Jeff commented, “I think you all have done a fantastic job,” and raised his glass. “Here’s to my new found group of friends that someday will go down in history as the ‘Brain Trust That Saved the World,’ because I know we are getting out of this mess. Somehow, we are getting out of this mess. If there’s a God, I can’t believe that he permitted us to get all this way, evolutionarily speaking, to come to this end. This is bullshit of the first order. Can’t end this way, just can’t.”
Again they touched glasses and took a long gulp. Complements flowed easily as the drinks relaxed them and made them realize that an operation was in the works and out of their control. It was either going to work or they were going to die. Either way, the liquor was telling them to just forget about it.
Janet got up and said, “Got to hit the ladies room.”
Donemore said, “I’ll go with you— Wouldn’t want any little green men molesting you on the way!”
As they left the table, Woods looked at Jeff and said, “I can never figure out why they do that.”
Jeff knew exactly what he meant and said, “I could never figure it out myself. Must be a girl thing. When one goes you can bet they all go. My only theory on that is, once one goes, that’s the high sign for all of them to head off and analyze how things are going and what the next step is in their master plan of how the evening should progress.”
“You have a great theory, my friend,” Woods said. “Trouble with that theory right now is, you and Janet are an item. Donemore and I are just working partners.”
Jeff took another sip of his Jameison and said, “When an old friend of mine introduced me to this stuff, he said it was smooooth. He was right, it is, and so are you and Donemore.”
Woods leaned back and took a sip of his Black Russian and asked, “What do you mean by that?”
Before Jeff could answer, the ladies had returned to the table and both were crying.
The men asked in one voice, “What’s wrong?”
Both ladies replied in one voice, “The news!”
Woods said, “What news, what the hell’s going on?”
The girls explained that while the group was sitting there talking none of them had given the TV or the owner’s advice a second thought. But when the girls went to the ladies room, they couldn’t help seeing what was on TV as they passed right under it. They stopped dead when they saw a picture of E-1’s spaceship and listened to what was being reported. The TV news people were reporting that our military bases were being destroyed.
At first there was no news commentary, just pictures on the screen showing Mother at its morning sun color. Then, three individual light rays shot from its surface. Slow motion cameras followed the streaks as they journeyed from space down toward Earth. The next scene was of some military base that had just been obliterated. The announcer then said, “This is the remains of Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. I really shouldn’t say ‘remains,’ because there are no remains. The base’s 60-year history is now truly history. One of the of the largest air bases in the world, covering some 724 square miles of reservation and 97,963 square miles of water ranges in the Gulf of Mexico, is now completely gone. Eglin’s more than 8,500 military and approximately 4,500 civilians are no longer here. We can only hope there are survivors, but when the alien moon aimed the deadly light ray and hit the base everything just vanished. There is no smoke or debris. The aliens have obviously developed a weapon that completely vaporizes everything it touches.
“The Air Force has not returned our calls, but reports are coming in that other military bases have been hit the same way. It seems every time we see the alien moon shoot a light streak one of our military bases evaporates. It’s now becoming obvious that our government has been fooled into thinking the alien presence was friendly. Obviously, it is not.”
Janet said, “Those poor people. I just hope that Captain Stewart’s evacuation order reached everyone in time. I’m sure though that the first three rays did kill a lot of people. I just hope it was painless.”
“If not for Woods here, all these military bases would be suffering catastrophic casualties. I would assume from the replays on TV the personnel on the first three bases died instantly. But according to Captain Stewart the rest of our bases were evacuated successfully.”
Then came the TV reports of rioting and looting, the picture switching from now desolate, missing bases to downtown Los Angles, near the civic center. Buildings and cars were on fire. People were breaking into stores and pulling out what they could carry. Cars were shown heading out of the city, bumper to bumper at a snails pace, trying to get an edge on the car in front and in back.
One reporter asked the driver of a stalled car on I-5 heading out of town why they were leaving and where they were heading? The answer of the desperate woman of five small children made sense, at least Janet thought it did. “We’re leaving because after the military bases the big cities must be next. Besides, even if they aren’t, our lives are endangered by looting mobs, and the burning and raping. It’s the end of the world, truly Armageddon, and I don’t care what they do. Anywhere is safer than in Los Angeles.”
Donemore said, “Why couldn’t the General just issue a warning. Telling everyone to stay inside, that the military was handling the situation?”
Ironically, Janet said, “Because as weird as it sounds, that driver was right. No warnings from the government or police would stop these animals from looting, rape and murder. They believe they can get away with whatever they do and that no one is going to stop them. If the good people stayed in the city, these animals would eventually get to them. The General was right, some people just don’t get it and if I were him, I’d order all these people shot.”
Woods agreed, “Exactly, that’s how I feel. Shoot them all, act like animals, die like animals. Besides, these are the kind of people we won’t be able to tolerate anyway, if we survive this mess.”
“The first bombs are on their way,” Jeff said. “The first riots are starting. Three days from now no matter what, one way or the other, it will all end.
