by M I A Harba
Entanglement has been successfully observed at the atomic levels. He hadn’t heard of large bodies, as large as small stones or human bodies, being entangled. Of course, he wasn’t a physicist, and therefore he wouldn’t be able to perform such experiments, anyway.
When he arrived at the house, he set out to write a reply to Dr Khalifa. He expressed his happiness that the Archaeology Department was interested in his find and stated the exact GPS coordinates. He mentioned he was more than happy to host the expedition during their time out here. He enclosed the shell of the sea animal he found and asked him to date it if possible. He enveloped the letter to send with the driver on the next supply delivery.
He prepared dinner and sat down in the living room re-reading the book by Jon Keel, about the UFO phenomenon. The elusive guest messed up his mind, and he couldn’t get him, or the experience with him, out of his mind. He wished he didn’t meet him or went with him on his adventure. It made him even doubt his own sanity.
His mind strayed back to the speed of light and how there were situations where it was exceeded. It showed that man did not understand everything, and therefore, it was unrealistic to believe one theory or another.
Even the accepted Theory of Relativity has its limitations in this respect. It certainly describes a space-time reality accurately, as verified time and again by various experiments. It is possible spacetime is not the objective reality, but a user-interface to the objective reality as some researchers believe. This means the physical laws so far discovered may apply to this user interface, but not necessarily to the objective reality.
This elusive visitor probably belongs deep in the objective reality, and this explains why we are unable to understand his phenomenon. He cursed again the elusive guest, for he could longer think of anything without him jumping right into his argument.
Sam, reluctantly, became convinced he had no chance of understanding the objective reality, and science could not explain it at our stage of understanding. Our senses and the way we evolved was a huge limitation. Religion’s version of explaining reality was perhaps the easiest to understand and believe in, with no complications or undue need of experimentation.
But he wasn’t giving up yet but might need to revert to philosophy, rather science, to explain the unexplainable. He had no idea where to start, and he never enjoyed philosophy before. He always saw it as talk lacking solid proof. The solid proof was his eternal dilemma.
It suddenly struck him that the time eraser experiment had other unbelievable ramifications. It meant time travel was possible, at least in the direction of the past. If the sub particle could, somehow, realize it had been detected and go back to the past to change its form, then this is time travel, isn’t it?
Of course, time travel is not a problem with the Simulation Hypothesis. Going back in time is only a replay of the program, to correct its behaviour, for example. Time can go in the opposite direction, to the future, as the program can record events in advance and replay them later.
In other theories, time travel is an interesting sci-fi concept that people like to read but not necessarily believe in.
When the next delivery arrived, Sam was, as usual, happy to be in the company of another fellow human being. There were no letters for him, but the driver spoke of a man asking about him in Rawa. That man sounded official and wanted to know about Sam.
‘He went round in the town asking about you, for something important,’ Jad said.
Usually, when an official asked about one, it meant trouble. Most likely, he was from the secret police.
Almost always, people denied knowing anything about the man being sought. Even Jad claimed he never knew the GPS location of Sam’s place. But that man was persistent. Jad said he had to sneak out of Rawa in the early morning to avoid being noticed by this man who seemed to be everywhere.
‘Has he been told by anyone about why I’m out here?’ asked Sam.
‘Maybe, but I don’t know. But no one told him of your exact location,’ answered Jad.
‘Frankly, I’ve done nothing wrong. I don’t care if he knew where I was. But thanks for giving me the heads up. At least I know what to expect,’ Sam said.
Jad stayed for an hour, drinking coffee with Sam, and updating him on the happenings outside. Sam gave him the envelope and money to post the package to Dr Khalifa. Jad warned Sam that he should expect his letters to be intercepted by this man, or whatever department he belonged to. Sam thanked him again and told him he would be careful.
The driver left, leaving Sam embroiled in this new worry of why a man was looking for him. Why were the security police interested in him? He had done nothing to threaten the security of Iraq and had never had dealings with this government apparatus before. But that was Iraq.
