ISSUE 18: AREA 51 EXPOSED
I’m still shocked my mother managed to land an exclusive. She’s already calling it Area 51: Exposed. What’s really there to expose? That other civilizations want to help us? I think I know what she really wants to do. It wont be pretty. For her or other people.—Samantha Murphy.
It’s all to good to be true. Nobody would willingly uplift another without some sort of motive. I aim to find the filth at the heart of this pearl.—Anna Preston-McQuire.
On this day, we welcome Earth to the 2nd Stage of Uplift. Full Trade is already in effect. Now? We ask that you join us in creating a better future for all. Every Dweller Gate is open to you. Remember to abide by Council Laws with regards to developing Planets.—Ambassador Ul’rek, Forger Ambassador to A51.
The day Anna did her interviews was something else. Even Lady Sul’sandra nearly exploded. Most of the human attendees that day gave her scathing looks. Almost as if to say: Hey! We just got let in and you want to put a curveball on things? In reality: I could feel her self loathing. She wanted to find some fault because that’s all she could see. My mother wasn’t amused from the getgo. But that day she was in the crowd as Jennifer Murphy. A very bright spot though: Jacob had created new and improved scout fighters for the Bardaxians. Keyed in on their particular physiology, since we had been sending our K-9s into space since the 1920s. Plus Lorain concocted a serum that helped them handle more G-forces. Even though most ships had counters for that, what if they lost their shielding? Always be prepared was her motto. –Sleeping in Starlight, a memoir of the 22nd century.
Area 51 (Rachel, Nevada)
Newly Constructed Mega Library
December 19th, 2103
The Mighty Mallet gawked. A giant crystalline structure stretched from Groom Lake to his sleepy hometown. It weaved itself between the bedrock. Adding to the township but not getting in the way. He could see figures walking upon glass paths. Endless rows of holographic displays from a multitude of planets. He checked his orange and white demi uniform again. He was to greet the Banner soon and wanted to look his best. His back went rigid as a convoy of T.A and US Army transports disembarked near the landing complex just outside Rachel.
Other townspeople joined him. “Hey Mallet! Think we will be able to keep the Blue Saucer? It’s a mainstay!” He nodded, “Oh yeah! Don’t let all the activity fool you. We will keep the heart of our town as we want it. Ever see Old London? That’s what we will do also!”
A supersonic boom sent tremors through the town. The new library sang. Each crystal structure echoing out with a particular tone. A familiar red, white, and blue-clad figure waved.
Might Mallet shouted, “Heya Girl Scout! Welcome to the party!”
He saw her grin. Hands resting on her hips as she landed. One kid pointed, “DOGGIE!”
Cooper landed next to them and danced around the crowd. Letting the child reach behind to get at his triangular ears.<
*****
I could see my parents exiting the transports. It looked like mom would be enjoying things from the human side today. I didn’t blame her. The update I got from Sul could fill a few volumes. The real treat was Y’lansa would be in attendance as well. I couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when we gave her all the tea. As we landed I waved to the crowd. Only Cooper and I would be representing the Golden Redeemers today. Everyone else was covering the event from their regular jobs. Even now I could see Eddie smiling. His hover cam catching all the angles. Arthon would be presenting things about Atlantis today. Nothing sensitive but to let Earth know it had a good alliance in the running.
After Emerald K-9 finished regaling the crowds we headed towards the main entrance of the Multiversal Library Codex. I already knew people would dig into some acronyms for it but I decided on labeling it the Crystal Reliquary. Because all knowledge flowing and all that. I shook Mighty Mallet’s hand, “Don’t worry. You’ll have a Neo Rachel soon enough.” He groaned.
“As long as I can get my Supersized Cosmic Pepperoni Pizza from the Blue Saucer I’ll be fine.”
Mom came over and smiled, “Since my husband is going to be detained by red tape for a bit, why not provide an escort for the rest of us civilians?”
>>You are about as civilian as a Turbo Grav Lazer.<<
Her gray-green eyes filled with a wellspring of delight.
Her voice was equally innocent, >>Is that any way to treat your mother? I am hardly a battle ax. More of a battering ram. Get it, right space cadet.<<
Audibly I said, “Of course Mrs. Murphy.”
