He couldn’t even remember eating lunch but he must have. He wasn’t particularly hungry. When he was ready to leave, they brought his Hummer to him and he just sat in it, letting his mind try to grasp the implications of it all. He sat and watched as the sun started its descent toward the mountain tops but it was like he was transfixed. He couldn’t seem to get the will to start the car and drive.
He had planned to visit all levels and now realized it would be impossible to even get through the first few in less than a week. Finally, he realized that he needed to get back, he did not want to try to make it after dark. He quickly scanned the map and started out to the main base.
The general sat at the main security post, watching as Eller started the Hummer and put it into gear. Well, now he knows for sure, he thought. With the BlackStar up on the Hump, there was no way he could stumble across it. It would remain there until he left. Let the bastard look around until his eyeballs fell out. Then he could make his little report back to the President. Other than the real reason for the Su–11 and the BlackStar, he had nothing to hide.
He hoped the damned aliens didn’t suddenly decide to drop in. It wouldn’t be a critical thing, but it wasn’t necessary for the President to know that we were in contact occasionally. Then he would want to know more. No, it would not be good for Eller to witness that, especially after the last visit.
He was still trying to figure out if they were angry because of the weapon or something else. It had to be the test firing of the BlackStar but how in the hell could they know from 41 light years away?
It wouldn’t matter much once he had the thing in the air. They could get as mad as they wanted. If they got too pissed, he would aim the BlackStar at them and
“Base, Eye-5. Subject made a wrong turn but backtracked and is going in the correct direction.”
“Roger Eye–5, Base out.”
Dumbass can’t even follow a map, Devin thought. Maybe he should let him get lost and let nature take care of him. Unfortunately that might pose a risk too. Screw him, he thought, I’m sitting here when I could be over at the club having a good dinner and some fine whiskey.
“I’m out of here. Make sure this yahoo gets back to his quarters okay." Devin said, jerking his thumb toward the screens around the room.
“Will do, general.”
These were his people. They would only do what he said. That little piss-ant was in his backyard now and no one would tell these men what to do except him. They were totally loyal and Devin had gone to great lengths to ensure that loyalty. When push came to shove, they would stand behind him, of that he was certain.
He walked out in the rapidly cooling night air. The sun was setting rapidly now. In five or six more minutes it would be down and then the temperature would drop even more. He decided to walk to the club and order a big fat T-bone.
It was five days before Sarah received a call from Eller. She wasn’t worried, but could use his input about a few things. She was actually glad when he finally did call.
“Raymond, nice to hear from you,” she said.
“Yes. I thought I should check in,” he said.
She frowned, it was Raymond but something was different.
“Are you alright?” she asked.
“I’m fine. A little overwhelmed by everything going on but I’m fine,” he said.
His voice was dry and had no spark to it. Nothing like the way he usually sounded. Sarah was worried that something might have happened to him and he couldn’t say anything.
“Is there anything you need?” she asked.
“I was going to ask you the same question. Do you need anything from me?”
“I have a couple of details that I could use your expertise with,” she admitted.
“Go ahead, shoot,” he said.
She went over a short list of items that she wasn’t sure how he wanted handled. His answer was essentially the same each time. Do whatever you think is best or whatever you feel is right.
“Are you sure you’re doing alright?” she asked when she got to the end of her list.
“Really, I’m fine. Just a lot to do. Look, I can’t complain, I volunteered for this. You on the other hand were drafted. I need to be giving you the pep talk,” Raymond said, trying to force some humor into his voice.
“I wasn’t the only one drafted. You can say what you like but I know how the President gets volunteers. They are more like drafteers, sort of a combination of volunteer and draftee,” she said.
“Drafteers. I like it. It’s more accurate than draftees. Look, I need to get back to it. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“No, just don’t wait so long to call if you feel the need. I won’t take it personally, honest. I can’t call you. Is there something wrong with your cell phone?” Sarah asked.
