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South of Bikini: Onward Episode 5 "New Beginnings and Conspiracy" 1355hrs, Flagstaff, Arizona, July 12th, 2028 "Miss Alexandra?" Sarah called to me as Corrine, Mina, and Jamie joined me at my side. "Ya Hun?" Instead of answering, she and Liz rushed me and wrapped their arms around me. Both girls remained silent, though I could feel quaking and heard muted sniffling from both teenagers. "Y'all would think they were never gonna to see you ever again, Empress!" Alex Covington said as she shook her head in disbelief. "How do you always get the good stuff, sis?" She asked as her voice raised an octave. I looked up from the two distraught girls to see my twin smiling at me. I winked at her and she returned the gesture. "Girls, you do know that I'm still going to be here after we leave, right?" The two pulled their faces from my shoulder and looked at me in confusion. I nodded over to Alex Covington with a smile. "Maybe you should try her shoulder for continuity. It may be a little bit older, but should feel the same nonetheless." I suggested as Alex stuck her tongue out at me momentarily. I giggled. "Empaa!" Little Lexie squealed with a happy screech. "Two!" It came out plain as day! The room fell silent- all attention was on the giggling toddler as we waited to see what else the chubby little pixie would surprise us with! "Three!" She squealed again followed by more giggling and outright laughing!" "Three?" Alex and I said at the same time. "Yes, three." My voice said from the hallway. "I'm glad I was able to arrive in time for such a monumental occasion." Immediately everyone in the room, save three, fell to one knee! "Welcome Empress! It is 1425hrs July 12th, 2028!" We greeted in harmony. "What'd I say to y'all about that?" She growled and glared at us- especially Alex Covington and I! "Its fun, sis!" I laughed as I stood first and approached to embrace her. The familiar tingle greeted us. "Y'all sure I ain't dead, Samantha?" A male voice said from behind me. "I told you, Jarrod, she's the Empress. She can do things like this." Sam laughed. I could imagine her shaking her head behind me. "Jack, I think your ride's here." I said over my shoulder then looked back to my newly arrived twin. She nodded once. "Though not exactly from the same time, I assume?" I said quietly. "'54, sis. I just got Sam weened last month." She whispered her reply. "I sort of couldn't come right back for Jack as you can imagine." She smiled tentatively. "No, sis, not really." I giggled at her discomfort. My newly arrived twin and I stared at each other for a few long minutes. Talk about your ultimate dead draw! "I'm absolutely impossible!" She raised her voice and her hands to the ceiling in angry defeat. "How do I stand myself sometimes?" She complained as her eyes locked on another target. Alexandra Fleming stomped past me and stopped before Sam's beau-to-be. "Y'all got somethin' ta say 'bout me bein' here thrice, young reb?" She growled as she gave the young man the patented Demmit stare. Everyone in the now quiet room heard the boy gulp! "No, ma'am...ah mean no, Empress!" He gulped a second time. Sweat appeared from his forehead and began to trickle down the sides of his face. "Good! You'll do!" She continued glaring at him. "Ma'a...Empress?" He swallowed hard a third time. "Promise me y'all won't take shit from him, Sammy!" Alex Fleming's eyes moved quickly from her target for a brief second. "Yes, momma." Samantha replied meekly. "That's mah girl!" Alex Fleming said as she looked back to Jarrod Mitchell. "If ah get another call from her Aunt Brie, ah'll have ya back in that poor s'cuse of a hospital f'sure! We understand each other, boy?" She growled. I had never heard myself so angry! 'I've heard you sound like this before, Alex!' Jack's voice said in my head. 'JACK!' I thought back. Alex Fleming turned and pointed a finger to our Ex-O. "Don't!" She shook her finger, her anger burned furiously in her eyes. "Mah breasts er still hurtin' an ah'm in no mood, Jack!" She glared at her for a moment. "Y'all ready or no?" "Aye Cap." Jack timidly answered with some confusion as to my twin's angry disposition. At first I had no idea, but recall of my memories from the time period provided cause. Alex Fleming thrust her hand out and grabbed Joss'. A slight sweet smell wafted into the air around us. I hoped Jacki could handle her twin! "Alex. Ma'am, you're doing it again." Jacki said in an even voice. My twin's face went red with embarrassment as she realized Jack was right. "I'm sorry, y'all." She apologized to us just above a whisper. The sweet smell of ozone dissipated quickly as Joss powered down and stepped away from my sister. "I understand, Empress." I commiserated, lowering my eyes to the floor. "So do I, Empress." Alex Covington added. We both put an arm around her and hugged tightly. Again the tingle felt reassuring. "Empaa!" Little Lexie screamed, her tone none too happy! The child reached out to our newly arrived Empress as far as her little arms would allow. Alex Fleming's face melted immediately. "Of course, my little pixie! Come to Aunt Alex." She said crouching down with her arms in front of her. Carroll helped the little toddler down, supporting her until she stabilized on her own two feet. The girl made a beeline to our grumpy twin. Alex Fleming smiled, caught the child, and scooped her up into a hug. Young Lexie wrapped her arms around my twin's neck and giggled uncontrollably! "Must be you, sis!" I giggled to Alex Covington. "Sure y'all ain't twin sisters, cause that's how ya'll act!" Mitchell observed. "Nope they are one in the same, Jarrod." Sam told him. "That one's my present mom," she pointed to Alex Covington. "That one's from 1944." She pointed to me. "The grouchy one is from 1953 or '54- shortly after I was born." "Protective of her pup...that explains things." Mitchell said absentmindedly. Sam looked at the young man in amazement. "I never thought about it that way, Jarrod." She admitted. "Maybe there is hope for you after all." "I jest wish ah knew what ah did ta piss 'er off?" He said looking back to the three of us cautiously. "Alex, don't worry. I'll watch him like a hawk, but he has to make that mistake you know! They grow closer together because of it." Alex Covington told our twin. "Just following the script, sis. Eat yer heart out, Hepburn!" Alex Fleming giggled. "Honey, Aunt Alex has to give you back now, sweetie." Alex told the cherub still clinging around her neck. Carroll came over and retrieved her daughter. "Girl's as smart as her ma, Carroll." "Thanks, skip." "Empaa! Empaa!" Lexie's fingers again reached out- for Alex Covington this time. Carroll happily handed her over. "See, sis? She does like you!" Alex Fleming and I giggled. Carroll and the rest of my sisters joined in. "Well, I'd like to get back to my own girls now. Jack, are you ready?" "Aye, ma'am. Ready when you are. Empress, thank you for the adventure and the second chance. I now know that Mrs. Lincoln was an extraordinary woman." "The pleasure was all mine, Jack. You know I always enjoy our travels together. Good luck on Terra." I looked to Alex Fleming. "Both of you." "Take care of Sandy, Alex." Alex Covington told her with a sad smile. "Thank