The Council of Hhearn Trilogy Box Set

by P F Walsh

  “I’ll get the ball rolling on the National Guard to set up the ellipse, you can turn on your bubble machine and start making things happen. This is going to be amazing!” The President and Sean had agreed that if he was successful the ship would land on the Ellipse near the White house. All that remained now was a time.

  With a completely planned out schedule put together secretly by Secretary of State Lewis and his staff, the White House sent out group notices to all media that an urgent announcement affecting the whole world would be made at two P.M. from the White House by the President. The media scrambled to get their top reporters on site, but they were a bit confused since at the same time, they were told to set up cameras on special platforms provided by the National Guard on the Ellipse for a following ceremony that would take place at four P.M. Panic ensued with the technical teams to get their broadcast trucks out there and set up. It had been a long time since they had such short notice from the White House.

  On all three networks and cable channels, programs were interrupted.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, this program has been interrupted to bring you a special urgent broadcast by the President of The United States from the White House.”

  The cameras cut to the White House hall where standing microphones had been set up. Several staffers and the Secretary of State stood by awaiting the President who always enjoyed walking down the hall to the microphones. This gave him a chance to see who was there and who was likely to throw questions or interruptions to his address. The Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority leader had been invited as well but did not know what the President was going to say. When they had asked him what it would be, the President simply said,

  “This will be your formal notification. It would be very wise to show up.”

  The President approached the microphones, shook hands with the Secretary and the leaders of both houses, finally turning to the press as the still cameras clicked, and the broadcast cameras all showed red lights. The President did not have a Teleprompter or notes. He just began.

  “Good afternoon. Today, I bring news of the most incredible and amazing sort to my fellow Americans and the world. Some weeks ago, one of our retired Air Force Officers was randomly contacted by an alien technology. This technology was an artificial intelligence transported to our solar system in a starship called a Seeker. The ship and its artificial intelligence are explorers seeking other sentient planets and systems to add to the entity we now know as The Council of Worlds. There are fifty of them. Yes, life not only exists outside our solar system, but it is highly advanced beyond us in many respects, and not so much in others.”

  “At that time, the burden placed upon our planet was both a great opportunity and threatening one at the same time. The Seeker randomly chose what it believed to be a suitable, average resident of our planet and required him to travel back to the main world of the Council and present a case for membership inclusion. No option for our world’s participation in the selection of the representative was permitted by the Seeker. If the chosen representative was unsuccessful in his or her presentation for membership, our planet would be relegated to vassal status. This would be a state in which every country would lose all governmental powers and come under an imposed alien administration. This alien administration would utilize our planet’s resources and inhabitants in indentured servitude. A fancy term for virtual slavery. There would be no offers of exit from this imposed condition, ever. The military capability of the alien forces would make this a certainty.”

  “How do I know all this to be true? I have personally been up to the starship, and have met both the artificial intelligence, the chosen Earth representative who is an American retired Air Force Officer, and I toured the starship. It is huge and extremely powerful. No one on this planet has anything like it or could stand up to it. You will see that for yourself shortly.”

  “The good news is, our presentation made by our American retired Air Force Officer was successful, and we have been accepted into the Council of Worlds as a full and free trading member! This amazing achievement was never a surety, and the burden carried by this Officer was the largest any man has ever borne. We are extremely proud of him and his singular achievement that affects us all no matter where you are on this planet. He is a senior citizen. His name is retired Air Force Captain Sean Flynn of Palm Springs California.” The President paused to let all of this sink in.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Book One

  At the Atrium Restaurant in Rancho Mirage California,

  “What did he say?” Shouted Artie, “Is he talking about Sean?”

  They all became very animated as they watched the TV’s in the Atrium restaurant while finishing a late lunch.

  “Pacific Crest trail, my ass, he’s been shooting around space in a spaceship with aliens. I told you he couldn’t find a local girlfriend!” Said Karl.

  “Shut up guys, let’s listen for Christ’s sake,” Shouted Al.

  The President continued., “I know this is a lot to digest, but the main point is that there is other life bearing planets out there, they are organized and our membership in this galactic consortium has been secured once we sign the Council of World’s Member charter. This will bring about many new challenges, and many new possibilities.”

  “Now, I expect that there will be lots of screaming and accusations from our fellow earth governments about a singular representation of the whole of Earth’s interests, but there are two unassailable facts everyone should know. First, the Seeker offered no opportunity to influence who got selected, that was out of anyone’s hands, nor do we know what criteria it used.”

  “Second, the major powers of other governments were notified by me personally of this event, and chose not to participate or to believe the event was really happening. I completely reject, in advance, any complaints now.”

  “Finally, you will all get a chance to see the starship by yourself. It is scheduled to land on the Ellipse near the White House at four P.M. It will be bringing the following persons:”

  “Director General of Interplanetary Affairs Nasht-Mer and her Diplomatic staff from the Council of Worlds”

  “Captain Sean Flynn, American senior citizen, retired Air Force Captain.”

  “Doris Lang, Los Angeles Police Officer on leave.”

