Introduction
After retiring, Diana and I are enjoying our new married life in Paradise Island, Bahamas, discussing where to reside, and otherwise savoring our now quiet life together. With the adventures of being spies behind us, we are contemplating whether to fish, snorkel, swim, or just catch some rays.
Suddenly, we were both struck with the vision of me in a bubble. We could also see a couple of formulas.
The vision was a message from Cho. Immediately following the vision, we were silently contacted by Griffin. He had set up a video conference with the two Presidents, Kim, and us to try to determine what this meant. The Japanese President opened the call.
“As all of you know, we have received another Cho communication. The vision shows Bill in a bubble about to be taken for a ride into space. We believe the location is the other energy universe: heaven, since it was a primary part of our discussions with the first bubble.
“We are not sure what the formula is for. The bubble with Bill inside it, we believe is a transport vessel to take Bill to his heaven. Kim and I have meditated and asked for visions to confirm this. We have not received anything new.
“What you saw, is what we saw, and it is all we know.”
I responded with Diana hanging on my every word.
“I couldn’t see it clearly. Are you sure it was me? That would make sense, but it would make more sense if it were Griffin with the three peoples’ minds inside him. Thoughts, anyone?”
My consciousness is one of three cohabiting Griffin’s synthetic brain. We took isolated ‘regions’ of mine and the two others’ brains and downloaded them into Griffin. We call mine; Bill2. The other two are Emily, the U.S. President, and Kim for her spy skills and knowledge of Cho. Bill2 began.
“I had the same thought, naturally. On one hand, the human Bill makes sense. He’s been to the energy universe heaven before. On the other hand, Griffin would make more sense because of his power, and with us in here, we would bring more for the experience.”
“Yeah. But that might be the argument against Griffin. He’s an android and this is a place for human souls.”
Emily (the current U.S. President) joined in. “Well Bill, you’ve achieved one thing. They’re giving us a chance to prepare. I’m not sure it will do any good, but we’ve been given a preview or vision.
“Is this something you would even consider?”
Diana was quick to respond. “No! Absolutely, bloody not!”
I followed, “Emotions run strong in all Baileys, regardless of their DNA. I love Diana, but of course, I’d consider it. Just consider it. Will I do it if given the chance? That I can’t answer. My question to them: is this a visit, or a final destination?
“I hope you’re all asking that over and over again.
“If it’s a visit, Diana’s objections aside, I’d be inclined to do it. It’d be remarkable for me and all mankind. If it’s a destination, if it’s just taking me there sooner, I’d be inclined to reject it. What would be gained? That’s another question we should be asking. What will be gained?” Bill2 responded,
“Those are the assumptions and positions we’ve been working on. You and I still follow the same logic patterns.” He chuckled. “We have sent messages to reflect those questions and hope we get answers before we’re visited again. Like the human Bill, I see no advantage if all we’re doing is moving up the time of his death, thus his arrival in heaven.”
The Japanese President, who is also a Cho Master, was next to speak. “It would be highly unusual if that were the scenario.
“I would tell you, Bill, to prepare as if this were an offer for a visit. I would love to be given this offer. I think we all would, except perhaps the very emotional, human, Bill Bailey.” Emily responded,
“There might be one other explanation we all need to prepare for. What if it wasn’t heaven, but another inhabited planet?
“Would that change anything?
“If they offered it to me, I’d be in the same place Bill is now with heaven; a visit and return, sure. I’d be inclined to take them up on the offer. As a destination, I’d be inclined to reject it. There’d be no benefit other than for the person making the trip.”
Bill2 responded, “That’s interesting. Griffin, we need to study the formulas again. Could they be some form of substance for Bill during his travels? Are there any chemicals referenced in the formula? We need to ask them for clarification.”
I reacted, “Emily, that’s excellent. Another inhabited planet would make more sense than visiting another energy source, although that one’s interesting too.
“But another planet with a civilization perhaps. I’d be hard-pressed not to go, IF there was a return ticket involved.”
Diana interjected, “Yeah, maybe they’ve got one for me too, so we can populate a new bloody planet. Instead of Adam and Eve, It’s Bill and Diana.”
Everyone laughed. Diana didn’t laugh, she just smiled.
Emily came back in. “Let’s not laugh too hard at that. We’re trying to be prepared here. What if it’s a planet that needs a male to fertilize the planet?”
“With all due respect Madam President, I’m not sure I could handle that. I’m having enough trouble keeping up with this one lovely blonde here.”
Another round of laughs. This time Diana laughed too.
Bill2 reentered the conversation. “Okay. All joking aside, it looks pretty straightforward. It’s got to be a round-trip ticket or Diana has to accompany you. Are we missing anything?”
“It’s amazing. That’s exactly what I was thinking.” There were laughs all around. “So, Griffin is sending messages and trying to find out what the formulas are all about, and Kim and her President are meditating and requesting information along those same lines.
“Well, this has been great fun, but my wife and I have some rays to catch. Keep me informed and it was good to see you all once again. I do miss some of our interactions.” I smiled before continuing. “Being retired is great here in the sun with this beautiful creature. Take care and let us know if anything further is discovered.” Emily responded,
“You really are planning to retire, aren’t you, Mr. Marine?”
“Emily, I can’t remember being so happy, certainly not in this life.” I chuckled. “As long as my unlimited expense account holds up, I’m going to make the most of it with my beautiful wife.”
“Just remember your promise to me, Mister. If called upon by your country, you’ll answer the call.”
“Of course, Madam President. That will always be true, but for right now; I’m content to be close to Diana. She’s all I need.”
Diana squeezed my hand, kissed it, and smiled lovingly. “I think I can keep him busy, both now and in the future. I know I can think of something, I’m sure of it.”
With that, she smiled at me in a way I hadn’t seen before. I was used to the wicked, mischievous smile, but this was more muted, more of a smile looking into the future.
Oh well, women!
~ * ~
It’s been almost four weeks since our conversation, and seven weeks from our wedding. I have intentionally not contacted anyone. Until we knew the answers to our questions, there didn’t seem to be any point in talking, besides, Diana and I were enjoying our time together, just to ourselves.
We decided to stay in our apartment overlooking the bay between Paradise Island and Nassau until this situation resolved itself. We talked about the vision constantly and she lobbied against me going under any circumstances, but I think she knew I’d have to go given the right answers.
We were asleep one morning when Griffin called Diana and me silently. I began,
What’s up? Do you know anything?
Yes. We think we know several things. The first is: it is a round-trip ticket for one, you. The second is: the formulas are for pills needed to sustain you for the trip. The third may surprise you, it certainly did all of us. The location is Earth in the future. They plan to show you an event, or visit a vision, we guess.
