by Ethan Stand
Finally, after a long pause where Zen just stared at Phil, she said, “OK, I’ll ask, but I won’t beg. I’m only doing this because I’m scared. We, as in the Earth, don’t have enough time to get things started as it is. You know those effects I said would show up in a few weeks? Well I was off by a few weeks, they’ve already started, and the evidence is piling up, but no one is prepared or even starting to get ready. I also don’t want you to scare Hal. You and I both know we won’t be allowed to leave just yet, no matter what we want to do. Me asking doesn’t change that we want to head home. It just moves that little battle of wills until after today’s meeting.”
Phil didn’t dispute any of what she said. He just said, “Thank you.”
When BB and Ed reappeared, Zen said, “Mum, Dad, Phil asked nicely. I’m not thrilled, but I’m scared enough not to let my pride get in the way of our survival. If it is OK with you, I’ll help you put something together you can take to the meeting. If not, I’m ready to leave.”
Ed closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths, then said, “No, it isn’t OK with us. Mum and I have decided we won’t brief anyone. It’s not a matter of pride, but of principle. You know the data better than we do and you should be the one presenting it. We’ll agree to go with you for support, but we won’t agree with you being sidelined and treated like dirt. We’re proud that you’re not interested in getting the credit, but beginning the journey by being all politically correct instead of making the correct decisions is just plain stupid. We heard what you said to Phil and agree with not scaring Hal if we can help it.”
Zen turned to Phil and said, “It’s up to you.”
Phil looked at his watch and said, “I’ll take what I can get. How long do you need to get ready?”
“From my perspective, I’m ready now. It all depends on what you wanted.”
“We have a list of things Jillian and I found confusing when we tried to explain it to someone else. I can let you look at that as we head to Parliament House.”
Turning to her parents, Zen said, “I’d like at least one of you to come, but I don’t like the idea of Hal being in pushed into a strange daycare for a second day in a row.”
Ed looked at BB, then said, “Agreed. Let mum go with you. The bits they seemed most confused about had to do with gravity. I’ll watch Hal. We’ll visit the national museum and then go to the park.”
Zen just nodded then went to say goodbye to Hal. She was pretty sure her parents had made the decision for other reasons than the ones stated. Her mother was better at networking, and with the mood her dad was in, it was likely he’d do something rash if pushed. Even more to the point, Ed and Zen’s rebellious natures tended to feed off each other, and Zen needed BB there to help keep her calm.
When Zen returned, she nodded at her mum and stepped towards the door. Phil put out his hand to stop her, then looking highly embarrassed he said, “Um, please don’t take this wrong but do you happen to have anything else to wear? Something more academic?”
Zen just raised her eyebrows before saying, “Sure, I have yesterday’s dirty cargo pants and t-shirt or my PJ’s. Which would you prefer? Feel free to mix and match.”
BB stepped in and said, “Zhenyi, stop being so snarky. I’m sure Phil understands we didn’t plan on needing anything more formal. I’m sure there is a shop on the way, and we have a few minutes if we aren’t getting a presentation ready. I could do with something more formal as well.”
Zen turned to say something but BB’s voice hardened, “Zen, enough. Let it go. You’ve made your point, and it is now time to be gracious.”
Zen might have continued if she hadn’t caught Ed’s wink. She was pretty sure he was trying to see how far she could push it and realised that BB was just trying to calm everyone down. Her concerns about the future suddenly came back into focus, and she realised her mother had a point. Swallowing her reply and working to keep the sarcasm out of her voice, and failing, she said, “OK, that sounds like a plan. Lead on Dr Bateman. Take us to your favourite boutique.”
Phil just took a deep breath, mouthed a ‘thank you’ at BB and led the way to the elevator. Almost an hour later Zen and BB, both dressed in new slacks, blouses and shoes, followed Phil from a private government car park under Parliament House and into the elevator. Altogether, Phil’s business account was one and a half thousand dollars lighter and Zen’s attitude slightly appeased at getting him to pay. Phil understood, but he’d received a report on Zen’s finances earlier that morning and knew she earned more than he did, by a large margin.
