The Alpha Premonition: Book 1: A Gathering Storm

by Steve Catalano

  “General Bellinger is a loose cannon, but he and his group get things done for the government, so it’s a don’t ask, don’t tell relationship with the executive and legislative branches.”

  “Perhaps it’s time to change that. I think the judicial branch might feel differently about him and his group’s activities, Roger.”

  “Lynn, let’s not tip our hand just yet. We have no evidence, but knowledge is power. I think it’s best to keep a low profile. That is the smartest and safest course of action for now.”

  “I agree, Roger, and I think the shot fired at me was part of a plan, perhaps to scare me into hiding, perhaps to restrict my activities. Time will tell.”

  “So, Paul, can I get one of those lie detector data-links, too? It would be great to use on my kids.”

  Lynn, Paul, and Roger all laughed, and Paul retorted with, “I don’t know if it works as well on teenagers as it does on corrupt Generals and their staffs.”

  Home once again, and Roger was off for a few days to spend some time with his family. His temporary replacement and Lynn were preparing to have dinner with Paul.

  Agent Derek Helms cast a glance over to Lynn. “Why don’t you both have a nice dinner? I will hang out in the other room.”

  “You are a guest in my home, Derek. I would be honored if you would dine with us. Besides, Lynn is cooking, and she bakes some mean enchiladas. And I make a pretty decent salsa salad. And if you clean your plate, I might even share some of my German chocolate cake ice cream with you,”

  “German chocolate cake ice cream? What in the world is that, Paul?”

  “I thought you Treasury guys knew everything! It’s light chocolate with caramel, coconut, walnuts, and fudge pieces in it. It’s my favorite.”

  “Wow, sounds like it just might be mine, too! Thanks, Paul. I appreciate your always gracious hospitality.”

  Every agent assigned to protect Paul and his family enjoyed the friendship and hospitality that was always present. They all enjoyed Paul and his family. Most were also aware of Lynn and Paul’s feelings for each other.

  13

  The President had retired early; he had had a long day. The ringing of the telephone awakened him. He picked up the handset.

  “Mr. President, General Bellinger here. I am sorry to wake you, Mr. President, but we have a crisis situation aboard the space shuttle.”

  “What is the nature of the crisis, General?”

  “As you know, Mr. President, the mission was top secret, and its purpose was to test some new weaponry that that could take out satellites and intercontinental ballistic missiles using ultrasonic as well as particle and laser weaponry.”

  “Yes, General, as I recall I was not crazy about the idea, but was under the impression that the shuttle and its crew would at no time be at risk.”

  “Mr. President, I was as well, but unfortunately, there has been an accident, one that resulted in some critical damage. We have put together a new assembly that should replace and repair the damaged components. But, without getting into details, the situation is time-critical, and we don’t have another shuttle even close to ready, and we are days away from a launch window, even if we did.”

  “What are our options, General?”

  “We have none, sir, except one - Paul Christian and his ship. Based on the Intel that we have, he does not need a launch window and could make the journey in less than an hour. The assembly/repair package is waiting at Area 51.”

  “I will contact him immediately and will get back to you. And, General?”

  “Yes, Mr. President?”

  “You can bet your stars that there will be a civil investigation, in addition to the Military Board of Inquiry.”

  “I understand, Mr. President, and just so you know, we have imposed a communications blackout in regard to this crisis. Only a handful of people know of the situation, and I intend to keep it that way. This mission was a violation of a few treaties, and I would not want to put this Administration in a bad light.”

  “General, my first concern is the safety of that shuttle crew. It had better be yours as well. Let me worry about my Administration’s public image after that crew is safe. I will be back with you as soon as possible.”

  “Thank you, Mr. President.”

  Paul Christian was at yet another speaking engagement. This one was in a local television studio being filmed live. His cell phone was vibrating. He peeked and did not recognize the number displayed.

  A couple of minutes later, Agents Brend and Helm both informed the producer that Paul had an incoming call. It was from the President of the United States. The producer went to commercial, and Lynn handed Paul the phone.

  “Paul, this is the President. We have a critical situation aboard the Space shuttle, and need your help.”

  Paul’s face turned somber, and his glance widened as the President told him about the crisis and explained the importance of keeping the situation quiet and information on a need-to-know basis. Paul felt a bit guilty looking at his data link, which was showing solid green. He was relieved; he liked the President and trusted him.

  “Mr. President, I can be airborne in less than ninety minutes and be at Area 51 in less than two hours from now. Depending on where the shuttle is, forty-five minutes or less to rendezvous.”

  “Paul, this country and I are once again in your debt. Good luck and Godspeed.”

  Paul looked at the producer, “Sorry, Pete, family emergency. I promise I’ll be back so we can finish this interview up.”

  Paul briskly walked over to Lynn and Derek. “We need to go - now!”

  “Where are we going?”

  “To the Alpha. I have a little errand to run.”

  As they hurried to the car Paul spoke into his data/com link.

  “AIMI, unlock security protocol, twinkle, twinkle, little star. Authorization Christian, Alpha Omega, execute.”

  “Accepted. Standing by, Paul.”

