"No need to be hostile, Ms. Anderson. You're among friends, here. The nurse said you wouldn't tell her where you were from. Could you tell
me?"
"Why would I tell you, if I didn't tell her?"
"If you're uncooperative, I can leave you cuffed until you're transferred to the penal division."
"Do what you have to."
"Tell me, were there others with you besides Ms. Wilson?"
"No, just us?"
"You're sure?"
"Positive."
"Why did your friend shoot at my men?"
"Because they shot at her! She was getting food and medicine."
"And that's all?" Lori tried to avoid his questioning by remaining silent. "Ms. Anderson, I'm trying to help you. If you tell me the truth, I might consider uncuffing you."
"If you uncuff me, I might consider answering your questions."
Carver took a deep breath, as he knew he was having a rough time with this whole situation. "Okay, have it your way," he said, and pressed a button on his watch, which released the cuffs. "Now, will you cooperate?"
"Yes," she said. "I'm telling you the truth. We just needed food and medicine."
"Where were you coming from?"
"The desert."
Carver became annoyed.
"I know that," he remarked. "Where did you come from before that?"
"The next base." she said.
"Ms. Anderson, the nearest base is over 600 miles away. That's impossible. What do you know about the ISS?"
"It's a space station, or something."
"Did you come from there?"
"What makes you think that?"
"You're not making much sense here," Carver sneered. "You couldn't have just walked out of the desert from nowhere! Do you know anything about a large black spacecraft?"
"No."
"You're lying! Sooner or later, I'll get to the truth. If you don't start making sense, the cuffs go back on, and I'll try both you and your friend on espionage! Your choice, Ms. Anderson."
"All right, all right," she said.
"Is that spacecraft yours?"
"No."
"Who's is it, then?"
"You won't believe me if I told you."
"Try me!"
Lori sat up, her stomach still a bit queasy from the medicine they were giving her. "It belongs to a gray alien named Varloo. He's from a planet called Aldron."
"I knew it!" Carver said, as he shook his fist. "Is he here now, on this base?"
"I don't know."
"You're being uncooperative again."
"I don't know!" she yelled.
"You don't know anything about another gray alien, or a reptilian?"
"No."
"And nobody else came with you?"
"No."
"Why is this Varloo here? Do you know?"
"He wants to change the future."
"How?"
"I don't know exactly," Lori stated. "All I know is he's out to destroy mankind somehow."
"And you and your friend Wilson were sent to stop him?"
"Yes."
"Where is your ship?"
"In the canyon, by the old riverbed."
"We've been over there. All that's left is debris."
"I know that. He destroyed it."
"Is that all you can tell me?"
"I'm afraid so." Carver bit his lip.
"There's someone I'd like you to meet tomorrow."
"Who?"
"I'd rather not say until you meet him. I think he might help you remember a few things."
"Whatever," Lori said, and rubbed her hand where the cuff was.
"I'll let you two rest for now," Carver replied. "The doctor says your friend will be conscious by tomorrow, and able to answer questions, if everything turns out okay. I'll bring him here to meet you both. Have a good day, Ms. Anderson."
"Bye," she said, as she watched him leave the room. Sally came back in to check on Wilson.
"Got a bit of a temper, doesn't he?" Lori asked her.
"I wouldn't know," she answered, as she checked Wilson's blood pressure. "Your friend is doing a lot better. Her vitals are good. She was lucky."
"I guess," Lori sighed. "Is there a pool in this place somewhere? Once I'm a little better, I'd like to go swimming."
"Yes."
"I noticed you have television, do you have radio as well?"
"No, just the communications from base to base, and out into space. There hasn't been a radio station in years, and even the television station is on the base. You sure do ask some strange questions!"
"I'm just a bit of a hobbyist," she said. "I like to work on radios and communication systems, and such."
"Well, you won't be doing much of that around here," the nurse said. She smiled, and then walked out. Lori noticed the life support was now off
of Wilson, and she began to wake up. She turned her head towards Lori, who opened her eyes. She pulled both her arms, and realized she was cuffed to the bed.
"Where are we?" she asked Lori.
"Inside the base. Be careful, there are cameras, and I'm sure there are listening devices as well."
"Why aren't you cuffed?"
"He uncuffed me when I told him about Varloo and the destroyed ship."
"You did? What else?"
"Nothing else."
"You shouldn't tell them a damn thing!" Wilson said, as she tried to sit up, but was unable to. She pulled up her robe, and noticed her stomach was operated on. "What the hell did they do to me, anyway?"
"You were shot near the liver. You're lucky you survived."
"Yea, no thanks to Carver's goons."
"He's supposed to be stopping in shortly. He said there was someone he wants us to meet."
"Probably an executioner," she joked. "You didn't tell him where we're from did you?"
"He didn't seem to ask," Lori said. "He knew who Varloo was. He didn't seem surprised when I mentioned his name."
"Batar was right."
"How's that?"
"He said he'd been here before. Probably when Avery was a child. Don't tell them anymore until we figure out what's going on, okay?"
"All right. What do you think they'll do with us?"
