Phasewave

by David Gill

'This is really bugging me. If it was my problem I'd be more than willing to fall on my sword, but I no longer have any faith in the Security Service or the Security Council or all the cheats, liars and killers it employs. It's time for the people who caused these problems to stand up and be counted.'

  'You're too close to what's happening. Take a break. I'll make a deal with you – pack up for the night, we'll go out for dinner and then you can take me to your sad and lonely pick-up joint and show me why it's so special.'

  Milo briefly considered the suggestion. 'That sounds like a good plan. Are you sure you're broad-minded enough to come with me to the bar?'

  'I'll ignore that remark only because I'm feeling sorry for you,' said Glen. 'But, before we finish, there are a few things on my mind. Firstly, when the three bodies were found in the Phasewave, how did the Service manage to cover it up?

  'The Law Lords are speaking only through their lawyers, but they have pointed out that laws exist to allow the destruction of human remains when they pose a health threat to the population. The fact is that the three victims had recently arrived from other planets, there was a possibility that an alien life form may have been contacted, and that the causes of death were not known. Legally speaking, the correct action would have been to quarantine and destroy the bodies, but there is no explanation whatsoever of their failure to mention the deaths to anyone outside the Service.'

  'Well, I can't see the media being fobbed off with that explanation. My next question is: have you any idea what went on between Declan and Jenna when he visited her in prison?'

  'I can't imagine,' said Milo. 'All I know is that the visit lasted less than an hour, which is when the guard went to collect Declan after his visiting time was up, and that all Jenna's belongings were left behind packed into cases.'

  'It's obvious that Jenna intended to go to the Phasewave whether she was released or not, so she must have been very persuasive to get Declan to go with her and forfeit his life.'

  'I guess that's a conversation we'll never be privy to. Was there anything else?'

  'Yes. Assuming I was correct in my thinking, where now are Jenna, Declan, Brant and the alien?'

  Milo thought for a while. 'Now that one I really don't know about. The last physical sighting appears to have been when Declan contacted Gil before his suicide, if, indeed, that actually happened. Apart from that we know that the alien was in the Phasewave machine and in the prison security system, but that was two years ago. Taking your thinking to its logical conclusion - Jenna, Brant, and Declan must have joined the alien and now be living as aphysical entities inside the Phasewave system, but I have no idea why they chose to do that or what their intentions are.'

  'Gil also talked about stopping an invasion by the Colonies. Do you think they have become involved with that?'

  'No. I've yet to see anything to indicate that there has ever been a genuine threat of invasion, and, as far as I am aware, nobody has had any contact with the alien since it left via the Phasewave. However, although I can't guarantee that you're going to meet an alien tonight, when you come to the bar with me, you're going to meet some very strange people.'

  'I've just reneged on a lifetime's promise not to go into places like that,' said Glen. 'This is a one-off, so don't push your luck.'

  Glen savoured her cocktail and looked around the packed bar. The place was rowdy and heaving, and, whether it was because she had been drinking or because Milo seemed to be enjoying himself so much, she found that it was nowhere near as bad as she had feared. She nudged Milo's arm. 'What about that one over there, the one who keeps smiling at you? She looks willing and able.'

  'That's Lois, the owner's wife,' said Milo. He gave her a wave from across the room.

  'I can't believe you actually know people in here.'

  'You can never tell in this place,' said Milo, with a grin. 'You might hook up tonight. Do you want me to choose someone for you?'

  'That ship sailed a long time ago,' said Glen. 'It's definitely a young woman's game nowadays. Excuse me, but I have to go to the cloakroom, and I don't want to find a line of your men friends waiting for me when I return.'

  'Only trying to help,' said Milo. 'I'll get some more drinks in.'

  A few minutes later Milo returned from the bar with another round of drinks and was re-joined by Glen, who looked flushed and excited.

  'Are you alright?' asked Milo.

  'Give me a drink. You will never believe this, but I've just been propositioned.'

