Back To Earth

“Apart from the fact that there is very little of the hull that hasn’t had the paint scratched off, I can assure you that no message has been sent from our three-bladed friend. The probe seems to have been designed for the sole purpose of studying celestial bodies. A kind of lone space traveller, recording data and transmitting it periodically back to base.” He pointed out some details of the antenna in the hologram that hovered in the room.

“We probably flew by too quickly for it to record our presence,” ventured Azakis.

“Not only that, old friend. Its on-board instruments are programmed to analyse objects at distances of hundreds of thousands of kilometres. We passed so close that, had we not been in a vacuum, our slip stream would have left it spinning like a top.”

“And now that we’re further away, do you think it might reveal our presence?”

“I really don't think so. We’re much too small and quick to be of any interest to them.”

“Good,” said Azakis. “At last we have some good news.”

“I tried to analyse the data transmission method on the probe,” continued Petri. “It doesn’t seem to be equipped with ‘light vortex’ technology like ours. It’s still using an old frequency modulation system.”

“Isn't that the one used by our predecessors before the Great Revolution14 ?” asked Azakis.

“Exactly. It wasn’t too efficient, but for a long time it enabled us to exchange information throughout the entire planet, and it definitely helped us get to where we are now. "

Azakis sat down in the command chair, chewing his finger in a moment of reflection, then he said “if this is the communication system currently in use, maybe we could also pick up some transmission of theirs.”

“Are you hoping to see what porn films they’re making?” joked Petri, sticking his tongue out to the left of his mouth.

“Cut out the bullshit. Instead, why not try and adapt our secondary communication system to this technology? I want to be as well-prepared as possible when we get there.”

“I understand. I expect I’ll have to spend several hours in that cramped compartment.”

“What about getting something to eat first?” suggested Azakis, anticipating his friend’s next question, which, he imagined, would have followed soon after.

“That’s the first sensible thing I’ve heard you say today,” replied Petri. “All this excitement has given me an appetite.”

“Okay We’ll take a break, but it’s my turn to decide what we have. That Nebir liver you chose yesterday got stuck in my poor stomach so long that it seemed to be taking root.”

Ten minutes later, while the two travelling companions were still busy consuming their meal, a young engineer in the NASA Mission Control room on Earth was picking up a strange alteration in the course of the probe he was monitoring.

“Sir,” he said into the microphone attached to his headset, which hung a few centimetres from his mouth. “I think we may have a problem.”

“What kind of problem?” the engineer in charge of the mission asked anxiously.

“For some unknown reason Juno has suddenly shifted slightly off its set course.

“Shifted?” By how much? Due to what?” Already he was feeling a cold sweat. The cost of this mission was exorbitant. Nothing should be going wrong.

“I’m analysing the data right now. The telemetry is indicating a deviation of 0.01 degrees with no apparent explanation. Everything seems to be functioning normally.”

“It could have run into a rock fragment,” ventured the older engineer. “It's not actually that far from the asteroid belt.”

“Juno is pretty much in Jupiter’s orbit now, and there shouldn’t be any,” said his younger colleague, tentatively.

“So what’s happened then? There must have been some kind of malfunction.” After a few moments of reflection, he said, “I want a couple of checks run on all on-board instruments. I want the results on my computer in five minutes,” he ordered, closing communication.

The young engineer was suddenly aware of how much responsibility he had been given. He noticed his own hands trembling, but chose to ignore them. With the help of a colleague, he carried out a differentiated check-up on the probe, keeping his fingers crossed. The computer began to run the programme controls sequentially, and within a few minutes the results of the analysis appeared on the screen.

Check-up complete. All instruments operational.

“Everything seems fine,” remarked his colleague.

“So what the devil happened? If we don’t find anything in the next two minutes, the chief will have both our asses.” Feverishly he began typing commands into the keyboard in front of him.

Nothing. Everything was working perfectly.

He absolutely had to come up with something and fast. He began to drum on the desk with his fingers. He continued for about ten seconds, then decided to resort to the first unwritten rule of the workplace conduct manual: never contradict the boss.

