“How did we find out?”
“The rumor mill in DC. It was traced to an aid in Congressman Langston’s office. Hopefully we’ve scared them enough to cancel any espionage plans they may have in our desert.”
“How do we know they aren’t already out there?”
“That’s being checked out now.”
Owens’ phone rang again. The agent on the other end said, “Air Force Security reported a false alarm on the base last night that delayed a flight test at Groom Lake. Then after dawn this morning, the Groom Proper Patrol discovered a stranded Jeep, footprints led them to the driver — wasn’t a false alarm after all. He arrived sometime last night and managed to avoid detection until daybreak.”
“Do we know him?”
“His name is Trevor Sinclair. He visited Freedom Ridge recently with another male, Blake Hunter. Both were escorted there by Desmond Wyatt. Now for the kicker: when we recorded Professor Eldred talking to the FBI agent, Grason Kendricks, they mentioned someone named Blake. Turns out Professor Eldred had a student named Blake Hunter. So the kid they stopped this morning has a connection through Hunter and the professor to the congressional investigation.”
“Where’s this guy Hunter now?”
“Don’t know. He used an Amex to pay for gas in Vegas and Alamo yesterday. If I had to guess, I’d say he’s somewhere in our backyard, and wearing the second life-support suit.”
“His friend is a student too?”
“About that age.”
“I find it hard to believe the FBI would involve college students in an investigation of this nature.”
“Hunter’s background is engineering, including a Master’s degree. He’s applied to NASA in the past and has a better understanding of the objects in the sky than any FBI agent would. It’s a clever cover. At first glance they seem like the typical curiosity seekers we get out here.”
Owens knew immediately what had to be done. He had spent countless hours preparing contingency plans for every situation, and rehearsed them so often in his mind that responding was second nature. “There’s more to those life-support suits if someone is avoiding our surveillance. Delay the hoot that’s returning tonight. If someone is out there, I don’t want them seeing that ship.”
“We’ve already checked with SPACECOM. NASA’s got an unmanned rocket launch in two days. It includes civilian satellite payloads. There’s going to be a lot of people watching the atmosphere. Tonight is the only safe window for at least fifteen days.”
Sending the hoot back to the moon for two weeks was a dangerous option. “Bring it in tonight,” he decided, “but at the last minute. Meanwhile, get patrols working the valleys.” After hanging up, he turned to Kayla. “It’s time you visit Papoose without a blindfold.”
CHAPTER 44
Like many creatures in the desert, Blake and Val’s sustainment was based on a nocturnal existence. With the sun gone for another half-rotation of the earth, they ventured from their hollow and began a short five-mile hike to the next bunker. Val bid the makeshift hideout a sentimental farewell, knowing it would be his last time on the land. Although existing in the crude confines was grueling, the memories would always be with him.
Each step of their journey brought with it another question in Blake’s mind, but Val didn’t want to talk while they hiked. You’ve got to have some serious cajones to undertake Val’s mission, Blake thought. Plus an extensive understanding of the land. He considered the Indians, who were proof that desert survival was possible with far more primitive technologies. Tribes had survived for eons on similar terrain.
They arrived at the Papoose bunker in a little over three hours, carrying four extra gallons of water. Blake was impressed with Val’s ability to manufacture and collect water using shallow pits, pieces of succulent and a small tarp.
The larger bunker — a cave-like structure that had rock on three sides — was more comfortable than the previous night’s accommodations. They celebrated a safe arrival by feasting on military MREs — Meal, Ready-to-Eat — of chicken with rice, crackers and cheese spread. Powdered Gatorade added to a jug of water washed the food down. Ice was the one item absent from an otherwise gratifying meal. Being forced to survive on a minimal amount of food and water made Blake realize how much he took for granted the everyday perks that American society had to offer.
“Got any cake in that box of supplies?” Blake joked.
“No junk food.”
“Tomorrow is my birthday.”
“I can jam a lightstick in a protein bar.”
“That would beat some birthdays I had as a kid.”
“Rough childhood?”
“Lonely childhood. The early years.” Changing the subject, Blake said, “You know, I once considered becoming an FBI agent.”
“What changed your mind?”
“It was third on my list behind astronaut and doctor.”
“I guess it’s too early to tell if this situation is going to help you or hurt you.”
The conversation was stymied as both tired after their meal. Blake rested his eyes and his body, enjoying the comforts of an inflatable vinyl pool float that helped him drift off to sleep.
Daybreak was still hours away when Val began rustling about the bunker as he began the methodical process of putting on his Bio Suit components.
“What are you doing?” Blake asked.
“Going out for a while.”
“Is there a problem?”
“I picked up a transmission. I don’t want to miss an opportunity to film something.”
“What kind of transmission?”
“Scrambled. I’ve heard it before. Don’t know who it is or what they’re saying, but once it preceded a craft landing in a mountainside nearby.”
“At the second base? We’re that close?”
Val continued fastening the straps and clasps on his Bio Suit, answering Blake with a nod of the head.
“What kind of craft?”
“That’s what the professor is supposed to determine.”
“But you’ve seen it. What’s it look like?”
“You familiar with the classic UFO?”
“A flying saucer?”
“Umm-hmm!” Val pointed at Blake, “I’m serious when I say keep your ass planted. I catch you poking your head out for a look — I’ll zap you and strap you until morning.” His point made, Val secured his helmet and left the bunker.
CHAPTER 45
“How many miles have we hiked?”
“About three.”
“You’d think we were back in boot camp.”
“For real. This better not be a drill. I hate dragging around our assault rifles.”
“I don’t mind the gun, it’s the night-vision straps rubbing against my scalp that drives me crazy.”
“We gotta start pulling more day shifts. It’s too hot for them to make us leave the patrol vehicles and hoof it.”
“Is anyone else working this sector?”
“Why?”
“Footprints.”
“Those shouldn’t be from any of our guys.”
“It was windy today. I don’t imagine they’re too old.”
“They told us to look for anything out of the ordinary. I’d say we found it.”
“Let’s track them a bit before calling it in and getting everyone excited. Just in case they are from an earlier patrol.”
CHAPTER 46
A faint tremor rumbled through the cave and rock Blake was leaning against, and pulsated his back. Could it be a silo opening? he wondered. Feeling like a child told to keep his hands out of a cookie jar, he wanted to peek outside, but knew it would be wrong. His desire to remain safe kept him sequestered in the corner. He was already zero for one when he diverted from the plans.