They had brought the shuttle down at night and submerged near Key Biscayne. Amos, Hal, and Harry were on board. The commanders and the rest of the crew remained on the mother ship, parked on the far side of the moon. Aware of the technology that Earth beings possessed, they had jammed the radar during their approach and made the jamming appear to be an atmospheric disturbance. Their landing was undetected. The trio left their craft submerged near a wreck and swam underwater to the beach. They emerged and shed their waterproofing. Underneath they wore casual human clothing. Using the information gathered by several probes, monitoring of radio and television, and life experiences of their agents who lived among Earth people, the Antareans had devised the plan to raise the cocoons with the least amount of disturbance to the natural order of things in Florida.
They had two viable options. The first was to bring the mother ship in, submerge it, and remove all the cocoons at once. Then leave and process on board. With this approach, because of the size of the mother ship and the need for it to remain stationary in fairly shallow water, they would run the risk of exposing their presence. It would also mean processing continually, since the cocoons were perishable once they were removed from their storage environment. If anything went wrong with the processing, or if the cocoons had been damaged in any way, they ran the risk of losing the entire army.
The second plan was to find or build a facility near the storage area and process in a normal manner, under standard procedures.
When Antares Quad Three was a thriving inter-stellar community of space trade and exploration, the Florida peninsula was sparsely populated by primitive Indians. But now, what had been sandbars and swamps then, was a thriving, densely population state with a technologically advanced civilization. The Antareans were a resourceful race and Amos enjoyed the challenge. Plan two seemed the better choice and was to be explored.
The three spacemen walked along the beach and onto the causeway that wound through Key Biscayne. Their appearance was that of vacationers out for an evening stroll. The fact that several extremely wealthy people had residences near their location had escaped their intelligence. As they approached the mainland, a police cruiser pulled up behind them. The driver called out to them on the P.A. system to stop. Amos telepathed to the others to let him do the communicating. The two policemen stepped out of the car with their hands on their guns. “Will you gentlemen please identify yourselves?”
Amos spoke in a soft voice. “Good evening, Officer. My name is Amos Bright. We’re taking a walk.”
“Do you live in the Key, Mr. Bright?” the policeman asked.
“No officer, we live in Miami.” He thought for a moment and continued. “South Miami, that is. Is something wrong?”
“No.” He spoke to his partner. “They look okay, George.”
Then back to Amos: “No, nothing’s wrong. We’re just checking this section of the beach. You folks watch out for the traffic if you’re walking back on the causeway.”
“Yes. We will. Thank you.” Then he added, “It’s good to know that you fellows are out watching things. Makes us feel secure. Good night.”
They turned and walked away feeling pleased with their success with the first human contact.
Hal asked, “What are they guarding?”
“I assume there are wealthy people nearby,” Amos answered. “In this country they get special protection.”
Harry telepathed, Why must they guard the wealthy? Amos came back. Because the wealthy demand it, Amos thought back to his companions.
The next few days were spent among Earth people. The three Antareans separated in different directions. Amos went south toward Coral Gables, Hal went north toward Fort Lauderdale, and Harry went west toward the Everglades. They agreed to meet back at the shuttle in five days.
Hal and Harry arrived at the shuttle together. They took nourishment from their storage unit before discussing their findings. The north was heavily populated and all of the sections along the beach were used. They would have difficulty bringing the cocoons unnoticed into any facility. There was a possibility of some industrial property near the bay, but using it at night could draw attention. Harry found quite the opposite. There was a canal system that went west, but after a few miles of heavily populated areas he had run into a great swamp that stretched for miles. He had entered the swamp and explored it. Constructing a facility there would be difficult and time consuming. And it was far from the ocean. They telepathed for Amos but received no answer, so they rested and waited for their leader’s return.
Amos Bright had found what he believed they needed. It was still under construction, but the location was correct.
Two large buildings situated on a canal with direct access to the sea. The sign had stated that the Blamar Construction Company of Coral Gables was the builder. The owner was South Florida Land Development Corporation of Homestead. Amos entered the construction site and walked around, inspecting and recording every detail of the property. It took several hours. The layout was perfect. He slipped into the canal and rested until the next morning when he located the offices of the owners and telephoned for an appointment. When the secretary asked what the purpose of the appointment was, Amos had told her that he wished to discuss the purchase of the entire complex. She had told him it was not for sale. Amos thanked her and hung up. He then went to the offices and telepathically manipulated the secretary so that she wrote down the appointment for the next day. But in taking this approach Amos had violated the Antarean credo of not to interfere in the lives of the inhabitants of a planet. He would have to get clearance from Antares to proceed with his plan.
