“What are you doing here Alex?”
“No, Tom, I think the far more pertinent question is what the hell are you doing here? I’ve spent a good part of my life here,” Alex replied, looking around the room. “What is this place anyway? I thought it was a mining operation when I first spotted it, but clearly it’s something more than that.”
“This is a classified location, Al. I cannot tell you.” Tom slowly replied, spreading his hands, knowing that his answer was not going to fly with Alex. He glanced nervously at the back of the room.
“Can’t tell me, huh?” Calling her Al might have been OK when they were married, but now it made her bristle. “Classified? What kind of bullshit is this, Tom? Military guards about to shoot me—and you can’t tell me what is going on?” She paused, trying to compose herself, now fully aware of the strange presence behind her. To hell with him, she thought. If he wants to be all cloak-and-dagger, so be it.
Alex leaned forward towards Tom. “Well, this is what I can tell you then: about an hour ago one of your blasts launched a sizable landslide that happened to cover up one of the most magnificent finds of my career, and almost killed me. So I am not so sure, Tom, that I am the one who should be doing the explaining about why I am here. And by the way, who the hell is that?” She nodded towards the stranger. “And don’t you have any lights in this place?” she continued, totally annoyed.
Alex heard a switch and florescent tubes began to flicker as they came to full power. The stranger in the back had his hands pressed together to his mouth, as if deep in thought or prayer. Alex glanced at him as she waited for some response. The man was staring at her, studying her. His look gave Alex the creeps. He was fifty or so, balding, and looked like he had just stepped off a golf course. His face was red from too much sun like one of those poor guys who could never achieve a healthy tan, but continually tried anyway. She imagined that he probably had those goofy sock lines on his legs that ended abruptly at white ankles. Alex hadn’t seen him do it, but it was obvious that he had turned on the lights since the controls were right behind him.
OK, Tom, not going to introduce me? Fine, she thought, growing more and more perturbed. She turned back towards her former husband and continued her rant, ignoring the stranger. “I don’t really care if you tell me or not, Tom, because you can just bet that I won’t rest until I find out. Not only did your guys kill my dinosaur for a second time in 60 million years, but my computer, all of my photos, and the rest of my notes went with it. Suffice it to say that I am more than a little pissed.” Alex let her last statement hang in the air. She looked at Tom, then the stranger. The room stayed silent for some time. “Not to mention the fact that then you tried to shoot me,” she added as an afterthought.
“Alex,” Tom pleaded, “no one had any intention of shooting you.”
“Oh yeah, let’s ask that kid out front.”
The mystery man finally adjusted himself in his seat as if he had just finished a great thought. “Go ahead, Tom, you can tell Ms. Moss.”
“That’s Dr. Moss,” Alex said over her shoulder, now even more annoyed. “I’m sorry,” she continued sarcastically, “my ex-husband seems to have forgotten to introduce you.”
“Ex-husband, hum, very interesting,” the man said quietly. “That’s very interesting, Tom.” He gave Tom a look that Alex couldn’t read. “So, Dr. Moss, am I to assume from your story that you are not a medical doctor but rather a scientist of some sort?” the man continued, obviously playing with her.
Alex didn’t reply, she just looked at the mysterious figure as if he were an alien.
”Alex is a paleontologist. One of the best,” Tom offered helpfully, trying to break the silence.
“I see. Well, Miss, I mean, err, Dr. Moss, I would certainly like to apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused you,” the stranger said.
Alex could feel her face flush red, now she wanted to kill this guy. OK, smartass, two can play this game. “Wait, I still don’t know your name, who the hell are you?”
“Oh yes, so sorry. My name is Batter.”
“Batter. Just Batter huh?”
“Think of pancakes, Doctor.” He smiled at his own joke which seemed to allow him to avoid the question of whether there was any more to his name or not. It was clear to Alex that if Batter had used that line once, he’d used it a thousand times, and he still thought it was funny. He slowly rose from his chair and walked across the room, as if it were a great inconvenience, and held out his hand.
Alex reluctantly took it as if someone were handing her a dead fish. There was something not right about this guy. He smelled like stale bread and Old Spice. Someone had clearly given him too much power for his ego to deal with. His eyes were pale grey, and he looked like a man that lied for a living. But it was his absolute and total confidence that was most disturbing.
“Now, you were saying, Doctor?” Batter said, seating himself uncomfortably close to her at the table.
Alex just stared at him—dead silence again which Tom soon felt the need to fill. “Alex is one of the finest paleontologists in the country, Mr. Batter. She specializes in the Cretaceous period and teaches… err, I should say she is a professor at the University in Salt Lake. At least, that is, as of the last time we spoke.” He looked to Alex for confirmation.
“Tom, the last time we spoke it was not about my career. In fact, I think it had to do with someone you had been cheating with if my memory serves,” Alex said, still looking intently at Batter.
“Alex!” Tom pleaded, his face reddening.
Batter was clearly amused. “Well, Dr. Moss, I’m sorry and quite surprised to say that Tom hasn’t spoken a word about you before. Now, as I was saying,” he continued, obviously enjoying the domestic dispute.
