Discovery

By R. E. Link

The alien war ended a long time ago. Today, the impact of that war upon humanity has been relegated to the past. Ignored by a new generation who consider it an unfortunate incident, if they thought of it at all. Just one more thing that has faded into the past, with all the other forgotten things that have no bearing upon their lives. So it was quite a surprise when an Orbital Defense crew made a discovery that would resurrect those memories. For some the discovery would bring back an old hatred and the threat of another invasion. For others it would offer the hope of uncovering old secrets, and the possibility of discovering advanced technology. And to all it gave a warning. But for one, it would become personal, as loyalties were put to the test.

Alan Shultz, Specialist Fifth Class of the Army Corps of Engineers was being given a priority assignment. Taking the device being handed to him, he bounced it in his hand. It was light weight. Its shape reminding him of an old style thumb drive. “What is it?” he asked... “We don’t know. That’s what we need you to find out, but at the moment, we’re calling it a Data Tab.” It appeared to be nothing more than a rectangular piece of plastic. “Where did it come from?” “That’s classified. Secret. But it’s very important that we discover what it contains. Your assignment is to find that out.”

Peter reached out and touched the second triangle, sliding it to the right. Immediately the cabin pressure dropped. The air was being sucked out of his lungs. He blinked his eyes rapidly, trying to clear his vision. He had both hands on the wall to steady himself. His legs began to lose their strength and started shaking. He made another desperate attempt to correct the error. Holding his breath, he grabbed one hand with the other to steady it. He touched a finger against the triangle. He was shaky, losing consciousness, barley able to keep his finger against it. He slid it to the left, just as his legs gave out and his eyes rolled up. He slid down the wall, landing with a thud.

• Language: English
• Publisher: R. E. Link
• Release date: Apr 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9780998630786

Book preview

Episode 1-1

Chairwoman

The Chairwoman of the Ecological Management Council sat at her desk, staring at the lunch that had been set out for her. She hadn’t touched it. Hadn’t even picked up her fork to pick at it, or even push it around the plate. She just sat there, staring. At the moment, she had no interest in food, regardless of how delicious previous meals have been. Her thoughts were too consuming to allow her stomach to take control at the moment. Not now.

She would be leaving for the Council meeting soon. Time was running out. Decisions had to be taken, and arrangements had to be made, but she found herself facing a problem. Her own indecision. For her, this was an unexpected condition, and it was upsetting her stomach. She was never indecisive. She saw through the distraction, extracted the facts and made decisions. It was her talent. However, this time she wasn’t sure. She was too aware of the importance of this decision. Once they were on their way, there would be no undoing it. She had to be right. It was too important not to be.

She thought back to the day she was appointed to the Council, and all the events that had led up to its creation. Opening her desk drawer, she removed her journal. Turning the pages, the memories of those long ago entries came flooding back to her.

It was the first month of the first year of the new millennium. The year was 5001. She was appointed to the Council and immediately assigned the Chairwoman position. Within hours of her appointment, the truth of the situation they faced became all too clear. The world’s environment was changing, and it had been going on for years. Unfortunately, those who had the ability to do something about it, didn’t. They cared only for themselves and their wealth, and not about the future. Not even for their own children. That attitude prevailed until the worldwide situation became so grave, government was forced to react.

She remembered how strong and determined she had been then. Confident. Cocky even. Convinced she could actually save the world. Far different from her thoughts now.

She flipped through the pages of her journal, stopping here and there, rereading a page or two. In hindsight, the signs were so clear. So obvious. The first was a report from the Botanical Science Conference of 4976. It reported that plant life was changing. Their stability and size were declining. The report sounded an urgent alarm, however, for the next twenty-six years no one made the connection between the environment and the survival of people on the planet.

Then the amphibians began disappearing. That was in 4981. No one knew if it was because of a specific condition, or a natural occurrence. It should have been investigated, but it wasn’t.

In 4986, when the planet’s magnetic field suddenly decreased, the government did express some concern, but not much else. Corrections were proposed, but not adopted. The business world objected, saying it was too costly, and the politicians marched to the drum beat of those who funded their campaigns. They failed to grasp the true impact. A weakened magnetic field allowed a greater amount of solar radiation to penetrate into the atmosphere, where it reacted with upper level pollutants and ground level industrial waste. A process that slowly began to change the very air needed for life to exist.