Wait a minute. How can Earth exist today, and exist in the future right now too? Do you mean; to take me into their energy universe to see what Earth may look like in the future?
As we understand it, it is to take you to Earth, seventeen years into the future.
My mind was racing. They had a specific number of years.
That could only mean one thing, something bad is going to happen and they want me to see it, come back, and fix whatever it is that’s going to happen.
I kept pressing for answers but kept getting back the same statement.
Okay, let’s move forward. Do we know when they’ll return? And what does Bill2 suggest we do next?
Two days from now is when we expect them to arrive. Bill2 suggests both Presidents and you two come back to headquarters here in Tokyo. That is assuming you will do it. Bill2 believes you have to do it. Me, I have my doubts.
I guess Diana and I will see you later today. I’m assuming you’ve made travel arrangements?
Your plane is waiting for you now. I look forward to seeing you and that beautiful blonde.
Why Griffin, whatever has come over you?
Just in case you do not make it back, I want to put my marker in.
Oh, he hits the mark with that one. We’ll be boarding at the airport in forty-five minutes. You can get our ETA from the flight plan. Bill out.
After the call, Diana wanted to lobby for her position. “You know I love you and how concerned I am about all this. I don’t think you should go, regardless of the circumstances. These last several weeks have been heavenly, and I don’t want to risk losing you to some energy force. Bill, please don’t go.”
“You know I’ve got to do this. I’m sure it will be alright. I don’t understand what or who they are, but they’re obviously so far advanced from where we are, I’m sure I’ll be okay.”
She was becoming emotionally upset as tears began to swell in her eyes.
“I can’t lose you, Bill. Not now…”
I put my fingers on her lips, then hugged her tightly.
“It’ll be alright. Just think of how important this might be. It’s a great honor. I just don’t know how I can say no, given it’s a round-trip ticket. I just don’t see how I can say no.”
“Well, I do. Just say thank you, and decline. Let them take Kim, Emily, or even Kim’s Master, the Japanese President. Anyone but you. Bill, please don’t go. We’re just beginning our lives together, please don’t go.”
She began to tear up again. I pulled her close and massaged her back with one hand while playing with her lovely blonde hair with the other.
“It’ll be alright. Now, throw a couple of things together for our trip to Tokyo, and let’s get out of here.”
She tried to speak, but I shushed her as we made our way to the airport.
~ * ~
We were greeted at the airport in Tokyo by Kim and Griffin. Of course, we peppered them with questions about all they knew, but all we got back was what I’d already gotten from Griffin.
Apparently, the formula was for a pill to put me to sleep for the journey going to and coming from my destination. Griffin began,
“We believe the trip will be made, through energy fields, or solar fields, or wormholes, or whatever, so you will need to be sedated. We have communicated with them several times and it is our understanding, it will take less than one day to complete.
“They have told us, you will only be there for a couple of hours at most, so it must be very bad or very good.
“My bet would be on the former.”
“That’s the same thing I thought. However, Diana thought, it might be to witness a discovery that could change the entire Earth for the better. Always the optimist, my lovely wife.”
Kim replied, “We all hope she’s right.”
“When does our President arrive?”
“Tomorrow. She’ll meet with my President before coming to our headquarters. The event is supposed to begin around 6:00 pm tomorrow local time.
“As you can imagine, there’s a lot of posturing to get the two Presidents together at headquarters without the press or advisors. It should be interesting.”
~ * ~
The following day, the two Presidents arrived just before 5:00 pm local time. Everyone greeted them. It was a happy event. Emily was smiling and held me close for a long time. She began,
“I truly wish it were me going. This is such an incredible honor. How’re you feeling? And how’s Diana doing with all this?”
Still, in her embrace, I answered.
“I wish it were you, too.” We both chuckled. “I’m doing fine. I feel good. I’m anxious to see what they want to show me. I fear the worst and pray for the best.
“Diana wishes it were you as well.”
We broke our embrace with a hearty laugh.
When she embraced Diana, they talked quietly for several minutes while moving away from the rest of us. I couldn’t hear, but I suspected it had something to do with how happy the President was for us, and possibly Emily lobbying for me to return to Washington.
Diana probably repeated her desire for who should go.
They conversed for several minutes and several times Emily would look at me with a wide smile on her face. Women…
When they broke, Emily spoke. “You’re right Bill. Diana would like for me to replace you too.” We all laughed.
Kim and her President were meditating.
Emily began talking with Griffin on a variety of topics. Every so often, I could hear my voice, the one inside Griffin.
Diana and I just sat together holding hands. I think she was trying to get them to grow together so if I left, she’d have to go.
Finally, the tan bubble appeared out of thin air.
This was the first time Emily had seen it in person, so she walked toward it and it engulfed her head, as it had done with the others. She had seen it on tape, so she wasn’t afraid.
While it probed her, I kept looking around for something big enough to hold me. The one bubble was all there was.
When the probe finished, it greeted her silently and told her it was an honor to meet her. She responded in kind. The bubble then came to rest in front of my face.
There was no voice, but everyone could hear our exchange.
Human Bill Bailey. It is good to see you again. Are you ready for this journey?
“I am, but we’d all like to know a little more about what’s going to happen. First, is this safe?”
Yes. You will be protected inside what you call the bubble at all times. You will not be aware of the journey in either direction for several reasons, most importantly because you would lose your sight and hearing. You will be asleep for approximately one of your hours, and awake for approximately one or two hours while there.
“Am I going to the actual planet Earth or the image of it based on what might be?”
It doesn’t matter. You will be able to see and experience an event that will occur seventeen years into the future from now.
“In the visions, we’ve seen before, there are multiple paths that might change what the visions portrayed. Is this the same?”
You need to see this and experience it for yourself. We are honoring you, Mr. Bailey. All your questions will be answered shortly.
“My friends here would like some additional questions answered, if they could be allowed to ask.”
There were several questions posed, but very little news was discovered. It always came back to me viewing something in the future and returning.
When asked repeatedly if I would remember any of what I saw, the bubble indicated I would not.
The Japanese President had talked about this several times earlier with me. It would seem, if I remembered, it might alter the event to come. It needed to be asked anyway, and it was; by several people, several times, in several different ways.
After we seemed to have exhausted what it might tell us, I was ready to get going.
“One final question: I can’t squeeze into that small bubble in a hundred years. When will mine arrive?”
If you are ready, say your goodbyes, and put what was made into this bubble. We will take it from there.
I made my rounds shaking hands and hugging all, while Griffin put the pills inside the bubble. Diana, of course, was last.
“I love you, Bill Bailey. You have to come back to me.”
