Intervention: A Science Fiction Adventure

by J. W. Huemme

  Christopher thought for a minute. This was upsetting, to say the least, to learn that he was the result of alien intervention. “I have always known I was ahead of most people, but, I had no idea why. There is a plan, right now, to eliminate the majority of the population. I tried to stop it, unsuccessfully I’m afraid.”

  “This is why my creators left me here. I am to assist you in preventing this catastrophe. You will find my capabilities quite sufficient to handle any situation we may encounter. I have become familiar with all of the earth’s languages and cultures from monitoring all of their broadcasts. I am up to date on the current level of technologies, as well as current political situations around the globe. I also implanted you when you were just a newborn with a monitoring device, so I also know everything you have been exposed to, including Operation Down-size. You’re decision and effort to stop it, however ineffective, was an admirable one.”

  “If you’re going to help me stop this thing, it would help if I were familiar with your capabilities. How fast, for example, are you capable of traveling?”

  “I am able to travel faster than the speed of light, and nearly the speed of light in the atmosphere of your planet. I can execute right angle turns or even a complete reverse of direction with no loss of speed. Don’t worry, inside you will experience no sensation of movement, or g-forces. I am also capable of dimensional shifting of myself or other objects or people. This is how I brought you through the rock and into the craft. This is also used as part of my stealth mode. In stealth mode, I am virtually not there, and therefore not visible to sensors or the naked eye. I also have a wide variety of weapons, such as laser and particle beams, a sonic pulse weapon, and focal disruption.”

  “I have no idea what that is.”

  “Later I will demonstrate anything you’re not sure of to be sure you have total understanding. I am also protected by a force field that is capable of withstanding the force of a nuclear blast.”

  Just then a jumpsuit-like garment came up out of the floor. “I recommend discarding your present clothing in favor of this suit. It has some more desirable qualities. It too can project a force field around you similar to the one I project around this craft, just on a smaller scale. It is activated automatically whenever you are tense or nervous by detecting the change in your body chemistry, or it will activate when it senses anything approaching its proximity. The only exception to this is if you are running. This will be invaluable if it should become necessary for you to be outside the craft for any reason.”

  Christopher discarded his clothing in favor of this new garment. As soon as he placed his old clothing on the floor, it appeared to sink as if in liquid. As he donned his new outfit, Christopher asked, “So what else can you tell me about this suit?”

  “It cannot be cut or torn in any way. It also keeps your body at a comfortable temperature. It will heat you if it’s cold or cool you when it’s too hot. It also acts as a sort of two-way telepathic radio. Although I can monitor you through the implant, the suit allows me to communicate to you telepathically. In other words, I can talk to you without others hearing.”

  Then the computer said, “Christopher, I’m picking up something disturbing you should be aware of. There are men at your mother’s house questioning her about your whereabouts. If you like, I can give you the audio and a video projection from your mother’s view.”

  “Yes, please.”

  At that moment, Christopher began to hear the conversation, and a portion of the wall in front of him produced a video image. It was as if his mother’s eyes were a camera.

  The computer explained, “I also implanted your parents with monitoring devices like the one I implanted in you. This is what you are seeing.”

  “How fast can we get there?”

  “We can be there in less than thirty seconds.”

  “Let’s go.”

  The computer engaged the stealth mode, exited the pyramid, and accelerated to nearly the speed of light. Christopher continued to monitor the situation until they arrived. “Is there anything you can do to get rid of them when we arrive, without hurting them or frightening my mother?”

  “I discovered when I first arrived on your planet, through some basic tests, that a narrow beam low frequency sonic pulse directed at their abdomen will cause them to need to relieve themselves quite badly.”

  “Perfect.”

  “We’re here. Watch closely. I’ll direct a pulse first to just one of the two men.” Christopher watched the projection closely as the computer fired a pulse.

  “Mrs. Adams, I don’t believe you are unaware about the video tape. We were sent here to find out where Christopher and the videotape are and we’re not leaving until we do.” Suddenly he was interrupted by the agent who had received the pulse.

  “Excuse me, but could I use your bathroom?”

  The other agent looked at him, “Do you mind? Now, Mrs. Adams, I don’t want to do this the hard way, but you’re going to tell me what I want to know.”

  Christopher interrupted. “Pulse the other one now.”

  “Done,” the computer responded.

  Realizing his sudden urge, the other man said, “We’ll be back, and you better have some answers.”

  “Now,” Christopher said, “wait until they get about, oh, say, a mile down the road then use whatever the best and most discrete method you can to blow out one of their tires,” he said, watching as the two men were forced to relieve themselves in a ditch. Christopher remarked, “That’ll teach you to stay away from my mother.”

  “I think you should know, Christopher, we’re not the only ones monitoring your mother’s house.”

  “I can’t say I’m surprised. I know she must be worried about me. Is there some way to let her know I’m alright?” Christopher asked.

  “Yes, but that will have to wait till later.”

  To pass the time, Christopher continued to learn more about the craft and its capabilities. “Could you bring my mother here, out of her bed, while she’s sleeping without waking her up?”

