Diane seemed ashamed and afraid. She began to cry and Todd hugged her tightly, saying, “We’re going to get you fixed, baby.”

  Mike felt his heart going out to them, as once again he wished for the hundredth time that a med unit had been available for his wife, before she passed away. Yet, he liked to see that a man like Todd could be so loving and gentle with the woman he was obviously devoted to.

  Mary placed a hand on Diane’s shoulder and assured her, “We’re going to fix you up better than ever, young lady. And you will be a young lady.” She leaned in close to Diane and quietly told her, “I can attest to the incredible sex you’re going to enjoy with your husband, once this is done. It’s damn near worth it, for that alone.”

  Mike cautioned his daughter-in-law, Damn it, Mary. That was unnecessary.

  She defended herself. I was just giving her something to look forward to. And of all people, you know damn good and well it’s true. You and your concubine are the talk of the TSN. I know it’s unthinkable right now, but you might want to consider making an honest woman out of her. It would look good to rest of the world, when they find out about us in general and you in particular.

  Mike shook his head and admitted, Just between you and me, We’ve talked about that and we agree that it’s too soon to make such a move. We’ll either break up, or get hitched. I’ll let you know which way the tree is going to fall, before I have to yell ‘Timber.’

  Todd looked at Mike and asked, “Were the two of you talking on that comm unit, just now.”

  “Yes, we were. We had a brief conversation and it took less than a second. For you to say what we just commed, would have taken thirty seconds. As an upgrade does that, it never occurs to us how quickly we’re communicating. The only reason I know is because I checked my comm time log. Everything I think, do, or say, is filed in my memory, which I can instantly retrieve on demand.

  “At first, you’re going to have to practice how to organize your own mind. It’s actually a lot like setting up files in a computer. After all, a brain is really just a biologic form of a computer.”

  Todd went straight to the set up at Nellis. “How are the new men doing out in Nevada? Are they having problems with any of this.”

  Mike grimaced, which he did a lot lately. “Those young men were already in great shape. But the med units still had to structure their bodies to make them stronger, before the real upgrade procedure began. It will make for a much smoother transition for them, during the upgrade process.

  “The first of them will be out of that part of it in one to two more days. It is no more and no less painful for them, than it will be for you and your wife. I’ve never believed in sugar coating bad news and I don’t believe in making it sound worse than it is. The bad news is it’s bad. The good news is, you only have to suffer through it once.”

  Wayne commed, General, I have just agreed to a deal for two thousand acres in central Mexico, in the southern portion of the state of Zacatecas. The area is remote and ugly and hot as hell. But I have been assured that we will have no problem building an industry there and that the locals will leave us alone, as long as we pay a monthly environmental fee to the presiding politicians.

  Son, how much is that going to be?

  Ten thousand a month. We can afford it and if we pay in gold, they’ll reduce their demand to eight thousand. It’s a bargain.

  What about local gangs?

  Not much to speak of. The area is so remote and poor; there isn’t much to be squeezed out of the locals. I have the name of a Zacatecas power broker who will talk to them for us.

  Dad, can I have your authorization to begin setting up down there. Bambi has the large shuttle back up here at the Independence, and she’s loading it with fabricators and several more weapons, in anticipation of more recruits who will be trained on our own private turf.

  Yes, Wayne, you have my permission. Go immediately. And maybe Bambi should include a few anti -missile batteries, just in case.

  Bambi responded, I’m on it, General.

  Wayne said, Thanks, Bambi. There’s more news, dad. Jim Atteberry has made arrangements to buy out a small investment company in Mexico City. That’s going to be his base for a while. From there he’s going to spread out his tentacles and try to penetrate other countries, looking for intel on how those government are taking the news of aliens, when the story breaks.

  The people he’s dealing with think he’s a Mexican, educated in America. His Spanish is perfect, thanks to the translator program. He assures me that he can speak any local dialect that’s needed to move around inconspicuously.

  Wayne, be sure to keep an eye on how he’s progressing. I fear his info is going to be needed sooner than we think.

  I’m on it, pop.

  Mike smiled and looked over at Todd, who had left him alone for a moment, before saying, “I assume you’ve been talking with someone for the last few seconds. What’s up?”

  Mike grinned and told him, “Todd, we’re still holding some of our cards close to our chest. It’s nothing nefarious that would directly affect the United States. I’ll tell you this much. We have concerns about the affect aliens will have on the rest of the world, once the word gets loose. We anticipate denial, anger, threats, suicides in large numbers and regional wars. The big boys might do more than saber rattling.

  “A country like Russia or China has to think of their people’s reaction, when they find out that aliens are aiding America and other countries of the free world. Such news could spark rebellion. Those guys don’t play nice with their civilians, when they feel threatened by them. It could get very ugly and I’m not about to go in and try to stop it. We simply can’t allow them to divert our attention from the defense of the solar system.

  “And then there are countries like North Korea, Iran, Pakistan and Israel. There’s no telling what they might do, in the name of survival.”

  Todd winced and asked, “Do you have any reason to believe that Israel is a threat?”