She kissed me gently and then whispered in my ear.
“I’m pregnant, so you bloody have to come back.”
As she backed away, I was engulfed by the bubble.
Stunned, all I could do was wave goodbye.
Fate was now taking a hands-on approach, or so it seemed. To be the first human to take a ‘bubble ride’ into space was indeed a great honor, but one I wouldn’t have a problem watching someone else do, like Emily. It’s something I’m sure she would dream about.
The seventeen years part has all of us stumped.
And Diana’s pregnancy was a shock. There are so many questions and such joy to share, my retirement would now be filled with the happiness of raising a family once again. This would be a dream come true for both of us.
I guess it won’t be long before the mystery of the trip is revealed…
Chapter I – Visiting The Future
I must have somehow taken the pill because the next thing I knew; I was in the bubble, hovering several feet above the ground. The bubble positioned me upright, and lowered me to the ground.
Then it made itself smaller, about the size of a basketball, as it was before leaving the group.
Immediately, I looked around to try to determine where I was. There seemed to be a heavy mist, like an early dawn fog covering the ground with a visibility of only several feet. I looked up and could see the sky with clouds.
It was just after sunrise somewhere.
“Where am I? I feel like I’m standing on solid ground, but I can’t see anything for the fog.”
You will soon recognize the White House, just to your left. There are a few things you need to know. First, no one other than you, can see or hear me, you, or our conversations. We can talk freely and interact with one another, but you do not exist in the body you are in at this time and in this place.
“Does that mean I’m dead? Again?”
Not at all. You are very much alive, at this time in the future. Your activities regarding China were the last events that could have resulted in your death. You are here in Washington and we will surely even see you, but you cannot communicate or be seen by anyone.
Secondly, we are able to speed up time, and the event you are about to witness is not confined to this location. We are allowing you to get your bearings, as you say. The actual event you will witness will not take place for several more hours.
“So, this is like a visit in time. You’re not depositing me here; you’re allowing me to see what will happen without interacting. After I have witnessed this event, I’ll be taken back to where we started, right?”
This is correct.
Third, you will not witness the entire event. There are many variables impacting what happens immediately following the event, or even where the event takes place. You will be able to see the most likely scenario before we return you to your place in time.
“That suggests, this is what can happen, not what will happen. Is that correct?”
The discoveries you have made, activities you have taken part in, and further discoveries you and your children will make during the next seventeen years, will cause this event to occur.
“Wait, wait, wait. Me and my children? I just found out my wife is pregnant. Do our children have something to do with this? What could they possibly do to help cause this to happen?”
Yes, they are critical in making this happen. We can talk more about this later. This event is predestined based on what you will do in the world, with what you have done primarily with the android Griffin, and with what your children will be involved in.
You have taken a significant step in the development of your species with what the android Griffin represents. Once you have witnessed the event itself, we will be returning you to your time.
“If that’s the case, why wasn’t Griffin brought here instead of me, or with me? Who are you and why am I here with you?”
You would not be able to understand, but I will try to explain so you can relate to us and this. What you know as Cho and what you experienced in your after-death memories are a form of energy. You and others refer to it as spiritual, your soul. We are a part of your universe that you have yet to discover.
For centuries, religious people have been able to tap into this energy, and we sometimes respond to keep order in your world. You, human Bill Bailey, are here because you have great influence among those on Earth, you will make additional improvements on your planet, additional discoveries that will further change your planet, and its place among other worlds.
“You honor me, but I’m not sure you’ve got the right guy.
“I suspect Griffin, as he now exists, will be much more influential than I have ever been. With the news my wife gave me just before leaving, I’m not sure I’ll be involved in anything, except being a father and a husband. You’re right, I don’t understand.”
Your son will be a critical part of what is going to happen. As will your daughter. They will both have unique abilities which will contribute to all that will happen.
“Hold on a minute. You know I’m going to have a son and a daughter? And you know about abilities they will have? I thought you guys always dealt with paths and probabilities.
“You honor me once again with this information, but I’m becoming more confused all the time. It just doesn’t make sense.”
After several minutes of silence, as I tried to put the pieces together without being successful, I continued.
“If this is happening seventeen years from now, and it takes nine months to deliver a human child, my son will only be sixteen, almost seventeen when this happens.
“If I have anything to do with it, he’ll still be playing baseball, basketball, and enjoying a teenager’s life when he’s sixteen. He’ll still be a child as far as I’m concerned, and I’ll be enjoying every minute he has while in his childhood.”
You will, we have no doubts. But he will have what you would consider extraordinary capabilities. He will be far ahead of people his age and those very much older, intellectually.
His communication capabilities will be extraordinary, and he will be mentored by many who are on the leading edge of science, technology, and religion. You will see him here.
“If that’s the case, I assume I’ll be seeing myself and my lovely wife as well, is that right?”
Yes. As well as your friends from around the world. In this time, you have chosen to honor them by being present to observe that which will happen. It is truly historic and sets the stage for so much more, if you decide to stay involved.
“Okay. This is getting a little too much for me to deal with.
“Can we fast forward to the event? I’ll get to dialogue with you while and after it happens, right?”
Yes. We will be able to communicate until the event has concluded and you are placed in your bubble for your return trip.
~ * ~
Suddenly, it was a bright and sunny day, with people moving around taking in all the sights of Washington. I was back in the bubble off the ground high enough not to be in the traffic pattern of people walking around.
After a few moments, I could see people coming out of the White House onto the South lawn.
“There’s Griffin, and there’s Kim, and there’s Emily. Is that right?”
Yes. You will recognize several of the people from your time.
The Japanese President has since passed, but most of those you worked with over the past year will be here. Again, you have honored them by inviting them to this event.
“Is the beautiful blonde, Diana? Of course, it is. I’m standing right next to her with a teenage son and a slightly younger daughter.
“Can we get closer?”
I tried to take a picture of what I was seeing with my eyes and hoped my memories would reveal all this when I returned.
There was Carson, and the rest of the Band of Sisters standing close to Diana. Riley and Matthew with a beautiful red-haired daughter, and Judge Taylor and John were there too.
Suddenly, again I was moving, coming to a stop hovering above my friends. I tried every form of communication I had but to no avail. To everyone there, I was a slight breeze.
The me at that time, was on the ground, looking up, but obviously not seeing this me. Then his/my focus shifted to an object appearing out of nowhere, approximately one hundred feet above the ground. It slowly descended to the ground.
A great silver, shining object came to rest on the lawn.
It was shaped somewhat like a spaceship or more accurately, like an elongated oval. My eyes couldn’t focus on it well, but it looked more like a large bubble of mercury. Everyone maintained their places, until three people emerged from the ship.
