‘There is no need for apprehension Professor I am not here to harm you.’ Janus indicated to one of two tall armchairs. ‘Please sit down.’
Janus handed Frederick a cup of tea and sat opposite. ‘I expect you have many questions for me.’
‘Just one.’ Frederick’s tone was blunt. ‘Why are you here?’
Janus sank back into the chair pondering Frederick’s question. ‘Same reason those other creatures you met with the other night are here.’
‘The beings we met made it quite clear that their role on this planet was one of preservation.’
Janus smiled. ‘The term you are searching for Professor is self preservation. Any species that has the capability to travel from one galaxy to another is out for more than just helping other species.’
‘Are you saying they’re here to harm us?’
Janus remained silent for a few seconds. ‘Not exactly.’
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘From what I know of these beings they come from a place so far away from here even with their level of technology it would be impossible to go back to where they came from.’
‘Which is where exactly?’
‘The edge of your known universe and beyond.’ Janus replied. ‘A place of infinite distance staring out into the abyss that exists between universes. The species you encountered the other night are so old that they would be considered as immortal by any man. God like creatures with god like powers. But at the end of the day they are just like you and I Professor making their way through the journey which is life.’
Frederick sipped from his cup. ‘Is there a reason you are telling me all this?’
‘There is.’ Janus nodded. ‘I merely want to inform you that they are just one of many civilisations which have discovered your world and are using its inhabitants to advance their own evolution. There are billions of intelligent species in this galaxy. If you were to compare your most advanced telescopes with a window looking out onto a garden then you have only seen a few centimetres beyond the window pane. There are wonders out there that would make you believe that anything is possible, and terrors that your worst nightmares couldn’t even conjure up.’
‘If what you say is true.’ Frederick asked. ‘And there are many species who have visited this planet. Then why not just waltz in and just take us over.’
‘What a pointless question for a man of your intelligence Professor.’ Janus mocked.
‘Humour me.’ Frederick replied.
Janus hauled himself out of the armchair and walked over to a globe which stood near the fireplace. He looked at the United Kingdom and then spun the globe staring at it. ‘There have been many men throughout your history who have tried to conquer this world, most recently Adolf Hitler, and currently both America and Russia are locked in a silent war busying themselves with creating weapons of mass destruction. It seems that your species has a knack of forgetting history so quickly. Alexandra the great, the Romans, The Nazis are but a few conquering nations that eventually fizzled out because their armies became so over stretched it became impossible to hold on to land which they conquered. Imagine a race of beings who wanted to conquer the galaxy using what you would call conventional means. The amount of foot soldiers they would need to conquer this planet alone would be in the hundreds of millions, perhaps billions given that there are currently two and a half billion people on this planet. Imagine if they wanted to conquer ten planets, how many soldiers would they need? Tens of billions, twenty planets, trillions of soldiers. So you see Professor conquest on a galactic scale is a pointless gesture even for the most advanced species.’
Frederick thought about Janus’ explanation and found himself agreeing with Janus.
‘Most of the civilizations that have achieved interstellar travel have moved beyond material needs because they have achieved such a level of advancement they have the means to create anything they want. The goal of any civilization when it reaches maturity is to find the answer to the ultimate question, who created them?’
‘I would have thought that even the most advanced civilizations would have moved beyond religious matters.’ Frederick pointed out.
‘True.’ Janus replied with a thoughtful manner. ‘But even the most advanced civilizations have a longing to return to their mother’s womb so to speak.’
‘And what’s your opinion on creation?’
‘I accepted long ago Professor that the universe is like a force of nature, it does what it does to survive. There are an infinite number of universes out there, some so big that mathematics being the universal language cannot calculate their size. And then there are universes that are so infinitely small they are invisible. There are universes that are ageless and then there are universes that come and go in a blink of an eye. But in that brief moment of time life evolves and thrives.’
Frederick stared at Janus. ‘You appear human, are you wearing some kind of disguise?’
Janus smiled at the question. ‘No, I am as human as you Professor, although my race is a little more down the evolutionary timeline than yours.’
‘And your purpose in visiting our planet?’
‘My purpose Professor along with other visiting species is because we are threatened by a more aggressive species.’
‘How so?’
‘Centuries ago our planet was ravage by a disease released on our world by a species that has devastated other worlds. Their goal was clear, to populate our planet by infecting us with a disease which changed the population into them.’
‘I don’t understand.’ Frederick said.
‘The race of beings which spread this disease to not procreate through natural process like human beings. They release an organic pathogen which infects the indigenous population transforming into them. When they arrived my people had already mastered interstellar travel and had colonised several other planets. The pathogen they released devastated our home world. Before we could do anything three quarters of our population had been turned. Billions were infected, while the rest fought to survive. For those of us who escaped we found a suitable world to rebuild. After a few hundred years we managed to rebuild a stable society. We were fortunate to make allies in surrounding star systems, exchanging knowledge for advanced warning of another attack.’
