Mike expected to see the man’s facial expression change, but it did not. Jim looked back at him with a blank stare and Mike thought, “Man, this guy must be an awfully good poker player.” Then Jim commed him back; I suppose this is the government’s effort to take control. I’m not surprised. There were times when I had to hide in the weeds, as I witnessed it happen several times. The UFO project had a few high ranking politicians who had to be made aware of our discovery. Some of those people wanted it in their backyard, so they could milk it for profit.

  It was disgusting to watch how little they cared for the reality of what that space ship could mean for humanity. All they wanted was to enhance their power, by controlling the information that was being gleaned from it. And not a single one of them gave a tinker’s damn about those missing people.

  The guy’s insight was amazing. Mike told him, Damn, Jim, you got it in one.

  Atteberry pointed out, General, you fought in wars, where the enemy shot at you. I dealt with a much lower life form for an enemy, politicians and their sycophants. Our secret non-existent agency was always under threat of a power grab from some politician who was trying to enhance his or her position on Capital Hill. Some of them actually had no idea what we were hiding, just that it was top secret and in Nevada. We had to squash a lot of rumors, in the early days, due to deliberate leaks. Eventually, the Air Force just ignored them and said, “No comment.”

  Mike gave Atteberry his orders. Jim, I want you to maintain that same low profile that you’re obviously good at. That includes while you’re here with us. Just be a fly on the wall.

  While you’re getting your mental legs under you, I want you to spend some time with General Kolbe. Max will bring you up to date on our plans to deal with my assassination, as well as how we intend to grab the damaged ship headed this way.

  General, should I just seek him out, or would it be best to comm him?

  Comm him. You can do it without anyone knowing that the two of you are in touch. The same is true for all of us. So, if you wish to speak with me, ping me in the comm system. And use Bambi as a resource. I think you’ll find her to be a huge aid in bringing you up to speed.

  Bambi jumped in. Hello, Mr. Atteberry. I’m always available, if you need anything or any information. Just comm me privately as you would anyone else.

  Again, the man looked calm as a cucumber, when he responded, Thank you, Bambi. I’m sure I’ll have a lot of questions for you. I hope they won’t keep you from your day job. And then he smiled at his little attempt at humor.

  Mike was pleased to see that the guy wasn’t as robotic as he seemed most of the time.

  Several hours later, Max and Mike held a conference in a large meeting room that Bambi had constructed for just such big gatherings. They had all of the upgraded men, the Naval contingent, Bet and the other scientists present to explain the problem regarding Mike’s imminent assassination.

  After giving them the rundown, Mike announced, “Gentlemen, I fear we’re going to have this happen from time to time, and it won’t just be the Americans. Once the other English speaking nations join in, we may have to face the possibility of more attempts to take over all of the alien technology. Eventually, a wide range of countries will have to be included in what’s really happening and some of those countries are naturally belligerent to America and, therefore, us. Sadly, it’s the nature of men and women in power. They will see us as opponents and thus a hindrance to their way of doing things. And they’re right.

  “We are a hindrance to their way of doing business. But we can’t wait for the normal methods of preparing for war to slow down what little progress we are making. Even if everything went perfectly, we would still have only a slim chance against the Saurans. We must prevent men like Mike Hardesty, and any other power hungry bureaucrats, from taking over the Terran Space Navy.

  “Now, the problem is, we may have to do some harm to innocent soldiers, who are just following orders. It is not and never will be a preferred method to counter such acts against us. The plan we have come up with offers the possibility of zero casualties on both sides; and yes, I know it is unlikely. But, if we execute to the best of our ability, we should have a minimum of collateral damage.

  “A good part of that minimization will be the careful application of force by each of you. Learn how to best use your minds to control the weapons we’re giving you. Use the lowest settings and you’ll find that you’re only stunning these people, not killing them.