  “Yes, but wouldn’t that be upsetting to her to find herself here?”

  “Not if you duplicate her bedroom, so at first she will think she’s still there. That is assuming you can create an accurate representation of her bedroom. Then I can prepare her so she won’t be frightened.”

  “Certainly. She won’t know the difference until you tell her,” The computer responded.

  “As soon as she’s asleep, we can bring her aboard with the interior made to look like her bedroom. Then I can explain everything to her.”

  “Everything? Is that a good idea?”

  “She can handle it, and I can trust her not to tell a soul. Besides, she is my mother. Let’s give reshaping the interior to her bedroom a try.”

  With that, the computer transformed the interior of the craft to an exact duplicate of Mary’s bedroom. “Incredible!” Christopher responded. “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear I was in her room. This is great. She’ll feel right at home. I guess all we have to do is wait for her to go to sleep.”

  The computer asked, “If you like, I can easily induce sleep.”

  “No, we can wait. She’s had a rough day. She’ll be worried about me, but she’ll go to sleep soon enough.”

  A few hours later, Mary grew tired and finally went to bed. She was soon fast asleep.

  “Christopher, your mother’s asleep now.”

  “Good. Make the transformation to her bedroom.”

  The craft turned its interior to an exact duplicate of Mary’s bedroom. The computer shifted Mary and brought her gently into the duplicate of her bed inside the craft. Christopher looked at her for a moment. She looked so peaceful, he thought, he almost hated to wake her.

  “Mom?” he said quietly. “Mom, it’s Christopher.” Mary came out of her sleep, opened her eyes, and saw Christopher.

  “Christopher…I didn’t hear you come in. I thought you were in Egypt. When did you get back?”

  Chr
istopher just smiled. “Just now, Mom. I had to come see you so you would know I was okay.”

  Mary looked at his face with eyes full of motherly love. “There were some men here today asking a lot of questions. Are you in any kind of trouble?”

  “It’s nothing for you to worry about, Mom. I left the agency and they don’t know where I am, and that kind of worries them. Listen, Mom, I sort of solved the puzzle of the great pyramid.”

  “That’s wonderful. I knew if anybody could it would be you. What did you find?”

  “What I found will come as a big shock to you. I want to show you, but I don’t want you to be afraid. You know I would never let any harm come to you.”

  “I know that,” Mary replied.

  “Brace yourself, Mom. Right now we are not in your bedroom. You’re in an alien spacecraft made to look like your bedroom.”

  “I think you were out in the sun too long. I certainly know my own bedroom. Now really Christopher, you know I love you and trust you more than anyone, but well, I just don’t know what to say.”

  “All right, Mom, I’ll show you. Stand up next to me and try to stay calm.” Mary climbed out of bed and stood next to Christopher. “Computer, return the interior to its original configuration.” With that, what Mary thought was her bedroom transformed back into its original empty metallic space. Mary’s eyes grew large as she clung to Christopher for safety. “It’s all right, Mom, I’m still right here.” Christopher said reassuringly. After a moment or two, Mary had calmed down a little.

  “You’ve always been full of surprises, Christopher, but this most definitely takes the cake.”

  “Mom, it’s important to me for you to know I’m alright. Nothing can harm me inside this craft. I found out our government is up to no good and it’s up to me to stop them. I don’t have time to explain everything right now, but you know I’ll do the right thing.”

  Mary looked at Christopher and said, “You always do. That’s one thing I know I can always count on.”

  “One more thing, Mom. It’s very important that you never breathe a word of this to anyone. Also, the agency has the house bugged and the phone tapped as well. So be careful what you say.”

  “I will, son.”

  “I have to go now, but I’ll be back. If you ever need me for any reason, just call my name. Wherever you are, I’ll come.”

  Mary gave Christopher a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Now close your eyes and count to ten and when you open them, you’ll be back in your bedroom.” As soon as she closed her eyes, the craft shifted Mary back into her bedroom.

  Mary opened her eyes to find herself back in her room. Going right back to sleep was out of the question. Mary went to the kitchen and boiled some water. She put a tea bag into a cup and set it on the table. When the kettle whistled, she poured some hot water into the cup and dipped the tea bag a few times. Adding a spoonful of sugar, she stirred the tea while gazing off into space out the window. As she reflected on what she had just experienced, she thought to herself, How’s he going to top this one?

  Chapter Ten

  Alien Knight

  “I need some time to think of a way to stop Operation Down-size. Let’s go back into the pyramid.” Christopher said. The craft was instantly underway, and in no time was back inside the pyramid. After a short while, Christopher realized he wasn’t thinking clearly. He thought perhaps a change of surroundings might help. He asked the computer, “How about a change of scenery?”

  “What would you like? I can duplicate any environment,” the computer responded.

  “Actually, I was thinking more of the real thing. Would I be correct in assuming that you can detect life forms?”

  “Yes.”

  “Let’s go somewhere in western American. Somewhere with a mild climate and nobody around, so I can get out and walk around a little. It always seems to help my thought process for some reason.”

