by Ballan, Greg
“When did the experiments on humans begin?” Erik inquired, changing his line of questioning and drawing confused looks from the human delegation.
“Fifty or so years ago, a small group of scientists violated our laws and began performing unauthorized experiments on humans. We were not aware of these activities until a different group of our scientists arrived and discovered the violation. They immediately notified our home world and punitive actions were exercised against those who perpetrated the abductions and unauthorized landings,” Diplomat answered.
“We are grateful for that,” Erik replied in a friendly tone.
Diplomat acknowledged Erik’s words with a nod but said nothing.
“One last question, if you have such a good archive of our history and you had documented accounts of abductions and violations of humans by your species, why did you keep coming here? If you knew that the human race was paranoid and easily provoked wasn’t it a grave mistake to send another ship here? Wouldn’t your assessment of the human condition lead you to believe that the ship would be attacked, based on the prior fifty-year history and the history you have of the human response to threats as a whole … for five thousand years?” Erik asked.
“We were not aware of your advancements in detection technology when we sent the scout ship with the mandate to study the Terran ecosystem. No one expected the scout ship to get attacked,” Diplomat responded.
“Would it be fair to say that if you were aware of the enhanced capability of humans to detect and attack your ships that you would have not authorized the trip?” Erik asked.
“That is a fair assessment.”
“But then why did you launch your armada several days ago? At that point you must have been aware of the human’s capability of attacking Observer ships. If not, then the first attack outside of Mars should have alerted you that your arrival was being anticipated. Wasn’t it a simple exercise in logic to deduce that the humans would keep attacking because of their history of paranoia, which you so clearly pointed out only minutes ago?”
Diplomat was silent for several seconds. His large black alien eyes narrowed and then expanded in a series of dramatic movements as he considered Erik’s line of questions.
Erik continued, “Let me confess something. The only reason you had a base to attack was because you got here first. If I had made it to Groom Lake before you did, you would have found nothing but a barren wasteland. I wanted to wreak a terrible vengeance upon those who took my wife from me, just as you did. You leveled Groom Lake because they took your son. I destroyed your probes and attacked your ships because I was afraid that you were going to harm my family.” Erik placed a gentle hand on Diplomat’s shoulder. “I felt I had a right to vengeance.” Erik paused then added, “We were both wrong, Diplomat. We both found the excuses we needed to exercise the power at our command and we both took comfort that we were justified, forced into acts of vengeance.”
Diplomat was still silent; his shoulders slumped. “I am ashamed, Esper. I too wanted to avenge the abduction of my son. It was easier to prepare for war and personally exact punishment. Following the first attack, I was glad because it gave me the excuse I needed to exact punitive measures against those who took my son,” Diplomat whispered.
“We were both acting out of love – love for our family. That’s a powerful, blinding incentive,” Erik acknowledged. “We were wrong for firing on your ship. I can only add that these actions were not sanctioned by our government, but by some rogue people who will be rooted out, then punished. I give you my word on that.”
The alien took Erik’s hand. “Your words are wise, Esper. I find a new respect for your race. I came here ready to accuse and find myself seeking forgiveness for my own blind pursuit of revenge.”
“Let’s put this behind us and move forward, as friends,” Erik offered.
“Agreed,” Diplomat replied as he stood and shook Erik’s hand.
* * * *
Sighs of relief were audible as the Esper and Observer clasped hands in friendship.
Diplomat, Erik, Arthur Phelps and the president walked toward the massive mother ship. Phelps spotted another Observer waiting at the doorway. “Gray!” he waved. Phelps took off at a run to meet his friend.
“Arthur, it is good to see you again. I trust all went well in the talks?”
“I think we all agreed that nobody’s behavior was beyond reproach and all agreed to wipe the slate clean,” Phelps said as the others caught up.
Diplomat approached his son and put a gentle hand on his shoulder. He looked up at the hybrid and nodded.
“As they say on your world, it has been a pleasure.” Diplomat said.
“I hope that this is only a beginning,” Erik replied.
“I will take your proposal of peace and trade to our world for consideration. We will send word back to you within four months. Our base in the asteroids will be dismantled and then we will return to our world. I will make your case to my people and go from there.” Diplomat said this as he looked over at the President.
“Mr. President, may I make one formal request,” Diplomat asked.
“If it’s within my power,” the president responded.
Diplomat cleared his throat. “Arthur Phelps, we would like to extend to you an invitation to our world. My son has told me much of your life here and how unhappy you are. There are other worlds with humanoid life where people with your qualities are appreciated.”
The president looked toward the sergeant, “If he wishes to, he’s free to go.”
Gray pleaded, “Arthur, I do not wish to end our friendship. There are wonders beyond imagining and worlds that defy description in your language – all out there for you to see and experience.”
* * * *
Phelps trembled at the thought of embarking on such an adventure.
“Here’s your chance to boldly go where no man has gone before,” Erik said tapping Phelps’ shoulder. “You’re the most caring individual I’ve come across in a long time, Arthur. You’d be an excellent representative of what’s good in humanity.”
“You have a good reference, Mr. Phelps and you’ve clearly made an excellent first impression.” The president offered as encouragement.
