by Tom Holloway
Staring at him I ask again, “Premier, do you have an issue with me?”
Once again, catching his breath, with normal breathing, he says, “I apologize. I am sorry if I offended you. No, certainly not! Please, Captain Johnson, forgive us; we understand, yes, we were wrong to attack your ship. We sincerely apologize. We were also wrong to plan a military venture that would do so much collateral damage. We wish only to thank you for ending a bad decision. The United States has our agreement that we will bring all of our troops home, including the troops in Mexico. We have only one request. It is only fair. We would like your recommendation to the United States that they pay our loans back with our currency, at the value of the money we loaned to them.”
I look at the president of the United States, making eye contact. “I agree. I highly recommend it. The United States will pay the Chinese back with currency of the same value that was borrowed.”
The president nervously nods his head, swallows hard, as we lock eyes; he is saying, “Yes. Yes. We can work it out. Yes, we agree; it is not a problem.”
The president is thinking, There definitely will be no issue from the United States. He saw the Chinese premier, and it looked like he was going to have a heart attack. He’s sure Captain Johnson had something to do with it. He could not hear the premier respond, as he is mostly whispering; yet the premier’s look of terror is convincing. Crossing the alien would mean severe consequences for all of them personally. No question his eyes are scary, not human, a predator. It feels like he is in my brain.
The president looks at the Chinese premier, saying, “Yes, the United States will comply with China’s terms.”
He thinks further, without comment, thinks: Even though it will be the end of my presidency. The political fallout will be terrible, as the austerity economy will be awful. Budgets will be slashed, government jobs lost. Paying it back is a lot harder than borrowing it. The higher taxes will go on for years. I’m toast.
“Thank you, Mr. President.” I respond. Then, looking at all of them, I say, “I know you all have lots of questions. To answer you further, I know most of your concerns, and yes, there are lots of worlds with large populations. You are very small and primitive compared to most of them and centuries behind in comparison to their technology. Fortunately, you are off the beaten path, thus you are protected by your obscurity. You also have some limited protection from my fleets.”
The British prime minister asks, “Captain, please, two questions. You look very human. Do all aliens look like you? Second question, do we have reasons to be afraid of what’s out there, a possible threat to our world?”
“I am originally from Earth, and I think of myself as human; however, I admit I have been rebuilt a couple of times since my birth, thus I may not be totally human, yet I claim my roots from here. My looks have not changed since my birth right here on this planet. There are all kinds of species across the universe, all interesting and wonderful in their own ways. Few are similar to this species; none look like humans, nor do they speak Earth languages—not even close. Your second question is more complicated. Yes and no, there are threats out there. This world has little to offer to other civilizations, thus nothing to attract them to come here. Currently this situation offers you some protection. I see no reason for you to know more, as there is absolutely nothing you can do about it. Just keep your own house in order.
“To answer more of your questions—and as you know, I hear your questions mentally, and I can feel your concerns, and many questions are coming from each of you. You are all thinking there are critical questions that have to be answered.”
I laugh. “Please relax. I’m sorry I have made you anxious. At this moment you have nothing to fear from me. You have lots of questions, and they are all good; most are the same. I will go through them one by one. You will then have your answers.”
“First of all, you have never been alone. You have been visited many times over the centuries. Many cultures out there are millions of years old, having developed centuries ahead of yours; you are young in comparison, still in your infancy. Remember, the universe was created billions of years ago.”
“No, I will not meet with you again unless there are issues.”
“My ship is called the Cyclone, and yes, we came a long way to get here, many trillions of miles, beyond your comprehension. It is a military starship, capable to do whatever is needed, and we have no plans to attack you.”
“No, I want nothing from you, and no, you cannot visit my ship.”
“I cannot give or sell you starship technology. You have to earn it. How can you earn it? You already know the answer. Just think about it. I would be the first to have you join our ranks. I am one of your protectors.”
