Sand Storm

by Michael R. Stern

  “I know, especially since the cat's out of the bag. The president wants to come here tonight.”

  Only a few minutes passed before Colonel Mitchell returned. Alone.

  “Is everything finished, Colonel?” asked Fritz.

  “Just mopping up. It's hard to tell, at least until daylight, if the Eledorians are gone. Our guys and the Israelis have the house, and the Israelis are going door to door in the village.”

  “Is everyone accounted for?”

  Mitchell hesitated. “We've lost a few tonight. Including Captain Burnett.” Tears trickled down his cheeks. “I've known Jerry for twenty years. It's always so hard. I'll find out more when the rest come back.”

  “I'm sorry for your loss, Colonel.” Fritz's throat and chest tightened. Linda sniffled. “Colonel, do you have some protocol when they bring him out? I don't want be insensitive. I just don't know.”

  The colonel placed a strong hand on Fritz's shoulder and looked him in the eye. “Mr. Russell, we saved a lot of lives tonight thanks to you. All those people,” he nodded down the hall, “would be dead by now. Or worse.” He ran his sleeve past his eyes. “That's what we do. That's what you need to teach.” Then he wiped his eyes. “I have to check on the wounded. Excuse me.”

  Fritz looked at Linda, tears cascading. He hugged her, his eyes growing moist, and he felt a hollowness he'd never known before. He, they, were part of this team.

  The door opened again and Fritz held it. The rest of the teams were returning, some carrying stretchers, others with arms draped around shoulders in a solemn parade. The last ones back, led by Captain Dolan, carried the stretcher that held Captain Burnett. Streaks ran down the smudged faces of the stretcher bearers. Others followed with the rest of the dead.

  Fritz went to Colonel Mitchell, but before he could say anything, the colonel hollered, “Atten-hut” and saluted as the stretcher passed into the hospital room. Everyone stood ramrod straight and saluted.

  Chapter 17

  “COLONEL,” ASKED FRITZ, “Should we let the Israeli soldiers go back now?”

  “No. They'll stay with the settlers until they all go back together.”

  “Then we're done with the first part?”

  “Yes.”

  “The president wants to come. He asked me to come and get him. Is that okay?”

  The colonel inhaled, and then exhaled the sadness. “Yeah. Can you show me how it works?”

  “Sure. Come with me.”

  Fritz warned Tony that the president would be their next visitor. He went into the classroom, found the White House brochure, and placed a paperclip. The colonel watched as Fritz took the floor plan off the desk and replaced it with the brochure. “Colonel, there's some kind of connection between my desk and the doorknob. I place something here and go back out. If I get a shock when I reach for the doorknob, the portal is open. Before, I needed a thunderstorm. Now, Tony's set it up so I'm supposed to get a shock. Something didn't work a minute ago. I have to think about that.” They left the room. Fritz reached in his pocket for his phone.

  “Mr. President, are you in your office?”

  “I'm here. Is it done?”

  “I'll be there in a second.” Fritz hung up and grabbed the doorknob, pulled, and he and the colonel stepped through. The president walked to the door, followed by James. Fritz and James exchanged nods. They all entered the hallway. All the soldiers stood and saluted. Their commander-in-chief returned the salute.

  “As you were, gentlemen” he called down the hallway. “Colonel, is there a place we can talk?”

  “Use my room, Mr. President.”

  “Colonel, Fritz, come in. Hi, Linda, you come too.” Linda and James exchanged greetings. They all sat, except for Fritz, who cleared his desk. The colonel told the president all that had happened. Three of his men had been killed, more than a dozen wounded, as well as the major. He said he didn't have a count on the Eledorians, but no Israeli casualties had been reported yet.

  “Fritz, I sent another map a few minutes ago. The prime minister wants to come and accompany his people back. Can you do that?”

  Linda said, “I'll get my computer and print the map.” Moments later, she handed it to Fritz, who had a paperclip in his hand.

  “Mr. President, where is he?”

  “I'll call him and get him ready. Then I'll go get him.”

