Timtown

by Ronald Zastre

  “I hope Tim can substantiate that claim of sovereignty,” Ed said.

  “You can’t possibly think anyone would consider honoring something like that?”

  “Certainly, if his claim is valid? We still have the law to consider. Besides, it will give us some time. Randy, we have got to keep the lid on this thing. It is our job to see that this doesn’t explode in our faces. We get the big money to ensure the safety of this country, don’t forget that.”

  “I remember our job description, but I’m just wondering if it’s insuring our safety to do nothing?”

  “In your summation, would you advise an action against Tim, considering what he has told you so far, considering what you have seen so far?”

  “I don’t see what you’re getting at?” Randy question.

  “We are talking about possibly initiating a war against an enemy far advanced to us. We know nothing about this enemy. Do you think it’s wise?”

  “I see what you’re saying, and I hope Maclusky does too. He’s going to want my ass, I just know it.”

  “Speaking of asses. I want you to get busy on making sure they don’t put that good Lieutenant up against the wall. We owe him a lot. And MaClusky is a pussy cat,” Ed chuckled.

  “Oh yeah? Well, at least when he’s done with me, there won’t be much left for anyone else to abuse,” Randy commented.

  “There you go, you’re finally getting the hang of this job,” Ed laughed.

  “He said it came from the stars,” Randy said quietly. “You think that’s possible?”

  “I’d say it’s more than likely.”

  “That would make more sense than a lost underground society,” Randy agreed.

  “Someone who knows a hell of a lot more than we do is responsible. It’s got to be from out there.” Ed pointed up to the sky.

  “Shit, if we suggest anything like that, no one will take us serious.”

  “That’s why we just play dumb when the topic comes up, unless Tim can prove it.”

  “Good thinking Mr. Adams.”

  *

  The two men engaged in assorted small talk for another ten minutes. They watched with interest as the military stayed above them in plain sight. The Lieutenant was doing his new job well. Ed knew he had better come up with a damn good reason to keep them from exercising their option, which would be to use force to gain entry into the mountain. He was certain, Tim was not kidding about the futility of an assault. He was confused on one point though; he had seen Tim deal with force, and was confident Tim would use restraint. Tim was so over matched, when it came to the Army, he could probably just stun them all, and that would be that. Why was he so insistent that there was real danger? Ed had gone over the whole thing while he sat there in the pool and he came to a conclusion. He would back Tim to the hilt. Even though he didn’t know why, he trusted the kid. He was hoping beyond reason, Tim could supply him with something that would give him some leverage to gain some time. He watched the Lieutenant standing up on the rim and knew the man’s very life depended on Tim coming through.

  *

  Ed and Randy were still sitting in the dry pool when Tim came back out of Timtown. “Hey you guys, I’m baacck,” he announced.

  Ed and Randy jumped to their feet and headed into the crack.

  “See, I told you he’d come back,” Ed said over his shoulder. “What have you got for us Son?”

  “Well, for one, my request of sovereignty is valid,” Tim stated.

  “What makes you think that?” Randy questioned.

  “I checked. According to international and the laws of this land, if I can prove we existed, meaning that place in there,” Tim motioned over his shoulder, “and had a governing body before the creation of your government, we indeed do have a valid claim.”

  “That can’t be legit!” Randy exclaimed.

  “It is, according to your laws,” Tim reaffirmed.

  “And, how do you know anything about law, pertaining to something as complicated as this?” Randy squawked.

  “I asked.”

  “Who did you ask?” Ed questioned.

  “There’s a computer in there,” Tim pointed behind himself, “that’s many-million years old. He defines himself as Stage-Eight. The computers you guys play with, are at best, Stage-Three. That’s the big stuff to you, the ones that do trillions of computations per second.” Tim was using a smug tone. “My lawyer says sue! Your move!”

  “That’s pretty vague,” Ed said.

