by John Bluck
"In spy school," she said. "Wow! This case is loaded with carbon crystals. They're very pretty."
"What?" Wilson asked. He peeked into the case, which was jam-packed with beautifully cut diamonds, many of them very large. "Those diamonds must be worth a lot of money."
"They're actually dirt cheap," said Rachel. "We make them from carbon using nanotechnology. Carbon is abundant, and we assemble diamonds atom by atom to make perfect crystals."
"So, what will the Sunevian team do with the diamonds here on Earth?"
"My guess is that our people will trade them for gold," said Rachel. "These carbon crystals are as cheap as plastic for us, so we can give people who have gold to trade a very good deal. Also, our team can exchange diamonds for money."
She snapped the case shut and reengaged its lock. "We might as well have a good time touring while we wait for the courier's call," she said, and she seemed to be relieved.
"Let's do a little planning as long as we're stopped," Wilson said. He unfolded the colorful map the woman at the car rental agency had given to him. "Let's take a quick look to see what we could do for a couple of hours before we check into a decent hotel."
Rachel leaned on his right shoulder and peered at the map. He inhaled her exotic perfume and felt her soft hair against his neck. She pointed to a spot on the map. "We're next to Pearl Harbor. What's that?"
"It's a naval base that the Japanese attacked in 1941, which brought the United States into World War II," Wilson said. "Many of our ships sank, others sustained heavy damage, and thousands of sailors died. The public can visit it, but it's a sad place because of all those who died there."
"If you don't mind, let's skip it," she said. "I've had enough of war for now."
"Me, too," Wilson said. "We can make our way east towards Waikiki Beach and its hotels and tourist attractions."
"Good idea," Rachel said, as she continued to examine the map. "Let's find a nice place to park by the beach, and then we can walk on the sand."
"That's a plan I like. I want to see the ocean and feel the warm water and sand ooze between my toes," he said. "I'll follow H1 and go south to Yacht Harbor. Lots of hotels are around there. We can check in and park." He glanced up from the map.
"We might as well splurge, Mr. Smith," she said. "Why not check into a suite?"
"Sure," Wilson replied. As he drove towards the beach on Ala Moana Boulevard, he saw an impressive hotel on his right, the Blue Wave Resort.
"That place is pretty," Rachel said.
"I agree," he replied. He turned into the circular drive in front of the hotel's main entry. "We should check it out."
A valet came forward. "Do you want me to park your car?"
"Not yet," Wilson said. "We'd like to look around to see if we want to stay here."
"That's okay," he said. "Pull into a half hour slot up ahead. We'll keep an eye on your car."
"Thanks," Wilson said, and he gave the valet a five dollar tip.
Wilson and Rachel walked into the plush lobby, which was carpeted in thick, maroon rugs. Beautiful furniture, paintings, and shiny brass hardware made the place look better than any hotel Wilson had ever seen before. A man in tails played a grand piano while a small audience listened and drank cocktails. A few couples danced on a parquet floor that was surrounded by small, round tables.
Wilson and Rachel walked to the hotel's check-in desk where a young man was on duty.
"How much is a room?" Wilson asked.
"Our standard room is $250 per night."
"Do you have a suite with two or three rooms available?"
The young man blushed as he glanced at Rachel. "I'll check." He began to type on his computer keyboard, and then he looked up. "We do. We had a cancellation. There's a special rate because of the last minute change. The suite is $950 per night, a $500 savings. Here are some pictures." He handed Wilson a set of large color photos in a binder. The room was first-rate.
"It's nice," Rachel said.
"We'll take it," Wilson said. He used a credit card to secure the room and asked the young man to have a valet park the rental car.
Wilson and Rachel took the elevator up to the suite.
"It's beautiful," she said, as they entered their small apartment. She sat on the big bed and bounced. "This place is nice, but I want to go to the beach right away."
"Okay," Wilson said, "but first I want to take a quick look at the rooms."
Rachel sprang up from the mattress and smiled, as Wilson stepped into the bathroom and examined the marble tub that was big enough for two or three people.
