“God bless you and thank you very much.”
#
Tyson Webb’s avatar appeared to Chad. “How was dinner at the White House?”
“The lobster was terrific,” Chad said. He picked up his car in Houston and was traveling at one two hundred forty kilometers per hour along an AI-only highway toward his company headquarters in Sonoma, north of San Francisco. “I would have gone with a different wine selection.”
“Corporate intel said Sankos knew about the alien ship before the president’s announcement. Some of their executives and top scientists are en route to DC.”
“Yeah. Senator Dees squeezed me at dinner. I’m sure he’s busy shopping access rights around defense contractor circles. The president hit me up for money too, but Dees will be the real problem. His committee is in a position to enact laws regulating access to the technology. Trust me, he fully intends to utilize that power.”
“He’s a smart cookie.” Tyson sighed. “He knows there are trillions at stake. How much do you think it will cost to play?”
“Zero.”
“Zero?”
“Zero. Zilch. Nada.”
“You’re kidding. After all this, you want to give up?”
“Who said anything about giving up?”
“You fox. What did you do?”
“It turns out, the alien ship is controlled by nano-machines suspended in the air. I managed to sift out most of them on the trip back to Earth. The crew was busy marveling at the ship’s wonders. They didn’t notice a thing.”
“I bet it was hard for you not to marvel right along with them.”
“You know me so well. Anyhow, it was easy enough to rig an electrostatic filter. Even the most advanced technology has to obey the fundamental laws of physics. Thank God the Air Force kept us on board the ship for a few hours after we landed while they rigged a clean room around the thing. That gave me plenty of time to keep cleaning the filter plates. I left just enough nano-machines in the chamber we exited from to open the wall. The few that remained behind should have dispersed throughout the ship. I’m pretty sure their concentration is far too low to function anymore.”
“And where are those nano-machines now?”
Chad pulled a silver-gray lump from his pocket. “Duct tape.” Layers of tape were stuck together forming roughly the shape of a brick.
“Duct tape?”
“Yep. I cleaned the plates with a strip of duct tape every few minutes.”
Tyson’s jaw went slack. “You neutralized advanced alien technology using…”
“Duct tape.”
Tyson regained control over his mouth, but his head still shook in subconscious disbelief.
“I’ll be in the office in about two hours. Put together a plan to analyze the tape. We’ll let our competitors bribe their way into the ship and give them a chance to fail. When they do, I want to be ready to ride in and save the day.”
“Do we still need that NSA angle?”
“You mean monitoring Ms. Wells? It could be helpful to keep tabs on her. She’s certain to be part of the analysis effort. If any of our competitors do manage to make headway, we’ll want to know about it early. It looks like Jake Hayden is doing a fine job playing her. I expect he’ll be cooperative, for the right price. I’ll give him a call after this and see what else he needs to get closer to her. And to make sure he remembers how he got that close in the first place.”
#
President Li’s holograph floated next to the Resolute desk. President Billmore was seated in his plush, magneto-levitated chair. His hands were steepled and his expression focused.
“President Li,” the president said, “as I mentioned in my address to the world, we do intend to share the alien technology. Eventually. You yourself highlighted the dangers that revolutionary technology might pose during my last visit to Beijing.”
“Indeed.” President Li’s expression was flat. He sat straight, leaned slightly forward, and spoke in a steady voice. “We each represent a nation of high accomplishment and we each have something that could benefit the other, and the world. We developed fusion technology. It is available today. You have alien technology in a hangar out in the desert. That technology might revolutionize the world tomorrow, or in a decade, or perhaps never. We should explore cooperation.”
“Yes, but there’s a problem, President Li.”
President Li remained expressionless.
“Trust,” President Billmore said. “We don’t trust each other. We never really have.” President Billmore rested his hands flat on his desk and met the other man’s gaze. He looked regretful, almost sad. “Honestly, I wish we did. We could accomplish so much for humanity if we trusted each other. If we could work together in a truly meaningful way.”
