The Manhattan Incident

by Raymond Poincelot

  Reverend Jeremiah Cooper looked at the capsule in his hand. It was a powerful new street drug named Flash. The name came from the Adobe Flash Player software used widely on computers. Like that flash, it was noted for animation, but not on the screen, but in your head. It produced powerful hallucinations said to bring you closer to God, or so the street word said. Jeremiah popped the capsule and swallowed some water. Maybe, just maybe, this crutch might get him back to God. He prayed out loud mightily for God to talk with him again. “God, your humble servant misses you. I know I am not worthy of your attention. Please take pity on this wretch, whose only ambition is to do your work, especially the task of bringing on the Rapture. Since it came close, but still has not happened, I guess your miserable servant failed. I took too long to remove the agent of obstruction, John Cabrot. I took too long out of fear, spending too much time at planning such that the assassination could not be traced back to me. Yes, in my zeal to be safe, I failed you. Please hear me. Let me feel you again. Guide me. I will not fail you. Just tell me what to do and I’ll do it. I am willing to give all this up on Earth to join you during the Rapture.”

  Jeremiah started to feel a bit dizzy. He got up and went to the bedroom and laid down on his specially made bed, which was the size of two king beds side by side. All the bed trappings had to be specially tailored for the bed. As the powerful drug took effect, he became unconscious. His breathing became shallow. Suddenly he was in a huge room whose ceiling seemed impossibly high. There was only one piece of furniture in the room at the far end, which seemed also impossibly far away. As his vision adjusted, he realized the object was a very ornate throne with fantastic carvings and many jewels that flashed as he shifted his frame of vision. He could make out a figure on the throne. However, it was too far away to tell who it was or to make out any facial details. He started to walk toward it. After several minutes of walking, he realized that the throne was getting smaller, as if it was getting further away. It made no sense, so he continued on. Still, the throne got smaller. Jeremiah stopped. Things seemed to not follow the laws of physics here. Obviously, great power was at play, perhaps playing with him. Jeremiah shuddered at that thought. He backed away and turned to go back in the other direction. Amazingly, the throne appeared now on the other side of the room, facing him. Jeremiah took a few steps forward. Suddenly the throne appeared to rush toward him on its own volition. Jeremiah decided to stand his ground. The throne stopped a few feet in front of him. Jeremiah saw a white bearded man sitting in the throne, all garbed in splendid flowing white silky material.

  Jeremiah got down on his knees and said, “Is that you, God?” The response came in a loud, booming voice that seemed to echo around the cavernous room. “Yes, Jeremiah. Stand and face me.” Jeremiah did as he was asked, even though his legs felt like rubber. “Jeremiah, I know why you are here. You are still waiting for the Rapture. It has been delayed by your incompetence. I’m willing to give you a second chance to get your ticket to the Rapture.” “But God, I did as you asked me. I had John Cabrot eliminated along with his two colleagues. I don’t see where I went wrong and failed you.”

  “Jeremiah, I can’t help you to redeem yourself. I will give you a hint toward that end, but then you are on your own. You waited too long after I gave you my command. You were afraid you might get caught and spend time in jail or even be executed. You had no faith that I would gather you up into my kingdom forever. Your delay gave the Anti-Christ time to make his breakthrough on stopping the Blue Flu virus. You took too long. You attempted to kill him too late. Oh, by the way, he is not dead either. You completely failed me.” With that pronouncement, there was a tremendously loud boom, like a thunderclap, and Jeremiah woke up in his bed. His mouth was dry, his head hurt like hell, and his tongue felt like sandpaper. It was like a hangover, but many times worse. Jeremiah decided that Flash might be responsible for this miserable feeling. He wondered if the vision was really God talking to him, or was it a Flash-fueled hallucination. There simply was no way of knowing. Still, Jeremiah thought to himself. I can’t take the chance it wasn’t God. I have to move ahead. God said I failed him. It must mean I have to find the still alive John Cabrot and finish the job. He decided to spend as much time as possible on the problem over the next few days.

