“And you figure you need fifty miles for everyone to be safe from the auto-destruct?” Randy asked.
“No, because, I haven’t made up my mind about destroying it, yet, but I want at least fifty miles for now,” Tim demanded.
“When do you figure you will need to accomplish this by?” Randy asked.
“Before I found out about this big meeting, I thought I had some time, but now I don’t know.”
“Goddamn Son, that big meeting is set for this afternoon. There is no way,” Ed exclaimed.
“I have to find one,” Tim said calmly.
“Shit man, it can’t be done!” Randy exclaimed.
Ed sat thinking for a moment. “It might be possible, it might at that,” he finally said.
“What the hell are you talking about, Ed, for christ sakes?” Randy shouted. “That old bastard Samuel Steiner set this thing up, you know that! You couldn’t keep him away unless the whole thing was going to blow up in his face, and even if it was, you couldn’t convince him of it. Miser either.”
Ed just smiled.
“How are we going to convince them it’s going to blow? They’ll never go for that? They’ll call the bluff because they’re not that smart, remember,” Randy continued.
“That’s not what I’m thinking about,” Ed said as he turned to Tim. “Just how much can you do?”
“I don’t know what you mean?”
“Well, there is a way to make damn sure everyone skidattles out of here, for the time being anyway,” Ed said.
“There is huh?” Tim said.
“Well, it all depends on you,” Ed answered.
Ed discussed his idea with Tim and Randy. Randy concurred that if Tim could accomplish what Ed had in mind, it was probable that everyone would clear out. At least they could keep Samuel Steiner clear of the area, and thwart the big meeting Clank had set up. It was a matter of keeping the parties apart as Margie had suggested.
*
Tim had taken the two men back into the rocky pool, and had returned inside Timtown to see if Ed’s idea was feasible.
*
“Are you actually going to help him?” Randy asked as they headed back out of the crack, into the pool.
“Of course,” Ed said.
“But destroying all that. Man, to get in there. Just think of it? How can you even think of him blowing it up?” Randy asked.
“I’m not rushing him to blow it, I’m trying to save it,” Ed explained. “Because my dear Randy, if we don’t do something, you and I are out of a job, like the boy said.”
“Yeah, but?”
“He’s a smart kid that one. We’ll do a hell of a lot better if we stick with him, don’t you think?” Ed asked.
“Ah you wizened, old bastard, you,” Randy said as they started up the rocky slope. “You’re figuring the other side of the equation is getting crowded.”
*
“I want all the exits blocked, now.” Tim was back talking to Et.
“I can only accomplish it temporarily, and then Clank will over ride it.”
“Then do it again, and again, and again because we have to keep everyone inside until we can convince the smucks up top to leave. Clank will be patient because he won’t suspect that everyone outside will be heading for the hills to get away from here.”
*
“Hey, A. . .ah excuse me, Clank,” Tim announced, materializing in front of the Man-machine.
“It’s okay,” Clank said, “I’m not concerned about the derogatory term because I’ve disappointed you with my choice of direction.”
“Yeah, well, glad you don’t mind, but we need to talk.”
“I put the issue of going out to a vote,” Clank said, getting right to the point, “It’s their place, and they can do what they want.”
“Yeah, I’ve been told, but what about your government guests?”
“I didn’t invite them here,” Clank said indignant.
“Baloney Clank, they’re calling Timtown, Whuc Seaacki.”
“Who?” Clank sounded confused, like he had been caught at something.
“Your guests are going to be disappointed because I’m blocking all the exits.”
“Go ahead, I will counter everything.”
“Not for a while.”
“You’re right, but eventually, or maybe much sooner than that, I will supersede your authority.”
Tim vanished as quickly as he had appeared because he had made his point.
Chapter 27
Pullback
Ed and Randy barely got back to the staging area and managed to stuff a little food in their mouths before the helicopters started to come in.
Major Matusca was pacing back and forth at the edge of the helo pad. Ed had assured him he was in charge of the area and he was safe.