‘Did they attack again?’
Janus shook his head. ‘No, but I believe that it’s just a matter of time before they find what’s left of my people.’
‘If you are a more advanced form of human then that means the human race is not unique.’
‘There are hundreds of billions of galaxies that make up our universe Professor. Some species evolve in unison in different parts of the galaxy. There are humans scattered throughout the Milky Way galaxy that have followed the same evolutionary path. Some humans have developed more abilities than others. My people are able to access thirty percent of our brains which has given us an advantage over you.’
‘Those creatures we met with the other night claimed that they had seeded other worlds with humans taken from this planet. Why, if there are already human populations spread throughout the galaxy?’
‘It’s an attempt to expand the human race. They have also seeded planets who’s native inhabitants are human to strengthen their immune system. Your species has one unique property not found in other forms of humans.’
‘And what exactly is this unique property you are after.’
‘Your DNA which your science has only just discovered. It contains an element which is the key to saving my people, as well as other species that have been wiped out by the disease.’
‘And this element is not within your DNA?’
‘No.’
‘This is why you and other species take humans.’ Frederick stated.
Janus frowned. ‘You see us as barbaric.’
‘You are not unlike the Nazis, experimenting on human beings for the so called advancement of science.’
‘I have not killed anyone Professor. The vi
llagers from Stoke Lacy, Jimmy from the hospital are still alive.’
‘Where exactly?’
‘If I were to explain everything to you Professor then I would jeopardize my mission and a great many other things including your destiny and the destiny of others.’
‘Others.’
‘I see many things Professor, my species has the unique ability to see the future. I have already demonstrated this to you, along with Agent Cones.’
Frederick thought back to their first meeting. ‘When we first met you told Agent Cones you had met him many times before.’
Janus shook his head smiling. ‘Careful Professor if you know too much you will unravel time itself.’
‘What is that supposed to mean exactly.’
‘The only thing I can tell you at this point Professor is that Agent Cones will play an important part in your future. Beyond that I cannot reveal anything else.’
Frederick felt disappointed. ‘I’m puzzled, why invite me here tonight and reveal your plans, you know that I will report back to my people and tell them everything.’ Frederick said.
Janus looked towards the door smiling. ‘Believe me Professor you’re not the only person I intended to ensnare this evening.’
The door suddenly burst open and three men rushed in with their weapons drawn. Frederick jumped to his feet. The three men fixed their guns on Janus who remained remarkably calm. Mrs Markham was shoved through the door by another man, and then Senator Jacob Barnes stepped into the room.
Chapter 121
The Devil’s Offer
‘What is the meaning of this?’ Frederick demanded to know.
‘I might well ask you the same question Professor.’ Barnes looked at Janus. ‘Interesting company you keep just as well we’ve been keeping tabs on you these last few days.’ He nodded to one of the men. ‘Kill him.’
Janus looked at the man shaking his head slowly. ‘I’ve already explained to Professor Frederick Mr Barnes you cannot kill me.’
The agent stepped closer to Janus pointing his gun directly at his head.
‘Tell me Agent Wells are you as eager to pull that trigger and end my life as you did with your brother?’
Familiar with Janus’ tactic Frederick stepped between him and the agent. ‘Janus, don’t do this.’
‘It’s too late for that Professor.’ Janus remarked coldly, looking at the agent who had just dropped to his knees, then at Senator Barnes. ‘A demonstration is in order.’ He looked back at the agent who knelt looking at the revolver. ‘Your father died hating you Agent Wells, knowing that you were responsible for the death of his first born.’
The agent started to sob, shaking his head. ‘No it was an accident, I didn’t know the gun was loaded.’
‘Your excuses won’t bring Mark back, from now until the day I die I will never forgive you.’
Agent Wells looked up at his father’s ghost. ‘Please dad, I’m sorry it was an accident.’
‘The only accident that ever happened was your mother giving birth to you.’
Frederick knelt down waving his hand in front of Wells’ face. ‘Agent Wells can you hear me?’
‘His mind exists in another time Professor.’ Janus said.
Barnes signalled to the other three agents. ‘Gun him down!’
All three men stood like statues oblivious to the command Barnes had just given, he stepped towards the nearest agent reaching for the gun he was holding. All three men suddenly trained their guns on Barnes. ‘What are you doing?’ He cried out.
‘I am in control of your men Mr Barnes I can make them do whatever I choose.’
The man kneeling stared at his revolver before turning it on himself. He put the barrel of his gun into his mouth.
Frederick jumped to his feet. ‘Janus, you've proved your point, end this now.’ He demanded.
‘My thoughts exactly Professor.’
A single gunshot rang out and the agent keeled over, knocking over a small table.
‘Have you seen enough Mr Barnes or shall I continue with my demonstration.’ He glared at one of the men pointing his gun at the senator. The agent cocked his gun.