you, my sisters." Alex Fleming's face turned sad also. "Until another time, Empresses." She said taking Jack's offered hand. "Until another time, Empress." Everyone in the room chorused. This time the three newest people in the room joined in. Alex Fleming and Jacquelyn Cummins vanished. "Bah, bah, Empaa!" Carroll's daughter laughed excitedly as she clapped her chubby little hands together repeatedly. "I think it's time for us to leave too, Alex." I looked to my future twin sadly. "Thanks again, Alex." She said to me with a tear forming in her eyes. "For what, sis?" I replied in confusion. "For what." She looked at me in disbelief. "For bringing all my children home, sis- like you didn't know!" She glanced at Sarah, Liz, and Jarrod in turn. "I'm sorry it was so hard on us, sis. It had to be done though. Like it or not, it had to be done." "I know- didn't make it any easier though." I looked over to Corrine, Mina, Emily, and Jamie. "Ready to rejoin the war, ladies?" "Wait, Miss Alexandra! I wish to address Miss Corrine once more, please." Sarah interrupted. I motioned to Corrine. "Miss Corrine, thank you for healing my wounds and my pain, ma'am." She wrapped her arms around Corrine and kissed her cheek. Sarah stepped back and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Miss Mina." Sarah repeated her goodbyes to Mina, Emily, Jamie and I. Liz did likewise. "Until another time, my sisters." I said to everyone as Jamie, Mina, Emily, Corrine, and I joined hands. "Until another time, Empress!" The rest chorused. The cramped Con of Sand Dollar replaced Emily's spacious living room. "Welcome back, Alex, nothing to report in the five minutes since you left. Oh, I forgot." Jack informed me before cautiously dropping to one knee. "Welcome back, Empress. It is 2337hrs, May 18th, 1944." She exclaimed with a wicked smile. "Is everything resolved now, Alex?" She glanced up to Mina momentarily. "Everything is..." "Everything is as it should be, Jacquelyn, though I expected my daughters would be here." Mina interrupted me. "Highness, there is only so much room in a Balao class boat; look behind you." I pointed back to the galley. "Momma!" Nina shouted as she hurried forward, her sisters following close behind. I smiled as I brought my HUD online and selected my regulars. 0730 hours, Atlantis-Minor Base, June 27th, 1944 'Empress Headquarters calling Alexandra, Empress of Time and Space! Agent Brianna here!' "What?" I mumbled as I stirred and turned over, comfy in my own bed for the first time in almost five weeks. 'Empress Headquarters calling Alexandra, Empress of Time and Space! Agent Brianna here!' "Not now, Jack. Just let me sleep a while longer." I mumbled again as I stretched my legs and pointed my toes to their limits. 'Empress Headquarters calling Alexandra, Empress of Time and Space! Brianna calling!' "She's not here. Call back later." I mumbled as I reached for my alarm clock and vowed to beat the life out of it. "ALEX, Y'ALL GET THAT LAZY ASS A'YERS OUTTA THAT BED! WE GOT US A JOB!" I sat straight up! "Brie?" I asked looking around in confusion. "No, It's Marlene Dietrich! Who y'all think it would be talkin' to ya like this? Wake up, Alex!" "When are you, sis?" "April 10th, 2010, Alex." "Where am I, Brie?" I asked, wondering why my sister had contacted me instead of me in her time. "I would guess by the level of stress in your voice, mid 1944. Am I close?" "You're right on the money, sis, but that's not what I meant. Where am I in 2010? Y'all gonna be blonde all yer life, Brie?" "Hey, sis, I'm just as blonde as you, remember? As far as where my Alex is...well...she's laid up for awhile and can't travel. Check her memories for this year and you'll understand." "Don't have to, Brie. Ah'm carryin' Alexander, right?" "You're just about ta pop, sis. Her an' Brandon's at the hospital as we speak. Emily an Spencer's stuck in traff...aw hell, Alex, y'all give me a migraine! Can we get down ta biz'nis?" Brie sounded really flustered. "Sure Brie, I'll be right there. Care to send me a location to transit to?" I acknowledged as I worked up the nerve to climb out from under my warm, comfortable, luxurious, sheets. "That's my house in 2010, Alex." She said as an image of a conservatively decorated room entered my mind. My light blue silk nightgown changed to my dress whites. "Sis, you better bring Randi Van Pelt and Jack, and before y'all ask, Jack's on Terra helping Alexandra with a slight problem and Randi's busy preparing for this year's DARPA race." "Okay, gotcha, Brie. We'll be there in a few minutes. See ya then. Empress out!" "Cute, Alex. Cute." Brianna replied before she cut her transmission. I figured I had just enough time to wash up and throw on some war paint before Jack walked through the door. 'Could I maybe have time to shower, Jack?' I thought to her. 'What was that Alex? I'm in the shower.' She replied. 'Take your time.' 'Aye, Cap.' I rolled my eyes as I started the water and began to undress. 1300 hours, Brianna and Charles Mason Residence, Springfield, Mo., June 27th, 2010 "Nice place, sis." I said as we rephased in my sister's living room. "Thanks, Alex. Hi Jack, hi Randi." Brianna dropped to one knee. "Welcome to Springfield, Missouri. The year is 2010 and it's 1300hrs, Empress." My sister giggled. "Not you too?" I rubbed my face in frustration. A well-built, middle-age man, six-two, salt and pepper brown hair, wearing faded jeans and a black 'T' shirt with 'Coors' and something about a silver bullet written on the front, walked into the room. "Hey, Alex, Jacki, Randi. Nice to see you guys again. What's the occasion?" He said as he walked over and hugged each of us. "Honey, remember when I told y'all that Alex sees things a tiny bit different then the rest of us?" Brianna asked the man- or was it a hint? "Oh, I'm sorry." He quickly stuttered out. "I'm Brianna's second husband, Charles Wesley Mason III. Welcome to our home, Alexandra, Empress of Time and Space." "Give it a rest, Chuck. I have my future twin's memories and remember you quite well. Still, it's a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Mason." I said as I shook his hand. "Lt. Cmdr. Jacquelyn Cummins, Lieutenant Randi Van Pelt, as you heard, this is my sister Brianna's husband, Charles." Jack and Randi in turn shook his offered hand. "Ladies, I gotta tell ya; I love those old Naval uniforms. I wish Brie would wear her's more often, ya know?" "Charles, they don't need ta hear that, now do they? I promise you'll see me in it later tonight and again when I return home." Chuck Mason smiled brightly. "So where you ladies off to this time or is it 'FYEO'?" He asked casually. "I was just going to ask Brie about that, Chuck. Brie?" I deferred to her as the four of us set our attention to my sister. "I'm not sure how I can define this one, Alex." She took a small device from the glass topped wooden coffee table and pressed a button on it. The large screen television in the corner of the room came to life. A man and a woman dressed in above average clothing were having a heated discussion about a man named Victor in a lavishly appointed living room. "Sorry, I forgot that channel was still on." Brie blushed as she changed the channel. A screen displaying a map of the United States appeared. On