“Are you saying the Chinese are not trustworthy?” President Li’s expression was neutral, but his voice pitched high.
“No,” the president said. He spoke the word louder and with conviction. “I believe that China and the United States have never learned to understand each other.”
“Wise words, for a young nation.” President Li’s tone relaxed. A fleeting smile crossed his lips. “Might I make a suggestion? Something to bring us a step closer to trust?”
President Billmore arched his eyebrows.
“Allow China to send a liaison to your team that’s working on the alien technology. Share what you feel you can. You, in turn, may send a liaison to our fusion program. We will share what we feel we can.”
The president nodded. “That seems like a prudent first step.” He thought for a moment. “You know, President Li? We can kill two birds with one stone. Dr. Li Min would be our preference as a representative from your side. I understand she is familiar enough with the fusion project to speak about it intelligently yet not versed in intimate details. If she could be made available, we have a deal.”
“Dr. Li Min?” President Li asked. “Would you give me a moment?” His holograph was replaced by an exquisitely detailed Han dynasty vase. That vase morphed into another, then another. A vase from the Sui dynasty appeared, then another. President Li returned seconds after the art show displayed its first vase from the Song dynasty. “Dr. Li Min would be honored to represent China in this exchange. We would also insist on sending Dr. Tan Song. We feel, most strongly, that his talents are well suited to this endeavor.”
President Billmore nodded. “We have an agreement, then.”
“Mr. President, I hope this is the first step on the journey to mutual understanding.”
“As do I,” President Billmore said.
President Li’s holograph vanished.
“Come in, Ms. Wells,” the president said.
Sara stepped in from the side room.
“How did that go?” the president asked her with a paternal chuckle.
“Thank you, sir. Thank you for saving my asset.”
“I’m glad I could help Dr. Li. She took great risks to help us.”
“She did,” Sara said. “I know it made your negotiation more difficult.”
“It could have.” The president’s eyes were distant. “But it was the right thing to do.”
“If I may be so bold, your predecessor wouldn’t have cared.”
President Billmore stared intently at a family photo on his desk, then looked at Sara with fatherly eyes. “Nobody expected me to win office after my principled stance on certain issues. Turns out, it resonated with people. Look how easily I won a second term. I hope the American people are finally ready to elect leaders that stand for something other than re-election, that I’m not just a fluke. It’s about family and community, Sara. Why are we here on Earth if not to care for others?”
“We’ll see soon enough.”
The president raised an eyebrow.
“What leaders America will elect. The mid-term election campaign is coming up.”
“Did you have to remind me?” The president chucked. “With this alien spacecraft business, I almost managed to forget.
” The president walked to Sara. “I’ve been a demanding boss. It’s taken a toll on you. As of now, you’re on special assignment to rediscover the joys of life. I don’t want to see you around the Hill for at least two weeks.”
The corners of Sara’s mouth turned up. She pressed her lips tight, to no avail. She broke into a delighted smile. Her cheeks pressed up and her eyes watered. Months of weariness gave way to overwhelming joy. Warm drops rolled over her cheeks. She threw her arms out and pulled the president toward her.
Sara Wells, the level-headed Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Agency, had just hugged the president of the United States.
And he hugged her back.
#
“I can’t believe I haven’t seen it yet,” Jake said. His face was filled with awe, his cheeks red from the cold. Light flakes of snow fell, dusting the trees and bushes and adding to the spring chill.
“It is pretty amazing,” Sara said. They were at the Washington Zoo, admiring twin baby woolly mammoths. “How did they do it, exactly? I learned in school the DNA of frozen mammoths was too far gone for cloning. I haven’t had time to keep up with the latest news.” She sighed softly and managed a weary but genuine smiled.
“They found an unexpected specimen deep in the Siberian taiga a few years back. There was a pocket of mammoths that survived far longer than the rest. Almost all populations died out five thousand years ago, but that last group survived much longer. There were still gaps in the DNA that had to be filled using the elephant genome, but enough of the original stuff was intact that the creatures came out pretty darn good. At least, don’t you think they look just like in the museum?”