  “AIMI, run all auto pre-start checklists, and commence Quantum drive initialization. Prepare for atmospheric and orbital flight. I will be there in twenty minutes. Plan departure in thirty.”

  Derek asked Paul, “So what can you tell us, Paul? Where are we going?”

  “Sorry, guys. It’s a surprise birthday party. It’s just going to be me.”

  Derek and Lynn knew there was some sort of a crisis involved, by both the President’s tone and Paul Christian’s demeanor. “We are sorry, too, Paul. Per Presidential directive, we go where you go.”

  “This party might involve an evacuation, so we are going to have to compromise. I only have one open seat.”

  Derek deferred to Lynn. “I’m only guest help, so Lynn, it’s going to be you.”

  As they approached the Portland Air National Guard base, security was very tight, but the armed guards recognized Paul and cleared him out to the hardstand spot where the Alpha was parked. The Alpha was now fully powered-up, and ready for departure.

  Base Commander Colonel Mitchell Stevens was waiting as the car pulled up. The Colonel and the base had thrown a little party for Paul, and the two had bonded in friendship. Paul introduced Derek to the Colonel. Lynn he had met at the party.

  “Nice to see you again, Agent Brend.”

  “For me as well, Colonel.”

  “Anything you need from us, Paul? I have two F-15s on alert to fly escort.”

  “Just a cold one when I get back, and I’m going supersonic, very supersonic, so I don’t think the other birds could keep up.”

  “A cold one; consider it done. Here are some provisions for your trip.”

  The Colonel had several military box lunches, a couple of coffee thermoses, juices, energy drinks, fruit and vegetable trays, and assorted snacks.

  “Bon appétit, Paul.”

  “Thanks, Mitch. See you soon.”

  The new auto
mation software that Paul had written and AIMI had fine-tuned worked quite well. AIMI had started a countdown clock based on Paul’s departure estimate. Less than five minutes to go.

  Strapped next to Paul was Lynn, who glanced at him, smiled, and said, “You know, Paul? This is my first ride in the Alpha. Are you going to tell me where we are going?”

  “First stop - Area 51. Load up, then rendezvous with the shuttle.”

  “Something went wrong with the shuttle, right?”

  “Yes, Lynn, and the situation is time-critical.”

  “I understand. I figured it must be either the Space Station or the shuttle. I hope no one is injured.”

  “Not yet, Lynn, and hopefully after our pick-up and delivery, all will be well. It’s all super-top-secret, but with your security clearance, you already know how all that stuff works.”

  Paul made the transition on the Quantum drive from static to dynamic. The Alpha lifted off just as the clock counted down to zero.

  “Portland Departure, November 1 Alpha with you, out of 5,000 for 10,000.”

  “November 1 Alpha. You are cleared, direct destination, speed and altitude of your choice.”

  “Direct destination. We will be climbing to 100,000.”

  “Call Seattle Center on 126.65. Have a great trip.”

  “Seattle on 126.65. Thank you, and have a great evening.”

  In less than five minutes, the Alpha was at 100,000 feet and cruising at over Mach five, or five times the speed of sound - better than 3,200 knots per hour. With deceleration and time for the approach, they were less than fifteen minutes from landing in the Nevada desert at Area 51.

  “So, will we make much of a sonic boom, Paul?”

  “Should be none, Lynn. The Quantum field ameliorates that.”

  “Wow, that’s incredible. You sure know how to take a woman for a romantic joyride. And when we land, will I be considered an Astronaut?”

  “Sorry ‘bout that; not quite high enough yet. But I believe it will be a speed record for the fastest female in a non-orbital recovery and landing. Would you like me to notify Guinness, Ripley, or the Federation Aeronique - the organization that certifies aviation records? I think for $500 dollars they will give you parchment mounted on a plaque.”

  Lynn laughed, “No, I’m just fine for now.”

  “After we depart Area 51 and climb into orbit, then you will be an astronaut.”

  Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center had just handed the Alpha over to Tonopah Local. It had autonomous authority over Area 51.

  “Tonopah Local, this is November 1 Alpha, out of flight level 350 for 10,000.”

  “November 1 Alpha. You are cleared for decent, approach, and landing.”

  Paul commenced a rapid deceleration as he flew over Area 51. It was pitch black outside, but it was well illuminated. As he crossed the runway threshold, he was doing less than eighty knots and still slowing.

  “November 1 Alpha. We have a staging area prepared for you. It is lit up with spotlights, about midfield.”

  “Thank you, Tonopah. I have it in sight and will proceed to it.” Paul quickly secured the Alpha.

  “Quantum drive to static, thrusters to standby, all primary and secondary systems to standby. AIMI, prep all systems for atmospheric flight with orbital transition. We will be departing in less than thirty minutes, with some critical cargo for the space shuttle.”

  “Lynn, you want to sit tight in here while I handle the logistics of our cargo?”

  “I should be with you, but you should be safe on this installation. It does not get more secure than Area 51.”

  As Paul opened the door, it looked like he was expected. In fact, it looked like a small army surrounded the Alpha. He was led over to a vehicle that was to transport him to what appeared to be the main building complex of Area 51.

