by Philip Elrod
“His report further implied that the size of this object was exceedingly large. He asked for confirmation on the Night Sky Network, which is a network used by the amateur astronomy community worldwide to report unusual sightings. NASA monitors the Night Sky Network as amateurs are often looking at portions of the sky at times that NASA is not.
“NASA was unable to confirm the sightings of Mr. Matsumoto. However, on Monday, July 2, a Chinese radio astronomer did confirm Matsumoto’s sighting and added a tantalizing bit of additional data. He confirmed the vast size of the object and it's remarkably high-speed movement. His report included the additional statement that the object had not only come to a standstill but soon after that it had disappeared entirely.
“These reports are, to say the least, highly unusual and hard to accept as fact. However, we had to check them out carefully because they came from a well-respected amateur astronomer with a spotless reputation and a national astronomical site, albeit in China.
“NASA assigned a team of optical and radar telescopes to monitor the coordinates specified in the last sightings.”
Turning to the large screen behind him, Swarzhoff pressed a controller in his hand, and the screen lit up. Everyone in the room, except Jim Slater, gave an audible gasp.
The large screen, filled with a clear video image of the interstellar transporter, drew rapt attention from the audience.
“This past Saturday morning this image appeared. It remained visible for three minutes.”
Swarzhoff continued, “We were able to photograph it, and with radar imaging determine its size and movement. It was not moving at all. It was just sitting there at a distance of about three billion miles from Earth.
“The estimated size is a staggering 185,000 miles long by 145,000 miles wide and 125,000 miles thick. I had our engineers go over those figures several times. Each time they were verified.
“After three minutes, the object once again disappeared. Our engineers concluded that the sudden appearance and disappearance was the result of the objects ability to enter some stealth mode, rendering it invisible to our detection methods. I suspect that this invisible mode is probably the result of its ability to absorb all incoming radiation and reflect nothing.
“The analysis indicates that the object cannot be anything of natural origin. It is certainly not from this Earth. Therefore, it’s likely some type of alien spacecraft. The spacecraft has made no effort to communicate with us, at least by any means that we have available. We have sent radio signals into space but have received no response. The thing just seems to be out there, sitting, waiting, and possibly watching us.
“The president was notified of the sighting immediately after it was confirmed. He ordered NASA to continue monitoring the location in space and requested a special meeting of the NSC to be held on Monday, which is, of course, today.
“On Sunday, just before noon, the object once again suddenly appeared, and exactly three minutes later, it disappeared again. NASA has no credible explanation for these appearances and disappearances.
“Since it is more than three billion miles away, we think it not likely that the object poses an immediate threat to our planet. However, if the Chinese report is to be believed, the object previously displayed movement capability at a speed not known to be possible.
“NASA has no current estimate of the threat level that this object might have to the security of the United States.
“That concludes my official presentation. Are there any questions?”
Jim Slater looked cautiously around the room, then, almost reluctantly, raised his hand.
“Yes, Dr. Slater," Swarzhoff acknowledged Jim.
Jim cleared his throat and hoped that his voice would not fail him. “Those three minutes of visibility, at what time of the day did those two appearances occur?”
Swarzhoff looked at some notes he had available and answered, “The Saturday appearance was at 4:31 PM and the Sunday appearance was at 5:37 PM.”
Jim cleared his throat and asked, “Are those times local times?”
Swarzhoff replied, “Yes Dr. Slater, the times given are Eastern Daylight Times although the observations were recorded in different time zones. May I ask why you wish to know?”
Jim hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts and trying to decide how to proceed. Finally, he addressed Swarzhoff.
“Adjusting for the time it takes light to travel the three billion miles from the object to Earth, I think that those times correspond to the times at which I arrived and left the spacecraft in the photo.”
Every person in the room looked at Jim in disbelief. Had the Situation Room been invaded by a lunatic? What on earth was this nutcase doing at their meeting? Should someone call the Secret Service?
Finally, Swarzhoff, regaining himself from an obvious shock, looked at Jim warily and said, “Dr. Slater, I think your statement may require a little elaboration.”
Jim looked at each person in the conference room and saw the doubt, fear, and obvious hostility on every face. “It’s a long and complicated story, but I assure you, that I did visit that craft and spent a day and night there.”
Before Jim could continue, the door to the room opened and the president of the United States walked into the room, saying, “Sorry that I am late.”
Everyone quickly rose as the president made his way to his seat at the front of the room, sat down, and addressed the group.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. I’m sure that you found Dr. Swarzhoff’s presentation to be most interesting. I understand your disbelief, but we have to put that aside and evaluate this situation. My primary question is whether this thing, this ship, is a threat to us. Why would it be out there if it means us no harm?”
Swarzhoff, after a brief silence, spoke, “Mr. President, my presentation may have stunned the group, but, to put it mildly, Dr. Slater just made a claim that has left everyone speechless. I have just suggested that Dr. Slater elaborate.”
