by Rob Roth
“We may not have all the pieces, Elysia,” said Jace, “but I think the plans just laid out make sense and would at least strengthen our position. How we deal with Malic himself, though, may be the real challenge. If he’s as strong as you say, I have no idea how we accomplish that.”
“Eld will provide a way, Jace. He always provides a path for us even if we do not understand how it is possible at the time.”
“Great. That gives me a whole lot of comfort,” Jace said with a bit of sarcasm that was totally missed by Elysia, who smiled when she heard Jace say that.
Jace is starting to understand not everything is under our own control. I see progress! she thought to herself. And they would need Eld’s help to defeat Malic, she was sure, before this was over. If they succeeded, that is. It was looking somewhat grim at the moment in her mind. The others had no idea how treacherous Malic was. His knowledge was acquired over thousands of years and he had the power of the Malicon with him. But he is no Eld.
“As I see it,” said Dooley, “we still have a few days before we can catch Steinmacher off base and maybe pressure him to assist with access to the LINAC and the artifact. I think it would be best if we were all here together. Jace, are you and Elysia able to come to Flagstaff?”
“Yes, we will leave tomorrow. No use staying here. Van Dyne is shutting down Project Stardust and plans on getting rid of all the blue dust. He's as concerned as we are about the threat it poses. Besides, he now knows that traveling across the portal for us isn’t possible.”
By Friday, Jace and Elysia had arrived in Flagstaff and checked into the same hotel where the other four were staying. Since the plan was to catch up with Steinmacher in the morning in front of the Victorian brothel, they all met the night before to lay out their plans. They decided that Captain Severs and Jace would meet with Steinmacher, since the Colonel knew Severs, and Jace could use the Elicon stone to prove the truth of their story.
At 10 am, Jace and Daniel saw Colonel Steinmacher get out of his car and approach the steps up to the brothel, and they intercepted him as before.
“Oh,” Steinmacher groaned, “You again. Can’t you leave me in peace. Now you have to bring another friend? I told you everything I know already.”
“Colonel, I’m sorry, but much has happened since we last talked, and now we need your help,” said Severs. “This is your chance to fix what happened seven years ago. I’m afraid those actions are coming back to haunt us, and you are in a unique position where you can make amends. This is Dr. Larkin in case you did not recognize him.”
“Yes, yes, I am quite aware. I assume this has something to do with either that damned blue dust, or the alien spaceship.”
“Actually, it has to do with both, Colonel,” said Jace. “It turns out the two are related. We don’t have much time, so let me give you the short version. Seven years ago, you blew a hole into another dimension, using the LINAC particle beams. The hole you created permits aliens to come here in a spaceship, but they have to remain inside their ship’s force field, or they would be destroyed.
"Recently, General Heissman used the blue dust and a Synchrotron device to create a similar doorway into that same dimension. When he did, a very dangerous alien who calls himself Salem came into our world from there. Unlike the ones in the ship, he can move around freely in our world. He claims to be here to help humanity, but we know otherwise. This person Salem wants the artifact. We don’t know why but we believe it is to communicate with the ship, and possibly call them in order to initiate an attack on our planet.”
“I can’t deny a lot of your story is true,” said Steinmacher, “because I know we blew a hole in space-time, and that the spaceships come periodically. But an alien coming through another dimensional doorway? You might imagine I am having a little difficulty comprehending that.”
“We thought you might need some proof, which is why I came along. You may recall Captain Severs claimed I had found an ‘egg’ in the impact crater at the canyon, and he subsequently took it, and it decomposed into the blue dust. What you don’t know, is that inside the egg was a gem which I found, which can also open a portal to another dimension. It is similar to the blue dust used with the Synchrotron device. Let me demonstrate…”
Jace took out the blue stone and showed it to Steinmacher. Then he closed his fist around it, and within a few seconds, a bright, flaming portal appeared. Once Jace was satisfied that Steinmacher saw enough to convince him, based on his look of utter amazement, he opened his fist and forced the portal to shut down.