  The call made, the location identified, they all left the classroom. Fritz twisted the doorknob, and the portal opened to the prime minister's residence. The president stepped through. James followed. Fritz could see the high ceiling, wide staircase, and some kind of stone-tiled floor of the large entrance hall. “Tony, I can see in.” Moments later, they returned with a tall man with wavy, salt-and-pepper hair, a feature cartoonists loved. A slim figure, and under his suit coat, his shirt outlined his taut frame. Turning right, they proceeded down the hall, where the settlers, tired and restless, greeted their leader with cheers. He announced they would be returning to a safe location very soon. Their relief radiated from the cheers and tears. While the prime minister mingled with the crowd, the president returned to Fritz and Linda at the doorway. Colonel Mitchell joined them.

  “I owe you big time, Fritz,” said the president.

  “Many civilians helped, Mr. President. Ashley's still at the hospital with the major. George and Lois have been in the cafeteria for more than an hour. They've been getting drinks and keeping things calm. I should get them. I'm sure Colonel Mitchell wants to speak with you.” He took Linda's hand and left the two men to their own private discussion.

  They had just reached the cafeteria when Ashley came around the corner, looking less cheerful than usual. Jim Shaw walked with him.

  “Hi, buddy. You okay?” asked Fritz.

  “Jane's resting. They gave her blood and sewed her up. Fritz, she's one tough, lucky woman. I got a ride back with the medics. They figured they could be of more use here. So what's going on?”

  “I'll fill you in later. We need to start putting things back together. George, how much clean-up does the cafeteria need?”

  George said, “Not much. A little. And the trash needs to go out.”

  “Maybe Colonel Mitchell will lend us some hands again. We're going to need the painters again, too.”

  “One of these days, we'll get the rest of the place done. It could take three coats just to catch up.” George snickered again.

  “Three times in one night, George. Maybe the portal is changing your personality.”

  “Mr. Russell,” said Jim Shaw, “will you tell me what this is all about.” They reached Fritz's classroom. Tony got up and stretched. The president and the colonel stopped speaking when they opened the door.

  Fritz said, “Excuse us. Mr. President, you remember Officer Shaw.” The president greeted him and shook hands. “He's asked me to tell him what this is all about. Is that okay?”

  “Mr. Shaw, we'll tell you, but you must agree to secrecy. This is top secret.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  A knock on the door interrupted the president. Through the door's window, they saw Lieutenant Ferris's face, looking at Fritz. Fritz waved him in. “Mr. President, he's a medic.”

  The colonel asked, “What is it, Lieutenant?”

  “Sorry to bother you, sir. The doctor asked if we should start moving the wounded.”

  “Not unless you have critical patients. Take them now, if so.”

  “Yes, sir.” Ferris glanced at the president, then to Fritz.

  “Mr. President, allow me to introduce Joel Ferris. He's been with Tony and me, guarding the portal from unwelcome visitors. He's now aware of some of the trips we've made.”

  The president reached out his hand. “Lieutenant, you already are cleared, but just a reminder, the portal, and everything about it, is top secret.”

  Looking at the president's hand, Ferris snapped to attention and saluted. “Yes, sir.” When the president returned the salute, he stretched out his hand again, and Ferris shook it. When he glanc
ed at the colonel, he saluted again. “Sorry, colonel. I'm going.”

  “Thank you for your service, Lieutenant.” The president's comment sent the lieutenant from the room with a wide grin.

  “Now, where were we? Oh, yeah, Mr. Shaw. I give Fritz permission to tell you. But not now. We have things to complete tonight. If you'll all excuse me, I need to speak to the prime minister.” The president left with James. The rest remained for a moment. Fritz needed to set up the settlers' return, so they all went to Ashley's classroom to sit down.

  Fritz said, “Colonel, I know this has been a rough night, but we could use some help cleaning up. Mr. McAllister wants to get the cafeteria closed.”

  “No problem. I've also called the repair crew. They're outside.” Looking at Jim, still unenlightened, he said, “So young man, you want to know. You've just been witnessing time-and-space travel. We left here and rescued almost five-hundred people in Israel, attacked the Eledorian invaders in the Golan, and drove them off. Now we're going to send the people we saved back home. All through that classroom door.”

