Introduction
As explained in the 2129 Series, one of the main characters is the former top spy from Japan: Kim. Having followed and practiced the ancient writings of Cho for her entire life, she was made a Cho Master when a Cho probe first came to Earth.
Cho is an intelligent energy universe that participates in monitoring civilizations’ development. It recommended intervening on our hero’s (Bill Bailey) behalf, setting in motion many of the discoveries and far-reaching advancements on Earth.
When Bill retired from his spy activities and married the former top spy of England: Diana, Cho sent a probe to transport Bill into the future to keep him involved. Obviously, it worked.
Kim lives with Bill and Diana while keeping in contact with Cho. This allows her to view visions of what the future holds. Cho is a primary source for the Interplanetary Federation Intervention Program (IFIP) recommending interventions as they deem warranted.
~ * ~
Bill, Diana, and Kim were enjoying a peaceful evening together in 2150, when Kim was struck by a Cho energy bolt: Bill must intervene. Using the implant enabling her to telepathically speak to others, she contacted Earth’s two alien mentors: Alpha from the Earth named planet Sigma, and Theta from the Earth name planet Sigma2.
Have you been contacted by Cho or the IFIP about a new intervention for Bill? Theta responded,
Yes. We have been discussing it, before contacting Bill. What do you know?
Only that he must intervene. I’ve tried to make contact to gather more information, but not being able to contact them, I wanted to see what you knew.
Have Bill join us in Alpha’s spacecraft in Bill’s backyard in thirty minutes. This one will be unique. Theta out.
~ * ~
As the ramp to the entrance of the spacecraft became visible, Bill and his two ladies went aboard. Bill began,
“Kim tells me there might be another intervention the IFIP might like for me to accept. Emily (former U.S. President) is handling Sandra’s team, and all appears to be going well in the Colonies, what do you know?”
Theta looked at Alpha before he began.
“This one is rather unique, even for an intervention. It involves a reptilian universe that has just destroyed most of the life on their planets. Cho believes it is important to reverse the events causing the devastation, thus changing the course of their history.”
The three humans were dumbstruck. Diana spoke,
“Did I just hear you say, they want to go back in time and change what happens to avoid the destruction and loss of lives? How can that be?” Theta explained,
“As you know, Cho took Bill into the future to keep him participating in Earth’s events after you had just found out you were with your first child. Cho can also, apparently, facilitate going back in time and altering events that result in changes to today.
“Alpha and I have been discussing this since we were informed that Bill would be requested to take this intervention. This one will be very risky to Bill, and possibly all of us who love him.”
Alpha continued, “This is a reptilian planet, meaning the people of the planet evolved with certain reptilian appearances and a more aggressive attitude than we as humanoids. We don’t believe it would be wise to change Bill’s appearance, so we were thinking about how he might have an impact in his current form. We’re also concerned about how Bill might have to adapt to the culture he would be submerged in.”
Theta followed, speaking to Bill. “You have been quite successful in using your casting gift with both of your previous interventions. The natural aggression in this culture may be too great for you to cast someone to be receptive to your interactions.
“The physical strength of the reptilian species is much greater than that of the humanoid species. The combination of both might be lethal to you. This species has never been contacted before, so we fear what might happen before you could even begin to be of assistance.” Alpha continued,
“Besides all that, we have never participated in traveling back in time, to affect the current time. Neither of us would be able to assist you. If you go back in time, our relationship doesn’t exist yet. We’re also concerned with how you might return, or even IF you can return.”
Kim began, “My message from Cho simply stated Bill must intervene. I don’t believe any harm might come to Bill from the time travel, but I’m concerned about what physical harm may come to him in a hostile environment with an aggressive culture. This sounds extremely risky to me…”
Diana wanted her opinion to be known. “Help me understand why Bill should even consider this assignment.”