I clasped my hands behind my back and we set off. Our group had other diplomats but also had quite a few faces I recognized. Doc, Eddie, General Whitehouse in his battle armor. From the looks of it, he was part of my father’s escort today. Uncle Paxton was there as well. In his New Ashbury police uniform. He winked when I glanced at him.
I saw Samantha and Jacob join us. Both were ecstatic.
Maybe things would turn out just fine.
*****
Anna flashed her press credentials to the guards. The Township of Rachel would be changing soon enough. Maybe get to the size of New Ashbury. The population of just over 200,000 would be exploding. As she had flown in via Hover Copter, she had seen the shape of this Library. It was in a star formation. The heart of it radiating out from the location of Area 51 itself. Her eyes narrowed as the Banner shot in overhead. Landing in the middle of a bunch of sheep. That damn dog barking up a storm. Buttering up the crowd. She knew better. There was darkness under all this “Welcome to Uplift! Humanity is such a good species” bullshit. She would find it and kill it.
She pushed through the crowds, finally catching up to the rest of the press outlets. That idiot Jonas Olsten was covering events for the Terran Alliance. Giving the Banner all sorts of stupid empty praise. Her hover cam at the ready she shouted, “Now that the true masters of Area 51 have revealed themselves what does America’s Girl Scout have to say on the matter?”
*****
Sam frowned as she heard Anna shout. I smiled as the cameras all focused on what I would say. I thought back to my experiences beyond the protected zones of Terran Space. I replied, “Earth and her people have endured much. Much older civilizations have taken notice of our Pale Blue Dot but that’s not what makes Uplift vital. It’s not the tech level of the civilization that matters but its fortitude and common decency.”
Some people pointed their cameras at Anna. When she remained silent I continued, “If a man had a rock but used it to beat in the head of his fellows, it wouldn’t matter if you changed that to a Grav Lance or Grav Rifle. Or even Dark Matter. That civilization or individual used their technology for personal gains. Not for the added protection of Life against the forces of evil.”
Anna smirked, “AH HA! So it’s the purview of these “advanced” civilizations to tame humanity to their ends!” Her sense of pride mingled with her over-inflated Gotcha mentality. I took a few breaths to collect myself. “Well Ms. Preston, it’s a good thing most of humanity doesn’t see itself in such a negative light.” Lorain didn’t quite laugh but she coughed into her hand. Holding her side.
I added, “These civilizations see the potential of Earth and her Outer Colonies. A potential that showcases our empathy, common decency, and willingness to shoulder an intergalactic burden to defend all innocents. To me, that is more profound than any technology you could ever lay at my feet and I’ve seen some pretty interesting stuff coming out of Atlantis!”
Some people clapped.
Eddie cut in with, “What we have here is a holo-vid host trying to shore up ratings.”
Jacob walked next to his mother, “So mom. What would you say about my contributions to Bardax’s space fleet? Chopped liver? Even though that’s a nice import for them. They love all sorts of meats from our farms.” He crossed his arms, “Well? The wine got your tongue? You certainly failed with our father. But I got a good sister out of it all so there’s a silver lining.”
*****
Anna pushed past Jacob.
Glaring daggers at the Banner. She shouted, “I have no son. If you will excuse me, Mr. Murphy. Why don’t you go play with those dogs you love so much.”
His response still hurt her, “I will. At least they know how to be proper mothers to their children.” He maneuvered Anna’s camera to face him full on. Speaking into its pickup. “This woman might have given birth to me but she’s nothing more than that. Someone who donated her DNA. Whatever she says about demis is a lie. One born of malice, fear, contempt, and rage. All because she detests my father. Because she hates what my half-sister represents. Healing of a rift.”
He let go of the camera and stood next to Jennifer. Anna blanched.
Hissing, “Be that way. At least I can have a new family. Damned Murphys.” She stalked off.
*****
A little girl came running up. Pointing at the various displays behind me. “Did you fly inside a supernova to get to a space doggie ship?” Most of the adults let out a sigh of relief. A few Bardaxians maneuvered in. <
His tail wigged. <
I gave him a chin scratch.
