“Sir, if you pick anything up from us, I guarantee its cure. You are in no danger.”
“Very well. So, you want to borrow a few ‘old soldiers?’”
“Maybe borrow, maybe keep. That will be up to them. But that is the gist of my request.”
“Assuming all this is true, and I am not at all convinced it is despite the messengers,” he said as he looked from Grayson to Admiral Henderson, “is that all?”
“For the moment, yes.”
“For the moment.” He paused, his gaze peering deep into Greg’s eyes. “Chairman Hamilton, I have a country to protect and to foster. You’ll have to do better than that.”
“I would suggest an alternative vision, sir,” Greg replied directly. “We in this room have a world to protect and to foster. I have the additional challenge of saving civilizations, and I do not say this lightly. Bringing Earth into space is but a part of my vision. I hope you will accept your part. If you do, the process begins here, today.”
“Yet you require our help. When do you reciprocate?”
“For the moment, the volunteers who go with me are all the reciprocation I can offer. They remain Earthmen, as do I. They will never be asked or required to forget their heritage. Beyond that, I offer nothing at the moment except to tell you that you are in danger, that we’ll do our best to protect you, and that what we begin here will not end here. I will be back.”
“When?” the President asked.
“In the short term, when I need more volunteers. In the long term, that depends on what you do when you leave this room.”
“I beg your pardon?”
Greg leaned back in his chair with his gaze going to the President, then to each of his men. He received stony looks in response, but he also sensed calculation, eagerness, and hope. They knew the stakes; they just could not believe their good luck. This meeting lay at the heart of First Contact. Whatever came later for Earth would trace its roots to this room, to these players. Were they up to it?
“I would like to welcome you into this galactic society we are striving to build. If I could, I would welcome you this moment. Gentlemen, what you probably do not know is that Earth represents a true threat to this society of which I speak, and the reverse is true as well. If Earth was presented with the technology I could offer, civilization would cease to exist here. Admiral Grayson explained the dilemma to you, and I don’t need to remind you of how precarious the balance of power is around the globe.
“Your assignment is to find a way to prevent chaos and fighting, to build an enlightened society here so that Earth can come fully into this new era without self-destructing. And you don’t have a lot of time to do it. I’ll protect you as best I can, and the volunteers I hire will play a significant role in the process. Without them, Earth will be forever at grave risk. With their assistance, I think the risk is manageable.”
“So, when do we get to join this society of which you speak, Mr. Hamilton?”
“We’ve thought long and hard on this, Mr. President, and I’m open to suggestions. I’m willing to spend any amount of time with you in discussion, perhaps in discussion with other world leaders as well, but for the moment, the answer seems simple and apparent, even if the solution is not.
“The ground rule is this: provided you don’t discover star travel on your own first, and that is unlikely in the extreme, we will invite Earth into this galactic civilization when Earth can speak with one voice. Mr. President, when one person can speak for all of Earth, when different cultures have learned to respect one another enough to speak with one voice, then, and only then, can we begin this conversation again. Short of that, you will have a hard time convincing the Alliance that the time is right.”
“We’ve been trying to do that for thousands of years. We’re not even close.”
“I know. I wish I could demand less, offer more. In time we will find a way. I represent vast resources. In particular, I represent great minds who would like nothing better than to help. Once we bring the Harbok into the fold, we will gain additional help. For the present, I suggest you start laying the groundwork.”
“We need to talk more about this. We lack understanding of your purpose and of these other civilizations you represent. But most of all, we lack proof that what you say is true. When do I get my ride in your spaceship, Mr. Hamilton?”
“How about tonight?” Greg responded with a smile. “We can get that behind us, then we can get down to substantive discussion. I’d like Admiral Grayson to get started with his recruiting as soon as possible, though.”
“He’s already begun. We’ve allocated funds, and he’s made a number of discreet inquiries. He’ll select a core group who will network to gather more volunteers. He is insisting on face-to-face conversations with each contact, so I’ve provided him with unlimited transportation. Is that adequate?”
“It’s a great start, sir. Thank you. I knew I’d come to the right person.”
“We’re going to get to know each other a lot better before this is over, Mr. Hamilton. Keep yourself handy.”
* * * * *
Greg, Arlynn, and Kannick became regular visitors to the White House. With Greg’s blessing, a handful of other trusted leaders from around the world entered the talks as well. None of these men and women were prepared as yet to go outside a small circle of leaders they knew and trusted, so most of Earth remained ignorant of the meetings. The three of them had prepared for these talks and knew what information they would divulge and what they would withhold. They continually emphasized the risks to Earth inherent in an Earth—An’Atee relationship, but they did not hint at problems the An’Atee had with Earth’s aggressiveness. That would come later, perhaps much later. Everyone got a ride in a space ship, which all by itself put many questions to rest.
Meanwhile, Admiral Grayson, Captain Tolland, and a core of associates spread out over the globe searching for old acquaintances, many now retired. Rather than use official government planes, they chartered jets from private companies. They spent many, many hours in the air, and many more hours in interviews, then in explanations for the candidates they deemed acceptable. Only men and women personally known and trusted received interviews. Not all of them accepted. National boundaries were not restrictive—individuals with the right qualities could be recruited from anywhere on the globe, and they were.
