by Terry Mixon
The Grand Dick Head was standing in front of him with his hands planted firmly on his hips. His smile, if anything, was even wider than before.
“I’m going to kill you,” Nathan muttered roughly. “When you least expect it, I’ll plant a knife in the center of your back and leave you to bleed out.”
“You’re not the first to want me dead and you’ll hardly be the last,” the man responded with a laugh.
Nathan gaped. “How did you learn English?”
The sonofabitch laughed harder. “Fool. I do not know this English. It is below my dignity to use any language other than that of the Masters. Which is what you are now speaking.”
What? That couldn’t be right.
“How is that possible?” When Nathan focused on the syllables coming out of his mouth, they were definitely not in English. “Who the hell are you?”
“My name is Jedan Louvan and I am the High Priest of the Masters.” He slapped Nathan so hard his head rang. “That is for your earlier insolence. Prepare him.”
Nathan spat blood and tried to slow the spinning room. “Prepare me? For what?”
“What would be the fun in telling you that?”
* * * * *
Harry looked at the map on his phone and then squinted into the early morning sun. He hadn’t wanted to wait to start looking, but darkness had been too close yesterday. Now they had time to search.
They’d pulled over to the side of the road in an attempt to reconcile the rough—very rough—map they’d settled for the search with the actual terrain.
If the gates had shocked Susanna Adorno and General Norris, automobiles had pushed them over the top. They both sat in the back of the SUV where the tinted windows helped conceal their terror from the general public.
They’d talked the two into changing clothes so they didn’t stand out like sore thumbs. Not that they looked comfortable in the modern garments, but at least they weren’t drawing the eye of every single person they came across.
Their fear didn’t spring from the strange technology so much as the speed with which it traveled. It seemed horses hadn’t made the trip to the new world, so foot power was the fastest mode of transport they’d ever seen before.
He had to admit they were being good sports about it, though. They’d swallowed their unease and clenched their hand rests until he feared for the plastic, but had still taken it all in stride.
“It’s hard to believe this is the Virginia out of legend,” Norris said after they’d driven a ways. “Even here, far from the bustling metropolis that is our nation’s capital, there are so many people. It is difficult for me to imagine how you can farm enough land to feed them all.”
“Technology helps with that,” Harry said. “Some of the best farmland in the US hadn’t been discovered when you left Earth. Now it grows enough food for our nation and also provides a surplus that feeds the hungry around the world.”
Susanna gestured out the window. “And all of it is covered by roads such as this? Each person has a vehicle such as this one?”
“Pretty much,” Brenda Cabot said from the driver seat. “Oh, the vehicles differ from person to person, but most people have one. Only the very poorest in our society get by without one. We couldn’t travel across the country, or even the city we live in, without one.
“Though they have buses, like the one I showed you as we drove out of Washington. They help those without automobiles get from place to place inside major cities. Out here in rural areas, though, things are a lot different.”
“It is difficult to believe that so many people can live in a single location,” Susanna said. “While it is not the same as the ruined city of the Asharim, it is still immense in scope.”
“You should see New York,” Harry said with a grin. “It’s starting to come into the same scale as the Asharim city. And the residents are even ruder.”
That left the two newcomers sitting in silence trying to process what that might look like.
Harry used the opportunity to bring up a map of the area on the SUV’s console. After a few minutes of study, he gave up trying to reconcile the old map with reality as it existed today.
He turned in his seat and gazed at the rest of them. “I think we’re about as close as we’re going to get without actually walking into the woods. Frankly, it’s amazing there’s even a road this close to the general area you think this cave is located in.
“I think you’re right that the line of hills just off the road is probably where the cave sits. The terrain is suited to something like that. The problem is going to be locating it. If it was in plain sight, someone would’ve stumbled across it by now.”
“I may be able to assist with getting past that stumbling block,” Susanna said. “Over the years, I’ve heard many different versions of this story. A few speak of a specific outcropping that resembles the rising sun. Surely such a unique feature will aid in finding a concealed entrance.”
Harry did a quick search of the web and came up empty. If such an outcropping existed, it wasn’t public knowledge.
“Do we have any idea who owns this property?” Brenda asked. “I’d like to avoid getting shot for trespassing or having the police come ask us some very awkward questions.”
“This is actually public land, believe it or not,” Harry said. “I have no idea what they intend to use it for—or even if they intend to use it—but we have as much right to be here hiking as anyone else.”
Brenda stared out at the rough brambles on the side of the road. “I don’t think we’ll find many people hiking through here.”
“Maybe not,” he admitted. “It’s a good thing we put on good boots and jeans.”
“These boots are exceptional,” Norris agreed. “I should like to keep them, if you have no objection. They are more comfortable than any I have ever owned and seem most sturdy.”
“Feel free,” Brenda said. “Does the map show a place we can park?”
He considered the map and nodded. “There’s a side road about a quarter mile ahead. We can leave a note on the dash that says we broke down and will be back for the car. It’s not as likely to get stolen out here.”
