Invisible Contact

By J. Wayne Stillwell

In approximately 4300 BC, God destroyed most of the life on the planet in a great flood. Many think the next equivalent event will be Armageddon. But what if something profound happens, an event that would give mankind a chance to restore Gods faith in his creation and delay Armageddon.

In Earth, year 1943, a scientific exploration ship from an advanced alien empire was halfway through a ten-year survey of the Orion-Cygnus Arm of the Milky Way. The aliens were suffering with severe over population and needed to increase their real estate holdings. They were ecstatic when they discovered Earth. They built a covert operating base in the South Pacific Ocean and began the construction of a mega space craft capable of moving earth to their solar system.

In the summer of 2027, a freak storm blew a ship heading for Pitcairn Island in French Polynesia onto an invisible island. The volunteer archeological dig team on board soon discovered that time and distance were relative, that the laws of physics extended far beyond what Newton and Einstein could imagine, and that humans were not alone in the universe.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504904742

J. Wayne Stillwell

J. Wayne Stillwell is a native of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Richmond, Virginia. After serving thirty-four years as a naval officer, he completed a second career as vice president for an R&D company. He is currently an independent consultant and fiction writer. He received his BS in electrical engineering from Purdue University, master’s degree in physics from the Naval Post-Graduate School, and completed the executive development program at Carnegie Mellon University. He has published articles in navy journals and authored his first science fiction book, “Xetonian Trades,” in 2003. A second edition of the same book, “Xetonian Trades I, The Seeding”; “Xetonian Trades, The Augerite Hordes”; “Xetonian Trades III, The Reapers”; his first romance novel, “Ten Months,” and a short human interest story titled “Bus 22” were published in 2013. “Xetonian Trades IV, Infinity’s Gate” was published in 2014. This book is another story about how intelligent life in the Milky Way deals with love, war, and interplanetary intrigue. He and his spouse of forty-six years, Bernadette, have two sons, John and Matthew, and four grandchildren.

Book preview

Chapter One

*Location: Newton University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania*

The answers too many of the world’s great questions are varied and elusive. For example, is a day on Earth equal to or less than a day in God’s life? Is God a spirit or an alien being from another universe? Is the universe a product of evolution, creation or both?

How does one measure time or understand the meaning and purpose of life. How do we reconcile the awkward conflict between archeological evidence and the time line cited in the Bible? Are we an experiment in God’s petri dish or a breeding farm for some advanced alien culture?

Understanding the conflict between biblical and geological time may be as simple as developing a transformation matrix. For example, a thousand years on Earth may be the equivalent of a day or an hour to a supreme being. The Bible says that approximately 6,000 years ago God created our world in exactly seven days. How long is seven days to a supreme being?

Scholars explain the universe by using a combination of physics, astronomy, written records and archeology. Theologians and scientists explain the existence of biological life in terms of creation or natural evolution. Who is right and who is wrong and how long ago it all started may never be resolved. 12 billion, 10 million, one million or 6,000 years, it may not matter.

According to the Bible, God rebooted his creation once before after enduring the foolishness of mankind for almost 1600 years. We will never know why he destroyed most of the animals in the great deluge the Bible calls Noah’s Flood, as they were surely innocent, but he did.

On the scientific side one might ask if all of the mass in the universe really could have been contained in a small singularity prior to the big bang or if it is really possible to exceed the speed of light.

Matthew Riley, a doctoral candidate and teaching assistant at Penn State University loved to tease his undergraduate students with the possible answers to these and other complex questions.

Matthew was a self-made man. He grew up in a small Amish community in south eastern Pennsylvania. Though a man of strong religious faith and high morals he came to view the ‘plain’ life as too limiting, a dead end that would prevent him from following his dreams. He wanted to travel, get an education and volunteer for archeological digs around the world.

His parents were devastated when he announced shortly after graduating high school in 2021 that he was going to forgo the "plain’ life and live in the English world. His father expressed his disappointment verbally and by shunning his son except to express common courtesies like good morning and thank you.