It was only a matter of time before this man, or a team from the security police, arrived here to question him. He certainly wouldn’t go to Rawa to meet this man, let him take the trouble of coming out here.
The Security Police
Afew days later, a white SUV appeared in the distance, heading towards his house. There could be no doubt, it was the security police. When it parked, a man in his mid-thirties, who had an official look about him, stepped out and came towards him.
‘Good morning. Is it Mr Sam Alfry?’ asked the man.
‘Yes, can I help you?’ answered Sam.
‘My name is Basil Samry, from homeland security,’ answered the man.
‘Welcome, please come in,’ Sam invited him in.
‘Thank you. It shan’t take too long, just a few questions if I may,’ said the man.
Sam gave him a drink.
‘What have I done? Why should the homeland security be interested in me?’ asked Sam, pretending innocence.
‘Nothing to worry about. I see you have built a house here. Do you have a building permit?’ asked Basil.
Sam smiled.
‘A permit to build here in the middle of nowhere. Am I violating any regulations?’ asked Sam, in response.
‘In fact, you are. This whole section of Iraq comes under the authority of Al-Anbar District. All this land is in a way owned by the governorate,’ answered Basil.
Sam could not contain a laugh, and said,
‘Is this what brought you out here? All the way to the desert to check on my building permit. Frankly, I think it is a waste of taxpayers’ money. I’m not claiming ownership of the plot where I built, and the government is welcome to take it back anytime,’ answered Sam.
‘Mr Alfry, rules are rules and must be obeyed by all,’ said Basil.
‘What do you want me to do? Demolish the house and move away?’ asked Sam, feeling already on the defensive. If this was the intention of Basil, to make feel on the defensive, then it succeeded. Sam was fidgeting in his chair, unable to conjure a reply to this seemingly stupid idea.
‘We expect you to comply, but before then, I have a question,’ said Basil.
Sam waited impatiently for the question, for he knew that was the core of the visit. What was asked before was a well-rehearsed interrogation style, to make the guy apprehensive before the real goal.
‘Do you know this man?’ asked Basil, retrieving an A4 printed paper from his pocket. He unfolded it and gave it to Sam. Sam was taken aback when he saw what’s on the paper. It was a portrait of the elusive guest! Sam took a moment looking at the picture of the man in a Bedouin outfit, staring at him menacingly.
‘So, do you know this man?’ Basil repeated the question.
‘No, I don’t know him… but I’ve seen him before,’ Sam wanted to deny knowing the man in the photo but knew it was futile; Basil must have his intelligence.
‘Please explain,’ demanded Basil.
‘This man appeared in the middle of a night, asking for shelter,’ said Sam.
‘And?’ demanded Basil.
‘What do you expect? Of course, I offered him shelter, food and water, too, but why?’ answered Sam with a question.
‘How long did he s
tay with you, and what did you do together?’ asked Basil. Sam started to feel edgy and uncomfortable.
‘He stayed the night, and disappeared before I woke up the next day,’ answered Sam.
‘How many times has he visited you?’ asked Basil.
Sam hesitated. In truth, he’d seen him four times, but he wasn’t going to disclose all this, out of embarrassment for what happened at the presumed UFO base.
‘Twice. On both, he appeared in the middle of the night, uninvited, asking for shelter. They were bad nights,’ answered Sam.
‘What did you talk about? Did he want anything in particular from you?’ asked Basil. Sam was visibly irritated with this line of questioning, not knowing where it was leading.
‘May I know the reasons for these questions? To me, he was a complete stranger, asking for shelter on a bad night,’ answered Sam.
‘Please, answer the question. What did you discuss?’
‘Nothing of significance. He asked why I built here and why I left the city, etc.,’ replied Sam with a vague answer.
‘Yeh, why have you built here, violating building permit rules?’ asked Basil.
‘Look, it is my business where to live. I wanted to be away from the city and be alone, but it seems, I’m unable to be left alone,’ Sam answered.