“Anna is a good friend and under my protection. She is not part of my operations; she is an Earth person. She is not an alien. I have just met her and her family.”
“Yes, I am leaving, and yes, I do plan to come back, not sure when.”
“Yes, for now, you do need to keep me confidential, a secret. Do not tell anyone about me or these conversations for your own good. You are not ready yet to talk to the public. Keep working together; stop wasting money on issues that bring no results. Focus on nuts and bolts: feed people, educate the kids, value honesty, value life, stop those who hurt and kill, take care of the planet, and reduce your military. Just do the right thing! No excuses. Other civilizations are watching you. You have a lot to do. If you work together and help one another, you may have a chance.”
The president of the United States asks, “Are you part of some governing body that is universe-wide? How many starships are here?”
“Yes, Mr. President, I work for the Consortium of Civilizations, to which many thousands of civilizations belong. It stretches over all the known universe. There is only one I know of, and this is the Consortium, creator of the laws or rules, and I am charged with the enforcement of their laws. I hope to see Earth as a member of the Consortium someday.”
“Your second question, I will not tell you how many ships are here, and you know the overall total number of ships.”
“I have one question for all of you: where is Iran in all this? They are not here at this meeting. Are they still a problem? How about Mexico?”
The president of Mexico immediately stands up. “Captain Johnson, I am ashamed about our part in this Chinese aggression. I apologize, and I welcome you to this planet. I am truly sorry it is under these circumstances. We regret we were ever a party to this event, and we are pleased it turned out like this. We were bullied into participation. Please accept our apology. We invite you to visit us; we would be delighted to show you our wonderful country.”
“Mr. President, thank you. Maybe someday a visit will work.” Then I look at everyone and ask, “How about Iran? The nuclear bombs?”
The president of the United States looks at me, then glances at the rest and says, “I am sorry to report they, meaning Iran, have not responded to any of us, even though they know the situation. We don’t know what they are doing.”
The Chinese premier joins in. “We are very concerned about Iran, and we take no responsibility for their actions. They have ignored us completely. We have told the United States everything we know about what Iran has been doing. We will do all we can do to correct the situation. Any help from you will be appreciated.”
“Yes, I will help. I know what you know, and, if needed, I will be there. As I said, the discussion here today needs to stay with us only. Do not reveal anything about me, who I am, or why we talked; this is for your own good.”
I sense Anna coming over. I catch her scent, as her real scent is great, and I smell her perfume, which is even better. It is delightful. She is really gorgeous, and everyone’s eyes are on her; it’s hard not to stare at her. She is looking at the group, then at me. She smiles at them. They all start to stand.
Anna looks at me, saying, “Henry, are you finished? It’s time to go.”
I also stand up. �
�Guys, solve your problems, and I will keep in touch. Be careful that you do what’s right. It was good to meet each of you. I wish you no harm. You have my best wishes for success.”
They all stand up, hands out to shake, thanking me, all talking at the same time, inviting me to come see them, all saying they would like to talk a lot more. They would be delighted to take suggestions. I smile and then start to shake hands. I pay special attention to Premier Wu-Tong, thanking him, saying to him, “Premier, in the coming years I look forward to the leadership in this world that China will provide. You are a truly outstanding people.”
Afterward, leaving quickly, Anna and I are outside, walking down a sidewalk, moving away from the pub. We are savoring the warm air, a summer evening in London. Feels good to be out, and Anna is holding my hand, saying nothing, just smiling up at me. We walk. It is good to just walk the tree-lined London streets, wandering slowly on the wide sidewalks, looking in the lighted store windows, checking out the other walkers. In return they check us out, as we are dressed so formally from the premier, looking like we are important. Many recognize Anna. We feel happy with each other. We don’t talk; we just enjoy each other’s company.
I feel the Cyclone two thousand feet above us. I know there is concern that Anna and I are exposed, and I know there are thousands of drones around us, invisible and lethal. We are safe.