*
At the same time, Tim and Margie were deep in the forest.
“Dammit Tim, Arty gave us the same stuff you have, we won’t be in any danger,” Margie complained.
“I know that, but when you go outside, you are going to run square into the Army,” Tim answered.
“So what, they can’t do anything to us?”
“That’s not what I’m worried about. What are you going to do when the soldiers try to grab you?”
“I don’t know? I won’t let that happen, though. They don’t bother you anymore, do they?”
“No, they don’t, because I gave them a demonstration.”
“So will we!” Margie exclaimed.
“Ah huh?” Tim pointed his right hand at Margie’s middle and fired. There was a soft pop, and Margie grabbed her stomach.
“Ow, that stings!” Margie shouted.
Tim didn’t say anything, just watched Margie.
Margie gave him a queer look, then pointed her hand at a tree and pressed the firing spot. A vicious, ugly, red streak blasted the tree, sparks and wood splinters showering everywhere. The sound of the explosion reverberated through the forest.
“That rotten son-of-a-bitch,” she said slowly, angrily.
“My hand lasers are adjustable; from maximum, enough to cause serious damage, to minimum. Do you still think it’s a good idea to let anyone go out?”
*
The first helo settled on the ground, and out came General Miser with a couple of leather case carrying subordinates. Ed could tell by the General’s puffed out posture and regal movements that he was in hog heaven. He was sure this was the big payoff. His mannerisms said he was expecting to stroll right into Whuc Seaacki and take charge.
“Look at that fool,” Ed said to Randy, as the General headed straight for Major Matusca. “He’s thinking this is the big one. He’s ready for Time magazine.”
“He might make it, don’t you think?” Randy commented.
“Yeah, they’ll have a picture of his charred corpse, just for impact,” Ed chuckled.
“I don’t see what you’re getting at?” Randy asked.
“Randy, Randy, Randy, my boy, this is something so big, a pompous little general like him will get just shuffled out of the way.”
“You sound like you expect this thing to come off.”
“Either way, Miser’s going to lose. You sound like you don’t think the kid will come through?”
“I don’t know? What do you think will happen?” Randy asked.
“Well, one thing for sure, like I said, either way our friend the general is going to be disappointed, I’m sure of that.”
“You don’t seem to have much faith in our dear General Miser,” Randy said.
“Well, from what Tim told us, I doubt anyone but Arty, whatever the hell he is, is going to walk away with anything. I’d almost guarantee it,” Ed said, as he watched the General yelling at the new Major Matusca, who seemed to be holding his ground. After a short discussion the new Major simply turned his back on General Miser and walked away. The General yelled at Matusca, but the Major didn’t respond. Miser threw his leather case on the ground and then kicked it.
?
??Unless Tim can clear the place, keep your fingers crossed,” Ed said, as the General picked up his case roughly and stomped off, headed back to the helo pad.
“You don’t think this Arty is going to deal?” Randy asked.
“Tim said he was looking for an army, and guess who’s coming to dinner?” Ed commented. And why would he make any deals with these clowns?”
“Gosh Ed, you’re so pessimistic sometimes.”
“Just realistic, Son, just realistic. Anyone that has to make a deal with Samuel Steiner always comes away feeling cheated. I don’t think I’d want to try to cheat this Arty guy.”
“Maybe Steiner will realize it and back off?” Randy said.
Ed didn’t say anything; he just gave the younger man a get serious look.
“You don’t seem too worried though.”
“About my ass?”
“Well, hell yes, you old fart. I mean, here we are standing right where all the shit could hit the fan, and you don’t even want to get away.”
“I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to miss anything.”
“Oh me neither! You think the kid will watch out for us, don’t you,” Randy said.
“If it goes bad, you’d better hope he does,” Ed said, as another helo drifted down into the landing area.