Back at the shuttle, Hal and Harry sensed Amos’ approach. They were interested to hear how he had fared, but they were excited to relate the near mishap they had experienced earlier that day. It seemed they had parked the shuttle near a favorite sport-fishing ground and all day there had been boat activity overhead. Three times the shuttle had been hooked by the trolling lines from the fishing craft. The last line had been weighted. It was very strong and on a powerful boat. It had hooked onto an antenna and nearly overturned the craft. Hal had kept the shuttle righted while they picked up the thoughts of the fishermen who were convinced that they had hooked a very large fish because the shuttle had pulled back on their line. Harry went out of the ship and severed the line. Undaunted, the fishermen continued to troll over the same spot all morning. Finally, Harry went out and found a large fish. He stunned it and attach it to the line. That seemed to please the fishermen and they left after boating the fish. Amos listened with amusement, but felt badly for the fish. He surmised that many of Earth’s underwater creatures were not unlike Antareans. They too lived under the surface of their planet. Someday, when the Earth’s human inhabitants were ready, they would have to explain the importance of preserving life in the scheme of cosmic energy. He recalled how easy it was to find the planet because of the ambient life forces surrounding it. Planets that had high destruction, or death rates, always emitted these forces in abundance. It was the released energy of life departing from the host it had occupied. On planet Earth there was a great deal of unnatural death.
Amos contacted the mother ship that night and communicated with the commanders. He outlined his plan and requested they clear it with the council on Antares. If approval was forthcoming, he would need a probe sent down with valuables to trade for the complex. The answer came an hour later. Permission was given for Amos to “sway” the humans to his bidding, but no physical force was to be involved. He was also authorized to use the diamond valuables for trade. The council suggested that he sell the diamonds for the normal exchange medium of dollars. This could best be accomplished in a city called Amsterdam, in a country to the east known as Holland. Commander All Light was on his way there by shuttle to exchange diamonds for currency. He would bring the dollars to Amos next morning because Holland was on a different time schedule from Miami and the commerce there began while it was still night in Florida.
All Light arrived after dawn with a single document called a bearer bond that had a value of forty million dollars. Amos was to deposit it in a bank. In a few days, actual dollars would be in the account. The intelligence also warned that large transactions such as this would draw attention of many government officials. He advised that they find a bank that would be able to withhold the transaction from public view in return for a share of the purchase price. It was to be called a commission. Amos understood. He had been involved in many bizarre transactions all over the galaxy.
Since the basic drive on this planet was greed, it should not be a problem to keep the transaction private for the period of time required to retrieve and process the cocoons.
Amos chose a small bank in Coral Gables. When he entered the bank, Amos was dressed in an expensive business suit. He scanned minds until he found the person in charge. The man was seated behind the last desk in an area with five other workers. The man’s name was DePalmer. To ensure control, and because he had been cleared to manipulate the Earth people as required, Amos entered Mr. DePalmer’s mind and prepared him for the transaction. It went smoothly. The secretary led Amos to Mr. DePalmer’s desk. The man exchanged greetings and moved right to business. Amos told him that he wished to open an account in the sum of forty million dollars. The man was pleased. The bearer bond was presented and an account was opened. Mr. DePalmer told Amos he would process the bond immediately. If all went well Amos should have funds available within forty-eight hours. The problem of keeping the transaction quiet was forced into Mr. DePalmer’s mind.
“That might be difficult to do,” the banker said.
“I’m sure there are ways,” Amos answered.
“Well, yes, there are always ways, but they can get expensive,” DePalmer replied.
“Cost is not an object,” Amos stated. “I leave the details to you, and I trust you will use discretion.”
“How much discretion?” the banker asked.
“Let’s say, uh, two and a half percent worth?”
DePalmer brightened immediately. “Consider your business the most closely guarded secret in Florida, Mr. Bright.”
The rest was too simple, but it was a good lesson in why certain planets in the galaxy were to be left alone. Without the ability to telepath, mind control and therefore action control, was without challenge. Amos kept his appointment at South Florida Development and bought the complex, as it existed, for twenty-seven million dollars cash. This gave the owners a profit of four million, and saved them another five million in unfinished construction and marketing. When Amos inferred that change of title could be “unofficial,” the owners realized that their profit could remain untaxed this year and possibly never.
The unnamed condo complex became Antares Condominiums. The construction company was not aware of the change of ownership. They were instructed to proceed on a suddenly accelerated schedule. Building A was nearly finished at the time that the Antareans bought it, and Building B was slightly behind schedule. Amos ordered that all efforts be put into Building A and that another construction company would complete work on Building B. The contractor had complained and threatened a lawsuit. It took only half a million dollars to satisfy him. Fifteen days later the construction crews left Building A completed. Shuttles ran all that next night and the commanders, technicians, and equipment were brought into Building B.
By morning, what appeared to be a small construction crew was busy in Building B. Amos had Mr. DePalmer handle the sales office and staffing. He wanted to be sure that, at least on the surface, everything looked normal. He told the banker that for personal reasons he was not anxious to sell too many condominiums right away. DePalmer suggested they price the condos high and hire an inexperienced sales staff. Amos was amused. But they had both made the error of making Antares seem so unattractive that some buyers were sure it was a great deal. However, the success of sales in Building A did not delay the Antareans. It only meant that they would have to move the cocoons at night and with care. Overall, the plan worked well. As long as they kept Building B unfinished, they could proceed with their business. Their intelligence had been good, but had failed to understand the mentality of retired Americans and the boredom that drove them either to vegetate, or, in the case of Ben, Joe, Bernie, and Art, let their curiosity lead them to adventure.