After a while Anna says, “Did you solve the world’s problems back there? You had the right guys.”
I smile back at her. “Anna, it’s impossible to solve those problems. They are like quicksand—the more you do, the more complicated it gets. By the way, are you ready to go to your home in LA? The Cyclone is now six hundred feet above us, following us, ready to take us wherever we want to go. Also, I have a better idea of the travel plans to LA. Let me take you there on the Saber. It’s much smaller than the Cyclone, as it is an attack ship. It is my personal attack and reconnaissance ship, uses fusion rockets, powerful and very fast. You can drive it if you want. It is a real thrill. It is one of my most favorite things.”
Laughing, she says, “Henry, just another typical boring date with you, and it sounds great! You know I have never piloted a plane in my life, much less a military craft.”
I do not respond, as at this moment I am admiring Anna, gazing at her. She is very alluring in the half light of the evening lamplights, like in one of her movie scenes.
I continue to gaze at her, reflecting, Anna looks seriously beautiful at this moment, her stunning dark dress, lightly sprinkled over with a little glitter, the thinness showing every curve, the light silkiness of the fabric moving with her body, flowing with the breeze, the hemline slit in several places, part of it traveling high off her knees, showing a lot of her long, slender legs. Her breasts are firm and teasing, almost visible through the light, thin dress, as she wears no bra, and she looks at me with her dazzling eyes, a coy alluring smile, humor on her face. She is definitely looking up at me in a flirty way, in a sexy way, and it is magical; she is doing it all for me, and this coming from a very gorgeous famous movie star. She is also kind, intelligent, charming, humble, and loving. What a divine blessing. Calabra.
She is also now laughing at me with a wonderful laugh, finally saying, “Henry, I can read your thoughts without even using telepathy. I do look good. It’s my job. And by the way, you look great in a tux.”
I smile back at her without saying anything, just continuing with my observation. I am thinking she has a great sense of humor, too. She is truly lovely inside and out, and it’s hard to take my eyes off of her. It is also difficult in this world to be an ambitious woman of strength and still have her straight-up honesty. I am humbled to be with her. She is extraordinary, a splendid being, none equal to her among trillions in the universe. Thank you, God, for this treasure! May our fate and destiny tie us together.
“Anna, I wish I could do more for you. One thing I could do for you is give you flying lessons before you take over piloting the Saber tomorrow. If you are willing, we leave first thing in the morning, maybe right after a quick early gym workout on the Cyclone. What do you think?”
Anna shakes her head. “If you think I can do this without killing us, I am game to try; the Saber sounds exciting! Just remember, this is all new to me. It scares me to just think about it. I have to trust you, Henry.”
She continues, “Anyway, it is such a wonderful evening. The moon is out, the air feels so refreshing, and you said you are rarely in London. Rather than take a cab back to the hotel, let’s take an open-air bus back. The open top on the second story of English buses is very fun; the big red buses have been traveling London streets for a hundred years. It’s an awesome way to see the sights. What do you think?”
“Sounds great, and it’s exactly what we need to do! There’s one going our way over there. Come, give me your hand. We can make it.”
We run to make the bus and are almost there as it goes on without us. Everyone on the bus is yelling for the driver to stop, as they recognize Anna. They are all saying, “That’s Anna Summers, the American movie star. Wait for her!”
We jump on, pay the driver, and climb the steps. Everyone is laughing, and many ask Anna for autographs. She stops at each person and smiles, signs whatever they give her, and writes a little note, hugging each person. We finally make it to the top of the bus, up a small stairway. We find a seat toward the front and cuddle up together. Everyone claps when we settle in. Anna smiles and pulls my coat over her shoulders to keep warm. She waves at everyone, grins, and snuggles in under my arm. A couple of teenagers then come up front looking for seats, bouncing around, as the bus is moving. They manage to jump on a couple of seats close to us. The first girl asks Anna for an autograph, and while waiting she asks me who I am, which movie star. I laugh and say, “I am no one.”