"Well, I don't think they'll kill us, if that's what you mean. They are humans, like us, and have a certain discipline here, unlike the other barbaric places we've been."
There was a knock at the door, and the general entered.
"Hello, Ladies," he said. "I'd like you to meet my colleague, Dr. Reynolds. He specializes in memory retention using hypnosis through medication. If there's anything you're hiding from me, it's best to tell me now. Under hypnosis, you'll tell me what I need to know anyway."
"Go to Hell!" snapped Wilson.
"Your friend's not as cooperative as you are, Ms. Anderson. Perhaps there s more to you two than meets the eye."
"Don't say a word, Lori!" she said.
"Perhaps either one of you can explain something for me before we go any further?" He reached inside his jacket, and pulled out the laser pistol in his pocket. "What this is?"
"I have no idea," Wilson answered.
"My men found it in the air duct," Carver said. "My weapons division tested it, and it appears to be a high powered concentrated laser, more developed than anything on this planet. Perhaps you could tell me how it got there? It was you crawling around in the ducts, wasn't it?"
"Your men caught me, didn't they?"
"How did you acquire it?"
"As Lori said, we're not from here."
"Well, that's rather obvious. Where are you from?"
"Tomorrowland," she quipped.
"Prep them, Dr. Reynolds, I won't play games anymore," Carver sneered.
"If we tell you, what do we get in return?" Lori asked.
"Perhaps your freedom, perhaps not."
"That's not much of a guarantee," Wilson said.
"If you don't, I'll get the information I need anyway. You're in no posi
tion to bargain, and frankly, I don't have the time. I have your friend down in my research lab."
"And what friend would that be?" Wilson asked.
"Why, the Grey of course."
"What Grey?"
"The Grey that came with you."
"He must have came with Varloo. He didn't come with us."
"You expect me to believe that?"
"You believe in gray aliens, and laser weapons."
"He didn't come with Varloo."
"How do you know that?"
"I just know. I'll ask the questions, if you don't mind? Have you ever heard of a Jack Barkley, or a Jeff Walker?"
Lori tried to hide her expressions, but it was hard when he mentioned his name.
"Never heard of either," Wilson said.
"Ms. Anderson's face says different. Is he a friend of yours?"
"No."
"You're being deceptive, Ms. Wilson. Do not force me to use Dr. Reynolds skills."
"Do what you want, I'm done talking!"
"Mr. Walker told me quite a story, about how he was here from the future to stop a colleague of mine from launching rockets into space. He spoke about this Varloo changing the future of mankind, and sabotaging our mission. He mentioned something about Avery creating a race of ape-like beings that would eventually almost kill us off. I almost believed his story; until I met you two."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, Dr. Reynolds and I talked it over, and we have our own theory."
"Which is?"
"That you're all really here to make sure we don't complete this mission, because we are a threat to your existence. You're afraid if we reach interstellar ability, we'll be a threat to your race, whoever and wherever it is."
"We're not aliens," Lori reminded him. "We're as human as you are."
"From the future?" Carver asked, as he raised his eyebrows.
"If I answer truthfully, will you uncuff me?" Wilson asked.
"One arm yes," Carver said. "I don't know about the other one, until I can trust you."
"Damn, you're a stubborn man!" Wilson said.
"I'm a cautious man," Carver said.
"Can I see him?" Lori asked.
"Who, your friend, Mr. Walker? Ah, so you do know him?"
"Lori, damn you! Why did you have to tell him?" shouted Wilson. She was agitated with his persistent questioning. "Of course we do!"
"Well, if what you're friend is saying about Varloo is true, I fail to see how the three of you are going to stop him. You can't even get past my men without getting caught. Besides, where is this Varloo now?"
"I don't know, he may already be here," Wilson stated.
"Is he a shapeshifter?"
"Not that I'm aware of," Wilson answered.
"Well, he shouldn't be too hard to find. After all, how many gray aliens can be running around here?"
"How do you propose to stop him?"
"He's been here before, and we've prepared for his coming. He won't escape us this time."
"Does Jeff know what you're planning?"
"No, but then again, he doesn't need to."
"You didn't say when I can come see him," Lori remarked.
"When I say so," Carver answered. "For now, you'll both stay here, under guard. So don't try to escape."
"Is Jeff all right?"
"Yes, he's fine. You seem to be very interested in his well being. Who's he to you, a boyfriend, or maybe a husband?"
"A husband."
"Of course. Well, I've arranged for him to start working with the Averys tomorrow. If you people are right, I want to make sure I keep an eye on them, and your friend."
"You have no idea what you're getting yourself into," Wilson exclaimed. "Varloo can crush your army with a wave of his hand."
"That's what you think," Carver chuckled. "If he decides to come here, I've got a little surprise for him. One that will put him on ice for a thousand years."
CHAPTER TWELVE
The next morning Jeff awoke, only to face General Carver. "Good
morning, Mr. Walker," he said, as he placed his hand on the end of the bed. "I'd like you to get dressed, and come down to the lab, if you don't mind?"
"Of course," Jeff answered. "Can you give me ten minutes for a shower at least?"