Grayson was a black man. Within American forces, the color of his skin had never held him back. U.S. armed forces, unlike the civilian population, had become nearly color blind in its acceptance of individuals. All that mattered was job performance. Outside the United States, the color of his skin often opened doors that would otherwise have been closed, and he did not hesitate to use every item of personal character to open those doors.
Many of the candidates he interviewed were not friends. Some had been enemies, but they had been highly skilled adversaries and he respected them for that. In some cases, he respected them more for that. Some of them had performed their military jobs well despite inadequate equipment and support. Some candidates could not see beyond their national interests and he rejected them, but as he had suspected, many had clear vision and could see the greater picture.
The individuals he selected did not seek war. They sought peace, and they had spent careers keeping that peace. Whether they be from the Americas, Europe, Asia, Russia, or the Middle East, it did not matter. If they had the right attitudes, and if they wanted the opportunity to do something worthwhile with whatever remained of their lives, he invited them to join.
There was risk, of course—he could not prevent these individuals from informing their governments. The only hold he had on them was that if word leaked out, they would lose their chance to go to the stars. For the candidates, it was a tremendous leap of faith. He offered no rides into space, and there were no aliens to support his claims, at least no one who looked like an alien. They only had Grayson’s word on everything. But for enough of them, that was sufficient. As he became accustomed to phrasin
g it, they had nothing to lose, but a lot to gain for themselves and for everyone on the planet.
Greg was astonished at the global affiliations developed by these ancient warriors over a lifetime of service. Nearly all recruits had been senior officers, though a number of senior enlisted personnel and some civilian specialists made the cut as well. Grayson included spouses and dependent children in the invitation. Health became an issue only in that it in no way limited recruits. Grayson and his men did not understand this policy, they just accepted the fact that an advanced alien society would know what it was doing. Little did they know! Invitations were gladly extended to some who would in no way have been invited otherwise. Grayson came to calling the group his Geriatric Brigade.
Greg and Arlynn had one final duty to fulfill. They were anxious to visit his sister Nancy and her husband Jim who did not know of their presence here. Nancy and Jim had been captured by the Harbok, but they had returned home some months later. Greg and Arlynn were alone with the President in his office when Greg mentioned it.
The President was appalled. “You’ve been here all this time and she doesn’t even know you’re alive? Shame on you!”
Greg shot a guilty glance to Arlynn. “I know,” he answered lamely. “It’s time, and I won’t be missed here for a few days.”
“You will, but a few days off are in order. Even I get a few days now and then. Kannick and Arlynn can take over for you.”
Arlynn let out a squawk and rose to her feet with her hands on her hips. She did not need to say anything. The President coughed and said, “Oops,” into his hand as a smile touched Greg’s face.
“I don’t think I’m going alone,” Greg replied dryly.
“I should say not!” Arlynn stated, brooking no argument. “Unless you don’t want me along.”
He stood up and turned to her, putting his hands on her shoulders and looking into her eyes. “I’m not going anywhere without you. You know that.”
She reached her arms around his waist in a hug, not caring who observed. The President leaned back in his chair with an uncertain look. Greg smiled when he noticed the President’s discomfiture. “You look surprised, sir.”
“Uh, well . . . I guess I shouldn’t be. You two have been all business until now. But . . .”
“I know. I’ve been through the same argument many times. Arlynn and I are alien to each other, but the term ‘alien’ has taken on new meaning. All of us are from the same gene pool. We are truly aliens intellectually, but not at all physically. Why do you think we’re willing to take all these old folks back with us? The An’Atee are totally knowledgeable about their bodies, which means they’re totally knowledgeable about our bodies. These old folks are in for a pleasant surprise.”
“You’ve implied that, but what you say raises some interesting issues. So,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes, “I don’t mean to pry, but in addition to saving civilizations, do you two have an interstellar romance going as well?”
“Nothing’s official, sir, there hasn’t been time, but we’ve been inseparable since we met. I’d say, yes, we have an interstellar romance going. Surprisingly, when I think of going to see Nancy and Jim, I no longer think of it as going home. Home is now wherever Arlynn is.”
Tears sprung into Arlynn’s eyes. To hide them, she gave him another hug. He held her tightly, surprised. When she got her act together again, she leaned away from him with her arms still about him. She whispered, “Thank you, Greg Hamilton.” Then she buried her head in his shoulder again. He sensed her shaking, or crying, or something.
“Would this be a good time for privacy?” the President asked with a grin on his face, the twinkle still in his eyes.
“It is not,” Arlynn said into Greg’s shoulder. Turning, she faced the President as she wiped tears from her eyes. “Explanations are in order, but not for everyone. At this point, we have a political arrangement with you, but we really need more. We need someone in a leadership position who holds a global view instead of a nationalistic view. As important, we need an ally and a friend here on Earth. We have not divulged everything. Someone here should understand all, or nearly all, the issues, someone who is willing to push forward with more complete understanding.”
