“My dear, I understand your frustration. Actually it’s going better than I expected. We are still talking and that tells me the doubting stage is behind us. If they thought this was a deception it would be a lot tougher. The Russians and French would have pulled out and immediately started some kind of propaganda blitz. It’s a very positive sign that we are still talking,” the President said.
“Politics,” Luke muttered.
“Military,” Peter added.
“But we don’t seem to be making much headway,” Susan said.
“I think you’re wrong about that. It may not seem like it to you but I see the subtle changes in each of the delegates. Russia is still playing the bully but most of the others are starting to come into line. Russia likes to prance like they are still a superpower. Don’t get me wrong, they still have a good deal of power but they are nowhere near where they used to be.”
“I’m glad you think so. I have a totally different perception.”
“Dr. Long, trust me. I’ve been to far too many of these meetings. They are going to come up with a plan we can all live with. We may not like all parts of it but something good will come out of all of this.”
“Besides, what other options do we have? We either try or we die,” Luke said.
“Comforting thought,” Susan replied.
“And what if we do get everyone to agree on a plan? What then? How does it get presented to the Bhakktah?” Susan asked.
No one spoke for some moments.
“I guess that is really an issue for you to decide on. It seems obvious that one or more of you will have to deliver it, unless you see some other way,” Beland said at last.
“I don’t think we need to risk everyone’s lives. I’ve met the Bhakktah and I sense that they expect me to deliver the message. I think I should go and the rest of you can stay here.”
“Nice try, but I don’t think that is going to fly. The Chameleon is performing as expected but that is because we have all been there. If anything goes wrong you will need us to bail you out. If you go, I go. I won’t argue with you about this Peter. I’m going,” Luke said forcefully.
Peter understood that stubborn determination well enough to not argue with him.
“All right Luke. I accept your offer but I don’t see involving Susan and the others. Admiral Marcus, Luke, and I will go.”
“Excuse me Doctor Ferris, I appreciate your protective nature, but I will make my own decision if you don’t mind. I know the systems in that DSV better than any of you. What if you had to cross connect any one of the systems? Who could do it? I’ll tell you. None of you. We started out on this as a team and I intend to do my part. I happen to live on this planet as well,” Susan said in a determined voice.
“Doctor Long I......”
“Stop it. If you think Doctor Hall is stubborn, you haven’t seen anything yet. I am going,” she said stubbornly, crossing her arms.
The President looked at Peter and raised his eyebrows. Peter just looked at her but she wouldn’t look at him.
“Peter, she is right. I can drive the boat but if something went wrong with the main system we would be in a world of hurt. Maybe we could figure out what to do, but at a depth of 40,000 feet, the margin for error is darned small. I think Doctor Long is essential for our success,” Marcus said.
“All right. I give in. I don’t like it one bit but I do see the necessity,” Peter said.
His insides were churning. He knew this could potentially be more difficult than the last voyage and he wanted her out of harm’s way. He realized how much he cared for her and the last thing he wanted was to be responsible for her being put in harm’s way.
“How will you find them? From what I understand, you have had that part of your memory erased or blocked,” the President said.
“I think that part was blocked for our protection more than theirs. When the time comes I’m sure they will guide us back.”
“Blocked out for your protection? From whom?” Beland asked.
“I don’t know. Durance and Zoren? Basically the military I expect. All military personnel seem to think they are tougher than nails but let me tell you, I saw the Bhakktah. We have nothing that could stop them. Our military seems to think they know what’s best and can do as they please.”
“Not our military. I’m still the Commander-in-Chief. While they may not like it they are under my orders.”
“You and I know that may be true but it wasn’t good enough for our visitors. Maybe they don’t have the same faith in the integrity of our military leaders that you have,” Peter said.
“I see,” the President replied looking at Peter. Somehow that last bit seemed like a warning.
“Let’s call it a night, shall we? I think we all need some sleep. Tomorrow will be another tough day. I have a feeling that we may be in for several more days just like this last one.”
“You could be right. Good night all,” the President said and left.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
- THE UN BUILDING -
It was three more grueling days before the delegates were satisfied with a proposal. They had reached impasses several times but the one overriding motivation was the fact that if they didn’t compromise there was every reason to believe that the world would be destroyed. Even the most stubborn had accepted that possibility. Russia finally stopped posturing and even France eventually realized they were not the center of the universe.
The President did not like one of the proposed conditions and had been an obstacle himself for a while but Peter and the others convinced him that it was acceptable. The superpowers would each send an emissary on the Chameleon. This way they could observe and report back directly to their respective countries. In the end, the President agreed as long as certain conditions about security were met.
It was Susan who pointed out that if we couldn’t trust one another about this mission how could we ever trusts one another about space exploration? It was a valid point. Trust had to start some place. The representatives would meet in Washington DC in two days where they would be thoroughly screened and flown as a group, first to California and then on to Pearl Harbor.
Peter, Luke, Susan, and Marcus were to go over procedures and last minute details with the President. They were all bone tired from the past grueling week.
