by Jerry Belvo
AWell I hope it happens soon. It’s so difficult going through my work day when people are so rude.@ Travis replied.
The rest of the group assured him he would forget all about the episode when his power returned.
Lance suggested the group meet at the court house an hour early so he could go over their case with them, and then he excused himself stating he had an hour drive ahead of him back to Colorado Springs. Had he known the energy of the group he could have teleported himself. Being new to the group he had to use a more primitive form of transportation.
The meeting had run later than usual and Jeff had a plane to catch in the morning. The Foundation was sending him to Baton Rouge, Louisiana for an update on a charity they were funding there.
On the drive back to her house, Sarina mentioned. AJeff, the other day I saw a for rent sign on a townhouse in the Capitol Hill area. Would you like to see it this weekend?@
AI hadn’t thought of something that big, but sure, I’ll take a look at it. In fact if you know of any more maybe we can look at several.@ Then he smiled to himself. Maybe she is planning to move in.
*
Monday morning the star children were in court waiting their turn before the judge. Lance had counseled them prior and was prepared to act on their behalf. After the judge heard their pleas, she sympathized with them then promptly assessed each a $100 fine for breaking the law. Lance spoke privately with the judge and got the fines reduced to $50.00 which they all promptly paid.
They thanked Lance for his time and invited him to meet with them in the future. He suggested that if they wanted to continue healing people they should form a religion group and find a meeting place where people could come for healing services. They just couldn’t heal in public as too many people might be offended. Sarina said under her breath, >Yeah, like the medical association.= She was sure they were behind the government=s reluctance to help star children.
Going before the judge was an experience Sarina wouldn’t soon forget.
*
It had been a rough week at the Roberts household. Eric=s paper on T-Rays had been debunked by an astral physicist working for the government. This man had published a report disclosing that T-Rays were impossible to prove and that it was only a theory. Eric was extremely upset. The government had come to him earlier wanting him to continue his research for them in top secret, but he had refused, not wanting to leave Denver and his tenure at the university. He was too close to retirement and didn’t want to be uprooted. They wanted him to help them develop the technology for space travel without public awareness. He would need a security clearance as it was to be kept top secret. He had talked it over with Marilyn and they decided that while his research was important, he didn’t want the government controlling the outcome.
A few days later the phone rang at the Robert=s residence late in the evening. Marilyn answered it. AYes, he is right here.@ She carried the phone to Eric who wondered why anyone would be calling him this late at night.
AHello, yes, this is Eric.@ There is a pause in the conversation. ATravis who? What is this about?@ Another pause while the caller filled him in on the reason for the call. AYou are calling about T-rays? I will be happy to meet you at the observatory any night after nine o=clock. Thursday will be fine. Good night.@
AWho was that dear?@ Marilyn inquired. She hadn’t recognized the voice.
AA guy named Travis. He is a nuclear physicist from Boulder, a friend of Sarina=s who wants to know more about T-Rays. I’m going to meet with him Wednesday night.@
*
Travis was waiting for him at the observatory when he arrived the following Wednesday. Eric liked him immediately. His demeanor was gentle, thoughtful and kind. He started up the computers, and shortly demonstrated his findings on T-Rays. The young man was impressed and the two of them talked for several hours. He liked the young man=s honesty. It reminded him so much of Jeff, and he felt comfortable asking the question. AAre you a star child?@
AYes, I am, Mr. Roberts. I met your daughter, Sarina, a few weeks ago, and she told me about your research. Then I read the government report disclaiming your work, but I didn’t buy it. I had that inner feeling that you were correct in your findings.@
AI should have known. Do you know Jeff also?@
AYes, I’ve met him, why?@
AJeff was the one who gave me the coordinates that lead to the discovery of T-Rays, and now you are here to advance it. Yes, I’m happy to share it with you,@ Eric replied. AWhy the urgency?@
AWell, until a few weeks ago I had managed to keep my identity a secret from most people, but it doesn’t seem to be a secret any more. I’ve been offered protection from government harassment if I cooperate with them and help them to develop the use of T-Ray technology. I may have to leave Boulder, which I don’t want to do, but my family will be protected. I have to think of them.@
AI understand, and I would rather have you continue the research knowing you are honest, then someone who is just in it for the money. Please don’t let it be developed for military purposes.@
He didn’t know whether to tell Travis about Dos and decided that he would have to find out for himself. He didn’t want to be responsible for providing the pathway to a peaceful planet, just so the military could blow it up.
*
It was Saturday. Jeff and Sarina were enjoying the togetherness at his new apartment. He had been in his apartment for two weeks. Furniture was sparse. Her grandpa had contributed most of it, claiming he wouldn’t need it in the retirement facility he would soon be moving to. She used her decorating skills to make the place presentable, but had little time now that school was back in session.
The door bell rang and when she answered it Dukes and Cleaver were waiting on the door step. Duke’s holster showed vividly, his hand ready to reach for his pistol.
