THE BRINK - OPERATION DEEP FLIGHT

by Marshall Huffman

  “Four hundred and sixty-five?” Admiral Marcus and Peter said, almost in unison.

  “That’s just an estimate. I think it’s more than that, personally. Maybe closer to four hundred and ninety. I’m talking bombs and missiles. This is not including the warheads. Most have multiple. So you can see that we are all getting a little touchy. If word of this got out, it would be in every newspaper and on every television news report within hours.”

  “I know about the Kent and the other submarines on that NATO exercise. It was one of the most bazaar events I have ever lived through,” Marcus said.

  “Yes. I have your report here,” the Secretary said, indicating a red folder. “As you can see, I have eight other folders as well. They all represent variations of the same thing. There is no logical explanation for any of the incidents.”

  “And none of the nuclear devices are accounted for?”

  “No. Not a single one. As you can guess, the President is less than amused. You know about Doctor Long’s theory about the transmissions from Titan. We are fairly certain we have confirmed that data. To date we cannot determine the exact location where they are being received. We do have some collaborative evidence that points to a couple of locations but to be frank, we are all having trouble accepting the information. Gentlemen, this will sound like we have all lost our minds collectively but the data we have indicates that the transmissions appear to be sent to some place in the ocean. The most likely areas are the Mariana Trench and the Tonga Trench. Doctor Long suggested that in her initial report and Doctor Stineman seems convinced as well. Our DSN, that’s our deep space network, has now confirmed the source of the transmissions as coming from Titan as well. It is no longer a theory. They are certain,” the Secretary said.

  “And they are all being transmitted to ocean areas?” Peter asked.

  “Ah, the push to finish the Chameleon makes sense now,” Marcus said.

  “Correct.”

  “Let's say all of this is true. We have someone from another world on this planet. Why are they here? What do they want? Even more to the point, what do you want us to do about it?” Peter asked.

  The Secretary looked at him then at Admiral Marcus. He wasn’t used to anyone being quite so blunt. After all he was used to dealing with politicians who seldom asked direct questions.

  “Since you asked Doctor Ferris, I am asking two things actually. Can you get the project done on time and would the team leaders, along with a few handpicked men, be willing to investigate the areas we suspect the transmissions are being received?”

  “Investigate? You want a bunch of scientists to perform a Naval operation and make possible contact with an alien life form? Is that all?”

  “That’s about it,” the Secretary said.

  Peter rubbed his forehead but didn’t answer for several seconds. Finally he looked at the Secretary.

  “Mr. Secretary, with all due respect, I’m not sure how to even answer that. First of all, we know nothing about these things, whatever they may be. Second, I can’t possibly speak for all of the team members. Third, we aren’t trained for this kind of thing. And maybe most important, the Chameleon hasn’t even had sea trials yet to see if it works,” Peter said.

  “Maybe you should talk it over with the Admiral first. I’ll give you some time. Just let the aid know when you’re ready to talk again. He will be just outside the door,” the Secretary said.

  When he was gone Marcus said, “This certainly explains the insistence on getting the Chameleon finished.”

  “Have they ordered any modifications that I don’t know about?”

  “Such as?”

  “Oh, you know. Nuclear weapons. Simple things like that.”

  “Peter I swear, if they have added anything, they haven’t told me about it. I don’t see any way they could get it by both of us. Somehow it would have to be tied into the main computer. I suppose we should ask AccuTech this question as well.”

  “I think they would have told me. Dr. Long has been pretty up front so far, but you’re right. We should ask.”

  The two men spent an hour discussing their options and the pros and cons of going along with the plan the Secretary had outlined.

  “You actually saw the Kent just disappear?” Peter asked.

  “Peter, it was the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen. After the light and the shock wave, it was just gone. We searched the area with visual and sound devices for twenty-three days. We didn’t find so much as an oil slick. It just disappeared. I mean, even if you accept the official version of a collision between the Kamehameha and the Kent, we would have seen it sink or found some type of wreckage debris. Peter, it was just gone. Vanished. We even considered a nuclear explosion but it just didn’t wash. I don’t know what happened that day, but that disappearance was not a natural disaster. I’ve always felt that way and from reading the reports of the other skippers who were there, they agree.”

  “Marcus, do you know how farfetched all of this sounds? I mean, listen to what we’re saying.”

  “Peter, no one knows better than me how it sounds. You should stand in front of an inquiry board and tell this story. Believe me, I thought and prayed about what to say many times.”

  “Okay, let’s say that some unknown force is actually here on Earth. How did they get here without someone knowing about it before now?”

  “How many times have you heard stories and considered the source to be just a bit crazy?”

  “Good point. Hell, if I didn’t know you as well as I do, I would be saying that about you just about now.”

  “Oh thanks.”

  “No, you’re right. We all have a tendency to shrug it off as the ravings of a lunatic.”

