Hybrid - Forced Vengeance (42 page)

* * * *

Arthur Phelps looked up at the largest humanoid he had ever set eyes upon. Its skin was liquid chrome and reflected the dull fluorescent lighting. The being’s eyes burned like radioactive blue fire, massive muscles rippled and flexed as it casually pushed the bulky door aside to allow the others to enter the chamber.

The silver being turned to the young woman and the silver child and a look of relief altered his fearsome features. Shanda Knight let out a cry of relief as she ran into his massive silver arms. The warrior gently embraced mother and child obscuring them with his bulk as Gray and his father greeted each other with similar joy.

* * * *

Shanda took a step back and offered her silver son to his sire. Her massive hybrid warrior gently took the baby into his arms. The arms that could crush titanium like paper gently held the infant. The tiny child reached out with one shaky finger and touched his father’s cheek. Erik diminished in size and mass. His skin changed from chrome-like to pink flesh and the burning eyes were still intense, but more human.

The baby transformed along with his father. He had jet black hair and sapphire blue eyes like his mother. Erik held his son close as tears of pride and relief rushed down his cheeks. Shanda rushed back to him and he held her tightly in a family embrace.

“I never believed that you were dead. In my heart I never believed it,” he said gently to her. “God I was miserable without you, angel,” he added, burying his head on her soft shoulder.

Erik Knight Jr. cooed happily for the first time since his birth.

“Isn’t he just beautiful,” Shanda asked Erik.

Erik placed his son back in his mother’s arms and gently, but passionately kissed her. Once the kiss was over he added with a wink, “He takes after his mother.”

Shanda smiled at her husband, the link that bonded them together burned inside her heart and mind once again. “I never gave up on you,” she whispered as she fell into his arms once again. “I knew you’d come for us.”

Shanda ran her fingers through his hair and then suddenly realized, “You cut your hair!” she said in a shocked voice as tears ran down her cheeks.

Erik laughed as he hugged her again, “Yes, I cut my hair.” Leave it to Shanda to notice his hair despite all she’d been through.

* * * *

Gray took Arthur’s hand and led him to meet his family.

“This human is my friend. He is called Arthur Phelps. He risked his life to save mine. He represents what is good in humans.”

“We are pleased and grateful for your friendship, Arthur Phelps,” Gray’s mother said as she took the stunned sergeant’s hand.

“Gray is my friend. I’d never let anything happen to him.”

Gray’s mother gently touched Phelps’ temple. She pulled her hand away in mild surprise. “You speak the truth. You consider my son to be your best friend. I am honored to know you, Arthur Phelps.”

“If I may suggest,” Anderson interrupted, “perhaps we could adjourn and move to our reception room?”

“Indeed,” Diplomat answered. “There are many things that should be discussed. I have the authority to speak for my people. Who here has the authority to speak for your species?”

There were several blank looks before Erik explained, “Our planet consists of several independent countries. Several leaders speak for the people of our planet.

“Inefficient,” the alien remarked. “Esper, you have proven yourself to be honorable and worthy of our trust. You will speak for your people, and we will address our grievances to you. You will present your planet’s position,” Diplomat said with finality. “Let us adjourn to our ship, and we will meet here on the next one of your solar days. Is this acceptable?”

Erik Knight nodded and extending his hand said, “It is. May I escort you back to your ship?”

“Excellent,” Diplomat replied.

Erik escorted the alien family out of the compound with Shanda and their son by his side. He wrapped his arm protectively around her shoulder.

* * * *

Colonel Ross had been told of Erik Knight’s reunion with his wife and child – and that Gray was now back with his family. He didn’t look forward to having the president on site at Groom Lake. The game was truly over. The splinter government wouldn’t allow him to live. He buttoned the coat of his formal dress blues, somewhat grateful that Bill hadn’t made the same bargain with the devil as he had. Bill Anderson had played it smart, thus had managed to salvage the most out of their defeat. The detailed report he’d submitted into his log absolved Bill from any blame. It wasn’t  entirely the truth, but he owed this much to his old friend. Bill had tried to warn him more than once, but his stubborn streak had prevailed. Perhaps Anderson would consider his report as an apologetic gesture; either way he wouldn’t be around to discuss it.

