by Don Koch
When the other caddy returned, and everyone had a drink in hand, Joe started with, "You all know that Paul here as given a lot of people a laugh at my expense and my boss offered me a chance to even the slate, but I do not intend to go public with it. I have had my fun with his discomfort. That is the end of it. Still friends Paul?"
Dresser said, "Absolutely and I feel bad about what I did to you. It got out of hand and you took it really well. But yes, enough is enough. One more thing, while he did not tell you how we met, I will. Someone had booby-trapped the officer's head at Little Creek when we were having some joint exercises there and I was the victim. I was within inches of landing in the crapper when Joe rescued me. Most embarrassing. He has never used that information to counter the embarrassment I have caused him. For that you have my hand and friendship." As Dresser extended his hand, Joe, using the thumb and forefinger of his left hand, took Dresser's extended thumb and holding it, took a look at his palm, then released him and shook hands with his right. Dresser said, "What was that."
Joe said, "Oh, just checking to be sure you don't have one of those shock buzzer things in your hand." and everyone laughed. He then went on, "Does anyone have any ideas about what just happened here today."
There were some puzzled looks until Dresser said he thought he did and one of the caddies indicated he thought he did as well. Dresser said, "The only thing that I can think of is that you are part of that Antoran fleet upstairs and even that seems farfetched with the demonstration you put on today." The caddy that spoke up was nodding in agreement. Joe saw this and said, "young man, if you decide to look into life on a station, tell them General Joe Carson sent you, got it."
He responded and said, "Yes sir and thank you."
Joe said, "I was recruited a bit over seven weeks ago and both June and I were knocking at deaths door at the time. My boss up there, General Stone was concerned that we are not getting a sufficient number of experienced officers at your level to flesh out the command billets we need to fill. Part of this is because, at our age, many believe that we no longer have the ability or vigor to fit in so do not even apply."
General Dawson said, "wait a minute, you said General Stone, he's the Supreme Commander of the Antoran fleet, what is your position in the fleet?
"I'm his Executive Officer, second in command."
"And he has you recruiting."
"That is interesting isn't it. He does recruiting too. He recruited me directly."
"That's different, you're his second."
"Surely you do not think that he would send me to recruit second lieutenants? John, you saw me four months ago, what was your impression then?"
"You were pretty run down and looked downright unhealthy, a fair amount overweight. In fact I was worried when I learned you were going to play today. I was shocked when I saw you because the difference was extreme. I am still having a hard time connecting what I see here and what I saw then."
"The medical treatment units they have on board have essentially restored my health and with that vigor. It goes to work right down to the cellular level. It is what we are doing right now with millions of people who have volunteered to use the machines. You gentlemen are thinking too small with your lifespan and what you can contribute. Probably thinking that you will be long gone by the time we fight the Glarin, but that need not be true. You could be regaling your grandchildren's grandchildren with tales of what you have done if you want. We need experienced commanders who have managed large units, who understand large military structures and how to fight them effectively. We have 20 Divisions up there that need military commanders. We have 100 stations that require the same."
"General Stone felt that one of his principal sources for the command structure was going to be retired officers. He was disappointed after recruiting started at the lack of response from that group and realized that the lack of results was likely due to a mindset that develops when we old-timers feel that we have little left to contribute or believe that is how we are viewed by others. In my case, June was dying and so was I. Antoran technology reversed that in a matter of days." He went on to relate his story and that of others he knew. He briefly described the command structure and the massive amount of equipment to be manned. He described life on the station, the facilities available, the balance between preparations underway and leisure, the social scene and other opportunities including the learning machines. He explained his commander's view that both husband and wife had to be in agreement about seeking life on the station. He noted the choices for life after the invasion. He pointed out that he was a prime example of that agreement for change and that he was really curious to see other worlds. "In case you are wondering, those golf shots were not a trick. I did use a number of my enhancements and aside from that there was no external assistance. I can see with acuity better than an eagle and I can throw or hit object like a golf ball with precision plus or minus an inch from a distance of 500 yards. If that's 'carpe diem' I'll take it."
One of the caddies asked, "Sir, I have been caddying here to earn some extra money. It is hard in this economy to make ends meet on a sergeants pay. What I have seen and heard in the last hour is like a dream. My enlistment in the Marines is up in a month. My missus and I have been considering our options and if she is willing, where can we sign up."
"What is your name again and where is your missus now, son?"
"Sir, I am Sergeant Benjamin Pine from Renton, Washington and Mary is at home with our two year old Ben Junior."