  “Let’s say for the time being we accept the fact that some unknown life form is here on Earth. Why?”

  “Maybe they are just explorers. That wouldn’t be any different than us. We would be going to other worlds if we had the practical technology to do it.”

  “Right. I totally agree. So here they come, just sort of checking us out. Why suddenly the increased activity of aggressive behavior?”

  “I don’t know? Maybe we made them angry somehow. Hit one of their space craft or something like that.”

  “Or landed probes on their planet?”

  “Good point. Maybe they think that’s a form of aggression. An act of war or something.”

  “What would we think if one of their craft suddenly set down on the White House lawn? We would be sending in the military so fast their heads would spin.”

  “So, they are trying to warn us away?”

  “I don’t know. I’m just thinking out loud really. If they really are here, they are not contacting us for a reason. We have to assume they are intelligent or they wouldn't have the knowledge and ability for long distance space flight. So, why not just call us up and ask us what we’re up to?”

  “Hello. We’re the guys from Titan. Say, we noticed one of your space probes just landed in our town square. We want to be good neighbors and all, but would you mind terribly keeping your litter at home?” Marcus said jokingly.

  “Maybe nothing quite so subtle, but they could let us know.”

  “Unless they are not ready to let us know.”

  “Why?”

  “Damn good question. I guess that’s what the Secretary wants us to find out.”

  “All right, let’s get him in here and find out what they really have in mind for the Chameleon.”

  They sent the aid to let the Secretary know they were ready. He came back into the room a few minutes later with food and drinks.

  “Thought you might be getting hungry.”

  “Thank you. I didn’t realize how hungry until you showed up with this food,” Peter said.

  “So?” John asked, sitting down and opening a soft drink.

  “I have to say, I don’t like this much,” Peter said, “And while I may not like it, I can’t think of any other explanation that would cover all of those incidents.
So, what do you have in mind for us? I’m pretty sure it wasn’t just to break bread with us.”

  “As nice as you guys are? Sure it is,” he quipped, “But you’re right. Gentlemen we need to find out just what this is all about. We are going to accept the premise that another life force is on now this planet, for whatever reason. And that is the real crux. We need to know why. If they are here for a peaceful reason then we need to respond. If it is for other reasons, we need to know that too. One thing is clear. We can’t have human beings disappearing from the face of the Earth. Men and women are missing. We can’t have that going on. Maybe they don’t understand how we feel about such things, but we need to let them know. Our desire is to find a peaceful way to contact them and start some type of dialogue. Some of my military brethren want to take the usual approach and bomb the hell out of them. I think they would have done it if they could have figured out a way. The President and I do not want to see it come to that. That brings us to you. We want to know if the men and women working on the Chameleon can be used on a peaceful mission to contact whomever or whatever is here on Earth. It would be the best thing. Your people will be the least aggressive group we can send.”

  “Who would be in charge?” Peter asked.

  “We were going to ask Admiral Marcus to skipper the DSV. I know you might see this as a step down, but believe me, the President doesn’t think so. He and I believe this may well be one of the most important missions we have ever undertaken.”

  “No problem sir. I was trying to figure out an excuse to get on board the Chameleon anyway.”

  “Peter?”

  “I honestly don’t know. This is really big. I’m not sure we are the right people. What about communication skills? We would need someone who knows about that and physiology, all that sort of thing. We are there to build the sub not to discover a new life form. I don’t think we’re equipped to take on such an important job.”

  “Peter, I respect your apprehensions, but we are going to need some of you to see that the DSV can carry out this task. You tell me what else you need and we will get the personnel.”

  “I appreciate that. Look, I will go. No problem. But the others? I will have to ask them. I can’t do that without them knowing what this is all about. Once we tell them, then what? Suppose one doesn’t want to go?”

  “We won’t make them.”

  “Yes, but the potential for this leaking out has then increased tenfold. How would you handle that?” Peter asked.

  “I honestly don’t know. I guess we haven’t thought that far ahead. It’s a valid point. I will bring it up at the next meeting.”

  “What do you want us to do in the meantime?” Marcus asked.

  “Just keep pushing the project along as quickly as possible.”

  “Mr. Secretary, I know I jumped in there and said I would go but after thinking about it a little more I have to ask one question. Just what could I contribute? I have helped oversee the project and I directed the installation of the air system and navigational system, but truthfully, I may be the least qualified person on the Chameleon.”

  “Dr. Ferris you are being far too modest. Admiral Marcus has kept me well informed of your contributions. You are the main reason we are so far along. You may not be the expert in any one field, but you hold them all together. You are the one they respect and listen to. That kind of talent cannot be underestimated. If we succeed it will be because of you and Admiral Marcus; make no mistake about it. I personally feel you may well be the key to us pulling off this whole thing.”

  “I am flattered, but I think you may be overestimating my importance.”

  “That’s okay, I think you underestimate it,” the Secretary said.