  'Are you serious? I told you this could be your lucky night. Who was it?'

  Glen pointed out a well built, good-looking man who was talking to two women across the bar from them. 'He must be twenty years younger than me.'

  'I'm impressed. Which modelling agency did he come from?'

  'Who cares?' said Glen. 'He actually hit on me. Now I feel really stoked. What a great place this is.'

  'I never thought I would hear you say that, or that you would score tonight. What did you say to him?'

  'I was caught off-guard and turned him down, but I'm beginning to regret it. I thought I was too old for this kind of thing. Now I'm now getting new ideas, and it's your fault for dragging me down here. Listen, I'm going to have to bail out soon, but I'll call round first thing in the morning to make sure you're up and about. Do you want me to stay with you and make sure you get a cab home? You've had a lot to drink.'

  'I'm perfectly alright,' said Milo. 'You go home. I'll finish this off and make my own way back. See you in the morning.'

  After Glen left, Milo sat at the bar savouring the atmosphere and contentedly pondering the events of the day. He had already made up his mind to drop the case, whatever problems it was going to create for Moran, but he had no credible alternative, in fact he had no alternative at all. It was while he was contemplating the events of the next day that he became aware of a woman sitting next to him.

  'Buy you a drink?' said the stranger. She spoke with an accent which was definitely not Vennican.

  Milo was taken aback. The woman was tall, sophisticated and elegant, not the type he usually encountered in that bar. 'No, please, allow me. It would be my pleasure.'

  She smiled. 'You're too gracious. But seriously, I can afford to buy you a drink.'

  'Seriously, I'm old fashioned,' said Milo. 'Besides, I think the first drink with a beautiful woman should always be a special occasion.'

  'You certainly know how to pour on the charm,' said the woman. 'I'm Jenna.'

  Milo stared at her, momentarily lost for words.

  'Is something the matter?'

  'Oh, I'm sorry, but your name is quite unusual.'

  'Not where I come from,' said Jenna. 'Jennas are a dime a dozen in the Outstations.'

  'It's just that I once knew someone called Jenna, and it's a coincidence you having the same name.' Milo put on his craggy smile. 'I'm Milo, by the way, and don't worry, I do get better for the knowing. I haven't seen you in here before.'

  'I'm just visiting Vennica, catching up with family and friends.'

  Milo was about to speak when a group of people stopped by to speak with Jenna, one of whom was the man who had propositioned Glen earlier.

  'Milo, this is Ismay,' said Jenna.

  Milo shook Ismay's hand.

  'You're Glen's friend,' said Ismay. 'You're a lucky man.'

  'Thanks,' said Milo. 'I agree with you, by the way.'

  'Well, I must be off,' said Ismay, who, by that time had his arms around the waists of his two female companions, and the gregarious group moved loudly away from the bar.

  'What do you think of my friend Ismay?' said Jenna.

  'I think he has got his hands full,' said Milo. 'I take it you are not partners or anything?'

  'No,' said Jenna. 'We're temporarily sharing an apartment, but he's always bringing women round. The place gets pretty crowded some nights. I can't tell you how many strange women I've met in my kitchen, making them drinks and things.'

  'How does he cope with all that ac
tivity?' said Milo. 'Does he eat special food or something?'

  'Not particularly. He is fond of eggs, though.'

  'I don't think that would explain it. So, what are you doing on the Outstations?'

  'I'd like to say that I was an artist who did maintenance on the side, but in reality I do maintenance and am an artist on the side.'

  'What's it like out there?'

  'It's as bad as it gets, but the money's good. Don't ask me about the locals - they breed with their relatives. I wouldn't touch any man out there with lead mittens.'

  'And do you think it's better here?'

  'There's a real buzz in Kalmis, which is why come whenever I can get away. I've seen you in here before. You come highly recommended.'

  'I can't think of anyone here who would recommend me.'

  'Lois says you're a regular guy. That's good enough for me.'

  'Have you been watching me?'