“Is that their true form? Are they peaceful?”
No, those are androids, but they are recognizable to you, so they serve their purpose. Yes. They are peaceful.
“What do they want?”
That is why you are here. What you see is a peaceful contact between two peoples, two worlds, two universes, two species. This will only happen if you stay engaged and press ahead on multiple fronts, making many changes, and making several additional discoveries.
If you are not engaged, this does not happen.
Do you understand?
“I understand your words, but I don’t understand your meaning. I cannot possibly be that important to spur this type of event. In my wildest dreams, I’m just not.
“I’m not trying to be humble or anything, but I just can’t be that big a factor. What is it that’s going to happen, that I’m going to be a part of? What causes this?”
This, I cannot divulge to you. We are attempting to alter your current path by bringing you here.
In your time, you would have retired and been that father and husband you talked about. You and Diana would have moved to Kansas and lived by a lake, while raising your children.
You would have not been engaged. This would not happen.
This is the reason for the trip
This is as much as we can tell you.
“So, if I do choose not to stay engaged, this doesn’t happen?”
The timing will be considerably different, and the outcome will be different as well. The wheels were set into motion when you copied part of your brain into Griffin. It started a sequence of events leading to this event.
Your world has been monitored for a very long time. You, as a people, have not, and currently are not ready for this to happen.
This is all I can tell you. You have much to do in seventeen years, but I believe you will be satisfied with the outcome.
“How much of this will I be able to divulge to the people of my time?”
Your memory will be wiped of what you are experiencing right now. You will only come to know; your continued involvement is important, but you will not understand why.
“So, I must stay involved. Is that it?”
You have ‘free will’. You may choose not to stay involved.
But if you do, it is in your nature to cause things to happen. People, and androids, respond to you. You ‘push the envelope’, as you say, because of your curiosity and logical thinking.
Because of this, the activities you will be involved in, and the incredible gifts your children will have; this will be the outcome.
“If I’m not going to remember any of this, why can’t you tell me more? Why not just lay it out in front of me, so I can understand it, at least while you and I are here talking? Why are you doing this in the manner in which you’re doing it?
“Surely, you could guide it through meditation with Kim and her Master. Why bring me here if you’re not going to tell me what has to happen?”
Many things could alter this event. Personal events, political events, and even accidents may come into play. Yours is a hopeful spirit. You take initiative when others wait and watch.
By doing this the way we are, several people and androids will be motivated. The center of that motivation will be you.
That is why we are doing this, the way we are.
“What if I guess what the event is, or the group guesses correctly? Will I be able to remember any of this?”
You and they will know an event occurs in seventeen years.
This is the motivation needed, to keep you involved, nothing more. Your nature, and your interactions in world events, will cause this event to happen in seventeen years.
“So, since I’m not going to remember anything about it, but you said my son and daughter will have some impact on it, can you share anything about them, or how that might occur?”
I believe you know the answer to that. I will tell you, your son will be unique, as will be your daughter.
They are coming from people who are centuries apart. They will feel the love, and be spurred just like your children in the twentieth century were.
These children will also have much more to work with. They will have other abilities, too. That is all I can tell you.
“Can I ask about the political situation in the world?”
It is too fragile right now, in your time. With your involvement, it will stabilize and improve. Without your involvement, there will be many additional risks. This is why you are key, human Bill Bailey. I believe I have told you more than I should have.
It is time for us to leave.
“Wait. Wait. Wait. Let me look at my family and friends for a little longer. Please, just a little longer. Please.”
~ * ~
I became aware of Diana having her arms around my neck, asking me if I were okay.
“The bubble left you standing here, and you haven’t said anything or moved a muscle. It just evaporated. Are you okay? What happened?”
Everyone was watching me, concern written on their faces. Even Griffin looked concerned.
“Well. I’m racking my brain right now, and all I can tell you is, the last thing I remember was being told I’m going to be a father again by a very stunning blonde.” I smiled and kissed her gently.
“Griffin, see if you can get anything from my memory. I don’t remember anything at all.”
“I have been checking your memory from the moment you arrived back. The last memory is of Diana telling you she is going to have a child. There is nothing there.”
Kim and her President went to an open space and began to meditate.
Emily pried Diana away and gave me a thorough look while shaking her head slightly.
“I expected this. Griffin and his buddies talked about this.
“We concluded it would be shocking, if you were returned with any memory of what you saw. Do you have any feelings, intuition, or anything that might give you any indication of what happened?”
“Nothing. I feel like I closed my eyes, then reopened them.
“I don’t even remember leaving. I remember waving and thinking about what Diana said, but that’s it. Nothing.”
I picked Diana up and twirled her around in a happy embrace. We were both overjoyed, but for different reasons. After two very long and warm kisses, we got back to business.
We continued to talk among ourselves until Kim and her President finished. When they joined us, all they could tell us was the mission had been completed successfully. They had accomplished their goal, without giving either of them any information about what it was. We were all at a loss.
“Okay, let’s see if we can narrow this down a little. The only thing I know is; it was someplace here on earth, so I think we ought to use that as a starting point.” Diana added,
“They said they wanted you to see something, so for them to do this, it would have to be the most important thing on earth.
“If it were bad, I’d say it was another nuclear exchange. They could have taken you there to witness it to see if you could do something to help avoid it.” I spoke silently to Bill2.
I’m guessing that wasn’t it at all. Not with what we can do with Cricket. It was made to eliminate that from happening. Can you think of anything to change that? That couldn’t be it, right?
I’d say you are right in your thinking about Cricket. I can’t imagine any scenario where we wouldn’t be able to avert a nuclear exchange between nations of Earth. Since we now know there are visitors, not from Earth, that would be the only way an exchange might happen. I doubt that however. If that was a possibility, well it just doesn’t seem likely to me or Griffin.
Okay. I’m going to eliminate that scenario from my mind.
Emily spoke, “It might have had something to do with China. You made that happen, so if it were going to fall apart, they may have wanted you to see it, as Diana said, to help avoid it.”
Kim was next. “I want to take a positive angle. World peace wouldn’t have a start or end point. Perhaps reaching another planet, or maybe they come back in a different way. Maybe they come back and stay.” Kim’s Master responded.
“There would be no reason to single out Bill Bailey for such an event. They could have shown us a vision if it concerned them.
“Perhaps it is a religious event. A second coming or an appearance from one of the energy planets. But again, why Bill?”
Griffin added his two cents worth.
“Perhaps it is another discovery impacting the man-computer differences. That would make sense for Bill because he oversaw all our current discoveries. But what could be so important?
