Jamie described deceiving Brian, entering the world and her brief encounter with the young female gardener, what she'd done to wake up, flying the MAME to the center of the alien ship, her conversation with the alien, Mikenruah, his attempt to teleport her, and her eventual detonation of the antimatter bomb. Lieutenant Holloway offered no comments, but Jamie saw hints of surprise in her carefully composed face when she quoted Mikenruah's claim that they hadn't targeted Earth for destruction. Jamie was quite certain that part of her testimony would raise some serious eyebrows with the lieutenant's higher-ups. She was sorely tempted to leave out that part, but she'd already spilled her guts to Captain Cameron, and withholding information possibly critical to humanity seemed unconscionable. She'd just have to let the chips fall where they may. It wasn't as if they could fault her for acting on her best knowledge. President Tomlinson and her advisors knew there were no guarantees that the truths of her world applied here.
Three hours later, the debriefing concluded, Jamie joined the four starship commanders, crewmembers, and Nellis officers in a small cafeteria with a large TV screen on one wall. A breaking news story was playing on the screen.
"Several thousand people showed up unannounced in an unplanted Kansas farm field this late-afternoon who claim to have come from Heaven," a well-groomed CNN studio newscaster informed them. "We have one video taken by a passerby we're going to share with you..."
The video showed a large mass of people milling about in a field with uncomprehending, dismayed expressions, touching and holding each other – more than a few sobbing in someone's arms – looking like survivors of some horrific tragedy, Jamie thought, feeling a sharp jolt of guilt. I took away their paradise.
"He made good on his promise," said Captain Cameron, who shared her table along with Captain Horace Lindley and a few of their immediate underlings, including a chief exobiologist, medical officer, science officer, and engineer. "That's worth something."
"This scene is being replayed throughout the world," said the newscaster.
The perspective changed to large gatherings of confused and grieving people in India, China, Russia, Europe, Canada, and the UK before shifting back to the Kansas farm field. A reporter was speaking to a group of dazed and weeping individuals.
"We thought we were going to live forever!" an elderly lady cried, tears streaming from her eyes while an older man held her. "Davie and I...we were healthy and young! We were going to have an eternity together."
"God lied to us! Pastor Loving lied to us!" someone shouted.
"No, God does not lie! It's all a test of our faith!" someone shouted back.
Jamie lowered her eyes to her plate of steak and fries, guilt ripping through her. If not for me, they could've lived in their make-believe paradise indefinitely, perhaps even for a good portion of forever.
"That has to suck," said Lieutenant Mallory. "Though as far as I'm concerned, anyone dumb enough to believe in that snake-charmer and his heaven deserves what they get."
"Everyone has their illusions," said Keira Quinn, the Cheyenne's chief medical officer. "I'm not going to judge them for that. I suspect they'll be judging themselves enough in the days to come."
"On top of everything else, they'll face felony charges for removing their chips," said Adele O'Brien, the young, redheaded ensign sitting next to Captain Lindley.
"I find it hard to believe anyone would prosecute them for that," said Keira. "Especially understanding the sophisticated forces behind their deception."
"Just a guess, Chief Medical Officer," Captain Lindley rumbled in a voice coarsened by several beers, "but I don't think those forces are going to be discussed by any government official. Tomlinson will have the feds make deals with these people to stop their caterwauling and shut their mouths about what happened. Those who don't want to shut their mouth..." He flipped one hand as though flicking off a fly.
"I'm with you on that, Horse," said Lieutenant Mallory. "The Psycho-Bitch-In-Chief will probably buy some of them off and send the resisters off to detention camps until they change their minds."
"I'm afraid you're not far from wrong about that, my boy."
"You people are depressing," Keira groaned.
"Lucky you have a degree in psychology," Captain Cameron laughed. "You can prescribe the right antidepressants for yourself."