Dr Jillian Winters met them in the corridor near the elevators, then walked them to a secure room. Two security officers kept watch over BB and Zen as Jillian and Phil entered the main conference room. Over the next few minutes, Zen watched as people she’d seen on the news over the last few years walked past where she and BB were waiting. Ten minutes later, Phil appeared and said, “OK, Zen, you are up. This is a meeting of the National Security Committee. Everyone inside is a member of Cabinet except for Jillian, myself, two of our leading scientists, both of whom have top-level clearances, and the Chief of the Defence Force. The last ten minutes have been spent reviewing the protocols for the meeting. Only the Prime Minister is aware of your hypothesis. The other committee members are the Deputy Prime Minister, the Attorney-General, the Treasurer, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Home Affairs.
“The Prime Minister has already put his neck out by calling for an emergency meeting of senior representatives of our allies. In theory, he should have asked this group first. That he didn’t shows he understands the need to provide a momentum to the response. Please try to keep your temper in check. None of these people even begin to approach Mother Theresa in either humility or grace.”
Zen nodded, then she and BB followed Phil into the conference area.
7
Everyone was sitting as Zen entered the room, and her appearance stopped the small murmur of conversation as everyone’s focus shifted to her and BB. Dr Winters stood and introduced each of the committee members and the three co-opted members, then faced the Committee and said, “You all know Phil Bateman, my Director of Cybersecurity. Our guests are Dr Biàn who is a full professor at the University of Queensland and her daughter, Zhenyi Drakos, who goes by the name of Zen. Zen’s father is Dr Evangelos Drakos, who is also a professor at the university. Dr Biàn, her husband and Zen are all Australian citizens. I have asked Zen to present the material we are considering today.
“While Zen sets up her material, let me remind you that you may not take any notes from this room, regardless of the format. You all have writing material, but this is to help you focus and must remain in the room. Are there any questions?”
Paul Duncan, the Home Affairs Minister, who was known for being rather blunt, asked, “Why is Ms Drakos presenting the material? She can’t be older than twenty.”
Jillian nodded and said, “Zen is sixteen. She is in Grade 11. She is presenting because the research and hypothesis are hers. The data is also hers, and she understands what is happening better than anyone else on this planet. I can see some of you looking dubious. While I understand your reaction, I would ask you to put a hold on your scepticism until you’ve heard the presentation.”
Zen was ready and nodded to Jillian, who sat down. Zen was nervous, but as soon as the first image of the Draconis constellation appeared on the screen, she settled down. This was the third time she’d presented the material, and it was clear from the lack of interruptions that she’d gauged the level almost perfectly.
There was the expected outburst when she mentioned aliens, but after the Prime Minister, Steven Morris, had calmed everyone down, Zen gave a modified explanation of the science. When she’d finished speaking there was silence for a while before Jillian asked, “Are there any questions?”
The Chief of the Defence Force, Alistair Fletcher, said, “Zen, you explained that we would see the effects of these ‘gravity waves’
almost immediately, but you gave no examples. What do you think is likely to happen?”
Zen looked down at her screen and had three different tables appear on the monitors. She said, “The first table is from Geoscience Australia. It is a sampling of data from earlier today, and it shows an increase in average seismic activity. The increase is minimal at this stage, but if it continues at these levels, we will see an increase in the frequency and intensity of earthquakes. I know it has only been two days, but if you plot the activity over those two days, it is clear the increase is sustained. Two more months of this, especially as the gravitational waves increase in amplitude, and I’d predict that all the major fault lines will be more active than at any other time in our history. The ‘Big One’ that everyone is waiting for, wherever it is in the world, will happen. California, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, everywhere will be affected. With this activity will be an increase in volcanic activity and tsunamis. Air quality, sea levels, etc., etc.
