Behind the Gem

Behind the Gem

By

Ken Hart

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

World Castle Publishing, LLC

Pensacola, Florida

Copyright © Ken Hart 2016

Smashwords Edition

Paperback ISBN: 9781629894201

eBook ISBN: 9781629894218

First Edition World Castle Publishing, LLC, January 18, 2016

http://www.worldcastlepublishing.com

Smashwords Licensing Notes

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews.

Editor: Maxine Bringenberg

Prologue

In deep space, an exploration probe materialized out of the blackness. A star plot of all visible pulsars showed many of them closely matched the distances to the nearby star, based on the radiating image shown on an alien gold plaque stored in memory. When it scanned the region, the only planetary system within range had nine planets, matching the image of the gold plaque. Scans of the third planet revealed it had an atmospheric composition closely matching what was stored in memory. Comparisons of the planet being viewed to images stored in memory indicated a ninety-seven percent probability of being correct. The probe accelerated toward the third planet at near light speed.

As the probe slowed to penetrate the dense atmosphere, it scanned the surface of the planet. When sensors indicated millions of life forms, a small pod bubbled out and dropped to the ground. Floating in a stand of trees, the pod singled out a life form and compared it to the images on the gold plaque. Calculations indicated it had the correct configuration, and the pod moved slowly toward it.

***

Tanner Watson was awakened by a very early telephone call. He was told to report to the White House immediately to meet with the president some time that morning. Although this annoyed him, when the chief advisor from the Office of Science and Technology was summoned by the president, he had to show up.

Just before dawn, Tanner arrived at the White House. Other than the secret service agents and the kitchen staff, there was no one around. After reporting in, he left his briefcase in his office and took a walk outside. The cool, early morning air was refreshing in the solitude of the floodlit garden, but as he paused near a fountain he felt his hair stand on end. As he absently tried to smooth it, his hair sparked and crackled in his hand with static electricity. Suddenly alert, he turned and saw a silver, egg-shaped object floating near him. Startled, he backed away, but it slowly followed him, stopping at the edge of the fountain. He watched in amazement as fragile looking manipulator arms extended from the shell, holding a sizeable object out to him.

Tanner slowly reached out and gently pulled the object from the manipulator arms, and quickly backed up. The arms silently retracted into the silver shell, and it shot into the air.

Nobody’s going to believe this, he mumbled, looking up, but the silver thing had disappeared from sight. In a daze, Tanner returned to his office and saw he had been given an oversize book written in English.

This has to be a joke, he said, looking around. Okay, you got me. Ha, ha, very funny.

Fully expecting someone to try and surprise him, he checked his closet and under his desk. Secret service agents were the only ones in the hallway, and he knew they were too serious to be involved in any kind of joke.

Still holding the book, he sat in his chair, wondering what to do until curiosity got the better of him. He opened the book and began to read.

Chapter 1

Taken

My name is Raymond Meinhardt, and this is my record of events since I arrived here, wherever here is.

This morning, as I sat down to drink a cup of coffee at my home computer, a news headline caught my eye. A Seventh Building is Missing. I scanned the article and read that another building had disappeared, scooped out of the ground near Atlanta, Georgia. The first six buildings had disappeared from other countries, and I wanted to know more about it; but there was very little to be found online. Joining me and reading over my shoulder, Kim wondered if the bank could disappear like that, and despite the cold chill crawling down my spine, I told her it wouldn’t.

I felt something was wrong, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. So, instead of voicing my fears, I reminded her that the first building to disappear was a pub in England crammed with people, as were all the others, and I assured her the bank never got crowded.

My job at the bank suited me because I enjoyed computer operations and I was able to work alone in a secured room, with few people able to bother me. When it was time to go to my fortress of solitude, Kim packed my lunch, reminded me to get my notepad that I was always forgetting, and we loaded the saddlebags. I’ve had a Harley since my stint as an army ranger in Vietnam. I kept it over the years, but Kim has had been trying to get me to sell the old classic. I’d give it up if someone could pry my cold, dead hands from the handlebars, but even then, I wasn’t sure I would. They would probably have to bury me with it.

Before I put on my helmet, we enjoyed a long kiss. I’m sure we annoyed the neighbors with our open affection for each other, and it may not have been the way a pair of fifty-eight year olds should act, but we didn’t care. In fact, we got even longer and sloppier with our kisses when we saw the neighborhood busybodies peeking through their curtains.

Just before I pulled out of the driveway, she was standing in the grass in her favorite tight T-shirt and really short cutoff jeans. No shoes. It was an alluring change from the politically correct dresses she wore when she didn’t have the day off. Another chill spilled down my back, but her smile reassured me as she waved, and I rode off to work.