Joe said, "Tell you what, would you like to go talk to her now and see what she feels about the idea." Benjamin nodded affirmative. "I recall you said earlier that you had bummed a ride here, so here is what we will do. I am going to have you transported home and placed where you don't scare your missus half to death. You can discuss it with your wife and then when you say ready, Barana will transport you to my house and you can meet our wives. You will get there before we do so do not be uncomfortable. My wife will be expecting you. So you will have four grandmotherly types doting on junior. Are you set to go." Benjamin nodded yes and Joe said, Barana, please take this young man home as we just discussed and let June know what is going on." With that Benjamin disappeared with a *pop* and Joe continued, "If you other young men want to consider this, there is a listening post on the northeast end of the parking lot for the Marine Corps museum over between I-95 and US-1. Just let them know that General Carson sent you." He then settled up with them for the caddy fees with a nice bonus and had Barana do the same for Benjamin. The caddies then left.
"By the way gentlemen, we do have golf courses on the stations but those have devices to tune the enhancements down to human normal so that the games are fair. Not everyone gets the same level of enhancements. Well gentlemen, this is not something you can decide without your wives. What say we retire to my house. We can have that lunch my wife promised and we can talk about it some more there."
On arriving at the house, Joe let everyone in. As he expected, Benjamin and family were there and judging by the huge grin on his face, it was easy to determine what their decision had been. The ladies were gathered around Ben Junior who was clearly enjoying the attention. June came out of the kitchen and said, "with this many people, I have moved things out on the deck with Ben's help as well as some assistance from Barana. Ben said this is about the time you would be arriving. He told us what happened, show off." Joe noticed that Paul, John and Rick were each talking with their wives and it was looking like the men did not have to do much selling of the idea.
Joe said,
A few minutes later Hank, Sam and Fador appeared around Joe. Without further ado, they applied the test to the others in the room except Joe and June with Barana shielding the house. All arms went up and down twice, even Ben
Junior. Joe said, "Can I have everyone's attention. It is my pleasure to introduce General Henry Stone, his wife Samantha and Fador, Leader of the Antoran people. They can only stay for a few minutes, but wanted to meet you." He then made introductions of all his guests.
When Hank was introduced to Benjamin, he said, "Ah, Sergeant Pine, a pleasure to meet you. I took a peek at your service record and you have done well. I brought you this from the Commandant and the President. It's your Promotion to Staff Sergeant, your Honorable Discharge and a Letter of Commendation. They think highly of you and wish you the best. When you are done with the initial indoctrination stuff with the station, I would like you to report to Sergeant Major Wall. He has been asking me for a good competent Marine to help him out. It looks to me like you are just what the doctor ordered. Ah, and this must be Mrs. Pine and Junior. I think you are all going to enjoy the station. I hope the rest of you decide to join us, we really need your talent up there. I am really sorry for the hit and run tactic here but I have to get back. Things are a brewing but I will spend some time with you when you get settled in, I promise." With that Hank, Sam and Fador disappeared.
Joe said, "They were in a meeting with analysts looking over some new data on the Glarin. They wanted to meet you folks and do a little test that merely confirmed my suspicions. Those three are the most powerful telepaths on the stations. It turns out that all of you have that talent as well. If you agree, it will be enhanced and you will be taught how to shield from outside activity as well as how to send and receive. That was what the arm raising was all about when they arrived. Did you notice that even little Ben there raised his arm and his back was to you at the time. He was not emulating your action, he was reacting to the telepathic instruction. So who is interested in joining us." All hands went up.
"That is great. Ok, when we are done here, return to your homes. Prepare whatever you would like to bring with you for the first week or two. Then just tell Barana you are ready and you will be delivered to your quarters on station and advised how to proceed. Indoctrination and medical upgrades are all done in your own quarters and those will start immediately. A guide will show up a few minutes after your arrival to get you started. Any other questions, just ask Barana, she will hear you and respond. After you get settled in, you can decide what to do about your belongings and homes. While you are gone, your house will be shielded so that nobody can get in, nor can the weather. Mortgage will be paid and maintenance such as lawns, gardens, etc. will be arranged. Welcome aboard. Now let's eat."
During lunch, June was explaining the educational opportunities and Joe was discussing the military structure. Joe noted that while they had fantastic equipment and simulators available, they had not yet developed a tactical structure for so many vessels. Most importantly at this stage however was the need for a solid officer corps. He asked that they consider those that they knew who might be likely candidates for the unfilled Command positions. He said recruiting of senior level positions would impact how quickly they could build a real fighting force. They would be taking on everything the AI could come up with. The education machines would be invaluable in learning of the capabilities of the warships and the stations. They would be spending time in simulators to familiarize with the Warships. But he wanted time spent doing just what he was doing this day. It was apparent that they all had a person or persons in mind.