"I guess so," he said. "We need to get started as soon as possible, however."
"Something wrong, General? You seem a little nervous. What's the hurry?"
"I have reason to believe your friend Varloo may be here soon."
"What convinced you I'm telling the truth."
"There's been some new evidence."
"Care to tell me what it is?"
"Not particularly. If it's relevant to your situation, I'll let you know. I'll see you in ten minutes, at the access door."
"Why don't you just give me the code, and I'll meet you there?"
"Uh-uh," Carver said, and shook his head. Jeff laughed.
"Still don't trust me?"
"Right now, I don't trust anyone, even the Averys."
"Well at least your considering my point of view. All right, I'll meet you in fifteen minutes at the access door."
"Very good," he said, and left the room.
Jeff knew he was hiding something, perhaps something about Varloo or Batar, and didn't want to tell him just yet, or something else he found out about the Averys. Jeff was just thankful he wasn't restricted to a hospital room anymore, and could move freely; well almost freely, about the base. He knew Carver would never give him the door codes in a million years, even if he gained full trust; he just wanted to get a reaction from him. After he showered, shaved and got dressed, he walked himself down to the lab access floor, smiling and greeting everyone he met. In a way, it felt good to be part of a military community the way it used to be on Mars. It was similar to the Mars base in the fact they were confined to underground and on the inside. Both atmospheres lacked the air necessary to breath. The gravity here was about the same as Ventros, but the oxygen content was slightly different on the two worlds. He found the air here was a little thinner, but bearable.
When he reached the door, Carver already opened it in his usual apprehensive manner. Jeff smiled, and followed his lead to walk down the
steps to where the lab was. Carver followed behind him, and as he walked down, gasped at the sight of Batar stretched and strapped on a table, in a room with a huge glass window.
He guided Jeff to the room, and turned towards a counter station to the right of the room. He pressed a button, and two laser weapons came out of it on a mechanized tray.
"We found one of these on the Grey's belt," Carver said. "The other was in the air duct. It wouldn't happen to be yours, would it?"
Jeff didn't know what to do at this point. If he denied it was his, the General would still figure it out, and use the technology. He didn't bring one; so Batar either carried two weapons, or Wilson must have left the ship as well. Either way, it wasn't good. The third possibility was even worse; that it might be Varloo's.
"No," Jeff said. "I have no idea what it is, or where it came from."
"But you said you were from the future."
"I am, but I'm a non violent human. Otherwise, I wouldn't have allowed you to just take me."
"Well, that may be. They didn't find any weapons on you when you were brought in. You didn't bring any other friends with you, did you?"
"I thought we already discussed this," Jeff said, and became annoyed. "Why did you bring me down here anyway?"
"Relax," he said. "Any idea what these weapons are?"
"No."
"They're high concentrated powered laser devices. I've never seen anything like them. My technicians tested them. Did you know they can fire at a range of 1000 feet and still do considerable damage to the target. They must have an unimaginable power source."
"I wouldn't know."
"But you have a background in physics, you said so yourself. You must know something about how they work."
; "My background is in rocket propulsion, not weapons design."
"Yes, of course," Carver sneered. "Maybe the Grey knows how they work."
"You'll never get it from him while he's in his self induced coma."
"Now how would you know that? Are you sure you two don't know each other?"
"What are you going to do to him anyway?"
"Why should you care, if he is who you say he is?"
"Did you ever consider the reason aliens have operated on humans is the same reason you want to operate on him?"
"Who said anything about operating? We just want to extract information. You see, Dr. Avery has another special talent that's not in his record. He seems to be able to communicate with the Greys."
"He probably wasn't born with it. Was he ever abducted?"
"Now how the hell would you know that?"
"Just a guess."
"Well, it's a damn good one. When he was eight years old. He seemed to become super intelligent after the abduction. We couldn't just let anyone take him, so we protected him."
"From what?"
"Varloo, for one. Dr. Reynolds said this Grey is not Varloo, however. So I'll ask you again, do you know who it is? Look him over carefully."
He opened the door, so that Jeff could look at his face. In his mind only, he could hear Batar speak.
"Jeff, it is I," he said. "I'm all right,. I'm conserving my energy until I'm fully healed from the radiation exposure. Do not tell him who I am or why I'm here. I will heal in about two weeks; at that time, I will stop Varloo myself. If he comes before that, do whatever is ever necessary to stop him. They have samples of the Triachilite and its antidote in the refrigerator. Under no circumstances, should you allow another human to take the drug; it will mean instant death. If you can get the antidote into Varloo, he will be at a more manageable level. They have a type of cryonics weapon; if you can fire it at him, he will be frozen into suspended animation. Good luck, my friend, I hope to join you soon."
Jeff turned his head away, and back to Carver.
"Well?" Carver asked.
"No, I don't know him. He must have came with Varloo."
"Well, it's just the same. When and if he awakes, Dr. Reynolds will find out what we're after. One thing we know; this one isn't as dangerous as Varloo."
Dimension Lapse III: Dimensional Breakdown (Dimension Lapse Series Book 3) Page 15