‘Please, don’t make this more complicated than it should. We know everything about you. What did you talk about?’ Basil repeated the question.
‘As I said, nothing in particular. Why? What’s the significance of this?’ asked Sam.
‘What’s his name?’ asked Basil, and this was Sam’s feared question. He didn’t know, but would Basil believe it?
‘I really don’t know his name. I didn’t ask, and he didn’t volunteer his name,’ answered Sam.
‘Is this possible? He seems to know yours,’ said Basil.
Sam was taken aback again. The elusive guest must have been talking to them about him.
‘Yeh, I volunteered my name, but he didn’t his. And, if you know this guy, why don’t you ask him directly? Why me?’ asked Sam irritably.
‘Are you likely to meet him again?’ asked Basil.
There was no point denying matters anymore. Basil appeared well informed.
‘Yes, possibly. He did say he might visit again,’ said Sam.
‘When?’
‘I don’t know. He didn’t say. It could be anytime. This guy is very peculiar… Has no specific time to arrive but his favourite time seems to be in the middle of the night when there is a storm or bad weather,’ said Sam.
‘hmmm. How was he dressed?’ asked Basil.
‘Exactly as you have in the photo.’
‘Interesting…’ said Basil.
‘Frankly, I don’t like him. He was like you, no offence, asking questions, offering no answers,’ answered Sam, directing intentionally this insult at Basil.
‘You could’ve asked him to go away,’ said Basil, implying a kind of complicity with the elusive guest.
‘I couldn’t, could I. He was in need of shelter, and I’m the only human within hundreds of kilometres. If you came to me in the middle of the night, I would’ve offered you the same hospitality,’ answered Sam.
Sam was unsure if his disclosures were trusted by Basil, who kept looking at him through those piercing eyes, maintaining a poker face at all times. His insults appeared to make no difference, and the man was laser-focused on his questioning.
‘Do you mind if I stayed at your house for a couple of nights? In case this man comes to you?’ demanded Basil.
Sam evaluated the prospect of having this uninvited and unlikeable guest stay a few nights here. He could decline, but would that make appear suspicious? His dislike of Basil was clear on his complexions, as clear as that towards the elusive guest.
‘Fine, but please keep in mind that you might have to stay by yourself when I go out.’
‘This is OK. I promise I won’t cause any inconvenience. If you were more forthcoming with the information about this man, I would’ve gone home by now,’ said Basil with obvious implication.
‘I gave you all the info I have,’ answered Sam irritably.
Basil did not respond, but his complexion indicated he did not believe it.
‘BTW: what’s the name of this person?’ asked Sam, indirectly confirming that he didn’t know.
‘He goes by different names. But this is unimportant,’ said Basil.
Sam could bear it no more, so got up, executed himself saying he wanted fresh air. Basil remained motionless on the sofa and started fiddling with his phone, apparently unaware there was no coverage.
Sam found a place in the shade outside and sat. This unwelcome visitor had invaded his privacy, the very objective of leaving city life. Hopefully, he would be on his way once he realized the elusive guest wasn’t coming anytime soon. But irritated, annoyed, and angry he was all the same.
The SUV parked in his yard had tinted glass windows, and antennas sticking out, similar to those of security police cars. Sam felt sorry for himself, getting entangled within the grips of the elusive guest and now this security police agent. He’d done nothing illegal or wrong.
Two pickups appeared in the distance, throwing a plume of dirt in their wake as they approached the house. Here came the support, Sam thought. These must be more security agents, crowding on the innocent. He watched them come closer, driving slowly, avoiding obstacles of outcrops and dunes.
Two men disembarked from the pickups, one in each. One man was in his fifties, and the other in his twenties.
‘Good afternoon, I take it, it's Mr Sam Alfry,’ said the older man.
‘Yes, it’s me,’ answered Sam.
‘It’s Prof Kareem Zawi, and this is my assistant, Rami Sari. We are from the Archaeology Department of Baghdad University. You corresponded with us,’ said Kareem.
