Harbinger

By Tony Cabanas

Id like to offer my thanks to the courageous individuals of a bygone era and to those in our present. Though this is a work of fiction, its genesis stems from their undaunting efforts, their contributions and remarkable lives work. Let us not forget them! This is a story of a few who, in the face of adversity, persevered. These characters are fictitious and pose an imaginary situation. It does not portray any person or incident.

The hunters and gatherers have finally reached the stars. We are newcomers to the cosmos. From the onset, we have questioned the hypnotic allure; it has intrigued us and it has led us to leave our footprint out there, because we are a curious lot! We know the phenomenons and the incredible dangers. How many times we have wondered what it would be like at the edge of space, just an hours drive from the safety of our home! We have just opened our eyes, discovered fire. We have drawn back the curtain and started to peer toward heaven. Columbus, Marco Polo, Bruno, Sagan, the Spanish and Portuguese, they picked up the baton and passed it on to us. How did the Windjammers of yesterdays differ from their counterparts of today? We want to wander into the cosmic evolution! Do we want to stare into the face of God? How dare us! We know that someday the reality will come. So what if our perseverance is not sharply defined or blurred. The torch has been passed, we have taken a bite of the Apple, we have sent a message. We have given our address, we have called out Yo-hoo, we are here! Was it wise? Its inevitable we will have visitors from the cosmos. Without nightmares, there would be no dreams, yet we keep on dreaming and wondering. Would the aliens be altruistic, will they be kind, humane, charitable? What are their canons of ethics? The generations that ignores history has no future! Are we any better? Are we to make amends? We have been traumatized to some extent by the relentless flood portrayed on the silver screen, TV, etc. Aliens have been portrayed as unscrupulous villains. One can count on one hand the positive discourses, so read on and let your mind wander and enjoy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 31, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503550681

Tony Cabanas

Tony is a retired individual of many years, a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He has always had an affinity and attraction for those far-flung points of light above us that have intrigued so many. An avid reader, he has been intrigued and has always been eager to explore the possibility of extraterrestrial life brought on by an event that took place many years ago, which eventually urged and motivated him to write volumes of now preserved and vintage yellow manuscripts yearning to come to life with much zeal. That event has led him to unleash Harbinger and now many other stories that stirred his psyche and the endless possibilities that they portray. The attractiveness of the cosmos, the dangers and wonders that it represents are limitless.

Book preview

Copyright © 2015 by Tony Cabanas.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 04/15/2015

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Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 First contact

Chapter 2 Information from ET streams in. First contact and dialogue

Chapter 3 First, second, third dialogue between ET and John

Chapter 4 Audio and visual contrast. John requires answers to ET’s intention

Chapter 5 ET lands. Meeting for the first time between earthlings and ET

Chapter 6 John returns with ET commander Michael to his orbiting ship. Earth people visit ET’s ship in space. Michael makes plea to the world. Fred makes a choice to have ET’s ship land.

Chapter 7 Raid on complex, scheme to keep ET’s landing secret. China plot, party at Lake.

Chapter 8 Al sent to Germany and to Utah. Attempts on Fred’s life

Chapter 9 Michael speaks to the world from Texas, military raid on ET’s landing site

Chapter 10 Things begin to return to normal, plans for the future

I dedicate this book to Carol Joan Mary, who coaxed, wheedled, and prodded incisively. I want to thank Dawn Marie for all her help, her proficiency and mastery of the keyboard and many others whom have inspired me throughout the years.

Main Characters

Other Characters

Introduction

I ’d like to offer my thanks to the courageous individuals of a bygone era and to those in our present. Though this is a work of fiction, its genesis stems from their un-daunting efforts, their contributions, and remarkable life’s work. Let us not forget them! This is a story of a few who in the face of adversity persevered. These characters are fictitious and pose an imaginary situa tion.

The hunters and gatherers have finally reached the stars. We are newcomers to the cosmos. From the outset, we have questioned the hypnotic allure; it has intrigued us, and it has led us to leave our footprint out there because we are a curious lot! We know the phenomena and the incredible dangers. How many times have we wondered what it would be like at the edge of space, just an hour’s drive from the safety of our home? We have just opened our eyes, discovered fire. We have drawn back the curtain and started to peer toward heaven. Columbus, Marco Polo, Bruno, Sagan, the Spanish and Portuguese, they picked up the baton and passed it on to us. How did the windjammers of yesterdays differ from their counterparts of today? We want to wander into the cosmic evolution! Do we want to stare into the face of God? How dare us! We know that someday the reality will come. So what if our perseverance is not sharply defined or blurred? The torch has been passed, we have taken a bite of the apple, we have sent a message. We have given our address, we have called out—Yo-hoo, we are here! Was it wise? It’s inevitable we will have visitors from the cosmos. Without nightmares, there would be no dreams, yet we keep on dreaming and wondering. Would the aliens be altruistic? Would they be kind, humane, charitable? What are their canons of ethics? The generations that ignores history has no future! Are we any better? Are we to make amends? We have been traumatized to some extent by the relentless flood portrayed on the silver screen, TV, etc. Aliens have been portrayed as unscrupulous villains. One can count on one hand the positive discourses, so read on and let your mind wander and enjoy.