  “Peter, where are we now as to timeline?” Admiral Marcus asked.

  “We have made great progress this last week on the navigational system. We have tested it at half speed, actually twenty knots. It worked as well or better than projected. We are very excited about this breakthrough. The expulsion system will be finished by the week’s end. The computer people are now on site and getting ready to start tying the systems together. Sonar is installed and ready to be tested. The short version is that we should be ready to go to pressure test within three weeks. Depending on the outcome of those tests, we could be ready for open water trials in six or seven weeks or there about.”

  “Any way to shorten that time? Bend the safety rules?” Secretary Taylor asked.

  “Please don’t ask me to risk the lives of people to move this project up in time. Regardless of the fact that you just asked me to be on the first voyage, it would be rather foolish of me don’t you think? Unless you want to go in my place.”

  “I understand what you’re saying, and I apologize for my remarks. You are correct. Do what you can within the limits of safety.”

  “We will do all we can. We’ll try to save every possible day,” Peter said.

  “I know you will. Instead of moaning and groaning, I should thank you for the great accomplishment you have already made. I just got caught up in the mechanics of the project and forgot about the human element,” the Secretary said.

  “It happens to all of us. No offense taken. Let me know when you want me to talk to the others and how you want me to go about it. I will give a lot of thought to who we have and who we still need.”

  “I will meet with the others tomorrow and then call Admiral Marcus just as soon as we have some answers,” The Secretary said.

  “We’ll be ready,” Marcus said.

  “Dr. Ferris, let me say that personally, it is a real pleasure to work with someone like you.”

  “Thank you sir. I appreciate that,” Peter said.

  After the Secretary had departed, Peter and Ray continued to talk about the developments that had taken place.

  “Ray, let me ask you something. Is there any way for your authority to be overridden once you take command of the Chameleon?”

  “I’m not sure I follow you. Are you asking if they could sneak someone on board who could relieve me of my command?”

  “Precisely.”

  “I suppose it could be done. I’ve never heard of it being done before, but I guess it could.”

  “Just who could do that?”

  “Anyone from the Secretary of the Navy or above could give someone the authority to take over if they felt I was not following orders.”

  “Or they had a different agenda?”

  “What are you getting at Peter?”

  “I’m not sure. It’s just that the military have their own unique mindset. The aliens weren’t invited here, so let’s kill them. That sort of thing. No offense intended.”

  “None taken. I agree that is the predominant attitude, but I really think that the Secretary is different. I don’t see him as a hawk.”

  “No, but just like you, he takes his orders from someone. Like I said, I don’t really know where I’m going with this but it’s something to consider.”

  “I think it may very well depend on what, if anything, we find.”

  “Yes, if we even find anything at all. This could all be just supposition.”

  “Peter, nothing would make me happier.”

  “Hey, it’s getting late. I had better round up my driver and get back to the airfield.”

  “Do you want to stay all night? I can make the arrangements and you could go back in the morning.”

  “I appreciate the offer but I really should get back, I can’t do much more here. I will be of more use back there. The computer firm, AccuTech will need a little hand holding to get started in the right direction.”

  “AccuTech or Dr. Long?” Ray asked with a sly grin.

  “Dr. Long? Oh yes, that’s the woman that is heading up the team isn’t it?”

  “Nice try Peter. I could tell by the drool on your tie when you walked her to the car after our last meeting that you think she is something special.”

  “That obvious, huh?”

  “I doubt if anyone else knew. I h
ave a tendency to watch people more than most. Now, get out of here and tell Dr. Long I send my regards.”

  “Ray I will be glad to go out in the Chameleon with you, but you just watch out in case they are up to something. It’s just an uneasy feeling I have.”

  “I’ve learned to respect those feelings. I’ll keep an ear to the ground.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  - WASHINGTON DC -

  A smiling “Mad Dog” was doing the pre-flight check when Peter walked out in his g-suit.

  “Ah, the good Doctor. I love it when you fly. I got orders to get you back pronto. Hammer down. You have some pull my friend.”

  “That's just great,” Peter said under his breath.

  He was strapped in and off they roared. Mad Dog was in seventh heaven. He was on good behavior too. He did nothing too scary on the trip back until they were given clearance to come down from 34,000 feet. Mad Dog rolled the air plane over hard and headed for the deck. Peter let out an involuntary yelp.

  “What’s wrong Doc?”

  “Why is it you have to roll it over before you go down? Why can’t you just go down straight? Was that just to scare the hell out of me?”

  “Heck no. Here,” Mad Dog said, and leveled the plane out. “Look Doc, here is a quick physics lesson. I’m gonna’ do what you suggest and just drop the old nose down to get to the ground. Let’s see what happens.”

  He shoved the stick forward and the nose dropped down sharply. Immediately Peter could feel the g-forces take over and he could feel himself starting to black out. His eyes started to flutter and roll back in his head. He was going under. Slowly he felt himself starting to come around.