“I think taking delegates along is a huge mistake,” Peter said.
“It was a condition of accepting the wording,” Marcus replied.
“Look, first of all, the Bhakktah are just going to knock them out the moment we get close to the dome or as soon as we are inside. They will erase their memories so this is just an exercise in futility.”
“Peter this is the world of diplomats. This is what they do. They act like they are important and strut around caught up in their own importance. I agree. They being on board will accomplish absolutely nothing but what else could the President do? He was trapped. If he said no then they would think we were trying to pull a fast one. He had to agree,” Marcus told him.
“It still doesn’t solve the problem. When they are knocked out and report they saw absolutely nothing, then what? On top of that, what happens if something goes wrong on the boat? It malfunctions. You don’t think that will look just as suspicious?” Peter replied.
“Peter, we just told them that there was another life form living on this planet. They came from our own solar system. That is a pretty big thing to digest. What would you say if you just heard it from someone you don’t trust very much like China? Would you want America to check it out for ourselves?” Susan told him.
“You are all missing the point. They won’t see or check out anything. Nothing that they will remember. The Bhakktah are not throwing a welcoming party for just anyone that wants to attend,” Peter said resolutely.
“And Peter, you are missing the point as well. They are going and there is nothing we can do about it. The President has agreed to the condition,” Marcus replied.
“That may be so but I
don’t have to like it.”
“No one is saying we have to like it. Those are our marching orders and that is what we will do,” Marcus said, tenseness creeping into his voice.
“Come on Peter,” We can’t fight city hall on this one,” Susan replied.
“Okay. I get it. But I want to go on record as saying at some point during this voyage this is going to turn out to come home to haunt us.”
“Duly noted Doctor Farris. Also duly noted is that I am starved and would like to change the subject to something a little more in our control,” Marcus said.
“I’m all for that,” Susan replied.
“Ditto,” Luke added.
“What the heck, I can’t win this argument so we might as well eat,” Peter agreed.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
- WASHINGTON DC -
Peter, Susan, Luke, and Marcus had decided to have dinner as a group before departure tomorrow for the Chameleon. How they were going to handle the delegates needed to be worked out. They met in the lobby of the hotel and had decided on a small place in Georgetown that Marcus loved.
He had checked out a car and they drove the short distance to the restaurant. The lot was full so they had to park a block away. As they were walking toward the restaurant a dark blue van pulled up and the side door opened.
“Admiral Marcus,” a man said getting out of the van.
It was a statement, not a question.
“Yes?”
“Sir. We would like for all of you to come with us. Please get into the van,” he said pleasantly.
“Who are you? Who has sent you?”
“Sir. I’m not at liberty to say. My orders are to bring you along. This is a matter of national security. Please get in.”
“Sorry. I don’t think we will be going with you unless you tell me right now who it is that needs to see us so badly,” Marcus said.
“Sir, I must insist,” the man said with a serious look on his face.
“You can insist all you want, but unless I get some answers you can tell your boss that we decided not to join him,” Marcus said.
“Sir, you really should reconsider. It would be best if you just got into the van.”
“This conversation is over,” Marcus said and turned to go.
“Sir,” the man said forcefully.
Marcus turned to say something but he stopped when the man produced an Uzi machine gun. It was pointed right at his chest.
“Your rank doesn’t mean much right at this moment. I’m not asking Admiral. Get in the van. Now,” the man said.
“You wouldn’t risk shooting us all standing here in plain view,” Marcus said.
“You don’t know how wrong you are. Get in the van or I’ll drop you where you stand.”
Peter, Susan, and Luke were standing there with their mouths open. What was happening? Would this mad man really kill them all if they didn’t get into the van?
Just then a second voice said, “If you flinch, I’ll take the top of your head off.”
Everyone but the man with the Uzi looked at the person who had just stepped from behind the van.
“Okeefer!” Marcus exclaimed.
“Don’t,” Okeefer said as the man with the gun started to turn slightly, “One more inch and you are dead. Now lay the gun down very gently and kick it over to the Admiral. Don’t bother to stall. Your friend who was driving won’t be coming to your rescue anytime soon.”
The man slowly laid the gun on the ground and kicked it over toward Marcus who quickly picked up the weapon, checked the safety and pointed it at the man.
“Okeefer, what is this all about? How did you get here? Why aren't you on the Chameleon? How did you know this was going to go down?” Marcus asked.
“Please Admiral. Later. We need to get away from here as quickly as possible.”
“Where?”
“I think the White House would be the safest place. Get your car Admiral, I’ll handle this,” he said.
“Alright, I’ll get the car. Here,” he said handing the Uzi to Okeefer, “The rest of you come with me.”
“I’ll stay with Okeefer,” Peter said, “In case this guy tries something.”
“Okay, but Luke and Susan, come with me.”
They started off in a fast walk. Susan was surprisingly quick considering that she had on high heels.