“Ok, you've proven your point. But how can I help you?” asked Steinmacher.
“The alien, whose real name is Malic, by the way, wants the artifact,” said Severs. “I locked it in a lower safe within Gromit. I'd like you to park Gromit some place off base where I can access it, so I can remove it and hide it and me far away.”
“Consider it done. I can have it driven to the Barringer crater whenever you want me to. I assume you still have a key?”
“Yes. That would be perfect,” said Severs. “The other thing we need is to get access to the LINAC particle beams. I realize that is asking a lot and may be difficult to arrange.”
“Actually, it may be easier than you think. But why do you need that?”
“If we fail securing the artifact, or by some other means Malic calls the spaceships, we may need to blow them out of the sky.”
“I'm not surprised. You see, we did not know if the aliens were dangerous or not. After we blew that hole, they started coming. Well, believe me, we kept the LINAC's pointed at that hole for a long time. Then, they stopped coming. We assumed once they stopped that the danger was past, but just in case, we built TUFO as a backup, and I was assigned to keep an eye out for them. And, we established protocols such that I as the TUFO commander could take control, target, and fire the beams, should the need arise. I never felt threatened so of course we never fired on them. But those protocols are still in place, controllable from TUFO.”
This was much better than what Jace could have possibly hoped for. “Would it be possible to get two of our military people authorized and on the base should we need to, in an emergency? Dooley Marz and Allison Trask? Both are special forces trained, even though Allison is Australian.”
“I can come up with an excuse I suppose, since we are allies with Australia. I will process the approval forms so they can come on site at a moment's notice.”
“Thank you Colonel,” said Severs. “Your support just may save our country. You can't erase what happened in the past. However, it's your actions going forward that matter now.”
“I wish I could do more,” replied Steinmacher. “And I will certainly do what I am able. Call upon me when you have a need, and I will make these things happen.”
To avoid future scenes of embarrassment, Colonel Steinmacher gave Captain Severs and Jace Larkin his direct phone number. “Please feel free to call me next time,” suggested the Colonel.
General Heissman was fortunate to have been able to arrange a meeting with the top military brass as quickly as he had. To have the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chiefs of staff, and the Secretary of Defense all in one room was itself rather amazing. But then again, meeting an alien from another world doesn't happen every day.
Of course, Heissman smiled, most think this is a joke and want to see me hang myself, because they fear me and my abilities. Well, they will be in for quite a surprise.
As Salem and the General walked through the Halls of the Pentagon toward the special meeting being convened in the main conference room, Heissman noticed that Salem seemed calm and unimpressed by the representation of military might surrounding him. Heissman began to wonder what kind of power must this Salem command?
As they entered the meeting room, Heissman noticed the military brass were standing around chatting, and he heard laughter and joking. Yes, they thought this was a sham, though Heissman. Good, it would make this presentation all the more dramatic.
“Gentlemen, pleas
e be seated,” said the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “and I will call this meeting to order. General Heissman, you and your visitor have the floor.”
“Thank you Mr. Chairman,” started Heissman. “I know many of you here think General Heissman has lost his mind, and you only came today to see for yourselves. I'm sorry to have to disappoint you. Let me give you a little history as to why we are here. Several years ago, a meteorite landed on Earth, and it contained exotic matter — matter unique to that found on Earth and containing unusual properties. After several years of research combined with a particle accelerator, we discovered it could open an interdimensional gateway. We finally succeeded about a week ago, and this visitor named Salem came to us from that other dimension. He is here today as proof of this technical achievement, and his wish is to help our world, as well as our people, to technically advance.”
There was a long pause, then the Chairman said, “Is that it Heissman? That is all you have? You have wasted our time for this travesty?”
Heissman glanced over at Salem and saw he was surprisingly calm and unbothered. Good. This should go over nicely.
“Of course not, you old fool. Salem, please demonstrate your powers.”
As the Chairman stood up, his face red and angry, and he started to voice his disgust of Heissman's behavior, Salem squeezed an orange sphere, and a beam of light came out and apparently disintegrated the Chairman.