“I’ve helped out many Bardaxian ships and stations. Those head tilts get me every time.”
Q’vera sent a message out.
///Looks like Sul wants to have some fun as well. She’s going to meet you at the next transfer point. Along with Arthon on guard duty. Have fun!///
I saw dad finally join the entourage. Clasping Jacob on the shoulder. My brother smiled at him. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I had been holding. Sam practically bearhugged my mother, dad, and Jacob all at once. Eddie’s voice came over the PA, <
So most would know of my general space adventures now. Not the added Typherian Scout aspect but the declassified stuff. That would make some things more difficult in the future. Would have to be careful and review which stories were logged here. Mom cut in with,>>Don’t worry, only a handful know who you are. Even within the general Uplifted Community.<<
Emris calculated, <
<
The ancient VI responded, <
Ahh, the Litari professor. He mostly stuck to the Jupiter Rising. I’d see Ritark in deep conversations with him from time to time.
<
He sent an affirmative. <
As if summoned I saw a blur of gold and black. The Golden Bulleteer had arrived. Alongside another shimmer of speed clothed in blue and silver. With a blue lighting bolt dominating the chest area. The dynamo mask was silver as well. By the heartbeat, I knew who it was. Zachary Murphy was getting into the family business. He came up to me with a burst of speed. Shaking my hand. “Heya! I’m the newest blur on the block! The Blue Blaze.” I examined his suit with a critical eye. It was sleek. Not of complete Terran manufacture. White Lily was next to Bulleteer. I think she was taking more pictures because she had that expression on her face. The Wall at the Murphy home would be growing.
The crystal structure rang out, “Incoming Emergency Landing. Forger Collective Ship Malfunction.” I saw the ship warp in. A part of the wall retracted and I made a beeline for the vessel. Based on what I could see with my Murthra setup, it was experiencing complete shielding failure and the engines had just given out. To my surprise, it was the same Forger vessel I had rescued from that black hole predicament a while back. I put myself right under the forward hull. To help balance its trajectory. Luckily there was a fair amount of space to help land her. I heard various tether lines shoot out as we touched down. It elevated the ship. Probably to make it easier to repair. Forger engineers did just that. Spilling out from hatchways and other nooks and crannies of the vessel.
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The captain approached, <
“No worries sir. This isn’t the first time I’ve helped out ships.”
The Forger Captain’s six red eyes fixated on me.
<
The sky warped again and other vessels filled the air space. A few Typherian personal cruisers alongside many others from the Council of Five. A certain Admiral was at the head of the delegation and made her way to us. She was in uniform. But upon her brow was a simple silver band. Her deep blue eyes sparkled, “Ahh good. Earth is already showing her quality. Care to escort us to the rest of the party?” I waved them forward as the rear of the Forger ship opened and a spherical engine ejected, floating just above the open compartment. I’d have to check that out later. Bring Jacob into it. He’d have a blast.
As we rejoined the group, Anna was still glowering in the background.
Eddie aimed his cam, “Welcome to Earth! Star! Care to introduce us?”
*****
J’ino said, >>Wow, managed to get everyone here huh?<<
Y’lansa schooled her expression. Making sure to nod at the right moments and replied, >>It was a small feat of wonder. I think most wanted to see Earth’s demis.<<
More specifically a certain red, white, and blue one.
J’ino felt a prickling of pride. She responded, >>Guess all that breaching of the barrier did Earth a favor. It certainly helped propel things a bit faster on the Uplift Front.<<
>>Indeed, we sorely need reinforcing. The more planets and people added the better we can fight off the All-Father and other things.<<
Y’lansa shook Eliza’s hand and they continued to the very center of the Codex.
*****
Hilary Brookes was incognito. Preferring to stay near Anna and goad the other woman to ask uncomfortable questions about the “true” purpose of this sudden “Alien” structure. Have to play up that angle. They are invading our planet. She didn’t see the irony of that thought. Since she was an invasion of Earth and its principles. A corruption from a soulless entity. She ambled up next to Anna, “I think there’s more to this. I bet the Typherians want to annex Earth for their uses. Maybe even enslave the population for personal pleasure.” Anna whirled. Seeing the silver lenses of Brooke’s pilot sunglasses. Bits of data running across them as they provided additional information.