  “I have a detailed brief.” Tim handed Ed a stack of papers. “Have your lawyers go over it. Now, for the other stuff.” Tim reached down and picked up a case with a handle, but no latches or seams to indicate it would open. Ed was fondling the papers, turning them over and looking at them with interest.

  “First Mr. Adams, could you assist me in preparing this carrying case so you can have access to its contents?”

  “What do you want me to do?” Ed asked. He had handed the papers to Randy who started leafing through them. After the first couple, Randy let out a small whistle.

  “We need to program the case to respond to your requests, and only yours. I can’t begin to tell you of the value of its contents. You will have to determine that for yourself, later. Let’s see, ‘please open’, would be appropriate. Could you say that to the case?” Tim said as he put the case in front of Ed.

  Ed shrugged his shoulders and said, “Please open.”

  Tim was holding the case in his hands with the flat side up. The top of the case began to shimmer and in seconds was transparent. Ed and Randy both let out a small gasp. Inside was a bar of what looked like a shiny, white metal, and what looked like a big diamond, along with a smaller one, a standard flash drive, and a small petri dish with a chunk of what looked like flesh with skin.

  “What kind of paper is this?” Randy asked.

  “It’s not paper. It’s a type of energy film that is damage proof. The typing is laser etched and equally as durable. Now, I want you guys to know, only Ed can open this case, and only Ed can retrieve anything from inside. Randy, try to pick up the platinum.”

  “Platinum!” Randy exclaimed, but hesitated about sticking his hand into the open case.

  “Nothing will happen, go ahead,” Tim said.

  Randy stepped up to Tim and put his hand out like he was going to pick up the bar, but when his hand stopped short, he looked at Tim with a puzzled look on his face. He pulled his hand back and tried again. “I can’t get my hand in there, what’s stopping it?”

  “The force field. Ed is the only one that can take anything out of that case. Some security huh? And be advised, nothing will get through. Anyone who tries will get nothing but frustrated,” Tim commented proudly. “I programmed it that way.”

  “What if someone has a recording of his voice?” Randy asked.

  “Wouldn’t do any good! The case can spot that, besides it needs to recognize his DNA also. No way to duplicate that, period.”

  “You did say platinum?” Ed asked.

  “Yup, one hundred percent pure.” Tim bragged.

  “That’s not possible!” Randy exclaimed.

  “One hundred percent,” Tim repeated.

  “It is not possible!” Randy repeated, sure of himself.

  “That is for you and your boys to analyze. Check out the diamonds, also. If you have any doubt about my buy-out offer, I can inform you that I can pay with unlimited amounts of either of these items. You will really like the video, and you’ll especially love the dinosaurs. It’ll prove beyond a doubt that Timtown has been here considerably longer than the U.S.”

  “Timtown?” Ed jumped all over Tim’s slip up.

  “Oh, that’s something Ann came up with; the official name is ‘Whuc Seaacki’.” Great, dumb ass, another screw up. I hope Ed isn’t as sharp as I think he is.

  “How do you want me to go about this?” Ed asked.

  Apparently Tim had dodged the bullet and he didn’t say anything immediately. He just looked at Ed for a mo
ment and then spoke. “You’re asking me? I don’t know anything about diplomacy, is that the correct word?”

  “It’s the right word, and that’s why I’m asking. You’re the one that’s changing the rules,” said Ed.

  “I don’t—” Tim stopped for a moment. “I guess this request is out of the ordinary, huh? I just want to do the right thing. As far as I see it, according to my lawyer, the many-million year old one, I am right. And, if the fact that I have a lot more money, and a hell of a lot more punch than you guys, doesn’t swing it my way, I don’t know? I can control this thing if you promise to stay away, if not, who knows? You might have to deal with someone a lot tougher than me.”

  “If it doesn’t work out, will you retaliate?” asked Randy.

  “Not me.”

  “Then who, who is the other guy? Is it Arty?” Ed pushed.

  “I can’t say, right now.”

