Codename Angel (The Angel Chronicles Book 1) (43 page)

Chapter 116

The Visitors

Mildenhall Air Force
Base – Suffolk – 10:56pm

Saturday 10
^th
July 1954

Frederick looked
beyond the edge of the runway at the area that had been lit up by gas powered
flood lamps. Edith Jones had given him a map grid reference a few days earlier.
The map reference was located on grassland beyond the main runway on Mildenhall
Air force base, a secluded spot surrounded by woods. Security had been
maximized, both guards and dogs patrolled the outer perimeter fence. Frederick
managed to force a smile, recalling his experience at the base the year before
with the two ufologists.

Agent Cones had
contacted the Majestic 12 Group informing them of the incident in Southport.
Four members of the group had flown in, Vannevar Bush, Roscoe Hillenkotter,
Donald Menzel and General Nathan Twining. Accompanying them was Senator Jacob
Barnes and General Frank Stacy. As well as Frederick, other Angel Committee
members included Malcolm Chambers, Morris Stanford, Richard Wilks and Ian
Morgan. Edith Jones was also present, despite the protest of Barnes who wanted
her under lock and key. Chambers felt that if any meeting was going to take
place then Edith would be used as mediator.

Only four soldiers
were assigned to guard the group of men, and one soldier was armed only with a
film camera to capture the event. ‘Gentlemen.’ Barnes said. ‘We are about to
take part in what probably is the greatest moment in human history, direct
contact with an extraterrestrial intelligence. Both President Eisenhower and
Prime Minister Churchill have given their approval for this meeting. There are
those who would say that we are touching the hand of god right now, but we know
that isn’t true. After this moment has passed, the human race will never be the
same.’

The group waited
patiently scanning the skies beyond the trees, Frederick checked the time on
his watch, 10:58pm.

‘Look!’ Richard Wilks
called out.

Beyond the tree line
of the wood that lay beyond the base a light could be seen approaching the
group skimming over the treetops. The familiar static sensation that Frederick
had experienced filled the air, followed by a low pitched humming noise.

Barnes quickly looked
at the group taking a deep breath. ‘Gentlemen, this is it.’

The object touched
down gently several metres from the group of men and the static discharge
dissipated. The craft that had just landed was approximately thirty foot across
dull silver in colour and shaped like a giant smartie. There was no landing
struts, the object hovered approximately three feet from the ground. As the
group looked on a section of the craft seemed to dissolve revealing an opening
in which stood a tall figure who stepped down from the craft. Four other
creatures followed, dressed in what seemed to be ultra thin skin tight jump
suits. The creatures walked towards the group of humans.

Senator Barnes stepped
in front of the group to greet the visitors. For several seconds no one spoke. Finally
Barnes held up his hand. ‘On behalf of the United States of America I welcome
you to our planet.’

Chambers and
Frederick shot each other a disapproving glance.

Edith Jones stepped
forward. ‘We acknowledge your greeting.’

Barnes looked at her
then back at the extraterrestrials. ‘We hope this is the beginning of peaceful
relations between us. I’m sure we have much to offer each other.’

The front alien bowed
its head.

‘Our time is short
here.’ Edith translated. ‘This encounter is intended for the benefit of your
species. To show you that you are not alone.’

‘We are grateful for
your gift of knowledge.’ Barnes answered. ‘What can we offer you in exchange?’

‘We have no need for
material substances, our species has evolved beyond the emotional challenges
that is bestowed on human beings.’

‘I see.’ Barnes
almost sounded frustrated. ‘Then why come to our planet?’

‘Your species is
spreading across your world rapidly consuming the planet’s natural resources.
If your population continues at its current rate of growth then you will face
collapse within one hundred years.’

‘Is there anything we
can do to prevent this?’ Barnes asked.

