by Gary Striker
Jane and her party met ‘Duty’ in the receiving area, where they were escorted to his office. The halls were empty except for several uniformed deputies. Two of Darren’s colleagues had arrived and were busy in the containment room with their extraterrestrial guest. One of the scientists was a former member of the Department of Radio Physics at the Parks Radio Telescope in Australia, where he served as Radio Communication Analyst. He was also responsible for decoding the famous Arecibo Message response received in Puerto Rico from Star Cluster M13. This was a breakthrough that confirmed the existence of interstellar intelligence. Fort Kent was rapidly becoming a hub for paranormal U.F.O. investigation activities.
Jane did the new visitor introductions that were met with warm hospitality. Cruz was indeed going through the same welcome phase as Steve encountered upon his arrival more than a week before.
“Darren’s in the containment room with his two buddies”, ‘Duty’ informed the group. “Last I heard, they were trying to talk to that space monster. Let’s go see what they’re up to”.
The secure area was loaded with electronic monitoring equipment of all kinds. They were busy reeling enormous amounts of collected data from the Alien visitor. All occupants of the containment room wore oxygen masks supplied from the Fort Kent hospital.
“We could have had a disaster here today”, ‘Duty informed the group as he relayed the story of oxygen deprivation.
Cruz and Lucy were awestruck at the strange enormity of the creature that lay before them. The two scientist friends of Darren, Liam and Dennis, were engrossed with measurement analysis, which presented a huge undertaking.
Darren broke away from his friends to join the group in the containment room. He removed his oxygen mask and greeted familiar friends.
“We need to get together over in the conference room. You can’t stay in here for more than five minutes without getting dizzy. That life form is consuming oxygen at the rate of three liters per second. We are attempting to starve the creature back into a dormant state by shutting off all ventilation”.
Liam and Dennis joined the group in the conference room with miles of telemetry tapes. They were discussing the technology of collected data and the means by which it was being interpreted.
“This creature has been transmitting on 2.380 Megahertz with a binary coded modulated frequency shift of ten Hertz”, Liam explained to an audience of nobody, “and we confirmed the binary code frame to be 1,679 binary digits”.
Everyone stared at each other with an incomprehensible look of confusion, and oddly enough, except for Cruz!
“Explain further and translate, please”, Cruz requested.
Liam smiled graciously while knowing that his comments were technically overpowering.
“This is our code”, Liam stated emphatically as the group sat silent and mesmerized. “We invented this code for transmission to Global Star Cluster M13. This was part of our successful effort on the Arecibo Message initiative to find and communicate with extraterrestrial intelligence”.
Liam and Dennis went on to explain their participation in various programs and the Cardinality of the code that they selected. It was a numerical anomaly as a semi prime number, which only a mathematician could understand, but simply meant that it could only be equally divided by itself and the number ‘one’. It fit the binary code format precisely within seventy-three rows and twenty-three columns, a beautiful mathematical radio compliant transmission format that would be easily transmitted and hypothetically understood by any intelligent life form.
Steve broke the radio physics lesson with a simple comment that was not endeared by the audience.
“So what you’re saying is that this guy is from Star Cluster M13 and you invited him here”, Steve interpreted.
“You observed correctly”, Dennis said, “and there’s one more thing we deciphered from the variances in the message”.
Dennis held up a telemetry tape marked with red circles indicating a remarkable mathematical rendition had taken place.
“Do we want to hear this”, Steve asked with everyone’s eyes wide and barely breathing?
“This boy is trying to talk to us”, Dennis said simply. “These numbers in the red circles indicate the fundamental square root theorem divisor test that proves or disproves the prime number validation rule, and that number being 1679, or 1680 when we count from zero. This number is exactly compatible with 8-bit digital computer processing technology”.
Everyone sat mesmerized while staring into space and trying to comprehend what Dennis just said.
“He’s speaking to us in our own mathematical terms and expecting an answer”, Liam stated with remarkable clarity. “These theorems are mathematically simplistic, yet contain universal power in breaking any language communication barrier”.
Cruz sat back with his arms folded and a confident look of control.
“In your opinion, do you think it would be possible to ask the creature a simple question”, Cruz queried as the scientists looked at each other in amazement.
“I have been working on a binary association rule, ones and zeros to put it simplistically, that would correlate a state condition with a code”.
“What does that mean”, Steve asked?
“For example, we need to relate a mathematical code with a condition that would be recognizable by the creature. It could be almost anything. A ‘1’, or ‘On state’ in the code could represent visible light. A ‘0’, or ‘Off State’, could represent the absence of visible light.
“This has far reaching ramifications”, Cruz stated, “You could develop a whole language based on these associations”.
Again, the scientists looked at each other in amazement at the intuitive capability of the non-scientist setting before them.