  Back in Area 51, Paul and Zack had just left Dr. Olov’s office. She had given Zack a clean bill of health. There were no lasting effects from the last encounter with the alien. Still, it was with trepidation that Paul accompanied Zack to Dr. Rapstein’s lab. Joe and Lisa hung back. They could sense that Paul was not in the mood for any conversation. Paul and Zack entered the lab and Joe and Lisa took up stations at the outer door. The technicians fitted up Zack with all kinds of sensors and the wireless transmitter as before. Shortly, Dr. Olov arrived and inspected the sensors. Satisfied that everything was correct, she said, “OK, Zack, we are ready. Remember the panic button if you need to leave in a hurry or feel trapped or paralyzed by the alien’s mind. We’ll yank you out so fast your head will spin.” Zack looked perplexed. “Sorry, Zack, a little humor on my part. I’ll be watching all your vitals out here, so don’t worry. At the first sign of any trouble, you are out of there. Don’t forget that should the alien become restless, you have agreed to stop and leave.” “I’ll remember and I’m not worried.” With that statement, Zack opened the inner door and entered the alien’s chamber, taking his usual seat. As usual, it felt chilly and Zack was glad to have the coat and hat. He wished there was some good way to type with gloves that covered his hands completely. Still, he was pleased with the gloves that had their fingertips cut off. It was a distinct improvement.

  Zack sat for a few minutes, keeping his mind clear. Seeing no restlessness with the alien, he opened his mind to listening mode. Familiar scenes of the alien’s home and his spacecraft appeared. Zack let then drift by. He formulated a thought. Is your home planet OK? Nothing happened for several minutes. Then Zack saw scenes of oceans drying up, green landscapes going to reddish brown, and aliens looking thin and haggard. Zack thought again. Your planet is dying, isn’t it? Yes seemed to float into Zack’s head. At that the alien seemed to get restless and appeared more agitated than before. Zack stood and walked out. He clearly remembered the mental blow last time from the alien. Better safe than sorry, thought Zack. Upon emerging, Dr. Olov said, “Good decision, Zack. Your blood pressure had started to inch up. Paul looked at both Zack and Dr. Olov. “That’s enough for today. We’ll try again tomorrow.”

  General Straub read the latest report sent by Dr. Rapstein. Worry lines furrowed the General’s brow. It was one thing to conquer a planet for its resources. It was another thing to conquer a planet because yours was dying and you needed a new place to survive. To the General this news was bad. It meant that the aliens had a very powerful incentive to return. Earth’s military had put up considerable resistance and the cost to the aliens was high. If resources were the only agenda item, then that might be enough to give the aliens pause about returning. If you needed Earth to survive as a race, you would be back. You had no choice. The General came to some conclusions. One, the viral plague was meant to rid Earth of humans and provide an empty place for the taking. Two, the recent alien probe that Zack suggested carried an even worse plague was most likely true. Three, the aliens would return with everything they had in the military sense. It would be their last ditch battle. The General hoped Zack might yet get a time table. Time was definitely running out. He sent a text to Paul about that very need.

  Paul read the text message back in his quarters. Paul knew the pressure was mounting. He was well aware that General Straub would turn Zack over to military intelligence, if results were not forthcoming soon. Paul worried that pushing Zack too hard would not be a good thing for Zack’s well-being. A very careful balance was needed here. Later that day, Paul sat down with Zack and explained that it was increasingly important to learn as much as possible about the aliens’ military tactics and when they might return. Zack understood and with Pa
ul’s help, he wrote up some questions for the next few sessions with the alien.

  Later that evening after Zack went to bed, Paul sat down with Roberta. He explained the events that had taken place over the last several days. Roberta’s concern about Zack was every bit as high as his own. Paul realized this concern just from looking at her. “Roberta, I have an idea. Currently, Zack has very little legal protection. He is an orphan. Tyler is letting me serve as a guardian of Zack, more or less. However, when push comes to shove, I, and you, have no legal standing to protect Zack. I think very highly of Zack and I know you do, too. So, I have been thinking the last few weeks about something. How would you feel about adopting Zack? We have no children of our own, so there are no complications.” A tear ran down Roberta’s cheek. “I would love that, Paul, but I think we need to ask Zack about it also.”