The news story continued with the CNN citing an "unconfirmed source" that the true explanation for the sudden appearance of the gathering was a cult encampment somewhere near Kansas City. A psychiatrist was introduced in the studio who claimed that the gathering was likely on "hallucinogens" and suffering from cult-induced "paranoid delusions." The cult leader was identified as Gregory Holton, a disciple of Brian Loving and his Church of Last Days.
"It seems," the CNN anchorman concluded in grave, truth-dispensing tones, "that this bizarre event has an explanation a bit closer to home. Our own desperate desire to believe and someone with the magnetic charm to feed that belief."
No one spoke at Jamie's table for several seconds. She sensed discomfort in the way people picked at the food on their plates or gazed into the distance over their drinks. Captain Cameron gave her a strained smile.
"So that's how they're gonna play it," Lieutenant Mallory broke the silence with a disdainful grunt. "A bunch of cult psychos under the influence of a Jim Jones who convinced them they were living in Heaven. Classic PSYOPS 101."
Two men in dress uniform approached them. One was six-foot, blocky, square of shoulder and jaw, late-middle-age, with a short mustache and a salt and peppering of hair on his head. The other man was tall and slim, a few years older, with a full head of grey hair. His dapper build made him look like a Greyhound next to the thicker man's Rottweiler.
Everyone at the table except for Jamie rose and stood at attention.
"At ease," said the taller man. His bleak grey eyes fastened on Jamie and he smiled. "You must be the superwoman everyone's talking about."
"Jamie," said Captain Cameron, "this is General William Akron, Commander of USSC. His svelte companion is Colonel Tom Hurtle."
General Akron gave her a slight bow. Colonel Hurtle gave Cameron and her a droll smile.
"Excellent work today," said the General. "From what I've heard thus far, we couldn't ask for a better result."
"Thank you, sir," said Cameron, echoed by the others. "Would you care to join us?"
"Not at the moment, Captain. I think you and your people could use some down time. But I would like you and your crewmates to join me for a formal dinner and awards ceremony in John Glenn Hall tomorrow evening." A hint of mischief glinted in his eyes. "We will have a special guest in attendance who will be handing out special gifts to some of you."
It was as if an invisible lightning had struck the Captains and crew of the two starships. Jamie saw the jolt of current twitch through their bodies and faces and stiffen their stances.
"You'll be notified of the time," said General Akron, smiling. "Until tomorrow, then."
Colonel Hurtle paused to give them a wink before turning away with his superior officer. Captains Cameron and Lindley settled back in their seats, followed the other crewmembers. They all stared at each other in numbed silence.
"Special guest," Lieutenant Mallory muttered. "Has to be the President. Which can only mean one thing..."
"Someone's being sized up for a Medal of Honor," said Captain Lindley.
"Man...that would be unbelievable. The President herself coming here..."
"And to think you just called her a psycho-bitch."
"Yeah." Mallory laughed uneasily and looked around as if he suspected she might be listening. "But she's our fucking psycho-Commander-in-Chief bitch."
Jamie was torn. First, her ache to see her child, to be with her family – this world's version of family – was tearing her up inside. This award ceremony or whatever it was meant she had to wait another full day before seeing them. She'd been allowed exactly one phone call out to her dad to let them all know she was okay. H
earing his voice had only lit a fire under her longing to leave this place and be with them.
Yet...receiving a Medal of Honor would be...wow. Incredible beyond words. But to receive it from President Tomlinson – the woman who'd threatened her child, her family? A person who seemed to believe she was – or should be – the all-powerful queen of America?
"Cheer up, Superlady." Captain Lindley startled her out of her thoughts as he reached over and topped off her glass with beer from an ice-frosted pitcher. "When you go back to your daughter and husband you might have a nice little memento to show them."
Jamie drank greedily, knowing it would have no effect but enjoying the taste. Somehow, perhaps through the power of suggestion, she felt herself relax. And was that a tiny buzz coming on? She smiled at her silliness, and Captain Lindley and Captain Cameron smiled back. These were good people. Tomorrow, they'd have their private celebration/ceremony, and she'd be free. She could almost feel her daughter's small arms hugging her.