At that point there were gasps and fear painted on the Chiefs of Staff, and most jumped up, unsure what to do.
“Calm down gentlemen. The Chairman is quite alright.”
Salem squeezed the ball again and the Chairman reappeared.
“Forgive me for the dramatic demonstration, but I sensed a lack of belief in my presentation and wished to gain your attention and support. Now, if you have further doubts, I'm happy to have Salem disintegrate someone here for real. Any volunteers? No? Then let me turn the floor over to Salem, who will explain why he came to our world.”
As Salem was getting up, the Chairman was silently fuming at being the brunt of Heissman’s little stunt and would not forget being called an ‘old fool’. That little man is dangerous, he thought, but even more dangerous was the one standing up to speak. He has untold powers. The Chairman would have to be careful to hold his tongue and bide his time.
“As General Heissman said,” began Salem, “I am here to bring help to your world. You may not realize it, but you have a problem. Your advancement is being held back because many still cling to old values and beliefs — that there is something undetectable that transcends technology and innovation. I'm here to tell you that it does not exist. Only technology that can solve your problems, and only when you give up those outdated thoughts and beliefs that hold you back. I also have advanced technologies I can give you that will improve you genetically — eliminate the negative traits, strengthen the positive ones, and even create new traits! You will become more perfect, like us, with new exciting abilities!
"And I can help you travel to the stars, which is where your true birthplace was, since you were formed from that interstellar matter eons ago. Trust in the science. Trust in us. Trust that we can deliver the very best to you. I come from an older and wiser race and we know what way works best. Rely on our wisdom, and I promise you will see incredible technical, social and genetic advancements. Thank you.”
There was a pause, and then loud applause broke out as they eagerly stood and honored their now respected guest. Even the Chairman joined in, although it took some effort for him to put on a show of enthusiasm when he was far from certain this visitor was here to help.
After things quieted down, Salem continued. “In order to bring these amazing new capabilities to you, I need your help. My spaceship left me a device with which I can call them, when it is time for them to bring the tools that will help you. However, a person named 'Severs' came into possession of this device, and now he seems to be missing. I would greatly appreciate your help in finding this person, so I may call the ship that is standing by for you, to bring the promised help.”
Daniel and Jace returned and updated the team regarding the Colonel’s willingness to help them reacquire the artifact and gain control of the LINACs if needed. Afterwards they discussed upcoming plans.
“Davis and I will arrange for Steinmacher to have Gromit at the Barringer crater on Monday morning,” said Severs. “We will be parked ahead of time in an RV, keeping a low profile. Once Gromit is dropped off, the driver will have been given instructions to go into the Visitor’s Center. Davis and I will walk over to Gromit, unlock the safe and remove the artifact, stowing it in our own vehicle."
“Then, I think we should get away from here as far as possible,” continued Severs. “How do you feel about a road trip, Davis? I was looking on a map to find someplace out in the middle of nowhere, and I think a trip to Paradise would be nice. That is, Paradise, Kansas. We can park somewhere along Paradise Creek. With two of us driving we could even do the fourteen-hour drive straight through. It’s about forty-five minutes from Russell Kansas, where we can get supplies as needed.
"If for some reason we are found and the artifact taken, then call Steinmacher immediately and tell him to initiate Stardust. He will know that means Allie and Dooley will be heading to the TUFO entrance, and Steinmacher will arrange for you to be given access and escorted to his office. From there the three of you will go to the special LINAC control room which only Steinmacher and his second in command, Collins, have access to.”
“That sounds like a reasonable plan, Daniel,” said Jace. “Frankly, I’m not sure what Elysia and I should be doing. Elysia fears if we get too close to Malic, he may detect us through his Malicon, since we carry the Elicons. But as I think about it, that could also be useful. If the time comes that he does call the ship, I can at least distract his attention, giving Dooley and Allie time to fire the LINACs. We don’t know all that Malic can do with his Malicon, but Elysia assures me it is powerful — maybe even powerful enough to stop the LINACs if he perceived the threat. We can’t take that chance. So, I might have to act as a diversion."