Theta replied, “The fact that Bill comes from the twentieth century might have something to do with it. Men were more aggressive at that time and you have to admit, Bill’s background in the military and with all his spy activities makes him a prime candidate.”
“Perhaps from Earth, but what about someone from another universe? Surely, there are more aggressive environments out there, maybe even some reptilian that would be more suitable for this. I love my husband. My family and our friends love Bill. None of us would encourage him to take this assignment going into the environment you are describing. Why are we even having this conversation?”
Alpha surveyed those in his craft before responding.
“Cho would not have recommended Bill, if he were not the most qualified person to take the assignment. With their ability to see into the future, they must think he can, or rather will be successful. Theta and I have been discussing your concerns and others since we were contacted.
“We mitigated the risks with our knowledge of Cho and what goes into an assignment. For them to tell Kim what they did, we believe they have considered all the alternatives and surmised that Bill is the best choice for success.” Theta took over.
“We are awaiting a response to our question: can Griffin accompany him? Bill has the electronic shield Griffin built for him that we believe will protect him from bullets or such. It will not protect him from hand-to-hand combat injuries. Bill is in excellent shape and if we knew his memory access would work, we’d all feel much better. But we don’t.
“We know the brains of the two species are very similar, but we’re not sure they are similar enough for him to use the hypnotic sleep capability he has for defending himself. We’re fairly sure his casting capabilities will be effective, but they might not be as strong as it is with humans.
“The reason we wanted all three of you here, is because we know Bill will want you to be comfortable with his decision. With all that being said, we hope Griffin will be able to go with Bill to make adjustments or give him support when needed physically. Bill?”
“Well, besides our children, these two lovely ladies would have to understand my reasoning, IF I were to accept this assignment. Having Griffin accompany me would certainly provide an extra level of protection, and I’m assuming he could tap into their networks to provide valuable intel.
“Let me discuss it with the family. When you tell me whether or not Griffin can accompany me, I’ll give you my decision. Thank you both for your input and concerns.”
Chapter I – Decision and Prep
The next two days were filled with pleas and conversations about why NOT to take the assignment. When Billy (my son), Kateryna (his wife), and Di (my daughter) found out, there was a new set of arguments against my accepting. All were calm and most were rooted in fact. Diana’s and the children, not so much.
I kept coming back to three important facts.
First, Cho said I must accept. I concurred with my alien friends’ assessment of me being the most qualified person to intervene, and that Cho would not have recommended me if they saw into the future and I would have been killed.
Secondly, I didn’t see how I could not accept if an entire species had been wiped out. Millions or even billions of people, regardless of whether they were humanoid or not, had to be a prime consideration for me to accept.
Finally, I honestly thought it would be cool to go back in time and impact the present time. How great would that be? I had lived in the twentieth century, the twenty-third century, and to now go back in time; it just seemed very cool.
The lobbying was interesting to me. Diana and Di were very emotional, not wanting to consider losing their husband and father. Di having special gifts, tries to alter my mind and not even have me consider it. Luckily, Theta had increased my capabilities and I was able to neutralize her efforts. Diana’s efforts were addressed in a different way.
Kim spent a great deal of time contacting Cho and lobbying them to make another selection. It didn’t work.
Billy spent hours telepathically talking with me as only a father and son can talk. Both of us wanted nothing left unsaid, just in case the worst scenario happened. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’d ever had. He left the decision up to me, knowing we were good with one another.
Kateryna (his wife and former Band of Sisters – Sister) expressed the warmth and love we all felt for one another. I asked her not to tell the other Sisters about me going, if I decided to go. I didn’t know how our time would be affected, but didn’t think I could withstand having another eight or ten beautiful ladies lobbying me to turn the assignment down.
~ * ~
On the second day after our discussions with my two alien mentors, we received a response from Cho. Griffin would not be able to accompany me. It was something about him being an android and Cho being energy. They couldn’t take something mechanical back in time or something like that. I didn’t understand it completely, but the net effect, I did understand. There would be no Griffin attending.