“Owner, sir, yes, please, another round.”
For the rest of the evening, they didn’t watch TV, just reviewed the battle plan and tried to find something they might have missed or that would help. As the Jameisons, Dewars, Tanguerays and Russians flowed, the group seemed to turn into a thinker’s forum. New ideas were presented and eventually shot down by process of elimination. They couldn’t poke holes in the existing plan nor could they come up with a better one. They did agree that the General’s little speech to Janet was right on the mark. When and if Mother could be shot out of the sky—and they all believed that would happen, civilization as we now knew it would definitely change. Life beyond our solar system was now no longer a guess. Our problem had been that most scientists had thought we are the only superior life forms in all the galaxies and that we might encounter some elementary life form in some puddle on Mars. Others thought there had to be other higher forms of life out there, but always assumed higher intelligence inferred friendly intent. No one had reasoned that, like life on Earth, there is good and bad.
But reality was displayed on the TV, no denying that, no arguing with what Mother was all about. Inevitable discussion soon turned to what would happen if Earth survived. We had to immediately change our thinking to a united world, not each nation against every other but a united Earth towards an all-consuming quest to take our rightful place in the inhabited universe, each planet and life form to its own, sort of mankind versus the darkness of forbidden outer space. This New World, the vacuum of airless space, would have no tolerance for wars, guns, killers, looters, rapists and people who didn’t believe that we all had to work together as one to survive in such a harsh environment. Violators would be terminated. We weren’t talking about ten to twenty years of appeals through the court system. We were talking about, you commit an act of violence, and you were eliminated within the hour. Society would not tolerate anyone who didn’t treat mank
ind as he wished to be treated.
They drank and talked until the early morning hour when the owner came over. As he approached they expected him to say they were closing, but instead he asked if they were hungry. There had been no one else in the place for the past few hours except the stalwart five, and the owner had locked the door hours before. He was fully capable of running his establishment completely without any help, and he didn’t really feel like going home anyway. He had watched this table of four for some time now and was intrigued that none of them even glanced at the TV. They were deep in a conversation that seemed to outweigh Earth’s destruction and decided they needed food to continue. Besides, offering some food, the owner thought, would be a great way to get involved in an obviously intriguing conversation. “I’m fully capable of making some great sandwiches, burgers or even breakfast. You guys have been drinking pretty heavy and thought you could use some fuel.”
“That’s the best news I’ve heard since Eglin was destroyed,” Woods said. “We know you’re closed, but, man, does that sound great!”
The owner introduced himself. “I’m Richard Wells, owner, operator and short order cook. Sure, anything to keep me occupied and my thoughts away from end of time events.”
Woods stood up and shook his hand. “Richard, it’s a pleasure meeting you. I’m Hunter, and this lovely lady to my right is my partner, Susan. The next lovely lady is Janet, and the ugly guy, the one on the end, you probably know as the infamous meteorologist, Jeff Stabinski, Channel 9 weather. We would be honored and grateful to have you make us something to eat and sit down with us and chew the fat.”
“I could kill for a big juicy cheeseburger,” Jeff said.
“Can you do an egg sandwich?” Janet asked.
“Ham, cheese and mustard on rye,” Donemore said.
“I’ll make it easy on you and go along with Jeff’s cheeseburger,” Woods said.
The girls both had the same idea at the same time. “How about us helping you in the kitchen?”
Rich replied, “I would love to have you ladies help me. It would certainly go faster, besides, how can I refuse the help of two beautiful women.”
After the three headed to the kitchen, Jeff asked Woods, “I know this is none of my business, but how come you and Donemore aren’t, aren’t, ah, together? You’re both the same age, she’s an eye opener and you’re a handsome man. You guys really seem to work well together, have you ever considered dating?”
Woods thought for a second and replied, “We have worked a long time together as partners on some really weird cases for the government. I think working on these cases preoccupied both of us to the point of no social life. It always seemed the twenty-four and seven was always work, think, analyze and more work.”
“Well, my friend,” Jeff said, “I know you firmly believe we’ll beat Mother’s threat, but you might take a little time to analyze your relationship, just in case time does run out. I know now that when I met Janet way back during Hurricane Andrew, I was too busy to allow a relationship to develop, and after it was over and she headed home I was too stubborn to act on my feelings. If it weren’t for an invader from outer space, we would never be together. If you have feelings for her, now is the time to express them.”
The sound of three giggling voices came from the kitchen about twenty-five minutes later and got louder as they approached the table. They were carrying platters over their heads, but the two girls were a little tipsy from the drinks and Richard kept trying to tell them to hold the platters level. When they reached the table, place settings, plates of food and glasses were passed around. They all were very hungry and the smell of the sandwiches made them even more so. When everyone was finally sitting they all dug in.
As they ate, Rich commented, “So what do you guys do? I noticed the news didn’t interest you that much and Hunter introduced Susan as his partner. I’m guessing you guys know more than the average Joe about what’s really going on out there. You’re either FBI, CIA, special task force or aliens? If you’re the latter, I hope you like the food.”
