* * * *
“What do you mean there's nothing for us to do!” Jodi yelled at Joshua. “We've been here for almost a week, being nothing but a burden on the people of this base. Our kids are stranded on an alien spaceship… and…and all we can do is nothing?”
“Look, we need all our pilots. We have hundreds of ships being fitted with new technologies that need to be test flown. We're working round the clock. I can't spare any pilots to run you two around on a non escorted space flight. You must understand this is a very sensitive time for us.” Joshua tried being reasonable. “We just need another week... please understand.”
“What if we found our own pilot, can you spare us a ship?” Dolores asked taking both Jodi and Joshua by surprise.
“Who?” They asked in unison.
“I was thinking of Sheldon. I'm sure he could pilot a ship, and I would bet that he's just as worried about his crew as we are about our kids.” Dolores gave Joshua a hopeful look.
Joshua thought about it. Then looking Dolores in the eyes he said “I've watched Sheldon for over a year now. I know he can be trusted... but he does have his business to recover. If you can convince him, I'll support that and give you a ship.”
Jodi pulled out her cell phone. “Good idea Dolores. Let me get things going.” She began typing.
“If we’re done here, I need to get going. So if you’ll excuse me.” He placed his hands on the table to push himself up when Dolores put her hand on his. He stopped and looked at her.
“How much time do we have?” She looked at the newspaper on the table. On its front page was a picture of a large alien ship parked at a major airport with Angelic looking aliens dressed like pirates standing outside. The headline said 'Friendly Contact’.
“I feel that whatever is happening on that seeker ship is making them play their cards earlier than we expected.”
Chapter 18 ~ The Pilot
Alec's Dream Page 41