  “Major Maja-Ben Security Officer for the Diplomatic Service of Hhearn”

  “Maestro Menasha Reisman,”

  “Three representatives from three of Earth’s top fashion designers.”

  “And finally, the members of a well-known symphony orchestra who participated in the successful presentation.”

  “The Director General and her Senior Security person will be our guest at the White House. Her staff and the remaining security force will be accommodated at Blair House. We will set up a meeting later in the week with her and Secretary of State Lewis. The Secretary has been in on this project from the beginning, and he has also been up to the ship. In this meeting we will include the major governmental diplomats who sit on the UN Security Council to become familiar with the charter we must sign.”

  “That is all for today, now I must go and prepare to meet out new galactic friends who have traveled twenty-seven light years to be here today. Thank you”

  The President walked away from the microphones as dozens of reporters screamed questions at him. He ignored them. When he got back to his office, he told Elizabeth he wouldn’t accept any calls except from the British.

  “This is going to be one helluva day today!” He smiled, knowing the panic spreading throughout the halls of all of America’s adversaries. He suspected earlier that one of them might try to attack the Seeker so two hours before he left his office to go to deliver his announcement, he ordered the military to Defcon Three, a heightened alert of readiness. Any interference in U.S. skies would be met with a huge armada of fighter aircraft now being prepped to escort the Seeker down. Washington was ringed with anti-aircraft missile defenses on alert, a
nd all of America’s satellite sensors were on max scan for any missile launches from abroad. Sean had arranged the Seeker to squawk a friendly IFF transponder signal.

  “Time to squeeze in a little late lunch if I can get my stomach to stop jumping around.” He thought. He was pleased he didn’t fumble any words while he gave the speech of his life. “All good, let’s eat something.” he thought.

  By four P.M. the ground around the ellipse and the National Guard security line was filled with thousands of people including people from every embassy in Washington. No special place was reserved for the embassy people as a slight for not participating in the earlier planning for this outcome. The President, Secretary of State, the two leaders of Congress, and some of their staffs were standing on a reception platform with clear view of the camera stand. They chatted among themselves and wondered if it was safe to be standing this close to the landing site. Sean had called the President while the ship was approaching Earth to confirm their arrival time, and when that very question was posed, advised that it was quite safe to stand there, just do not be underneath the ship as it settles down. The President assured everyone it was safe.

  As the thousands of onlookers and the dignitaries waited someone shouted

  “Look, here it comes!”

  All eyes and cameras looked up to see a small dot approaching them. It grew bigger and bigger as it slowly descended, ignoring the pull of gravity and issuing no reverse thrust anyone could see. The ship gently settled onto the ground in the center of the ellipse. It covered most of the area with its huge size. The hum everyone could hear during its settling suddenly declined and disappeared. This was it! A starship had landed in Washington. Eyes all over the world were focused on TV screens. One man in the back of the crowd wearing a tin foil hat held up a makeshift sign that read,

  “See, I told you!”

  As the ship had approached Earth, Sean was in a minor quandary, what to wear leaving the ship, all he had were his original civilian clothes more suited for travel and hiking than a grand presentation to the world eyes. He finally settled on his formal Hhearn garments as Earth’s representative and Captain of the Seeker. He knew this would be a bit confusing to the assembled viewers world over, trying to visually sort out the Earth people from the Aliens, but that is what he decided to go with.

  Sean and the whole entourage gathered in the cargo bay many of them shaking each other’s hands or embracing. Sean wasn’t sure they were glad to be home or celebrating their success, perhaps both. It didn’t matter, the moment was at hand to be accountable to earth either for plaudits or criticism both of which were sure to come. Sean tried to arrange for Nasht-Mer to be first to exit the ship but she insisted that they do so together establishing the partnership imagery immediately. Sean recognized her expertise and correct assessment as soon as she said it. They both stood together and told Allister to lower the ramp.

  As Sean and Nasht-Mer emerged from the shadow of the ship onto the ramp, the crowd roared with excitement. Sean and Nasht-Mer both dressed in white robes stood there for a few minutes waving to the crowd until Sean extended his hand out down the ramp for Nasht-Mer to precede him toward the greeting delegation. Doris and Major Maja-Ben followed, Doris in her Hhearn garb and Maja in his black uniform.

  After them came the Symphony Conductor Menasha Reisman who sauntered down the ramp waving nonchalantly like he did this every day. Next, were the three Fashion House representatives. They stood a bit longer in front of the entrance to the ship, arms locked together as the ones on the end waved to the cameras, hoping for recognition and the envy which was inevitable. They moved on down the ramp followed by the musicians all waving excitedly, some carrying their instruments, and smiles bigger than ever. Next, came the Diplomatic and Security staffs. Some copying those who preceded by waving and smiling, others just filed down the ramp not sure what was protocol. Everyone except the first four were shunted along another route lined with security personnel to a small group of waiting buses to be hustled away to a classified hotel location for debriefing and protection from the hungry press. The Diplomatic and Security personnel were bused to The Blair House near The White House.