  “You’re still giving the impression you’re in charge,” Randy commented. “The people we need to persuade will want to know that for sure, but you say that someone, besides you, is the one that we have to worry about. What is it Tim? We need to straighten this out; we need to negotiate with whoever is in charge. If it is you, then fine, we’re on our way. If it’s someone else, then we’re wasting our time here.”

  “I see your point, but it’s a struggle for power at this time,” Tim tried to explain.

  “And any interference by outside parties will have a probable influence on the outcome, is that what you’re saying?” Ed asked.

  “That’s correct. You do understand, and it happens all the time, right?” Tim answered.

  “Yes it does, but to even consider any of your requests we have to establish your position in this organization. Do you represent the majority? Are you an elected official, or a dictator? My government will not recognize any of these other things until that is established!” Ed reiterated.

  “I’m the representative,” Tim answered matter of factually.

  “That’s not good enough Son. What if we make a decision, and then another party surfaces and claims that he or she is the real representative? Then what? We can only deal with the person in charge. Are you that person?”

  “Yes!” Tim stated.

  “At this time?” Ed asked.

  “Yes, at this time,” Tim said. “I will continue to be the representative as long as I can insure the best interests of Whuc Seaacki. If I fail, I get fired.”

  “What role does Arty play at this point?” asked Randy.

  “I can’t say, at this point,” Tim returned.

  “Can’t say, or won’t say!” Ed challenged Tim.

  “If Arty was in charge, you’d be talking to him instead of me, right?” Tim said firmly with conviction.

  “That is good enough for me,” Ed agreed. “At this point!” he added.

  “Look you guys, all this is a waste of time. Please take the things I’ve given you and do what you can, but I advise; get the fuckin Army out of here, okay! I’m going now.” Tim turned and activated the force field.

  “We have to say no,” Randy said. “Just for the record.”

  Tim didn’t respond as he walked into the blue haze, leaving the two men standing there.

  “Oh shit, what the hell do we do now?” Randy asked.

  “Oh settle down, at least we’ve got something to occupy everybody’s time, for a little while. I can hardly wait to see the video. Dinosaurs!” Ed exclaimed.

  “And we’ve got the girl,” Randy added.

  “That’s exactly what I want you to do right now,” Ed instructed.

  “What? Interrogate her? She doesn’t know much, I don’t think?”

  “No, you moron, you heard the kid. I want you to make sure no one asks her anything.”

  “Ed, you can’t be serious? They’re not going to just let her sit, and not try to get anything out of her. She might be the only chance to find out anything about that place in there.”

  “Randy, think. If anything happens to her, if anyone even attempts to question her, we might lose the only chance we had. You heard what the kid said. The President and I gave our word, and I want that honored.”

  “Christ, MaClusky is going to be pissed.”

  “If Maclusky gets out of hand, I’ll have his ass!” Ed stated.

  “Uuuhuuh,” grunted Randy, “I still say we should not have let him go.”

  “We could not have stopped him, remember?” Ed said as he walked out into the pool.

  Chapter 21

  General Miser

  Ed and Randy returned to the command post, riding in the chopper with the Lieutenant They were met on the helo pad by General Miser, Major Warren, and a large contingency of MPs.

  “I guess you know that you are under arrest,” The Major said to the Lieutenant as he ordered the MPs to handcuff the Lieutenant

  “Hold on gentlemen, the Lieutenant was acting on my behalf, and General Miser here knows my position,” Ed said.

  “Where is the kid?” the General asked angrily.

  “He’s gone,” Ed replied.

  “You let him go, just let him walk away?” General Miser shouted. “Where did he go?”

  “It is none of your concern,” Ed stated, “and until you hear otherwise, from me or the White house, you stay the hell out of that canyon. Do you read me General?”

  The General said nothing.

  “General, you do as I say. Do you understand?” Ed continued. “And, I want that man released to me.” Ed pointed to the Lieutenant “Do you understand?” The young Lieutenant had a truly relieved look on his face as he headed for Ed’s side, and the MPs backed off.