“With my three friends inside my brain, we cannot think of anything that would merit the mystery of this event.” Bill2 joined in.
“I don’t think it’s any of the bad things. They seem to me to be manageable. I tend to favor Griffin’s suggestion, but I fear I’m prejudiced by where I’m at.”Emily responded,
“I’d lean toward a second coming, or a first coming. Of what or who, I wouldn’t begin to put forward an idea.
“What could happen in seventeen years? What if Bill’s spirit world was going to visit earth in seventeen years.” Diana chuckled,
“Well, that’d be bloody awkward. Linda, Ola, Bill’s old family, and Bill’s new family, where’d I put everyone?”
She just smiled and found a seat.
“Yeah, I guess the logistics would be a little difficult on several levels, unless it is the second coming of Christ, but that hardly fits with the Cho participation. None of it makes sense.”
Kim’s Master thought he’d seen a reason.
“But a coming of something, or someone would make perfect sense as an event, but why Bill? No disrespect, but Griffin would have been the logical one to witness it because of the people that share space within him.”
This continued for another two hours with Griffin making several other attempts at recalling my memories.
Finally, President Emily felt like she had to get back to the reality of running a country.
Before we said our goodbyes, Bill2 suggested there be a meeting at the White House with the Band of Sisters, to make sure everything was still on track and more importantly, to recognize their involvement in all that had occurred up to this point.
The President suggested three weeks from now and encouraged Diana and me to attend. Thinking that would be a good time to also catch up with Riley, we agreed.
~ * ~
During our trip back home, and for the next several days in the Bahamas, our total focus was on the baby and what it meant for us; a new family.
Diana let MI-9 know she wouldn’t be coming back, and since my mind was in Griffin, I officially became a consultant, but one who only wanted to help when absolutely needed.
Being involved at all bothered Diana, but she knew what she was getting, and with her background, and remembering Ola, she knew this is the way it had to be.
I did have to promise to keep my pants up whenever one of the Sisters was working with me. It seems my twentieth-century values were beginning to take hold on my lovely wife.
She also wanted us to be a team. Wherever I went, she wanted to be with me. I told her we’d have to see on that one. I couldn’t promise anything, but she did add significant value to everything I was involved in, so it did make sense.
After checking with Griffin and validating my account, we decided to make our home base near Kansas City, but we’d keep our apartments in D.C. and Paradise Island.
We also agreed to several trips a year to visit Diana’s family and keep them involved in our lives, and of our child’s life.
~ * ~
Just before leaving for our meeting with the Sisters, Diana had a bad dream that crept into her consciousness.
I held her close while trying to comfort her.
“Do you remember what it was about?”
“Yes. We had a son and he had special powers.
“He could talk telepathically without an implant and he was a genius on several subjects. He was kind and like most kids, but I didn’t know how to handle him. It frightened me.”
“Did he have ten fingers and ten toes? Did he have your good looks? If he met those three criteria, I’m a happy camper.
“Besides, he’d have to be smart coming from you, and you know I can communicate with the other Bill without an implant. The other Bill said it was natural, so I’m not worried about that at all.”
“What if he thinks I’m stupid, and doesn’t want to talk with me?”
“We’ll just have Griffin, Bill, Emily, and Kim raise him to be a human android. How bad could that be?
“We could always make another one just like him.”
I chuckled, but she wasn’t having any of it.
“Look. Do you honestly think you’re the first mother-to-be who’s had a bad dream about their first unborn child? Shoot, at least he wasn’t a gator, or bear, or something.
“With me being so old, I’m surprised you got pregnant at all.
“It is mine, isn’t it? Maybe I should have that checked.”
When she punched me in the stomach, I knew she’d be okay.
~ * ~
It was at about this same time I had an experience I couldn’t rationally explain.
I was relaxing one afternoon by myself on our balcony. I had just closed my eyes, listening to the ocean sounds, and was enjoying a soft gentle breeze. I could have easily dozed off when I could hear something or someone calling my name.
I immediately opened my eyes, got up, and searched for someone within range who might be calling me. Diana had gone shopping and there was no one nearby. I sat back down and after a few minutes, I began to free my mind like Kim had taught me to do to meditate. Nothing further happened.
A couple of days later I had a similar experience, but this time I remained relaxed, and concentrated on the sound without opening my eyes or otherwise engaging my consciousness.
At first, I couldn’t make out what was being said, or anything other than hearing my name being called. On the third or fourth time, the sound became recognizable; I could make out a female voice. I tried to answer subconsciously but after half-a-dozen attempts, it was gone.
Then, shortly after Diana’s dream, I experienced the voice once again. A woman’s voice, strong and firm entered my mind, but not through my ears.
Your son and daughter will have many gifts, I have given to you before your birth.
Instantly, I tried to engage the voice using my mind.
Who are you, and what are you telling me?
Nothing was returned even as I tried every form of communication I could think of; verbally and non-verbally. I kept it to myself, not even mentioning it to Griffin and his guests.
Perhaps I was just dreaming. Perhaps I was hearing my own thoughts. Perhaps I should use the comfort I tried to give Diana on myself.
I guess I’ll just have to wait until the next encounter…
~ * ~
While we were making our resident decisions but without committing yet, I had several silent conversations with Griffin. One was most interesting to me. Griffin began,
We wanted you to know there are things going on within our collective brains. That was the real reason I suggested the meeting with the Band of Sisters. Catching up and comparing notes will be useful and interesting, but we feel like we need to plan for future synthetic brain downloads and to let you know what is going on.
Well, you know you can always talk with me. You don’t need a meeting in D.C. for that. Do I understand you to say I’m still in charge, if there is such a thing, of all the Neuros?
Yes. We have not gotten any further instructions. We don’t know if it is because of all the activities concerning the bubble, or with China, or just what, but we did not want to raise the issue because we feared we would be assigned to someone else if we did. All the Neuros believe it is best to have you continue to provide guidance and assignments going forward.
Well, I appreciate that, but the President might have other thoughts. I have to say, I’ve been thinking about this as well, and I was hoping something could be arranged for me to keep myself involved, particularly with you, now that we’re so closely related.
I smiled to myself.
I am not sure if that was sincere or a joke. I hope you are serious. There are several things that have begun to happen within my brain.
Okay, I’ll bite, like what?
Our Bill believes our three brains are merging into one. I am talking to you because I have the strongest connection over the distance that separates us, Our Bill believes the three of them are, or in fact have, begun to merge and he believes the integration of our synthetic brain matter and our neuro module is becoming much more transparent. None of us understand it because one is mechanical and the other is more organic, more human-like, but we can see it happening with our interactions on a daily basis.
I know all of you can hear and participate in this conversation, so give me your hypothesis.