Mathew’s mother was stoic in public but in private expressed her disappointment compassionately - with the love of a mother. English or Amish, she was not going to abandon her relationship with her oldest son. She knew he would never be able to return to the plain life without testing his dreams. Her advice to her husband was to be patient. Their son must leave in order to return.

That summer, Matthew and his best friend from high school moved into a one room apartment in a Philadelphia suburb and signed up for the fall semester at Newton University. They used Pell Grants, Stafford loans, income from part time jobs and money his roommate’s parents sent from time to time. Matthew’s mother also secretly sent him money when she could.

Newton University is a small private school south east of Philadelphia that emphasized Christen theology and philosophy imbedded in a liberal Arts Curricula. Approximately 10 percent of the students were considering spending their lives serving God in some way. Many alumni had Father, Reverend or Sister in front of their names.

He earned his BA in liberal arts in 3 years by taking 10 credits each summer. Without taking a break he enrolled at Penn State University. His goal was a PHD in Philosophy with as many archeology electives he could fit into his course load.

*Location: Penn State University*

As a Pennsylvania resident, Penn State made sense financially and was close enough to home to allow him to visit his family from time to time. He soon realized the environment at Penn State was very different than at Newton College. The student body was huge, the courses a lot harder and the women, well there were thousands of them.

The woman at Newton were generally conservative and dating was frequently a group activity. Most Newton women were kiss and Hug only types who were saving their virginity for their future husband or God. Dates at Newton usually ended with a cold shower. Penn State was very liberal in comparison.

At Penn State he mostly stuck with a group on Friday and Saturday nights, but sometimes went on a real date. He was a handsome, well-muscled, 6’ 2", twenty-three year old with dark hair and crystal blue eyes. He had never had a pimple in his life and his complexion was perfect. Like his father, he didn’t have one hair on his chest.

Women found him attractive and he liked them a lot but he did not consume alcohol, use tobacco or drugs and believed that you should not have sex before marriage. His conservative Amish up bringing sat on his shoulder like a junk yard dog. This turned many women off.

On more than one occasion, he found himself in the middle of a passionate make out session with a woman who in the heat of the moment started to unbuckle his belt saying she wanted him. He panicked every time that happened. The woman was of course insulted and never talked to him again. Lessons learned, Matthew stuck to group pizza dates and his academic pursuits.

His third spring and summer at Penn State was like a vortex that swept him into a profound sequence of events that would change his life and the world around him forever.

It all started on a Tuesday morning in February. Ahead of schedule for once, he was enjoying casually walking across campus to the second period undergraduate Philosophy class he was teaching thinking how mild the winter had been so far. The winters seemed much harsher when he was a boy. He looked at the northern sky and then to the west. Should be a great day he thought.

As he entered the classroom he glanced at his watch, smiled at the class and turned off his cell phone. As soon as he got to his desk, he began unloading his briefcase with the speed and dexterity of a FedEx package sorter.

His short-sleeved shirt revealed well-muscled arms that flexed as he sorted through his material. His muscles were the result of years of hard work on his father’s farm cleaning calf pens and bailing hay, not athletics. To his dismay, his briefcase contained everything except his notes for today’s class. He had ten minutes to race back to his office and get them. So much for being ahead of schedule.

As he turned to leave he bumped into a young woman who had stopped to survey the seating arrangements. The impact knocked the books she was carrying onto the floor.

I’m terribly sorry Miss. I wasn’t paying attention. Let me get your books.

It’s alright, I shouldn’t have been standing where I was.

They both dropped to their knees at the same time to pick up the books, lightly bumping heads on the way down. They were both embarrassed.

My father used to say that if things don’t improve, I’ll have to ask you to stop helping me, she said with a smile as she rubbed her forehead.

