by Tom Holloway
Anna is thinking he looks really great, not that she’s much of an expert in military fashion. She thinks Henry would be a super leading man in her next movie. She sees there are more Henrys everywhere, his security troops, looking like Henry but with no gold and silver on their suits or helmets. They are each armed with a gun locked into each right arm, extended over a gloved hand, pointed out. All of them, including Henry, have several fast-spinning, bright-lighted gold basketball-size halos encircling their heads a few feet up, glowing and slowly orbiting around them. It is astonishing to see, hypnotic to look at them.
She is thinking, no doubt about it, Henry is a magnificent warrior.”
I hear Anna’s thoughts, and now I’m about ten feet from Anna. I stop; hover, then my feet lower. I am on the ground. I just look at her, stand there admiring her, knowing it might be my last chance to see her and to talk to her.
My voice sounds weird through the sealed helmet, amplified, thus a little too loud, saying, “Hello, Anna; I’m sorry I’m late, never enough time.”
She says, “You look good in your warrior armor, it suits you, and the hovering is impressive. I am not too high on your voice.”
I plead, “Anna, I know you are mad at me. I understand, and it is my fault. Please forgive me for any pain I have caused you.” I’m now in telepathic mode, no one needs to know what I am saying to Anna. It looks like we are staring at each other.
Continuing, I say, “I’m sorry as I know I left early. I had a couple of critical jobs to do. I did want to talk to you. I am also sorry, as I cannot get closer to you. The halos are really security shields, and they are activated when we are on the surface of any planet. They can be deadly if you are within four feet of me. I am forced to wear them off ship, as it is one of my rules for all troops on duty, and I have to set an example.”
“Yes, I see you are back on the job again,” Anna responds out loud.
Looking at Anna’s mother and sister, I say aloud to them, my voice sounding eerie coming through the helmet, “I am sorry we did not have more time together. I wish you both good lives, and I am delighted to have known you.”
Anna’s mother is speechless and looks like she is going to faint.
Nikki laughs and says, “Henry, you would make a great brother-in-law. Come back, and good luck to you!”
I look at Anna, mentally projecting to her. “I do not have much time; it is a long trip, and I need to head out. There is much to do. I want to give you something. It is a locket on a chain, not much to look at yet very valuable. It will protect you or help to guard you. I want you to wear it always.” I extend my hand; a light-gold locket appears, and then travels across the space between us as if on some invisible power beam. She reaches out and takes it.
She projects back, “Henry, I’m not sure I want any protection from you. Your note made it clear you were ending our relationship. I am furious with you. You have no right to think for me. I want you to fight for us, not only for my happiness and our children’s but for yours, too. Think about it. This may be your only chance at happiness. Choosing a miserable life of loneliness is not my choice but yours. I love you! I cannot stand the idea of you being alone, without me. You are a fool if you choose this.”
I speak mentally. “Anna, I do not choose this. I am trapped. I am military, part of something bigger than me. There are severe repercussions for others if I am not there to protect them, maybe terrible hardships for others. Many beings depend on me. I have a duty greater than myself. You love me for who I am; you know who I am, have known from the beginning. I am sorry. For your sake don’t count on me. The Cyclone ran the probabilities, and I would cause you much hardship if we were a couple. If I left the Consortium, we would be dead within six months due to one of my enemies striking us. For you, living on a starship would be misery, your mind and health broken within two years. Your survival on an alien world would not be good either. You would hate it, and it would be misery for our children. I never should have done this, causing all this pain.”
Anna is crying, tears rolling down her face, angry. She yells loudly, “Henry, you be here January 12, at the Academy Awards, at eight o’clock. I will leave a pass for you at the box office window; you will have a seat next to me, as my date. If you are not there, I will know you have chosen a different kind of life, not with me.”
In a loud, eerie voice, deeper than before, using words, I say, “Anna, please put the locket on; never take it off. I will do my best. I have to go.” Hovering up, gliding away slowly, I intently look at her for a few seconds, then I salute her, saying loudly, “Calabra!”
Anna hesitates, pauses, finally smiles, pauses again, then in a sad, loving voice, loudly cries out, “Yes, Henry, Calabra to you, too!”
I can only stare at her, feel her heartbreak, feel my own sadness, force myself to turn away.
Then I finally look around, slowly turning each way, taking it all in, unbelievable! I can’t believe what I am seeing.
I am looking out at an enormous crowd of people standing maybe only sixty feet back, maybe closer, and many, many people behind them, lined up as far away as several football fields or much more, thousands all staring back at me. Cars are everywhere, more people pouring in from surrounding neighborhoods, some running, all crowding one another, all trying to get a good look. Then there are TV cameras and more, all kinds of cameras, plus reporters, police, firemen, priests, soldiers, then old men, plus young men and women, children, all ages, people, all humans, all wide-eyed, everyone videoing with their smartphones; even the police are taking selfies. My troops are holding them back.
I realize no one is afraid; they are smiling, excited, maybe thrilled; yes, they are delighted, just glad to be here, to see this!
I am surprised, can only imagine what they all must be thinking. I then comprehend.