Soon after, the surface waters began to disappear, and the core temperature of the planet began dropping. Some speculated the molten core of the planet might be cooling, shrinking. This would explain both the weakness in the magnetic field, and the disappearing waters. They felt surface water might be sucked into pockets left behind from a reduced core. Whatever the cause, the water was disappearing and no one was addressing it.

Event after event occurred, each cascading towards an ecological end of life on the planet. Eventually the impact became so great, the people of the world demanded that government do something. In response, the government formed the Ecological Management Council, eventually granting it non-revocable authority to take any action needed to save the planet.

The Chairwoman ordered desalinization systems built to extract fresh water from the seas. The extracted salts were compressed into blocks and used as a shield to reflect heat and energy away of the planet. Air scrubbers of all sizes and designs were constructed and deployed across the planet. In the hills, and in the valleys, and in the neighborhoods. Every rooftop had one. Unfortunately, the machines couldn’t replace the natural ecosystem of an entire planet. In spite of all efforts, the world continued to devolve, and if left unchecked, would turn itself into just another lifeless rocky strewn body orbiting the Sun.

The Chairwoman turned the page of her journal. The memories once again fresh in her mind. She understood her attitude had changed over the years, from a sort of youthful over confidence in the beginning, to a stubborn determination that they could make it work, to the desperation that started making the decisions. That happened just over seven years ago. At that time, she knew she needed something more, a new idea, anything, but nothing presented itself. With nowhere else to turn, she decided to recycle an old idea. One that had been rejected in the beginning as too farfetched. Time was running out, and desperation made the decision.

She looked down at the journal page again. After all this time, the entry looked like a schoolgirl had written it. ‘Problem: The ecology is dying. Resources are dwindling because of it. Solution: Find a planet that contains the resources we need. Go there, and bring them back. Restore the planet.’

She smiled to herself. A simple and straight forward goal that has driven the world’s combined activity for the past seven years. Now they had a target. They called it the Savior Planet. And they had the means to go there, a cargo fleet of four ships in space dock. Now all she needed to do was make the next decision.

Today’s Council meeting has only one item on the agenda, the appointment of the top leadership positions for the mission. The primary of which was the selection of the Mission Commander. Of the four top candidates she was considering, each brought a different strength to the table. All were capable, yet there was something that wasn’t allowing her to pick one.

She had already had several discussions regarding the appointment, and it boiled down to two camps.

One side advocated for a civilian to be appointed as the Mission Commander. A civilian would be more qualified to make the decisions necessary to carry out a scientific and agricultural assignment.

The other side argued for a military appointment. Who else but a military commander would be able to take the decisive actions necessary should the mission encounter hostile conditions on the planet?

The Chairwoman felt both recommendations were valid, but limited. She thought someone a little more balanced was what the mission needed, and this was the root of her indecision. She scanned the list again.

At the top was General Vall Karees. Now there was a strong personality, from a well-connected family. Three stars in his rank. Intelligent, decisive and driven. His record indicated a tendency to be single minded in times of stress. The military considered that an asset. She considered that if hostile conditions were encountered, he might indeed be the best hope they would have to complete the mission.

Next, there was Dr. Johnner. Intellectually a brilliant individual. He was the Science Director for the project. It was one of his teams that developed the new space drive. The ‘Jump System’ they called it, which allowed anything within its field to travel lightyears at a time. Additionally he holds two degrees, including one in the Agricultural Sciences, which would be a benefit for this mission. Once they arrive on site, it should be an agriculture show anyway. Hostiles are not expected. At least according to the latest scans. However, there is his arrogance to deal with. He is not well liked, and is considered by all to be a dictator and not a leader. He might force his own opinion upon everyone, and not be receptive to their input. That could be disruptive. However, in all other ways, he could be a good choice.

Next, is Cornell Lambic. The current project director for Operation Savior. An individual with a talent for organizing, planning and execution. He was the one who developed the operational plan for the mission, setting forth the targets and time lines necessary to achieve the objective. His thinking is detailed, focused and balanced. He’s also passionate about the project. With a family of his own, he knows how important the mission is. And he’s likeable. However, he has no military experience, and he is not a member of the scientific community. His leadership might be challenged by the others. The Chairwoman wondered how he might fair against the personality strengths of a General Karees or a Dr. Johnner. Yet again, his in depth knowledge of every aspect of the ship and every detail of this mission, were strong assets, not to be ignored.