“Certainly,” replied the president. “Dr. Slater, you have the floor.”
Jim took a deep breath to calm himself. He rose and nodded respectfully to the president. “Mr. President, ladies, and gentlemen, I apologize for the rather dramatic announcement that I made. I should have taken some time giving you the background and historical information that would clarify the situation. Unfortunately, I just went straight to the heart of the matter, but at least I got your undivided attention.”
He continued, “As you know, Dr. Walker was scheduled to make this presentation. His report was to be based on my findings. I know that you are incredulous, but that’s just how I felt at the beginning of this most unusual situation. I was just as shocked as you are now, and I initially thought the person who brought me into this adventure was seriously mentally ill.
“I’ve made a habit of taking my lunch to the mall during good weather. It’s good to get out of the confines of the office building, and it allows me to clear my mind. One day, an old man sat down beside me. He seemed to be harmless and just rather lonely. Over time, we became fairly well acquainted. He was much more than what he seemed.
“This gentleman knew everything there is to know about me, and probably all of you, too. The more we visited, the more intrigued I was. He was, rather is, one of a kind. Brilliant, well educated, and very knowledgeable about almost everything.
“In fact, last Friday, he caught up with me at the tavern where I like to have a drink after work. I couldn’t believe that he knew where to find me as I had never even mentioned the place.
“He knew about Dr. Walker giving me an assignment, which I had received only a couple of hours before. In fact, he knew that I was not making much progress, and he assured me that he could help me. Now that got my attention.
“He wanted to talk privately and I suggested that we go to my condo. It was there that he told me the most fantastic story that I’ve ever heard. He knew all about the object and explained that it was a giant spacecraft that was just s
itting there. Even more fantastic, this colossal craft was a protective framework that enclosed an entire planet, named Mylea.”
Jim Slater then proceeded to tell the entire story to his rapt audience. No one spoke a word. After about thirty minutes, Jim concluded by explaining how he and Mitch had visited the transporter with Tom.
He smiled at the council. “I was convinced that Tom was insane at the very least. But, unbelievably, every word that he spoke was true just as every word that I’m speaking to you is true.”
Swarzhoff spoke first, “Dr. Slater, do you expect me to believe that crazy story about space travel and monster computers? What kind of fools do you think we are? You’d have to have traveled at the speed of light to have made such a trip.”
Jim looked at Swarzhoff and replied simply, “The reason it took so long was acceleration and deceleration. We traveled for most of the trip at near the speed of light. The propulsion system used by the Myleans is based on gravity propulsion. It is limited only by the speed of light. However, they must place a conical shield in front of the craft to deflect any cosmic dust, so the limit of speed attained is approximately 98% of that of light at maximum.”
Jim continued, “I have proof that what I’ve been telling you is true. Just before we landed back on Earth, the robot that traveled with me approached me and slipped something into my hand. He told me that I would need some proof to make you believe my story. I looked down at what he’d given me, and it was a small, clear disc. I was told to point the disc at any of our computers and speak a command. If you allow me, I’ll show you what’s on that disc.”
Everyone in the room nodded in assent. Jim removed the disk from his pocket and aimed it toward the bank of computer screens at the front of the room. He spoke a word, “Tanaka,” and the screens instantly came alive.
Before Jim could continue, the secretary of state raised a tentative hand. “Dr. Slater, you say that all life on the planet vanished. What about animal life?”
Jim replied, “That also troubled me, but the answer was quite satisfactory. Wildlife is still abundant and lives throughout the planet in natural habitats. There are fish in the sea and birds in the air. The only thing that was missing was the Mylean people.”
The secretary of state nodded her approval at the response.
Next, the various screens displayed images of Mylea, of towns and cities, of shuttle crafts, of the enclosure, of robots working diligently in laboratories. After a minute, all the screens displayed a single picture of the interstellar transporter. It soon became apparent that the craft was moving through space as the background stars appeared to be moving.
The audience was mesmerized. There had been no sound until now. But, suddenly a strong male voice spoke. “My dear earthlings, you have seen a few images of our planet. I have prepared these for you to ensure that you do not consider us your enemies.
“We pose you no threat. Our work here is finished. Even as you view this recording, we are moving away at great speed. The very last scene was our traveling through deep space. We have already left your solar system far behind.
“We made a contract with Tom and he requested that we never return here. Our contract with Tom is sacred to us, and we will honor it explicitly.”
The screens went dark, and no one in the room moved a muscle or spoke a word. Jim returned the disk to his pocket.
The president looked directly at Jim, “Well Dr. Slater, I must say that this has been the most astounding meeting that I’ve ever attended. Based on your story and the images that we saw, there appears to be no clear and present danger to the United States from the spacecraft.