Because Kim was a Cho Master, and because my two children had communicated with Cho since their early childhood, I relied on the three of them to negotiate for me. I needed my memory access to work and thereby also enable me to put an adversary into a hypnotic sleep.
There was a great of back and forth until they finally agreed to alter my implant, enabling me to effectively target the memory centers in the reptilian mind.
I also made sure my electronic shield would work to prevent me from being shot, but was again reminded of their strength and aggressive nature.
They consented to have one of their probes always be in contact range and be able to provide some of the networking capabilities I knew Griffin would have been able to provide. Neither of us knew exactly what this meant, but having them assure me it would be hovering over me gave me a good feeling.
Finally, we talked about travel. Getting to and from the planet, I would be in a bubble and given the pills I took on my visit into the future. I made sure Griffin had a bottle of them made for me. Getting from place to place on the planet would be accomplished with additional bubble rides, but not needing a pill. They were only required when traveling between universes.
When the negotiations were completed, it was apparent to everyone that I was going to accept the assignment.
I met with Alpha and Theta to be prepped. I watched several hours of conversations allowing my translator app in my implant to be properly updated.
Theta pressed hard on my temples attempting to make my ability to cast someone, stronger. She also spent an hour or so in my mind, expressing her gratitude for our long history together. It was similar to my telepathic conversations with Billy, but she was holding me close in a warm embrace and messing with my hair as she gently kissed me.
The night before I was to leave, Kim and Diana smothered me with affection while the kids made one last visit to be with their dad. Kateryna made one final plea telepathically to me.
I know I can’t change your mind, but with our history I need to tell you something straight from my heart. You know I love Billy and look forward to our lives together with children and all. But, you were my first love. Of all the conquests I’ve had as a spy, I’ve never met anyone as warm and sincere as you. You know all the other Sisters feel the same way, too. I really wish I could change your mind about going, but I also know once you set your mind to something, it’s over. So, please stay safe and return to all of us who love you. As I understand it, because you’re going back in time, there will be a blip and you’re gone, followed by a blip with your return. Please return to us. We all love you so.
As I’ve said before, my son is the luckiest guy I know. You’re beautiful, and smart, and so much more… I will return and you’ll only have to wait seconds, regardless of the time I spend in the past. All the Sisters are special to me, and you’re at the top of the list. I love you too, and thank you for your kind words.
Chapter II – Going Back in Time
As everyone gathered in Alpha’s craft, the Cho probe appeared out of thin air. The basketball-size bubble was multi-colored and sparkling throughout.
Without speaking, everyone heard in their head.
Are you ready?
Extending my hand with a couple pills in it, I replied.
“Here are the pills. If we don’t leave now, I may change my mind.”
Say goodbye to your loved ones and we’ll proceed.
“I wish you had used something besides goodbye, but thank you. Since we’re going into the past, to the people in the craft, I should only be gone for an instant, right?”
That is correct. It might be several of your Earth minutes, but it will not be long.
I made the rounds to all in the craft with hugs and well wishes. Diana was the last. As tears flowed, we expressed our love for one another and exchanged a long embrace and kiss.
The sparkling bubble expanded to engulf me standing and as I waved to all, I lost consciousness.
~ * ~
When I regained consciousness, I was standing on firm ground in what looked like the everglades. The probe had reduced its size to that of a baseball and hovered just above my right shoulder. It was somewhat transparent, wobbling slightly with all the lights sparkling in many colors, always in motion. I spoke,
“What’s the background I should know?”
Only you can see me while you are in this time. I will accompany you and respond to your thoughts. Please think of something so we can establish communications.
So, you’re going to always be on my shoulder or will you be invisible to me as well?
When you see me, it will be like this, but the probe that I am, will always be near your head.
What’s the situation and how much time do I have?
Because of the nature of this situation, you are one week before the bombs destroying their civilization begin being shot. Your assignment is to facilitate a peace agreement between the heads of two major countries.