Colonel Art Bartholomew Ross re-read the letter he wrote to Anderson then he sat at his desk, laid down the letter and picked up his Colt .45 pistol.

He looked beyond the walls. “I’m sorry, Bill. I thought I was acting for the good of our country. I went to bed with the devil and now I have to pay the price.”

He’d rather die here, now, in the comfort of his quarters than be brutally killed later by some cold assassin. He pulled the trigger and the Colt .45 shattered the silence.

* * * *

In the luxurious suite assigned to his family, Erik got up from the king-size bed thinking of three words: Family, Father, Parent. He admitted to himself that seeing Shanda holding a baby was a shock. He had sensed the baby’s presence, but had no idea of the sex or that the child had already been born. He’d missed the birth – that moment was lost forever. Although Erik was thankful that Allison Cross had been there for his wife, he also vowed to thank Arthur Phelps, the meek, shy Sergeant who’d risked his own safety and career to befriend both Shanda and Gray. Phelps’ humanity and compassion toward the young Observer was the real reason that Diplomat had agreed to consider speaking to a delegation of humans; but Erik sensed the alien’s distrust toward Anderson and other humans.

He looked back. Shanda was still sound asleep, and snuggled next to her was Erik Junior. Last evening, Shanda had let out a cry of relief when the baby had first cried. Erik stared at the sleeping pair for several long seconds and experienced similar feelings to those he’d felt toward Margaret after the birth of Brianna. He’d never thought he would experience this kind of happiness again. Truly, Shanda had rescued him from himself two and a half years ago.

He sensed the presence at his door, seconds before the knock. He opened the door to Sergeant Phelps, smiled and gestured the man inside the living room.

Erik whispered, “Mom and baby are still sleeping, but have a seat.”

“Thank you, sir.” Phelps sat down.

“Sir? Me? I was a noncom just like you. I worked for a living.”

Phelps chuckled. “Sorry, Mr. Knight.”

“Please, call me Erik,” he said taking a chair as well.

“Erik,” Phelps began. “The president flew in early this morning, accompanied by the chief of staff and the secretary of state. They’d like to meet with you as soon as possible to go over what they want you to say to the Observers.”

Erik raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really! I’ve got enough information from Gray and Anderson to garner an idea of what our bitches are our sins are, without having to sit around with politicians and hear their spin on the story.”

Phelps laughed quietly then sobered. “Shall I tell them you’re respectfully taking a pass on their invitation?”

“That would be the diplomatic way to say ‘kiss my ass.’ ”

“You should also know that Colonel Ross committed suicide last night,” Phelps said.

The news startled Erik. “That’s something I never expected. I’m sorry for that. I must admit, when I first got here, I wanted to tear him apart piece by piece, but now it all seems so trivial. I want to take my family and go home, Arthur. I’m truly tired of the spy game and all the political intrigue.”

Phelps tilted his head in confusion. “You mean you don’t want vengeance against everyone who took part in Shanda’s abduction?” Arthur asked in disbelief.

“First I did. I wanted to hurt a lot of people.” Erik replied. “But a wise man told me that if I were to consider myself above the law then I would be just as guilty and as wrong as the culprits who did this.” Erik laughed as the realization dawned on him.

“I missed the joke,” Arthur Phelps said.

“I’m sorry; I just realized that the person I was referring to has an annoying habit of always being proven right in the end when it comes to these issues of morality and justice.”

“We can’t all be perfect,” Phelps said lightly as he stood up to leave. “I need to get back to the president and Lt. Colonel Anderson. I’ll relay your ‘screw you’ in as much diplomatic prose as I can conjure.”

* * * *

A worried Lt. Colonel Anderson sat in the large briefing room among the representatives from the Pentagon and Washington. The president and his staff were reviewing Ross’s suicide note along with the official report he’d filed. Anderson was awaiting his fate.

“Lt. Colonel Anderson,” the secretary of defense began.

“Sir,” Anderson replied as he stood, preparing himself for the worst.