As he wandered out of the bathroom, Rachel asked, "Why don’t you put on your swim trunks in there while I change out here?"
"Sure," he replied, and he grabbed his backpack, reentered the bathroom, and quickly put on his swimsuit. "Are you decent?" he called through the door.
"You can come out now," she answered.
When he emerged from the bathroom, he saw that she looked very attractive in her bikini.
"It's a shame that the hotel will be cheated out of their money with the phony credit card," he said.
"The card isn't a fake," she said. "Sunev has made some large gold investments on Earth to fund our research here. Just the ID's are bogus."
"So, Sunev is in business on Earth. Every so often I've been surprised by what I learn about your planet and its government's activities," Wilson said. "This is one of those times."
"It makes sense not to upset the authorities," Rachel said. "Our people want to stay low key."
"I bet you didn't hear how Raven and Yarnell burglarized a display in Gold Country and stole historic gold nuggets worth millions during our recent visit there," Wilson said.
"Wow! They took a big chance."
"That's for sure," Wilson said. "I think those two guys have a criminal streak in them, or at least they're thrill seekers."
"I wonder what's next," she said.
Wilson slipped on his flip-flop sandals and rubbed sun block lotion on his arms, body, and face. "They're going to Gold Country to look for more gold," he said.
"I predict they won't find much because the easy-to-find California gold has already been found."
"Good point," Wilson said. "Maybe they'll steal more gold."
"We'll have to wait to find out," she said. "Let's go. I want to get to the beach before dark."
She shoved the briefcase of diamonds into Wilson's backpack, and he slung it over his shoulder. They rode the elevator to the lobby, left the hotel, and began to walk the two blocks to the beach. Crowds of people dressed in swimsuits also strolled towards shore.
Wilson saw a blond man in the throng across the street, walking towards the beach. He reminded Wilson of Art Terac, the man who had broken Lena out of prison.
"Don't stare, but see that fair-haired man across the street?" Wilson asked as he nudged Rachel. "I've seen him before."
The man turned his head away and walked on. Wilson instantly regretted that he had said anything because the guy may have been Terac. Rachel could have identified him and passed the intel to her people, if she was still loyal to the Great Leader.
"He looks nice, like a clone companion," she said. "But there are countless men who look kind of like him." Wilson was relieved that she didn't seem to know the blond man who was now out of sight.
It was about half past four when they stepped onto the sand of a crowded beach near the U.S. Army Museum.
Rachel glanced at a young woman with a tall, thin body. A man with too much belly fat walked hand-in-hand with her.
"He must be her sugar daddy," she said, and she snatched Wilson’s hand.
They strolled along the beach towards Diamond Head, an extinct volcanic cone east of Waikiki Beach. The pair walked into the waves and let wet sand and salt water flow between their toes. Then they strode on the warm, golden sand, which clung to their feet. The odors of fancy meals drifted to them from a waterfront restaurant fifty feet away. Wilson smelled charcoaled steak, roasted fish, and other foo
ds. People sat outside around patio tables and feasted.
"That looks good," he said. He gestured towards the eatery. "The aroma tempts me. I'm hungry as a lion on a desert island."
"Let's go," Rachel said. They walked to the restaurant, and a Hawaiian waitress dressed in a grass skirt seated them.
"You can roast your meal if you choose," the waitress said. "Our menu indicates what you can cook at the grill. It's fun to do." She handed menus to them.
Wilson chose to roast a fish steak – mahi mahi, also called dorado, a tasty fish. Rachel chose a sirloin steak. Before the waitress brought their raw steaks to them, Wilson noticed a news bulletin on a nearby TV screen mounted high on the wall: "Fort Knox Gold Heist Nets a Ton of Gold."
He stood and walked closer to the screen so he could hear the news report.
"What's up?" Rachel asked.
"There's been a gold robbery." He pointed to the TV screen.
"Oh," she whispered, and they both thought the same thing. The culprits were Raven and Yarnell.
Wilson heard the sound much better after he stood under the TV monitor. "Earlier today thieves took gold worth more that forty-seven-million dollars from The United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox, Kentucky. About a ton of gold was taken at 2 a.m. from the depository's high security vault.