There are only two countries on this planet?
No, there are many. The other countries either have no bombs or they are aligned with one of the two you will be communicating with.
Okay, there are two countries. How many people will I be interacting with or need to change to affect the outcome of complete destruction?
There will be fewer than six. The heads of each country and several who influence their decisions and actions.
What’s the political or governing situation between the primary countries?
One is a totalitarian dictator. The other is supposed to be a representative type of governance.
You say, supposed to be. What does that mean?
The decision-makers are elected, but controlled by a few hidden people who are not. There is currently a dispute over territory. The Dictator is claiming more territory and his forces have not been effective in annexing the territory they’ve claimed.
Let me guess, the territory in question is being helped by the representative country. We used to call that a ‘proxy war’. Have I got it?
Yes. Without assistance from the representative government, the Dictator would overrun the territory in question. With assistance, the aggressors are being repelled and everyone is on edge not understanding where this will lead.
And it led to escalation until the entire planet was at war?
Correct. Except it will go from conventional fighting to what you would know as nuclear war within the next week. Once the first ‘tactical’ nuclear weapon is detonated, there is only two days before the entire planet is destroyed.
In my original life, this was avoided on several occasions by the concept of ‘mutual annihilation’. I guess this is a concept not understood or practiced here today. So, you want me to intervene and somehow restore the peace, right?
That is correct.
What limitations do I have? Besides not being able to directly communicate with the masses because I’m human and they’re reptilian, do I have any other limitations?
This situation, since it has already happened, is a little different from other interventions. Our intervention did not work as we tried to avoid what happened.
Wait a minute! You had tried to intervene before and this is the result?
Yes. Because we are going back in time, however, they will have no memory of the initial intervention.
Terrific. Can I be honest with them and tell or show them the results of what their actions might be?
Again, this is unusual. You cannot show them what happens if they continue on the path they’re on, and many of them know this already, but you can try whatever method you think may work.
And how about the reptilian aspect? Are they going to kill and eat me as soon as I begin talking with them?
That’s something you’re going to have to work out. You have your electronic shield to protect you from bullets. Your memory access capabilities work. We’re not sure how effective your casting capabilities will work. That’s all I can tell you, except you will not be able to use your subliminal suggestion capability. It is not allowed even though it worked for you on Earth with China.
Well, thank you, for the memory access, and I guess I’ll be finding out about the others soon enough. So, who will I meet first? If it’s up to me, let’s try the aggressor. If he can be changed, it’s over, right?
That was going to be our suggestion. There are three people who have influence over the Dictator. One is financial. One is political or what the Dictator would call a true patriot. And one is an ally leader who is an advocate of more aggressive actions on the part of the Dictator.
Let’s go after the third one first. How is this going to work?
I know where they are at all times and can deliver you to the room they are in. From there, it’s up to you.
Thanks, you’re a big help. Well, let’s do this.
He’s asleep right now.
All the better.
~ * ~
I was delivered into the bedroom while the ally was sleeping with his wife (I guess). I quietly made my way toward him until I was standing beside his bed.
I thought it was interesting that everything was recognizable as a bedroom with two people sleeping in one bed. I didn’t have any expectations, but this was a pleasant surprise.
My target had an arm atop his covering. His arm was half again larger than mine and very solid. He didn’t have skin as we know it. Instead, it appeared to be a leathery substance with scales, or what looked like scales. Upon further studying it, they weren’t scales as much as they looked like a scaly tattoos. The color was more a shade of brown than green, having only a green tint to it.
His head was also much larger than mine and it seemed to be squarer than mine. There was no hair and no nose as we have. In the place of a nose, there were several slits. He didn’t seem to have lips, but did have eyes like mine but closed. I looked for ears, but again saw only slits.
This ought to be interesting.