“No, Mr. Pancake Batter,” Alex interrupted, fire in her eyes, “as I was saying, your little operation here just nearly killed me, and it destroyed a one of a kind specimen. That’s more than a ‘little inconvenience’ if you get my drift.”
There was a loud knock at the door. Some kind of aide in uniform entered. “Here is the file you requested, Sir.” The aide stole a glance at Alex as he handed the file to Batter. He looked back at Batter, and waited patiently as the older man thumbed the pages.
“Hum… interesting. All right, Corporal, very good,” Batter said as he continued reading. “You will return the side arm to the young lady, as well, please,” he added without looking up, still combing through the file.
The Corporal reluctantly produced Alex’s Ruger and set it carefully on the table, placing the loaded clip beside it. He looked back at Batter as if he were about to salute, then thought better of it. “Will there anything else, Sir?”
Batter looked up from the file and smiled at Alex. The return of her weapon was obviously some attempt at a peace offering. “Why yes, Corporal, now that you’ve asked. Dr. Moss, you must be thirsty. How rude of us not to have offered sooner. Can we get you an iced tea, soda?” He paused. “Perhaps something stronger,” he added mischievously.
Alex just looked at him. Who is this guy?
“Tom?” Batter asked.
“No, ah, I’m good.” Tom twisted uncomfortably in his chair.
“Corporal, two iced teas please for Dr. Moss and… well isn’t that interesting… and for Mr. Hancock here, and if you could scare up some bourbon and dump it over some ice for me that would be wonderful.” Batter checked his watch. “I think it is way past time for a cocktail.”
“Scratch one of those teas and make mine bourbon as well, please, Corporal, straight up.” Alex’s gaze did not waiver from Batter. The Corporal remained silent and looked at Batter as if awaiting approval.
Batter was amused. Intelligent, beautiful, and she has balls. Here is living proof that Tom is the incompetent fool I have always suspected him of being. He laughed. “Absolutely. Yes, please, Corporal. You heard the lady. And, make mine the same. Tom? Last chance,” he added, looking across the table.
Tom shook his head,
looking dazed.
“Now, where were we? You were saying, Dr. Moss…,” Batter said, turning his attention back to Alex.
Alex watched as the Corporal quietly left the room. “I was saying that your mining activity has just cost me the most significant paleontological find of my career, and almost killed me in the process. What is going on here? I have been just over the hill for almost a week, and I haven’t heard a thing until today. And, what is with all the military? What exactly are you mining?”
“Well, that is a long story, Doctor, but, in short, due to a small problem this operation was virtually shut down for a short period and has only recently resumed.”
“No one completely shuts down a mining operation this big without a big problem,” Alex argued, sensing that Batter was lying.
“Did I say anything about mining, Doctor?” Batter looked at Tom. “Anyway, your unexpected visit may end up being quite fortuitous for you.”
“Honestly, Mr. Batter,” Alex said, finally exhausted with the game play, “can you get to the point? It’s been a long day.”
“Ah yes, my apologies, Doctor.” Batter paused, and then leaned forward. “What if I were to tell you that we could show you something so incredible that you would forget all about your little dinosaur fossil?”
Alex looked at Tom, confused, then back at Batter. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, Doctor, that the reason we ceased operations was due to a cavern we accidentally opened up during excavation. Well, there was that and some bureaucrats who….” Batter stopped. “Anyhow, the cave contains some things that a paleontologist such as yourself might find very interesting, far more than interesting, actually. In fact, I don’t think I would be going way out on a limb to say ‘astonishing.’ Wouldn’t you agree, Tom?”
Tom remained silent, completely surprised by Batter’s behavior. Alex had always had a pretty impressive impact on men, but this was… well….
There was another knock at the door, and the Corporal returned, placed the drinks and left.
“Why are there so many military personnel here?” Alex asked again, nodding toward the Corporal as he exited.
“All in good time, Doctor Moss, all in good time. Salute,” Batter said, lifting his glass. “I do love a stiff one in the late afternoon, don’t you, Doctor?” he said, eyeballing her suggestively. He leaned back in his chair and took a long drink. “Tom, why don’t you explain what I am referring to?”
Tom looked dumbfounded. He had never known Batter to be so out of character.
“Well, Tom, I am assuming you can vouch for Dr. Moss and our ability to get full security clearance for her?” Batter asked, as if Tom were now the mystery.
“Yes, of course, but….”
“Go ahead Tom.” Batter said, waving his hand impatiently. “You can probably tell the story much better than I.” Batter already knew that Alex would clear security. First, her file would have been completely reviewed by the agency years ago before Tom was ever hired and second, because he himself had just checked it again, noting the latest intelligence on her. He was nothing if not thorough. “Don’t expect what you don’t inspect,” had always been his credo, along with, of course, “trust no one.”
Tom was just about to speak when Batter’s cell phone began to ring.
Batter looked at it and frowned, recognizing the number. “On second thought, Tom, I have to take this call. Why don’t you just show the good Doctor here?” Batter turned back to Alex and offered his hand. “I am sure I will see you later,” he said, smiling, hoping he would have the opportunity to personally debrief her.