it meteorological symbols indicated the weather for the day. "Let's see what else is on." Randi said as she touched her thumb and forefinger together gently as if clicking an invisible remote's button. The television's screen began sequencing through the available channels. The screen stopped on a channel that was playing Navy file footage from the war and narrarated by a British gentleman. "The battle group under the command of Admiral Chester Nimitz..." "Nah, too recent! Moving on." Randi sighed and began to push her invisible button once more. "Randi, could y'all please stop that an' listen to what I'm sayin' fer a while?" Brie asked through clinched teeth. "Sorrrrry! There isn't much for me to talk to on Atlantis-Minor you know! I've already beaten the Grotto field generator's controller thirty out of fifty times at chess since we got back from our last patrol." "Randi, it's only been eight hours since we tied up." I reminded her. "Feels more like eight weeks, Skip!" She shot back. "Can ah please continue?" Brie interrupted in an annoyed voice. Quiet laughing could be heard from the seat Chuck had taken. There the man sat, hand over his mouth, eyes closed tightly, unsuccessfully holding back his snickering. Four pairs of agitated eyes glared at him until he took notice, opened his eyes and stopped. "I'm sorry!" He snorted. "This family," he snorted again, "This family has got to be the craziest ever! If only the networks could get you to make a reality series! The Kardashian's got nothing on you gals!" "Charles?" "Ya, sweetheart?" "Don't you have the lawn to cut?" "Sorry, sweetheart, but I finished that yesterday. Tell ya what though- I could use a beer! Alex, Jacki, Randi, you want one?" "Sure, Chuck, we'll all have one, thanks." I answered for us. "None for me thanks, dear." Brie declined with a tense smile. Chuck Mason walked out of the room and into what I think was the kitchen. "You're in luck I have just enough." He announced from the other room just before a click and loud hissing sound. "AHHHHH! Jacki Cummins! Why'd you have to do that! Now I have to go down to the store and get more!" Chuck Mason complained. He walked back into the living room wiping his face and shirt with a paper towel. "Okay, I get the point! I'll leave you four alone to talk shop. If you think of anything else we need from the store just call, I've got my cell with me." He leaned over, kissed my sister then headed for the door, but stopped and turned around. "You girls still want a beer, right?" He looked at us confidently. "Yes, Charles, we still would like a drink." I answered and motioned him off with my fingers. "Good. Be back in a couple." He said as he headed out the door. "He means well and I love him to pieces." Brie blushed."So, can I get through this briefing without more interruptions?" "We've been waiting, sis." I smiled deviously. "Sometimes I question why I ever took your hand that morning, Alex!" She stared at me a moment. "Anyway, I was watching this Conspiracy Theory-slash-documentary on the History Channel the other night. Actually, it was the second time I had seen this episode. A half hour after it was over I got this anonymous email massage on Reilly's Comm network- here." Brie brought up the message and handed me her customized cell phone. Consp. Theory? May b : ) Have ev. Linkg 2 reilly rs. May involv emprs. U chk? Kecksburg pa 1965 2 strt. I was confused as I read the strange text. Brie corrected my pronunciation and Randi translated it into English for us 'illiterates'. "I don't get it. What conspiracy? Where is Kecksburg, Brie?" Jack asked in confusion. "I want to know who found out about Reilly? You think it could just be coincidence, sis?" I asked. "It mentioned the Empress, though, Alex!" She answered with concern. "Randi, see if you can backtrack that communiqu?. I'm hoping one of our sisters is playing an April fools day prank on you, sis." "Already on it, Skip!" Randi beamed with excitement. "In the meantime I've done a little snooping, Alex. As luck would have it, I recorded the episode I watched that night." Brie said as she picked up another remote control. "Here, I'll get it, Brie." Randi said with her eyes closed. The television went black for a moment as we heard a motor quietly run up to speed then stop. A scrambled picture appeared on the screen but cleared and focused immediately. We watched the well-presented documentary to its full two-hour length. "Sorry for all the commercials. These days there seem to be more ads than actual material." Brie apologized. "Anyone want another beer?" Chuck asked from his recliner. He had returned a half hour into the program and quietly handed each of us a cold, aluminum can, then taken his seat and watched with us. "Thanks, Chuck, but two's my limit. I have to drive tonight." I gracefully declined his offer. "So, whatcha think- it one of ours, Alex?" He asked after returning from the kitchen with a refill for himself. "One of ours?" I questioned, staring at him from my position across the room on the Davenport. "You know, one of Reilly's shuttle pods. It was an orbiting outpost before you moved it to this universe, right?" He theorized. "Chuck, have you ever been to Reilly?" I asked candidly. "A few times, why?" "Have you ever seen any of these so called shuttle pods there?" "Welllll no, but that doesn't mean they aren't there." "Oh, they're there, but unless they can tunnel through seven hundred feet of volcanic rock just to get airborne, I really don't think you'll ever see one operating." I informed him. "But can't you...you know..." He blinked his eyes tightly once then wiggled his nose sideways twice. "Um...just teleport one?" "Please excuse my husband, Empress, he watched way too much TV as a child." Brianna apologized for him. I quickly accessed some future me memories. "Chuck, do I look like Barbara Eden or Elizabeth Montgomery?" "Um...kinda....only taller?" He answered timidly. He had me there as far as hair color and basic figure. Our facial structures and height did differ though- plus I had more on top than either actress. Wait! Had I just compared myself to two other women? 'Ya you did, Cap!' 'That wasn't a question I wanted an answer to, Jack!' I thought loudly back to her. 'Excuuuuse me for answering!' "What you suggest would work if I knew how to pilot them, Chuck, which I don't! Another important fact is that they haven't been touched in over four thousand-nine hundred years!" "Oh. Then who do you think it belongs to then?" "If we could get a good look at those 'mystical runes' on its exterior, we could run them through our suit translators and find out." "So where do we start, Alex?" Charles asked. "We start by trying to get a look at this thing, Chuck. You start by staying here where it's safe." I said seriously. "I thought as much! You girls get to have a dangerous adventure and ol' Chuck gets to keep the furniture warm again!" He complained sorrowfully. He certainly knew how to make me feel bad! "Chuck, you don't have a Reilly suit..." 'Ya, he does, Alex.' Jack interrupted mentally. "You haven't been on a mission befo..." 