“An installation that is most certainly fortified, correct?”
“We have no proof of that!” Samuel wailed.
“What about the air incidents Sam?” the President asked.
“We have no proof that it was connected with whoever is in charge in there,” Samuel commented.
“The fact that the craft returned there is connection enough,” Ed broke in. “The kid also admitted flying one of them.”
“Mr. President, we must try, ‘it is our duty’,” Samuel reiterated.
“Now hold on Samuel. You try to minimize my concerns about what could happen, and then you advise me that no matter what the outcome, we are obligated to attack.”
“It wouldn’t have to be an attack,” Samuel whined, grasping at solutions.
“Oh? Ed, what did the boy advice you, as to our continuing of operations in the immediate vicinity of the so called base. What did he call it again?” the President asked.
“Ah, Whuc Seaacki Mr. President, and he seemed dead serious about warning us away, and I believed him,” Ed said.
“Ed, oh Ed!” Samuel wailed. “What has gotten into your head?”
The President was about to intervene, but stopped short. Ed Adams had been a long and trusted friend that paid attention, sorted out his thoughts, and then returned an honest opinion. He needed no help on this one.
“Hey, look Sam, I know what I saw, and I say that the kid is in the know.”
“But, we have also started dialog with another individual in there that wants to talk,” Samuel returned.
“A mechanical hawk that typed out, ‘Take me to your leader’. That’s your dialogue?” Ed lectured. “I have seen the boy, and we have talked to him, this other individual we don’t know.”
“But surely the boy isn’t in charge!” Samuel exclaimed. “Shit, six week ago he was a sophomore in the local high school.”
“Maybe, but he has spent many years in that vicinity. He might been a plant, at least involved, since god knows when,” Ed explained.
“We have his birth records from Wisconsin,” Samuel questioned.
“Mr. President,” Ed turned toward his boss, “a kid just doesn’t show up with this kind of power. He is very involved. He stated that he’s ‘Number One’. I don’t know what that means, exactly, but I believe him, and he has warned us to stay away.”
“Oh great, a damn sophomore in high school is telling the most powerful country the world has ever known to stay away from him, and you’re taking him serious. What the hell is happening to you Ed?” Samuel complained.
“Sam, stop attacking me, or my reasoning. I know what I saw, and I’m telling you and everyone here, that kid, regardless of his standing in the local high school, is to be taken serious.”
“Gentlemen, gentlemen,” the President jumped in, “I don’t think Ed’s assessment of the situation is in question. Am I right?” The President paused and looked around to each individual. Each gave a nod of agreement. The Presidents eyes fell on Samuel.
“Mr. President, I, ah, I just can’t go with this foolish—”
“Samuel,” interrupted the President, “I have read all the reports, and have even talked personally with a, let me see, it’s here somewhere.” The President shuffled through some papers on his desk. “Ah yes, a Captain Dallas. It seems that this Captain Dallas was one of the first officers on the scene.”
“Was that the kid that was a Lieutenant just two days ago?” Samuel asked with a smile.
“The one and the same, and he is now a Captain because he was able to take charge of a delicate situation,” the President scolded, “unlike your buddies, the warlords. I have heard from more than one individual, including Ed and the Sergeant standing over there,” the President pointed at Blake, “that were present. They inform me that certain individuals, quote, ‘lost their heads’, and it was necessary for a Lieutenant to take charge. Shall we continue, or dwell on that?” The President looked Samuel straight in the eyes.
Samuel said nothing.
“Ed, this Officer Dallas was the person that briefed you initially about the boy and the girl?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“And this report is factual.”
“Yes, Sir, I was there, I can guarantee its authenticity.”
“Now Samuel,” the President’s eyes fell on his Secretary of State again, “am I to disregard these reports and evaluations?”
“No Mr. President, but—”
“But what Samuel? Again, this Tim Randell disappears, just vanishes in front of, ah let me see, ah sixty some persons, including Sergeant Blake here.” The President nodded to Blake again. “Sergeant, you saw this with your own eyes? Incidentally ladies and gentlemen, Sergeant Blake has been invited here today to give us eyewitness testimony. Nice to have you Sergeant.”