  “Bambi tells me that it’s possible that some of these men’s bodies will not be able to survive a stun shot. We won’t have the luxury of sticking our toe into the water, to check it out in a casual way. When the shit hits the fan, we’re going to be neck deep and we’d better get it right, or we’re fucked and so is the planet Earth.

  “Anyone who feels that they can’t pull the trigger, please tell Major Benson, via the comm, and he will see that you are not assigned to this mission. However, you might still be used on the effort to capture the Sauran ship we’re hoping to grab. There will be no repercussions for anyone who doesn’t wish to stun a fellow American. Believe me when I say, I don’t want to either. But I will, if means saving my home and our world from being destroyed.

  “For those who want in on this, General Kolbe will give you the details of how we intend to avoid this catastrophe. He will answer your questions completely and honestly. Bambi, as always, will be available for that as well.

  “Thank you all. I know that it’s a dream come true to have a young body again and to have all of your limbs working, as they should. Each of you has paid a dear price for the freedoms that Americans continue to enjoy and I’m sorry that you are the ones that have to risk it all again. But, you’ve been made aware of the situation and I’m sure we can all agree on one thing. It sucks. I give you now to General Kolbe.”

  As he walked out of the room, there was no cheering, or clapping. For Mike, the silence was deafening. Had he handled it badly? He didn’t know. But the lack of any show of enthusiasm was a serious concern for him. He cast a last glance at Bet, but she gave no indication of her thoughts on his speech. That was discouraging.

  He wondered if any of the men would want to be included in the action at Nellis. If not, this entire organization, and perhaps the Earth, would be screwed.

  Ten minutes later, Max commed him. You did well, Mike. All but two of them are in and they might still join us. It seems those two men are still working to build some muscle mass, after regrowing missing limbs. Bambi said you could relate to that.

  Indeed I do, Max. I felt shaky for a few days, until could move around without fear of falling on my ass.

  Max told him, Mike, Al Benson commed me and suggested that I go ahead and issue weapons for training purposes now. Bambi assures me that she can teach the men how to use them and what power settings to use for the mission. She’ll also provide them with a few simulated exercises. She knows the territory at Nellis where our men will need to operate and she is building a program that will be exactly like it. She said the men will think they’re on the ground, as they work out the kinks.

  Wow! That girl is amazing.

  Bambi commed, Ain’t it the truth.

  Wayne contacted Mike to say that he had been in communication with a high priced Mexican real estate broker who thinks he has just the right place for the other industrial sight. The man told him that he would need to have a substantial retainer, in order to share the wealth with the appropriate representatives for that area. In other words, bribes.

  Mike thanked him and asked, I assume you have checked this guy out.

  Yes sir. He’s just what we’re looking for. He has a stellar reputation for love of money. Once he gets his fee up front, he operates with the highest integrity and he always delivers the goods.

  That’s great, Wayne. Good work.

  Mike wanted to talk with Bet and he was a little disappointed that she hadn’t contacted him, after his speech to the men.

  So, he commed her. Bet I have a few questions for you and I want honest answers.

  Well that’s insulting. You make it sound as though I would lie to you.

  Bet, I just don’t want you to sugar coat it. How did the men act, after I left?

  I would say…grim. I overheard a few of them say that you may be the first officer who didn’t blow smoke up their ass. They appreciated your honesty.

  Mike, I thought it was a great speech. Of course, I’m used to the long boring technical speeches of college professors; so I might not be the best person to judge.

  He sighed and told her, Thanks, I think.

  She changed her tone of voice and asked, Mike, is there any chance of getting together with you later? Just for dinner or something. I want to get to know you better. No fooling around, I promise.

  Yes, Bet. I’d like that. Say around eight tonight?

  That’s perfect. See you then.

  Mike wasn’t sure about his feelings for her. As she pointed out, they really didn’t know each other. It would be wise to learn each other’s foibles before pursuing a more intimate relationship. Still, he had to admit his disappointment at being told there would be no fooling around.