“The second table shows some data I pulled from NASA this morning. They not only watch space but also things like the Earth’s magnetic field. Again there is a greater than usual activity in the planet’s field. Its unit of measurement is the Gauss, and it usually ranges from a quarter of a Gauss to point six five Gauss. It’s fluctuated in the last twelve hours between point three and point six. Not only that, but the direction the magnetic poles were moving has shifted. Two months of this added to the associated changes in solar activity all means an increase in harmful radiation, GPS systems will fail, electronic components will fail, weather systems will change, species will die out, and so on.”
As Zen turned to the third graph, the general agitation in the room had reached such a level that Steven Morris said, “Everyone, calm down. I understand how you feel. Zen, what you’re saying sounds almost cataclysmic. Is it really that bad?”
One of the scientists, a Dr Kaminski, interrupted before Zen could respond. She said, “No Prime Minister, it’ll be worse. If anything, Zen has understated the effects. When she first explained what she thought was happening, I couldn’t fault the science but I didn’t want to accept it and have been trying to think of another explanation. My field of research is the honey bee. Over the last three years, there has been a severe decline in honey bee numbers. We’ve been ascribing this to man-made interference. The constant repetitive high-frequency changes in the magnetic field would also explain that. If the changes increase as predicted, we may lose most, or all, of our primary pollinators throughout the world. We’re talking hunger and famine if we add the other climate effects. I could go on and on, but honestly, I don’t want to.
“I don’t want to hear about that last slide. It looks to be data on solar activity. Besides the outcomes Zen has already mentioned, I could add dozens more. I’m terrified. The fact that Zen says she’s known this for three days and with her obvious intellect, that she is still coherent amazes me. Add the possibility that the visitors might be hostile, and all I want to do I curl up in a ball and weep for the world my grandchildren will grow up in—if they survive at all.”
Dr Kaminski’s voice was almost a whisper when she finished, and the room was silent. Again, it was the Prime Minister who tried to refocus the room. He said, “Let’s break for twenty minutes to give you time to discuss what we’ve heard and to have lunch. A trolley will bring food. Dr Biàn, Zen, I would like you both to stay in case we have any questions.”
When he’d finished speaking, the room went still with people only moving when Jillian stood to talk privately with Zen. “That was a brilliant presentation. How are you holding up?”
“I’m tired, and honestly, a bit overwhelmed.”
Jillian chuckled and said, “I don’t blame you. Just to warn you, I’m going to recommend you also do the presentation to the meeting of world leaders. I was upset this morning when you derailed my plans, but this worked out for the best. Take a break, I’m pretty sure they will have questions, so try and relax.”
BB came over and gave Zen a hug then said, “Well done, sweetheart. I just wanted to say I’m glad you felt so strongly this needed to be dealt with this way.”
After lunch, Zen and BB answered questions for another hour before the Prime Minister said, “Thank you all for coming. I’ve arranged time this afternoon and tomorrow to meet with each of you individually. As you know, I initiated a meeting for as early as next week with our allies and have since invited several other countries to send representatives as observers. This includes representatives from the permanent members of the UN Security Council. I understand it was premature but felt the situation warranted the breach of our guidelines. Does anyone want to question that decision?”
There was no dissent and a strong agreement that it was the only move that made sense. Mr Morris said, “Thank you. Nothing of what was said today in this meeting is to be discussed. There will be no leaks to the press, no discussion with your families, no phone calls where this matter is discussed, even between people who are here. You may not tell your deputies, you may not tell your assistants, your secretaries, or your constituents. None of you is to google pulsars, you may not request information on the observatories. I could go on, but I think you get the point. I declare this meeting closed. The minutes will be circulated as per protocol. Take nothing with you that is supposed to stay here.”
Zen unplugged her storage drives and put them in her bag. Alistair Fletcher watched her, then stepped over and said, “Jillian, perhaps those disks should be stored more securely.”