  Suddenly Zack appeared in the kitchen. “I would love to be your son.” Paul and Roberta looked at each other and smiled. “Zack,” said Paul, “Were you trespassing in our minds? You said you wouldn’t do that.” “No, I have good hearing. I heard everything.” Roberta looked at Zack and said, “I guess between your ability and acute hearing we can’t have any secrets from you.” Zack blushed. “Yes, you can. I don’t try to read either of you or anyone else. I respect your privacy.” Paul nodded and said, “OK, Zack. Go back to bed. You have another trying day tomorrow. You need your rest.” Zack left the room looking happier than he had looked in weeks. “OK, Roberta, it’s settled. I know a judge back in Stamford who owes me some favors. I’ll contact her tomorrow first thing and fast track this adoption.

  The next morning after breakfast Paul picked up his P-Com and called Judge Meghan O’Hara. No answer was forthcoming. Shit, thought Paul. I forgot the time difference. She is already at work. Paul decided to leave a message. “Judge O’Hara, Paul Laurent here. I need a favor. I’m in Nevada and need a Nevada judge who can fast track an adoption. This matter is of utmost importance to me, so please call me at your earliest convenience. Thank you.” Shortly after that, Zack’s tutor arrived. Paul watched the two of them go to the Zack’s room. Paul went to his computer and checked in on STEMEO. After reading several emails and reports, it was obvious that things were going fine there. Paul realized suddenly that he was not so critical to the operation. The staff he put in place was clearly capable of running things without him. He felt somewhat sad, but also happy, that if he were to die tomorrow, things at STEMEO would go fine without him. But that’s the way it should be, he thought.

  Just then his P-Com played a snatch of “Blue Skies.” That would be the Judge, as he had assigned that ringtone to the Judge’s number so not to miss it. “Hello, Paul. How are you?” “I’m fine. Can you help me on the adoption matter?” “No problem, Paul. Las Vegas is noted for Quickie Marriages, but lesser known for Quickie Adoptions. However, I did find a lawyer/judge pair who can cut through the red tape and make it happen fast. It won’t be cheap. I’ll squirt you their contact information as soon as I hang up. Call the lawyer. He’s expecting your call and will handle everything. Nice hearing from you, Paul. Good luck in Vegas.” A few seconds later the contact information flashed on his P-Com screen.

  Paul gave Attorney Curt Doolittle a call. After a brief chat, Paul agreed upon the steep price, undoubtedly some of which would go to the Judge. All Paul had to do was fill out a two page form which promptly appeared on his P-Com. The form went faster than Paul thought it would. It helped that Paul had arranged the burial of Zack’s dad in Rutland. The date of father’s death was fresh in his mind. The mother was difficult, so he put divorced, untraceable, and presumed missing in Blue Flu plague. The orphanage discharge papers supplied Paul with the orphanage name as well as the admitted and discharged dates. Paul finished the paper work and sent it back. About 30 minutes later, a text message arrived. “Paper work is all in order. Can you be in the Judge Vickery Chase’s chamber tomorrow at 11:30?” That gave Paul some pause. Would Tyler let them go off base to Vegas? After all, Paul had no illusions about things here. Zack was a military asset now and would be zealously guarded. Still, Paul replied “Yes. See you there.” He figured he could always cancel if he had to.

  He decided to not put it off, but went straight to Tyler’s Office. As he entered, General Straub’s Aide, Sergeant Sean O’Malley, looked up and said, “Good to see you, Dr. Laurent. What can I do for you?” “I need to see General Straub on an urgent matter.” “General Straub indicated he was not to be disturbed today, unless it was important.” Paul decided to lie. “I assure you, it is of the utmost importance.” To me, he added silently. O’Malley buzzed the General. “Dr. Laurent is here. He says it is important.” “Let him in, Sergeant.” Paul entered feeling tense.

