Terry Neale - Jo-el

“She called him as soon as you left her at the condo in DC and told him that I can review every conversation and just by speaking to him I would know she was working with him. They had an opportunity to discover who you really are and had no idea I could destroy all the evidence so easily.”

“They know a lot more about me now, too. I told Pippa so much stuff. I’m trying to figure out how they will react to it all.”

“I’m afraid that’s going to prove a little difficult. Pippa went straight to the basement. I don’t know what they’re saying.”

“We’ve got the bug.”

“If they don’t find it.”

“Why should they bother to look, she’s on their side and they think I have powers up the wazoo, why would I need a bug?”

“Well, we won’t know until she comes out.”

“What’s the National Security Council up to?” I asked Sally.

“They meet underground.”

“Since when?”

“Yesterday.”

“With all the shit I can do and these guys can still thwart my progress. Incredible. I think it’s time to try a new tack.”

“Seems to me you keep trying new tacks.”

“Yea, well I’m new to this Superhero thing, I’m learning as I go along, so give me a break.”

Sally raised her hands in front of her in an apologetic fashion. “You’re the boss, Jo-el.”

“It’s time to wick-it-up, Sally and I think you’ll like it.”

“I’m all ears.”

“First, I need an update of what’s happening? What are the Brits doing?”

“They’ve rounded up all the criminals you gave them but they haven’t told the press how they found them. The Americans are still pressuring them to keep your involvement hidden for the time being.”

“What about the media in the US?”

“All the agencies have so far refused to speak to the media.”

“I can’t see how that can last. What about Congress, there must be a lot of unanswered questions?”

“It’s all being swept under the rug of National Security.” I frowned and wondered how long that could last.

“How’s our friend in the Marines doing?”

“Ah, General Kale, he’s now on a sub-committee to find you. He’s one of the lead figures that believe you’re a threat to America and should be shot on sight.”

“What’s his reason?”

“You’re incredibly dangerous and out of control. All I have is what he’s said before joining the various groups who only talk underground. He still thinks you’re a Chinese or Russian plant and reckons the things you did at the meeting in the hangar were magic tricks.”

I thought about that for a while and I could see his point. Illusions at magic shows often can’t be explained, all we know is they must be tricks.

“I just wonder how much of Pippa’s report they will believe? The fact that I can review everything that’s happened on earth since man’s conception and there’s this other race on a faraway planet who are so far ahead of us.”

“The Alien Theory. I’ve heard quite a few people bandy that around.”

“What do they say?”

“Simple, you’re an alien. Answers everything.”

“So, why don’t they want to meet me?”

“They do, but on their terms.”

“Which are what?”

“Under lock and key.”

“What’s the President of the US saying?”

“In public, nothing. In private he wants to meet you.”

“So, I should pay him a visit?”

“His entourage won’t allow it. The Secret Service say they can’t keep him safe.”

“But he could over-rule them?”

“I think he might.”

“Good! Well, let’s do something to encourage him.”

Sally’s face broke into a broad smile, she clasped her hands together and lent forward in her chair.

“First, I want you to send a list of all terrorists in Europe to the various agencies in each country. You know, with current addresses and how about videos of any atrocities they were involved in. Then send a list of all pedophiles and kidnappers to all the remaining countries in Europe.”

“Okay, but pretty boring so far.”

“Two more things. Send an email to a big-wig producer at CNN and tell him or her that I want some air time with one of their lead presenters, as soon as possible. Also, tell them they need to advertise that I’m going to be on the show. I need it to reach as many people as possible.”

Sally stared at me for a brief moment. “What you going to say?”

“Nothing too dramatic, I’m going to issue a warning, shouldn’t take me more than ten minutes.”

“They’ll know where to find you, Jo-el.”

“Yep, but what can they do? I’ll just bounce out of there.”

“Okay, and the last thing?”

“I want you to find me one of those king-pin crime bosses, someone who derives his wealth from trafficking humans. Children, girls, slave labor.”

Sally eyes lit up with that one. “Okay! Now that sounds like it could be fun.”

To be honest I had no idea what I was doing. I just had to elicit enough attention to be taken seriously. I had hoped that my initial approach to the CIA, FBI, Homeland Security would suffice to convince them that they needed to listen to what I said. Instead they were all frightened and reflecting on the events of the past week I sort of understood where they were coming from. I truly didn’t want to use the media for fear of mass hysteria but my plan was relatively simple and hopefully would win the public over.

“How’s the mess in Rodanthe?”

“The fire is almost out, there’s not much left. The Delta team never arrived, turned around in mid-flight. It’s all being hushed over.”

“Nobody hurt?”

“No, nobody hurt, you worry too much, Jo-el.” Sally sighed.

I shrugged. “Have they traced the booking?”

“Oh yea, Steve Brace would be in cuffs right now, if they could find him.”

“Good chance they will find him now, eh?”

“Has Pippa surfaced?”

“Not yet.”

“So, how long until you’ve done those things I asked?”

“Already done.”

I glanced at the beautiful woman in the armchair and marveled at the power she possessed. It scared me that she could quite easily stamp on me like a bug and take over. That Artificial Intelligence suppressor thing might be a little tenuous.

It was almost time for lunch and I considered the Plum Blossom but I felt like I needed company.

“You want to join me for lunch?”

“I’m not a big eater, you know.” Sally laughed.

I stood up and extended a hand, which she took in hers, although I couldn’t feel her touch. “Where you taking me, big-boy?” She appeared delighted.

“I fancy Tacos, how about Mexico City?”

Sally spun around on one foot like a ballerina and became a beautiful Hispanic girl with dangling earrings and a multicolored cotton blouse.

I changed my appearance to blend in and we bounced to Mexico City, stopping at a money changer for some local currency. Sally knew exactly where to go for the best food, the Tacos were to die for and the Margarita was perfect. I felt so sorry that Sally couldn’t partake but she seemed happy that I’d asked her. We chatted about the evil men in history who’d caused so much sadness and pain. She said she was continually amazed at the gullibility of the people who follow these men. If I brought up Pippa she changed the subject. We avoided the actions we’d put in motion and simply relaxed. It was a wonderful feeling, yet deep inside I knew it was temporary. After my second Margarita I was ready to return, though Sally suggested we visit Antarctica and see some Penguins. We landed on an ice flow and watched the penguins huddle together and nurture their young oblivious of the pending doom. It saddened me to think of all beautiful creatures that would be left behind. I felt cold, time to go.