Batter began to take his call then covered the mouthpiece, “By the way, Doctor, what you are about to hear and see is highly classified by order of the United States government, so unfortunately, you will never be able to discuss anything about it outside of this complex. It would, as they say, be considered an act of treason. Tom will fill you in.” He got up and walked towards the door, now totally preoccupied with the call.
As Batter walked out, Alex thought she heard him say, “Yes, Mr. President.”
Chapter 5
The Big Sleep
After the verdict of the Arzat Council had been passed Fet wasted no time.
She was well aware that she had infuriated Ag to the point that he wanted to personally disembowel her. It was never good to cross an Arzat, especially one as old and ill-tempered as Ag. Fet imagined that given time, he might at the very least try to interfere with her grand plan just for revenge. Because of that, and because Fet honestly believed she had very little time left, she instructed the appropriate females to quickly assemble everyone and to immediately head for the lower caves.
There were about five by eight Arzats in Mot’s entourage, including a few torch bearers, a stone carver, some Medicine Men, several of the older females, plus the eight and four adolescents that Fet had originally selected. Mot was very surprised when he realized that Ara was among them, and might have been pleased were he not so concerned about their fate.
The group slowly worked their way down a long and seemingly endless series of switchbacks. Parts of it were so steep that stairs had been carved into the stone floors. Even Mot was amazed that the caves could possibly be as long and deep as he was now discovering. Although he had lived in the upper parts of them all of his life, he could not have imagined before this moment their enormous complexity or the vastness of their spaces. Normally, there would have been a lot of chatter in a group of Arzats this size, but no one spoke, and the procession proceeded in the fog of an eerie quiet.
The group was heading for the sections of cave where the clan’s food stores were kept. A very limited number of Arzats were ever allowed there. The entrance was always closely guarded and the area was strictly off limits to the general population. The penalty for trespassing, like so many other things, was death or banishment. The reserve food stores often meant life or death to the clan, so their storage spaces were treated accordingly, and guarded like treasure. To Mot’s knowledge, not even the most mischievous or daring of youths had ever tried to breach the security. No wonder, it was chilly and very unpleasant. Mot felt the entire world was on top of him, and he began to feel the uncomfortable experience of cold for the first time. Under the dim light of the torches, he imagined that he could actually see his own breath.
The Arzats eventually stopped in a chamber, much smaller than the Great Chamber above, half its size, Mot judged—and cold, very cold. Mot had never felt anything like it. He was no coward, but the prospects of sleeping in such a place were frightening, just based on the temperature alone. I wonder how long we will have to stay down here, he thought to himself.
*
Mot had been elated earlier when the Council had granted him the reprieve, but the details of Fet’s alternative had been vague. Anything was better than death or banishment, at least so he had thought at the time. Now, he was beginning to think that this situation might be worse. But Mot was determined not to show fear and disgrace himself in front of the others, and certainly not in front of his mother or Ara. He felt his body beginning to shake ever so slightly despite his resolve, not realizing that this new sensation of cold was causing him to actually shiver. Mot found himself standing on one foot, then the other, wrapping his arms around his body trying to stay warm. He glanced over at Ara and the rest of the adolescents, and found them doing much the same, their eyes wide with fear.
In its bowels, the climate of the caves changed, from the relative warmth of the upper chambers, to extreme cold in the lower sections. This condition was a mystery, a phenomenon that worked very much in the Arzat’s favor, but had never been explained. Nor had anyone ever felt the need for an explanation. The work of the Creator—the natural chill allowed the Arzats to store food and survive in hard times—was all anyone cared to know.
It was in these chilly lower sections that Fet and the others would execute their plan. They were going to do the same thing with the young Arzats that they had been do
ing for eons with the clan’s food reserves—they were going to “preserve” them.
The females had been working on the details of the plan almost all season, ever since the news had reached them about the death star. Each time the Hunters had returned with a kill, they had carefully rendered the fat of the animals and stored it. They were going to pack the young Arzats in the fat along with one more very special preservative derived from the roots of one of the ground plants, and let the natural cooling of the lower caves take over.
At the same time, Za’a had worked with the Medicine Men to come up with the proper herbs to sedate the youngsters into a deep sleep. The process would slow down their hearts and their breathing to near death, finally stopping bodily functions altogether, and allow the youngsters to silently weather whatever storm ensued in the world above. The animal fat, coupled with the preservative, would protect them and nourish their bodies until the disaster was over, as if they were incubating in an egg. The Medicine Men had assured Fet and the Arzat mothers that their offspring would be fine for many seasons provided all of the proper measures were taken to perfectly seal them—the seal being absolutely critical to the process.
Large vats of resin from the Ne’e trees had been painstakingly collected and stored for this purpose. The golden resin had been used as a sealant since time began. Properly applied, it produced an airtight cover that was so strong it had to be hammered away later. Meat stored for several seasons could be recovered and eaten, as fresh as the day it had been originally stashed. The cave did not freeze, which would probably kill the youngsters, but the ambient temperature was very near freezing and very constant, perfect conditions to preserve them in a long state of sleep. The Ne’e resin would be the insurance.
In Situ Page 5