‘Yes, of course. I’m glad you are here,’ said Sam, feeling elated he was no longer alone with Basil. He had now intellectual guests he knew how to converse with.
Sam invited the two men in and introduced them to Basil, who sat motionless on the sofa showing no interest. A mutual dislike sprouted between them almost instantly, as though by a magical halo that surrounded Basil. Sam was glad they shared his feelings towards this man.
Kareem explained his excitement about Sam’s find and elaborated on how important these finds were for mapping the history of the country. He had sent the shell for dating and awaited a response from the lab.
‘You certainly came across a very important site. Can’t wait to see it,’ said Kareem.
‘Sure, but first, have a rest and some refreshment. I assume you came from Rawa. It’s a long way,’ said Sam.
‘Indeed. We deviated a few times, so took longer than expected,’ Kareem said.
Kareem and Rami washed up and sat to drink coffee with Sam and Basil. Basil remained silent and showed no interest in the archaeological discussion around him. He was focused on one matter and one matter only, the elusive guest, and nothing else. Sam was content with that and couldn’t wait to see the back of Basil.
Sam suggested it was late in the afternoon, and Kareem and Rami could stay the night here, and they could go to the site in the morning. He would join them there, too. Sam didn’t want to stay alone with Basil and looked for any excuse to leave the house. Kareem and Rami were the perfect excuse, he thought.
‘We do have tents and supplies with us. We’re expecting to live on-site until we finish the digging’ said Kareem.
‘There is plenty of time for the site. Take a rest today,’ said Sam.
Kareem looked at Rami, then back to Sam.
‘Fine. Thank you for your hospitality,’ said Kareem, and Rami repeated the same.
Sami busied himself in the kitchen, preparing dinner for his guests. The men in the living room kept quiet in his absence, or Kareem and Rami discussing the plans for the excavation. Basil continued to show no interest and was short with his answers when either Kareem or Rami wanted to engage
with him.
Kareem then joined Sam in the kitchen and offered to help. Sam felt Kareem and Rami’s visit was a prayed-for opportunity. He hated to be alone with this guy, Basil.
They had dinner in the living room, steak, and potato chips with orange juice for drinks. No deserts, as that needed time which Sam was unprepared for.
The continued well into the evening, mostly discussing archaeology and their plan for the site. They brought some machinery and tools for the excavation and supplies to last them a week. They would dig as much as they could, and if the site proved of value, they would come again with a larger team.
Sam then retired to his bedroom, after offering sleeping bags and blankets to his guests from the storeroom. Basil slept on the sofa, and Kareem and Rami spread their sleeping bags on the floor.
Mother of All Fears
Sam felt fear before when he was a child listening to scary stories for the first time. Stories of jinnees, myths, that his mom read from him from the book of one thousand nights. Despite his mum’s assurances that they were just stories, his young mind refused but to believe them. As he grew up, these stories faded from his mind as he faced the absurdities of life. However, the events that happened over the next few days took him back to those days and shook his beliefs to the roots. It was an intensely frightening experience that defied all logic.
When Sam woke the following morning, the sun, already high in the sky, was shining warm, advertising a beautiful spring day. He went to prepare breakfast for all, fried eggs and tomatoes served with pita bread. Coffee and tea were brewed in two pots and served at the breakfast table.
The discussion around breakfast was archaeology, which Basil was not interested in. Kareem appeared in a hurry and excitement to go to the site. They all said their goodbye and left Basil by himself to finish his breakfast. Sam wished Basil had the etiquette to wash the dishes in their absence but wasn’t counting on that.
Sam drove his pickup to lead them to the site. He followed the GPS directions, and it took them about one hour of drive. Upon arrival, Kareem and Rami wasted no time scouting the site looking for signs. They both shouted their excitement that, definitely, there was a buried habitation. They were pointing at humps in the stony spread of the site that Sam would never identify as anything but unglorified pebble stones.