Phelps thought of how he’d always dreamed of going into space, to explore new worlds hoping to meet new people and discover new places. This offer was the answer to all of his dreams. He had nobody here who cared about him or would miss his absence. He made his decision.
“Let’s go!” he whooped like an excited boy about to embark on a great adventure.
Diplomat watched Gray and Arthur as they disappeared into the ship’s belly then turned back to convey his farewell. “Be well, President,” Diplomat said as he shook the president’s hand.
“Have a safe journey,” the president replied, smiling profusely.
Diplomat looked to Erik with fondness. “It is good to see that the Esper race has not completely vanished. They were a noble race. They chose wisely when they imparted their gifts to you, Erik Knight. I have learned much from you and look forward to seeing you again. When I return I would like to talk more about the Espers; I sense that you have much to tell.”
“I would welcome the opportunity,” Erik replied, nodding.
“Be well, Erik Knight. I wish your family health and happiness.” Diplomat cocked his head and gave one last parting nod then went up the ramp.
Erik and the president watched the small ship lift off and disappear into the larger ship. Then the massive ship lifted off effortlessly and quickly rose into the heavens.
“Have a safe journey, Sergeant Phelps,” Erik whispered. “May you find happiness out there amongst the stars.”
* * * *
The desert had a sullen quiet, a far cry from the activity of the past few days. The president and Erik walked back toward the facility, surveying the wreckage of Area 51.
“What a costly mess,” the president mumbled.
“Better one base than the ent
ire planet,” Erik replied. The president tilted his head at Erik and nodded somberly.
“But the job’s not done yet. We’ve averted annihilation, now we need to uproot the cause of our near miss.”
Erik raised an eyebrow in question.
“The metaphorical we,” the president corrected himself.
“Mr. President, I’ve been bouncing around all over the globe. I’ve been shot at with guns and beam weapons, pounded by explosives and attacked by giant walking toasters and robot spider things. I’ve had enough for one lifetime. I just want to go home.”
The president gave him a ‘not-gonna-happen’ look. “Mr. Knight, we need you in Washington throughout the investigation into the underground government that’s responsible for this ugly episode. How about, the Pentagon – next week?”
“Mr. President, I don’t think you were listening. I’m on leave until further notice. I have a wife I haven’t seen for nearly two months and a child that was born without me. I thought Martin Denton made it clear that I was only in this job part time.”
The President frowned. “Agent Knight, your country still needs you.”
“Mr. President, my family needs me. I’ve already saved the world twice in less than three years. I think the people we actually pay to keep things running smoothly should try it, just once.”
The president laughed despite himself, “I’m told there’s no substitute for experience. The third time should be a cake walk.”
Erik was laughing at the remark as they both stepped into the elevator.
“Give me a lift home in your jet, and we can talk about it,” Erik countered as the elevator lowered them into the depths of Groom Lake.
EPILOGUE
Birth date +20 days
Martin arrived at Erik’s office to deliver both good and bad news. “We’ve nailed several members of the Senate Arms Services Committee and the Congressional Oversight Committee as well as some of the president’s own cabinet. Thanks to your work and the files from Nancy Bertoni, we’ve gathered almost all of the rats.”
“By the way, how is she doing?” Erik asked as he leafed through the Washington reports.
“Fine. We moved the family back home and they’re under a security watch until everything is under control.”
“What about the car?”
Martin smiled. “How you ever found a body shop to rebuild a scrap car from just the frame and those salvaged parts is beyond me. Why didn’t you just buy her son a new one if you wanted him to have a car?” Denton asked.
“Because that particular car is that boy’s last link to his father. I didn’t want the last memory of his father to be of that car going up in flames. Now he’ll have it back.” Erik smiled knowingly.
“It was a nice gesture, Erik. The rebuild was greatly appreciated by both Nancy and her son.”
“Good.” Erik tossed the folder he was reading on the table. “When do the Groom Lake trials start, and more importantly who busted Pendelton?”
Denton rubbed his chin, looking uncomfortable. “Here’s how things have played out. We’ve had a series of setbacks and reconsiderations pertaining to the trials of these people.”
“Oh, really?” Erik said, an outrageous expression surfacing.
“Washington has decided that a public trial would do more harm than good. Plus national and global economic considerations came into play.”
Erik shook his head in disappointment. “What about Pendelton?”
Denton felt his stomach knot. “All records that could have indicted Pendelcorp have disappeared or been confiscated by the Department of Homeland Security. We raided Pendelcorp and the companies that were contracting with Pendelcorp and we came up empty.”
“What do you mean empty? We had pages of documents and dated files to put Richard Pendelton and his cronies away for life! For Christ’s sake, did Nancy Bertoni risk her life getting me that data for nothing?”
“Bargains were made and deals were cut. I don’t like it any more than you do. Pendelton ratted out a great number of people who weren’t on our list as a show of good faith – to keep his ass out of jail. That’s what goes on in our business. Sometimes we let one small fish go to catch three bigger ones.”
“You mean if it’ll embarrass the sitting administration, things get buried for the sake of an upcoming re-election campaign,” Erik fired back with contempt.