“Get in the van,” Okeefer ordered the gunman.
The man started to get in then suddenly he spun around, kicking out at Okeefer. It caught him in the upper thigh. He let out a yell and dropped to his knees. The man kicked again, aiming for his head but his timing was hurried and it only partially landed. Most of the blow was absorbed by Okeefer’s shoulder. Okeefer reeled back.
Peter jumped at the man and was able to get his arms around him before he was flipped back against the van, knocking the breath from him. Peter felt the pain shoot through him but did his best to hold on. The man slammed him against the van a second and third time. Peter was holding on for all he was worth but he could feel his grip slipping. The guy was surprisingly strong.
Peter went down on one knee and the man broke free. The assailant took a step back and was aiming a vicious kick at Peter's head when suddenly he went flying through the air. The man slammed into the side of the van and lay on the ground unmoving.
“Get in. Hurry. Help Okeefer,” Marcus said from the car.
Luke jumped out and helped Peter and Okeefer get into the car. They tore out of the parking lot.
“Head to the White House,” Okeefer said in obvious pain.
Susan was busy fussing over Peter.
“How are you doing warrior?” Marcus asked Peter.
“Just great. I can’t wait to try that again. Boy. You military guys get to have all the fun. Who was that guy?”
“I have no idea. I can’t believe that Zoren or Durance would have this much moxi. Whoever it was, I think they would have actually wasted us if we hadn’t gone along. Thank God for Okeefer. Someone is either crazy or very desperate,” Marcus replied.
“I am convinced of it,” Peter said.
Marcus drove straight to the White House. They had to wait at security until the Chief of Staff cleared them. He met them at a side entrance.
“What in the hell is going on?” he demanded.
“We don’t know sir. Someone just tried to abduct us,” Marcus told him.
“But who?”
“We don’t have a clue. It was a dark blue van. They were waiting for us. Either we were followed or they had a tap on our phones. I would imagine they followed us,” Marcus said after thinking about it another moment.
“It didn’t have any plates on it. I looked back when we started to run,” Susan added.
“Just a minute,” the Chief of Staff said, picking up a phone.
He talked in a low voice for several seconds then said,
“The President wants to see you right away. Come with me.”
He led them to an office and the President joined them within a few minutes. Beland had on a pair of sweat pants and a University of Florida shirt. His hair was wet like he had just gotten out of the shower or had been working out.
“Admiral Marcus. You do seem to provide us with some excitement. I know most of you but who is this man?” he said indicating Okeefer.
“This is Lieutenant Okeefer. He is acting as the boat Master Chief from the sub. He is the man responsible for getting us out of that mess. He probably saved our lives. How he knew is a mystery at this point,” Marcus told him.
“Get this man some medical help immediately,” he said.
“Now, I would be lying if I said it was nice to see you all so soon again. I was hoping the next time we met would be after your return. This should be some story. Why don’t you tell me all about it?” Beland said, taking a seat behind the desk.
“I think Doctor Ferris might need some medical attention as well,” the Chief of Staff suggested.
“Sorry. You’re right. I’m just not thinking right at th
e moment. This is getting more bizarre as time goes on. I don’t know how much stranger it can get. Please, see to it that both of them are taken care of immediately,” the President said. He turned to the Admiral.
“So Admiral what is this all about? This is important so please take your time.”
Marcus gave him the details as he remembered them. Susan and Luke added what they could. It didn’t give them much to go on. From the description of the vehicle and the manner of the men it seemed obvious that it was some kind of military operation.
“My dear, were you hurt?” the President asked Susan.
“I’m just fine. Not a scratch. Peter and Alan got the worst of it,” she told him.
“I’m glad you weren’t hurt. Doctor Ferris, I didn’t know you were so experienced in hand to hand combat,” the President kidded Peter.
“Oh sure. We do a lot of that kind of thing during meetings in the private sector,” Peter replied, “You know how brutal the business world can be.”
“Any speculation as to who could have been behind this? Were any names mentioned?”
“No names were used other than mine. I can’t believe that Zoren or Durance would be so bold as to try something like this right here in Washington. They could have nabbed me any number of times,” Marcus answered.
“Well, whoever it was wanted the lot of you, not just you Marcus. They could have arranged to meet you at any time if they just wanted to get at you. Doing it in a public place is an indication that whomever it is, they’re getting pretty darn desperate,” the Chief of Staff offered.
“Harry, I want to know who was behind this. I don’t care if you have to get everyone in Washington out of bed. I want answers and I want them now. CIA, FBI, Secret Service, even the damn KGB. I don’t care who is behind this, I want to know about it and I want it fast. Someone’s head is going to roll for this. Now get cracking,” the President ordered.
“Yes sir,” the Chief of Staff said, heading out the side door.
“Well, I don’t want you to take any more chances. You are to stay right here in the White House until your departure for the ship. I want you where someone can guard you around the clock until you depart. This is far too important to leave anything to chance at this point. The gall,” the President said slapping his hand on the desk.
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