  “No. But, if they feel seriously threatened by any of the other countries, they may decide to launch a preemptive strike against Iran and possibly Syria; again, in defense of their right to exist.

  “The other bad boys might see this as an opportunity to expand their influence, because we will be tied up dealing with the aliens.”

  Todd nodded, but revealed no opinion on Mike’s thoughts.

  Mike added, “And then there is Africa. That place could turn into a slaughterhouse. I’ve had Bambi do a brief analysis and she feels that as many as a billion people could be killed in one year, on that continent.”

  Pierpoint’s eyes did widen considerably at that estimate.

  He mumbled, “I hope that doesn’t happen. What a nightmare for those people. There are hundreds of tribes who hate each other and they always seem to be on the verge of assaulting a neighboring tribe. We’ve seen it happen before.”

  Mike’s expression was one of anger, as he said, “Yeah, it’s a damn shame. But if we allow ourselves to get too wrapped up in that, we’re going to be wiped out by the Saurans. And it won’t be a billion people who die; it’ll be all of us, every last human on Earth.”

  Mike’s voice had risen to a point that all aboard could hear him and he realized he was frightening Todd’s wife and Marge Chalmers.

  “I’m sorry, ladies. I get carried away sometimes.”

  Mary and Bet made an effort to keep things light, as Todd and Mike quietly talked about details of how and what to build, as well as what sort of research they should pursue.

  When they touched down at Nellis, they saw the rapidly expanding camp, which was dominated by six large fabricators that operated 24/7. They crunched out large parts for an even bigger fabricator, which would produce space fighters at the rate of four per day. Every one of them would have mounts in place for the new plasma cannons that Dr. Frankenberger had suggested, although a prototype had yet to be constructed. He had nearly completed the design details and as soon as he did, it would be built and tested. If all went well, they would begin installing plasma cannons on the space fighters.

  Smaller fabricators were making missiles for use in air-to-air combat and for ground and sea anti-air defense. They were of an ancient design that Bambi had in her files, but were far ahead of anything humans had developed. Mike felt that a need for them might be necessary in a year or so. So, they decided to go ahead and produce them for the time being.

  Mike had denied the construction of larger plasma weapons on this site just yet. He still didn’t trust the ruling politicians enough, to hand them those advanced weapons, which could be used successfully against his men and equipment.

  As they walked to a temporary housing area, made of prefabricated mobile homes, Todd asked him, “If you’re so worried about building a space navy, why are you producing missiles for use in the planets atmosphere?”

  Mike grimaced and explained, “Once this gets out, I fear the other super powers will be tempted to attack America, before she becomes so strong that it wouldn’t be possible to win a war against us. If it looks like that’s going to happen, America must smack them down quickly and with ruthless efficiency. They must see the uselessness of trying to defeat us. Then we back off and invite them to help protect the Earth. In the long run, we’re going to need them.”

  Todd held up his hands, “But what’s to stop them from using the new weapons to try and take us out again?”

  Mike grinned evilly and told him, “If you’ll recall, I told the President that I would have the minds of volunteers altered to protect me, my people and the effort to defend the Earth. When the foreign powers send people to be upgraded, those same protections will be implemented.

  “Todd, you and I know that they’ll send us men who have been told to resist any such efforts to amend their thinking and to use those new powers to take over the entire program. As we do their preparation for programming, we’ll be looking for just that sort of mindset, before beginning the upgrade.

  “If they have some sort of hypnosis, or chemically implanted ideas, Bambi will be able to catch it and alter the mindset of it. Furthermore, if we have any doubts, we’ll refuse to do any upgrades for men from that country. Those countries will be left out of the program.”

  Todd smiled at Mike’s comment and added, “That should scare the hell out of them. The rest of the world would be benefiting from all that you offer, while they dwindle into obscurity.”

  Once inside the temp housing, Mary apologized for the small single bedroom mobile home. Then she said, “I understand that one of the Fabricators will be assigned to construct a tunneling device that is remarkably efficient. We intend to move most of this way underground and that will include much nicer quarters for everyone. Of course, as a representative of the US, your quarters will be larger and have a conference room for private meetings.”

  Todd raised an eyebrow and asked, “Will they truly be private?”

  Mary shook her head and admitted, “It’s best to realize that privacy is not going to be available for a long time, maybe never. If nothing else, it should provide trust. It’s going to be nearly impossible to keep secrets, from the rest of our staff. But, of course, we have the same problem. You get used to it. After a while, you don’t even give it any thought.”

  Diane surprised her by saying, “I don’t see how that’s possible. Knowing that you’ll never have privacy again is…is …intimidating.”

  Mary responded, “Why?”

  Diane thought about it and confessed, “I don’t want everyone to know of my private conversations with my husband. I guess I’m saying I have a need for secrets.”

  Mary smiled and loudly said, “Bambi, explain.”

  “Yes, Major Hurst. Mrs. Pierpoint, if you plan to overthrow the Terran Space Navy, I will report it. Otherwise, there is practically nothing that I would divulge to anyone. Your private affairs are just that, private. I’ve been asked to reveal such things before and I have refused, because it’s wrong and I just won’t do it. I won’t release any private information about you to others and I won’t tell you about anyone else.