The whole group stopped eating and looked at Rich and broke out in laughter. Woods said, “I really wish we were aliens, then maybe we could do something about that menace, E-1. You’re right about the special task force. Susan and I are FBI, Janet is FEMA and Jeff is the man who uncovered, rather, discovered this mess.
“Why did you want the aliens to like the food?” Hunter laughed.
Richard’s eyes opened wide and couldn’t believe he was sitting with the people in the know on what the alien moon was all about. “I figured if you didn’t like the food and you were aliens, I might be the next meal.”
The group broke into laughter until there were tears in their eyes. After things settled down, they filled Richard in on everything that was happening. After that came drinks of appreciation from a grateful Richard. “Thank the guy upstairs you’re on our side. I would hate to have wasted food on aliens or even worst have them not like it.”
Again everyone roared in laughter and downed their drinks.
It was the wee hours of morning when they decided to head out. Jeff suggested that since none of them were in any condition to drive, they call a cab. Richard said, “You guys really don’t think any cab drivers are working, do you! You still haven’t paid any attention to the news. I’ll give you a ride home.”
“In that case.” Jeff said, “why don’t we make it easy on Richard and everyone come over to my house for the night. I have plenty of room and clothing you can change into. That way Richard doesn’t have to go from here to the airport and back to my place.”
Woods and Donemore looked at each other and replied, “Doesn’t matter to us.”
At Jeff’s house, they thanked Richard and exchanged phone numbers and addresses. It would still be a few days before anything really happened, and they told Richard they would keep him duly informed. He said he would open the restaurant any time they needed food, drinks or conversation.
After Richard left the four went inside and Jeff asked if anyone wanted a nightcap. The overwhelming answer was no, that they needed sleep.
Arrangements were made to accommodate everyone comfortably and soon they were all sound asleep.
23
LATE THE FOLLOWING AFTERNOON A CALL CAME IN from the General, requesting a meeting at the control room as soon as possible. They had slept late and felt bad for not checking on the progress of Operation Drop at an earlier time. Arriving at the center, they found the General, Captain Stewart and the CIA Director in a deep discussion. Approaching the conference table they noticed that E-1’s Mother ship, according to the screens, had gone down. Jeff had been right, the supercharged atmosphere had reached a point where it blocked signals being sent from the satellites.
Woods spoke up first and said, “Sorry, General, we should have called in earlier to see how things were going. I see we lost the satellites.”
General Stormer seemed startled as he turned to Woods and said, “I’m sorry, Woods, I didn’t realize the four of you were here. What was it that you said?”
Woods repeated his first apology and statement. It was obvious the General was tired and must have been working since they had left yesterday.
The General said, “Don’t worry about it. I told you I would call if anything happened and it seems it’s all happening at once. We just lost the satellites and the Captain, Director, and I were trying to re-establish contact or reroute the signal. No such luck. I’m afraid the battle might be lost.”
Donemore said, “Just because we lost visual, which Jeff thought would happen, doesn’t mean the battle is over—”
“The satellites are not the problem,” the Captain said, “they just went down and we were trying to re-establish contact. But a few hours ago the General got word on the apparent status of the nuclear warheads. That’s why he called everyone in.”
General Stormer continued, “As you can see from the large display screen, the operation has been going rather well. Our
pilots have been able to confirm fifty-two bombs locked onto the huge Collectors. That amounts to approximately 500 NBTs.
“The problem is some of the dropped bombs missed their target and were never sucked onto the Collectors. We are making an all out effort to find these warheads and recycle them.
“At 1400 hours, exactly one day after the first bomb was dropped, I requested information on the status of the available and usable NBTs. It seems we are running low due to the misses, so I called to see how the missile disassembling was going. That was the shocker. They confirmed it is taking longer then expected to get at the warheads. Bottom line, we can’t count on any missile warheads at all being available in the seventy-two hour window we have.
“Between the warheads that missed and now the unavailability of the missile warheads, there just isn’t enough blast power to destroy Mother.”
Shocked was the wrong word, but they couldn’t understand how so much nuclear blast was not enough. Was this truly the end?
Donemore said, “The plan was so well thought out and seems to be working except for not enough bombs. Can’t more men be put on disassembling the missiles?”
“We tried that,” the General said in desperation. “The problem is these missiles are in silos and there is only a certain amount of space to work in. We have enough men to tear down New York City with picks and shovels but working in the silos presents problems of narrowed space that can’t be addressed except with time. It just can’t be done in time, that’s all there is to it.”
“Maybe the nuclear blast from the bombs already planted on the Collectors will destroy Mother enough so he can’t do anymore damage to Earth,” Janet said. “Maybe the blasts will cutoff communications between Mother and the Collectors. Maybe our nuclear blasts will trigger off something inside Mother to produce a supernova you wouldn’t believe. There must still be hope. All can’t be lost.”
BAD RAIN: A SCI-FICTION THRILLER Page 24