Matthew sensed the class was staring at them. He quickly but carefully helped the woman gather her books. The top she had on was loose, he could not avoid catching a glimpse of her ample breasts. She was a very cute but not glamorous looking 5’ 7", 131 pound dishwater blond with a boyish haircut. When she spoke she looked at him with piercing green eyes.

God she’s attractive, he thought to himself.

Thank you Professor.

You’re most welcome but I’m not a professor yet, I’m a Teaching Assistant, please call me Matthew.

Alright Matthew, my name is Brenda.

Nice to meet you Brenda.

He thought her hand was warm to the touch. Her perfume put him off a little, it was too odiferous. His mother and grandmother never used perfume.

With everyone in their seats and his material organized, minus his notes, he looked up and faced the class, took a deep breath and began his lecture.

Good morning, Welcome to Philosophy 214 where we will explore the consistencies and conflicts between science and religion.

The words came easy, the same words he said every week. He was in a good mood for two reasons; one was that the first part of his PHD orals had been delayed for two weeks and second, he was going to see his family next weekend.

"If you’re in the right class this morning, you should have a copy of the book, Chariots of the God’s, which we’ll begin discussing in two weeks, a pen or pencil, notebook and unlimited enthusiasm," he said with a big smile.

The purpose of this course is to explore the philosophical side of our existence. I want to take you out of the analytical world of Calculus, Geology and Archeology into the abstract and spiritual world of the dreamer and the faithful. I want all of you to consider our universe as a place filled with possibilities. He paused to let his words sink in.

Let’s start by considering what I’m proposing in my dissertation as one of the fundamental laws of the cosmos. This law states that in our universe, time and distance are continuums with no ending. This idea was first discussed by Dr. Harry Glover, Head of the Astronomy department, Western University of Virginia. He paused again to let them think.

As he stood looking at the class, he put his left hand into the front pocket of his pants and slowly sat down on the edge of his desk.

It’s hard for most of us to accept this fact. The idea that space-time is infinite is incomprehensible. That is; it just isn’t possible.

He stopped and scanned the room with an exaggerated look of disbelief on his face.

On the other hand, those of you who have a sincere faith in God accept the fact that some sort of spiritual existence awaits us after death, but infinity – it just can’t be!

But professor, everything must end at some point, Brenda, sitting in the first row, blurted out as she simultaneously raised her hand.

Matthew starred at her for a few seconds. Her skirt was knee high when standing but exposed her legs up to mid-thigh sitting down. She had a big smile on her face and was looking him in the eye. He thought she might be flirting with him. He concluded that her behavior was probably the normal student-teacher adulation that many college professors must expect from time to time. He thought it best to ignore her flirting.

Let’s test that assumption using an example from Dr. Glover’s book, he said as he walked toward her seat. He was not going to let her get away with anything. He would intimidate her if he had too.

"What if you traveled at the speed of light for a million years and suddenly came upon a wall with a sign on it that read, ‘The End of the Universe’, would you believe the sign?"

That’s an old question many people have ask. There is no right answer, someone in the back row said.

Maybe, but that is why this class is titled Philosophy 214.

Brenda sat calmly massaging the charm bracelet she had on her left wrist, leaned forward in her chair and responded with an exaggerated shrug that revealed extra cleavage.

I would not believe the sign, she said.

No, a young man in the sixth row answered.

Of course not, because you know that all walls have what, Matthew asked, glad to be rescued from Brenda’s obvious teasing.

Two sides, several students blurted at the same time.

That’s right. Dr. Glover suggests that the answer to the infinity question is simple. No matter how big the wall or how many you run into, there will always be something on the other side. Our universe must be infinite, he surmised.

Matthew noticed that he was getting behind schedule and shifted into high gear. With well-rehearsed oration, he explained that time, like distance, also has no ending.

Questions like, did the first second of time tick off at the exact moment of the Big Bang that modern astronomers theorize created the universe? Did time begin the moment God created heaven and Earth as it says in the Bible? He was trying to get the class to think beyond their current reality.