I had just settled down at my desk when everything started moving in slow motion, with a hum I felt more than heard.

***

The next thing I remember was darkness, except for the emergency lights. I tried to call the branch managers to warn them about our power failure, but the phone was dead.

Ray! You gotta see this! Ann’s voice sounded anxious from the hallway.

The only thing I gotta do is pay taxes and die, I said, walking to the hallway. What am I supposed to see?

When I looked out, most of the parking lot was gone, replaced by a smooth sandy beach with waves gently lapping along it. The sun was floating like a red rubber ball on a watery horizon under a sky streaked with vapor trails. After several minutes of confused silence, I noticed something strange.

That’s not right. The sun’s rising, and that way’s west. Or, at least it was.

We watched for several more minutes until another sun slowly rose beside the first.

You know what? That looks like a binary star.

A what? Ann said.

A binary star. You know, two suns circling each other.

You’re crazy, you know that?

Maybe, but there are two suns out there.

Ray, what’s going on? Cherie said when she joined us from the lending office. I’d known her since I started working at the bank. Her infectious smile, curvaceous figure, and laid-back attitude always made her comfortable to have around, even when she got a little flirty. The ring on my finger didn’t have to remind me to keep my pants zipped up.

I’m not sure. Let’s go downstairs and check it out.

When Cherie and I reached the lobby, the entry doors were mangled and glass was scattered across the floor.

Let’s look around, but be careful. Whatever broke through those doors might still be here.

Heavy office doors had been ripped from their hinges, and torn clothing was scattered around the usually spotless carpet. I was confused by empty shoes still tied and leather belts broken apart.

Cherie, do you see any blood?

No, and I don’t want to, she said, clutching my arm. Where is everybody?

Judging from the clothes, I think they’re still here, what’s left of them. Let’s get back upstairs.

We carefully made our way upstairs, guided by a commotion in the spacious break room. Everyone had gathered there, huddling together like frightened sheep. Everyone was talking but nobody listening. The two bank annoyances, Tonya and Rico, were there as well. Tonya was a demanding, know-it-all bitch who used to be my supervisor. Pulling a few strings and using office politics, I helped her leave the computer room. I was a very happy man the day she took a position elsewhere, away from me. Rico was an ass-kissing little weasel, following anyone in charge. The grapevine said an office romance raged between them, not that I cared.

Nothing was getting done with thirty-seven people talking at the same time, so I decided to give them something to focus on.

You’re all gonna die! You could’ve heard a pin drop when the conversations ground to a halt. That’s right. You’re all gonna die. You’ll be dead in a week if you don’t get your act together. We’ve got to figure out what happened, and we need someone to take charge.

And you think you’re the one? Tonya said.

No, thanks. I enjoy being a peon in the computer room, but I think I know what happened.

You don’t know anything.

What do you think happened? Ann said me.

You’re not going to listen to him! Tonya said with a distinct whine to her raised voice.

Tonya, you know better than to interrupt me. Ray, what do you think? Ann had been hired to manage the department after Tonya left. She was knowledgeable, calm, and unlike Tonya, she let me do the job without getting in my face. She surprised me when she confronted Tonya, because I thought she was too mild mannered for that.

I spoke up, pointedly ignoring Tonya. I’m sure you’ve heard the news about the buildings that have been disappearing. This morning another one disappeared from Georgia, and I think we’ve been taken, like they were.

I think you’re crazy, Tonya said.

Do you have a better explanation?

I don’t need one. You say someone needs to be in charge. I’ll do it. Several of her friends quickly agreed with her.

That’s fine with me. Lead on, I said, and left the break room.

My priority became finding my way back home. I figured we’d gotten there, so there had to be a way back, and I was going to find it.

While I was packing some supplies, I felt a gentle pushing inside my head, like a tentative finger testing a fragile object.

You are the one I have chosen.

I was glancing around for the owner of that whispered voice when Cherie walked in.

What’re you doing?

I’m getting out of here. I’m not staying to die with this bunch. With my army training, I can survive very easily out there, and I’ll be a lot better off than they will.

You can’t leave. I need you to stay here, with me.

I’m not staying with Tonya in charge. Did you see how quickly her friends sided with her when she opened her mouth? She knows I was behind her getting booted out of the computer room, and I’m not hanging around to be a target for her.

I grabbed a fire extinguisher, went to the break room, and broke the glass on the candy machine. Astonished looks greeted me as I took a handfuls of candy and bags of chips.

What are you doing? Tonya said.

I’m leaving.