Then there is Belig Yosun. The oldest of the four. A career Navy man from a career Navy family, who is now at the end of his current posting. His next posting will be to an inactive rear position. His record indicates he is a dedicated, experienced individual, referred to by his colleagues as the Old Man of the Sea. Often sought out for his advice. The Chairwoman considered this. The Navy was going to be done with him, but she needed someone like him on this mission. She considered his potential contribution for a moment, then made a decision. She would commission him as Admiral of the space fleet. From time to time, the Mission Commander may need someone to consult with. Someone to confide in. Admiral Yosun might fit that role nicely.

There were other names on the list, but they were not her primary choices. Then a knock sounded on the door. She looked up as her assistant stuck her head in, reminding her that the Council meeting would begin in ten minutes.

She nodded, telling her she’d be ready in a minute. Standing up from her desk, she folded the list, slipping it into her jacket pocket. It was time to meet with the Council and announce her decision.

Episode 1-2

Command Decision

For the past seven years, they had frantically built the fleet, pulling in every resource on the planet to do so. Now, there were four identical cargo ships, nestled in their construction docks, waiting patiently in orbit to be fueled, loaded and made ready to begin the mission. They were in essence, multilevel warehouses. Their massive engines deigned to rapidly move their oversized bulk through both normal and folded space.

It was T-Minus fifteen days to launch.

The Chairwoman had met privately with the Council, before called the public meeting to order. The chambers were packed with interested parties. The candidates she had interviewed for the key positions were sitting up front. Everyone waited and listened for the Chairwoman to announce her decision.

"Operation Savior, is our planet’s most critical, and last best hope for survival. My decisions in this matter are based upon that great necessity. The Council and I are unanimous in this decision and our decisions are final. We direct the following command structure for the Expeditionary Mission to the Savior Planet.

The Chairwoman stood steady as she looked out at the faces in the room. Taking a breath, she continued.

The Council has decided there will be three divisions of responsibility, which will operate under the single authority of the Mission Commander. These three divisions are, Fleet, Operations, and Security. Within that structure, the first assignment is Commander of the Fleet.

She turned her head, looking directly at Admiral Yosun.

Admiral Yosun, you are appointed to the position of Fleet Commander. You will be responsible for all vessels and flight operations. Once underway, you and your command will report to the Mission Commander. Admiral Yosun, do you accept this commission?

The Admiral stood and stepped forward. Snapping to attention, he saluted. She held out an envelope for him. His name was printed on it, and was affixed with the bright blue seal of the Council.

Thank you madam Chairwoman. I accept this commission. Reaching out he took the offered envelope, then snapped another salute before returning to his seat.

She turned her head to Doctor Johnner.

Doctor Johnner. You are appointed to the position of Director of Operations. You will be responsible for all scientific investigations and assignments, including site selection, planting and harvesting. Once underway you will report to the Mission Commander. Dr. Johnner, do you accept this commission? The Chairwoman held out an envelope affixed with the Council’s seal.

Dr. Johnner stood but didn’t answer. He was waiting to hear the rest of the announcement.

Dr. Johnner. Do you accept this commission? The Chairwoman repeated, still holding the envelop out for him.

The doctor started to answer then stopped himself. He finally said, Madam Chairwoman, with respect, I expected to be appointed Mission Commander. This is a scientific mission after all. I am the only one here qualified to...

I understand doctor. the Chairwoman said cutting him off. It’s a yes or no question and requires only a yes or no answer. Do you accept? She repeated the question, then immediately regretted it. In that instant, she knew she had made a mistake in judgement. The fact that she had asked a third time was foolish on her part. However, his conceited delay in accepting gave her the opening she needed to correct her mistake.

Thank you Doctor. Please take your seat. The Council withdraws the appointment. She deliberately dropped the envelope onto the table.

This is unacceptable! How dare you dismiss me! Me! I will not accept this!

You may sit down Doctor. she said, offering nothing further.

Dr. Johnner stood silently, defiantly, waiting for her to correct this error, but she did not. He began to realized what had just happened to him. Stunned into silent embarrassment at being rejected in public, he slowly retook his seat, ignoring all, staring straight ahead.

