Infinity's Gateway, page 35
“Dr. Meinhard, sit down,” said Colton, his voice steady, but cold, his eyes glaring at the scientist.
Meinhard frantically looked around the room. “Are you people hearing this? This man wants us to commit suicide by turning off the best weapon we have to defend ourselves! Or perhaps he’s doing this so we’ll have to surrender. Think about it! Do any of us really know all that went on out there in that jungle?”
“Mr. Mercer, please escort Dr. Meinhard to his quarters and see to it that he stays there,” said Colton.
Coming to her feet as well, Garrett said, “That won’t be necessary.” She walked over and opened one of the conference room’s doors. Lieutenant Tanner stepped in. “I didn’t know whether or not we might need Lieutenant Tanner during our meeting. I’m sure he’ll be happy to help Dr. Meinhard back below decks.”
“Thank you, Captain,” said Colton. “Lieutenant Tanner, Dr. Meinhard is restricted to quarters. Put two men on his door to ensure that he stays there.”
Tanner walked over to Meinhard, took his arm, and none too gently started to pull him out of the room. Meinhard tried breaking away from Tanner’s grip, but he wasn’t anywhere near strong enough to get away from him. “You can’t do this! I’m a civilian guest on this ship. You’ll all pay for this, I promise you! I’ll report you to the admiral!”
“Dr. Meinhard, if you insist on continuing to try and break away from me,” said Tanner, “this will not be a pleasant experience for you.” Garrett shut the door behind them.
“Commander Colton,” said Dr. Chudzik, “I apologize for Dr. Meinhard’s outburst. He’s a brilliant man, but the stress has simply been too much for him. This will pass, and I do hope you will not hold this against him.”
“I appreciate that, Doctor, but there’s no reason to apologize,” said Colton. “This has been hard on all of us, and at times like this, none of us are at our best.” Looking at Sahir, Colton said, “So Lieutenant, back to my question, what does it take to turn Argos off?”
“That is not easy to do,” said Sahir. “There’s a process we follow so that we won’t damage it. There are also defenses built in so that Argos can defend itself from being tampered with.”
“These people, whoever or whatever they are,” said Colton, “are way out in front of us technologically. That craft sitting off to port, the light, the gel, the way they communicate, pick one, all of it is miles in front of anything we have. While I don’t expect to be boarded, I do expect them to have some way of thoroughly scanning us. My concern is that they might successfully hack into Argos. The consequences of that is something I don’t even want to consider. If you wanted to invade our dimension, Flight 19 isn’t much help. The humans on this ship, although brilliant, only know so much. But Argos is the encyclopedia, atlas, and Farmers’ Almanac all wrapped in one.”
“Very good, sir,” said Sahir. “I understand and agree with you. Request permission to leave now and get that process started. Argos will actually be able to help with this.”
Before Colton could answer him, the intercom in the center of the table buzzed. MacKay hit the button. “Yes, Lieutenant Gallo, what is it?”
“Sir, they’re on the move. You better get in here.”
They made it back to the bridge in time to see most of what was happening. Mercer got with Gallo and they began to ready the weapons systems. MacKay, Colton, and Father Ryan watched as the craft that had been hovering over the beach came to a halt, taking a new position halfway between the Eclipse and the shore. The spheres remained motionless, holding their position.
“What do you think it’s doing?” asked MacKay.
“Mr. Gallo,” said Colton, “when the craft started moving towards us, would you say it moved pretty quickly then stopped, or was it slow and methodical?”
“It moved rather slowly, sir,” answered Gallo.
MacKay and Colton nodded at each other. “They want to talk,” said MacKay.
Taking the binoculars from around his neck, Colton said, “They already know who I am. As they’ve been kind enough to make the first move, I’m going to reciprocate and follow their example.”“What do you plan on doing?” asked MacKay.