Switching on the microphone, he said “Chief, you were right. It was a small Trojan asteroid that sent the probe off course. Luckily, it wasn't a direct hit. It just passed close by. Evidently, the asteroid exerted a small gravitational attraction on Juno, making it alter its course slightly. I’m sending you the data now,” he said, holding his breath.

After an interminable length of time, the proud voice of his superior reached his headset. “I was sure of it. My dear boy, you can’t out-do the instincts of an old salt.” Then he added, “Try to activate the engines on the probe and correct its course. I won’t accept any errors.” So saying, he switched off. A moment later, he came back, adding “Nice work, son.”

The young engineer noticed that the blood had begun to flow around his body once again His heart was beating so hard that he could hear his pulse in his ears. After all, this could actually have been the correct explanation. Turning towards his colleague, he gave him the thumbs up. The other relaxed, and winked at him. They were in the clear, at least for the time being.

Nasiriyya – After dinner

The recording system reactivated with a soft beep. The professor’s voice could once again be heard from the small speaker inside the machine. “I think it’s time we were leaving, Jack. I have to be up early in the morning, to continue with the excavations.”

“Okay,” replied the colonel. “I’ll go and thank the chef, then we’ll go.”

“For heaven’s sake!” cried the thinner of the two listeners. “Because of you we’ve missed the most important part.”

“Oh, come on. I didn’t do it on purpose,” said the fat one, defensively. “We could always say that there was a system malfunction and that we didn’t manage to record all of the conversation.”

“I always end up having to cover your ass,” claimed the other.

“You’ll thank me. I already have a plan for getting our hands on that handheld device.” Squeezing his nose between his thumb and forefinger, he said “We’ll go into her room tonight and copy all her data without her even noticing.”

“And what do we do if she wakes up? Sing her a lullaby?”

“Don’t you worry, my friend. I have a few tricks up my sleeve,” he replied, narrowing his eyes.

Meanwhile, Jack and Elisa were preparing to leave the restaurant. The colonel switched on his handheld communicator and spoke to the escort. “We’re on our way out.”

“Everything is quiet outside here, colonel,” a voice responded into the earphone.

Cautiously, the colonel opened the door of the building and scanned the area around him. The soldier who had accompanied Elisa earlier was still standing near the car outside.

“You can go, son,” ordered the colonel. “I’ll take Doctor Hunter back.”

The soldier stood to attention, saluted, and saying something into his communicator, disappeared into the shadows.

“It’s been a marvellous evening, Jack,” said Elisa as they left. She inhaled the fresh night air deeply, adding, “It’s been a long time since I spent an evening like this.” Thank you so much,” she said, with another of her wonderful smiles.

“Come on. We're not too safe standing out in the open here,” and so saying, he opened the door of the car and helped her in.

With the colonel at the wheel, the big dark car pulled away quickly, leaving an appreciable cloud of dust behind it.

“I had a good time as well. I would never have thought that an evening with a ‘presumptuous professor’ could be so much fun.”

“Presumptuous? Is that what people think?” and she turned away, pretending to be offended.

“Presumptuous, yes. But also very understanding, intelligent and definitely sexy.” Seeing that she was facing away, he took the opportunity to stroke the hair at the back of her neck.

The contact sent a series of shivers along her spine. She could not surrender so soon, she thought. But she could not help but feel a growing sense of anticipation. Not wishing to say anything, she allowed herself to enjoy this short, soothing massage. Jack, encouraged by the lack of reaction to this gesture, continued to stroke her hair for a while. Suddenly, he began to slide his hand towards her shoulder, then ran it down her arm until he gently reached her fingertips. Still facing the window, she took his hand and squeezed it firmly. It was a large, strong hand. The contact made her feel safe.

Not far away, another dark car was following the couple, its passengers trying to eavesdrop another interesting dialogue.

“I think that ten dollars is now going to end up in my pocket, old friend,” said the fatter one. “He’s taking her to the hotel, she’ll ask him up for a drink, and that will be it.”

“I hope it doesn’t end up like that, or else how are we going to copy the data on that handheld device?”

“Man. I never thought of that.”

“You never think of anything that isn't going to wind up in that bottomless stomach of yours.”