AMay we come in?@ Cleaver asked her, not waiting for an answer barged right past her into the room. Sarina started to speak, but Dukes raised his arm and signaled her to remain quiet. He pushed his muscular frame past her into the room.
Jeff recognized Don Dukes right away. He was the grade school bully who taunted him on the playground when they were younger. Aware that Dukes used to be in the police department, and that he sat in the last row at his dad’s lectures, he wasn’t going to take anything from him.
Dukes looked directly at Jeff and gruffly barked. AYou know the routine Martin. Put your arm out so Agent Cleaver can give you a shot.@
Cleaver was ready with the syringe, but Jeff shook his head. AWhat if I don’t want another shot?@
AThere are other ways to handle people like you,@ Dukes responded. He grabbed Sarina=s arm, twisted it, and made her scream. As he did so he turned his back on Jeff. In a split second, Jeff grabbed him around the waist with both arms and held on tightly. Dukes let go of Sarina, and swung his arms and body vigorously trying to throw him off, but not before they disappeared.
Not realizing where he was, Dukes demanded. AIf you ever try that again, your body will be in flying parts. Nobody ever messes with me and lives to tell about it,@ he yelled.
Breathing heavily Jeff countered, AYeah, Mr. Tough Guy. Let’s see how you can handle this for a day.@ Jeff disappeared leaving Dukes to battle an assailant who was no longer there.
AI’m sorry, Cleaver, but your new partner will be busy for a while. You can put the syringe away.@ Both women were stunned by what they had just witnessed. Cleaver opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. She was speechless.
AWhere is Dukes,@ Sarina asked?
AI have left him wondering in another dimension for a day. He’ll be just fine, but he won’t be able to bully anyone for a while.@
Cleaver finally realized Dukes had disappeared. These star children never ceased to amaze her. AWhat will I tell Jones?@
AJust tell him that Dukes took a d
ay off,@ Jeff replied.
Chapter 17
The next morning Sarina and Jeff went out for breakfast because his pantry was still bare. He said to her. AThat incident yesterday is the reason I’m concerned about your living with me. I may be putting your life in danger.@
AI’m a big girl now, Jeff. I can take care of myself, but if you don’t want me to move in, I’ll understand.@
ANo, I do want you to move in. I just don’t want anything to happen to you, especially when I’m not there to protect you.@
AClass starts tomorrow,” she replied. “I’ll be spending more time at home studying. I suppose a little delay moving in wouldn’t hurt. By the way, the crystal sphere is in my closet. It would look nice on the table grandpa gave you in your entry hall. I can bring it over next time I visit.@
AGood idea. It’s the only manmade object that’s not from this planet and it could be quite valuable, but if the AIA knew that it was a porthole to Dos they’d want to possess it. On second thought, maybe we should make it scarce. Keep it in your closet for now. We will decide what to do with it later.@
AWhat about John=s writings? I saw the box in your closet. Someone may want to steal them also,@ she inserted. ADid you ever put them on a thumb drive? Once they are permanent records you could make them available on the star child website.@
AI’m not sure the papers should be scanned if the information is that sacred. Even with his information on a thumb drive, the actual writings still contain a porthole to Dos. I wouldn’t want the authorities to expand the porthole,” he said.
Changing the subject, she asked. AWhat happened to the agent named Dukes?@
Startled, Jeff reacted. AI forgot! I’ll be right back,@ and he disappeared.
*
Jeff went in search of Dukes. Zeroing in on his energy, Jeff found him wondering the streets, but in another dimension and unable to communicate with people. Without letting himself be seen he transported Dukes to the top of Mount Evans.
Dukes suddenly found his self stumbling through snow drifts as he made his way down the mountain side to the narrow road below. The road was deserted and he sat on a large boulder waiting for a car to pass. Before long an old pickup truck happened by, stopped, and gave him a lift into town dropping him off at the local gas station. Maybe the station had a phone he could use to call his partner. As he entered he smelled a pot of fresh brewed coffee and the attendant said he could help himself. He gulped down a cup while calling Cleaver and waited for her to show up.
AWhat took you so long?@ He shouted as her car slowed to a stop in front of the station.
She was relieved to see Dukes, but saw fire in his eyes, and she wasn’t about to put up with any rudeness. She had planned to go to church with her niece this morning and had to cancel it. This was interfering with her time off and she wasn’t too happy about it. AIf that’s the way you’re going to act I’m going to leave you right here, and you can find your own way home,@ she said emphatically.
He proceeded to calm down. AYou don’t know what I’ve been through,@ he remarked in an emotional tone. AI don’t know where to begin. I’m doing my job and Jeff grabs me around the waist. The next thing I know I’m hollering and no one is paying attention to me. Finally I swing at him and my arm goes right through him. I could see all of you, but you apparently didn’t see me. I’ve never experienced such an ordeal. Look at me? I’m shaking, and I don’t scare easily.@
AWell, maybe you need to be more respectful to people,@ she commented.