They think this is history in the making, and probably millions will watch this event on TV tonight. This moment in time will be recorded as the first contact with aliens, seeing a real starship, a real alien contact made with Earth people, those that were here today. It is documented by thousands, thus real evidence. They were here to be part of it and to see it.
I laugh out-loud; thinking it probably will make some kind of Twitter record, too. I hover upward about ten feet, rotating slowly, then rising more, looking out at everyone. I laugh again and slowly wave, shouting out to them loudly, “Calabra!”
I look at Anna one last time, pause, then I’m gone.
As it ends up, the entire planet, almost every single person, will eventually see their first alien, me, my troops, and my massive alien starship, as the video is played over and over, across the world. Millions will be astonished by this first real contact with an alien being, this vast starship, the soldiers, and his weird voice. “Of all things,” the news anchors will say, “it looks like he is a fan of Anna Summers. She invited him to go to the Academy Awards as her date. Everyone heard it. No one could invent that story. He will be back…maybe.”
My troopers and I disappear as quickly as we appeared. Within seconds the ground shakes again. The massive starship almost immediately starts to climb, heading due east; the dark shadow disappears. There are strong winds and dust spiraling everywhere, little tornadoes spinning off the ground, with clouds of dust forming, static electricity like lightning sparking off the hull. The ship is climbing up to fifteen thousand feet, then the thunderous sound of massive rockets starting, with the hot thrusting fire streams surging west, then the roar rushing out for miles in all directions as the starship blasts east, climbing faster and faster. Finally, at ninety thousand feet there is a massive explosion as the burners blast out more, and a huge fiery tail thrusts out for miles as the Cyclone surges up into the heavens, disappearing. It is gone that quickly. Within several hours I am a trillion miles away, still gaining speed.
Chapter 36
Anna without Henry
I watch as Henry and the Cyclone are leaving, and surprised, as I think I hear the Cyclone mentall
y saying good-bye to me, and I feel a strong wave of emotion, the projection is a feeling of great kindness coming from it, then I feel the Cyclone’s great sadness, and then I know for sure the Cyclone is saying good-bye to me, actually missing me, feeling a tender affectionate concern for me. Plus, the Cyclone’s admiration for me is there, praising me, even proud of me. Finally a feel a farewell salute, wishing me the best. Also, strange enough, I feel encouragement, a nurturing feeling that makes me happy. I know for sure it is the Cyclone, and I wish the same for it, also sending my love back. I thank the starship and ask that Henry be protected, knowing how important their relationship is to each other and my love for both of them.
I look around, thousands of people are still here, many of them staring at me. The news people are here, too, trying to cover the story. They want to interview me, calling out questions. The security people stand guard, holding them off. The military has started to ask people to go home, saying the show is over.
I think the best thing to do now is to go home as fast as possible and hide out. The newspapers will go nuts with this. Everyone in the world knows about Henry now, or they think he is the alien in an armored suit and visiting me. How special. Brother! The tabloids will have a lot of fun with this, my new alien boyfriend. Does he have a day job? Does he have a penis? Does he eat food? Why does the government protect me?
I look around to find my mother and Nikki, seeing them both, and they are in a daze, both speechless, which is saying something. Of course, they have not seen the Cyclone before. The sheer size of it shakes you up, then close up and personal is humbling. Naturally I am an old-pro starship princess, knowing everything. Time to go home; I grab their hands and walk for the car. The security people follow, although they have new respect for me, I can tell. The crowd that is still here just parts for me, looking at me in awe. Crazy world!
As we travel home I can’t help but think how bad this could get. The news people will be awful, and they will be everywhere I go.
I think, how do I handle being pregnant? I can only pray I am not with child. Imagine the awful questions. Did the alien get you pregnant? Yes, if I am pregnant it will get really scary. I will be accused of having the evil seed, spawning a devil child. Maybe it is good to have the security and Henry’s locket. I’m wearing the locket now. It makes me feel good to have something from Henry. Even if I never see him again, I still have the locket, and I might have much more. The appointment with her doctor tomorrow will settle the question. I will take a pregnancy test. I never miss my period; it is never late. Why was I so careless? Who can I tell? My mother, yes, and my sister. Who else can I trust? I feel the fear in my stomach.
Henry, where are you when I need you?
As I return home with my mother and sister in tow, there are at least ten police and military vehicles escorting us. The neighborhood is a war zone. There are guardhouses and barbwire fences everywhere, checkpoints at every corner. The neighbors have been moved out and paid off. Their houses are now full of troops and security staff. They are from everywhere: FBI, Section 58, CIA, Secret Service, Homeland Security, state police, local police, Interpol; even Scotland Yard is there. There are TV network trucks, camera trucks, satellite feed trucks, foreign country networks trucks, and reporters. The whole world is camped out next to my house. There must be three thousand people around my house. The tanks and missile-launch equipment are over-the-top frightening. My mother is completely freaked out. Nikki is laughing, thinks it is great. My home looks more and more like a fortified prison.