“Sure, they look like what I’d expect.” Sara was contemplative. “Don’t you find that a little frightening?”
“What?”
“Editing DNA like that. It’s one thing, I suppose, to modify corn to resist drought or bacteria to produce medicine like insulin. But a large, intelligent mammal? Maybe I’m not keeping up with the times, but it scares me.” Sara crossed her arms over her chest.
Jake thought for a moment then put an arm over her shoulder. “The science is very exciting, but I see your point. Science, in general, has been advancing at a breakneck pace. It makes you wonder whether our wisdom can keep up with our intelligence.” He leaned in and spoke quietly in her ear. “Now, I suppose it might start advancing exponentially faster.”
She turned her head toward him and craned her neck up, bringing her lips close to his ear. “Shhh. Not here.” She gave his earlobe a quick kiss. “I’ll miss you,” she said, her breath warming his ear.
“Me too, Sara.” Jake pulled her closer. He was leaving for New Mexico after their zoo date. Her recommendation landed him a position on the science team unraveling the secrets of the alien ship. Sara would be briefed by Jake’s boss on any discoveries relevant to the intelligence community. Jake’s new work was so highly classified he could never share a word of it with her. They would not be able to speak often while he was away. Communications into and out of the site were tightly controlled.
“Do you think they’re going to do it to people?”
“Do what?” Jake’s thoughts seemed to be in New Mexico.
“Modify DNA. I know doctors have been making targeted DNA changes in organs to combat disease for decades. I mean, do you think we’ll start selecting traits like eye color or height? Even trying to improve strength and intelligence?” Sara shivered in the morning cold.
“Who knows? Someone might have already done it somewhere. The fundamental techniques are widespread enough. At least most countries outlawed the practice until society has time to catch up with technology.”
They walked the zoo for an hour, arm in arm, talking some but mostly enjoying each other’s company.
Sara took Jake’s hands in hers. “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?” he asked.
“I allowed my job, my responsibilities, to preclude the possibility of a real relationship with you. You’re good for me. I want that relationship.”
“I do, too, Sara.” He pulled closer.
“I know, my timing’s rotten. You’re about to leave just when I get around to letting you in.”
“My work will be busy, but I’ll spend every free moment with you. You’re good for me, too.” His cheeks blushed, and he smiled. “Sara, I love you.”
She pulled closer and looked up into his wide-open eyes. Her inhibition and hesitation fell away like ice melting in a roaring bonfire. She was in from the cold now. She was warm, she was safe. Happy. Sara pulled his head to hers. Their kiss released a flood of emotions too long constrained. Shivers launched up her spine and shot through her whole body. In that moment, her universe was Jake.
“It’s official?” he asked as their long kiss ended.
“Hmm?”
“We’re boyfriend and girlfriend.”
Sara stroked his cheek. “My boyfriend, Jake Hayden. I love the sound of that.” She wrapped her arm around his waist, and they walked the zoo, oblivious to the animals. She was warm, blissful. Her world was vibrant.
A chime sounded. Hesitantly, Jake said, “Time to go.”
“I’ll walk you to your car.” Sara pulled him tighter, and they strolled toward the exit.
His car pulled itself forward, ready to pick up its owner.
There’s finally someone I like to spend time with. Someone I… someone I trust, and he has to leave. “Here we are.” She pressed her body to his, and felt his muscles embrace her. “Let me know when you’re coming back to DC. Let it be soon.”
“I’ll call you the moment they let me, and I’ll visit every chance I get. You can count on it.” Jake watched her with longing eyes as his car pulled away.
A Demon Cometh
Somewhere in the cosmos, two voices conversed.
“The malignants are here,” Anael said.
Sariel hesitated. “I don’t believe humanity is ready.”