Brenda raised her hand again. As soon as Matthew looked in her direction, she smiled and slid down in her seat slightly. The motion exposed several more inches of her legs.

What about alien sex, she asked, slowly re crossing her legs. Matthew was now uncomfortable.

Would it be like on Earth or something different, she added.

She re crossed her legs again, briefly revealing most of her legs without exposing her panties.

Perpetuation of a healthy species would require maintenance of genetic diversity through random mating between the strongest and fittest, Matthew answered.

Yes, but only animals behave that way. You know, like Moose during the Rut. We don’t behave that way. If we did, you would drive all the boys in this room away and have sex with me and the other woman in the classroom. Isn’t that what you secretly want to do?

That did it, she was now over the line and if the sexual banter didn’t stop, someone would surely report him to the department head.

Matthew looked at the class as he contemplated her question and what he should do next. The class was staring at him, waiting for his response. He thought she was being rude. Maybe it was Brenda’s audacity or the erotic feeling she was giving everyone, but she had taken control. He had to stop the soap opera.

Mame, what separates us from the animals is our intelligence. We are self-aware and depend on each other for almost everything. We value loyalty, trust and friendship. Most of us value the monogamous and intimate one-on-one relationships that accompany romantic love. Would you prefer to be an animal or a human being Miss?

She looked at him but said nothing. He was taking the fun out of her teasing.

Why didn’t he flirt back? Maybe he’s gay, she thought.

Satisfied with his answer and her silence, he looked away and continued his lecture.

"The discussion today was based on a paper by Professor Harry Glover, Western University of Virginia. There are copies of his paper on, ‘The meaning of Time and Distance’, on my desk if you want one.

Next time we’ll consider the possibly that in our galaxy both creation and evolutionary based life exist. As homework, please read the first two chapters in Chariots of the Gods. See you at 9:30 next Tuesday. Have a great week." The class began filing out of the room.

As he exited the building he saw Brenda sitting on the steps. He looked at her but kept on walking. She stood up and walked toward him.

Professor, you don’t tease very well do you.

Brenda, I said I’m not a professor and my name is Matthew.

She looked at him with a perplexed look on her face.

Do you find me unattractive or do I just irritate you. Most men enjoy a woman flirting with him. I know you think I’m pretty. A woman can tell by the way a man looks at her.

Matthew stopped walking and turned to face her. His abrupt motion surprised her. She almost walked into him but stopped before they made contact. They stood staring into each other’s eyes.

Brenda, I’m a serious person who is trying to earn a PHD at this university. I earn a small stipend and a few credits as a TA. I cannot afford to be seen fraternizing with one of my students. What do you want from me?

My, my, you are serious. I guess I had better stop teasing you. I’ll be direct. Several of my girlfriends told me you are a man of character, don’t use tobacco or drink alcohol, are a man of faith and…

She paused and moved her face closer to his. He could smell the juicy fruit chewing gum she was chewing.

…and, and the word is you are a virgin who doesn’t believe in sex before marriage, she said quickly but in a whisper.

So people are talking about me, making fun of me. We’ll, if your plan is to have sex with a virgin 23 year old TA and proudly put another notch in your leather purse you will be disappointed.

You are honest, I’ll give you that Mr. Matthew.

I have to go. I’ll see you in class next week. He turned and walked away. A few moments later, he felt a hand on his left arm. He stopped.

Matthew, I want you to know that I am a woman of character, don’t smoke but will drink a beer once in a while, am a faithful catholic and not ashamed to admit that I’m also a virgin.

I never said or thought that you were not a good person Brenda.

You had better not. I’ve been testing you. You could be the man of my dreams. A woman can sense these things.

She kissed him passionately but quickly, turned and left. He just stood watching her fad into the crowd of students passing by in every direction.

What is going on, what just happened? Normal woman are never that bold. I hope she is not some kind of stalker or has some physiological issue. he said to himself out loud.