When the chopper’s engines had wound down enough to allow departure, the first person out was Samuel Steiner. Apparently he was supposed to allow the two photographers to exit first, to document the whole thing, but he was in a big hurry. The two photojournalists scrambled behind him, dragging their equipment and complaining as they tried to keep up and record the momentous event.
Steiner spotted Ed and immediately headed his way.
“Adams, goddamn, this is really going to be something,” Steiner pontificated, walking up. “I’m glad we’re both here to witness it. This is maybe the greatest day in history. Just think Ed, sometime today we’ll see the future. Just thinking about it gives me goose bumps.”
“You sound quite sure about this thing,” Ed returned.
“Well, wouldn’t you, if you were in my position? See Ed, I told you and told you, the kid wasn’t the one,” Steiner bragged. “You don’t know where to put your cards sometimes, old boy.”
“Doesn’t it concern you that the kid continues to warn everyone off?” Ed asked.
“Is he still trying to say we are making a mistake, and that this other person is a monster?”
“Where did you get that?” Ed asked quickly.
“The brother, he’s in charge, and the things Tim has been telling you are fabrications,” Steiner said, his chest puffing out.
“He seems to have a good enough reason to persist with the warning,” Randy added.
“He thinks so, yes, yes he does. I can see his point, and the young man is to be commended. You know, his brother speaks very highly of him. Apparently the young man has acted in an extremely heroic manner all through this thing, and his brother requested that we find some way of honoring him. I was thinking of maybe the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”
“Geez Samuel, you allow your vanity to slop all over sometimes,” Ed said, reaching down to brush off one shoe.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Steiner looked at Ed with destain because he hated to be criticized.
“I mean, I doubt if any of your prized glad-handing will be coveted by the kid.”
“You don’t think he would be gratified by his country’s highest honor,” Steiner asked perplexed.
“I just spoke to him, and he says if you go through with this, there is going to be a new country, real quick. He doubts if any of you are going to be giving out any medals. I think his term for you guys, was ah, ‘cannon fodder’, as close as I can interpret.”
“I resent that Adams! I have been in communication with the brother for the last thirteen hours, and I have gotten some guarantees. Do you think I’m a stupid man, do you?”
“I’ve always ‘thought’ you were a stupid man, Sam, you know that. Haven’t I told you many times? ‘Now’ I’m sure of it.”
“You’re just jealous, you’ve always held my position against me,” Steiner stated.
“Held what? Sam, I’m where I want to be, doing what I want to do. I’ve never had any interest in your self-promoting circle. You know that, so stop the jealous bit.”
“You are a strange bird Ed, but I guess without you that lame son-of-a-bitch we have to call, Mr. President, would be twice as inept.” There was a confident tone to Samuel Steiner’s voice.
“Ha, ha!” Ed reared back and laughed hard and then turned to Randy. “Hear that, lame! Ha, I wondered what all these so called politicians really thought about our Mr. President.”
Ed turned back to Samuel. “You’ll never get over what he did to you guys, will you?”
“He didn’t do anything. He buffaloed the people and the press, that’s all. Shit, what’s the world coming to when they vote in someone like him. He has no foresight,” Steiner lectured.
“No, Samuel, he has no political ambitions. You don’t sense that in him, and it scares you.”
“He’s a flash in the pan; he’ll be gone next election. Hey, just because he made a bundle, and likes to spend his own money, doesn’t cut it in my book. He’ll be gone, trust me. He might well be gone by the time this day is out!” Steiner winked at Ed.
“And there Randy—my boy—is the conflict in a nut shell. Did you notice Sam here grimace when he said, ‘his own money’? That’s a serious crime in his opinion because; Samuel here is one of the best at spending ‘everyone else’s money’.”
“I’m not going to get upset at that because I perform a service that I get paid for.”
“Yeah, transferring funds from one pocket to another. Funny how you and your associates pockets are always the last on the schedule,” Ed pointed out.
Sam Steiner didn’t say anything. General Miser was approaching, and the Secretary of State didn’t like to discuss politics with the military. They had their job, he had his, and he felt they didn’t mix.