The Chairwoman removed the list from her pocket and unfolded it. Giving it a quick look, she made the decision. Dr. Sonado, the Chairwoman called out making eye contact with a woman in the second row. It was her second choice for the position, but she felt good about it.

Dr. Sonado stood slowly, stunned at the turn of events.

The Chairwoman looked her in the eyes, and said, Dr. Sonado, the Council appoints you Director of Operations for this mission. You will report to the Mission Commander. Do you accept this commission?

Dr. Sonado looked directly at the Chairwoman. Nodding, she took a breath and answered, Yes Madam Chairwoman. I accept this honor.

Good. The Chairwoman said, suppressing a smile. Your commission papers from the Council will be drawn up and delivered within the hour. Thank you Dr. Sonado.

General Karees sat quietly, observing the events in the room with mixed feelings. He saw himself as Mission Commander. The Council’s decision to create a separated command structure was not a surprise to him. It was the same structure he intended to impose when he was named Commander. He was going to command this mission. The entire mission. He was the only logical choice at this point.

General Karees.

The General stood. Madam Chairwoman. he said confidently.

The Council appoints you to the position of Commander of Security. You will be responsible to provide security for all groundside operations. In addition, you will assist the Director of Operations as needed to achieve the mission goals. You will of course command any military operations should that need be called upon. Once underway, you will report to the Mission Commander. General Karees, do you accept this commission?

The Chairwoman stood formally, holding out the sealed envelope. She hadn’t made up her mind about the General’s position until after her closed-door discussions with the Council. It was their comments that persuaded her to create this compromise path. There would be a military commander, yes, but operating at the direction of a civilian, the Mission Commander.

She could see the General was more than disappointed with her decision. He fully expected to be Mission Commander. She understood and would give him another moment to respond. But not much more than that.

For General Karees here were a thousand thoughts flying through his mind. He was shocked and wasn’t sure how to respond. He looked over at that fool doctor who was still in his chair, staring straight ahead. He hated this turn of events. He should be in charge! But if he said no, or didn’t reply quickly, he would have no chance to alter the situation later. Then he heard a sound. It was his commission envelop landing on the desk. The Chairwoman was no longer looking at him. She was instead looking down at a piece of paper in her hand.

In a clear voice he said, Madam Chairwoman, I accept the appointment and commission of the Council. I pledge my service to the mission and to the Mission Commander. Stepping in front of her, he snapped to attention, and clicked his heels together sounding a sharp crack, then held out his hand, waiting for her to hand him his envelope.

The Chairwoman nodded her agreement. She picked up the envelope and handed it to him. No words were exchanged. Taking the envelope he saluted then returned to his chair. It wasn’t what he wanted, but somehow he’d make the best of it.

She watched the General take his seat. Silently relieved she didn’t have to make another second choice decision. Picking up the final envelope, she called out the name, Cornell Lambic.

Yes Madam Chairwoman? he said as he stood, not certain he wanted what was obviously coming next.

The Council appoints you to the position of Mission Commander for Operation Savior. You will have command responsibilities for all aspects of the mission. Cornell Lambic, do you accept this commission?

He paused a moment before answering. Saying yes meant leaving behind his wife and two children. How could he do that to them? How could he leave them behind? But how could he refuse the mission? Accepting the mission was the only way he could save them. They were counting on him.

He looked up meeting her eyes. Yes, Madam Chairwoman. I accept.

Episode 1-3

Day One

Cornell Lambic said goodbye to his wife, then turned to his children. He hugged them both and told them how much he loved them, and how much he would miss them. He told his son that he had to be the man of the house until his return. His six-year-old daughter asked him to bring her back a puppy. He hugged her with tears in his eyes and promised he would try. Kissing them and hugging them both again, he stood, and took his wife in his arms one more time. Kissing her softly he turned his head away so she wouldn’t see his own tears. I love you. I’ll be back as soon as I can. he said, then slowly let her go.

With his family standing on their front porch and waving their goodbye’s, his driver took his bag and stored it away, while Cornell slipped into the seat of the transport. The door was closed and he was taken away.