Chapter 1

M any individuals have sought answers to the question, are we alone in this vast universe? It has become a mantra for many who have focused their attention to the cosmos, from the first time that we looked into the night sky and directed our attention to all those points of light above us with awe and fear, with a profound and reverent dread of the supernatural; it intimidates, torments, and causes anguish, yet we seek the answer that has plagued us forever. So it has been for John Roberts, an enthusiastic individual filled with eagerness, who, regardless of the opinions and judgments from others, has followed his instincts. Not having his curiosity clouded by the mundane. John is a member of an ever-growing group of stellar scientists who are constantly scanning the sky, obtaining data, looking for an image or a signal, something to validate their beliefs, well aware of the constraints from within as well as without; nevertheless he forges ahead, determined, firmly resolved by his character. He has been glued to the banks of equipment, always examining the collected data that streams from deep space. Knowing the humiliations and constraints, he knows very well not to cross the boundaries and confines that make his job safe. The higher-up don’t want him to be too demanding or aroused in his quest in pursuing an ET. The higher-ups want him to tone down his veracity. His devotion to the truth is his biggest problem. He remembered his last encounter with the majordomo, as he called the head of the institute that he works for. He was accused of conjecture, guesswork that he surmised to form a notion from scant evidence, and that his track record was not very appealing—or that it was appalling, he doesn’t know which. The day came when he spotted something irregular, not normal in the usual manner, quite unnat ural.

John, in his excitement that stimulated all his senses, proceeded to carry out an action, to go forward, alerting his supervisors of his findings. As in the past, making the higher-ups aware did create a problem! Nevertheless, his supervisors, knowing of his past history, would brush him off, dismiss his newest mindful find. They would argue and say that it was unreasonably lacking of procedure and decorum; others would say that it also lacked propriety. That the accepted standard of conduct was not followed, blah, blah, blah. He considered this dismissal a slap in the face, with no consideration, that it was a deliberate action, an inconsiderate disregard, and very judgmental. John was fuming at his thoughts. The rage he felt! He must vent his anger; his emotions got the better of him.

He dialed his closest friend and confidante, a gal that he could relate to, who would hear his rants, frustrated feelings on any state of mind. At the other end of the line, Jane felt the emotional effect. John knew that she had the capacity to respond to the effect; at least he assumed that. Jane had the ability and capacity to deal with him, to disconnect, to detach and give him constructive advice, just what he needed. As soon as they connected, she was the first one to respond without even saying hello.

What happened now?

There was silence on his end, and feeling a little embarrassed, he began with, It’s all over with these close-minded, out-of-touch Neanderthals. That’s it, Jane, I quit. He went on with his rant until she broke in and said, Slow down, slow down, relax, take a deep breath. Let’s meet over a cup of coffee and discuss this. I’ll bring my coach, and you can continue, only if you behave yourself. You still owe me for a picture frame, remember at my apartment?

They met nearby at a coffee house not far from their work. The Coffee Bean was always a pleasant place for them to meet. Jane was a consultant at a government think tank and was aware of the complexities of his job, consisting of one supervisor and one or more subordinates, which was hard to separate when the government is involved. That and the fact that they had to deal with this complex character. Though it was not her job, she often spoke about the multi-structure government bureaucracy. She understood the intricacy of the system.

They sat and stared at each other. Jane broke in as she always did and asked him, Okay, let’s hear it. John now began to unravel his latest yarn, of how he detected something way out in space, something abnormal.

When he reported it, they shot him down, dismissed it. He had made up his mind to leave the compound, but before he does, he would like to investigate further this anomaly. Jane put him at ease, gently touching his hand and said that maybe it was nothing, but if it would make him feel better, she would contact someone who could help to verify or confirm his findings and to establish validity to his claim.

Jane said, John, you know that you have to provide witnesses, have concrete evidence, someone who can validate and support you, and you know what that means to SRN. The complex is founded on truth and facts so it can be justified and defended in a valid argument. Jane said, I know it’s none of my business, I don’t want to get involved, but I will help you. Look, I have this friend that might be able to help. He also does space research. Let me give him a call, maybe you guys can hook up and compare notes or whatever. I’ll reach out to him and see what he has to say.

John was much calmer and composed now and agreed to have his data reviewed by Jane’s friend. They departed and went their own separate ways. It was noon the next day and back at his station at the complex that John’s phone rang; it was a call from a David Parks at deep space data research also known as Sentinel." David said that Jane Williams had called him regarding something that he could help with if he was allowed. John was not careless in the performance of his work or duties; he always gave proper attention to detail and was never negligent or remiss, yet he had doubts. Did he do it again! Was he chasing rainbows? He thought that perhaps he should tell this person on the other end to forget it, that it was just a glitch, a malfunction. However, something was gnawing at him and, persisting, something told him to be stubborn.

In spite of difficulties, he must continue. Yes, Dave, I found something deep in space and cannot identify it. We at the complex here in California don’t have the equipment or the manpower to verify anything that far out. However, if I give you the coordinates, perhaps you can locate and fix its position. John continued, It’s important to me, Dave, even though it’s just an image. I’m sending you the coordinates, please let me know one way or the other on this. Thanks, I appreciate it a lot.

They both hung up, and John went about his usual business of listening to the white noise and clattering of machines, making a sequence of noise in rapid succession, much of it meaningless. He looked at the time and wondered where his night relief was. He wanted to be released from this, to break the monotony, and to recharge. His replacement was in sight, and he was so glad, oh so glad. Pleased at his good fortune, he collected some papers and announced that all was well in the universe, wished his replacement a happy, happy night shift. With that said, he quickly departed and made his way to his car and perhaps a cold beer at the local hangout.

He called Jane and informed her where he was going and would she care for a cold one. She agreed and thought that it was a good idea. While there, he informed Jane that her friend Dave from Sentinel got in touch with him and that he gave him the coordinates and that was that. He finished his drink and said goodbye to Jane. All he wanted to do was to go home and veg out and maybe call in sick tomorrow.

The next morning, John got a call from Jane and informed him that her friend at the sentinel needed to talk to him that is was very, very important, extremely important. She asked him where he was. John said that he was at home, that he called in sick.