“But we have one little problem to contend with, ladies and gentlemen”, Darren summarized, “We’re on their diet plan. If they don’t eat us first, they’ll literally starve us to death via anoxia and let us to rot! This guy is almost finished redefining his entire physiology. When he’s done, we’ll have no way to deal with him except via communication, and that would be on his terms”.
“You sound like the voice of impending doom”, Jane commented brashly.
“Considering the unlimited amount of energy that this boy can generate, I would say, with what we know now, this planet is in serious trouble”!
“I’m going to try to get Dave Harris to stand down for a couple days”, Darren commented, “Let’s try to buy some time and see if we can establish a communication link. We have a lot at stake”.
All the scientists agreed that this would be the best course of action pending an expected change in status from their visitor.
“General Thompson has already ordered the deployment of a battalion from the 28th Infantry Division. They’re sending Armor and Infantry forces as we speak. They’ll begin showing presence here by tomorrow this time”, Steve informed the group.
“So much for the quiet little settlement of Fort Kent”, Jane mused.
Darren and his colleagues anticipated a sleepless night. They were headed to the Swamp Buck for the Moose Meat Special. Darren couldn’t stop raving about the best stew he ever tasted.
Jane invited ‘Duty’ for the evening meal at the Fiddleheads Restaurant, but he declined the offer. ‘Duty’s wife hadn’t seen him in a week. He wasn’t sure how much time at home he would get, which was dependent on the state of his visitor in the lockup.
Cruz took Steve aside and put a small box in his palm.
“Consider this an appreciation bonus”, Cruz stated.
“What is it”, Steve asked, while having no idea of its contents?
“Something that you need”, was all that Cruz said with a smile, “and don’t lose it”!
Cruz took command of the dinner party as they entered the Fiddleheads. Lucy was pleasantly surprised by the rustic setting. She was more surprised with the three chefs in the kitchen at such a remotely located restaurant.
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sp; “They’re all family and they each have a favorite specialty”, Jane explained, “Rita over there in the back does nothing but make ice cream and other desserts. The owner graduated from the New York Culinary Institute. He gave up a lucrative establishment in Atlanta to come home. He can make you a steak like you’ve never had before”.
Cruz broke away from the group and wondered into the kitchen. He introduced himself to the owner and had a lengthy conversation before shaking hands, to include the passage of a couple high denomination bills, which the owner refused. Cruz stuck them in a measuring cup and left the kitchen in awe at the common high level of integrity of everyone he met.
“I took the liberty of ordering dinner for us”, Cruz stated, “I hope you don’t mind, but this is a special night”.
“And what makes it special”, Jane asked with genuine curiosity?
“You tell me”, Cruz requested, “I’m not the one who agreed to marry this…person”.
The tensions of the day subsided as Cruz successfully defused the tenuous terms of reality that they were all dealing with. Jane settled back with a furled brow after everyone had a good laugh.
“I told Steve there was something about you that I liked, and now I know what that is”, Jane said with a wryly smile.
“And what is that”, Cruz asked as he sat at attention? He also did not mind being in the spotlight.
“You’ll do anything to make other peoples’ hearts sing”, Jane said as she focused on Cruz with a stoic gaze!
Cruz sat back with an emotional tear that he failed to hide as Jane leaned over to him with a big hug.
“So what’s your story”, Jane asked?
The big man had never been cornered as he was at that moment. It appeared that his whole life flashed in front of him. It was totally out of character for Cruz Benavidas.
“My mama once told me that you can never find happiness for yourself until you provide it to someone else first. I never really knew what she meant until now.”
“Your mama was a very special woman”, Steve said, “and had the fortitude of a battlefield commander. She was a very cool lady”!
Cruz offered up the story in vivid detail of the night that Steve saved his mother’s life. Jane looked very apprehensive with a clear visual of bullets flying around her man.
Cruz did his best to keep his emotions together as the exotic hors d'oeuvres were brought to the table. The Fiddleheads staff had the capability to create almost anything that went well beyond their regular menu items.
“I wonder how the Fortune Cookie would do if we added these to the regular menu”, Lucy asked herself? “These are delicious”!
“French Chinese Artichoke Tartlets ala Lucy would be very interesting”, Jane contemplated!
Another round of laughter ensued before Cruz brought the conversation full circle.
“So what are you going to do about an engagement party, Miss Lefebvre”, Cruz asked with a determined look?
“We haven’t discussed that yet”, Jane responded, “Things have been a bit abnormal around here as you know. So far I got two weeks’ vacation because of it. It’s been very strange”.
“Would you object to having a private party here and now”, Cruz asked, “It seems like we’re in the perfect venue for such a celebration”.
“Let’s do it”, Lucy voiced almost reactively as she put her hand over her mouth with a smile”!
“I think it’s a wonderful idea. What do you say, Steve? Are you still in the game or were you planning to run like a scared rabbit”, Jane asked as she turned the tables.
“I’m going to keep my mouth shut like a good little boy and go along with whatever you guys want to do”, Steve answered with passive confidence.