Anna loudly declares, “No way!” Smiling at me, she says, “He is the Starman, known throughout the universe. He’s going to be the leading man in a new movie coming out next year about a starship and space travel. I hope to be the leading lady. He already is my leading man.”
I laugh and say, “Anna, remember, it is supposed to be a secret.”
Someone in the back yells, “What is the name of the movie?”
Anna grins at me and yells, “It’s called The Sword of Gabriel. It will be a fantastic movie, with lots of action and a superhero.” She pulls herself up to my ear and whispers, “The best cover story is a real one. A movie is more believable than the real you. You can keep your secret, as you say, and hide in plain sight. Actually it would be a good movie. You could play yourself, and I know a good leading lady. For that matter, I know who could finance it—you!”
I am nodding my head, laugh again, and say, “Yes, you are brilliant!”
Anna beams back, pleased that I am pleased. It helps the pain, as she is actually feeling some real anguish, with the dread of knowing my time is almost up; it’s been a fast six days. She is thinking so much happened so fast; impossible, yet it did happen. The last few days have changed her life direction so quickly, as if she has been waiting for this, her real destiny. Her fear of losing me is intense.
This has been an awesome day thanks to Anna. The open-air bus ride is terrific. We see London’s shopping areas, where lots of shoppers come from everywhere in the world, as well as some magnificent centuries-old buildings, all lit up, the tracks of the past and a lot of historical facts. Anna explains everything, the history of each building with the lives of people living in those times, as they are the ghosts of centuries past. She details all of it as we go, and it’s captivating. The flickering streetlights and the warm breeze in the cool night air are delightful, as is my date with this wonderful, bright girl, a gem worth a thousand worlds. We are close to the hotel after getting off, waving good-bye to all our new friends, and then we take a brief walk. We pack, check out, duck out the back door, and, after a short, fast walk, meet up with the Cyclone’s ship’s tender in a dark corner near the woods in Hyde Park. It’s a fast lift u
p to the Cyclone.
When Henry and Anna walked out of the pub, a shocked group of people stood there staring at them leaving, all wondering who Anna was with, this mysterious stranger all the world leaders came to talk to, her holding his hand. She was obviously enamored with him. He was impressive, to say the least, looking more like a gladiator in a tux, not an actor but the real thing. His eyes are remarkable, penetrating, like he sees everything. The heads of state were so deferential to him, actually fearful, anxious, trying to please him. The security people all gave him a wide berth, clearing a path for him through the crowd, as did the police outside. They all knew something they were not telling, as if they knew who he was and were frightened by knowing it.
After he and Anna left the heads of state, the politicians said their good-byes to one another, and their security teams accompanied them to bulletproof limousines. None were talking, deep in thought, all contemplative of what just happened. They all were nervous about this new future; the time was finally there to face up to beings on other planets. All were thinking there could be real issues. The big one question, could there be alien oversight, which could be dangerous, or maybe something even worse? This all has to be kept a secret, really secret, no media. They all wondered how Anna plays into this. She and Henry are definitely a couple. Could she be an alien, too? Hard to believe; what do they know about her? What if something happens to her? Would she talk to them, tell them how this all happened? Will the US president find out about her role here? How much does Captain Johnson know about each of them?
And then the other issue: what were the Iranians up to? Will they cause a crisis? Do the heads of state really want to ask Henry Johnson for help? What would the aliens do to humans on Earth if they don’t do the right thing? What about this Consortium? Is Henry originally from Earth, like he says? If so, where was he born, and does he have family here? Can the heads of state trust him, or was he built to look like humans to make it easier to trust him? What does he really want, and how bad could he be? Absolutely no one there at the meeting wanted to find out; fear is an awful thing. The odd thing is each of them could still feel Henry’s presence remaining with them, like being haunted by a ghost. This was not comforting to think about, with awful possibilities. They all were thinking they should have found another occupation.
