by Chad Josey
The young man sat straight in his seat, full of astute conviction in his words he was about to speak. “Mr. President, taking the worst-case event into account, we’re talking about the complete destruction of Earth. There will be mass panic and chaos until the very end. In our opinion, there needs to be an extremely tight control of this information, Sir.”
“Gentlemen, if I may, if you have concerns about my staff knowing about this, then what stops other astronomers from finding out?”
“Good question, Sir,” the youngest man said. “We’ve already taken measures to prevent this information from leaking out from other US observatories. And, we’re developing methods to monitor observatories elsewhere around the world. We feel this is dangerous information if it were to be made public knowledge.”
The President stood, followed by the other six men. “I appreciate your advice, and it is noted. I will take your information, and I will meet only with my Chairman. From there, we will take our action.”
The President placed the sheets of paper given to him by the oldest man inside of a brown folder. Large, red letters were on the front: TOP SECRET.
He sat the folder on top of his desk and turned to shake each person’s hand. The last man to leave the Oval Office was the young man who had the courage to interrupt his superior, earlier.
As they shook hands, the President said, “Thank you, Mr. Bishop, for your candor.”
“Thank you, Mr. President. My honor and my duty, Sir, to express my thoughts.” The other five men were busy speaking with the President’s secretary, Jocelyn.
“Your thoughts? Your colleagues don’t share your opinion?”
“No, in fact, I seem to be the only one taking drastic measures to do anything possible to keep this information secret. That’s why we came to you about this first,” Mr. Bishop said in a softer voice to not be overheard by his colleagues.
“Mr. Bishop, I agree with your assessment. Until we know more, there is no cause to raise the alarm.”
“Thank you again, Mr. President,” the oldest man said followed in unison by the other four.
As the President waved with his free hand to acknowledge their thank you’s, he gripped Mr. Bishop's hand tighter. In a low voice, so only Bishop could hear, the President said, “Our Administration will get back to you soon, Eli.”
November 20, 1963
Washington, D.C.
“JOCELYN, CAN YOU come here?” The President’s voice shouted from the Oval Office with a pronounced Massachusetts accent.
His secretary entered the doorway. Thick-framed, black glasses hid heavy wrinkles around her eyes. “Yes, Mr. President?”
“Jocelyn, I need you to cancel all my meetings for the afternoon.”
“Yes, Mr. President. What about the House Committee review session at three o’clock?”
“Reschedule it. Thank you, Jocelyn.”
Jocelyn was used to short commands given to her. “You’re welcome, Mr. President.” She pulled closed the soundproof door leaving the Oval Office.
Moments after she had left, the East Door to the Rose Garden opened. One of the President’s Secret Service Agents entered.
“Yes, Agent Boyd?”
“Good afternoon, Mr. President.” Agent Boyd walked the perimeter of the Oval Office. A cloud of smoke from his daily pack of Winston’s followed him. Agent Boyd reached under the corner of the coffee table in the center of the floor. Inside a hidden pen socket, he pressed a small button.
“Agent, why did you turn off the recording system?”
“Mr. President, I have the information you wanted me to get.”
Agent Boyd paced the floor between the Resolute Desk and the East Door. His hands shook holding a folder thick with files.
“Sir, I have to ask… are you sure you want to go public?”
Sam Boyd was more than the President’s personal assigned Secret Service Agent. He had become one of his most entrusted confidants, given his proximity to the President.
“Sam, without a doubt. I have struggled with the truth for over two years. I’ve lied to the American People about our hidden intentions to go to the Moon—”
“But, Mr. President. You’ve done so with great conviction because it has to be done.”
“I believe if we tell the People the truth, then we can garner the support we need to go forward with our true mission.”
Agent Boyd continued pacing. Sweat rolled down his face even though an early snowfall had enveloped Washington.
“I'm convinced the truth will bring us together as a nation… as a planet.” The President stood from behind his desk and walked to the facing sofas in the center of the room and sat beside Agent Boyd. “Surely, you are aware this is the right thing to do, or you wouldn’t be helping me?”
“Mr. President, I serve at your pleasure and follow your orders.”
“The same orders you promised when you took your oath to protect this Office.” The President wanted to confirm what he knew to be true with Agent Boyd.
“Yes. When Project Eden contacted me to develop security protocols for them based on my familiarity with our protocols here at the White House, I knew I must inform you straight away.”
The President could tell his friend was not his normal self. He placed his hand on the Agent's shoulder to regain his focus.
“Sam, thank you for coming to me when they approached you.” He patted Agent Boyd’s shoulder. “And, thank you for bringing me the project plan documents.”
Agent Boyd poured himself a glass of water and took a sip. The water rippled from his shaking hand.
“You asked me to get any information I could on their plans.”
“Sam, don’t worry. I will take the complete blame for this.”
“Sir, I am not worried about me. I read the plan documents before coming here… and…”
Agent Boyd scanned around the Oval Office in complete paranoia. He lowered his voice. “I’m worried about this Country and how Eden intends to fund their programs.”
