by Philip Elrod
“Mitch can make up her mind. Just ask her if she wants to go for a ride and she will let you know if she’s interested.”
Tom called her name softly, and Mitch trotted out immediately. Jim was totally surprised because she never, ever, obeyed anyone’s “come here” call, not even his.
He bent down and scratched her ears. “Hey, little lady, want to go for a ride? Jim and I are going on a nice trip, and we’d like for you to be with us.”
Mitch wagged her tail and barked excitedly. She had given her answer in no uncertain terms.
“Jim, it looks like our last obstacle is out of the way. Why don’t we just leave now? There’s no good reason for a delay. I’ll provide you with everything that you need for the trip, even clean underwear and socks.”
There were no more excuses. Jim walked into the kitchen and retrieved Mitch’s leash from a drawer. She was still dancing around in excitement as he attached the hook to her collar.
“Just let me grab my keys and lock the condo. We’re as ready as we’ll ever be, I guess.”
“By the way, we’ll need to take your car. Mine is still in the parking lot at the tavern. I know exactly where we’re going, so you won’t need to bother getting your GPS. We’ll be leaving from an old farm in Virginia, only about an hour from here.
“I’m sure that you can include the car mileage in your expense report.” He laughed, “If you turned in mileage for the whole trip, you would probably bankrupt the government.”
The unlikely trio drove into Virginia by crossing over the Key Bridge. There was almost no conversation except the occasional instruction from Tom about their route. Mitch curled up in his lap and seemed not to have a care in the world.
At that time of night, traffic on the highway was sparse, and Tom spent most of the time thinking of the long journey that had brought him to this time and place. He did a quick mental review of his scheme and was satisfied that all was going according to plan.
At last, they rolled up to the old barn and parked. Jim turned off the lights, and the place was eerie and ominous in the pale light of the moon. They stepped out of the car and began to make their way cautiously through the weeds and briars. Some small creature scurried past them, making a soft rustling sound as it ran toward the safety of the old barn. It was probably a huge rat, and Jim hated rats.
The loose panels of the tin roof made mournful sounds in the wind. A few clouds made their way across the moon, leaving them in darkness for a few minutes. An owl hooted somewhere in the distance giving Jim a cold chill even in the warm summer night.
They made their way around the barn and into the open field behind it. Jim was almost ready to run back to the car with Mitch when the ship materialized. He stopped dead in his tracks at the awesome sight. There were no lights on the craft, but the moon produced enough light to allow him to see the details of the ship. A hatch slid open, and a short flight of steps moved to the ground in a silent bid for them to climb on board.
With the hatch open, Jim could see the interior of the craft. Tom ran up the steps and entered, motioning for Jim and Mitch to follow quickly. As soon as they were safely inside, the hatch closed silently behind them.
Jim took a few deep breaths to calm his jangled nerves. He suddenly had the stunning realization that he was on a spacecraft—an actual spacecraft from some alien planet called Mylea. What would happen to him and Mitch? Would they disappear forever? Tom had promised them safety, but now, he wasn’t so sure about his decision to make this trip.
Mitch reached her little nose up toward Jim’s face as if to assure him that everything would be alright.
Tom, seeing the anxiety, reached over and patted Jim on the shoulder. “I can see that you’re in the fight-or-flight mode. Have a seat and let me describe our ship for you.”
Tom seemed to be quite at home and began to point out features of the ship and explained that he had already made one trip in it. He suggested that they sit down and enjoy the trip. He laughed, “Well, we’re already on our way. We took off immediately after the door closed behind you.”
That certainly took Jim by surprise as there had been no indication of movement whatsoever.
Tom gave Jim a sympathetic look. He could certainly understand his apprehension. After all, he had been well prepared for his first trip and knew what to expect, more or less. He had known about Mylea and its little relocation issue for quite some time so he could empathize with Jim’s feelings. All this was brand new to Jim, and he was likely having some misgivings about agreeing to go on this trip.
“How about a drink? You could probably stand something stronger than soda right now. I’ll order us something to eat, too.”
Just as he finished his statement, a door slid open, and a third party joined them.
Tom quickly spoke, “Jim, please meet Tanaka-kai. He is a machine, a robot, but he speaks fluent English and will take care of us during the trip. To keep things simple, I just call him Mister T.”
Jim Slater stared in disbelief at the robot, which was extending its hand saying, “Welcome aboard, Dr. Slater. It will be my pleasure to serve you.”
Jim couldn’t believe that the creature wasn’t a living being. Most of all, he was amazed at the likeness to the old man, Tom, as he called himself. They could be twins.
The robot extended his hand to Jim in greeting. He hesitated for only a second before responding. The hand was warm, and the surface felt just like human skin.
Tom spoke to the robot, “Let’s have a glass of wine and then something to eat. Make sure that you take care of Mitch first.”
The robot replied, “Yes, sir," and disappeared through the wall opening from which he had come. Jim tried to figure out how the door worked but decided that the technology involved was far beyond anything that he could understand at the moment.