No, you’re not. I’m in charge now, and you’ll obey my orders to the letter, Tonya said.

I don’t think so, I said, and left the room.

Tonya followed me, grabbed my arm, and said, You’re not going anywhere. Rico! Keep an eye on him. Nobody’s to leave, especially him.

Tonya, you don’t have the first clue how to survive, and you’re going to get a lot of people killed trying to figure it out. By that time, they’ll kill you, and as tempting as that sounds, I’m not going to be a part of it.

The distinct click of an opening switchblade got my attention, and when Rico pressed it against my throat, he said You’ll do what she says.

For now. I must be getting old. Once, I would’ve easily taken the knife and shoved it up his ass with his hand still holding it. Instead, I surprised myself and backed down.

Tonya said, I know you, and I need your Ranger training and experience in survival. I want you to stay and help me. If you do, I’ll go easy on you.

Do I have a choice?

No, but most of these people trust you, and you’ll do what’s right for them.

I’ll stay for them, not you.

Leave them and come to me. You will be safe with me.

Fair enough. Give me some suggestions, and I’ll tell them what to do, Tonya said with a pained expression, pressing her hand on her forehead.

We need the basics; shelter, fire, water, and food. Shelter’s taken care of, and we have lighters for fire. Being near the shore, and with the jungle around us, it will rain. We can use the plastic trash cans to store fresh water from the downspouts. Food’s a problem. All we have is what we brought with us today, and what’s in the break room. We need to gather what food we can and ration it until we can figure out what’s in the jungle to eat. We’ll test the plants to see what’s safe and edible.

We don’t have anything to test with, Tonya said.

Sure, we do. Rub a sample under your forearm hard enough to get a stain. After about an hour, if you don’t have a reaction, then it’s probably safe. It’s a primitive method, but it works.

What kinds of reactions?

Reddening on your arm, or feelings of nausea or dizziness. Keep a sample of what was tested so you can start a list of what’s good and bad.

I’ll get a group started on that. What else?

We need to know if we’re alone, so you could send a four-wheeler along the beach to see what’s out there. You could use one of the repos the bank has, I said.

Rico, see if you can find the keys to the king cab pickup we just got.

What about him?

Don’t worry about him. What else do I need to do?

We need to know what’s outside, so everyone should go to the windows and watch for anything that moves.

Follow me. David, find a hacksaw and cut the hinges off the soda machine. Everyone else, stay upstairs and go to the windows and watch for anything that moves. Yell if you see anything.

***

When the soda machine was opened, we took the bottles to a corner office that became the supply room, and we gathered all the food we could find. It was disappointing how little there was.

Tonya, make sure everyone gets two of these plastic bottles. With their caps, they’ll act like canteens, so make sure they keep them. The front doors are smashed in, so you’ll have to block the stairwell to keep anything from getting up here.

I’ll take care of that later.

Ray! Ray! Something’s outside! Cherie shouted.

What is it? I said, running to her.

I don’t know. Cherie moved close to me as I went to stand beside her at the window. Something flew by. It was shiny and kind of egg-shaped.

Tonya raised her voice above the increased ruckus. Cherie, you call me if there’s a problem, not him. Don’t think for one second either of you will take charge over me.

I think it’s time for a break. I wanted to add from you, but gazed out at the beach and jungle around us instead. My thoughts flashed, You’re not in Kansas anymore. I wonder what would happen….

Did you just click your heels together? Cherie whispered from close beside me.

It worked for Dorothy.

Uh huh. What’s the word with you and Tonya?

She and her attack dog convinced me to stay and work for her.

But you don’t want to, do you?

When you have a knife at your throat, your options are somewhat limited.

Oh. She frowned. Well, I’m glad you’re staying.

Finally, I saw a large silver egg hovering deep in the jungle canopy. The moment I saw it, it backed into the jungle and disappeared. When I started toward the back door for a closer look, Tonya appeared and said, Where do you think you’re going?

I have to take a leak, if it’s all right with you.

Use the toilet.

There’s no water to flush with, I said.

All right, make it quick, and stay in sight.

When I walked toward the jungle, the voice returned and said, Come to me.

What do you want?

Someone is coming.

Tonya sent me to keep an eye on you. Cherie answered the question as she walked up behind me.

Don’t take this the wrong way, but I think I’m hearing voices.

Really?

Yeah, and I think the flying egg you saw has something to do with it.

Come to me.

Cherie groaned and pressed her hand to her forehead.

What’s wrong?

I’m getting a headache.

Come on. Let’s get back inside before Tonya gets upset.

A pickup drove around the building and stopped by the back door. Tonya came out and gave everyone their orders.