High above the planet, the Admiral gave the order for the Fleet to move out of space dock and break orbit. Each of the behemoth ships engaged their maneuvering engines, pushing themselves away from the gravity of the planet. Then, in a dazzling blast of light, they made their first jump, disappearing into the sudden blackness of space. It was a spectacular show, recorded and broadcast for the entire planet to watch. Today, was day one of the mission calendar.

Cornel knew the schedule was tight, there was no choice. The schedule would have to hold. It would take the Fleet two years to reach the Savior planet. Once on site, he had allocated six months to procure the first round of critical resources. Crops would be grown. Water, soil and plant life would be collected and returned home. If all went well, after six months the first ship would depart, beginning a relay of continuous shipments back home. A supply line of resources to save their world and their families.

Every crew member was dedicated to the mission, swearing an oath to its success. They were prepared and ready to do whatever it took. Cornell was confident their plan would work. If they stayed focused on the mission and kept on track, it would be one-thousand six-hundred forty-two days before the first ship would return. It would be just in time. It would be tight, but it was doable. One-thousand six-hundred forty-two days before anyone would see home again.

Episode 1-4

For Those Left Behind

The Chairwoman sat quietly at her desk. She was struggling to survive. She only took in slow, shallow breaths, trying to suppress her body’s demand for more oxygen. The atmosphere felt thick and heavy against the skin. The bitterness of it filling her mouth, coating her lungs.

They had tried so hard. She and the other Committee members. They tried to turn things around and save their world. But try as they might, it was obvious to everyone, none of their efforts worked. They had failed.

She suddenly sucked in a deep breath, unable to suppress her body’s demand to breath. She began chocking, her lungs set afire as they coughed out the poisonous air that had been taken in. After a few moments, she slowly regained control, slumping in her chair, her head resting upon the desk top.

Then a spike of pain caused her to sit up straight, followed by another. A stronger one. It electrified her brain causing everything in the room to appear brighter. There was a bolt of lightning inside her skull, circling like a marble being rolling around the inside of a glass bowl. It was sharp and burning. She cried out through gritted teeth, her fists clenched as she pounded the table top, her mind crying for it to end. Her body paralyzed as she waited for it to pass.

People called it, The Countdown, and it relentlessly came for them all. For the Chairwoman, her Countdown began three days ago, with sporadic small jolts at first, until now, as it is now. The changing atmosphere was altering the world as they knew it. Reforming it into something that didn’t want her kind around.

Slowly, the pain began to fade, and she opened her eyes. She was confused. She knew she had been doing something... something that felt important. She looked down and saw her journal laying open on the table. Ah, yes. She remembered now. She had been writing.

She needed to continue, but the throbbing in her head was fighting her. She knew her time was short, and because of that, she felt a compelling urgency, pushing her to complete this one last task. She had no choice but to write down the history.

She slowly turned the pages of her journal. It was all there. All except for this last part. Picking up the pen, she turned to a blank page. The movement caused the throbbing in her head to increase. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, then continued in spite of it. Her need to finish her writing was stronger than the pain that tried to stop her. It had always been this way, to write the history. There was no time that she could remember when it hadn’t been. From her grandparents, to her parents and now to her. Before leaving this life, they felt an unstoppable urge to pass on their personal experiences, to explain their life. More than tradition, it was deeper than that. Somehow, it was in their DNA, and could not be stopped.

Suffering the pain, she placed the pen against the paper, and began. The words she wrote were sad. The first rescue ship should have returned month ago, but it failed to show up. As the days passed, people across the planet lost themselves to the finality of their situation. Many fell into a near catatonic depression. Others, facing the prospect of their own Countdown, ended their lives before that suffering could take hold of them.

Finishing with tears in the corner of her eyes. The pain came, wave after wave. She started to cry out, then, it suddenly stopped. Her Countdown had come to an end. The pen slipped through her fingers falling onto the desktop. Her head came down, settling atop her journal. She stared out as her breath departed, and her thoughts faded into the darkness. The last words of her journal read, ‘This is my history. This is for you. For those left behind.’

Chapter 2

Seventy-Three Years Later

Episode 2-1

Errand

Since high school, Tim Anderson and Peter Burke have been the closest of best friends. For more than thirty years, they’ve done everything together, including running the Johnson & Anderson Company with Tim’s grandfather, William Johnson, the Hero of the World. The success of the business has made them two of the richest people on the planet, but at the moment, that meant little. They were currently riding in the company jet, heading for Georgia, and they were feeling a touch resentful at being used.