“I’ll continue to evaluate the situation before I make any statement. I’m sure that you all understand the need for caution. We can’t alarm the public. I’ll meet with my advisors, and we’ll put something together.”
The president rose from his seat and started for the door.
Jim stood up quickly, “Mr. President, if I may have just another minute of your time. You’re correct that there is no danger to the United States from Mylea, but I have to tell you that there is a danger and that it could affect not only us but the entire world.”
The president turned abruptly, obviously not pleased, and spoke directly to Jim.
“And what might that danger be, Dr. Slater?”
His words were demanding and challenging and spoken with a look that conveyed the same. This president was well known for not taking kindly towards those that disagreed with him openly, even in small ways.
Jim had the utmost respect for the office, but he had little fondness for the current president. He was elected because he was young and energetic and had something of a Hollywood look to him.
He never claimed to be a great statesman and let his appointees take care of the problems. Jim had always thought that he was somewhat of a figurehead and only made public appearances when and where he could get the most political bang for his bucks.
Jim took a deep breath. “The danger is Tom, sir. He made a deal with the computer that gave him unimaginable powers if he chooses to use them. He possesses all the powers of the interstellar transporter and now has an entire fleet of spacecraft.
“He has the technology to reduce our planet to a mere cosmic memory in the universe. He has outlined some very specific requirements, and those requirements are delineated in a letter that he asked me to deliver personally to you.”
Jim reached into his pocket and retrieved the envelope. “Mr. President, this envelope was given to me to pass on to you. That is all that he asked in return for his assistance and arranging my visit to the alien spacecraft.
“I haven’t read the letter, but I have an idea of what’s inside. Do not underestimate the power at his disposal or his intellect. I was witness to a game of wits between him and the computers and he won. He triumphed over the most powerful and intelligent machine in the universe. Please take what he has to say seriously.”
The president accepted the envelope and then shook Jim’s hand. He addressed the room, “This meeting is dismissed.” He then turned and left the room without another word.
****
At the JW Marriott, Tom finished packing his suitcase while listening to the meeting in the Situation Room. He had several remotes monitoring Earth and could listen to any conversation anywhere in the world. But this time, the tiny transmitter that Jim used to project the images of Mylea also transmitted every word spoken in the room back to him.
Grabbing his suitcase and heading to the door, he thought to himself, “I’m going home. Washington will have to get along without me for a while. Jim Slater did a fine job. I’m proud of him, and I won’t forget how much I owe him.”
At about that time, the president sat down in the oval office and opened the envelope.
Mr. President:
Dr. Slater has informed you of your situation, and you probably feel rather safe at the moment. Be not deceived, that is not the case. The Mylean interstellar transporter has left our solar system, but I remain, and I have all the powers that it had. I could destroy you in a heartbeat.
I am a native born and patriotic American who has spent a lifetime loving my country and what it stands for in the world. I know what you and some of your inner circle are planning for our country.
I have the power to stop you and your cohorts. I will do exactly that if necessary. But doing so would make me known all over the world.
That, sir, would annoy me greatly. I am an old man. It is my desire to live the rest of my life in peaceful anonymity. I have more power than you can imagine. My power is far greater than any human being should ever have. Quite frankly, it frightens me a bit to think of unleashing it.
Ask Jim Slater to explain to you what I have available. My intentions are to use my powers selectively to the benefit of all mankind. However, if necessary, I can, and will, use my powers to eliminate those who stand in the way of freedom and peace in our world.
But, as I said, sir, having to do th
at will annoy me.
By the way, just to prove my point, there is a giant asteroid that NASA has been monitoring for the past several months. At precisely 9:00 AM tomorrow, I will destroy that asteroid.
The event will be noted by NASA and reported to you. Just remember, I did it and I that can do the same to you. Also, you might want to thank me as that asteroid was on a path that would have eventually led to a catastrophic disaster on our Earth. In fact, Earth, if it survived at all, would probably have been uninhabitable for thousands of years.
Please remember that I am a rather impatient man, and I have little tolerance for disobedience. When provoked, I can become quite a fearsome enemy.
For both our sakes, please do not provoke me.
Respectfully,
Tom, just call me Tom.
Epilogue
“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” - Albert Einstein
NASA
At exactly nine o’clock on the following morning, NASA observed the destruction of a massive asteroid in far outer space. Not a trace remained of the giant object, other than cosmic dust.
The President of the United States
On Monday afternoon, after the Situation Room meeting, the President held a press conference. His words had been carefully planned to minimize speculation and fears. He calmly announced that an extraterrestrial craft had been briefly observed at the far edge of our solar system. He certainly chose not to say “alien craft” because that phrase would surely have negative and frightening connotations.
He explained that the craft had merely passed close enough to the Earth to be observed. There was no threat whatsoever. It was merely in transit to another location far, far away from our solar system. It had already disappeared into the far reaches of space, never to be seen again.