The interfaces, for a lack of a better word, between human brain functions of the three individuals in the synthetic material are easy to understand and are even predictable, had we thought about it. It is what it was designed to do, integrate. Anyway, in the beginning, we were getting three approaches for many of our thoughts and interests. As we cohabit, there is less separation and more ‘consensus’ about thoughts and approaches.
He paused, considering what he had told me, before continuing.
Bill said you would understand this like having a debate within your own brain, about an approach to take to solve a problem. There are still interactions between the three, because of their different backgrounds, but they are beginning to resemble different memories more than different personalities. We are reaching a consensus very rapidly taking into account all three backgrounds almost instantaneously. You will remember, all of this is happening at the speed of light.
Well, that all sounds very good to me. What am I missing?
Nothing, really. We simply wanted to talk it through and see if it made sense outside our own thoughts.
Okay. I get it. You think the three brains are becoming one while maintaining some individuality, like different memories. And you resolve differences in thoughts very rapidly. Honestly, that’s better than I could have hoped for. I think that’s the way my mind works, but with fewer outside influences affecting my choices. I’d actually encourage merging, as long as the differences don’t get completely lost. However, I don’t understand the merging with your neuro module. How can that be?
Exactly. The neuro module is mechanical, designed to simulate feelings and such, but at its base, it is still mechanical. We believe it is merging because the three are now receiving data transfers without physically requesting me to retrieve them.
They’re interacting with the AI in your brain seamlessly?
Thank you, yes. That is a better way of explaining what we are experiencing. We did not anticipate this. At first, if someone wanted data for analysis, we would work together, and I would make inquiries to my mechanical AI brain. Now, it is unusual for me to have to get involved. When they want or need data, they access it by wanting it.
That’s unexpected, but good, nonetheless. It sounds like mother nature is blending things.
That is why we wanted you to remain as our overseer. You see these things better and faster. Plus, the other Neuros are wanting their evolution to take place as ours has. Without you and your leadership, we all fear what will happen. Remember, we once reported to the Chief, a disaster as far as improving on any topic. We are anxious to resume our development.
Androids becoming anxious. What have we created? Okay. You didn’t have to fish too long to get me to bite. While in D.C. I’ll approach the President and see if I can maintain my control over the Neuros. That part of the job wasn’t as much fun as dealing with the Sisters, but it’s still something I desire to do.
That is what we had hoped. Thank you, Bill. It eases our minds.
Oh. I think Griffin hit the mark with that one. We’re going deep-sea fishing, so let’s get back together later. Bill out.
Chapter II – Secrets Revealed
It was later that day, I decided to bring Diana into our discussion, as a partner. I told her what had been said. She was thrilled I was being so open and truthful. Thrilled and shocked.
It took a little while before she fully understood the magnitude of where we were, but I thought it was only fair to include her, since it would take time away from us being together.
Diana continued our conversation. “So, what are you thinking about? What are you going to do with the six of them?”
“Griffin is at our headquarters in Tokyo. If everything is stabilized in China like I believe it to be, I think we’d be better served to move him back physically to the White House.”
“Wouldn’t that make him accessible for a lot of projects that would be beneath his abilities?”
“Yeah, but I’ve got to think all this through. I think it’s time to tell you about another little secret, only Griffin and I have. We are the only two who know about this, and when you hear about it, you’ll understand why.
“I’ve got to have your solemn oath you will tell no one.
“Absolutely no one, got it?”
She began to get excited and her eyes were about to come out of her head. She smiled that beautiful English smile exposing her radiant high cheekbones, and egged me on, to continue.
It occurred to me I really loved her high-cheekbone smile.
That was just one of the things I loved about her, but it was very visible and unique. I began to have second thoughts but decided she might help keep me grounded and assist in assignments, if I was able to go forward.
“There’s this little project called Cricket.”
As I continued to explain, the MI-9 agent’s brain took over my lovely wife’s body.
She couldn’t believe it at first, but then she began asking questions about its use in taking over China. As her understanding grew, so did the questions. It took almost an hour for us to get her to fully comprehend the significance of it, because she couldn’t believe what was being done.
She walked around the room, when she found out we had it during our first meeting in London, then resolved it, of course.
“And your President doesn’t know? How about Carson?”
“They did, but I wiped their memories of it. I nearly had to shut Griffin down because he was opposed to it, but we finally reached an understanding.
“I’m telling you this because it complicates everything. We’ll have to figure out what to do with it regarding my President and Griffin from this point forward.”
“That’s bloody incredible! And nobody knows but you and Griffin. Amazing. I wonder if the Cho energy knew? Of course, they did. That may have been one reason for the visit and the trip. Bloody incredible. I love that you’re telling me and everything, but… why are you telling me all this?”
“If the President agrees to allow me to keep control over the Neuros, and I see no reason she wouldn’t, it will take some time and a great deal of thought. It will require an ongoing commitment of time, and it’s something I feel strongly I need to be involved with.
“You’re my wife, so we share little things like this, and besides being stunning and all, you’re also one incredibly smart lady.” Soon after, I was properly rewarded for all my nice words.
~ * ~
After several additional conversations with Griffin, I made plans to visit with the President the day before the Sisters were due to arrive. We stayed in our D.C. apartment, and while I was meeting with the President in the White House, Diana went shopping to make it a more welcoming home away from home. Women…
I walked into the Oval Office and was greeted with a warm embrace.
“My grey-haired father-to-be, Bill. It’s so good to see you. It’s been too long. We’re going to have to see one another more often than we are now. What’s going on that you wanted to talk about before the Band of Sisters assembled?”
“Madam President, I wanted to make sure of my duties. I also wanted to brief you on what’s going on, and where I think we’re going with the Neuros. I was hoping to confirm my authority, and strategize on what we should be focusing on. If that’s alright, of course.”
“Of course. Things have been extremely hectic around here since we were together in Tokyo. I wanted to talk with you privately about that, so when you asked for time, it made sense.
“So, you’re wanting to maintain your position as mentor, or teacher, or whatever it is, over the Neuros?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’d like that very much. We’ve had some new developments I want to go over with you, and I just wasn’t sure what role you wanted me to play.
“Also, knowing you’d like for me to stay connected, I thought that might be one way to assure my visits were somewhat more frequent.” I smiled.
“Bill. It seems we’ve got seventeen years, that you and I will be keeping in touch with one another; although in a different capacity once I leave office.
“I’d be thrilled to have you continue in your role with the Neuros. As you say, it would also give us a reason to keep in touch. So yes, you still have authority over the six of them.
“Now, what new developments are we talking about?”