David said that he couldn’t reach you at the Sentinel, she said. He left his number with me, and he wants you to call him immediately if not sooner. Please let me know what’s going on. I’m curious as a cat, so please let me know something. Jane hung up.

As soon as John got off the phone with Jane, he immediately called Dave at the Sentinel. Hi, Dave, this is John at the complex. I spoke to you yesterday.

Before John could say another word, Dave broke in and said, Okay, John, you’re right, there’s something out there. I called a buddy of mine at Lakeland Air Force Base to get a confirmation, and he said that it is a good bogey. You have to call the number that I’m going to give you to follow up. Dave gave John the number as John entered it into his contact list.

Oh, one more thing. There was a short pause, and Dave said, Hey, buddy, keep in touch, and if I can be of any more assistance, let me know. John dialed the number that Dave gave him.

Hello, this is John Roberts at the Sentinel.

Before he could continue, the voice on the other end said, Holy cow, we have to meet, John, and discuss something. I’m in Washington DC, and I can be in LA today. I’ll meet you at LAX, I’ll call you with my itinerary soon. Then the voice was gone.

That was it? What the hell! John called Jane as soon as he got off the phone with Washington. He explained what happened. Jane was silent for a moment then said, I want to go with you to LAX. LAX was an hour away. He agreed and hung up. He did it very quickly so he wouldn’t have to reveal the news about the bogey. He thought about what was the mystery surrounding this Washington person who was coming to see him. Who is he, what’s going on! John again called Jane and said that he will pick her up at 5:00 PM then drive to the airport. He said, We’ll have dinner there and wait for ‘Mr. Who’ whoever the hell he is. Jane was in a quandary; she did not want to reveal the name of Mr. Who, whose real name was Fred Thompson. Jane did not want to reveal the name to John because of job requirements. However, Jane was as curious as John and was intent to find out what was going on. Why was Fred Thompson coming to LA?

An hour later, John got a call from Washington, and a man said that his plane will land at 10:30 PM and suggested that he bring Jane because she knows him. This has all the makings of a spy novel, he thought. He picked up Jane at her apartment and started the drive to LAX. The freeway was crowded with rush hour traffic.

Finally, Jane broke the silence and said, What did you do! What’s going on? She wanted to know.

John looked at her with wide eyes and responded with a loud WHAT! He continued, You know more than I do. Who is this guy? Where is he from? What does he do? Why is he interested in me and my work?

Jane sheepishly raised her gaze and, looking forward, said that his name is Fred Thompson and he worked for a think tank in Washington DC. He’s very well connected and that her firm had done work for him. He’s a very nice man, but if he says jump, you better be coming down, as he gets things done by hook or by crook.

Wow, John thought, this cloak-and-dagger thing is getting funky, odd, foul smelling. John said, I have a job—gathering information! Plumbers have a job repairing pipes, unclogging sinks and toilets, and this guy’s job is to hurt people.

Okay, enough, John! I don’t want to talk anymore. This is giving me a headache. They drove in silence to the airport. It was now a little after 7:00 PM, they spotted a restaurant of their liking and had a late dinner. Afterward, they went around looking at all the shops until it was nearly 10:30 PM. They got to the arrival gate and noticed that the flight number that John received was on time. They sat for another half hour or so.

They noticed that all the flights had landed and proceeded to make their way to the arrival gate to look for Fred. All the passengers filed out except Fred. Suddenly, behind them was a familiar voice to Jane, one that she could not mistake. Looking for someone?

She turned and there was a full figure of a man. His next choice of words were, Let’s get outside, I haven’t had a cigarette forever. Jane smiled and made the introduction. Both men shook hands as John found his hand engulfed in what he thought was a catcher’s mitt. After a short walk and a shorter conversation, they finally stepped outside onto the fresh air and over to the car.

John could not wait any longer, and he blurted out, What is this all about, what’s going on?

Fred took John by the arm and led him away from Jane where she could not hear. First of all, does Jane know anything about that thing up there in the sky? Fred asked.

John responded by saying, No, I haven’t told her anything.

Great, Fred said. Let’s keep her in the dark for a bit. Anyway, son, you have stumbled onto the holy grail.

John felt fear, dread, and a sense of panic. I don’t understand. You must make yourself a little clearer.

Fred was now looking directly at him. What you discovered is an ET, coming straight at us at about 180,000 miles per hour. It slowed down, by the way. If you hadn’t spotted it, God knows when it would’ve been spotted. I guess this is your eureka moment. Just think of it, you’ll be there with the immortals Sagan, Hubble, Pasteur, and a bunch of other guys that discovered things. Fred slapped John on the back, and they started walking back to where Jane was waiting. Let me ask you this, Fred said. What did your superiors do or say when you reported this?

With that, John openly laughed out loud. Fred then summarized that his superiors thought he was loco. I have been going over your file, and you have a habit to be overly difficult to work with. According to the reports that I’ve read, they’ve already ordered tar and feathers for you. With that said, Fred smiled and lit a cigarette. Fred added, Don’t worry about the nicotine smell in the car. It makes it homey. John gave Fred a quizzing look and wanted that last statement clarified.

Well, Fred continued, we don’t know what it is, but we do know that it makes course corrections, changes speeds. So far, we know it has a guidance system—intelligent guidance system. We don’t know who, why, or what is coming. We do know that it will be here in about six months and is a huge—extremely, extremely huge—thing.

John exclaimed, So why are you here? You have my data, why me?

After being silent for a long time, Jane asked, Yes, Fred, why John? You have all the info. What else do you need?

