“Maybe we’ll find out. That’s what this is all about, I’ll bet?” Margie said.
“You don’t believe that any more than I do sweetie,” Elaine said.
“I’m hoping, but you’re right, I don’t trust that piece of machinery,” Margie said.
“Look, you and I need to get him to tell us what’s happened to everyone, Hal, Jake, Ann, Tim. I even wonder about those three guys building the cabin out in the forest. All those people have just disappeared, so what is going on?” Elaine said.
“Well, I did see Tim two days ago, and he said to be patient, but since then nothing,” Margie said, and then she changed the subject. “What about Jeremy, is he any better?”
“Oh, I don’t know, he’s pretty hard to figure out,” Elaine said. “You know, he’s my son, and I’ve taken care of him since he was born, but in all that time, I’ve never had any clue as to what he was all about. Hal was the one that could communicate with him, somewhat, and now he’s gone.”
“He seems to be talking to someone though,” Margie said. “I know it’s all gibberish, but it seems to have a rhythm, like a real conversation. It’s like listening to someone speak a language you don’t understand.”
“I know he’s in contact with someone, but more than likely it’s just someone that he’s created in his own mind.” Elaine paused for a moment. “What do you think we should do Margie? You’re stronger than I am. I hate to lean on you, but I have no one else.”
“Oh Elaine, I wish I was a strong as you think, but I’m probably more scared than you are. I never trusted Arty from the start. I can remember Ann telling me, I hope she’s okay, Tim thought that Arty had done something real bad; that without his body it was impossible for Arty to be real. You know, I sensed that very thing from the start. Tim would never really discuss it with me, but I know that’s what he was thinking. I wish I knew where he was, if he’s okay?”
“Oh, that one can take care of himself. It’s gotten difficult between him and Arty. I think he is just lying low,” Elaine said.
“I hope so, I sure do. If something’s happened to him. . . I don’t know. . . I hate to think about it because Arty scares the hell out of me!” Margie confessed.
*
Arty arrived, floating gently through the end of the tunnel and into the chamber. He continued on his way, passing between the residents that had gathered and were milling about. The three youngest children ran up to him. Arty had always played with the children and appeared to have genuine affection for them. Jeremy was the one exception. Arty and he would just stare at each other for a few moments, and then go their own way.
*
Arty started to play with the children. Their favorite game was for the children to hang from his metal arms, and then he would take them for rides. At first the adults worried because Arty and the children would travel at high speeds out across the forest. He didn’t hesitate to take them up high and then out across the vast expanse, disappearing in the distance with them dangling from his arms. The children, when scolded about playing such a dangerous game, all said that there was nothing to worry about because Arty always held on to them with his Magic Beam.
Margie and Elaine waited as Arty continued to play, anxious to hear what he had to say. Finally after about fifteen minutes, they couldn’t stand the drama any more and decided to approach him.
“Say Arty, I hate to spoil your fun, but we thought you had something you wanted to talk to us about?” Margie asked.
“Yes I do and I am sorry, but they have so much fun. I appreciate simple things like this.”
“I can see that, but we need to get on with what you have to tell us,” Margie continued.
“Yes, yes of course, and you deserve no less. Could you all come here please?” Arty announced.
The Timtown group moved toward Arty and gathered around him.
“I know the last couple of weeks have been sort of boring for you, but there were many things that had to be sorted out,” he said.
“We are going to get some answers then?” Margie asked.
“Yes you are. For one, from now on, none of you will be restricted on where you can go,” the Man-machine said.
“Big deal,” Elaine said with purpose in her voice. “I want to see the outside. I want to see if it’s still there!”
A number of the group agreed in unison.
“That includes the outside,” Arty said with a big smile on his face.
“What, are you serious? You’re saying it’s okay to get out?” Margie asked quickly.
“Yes, that is what I am saying, but, there is going to have to be some preparation first.”
“I knew it,” Margie complained.
“Now just hold it a second.” Arty looked at Margie, his smile was still there and he didn’t raise his voice as he continued. “It is still dangerous out there. Do you want to walk out through that energy field right now, because if you do, go ahead, I am not going to stop you? Or do you want to take a little time and prepare yourself so you can handle any problems that might arise?”
“No, I just got anxious,” Margie explained.
“Understandable,” Arty returned, looking directly at Margie. “I am glad you agree because I want everyone to be able to get out, and I am sure ‘you’ can see the need to protect the others that are not as capable as yourself.”
“Me, you want me to watch out for everyone?” Margie questioned.
“Yes, Sims told me once that you were very instrumental in protecting the group before you came in here.”
“What does this job of protector involve?”
“It involves watching out for danger, and if danger presents itself, doing something about it.”
“Are you telling me, you are going to allow me to carry weapons?” Margie asked.
“I am telling you, and everyone else here, you do not have to cower within this mountain anymore. Anyone that has an inclination to go outside, can do so with the full protection of whatever is available from here.” Arty’s smile got bigger.
“Oh wow, you mean we can get the things Tim has? Like the laser thing he shoots with,” Sims’s young daughter asked, excited.