"A government employee, who declined to be identified, said there is video of two masked burglars dressed in black who loaded gold bars onto dollies. Security cameras in the area were disabled moments later. So how the thieves got away is a mystery. Our source also told us that all employees are being questioned. The depository's fortified vault is considered impregnable.
"A twenty-two ton, blast-proof door protects the vault. Two or more staff members at a time must use separate combinations to open the door. The United States Mint Police guard more than 5,000 tons of gold. The vault is located at Fort Knox, which has more than 30,000 soldiers, aircraft, and heavy weaponry that includes tanks. Stand by for further reports as we learn more about this breaking story. Jeff MacDonald, World Wide News, reporting from Fort Knox, Kentucky."
The TV broadcast switched to regular programming. Rachel stood beside Wilson and stared at the screen.
"There's no doubt Raven and Yarnell did it," she whispered. "They just needed the right coordinates to beam into the vault from between dimensions. They got enough gold to enable us to build many ships. I'll wager the two of them took more than they'll turn over to the Great Leader. They'll probably cash in some gold and hide money in a bank on Earth so they can live here if they get in trouble."
"It sounds like them, but I think the Great Leader was the one who was really behind this heist," Wilson said.
Rachel looked thoughtful as they walked back to their table. "They took a big chance," she said. "What if they'd been caught?"
"I think they had little or no chance of being arrested," Wilson said. "The vault is sealed at night. Nobody can come and go, except people who know how to switch dimensions. This puzzling theft will upset those in charge of Fort Knox gold for years."
"That's for sure," Rachel said. "I need to go to the restroom to freshen up."
"Okay," he said, and she walked away. A minute later Wilson thought, did I see her take out her cell phone near the lady's room? Maybe it's my imagination. A tap on Wilson's shoulder startled him. He turned and saw a handsome blond man who brushed aside some of his light hair, which fell low over his forehead.
"Bill, you remember me?" he asked. "I'm Art Terac."
"Yes, you got Lena out of jail, I heard," Wilson replied.
"Yeah, that's right, but we don't have time to talk about it now," he said.
"Okay."
"It's important that you meet me at Pali Lookout tomorrow afternoon after it closes at four o'clock," he said. "Bring Rachel, but don't tell her about me. We think she's a spy." Wilson was sure Rachel wasn't dangerous. He figured he would convince Terac of that later.
"What should I tell her?" Wilson asked.
"Anything. Just be there, okay?"
"We'll be there."
Terac smiled, "I've got to leave before Rachel comes back." He left.
In a few moments Rachel returned. "The courier called," she said as she sat at the table. "He wants to meet me at 2 p.m. tomorrow at a place called Waimanalo Park Beach. I don't look forward to delivering the diamonds. I was hoping to get away from that kind of stuff."
"Let's forget about it and have a good time," Wilson lied. He pondered, should I, or should I not, tell Rachel about Terac and the meeting at Pali Lookout? Wilson tried to hide his anxiety.
"You don't look happy about Raven's caper," she said.
"Well, let's both try to have a good time anyway," he said. "What should we do tomorrow that would be fun?"
He unzipped his backpack, which was on the floor at his feet, and he took out the Oahu map. He spread it on the table and smoothed it. An index showed him the location of Pali Lookout, along Highway 61.
"Let's go out into the countryside, and see some tropical scenes and vegetation," she said.
"I'll see if I can find points of interest on this map," Wilson said. He faked concentration and squinted to read the caption alongside Pali Lookout. It said that a long time ago a Hawaiian king, Kamehameha the Great, had defeated warriors led by Oahu Chief Kalanikupule. The king's forces pushed the defeated fighters over the lookout cliff to their deaths.
Wilson wondered why Terac would choose such a spot for a rendezvous. Maybe it was because after the lookout closed, nobody would be near it. Not much else seemed to be around that area.
"What do you think, Bill?" Rachel asked.
"Umm. You've got to meet the courier at Waimanalo Beach at 2 p.m., which is here. So, we can look at that beach and some other beaches and then head inland. But first, tomorrow morning, we could drive east along Kalakaua Avenue and then climb Diamond Head, here," he said as he pointed to the map.