Mr. Shields was behind his desk when Amos entered.
“Hi, Mr. Bright. Long time, no see,” Shields said as he extended his hand.
Amos shook the little man’s hand. “Nice to see you, Mr. Shields. I have a few things that can’t wait. I’m sorry for getting you out at this late hour.”
“Anytime, Mr. Bright. You’re the boss.”
“I’ll come right to the point, Mr. Shields. My partners and I are pleased at the way you are running things. However, we did ask that moisture ... uh ... water ... be kept out of the swimming area. I noticed that it was filled last week.”
Shields had been prepared for this. “Yes, Mr. Bright. I did tell Mr. DePalmer about that. I guess he didn’t speak to you. We had a problem with one of our owners in the complex.” Shields shuffled some papers on his desk and found what he was looking for. “A Mr. Green came in a few weeks ago and demanded that the pool be filled. I tried to stall him and avoid him, but he went to the authorities. You and Mr. DePalmer were very clear about not wanting any publicity, so I had to agree to fill it.” He looked at Amos for approval.
“Yes. You did the correct thing.”
Shields was pleased with himself. “Is that all?” he asked.
“No. Building B. I told you that I wanted it secured. We don’t want any accidents over there since the construction has been delayed.”
Shields was puzzled. “No one has been there, Mr. Bright. Wally and I keep a close watch on things. The old folks have been getting a little annoyed about the appearance of the place, and a few have inquired as to when the construction will be finished. You know those people don’t walk too well, and they know it’s dangerous near the construction site. I can’t imagine any of them getting in there. Has there been trouble?” Shields was concerned.
Amos answered carefully. He didn’t want Wally or Shields poking around, either. “No, not any trouble. We have some special equipment over there and we think someone may be tampering with it.”
Shields thought a moment. “How about hiring a night watchman or a security guard service? I can vouch for the daytime, but you know there could be someone sneaking in at night.”
“I’ll think about that, Mr. Shields. But for now I would appreciate your keeping a closer eye on things during the day just in case some of the Building A people are wandering in.”
“Absolutely, Mr. Bright. Consider it done.” He made a mental note to talk to Wally the next morning.
“Good. Now I must go. Thank you again for coming in. I will show my appreciation in your next salary check.”
Shields thanked Amos. The two men left the office together. Amos watched him walk to his car and drive away, then he turned toward the processing room.
A strong contact with a mind came from behind and above him. He reached a thought back in answer. Then it was gone. Amos couldn’t find it. Nourishment, thought Amos, I need nourishment. He knew that there were no Antareans above and behind him. All his crew were in the processing room. He didn’t hear Joe Finley trip against the chaise on his terrace as he ducked away from the railing.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE - CONFUSED WOMEN AND JOYFUL MEN
That same afternoon, while the men were at lunch, the ladies had their own revelations to discuss. Alma and Mary were thrilled by the sudden sexual interest of their husbands. Rose and Bess were yet to be convinced.
The menu was fruit and cottage cheese, cake and coffee. As they ate, Bess and Rose sat close together. They said little. . Mary bubbled over with small talk. She had doubts about telling how wonderful things had suddenly become in bed. Her own excitement kept her from noticing how depressed and upset Bess and Rose were. Alma finally brok
e the ice. “Do you think that we might all continue what we were discussing this morning, Rose?” she asked pointedly.
Rose looked up at Alma and then at the others. Even Bess was curious. “I suppose so,” Rose answered softly.
Alma addressed the group. “I’m going to ask a curious question, and although we have become friends, some of you may feel I’m getting too personal. So please let me know.” She paused to gather her thoughts. The women were interested. “You all know that my Joe is…he uh…to put it frankly, he has had leukemia for almost ten years.” Alma had never spoken about this before so she had their interest. “Lately he had been getting worse.”
Mary reached over. “I’m sorry, Alma.”
“Thanks. Lately, he’s been tired and without appetite. This doctor thinks it might be, well, the beginning of the end. I knew this day would come, but it shook me, deeply.” A tear came to her eye.
Rose Lewis looked at her with confusion. Why was Alma bringing this up now? What did this have to do with their discussion this morning, and what did it have to do with Rose’s problem?
Alma looked at Rose. “Today you called and came over. You had a problem, and frankly I would not have been in the mood to discuss it with her if something strange hadn’t happened to me ... to Joe and me.” They all perked up and became very interested. “As I said, Joe has been tired lately and, among other things, our...” She paused, then decided to jump in. “... our sex life hasn’t been terribly active.” She smiled. “Actually, its been nil. Zero.”
Suddenly Mary interrupted. “Until last night? No, I mean yesterday afternoon?”
“How did you know?” Alma was puzzled.
“I know, honey. I know,” she answered, “and I bet Bess can tell us the same about hers.” They all looked at Bess Perlman.
She blurted out, “He’s an animal! He nearly raped me yesterday and again this morning.”
Rose gasped, “You, too?” They all looked at Rose.
The Cocoon Trilogy Page 11