What could possibly go wrong?
ANOTHER UNREAL moment in Jamie's life unfolded as she was called onto the podium under an enormous eagle clutching a flag-encircled moon – the official logo of the United States Space Command – standing beside Captains Zane Cameron and Horace Lindley and the commanders of the starship cruiser John F. Kennedy and the smaller Interstellar Fighter Class Ardent.
President Loretta Tomlinson stood with arms somberly crossed on the opposite end of the stage, flanked by Vice President Molly Winters, General Akron, Secretary of Defense Burt Sanders, and a pair of Secret Service agents. The President was wearing an elegant blue gown. Her sparse grey-blond hair meticulously sculpted in a wreathe around her head that made Jamie think of a Roman emperor. She cut an imposing figure despite being about a foot shorter than the men around her. Her expression, if not warm, appeared calmer and less icy than during their virtual conference.
General Akron stepped up to a microphone placed at equal distance between the two parties and looked out on a vast auditorium where every seat was occupied by a soldier in full dress uniform.
"I have the distinct privilege of sharing the stage with the President and distinguished guests, Vice President Molly Winters, and our Secretary of Defense, Burt Bartholomew Sanders," the General addressed them. "And also, five courageous and accomplished individuals whom we are gathered today to honor. To bestow those honors, I now present to you the President of the United States, Loretta Tomlinson."
The President strode across the stage, a flush in her face as she gripped the microphone, which had been considerately lowered by the General. The applause struck Jamie as polite but tepid.
"Thank you, General Akron," said President Tomlinson. "Today, I stand among heroes. I stand among courageous warriors who saved not only this country but the world. Someday, the people of this planet will know of your brave triumph against an incomparably powerful enemy, but today, I am sad to say, is not that day. Today is time for those of us who know what you've accomplished – what we've achieved through our clandestine space and weapons programs – to acknowledge those achievements and all those who made them possible. Today, we stand here knowing that despite our well-meaning critics – the civil libertarians, the ACLU, and all those who've cried for transparency – that the massive funds required to bring these programs to fruition were well-spent."
The President paused, beaming at the audience. A light applause broke out. Jamie noticed more than a few people exchanging uncertain or even uneasy glances. President Tomlinson's smile flickered and dimmed for a moment before resuming.
"I know no one's interested in long speeches today," she said. "Today is about honoring a few special individuals who performed to the highest standards of duty when all that we are depended on them..."
She named each starship captain, pausing to allow the audience to applaud. When she named Jamie Shepherd, the entire assembly rose to its feet as one, their applause booming over the stage like thunder. The four captains turned to her and clapped along with the audience, regarding her with grave respect.
Jamie didn't know until then how much she'd been craving acceptance after all the ethically questionable – or just plain questionable – life-choices she'd been making. She didn't realize how much she'd been swimming in a sea of self-doubt. But now all these people were applauding her! For a few strange and precious moments she didn't think of her family or friends, here or elsewhere; she just bathed in their approval. You like me! You really like me!
One by one, President Tomlinson called the captains forward, and reaching into a box held out to her by General Akron she removed one of the medallions and extended it to the recipient. Each commander gave a brief speech, most of them thanking their crew, Mission Command, the technology division, and everyone else who'd make what they'd done possible. Horace Lindley drew a round of laughter and some good-natured boos when he credited Command for selecting so many attractive women who served to inspire illustrious leaders such as himself. Zane Cameron gave thanks to his father, Colonel Hank Cameron, whose stellar career spanned missions on the moon and Mars and featured the first alien-human exchange program. His father, the Colonel, had spent three years with the Zetas on their home world in the Zeta Reticuli system, still a record for the longest stay with an alien race.
At last it was Jamie's turn to approach the President. She didn't know much about medals or military protocol, but she didn't think a civilian could be awarded a Medal of Honor. Which left...?