The President stood from the sofa with the documents from Agent Boyd in hand. He removed the stapled papers and flipped through them as he walked toward the East Door.
“Mr. President, from what I saw, they are planning diversion tactics to extend the conflict in Vietnam.”
Papers ruffled in the President's hands. Murmurs under the President’s breath floated to Agent Boyd on the sofa.
“They talk about getting involved down South to stir up trouble with the Negros… all to deflect attention away from Eden when they funnel money to their project.”
The President listened while he read the documents. He turned to Sam.
“This is exactly why I wanted this information. I can tell the American People the truth… about 2020… about how certain elements in the government wish to create these diversions impacting so many lives. The People will support the funding necessary for this project. We mustn't do this in secret.”
Agent Boyd joined the President standing by the East Door. The agent placed his hands in his pockets preventing them from shaking noticeably in front of the President.
“Mr. President, hasn't Eden made you aware of their plans? It appears they are extremely detailed. I imagine they will not stop for anything to protect their project.”
“No… I met with the six men two years ago when they first learned of it. They prepared my speech I gave to Congress about our mission to the Moon.”
Agent Boyd raised his eyebrows to the President in disbelief. The President’s admission his speech, which has rallied the entire country behind the mission to the Moon, were not his words.
“And, I had one follow-up meeting with Eli Bishop to get his further insights into the discovery. If I recall correctly, Mr. Bishop was the only one who cautioned me about keeping this information secret from the public.”
“Mr. President, if you look at the plan documents. They are all signed by E. Bishop.”
Flipping again through the documents, the President con
firmed the signatures. He slammed the folder on his desk causing the papers inside to slide across his desk.
“I gave them orders to continue with their project without keeping me updated. I needed to maintain a sense of plausible deniability.” The President pushed his hand through his impeccable brown hair. “This was clearly a mistake.”
Agent Boyd placed his hand between the shoulder blades of the President. He sensed the President’s frustration.
“All the agony going on, all the suffering in this land. I'm confident we can truly unite the World behind this just cause. These petty issues will go away since we all will come together to ensure our survival,” the President said.
“Sir, it’s a beautiful dream, but what happens if you’re wrong and chaos rules.”
“Sam, that was what Mr. Bishop told me during our first meeting.”
The President walked behind his desk and pressed the speaker button on his phone.
“Yes, Mr. President,” Jocelyn said, her voice coming through the speaker on the desk.
“Jocelyn, please set-up a meeting with Eli Bishop here in the Oval Office as soon as you can.”
The President turned his head to Agent Boyd and whispered, “I will talk with him first to inform him of my plan to tell the Public.”
“Mr. President, your first available date is this Saturday the 23rd, when you come back from Dallas.”
“Very well. This November has been busy. Please set that meeting up with him and with Agent Boyd.”
“Yes, Sir. Is there anything else?”
“No. Thank you, Jocelyn.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. President.” The speaker on the desk clicked indicating the microphone had turned off.
The President led Agent Boyd back to the East Door as both men left the Oval Office and stood outside. Crisp air smacked them as large snowflakes fell at their shoes under the awning of the Rose Garden.
The President took the agent’s hand. “Sam, thank you again for bringing me the information. The Country owes you a tremendous debt for your service.”
Agent Boyd did not make eye contact with the President as he thanked him. Guilt grew inside him as he dealt with an internal conflict. Do I support my President, or follow through with the plan Mr. Bishop instructed me with?
The snowfall stopped as the dusting covered the ground with patches of green grass across the North Lawn. Agent Boyd walked down Pennsylvania Avenue, then turned on 15th Avenue. Darkness had fallen over D.C., as office workers left for the evening. At the corner of K Street, Agent Boyd entered a payphone booth and dialed.
“Yes,” a voice said on the other end of the line.
“He wants to meet with you.” Agent Boyd hid his face under the collar of his jacket and held his head down.
“When?”
“Saturday… you promised me a place in Eden, if I helped you.”
“So, he has seen our plans.”
“Yes,” Agent Boyd replied.
A static-filled pause came through the receiver. “Good. Where will he be before our meeting?”
“Dallas.”
“Okay, we will take it from here.” The line died.
Agent Boyd hung up the phone and left the phone booth continuing down Vermont Avenue. Office workers from nearby congressional buildings passed him.
God help me… what have I done?
9-Somebody’s Watching
PRESENT - Stony Brook, New York
1,831 Days Prior to Impact
FIVE DAYS HAD PASSED since the limo had picked up Joe from his house in New York. Gone was his excitement of getting paid to present his research. Instead, paranoia ate at Joe as Thomas drove Joe back to his house in Stony Brook.
How am I going to keep this a secret from Mary?
The familiar sights of his neighborhood flew outside the windows. Ivy-adorned, brick buildings of campus peeked above the treetops. Joe was home.
Okay, get yourself together. Act normal.
Somber, Joe sat in the back of the limo. His hair combed perfect, his white dress shirt tucked into his dress pants, and his clean, freshly pressed suit jacket masked Joe’s anxiety caused by little sleep since meeting Gabriel. The limo stopped in the driveway of Joe and Mary’s townhouse.