Okay, let’s back up a bit, Fred said. First of all, little girl, you shouldn’t be listening to anything I say. What you’ve heard is extremely confidential, extremely sensitive right now. You’ve signed one of those confidential agreements, haven’t you, miss? Because of the work you do, if you violate it, I’ll have to shoot you. Anyway, John, you asked ‘why me?’ Slowly, Fred inched his arm over John’s shoulder and said, We want you.

That utterance caught John by surprise, and he almost lost control of the car as it swerved wildly. Please! Jane shouted in fear. Be careful please.

Fred exclaimed, I’m sorry, I think that was my fault. Anyway, John, I and others want you to head a team at the complex to study, track, and yes, to see if we could communicate with this thing, whatever it is. Okay, let me get back on track. John, you have the moxie, energy, and determination to carry this on your shoulder. I’m a good judge of character. I want you there. I want you to handpick a team—ten, twenty, thirty people who would report to you, and you will report only to me or the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Is that clear?

Yes, I guess so, John said.

With a big NO, Fred snapped back, No ‘guess,’ and let me repeat myself again. Is that clear? There’s no room for guessing here.

Okay, okay, yes, sir, said John.

And don’t worry about anything, Fred said. Tomorrow, we’ll paint your name on the first parking space in front of the complex. With that, Fred chuckled and lit another cigarette. Anyway, I am hungry as hell. I had my secretary find me a motel near the complex with a good restaurant. I hope I’m not disappointed.

Jane said very little throughout the whole trip back; she was dropped off at her apartment. Her mind was reeling from the events of the day, and she wondered if she should go and visit her mom and siblings and maybe go to church.

The next day, it was a new beginning for John. He got to the complex early, surprising everybody as he came in. Many of them thinking that he may be quitting or maybe he came in to clear out. Just then, he spotted Fred coming in the door and heading toward the front desk. He motioned to him, as Fred asked for the cafeteria. There they sat down, each with a cup of coffee.

Fred quipped, Wow, you do take your work seriously. I like that. Anyway, you’ll start by picking your people, those whom you trust. You have been working here long enough to know who they are. The slackers versus the doers, we want those who care like you. Time is of the essence, we can’t dillydally.

John’s response was, There aren’t many who care. Some are just waiting to fly the coop, to relocate as soon as something becomes available in their field. We have lost some damn good people, great workers. For one, the working conditions around here suck, they’re a joke. I’m fed up with the incompetency, unqualified, unskilled and oh, forget it, sometimes I tend to ramble on, and it’s the mendacity, falsehoods. I could go on and on.

No, no, you’re doing fine, Fred said. It’s good to unload. And you know what, we’ll make them care. Don’t worry, kid, things are going to change for the better in a big way. Meantime, get the files of those who you want on board, I want to go over them. By the way, there will be a team from around the States who will be working closely with your team—computer geeks, some people from NASA, others from government agencies, some military, etc., etc. Okay, my friend, let’s get the ball rolling, and God help us all.

John noticed that Fred crossed himself. John’s cell rang; it was Jane. Good morning, she said. I just wanted to wish you luck. I’ll see you in a few days. I’m heading out to visit my family in LA, see you in a few. If there’s something I should know, please call me. Bye. She immediately hung up, and John couldn’t get a word in.

John was lost in his thoughts; these were an incredible turn of events that had transpired in the past twenty-four hrs. What had taken place was overwhelming, maybe too extreme. Was all this beyond his reasoning and comprehension? Would he be able to carry on? His mind was whirling with the rapid development of things that were surfacing. Would he rise above the fray? He knew what was coming from his superiors. That was not an issue; he knew that Fred was in his corner. Was he? How long before he found himself under the bus? John thought that maybe he was being used as a pawn, to be used for the purpose of others, a hapless stooge. He needed time to sort these thoughts out. What else was coming his way?

Suddenly, Fred appeared, taking him by surprise, informing him that an announcement will be made shortly regarding the new management of things around here. New people will be arriving—equipment, computer geeks, some people from NASA, government and military, etc. You better get going, Fred said, pronto, so skedaddle. He handed John a large bundle of files and said, Choose from these.

Just then, as they were about to depart, a figure appeared and, spotting John, rushed over and demanded to know what was the meaning of this intrusion and why was he not notified of the changes. John lost it. He could no longer contain himself any longer; he took a deep breath and unleashed a barrage of insults at the man.

You pompous SOB, you pretentious fool. Fred quickly calmed John down with this person who was not very nice and very confused, with sweat starting to bead on his forehead, and judging from his apparel, it must’ve been a bad golf outing. John, much calmer now, introduced Fred to Mr. Jackson, who was very inquisitive about Fred.

Fred, in a tongue-in-cheek manner, blurted out, What’s your handicap? But wait, before you answer that, aren’t you related to Texas Guinan?

With that friendly retort, Fred said, I’m the new sheriff in town—and pointed toward John—and this is my deputy.

Finally, John introduced the man to Fred. This is Mr. Jackson, the head of the complex.

Fred said, "Was the head."

The man did not get the message, or didn’t want to, as he faced John again and started to lambaste him. This is insubordination, mister. You are through here, Mr. Jackson continued. He now was facing Fred. And you, Mr. Who-the-Hell-Are-You! You haven’t heard the last of me.

Fred turned to John and asked, What is that phrase that ‘the Donald’ uses frequently?

John said, You are fired.

Thank you, Deputy. Fred turned toward Mr. Jackson and said, You are fired. They left Mr. Jackson in the middle of the lobby, and Fred said, WOW, cheeky little devil, ain’t he? Onlookers were aghast at the scene, many of them wide eyed and with their mouths open. Fred then asked, Did you get to choose your people?

With a quick grin of distaste, John rushed over to his cubby and started to separate and sort through a pile of folders that Fred had handed him earlier. A few minutes later, Fred appeared and jokingly said, Aren’t you done yet? What the hell are you doing here? Follow me, boy.