“Erik, the public’s trust in their government would be crushed. The stock market is closely knit to the political climate in Washington. It’s all based on a perceived index of confidence in our established system. If this mess sees the light of day, it’ll make the 9-11 stock market slump seem like a one-day dip. Our country’s economy still hasn’t completely recovered from 9-11. If our economy collapses, so do several world economies that are closely linked to ours. If we tank right now it gives the Europeans a big boost that we can’t afford to let them have. The country cannot endure this type of bad news – not at this particular time.” Denton saw that his words were falling on deaf ears.
“Pendelton hatched the plot to assassinate Monique LaSalle and was behind the abduction of Shanda.”
“I’m aware that,” Denton said averting his gaze.
“And you want me to do nothing? Let this stand?” Erik asked.
“Yes,” Denton replied, nodding.
“What about all the soldiers and airmen that died fighting the Observers? What about their families, Martin? We owe them closure!”
“They’ll all be taken care of. A scandal this big simply can’t be brought into the light of day. Confidence in our government would be shattered and our economy would slip into the toilet for years. It would be a disaster from which we wouldn’t recover,” Denton insisted.
* * * *
Erik hated it but he eventually saw the merit in Martin’s position. He’d wanted, so badly, to see Richard Pendelton sink, not only for what he’d done to him and to his family but for what he’d put Margaret and Brianna through as well.
After several tense seconds, Erik sat down behind his desk. He reached into a drawer and took out an empty 9mm bullet and began twirling the bullet around his fingertips.
“As much as it pains me, I have to admit that your argument has a great deal of validity. I’ll confess, I want Richard Pendelton’s head on my trophy shelf, but if the government isn’t going to prosecute, there’s no point in me digging any further.”
“This isn’t how I wanted this to play out, Erik. Pendelton has put you, Shanda, and Erik Jr. through hell. Even if we tried Pendelton by himself, he’d no doubt drag everyone down with him or he’d have his attorneys plea bargain, using the threat of exposure as political leverage. It’s simply too great a risk to take.” Denton raised his hands in a powerless gesture. “Feel free to smash something if it’ll help. Just stay away from my car. I’m particularly fond of this one.”
Erik smiled despite himself. Martin always knew the right time to inject a joke.
Denton shifted on his feet, hesitated, then finally added, “Richard told me to relay a message to you.”
“Oh?”
“His part of your agreement has been fulfilled.”
Erik nodded with satisfaction. “Well, that’s something.”
“Care to tell me?” Denton asked.
“A sidebar arrangement to have the contract killing on young Miss LaSalle terminated.” Erik tossed the 9mm round back in the desk drawer.
“What now, Erik?” Denton asked. “You’ve earned some vacation time. Plan on traveling or staying close to home?”
“I had given the president my informal resignation but he wouldn’t accept even the thought of it. Instead he offered me what he called a ‘working vacation.’ I was going to turn it down but my lady boss expressed an interest.”
“And?”
“Paris for four,” Erik beamed. “President LaSalle and the Mrs. have extended us an invitation which I’ve already accepted on behalf of my wife, son and daughter. It’ll be a diplomatic vacation o
f sorts; you know, a continued venue of healing. We’ll tour with the French first family, answer carefully choreographed questions from friendly reporters – get a flavor for France. After that, it’ll be just me, Shanda, EJ, and Brianna for the rest of the vacation.”
“EJ?” Denton asked.
“Shanda’s nickname for Erik Jr. I called him EJ once and it stuck.”
Denton gathered up his briefcase and headed toward the door. Before he walked through, he seemed to remember something and reached into his coat pocket. “This is from the firm. Consider it a bonus and a baby shower gift all in one.” Martin walked to Erik and handed him a square envelope, then promptly departed.
Erik pocketed the card envelope and headed toward his apartment where he found Shanda fussing over the baby. EJ was propped in an infant chair happily watching a mobile.
“How did your meeting go?” she asked.
“Pretty much bad news all the way around. Richard Pendelton gets a free pass as do the political cronies we rounded up.” Erik sighed heavily.
Shanda gasped in horror. “They’re just going to skate?”
“Yup. There’ll be some resignations and reassignments, and I’m sure the guilty will be watched closely.” Erik slumped on the couch, totally dejected..
“Oh my God,” Shanda said fuming. “They’re sweeping it all under the rug?”
Erik shrugged, then remembering Denton’s card, he reached into his pocket and produced the yellow greeting card envelope. “A gift from the firm to us,” he announced, handing Shanda the card.
Shanda opened it and slipped out an elegant baby shower card with words of congratulations. Shanda’s eyes began to tear.
“Dear Shanda and Erik,” she read aloud in a quivering voice. “Congratulations on the birth of your son. May all the greatest blessings be bestowed upon your new family. Erik, everyone at the firm wishes you the best and extend their sincerest thanks for all your hard work, sacrifice and dedication. Please accept this gift from the firm as a token of our appreciation. You and Shanda are truly a part of our corporate family.” She unfolded the check and gaped. Once a tad recovered she said, “Erik, it’s for a quarter million dollars.”
