After his explanation, he made the call on a normal looking cell phone. “Hello, Gerry? We’re fine. Nothing special happening. –- I’m glad to hear he’s okay. Look, Gerry, I have to cut this short. We’re on our way out the door. Some friends of Wanda’s have invited us to dinner. –- Sure, I’ll call you tomorrow. Bye bye.” He laid down his phone and said, “All set. Your aircraft will be at Leipzig/Halle in about two hours. I’ll call Fritz now for a pickup.”
“Tell Fritz that you’re having sausages, sauerkraut and beer for dinner tonight,” I said. “I think he’ll take the hint. We could have a tailgate party down by the road or at the airport.”
Anna approached and handed me a mug of coffee.
“Amy told me that you take it black,” she said. “Carl and I worried about you all. It’s so good to have you back. I have Jean’s phone number. Would you like to talk to her?”
That took some thought. “Not right now. I’d appreciate it if you would give her a call and let her know the Band has returned.”
She looked at me intently, but only nodded. After a few sips of coffee, Carl announced that Anna and he would accompany us to the airport to see us off. It was time to go. We picked up our gear and began the trek through the now illuminated tunnel to the exit.
On the way, Carl explained about the skylights. “See this pipe going up toward the big globe? This bottom piece is a crank that opens a flap and lets the light come in. I’m fairly sure it’s the reason that strange radio worked as it did. I had quite a start when I heard YDRII’s voice.”
“We had quite a start too,” M1 said, “but it worked out okay.”
The primes among us, especially Bob and Lamont, found the new sights so intoxicating that we had to urge them constantly to keep moving.
I overheard Amy whispering to Alice. “I’ve been talking to Carl and he told me that Fritz has been taking Anna to the brewhaus every Friday for the past three months.”
“Delightful,” Alice said. “I’m very fond of both.”
The train overwhelmed Shan. “This is so big. What is it?”
“This is a steam machine,” M2 told her. “It works the same as your machine of smoke.”
“Did your people build it?” Lamont asked.
“Yes, they did,” M2 said, “but it’s old technology. You will soon see sights that are more interesting.”
Alice paused to double-check her geiger counter. I approached one of the large driving wheels and laid my hand on one of the spokes. A very slight tingle ran up my arm and down through my legs. I almost remembered something; or rather I had the impression that there were some old memory fragments that somehow fit together. I knew that concentrating would not help. I had to let go and if something was there, it would surface eventually. I thought of Alice calling the Director from Ganymede. It tickled his phone, but did not cause it to ring. I had no experts to analyze my event.
Alice noticed. “What’s wrong, James? You look funny.”
I told her what had happened. “It wasn’t painful—more like I was grounding a slight electric current. Something more to add to our report.”
We walked on. Harry caught up to us as we entered the exit tunnel. He had added two bottles of schnapps to his load. “No need to put a strain on the replicator. Besides, the real thing tastes better.” He didn’t notice any tingle when he entered the car.
It was spring in the mountains. The air was cold and smelled of growing things. A low sun was welcome warmth as we walked down the unmarked trail toward the road. Blue was covering about ten yards to our one as he zigzagged back and forth inhaling the alien smells. We were alone on the hillside, so we didn’t have to hide him. By the time we reached the road, Fritz was there in his shiny new green van. The back was open and he had the grill out and fired up. Classical music floated out from the driver’s compartment. Shan was very curious about these new sounds.
“Hello my friends,” he called to us. “The beer is in the blue chest. The sauerkraut is already hot and we are five minutes away from the sausages.”
We all got our beverage and made ourselves comfortable on the grass nearby. Fritz, joined by Anna, kept busy with the food preparation. Alice was sitting next to me, watching the cooks over the top of her beer bottle. She turned her head toward me and began her part of the conversation with a man-sized beer belch that echoed off the nearby cliffs.
“My God, that was good,” she groaned.
“The burp or the beer?” I asked.
“Both.” she replied.
Carl sat down in front of us with a very puzzled look on his face. We both leaned forward to hear what he had to say.
“I was sitting right over there near Shan, just drinking my beer when I heard a voice whisper in my ear. It said, ‘Spam’. When I looked behind me, all I saw was Blue. Does he speak? And why would he say Spam?”
We glanced over and there was Blue looking innocent and appealing. Alice explained that Blue was a mimic, like a parrot and that he was begging for Spam in a can.
“I wonder,” Alice said, “should we ask Shan to try to make Blue stop talking while we’re on Earth?”
“I vote no,” I said. “We have too many secrets as it is. It’s for certain sure that many people will be making many demands on us as well as Blue. At a distance, he looks like a regular dog, but not close up. It’s also for certain sure that we’ll be very happy to hit the road again.”
“I agree,” Alice said, “but my big worry is keeping the six week limit on our stay here. I hope we don’t lose control.”
“Just stay close to me, dear one,” I said. “Do not forget I have Lonesome Joe. I’m still learning the capabilities of this new team and who knows; perhaps I really will soon have the ability to cloud men’s minds.”