  “Yeah, yeah, you goddamn pussyfied bureaucrats. As usual, your indecision is going to cost us dearly in the end. We’ll have to go in and clean up your mess,” Miser said fuming.

  “That’s what you get paid for General. You can sit up on the hill and rattle your sabers, if you like, but take no action. Remember what I said about Guam,” Ed said over his shoulder as he walked toward the communication center.

  “That girl knows more than she’s letting on to!” General miser shouted. “I could have busted this thing wide open. I should have refused to give her to you, or anyone,” the General added with his face red and his chest puffed out. “We might just get her back,” he shouted again.

  Ed stopped in his tracks and spun around. “General, the girl was released to the President. Would you be thinking about disobeying a direct order from your Commander-in-Chief, General?”

  The General was obviously really mad, but said nothing.

  “Good, because if you were, I’d have you arrested right here and now. You got that?” Ed shouted at him.

  The General mumbled quietly, as Ed and Randy walked into the tent.

  “Guam is real pleasant this time of the year,” Ed shouted over his shoulder, just before he shut the door.

  *

  “You get to that girl, now!” Ed said to Randy. “And you stay with her, no matter what. I’ve got to get custody of that Lieutenant real quick.”

  Ed put through a call to the White House, and within minutes General Miser got his call.

  “That little pip squeak ordered me to turn her over!” General Miser shouted into the phone. He paused for a moment and then continued. “I can’t go against a direct order. God-damn-it, the fuckin President gave it!” He stopped and listened.

  “I don’t know where they took her? I can’t follow Air Force One.” The General listened again.

  “Yes, God-damn-it, they picked her up, and took her away on the plane.” He listened again.

  “Yes, they were waiting for us,” the General continued, and then he listened some more.

  “How come your end doesn’t keep more informed? Oh, a direct order huh,” the General said sarcastically, “and from the President. Imagine that. Geez, I thought you guys didn’t take orders from anyone.” Miser listened again.

  “Hey, you want her, you get her,” the General spat. “Right no
w, I’m trying to figure out how to bust into that base.” He listened again.

  “Hey, I don’t give a fuck! I’m going in there,” he yelled as he slammed the phone down.

  *

  The following morning General Miser was busy meeting helicopters as they arrived at Fox Base, his command post. Each of the helos carried only one person besides the crew. The General met each one of them, and then ushered them into the large tent that had been erected the night before. Around noon, all the people were assembled, and then the General spoke.

  “All right you guys, I want a detailed plan of attack by morning. I have talked to the right people on this thing, and I can get what you need. We are going into that place, and no one is going to stop us,” the General said as he surveyed the large team he had assembled for his endeavor. He had also planned his support well. He was now working for some determined men that would stop at nothing to gain entry into the mountain. These determined men also had access to most of the U. S. arsenal.

  He left the group, returned to his private tent and made a call on his private phone.

  “It’s on. Do I have the okay on the schedule?” he said into the phone.

  “Okay, good enough,” he responded to the other end. “I hope you can keep up your end of this deal.”

  “Hey, I’m not stopping for anybody.”

  “Hey Sam, I don’t give a shit,” the General continued, emphasizing every statement. “I’m not giving this country away to no one. I’m going in there. If I have to, I will blow the whole Goddamn thing, I swear!”

  Chapter 22

  The Military

  Tim was sitting in the bean bag chair in his apartment, watching video records of early Mediterranean Sea Voyagers. The mechanical birds Mr. V had been sending out had photographed virtually everything of the Earth’s history since the Sooaunts left. Before that, the Sooaunts themselves had kept records. That’s where the duplicate T. Rex had come from. Tim was watching an ancient Phoenician, single, square masted ship hugging the Grecian coast with a load of olive oil, wines, and copper ingots. It was traveling to Cyprus in the year 3632. B. C.

  A single mechanical gull would stay with a particular ship continually so there was an exact record of the ship: its construction, its cargos, its crews, its voyages, destinations, and its end.

  “There is much activity on the outside.” Et informed Tim.

  “Right outside?” Tim asked.