I told her about my conversations with Griffin and the merging within the synthetic brain. I told her I felt this was a natural thing to happen. She wasn’t concerned, but wanted to know about the impact on her telepathic communications capability with Emily inside Griffin, once he arrived for the reunion.
“I don’t see it changing because it appears to be just waking up something in our brains that’s been dormant. It’ll be interesting to see how it all works out, but I suspect our talks will be with the three of them, instead of just one at a time going forward. Or maybe we’ll enjoy both; talking with all three and individually.
“It may be like we were all in the room together talking, except we may not know who actually we’re dealing with. The fact is, we’ll probably be dealing with multiple essences at once.
“I haven’t been with Griffin since Tokyo either, but I’m not concerned. That’s one of the things I wanted to talk with you about. What would you think about expanding the program to the other five? Linda has the synthetic brain, but it’s smaller and with only part of me in it.”
“Isn’t Linda helping Carson in China?”
“Yes. This is what I’d like to do. While Kim is visiting tomorrow with the Sisters, let’s have a side meeting between Kim, Griffin, you, and me. With all that’s happened, and with Kim’s involvement, I think we owe it to Kim to debrief with her, then you and I can decide where to take this.”
“I don’t have a problem, but give me a headline. Where are we going to take this?”
“Expand it within Griffin, and plan to download specific people into each Neuro as part of a new overall plan for them. We want to take advantage of these incredible assets.”
She played with her eyebrows while standing and pacing within her office.
“You’ve got something in mind about the six of them, so I think what you’re suggesting is fine. The rest we can leave for later. I trust you with that.
“Now, I want your thoughts on the Tokyo visit and trip. I can’t get it out of my mind, and I’m sure you’ve got some theories on what it all means.”
“I have and I do. Frankly, with the download of my brain into Griffin, I was ready to retire and live the rest of this life with Diana. My theory is: the trip was done to keep me somehow involved. That’s the only thing I feel certain of. I’ve got several other theories about what will happen, but keeping me involved was their main goal. That’s what they reported back to Kim and her Master as being accomplished. How about you?”
“I’m at the same place you are. I was afraid you were going to pull the plug on your involvement, and I knew this meeting was on the calendar, so I thought I’d let it simmer for a while.
“My thought is, they were intending to keep you involved to oversee what I’ve been thinking about: a new order in NATO. I’m beginning to hate the word, and I absolutely don’t want to revisit the U.N., but with China taken care of; I think it’s time for you and me to begin to talk about a new order. What do you think?”
“That wasn’t one of my theories, but that’s why you’re the President of the most powerful nation on Earth. What’ve you got in mind? I’m all good ears, now.” I smiled, but I don’t think she got it.
“If all goes well, and with Carson and Linda there helping, China will grow to become an even greater economic power, but I certainly hope, China will no longer be a threat.
“So, besides some smaller want-to-be powers, we might be able to bring stability, with strategically placed people, and their Neuro buddies to bring help to all the children of the world. That’s the headline. What do you think?”
“I take it you’d be talking about the entire world, not just Europe and Asia, is that right?”
“Yeah. I don’t think this opportunity has ever been available before. I think it would be worthy of the Cho energy to take you on your trip. I just don’t know about the seventeen-year thing. I’d hope it wouldn’t take nearly that long, but who knows?
“What do you think of the idea?”
“It certainly would represent a challenge, and if the outcomes were reached, well, I think it would be great. I’d say you’re a little ahead of me, but you’re so far out there, I can’t even see you.” We both chuckled. “All kidding aside, I’d love to hear your ideas, and I could certainly get behind something as great as that.”
“So, before we get into all the details, what were your ideas about why this voyage happened, besides keeping you involved with all the Neuro developments?”
“I think we’ve got a long way to go on android development and in particular, with the brain. We’ve scratched the surface with memory access, but I can foresee other spin-offs equally important. What’s cool is, I think both ideas, yours and mine, can proceed on parallel paths.”
“Cool, now that’s something I haven’t heard in quite some time, but I think in this case it fits. If we made progress on both these topics, it really would be cool.” We chuckled before I began again.
“I’ve got a proposition for you. I’m trying to keep Diana involved as much as possible. As you know, she’s MI-9 and exceptionally sharp. As a Sister, she knows all about the spy thing, foreign politics, and all. How about the three of us do a little brainstorming tonight in your residence? If you don’t mind, of course.”
“That would be highly unusual, but that’s who you are, and I definitely think she could add some perspective. As long as she doesn’t rain on our parade, I think it would be cool to include her. But she has to be aware, she may come out of this with an assignment or two.” We both smiled.
“I think she’d enjoy participating at all levels. What time would you like to get started?”
“Let’s do 7:00 and I’ll have something ready for dinner with plenty of root beer.”
“Sounds great and it’s a date. This is exciting, cool even.”
We smiled and embraced as I made my way out.
~ * ~
When I arrived at our apartment, Diana was still shopping, so I contacted her silently.
Hey, have you made any plans for dinner this evening?
No. What’s up?
I want to try to get ahold of Riley this afternoon, and you’ve been invited to the White House for dinner at 7:00. How’s that strike you?
Are you messing with me? Why would I be invited to the White House for dinner? We’re still going there tomorrow with the Band of Sisters, aren’t we?
Yes. The President wants to take advantage of your stunning brain and experience as an MI-9 agent, to do a little brainstorming on our next global adventure.
Bill, my love, you may be used to the White House and all, but this is an incredible honor for me. Does she really want me there to brainstorm? What about? I’ve got to get something to wear.
Don’t worry about what to wear, it’s after hours in her residence. She’ll probably have BBQ, so you won’t want to ruin anything with sauce. I’m sure she’ll be in sweats, her Marine Corps sweatshirt if I know her. Do what you want. I know you’ll look stunning as usual. The topic will be a surprise. Anyway, I’ll be back at the apartment around five, if I can get ahold of Riley and she has some time. Would you like to go? I’m sure she will want to go over all the baby stuff with you.
Sure. That’d be fun. Are you home?
Yeah. Why don’t you head back here, and I’ll see if she’s available? We’ll leave from here. Bye.
~ * ~
After the ladies talked babies for half an hour, we sat together in a conference room with Matthew. I told them the President wanted me to continue over Griffin and the other Neuros, and I agreed to keep them going toward whatever was next.
I then went over the conversations I’d had with Griffin on the merging. Matthew was very interested in what was next, so I began.
“I’m thinking about expanding the Neuro program in conjunction with a project the President wants us involved in. We will likely be adding more Neuros and want them to have synthetic brains with different people based on the support assignments they’ll be providing. Diana and I are going to be talking this evening with the President on this and other topics.