Jillian nodded. “I agree, Alistair, and I had every intention of relieving Zen of them. I’ve received advice from my Director of Cybersecurity that I should leave that battle until tomorrow. Apparently, Zen feels strongly about her ownership rights.”
“What about our national interests?”
“Again, I agree.”
Zen smiled and held the drives out to Jillian. She said, “Here you are. Feel free to look after them, I have copies.”
Jillian didn’t take them and said, “Thank you, but I’m going to take Phil’s advice. You might smile like an angel, but he said you were more likely the devil in disguise. My budget isn’t large enough to keep paying for the damages. Off you go.”
Zen took them back, and after grinning at Alistair, she left with BB and Phil, as Jillian filled Alistair in with the details of earlier in the day. Phil led Zen and BB back to the SUV and after opening the door said, “I have to stay here. We’ve booked the suite for at least another few days. We are looking to find a more secure place for you to stay. These men will stay with you just to keep you safe and out of mischief if you have to leave the hotel for any reason. Is there anything else that you need?”
BB shook her head, but Zen said, “I’ve been sitting around for a few days and need to exercise. Is there an indoor climbing facility, or maybe a gym with boxing or a martial arts facility? I need to do something.”
“There’s a gym at ASIO. I’ll have the agents arrange access for you.”
Zen thanked Phil, then she and BB headed off.
Two hours later, Zen was ushered into the ASIO gym, dressed in some new gym clothes. This time she’d paid for them herself. The gym was bigger than most and had maybe twenty agents either using weights, sparring or exercising using the equipment. Zen borrowed some gloves and began working by herself using the punching bag. She then used the speed bag before changing the gloves to those used in kickboxing and working through some of her martial arts moves back with the larger bag. After thirty minutes she was covered in sweat but felt better than she had in days.
From time to time, the other agents would approach those guarding her, but each time they were discouraged from even saying a word. Finally, one of the trainers spoke with her guards than stepped close. He waited until Zen took a break, then said, “Hi, I’m John and I’ve permission to talk. I’m the head instructor here. I know nothing except that Dr Bateman said I’m not even allowed to ask for your name. I was watching though, and it looks like you
’re too tense. I’ve been there and sometimes hitting the bag just isn’t enough. When I feel like that, what I really need is to hit someone. You know what I mean?”
Zen nodded and said, “Oh yeah. Think you could arrange to get Dr Bateman or Dr Winter down here?”
The trainer laughed loudly for a moment then said, “Nope, but I do understand your pain. We do however have agents here who could benefit from a beating. I saw bits of boxing, taekwondo, aikido and some capoeira. How competent are you?”
“I don’t box in tournaments anymore, but I’m an accredited level one coach. I’ve a black belt in each of the martial arts and am an accredited instructor in both taekwondo and aikido.”
John shook his head and said, “That rules out all of these guys. Let me make a call. One of our instructors is on her day off but she’s closest to your level and she lives near here. Do fifteen minutes slow, then build it back up over five. By then she’ll be here and ready to go.”
Zen nodded and returned to her workout. As promised, a woman in her mid to late twenties entered the gym ten minutes later and immediately began warming up. Ten minutes after that John made his way over and said, “This is Miriam, she’s on exchange from Israel. Miriam uses krav maga and both boxes and learnt that Wing Chun shit. Miriam, I’m not allowed to ask our friend’s name but she’s trained in boxing, taekwondo, aikido and capoeira and needs to beat someone up. That someone is you. What do you think?”
Before Miriam could respond, Zen said, “How about full safety gear and then a free for all? I’ll need a mouthguard.”
Miriam grinned and agreed. Five minutes later and the three of them stepped into the ring. Everyone else had stopped what they were doing and gathered to watch. Zen and Miriam touched gloves, then stepped back. John brought his hand down and Miriam sprang forward only to be blocked by Zen. For the next five minutes, the two punched, kicked, grappled and body-slammed each other before John stepped between them and said, “Break! Let’s have a one minute rest period before round two. It’s still too close to call.”