Tim hit the button to recline the sleeper-chair a little more then asked, Just where are we going again?

Peter looked at his friend and shook his head. We’re going to Georgia, and before you ask me again, we’re going because your grandfather is doing a favor for the Secretary for Defense. You heard him explain it. Stop asking me that question, and stop whining.

I am not whining. Tim protested.

Peter tipped his head and gave Tim his, ‘Oh yes you are’ look.

Tim suppressed a grin as he rubbed the bio-patch on his right palm. And I don’t understand why we can’t use BOB? Why do you think he told us that?

Oh my god Tim. He’s your grandfather. Maybe he thought at forty-five, you’d be old enough to figure it out on your own. Think about where we’re going. He obviously doesn’t want anyone seeing us using it. Especially not there.

Tim smiled at Peter’s answer. He knew Peter was just as irritated about being roped into this as he was, but he couldn’t help having fun with his friend.

Okay Peter. So, why do you think he’s sending us? Why us in particular?

Peter rolled his eyes. He was not going to let Tim drag him back into that discussion again. They had just finished a lengthy meeting in Utah. They were tired and both wanted to go home. But Bill intercepted them before they could get away. He sent them on this errand. Insisted upon it. Peter was shaking his head just thinking about it. Regardless of their age and position within the company, he treated them as if they were still his fifteen year old teenage apprentices, to be ordered about as he wished.

Peter looked at Tim. Tim... I know this trip is irritating you, but please stop bugging me about it. I know you miss Nichole, and the kids. We both want to get back home, and we will, just as soon as we take care of this thing for Bill. You might as well have a drink and relax. I’m going to, then I’m going to get some sleep. Peter reached over and rang for the attendant. She immediately came out from the galley to answer the call.

The attendant returned a few minutes later with Peter’s drink. Giving him a smile and a wink, she let her hand linger on the glass, their fingers touching for a moment, before slowly turning back for the galley. Peter smiled, but ignored the obvious invitation. He didn’t want that kind of distraction at the moment. Honestly, he was just too tired.

Tim, declined the offer for a drink and reclined his sleeper-chair instead. Closing his eyes, he thought about Nichole and the kids. Not long after his Uncle Joe had passed, Tim met Nichole. Tim was certain that Joe would have liked her, and was sorry they never got the chance to meet. Two years ago, they married, and about a year after that, Nichole fell pregnant. That was how she called it. He never did quite understand the use of that particular phrase, but found himself repeating it when talking about her pregnancy. Last year she gave birth to twins, a beautiful baby girl, followed one minute later by a beautiful baby boy.

Peter envied Tim’s relationship with Nichole. Being the wife of Tim Anderson would not be easy, but she seemed to manage it quite well. Tim gave her everything she might want to ask for in life. But that ask would not extend to Tim’s time. That would always be divided between his family, his grandfather, and the business. And likely as not, inequitably. As Tim’s best friend, Peter had made sure Nichole understood the truth of the life she was choosing before she took that leap. To his delight, she didn’t run, but embraced the reality having a husband like Tim Anderson. As far as Peter knew, they’ve never had a fight regarding his time away. No demands to stay home, and no ultimatums to choose one over the other. They seemed to be the perfect match for each other.

Secretly, Peter wanted to have that same kind of relationship for himself. But for Peter, there was only one person who had ever brought out those feeling, and that was a long time ago. It was high school and her name was Susie. To Peter’s dismay, Susie turned out to be a rather shallow person. She broke his heart and moved on to another. Sadly, there has been no one else since.

Episode 2-2

Alan Shultz

Alan Shultz, Specialist Fifth Class of the Army Corps of Engineers, Electronics Division, stood at attention in front of the post Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Harrison.

In the Colonel’s office stood his Company commander, Captain Carlton, and platoon leader, Lieutenant Kitt. There were two others as well that he didn’t recognize. One a Major, the other a single Star General. As he stood, he kept his eyes straight ahead and his body locked at attention, all the while thinking, holy crap. What did I do now?

Three months after turning eighteen, Alan stepped away from his small rural town, and took his first big adventure. He took the three hour bus ride into the city. After walking about with no particular place to go, he found himself standing outside of an Army recruiting station. From there, his life changed in ways he could never have imagined.