With that, John followed behind Fred who was now four steps in front because of his long strides, Fred being a tall man. Fred led John to Mr. Jackson’s old office who was now filling boxes in the midst of clutter. Fred now said with his hands outstretched on his sides, Boy, these are your new digs, Enjoy.

Fred walked out of the room, leaving John and Mr. Jackson alone and looking at each other. It was Mr. Jackson who blurted out a rash of obscenities directed at John and capped his tirade with You haven’t heard the last of me. John ventured to help Mr. Jackson, but Mr. Jackson would not allow John to get near any of his stuff. To add insult to injury, as Mr. Jackson picked up a large box, it broke and all the contents spilled out. John knew that this was the crux, the crucial moment, and to John’s surprise, Mr. Jackson stammered some inaudible phrases and walked out.

As he walked out, he almost walked into Fred, who was just coming in the door and who said, Oh, what’s this revenge! Seeing things scattered everywhere, he said, Don’t worry, I’ll call housekeeping, and I’ll tell them to bring a few large garbage cans. John was still perplexed and confused with his hands outwardly extended as if in humble prayer and his mouth in a wide gape. With that, Fred, with his quick wit and clever remarks, interjected, No yoga please. If you must, there must be a Hindu monastery nearby—after all, this is California. John knew the situation that Fred put him in was overwhelming, and Fred cleverly knew what to do or say to keep relations in a tactful manner. John knew that Fred had ways to bring him back to the present and the task at hand.

Fred again spoke and said, I’m leaving for a couple of hours, and when I come back, you will have some answers for me about your crew. Ciao.

John slumped in the nice comfortable easy chair near the desk and started to go through the folders. He instinctively knew whom he would pick to form a team, and he wanted to know if they would be in this stack of folders. He selected many individuals whom he knew personally and rejected just as many. There was a sharp hello at the door. The housekeeper had arrived, and he thought of Fred; nothing gets past him. He wondered if any of those who left prior and who were excellent would consider returning to the complex now that things had changed. Once in a while, a head would poke in and say hi, hello with faces full of curiosity and having the desire to ask what had occurred.

Hours later, Fred returned to the complex and went directly to John’s new office with hands in a beckoning gesture, wanting to receive something. John handed him a stack of folders marked GOOD and then asked why wasn’t so-and-so in the stack for him to choose. All Fred said was, Freedom from worry. John then understood.

Fred said, Some of the swing shift personnel have to prepare to relocate to a dayshift and before the dayshift changes. There’s going to be an announcement regarding a change in management so that those going home have a chance to think overnight. A posting is being made as we speak. The chosen ones will assemble in the auditorium at eight hundred hours tomorrow. Fred made his way out of the office, looked around, and quipped, "I should have picked this one first. Again, John smiled and set about other pressing matters. Not long afterward, the PA crackled with a female voice, alerting everyone of the new management and to pay attention to the notices on the board regarding reassignment and that those reassigned were to report to the auditorium at 8:00 AM tomorrow.

John’s desk phone rang, startling him. He picked up the receiver and recognized Fred on the other end, who without hesitation requested that he should contact Jane and have her come here at the earliest. John made him aware that Jane had left town to see her family.

Okay, Fred said. As soon as she gets back then, and this is not an invite. Fred quickly hung up, and John’s reaction was only a loud WOW. John knew what Fred was conjuring. He wanted to get in touch with Jane; he needed someone to alleviate, comfort, and he needed a gentle balm to calm his senses. He quickly picked up the desk phone, looked into his cell’s contact list, and dialed.

Jane quickly answered, wondering whose phone number this was, and recognized John on the other end. After a short pause, he reluctantly informed her that he was in Jackson’s old office. Her reply was, Okay, John, what happened now? Are you all right? Did something happen?

John’s reply was, Yes, yes, things are different around here. Too much to say over the phone, you have to see for yourself. Fred wanted me to tell you that when you get back, you should come here first instead of your job and meet with us.

Jane’s response was that she didn’t know what to say at the moment, but that this intrigued her. Her mind raced, somewhat confused and uncertain. John, I’ll have to call you back.

He broke in. Jane, I miss you. I need your energy advice and opinions now more than ever. I want to marry you.

With that statement, there was loud laughter on the other end and she said, John, what have you been smoking? That is so out of character and very peculiar. What happened to the hesitant, wary, prudent individual that held those qualities? John, we are speaking of us, individuals having a close union, relationships, a state of being united to another person, contractual relationship, marriage. WOW, John, listen to yourself.

Okay, okay, Jane, was John’s reply. I miss you and need you more than ever. See you soon, I love you, bye.

Jane sat in silence still holding the cell phone. John never, never, never said I love you. What the heck? What’s going on?

John felt the pangs of hunger as it was after lunchtime, way past lunchtime. He decided to go to the cafeteria anyway and have something filling. As he entered, he realized that it was all cleaned up and put away for the day. Maybe one of the machines would have something inviting. As he entered the cafeteria, he noticed Fred on one of the tables ready to enjoy a very tempting and inviting meatball hero.

Hey, guy, how about half of this? This is delivery you know, and I have to watch my figure. John did not hesitate and, with a big grin, pulled a chair and sat across from Fred. He spread some napkins to serve as a plate.

Hey, Fred said, with the traffic that I expect, people will be flowing through here at all times. I think this cafe should be open 24-7. Take care of it, will you, pal? So how is your girl?

My girl! John replied with a frown on his face.

Yeah, Fred replied. I’m old but am not blind. She’s really sweet and smart, quick, bright, clever, very capable, resourceful.

Okay, okay, okay, was John’s reply.