"Okay," she said.
"After we climb the tourist trail up Diamond Head, we can follow Highway 72 northeast along the coast," he explained. "We should be able to reach Waimanalo by 2 p.m. easily enough."
"That's a good route," she said.
"After you hand off the case to the courier, we can cut inland on 61 and go southwest. There's a lot of flora along the way," Wilson said. He pointed to the map. "Here's a spot I'd like to see, Pali Lookout. From there you can see for miles."
"That’s fine," she said, and his heart pounded because he knew he was about to deceive her.
The waitress in the grass skirt returned with their raw fish and beef steaks, ready to roast. "While you're at the grill, I'll bring the rest of your meals," she said as she leaned down close to Wilson. Rachel rolled her eyes out of sight of the waitress, and shook her head.
They roasted their steaks, and after returning to their table, they found the rest of their meals draped in big, tropical leaves. After eating, they took a cab to the hotel.
Wilson opened the door to the suite, and Rachel went in and switched on the lights. It was half past ten. "I'll get ready for bed," she said, as she went into the bathroom.
While he heard her showering, Wilson began to worry about the meeting at Pali Lookout.
Rachel came out of the bathroom dressed in flannel pajamas. "Good night, Bill,” she said, as she opened the master bedroom’s door.
"Sleep well,” he replied.
Wilson brushed his teeth and went into the spare bedroom. He had difficulty falling asleep. After he finally nodded off, he dreamt of fierce Hawaiian warriors throwing their foes over Pali Lookout.
One grabbed Rachel and shoved her towards the cliff edge. In his dream she screamed, and he then awoke. Sweat covered him.
I can't get that darn meeting at Pali Lookout out of my head, he complained to himself.
Chapter 24 – On the Way to Pali Lookout
The next morning Wilson and Rachel took the steep hike up Diamond Head and saw where defenders had guarded Oahu from a potential Japanese invasion
in World War II.
As they climbed the steep incline, the temperature was hotter than normal, in the high eighties. The air was humid. They stopped often to take deep breaths, to rest, and to drink water from their plastic bottles.
When they reached the top of Diamond Head, Rachel looked down at Honolulu and Waikiki beach. "It's splendid," she said. She slipped her hand into Wilson's hand and smiled coyly. They shot digital pictures of Honolulu and other island scenery below them.
Vacationers spoke many languages, milled about, smiled, and laughed. Little did these people know that among them was an intelligent being from another planet, a beautiful woman, Rachel, who was a clone to boot, Wilson mused.
After the two had soaked in the scene, Wilson and Rachel walked downhill to their red electric sports car.
As they drove eastward, Wilson saw palm and coconut trees along the shore. Some leaned across the beach and over the surf while the wind and the sea grew stronger. White foam trailed behind the waves as they barreled across the sand, and clouds erased the deep blue sky, which rapidly turned overcast. While the pair traveled north along Route 72, the sky gradually cleared, and the wind abated.
"The horizon is purple like it would be in a painting," said Rachel. "I thought artists took license when they used perky colors like that. I think you'd have to try hard to take a bad picture," she added, as she aimed her tiny digital camera at a small mountain a half mile inland.
Wilson had a good time as he delighted in the island's beauty, but every so often he worried about the meeting with the clone, Art Terac, at Pali Lookout and what might happen.
Maybe I should take Rachel some place far away – possibly South America –to escape the war, he considered. True, that would be desertion, but the cyborg war is in another dimension on a different world. What am I doing? It's like I'm a moth drawn to a flame.
He was about to tell Rachel about Terac to convince her to desert, but then he thought, If I'm wrong about her, she'll slip away and call the Great Leader.
Wilson felt guilty when he thought of deserting the rebels. He even felt uncomfortable about his disloyalty to Raven and the Great Leader.
Wilson continued to drive north on Route 72. It was half past one when he and Rachel bought lunch-to-go from a small roadside market. He drove a short distance, and they arrived at Waimanalo Beach Park, where he stopped the car in a lot by some picnic benches.