  “Good morning, Paul. What’s up?” “Zack is going to hit the alien with some direct questions about military strategy later this morning. I helped design the questions.” “Great, but is that all? Surely, you didn’t need to see me about that.” “No, that’s not all. It is a lead-in to what I want to ask you. Today’s session is likely to be very stressful on Zack. I would like your permission to take him for some R&R in Vegas tomorrow. I assume I need your OK to go off base.” “Yes, you do, Paul. But why go to Vegas? I can’t imagine that Zack is into gambling or floor shows or glitz?”

  Paul decided to level with Tyler. “No, Zack isn’t into that kind of thing, but that’s where he will become the happiest child ever, as Roberta and I plan to go before a Judge to adopt Zack.” Of course, Tyler knew all of this already. Paul’s P-Com and quarters were thoroughly bugged, per insistence of the military intelligence Director, Colonel Lanzo. Those bastards, especially Colonel Lanzo, tended to be paranoid and the General felt badly that his friend Paul was being eavesdropped upon. However, Tyler was pleased about Paul’s honesty. It said something good about their friendship. It also would give Tyler an edge in pushing back against MI who wanted Paul out of the loop and their unit placed in charge of Zack. Tyler smiled and said, “Well, congratulations to you and Roberta. I will have the proper paperwork done and given to you by day’s end. I know that you and Zack have Joe and Lisa, but I am assigning you a second vehicle with our very best soldiers for additional protection. Zack is becoming an extremely valuable military asset. I’m sure you understand.” “Yes, I do. Thank you Tyler.” Paul wondered if the real reason for the soldiers was in case he decided to not come back. As Paul left the office, he thought, well, that didn’t go badly after all. He could hardly wait to get back to his quarters and tell Roberta and Zack the good news. Las Vegas, here we come.

  Later that morning, Zack and Paul showed up at Dr. Rapstein’s lab. Zack was quickly suited up with his sensors and transmitter. Dr. Olov gave the go ahead sign and Zack went through the door. He sat as usual and cleared his mind. For several minutes he did nothing. Then he thought over and over, “Your attack on Earth failed.” For several minutes nothing happened. Then a string of clear thoughts came, as if the alien was talking to him. “Yes, it did. We underestimated your technology and your resolve to fight back. We should have used a more advanced biological weapon. That’s why we sent the second probe recently. It would have wiped out all of you.” At that phrasing, Zack shivered. Dr. Olov watched a slight drop in Zack’s blood pressure, but it was only transitory, so she didn’t have Zack yanked out. “Our next invasion wave will be massive. You will be overwhelmed by numerical superiority and a viral plague that you can’t hope to stop. I only wish I could be here to see it. Good bye, Zack.”

  At the last words, Zack was visibly shaken. The alien knew his name. He wanted him to be afraid. But why add the good bye? Suddenly alarm sensors started going off. The door opened suddenly and a team in white coats and several heavily armed soldiers came pouring in. Zack looked confused and said, “I’m OK. I don’t need help.” They all ignored him and started to open the door to the alien’s chamber after punching in the code to unlock the door. Suddenly Zack knew what the alien meant with his good bye. He was dying. A tear ran down Zack’s ch
eek. Even though the aliens were bad news, Zack felt saddened. It was just the way Zack was. The alien died alone, far away from his own kind. He never got back to his home and maybe his family, if he had one. Just like my dad, thought Zack.

  Zack came out and handed the laptop to Dr. Rapstein, who was looking quite frazzled. Dr. Olov was shaking her head at him and saying, “No, we don’t know enough yet about its physiology. We can learn more after the autopsy, but that doesn’t help us now. The alien won’t make it. Dr. Rapstein turned to Zack and said, “I hope you got something useful from Taurauk.” Zack shook his head yes. “But it’s not good news.” He turned to Paul who looked a little ashen. “I’m OK, but we need to go. There is no more I can do here today, or any day for that matter. I’m fine, just a little bit tired.” Later that day, it was General Straub’s turn to look ashen as he read Zack’s latest observations. While the news wasn’t totally unexpected, it was another thing to have his worst fears confirmed. Too bad Zack didn’t get an idea of the time table for their next invasion before the alien died, thought the General. In his heart Tyler knew that it wouldn’t be long. He prayed that they were ready. The drawer slid open and Tyler poured himself a bit of single malt scotch.