‘You are already
taking your first steps beyond the boundaries of your world. This is the way
forward for your species. But your progress is slow and there are other
lifeforms who wish to see humanity’s destruction.’ The alien looked at Edith.
‘Our species believe that mankind has a promising future and has been aiding
your species.’

Frederick looked at
Edith Jones recalling her story, the kidnapping, the pregnancy and the return.

Edith walked up to
Frederick. ‘There are those among you who now understand our purpose here. If
the human race collapses then it will endure elsewhere which is why we have
been taking individuals.’ She then looked at Senator Barnes. ‘But there are
still those among you who are interested in self preservation and the
acquisition of material items. This is what is preventing your species from
evolving to its potential.’ Edith walked towards the extraterrestrials, then
turned and faced the group of men. ‘You still have a choice, but this will not
last if you continue down your current path.’

Together with the
group of creatures Edith retreated towards the entrance of the craft, which
started to glow. The group of men looked on as the ship lifted into the air,
then in the blink of an eye it accelerated away.

Chapter 117

10:27pm

‘Goddamn it.’ Barnes
cursed. ‘We should have shot their craft down.’

‘And what exactly
would that have achieved Mr Barnes?’ Malcolm Chambers asked before breaking out
into a cough.

‘We could have had
their ship, that’s what it would have achieved, the technology would have
increased our advantage over the Soviets.’

‘You already have the
craft recovered from Roswell senator.’ Frederick pointed out. ‘And I know you
have other craft recovered from earlier crashes.’

Both groups exchanged
stares for several seconds. Chambers continued to cough, clutching a handkerchief
to his mouth.

Frederick looked at
his friend who seemed to struggle for air.

‘I see you and Doctor
Rosen had quite the chat at Groom Lake Professor.’ Vannevar Bush commented
staring at Frederick and ignoring Chambers’ constant coughing.

‘Yes we did, he also
told me about your other projects out in the pacific atolls. But before you put
him in chains for betraying your trust, there’s the matter of our trust you
have betrayed.’

Chambers continued to
struggle for air.

‘We would have given
you full disclosure of our other projects in time.’ Bush answered.

‘Providing we would
have been of use to you.’ Ian Morgan remarked.

Barnes glanced at
Chambers who seemed in considerable pain. ‘You Brits are lucky we let you in on
anything.’ He said. ‘We could have kept everything to ourselves.’

‘Exactly what are
America’s intentions senator?’ Frederick asked.

‘To spread democracy
across the globe.’ Barnes answered.

‘Not everyone wants
democracy Senator.’ Frederick stared at is ailing friend.

Chambers winced in
pain clutching his chest.

‘They will have it
whether they like it or not, unless of course you prefer communism gentlemen.’
Barnes looked at the Angel Committee members present.

‘Forgive me senator
but you sound like a certain German dictator who tried to spread Fascism a
decade ago.’ Professor Wilks said.

Barnes looked at him
and smiled. ‘Unlike that crazy bastard Professor Wilks, we won’t be using gas
chambers to get our point across. Our way is far less painful.’ He took a deep
breath. ‘I suggest we part company for now gentlemen we have a lot to digest.’

Chambers slumped
forward.

Frederick Jumped up
and rushed to the aid of his friend.

Chapter 118

The Fallen

Whitehall – London –
1:09pm

Monday 12
^th
July 1954

The Angel Committee
members sat around the large table in silent prayer remembering Sir Malcolm
Chambers. The heart attack he had suffered was massive and at seventy six he
was too frail to survive.

‘Funeral arrangements
have been made for next week July 19
^th
.’ Frederick said.

‘His Birthday.’ Stanford
replied.

‘The Prime Minister
has given instructions that this committee is to cease all actions until
further notice. He explained to me that he is due to talk with Eisenhower over
our future.’ Frederick revealed.

‘You don’t suppose he
plans to shut us down.’ Admiral Anthony Berkshire said.

Frederick shook his
head. ‘At this point Admiral I cannot be sure of anything. The Majestic members
have flown back to the United States. For now we return to our normal working
lives until the Prime Minister contacts us.’