“It’s a long walk back if it is,” Brenda said with a note of resignation in her voice. “Still, that’s better than anything I can think of. Let’s go find a hidden cave.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Clayton stood with Molly Goodwin on top of the mesa and waited for their incoming visitors. Thankfully, due to the isolation of the area, it had taken quite a while to convince anyone he was serious about needing to speak with someone with real authority.
That had allowed plenty of time for the people displaced from the Volunteers’ world to make it to the French base. Now there was no one below to be caught up in any unexpected trouble.
In fact, the only people here that were in potential trouble were the American military group. That was particularly true now that the CIA weasel they’d imprisoned was free.
The entire time they’d been on the Volunteers’ world, they’d stashed Agent Ulysses in a side cave. Clayton suspected Gunnery Sergeant Danvers had gagged the man. Two of the military personnel still held the idiot with his hands secured behind him. Only now, his mouth was free to rave.
“You’re all going to prison,” Ulysses said, his mouth actually frothing. “Starting with you, Rogers. You’re going straight to Guantánamo Bay. The rest of you have Fort Leavenworth in your future.”
Molly shook her head as she stared at the disagreeable man. “What makes you think you’re not in trouble? You came to my country and kidnapped our citizens, as well as those under our protection. It’s you that’s going to jail.”
Ulysses laughed harshly. “Don’t be naïve. You’re not going to lock up a representative of the United States government. We’d squish you like bugs. In fact, by the time this is all over, we’ll be in possession of this facility and you’ll be thankful for it. Only we can protect you from the aliens.”
“I
t’s almost as if he’s a caricature,” Clayton said, still not really believing the man’s performance. “All he needs is a mustache to twirl and some railroad tracks to tie someone to.”
The woman chuckled. “He seems more like one of those people suited to a goatee. One that he strokes while revealing his wicked plan.”
“Laugh while you can,” Ulysses sneered. “Once our ambassador becomes aware of what you’re doing, this all comes to an end. Enjoy it while you can.”
Clayton pulled Molly a little further to the side. “I’ve spoken with Mick and Penny. We truly don’t hold anything against the military personnel. I’d prefer to see them released to their ship. None of these unfortunate circumstances was of their doing.
“I realize the whole ‘I was just following orders’ bit doesn’t excuse everything. Still, I would like to see everyone’s wrath focused on someone actually calling the shots. Such as the CIA agent in charge of the operation.
“If your government could find it in their hearts to slap these gentlemen’s wrists and send them back to their ship, I will cheerfully pay for any damages they have inflicted. I’m also certain that I have other information and equipment to offer as a sweetener.”
Molly shrugged. “That’s outside my purview, but I’ll pass everything along when the authorities get here. It won’t be long now. I’m more concerned about you.”
“Me?”
“You were looking for a hidden alien base when you bought this property. I haven’t got the slightest idea what laws you might’ve broken, but I suspect there’s something they’re going to hold against you.”
Clayton smiled. “Then I suppose it’s a good thing I have diplomatic immunity. Personally, I’m going to miss this place. It’s very beautiful.”
“It sure is,” she agreed. “This mesa would’ve made an excellent spot for a grand home to look out over the wilderness.”
About that time, he heard the low thrum of a helicopter in the distance. It sounded as though they were about to have company. Time to put his game face on.
“No matter how this turns out, I’d like to thank you and your people for coming out to search for me. Very few people recognize the good folks like yourself do for those in dire straits.
“I’ve already made an arrangement with my assistant to make a large donation to all of the groups involved to show my deep appreciation. In addition, I’d like you to accept a personal gratuity.”
“I can’t,” Molly said. “I’m a government employee. That bars me from accepting anything that might look like a bribe.”
He chuckled. “I’ve given far more bribes in my life than you would possibly believe. Trust me when I say that I can come up with a gift that is not a bribe, but one that you will appreciate.”
Off in the distance, he saw the approaching black dot of the helicopter. It rapidly covered the distance and began circling the mesa. Probably to make sure everything seemed safe to land.
A minute later, it settled to the rock about fifty meters off. Clayton could now see it was a military aircraft and that it was full of armed troops. They’d come expecting trouble. Good.
The helicopter doors opened and all those soldiers came fanning out to cover everyone. The US military personnel had already taken the precaution of stacking their weapons off to the side. There was no need to invite trouble, after all.
The next person to exit the helicopter was a distinguished looking gentleman with wavy gray hair and a suit that was both well styled and extremely out of place in the wilderness.
The man looked everyone over before he walked to Clayton and extended his hand.
“Mister Rogers. I’m Isiah Vaughn, assistant to the Prime Minister. I’m glad to see that our searchers located you. I confess all too many folk that wander off into the wilderness back here don’t have such a happy outcome.”