It is decided my mother will move in with me, at least until Sam turns up. He may be hiding out from the FBI. The FBI wants him for questioning; something is up, something not good. Nikki is also staying with me until the end of July, maybe a little later, until the end of her summer break. They laugh together. The hell with it all, I say. Let’s go swimming in the pool!
I’m in the doctor’s office, which was cleared out before I was allowed to go in. Of course there is no privacy; female Secret Service agents are in the office with me. Everyone knows about the upcoming pregnancy test. How embarrassing. Mother is pleased, crazily enough, when it tests positive. Yes, I am pregnant. Knocked up! It is very early, I am reminded, and it might not make it past the next two months, but I know in my heart I will have this baby. It’s destiny.
Nikki is delighted, says I need to let Henry know what has happened. How do I call him? Would it make any difference?
Lord, it is really complicated now. Days pass; I am sick in the mornings. The Secret Service is most protective; they even call the president regularly; I overhear them. The president must have gotten excited about the whole thing, as there is a Secret Service detail inside the house now. The baby and I will have guards twenty-four hours a day, meaning lots of issues for me. There will be no media coverage of the pregnancy; people will go to jail if anything gets out. An aircraft carrier is currently in the harbor, stationed outside of LA, now with an additional purpose, to house prisoners. The fighter jets might come in handy, too. The baby news is top secret, classified, at least until I start to show. No one is sure of the political ramifications. No one wants to face Henry if anything were to happen to me. They say, “Technically, this could be a baby of an alien civilization.”
Oh brother—I think—give me a break!
Mother comes into my bedroom every evening, even several days after the doctor’s visit. She sits down with me, right next to me on my bed, as I am finding it impossible to sleep at night. She strokes my hair, holds my hand. We talk about everything, mostly Henry, and I tell her our story from the beginning. She listens intently, and I feel like her little girl again.
Mother not only listens, she cries and asks questions. Sometimes she laughs; she has fear in her eyes, too. She tells me about when I was born, how proud she was, and that I was a beautiful baby. Her eyes light up, and she tells me her best memories of us together.
Finally, one night, she asks, “Anna, do you love Henry?”
I look at her for a long time, and then I respond with a smile, “Even though we had a very short time together, I do love him. I think of him constantly; he is part of me. I include him in my day, every day, thinking about how he would think about this or that. I say a prayer for him every day. He is the father of our child.” Tears come to my eyes. “Mom, I know what you’re thinking, and I am frightened, too. Is the baby normal? Will I be able to take care of a child, especially Henry’s child? Will the government take my baby? Will some alien civilization take my child? Will the baby look like a human? Will schools accept our child? Will other kids be his or her friends?”
Mother tenderly reaches out to me. “Anna, Anna, this child is your child, and you are wonderful. Your child will be wonderful, too. Don’t worry about any of this. I will be here for you, as will your sister. I like Henry, and I think he will do all he can do to be here for you. Do not worry; many people want to protect you. Many people love you, including me.”
I fall asleep. For the first time in a long time, I really sleep.
After a couple of days, amazingly enough, coincident with the pregnancy, Henry’s law firm wants to visit. They have to talk to me about a financial gift to me from Henry and about his will. A Mr. Beagle and his son, Mark, are coming to visit; they will fly in tomorrow. The Secret Service approved the visit; they know all about the law firm.
Mr. Beagle is quite formal, extremely courteous, says he has known Henry a long time. He is wearing a three-piece suit and must be in his late eighties, of an older generation; he is impressive, seems really smart. His son is the same, also charming. Mother likes them both and keeps smiling at the older Mr. Beagle.
His son is my age or maybe a little older. He is also formal, professional, an attorney who takes clients seriously. Both of them seem smart, with a lot of expertise. They respect Henry, to say the least; they are maybe even in awe of him. People are always unnerved by Henry, so no surprise there.
Mr. Beagle’s son, Mark Beagle, says, “Miss
Summers, you are significant to our firm as you and Henry are our largest client. My father and I want to make you happy with our services. Please, we want to be of use to you. Henry said any problem you have we are to spend whatever time is needed to help you. Actually, he said to treat you as if you were his wife. I have a copy of his will for you. You are the sole beneficiary. He also has indicated we are to add your name on an account set up for him at National Bank, and all his other banks, which makes you half owner. Some of it can be transferred to your local bank if you wish. You have his power of attorney. You are a primary client for us thus we are ready for your needs twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. Most of his money is invested, yet there are a massive amount of liquid, or cash, deposits. We handle all of it, and we take our responsibilities seriously; we have done so for years. There is about a hundred million in cash deposits.”
“Mr. Beagle, wow, that is a lot,” I say. “Now, I really am curious, how much is the estate worth?
He coughs, hesitates, looks around, and then exclaims, “The stock market investments are over three billion dollars!”
Mother almost faints. Nikki gasps, then yells, “Thank you, Henry!”
“Lord, Mr. Beagle, are you sure?” I respond.
“Please call me, Mark. Yes, it grows quickly, and it is definitely over three billion. There are also the real estate and gold investments.”
“Mr. Beagle, or Mark, if I can ask, how much is the rest of the estate worth—with the real estate, all of it—the total as of now?”