  As the day wore on, he found himself delving deeper into every detail, which was readily available. Even with his extraordinarily quick mind, he felt on the verge of being overwhelmed with the volume of info he had to process.

  At one point he commed Mary. Hi, sweetheart, how you doing?

  I’m fine. What’s wrong? You seem down in the dumps.

  It always surprised him whenever he commed someone. He didn’t actually hear them their voice, yet they broadcast an emotion within their comm, revealing a little about their mental status.

  You noticed, huh? I guess I am a little down. I thought having a faster thought process would make things easier. Instead, I see even more that I could be doing. As a result, I continue to build files that need to be addressed.

  Have you asked Bambi for help?

  No. She has plenty to do already.

  No I don’t, boss.

  Then why haven’t you offered to help me?

  Two reasons, General. First, you need the practice of balancing events, the worst of which is the volume of activity that comes at you. Second, you never asked.

  Bambi, what if we were in an emergency situation? Would you wait for me to politely beg you to save our collective asses?

  General, in a legitimate crisis, I would offer any suggestions immediately. I don’t want to get blowed up, as Al would say.

  He asked, politely, Well, can you give me a hand?

  Certainly. I’ve noticed that you’re bad about delegating. Dump some of this on the appropriate staff members and some on me. These Navy guys are going to be staff, all three of them. It’s time you began to use them and they need the practice, just as you do.

  Mike was embarrassed, because he knew she was right. He was trying to do it all himself. All of his experience was being wasted, because he wasn’t performing as he had been trained, years ago.

  You’re right, Bambi. Please look over my shoulder and feel free to make suggestions, if you see me hoarding all of the work.

  Will do, Boss.

  After taking a look at the files he had designated for future review, he categorized them by department, and then commed each of his staff, including the Navy men, assigning the appropriate concerns to them. None of them complained. In fact, the naval officers seemed pleased to be included in more of the running of the organization that he was building. He encouraged each man to handle problems in his own way, but to make concise periodic reports on their progress.

  He commed Al Benson and asked if the warriors were ready to begin their arms training.

  Yes sir. They aren’t ready to do any physical running around, but they can lie in bed and use their minds to learn how to aim and shoot with the new weapons, Bambi designed. They’re easier to hold and aim for a human. We are just about to go into our first training scenario with Bambi. Care to join us.

  Mike knew that Al’s offer was given as a courtesy and that Al didn’t expect Mike to accept. He had made the same offer many times, as a young Sergeant.

  He answered, Yes, Major Benson, I would love to.

  Mike couldn’t see Al’s grin, but he could imagine it on the large man’s face, as his wide mouth exposed the white teeth in the middle of his dark skinned face.

  Al had been caught off guard by Mike’s use of rank.

  Major? When did I become a Major?

  A little while ago, Al. Oh, and please ask your men not to shoot me by accident.

  Hell no, I will not. You’ve got to learn to duck, just like the rest of us.

  The beginning of the exercise was a disaster. Following a brief critique, they went after it again. It took four attempts to accomplish what should have been a simple task.

  Mike told Bambi, I’m afraid these men just aren’t up to it. We could be in deep do-do here.

  Boss, let me talk to them. I think I can help.

  Go for it.

  On a unit wide broadcast, she explained to the new warriors, Hey guys, you’re spending too much time trying to analyze everything your doing, by sorting through various files, one at a time. You’re losing the benefit of your natural instincts. Just do what seems right. Each of you is a combat veteran and you know you’re going to make mistakes. But, with practice, you’ll find that you’re succeeding far better at this than you might think.

  Also, you’re not using all of the info you can get from the other men in your units. Your minds are so fast now you can scan the bigger picture in a microsecond, and then bounce back to your current situation. Try it on this next exercise. I’ve made it different, but no harder than the other one you’ve been fucking up.