“Yes, I see no reason you fine people should be kept from what is rightfully yours. I know there is not much left out there, but what is left, belongs to you.”
“All right!” Elaine yelled as she reached for her young daughter, caught her up in her arms and hugged her. “Honey, were going home. Did you hear that, we can go home?”
“Is Daddy there?” the little girl asked.
“I don’t know honey, I don’t know,” Elaine said as she looked up at Arty.
“I am sorry Mrs. Sims, but I do not know either. You can certainly do your best to find out what did happen, and I hope that it has a happy ending.”
All the group were excitedly talking about the first things they were going to do. They were all prepared to go, at that moment.
“Now hold on, please, folks,” Arty was trying to cut through the din of all the people talking at once. He let out a loud whistle, and finally got their attention. “Hey now, hold it. No one is going to just go running out without a little preparation. Let us all simmer down and make some sort of plan, shall we?”
Margie jumped in and took charge. The next few minutes were spent organizing the excited mob into a manageable group. After that was accomplished, the next few hours were dedicated to putting a working plan together, one that would allow them to explore in safety.
Margie was excited about this new revelation. It was what she wanted most, but in the back of her head some nagging questions remained, but she would wait until a better time.
*
Jeremy was in the chamber the whole time, but was still exchanging gibberish with the imaginary person.
*
Arty, after he had made the proclamation, had gone around to every individual and spoke with them. He was glad, he told them, that they would be able to get on with their lives. He also told
each of them, they could count on him for anything they needed.
Elaine was deeply involved in the preparations so did not really take much notice when Arty went over to Jeremy. Jeremy and he seemed to be talking in the strange tongue. Whatever had taken place was over in a moment. Arty had come back over to where the group was making plans, and Elaine noticed he seemed to be annoyed. His smile was gone as he approached, but returned when she looked at him. She forgot about it.
Arty was taking no part in the preparations, except to make available anything the group decided was necessary to insure their safety and comfort. He did stress the need for preparation and was insistent about the three smallest children being well cared for.
*
It was getting to be late in the afternoon by the time everything was decided. Only then, did Arty make any demands. He would construct the requested items that night while they all rested, and in the morning he would dispense them. He then insisted that each person would be trained as to the functions of the items, and then, and only then, would the group be allowed to go out. He said that they should be ready by mid-afternoon.
“I guess we can live with that,” Margie said. “After all, your demands are in everyone’s best interest, ‘I guess’?”
Margie had tried to make the statement in such a way as to test Arty’s reaction, but he didn’t respond. It seemed that he was definitely on the up and up.
Arty said that he was going to leave and he could be contacted through the computer if anything else was needed. He floated across the chamber and as he passed by Jeremy, Margie heard Jeremy speak.
“Teglossix hout ta tal emittog ta clox.” Was the best translation she could make.
“Dut teut Dic!” Arty definitely answered, and in a rather harsh tone. Arty seemed to pause for a moment, think about it, then continue on his way out.
*
Later that evening, Margie and Elaine were sitting talking; everyone else had gone to sleep.
“Phew, what a day. Did you ever think it would turn out this good?” Elaine asked.
“No, I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting anything good, let alone this. It will be so great to get out,” Margie returned.
“You do you realize, I haven’t been out there at all. You at least had that one trip. I never asked what it is like out there?” Elaine continued.
“Oh, about the same as when you were last there, except there isn’t anyone around, not that we could see at least,” Margie said.
“Somebody must have been there; otherwise, Hal would have come back. I know he didn’t run away. I know that!”
“Now stop that!” Margie interrupted. “You don’t know that he’s not okay.”
“My dear, I lived with that man for many years and I got to know him. He is dead, I’m sure, otherwise he would be here with his family.”
“I wonder what made Arty decide to let us go and offer all the help?” Margie said to change the subject.
“He’s always said it was all right. Tim’s the one that was so pessimistic, remember?” Elaine replied.
“Yeah, I still wonder though?”
“What’s got you troubled Honey?”
“Oh, I don’t know. All this is still so strange. I guess I’m still not comfortable with Arty. You’re right, Tim was the one that didn’t want us to go out, but I still trust him. I wonder where he is? We forgot to ask you know.”
“I thought about it also, but forgot to ask,” Elaine added.
“Look at Jeremy over there,” Margie said, changing the subject.
“He’s finally gone to sleep, the poor dear,” Elaine said. “He had a long day. Whoever or whatever he talks to sure gets an earful.”
“He talked to Arty,” Margie said.
“I saw that too, but what could they talk about? They couldn’t possibly understand each other.”
“I thought that too, but when Arty left, he definitely spoke to Jeremy in that strange language.”
“You think Jeremy understood him?” Elaine said, with a surprised look on her face.
“It sure looked like it. And I’m also sure Jeremy told him something he didn’t like.”
“Well, I’ll be darned. You know, I thought they had spoken earlier, but I just passed it off. Thinking back, you know, I think Arty ‘was’ peeood about it. What the HE double hockey sticks could be going on?” Elaine asked.