Clayton shook the man’s hand firmly. “I’m pleased to have come out of this intact, Mister Vaughan. I’d like to thank you, your government, and all of the searchers for the efforts you put out to ensure my safety. They are greatly appreciated and I will of course reimburse all costs related to it.”
“You’re very welcome.” The official turned his attention to the US soldiers. His expression grew grim. “You gentlemen are far less welcome. You are illegally operating on the soil of New Zealand and there are going to be grave consequences for each and every one of you.”
Ulysses laughed coldly. “Please. Blah blah blah. You’re not going to do anything to us so let’s not even pretend. Get on with your speech so we can get back to our ship.
“And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll send that traitor with us with the little show of resistance you no doubt have planned. The consequences if you don’t are going to be extreme.”
“I don’t believe you know what extreme consequences are,” the New Zealander said coldly. “I can think of a number of very serious crimes you’ve committed on our soil. If you see the outside of a cell in the next two decades, I’ll be astonished.”
Clayton cleared his throat. “I believe it would be in our mutual interest if you secured Agent Ulysses somewhere we don’t have to listen to him rant. It doesn’t become any more pleasant as time continues.”
Vaughn gestured toward Ulysses, several of his men roughly secured the CIA agent, and shuffled him off toward the helicopter. He resisted and shouted dire threats, but that did him absolutely no good.
“Take the rest of them as well,” Vaughn said.
Clayton smiled and held up a hand. “If I might have a few words first, I think that action might be a bit precipitous.”
The other man gave him a quizzical look and gestured for his soldiers to pause. “I’m not sure I understand. Aren’t these the men who tried to kidnap you? Unless I miss my guess, they were going to take you to some black site where no one would ever see you again.”
“Indeed. Still, we’ve come to an arrangement.”
“That may be, but you’re not the one to make those decisions.”
“I was under the impression that Miss Goodwin told you what we found here.”
“All I’ve heard are a lot of tall tales and frankly unbelievable stories that I’m inclined to blame on the great stress you’ve been under. Why she felt the need to tell anyone something like that on your behalf, I have no idea.”
Clayton pulled his phone out and dialed a number. “Come get us.”
The Asharim shuttle rose from the forest about a kilometer away and flew quickly to the mesa. It hovered silently above them.
He watched the government official and the soldiers with him gaping at the impossible over their heads with a smile.
“Some versions of insanity come with props. Mister Vaughan, everything you heard was completely true. More, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. These soldiers are the very least of your concerns. Trust me on that.”
* * * * *
Chen arrived at his new office with mixed emotions. Being thrown out of the country in which he’d resided for so long had an emotional impact, after all. To balance that out, he was only just south of America’s border. The Yucatán Spaceport would serve his needs quite well.
There was also some pleasure in being able to sit in something his enemies desired more than anything else. Something he’d taken from them.
Oh, not directly. Rogers had sold the Yucatán Spaceport to the Chinese government. Yet, Chen had urged them to use force to take it back when the Americans illegally seized it.
Without a spaceport, the Americans wouldn’t be using that pretty little ship they’d forced the Indian government to sell them. Well, they weren’t going to be able to use it due to other actions, but this was just icing on the cake, so to speak.
The loss of the Asharim artifacts was only the first of the Americans’ setbacks, and not the most painful. Now that the Dragon knew there was a base inside the caldera of Olympus Mons, they couldn’t allow even the potential for any other group to travel to Mars.
Today was the d
ay they made certain the Americans never left the surface of the Earth again. That single move would cement the future in the Dragon’s favor forever.
The office that Chen had taken over was well appointed and had probably belonged to Clayton Rogers at some point. That was fitting, too.
He didn’t know where the old man was at this point, but Chen suspected he’d turn up eventually. Dealing with Rogers and his son was going to be significantly more complicated than stopping the Americans from reaching Mars. The man’s company was already in orbit around the Red Planet, after all.
Worse, those forces would know the Chinese spaceship was coming weeks before it arrived. The only saving grace was that the Dragon would make sure the Mars mission they sent was more than capable of eliminating any threats they might meet.
Chen settled himself at the desk, picked up the phone, and dialed his superior’s number.
“Wu.”
“Minister Wu. I have arrived at the Yucatán spaceport. Might I inquire as to the status of my suggestion?”
Coming with the backing he’d had, his “suggestion” that the Chinese government use military force to seize or disable the Indian-built Mars ship was actually an order. All that remained was to discover which choice of options they’d taken.
“Ah, Chen. It’s good to hear your voice. I’m pleased you’ve relocated successfully. Indeed, they have decided upon a course of action. One that will have permanent reverberations across the globe.
“Even as we speak, we are preparing one of our concealed satellite weapons. Very soon, the only other ship capable of reaching Mars will no longer exist.”
Chen smiled. “That is indeed good news, Minister. I take it that that also means our ship is prepared to depart. I fear the Americans will retaliate in kind if it does not.”
“Then lay your fears to rest. Our ship will depart before we take action.”
“Am I to communicate our intentions to the Americans before our strike takes place?”