  'Look,' said Jenna, 'I know this is going to sound bad, but I come to Kalmis to enjoy myself. Although I like to mix with men, I'm choosy and I don't just go with anyone. You're the man I'm looking for tonight.'

  'I'm completely lost for words,' said Milo. 'You're saying you want me, just like that? You're a very attractive woman; you could have any man in this room.'

  'I've made up my mind, and I'm going back to purgatory soon. Are you interested?'

  Milo looked at the time. 'I have something on tomorrow morning and really do have to leave. Can we meet again?'

  'It has to be tonight,' said Jenna. She hesitated. 'Maybe I was mistaken. You think I'm an escort, don't you? Please excuse me.' She got up to leave.

  'No, don't go,' said Milo. 'I've been ungracious, and it's you who should be excusing me. What are your plans for the rest of the evening?'

  'I was leaving that up to you.' Jenna finished her drink and placed the glass on the bar. She stared at Milo with dark, liquid eyes. 'You could come back to my apartment, if you want.'

  When Milo and Jenna left the bar it was late and he found himself walking down the road, talking and laughing and looking for a cab with his arm around Jenna, which he found strangely comforting.

  'I've just remembered,' said Jenna. 'Ismay's probably taken those girls back to the apartment, and he's really noisy when he gets going. Would you mind if we went back to your place? I think it will be a lot quieter'

  'I'm a great believer in a quiet life,' said Milo expansively. 'There's a cab coming. Let me show you where I hang out when I'm not in the bar.'

  'You won't regret it,' said Jenna. 'I might even surprise you.'

  Milo slowly woke up, rolled over in bed and drowsily recalled the events of the previous evening and his night of passion, relaxed in the post-coital afterglow of a new sexual encounter. He could not believe how well things had turned out. Was sex with Jenna better than with Glen? They were different people, so it was not right to make comparisons. But Jenna really had surprised him; she was definitely a different person in bed to the one he had met in the bar. He reached across the bed, only to find it empty. Jenna was gone! Milo jumped out of bed and turned on the lights. He quickly checked his wallet, which was lying on the table, but nothing was missing - all his money and credits were still in place. The room appeared to be undisturbed, apart from a sheet of paper lying on the table. The note read: "Thanks for a great night. We will meet again. Good luck with the presentation." Beneath the note was a drawing, done in simple pen lines, which perfectly depicted Milo lying on his back, naked in bed, although his manhood had been enhanced to cartoon proportions by the artist's imagination, and the bed depicted much smaller than it actually was. Beneath the picture was the title "Sleeping Giant". Milo burst out laughing. What a great sense of humour. So she wasn't an escort after all, and he was already anticipating their next encounter. Then, looking at the picture again, he was reminded of the original Jenna who also drew line drawings. They looked similar, but both women were artists so the drawings were bound to look similar. Milo was climbing back into bed when something else struck him as being strange. As far as he could remember, he had not told Jenna anything about the presentation. He racked his brains, but Jenna obviously did know so he must have told her. The drink must have fuddled his memory.

  Almost immediately Milo fell asleep, but a few hours later he experienced a violent, multi-coloured dream that jerked him awake and out of bed, shaking and shivering while sheets of vivid colour flashed before his eyes. He crashed into a table before falling to the floor, where the pulsating colours continued to pierce his vision. Eventually they started to fade and the twitching of his limbs abated until he was able to extricate himself from the smashed table and find the light switch. He staggered groggily into the kitchen and swallowed a glass of water. It must have been a stroke, he thought, but he still had feeling down both sides of his body and his face. In past ball games he had taken a few blows to the head, but never experienced anything like this. Had Jenna spiked his drink? Why would she do that? She had not taken anything from the apartment and planned to see him again. Milo poured another glass of water and carried it with him back to bed. He turned out the light and tried to work out what had happened but his brain slowed down until he could no longer think clearly. Eventually his mind gave in to his body and he sank into a deep, uninterrupted sleep for the rest of the night.