“It would seem that your boss gave you a departing gift. He accepted total responsibility and absolves you of any wrongdoing. In fact he goes so far as to mention, both in official and unofficial documents, that you were strictly against several of his decisions and actions.”

“Yes, sir,” Anderson replied, looking beyond the crowd in the room.

“But … off the record, we both know this is bullshit. You were in it up to your eyeballs; deep enough to call into question your motives and loyalties.” The secretary of defense gave him a pointed look over steel framed spectacles.

Anderson nodded and then gambled for his life. “I’m sure you have proof for your accusation, Mr. Secretary. He wet his lips then went on. If I’m going to be court marshaled I’d at least like the benefit of military legal counsel that we both know I’m entitled to – and the ability to review any and all charges the government has filed against me.

“Also, if I’m forced to testify, based on what I think my superior officer was involved in, the scandal would trigger more headlines then what the current administration could probably endure. The present Commander-In-Chief would go down in flames along with his staff.” Anderson sighed inwardly. He’d force the secretary to file either a formal charge and allow him council or to let him walk.

The room went really quiet. Then the president spoke up. “You’re implying that you have knowledge of Colonel Ross’s contacts and activities?”

“No, sir, I am only theorizing, based on rumor and overheard conversations. I would not want to speculate as to what I think occurred since I was sequestered for some of the goings-on. That would be damning testimony that I have no way of verifying. However, if my assumptions and theories were leaked to the press it would be damning for
all
branches of government.” Anderson glanced at the man directly.

“You’re not in a position to make threats, mister,” the Secretary of Defense shot back.

Anderson turned to the secretary. “I’m not making any threats, Mister Secretary. I’m only contemplating the obvious, based on assumptions that cross-examination would no doubt demand of me to make,” he replied coolly.

A staffer slipped into the room, went directly to the secretary. He leaned over and whispered into the man’s ear and the secretary turned to the president.

“Mr. President, we received a transmission from the orbiting ship. They are requesting permission to land and begin formal discussions. They’ve also reaffirmed their desire to have the Esper human present to oversee the hearings.”

The president nodded and addressed the staffer. “Permission granted. Someone find Agent Knight. Despite his reluctance to see me, I still want a few words with him before this whole episode unfolds.”

* * * *

The president, chief of staff, and Erik Knight stood side by side on the sandy desert staring up at the sky. No other humans were present or visible within quite a distance.

“Brace yourself!” Erik informed them. “They’re bringing the mother ship into our atmosphere.”

Several seconds later the large Observer ship came into view, dropping more like a light feather rather than one would expect of a vessel with its bulk.

The Observer mother ship slowed then hovered several meters above the ground. A large scalloped door opened underneath the massive ship and a reddish white beam gently lowered several space shuttles to the sand.

“I thought they destroyed all our shuttles,” the chief of staff remarked as they watched the smaller ships touch down on the sand.

“Apparently not,” Erik replied.

The three men watched, mesmerized as the multiple beam emitters along the bottom of the ship moved the shuttles.

A smaller doorway opened and a small Observer ship gently landed below the massive carrier. The silvery hull metal of the Observer ship flowed apart and a ramp appeared. The shuttle crews walked down the ramp, escorted by Observers. At the bottom of the ramp Earth crews shook hands with their guards, and laughing, they walked past the president, saluting – to head to the elevator entrance of Groom Lake.

“I’d take this as a good sign, Mr. President,” Erik commented, content to see that there were fewer casualties. “They’ve made the first gesture of goodwill. Too bad we don’t have anything to offer in return.” He looked at the president.

“What are you prepared to negotiate with these beings, Agent Knight?” the president asked.

Erik shrugged his shoulders. “I haven’t a clue, sir. I plan on hearing them out first. Then I’ll have a better idea of where we stand afterwards. I’m hoping we can at least walk away with the foundation of friendship, maybe some new technology too.”

The Observer who called himself Diplomat walked down the ramp. Erik met the alien at the bottom of the ramp and extended his hand and Diplomat returned the gesture.

“Good day, Erik Knight. I trust that all is in readiness for our discussions.”