"Jamie Amber Shepherd," President Tomlinson was speaking, "for placing your life in grave danger and triumphing over near-impossible obstacles in protecting the interests of the United States against an enemy civilization, it is my great privilege to present to you the Presidential Medal of Freedom."
Those last four words formed a crazy echo in Jamie's brain. Medal of Freedom, Medal of Freedom, Medal of Freedom... She stooped down a little so the President could lower the medallion's ribbon over her head. When she straightened up the medal caught the light, casting a golden glow over her blue Space Command uniform. A warmth seemed to spread from the medallion into her chest. Jamie was suddenly blinking back tears.
"Thank you...Madame President."
Her whisper was picked up by the microphone. A tidal wave of applause – or so it seemed to Jamie – rolled over the podium, drowning out all her worries and reservations for a precious, enduring few moments.
The rest of the evening passed in a happy, self-congratulatory blur. The Elementals had been defeated, the threat to their civilization ended, and their covert and monumentally expensive enterprise – which deprived countless worthwhile civilian programs in education, health, and infrastructure of necessary funding – was justified. It was high-fives and back-slaps all around.
By the time Jamie returned to her private quarters, near midnight, she barely had the mental energy to hang her precious medal near the bed-stand. Its glow had diminished a little. In the soft light of her room it appeared to be winking at her, as though they were sharing a private joke. You saved the world from evil aliens. Riiiight.
Something beeped. It took her a moment to realize it was the doorbell. Jamie disliked that the first image that flashed in her mind was Zane Cameron. She blinked it away and opened the door to a person who might, for her, occupy the farthest end of the spectrum opposite Captain Cameron.
"Good evening, dear," said the President of the United States. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."
"No...Ma'am."
"May I speak with you for a moment?"
Jamie found herself instantly dreading their conversation. But she stepped aside and motioned for the President to enter. She sat on the room's only chair. Jamie perched on one corner of her bed, facing her.
"It was good to finally meet you in person," said the President. "I apologize if I came across as a bit untrusting in the video-conference. Now that I've seen where your loyalties truly lie, I know you to be a good person who has her country's best interests at heart."
&n
bsp; "Thank you. And I'm sorry I seemed so skeptical. I may not agree with your ideas or methods, but I can see you're making the hard decisions, trying to do what you believe is best for this country."
President Tomlinson's smile appeared pleased. "I see you understand. I fully realize that many people think I'm a hardnosed bitch." Her smile hardened. "And they're right. I'm guessing coming from a world where Doomsday never happened – where fewer compromises of civil liberties were required – that some of our social measures seem a bit draconian to you."
"We had terrorists, too. But we didn't impose mandatory chipping or fill the skies with drones."
"But it's a different situation, Jamie. From what I understand of your world, it seems to me that everyone having superpowers leveled the playing field. Your people could not only withstand greater damage, they could avert disasters and respond with lethal force to some jihadist on a holy mission. Here a terrorist shows up in a public place wrapped in explosives, lots of people are going to die. Only the most thorough surveillance and fast-responding police have a chance of preventing that – which is what we've been working toward. On your world, people would run or fly away at high speed or strike him with a death ray. And even if the bomb goes off, their greater physical toughness and healing abilities will reduce the casualties compared to here. In a way, from what I and my expert advisors can determine, many weapons became antiquated on your world."
"That's true," Jamie said quietly. "Our best defense against super-powered criminals or terrorists were our own superpowers."
"Exactly! And that's something I'd like to discuss with you." Her warm smile sent a chill through Jamie for some reason. "You enjoyed the camaraderie with your DARE team, didn't you? You felt as if you were doing something important?"
"Yes." Jamie answered with extreme reluctance. She thought she knew what was coming.
"And you enjoyed that tonight, didn't you? I could sense the rapport between you and the dashing Captain Cameron, as well as with anachronistic male pig, Captain Lindley. It's nice to be part of a club, isn't it? To have your peers respect and approval?"
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