Everyone enjoyed the dueling personalities as Cruz made another suggestion.
“Don’t you have something that might be appropriate for such an occasion”, Cruz asked with a blatant wink in Steve’s direction? Steve played along with his interest and humor peaked, not knowing what was in the box that Cruz gave him.
“I think we need to give that to your future bride and see what she thinks…Steve”!
Steve handed the mystery box to Jane as they all sat around staring at Jane and the box.
“C’mon, Jane, open it”, Lucy ordered with a big Ming smile!
Jane took a private peak at the contents and sat back with a gasp while fanning herself with her hand.
“Oh my God, Steve, what have you done? You never listen to me. I can’t…”, Was all that Jane got to say.
“Let me see”, Lucy again ordered while not being able to control her curiosity!
Lucy opened the lavish jewelry box and set it on the table. Everyone stared at the seven carat flawless blue diamond engagement ring in front of them. The wait staff and kitchen crew, all of which were Jane’s close friends, quickly assembled around the table as the waitress almost dropped the main entrée when she saw it.
“Is that legal”, the waitress asked with amazement?
“Steve, isn’t there something that you need to ask your future bride”, Cruz directed with his own request?
The infamous question and the emotional ‘yes’ response resulted in a boisterous round of applause and congratulations from everyone in the establishment. Jane was in a state of emotional melt down as Cruz proposed a toast from everyone to the future Mr. and Mrs. Slattery. The wait staff handed out drinks to everybody as the toast was proposed. Jane gave Cruz a big hug for making it all happen in the most enjoyable manner possible.
Dinner consisted of the most delicately prepared Prime Rib with all the trimmings. Jane obliged onlookers with a close up view of the quarry size rock on her hand. The engagement party dinner menu concluded with French Crepes and freshly prepared ice cream and a variety of fruits. Nothing could have made the evening more enjoyable than what they all just experienced, as the lights dimmed and then extinguished. The backup generator kicked in, which provided an even more romantic back lighting for the newly engaged couple.
“Look outside”, Steve requested.
The entire town of Eagle Lake showed no signs of illumination anywhere. It was a black night with no moon. Nothing was visible outside the confines of the restaurant. Cruz again showed his generosity to the owner and staff for a job done as well as any of the finest eateries that he had ever endorsed.
Jane and Lucy were busy lighting candles and comparing notes on the French 75 and Fong’s Chinese Firebolt cocktails. Lucy transported a bottle of Kum Pok Ju for the occasion. As everyone was settling in for the night and an extra bedroom made ready for Lucy, Steve’s phone rang.
“This can’t be good”, Steve assessed as he observed the Caller I.D. “It’s Jim”.
“There’s no power anywhere in the Saint John’s Valley”, Jim advised, “Maine Power is showing everything normal”.
“We got blacked out about a half hour ago, as well”, Steve confirmed, “What’s up”?
“Nobody seems to know. It’s almost as if the power is being sucked out of the system”.
“Where’s Darren”, Steve asked?
“He’s at the Station with ‘Duty’ and that thing. I think their whole deal is about to come apart. They’ve been having problems tonight. Darren’s about ready to pull the plug”.
“Shit! What do we need to do”?
Jim had no suggestions other than to lay low unless notified otherwise. It was not yet known for sure that the alien presence had anything to do with the blackout, but all indications were pointing in that direction.
“Well, guys, I think it’s starting”, Steve assessed.
The girls decided to take it easy on the cocktail celebration and hold Fong’s Fireball for a more opportune time. Lucy was very interested in the French 75, so all was not lost. Cruz was enjoying the moment as he checked his text messages, with everything in good order back home. With Kong running the show, how could it be otherwise?
Lucy was feeling the effects of her second French 75.
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p; “Fong almost kicked me out of the Fortune Cookie when Cruz asked permission to take me with him on the trip. Fong insisted that he would handle the restaurant and that I was going to take a vacation”!
“Fong was right”, Steve asserted, “You can only take so much of what you do without a break. When was your last vacation”?
Lucy hesitated, “I don’t know. I can’t remember”.
Everyone toasted Lucy as Cruz heartily appreciated his new friend and ally. To Cruz, Ming was like the glue that held everything together.
Cruz and Lucy adjourned as Steve and Jane set up the wood stoves for the night’s burn.
“What a wonderful evening”, Jane said in total disbelief as she checked to see if her boulder was still attached to her hand.
Steve had anticipated Jane’s line of thought and cut her off at the pass.
“We will never discuss the cost of that rock”, Steve asserted, “The cost has nothing to do with how I feel about you. Let’s just accept the fact that it comes with the territory”.
Jane knew that her engagement ring was an exception to the household rules of conservatism. She was forced to accept that fact as the rock on her hand had the same value as a new custom Ferrari. It couldn’t fit into any financial scheme that she could comprehend.