Anna frowned, “I’d hardly think they’d want sex slaves. Although some of the men are easy on the eyes.” Brookes smiled. It was an ugly little thing. She pushed further, “Mrs. McGuire. Sometimes even the most outlandish things might have a kernel of truth. Maybe the Typherians grow their kids in pods. Maybe not but the question remains: What is the real reason? Not this puffed up Uplift Protocol crap.”
*****
Lorain kept glancing at Anna. She motioned to Jennifer.
Jennifer frowned, “I know she’s up to something. Plus it looks like a certain Sourpuss is at the heart of more division.” The Typherian could see through the disguise quite easily. Her brother and the US President still insisted on letting her near the center of A51 operations. Granted, her husband had explained quite well why that was. She didn’t have to like it of course. Everyone turned as Anna shouted, “What would you be without your powers Banner?”
Lorain thought savagely, Still awesome. Because powers don’t matter.
It’s what you do with them. Jennifer hugged the Doctor. “Let’s just watch.”
*****
I smiled, “Well. If I didn’t have powers I’d like to think I’d work for NASA.”
Eddie bit back a wheeze.
Samantha Murphy didn’t hold back.
Tears were running down her cheeks. Dad had to sit her down by one of the display tables.
I continued, “The Earth we live in now is more amazing than even the one from 50 years ago and we still had lots of good things going for us.” I motioned around the whole room. “We know for certain we aren’t alone in the universe. There are multitudes of others that are just as sapient and sentient as we are. Doesn’t that move you even one bit?”
I waited and when there was no response, I dove right in, “I wouldn’t even care if I had powers or not. You can fly around in space ships. See suns rising across distant corners and you want to know what I’d be like without powers?”
Blue Blaze added, “Powers are cool and all but I think it's neat we live in a world with ships, lasers, space princesses, and sapient dogs.”
Many people laughed at Zach’s simple explanation. I joined in.
The simple joys are what made life worth living in my estimation.
“Well here’s your answer. I'd be out there in the hab rings. Walking across the surface of Mars. Seeing beyond the boundaries of Human space and greet other people. At heart, I am an explorer. I want to see the next horizon. Interested in joining?”
Hilary blurted out, “You are a part of an alien engineering program! You aren’t for Earth!” I could point out her real ID. That would get people’s attention. Uncle J’dax had cautioned me though. Let her use her rhetoric and I’d rebuttal. I didn’t glance at my parents but I could feel their revulsion at Hilary’s statement. I mulled it over a bit. People were waiting. Eddie and Paxton were plotting something.
Finally, “Well we do have all sorts of ancient alien theories flying about. Maybe all of us have a bit of something out of this world in us. It might explain all the demi abilities.” I flexed my arms like a strongman of old. She shrieked, “SEE? SHE THINKS HERSELF BETTER?” I shook my head, “No matter how you shake it, I was raised as an American, I see Earth as my primary home. That home is worth fighting for. My powers are just tools in my toolbox to help bring some solace to those in trouble.”
Anna joined in, “Right. And I’m the Queen of England.”
I arched a brow, “In what multiverse?”
Elias Payne shouted, “EVEN IF I WAS DRUNK I’D NEVER MISTAKE YOU FOR MY MARY!”
A crow landed on my head. It caw’d softly then exploded in a billow of smoke. The Morrigan stared at Anna and Brookes, “What looks fair may be foul. Be wary of the track you find yourselves on. It may prove to be your undoing.”
*****
Anna seethed. She could see she was losing the crowd. She walked up to the Star-Spangled Banner and poked her in the chest. “You are a false god and your patriotic values are a front for Alien Subjugation.”
One man exclaimed, “With nice borders!”
The damned demi just stared at her. A mix of pity and exasperation in her eyes just rankled Anna further.
Jennifer Murphy glided into Anna’s personal space. A rather shrewd outlook plastered all over her face. She began cheerfully, “Oh! I see. Well from this moment on I welcome our Bardaxian overlords! They demand various levels of bacon. Fellow Earth Slaves! Let’s get cooking for our 4 footed slave drivers!”