'Ya, he has, Cap.' "Jack, knock it off!" I screamed. "Sorry." "Chuck, I don't want to risk you falling into the Nazi's hands! You don't know how ruthless and cunning they are! I can't risk my sister losing you." "Hey, would y'all look at the time!" Brie started to change the subject. "I'll have dinner ready in forty-five! Hope y'all don't mind bar-b-qued steaks? Charles, ya'll wanna go an start the grill?" Brianna got up off the Davenport and escorted her man out to the kitchen. "Alex, I tracked down the initial send point of that email. It's an Internet bar in Warsaw, Poland. The sender used the business's anonymous guest logon. No way to tell who sent it exactly, though I'm trying to download surveillance camera video from around the timestamp. Whoever it was is pretty good at bouncing IP's." "And we thought Alex Reilly and her bunch talked funny!" Jack giggled. I closed my eyes and shook my head a few times. "Randi, I need to know the time, date, and location for this crash landing. Also, a time for the Military's arrival on scene." "Aye, Skip, printing it up as we speak." "Good ribs, Brie! Whose recipe?" I asked wiping my mouth for what I hoped was the final time this evening. "Ma give it to me some fifty years ago, sis. She said Grandma give it to her shortly after they was hitched. I give it to you back in '70." I turned to regard Brie's husband. "Chuck, how much do you know about us...about me?" I asked cautiously. "Enough to be scared if I got on your bad side, Empress. Why?" "I'm thinking about taking you along on the first leg of our adventure. If memory serves you were in the Army, right?" "Yes, ma'am! Retired early after the first Gulf War- as a First Louie! Why?" "How would you like to be a General? Think you could pull that off, Chuck?" "I can be as much of a bastard as they can, Alex, sure." "Good, we leave in an hour." I announced to everyone as we got up to help Brie clear the table. "Okay, I want everyone in Army greens. Chuck, you're a two star, the rest of us are first lieutenants. Ladies, tight sport bras are a necessity and our hair needs tucked under our caps. Remember that the army didn't have women serving on the front line, just in the chow hall! We get in, check things out quickly then 'port back here." I looked at the faces around me for understanding. "From the many eyewitness reports Randi found on the net, we won't be alone out there. At least a dozen civilians tracked through those woods to get a look at our target. If any military personnel should happen upon one or all of us use the cover story of General Mason ordering us to recover any fragments around the crash site. Jack will be monitoring each of us so if in trouble, give a mental call out and I'll pop in and rescue y'all. Under no circumstances are any of us to get apprehended!" I looked around again. "Okay lets get ready then." I said as I triggerd my suit to change. My chest constricted immediately and I was reminded of our last mission - five weeks ago. Carefully, I twisted my long hair, held it on top of my head, and quickly pulled on my cap as tight as possible. The end result was that we all looked like fresh privates instead of experienced lieutenants. Hopefully it would be dark enough that no one would notice. Brie pulled a small, two by three device out of her Government Issue coat pocket. She noticed me looking intently. "Just checking to make sure my camera is set for nighttime shots, Alex. Ready when you are." She said as she replaced the tiny camera back into her pocket. "Everyone join hands..." "Oh, I love this part!" Chuck interrupted. "Um...that didn't sound very commanding, Chuck." I deadpanned. "Can we get on with this, soldier? I want to get home early enough to make my morning tee-time!" He said lowering his voice an octave. "Yaaaa...don't push it that far and you should be convincing, hun!" I giggled. "Kecksburg, Pennsylvania, December 9th, 1965, coming up!" I announced before anyone else interrupted. 1620 hours, Outside of Kecksburg, PA., December 9th, 1965 "You think we got here early enough, Alex?" Jack asked for the twentieth time since arriving. "Are we there yet?" Brianna mocked in a nasally, child's voice. We had been holding hands for about fifteen minutes waiting for it to get dark enough to rephase. "I didn't know exactly when sunset was, okay? I've never been to Western Pennsylvania before! How cold does it get in these parts in December? Anyone know?" "It's similar to winter nights back home, sis. Just think Ozark winter." "Wonderful." I said sarcastically. "Alex, from the descriptions it should descend from that direction and land somewhere down in that valley of trees. We're standing on the road shown in the documentary so we should see the whole thing as it happens" Randi briefed us. "Well, when it comes down we rejoin hands and I port us to the exact location. Remember, we get in, get pictures, and get out as quick as possible." I reminded everyone. By now the sky had darkened enough to hide our appearance. Dropping our hands, the winter evening air enveloped us. Although seeing our breath, the night chill wasn't too much to handle and we continued our vigil. A distant clap of thunder drew our attention to the bright ball of fire streaking toward us. "It's coming in awfully fast, Alex. You want me to put on some brakes?" Jack asked with concern. "Alex!" Randi suddenly cried out. "I'm picking up telemetry from it! There has to be some kind of computer onboard!" "Slow it down, Jack! Someone may be aboard!" "Aye, Cap." We looked on as the craft neared. It was hard to tell if Jack was having any success decreasing its velocity or rate of decent. "Jacki, it's not slowing down, sweetheart." Chuck Mason observed. "I can't get a good grip on the thing! I'll have to try a different tactic!" Jack admitted through clinched teeth. It was obvious she was straining to control the craft. I reached over and took her hand in mine. "I'm here if you need more power, Jack." Randi and Brie joined hands with her too- even Chuck offered a hand to his wife in support. Another crack of thunder filled the air as the craft hit the next denser layer of air. I could feel Jack drawing power from me as her hand squeezed down on mine harder. "Thanks guys, here goes nothing!" Her voice was strained and raspy. To our relief the object visibly slowed and appeared to make a slight right-hand turn. Within seconds it dropped into the forest below us with the loud crackling of trees snapping before it finally contacted the ground. "Hold tight, everyone, here we go." The ground shook slightly as I gave the order. I thought I heard what sounded like a woman's scream from the crash site down in the hollow! Before us sat what could only be called a small spacecraft. Trees crippled in its path burned quietly, set afire by the extreme heat of re-entry. Bushes and small trees crackled as the craft's glowing exterior sparked small fires all around us. "Jack, can you effectively deflect some of that heat away from us?" "Done, Alex. You can rephase us." She said, her voice already sounding better than before. I immediately rephased us. "Brie, get that camera working." "Alex, I'm still getting telemetry from this thing! It seems to be some kind of repeating code- could be some kind of tracking signal." Randi exclaimed as she ventured a step closer. "Randi, your almost out of my shield range, be careful!" Jack advised her. "I need to get pictures of every