“Mr. Secretary, we have established the perimeter and it is secure. We are waiting for the final personnel, and then we will be ready for the exchange.”
Goddammit General, will you be a little more prudent when you announce things. We aren’t all on the same side here,” Samuel scolded.
“Oh, excuse me Mr. Secretary, I was overcome with excitement. I’m terrible about gloating; my wife keeps telling me that,” Miser giggled.
“What are you expecting to exchange here today?” Ed asked.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but we’ve had a major breakthrough in negotiations. I’m sure the Secretary will fill you in. As for me, I have work to do. I have to prepare to assume command of the Whuc Seaacki. And incidentally, I have to comment you two on your shrewdness,” the General said to Ed and Randy.
“Yes, well, you remember; the commander of this outpost was installed here by your Commander-in-Chief,” Ed said sternly.
“By nightfall, Matusca is going to wish he had never seen my face!” the General said as he walked away.
“You leave that man alone! I’m warning you General!” Ed shouted at the retreating General.
“Are you people nuts?” Ed turned to Samuel. “Do you think this Arty is going to allow you clowns to just walk in and take over?”
“We have made some concessions,” Samuel said. “Don’t worry about your Lieutenant friend. I won’t let Miser do anything to him. He’s a resourceful young man, and we need more like him.”
“Concessions? What the hell have you got to offer? Do you have any idea what you’re dealing with? Do you know anything about this Arty?”
“I know enough. After all he was Navy, and I have a complete dossier on him, and I have spoken to him.”
“His records should be enough to make you realize that you’re not dealing with the same Arty,” Ed stated.
“Oh come off it Ed. You can’t take that stuff the kid said, se
rious. He’s just a jealous teenager,” Samuel chuckled.
“Look at the facts Sam. This Arty was completely comatose when he was taken from the hospital, and now he’s apparently regained his health. Has he given you a physical description of himself, lately?” Ed chuckled back.
“This isn’t a beauty contest, Ed old boy.”
This Arty guy is going to take a piece out of your ass and hand it to you. This is not a party caucus you twit. Geez, let’s get the hell out of here.” Ed said to Randy as he turned around and started walking away. “I want to get as far away as possible from these fools.”
*
“Do you believe those idiots?” Ed said to Randy, as the younger man caught up to him.
“Man, they scare me too. I hope to hell Tim can do something,” Randy returned.
“I think he already has,” Ed complained, “I need an aspirin!”
*
Back in Timtown everyone was gathered, looking at the soft blue light in front of them.
Tim addressed Arty. “Got them all eating out of your hands, I see.”
“Your friends want to go out. I am just granting their wish.”
“Well, it had to happen, I guess,” Tim surrendered.
“You are not contesting?”
“Not much I can do about it now, you have as much control as I do.”
“That is true Little Brother.”
Arty turned to the gathered people. “Last one out is a rotten egg!”
Margie headed out first, walking into the blue haze, followed by the other people. Arty followed with Tim.
Arty floated out into the shade of the canyon, alone. “Little bastard!” Arty shouted furiously.
*
In the Space Port, individual blobs of light appeared, the blobs forming into the individuals that walked into the blue haze. Margie and Elaine were standing together.
“What the heck! We’re still inside! That darn Tim! When I get my hands on him,” Elaine complained.
“It’s for the best, trust me,” Margie said.
“You were in on this?”
“Ah, yeah, let me explain—”
Elaine interrupted her by pointing over her shoulder, a strange look on her face. “My god, look at that! What, are those?” Elaine said in a whisper.
Margie turned and let out a gasp. Margie and Elaine were looking at the two Deep Space Probs.
*
“I’m glad we got everyone to the space port in time. They are very angry at you though,” Et said to Tim, back in his apartment.
“I had no choice. I couldn’t see having two women, some kids, and a couple of senior citizens wiping out the Army as being constructive.”