“I want them to be able to clearly see me. If we’re right, it’ll be easier to communicate with me if I’m standing out in the open. So, I’m going to stand at the bow of the ship, in plain sight. Let’s just hope they’re happy to see me.”
Not two minutes after Colton left the bridge, Dr. Severin joined them. “Surprised to see you up here, Doctor. Everything all right in sick bay?” asked MacKay.
“Oh yes, everything’s going very well,” answered Dr. Severin. “I just thought I’d come up here and see for myself what all the excitement’s about.”
“Well, there you have it,” said MacKay. “Colton’s mystery benefactors.”
Severin stared at the eight craft arrayed in front of him. “Do we have any idea who they are?”
“It’s worse than that, Doctor,” said MacKay. “At this point we don’t know who, or possibly what they are.”
“It’s oddly exciting,” said Father Ryan. “I find myself being as curious as I am terrified. In addition to everything else we’ve faced, this has been the most stressful for the crew to take in. It’s been especially hard on our civilian guests. I’m afraid Dr. Meinhard is having a particularly hard time wrapping his mind around this.”
“Lieutenant Tanner suggested that I might stop by his cabin and check in on him,” said Dr. Severin. “We spent a couple of minutes chatting, and I’m happy to report that he’s doing much better now. In fact, he’s quite relaxed.”
“Wow, now I am impressed,” said Mercer. “A doctor who not only makes cabin calls, but with just one short visit, manages to successfully calm down a guy who has crossed the line into hysteria.”
“That’s very kind of you, Mr. Mercer,” said Dr. Severin, staring out the window. “We sedated him.”
Colton stood in the center of the bow. He turned around a couple of times to clearly show that he was not wearing any weapons. The egg-shaped craft hovered no more than a hundred feet over the water, and less than fifty yards away from him. As always, it appeared motionless, with the exception of the near-blinding light emanating from the top of the craft.
He tried to think of a way to initiate the conversation. Clearly, he didn’t want this to turn into a staring contest because he knew who would blink first.
Doing the best he could to clear his mind, Colton shut his eyes and concentrated on the craft. Over and over again, in his mind, he kept repeating, We want to talk with you. But as hard as he tried, other thoughts kept getting in the way. What if Meinhard was right? What if the calm vision had been induced by hitting the “sweet spot” for religion and faith in his brain? What if his fears were right and this was an experiment? He shook his head, doing his level best to keep his focus where it needed to be.
Then it happened. As before, everything changed, and he found himself surrounded by a soft, undulating blue light. He was at peace in a world that had become very quiet. Although the words were not spoken, he could hear in his mind the same voice telling him that he was safe; they would continue to protect him, they were here to help. Knowing what to expect, the same animated man soon appeared and stood directly in front of him.
We are friends. We will examine you. We are friends. Do not be alarmed.
Before Colton could respond, he felt the breeze from the ocean and could faintly hear other voices. The bluish light was gone, and he looked around him. Mr. Mercer was now standing next to him with two marines on either side.
“MacKay wanted us here in case you needed help,” said Mercer. “Must have been a good conversation. You’re smiling from ear to ear.”
“Yeah, guess I am,” said Colton. “I think we’re okay, but something is about to happen, and we need to make sure everyone is ready.”
Taking his radio from his belt, he hit the button and asked for MacKay. “I’m here, Commander,” said MacKay. “What did they say?”
“Like before, they assured me that they are friends,” said Colton. “That said, they also said they’re going to examine us.”
“What does that mean?” asked MacKay.
“No idea, Captain, but I would suggest we alert the crew and tell them to stand down and let it happen,” said Colton. “I doubt we could stop what’s coming next even if we wanted to. The puppy doesn’t have to bite the vet.”
It was then that four of the spheres broke formation. Two of them shot towards the bow and two raced towards the stern. It happened so quickly there really wasn’t any time to respond. The other three spheres advanced, taking up position just above the egg-shaped craft. Then the light from the four spheres that had the Eclipse hemmed in started to grow in its intensity. Slowly the light made its way across the ship, covering it from stem to stern.