Here goes.
Joe took a deep breath just before Thomas opened the rear door and removed Joe’s bags from the trunk handing them to him.
“I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again.” One of the longer statements to Joe, which Thomas had made during the past several days.
Joe staggered to his front door relieved to be home, but worried. The engine of the car roared behind him as Thomas left. Joe fumbled in his pockets searching for his keys when the door opened. Mary stood in the doorway.
“How was your trip? Did they love your presentation?” she asked reaching through kissing him.
Joe did not respond. Instead, as she kissed him, he reached his arms around her waist pulling her close. Relieved Mary was okay, he held her tighter and longer than a normal hug should last.
“Wow, I missed you too,” Mary said with a soft whisper pulling her lips from his. Joe held her, not letting go. “Everything, okay?”
Joe released his grip. Mary pulled away. “Uh, I just… I missed ya, that’s all.” He kissed her again and took his bags into the living room.
“Sorry, I didn’t call you. Things got real busy.” Joe walked to the bookcase examining the area where he had expected to find a camera.
This should be where it is because I saw Mary sitting right there.
Joe looked toward the kitchen table in eyesight from the bookcase in the living room.
“Oh, that’s okay. That’s what I figured. So, how was the presentation?”
Joe heard Mary’s question but continued searching across the bookcase finding nothing. “Uh… the presentation? It went well.” As well as it can be considering I never gave it.
“How many people did you speak in front of?”
“Oh… um… I’d say at least fifty or so.” Joe recited the answers he had practiced with Gabriel before he had left Colorado.
“How long did you get to speak?”
“I was scheduled for two hours, but with the questions, we went all afternoon.”
Mary’s interrogation continued. Joe felt her excitement since she normally did not show too much interest in his daily research.
“Did you get good feedback about it?”
“Oh, yeah.” His eyes examined the different ornaments and decorations in the room. “Um… uh… yeah. I had several people come up after saying they wanted to learn more.”
“Anyone offer to finance any of your projects?”
“You can kinda say that.”
Unsatisfied he found no cameras, Joe plopped down on the sofa releasing a large sigh. Mary sat beside him rubbing his shoulders.
“Long trip, I bet?”
“Too long. I’m just glad to be back.”
Joe reached inside the front pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out two envelopes full of hundred-dollar bills. “Here, check this out.” Joe’s heart thumped in his chest, his eyes continuing to scan the room.
Mary opened the envelope. Joe saw the whites of her eyes expand as she ran her thumb across the stack of hundreds. “So, the organization was real then?”
“Oh, it’s real all right.” Too real.
“Did you get more information about what this organization is, and what they’re about?”
Joe darted his eyes around the room. The truth he had learned the past several days wanted to creep out of his mouth.
Tell her the world is coming to an end. Tell her a planet will collide with Earth. Tell her not to worry because they will be okay… they will escape and go to Mars. His thoughts sounded insane just thinking them to himself. Joe released a quiet, sarcastic laugh.
“It’s a philanthropic group that wants to fund programs which can advance cancer research. And, they want me to support their organization.”
; “Does that mean you will work for them? What about your lab?” Mary placed the envelopes on the coffee table in front of them as she continued massaging Joe’s shoulders.
“They want me to continue at my job for the next six months. We'll discuss them funding me either at my lab or a full transition to their group.”
“That means we’re moving?” Mary stopped moving her hand across his back waiting for Joe’s response.
Joe slowly spun around sliding off the sofa and placed his knees on the floor in front of Mary facing her. He placed his hands on the sides of her hips and looked up into her eyes.
“Mary…” he said wanting desperately to tell her the full truth. “I think we’ll be moving, but I don’t have all the details yet.”
She placed her hands on his cheeks. The warmth of her palms was soothing. “If this organization will support you and your work, I’m okay to move anywhere with you.”
“I’m glad you said that.” He turned his head to the right and placed his head on her lap. A familiar comfort fell upon him.
“I love you,” he said pressing his hands tighter on her hips.
“Maybe you should travel more often. I like how clingy you are right now,” Mary said running her hand through his hair.
Joe lifted his head and kissed her. “I’m going to get a shower. And, I think I'll rest this afternoon.”
“Good idea. Take a shower and a nap. I should go to the school anyway… I’ll see you tonight.” They stood together giving each other another hug and a kiss.
A few minutes later, Mary left for work as Joe carried his luggage upstairs with his backpack draped across his shoulder. The bottom of his bag clanged against each stair step. His strength had left him.
Relieved and anxious, Joe opened the door to their bedroom. His eyes scanned the room. Memories of sex with Mary flashed through his mind.
They’ve watched us...
Joe unpacked. The clean, folded shirts, he never had worn, returned inside the dresser beside the bed. He inspected his alarm clock yielding no apparent cameras. His image reflected in the black mirror of the television screen.
Huh, no cameras here in the TV.
He straightened as he stood seeing his image in the mirror above the dresser behind the television. Picture frames hung on the wall behind him. Joe inspected those, but they hid nothing but memories.