She was quiet for a moment before she spoke. “The thought of you having that power is like consuming a hot fudge sundae—warm and comforting while at the same time chilling.”
“Where’s Shan? M2 asked.
As we looked around, her head popped out from the driver’s seat of Fritz’s van.
“I love this Earth music more than anything,” she said.
We heard the sausage call and joined the queue to fill our plates. Our alien friends loved the German food. Although it was enjoyable, we didn’t linger over our meal. We ate fast and hopped aboard the van.
Carl didn’t hesitate when I asked him about our group smell. “You all do have a woodsy odor, but it is so slight that it did not register until you spoke of it. I think it is like when you take your dog for a ride in your car. You don’t even notice.”
CHAPTER 45
We arrived at the airport just a few minutes before an unmarked private jet rolled to a stop in front of the hangar. Fritz pulled up close to the fuselage. After saying our goodbyes, we quickly piled into the plane, leaving Anna, Carl and Fritz to continue their duties at the Hollow Mountain. I did remember to tell Carl that he had a reservation on our next venture as we said farewell.
“Harry!” Alice said, “How about a drinkie-poo?”
“One drinkie-poo coming up,” he replied, while digging in his backpack. “I’ll make it a double.”
“See, James,” she said, while poking me in my ribs, “Harry is a mind reader as well as you and Moses… Harry, how about some poker with real cards?”
“Okay suckers,” he called out. “I’m dealing with feeling while kneeling and stealing.”
The card game got going with all of the Terran Band members except me. I just wasn’t in the mood. The Primes were watching this strange new game, talking by radio to the Director or just enjoying the ride. Shan had headsets on, listening to classical music. Mary and Moses were sitting side by side, holding hands as usual. They weren’t in deep conversation so I joined them in a facing seat. I had wanted to speak to this elegant lady and this seemed to be a good opportunity.
“You two look very happy,” I said. “Until now we have left you to each other as much as possible, but you must know that very soon t
here will be severe limits on your time alone.”
They both nodded with raised eyebrows and knowing smiles.
“Before your ordeal begins,” I continued, “I’d like to ask Mary some questions about the pleasure planet. Is that all right with both of you?”
They both nodded again. “Of course it is,” she said. “I will answer to the best of my ability.”
“Thank you,” I said. “Moses, because of his station in your society at that time, told me that he knows practically nothing about the pleasure planet, what is there and its history. The Old City intrigues me and I’m hoping that you can add to what little we know.”
“Oh, my,” she said, in a very Terran manner, “you have exposed one of the great secrets of our society. Moses will be hearing of most of this for the first time. From birth, the people of my class were required to ignore the existence of that planet. That resulted in a high degree of ignorance about the very things that aroused your curiosity.” She paused for a minute to sip her schnapps and organize her thoughts. “First, I must tell you that my class were less than one percent of the population and were not the true rulers. The general population thought we were and many of us did hold positions of responsibility. In reality we were not the top class. There was one more secret level above us. This was a deception perpetrated by the even smaller number of true rulers for their own unknown reasons.” As she said this, Moses looked at her, his large eyes even larger, but he said nothing. “Such was the secrecy that we never as much as saw our true masters. We never knew where they were or who among us were in contact with them. Orders were given, things happened and that was that.
“The pleasure planet was a special reward for those of my class. No one of us could ask to go there unless it was to utilize the dormant chambers. I think the chambers were available to my class because it got rid of the malcontents. I have met several people who have gone there as a reward. Upon their return, they could not talk about the experience other than to say it was wonderful. What I have just told you is all that I know. I have seen only what you have seen.”
“Thank you for your questions, James,” Moses said. “It is a great revelation to learn that Mary’s people were not the true rulers. Discovering more about them must be high on our agenda when we return.”
“Although I know much about my pre-dormant world,” Mary said, “I must have time to consider the present situation. I fear I might bear a burden of guilt about the treatment of the lower classes and the revolution. I do need to know more. And then there are the Nazis that so interest you.”
The conversation turned general after that. I had consumed a generous portion of schnapps and became rather sleepy. I excused myself, told M1 that Alice was holding five aces and retired to a cabin in the back for a snooze.
CHAPTER 46
I had a pleasant interlude, walking through the canopy of Sequoia until Harry shook me awake. “We’re home, pal. Grab your socks and meet us outside.”
I pulled on my boots, which were all that I had removed and walked out to a cabin empty of everything except my backpack. I picked it up and carried it out and down the steps where I found everyone standing around either stretching or rubbing their tired eyes. It was dark outside, but some exterior lights were on. The giant hangar door was in its closed position. As I joined the crowd, a large Chinook helicopter with darkened windows touched down near our jet. A side door opened and to our surprise, the Director stepped down. To our greater surprise, the President and his cadre of blue suits followed him. We all patted down our hair and stood a little straighter.
“What can I say other than welcome home,” the Director said. “When I heard you were back and safe, my sigh of relief blew out my office window. Alice, you barely look old enough to drink. Come here and give this old man a hug.”