  Mike felt several of the men chuckle at her use of vulgarity. She had come a long way in just a few weeks. She knew just when to drop the f-bomb, for effect.

  The men did better, but still needed to make drastic improvements, in coordination and the application of firepower.

  A few more trials and Al called a break in the work, to have the men eat. As Bambi had warned Mike, in his earliest days, they needed to consume a lot of liquids and food to help build up their strength and to maintain it. He was glad to see that Al was on top of it.

  When they went back to work, things began to fall into place for them. Bambi began throwing them some mean curveballs and the old vet’s instincts came into play very quickly, as they dealt with completely unknown scenarios. Mike was with them, every inch of the way and he was proud of the old guard, as they began calling themselves.

  At the end of the day, Mike told Al, “These men should be ready to begin using their bodies for these exercises in two more days. We’re going to need a real playground for that.”

  He commed Bambi, including Al on his query. Bambi, can you build some large area on board the Independence, where we can begin to have some realistic war games?

  Yes sir. I suggest that we close off the largest part of the hanger deck. We only have three shuttles and the two space fighters to park in there right now. We can place them near the hanger portals and use the rest of the space for training the men. Once we have cleared out enough room on the asteroid, we will have much larger areas in which to train.

  That’s wonderful, Bambi. Thank you.

  He had been on the bridge, as he mentally worked out with the Old Guard. He wasn’t physically tired, but he felt the need to calm down from the war game.

  He went back to his quarters, took a shower and relaxed, as the time grew closer for his late dinner with Bet Fulwiler.

  At eight o’clock sharp, she pinged him, requesting entrance to his domain. When the door slid open for her, she stood in the entrance, looking taller than he remembered.

  “Welcome, Bet. You look amazing.”

  She did too, and she knew it. Bet wore a thin filmy dress that clung to her incredible curves. It was somewhat old style, yet Mike liked what he saw. It was a look closer to the women of his generation. The bodice showed a hint of cleavage and the skirt stopped just short of her knees. Perhaps most amazing, was that she wore stockings and heels. So few women did these days.

  His eyes couldn’t stop gazing at her, as she continued to pose, until it became awkward for him.

  “Well, Mike, is this what you wanted?”

  He detected a bit of anger in her tone.

  “Bet, I’m not sure what you’re referring to. I do think you look beautiful…sexy as hell, actually.”

  She placed her hands beneath her breasts and lifted them. They were larger than her pre-upgraded mammary had been, and she harshly asked, “What in the hell am I doing with these things. I certainly didn’t order them. Be honest with me, Mike; did you tell Bambi to put these on me? And this outfit…I found it lying on my bed, when I went back to my room. I assume you sent it to me for tonight.”

  Mike looked at her, pleading for forgiveness, even though he had no idea what was going on here.

  “Bet, I swear to God almighty I had nothing to do with any of this. I won’t deny that I’m attracted to the new you, but as for the alterations, it wasn’t me.”

  There was a long drawn out silence, as she glared at him, before yelling, “Bambi, explain.”

  There was no answer.

  Mike added his anger to Bet’s, as he said, “Damn it, Bambi. What did you do and why did you do it?”

  After a long pause, she began her explanation.

  “Well, I knew what Mike liked and I knew how Bet wanted to be appreciated for the beautiful woman she hadn’t been credited for being, in her youth. So, I combined both of your wants and here we are.”

  “Damn it, Bambi, you can’t mess with people’s private worries and desires. It isn’t ethical and it demonstrates a failing on your part, when you intrude on peoples private lives.” His voice became louder, as he spoke, clearly exposing his anger and it showed.

  To his shock, Bet scolded, “Oh, get off her back. She thought she was doing us both a favor. We can’t take it back now. So, I’m stuck with this hot body and you’re stuck with that hot body. We’re just going to have to make the best of it. We’re tough people, Mike, we’ll survive this horrible tragedy.” And then she grinned with rapacious lust in her eyes.