I need to know if anyone else is around here. You four drive along the beach for a couple of hours, then come back and tell me what you found. Rico, get ten people from the windows and send them down here. They’re going to do some plant testing. Ray, go upstairs and watch the truck from the drive-through lanes.

When I walked upstairs, the voice returned.

Please talk to me.

Who are you?

You are the only one I would choose. Come to me.

I had the feeling I wanted to leave. The feeling quickly became a craving, demanding my attention.

I can’t leave. I have to stay and help my people survive.

You have given them what they need. Come to me.

Who’re you talking to? Cherie said when she caught up to me.

Nobody. I was just thinking out loud.

Are you sure it’s not the voices you told me about?

Actually, it’s only one voice.

Does it answer you?

Yeah, and that’s a bit scary.

Do you know where it comes from?

That female does not need your help.

Oh, damn. Cherie groaned and pressed her hands against her forehead.

Headache again?

I don’t know where it’s coming from. I don’t get headaches like this.

Come on, let’s go watch the truck.

We opened a large window and crawled out on the teller lanes roof. While we watched the truck’s slow progress along the beach, a ground-shaking boom jolted us. We looked up and saw a flaming meteor streaking across the sky. When it disappeared over the horizon, we looked for the truck, but it was gone.

Where’d it go? It couldn’t have gone out of sight that fast, Cherie said.

Yeah. Tonya, the truck’s gone! It just...disappeared!

Go find out what happened to it! Cherie, go with him!

We followed the tracks until they suddenly ended, as if the truck had been lifted into the air. When I saw the head of a large creature resembling a plesiosaur rising out of the water, I grabbed Cherie by the arm and ran toward the jungle. It watched us run with the crushed roof of the truck in its teeth. Then, it tossed the metal aside, dipped its head, and disappeared. We waited, desperately hoping someone would surface.

They’re dead. They’re all dead. I sagged to my knees and knelt in silence, until Cherie insisted we leave.

When we approached the building everyone was standing outside. No one spoke, but their silence was as devastating to my thoughts as trumpets blaring into my ears. That is, until Tonya’s annoying voice shouted This is your fault!

What? How’s it my fault?

You told me to send them!

No, I didn’t. You sent them! You took over, not me!

She wants to send you on the Long Walk. That is unacceptable.

The silver egg flew over the building and dropped to a hover in front of us.

Is that what you’ve been talking to? Is it alive? Cherie said.

I don’t know, I said.

Tonya said, You’ve been talking to that thing? Since you’re friends with it, go talk to it. She shoved me hard in the back.

Trying to keep my balance when I stumbled off a concrete step, I thought I was going to run into the silver thing, but it rose before I tumbled to the ground. Then it took up a position between me and the others.

You must leave.

I scrambled to my feet when it moved toward me, and when I put my hand on it to push it back, I recoiled from an electric shock that knocked me down. Everyone suddenly scattered and disappeared.

You must leave, now!

With the egg bumping me, shocking my ass as I was moved north, I hoped someone would follow me and give me a hand with the silver thing. When I turned out of sight of the building, the egg stopped.

The pod will stay there to keep anyone from following you. You must walk in this direction. I turned my head in response to a pull from inside my head.

The heat and humidity were oppressive and I was going to take a break at a stream until I glimpsed movement out of the corner of my eye. There was a head, like a giant alligator, just skimming the surface of the water as it came toward me. I ran upstream, and then circled back through the jungle, looking for whatever it was. I didn’t see anything until a creature suddenly lunged from the water. I scrambled into the jungle, tripping and stumbling through the thick brush until I couldn’t see it anymore. Then, I circled toward the beach again and peeked around a tree. The creature had half its body on the beach, peering intently into the undergrowth until the silver pod swept in and shot it with some kind of energy weapon, driving it off the beach. I slipped back into the jungle and moved quietly northward.

After slogging through the thick growth for a while, I headed toward the beach again. I didn’t see anything around, so I kept a wary eye and walked on.

Are you safe?

What? Yeah, I’m safe enough.

Continue in this direction. You will come to a place where the water is far from the vegetation. When you arrive, my people will come for you. Then, she was gone again.

I should’ve been freaked out. I’d been speaking to a voice that came and went inside my head. I’d been knocked down and pushed around by some silver thing that could’ve easily killed me. Certainly, I had fears and doubts, but somehow they seemed minor. Maybe suppressed is a better word, but I wasn’t doing it, that’s for sure.

I began to wonder if this was how it started when people lost their minds. Despite popular opinion, I was not crazy…I was sure of that. To leave everyone behind was not the most sane thing to do, so I decided to head back,