Just so you know, Fred said, I made her an offer to join me in Washington because I know quality and value. She has a peculiar and essential character not found in many people. WOW, John thought. This could really be great for her résumé. John smiled as he dug into the sandwich. Fred added that he now knows why she turned down all the offers that he made to her. It was because of you, you hump!

With this revelation, John was dumbfounded. This totally caught him by surprise, startled him, and it showed in his expression. Yeah, big guy, you have many talents, excellent IQ, but there is one that you are weak on—affairs of the heart. See, Fred continued, women have it all over us guys with their intuitions. You have been too engrossed in other matters. Or in your case, put aside.

Okay, okay, Dad, John said. I think I’ve just been taken to the woodshed by Dear Abby.

Fred broke in again and said, Look at me, sixty plus years and all I have is what I know, what to do, and that’s it. Take it for what it’s worth. I like you, I think you have great potential. Okay, enough, I’ll take the shingle down now. Let’s get back to work, but first, we’ll go into your office. We’ll close the door and have a very serious conversation about all this.

They left the cafeteria and headed toward John’s new office. They could not dismiss the onlookers, the glares, the wonderings on their faces. In the office with the door closed, Fred lit a cigarette. John was about to complain about the smoking but chose to open the window instead.

Good choice, my man. Thank you. Fred retrieved a small trinket from one of the shelves to serve as an ashtray. "Okay, I don’t like to repeat myself. You heard some of it at the airport, again let me say that thing out there that you found is an ET for sure. We’ve had a confirmation, and it’s coming to us about one hundred fifty thousand miles per hour. It’s intelligent because it has made course corrections, it has slowed down at times, and it has sped up again. We estimate that it would be at our shores in about six months, and it’s huge, colossal, enormous, jumbo, massive, I don’t know how else to describe big. You got the idea. We want to know how to communicate with it, what do they want? Their intention, you comprende?"

Yes. John’s eyes opened wide, and a slight grin appeared on his face on hearing Fred’s assessment and evaluation.

‘Yes,’ that’s going to be your response? Fred asked. "I just want to make sure that we are on the same page. Things have already been put into motion by others, and you will be working very close with us, we would be relying on YOU right now. We are on a need-to-know basis only, the highest security is needed. As things unfold, we will play it by ear.

Your team will be made aware of the facts, which I know won’t be long, and at that juncture, maybe they’ll apply their talents for the better and give this a little more consideration, be more deliberate, careful. Tomorrow, we should be 99.99 percent of that, and the military will be brief, so will the communications gurus. Experts will work and proceed to patch information and whoever is available that is assigned to this. They are committed to this and entrusted. It’s not just us, but the whole world too. I know there’s going to be leaks no matter how tight we try to keep the lid on. That’s why there are others who will try to discredit or deny for however long it takes to buy us time until dam breaks.

Fred continued, You know the game, procedures, you have experienced it. He said this with a few chuckles. Okay then. He lit another cigarette and said, Okay, let’s go and have a drink and try to get some sleep because I think there’s going to be many sleepless nights ahead.

John’s cell rang; it was Jane. She said she was on her way back and that she would see him later and would like to catch up. John relayed the message to Fred who smiled and slowly and quietly said, That’s my girl, a phrase that John has heard and made him chuckle. So, Fred said, how about you and I go to my motel, and don’t worry, you’re not my type. However, they have a great restaurant and have my favorite scotch. I’ll buy.

John could not refuse such an offer. He said, Yeah, I feel like getting drunk anyway after that bit of good news that you unload on me a while ago. As they walked out onto the fresh air again, they both stopped to look around, both deep in their thoughts of the uncertain future. As they drove in Fred’s rental, John realized that his car was at the complex. He made Fred aware of it, and Fred said not to worry. On entering the motel, John’s phone rang again, and again it was Jane exclaiming that she was not far away from the complex.

With that, John said that he and Fred we’re at the Holiday Inn motel near the complex and that they just arrived and were about to have dinner, and if she would like to join them, they could wait if she’s not too far away and they could all eat together. Oh, that would be great, I’m only twenty minutes away.

Terrific, it’ll be great to see you. I really miss you, he said.

Again, Jane was taken aback with all the attention. This is really out of character, all the attributes from the new John and his new peculiar qualities, which she really liked, really, really liked.

John and Fred walked into the bar section of the restaurant and sat at a table and waited for service and could not help glancing at the TV screen that was now displaying clips of trivial crap. The server came to take their order. Fred ordered a scotch and water and John a bourbon and Coke. Fred looked at John with a regretful eye and said, Hell, you can’t put pop in good ol’ bourbon, that’s a crime. The server smiled, and John said that he’s not a drinker and he likes Coke. When the drinks came, Fred motioned to John to step outside onto the patio, and John knew that Fred wanted to smoke.

John spoke and said, One of the variables, one that’s apt to change a mutable—

Oh hell, boy, can we just sit here and enjoy the moment and not go on a rant about what would happen if? Anyway, those two-dollar words don’t mean shit to me. However, if you had said to me, ‘Fred, what are we going to do now, what’s apt to change?’ It’s all unknown, obscure, nameless, vague, who knows, ‘only the Shadow knows.’ Hey look, son, we’ll get there when we get there. Right now, let’s enjoy the moment because I think all hell is going to break loose and maybe not.

Just then, a happy friendly voice was heard saying, I figure you two would be here sucking up some witches’ brew. In that case, I’ll join you. As she approached, John stood up and hugged her and gave her a warm kiss. Fred smiled with satisfaction.

The server came, and Fred said, More of the same, and the pretty lady will have whatever she wants.