“Captain, you still there?” asked Colton.
“I am,” said MacKay, his voice not nearly as tense as before.
“I trust you’re seeing this,” said Colton.
“Oh yes, I am,” said MacKay. “Briggs and Gallo were able to get the word out to everyone. Do you know what they’re doing?”
“My guess is that this is their way of examining us,” said Colton. “In all probability, everything and everyone on this ship is being scanned. Let’s just hope that Sahir took the proper precautions.”
“I agree,” said MacKay, “but it’s hard to get too worked up over things when you’re feeling this relaxed. The ability this light has to influence how one feels could really put a serious dent into the booze and drug trade.”
It didn’t take long before the Eclipse was completely covered by the light. After just a few moments, it began to brighten, and then returned to normal. Brightened, and then returned to normal, again and again, creating an odd pulsating sensation. This went on for almost twenty minutes, then stopped abruptly. The blue light completely disappeared.
The four spheres surrounding the Eclipse quickly flew back to the beach, followed by the three that had been hovering above the egg-shaped craft. Colton could only imagine the frantic activity on the bridge as MacKay went through the paces of having his ship checked out, department by department.
Within minutes his radio buzzed, and Colton answered it, “Colton here. How’d we do?”
“Everything seems to be functioning properly,” said MacKay. “No damage to any personnel or systems. Not sure what they’re looking for, but let’s hope we get a passing grade.”
“What about Sahir?” asked Colton. “Did Argos pass out from fright?”
“Quite the opposite,” said MacKay. “Sahir is still running a couple of programs, but according to Argos the experience was quite pleasant and not intrusive in any way. Apparently, as computer to computer goes, they were able to play well together.”
“You find that as troubling as I do?” asked Colton.
“I sure as hell do,” growled MacKay.
“I’m pretty sure they already knew the Eclipse is a warship,” said Colton. “Let’s be honest, we weren’t exactly throwing rocks at those dinosaurs when they first found us. So, it does beg the question as to what they were actually looking for, and what, to them, might be considered dangerous.”
“Mr. Gallo suggested that they may . . .”
Suddenly the blue communications beam once again engulfed Colton’s head and shoulders and all the tension drained away from him. Again, through the soft blue light, the reassurances were given. They are their friends. They are there to keep them safe. This mantra was repeated several times. Soon the animated man reappeared, his expression the same artificial smile.
We wish to commune with your healer and your God man. We would do so in ten of your minutes.
The session ended, and this time Colton was so relaxed that he staggered back a step. Fortunately, a marine was there to catch him.
“Are you all right?” asked Mercer.
Colton gave it a moment to retain his composure, then said, “We need to get Father Ryan and Dr. Severin here with me as quickly as we can.”
Mercer frowned at this and said, “Why? What’s going on?”
Colton shook his head. “No idea. They must be getting bored with me. They said they want to talk with our healer and our God man. They’re giving us ten minutes to get them out here.”
“Do you think it’ll be safe for them?” asked Mercer.
“Yes, I think so,” said Colton. “Of course, on the other hand, what options do we really have?”
CHAPTER 26
“I don’t like the sound of this,” said MacKay. “What could they have found that would lead them to want to talk with Father Ryan and Dr. Severin?”
“For all we know it doesn’t have anything to do with what they may or may not have found,” said Colton. “Many cultures hold witchdoctors, or shamans, in high esteem. They’re obviously interested in our equivalent and want to talk to them. If this is what it takes to finally open up communications, then I’m all for it.”
“I just hate putting those two at risk,” said MacKay.
Colton gave that some thought. “We could try to have two of the crew pose as Father Ryan and Severin, but I’m not sure we want to start lying to these people. Deception is a bad foundation to build on when entering into a new relationship.”
“Very well, Commander, it’s your show,” said MacKay. “They’re on their way.”