#
Six months after humanity discovered the Quadriga, a ring twenty kilometers across hurtled toward Sol's Oort cloud at zero point seven c, seventy percent the speed of light. The sleek, tenebrous structure was a dozen meters thick and ten times as deep. Three wiry, gradually curving tubes connected the ring to a kilometer-long, hundred-meter-diameter, rounded cylinder. A fuselage. The arrangement formed an enormous magnetic funnel, extending far forward of the ring and culminating at the cylinder’s front. It scooped hydrogen from the interstellar medium and compressed it into a frenzied collision of superheated ions. The fiery brew shot into a matrix of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, catalyzing the same super-energetic fusion reaction that fires the big stars, the ones larger than Earth's sun. The energy of the reaction was channeled through the fuselage, accelerating the ship to relativistic speeds.
The magnetic field changed shape, forming a parabolic reflector the size of Hawaii. The solar wind pressed against it, and the vessel slowed. This ship could afford only a modest dip in velocity. Below a threshold, its fusion forge would extinguish, never to be relit. Zero point six five c. Zero point six c. It passed inside the orbit of Eris.
Metallic rails emerged from the rear of the fuselage, growing until they were as long as Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. The rails energized, hurling a ten-centimeter-diameter, silvery sphere away from the ship's direction of flight, slowing it relative to Sol. The funnel reformed, reigniting the fusion drive. The massive ship altered course, gradually arcing away toward Proxima Centauri.
The sphere continued through the solar system, sprouting dozens of hair-like filaments along its circumference. The assembly began to spin, the centripetal force pulling the filaments taut as they expanded to their full, twenty-kilometer length. They generated an electric field that pushed firmly against the gathering solar wind. The sphere sailed through the Kuiper belt. Zero point five c. It passed near Neptune, the gas giant’s deep blue haze shifted into the ultraviolet by the ship’s immense velocity. It reached Jupiter’s orbit, the orange-and-tan pla
net passing far to the side. Zero point three c. The wind was far stronger now, pummeling the electric sail. Zero point two c, zero point one c. It passed high over Earth’s north pole, still far too fast. Venus, its toxic atmosphere brilliantly reflecting sunlight, drifted by. The sun's magnetosphere heaved now against the sail, dropping its velocity into the realm mastered by humans. The sphere passed through the sun's corona, sling-shotted around, and headed for a collision with Earth. The hairs were scorched off in the solar blaze, leaving the surface a near-perfect mirror.
The silvery ball entered the stratosphere over northern Alaska, the thin atmosphere ionizing in the object's wake. The sphere's underside glowed faint yellow at first, an ethereal, tenuous light streaking across the sky. It turned a deep, fiery orange as the air thickened. The object fell at hypersonic speed toward the bright, snow-covered land below. Friction slowed the descent, eventually reducing its speed to a few hundred kilometers per hour.
It impacted a narrow strip of land between the frozen Susitna River and the southern bank of Flat Horn Lake, thirty kilometers northwest of Anchorage. It hit hard, sinking meters into the frozen ground. Small fibers, delicate, wispy hairs, emerged from the sphere. They slithered and stretched, probing the soil for zinc, chrome, carbon, and gold. When the strands detected a useful mineral, they transported it atom by atom to the central sphere. The sphere grew. Its search broadened to include uranium and neodymium, the sphere’s silvery surface darkening as the new elements were incorporated. An aperture opened at the top of the sphere. A dark, twisting morass of tendrils emerged, shooting up and spreading out around their origin. The tips of the tendrils sprouted fibers that glowed a dull red in the fading daylight. They searched for more minerals. The autumn sun sunk behind low, rolling hills south of Mount Susitna. Synthetic roots now covered an area larger than three football fields and probed deep into the ground.
The metallic jumble raised a tendril high into the air. It twisted in this direction and that. With the speed of a viper, it pulled itself back down. The assemblage crawled out of the ground, reassembling the thin, root-like structures into powerful tentacles. The mass gathered its many appendages to form a ten-meter-long, two-meter-thick snake-like construct. It prowled southwest over the frozen landscape, the pale moon casting eerie, slithering shadows on the tundra. The shape moved purposefully, directly toward the dim lights of Anchorage, Alaska.
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