“You need to get that other ship ready, what's its name? Yes, the Doppelganger… loaded and sent out here as fast as possible. We'll pay or do whatever it takes.” Alec knew he didn’t need to plead with Sheldon but he didn’t know what else to do. Sheldon ran his hand through his hair, squinting from the setting sun behind Alec.
“Don’t worry, I’ve already sent orders. The Doppelganger is being fitted with weapons as we speak. According to my crew chief it should be here by morning.” Sheldon replied. “As for payment, we can talk about that later. Right now we need to get the crew and your kids back home.”
“Did you notify the authorities?” Jodi asked walking out GraviTych’s front lobby doors with Clay and Dolores.
“I notified my Air Force contacts. They should be getting back to me soon… I’ve known these guys for quite some time.” Sheldon answered. He didn’t want to say his connections were curiously apathetic to their situation… even to the fact that there was an alien ship hiding on the other side of the moon.
“Meester MeeCuf. Meester Matteeson. I jeest heard. Eees der anyting I can do?” Eugene yelled from a flying platform as he deftly landed it in the parking lot… just a few feet away. “Maybe I can take your car…” he added as he ran up to them.
“Sorry Eugene, the car won’t fly in space.” Jodi patted his arm. “I don’t think there’s anything you can do. Is there?” She asked turning to Alec and Sheldon.
“I don’t think there is. I appreciate your help.” Eugene’s look of concern touched Alec as a black Lincoln racing into the parking lot caught his eye. It parked next to Eugene’s flying platform. Alec seldom remembered a face, but he remembered the one who opened the driver side door. “We don't have time for your nonsense.” Alec growled at Joshua, the conspiracy nut, before he was fully out of the car.
“What nonsense?” Joshua looked confused.
“Our kids are in trouble, we need to help them and we don't have time to listen to your conspiracy garbage.” Alec vented.
“I've heard.” Joshua’s comment stunned Alec silent.
“From who?” Sheldon took notice of Joshua for the first time. “Our communications are encrypted. Everything we are doing has been kept secret. Plus we only just found out about this a short while ago ourselves.”
“Now, maybe you'll listen… Hey, do I know you?” Joshua looked at Eugene.
“Why, uh, I do not theeenk so.” Eugene replied meekly hiding behind Jodi.
“There’s something about you that’s familiar.” Joshua’s eye’s narrowed as he studied him.
“I am no familiar wit you.” Eugene glared back then said to Alec. “I shouldn’t interrupt your deeescushions anymore, I go back to work.”
Joshua’s eyes followed Eugene as he jumped back on his platform to fly away towards the back of the building.
“Ah where was I… oh, and as for the Doppelganger, I’m afraid that you'll be waiting a long time for that to show up.” Joshua continued where he left off. “And I am sorry to say that you are no longer in charge of Big Sky.” Then to Alec, Clay, Jodi and Dolores he said softly. “You may want to come with me if you want to help your children. If you stay here any longer, you may not be able to help them anymore.”
“What?” Clay’s anger flared at his threat.
“What the heck are you talking about?” Alec said stepping between them.
“There is a government supported agency that is aware of what's going on and has taken control of Big Sky. And, they are currently on their way here to do the same with GraviTych. You may want to notify your employees and tell them to get out and lay low for a while.” Joshua continued calmly.
“Then call them up and stop them!” Alec snapped.
“If I could I would.” Joshua replied. “This is the danger I tried warning you about.”
Alec looked at Sheldon who was now yelling into his cell phone. The conversation ended with a 'yes sir', before he angrily put it away. “You're friend is right. Some unknown government group has taken over everything, and it’s not the Air Force or any military group. It’s a lot of guys in suits, with badges, guns and legal documents. My contact with the Air Force is a general and even he's afraid of these guys.” Sheldon looked pleadingly at Alec as though he could do something. “What the hell is going on?”
Alec looked at Clay, Jodi and Dolores.
“We need to do something.” said Jodi. She then turned to Joshua and asked “Mr. Joshua or whatever your name is. What is it you want from us?”
“I need your husband’s knowledge.” Joshua responded. “I am part of a group of people that are very much aware of things... and a lot more is going on that you can imagine. We are well funded and ready and willing to fight. We need the technology invented by your husband and developed by GraviTych for us to even have a chance of success... and to get your families back together.”
Jodi studied Joshua’s face for a few moments before turning to the rest of them. “We need to go with Joshua.”
Alec nodded. Just as he had a good sense with technology, she had an even better sense of people. And when Jodi determined that she could trust someone, he knew that person could be trusted. “I believe in Jodi when it comes to things like this.” Alec said in support.
“Is it safe at our house?” Jodi asked Joshua.
“For now you are. They're not really interested in you yet. Go home and pack. We've got to get going soon. I'll get in touch with you shortly to arrange travel to a safe place.” Joshua said.
“Wait! I don't want a safe place. I want our kids back, now!” Alec spoke for all. “You said you have resources, well so do we. We need to get to work and fast.”
“You'll be getting to work fast enough, but right now you're in more danger than your kids are.” Joshua answered. “They will be safe, at least for a while... long enough for us to work out a rescue plan.”
Chapter 11 ~ Marooned
Alec's Dream Page 25