for the observatory, Tess was lost in thought.

Tess, did you bring bug spray?

Uh...I did.

Jim fixed his blue eyes on the rearview mirror and asked, Books?

Tess held up her backpack for him to see, and he winked his approval. That’s my girl!

CHAPTER TWO

THREE ABOANDONED OIL platforms stood silhouetted against the darkening eastern horizon.

After signing releases, Jim had received permission from the company to use them. To create Tess’s observatory, he had scavenged materials from two of the platforms to repair and renovate the third and tallest one. He had covered the pipe shaft opening with decking and had re-roofed the observation shack that stood in one corner of the new deck. The platform rose sixty feet above the desert floor and allowed an unimpeded view for miles in all directions.

An amateur astronomer at best, Jim had gotten Tess interested in astronomy at an early age. On her ninth birthday, he had bought her an inexpensive 4-1/2 inch reflecting telescope. From that day on, she was hooked. At the age of twelve, Tess could identify over a hundred constellations in the northern and southern hemispheres, had a basic working knowledge of navigation and had been quick to learn the concepts of Global Positioning Systems. She had more books on astronomy than the whole town of Exetor, including the library.

Jim switched the ignition off and reached for the Q-Beam spotlight. He continued the cowboys-and-Indians routine, Alright, little ladies, I’ll check to see if the coast is clear!

Skits leapt from the truck and began his job of checking the area with criss-crossing paths. He was soon invisible in the darkness.

Jim shined the Q-Beam across the area several times, then, fixed its light on the elevator that would take them up to the observation platform. After shining the beam all the way up to the top, Jim switched it off. Man! Is it dark! And now the light’s on the fritz!

Not funny! Katy chided.

Tess could feel Skits’ breath on her leg. Everything okay, boy?

Jim handed the light to Katy, and she turned it on. I’ll start the generator. Unless you want to take the ladder, Jim chuckled.

James McLary! No one’s taking any ladder, his wife stated.

Come on, Dad. This stuff is heavy!

Jim knew his kidding was wearing thin. He unlocked the metal box housing the generator controls, pushed the On button, then followed Katy and Tess onto the elevator.

The car itself was a heavy-gauge wire enclosure with a wooden plank floor and corrugated metal roof. It was intended for oil workers whose taste for appointments was non-existent. Jim closed the wire-framed door. The elevator control consisted of a rusty hand-cranked device. A right turn of the crank allowed the cage to elevate, and a left turn sent it down. Speed of the car depended on how far to the right or to the left the operator turned the handle.

Jim mused, Why is it nobody speaks on elevators?

I don’t know, but don’t go too fast...like last time! Katy warned.

Skits’ toenails clicked on the dry, weathered wooden planks in anticipation.

Tess patted his head. Easy Boy. We’ll be there soon!

Jim brought the cage to a stop and declared in a Cockney accent, Ladies lingerie. Tenth floor!

Katy laughed nervously. The height of the converted derrick and the openness of the elevator always made her edgy.

Skits darted from the lift and began checking the observation platform. He disappeared again into the darkness.

Jim shined the beam across the fifty-foot-square area and strode to a door in the opposite corner of the deck. Unlocking it, he reached inside the room and turned on the lights.

I can sure tell the mothballs work! he commented, his usual reaction to the odor in the small room.

Tess switched on the lights for the outside deck before she booted her computer. Then she and Jim went through the usual safety checklist, much as an airline pilot before wheels up. Tess nodded her head in agreement with each item he announced.

She noticed her computer indicated incoming transmissions. At power up, her system was configured to go online with NASA’s regional monitoring station in Houston. Her first duty after turning it on was to answer NASA and review her monitoring guidelines before beginning to track space debris.

Tess! Are you listening? Jim raised his voice.

Yessss, Dad! she said.

In the small refrigerator, Katy stored the food and bottled water she had brought from home. She reminded Tess, Don’t forget to check the fridge. It gets cold fast. She then removed the plastic cover from the rollaway bed and replaced the sheets with clean ones. There! You’re set! Now I want you to call us if anything...

Mom, I’ll be fine! You know I will. It’s a clear night. Skits is here...

After we get to the bottom, turn off the lift. I’ll lock the generator as we leave.

Da-a-ad. Don’t worry...I have the .410, Tess said and motioned to the small-gauge shotgun in the corner.

Jim cautioned, By the numbers, sweetie. Call us.

Let’s go, dear. She needs to check in, and I’m tired. She gave her daughter a peck on her cheek. Have fun!

Her parents headed