The President was not acting presidential. He was a kid in a toyshop. Having read our reports, he knew there was a lot of good and fascinating news that he could eventually dole out to an avidly interested public. “You people have done a fabulous job,” he said. “I can hardly begin to express my gratitude. Someone took your pictures in Germany, so I know everyone. Alice, James and Harry, the change is stunning.” He looked to the aliens. “I welcome you. Many people here will find it hard to believe that you are not Terrans, but we’ll sort it out later. Shan, I’ve heard you have developed a taste for Earth’s music. Here’s something from my collection.” He handed her an album. “This is so exciting.” He turned to the Director. “I’m anxious to have a sit down with these folks. I know you have much to do, so I’ll scoot on out of here, but I’ll stop by tomorrow. And I’ll bring the wife.”
As the President turned to leave, a major in work fatigues approached our group. “Hey Keith,” Harry said, “how goes it?” To us he said,” Gang, this is Major Keith Frank. He’s in charge of this big barn.” Back to Major Frank, he said, “So, how’s my Nora?”
The major did not look very happy. “Harry,” he said, “I’m only a major. General Shants makes all the rules here. I’ll raise the hangar door and you’ll see what I mean.”
The Major pulled a remote control out of his pocket and the big door began to rise. It slowly revealed Harry’s aircraft, minus her number four engine.
“Son of a bitch!” Harry exploded. “The bastards have been cannibalizing her for parts.”
“Harry,” the Director said, “I’ll make it right.” He turned to Keith. “Call the General.”
Keith obeyed the command and punched in a number. “Sir, this is Major Frank. The Director of the FBI is here and wants to talk to you. I’m handing him the phone now.”
“General Shants,” the Director said, “I’ve just seen Harry’s aircraft. She is missing one of her engines. Did you know that someone was raiding her for spare parts?”
All was quiet as the Director listened to his response.
“Hear me now, General. I advise you to stop making excuses. The lawsuit Harry will file naming you, me and the military will be the least of the tribulations headed your way. You have no idea of the magnitude of the problems you have created by your carelessness and disregard in this matter. As of this moment, Major Frank is in command of this facility and its contents. I further advise you to call your lawyer.”
Harry was beaming as he shook the Director’s hand. “Thank you, sir,” he said. “I guess we can get back on schedule now.”
Shan just stood there, looking back and forth at the speakers. Trying her best to understand what went on. A second, larger chopper arrived. This one had a ramp. We trooped aboard and were on our way. The well-insulated machine allowed us to chat among ourselves
“I want a long, hot shower,” Amy said. “I’ve been itching ever since James asked Carl if we stink.”
With a concerned look on his face, the Director said, “You don’t smell bad at all.”
Right away she knew that she had flubbed it and glanced our way with flaming cheeks and a silent appeal for help.
Seeing this, the Director turned to Alice. “I think I just poked the peach and found a soft spot.”
“We were not deprived,” she said, “but that is part of another story which, of course, you will hear.”
“And for this you received hazardous duty pay?” he said. “I need to hear of your adventures, but I won’t press you now.”
Amy was looking back and forth between Alice and the Director with half of a smile on her face. Seeing her anxious look, he leaned over to pat her on her head.
“Amy, I’m not in the least upset. This is just a little ribbing among friends.”
“I’m learning, sir,” she said. “I’m just glad that you’re here to shield us from the rest of the world.”
“Thank you, Amy. Speaking of shield, we’re going to Camp David rather than any place around Washington. Security is much easier there and you won’t feel like you’re in prison. However, you will get the works. Any questions?”
“What am I to do with these round objects?” Shan held up
the CD case.
“I’ll show you later,” M2 said quickly.
“Are we still scheduled for a four to six week stay?” I asked.
“Yes,” he replied, “in fact, I can’t see it taking much more than four weeks and yes, when this is over, you were to get to choose where you go—barring unforeseen circumstances. But, here come the unforeseen circumstances, in the form of that bunch of mysterious Nazis. Moses has already agreed to stay here, but the dormant chambers on Enigma are a complication. His presence there might be necessary for reactivation or whatever they call it. This is all new information so things can change. Abraham and Lamont can probably assist in that. Meanwhile we have to get things going on Nexus. We do have a billion or so problems on this most complex operation, but for now I must get you settled in your new rooms. Think only of hot showers, food and a soft bed. We’ll begin early tomorrow.”
CHAPTER 47
We arrived at a high-class motel named M5282, the same as Carl’s rubber stamp.
“I wish Carl could see that sign,” M2 said. “I’ll take a photo and send it to him.”
The facility included a lunchroom for breakfast, a full service restaurant and a gym/barbershop.
“The entire place is yours,” the Director said. “Where you sleep is up to you. We’ve set up a small clinic and some interview rooms. Everything will happen in this building. The grounds here are quite nice. A special run has been set up in the back for Blue.”
When he finished, several motel staff showed us around and helped us select our rooms. I was the only one who took a private room. M1, M2 and Harry stayed together as did Alice, Amy, Shan and Blue. Abraham, Lamont and Bob stayed together as did Moses and Mary. Everything was fine.
LOST AND FORGOTTEN: Book 2 The Secret Path Page 30