  Two armed soldiers and what he assumed to be private security accompanied him into the building.

  “So, guys, what’s the scoop? Where’s the cargo? I understand that we are on a very compressed timeline.”

  “Sorry, we do not have any information. Our orders are to bring you to a secure room for briefing.”

  “Orders from whom?” questioned Paul Christian.

  “General Bellinger.”

  Paul was starting to have the feeling that all was not as it seemed. He felt as if the hairs on his neck were standing up. He paused and looked at his data link. AIMI, can you put Lynn on the com link?”

  “She just departed with some soldiers. The leader told her that you had changed your mind and wanted her to join you.”

  The soldier had obviously been less than truthful with Lynn.

  “AIMI, secure the Alpha and execute twinkle, twinkle, little star.”

  AIMI sealed up the Alpha and locked out all systems from manual control. She then started to scan the base for certain distinctive biological signatures, and began to execute a program that was imbedded in her memory core - a program that Paul Christian had never added or was even aware of.

  Paul turned to the men that were escorting him and said, “You need to take me back to the ship, now!”

  “We can’t do that, sir. Our orders are to take you to the briefing room.”

  Paul saw no option other than to proceed and see what the General had in store for him. He just could not believe the President was in on this.

  As he was led into the briefing room, he was motioned to take a seat in front of a large video monitor. The monitor became active and General Bellinger’s face appeared. Paul was not surprised in the least.

  “Captain Christian, welcome to Area 51.”

  “Cut the pleasantries, General. There is no crisis with the shuttle is there? This was all a ruse to get me here to Area 51.”

  “Let’s just say it was a theoretical crisis. If I had to create a real crisis to get you here, I could have and would have.”

  “What do you think the President will say when he finds out you lied to him and used him?”

  “If he wants to stay in office, he will just back off. I have enough intelligence to topple his administration.”

  “No doubt more theoretical or manufactured intelligence.”

  “Paul, let’s get to the situation at hand. You have something I want. I intend to get it one way or another.”

  “Not a chance, General. I have locked down the Alpha, and I wouldn’t give you the time of day.”

  “Paul, there are always options, and I have many, you have none. We can do this the hard way or the easy way.”

  Just then, what appeared to be a doctor with a medical bag entered the briefing room. He pulled out a syringe and three security guards pulled off Paul Christian’s jacket. They held him down as the doctor approached with the syringe and its exposed needle.

  “You will get nothing from me!” shouted Paul.

  “I think I will, and after your last transmission to your ship, we isolated the frequency and are actively jamming it.”

  Paul’s data link appeared to have no communication with AIMI, or at least the appearance of such.

  The doctor tried to inject Paul. He tried veins, he tried arteries, arms and neck, but to no avail.

  “General Bellinger, he seems to have some sort of dermal shield or cutaneous armor. It is not possible to inject him.”

  At that point, Paul Christian broke free, took the syringe, and smashed it. The doctor backed away to the other side of the room. He was far stronger then his captors had thought.

  The three security guards pulled out tasers and fired them at Paul. He flexed a bit, and the energy pulsed and created a feedback to its three sources. It sent them all to the ground - incapacitated.

  As the doctor ran out of the room, General Bellinger played his card.

  “Before you do anything else, you should look on the adjacent monitor.”


  The monitor went active, and Paul Christian’s blood went cold. There sat Steve, Michelle, and Lynn, all being held captive by armed guards.

  “General, let’s be very clear on this. Any harm comes to them, I will obliterate this base, just for starters. Then, I will hunt you down. Let me talk to them, now!”

  “As you wish, Paul.”

  “Are you guys all right?”

  “We are fine, Dad. They told us you had been injured and flew us down here just a few hours ago. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, guys, and you will be, too.”

  “Paul, I’m so sorry. My job is to protect you, and look what a mess we are in.”

  “It’s okay, Lynn. He pulled one over on all of us, and things will be okay.”

  “Now, Paul, shall we get down to business? I have something you want, and you have something I want.”

  As Paul was looking at the monitor, he felt an almost imperceptible tingling sensation, and his vision clouded and narrowed.

  As the General looked at the monitor, Paul Christian’s image seemed to glow brightly, then dim and then disappeared. The General thought it was a malfunction, until he looked at the monitor that displayed the security room that Michelle, Steve, and Lynn had been confined to. They were gone, as well.

  General Bellinger replayed the video feed. Just as Paul Christian had disappeared, so had his children and the Secret Service agent.

  He pressed a red button on his communication network, “Security alert! We have a breach at Area 51. Stand by for instructions.” Now, in addition to the Air Force, the National Security Agency was involved.

  As Paul’s vision widened, he found himself back aboard the Alpha with Michelle, Steve, and Lynn right in front of him. They had all de-materialized at the same moment and re-materialized on the Alpha in the same manner.

  “Dad, what just happened? We were in a room and saw you on the monitor, and the next thing we know we are here.”

  “I don’t know, guys, but I’m sure as hell going to find out!”

  “AIMI, unlock security protocol, Twinkle, twinkle, little star. Authorization - Christian; Alpha Omega, and execute.”