The bulldog Bardaxian pranced in circles, <
*****
Most of the audience were giving Anna strange looks. Hilary snapped, “Says the woman married to the head of Project Osiris.” I stood next to my mother. Crossed my arms, directing this question to Anna, since she was the one I needed to reach in some way. “I’m cleared to know some things about Osiris. They have worked with many other agencies of Earth to clear out past follies. From various demi wars of the near past and ancient past. Ta’mathon himself was a demi.” My mind flashed back to that asteroid filled with bones and remains of Void Walker experiments. Even I didn’t want to know that but I was in the thick of it. It wouldn’t do well to panic the population.
“What would you have people do with regards to Uplift? Give a budding civilization the keys to a grav car when they are only just mastering horse-drawn carriages. Look to our own history. Many places grew from conflict. Pitting demis vs demis. In the last 200 years that has changed somewhat. But we still have those who use power as a means to an end.”
I closed off with, “We need things like Uplift Protocol. We could mean to do good by other peoples or planets but it could backfire spectacularly. By testing things through phases it allows the host planet to acclimate at its own pace.”
Anna nearly spit in my face, “What about that Council of 5 nonsense?”
I ticked off each finger, “The Bardaxian Compact is the youngest race to the council. They are wise in ways most are not because they have simple goals. They aren’t that complicated. By that I mean: Politics doesn’t usually come into consideration.” Cooper barked with a hearty agreement.
“The Litari Federation is composed of many researchers and scientists. They have a very enterprising military that detests pirates and the Zygotic Expanse. So if you want a safe sector to sail your merchant fleet around in, look no further.”
“The Forgers are listed among the oldest of races known to our galaxy. But as you saw today, even they need assistance here and there.”
I thought about how best to present the Typherian Ascendancy.
From what I knew personally and the files that Sul had left me.
“The Typherian Ascendancy is near in capability to the Forgers. Plus through the Throne of the Multiverse, they help coordinate defenses between many universes.”
“As for Atlantis, they are our neighbors and have been for a while. They are as much a part of Earth as we are.” I tapped one of the crystals and it started listing Atlantis’ history. About the only things excluded were their Markav origins and the Void Walker battles over the years on Earth. We had been saved from countless terrors over many ages. But like all things, it was best to introduce things over time. Anna wanted the panic button in prominence.
At this point and time, I don’t think most people would be ready for a Markav Hegemony rebirth. They already had to get used to Atlantis’ level of tech. Most people seemed excited. Wanting to explore. That was refreshing.
One little girl tugged on my cape. I knelt and said, “Heya kiddo! What’s up?”
“I don’t care if you are half alien. Daddy says your All American and it's better to make friends anyways!”
I smiled, “That’s what I hope for. Lasting friendships are better for our health than dangerous rivalries.”
Anna looked like she wanted to throw up.
She grated, “Sure. Feel good nonsense. What happens when one of these advanced races stabs us in the back?”
The little girl blew a raspberry at Anna, “You're like my Uncle. Everything is dangerous! Nobody is good at all.”
I added, “The biggest compliment? They want Earth on this council in the future. Imagine that!”
Eddie turned his camera to Paxton as he whistled to get my attention.
“Into the Fire Part 2! Remember me, dearie?”
I did. That one particular day when he tore into her about my motivations. I still found it strange to have shows dedicated to my conduct as a Demi. I always thought it was just the right thing to help people. Didn’t matter if I got any recognition or not. It was just how I was raised.
More Bardaxians came over to shake my hand. If anything these sapient K-9s were the real show stoppers.
Anna did as well, “What do you want Star Groupie?”
He laughed, “I’d rather be that than swimming in vinegar and wrath like you do!”
My father stepped forward, leaned in close to Anna, “If you want to know the declassified aspects of Project Osiris just ask. I’ll make sure to feed you a few gallons of that wine you like so you can survive the answers.”
Mom bestowed dad a look I knew would lead to more siblings.
Mary Herbert Lanis came over and took me by the hand. Using another display to highlight Y’lansa’s flag vessel.