Well, Jane said, I’ll have a margarita, not frozen, thank you. So … you guys have become very chummy, I see. I’m so full of questions that you two would not believe.

First of all, Fred cut in, you could get some answer only and only if you agree to join us at the complex.

What! Jane cried out. Are you serious!

Serious as heart attack, Fred said. You will have to come to work with us.

Why, what’s going on? Jane asked.

Yes or no, Fred pressed on.

Jane turned to John as if looking for him to say something, but he did not come to her aid. Fred made it clear that it was the only condition. Gently, John reached out and took her hand in comfort; she quickly withdrew it and exclaimed that she was not comfortable with this. So then, she began again, let’s assume for the sake of argument that I agree with your request and that I swear to secrecy. She was not allowed to continue.

Fred cut her off. NO, let’s not go on that premise. We are at an impasse here—you either agree or disagree with my terms.

Jane turned to John and said softly, John, please help me out here!

John looked at her and said, Jane, this is very important more than you’ll ever know. I want you with us, with me at the complex.

There was an air of urgency, calling for an immediate response. Jane knew that Fred required an answer. Taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, she succumbed to the superior appeal of both men. Okay, but I have so much work to tend to, so many loose ends to tie up.

Fred, always calm and composed, looked at her and quipped with a smile, No problem.

Okay, let’s do it, Jane said. How can I refuse two gentlemen whom I hold so dear. With that said, Fred reached into his pocket and produced a sheet of paper, which he passed to Jane.

Jane immediately looked at it, glanced at Fred, and exclaimed, This is a form from the NSA. She looked at him, puzzled.

Fred cut in again and added, It’s a simple contract. If it’s violated, you will be summarizing at Club FED, simple.

Turning to John, she asked, Did you have to do this too?

Yes, Fred answered. He has already been branded.

Well then, here it goes. She reached for the pen that Fred was holding and signed the paper, which Fred quickly retrieved without any hesitation and returned it to his pocket. There was a short silence as neither of them spoke, wondering what to say next.

Fred was the one who broke the ice and said, Welcome, missy.

With that, John gently tapped her hand, which he now held and squeezed lovingly. Jane turned to him and said, You were a lot of help. Why didn’t you come to my aid, to support me? God only knows what I’m getting into.

John said, Honey, I could not interfere. It has to be your decision, and any course of action on my part would have jeopardized your decision.

Okay, okay, now lay it on me, was her response. Both men looked at each other with heads slightly bowed.

Fred, you do the honors since you’re so good at it, John said.

Fred motioned to the server for another round and began to tell of the events of the last few days, stopping only to light a cigarette. Jane was glued to every word and syllable coming out of Fred’s mouth, and the reactions were almost similar to the ones John gave when he was told. John was like an expectant father, waiting for some utterance, some action. Jane was speechless.

Holy cow, were the only words that she could utter, her hands shaking slightly. She continued, I’m so glad I went to see my family.

Wait, wait, Fred said. This is not a judgment on mankind. We have no evidence of anything, nothing definite, nothing conclusive. I know that this news is overwhelming, so we have to go with what we got. Fred motioned to the server again and asked her to prepare a table in the restaurant.

The three of them walked into the restaurant, which was sparsely occupied. Jane was the only one to utter anything by saying quietly, almost mute-like, holy shit, but it was loud enough for the server that was ushering them into the restaurant to hear. She turned to Jane and asked her if there was anything wrong. No, no, Jane replied, I’m sorry, just a reaction to something. Yeah, she thought. Something, all right, a BIG something.

They made short conversations of other events unrelated to what they knew. Jane spoke about how great it was to see her family. John also said that he also thought of doing the same thing, but it was one hell of a trip to Long Island, New York. Well, y’all, Fred broke in. I have my family right here. Immediately, both John and Jane looked at Fred. YUP, I’m all there is. I’m an orphan since I was knee high to a grasshopper who was passed around from foster home to foster home, a waif who sought solace in the military when the time was right etc., etc.,

Ohhhh, was Jane’s response, we’ll adopt you, you’re adorable.

Okay, you two, don’t fail me, Fred exclaimed.

John’s response to his last statement as he looked at Jane was, What do you mean ‘you two,’ paleface?

Don’t be so callous, have some sympathy. I have some intense feelings for Fred.

Thanks for sticking up for me, girl, Fred said. I have a lot of faith in you two. John, remember what we spoke about earlier? Women’s feelings, someone who is in need to to fulfill. That feeling is inherent only in females. That’s what defines us.

Hey, you guys, what is this all about now?

Just talk, John answered.

Yeah, I bet. This is not the end of this, Mr. Man. We will have a discussion about this matter another time.

See what you’ve done, John blurted. That was the first time that anyone heard Fred laughing out loud as tears streamed from his clear blue eyes. Wow, John said, we have to take this show on the road.

But you know what’s going to make me laugh even louder? Fred said. It’s when you get the check.

Wait, wait, you said that this was on you? John said.

Yes, I did, didn’t I? But I lied. All three of them laughed together. So anyhow, tomorrow the fun begins, Fred said. Formulating a plan or tailoring the one available, modifying, reshaping, tweaking, etc., etc., etc.

Jane’s question was, How are we … John and I are to be informed? She chose her words carefully. How are we in the loop? Are we in the fringes, margins, outskirts, border, what?

Fred looked at both of them with as much truthfulness and honesty as he could. What I know you’ll know—you’ll both know." That was a clear and honest, genuine answer to her question, and she felt confidence, trust, and a sense of reliance from the man.

After the meal, Fred said, Okay, how about a nightcap, one more for the road? John felt a little tipsy given the premise that he was not a drinker and didn’t want to feel foolish with the effects of alcohol. On the other hand, Jane was quite sober with only two drinks. Fred piped in again and said not to worry about the driving, that they could both stay here at the motel for the night or he could call a cab.