AAre you on their side,@ he asked, verbally attacking her? ANo wonder these aliens are free to roam wherever they want. After what I’ve been through they should all be in jail. Why are you siding with them?@
Cleaver had enough. She pulled off the road, stopped the car and looked straight at him. AMr. Dukes, this is my day off and I have plans. If you want a lift into town I suggest you button it. I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but as far as I’m concerned you got what you deserved. Now either shut up or get out.@
He had never seen this side of Cleaver and didn’t like it. ‘Women were supposed to respect men,’ he thought. He wanted to vent further but changed his mind knowing she meant business. Dukes set his jaw, folded his arms across his chest, and didn’t say another word all the way back to Denver.
She looked over at him several times on the way into town and could have sworn she saw steam coming out of his ears, his face was red. She almost apologized for being so commanding, but decided to let him stew a while. He needed to treat her better and to get control of his temper.
Dropping him off at his apartment, she noticed tears in his eyes but kept silent. She thought maybe she had been too hard on him. Did he have a reason to be agitated, disappearing one place and reappearing a day later on a mountaintop? She wondered what had transpired during that time, and was happy it hadn’t happened to her.
*
Monday morning Agents Binder and Jones were called to Washington D.C. for an important meeting. The task force Chief sat at the end of a long conference table addressing them. Other agents from around the country discussed how they were handling problems encountered in their districts.
The group quieted down as the Chief rose to speak. ASomething has happened recently that’s going to change the way we conduct our surveillance. A delegation from Australia has met with officials here in Washington offering asylum to all unwanted star children and other gifted citizens we don’t want. Apparently these star children are discovering medical cures and developing technology that is revolutionizing many industries in their country. Now, Washington has decided they also might play an important role in research projects and technological development here in our country. NASA and other departments of government want them on their staff.
After finding and singling out these aliens, after all the leg work, we’re now supposed to become friends and encourage them. We’re going to have to become a gentler, kinder task force.@ He could see they were all confused by the stares he was receiving.
He stopped speaking and sat down to allow the agents to ponder what he’d just said. He wasn’t sure how or if this change would even work. Having trained his men to be tough on these people he was now asking them to back off and be kind. Maybe it was time for him to retire, he thought. Maybe he was getting to old for this. A life of macho service had just been reduced to a recruiting office for misfits.
The other agents could feel his disgust, and Jones spoke up. ADon’t worry Chief, we will find a way to handle this, but does this mean the end of the task force? Are we going to be out of a job or will we be reassigned?@
AWe still have the other alien sightings to investigate, but we’ll not administer the serum, unless it is absolutely necessary. Give it some thought. Any suggestions would be appreciated.@
Agent Mathers, a female representative from Salt Lake City addressed the Chief. AJim, we have another problem that is just now coming to light. I have just received information that star children are forming their own religion. They are planning to heal people in their church to circumvent the law. Church elders aren’t too happy about this, and are afraid they will lose parishioners. What are we doing to do about this?@
AMathers, new age religions have conducted healing ceremonies for years and no one has shut them down,@ the Chief responded.
AYes, but these star people believe in another God, one they call the Oracle, and their ability to heal is much greater. A hundred years from now when this Oracle becomes stronger around the planet there could be religious wars.”
AThanks, for your input, but we’ll take it one day at a time. I won’t be around a hundred years from now, so I’m not concerned about any religious war. I’m just concerned about how we are going to deal with the latest curve ball we’ve been thrown. Who knows? Maybe this will all blow over soon, and we can go back to doing business as usual.@
A female agent spoke up. “The medical association also wants us to crack down because their healing is undermining the need for doctors, and now we could be pressured by the churches to do something. I don’t know how this is going to play itself out,@ she replied.
“That is a grave concern and will have to be dealt with another day. This meeting was over.” It had been a frustrating situation for the Chief to address. Each month Washington wanted them to change tactics, and they were being pulled in too many directions.
*
Mid-week, Jeff had a visitor at work. Jones was waiting for him in the lobby. They crossed the hall opposite the reception desk to the conference room so they could talk privately. Agent Jones spoke first.
AJeff, I apologize for harassing you and giving you a hard time. Personally I have admired what you have accomplished and want to be friends. Can we do that?@ He had believed he was doing the right thing harassing star children, now he had to butter up to them. However, Jeff had never really caused him any problems, and the home office did want his cooperation.
AWhy the change of attitude, Jones? Does that mean you are going to call off the surveillance,@ Jeff asked? He felt the pressure of constantly being watched but had become skilled at avoiding him.
Jones didn’t know quite how to handle Jeff=s question. His manner had always been rough, and now he had to come across as a kind person. He didn’t want to tell Jeff what had transpired at the Washington meeting for fear the AIA would change their minds again, and yet he had to do his job. He had heard about Dukes run-in with Jeff and the problem Dukes was having with hallucinations. He was intrigued by it but leery that Jeff might do the same to him some day.
AJeff, you have special talents, gifts that could be useful to humanity, and we don’t want to discourage you. If fact, just the opposite. Have you thought about going to work for the government using your abilities doing research?@
AI’m not into research and I’m happy working here at the Bell Foundation. Besides, why would I want to work for the government?@