“Thank you Sir, I’m honored.”
“You saw this with your own eyes, then?” the President continued.
“Yes, Sir, I’m positive they were my eyes,” the Sergeant answered
“Ha, ha,” the President laughed, “and were you sober?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Thank you Sergeant. I can see why Miser wants your ass,” the President snickered.
“Second, this Tim was able to completely evade, what, over fifty fully armed soldiers that had direct orders to stop and detain him, with force if necessary. Did your eyes see this one?”
“No Sir! I mean Sir, that’s when he just disappeared, but that’s the same thing all sixty men can attest too. He was right there, and the next moment he wasn’t.”
“And, finally, that this Tim was fired upon, oh, fired ‘at’ would be a better term. Anyway, according to this report, a soldier fired a forty-five, ‘pointblank’,” the President’s voice rose as he emphasized pointblank as if astonished, “at this Tim, at a range of less than five feet, and they all missed.”
“Ah, Mr. President, my eyes saw that one,” Ed interrupted, “and as I put in my report, I definitely saw one of the rounds bounce off this Tim.”
“It’s some sort of trick!” Samuel exclaimed.
“Ah, a trick. What do you think of that Ed, or any of you?” As the President spoke he looked around to the cabinet members assembled around him. “How are we to proceed, if it is indeed a trick?”
“Mr. President, I don’t think if it was a trick or not is the point.” Muriel Costas, the Secretary of the Interior was the first to speak up.
“Mrs. Costas, could you please elaborate,” the President asked.
“Well, Sir, someone that can stage that kind of trick is still someone to take serious,” she returned.
“Samuel?” The President turned to the Secretary of State.
“Thanks a lot people!” Samuel spoke loudly. “I am hurt that you think that I don’t take this serious. Do you all think I’m that stupid, that I can’t see this is out of the ordinary, that this Tim character is, ah is,” Samuel paused, “is not just a sophomore in high school.” The last part of his speech was of a decreasing volume, like the air had been let out of his determination. Samuel hesitated a moment, and then puffed himself up again. “Regardless, I recommend that we take positive action, and do not allow ourselves to be dictated to, by anyone.”
“I appreciate your dedication to your old principles Samuel, but this is a new time, with new problems. We also have to consider the request of this Tim, to consider the sovereignty he asked for,” the President said.
“Oh no, Harold, you too!” Samuel yelled. “I’m sorry Mr. President, but you can’t be serious, to even consider that he is the legitimate leader of a sovereign state.”
“Yes I can, because he brought indisputable proof that Whuc Seaacki, as he refers to it, is indeed, old. A hell of a lot older than our claims to that piece of ground,” the President returned.
“But it’s in our boundaries, it’s, it’s not legal,” Samuel lamented.
“So we just go in there, and take it away then,” the President commented.
“We did make him an offer that I think was more than fair,” Samuel returned.
“And, what was his reply?” The President turned to Ed Adams. “Ed, didn’t he refuse, flatly?”
Ed was laughing. “Some offer. We told him to leave, or else. And yes, he did, flatly refuse, and as Sam is already aware of, he counter offered to buy us out. I think he was serious.”
“Just because he was able to come up with a little platinum and a couple of diamonds doesn’t mean a whole lot,” Samuel offered.
“Ah, Mr. President.” A man in a General’s uniform moved forward to the conference table.
“Yes Roger, what is it?” the President acknowledged.
“Well, I have the analysis of the materials this Tim gave us. I thought this would be a pertinent time to reveal it, seeing as it’s become an issue.”
“Yes General, please go ahead.”
“First of all, the flash drive contained some interesting footage.”
“What!” Samuel interrupted. “I haven’t personally viewed the film, but dinosaurs? Come on people!” Samuel was sputtering.
“We have people analyzing the drive, and so far the images appear real,” Roger said, “and there were two tissue samples, one vegetable, and the other animal.”