What the hell, John said. Bring it on.

All right, was Fred’s response.

Jane, on the other hand, said, Hey, boys, be careful, tomorrow is a workday and you two have to have clear heads. Isn’t that what is required now? That’s why both of you are here, am I right?

No, that’s why you’re here, Ms. Jane, the epitome of reason, John said, as he almost fell off his chair. That was the deciding moment. John and Jane would stay overnight, as John laughed and said that he would be wearing the same clothes tomorrow that he had on now.

How would I shave, etc.? John made his concerns known, as Jane said that it was only fifteen minutes to his apartment and that she would drive him in the morning. It was settled then. Jane went to the front desk to get a room and then went to her car to fetch her travel bag.

Minutes later, she appeared, pulling a carryall. She joined the men again who were still at the table. Okay, I’m all set. She sat down again, as both men tended to the operation matters that might arise tomorrow. John spoke up and said that he would have to go to the front desk and check in. To that, Jane said, Don’t bother, I already took care of it and I got a room for both of us." She said that comfortably and firmly with a flutter of her eyelashes.

Wow. Fred was the one who now raised his eyebrows and flicked them in an expression of amusement in a coy, flirtatious, silent comment. John was in a flustered state of embarrassment, typical of a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar and had no words to reply. Jane, with a twinkle in her eyes, winked at him. Fred also looked at John and winked. John felt a little uncomfortable and sought comfort in finishing his drink in one fast motion.

Okay, Fred said, gesturing to the server and making a sign requesting the bill. They all marched out of the restaurant and said good night. Before they parted ways, Jane went over to Fred, gave him a hug and a kiss, and said, Thank you for everything.

Yeah, John said, same here. He tried to stay steady on his feet. Then they said a final good night and made their way to their rooms.

Early in the morning, Jane and John woke up and made their way toward the front desk to take care of their bill. As they approached the lobby, a friendly familiar face with a cup of coffee in one hand and a newspaper on the other said, "Buenos dias, y’all." Fred sounded content and cheerful.

Jane walked over to Fred and planted a big kiss on his cheek and smiled thankfully. John, who was not too far behind and looking a little under the weather and a bit disheveled, approached Fred who said, Man, you look like something the cat dragged in.

Thanks, John said, I needed that, and thanks for everything, big guy, and I’ll see you later. He turned and headed toward Jane. When he reached Jane, she informed him that all was taken care of. Wasn’t that nice of Fred? What a nice guy.

Driving to John’s apartment, John faced Jane and slowly and tenderly said, I do love you, you know.

She responded, Yes, I know, and I love you too. And what was that all about last night, the conversation with Fred? Love, feelings, motherhood, etc., etc.? Come on, boy, what’s up?

John did not want to talk, and he wished he was in a room where he could pace around as that helped him find the right words and gather his thoughts. He looked at her and said, Honey, not now please, bear with me and have some compassion. I’m not feeling too well right now to carry on a conversation. I have a headache and I’m tired.

Jane smiled at him and said, Okay, that is the second time you’ve called me honey. I like that and thank you for last night.

Jane drove the rest of the way to John’s apartment in silence. Jane stopped at a Burger King to pick up breakfast to go and continued to John’s apartment. Once inside the apartment, Jane noticed that he was not too neat—clothes all about, dishes, papers, wrappers strewn about. Wow, you need a cleaning service, pal.

Without saying a word, John proceeded to his bedroom to shower and shave. He came back to meet Jane who was busy straightening and cleaning. When he saw her, he apologized and said that she didn’t have to do that. She said that it was fine, that she wanted to do this for him. With a tongue-in-cheek comment, Jane added, That’s the mothering in me, looking at him with a wide grin. He turned and, shaking his head, headed for the food on the table. They ate quietly, finished, and headed for the complex.

It was still very early, and they could see the hustle and bustle of people scurrying in a hurried manner, in and out carrying boxes, many in military uniforms and others relaying orders. John thought to himself, Uncle Sam has arrived. They approached the front door and were met by a soldier that signaled them to stop and show some ID. They showed him their credentials, and he refused to admit them, claiming that those were no longer valid.

Just then, Fred appeared from inside and handed them their new security badges and instructed them to swipe them at the door or it would not open for them. Good morning again, sweethearts. As you can see, something new has been added. All the people assigned to this place will have the same scrutiny. As visitors enter, they will be escorted to a security desk, and passes will be issued to them. All personnel assigned to this place will enter separately, and notice that your badges are red like mine, meaning that you have top clearance. Any others with different colors would not have access to certain departments. Your team will be escorted to the auditorium for their briefing later at zero eight hundred. With that, Fred said, Hell, boy, you look almost human. He chuckled and said, Okay, it’s cafe time, let’s go to the canteen, sorry, the cafeteria! Then we’ll go to your office shortly before eight. There are some people whom I want you to meet. Don’t let them intimidate you. Some of them can be arrogant, they’ll tend to bully and put pressure on you, but in reality, they are good and honest people and they don’t know what the hell is going on, except for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other reps whom I’ve known forever. Okay, let’s get some joe.

The three of them made their way to the cafeteria. They sat down with their coffees. Fred noticed that John looked a little uneasy and asked him if something was wrong. John said he felt a little intimidated, he was not properly dressed, he had chinos on and a polo shirt, and he added that he didn’t feel comfortable meeting these high-ranking dudes in his street clothes. With that, Fred removed his tie and jacket and said, How’s this? He continued, We’ll walk in there like we’re going to a school wrestling match. That put John at ease, then Jane asked if she looked all right. Fred said that she looked just fine.

Shortly before