After going through basic training, Alan was sent to a specialist school. Five training courses in total. The expectation and complexities of each increased exponentially, one over the other, until only three recruits remained in the final course. Alan and two others.

Alan wasn’t exactly surprised that he had made it to the end. The classes were intriguing, and they were certainly forced him to think in ways he never had before. But they seemed guided. Logical. Although there were a few times when he really struggled. At those moments, the instructor would re-explain the problem, nudged him in the right direction until he discovered the solution. Overall, he didn’t think they were that hard. What did surprised him was that only three of them made it. He didn’t understand why it was so difficult for the others.

The Army was thrilled. Alan was a rare find. Out of a starting class of one hundred, only three made it to the end. As recognition of his capabilities, Alan was advanced to the rank of Specialist, Fifth Class, and assigned to his first duty post at the Electronics Engineering Division. Since joining the Army, Alan’s life was a comparison of the brightness of day and the darkness of the night. The bright part was his training, the darkness was his first duty post. He didn’t like it, and it didn’t like him. Especially his platoon leader, Lieutenant Kitt, who was always on his ass about something.

Stand at ease. Colonel Harrison said.

Yes sir. Alan replied as he brought himself to parade rest with his hands clasped behind his back.

With a nod from the Colonel, the Major stepped forward. Specialist Shultz, I’m Major Greene, and this is General Dressler. We’re from the National Research Center. From this point forward, everything you see, or hear, or do in connection with this meeting is classified as secret. Do you understand?

Yes sir. Alan said.

Good. Major Greene said as he removed a small box from his pocket. We’re here to ask for your help.

Removing the lid, the Major held the box out for Alan to see. Residing inside upon a pad of cotton, appeared to be a quarter inch thick rectangle, made from what Alan thought might be plastic.

We’d like to have your impressions regarding this device.

Ah, yes sir. Alan replied. What is it?

What is it ‘Sir’! Lieutenant Kitt barked. Mind your manners, Shultz.

General Dressler stepped frowned. He appreciated military discipline. It made the military what it is, but he disliked the zealots who couldn’t read a situation and pushed too hard. They had a tendency to disrupt those who had the capacity to actually think. Thank you Lieutenant. I believe we can relax for a moment. I’m sure Specialist Shultz is not being disrespectful. He is simply responding to our request.

Yes Sir. Kitt replied stiffly. Shifting his eyes to stare straight ahead.

The Major continued. For lack of a better term, we’re calling it a Data Tab. We’re actually not sure about that. But it is our current thinking. The Major removed the device from the box and handed it to Alan. We’re hoping you’ll be able to tell us more about this.

Alan had no idea what the device was. He turned it over in his hand. You called it a Data Tab. Should I infer that it holds data... ah sir?

We believe so. The Major answered.

Well sir, at first glance it reminds me of an old style memory stick. They were called thumb drives back then. Newer technology made them obsolete. But this appears to be different.

How so? the Major asked.

Well sir, for one thing, a thumb drive would have a protruding connection point at one end, but this device doesn’t. This has an indentation instead. More like something plugged into it, and not the other way around. I suppose that could just be a difference in design style, but I don’t know. Also, it’s very lightweight. Are you sure it holds data? Alan tossed it up, bouncing it in his hand, testing the weight.

The Major’s eyes widened and quickly reached out for the device. You must be careful Shultz. It’s very valuable. A true one of a kind. I’ll ask you to keep that in mind.

Oh, sorry sir. I’m just trying to figure it out.

We understand. But still, please be careful.

Yes sir. If I may ask, where did it come from?

The Major and the General exchanged a quick glance. General Dressler said, I’m sorry, we’re not at liberty to say at this point.

Alan was shaking his head. Sir I’m sorry but I have no idea what this thing is. It appears to be a piece of plastic. I’m doubtful it holds data.

General Dressler looked a little concerned, Shultz, at first glance, we thought the same thing. However, we have it on good authority that it is more than just a piece of plastic. That same authority suggested it may contain data. If it does, we need that data. And given the location where it was found, we believe it was very important to its owner.

Well if you know who owns it, can’t you just ask them about it?

Manners Shultz. Lieutenant Kitt barked again.

Alan turned his head to the Lieutenant, then quickly back to the General. "Sorry sir, I just thought