T.A.S I’tah, I gave a silent whistle of appreciation.
Beautiful ship. But I still believed that Jupiter would never be outclassed.
*****
Hilary wanted to puke. None of the sheep here would be worth convincing so she left Anna to her fate. Brookes was beginning to think that Anna’s uses had come to an end. As she left the crystal monstrosity the sickening cheers of the attending crowds disgusted her. Various Legion members were on high alert so no chance for any surprise attacks for today. Plus that Typherian Dreadnought that the Terran Alliance Navy was drooling over was parked in near Earth Orbit. Flaunting its power.
Utter madness.
As she left the teeming multitudes behind a man within a ghostly white cloak followed. His eyes shifting ever so often, his words lost to the howling winds and echoes, as he trailed after Chronos’ greatest failure. He would wait. Eventually, the time would come for him to act.
Unity demanded sacrifice.
*****
Y’lansa found a quiet corner within the Codex. Di’axi leaned on the sidewall. Looking out over the Towhship of Rachel. He opened with, “I will take her to my sphere of influence.”She knew what he meant. The Void Line. She was grateful that the Scholar even showed himself at all. It was a great sign of trust. She replied, “Good. We need to get Humanity up to speed as fast as possible. It will be a bit tricky with the issues of the All-Father and what Unity means but hopefully, they will have the fortitude to join us in repelling this calamity from our universe.”
Project Osiris was a wonderful start. Even Typha’s military minds took a gander at what they were doing. Not many could say they developed weapons to combat the Void Walkers directly. But then again, most planets didn’t have the Bearer of the White. Y’lansa grinned. Seeing that present in Jupiter’s hold was priceless. It even had teas she never heard of within it.
Di’axi could see the Three staring at him within his mindscape.
Hurry! Show her the Steps that Lead to the Golden City!
As the Host to the power of the Void Line, he had to comply.
He only hoped Eliza was ready for some of those answers.
*****
Sul’Sandra gawked at the outlandish claims of the Preston woman as she and her guard force waited at the next apex station. They would give the various diplomats and civilians a special tour of a declassified Atlantis outpost. One that was once used as a rallying point during the Accord Wars. It was the one she had seen Tivus healed in after his battle with Thoth so long ago. To help humanity understand the assistance her people had given. One, to set them at ease that they wanted to help. Two, to also give Atlantis’ people a focal point to bridge the gap between themselves and humanity. She wished she could tell them the complete truth but to do so would put everyone at risk.
So they would do the next best thing. Along with the reclaimed fleets Eliza brought back, they would introduce some advancements and see where the TA Idea Hive would take it next. Everyone approached the same theories in a different direction. She even wondered if those mechs would become space worthy like so many holo-vids.
Proctor Gansis was at her side. The old medical monk was as bespectacled as ever. His graying hair was neat. His dark brown eyes filled with good humor. He grinned, “I'll finally get a tan!” She rolled her eyes. “Well if you’d leave home ever so often you’d be able to add another model to that growing collection of yours.”
He’d never need a tan. His skin was nearly as dark as space itself. It was just a favorite joke because he was under artificial light so often. She wondered if his hoverchair had an imprint of his body. They watched Star’s group head towards them. Arthon smirked, “They should unleash General Murphy more often. That closing remark was genuinely inspired. I don’t think you could get anyone drunk enough to love Anna.”
Sul’sandra retorted, “Well she must have done something right if he got two children out of her.” Arthon winced. “Right, sometimes people can change for the better or worse.”
He continued, “One can only hope Anna will see the light someday otherwise future children will suffer her mothering instincts.”
*****
I had heard the conversation of course. I genuinely hoped Anna would find a bright path to follow one day but you can only lead someone to water. They had to take the first step to drink. The Blue Blaze zipped around. Taking in all the sights and sounds. I turned to Golden Bulleteer, “So who designed his suit?” He winked.
///Your mother and grandmothers. Your father helped him pick a callsign.///
The first thing Blaze said to Sul was, “Justice shoots ever forward! I'll add some more ammo to Atlantis’ efforts!”
Oh yeah. I wasn’t the only cornfed thing on the planet anymore.
Progress.