“As if I would have a clue. This is a very strange place. I know why Ann didn’t like it here,” Margie said.
“I wonder what happened to that poor dear, she was so sweet?” Elaine questioned.
“Tim said she was someplace else and was safe, and doing well,” Margie answered. After a period of thinking to herself, she added. “And, Jake, I wonder what really happened?”
“You don’t believe that story either?” Elaine asked.
“I don’t know what to think,” Margie said.
“I just hate to think something nasty happen to him too because he was a nice man,” Elaine said as she settled farther into the chair.
Margie had gotten comfortable in one of the sleeping berths and was going to respond, but decided to try to sleep so she said nothing. Tomorrow was going to be a big day.
Chapter 26
Major Matusca
Tim had gone back to his apartment after Lieutenant Matusca, the Sergeant, and Miser left on the helo. Et informed him of Arty telling the residents of Timtown that they could leave.
I should contact Clank, and find out what this is all about, but I might be playing into his hand. I’m sure everyone is thrilled, and they will look at me as the spoiler. Clank is up to something, I’m sure of that, but this isn’t the time.
“What’s Clank working on?” Tim asked Et.
“Mainly a cloaking program.”
“Cloaking?”
“Yeah, he was impressed with your disappearing act, I assume, he wants one.”
“But that is part of the protection shield I have, and I’m sure Arty has the same thing. Why would he need another one?”
*
Tim waited until just before dawn and left Timtown. Using a Ski-bike, he went down to Mountain Cove. The Army had pulled back from Timtown and was camped there. He left the Ski-bike, hit the invisible program, and went into their camp. Jeff Matusca was there, and Tim reversed the program when he saw him and walked over to the Lieutenant.
“Where the hell you been, I was worried?” the Lieutenant asked excited. “I had one hell of a night, let me tell you.”
“Did you get in touch with Ed Adams?” Tim asked. That was all he was interested in.
“Not directly,” Jeff said.
“Oh shit, we’ve got to get something going here, I—”
“I talked to a Randy guy,” Jeff interrupted quickly. “There was a big meeting with the damn President, and they rushed Blake there. Randy said that he and Ed are on their way back.”
“All right!” Tim exclaimed.
“They want me to stay here and keep it under control. I don’t know though? I just heard that Miser is maybe on his way back too, and guess whose butt is going to be in the sling?”
“Ed will watch out for you, and if Blake is with the big shots, they must be listening to him. You have faith in him, so don’t worry,” Tim assured Matusca.
A soldier ran up to Lieutenant Matusca and said an important call had come through. The Lieutenant asked Tim to stay put, and left a couple of soldiers with him. They must have been for company; Jeff surely didn’t think trying to guard Tim was worth the effort. Tim walked a short distance up a small ravine and sat down against some rocks. The two soldiers followed.
“I’d sure like to know what this is all about?” one of the soldiers asked. He looked barely older than Tim.
“They don’t tell you anything?” Tim commented.
“Not really, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. I figured I was going to be nothing but just a warm body when I signed up, so what am I bitching about anyway, huh?” the soldier said.
<
br /> “Shit Compton, you all ain’t even got that covered,” the other soldier snickered.
“Fuck off Stanton. At least I wonder sometimes. I make an effort. Your sorry ass is as dumb as it looks,” Compton returned.
“Yeah, we sure as hell ain’t worth much to the brass, not like this dude here,” Stanton said as he looked at Tim. “What’s your story anyways?”
“Ah, well, it would be hard to explain,” Tim said.
“I’ll bet. Is all that shit about you true?” Compton asked.
“It depends on what shit you’ve been hearing,” Tim answered.
“You from outer space, like I heard?” Stanton asked.
“No,” Tim laughed.
“Where you from then?” Stanton continued.
“Mountain Cove.”
“Where the hell’s that? Sounds like way up in the snow somewhere?” Stanton asked.
“No, you dumb shit,” Compton said. “See, it’s like I told you, you don’t pay attention. Mountain Cove is this little town ‘here’ that got flattened by the earthquake.”
“Shit man, who gives a fuck whatever they called it, it ain’t much now. You here,” Stanton added, looking at Tim, “when that shaker hit?”
“Yeah,” Tim answered.
“Yeah, no, shit boy, you don’t say too much,” Stanton complained.
“Hell Stanton, he’s not interested in talking to us, he’s got to see the big boys. I’ll tell you kid, I’m glad I’m me, and you is you. That sorry ass General was pissed off. Did you really kick him in the ass?”
“Yeah.”
“Ha, ha, hey, look, if you want to just lay back and watch the birds shit as they go by, it’s okay with me. Kicking one of those mother fuckers right square in the ass is okay in my book,” Stanton stated.
“And a fuckin General at that!” Compton exclaimed.
A third soldier came running up the ravine.
“Hey kid, that Ed guy you wanted to talk to is on the phone,” the soldier said.
Tim ran to the wash where Lieutenant Matusca was waiting with a phone in his hand. Tim reached for the phone and put it to his ear.
“Ed, are you there?” Tim asked.
“Yes, it’s me. Things got a little out of hand out there, I heard?”