The anti-matter propulsion system has been the main problem, not that learning how to control the device is going to be a piece of cake. They will have to have total control before they try to fold gravity. We are still a few years off by my estimate,” Lake said.
“And then we could travel to distant solar systems?” Snapp asked.
“In theory. Our first planet will probably be Cancri 55d. Usually referred to as Cnc 55. It is relatively close considering the ability to fold time.”
“I’ve never heard of this Cancri 55 before. Where is it?”
“It is located in the Cancer constellation. 55d is the fourth planet out from the sun and orbits every 14.7 years. It is huge, approximately 4.1 times the mass of Jupiter. Its solar system resembles our own,” Lake explained.
“And we are going to go there?”
“I don’t know for sure that we will, but it would be a logical choice. That’s where the ship from the Roswell and Aztec crashes came from. J is confirmation that life exists there,” Barnett added.
“Are you guys putting me on? You know for a fact that this alien, J, came from that place?”
“It is what he has indicated. We have no reason to doubt him,” Lake said.
“This all too unreal. Why doesn’t anyone know about this?” Snapp asked.
“Because the Government doesn’t want them to. They simply do not trust that the public is able to handle the truth. They fear that it would set off a general panic and rock the very foundation of the world as we know it. Think about it. Religion could be challenged, fear of the unknown would consume many and authority would be challenged. Who knows what would happen? People are very irrational when they are confronted with something as unknown, or more to the point, misunderstood as alien life,” Lake said.
“But we have a right to know about something like this,” Snapp insisted.
Barnett and Lake exchanged glances. While left unsaid, they knew they had the right person to tell their story.
“The government has the right to protect us as well, and therein lies the problem. How much to tell and when? The Government wants to be able to establish a working relationship with the alien race before going public with it. They want to be able to assure the public that we are still safe,” Barnett said.
Snapp looked at both of them like they had just dropped in from a distant planet themselves.
“George, look at the way you are reacting. You have had a chance to talk to both of us and do some research on your own. Think how the average citizen would react if the President of the United States came on the television and said, ‘Oh by the way, we have been working with aliens in a secret facility and can now travel to distant worlds’."
“So how are they going to break it to the public?”
“Like I said. First they will establish a relationship with the alien race, and slowly over several years, let it leak out that we are making contact with other beings. It will have to be done in very small bits and pieces,” Lake said.
“Hold it guys. Listen to yourselves. Are either of you married?”
“My wife died five years ago,” Barnett said.
“No, I’ve never been married,” Lake replied.
“Well, I am. I have a great wife and two super kids and this is frightening the hell out of me. You may have been dealing with this for years and have become used to it but the rest of us poor schmucks are going to react a lot differently,” Snapp said.
“Yes, you will. So will a vast majority of the people. That’s why it is critical that we start letting the public in on what has been going on,” Lake insisted.
“The government will deny it and others will try to disprove it, but…maybe, just maybe, some will start to question the government and start clamoring to know the truth.”
“You know as well as I do that anytime you bring up aliens or UFO’s people immediately label you as crazy,” Snapp said.
“True, but you have a good reputation for putting out hard news. No one has ever accused you of filing erroneous news stories or sensationalism. That is why you need to be the one who starts bringing this to the public’s attention. You can’t just go on the air and yell the sky is falling, but you could do a series of programs that get the public both interested, and prepared at the same time,” Lake said.
“Isn’t that the job of the government, not an investigative reporter? Hell, who knows what they would do if I started a series about aliens right here on earth. I could end up having one of those famous ‘accidents’ that you hear about.”
“You are absolutely right, George. We realize what a risk you would be taking. You’re certainly right to think that you would place yourself in danger. I came to you because I trusted you and felt you were the right person to get this story out to the public. Having said that, the last thing I want to do is to put you or your family at risk. Why don’t Dr. Barnett and I tell you a little more about what is going on at S–4? Then you can decide what action, if any, you want to take,” Lake suggested.