‘What do you want?’ Barnes said staring down the barrel of the gun.
‘The same things as you Senator Barnes, power, and I am willing to give you the means to dominate this world.’
‘In return for what?’
‘Unprecedented access to the human race.’ Janus revealed.
Frederick looked at Barnes. ‘You cannot accept the offer you don’t know what it will lead to.’
Janus laughed. ‘You’re wasting your time persuading him otherwise Professor. Senator Barnes has already made up his mind.’ Janus walked up to the American. ‘I can offer you anything you desire Senator. Technology to defeat your enemies, I can show you how to utilize the technology you already have advancing your own technology hundreds of years in a matter of a few decades. I can make you the richest and the most powerful man on this planet.’ Janus held out his hand. ‘How about it Senator do we have a deal?’
‘This is madness.’ Frederick protested. ‘Senator Barnes, if you accept his offer then you are selling out the human race.’
Barnes looked at Frederick and smiled. ‘No Professor, I am ushering in a new era.’ He reached out and shook Janus’ hand. ‘Mr Janus, I look forward to working with you.’
Static discharged started to build up and a white light seemed to come from nowhere filling the room for a brief moment before vanishing. Janus and Mrs Markham had gone leaving just the six men including the dead Agent Wells.
‘Do you have any idea what you’ve done?’ Frederick rumbled.
‘I know exactly what I have done Professor, I’ve single handily won the cold war.’ He looked at the three other agents then at the body of Agent Wells. ‘Clean this mess up.’
Chapter 122
The Letter
St James’ Park – London – 2:01pm
Monday 19th July 1954
Dr Rothschild sat down beside Professor Frederick who stared at the pigeons wandering about on the grass picking up seeds and whatever they could find to eat.
‘It’s over.’ Frederick’s tone was one of remorse and grief. ‘This creature called Janus has been given complete access to whatever he wants.’
Rothschild took a deep breath. ‘The Order knew this day would come.’
‘Senator Barnes flew back to America yesterday, and the committee is clueless on how to proceed without Malcolm at the helm.’
Rothschild reached into his inside pocket and pulled out an envelope handing it to Frederick. ‘I think it’s time to be completely honest with you Professor and reveal to you a few things.’
Frederick looked at the front of the envelope which had his name on it before opening it and unfolding the letter it contained.
My Dear Ralph,
You know me well enough to know that I hate clichés, but to quote an old one, if you are reading this then I am probably dead.
I knew this day was approaching, our encounter with Janus last year revealed more than memories from the Great War. I wanted to tell you everything but I couldn’t risk being discovered. I gave Doctor Rothschild instructions to give you this letter after I am gone. I have been a member of the Galileo Order for many years.
It was no accident that you encountered Doctor Rothschild two years ago at Downham Market station. When the Prime Minister came to me and asked me to select members for The Angel Committee I knew then you had to be part of it. Myself and Rothschild have followed your work and were adamant that you should become a member of the Order.
I know how much your life has changed these past two years; you have seen things that challenge every scientific theory known to man. But I know you will meet this challenge and come to understand that this is not the end, but the beginning of man’s next great adventure.
There are dark days ahead for you my friend. Senator Barnes would have already put the wheels in motion to gain control of everything. A
s I explained several weeks back he is a dangerous man and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. I also know that there are indeed spies in our ranks, but who they are still remains a mystery, so therefore the only advice I can offer is to trust no one. Whatever is ahead you must stay on the Angel Committee despite the difficulties that will plague you. You have also encountered The Brotherhood of the Holy See, which is an organisation that will stop at nothing to conceal secrets that have been hidden away for centuries. You must uncover these secrets no matter what the cost.
I wish I could be there to guide you through the difficult times ahead, to advise you on matters, but I know you well enough to know that you will meet any challenge head on. You have been a good friend Ralph and I know you will watch over William at Cambridge and pop in on Agnes to make sure she’s ok. I’m sorry I won’t be there to see Elizabeth give birth to your son.
Do not grieve for me my friend, a lifetime is just a blink of an eye in the ocean of time, the memories we leave behind are there to comfort others and remind them that those who have been lost are never far away.
So no goodbyes, just good memories.
I wish you well on your journey.
Your Friend
Malcolm.
Frederick wiped away a tear smiling. ‘Elizabeth is going to have a boy how an earth does he know....?’ Frederick looked at Rothschild but he was gone.
Chapter 123
All Good Things
Whitehall – London – 10:06am
Wednesday 21st July 1954
Frederick hesitated in front of the large oak door to the meeting room. His thoughts dwelled on his friend Malcolm and for a fleeting moment he expected him to be sat at the head of the table. On opening the door Frederick discovered that he couldn’t have been more wrong.
‘Good Morning Professor.’ General Frank Stacy greeted looking at his watch. ‘You’re a little late but I think we can all forgive you.’
Codename Angel (The Angel Chronicles Book 1) Page 39