  As Sean had walked down the ramp toward the waiting President and dignitaries, he wondered whether he should salute as a retired officer or just shake hands. He decided the politic thing to do would be to shake hands and not send a message of this being an American military operation.

  He walked up to the President with his hand outstretched to meet with the President’s already outstretched hand including a huge smile.

  “Welcome back Sean, I can’t express America’s appreciation for what you have done. We’ll talk about that later. Now, please introduce me to the lovely lady you have brought back with you.” The President spoke with the finest of his smooth deliveries since the world was not only watching, it was listening too. Sean turned slightly toward Nasht-Mer and said,

  “Mr. President may I present Nasht-Mer, Director General of Interplanetary Affairs for the Council of Worlds and Her Highness the Duchess of Mer.” The President took her hand in a gentle grasp and exclaimed, “Madam Director, I am truly honored to make your acquaintance and may I immediately express how grateful we are for your participation in this event. I look forward to Earth becoming one of your favorite places to visit.”

  Nasht-Mer smiled at his welcome and replied through her translator,

  “Mr. President Thank you for this wonderful reception, I am delighted to be here for such a happy event and let me say my pleasure is as great as yours at this outcome. I would also like to compliment your State on Captain Flynn’s marvelous presentation which won over the Council for immediate membership. His intuitive initiative and courage were absolutely sterling.”

  Nasht-Mer stepped aside with Sean to allow the President to greet Doris and Major Maja-Ben. They then turned to greet the Secretary of State Lewis, and the leaders of both house of Congress along with the favored heads of industry. No media was permitted to be close by but the media cameras and microphones picked up every bit of this momentous occasion with running dialogues by their top commentators.

  Sean whispered into his communicator to Allister, “Close it up Allister, no entry without me, and raise shields.” The ship’s ramp began to close and soon the ship was sealed, and suddenly, a blue film seemed to envelope the ship to the “ooo’s,” and “ahh’s” of the crowd.

  All of Sean’s Palm Springs friends were excited and were sharing with diners at nearby tables that Sean was their buddy and lived in Palm Springs.

  Al kept repeating, “I told you he would find a girlfriend, look at her, she’s gorgeous, and an alien too. Way to go Sean!” He shouted. The rest of the group ignored him except Mel.

  “Al, I think you really need to cut back on your meds.”

  Elsewhere in Palm Springs, Sean’s ex-wife was watching as well with her mouth hanging open.

  Every woman who Sean had dated over the years that was watching was suddenly prepared to tell her friends she was his girlfriend. Sean’s children and grandchildren were not watching but by dinner time learned Sean was the most important man in the solar system. They all watched the re-runs on cable over and over, amazed and couldn’t wait to talk to him about it. His cell phone, of course, was not answering calls and his voice mailbox was full. They would just have to wait until this all cooled down and he came home. Then, they wondered will he be coming home at all?

  The Mayor of Palm Springs with the hasty cooperation of the City Council, declared that this day would be known as Sean Flynn day going forward on the City Calendar. Sean’s neighbors called the Police for added neighborhood protection around Sean’s house to suppress the thrill seekers and press who all wanted pictures of Sean’s home, especially inside. The police parked a cruiser in front of his home. Sean’s neighbor who was taking care of his kitty was bombarded with financial offers for pictures inside of his house, and the kitty too. She declined and slammed her door on them.

 
The local super market in the mall nearby put up a big sign, “Sean Flynn shops here.” And so, the notoriety spread as well as those who wish to attach themselves to it. None of this was known to Sean who had just left the White House with Doris to go to The Blair House and to get a hamburger with fries. He would call his kids and Artie tomorrow.

  The President took Nasht-Mer and Maja-Ben on a tour of the White House. He showed her the room she would be staying in while on Earth, and asked her if it was satisfactory, she was very pleased and said so, as was Maja-Ben when brought to his adjacent room. The President wisely wanted her to stay at The White House so he could assure top security and safe access to her in the next few weeks. He arranged use of the White House meeting rooms for her to use until Hhearn had its own embassy offices. Foreign diplomats meeting with her to arrange charter signings and business pursuits were certain to stay businesslike while in the White House since many would assume the room was being monitored, despite it wasn’t. Nasht-Mer agreed this was best for now. Security was assured. It was clear the calamity caused by the ship’s arrival and the knowledge of other worlds with powerful weapons would whet the appetites of several enemies of the U.S.

  Tonight, would be a rest up night, perhaps a few cocktails and then allow her to retire. Tomorrow during the day there would be a few private meetings with her and her staff to set up the bigger meeting with the other heads of state and diplomats. That night there would also be a formal State dinner in her honor with Sean, Doris, and Major Maja-Ben.

  Finally, alone, Sean reached for his freshly charged cell phone to call his son, he realized that he was the most newsworthy person on Earth except for Nasht-Mer. He was also forced to accept that several hostile powers on Earth would be trying to learn anything they could about his personal matters as leverage in what is certain to be huge negotiations. That consideration caused him to realize that his cell phone is likely tapped by several agencies including the NSA. He would have to be careful about what he said when he called his son. He also thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to warn Doris as well.