  'Good morning,' said Milo. He held the door open for Glen. 'Come in, I've just put the coffee on.'

  Glen walked inside Milo's apartment. 'Have you fallen out with Moran, or are you deliberately avoiding him? Three times he's called me this morning; he's practically out of his mind with worry.'

  'Moran is no longer in the loop,' said Milo.

  'He needs you to brief him before the presentation.'

  'He can wait.'

  Glen looked at Milo carefully. 'Are you alright? You had a lot to drink last night. Have you worked out yet what you're going to say?'

  'Yes, I've got it all worked out. I'm not going to say anything about the alien; I'm going to announce an imminent attack on Vennica by the Old and New Colonial alliance. The first stage of that attack will be on Kalmis during the presentation when blast bombs will detonate and neutron transmitters sited on top of buildings in the city centre will be activated to wipe out the population of Kalmis.'

  Glen stared at him open-mouthed. 'What did you just say?'

  'There is nothing to worry about. The blast bombs are only intended to drive people onto the streets and the neutron transmitters have already been rendered inoperative.'

  'Are you out of your fucking skull?' Glen was shaking. 'Leave the invasion thing alone. Stick with what you know. Blame the others, but don't get involved in an invasion conspiracy. If you stand up and say that in public not only will you never work again, but you will probably be shot on the spot. What are you thinking about?'

  Milo laughed. 'Everything is under control.'

  'Security will shut you down and switch off your microphone. There is no way they will allow you to say that to the media.'

  'They won't be able to stop me. Read your messager,' said Milo. 'By the way, you are the first person on Vennica to read this message.'

  Glen opened her messager and read the contents. She went white in the face. 'I'm horrified. What is all this?'

  'Just after I start my speech that message will be transmitted to over one hundred thousand people on Vennica who hold senior positions in defence, law and government departments.'

  Glen sat down, trembling. She read the message again. 'Are you saying that the Law Lords are in on the invasion?'

  'That is a full account of the invasion plans and I have named individuals who have sided with the alliance. Many of those people will be in the room, so it will probably get pretty lively after the message is received. But you have no need to be concerned. To make my point to the crowd, a bomb will explode outside the building shortly after I release the message. I will then explain that the neutron generators have been rendered inactive and do not pose a risk to the populat
ion of Vennica. By the end of today the whole Vennican constitution will have been scrapped and power ceded to a military government under a state of emergency until the threat of invasion is controlled, after which elections will be held and a true, democratically elected government returned to power.'

  'There is no way you will be given the opportunity to say those things. How do you expect to do this on your own?'

  'I'm not on my own,' said Milo. 'Others are involved. Earlier this morning I contacted thousands of senior people on Vennica: politicians, judges, ministers, members of the police and armed forces, and civic leaders. The message contained a hidden code which has given them specific instructions about their roles today.'

  'Am I really hearing this?' said Glen. 'Last night when I left the bar you were in your cups, yet overnight you appear to have organised a revolution.'

  'It was already organised,' said Milo. 'The sleeping giant is about to awake and nothing will ever be the same again on Vennica. I want you to be part of this, and I need you to do something for me. If you're ready, let's forget the coffee and go.'

  Milo took Glen's arm and guided her, in a state of total shock, out of his apartment. By the time they reached the road outside Glen was beginning to wonder if she would ever enter the apartment again or whether her next visit to see Milo would be to a prison cell.

  'Where's Milo?' asked Moran. 'I think he's deliberately avoiding me.'

  'He's around somewhere,' said Glen. She stood next to Moran at the edge of the stage and stared, uncomprehending, at the crowd and massed ranks of media waiting to hear from Milo. Five thousand people were about to get the shock of their lives. Her mouth was dry, her legs were shaking, and she prayed that she would have the strength to go through the chaos which was about to take place.

  'There won't be any surprises, will there?' said Moran.

  Glen shook her head, and then managed to find her voice. 'I don't think you will be disappointed.' That was correct, she thought, disappointed was a word which was definitely not on the day's agenda.