Chapter 119

The House on Smith
Street

Trinity College –
Cambridge – 2:13pm

Wednesday 14
^th
July 1954

‘Come in!’ Frederick
called out hearing the knock on his door.

Ian Morgan Entered
the room smiling at Frederick. Two men entered the room behind him and closed
the door. ‘Ralph, hope we’re not disturbing you.’

Frederick glanced at
the men behind. ‘No not at all, what is it I can do for you gentlemen?’

‘You know Sir Arthur
Barratt.’ Morgan said. ‘And this is an old friend of sir Barratt’s, General
Martin.’ He introduced.

General Martin shook
Frederick’s hand. ‘Pleasure Professor Frederick.’

‘We were wondering if
you would attend a talk which will be taking place tomorrow night.’ Sir Barrat
invited.

‘What kind of talk?’
Frederick replied.

‘Flying saucers.’
General Martin took over. ‘I was impressed with your television interview last
year with that chap, Patrick Moore, and was wondering if you would offer your
scientific opinion to our little group.’

Frederick looked at
Morgan. ‘I have no real interest in UFOs and I am extremely busy at the moment
with end of term dissertations.’

‘I promise you
Professor it won’t interfere with your duties here at Cambridge.’ Barrat
assured.

Frederick took a deep
breath before nodding. ‘I could spare a few hours, who will be attending this
talk?’

‘Myself and General
Martin as well as Peter Horsley, and his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.’

Frederick nodded
again. ‘Of course I will be delighted discussing matters with his Royal
Highness.’

‘Splendid.’ Barratt
said. ‘We shall see you tomorrow night Professor.’ Both General Martin and Sir
Arthur Barratt left Frederick’s office.

Frederick fixed his
stare on Morgan. ‘What was all that about.’

‘Believe me when I
say this Ralph I had no idea they were going to spring that on you. They showed
up this morning first thing and started babbling on about flying saucers,
before mentioning you.’

‘And you mentioned
nothing about the Angel Committee or the events of last weekend at Mildenhall.’

‘Not a word.’

‘Who was that General
Martin?’

Morgan shook his
head. ‘I have no idea, and I like to think I know every general at the Ministry
of defence.’

Frederick inhaled. ‘Well
I cannot let his royal highness down, and this will give us an opportunity to
see what Horsley has been up to these last few years.’

‘My thoughts
exactly.’ Morgan replied, he looked at Frederick. ‘How are you coping?’

Frederick shrugged.
‘I still can’t get over the fact that he’s gone.’ His thoughts turned to
Malcolm. ‘But I know he would have wanted us to carry on.’

Morgan nodded. ‘Which
is why I brought those two along, I know you would be open to such a meeting.’
A short silence followed. ‘Any news from the Prime Minister?’

‘No,’ Frederick shook
his head. ‘I don’t even know if he has talked to Eisenhower yet.’

‘I guess all we can
do is wait.’

Chapter 120

13 Smith Street –
Chelsea – London 7:56pm

Thursday 15
^th
July 1954

Frederick waited
patiently at the door of the three storey Victorian building. He was greeted by
a woman who introduced herself as Mrs Markham the resident housekeeper. She led
him through a narrow hallway and up two flights of stairs. ‘A gentleman is
already here.’ She said opening a door to a second floor drawing room.

Frederick stepped
inside and saw a man with his back to him staring into a fireplace. The door
shut and the figure turned to face him.

‘Good evening
Professor.’ Janus greeted. ‘Thank you for accepting my invitation.’

Frederick felt unable
to move, he glared at Janus recalling the events that had brought them
together, Stoke Lacy in Herefordshire, the psychiatric Hospital in Abergavenny.
Then the image of himself cradling Elizabeth’s body flashed through his
thoughts.