“And people that are so enthralled as to be purposely misled!” Samuel announced.
“I have to agree, somewhat, with Samuel here, but—” the General added.
“See there,” Samuel interrupted the General gleefully, “finally someone is willing to admit—”
“But,” the General returned the favor, “the platinum sample measured twelve-point-six-one pounds, and was. . .” the General hesitated and used the time to look around the room at all the individuals, “one-hundred percent pure.”
“Is that possible?” the President asked, as a unified gasp was emitted from the group.
“Not according to any of the experts I have contacted,” the General answered. “And just as puzzling is the analysis of the two diamonds.”
“They’re fakes, give me a break?” Samuel snapped.
“Yes, in a way,” said the General. “They are definitely not naturally formed.”
“Ah, I told you so!” Samuel said proudly.
“I wouldn’t be so smug Mr. Secretary,” the General commented. “The stones are one-hundred and sixteen, and three-hundred and one carats respectively, and they are definitively manufactured, and are of an unheard quality. I have had the platinum and the diamonds appraised, and the bottom line is. . .” again the General hesitated. He was known for his sense of dramatics, but was factual and accurate. “Seven-point-eight-billion dollars give or take a few.”
“Holy shit!” one of the group exclaimed loudly. The rest either mumbled something or simply made noises of astonishment.
“What are you getting at General?” Samuel asked.
“That there is a distinct possibility that this Tim can indeed buy us out,” Ed stated with a smile.
“What!” Samuel bellowed. “Are you out of your mind? Just because he manages to come up with a few bobbles and bangles doesn’t mean he has anymore, and certainly not enough to threaten us.”
“Samuel, I swear, you can be the most exasperating person sometimes,” the President said.
“Why do you say that Mr. President, I’m just looking out for our best interests?”
“Yes, yes I’m sure you are, but sometimes you just don’t pay attention.”
“But, Sir, it’s not possible. How can one person possibly have the resources to accomplish what the General is proposing?” Samuel whined.
“General, would you please explain to the Secretary, and anyone else that doesn’t see what you’re getting at, your reasoning,” the President said.
“Yes, Mr. President, I’d be glad to. Ladies and gentlemen, the platinum is of such a pure quality, it’s definitely a product of some high tech processing. And the diamonds are manufactured and so valuable that I am convinced; this Tim fellow can process and manufacture any amount of the materials necessary. In my summation, he wasn’t kidding about the buyout.”
“The golden rule applies here General?” Ed asked, remembering his conversation with Tim.
“I would say so Ed. He who has the gold, makes the rules, definitely applies here.”
“This is impossible. It just can’t be happening,” Samuel groaned.
“But you do see how it could be possible?” the President asked.
“Yes, if he, indeed, has the capacity to do what he advocates, we are, indeed, in a lot of trouble,” Samuel conceded.
“Now dammit Samuel, don’t be such a pessimist,” the President laughed.
“Well, Sir, he has the weapons, he has the capitol, why shouldn’t I be worried.”
“I appreciate your new concerns, and don’t ever diminish them. That’s why I wanted you here, but try to understand this Tim kid,” the President advised. “Apparently he wants to be left alone. That’s been his only request so far.”
“That’s fine, but what if someone else is either in charge, or he’s just stalling for time? Or, what if someone else is able to take over? What then?” Samuel asked.
“Mr. Secretary,” Ed responded. “I think that’s his biggest concern. He is afraid of anyone acquiring the power he has. That’s why he doesn’t want us there.”
“I don’t trust him!” Samuel snapped.
“You don’t have to!” the President snapped back. “Just listen to what he has to say, and for gosh sakes Samuel, don’t piss him off. You can do that sometimes, you know.”
“I’m sorry Sir, and you’re right, I uh, I can be annoying at times, I realize that.”
“Good, now I expect you and General Amherst here to put your heads together, form a rock pile, and formulate a strategy to keep those fricken hawks in that war room from making a serious mistake. You got it?”
“Yes, Mr. President. I see the importance of what you say, but it won’t be easy. Can you give us any advice on how to continue?” Samuel asked.