side of this thing, Jack!" Brianna said after taking a few flash pictures. We all moved closer to Jack and began walking around the still red-hot craft. "I don't see any door or access to the interior, Alex. Maybe it's some kind of probe?" Brie said as she snapped a few more photographs- the flash intermittently lighting the brush and trees around us in bluish- white light. "Is anyone down there?" A faint voice called through the trees. "Time to leave, y'all!" I whispered as everyone joined hands again. The change in light level between the dimly lit crash site and Brie's living room made us all shield our eyes after I rephased us there. "Brie, we need those photographs as soon as! Randi, can you transfer that signal to Brie's computer for analysis, or do you need access to Kili's AI?" "I'll save the files to her computer, Alex. I can sort through them from here." "Alex, I can bring these images up on our computer after Randi's done downloading." Brie informed me. I had forgotten the capabilities available in this time period. "Randi, don't forget your file compression options are far more limited here than on Kili! I don't want the files too big or not readable at all for the hard drive or processor- it's only an I-7 with two 'T' of space!" "Not gonna be a problem, Brie, I do zip files! I'll upload any signal processing software I need from Kili, but I think I have everything I need up here." She tapped her head as the Mason's computer flashed to life. "That's the fastest I've ever seen that thing boot up, Randi! How'd you do that?" "It likes me, Chuck." Her reply was simple, concise, and typical Randi Van Pelt! "Alex, here's the first of the pictures." Brie said pointing to the screen after Randi had finished her downloading. "Can you zoom in on it a little while I bring up my HUD, sis?" "Sure, Alex." Randi answered as the image of the so-called 'runes' became larger on the screen. "Kind of looks like hieroglyphics to me, Alex." Jack voiced her take on the strange symbols. "Randi, scroll up a little bit...wait...stop there, hun!" I looked closely at the symbol, rune or alien character magnified on the screen. "I recognize that character! I've seen it before!" I said with a little disbelief in my voice. "You've seen it before, Alex? Where?" Brie's husband, Chuck asked. "I'll let y'all know in a moment. " I said as I brought up my Reilly suit's HUD, selected translate and zeroed in on the symbol in question. My HUD display highlighted the symbol and a sidebar appeared with different symbols running quickly from top to bottom in it. A beep sounded and the scrolling stopped on a match. Another box opened before my eyes with information about the matched symbol. "My translator says it's ancient Terran." I told everyone as I read the brief description. "That is the symbol for 'Latitude'." I continued. "Randi, can you bring up the next symbol, please?" "One second, Alex, I have to switch images. I can only get a partial of it on this one." Quickly, she brought up the next picture and enlarged the symbol in question on the screen. "Best its gonna get here, Alex." "Thanks." I said as I repeated the process on my HUD. "That one translates to 'prime'. Prime latitude." I said. My eyes grew bigger as it hit home. "Prime latitude. Prime meridian!" I gasped loudly as it all made sense. "Meridian!" I shouted. "Meridian 12!" "Meridian 12, Alex?" Brie asked in surprise. "Randi, access Kili's AI! Reference the Terran archives that Tibius brought with him to the Empresses' conference in 2028. See if you can find exterior hull images of the Meridian Deep Space Project- specifically Meridian 12!" "Aye, Skip. It'll take a little time to parse such a huge directory- there's over two hundred and seventy 'T-flops'." "How long?" I asked. "At least fifteen minutes, Skip! It's not like I'm attached to RVP right now, you know?" Randi paused a second. "Um, Skip?" "What's the matter, Randi?" "Um, this is only 2010, Alex. Those files haven't been uploaded to Reilly's AI yet." How could I forget such a pertinent detail? Maybe I should take a nice quiet vacation after this mission? "Oh...right. Better try to get a complete three-sixty of the hull markings, Randi. We'll take that to Kili and have RVP do the comparison and translation based on the information contained in my suit. Wait, you have the identical files in your suit, right, Randi? Once at Reilly we can store our suit data into a temporary, protected, directory and delete it from the system afterwards so the future remains true." How did I know that? My little friend started to show me how I knew. "Um, Cap? Your startin' to sound like Alex Reilly!" Jack informed me-, which broke my concentration on my gift-, which worked out for the best, I guess. I noticed Randi cover her mouth and yawn. Maybe I should step back and rethink things. "Randi, once we get to Reilly, upload what you have and call it a night, hun." "You got it, Skip, I'm getting kinda tired anyway." Randi admitted as she yawned again. "Chuck, I could use another beer, if you don't mind." I looked to the still stunned man. "Alex, what is this Meridian 12- for those of us not fortunate enough to attend that conference in 2028." He asked before going out to the kitchen. Returning, he handed Jack and I each a cold can and kept one. Opening the can, he sat back down, took a drink, and waited for me to relate the occasion. "In 2028 we hold the first ever Empresses' convention. In attendance are Alex Reilly, Alex Covington, my Granddaughter Alexandra, and me. The conference was crashed even before it began, though. We found out that my eight year-old Granddaughter had inadvertently transported an old nemesis, one Janelle Hathor and six of her followers, forward in time from ancient Egypt. On arrival, Hathor, who had forcibly taken control of some Terran explorers on Earth, used them to capture our preparations group." "There were Terrans here on Earth? In Egypt?" Chuck gasped as he almost choked on his drink. I looked at him. "Ya, is that so hard to believe? Chuck, yer hitched to the Empress's sister!" I calmly reminded, raising an eyebrow. "Anyway, that's where we met Anna-Beth. She had been captured and forced into this sadistic control suit that compelled her to follow Hathor's every command." I paused to take another swig of beer. "Only a joint effort by Terran and Earther healers saved the woman's life. As she recovered, Anna-Beth told us that she was one of the survivors from a Terran Deep Space mission. She was the commander of Meridian 12. The spacecraft had become caught up in an...um...gravity well from an uncharted wormhole and traveled temporally through it, ending up in ancient Egypt. I believe we may have found that craft!" "So all the conspiracy theorists were right; ancient aliens did live on Earth?" "And married into the local populations, Charles. When she was healthy enough for travel, Tibius and I took Anna-Beth back to her family- real nice people! You can't believe how far off our 'experts' were about that society! Anyway, they persuaded us to stay to watch a few calibration tests of the Giza transmitter before returning to 2028. While enroute to the control room for the transmitter, I observed a small display commemorating the arrival of Meridian 12 to Earth one hundred years before, in the building's vestibule. I recognized the symbols from the exhibit's title plate." "Giza transmitter? The Great Pyramid? Its a radio?" "More like a homing beacon, Chuck" Randi interjected. "How'd y'all know about that, Chuck? All record of that was supposedly destroyed when they burned down the library at Alexandria." I asked curiously. "There was just this documentary on cable that suggested it as one of the possible theories." Chuck answered, totally flabbergasted. "Alex, I just finished splicing all the symbols together-looks like we have three-quarters of the hull to work with. I'll start comparing them to the archives we upload at Reilly. RVP will relay them to me on completion." "Chuck," I said looking to my brother-in-law, "You and Brie look like y'all could use a tropical vacation." 