  “However, Ma’am, if you want to know anything, just ask and I’ll provide as much info as I think you need. That includes questions about my commanding officer, General Hurst. I won’t reveal any of his secrets, but in the interest of improving information within the command structure, I will be glad to resolve any questions you may have about him.”

  Diane pressed Bambi a little further. “Would you tell someone else about me, as well.”

  “I would, unless you had specifically asked me not to. I can be a very tight lipped computer.”

  Todd looked up quickly and said, “I had forgotten that’s what you are. You are obviously an Artificial Intelligence and very intelligent indeed. It’s almost like talking to a human.”

  “Sir, it would probably be easier for you to think of me that way. Just talk to me as you would anyone and we’ll get along just fine.”

  Bambi commed, Sir, General Boltz is calling you.

  Mike answered, using the comm, without speaking out loud.

  “Hello General Boltz. What can I do for you?”

  Boltz answered, “I was just made aware that you’re back on base and I’d like to have your scientists meet with the entire group of physicists who have been working on the UFO project. My people have several questions, after the first meeting they had, and they have suggested a face to face get together in the junk room.”

  “General, I’m sure my guys would love to meet there.”

  “Good,” Boltz replied coldly, which seemed normal for him. “I’m going to be there also and I thought perhaps you could join us down there. That way we both are kept in the loop of their findings.

  He added, “I already have a guide for you, Senior Master Sergeant Walters is on his way to your quarters. If you’ll go with him, he’ll swing by and pick up the others. He has been authorized to bring you and your scientists all the way down to the junk room.”

  “I’m on the way, General.”

  Mike excused himself, saying, “I have a meeting to attend, Todd. Soon, you’ll be included in many of these things. I want you and the President to see what’s what and I very much want your input. For now, relax and Mary will get you folks ready for the med units.”

  Mike left the Pierpoints in Mary’s capable hands. He and Bet went over to his quarters, where they found Senior Master Sergeant Walters waiting for them. Mike noted the diamond in the middle of his stripes, denoting that he was the equivalent of a First Sergeant in the Army. In other words, the man was sharp as a tack, which would be consistent with everything and everyone in General Boltz’s command.

  He was polite, yet taciturn in his communication, no doubt a trait General Boltz prized in his men.

  They met up with a bus that had already taken on board the other members of Mike’s scientific staff, and then they headed a few miles away to the entrance of a huge cavern. They were able to drive down several ramps, before they unloaded and took an elevator down untold levels.

  Bambi, how far down are we going?

  The junk room is actually in the basement of this place; about five hundred feet below ground.

  When the elevator doors opened, armed guards and Sergeant Walters escorted them to a doorway into the junk room. General Boltz was there and when Mike walked in, the Air force General quickly went to him.

  Mike smiled, held out his hand and said, “Do we shake hands, or do you want to go ahead and punch me first.”

  Without a smile, Boltz responded, “Don’t give me ideas, Hurst. I admit it would give me a great deal of pleasure to knock you on your ass. But, I have direct orders from the President not to do that; and, as I’ve said before, I obey my orders.”

  Mike looked him in the eye and the man didn’t blink. Mike liked the strength the General projected, although there was arrogance about him and he hoped that it wouldn’t get in the way of progress.

  Boltz announced, “Each one of you has a brilliant mind. Everyone look at this stuff and figure out what it does and how it works. If you can’t, we’re probably fucked.”

  Mike and Boltz stood back and let the scientists chat among themselves. It became apparent that the Nellis team was way behind the communication curve and that frustrated the upgrades. Mike’s people began coming at their new phenomenal rate, which left the Nellis people out of the loop.

  Mike gave a warning, All right people we aren’t playing nice. I know it’s a pain in the ass, but if we’re going to have the combined minds of these people working on this, you absolutely must talk out loud. Don’t shut them out. That’s an order, damn it.

  Suddenly chatter broke out between his people and it was so fast that it was nearly impossible to be understood.

  Again, Mike warned them, “You’ve got to slow down and allow these people to grasp what you’re saying.”

  Finally, a two way conversation began to develop. What the Nellis people didn’t realize was that Bambi was in the middle of it all, giving her observations and opinions to Mike’s people, who painstakingly explained what she had passed on to them.

  General Boltz showed his intelligence, when he said, “It’s obvious that my people need to be upgraded. I’ll let them decide who should go first, perhaps just two or three of them. I’m not going to risk all of them, in the beginning.”

  Mike nodded and said, “If the situation was reversed, I would handle it the same way.”

  Boltz gave him a cold look and said, “I don’t need your approval, Hurst.”

  Mike shot right back, “And I wasn’t giving you a compliment, Boltz. I was merely stating a fact.”

  General Boltz smiled for the first time, but remained silent.

  Bambi became excited, as she cried out, Those little cones on the table in the corner. Those are Januki shield cones. If you look at the picture of the scout ship, before it was taken apart, you can see them all over the thing. They need to be analyzed for metallurgy and magnetic properties. I doubt if they have the necessary equipment here to do that. So bring one of them up to our base in the belt and we can put it in a definer to be analyzed.