“I don’t know how you should go about it from this end.” The President leaned forward and turned toward Ed Adams. “Ed, we must set up an open channel with Tim. See what he expects of us, and see if we can satisfy him. I’m sure that if we can alleviate his fears, we might be able to win ourselves an important ally.”
“Is there anything you would like to convey to Tim, Samuel, General?” Ed asked.
“Yes!” Samuel responded immediately. “Tell him to keep those damn planes inside. Roger and I cannot, I repeat, cannot hope to control this situation militarily if those planes appear again. Right now there is a shoot on sight order, and even you Mr. President cannot change that.”
“Ed, he’s right on that one. That’s first on your list,” the General Amherst added.
“What if he doesn’t agree?” Ed questioned.
“If he can’t comply with some requests from us, then we can’t work with him. I’m sure he is smart enough to see that,” the President said.
“Let’s hope so. I still think it’s important to learn what’s inside, and maybe a strong hand isn’t the answer,” Samuel added.
“Ah Samuel, you never quit. I appreciate that, I really do,” the President said.
“Thank you sir, I will do my best, I promise,” Samuel said.
“Oh, and Ed, could you please investigate that other possible contact inside?” the President asked.
“Ah Sir,” Samuel responded quickly. “I think I should handle that one.”
“Ed’s the one with the contacts out there, I think he should—”
“I was already handling that Sir,” Samuel quickly cut the President off, “and it would be better if I continued.”
The President turned to Ed.
“It’s okay by me,” Ed said, with a shrug. Samuel had already turned to leave the office.
“Good, now let’s get some things done,” the President said. He looked at Ed. “By now, the area around that location should be cleared of a
ny troops, right?”
The President asked Sergeant Blake to remain as the rest of the people moved out of his office. When everyone was gone, the President asked Blake, “Did the kid really kick Miser in the ass?”
“More than once, Sir,” Blake stated.
“Damn, I’d have given anything to be there. I certainly can’t get away with something like that. According to this report,” the President picked up a piece of paper, “you threatened to stuff a pistol up his ass and fire it?”
“I got a little carried away, Sir,” Blake said meekly.
“Oh, don’t apologize Sergeant, that’s something else I’d love to do, but can’t. I’m envious, really I am.”
“Sir, are we going to get in some real trouble. I mean, I’m worried about Matusca, I mean, the Lieutenant, Sir.”
“He’s no longer a Lieutenant, and I will make sure he’s covered. Ed is taking care of that. You two did a good job Sergeant, and we won’t forget. Now get the hell back out there, and for gosh sakes, try not to get carried away, again, Lieutenant.”
“Just like that Sir, you can promote us?”
“What does that seal up on the wall say?” The President pointed to the Great Seal of the President of the United States of America.
“It says you can, indeed, make me an officer just like that, Sir.”
“Ah, you are a wise ass. I expect you to keep your buddy and yourself out of trouble. You got me?”
“Yes, Sir!” Blake said as he saluted smartly and turned.
Ed poked his head into the President’s office, just as Blake was going out.
“Yes, Ed, what is it?” the President asked.
“Oh, I was just wondering if you noticed the sudden change in our dear Secretary, Sir.”
“Oh, you mean when the value of the bobbles and bangles was established. No, I didn’t notice any change,” the President laughed.
Chapter 25
Going Home
Arty requested the inhabitants of Timtown gather in the main control chamber at a specific time. He gave no reason and he allowed them no excuses for not attending. He gave, what seemed to be, a stern warning that everyone must be there.
“I wonder what the Metal Man wants?” Margie asked Sims’s wife, Elaine.
“I can’t imagine. I hope it’s to tell us that we can go,” she returned.
“You want to go out there? I wonder if it’s safe?” Margie said.
“I don’t think I care. I’m just so sick of being confined in here and not knowing what’s happening here, or there. It was okay when Hal was here because I felt there was someone watching out for me and the kids. But now he’s gone, and I just don’t want to go on being trapped in here. I have to know what’s going on.”