She gave him a moment to absorb her words, then added, “Because of your position and responsibilities to your constituents, and because of your oath of office which limits your perspective, your activities might be limited. That will not always be the case. Are you interested?”
“You don’t kid around, do you?” the President mused thoughtfully, leaning back in his chair with a frown on his face. He searched internally for a time, then he chose his words carefully. “I will not act contrary to my oath. If what you are about to say requires that I do, then silence is the better course. On the other hand, this galactic civilization you represent is not going to go away, nor are the threats we’re gearing up to oppose. I can imagine that in the short term certain actions might be contrary to the best interests of the United States. Sharing our wealth with the rest of the world comes immediately to mind. It’s no secret that we protect our resources, sometimes to the detriment of others. In the long run, we’ll have to do something about that if the world is to speak with one voice. Wouldn’t you say, though, that in the long run the United States will become a better place to live, along with the rest of the world, if we gain acceptance among your kind? Won’t my people be better off?”
Arlynn turned to Greg with a smug expression on her face. “I told you he was the one.”
“Sir, you invite crushing responsibility if you accept,” Greg said. “The very survival of humanity may ultimately be in the balance.”
“Does Grayson know?”
“Not all of it. He and his recruits will learn everything as soon as we leave the planet. If Grayson selects the right people, it will not be an issue for them, but they will be living within the fruits of their choice. You will not. It’s one thing to live a life, quite another to only sense it."
“Does it have to be forever? When do I get my chance? My second term ends in three years.”
“Maybe then. Certainly someday. But, sir, Earth needs someone to carry the torch right here on Earth, someone who can lead our civilization into the future.”
“Tall words, Chairman, spoken to the right man. I’m young yet. What will I do when I leave this office behind? It’s become a consuming worry to me. I like leading, and I’m good at it. Give me a higher calling. I accept, though I will honor my pledge to America as well.”
Arlynn spoke up. “By the time I’m done, you will understand our need for secrecy, for your people as well as for the An’Atee and the Harbok. I must insist that recording devices be disabled for a while.”
“My thoughts on many occasions,” the President replied dryly. “Sorry, Arlynn. The American people won’t allow that. There is no true privacy in this office. I sense the need for a little time off myself. Camp David works in cases like this. Why don’t you two go to Minneapolis for a few days? By the time you return, I will have cleared my calendar and we can meet at Camp David. Let me add that when you arrive you will need to start calling me Dave.”
Chapter Five
Kannick stayed behind to work with Admiral Grayson and Captain Tolland. Arlynn and Greg took a military executive jet to Minneapolis where a rental car awaited them. The President had compiled a brief dossier on Jim and Nancy who had recently moved into a farmhouse on the outskirts of the city. Greg had some trouble finding the place and had to resort to using GPS to locate the right farm, so they did not arrive until early evening. Arlynn squeezed Greg’s arm in an attempt to reassure him before they got out of the car.
Nancy answered the door with a shriek. Jim came running in response. The four of them stood mute until Nancy reached out a shaking hand to touch Greg’s face. Then it was okay. She had to cry, of course, joining with Arlynn who had tears streaming from her eyes.
When they turned to enter the house, Greg noticed a worried look pas
s between Nancy and Jim.
Jim reached out to stop them. “Wait here,” he said and disappeared into the house. Nancy tried covering for him, but the situation felt strained and awkward.
“What’s going on, Nancy?” he queried.
“Nothing!”
He looked at her in exasperation.
“We have a house guest, Greg. He likes his privacy, so just give him a moment. He’ll go out to the barn.”
Greg frowned at her awkward attempt to hide something. Then he heard a deep, rumbling, muffled voice from somewhere inside the house. The hairs on the back of his neck lifted. No! He recognized the voice, or the timber of the voice. Then he heard a heavy scraping sound as of a chair being pushed back, followed by odd, heavy steps and thumps. He turned to Arlynn, speechless, to see fear in her eyes as well.
The Harbok entered the foyer with his head bent to clear the ceiling, but Greg’s eyes focused instantly on the blaster in his hand. The Harbok’s other hand held a cane. The odd thumping sound had come from a peg leg. His left leg was missing just above the knee and had been replaced with a wooden prosthetic. Greg’s gaze lifted to the heavily creased, leathery face that was tilted down to avoid the ceiling. He did not like the hard look he found in the man’s eyes.
Nancy stepped into the void separating the giant from Greg. “Put the gun away this instant,” she demanded. “This is my brother.”
The gun swung toward Arlynn. She edged back with her eyes as big as saucers.
“An’Atee?” the deep voice grumbled.
“She is my friend,” Nancy stated simply, as if that’s all that was needed.
“An’Atee?” the giant repeated.
Arlynn gathered her wits about her. “Yes, I am An’Atee. This is no way to greet me. I am unarmed. Put the weapon aside.”
The blaster did not waver. Silence descended.
Genesis Page 5