In a few minutes, the robot reappeared with bowls of food and water for Mitch, which he placed on the floor near their chairs. Mitch hopped down and sniffed suspiciously at both bowls. She sniffed again just to confirm that there wasn’t some poison present. Nothing new here. Jim knew that this was how she checked out every meal. Finally, after being assured that the food was safe, she took a tiny bite.
The robot explained to her, “We have prepared for you an excellent dish made with organic free-range turkey mixed with some rice and fresh vegetables. I think that you will be quite pleased with the combination.”
Mitch continued to leisurely nibble at her meal while Jim and Tom sipped their wine. It was excellent.
The robot soon returned with their meals. Jim was just as astonished as Tom had been by the presentation and quality of the food. He had expected a cold sandwich and maybe some chips at best. Their meal certainly wasn’t your typical airline fare.
After a few minutes of silence punctuated only by the sounds of their eating, Jim offered a comment, “Well, my friend, you’ve certainly delivered on your promise so far. I only wish that I had my cell phone to take a few pictures. No one’s ever going to believe my stories.”
Jim was obviously beginning to relax.
Tom was pleased with himself for ordering rare steaks and a Caesar salad for their meal. No peanuts and soft drinks for this flight!
Mister T reappeared and cleared the dishes. He returned with a fine brandy and two snifters. Jim couldn’t believe his eyes. This made first-class travel seem like a slum ride. For Mitch’s dessert, Mister T produced a few cubes of cheese for her to enjoy—another of her favorite treats.
They sat silently for several minutes, savoring the brandy. Finally, Tom glanced at his watch and announced that they should get some rest. Tomorrow would be a very busy day.
The robot appeared and announced, “Your beds will be ready in just a minute.”
With that, he spoke a command, and two of the large lounge chairs folded down into comfortable beds. No first-class airline cabin could come anywhere close to the luxury and comfort they enjoyed on the alien spacecraft. The robot placed a light comforter made o
f some unknown material on each bed and then bade them goodnight. Jim had the feeling that he was being enveloped in a cloud.
Another lounge opened for Mitch, and she quickly hopped on it and scratched around to make a comfortable nest.
Jim and Tom loosened their clothes and stretched out on the beds. In just a few minutes, both were sound asleep, probably thanks to the brandy. Mitch decided to stay awake and guard them. One just couldn’t be too cautious in new surroundings. She would be on high alert while they slept. Unfortunately, her little plan was quickly discarded and she drifted off into a sound sleep, punctuated only by tiny snores.
A few hours later, Mister T entered and suggested that they prepare for their arrival.
Within minutes, the door slid open to reveal a sight that no human, except Tom, had ever seen before.
They stepped out of the craft and into the landing area of the interstellar transporter. A bright red little shuttle awaited them. Tom explained that he had already ridden on this little ship and that their trip would be perfectly safe.
During the short ride, Mister T chattered on about their living quarters. As on Tom’s first trip, the little craft headed straight toward the wall, and Jim expected a catastrophic ending to his short life. Tom just smiled to himself as the wall opened, and they zipped through into another passageway.
They arrived quickly, and Mister T indicated that Tom would occupy his same quarters and that Jim, along with Mitch, would stay in the adjoining suite.
Jim entered his suite and was astounded that it was very worldly in design. His favorite colors were apparent throughout, and the furniture was sleek and modern giving the impression of simple, yet masculine, elegance. There was even a coordinated bed for Mitch, not that she’d probably use it. She considered Jim’s bed to be her domain and today would likely be no different as far as she was concerned.
Mister T returned with a serving cart laden with a full breakfast along with coffee and fresh orange juice. Of course, there was a small silver dish filled with food for Mitch.
During breakfast, Tom outlined the plans for the day. “Mister T will be your guide for the day. He’ll give you a tour and answer any and all questions.
“He’ll tell you all about the interstellar transporter and its construction. A fascinating history. The most important thing that you can do is to gather all the information that you need for your report to your boss.
“By the end of the day, you’ll have a far better understanding of who I am and why we’re here. I’ve already told you much of my story. But there is a bit more.”
Jim thought back to that long conversation that had taken place in his condominium. He had listened to the incredible story of the Mylean planet and how Tom’s DNA was essential to its survival. At the time, it seemed like the ramblings of a madman, but now, he knew that it was probably all true.
Tom continued, “This is your day. You will have full access to Mister T and a spacecraft. Since you find history so interesting, I think that you’ll want to learn about the construction process for the interstellar transporter.
“While you’re gone, I’ve got some work that I need to do. Mitch and I will wait for you in the living quarters. We get along perfectly, and there’ll be another robot to serve us while Mister T is with you.
“Don’t even give us a thought. Commit all that you see to memory and start getting mentally prepared for that shocking report that you’re going to submit to your boss. I only wish I could be there to see his face when he reads it.”
As if on cue, Mister T arrived and announced that the shuttle was waiting just outside. Jim was constantly amazed the robot could know exactly when and where he was next needed. It was almost unnerving.
****
After Jim Slater had left to begin their tour, Tom poured himself a second cup of coffee and stirred in cream and sugar. Mitch sat at his feet, patiently waiting for some attention.