Chapter 17: The Oval Office
White House, Washington DC -
November 4 – C Day 66
Hank asked, "Barana, does the US President Dean Johnson have anyone with him right now?"
"Well I would not want to disappoint him, would you ask him if Sam and I might have a half hour of his time to bring him up to date on a few things and that we have no objection to Mrs. Wilson's presence and in fact it is fortuitous that she is there."
After a pause, Barana said, < President Johnson said he was hoping to hear from you and now would be a good time. He also said they have enough sandwiches for a battalion so you can help him eat them.>
"That is great and we are both dressed for it, Sam are you ready?" She nodded that she was. "OK let's do it." In a flash they were both standing before the President.
The President said, "I was expecting and hoping to hear from you any time now so I set up an over long meeting slot with Secretary Wilson and crossed my fingers. It is good to see both of you again. I do not think you have met my Secretary of State Anna Wilson." He introduced them and said, "Why don't we sit over by that table and we can chat in comfort. We will not be interrupted for two hours and I assume Barana is with us."
"Indeed Mr. President, she is indeed. Barana, meet Secretary Wilson."
President Johnson said, "Well General, what can we do for you."
"Well sir, as you know, we started recruiting the day of the leaders meeting. As of today, we have had 800,000,000 people take us up on the education and medical upgrade. The largest groups to respond were from Africa, China, India and South America. The US had just a few under 60 million apply. The first groups are due to finish treatment in a week. At that time we have made it clear that all are free to return to their homes on Earth. For those that do, we have enhanced their knowledge for areas where they currently live as well as other areas of interest. If no one wanted to emigrate, we would be dumping a tremendous number of now literate people on the planet."
"The number of people from the USA that took up our offer came to just under 60,000,000 people, many of whom we expect to request a billet on the station. As the program continues, I expect that number to at least double. The number of people removing themselves from your workforce may well have a deleterious impact on your society. The same can be said for some of the vigor this country has brought to the table for many years. We will be telling people how to apply for GED's and how to further their education. Nevertheless, it is not our intent to cause undue strife and unrest. That many newly educated people are going to generate issues for you."
The President said, "Yes, I have been worried about that and trying to figure out what to do about it."
Sam said, "Mr. President, this situation is going to be exacerbated in those countries less able to absorb this many newly educated and healthy persons. But we have a partial solution other than life in a station. It would not be fair to give it to only one country because that would create imbalances that would ultimately tear this world apart. We have some technology that we will not release. It is against our charter anyway. There are things that we can help you with and many of these newly educated persons are going to be looking for better opportunities. The first of these is how to build a really inexpensive power system that does not rely on oil or nuclear sources. This will upset some apple carts. This will come to those who want to develop it under an Antoran patent so no one greedy soul can lock others out. No monopolies. Next we can show you how to transmit this power safely without all the unsightly poles and wires, etc. Recycling all of that material will take time. And there will be jobs there."
"Next, this is not something that should be controlled by the government. Down that path lies tyranny. When the power generation is effectively accomplished, we will show you how to use it to get into space without polluting the planet. This is with the caveat stated at the leaders meeting when Henry said that we would not tolerate carrying these battles into space. We have the means to prevent that kind of action and the will to enforce it."
Hank took over, "One of the things you will need is some of the more esoteric rare earths. China has a huge store of these elem
ents but so do you. You just do not know where to look for them. We already have them mapped. Also a number of the planets in the solar system have these resources but that will come later. You will have to have discussions on how to utilize those resources without playing politics with them. When we are satisfied that you can do this we will provide you with the maps. Finally we will be leasing a number of our ships to Earth to the extent that you can put together a multi-national consortium to operate them. We will screen, vet and train the crews that will be operating these vessels. There will be mining vessels and freighters available under this program. It is doable in about 4 to 5 years or less if you have the will. We will also help to train persons displaced by the new technologies we are offering. We are particularly troubled with the number of disenfranchised persons on this planet. That treatment leads to tyranny, and from that to a form of slavery. We did not intend to become social engineers but it looks like that was dropped on us along with a few other issues. Your press conference last week tells us your head and heart is in the right place. Therefore we are telling you about this first. We will also be talking to other countries, particularly Russia, Great Britain, China, Canada, India, Australia, Israel, and Brazil followed by others. Our hope is that the countries on this planet can develop an agreeable approach and start utilizing what they have. What do you think Mr. President? "