‘There is no need for
apprehension Professor I am not here to harm you.’ Janus indicated to one of
two tall armchairs. ‘Please sit down.’

Janus handed
Frederick a cup of tea and sat opposite. ‘I expect you have many questions for
me.’

‘Just one.’
Frederick’s tone was blunt. ‘Why are you here?’

Janus sank back into
the chair pondering Frederick’s question. ‘Same reason those other creatures
you met with the other night are here.’

‘The beings we met
made it quite clear that their role on this planet was one of preservation.’

Janus smiled. ‘The
term you are searching for Professor is self preservation. Any species that has
the capability to travel from one galaxy to another is out for more than just
helping other species.’

‘Are you saying
they’re here to harm us?’

Janus remained silent
for a few seconds. ‘Not exactly.’

‘What’s that supposed
to mean?’

‘From what I know of
these beings they come from a place so far away from here even with their level
of technology it would be impossible to go back to where they came from.’

‘Which is where
exactly?’

‘The edge of your
known universe and beyond.’ Janus replied. ‘A place of infinite distance
staring out into the abyss that exists between universes. The species you
encountered the other night are so old that they would be considered as
immortal by any man. God like creatures with god like powers. But at the end of
the day they are just like you and I Professor making their way through the
journey which is life.’

Frederick sipped from
his cup. ‘Is there a reason you are telling me all this?’

‘There is.’ Janus
nodded. ‘I merely want to inform you that they are just one of many
civilisations which have discovered your world and are using its inhabitants to
advance their own evolution. There are billions of intelligent species in this
galaxy. If you were to compare your most advanced telescopes with a window
looking out onto a garden then you have only seen a few centimetres beyond the
window pane. There are wonders out there that would make you believe that
anything is possible, and terrors that your worst nightmares couldn’t even
conjure up.’

‘If what you say is
true.’ Frederick asked. ‘And there are many species who have visited this
planet. Then why not just waltz in and just take us over.’

‘What a pointless
question for a man of your intelligence Professor.’ Janus mocked.

‘Humour me.’
Frederick replied.

Janus hauled himself
out of the armchair and walked over to a globe which stood near the fireplace.
He looked at the United Kingdom and then spun the globe staring at it. ‘There
have been many men throughout your history who have tried to conquer this
world, most recently Adolf Hitler, and currently both America and Russia are
locked in a silent war busying themselves with creating weapons of mass
destruction. It seems that your species has a knack of forgetting history so
quickly. Alexandra the great, the Romans, The Nazis are but a few conquering
nations that eventually fizzled out because their armies became so over
stretched it became impossible to hold on to land which they conquered. Imagine
a race of beings who wanted to conquer the galaxy using what you would call
conventional means. The amount of foot soldiers they would need to conquer this
planet alone would be in the hundreds of millions, perhaps billions given that
there are currently two and a half billion people on this planet. Imagine if
they wanted to conquer ten planets, how many soldiers would they need? Tens of
billions, twenty planets, trillions of soldiers. So you see Professor conquest
on a galactic scale is a pointless gesture even for the most advanced species.’

Frederick thought
about Janus’ explanation and found himself agreeing with Janus.

‘Most of the
civilizations that have achieved interstellar travel have moved beyond material
needs because they have achieved such a level of advancement they have the
means to create anything they want. The goal of any civilization when it
reaches maturity is to find the answer to the ultimate question, who created
them?’

‘I would have thought
that even the most advanced civilizations would have moved beyond religious
matters.’ Frederick pointed out.

‘True.’ Janus replied
with a thoughtful manner. ‘But even the most advanced civilizations have a
longing to return to their mother’s womb so to speak.’

‘And what’s your
opinion on creation?’ 

‘I accepted long ago
Professor that the universe is like a force of nature, it does what it does to
survive. There are an infinite number of universes out there, some so big that
mathematics being the universal language cannot calculate their size. And then
there are universes that are so infinitely small they are invisible. There are
universes that are ageless and then there are universes that come and go in a
blink of an eye. But in that brief moment of time life evolves and thrives.’