I sought to read his memories about a recent military conversation. Luckily, I was returned several, but the translations were not clear to me, this being my first interaction with real dialogue. I stored them in my mind for further review before picking my next topic.
I sought to read plans for military operations. The maps were unrecognizable to me, but the markings were clear. They showed an advancing force on two sides of a stationary encampment. As I studied them, I thought I could make out symbols at strategic points that might represent nuclear weapons use. Beyond what I thought was a blast radius, there appeared to be an indication of a cloud of sorts, possibly of a radiation path.
I silently spoke to my probe.
I think I’ve got all I can get from this guy for the time being. Is one of the other targets asleep as well?
The financial person is asleep and alone.
Please take me to his location.
Once again, I collected intel and ask about the Dictator. I had gotten lucky and he was asleep, so off we went once again.
The Dictator was shorter than either of the other two I had visited. Given the culture, as I understood it, I thought this was odd. My bias suggested he would be the biggest of the group; fighting his way to the top and all.
When I was taken to the politician, I was deposited into a room just outside where he was. I didn’t want to take any chances, so I waited until he retired and I had given him enough time to fall into a deep sleep.
While waiting, I reviewed the intel I had gathered and tried to understand the conversations and what they were thinking.
The Dictator appeared to be reluctant to do anything further by himself, but it was obvious to me, he had been backed into a corner. He found himself in a no-win situation and was being pressured to use his nuclear arsenal.
He was being told, his adversary would buckle with a coordinated attack and that the opposition’s support would cease, once the first attack had occurred.
The man I was waiting to gather intel from was the most adamant supporter of the use of nuclear weapons. I felt I understood the situation much better and was anxious to find the motivation of the patriot, whose mind I was about to query.
Now that I was better informed, I spent more time reviewing memories of the patriot and chasing paths that involved the other three men.
The patriot and the ally were pushing the Dictator hard. They believed, or at least they told the Dictator, his opposition would fold like a house of cards, once the first bomb exploded. The financial person wasn’t so sure, but he was being bullied into following the others’ lead.
My probe told me I had another couple of hours before they would be awake, so, I returned to the Dictator’s location. I searched his memories looking for a weakness I could exploit. Instead of a weakness, I witnessed conversations that led me to believe the Dictator had been humiliated by the representative government and that he was no longer rational.
He believed if he were not successful, he would die, so, he didn’t have anything to lose. He had recently upgraded his weapons inventory and was preparing to destroy several countries that opposed his actions. His plan was to blow the representative government off the face of the map, regardless of the consequences.
~ * ~
On the other side of the planet, it was early afternoon in the capital of the representative government. I had the probe put me somewhere close, but out of sight of the President. Then I had the probe, who was invisible, get close to the President and broadcast back to me what was being said.
As I listened to several conversations, I continually asked about who the President was talking with. After several hours, I needed to confirm the picture I was getting from the conversations.
I’m getting the feeling this country is on a war footing right now, preparing for the worst. Can you give me your opinion?
They are making plans to continue to support the country being overrun by the Dictator with money and weapons of war, if that’s what you mean.
That’s exactly what I was thinking. I’m also hearing this President is not very strong in his objections to these actions. Is that because he is not a strong leader, or does he have regrets about the position he finds himself in?
It does appear, he is more than willing to follow the lead of those giving him counsel. I cannot comment on his strength as a leader.
Can you tell me if the people in either country fully understand the situation and the possible consequences?
The people of the Dictator only hear what the Dictator wants them to hear. The people this President represents are better informed, however, their media only serves as an echo chamber to what the people in power tell them. There is very little debate on policy. The President controls their entire government today.
Interesting. This is going to be difficult because I can’t blend in there at all. Take me back to the Dictator’s bedroom. I want to try something.
Chapter III – Plan No. 1
I needed to find out if I was going to be able to cast receptivity and begin a dialogue with the reptilians. I wasn’t sure where it was going to go, but I needed to start somewhere.
When I arrived, the Dictator was still fast asleep. I had an idea.