  Jim didn't look stunned. He just asked, “How does it work?”

  Fritz said, “That's too long a story for now, Jim. When this settles down, I'll tell you more. And I'll show you when we send the Israelis home.”

  The door opened and the president, James, and the prime minister entered. Colonel Mitchell stood up. “Sit. Colonel, Fritz, I'd like to introduce you to the prime minister.” They shook hands. The president then introduced the rest. “I've explained the portal to the prime minister and how we accomplished last night's doings. His soldiers and the former hostages will be informed about the need for secrecy as soon as they get home. He said he's never been to North Dakota.”

  Lois elbowed him when George started to say something. Often gregarious, the prime minister had been very quiet. He asked, “Would you tell me some time how this works? Just for my information, of course.”

  Fritz glanced at the president, who nodded slightly. “Certainly, sir. I'm sure the president can set up a meeting when we could do that.”

  “Wonderful. I look forward to it. I hope to find out, too, how a school in New Jersey can also be in North Dakota.” The prime minister chuckled at Fritz's wide eyes. “I saw your trophy case.”

  Although the amusement at his expense was good-natured, Fritz shrugged and said, “I guess that's why you're the head of a government.”

  “Mr. Russell, I live in the most volatile area of the world. It's my job to be on my toes. But I would still welcome your story. It must be fascinating. But, now I must take my people home.”

  “Of course, sir. I'm all set. Just say when.”

  “When.”

  Fritz left them, and went to his room. Tony looked bored. “Ready?” asked Fritz.

  “Very. Once we get them going, I can go to the bathroom.”

  “Good point. I expect the prime minister will be ready any second.”

  When Fritz came out, the prime minister watched as the first of the freed hostages headed toward the door. They had been told they would be going to an open field, checked out by a medical team, fed, and then taken home once the army had secured the area.

  Fritz opened the door and the procession began. Single file, the line moved slowly as the Israeli leader hugged each person. Fritz watched for a few minutes. Although weary, the settlers knew they were safe. Grateful, some even thanked Fritz, or shook his hand. The relief of returning home overshadowed their shock at being in a school in the United States. The president had adjourned to another room with Colonel Mitchell. Linda, Ashley, George, and Lois wandered in and out of view. The president occasionally poked his head out to see the progress and once rolled his eyes, a look that Fritz took to mean “why isn't he done yet?” It took more than an hour to move the Israelis through.

  Before leaving, the prime minister thanked the president for his help and insight into America's newest technology. He turned to Fritz and said, “We thank you, Mr. Russell, and I look forward to speaking with you again. Perhaps then you can tell me how you got to Naria.” He shook hands all around and disappeared through the portal. Fritz shut the door.

  “I thought he'd never leave,” said the president. “He could have hugged them all at the other end. But they'll make him happy at election time.”

  “Mr. President,” said Fritz. “The whole world will know about the portal now. Our guys, the Israeli army, the settlers. How can you keep it quiet now?”

  “You're right, and I'm sorry, Fritz. Really. But he's a decorated soldier. We discussed the need to clamp down. He understands the North Dakota lie. We've discussed a story for his people. His troops are well disciplined.” He took a deep breath. “The Eledorians will have no idea. And who would believe it? Now I want to visit the wounded. And I have a few things I still need to say to Colonel Mitchell.”

  “Let me know when you want a lift to the White House. I'll be cleaning up. I have classes in the morning.” The president got the message.

  As the president entered the hospital classroom, George said, “We need to check and see if things are getting back to normal.” He and Lois went toward the cafeteria. Soldiers moved in and out, or packed their gear. Duffel bags and wooden cases filled with the remaining supplies began to pile up at the doorway.

  “Well, we're almost done. Lin, do you want to go home? Ash can take you.” She looked tired and a bit pale but shook her head. “Jim, do you need to do any traffic work?” Fritz asked.

  “Not yet, Mr. R. When they start loading, I'll go out. Guess what?” He had their attention. “Mr. Williams asked if I had any interest in applying for the Secret Service. He said he would help me.”

  “It's not a nine-to-five job, but good luck, Jim, if it's what you want.”