The rest of the semester, Brenda was polite in class but never approached him at a personal level. He didn’t know if she was waiting for him to do or say something or if she was mad at him. He decided to let sleeping dogs lie.

The second week in May he passed his orals, his dissertation was approved and he was awarded a PHD in Philosophy. The newly minted Dr. Matthew Riley decided to go home and spend some time with his parents. Before he could pack a bag, a phone call from one of his archeology professors provided part two of the life altering vortex he was in. The phone rang.

Professor Renfro, what a surprise. How are you?

I’m fine Matthew. Listen, I’ll make this short and sweet. I have one slot left on a volunteer archeology team that’s going to spend the summer working a dig in the South Pacific. Would you be interested?

I would love to go. When is the team leaving?

We’ll depart for Tahiti from the Pittsburgh Airport on June 2. We’ll change planes in San Francisco and Hawaii. After that we’ll fly to a place called Mangareva and then take a boat to Pitcairn Island.

Pitcairn, what is worth excavating there?

The British Museum is sponsoring the dig. They’re doing a documentary on the HMS Bounty mutineers and Tahitians who settled there in the 18th century.

Okay, I’m in.

I’ll contact you in a few days with the time and place for an orientation meeting I’m setting up. Check with your doctor and make sure your shots are up to date.

I will, thanks.

Chapter Two

*Location: Penn State University*

Matthew didn’t know why he was doing it, but he did it. His roommate had talked him into taking a hand gun safety course at the firing range across from the state police barracks. His roommate had grown up hunting and fishing and owning a gun was as natural as owning a car. Matt didn’t like guns but decided to go along to keep his friend company.

Matt, I think you’re a natural, a real Sargent York type.

Matt looked at the paper target his friend had just reeled in from the 25 yard position. There was a tight pattern 2 inches to the right of the bull’s eye.

You’re consistently pulling you shots to the right a little. Try squeezing the trigger instead of just jerking it back.

I thought I was squeezing the trigger. But I’m done, I’ll watch you shoot, Matt said as he backed up to stand behind the yellow safety line. 15 minutes later his friend ran out of ammunition. He was glad they were leaving.

What are you planning to do this summer?

Other than spend some time with my family, I wasn’t completely sure until a couple of days ago. I knew I wanted to get an associate Professor position somewhere. Penn State is my first choice. Until Thursday, I was planning to spend time working on that objective, Matt answered.

I wish I was in your shoes. The way things are going, I’ll need another year to finish my PHD work. I think I bit off more than I can chew.

You know, I had the same problem 18 months ago. With my advisors consent, I de-scoped my dissertation twice, Matt confessed.

I think I’m heading in that direction myself.

At any rate, I was ask to join an archeological dig team this summer. Isn’t that something, Matt announced with a satisfied tone in his voice.

I wouldn’t mind doing that as long as the dig wasn’t in the middle of nowhere. I want a shower, dry bed, a sports bar, good food and of course lots of pretty girls around each evening.

Friend, are you sure you need to de-scope your thesis or de-scope your social life.

Life is too short Doctor Riley. They both laughed.

Tell me about this dig thing.

Well, the opportunity came as a complete surprise. Professor Renfro called me on Thursday and extended the invitation. I’ll be leaving for the South Pacific on June 2.

Wow, native girls in hula skirts dancing around a camp fire.

I don’t think so. This will be a serious dig. It’s sponsored by the British Museum and we’ll be on an island called Pitcairn. Support ships visit there less than a dozen times a year so once we’re there, that’s it.

Hmmm, now I’m thinking jungle rot, mosquitoes, coral sores, heat and humidity. Better you than me.

Things are never as bad as you imagine.

*Location: Professor Renfro’s conference room, Penn State*

Everyone please take your seats, Professor Renfro asked in a loud voice.

Matthew and the other eight people in the room stopped their small talk and took a seat. Matthew was surprised to