1900 hours, Reilly Research Station, Kili Island, June 27th, 2028 "I think we're the only ones here, I don't remember anything important happening on the island this time of year, sis." I speculated as we walked toward my favorite airlock door. "I think you're right, Alex, unless our niece Alexandra pops in for something." "RVP has been alerted and is preparing our quarters, Alex." "Thanks, Randi. I take it that you'll be jacking in to oversee things?" "Not this time, Alex. I'd like to get some sleep tonight. I have a feeling things are going to get complicated." She replied with some reserve in her voice. "Trying to take my job away from me now, Randi? You know computers can only predict so much, right?" I jabbed. "We probably could do more if we weren't constantly covering for humans!" "Um...Randi? Um...you're still a human, hun, remember?" I smiled deviously and walked into Reilly's airlock. The place was certainly quiet. Probably because of that, the place felt different. I realized I missed the morning conversations, the friendly joking and teasing amongst my sisters, the flying plates... I stopped that thought midstream as a plate and glass of orange juice floated past. I shook my head and placed another fork of waffle into my mouth. "It only gets worse ya know." I heard Brie giggle from behind me. "Ya, sis, today a plate of sausage and home fries with a glass of orange juice- tomorrow a City class nuclear submarine." I laughed. "After that, who knows? Maybe she'll be movin' a whole research facility? Oh wait, that was me!" I forced a giggle or two. "Ha ha, Alex! I have to keep in practice, right?" Jack commented from a table away. Brianna rolled her eyes as she sat down beside me. "Sometimes I think you're as bad as she is, Alex." Chuck sat down on the other side of her. We all enjoyed a few minutes of laughter on Jack's account. "So how's Dee and Fredrick these days?" I asked finishing my waffle and picking up my coffee cup. "Dee is in between lives at the moment and Fred is teaching at Missouri State. He wants to get a few more years there then retire and restart after Randi gets a chance to realign and transfer his bank accounts." "Seems like I never get to see either of them, Brie. Sometimes I wonder if they even know who I am." "Oh they know who you are, Alex!" Chuck Mason chuckled. "Alex, those two take after their Pa. He never seemed to have time for any of us after they got older- always working or travelling for work or..." "He was cheatin' on ya, Brie, I know!" I interrupted. That's why you had both them at Ma and Pa's." "I was a na?ve, love struck child, Alex! He came onto my feminine inexperience and I was weak. I know now that he just wanted to use me; there was no love from him- only lust." Chuck put his arm around her. "But now she has me, Alex, and I swore to protect and pamper your sister as best I can, Empress!" "As long as she remains happy, Mr. Mason." I replied, giving him the patented Demmit stare. "Empress, processing has successfully terminated for the requested character recognition of the photographic compilation." RVP's voice rang out in the smaller, third level briefing room we were having breakfast in. "Thanks, RVP. Could you display on the big screen, please?" I asked pleasantly. "As you wish, Empress. External Processor #3-Omega requests master status for primary display of compiled data- please stand-by." "Ya'll wanna say that again in English, RVP?" Brianna rolled her eyes as she asked for a translation. "I simply said that Randi Van Pelt wants to present the results, Brianna Mason!" A rather incensed RVP replied. I started giggling, placing my coffee cup carefully back onto its saucer to avoid any spill. "What y'all laughin' at, sis?" "I keep forgetting that you don't visit Kili that often, Brie- sorry." I explained with a smile. "Well someone got ta watch for d'screpensies, Alex!" "An' y'all do the Empress proud, hun!" I congratulated her, touching her hand gently. "Alex, we're ready when you are, ma'am." Randi said, getting my attention. I turned toward the giant screen on the far wall. "Please proceed, Miss Van Pelt." "First, Alex, I want to thank you for telling me that we're in 2028! I wasted valuable processing time uploading files that already existed as archives! Not to mention more time running diagnostics because I thought my real-time-clock was malfunctioning!" Randi scolded. "We're in 2028, Alex?" Brie gave me an angry look. "Randi looked real tired yesterday so I figured I'd save her some time, that and I want to make sure you two," I pointed to Brie and Chuck, "get your Reilly suits upgraded. "You think things will get that..." "I just want to be precautionary, sis. Randi, please continue." "Here is the augmented compilation of photographic images taken at the 1965 crash site. Although far from complete, three-quarters of the hull has been successfully enlarged and enhanced." Randi pointed to the image as she narrated. The image changed. "This is the raw translation of the previous image. As you can see it makes no sense unless you have the Terran primer." Randi switched images. "Even then it is only partially readable. 'Meridian 12. To...understand...universe...us. If we interpolate the missing quarter, the inscription makes more sense. 'Meridian 12. To better understand the Universe around us." The image changed again. "Several symbols are unrelated and dissociated from the Ancient Terran characters, however." "Randi" I stopped her. "Correlate and translate the two on the right with the mystical rune database. I think we all know what the first symbol is." I told her, looking a bit disgusted by the sight of the stylized swastika. "Alex, those three look as if chiseled or etched in later." Chuck observed. "Running depth variation algorithm for age differential of suspected characters." RVP and Randi announced simultaneously. I noticed Randi had become stationary with her eyes closed. Apparently there was some extreme processing going on. Randi's eyes fluttered back open and she quickly tilted her head slightly as if to crack her neck. "Good eye, Charles. The three symbols in question were added approximately four thousand years after the original inscription as indicated by the crude grind marks on them. Apparently the Germans did not possess the technology to successfully engrave this alloy." "The Germans?" He asked back. "Yes, Charles, as you know, the symbol of the National Socialist Party of