“Matthew, I wanted to know what you thought about our doing this, and if you might want to participate in our new project?”
Riley was thrilled as she thought about us working together again. Matthew was more curious.
“I’ve done more research concerning the regions of the brain since I was part of the team. I’m certainly not an expert, but it would be an honor to be included in any way you think I might be able to help.” Riley jumped in.
“Bill, you’ve got to take Matthew. You just have to. What he doesn’t know, he’ll either find out or find someone who does know. Besides, he’ll be working with the most advanced androids in the world. Bill, you just have to include him on your team. You just have to.” I smiled at them both.
“Well, you’ve lost some of your leverage, now that I’ll have a son of my own, but he did an outstanding job before, and I was kinda thinking we might be able to use a redhead on the team too.
“What would you say to that?”
Riley bounced over and gave me a big hug.
“You won’t regret this. Will we get the telepathic communication capability too?”
“Where’d that come from?”
“Bill. It’s me, Riley. I know you and I’m sure your Band of Sisters have it, or at least some of them do.
“You’ve got it, Diana, don’t you?”
Diana just smiled and looked for me to answer.
“Let’s take this one step at a time. How long will it take the two of you to transition out?”
“A day.” Riley was anxious and answered almost before I finished. “Doctors always have a backup and I’m assuming we’ll be here for a little while longer while you get the logistics going.”
She looked at Matthew, who gave her a big smile and a wink.
“So, count us in as part of the team.”
I looked at Diana, and then at Matthew, and then back at Diana, and smiled. “Sisters?”
She smiled back and nodded, so I began again.
“Alright. Be at the White House in the morning for a 9:00 meeting with the Band of Sisters. Because it’s being hosted by the President, they should be fully dressed, all gorgeous. Matthew, you’re in for another pleasant experience.
“These are all extremely bright and beautiful ladies.
“Not as beautiful as these two, but close. We’re going to float our new ideas tomorrow and it will involve pairing a Neuro with each Sister, so I think it’d be good to get you in on the ground floor.
“Are you game?”
“Sure. We’ll be there, unless Riley wants me to go alone.”
Matthew had a wicked grin. Riley just smiled before adding,
“You forget, I know Diana and Kim, and we’ve seen all of them at Bill’s wedding. I think I can arrange my schedule to be there.
“I might have to go shopping for something to wear, though.”
Everybody chuckled. We talked for another hour.
Diana wanted to dress for tonight, so we left.
~ * ~
Diana looked stunning as we made our way to the White House residence. Sure enough, Emily was in her Marine Corps sweatshirt and shorts. Emily welcomed us both and winked at me when she saw Diana.
“I thought you would have told this lovely lady what I’d be wearing.” Diana immediately responded.
“Madam President, he did, but I didn’t believe him, and I didn’t want to stand out. Just like I’m doing right now.”
“No problem. If you’re comfortable, we’ll be okay, or if you’d like, I can get you some White House garb to wear.” After a few seconds, she continued. “As a matter of fact, let me do that. You’ll be more comfortable and have a souvenir to boot.”
“Thank you, Madam President.”
Diana changed and we ate while the ladies talked about Diana’s condition and her future as a mother.
We then retired to her residence.
When we finally got down to business, the President started.
“So, here’s what I’m thinking: a totally new organization of nations. The U.N. is useless, and I don’t want to waste any time on it. I’m going to dump it. We altered NATO because of the China situation which now seems to be resolved. I was thinking we might have an opportunity to lift up all nations, while providing global support and assistance to everyone.
“There would have to be a charter, and rules would have to be followed. In return, there should be no reason why any child of any member nation should not receive adequate care with food and android-assisted development.” Diana responded immediately.
“Wow! That sounds wonderful. You’re talking about everyone in the world?”
“Well, not on day one, but we’ve seen the widespread excitement on the Emotions roll-out, this would be like assuring every child in the world, with an equal start, a toehold to push off from, regardless of their country, economic, or political situation.”
I commented, “Like Diana said, wow! You’re really out there. This would require incredible coordination and the costs would be astronomical. But you’re right about what you said this morning. If we could accomplish this, it would merit a return trip from our Cho energy friends.
“For this type of effort, it might take seventeen years. You should have been the person to take the little trip, as you wanted.”
Everyone smiled. The President wasn’t done.
“You forget one important item. Only you can make it happen, Bill. I’m too tied to the U.S., and everyone I know carries baggage, except you and this stunning lady of yours.”
Diana blushed, while I sought clarity.
“So, if I put this together correctly, the Band of Sisters sit on top of the efforts? They coordinate and make it happen? Each one of them will have a Neuro to help and coordinate.”
“Yes, with a little help from their android friends, and I’d want you, Diana, to coordinate the coordinators. I’d rather use the Neuros on this adventure, than having them wait to interrogate some criminal or something else. This is more worthy of their talents. Regarding the Sisters, what do you think, Diana? We don’t need the level of spies these ladies bring to the table any longer.
“Let’s put them to better use for the good of all mankind?”
“Is this what you and Bill do when you’re together?” She was somewhat dumbstruck but smiling. “I think it would be great and the ladies would embrace it totally. I would love to be involved and will help in any way you think I can add value.”
“Someone tells me you’re as smart as you are beautiful, and you’ll be working with him. I hear he needs help whenever he’s around all those lovelies.”
“Thank you, Madam President. He’s off-limits right now and forever. I’d be honored to help.”
We talked for another two hours on details and how it might get started, using the Sisters to build and secure the charter. I tapped Griffin in early to the discussions and he made several great suggestions.
We wrapped up the evening with an outline of what would be presented tomorrow, then made our way back to the apartment.
In the car, in her favorite close position, Diana began to talk.
“I really love Washington. It seems every time we come here you surprise me with something wonderful.
“I know getting me involved was your idea and I want you to know, I won’t let you down. Thank you.”
“Unless you think I’m an idiot, you know, I not only think you can handle it, I think you’d be incredible at it.
“Hey, I may start calling you incredible instead of stunning.”
“In a couple of months, you may need to do that anyway.
“Things are starting to change already.”
With my arms around her, I reached up to her breast.
“Yeah. I’ve noticed.” We both chuckled.
Without consciously being aware of it, I was on the path to continued involvement and eventually the visit shown by Cho.
I looked at it more as a transition away from spying and into a managerial role. On perhaps the grandest scale possible with the Neuros and what Emily wanted to do, but a managerial job, nonetheless.
The fact that Diana would continue her involvement in a more conventional partnership was appealing, and I have to admit, I can’t wait to further expand what we’re doing with Neuros for the good of all mankind.
I was at peace with the decision and situation.
BillDeFoor 