Frederick stared at
Janus. ‘You appear human, are you wearing some kind of disguise?’

Janus smiled at the
question. ‘No, I am as human as you Professor, although my race is a little
more down the evolutionary timeline than yours.’

‘And your purpose in
visiting our planet?’

‘My purpose Professor
along with other visiting species is because we are threatened by a more
aggressive species.’

‘How so?’

‘Centuries ago our
planet was ravage by a disease released on our world by a species that has
devastated other worlds. Their goal was clear, to populate our planet by
infecting us with a disease which changed the population into them.’

‘I don’t understand.’
Frederick said.

‘The race of beings
which spread this disease to not procreate through natural process like human
beings. They release an organic pathogen which infects the indigenous
population transforming into them. When they arrived my people had already
mastered interstellar travel and had colonised several other planets. The
pathogen they released devastated our home world. Before we could do anything
three quarters of our population had been turned. Billions were infected, while
the rest fought to survive. For those of us who escaped we found a suitable
world to rebuild. After a few hundred years we managed to rebuild a stable
society. We were fortunate to make allies in surrounding star systems,
exchanging knowledge for advanced warning of another attack.’

‘Did they attack
again?’

Janus shook his head.
‘No, but I believe that it’s just a matter of time before they find what’s left
of my people.’

‘If you are a more
advanced form of human then that means the human race is not unique.’

‘There are hundreds
of billions of galaxies that make up our universe Professor. Some species
evolve in unison in different parts of the galaxy. There are humans scattered
throughout the Milky Way galaxy that have followed the same evolutionary path.
Some humans have developed more abilities than others. My people are able to
access thirty percent of our brains which has given us an advantage over you.’

‘Those creatures we
met with the other night claimed that they had seeded other worlds with humans
taken from this planet. Why, if there are already human populations spread
throughout the galaxy?’

‘It’s an attempt to
expand the human race. They have also seeded planets who’s native
 inhabitants are human to strengthen their immune system. Your species has
one unique property not found in other forms of humans.’

‘And what exactly is
this unique property you are after.’

‘Your DNA which your
science has only just discovered. It contains an element which is the key to
saving my people, as well as other species that have been wiped out by the
disease.’

‘And this element is
not within your DNA?’

‘No.’

‘This is why you and
other species take humans.’ Frederick stated.

Janus frowned. ‘You
see us as barbaric.’

‘You are not unlike
the Nazis, experimenting on human beings for the so called advancement of
science.’

‘I have not killed
anyone Professor. The villagers from Stoke Lacy, Jimmy from the hospital are
still alive.’

‘Where exactly?’

‘If I were to explain
everything to you Professor then I would jeopardize my mission and a great many
other things including your destiny and the destiny of others.’

‘Others.’

‘I see many things
Professor, my species has the unique ability to see the future. I have already
demonstrated this to you, along with Agent Cones.’

Frederick thought
back to their first meeting. ‘When we first met you told Agent Cones you had
met him many times before.’

Janus shook his head
smiling. ‘Careful Professor if you know too much you will unravel time itself.’

‘What is that
supposed to mean exactly.’

‘The only thing I can
tell you at this point Professor is that Agent Cones will play an important
part in your future. Beyond that I cannot reveal anything else.’

Frederick felt
disappointed. ‘I’m puzzled, why invite me here tonight and reveal your plans,
you know that I will report back to my people and tell them everything.’
Frederick said.

Janus looked towards
the door smiling. ‘Believe me Professor you’re not the only person I intended
to ensnare this evening.’

The door suddenly
burst open and three men rushed in with their weapons drawn. Frederick jumped
to his feet. The three men fixed their guns on Janus who remained remarkably
calm. Mrs Markham was shoved through the door by another man, and then Senator
Jacob Barnes stepped into the room.