Germany is the first character in the added sequence. The other two roughly translate to: 'The future is ours.' Of course we know better now, right Alex?" "Right, Alex?" She asked again. "Randi, I want our Reilly suits loaded with the new and ancient Terran translator, both symbols and language if not already found- include in the download all German dialects, Polish, and Czech!" I ordered. "Alex, don't you want to know about the telemetry?" Randi asked, somewhat desperately. "Is it relevant?" "Alex, it translates out to: 'I pray the Empress of Space and Time finds this and rescues us from damnation.' It's a prayer...to you Alex! It's Anna-Beth's voice! How could she know you even existed that far back, ma'am?" Randi asked in confusion. "Is that all it says, Miss Van Pelt?" I asked as my mind went into high gear. "It just gives heading and galactic coordinates of the original crash site, Skip." "Galactic coordinates, Randi?" Chuck Mason asked in confusion. "Earth's position in the Milky Way Galaxy, Chuck." I answered. "In essence it tells any would be rescuers how to find them. If reversed, it could tell someone how to find Terra." "And Adolph Hitler has obviously found Meridian 12." He stated matter- of-factly. "And he has the means of finding Terra too. If he can get Meridian 12 flying again." "Won't the Terrans detect his plan from the crew he sends, Alex? Look how they treated us on our arrival." Jack asked. "What if the Nazis had a trump card to play, Jack?" I shot back. "They have a Terran on the payroll, Cap?" "What if they decoded the message, Jack? What if they actually believe in the Empress and want to use her to..." "IT'S A TRAP!" Brie's husband said in a strange, deep, mush-mouthed, voice. My sister's hand met the back of Chuck's head with a gentle slap. "Sorry, hun, I couldn't resist! It was just there!" "It should have stayed there, Charles! Alex has no idea what Star Wars is! Nor do Randi or Jack!" Brie scolded her husband. "I got it, Brie. Revenge of the Jedi, the third original movie." I told her flatly. "I even know how the final Harry Potter movies turn out, thanks to Alex of 2028!" I giggled. Brie gave her husband an angry stare. "Don't you even think about it, Charles!" "Wha?" "Just don't!" She threatened. "You do know that you could ask my sister how things turn out for the young wizard! She can see the future too, ya know!" "Alex! Don't encourage him!" "Cap, I agree with Chuck! Since they love mystical items and hold magical icons sacred, wouldn't you fall right at the top of things to acquire to dominate the world?" Jack theorized. "I'm not a thing, Jack!" "To them you are, Alex. Just like Anna-Beth was to Janelle Hathor! Just another piece of hardware they can exploit to conquer their enemies." She explained her expression dead serious. "Okay, so it's a trap. We go back to early 1945 Poland- to this Wenceslas Mine. How could they possibly have anything that could hold the Empress? Or either one of you for that matter?" I looked toward Jack and Randi. "Alex, I'm as good as human back there! Remember, no computers, no amazing Randi!" She had a point, but I still needed her to talk to Meridian.. "Alex, what if they do have one or two Terrans working for them? What if they do have a way to negate our gifts?" Jack urged. "You have to go back, don't you Alex?" My brother-in-law asked. "That's why Meridian crashed in 1965 Kecksburg. You stole it from the Germans, didn't you?" Was Chuck Mason actually right? It certainly sounded like something I would do. I started reviewing my recollections of the crash we witnessed back in 1965. We had gotten to the site just seconds after it came to rest in the shallow gully. In the whole time we were there nothing stirred or tried escaping the craft. If I had stolen the ship wouldn't I have quickly exited and ported someplace else to avoid detection? What about the woman's scream I heard just before we jumped to the site from the road above? It was definitely mentioned in at least one eyewitness account. "Randi, my order stands!" "Alex, what is the plan?" Chuck Mason asked. "While Randi makes the necessary additions to our Reilly suits, I'm going to read up on the Empress as related to Homeworld and Terran legends. The more I know about 'my' stories, the better I can present myself as that legend." "You're going to try to impersonate yourself, Alex?" Jack asked in confusion. I didn't answer. "We leave for Poland after I finish my research and return with the last member of our party- once we get her suited up! I'll return in a few seconds. 1000 hours, Pearl Harbor Naval Station, June 27th, 2028 The bright sunlit exterior of CINCPAC headquarters, Pearl Harbor replaced Reilly's briefing room. Before rephasing, I changed my uniform to twenty-first century dress whites and exchanged my silver cluster for two stars. I also changed my nameplate. Looking around cautiously, I rephased when the coast was clear. Walking along through the base in this time was much different than in 1944, not only because of the newer designs and exotic looking craft, but because some of the buildings had changed. I found my way to Hospital Point blocked by a newer looking block building and a paved parking lot! I quickly recalculated my route. Where had I heard that phrase before- 'recalculate my route'? Seemed like a silly thing to say or think. Strange. "Rear Admiral Covington!" A familiar voice called to me as I passed the Officers Club. I stopped and turned around as Julia Masterson quickened her pace to catch up. "Alex, I thought you were in Indonesia helping with the Earthquake relief?" "Oh, hi Jules. No, I'm still there. I'm here to collect the last member of my team." I told her cryptically. "Alex....um...Steinert? Why are you out of rank, Alex?" Jules looked surprised. "I'm not supposed to be here, Jules. I need to find Peyton and get back to Kili. You wouldn't know if she's still in the hospital would you?" "Peyton? Peyton who, Alex?" Jules looked at me curiously. "Peyton Treibche. She's been a member of Detroit's crew for the last three years." "Alex, I know every member of my crew and that name rings no bells." "Okay then where is Peonie? She would know who I'm talkin' 'bout." "Peonie went into Honolulu with Dom. I haven't seen either of them since I dismissed the crew for shore leave." "Is Vernon still on base then?" "Sure, I just left him at the O.C., come on." "Captain Reynolds, look who I found wondering the base?" Jules said as we approached Vernon Reynold's table. He was busy playing a smaller version of some hologame and hadn't seen us coming. "Who is it Jules- another stay ensign with designs on my marital status?" He looked away from his game quickly then jumped to attention. "Admiral on deck!" He shouted. Everyone in the place jumped to attention! "Rr. Adm. Covington, ma'am! I had no idea you were even on base!" "At ease, everyone!" I said loudly to everyone with a slight smile. I looked to Vern and lowered my voice. "I'm not really here. I just stopped by to get Peyton. You wouldn't know where she is, do you?" "She was still at the hospital this morning, Alex. She should still be there. I think they were going to release her in the morning. Why?" He looked closely into my eyes. "Why haven't I heard of this Peyton