“What exactly happens when that light hits you?” asked Mercer while they waited on Father Ryan and Dr. Severin.
“It’s like I first described it to you and Captain MacKay and it hasn’t varied at all,” said Colton. “All at once I’m completely removed from my surroundings, I’m at peace with the world, and am about as relaxed as a man can get. If it’s nothing more than their interrogation technique, then I have to say I’m all for it. Believe me, I’ve experienced much worse.”
Escorted by two more marines, Father Ryan and Dr. Severin joined Colton and Mr. Mercer out on the bow. “I understand our presence has been requested,” said Father Ryan.
“It has,” said Colton, smiling at the two men. “They asked for our healer and our God man. Your names came to mind.”
“Any idea why they want to talk to us?” asked Severin.
“No, Doctor, I really don’t, but then I also don’t believe you have anything to worry about,” said Colton. “All of our contact with them so far has been positive. Hopefully, the two of you will be able to communicate with them in far more depth than I have. It would be nice to learn who we’re dealing with.”
“Voices from a bright, heavenly light,” muttered Father Ryan. “ ‘Have no fear.’ ”
“What was that, Father?” asked Mercer.
“Nothing,” said Father Ryan. “I was thinking of the visions, the dreams, I’ve been having.” Looking at Colton, he said, “Tell me again. What’s it like when they talk with you?”
Before Colton could answer, lights shot from the egg-shaped craft, encompassing all three men. They stood there, completely still, not moving at all. After ten minutes had passed, Mercer began to get worried. “How long do we let this go on, Captain?” he said into his radio.
“For as long as it takes, Mr. Mercer. Like Colton, I don’t think this was a mistake, but even if we wanted to stop it, I wouldn’t know how to begin. I’m also concerned that our interfering might end up hurting our own men.”
The time continued to drag on; each minute seemed longer than the one before it. Finally, after twenty-one minutes, the light went away and all three men slightly staggered. Father Ryan had the most trouble getting his balance back.
Mercer couldn’t believe the looks on their faces. All three of them were beaming, happy, and relaxed. Colton, being the most used to it, took his radio and called MacKay. “Captain, we need to meet in your conference room.”
“Are you all right?” asked MacKay.
“Yes sir, we all are, but we need to talk,” said Colton. “Please ask Captain Garrett, Mr. Sahir, Dr. Chudzik, and Dr. Brennan to join us. We have a great deal to go over.”
The atmosphere in the conference room was filled with a fine mixture of apprehension and anticipation. They were all anxious to find out what they had learned. Hezekiah brought up trays of sandwiches and plenty of coffee. He also brought Colton a large, black tea.
Colton remained standing, ready to address the team. He was tired. As positive as the communications had been, he felt drained. He really appreciated the hot tea he was sipping. “Dr. Severin’s communication with them is perhaps the most pressing, so I’ll let him begin. But I’d first like to get a couple of items out of the way. We have not learned who they are, where they come from, or why they’re helping us. However, the good news is that everything that was communicated to us was positive. Dr. Severin?”
Severin stayed seated as he looked around the table. “My communication with them was unique in that I didn’t see the same man that Commander Colton and Father Ryan saw. A man and a woman spoke to me. Both of them were wearing long, red-colored cloaks that buttoned at the neck. They asked me several questions regarding Private Lockridge, as well as the rest of the team that had been ashore.”
“There isn’t much about us they don’t know, is there?” said MacKay, looking at Colton.
“No, there’s not,” said Colton. “But, oddly, at least at this point, I think it works in our favor. They seem to know our needs, and frankly, our inability to survive here without some kind of help. Technologically, I think they know that we don’t pose a threat.”
“They asked permission to give us more in the way of medicines,” Dr. Severin continued. “They talked with me at some length about what each medicine does and how to apply it. I told them that I was concerned that I might not remember everything they were telling me. They promised that there would be written instructions included, and get this, they’d be in English.”