“Come on, don’t let them get too far away,” said the fat guy ignoring the provocation. “I don't want to lose the signal again.”

For a while, they remained hand in hand, without saying anything, both staring through the windscreen. The hotel was getting nearer and nearer and Jack began to feel awkward. This wasn’t the first time he had been out with a woman, but that evening he felt the shyness that had tortured him in his youth resurfacing. He had thought he’d overcome that. He felt paralysed by the prolonged contact. Perhaps he should have said something to break the embarrassing silence, but, fearing that whatever he said would ruin the magical moment, he chose to postpone this.

He was grateful for the automatic, which meant that he didn’t need to remove his hand to change gears and drive in the night.

As for Elisa, all the so-called ‘men in her life’ were starting to come into her mind, one by one. So many stories, dreams, plans, so much joy and happiness, but always ending up in disillusion, bitterness and pain. It was as though destiny had already made its decision for her. On a professional level, she had certainly led a life of satisfaction and recognition, but it seemed to be a foregone conclusion that no one would be at her side to share it. Now she was there, in a foreign country, travelling hand in hand with a man who, until that day, she had considered merely as an obstacle to her plans, but who was treating her with such tenderness and affection. More than once she asked herself what she should do.

“Is everything all right?” asked Jack, worried at seeing her eyes become increasingly damp.

“Yes. Thank you, Jack. Just a moment of sadness. It will soon pass.”

“Is it my fault?” asked the colonel anxiously. “Have I said or done something wrong?”

“No, quite the opposite,” she replied suddenly. Then, in the softest of voices, she added “Stay close to me, please.”

“It’s okay. I’m here. You don’t have to worry about anything. I’m not going to let you come to any harm, okay?”

“Thank you. Thank you so much,” said Elisa, whilst she tried to wipe away the tears that were slowly rolling down her cheeks. “You’re a real treasure.” Jack remained silent and held her hand even more firmly.

The hotel sign appeared at the end of the road. They travelled from one end to the other without a word. Eventually, the colonel slowed down and pulled up just outside the entrance. The two looked at each other intensely. For several long moments, neither dared to speak. Jack knew that it was up to him to make the first move, but Elisa beat him to it. “Now you should tell me that it’s been a lovely evening, and that it would be wonderful if I invited you up for a drink.”

“That would require a little practice,” said Jack, a little blown away by her words. “That’s how it would go if you were like all the others, but that’s not what I’m thinking.” He took a breath, and continued. “I think you’re a very special person and spending this evening together has given me a chance to get to know you better, and I've discovered many things I would never have expected to find in an ‘archaeologist’.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” she said, trying to lessen the drama a little.

“Behind that outer image of a strong and indestructible woman, I think there’s a tender, frightened puppy. You're a delightful person, with a sensitive nature.” Perhaps he would later regret what he was about to say, but he took courage, and went on. “Frankly, I have no interest in one night of sex that would then be filed away, as pointless as many others, leaving me feeling nothing other than an immense emptiness. I need more from you. I confess I’ve always liked you.” Now he could no longer stop himself. He took her hands in his own and, squeezing them, continued. “Since the first time we met in my office, I’ve known that you were something special. At first, I was attracted to your beauty, but then your voice, the way you spoke to me, the way you moved, the way you walked, your smile...” He paused for a moment, then added “I’ve been bewitched by your charm. You’ve stolen my heart. I didn’t know how I would live without you any longer, and this evening hasn’t changed my mind.”

Elisa, who was not expecting a declaration of this kind, was speechless for a moment. Then slowly, without looking into his eyes, she drew close to him. She hesitated for an instant, then kissed him.

It was a long and lingering kiss. Emotions, both old and new, were resurfacing in both or them. Suddenly Elisa pulled away. Staying only a few centimetres away from him, she said “Thank you for your kind words, Jack. I wouldn’t have wanted our meeting to end up as a sleazy night of sex either. This evening has given me the chance to find out more about you, and to appreciate what kind of man you are. I would never have thought that behind that severe “colonel” there was a tender and sensitive person. I must confess that I haven’t felt my heart beating so fast for a long time. I know I’m not a girl any more, but I wouldn’t like to ruin everything by making you come up with me now.” She paused for a long time, then said “I’d really like to see you again.”