  “We are in route. I am detecting an area in Montana with no people nearby. It’s in the foothills, and you should find the climate quite comfortable.”

  “That sounds perfect.”

  A few moments later, the craft set down in a sandy clearing, hovering a foot or so off the ground as it did inside the pyramid. Christopher said, “Would you shift me outside?” The computer did and then Christopher turned and looked at the shiny metallic craft as it sat in the open. It was still difficult to believe, even seeing the craft hovering just a few feet in front of him.

  “Computer, do you detect any drinkable water nearby?”

  “Yes. There is a stream about twenty yards due west.” Christopher looked up at the sky to see the position of the morning sun, then walked in the direction he deduced to be west. When he came upon the stream, he sat on a large boulder on the edge of the stream. He thought of the things he had been told about Operation Down-size and how they planned to carry out their mission. He would have to figure out a way to stop the submarine launched missiles, the land-based missiles, and the aircraft that would be dropping their payloads as well. He felt that with the help of the craft, with its advanced technology and incredible speed capabilities, it could be done. The timing of stopping them was critical.

  “Christopher,” the computer’s voice sounded in his head. This must be what it meant by telepathic communication.

  “Yes,” he thought, testing to see if the computer could hear him as well.

  “I’m monitoring a very critical situation that has developed aboard the space shuttle now in orbit. I think you should return at once.”

  “Yes,” Christopher responded. Much to his surprise, he was instantly being shifted as the craft moved closer to him in order to expedite their departure. Once inside, Christopher inquired, “What’s the situation?”

  “While monitoring NASA communications, I discovered that your friend Cindy’s safety tether was somehow severed during a spacewalk. She has begun to drift away from the shuttle into deep space. Here’s the current transmission.”

  The interior was instantly filled with the radio communications between the space shuttle and mission control in Houston, Texas.

  “Roger, Houston. That’s six, two, two, seven, four. I repeat, that’s six, two, two, seven, four.”

  “Copy that, Columbia. Six, two, two, seven, four. Stand by.”

  A short static filled pause followed, then “Houston, Columbia.”

  “Columbia, Houston. Go ahead.”

  “Yes, Scott says it looks like the tether must have got caught on a sharp piece of the damaged satellite we retrieved. It cut the tether like a knife. Over.”

  “Roger, Columbia. Copy that. We’re working on the fuel figures now. Stand by Columbia.”

  “Roger, Houston.”

  Another pause in the radio communication between the base and the space shuttle gave Christopher the opportunity to ask the computer, “What do you make of the situation?”

  “It doesn’t look good, I’m afraid. They’re trying to figure out if they have enough fuel on board to alter the shuttle’s course to retrieve Cindy and still have enough fuel left for their re-entry maneuvers.”

  “How do you see it?” Christopher asked.

  “From what I’ve heard, combined with her distance and direction from the shuttle, at the rate at which she is drifting away, things don’t look too promising for her safe recovery.”

  Just then the radio crackled, “Columbia, Houston.”

  “Houston, Columbia. Go ahead.”

  “We need an update on Cindy. See if you can give us a more accurate fix on her position relative to the shuttle. Over.”

  “Roger, Houston. Stand by.” Once again the crackle of silence filled the interior of the craft.

  Christopher feared the worst. He strongly suspected Cindy had talked to her fellow astronauts, one or more of them being a part of Operation Down-size. Astronauts didn’t have heart attacks, overdose on drugs, or drown in their bathtubs. This would be the most logical way to cause her demise. If they cut her tether while on a spacew
alk, she would drift hopelessly off into the depths of space and become no threat to the operation; just another tragic loss—a glitch in the system of space exploration. She would become a hero and quickly be forgotten as the threat she posed disappeared with her. It all fit. Waiting till the end of the mission, they would have already expended most of their fuel, having only enough to land safely, leaving her to drift forever. If only his tape had aired, perhaps she wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place.

  “We’ve got to save her,” Christopher stated. “We have to,” he repeated.

  “There is a way,” the computer responded.

  Just then the radio signal filled the interior of the craft. “Columbia, Houston.”

  “Houston, Columbia. Go ahead.”

  “We’ve gone over the figures you’ve given us, and it looks like if you try to retrieve Cindy, there won’t be enough fuel left for the necessary course corrections for a safe landing. Over.”

  “Houston, how about a not-so-safe landing?”

  “Columbia, I’m afraid you wouldn’t even have enough left for a crash and burn. We are, however, checking to see if it may be possible to retrieve Cindy and then dock with the Russian space station, Mir. We’ll let you know as soon as we know.”

  “Roger, Houston. You’d better figure it out fast, because she’s not getting any closer. Over.”

  “Roger that, Columbia. We should have the data shortly. Over.”

  Again static silence. “Could they do that?” Christopher asked.

  “If they started after Cindy at this moment, burning enough fuel to reach her before her oxygen is depleted, then used their remaining fuel to slow their orbit, they would run out of oxygen at least six hours before Mir would catch up to them. Neither idea has any chance of success.”

  “It looks like they planned it well.”

  “I understand,” the computer replied.