“Jace… that could be very, very dangerous,” said Dooley. “You and Elysia would be sitting ducks.”
“I know I would likely be in danger, but distraction may be the only play we have.” Jace didn’t have to say anything more, but they knew what he was thinking. He said ‘I’, not ‘we’. If it came to that point, he would sacrifice himself to save both Elysia and his world.
“I hope there is some other way,” Jace spoke softly with concern in his voice. “I keep hoping maybe there’s someone else Elysia’s Eld chose who will show up and have the ability to confront Malic.”
The others were quiet, but Allison could not keep silent any longer. “Jace!” she exclaimed, “Wake up, mate! There is no ‘plan B’!”
Now that she had their attention, she turned toward Elysia and asked her, “How many times did Eld send an Elicon stone to find someone worthy enough, on our world, Elysia?”
“Three times,” she answered.
“One was sent near the Barringer crater, Jace. The one you found,” said Allison. “The one before that was a year and a half ago, near Wolfe Creek Crater. Does that ring a bell?”
“Yes, of course,” he answered. “Dooley and I were right by that spot and we just missed the impact due to an unexpected event…”
“And Van Dyne learned of the other one from Heissman. It occurred almost five years ago. Near the Nördlinger Ries. It fell on June 28th. Does that date sound familiar, Jace?”
It was as if Allison had slapped Jace in the face. Of course, he knew that date, and he would never forget it. That was the day he and Dooley found out Kaylin had been in her accident. They were in Nördlingen but had to leave unexpectedly...
“Jace, it’s been you all the time. That Eld you talk about has been trying to get an Elicon stone to you for five years! Now, I don’t know much about him, but from what Elysia says, he knows what he is doing
. He has a plan. And mate, you are it whether you realize it or not!”
Jace didn’t know what to say. What Allison said all added up. But how could he possibly stand against Malic and the power of his Malicon stone? Jace, the one designated to save the world? He thought Eld surly made a mistake entrusting that to him. Why Jace?
Or, maybe he wasn't intended to defeat Malic, he realized. Maybe he was meant to be a sacrifice — to permit his friends to have a chance to defeat Malic. If so, he sure hoped he found the strength when the time came, to do whatever he must do.
Severs called Steinmacher much later that day, not wishing to totally ruin the Colonel’s Saturday. First Severs explained the planned protocol for initiating Stardust, should the need arise. Then he was able to solicit Steinmacher’s commitment to have Gromit at the Barringer crater by 9 am on Monday. Steinmacher had instructed the driver to park the vehicle in the bus parking lot, and then go in and take the Guided Rim Tour, because Steinmacher wanted some high-res photos to be taken from the viewing platforms. That would give Severs plenty of time to access the safe and take possession of the artifact.
“Ok,” said Severs. “Tomorrow it is. Davis and I will collect that artifact and then get the hell out of Dodge.”
Early Monday morning, before the sun had come up, Captain Severs and Specialist Davis got into the RV they had leased. It was well-stocked with food, clothing, camping gear, fishing gear, and a full tank of gas. Severs figured that as long as they were going to be out in the wilderness near a creek for a while, they might as well have some fun camping and fishing.
The drive was actually quite pleasant, as the sun was just coming up and the day appeared to be clear. Severs figured they could pick up the artifact around 9:15 am and be on their way. Davis had checked the map and thought they should plan to stop at around 5 pm near Springer, New Mexico. It was about halfway, and they switched roads at that point anyway. Rather than drive the whole way and be exhausted, they decided to make it a more leisurely trip.
They were still pretty early, so they found a quaint little restaurant on the way to stop and have a nice breakfast of pancakes and coffee. It was a little noisy with the morning crowd, but the food was excellent. After they finished, they continued on their way, and before too long arrived at Meteor Crater. Severs decided to pull into the bus parking lot and park near one corner so they would be out of the way. A few vehicles were parked here and there, but not many.