Is there a way to make my electronic shield visible?
I must have stood silently for five minutes or so before I got an answer.
I have interrupted the app in your implant to rapidly go on and off. This will make it visible, but it will likely not protect you from any projectile. It is ready for you to try.
If I turn it off three times rapidly, can you disable your changes, so I will be protected?
I believe it will work that way now.
Thank you.
I used the key Griffin had previously given me to turn the shield on. Sure enough, it sparkled like the probe. I moved around the room looking for a reflection of myself. It worked.
I moved to the head of the Dictators’s bed and concentrated as hard as I could to cast him to be receptive and unafraid. Not being sure it would work; I held my breath while I nudged his shoulder.
He sprang upright to a sitting position, while I continued my efforts to cast his receptivity. For ten seconds that seemed to last forever, we looked at one another. Finally, he spoke.
“What are you?”
“I’m here to help you avoid a terrible decision. I will not harm you and I hope you will heed my warning.”
“What are you and what warning?”
“You are on a path to destroy all living beings on your planet within one week. Your actions will precipitate a global nuclear event that will result in the destruction of everyone, and everything on your planet.”
He studied what I had said, as I continued to cast receptivity on him. I thought it might be working, because he hadn’t taken a swipe at me. With sharp claws replacing fingernails, I didn’t want to take a chance of my cast wearing off.
As he studied me, I studied him. His eyes were dark with vertical slits where our pupils are. After a couple of minutes, while still sizing me up, he dropped his oversized webbed feet to the ground and got ready to stand. I backed up and silently told my probe to be ready to take me somewhere (anywhere) else.
Now fully standing, his feet were large, wide, and webbed with another set of claws to match those on his hand. In something similar to briefs, I could tell he had a short tail. This was what I had expected as a reptilian.
For some reason, I stood my ground as he approached me. He stuck his hand out to touch my shield and immediately pulled it back, as if being shocked. Who knew? Still casting with my mind, I began to speak.
“I am from the future and I have seen your plans to seize territory that will initiate your world’s downfall.
“Within thirty minutes of setting off your tactical weapons, missiles will fly all around the world. Your adversary is prepared to wipe your country off the planet, and I’m sure you will let fly enough to destroy all other countries of your world.
“Please, let me help you.”
“And how do you think you can help me?”
“I’d like to defuse the situation and help all parties move toward a more peaceful solution.
“You and the opposition President are being fed information that is not in either of your best interest. Please, let me help you.”
He circled my position and tried several times to touch me. Each time he was shocked. I’ll have to remember to thank Griffin when I get back home. IF I get back home.
Contemplating what I had said and after sizing me up, he went to set on the side of his bed. His wife was awakened by our talking and gasped at the sight of me. He patted her and told her to stay still.
“How do I know I can trust you?”
“Because I can tell you of meetings you’ve had and I’ll share what the opposing President is being told.”
“You’ve spoken to him?”
“No. You are the first person I’ve appeared to, because it’s your actions that will initiate the end of your world. I have a plan I’d like to share with you on how to end the current dispute and create a method to keep future events from being started.
“Please, let me help you.”
I could tell he was thinking about all that I had said, so I waited for his response.
“Meet me in my office in the middle of the morning. I must consider what you have said.”
“I will only meet with you. Your three most trusted advisors have helped you get into this situation. I trust you are strong enough to handle the situation, once you see its merit.”
“Be in my office at mid-morning.”
“I’ll see you then.”
With that my probe deposited me in a nearby clearing where it was fast approaching sunrise.
Does the media gather to hear updates from the President or his administration? And if he does, when is the next meeting?
He does and the next meeting is in fourteen of your hours.
Terrific.
What’s your plan?
I’m going to expose this entire situation to the media and hope and pray they do their job of distributing the information. To do that, I need to be in the room with the President and as many of his staff as I can, to access their memories.
BillDeFoor 