Kissing him again, she got out of the car and ran into the hotel. She was worried that if she turned back she would not be able to keep her word.

Jack watched her until she disappeared beyond the revolving door of the hotel. He remained there, immobile, watching the doors windmilling around until they came to a complete stop. Then, casting a last glance at the flickering hotel sign, he stepped on the accelerator and, with a sharp squeal of the tyres, he vanished into the darkness.

The two shady characters who had been watching the couple parked at the back of the hotel and took great care not to be seen. From this vantage point they were able to see Elisa’s room. After not even a minute, a light went on.

“She's gone inside, and she’s alone,” said the fat man.

The thinner one was quick to remind the other that he’d lost the bet. “Time to cough up, my dear friend,” he said, rubbing his fingers together in that gesture that meant he was ready to be paid.

“Well, everything went as I expected until now,” replied the fat one. “Our dear colonel seems to have developed a crush.”

“Yeah, and she seemed quite forward herself.”

“A nice little couple,” remarked the fatter guy, with his usual laughter. “Now all we have to do is wait for the chick to go to bed, then we’ll go in and copy all her data.” Getting out of the car, he added, “in the meantime I’ll get the equipment ready. You keep checking to see if she’s switched the light off.”

Elisa was tormented by the thousands of things on her mind. Had she done the right thing, letting him go like that? How had he taken it? Would he really want to see her again? In the end, though, it had been he who had suggested that they postpone. He had given an undeniably convincing show of being serious. He had seemed quite sincere in the way he had expressed himself in such a touching way. Was this merely a strategy to make her fall into a skilfully woven net? Something that would lead to another amorous disappointment, more pain, further suffering. She decided to try and take her mind off it for now. Her main objective for the evening, however, had met with success: the colonel had granted a further two weeks for completion of her research. The rest of it remained to be seen, and by now she had learned not to be under too many illusions. She could not permit herself to make another blunder. This time she wouldn’t recover.

Slipping off her clothes, she threw herself onto the bed. The alcohol had clouded her thoughts somewhat. Her only priority now was to get a good night's rest. She switched off the light and instantly fell asleep.

In the meantime, Jack was driving back to the base, thinking more or less the same things. Had she been deluding him? Would she really want to see him again? Despite these doubts, he felt sure that he had made a good impression by passing up the chance to go to bed with her in such a noble fashion. Few others would have done so, and he was certain that she would have greatly appreciated this. In the end, if there was going to be something between them, they had all the time in the world to be together. A day or so more would not make any difference.

“She’s switched off the light,” said the thin man in a low voice, as if frightened to wake her. He took hold of a large travelling bag. “We can go in.”

Moving cautiously, the pair made their way towards the hall of the house attached to the hotel in which they had rented a room.

“We absolutely have to do this now,” said the fat one. “She takes that damn handheld device everywhere, as if it were her underwear. The only time we’re going to get hold of it is when she’s asleep.”

They crept slowly up the stairs, taking care not to make any noise. One click of the lock and the door opened with a creak. The room was full of boxes, cartons and equipment of all kinds. It had the look of an abandoned storeroom. One wall lamp, soiled with the dust of many years, lit up the surroundings dimly.

“We’ll get in by climbing over the partition between our balcony and hers,” said the fatter of the two.

“WE will get in? You mean I will get in,” exclaimed the other. “How do you imagine you’re going to climb over to the other side with all that extra flesh you’re carrying?”

“Perhaps you’re underestimating my athletic prowess?”

“No, I can imagine. I wouldn’t want to think about it,” replied his thinner colleague sarcastically. “Stop talking bullshit and pass me that rope. If I slip, at least try to hold on. I don’t want to die splattered over the pavement of this seedy town.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got you.” He wound the rope around his waist and wrapped it once around the handrail of the fence as well. “Here. Take this,” he added, passing him a small dart gun with laser pointer. “One pinprick of this stuff and our young lady will be sleeping like a baby all night. The needle is so tiny that, at the worst, she’ll just think she’s been stung by a mosquito.”

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