  “Thanks, Mr. R. When are you going to tell me how this all works?”

  “Not tonight,” said Linda.

  “Let me find out what I'm able to tell you. I need to speak to the president. I'm sure I'll talk to him in the next couple of days. Why don't you stop by after school next week? I'm usually here for about an hour after class.”

  Lois and George ambled back. With each step, George's face said his story would be an epic tale. When they reached the group, he said, “The soldiers cleaned everything up. Even took out the trash and swept the halls. Less to do for the cleanup guys.” Then he looked at the wall and shook his head. “I hope the painters will be able to match colors.” He laughed again, and everyone joined him.

  Fritz said, “Ash, you've missed the unfolding drama, but I think the portal has changed George's personality. Really.”

  “That's great,” Ashley said. “George, can I have a raise?” Their cheerfulness expanded like a sponge in water.

  The president left the hospital room, frowning and biting his lower lip. He cleared his throat. It didn't help. Instead of the clear tones they had listened to for six years, a gruffly voice, hoarse and cracked said, “I don't like this part of the job.” He sighed. “Thank you all again. I'm going back now. Colonel Mitchell will clear everything out shortly. Ambulances will be returning from the airport. Mr. Shaw, please see that we have no unwanted visitors, including your fellow police officers. Ashley, Jane will be moved to the airport, and she'll be admitted to Bethesda Naval Hospital. The cleanup and repair crews are waiting. Fritz, I need to do some work at home, but I'll be in touch. Let's go now. And thanks, Tony.”

  Fritz set up the trip to the Oval Office and returned to the hall. He asked the president, “Where's Tom tonight?”

  “He's in Europe with a team. We're organizing a conference, probably in Brussels, so they're setting up the security.”

  “Tell him we said hi.” The president shook hands with everyone, and so did James. Fritz opened the portal, and they walked through.

  With the ambulances expected within five minutes, the medics brought out the soldiers who could walk and then wheeled the gurneys close to the door. Prepared for their exit, the teams lined the hallway. The medics br
ought out Captain Burnett and two other soldiers last. As they moved down the silent hall, each man stood at attention and offered a salute. When the ambulances left, Jim Shaw directed the procession of buses closer to the door. Men and equipment moved out with no wasted motion. The school emptied in less than ten minutes. The last to depart, Colonel Mitchell shook hands and thanked all the civilians. When he opened the door to leave, he said, “I hope I don't see you all soon.”

  When the cleanup crew headed to the door, George said, “Tom's not here. Who's going to close up?”

  “Are you Mr. McAllister?” said a cleanup guy who had overheard the comment.

  “I am.”

  “Tom Andrews showed us what to do. We'll take care of it.”

  “Well…” George hesitated. “I don't know.”

  “George, it will be just fine,” said Lois, patting his arm. “It's been fine the past two times, hasn't it? Let's go home and let them get on with it.”

  “Okay,” George said. “Let's go home.”

  “It's late,” said Ashley. “If I'd known we were doing this again, I'd have taken a nap during sixth period.”

  “Maybe you should go home tonight and stay put,” said Linda.

  “Lin, I want to talk to Ashley for a bit. Can you handle him a bit longer?”

  “Sure, if I don't have to talk to him.” She grinned. “I have to lie down. I'm exhausted.”

  “Okay, Ash. Meet us at the house.”

  As George and Lois walked past, George looked at them and said, “Remember that tomorrow is a school day.”

  Chapter 18

  DRIVING HOME, Linda asked what he wanted with Ashley. He told her he still felt wired and wanted some of the energy to dissipate so he could sleep. It would also get all the questions answered tonight, so he wouldn't have to deal with it the entire next day. She told him that lying down on a bed appealed to her the most.

  “Are you okay? This has to have been tough on you.”

  “Fritz, if you had been able to spend time with the people you saved, you'd know I don't mind. Those children were scared to death. Until we got there, they expected to be killed. You saw. Mostly women and children, the old folks. Most of the men were fighting. They don't know what they're going home to. I just wish someone could find a way to end this insanity. It's been going on my entire life. Longer. Way, way longer.”