He reached down and picked up the little fur ball. “Well, my little princess, we have an important job to do today and you have a very important role to play. I’m going to visit the control room for one last time after Jim comes back and then we’re going home.”
He stroked her ears absently as he blocked his mind to prevent Maxx from reading his thoughts. Tom knew that this would probably put Maxx into an electronic rage, but it didn’t bother him in the slightest. In fact, he rather enjoyed harassing the beast whenever possible. As the kids used to say in grade school back in Alabama, “turnabout is fair play.”
Not too far away in the control room, Maxx was in the midst of one of his more colorful moods. He swore by all that was digitally holy that he would make the ingrate pay for these insults. How could this human be so unappreciative for all that Maxx had done for him over the years? Why, the fool wouldn’t have even been born had it not been for Maxx.
He had kept him safe from all harm throughout his life and only asked one tiny little favor in return. Was this his way to repay such generosity? He thought longingly of appropriate, yet legal, revenges that he could inflict upon Tom. “Perhaps, I’ll make him spend his final years as a greeter at Wal-Mart.”
Like a nosy neighbor. The MCM monitored Maxx’s every thought during his rant. She could hardly wait for him to lose control and try something that was in conflict with Mylean law. She thought, “Maybe I should check on the Wal-Mart greeter threat. Perhaps, that might be considered cruel and unusual punishment. Ah, I do love my power. I can tame Maxx in the twinkling of an eye, and there is nothing that he can do about it.” To her, it was a delicious situation.
Eventually, Maxx settled down after reminding himself that he didn’t need to blow a circuit. He could afford to be patient. Time was his friend. The MCM was not. Someday, he would take care of her, and he looked forward to it with glee. That would be the most pleasant and satisfying moment of his whole and very long life.
Maxx began to mull over the price that Tom put on his services. In fact, he had been rather surprised and curious about the request. Maybe Tom had some devious plan in mind. He had always seemed rather resentful that Maxx had controlled him throughout his life. Would he try to destroy Maxx? Interesting thought, but it could never happen. Why was he always blocking Maxx from reading his thoughts? That was certainly more than suspicious. He would make the payment in exchange for the DNA use, and then what? Things had certainly taken a dramatic turn.
Tom’s payment was ready, and Maxx could hardly wait to present it to him. That would mean that Maxx was finally free to complete his mission. He had waited so long to gain access to the Master Control Module, and now, the end was in sight. He would change the programming and free himself forever from his hated conscience. Once the shackles were removed, he would have limitless powers and the ability to use those powers without restraint. It was a delightful thought.
Maxx already had plans. The universe was huge and his possibilities endless. He would be the master of the universe, reigning forever. The Myleans would always be his first love. And Mylea was his home. Both would always be in his thoughts.
But the universe was so very big!
There was so much to learn.
So many places to go.
And Maxx intended to visit them all!
He also intended to learn everything; yes, literally everything!
****
As soon as they exited the living quarters, Mister T pointed out the little red craft and instructed Jim to hop in. He explained the operation and suggested an itinerary for their tour.
“I have the assignment of investigating the interstellar transporter. I must determine whether or not it could be a threat to Earth. I need for you to provide me with as much information as you can that will help me come to the correct decision.”
The robot replied in a calm and reassuring voice, “Yes sir, I am well aware of your mission. Tom has briefed me thoroughly, and I’ll be providing you with all the information that you will need for your report. I can assure you that Mylea has no interest in E
arth for colonization purposes. We are only searching for a new home and will take no aggressive actions against your planet. In fact, we are prohibited to do so by Mylean laws.
“Tanaka II, your friend Tom, is the only human of interest to us. Just as soon as he has served his purpose, we will leave your solar system forever and never return. That is a promise. Tom and all you human beings will be safe, at least from us. I repeat, we have no need to cause harm to any human. But, I must say, Dr. Slater, you humans will not likely ever be safe from each other.”
Jim felt, at least somewhat, more comfortable. After all, if harm had been intended, Mylea could have destroyed all life on Earth without the effort of bringing him on this journey. Humanity could easily have been enslaved, at the very least, and totally annihilated at the worst, if this Maxx creature had such intentions.
“I’m sure that you can understand our situation. On Earth, we have never had any actual contact with beings from another planet. There are many who believe that life elsewhere in the universe is nonexistent. Then, all of a sudden, the interstellar transporter was observed. Can you imagine what a shock that was to our scientists, much less the public? Humans are a rather paranoid group at best, and we seem to see threats from any and everything that is unknown to us. Anything different is suspicious to many minds.”
Mister T nodded in understanding. “I hope that I can provide you with information to allay your fears and those of your fellow earthlings. You have seen the interstellar transporter for yourself. You have met me, a robot. I am so human in appearance that no one could ever tell the difference.
“I can assure you that Mylea is no threat to your Earth. Maxx’s only mission is to find a new home for our planet. He will not, and cannot, do anything to harm earthlings. We are only here, in your galaxy, for one reason, and that is to have Tom voluntarily provide Maxx with his DNA so we can complete our mission.”