person, Vern?" Julia asked. "Let's go for a walk, you two." I suggested. Vern pushed an unseen button to turn off his game and folded the thing in two. He put the game back into his leather satchel and motioned for us to follow. "Why can't I remember this Peyton woman and you can, Vernon Reynolds?" Julia sounded angry. I raised my hand to quell the brewing confrontation. "Peyton Treibche is an ancient Terran that came here to depose Janelle Hathor, Jules!" I looked to her as I spoke. "Peyton has the ability to impose herself into people's memory so that it appears she is familiar and known. Apparently her illness has disabled her gift. Vernon is not affected by Peyton's gift and therefore remembers her." Julia glared at her Captain. "Why didn't you tell me? As first officer, I am responsible for every member of our crew, Vern!" "I didn't know she was doing that until Alex told me, Jules! I thought she told you too!" Vernon Reynolds then glared at me. "Hey, I had no idea who Alex told! I didn't even see her that morning before we shoved off from Kili! I don't even remember much after I got Sand Dollar back to 1944! So don't glare at me, Mr. Reynolds!" I glared back. "Alex Steinert?" "In the flesh!" "What are you doing in that uniform; don't you know you could be court marshaled?" "It can't be helped! I'm on a high priority mission, you two! I need to find Peyton and get back to 2010!" "She was pretty bad for a couple of days, Alex. That is, until you and Aunt Emily showed up with the vaccine. What mission are you on? I don't remember any from 2010?" "I know how sick she was. I had it too. Emily and Alex came back after I had fought off that nasty thing." I paused, debating how much they should be told. "Brie contacted me yesterday- 27, June, 1944- with a special request that I check out a questionable crash site in Western Pennsylvania. She thinks it might tie into a secret Nazi Wonder Weapon. I can't say anything else though. I need to ask Peyton if she would like to help. We could use her gift." Jules and I studied the Third Reich and are pretty knowledgeable on the topic, Alex, plus we have a few days off if you want us to come along." "I'm afraid not Vern. Brie, Jack, and Randi are the only ones coming with me on this mission. I'll be surprised if Brie's Chuck doesn't give me a hard time about being left behind!" "Charles Mason? Empress, Charles Mason is the man you want if you're going into Nazi Germany! He's fluent in German, Polish and I believe, Czechoslovakian! The man is very well read on the SS and Gestapo!" "I appreciate the dossier, Vern. I'll consider him if Brie agrees. Let's go find Peyton." "This way, Admiral." Vernon Reynolds smiled. Admiral...I liked the sound of that. I could get used to the respect of this rank! The constant saluting though was getting old. "Here's her room, Admiral." Vernon said as we stopped at the room's door. He raised a finger for Jules and I to wait outside a minute. "Peyton, how are you feeling today?" We heard him ask. "Oh, Captain Reynolds! I wasn't expecting to see you until tomorrow at the boat. The doctors are to release me just in time for muster." "Peyton, someone is here to see you. Are you ready for company?" "Captain Reynolds, if I stay in this confined cubical any longer I shall commit myself to the heavens!" The girl laughed nervously, as did Vernon. "Well don't do that quite yet, my dear, I think your talents may be requested. Come on in." "Empress!" Peyton practically leapt from her bed towards me. "Empress, I am so sorry that I have sickened you! I had no idea that the evil Hathor had used me as a pawn in your demise!" "Ease up, Ensign! This could be taken as assaulting a superior!" "But you are Commander Steinert, are you not?" She looked at me quizzically. "You sure you're ready to leave here, Ensign? I see two stars, not a cluster." Vern asked the girl with a look of concern. He put a finger to his mouth to quiet the girl. Julia Masterson hadn't said a word since we entered. She too looked concerned, but for a different reason. "I'm sorry Miss Masterson! I had no intention of deceiving you! I took ill just after we departed Kili Island and could not retract my influence normally. As a result you forgot about me, as has the rest of our crew." Peyton looked sadly to the floor as she apologized. "I'm just disappointed that my CO couldn't be bothered to inform me of your presence, Peyton. We grew up together- like brother and sister- I thought we kept no secrets!" "Look you two, I really need to ask Peyton if she would like to help me on this one, so if y'all wouldn't mind taking this little disagreement outside?" I told the two. I didn't want to risk being seen in two places at once. "You need me? The Empress of Time and Space requests my assistance?" Peyton's hands went to her face in sheer jubilation. "It would honor both me and my family to assist you any way I can, Empress!" "Fine, I take that as a yes, Ensign. Y'all stay right here. I'll be back in a moment." Walking out of the room, I found the nearest nurses station. "I'd like to speak to the physician attending Ensign Treibche?" "Yes ma'am if you would like to make an appoint..." The lieutenant stopped mid sentence as she looked up and saw my rank. "Admiral!" She stood to attention. "Sorry, ma'am I didn't know you were here!" She quickly turned off her reading tablet and touched her tiny headset. "I'll get him here immediately, ma'am!" "Thanks, hun. How's the book?" I inquired politely. "Not as good as her last one, Admiral, but tolerable, I guess. Dr. Lampert to station 2-6 stat!" She answered before paging the doctor. "Have you read anything from her, ma'am?" She continued. "No, hun, I've been rather busy of late, but thanks for the critique." "Doctor, Admiral Covington is here and she would like to speak to you about Ensign Treibche, sir. Okay I'll let her know, thank you. Admiral, Dr. Lampert will be right over to see you, ma'am." "Let him know I'll be in the Ensign's room." "Certainly, Admiral Covington." She said. I smiled and returned to Peyton's room telling her to get dressed. "So, where are you off to now, Alex?" Vern asked as we cleared the hospital doors into the bright sunlight. "Peyton needs to get fitted for her Reilly suit, get it programmed, and we head back to 1945." I answered. "You sure Jules and I can't come along, Alex? It's been a while since you and I had an adventure." "Vern, the fewer people that know about this, the better. I've been unable to see the outcome so far and I'd rather not endanger more lives. Your Ma's would kill me if I lost either of you back there! I'd just assume take on the Nazi's than face them!" "Understood, Admiral...wait...what am I doing? You're the same rank as me, Alex! Although I must admit that constellation looks good on you, Empress." "You always were a smooth one, Vern. Oh, Jules, could you do me a favor?" I asked, suddenly remembering a small detail to my plan. "Sure, Alex, what?" "I need to look like the Nazi's idea of the Empress. Could you change the color of my eyes to blue and lighten my hair to aurum, please?" "The Arian version of you, Alex?" Vernon repeated with confusion. I nodded. "What's 'aurum', Alex?" Julia Masterson inquired. "Aurum translates into gold, Jules. According to the Empress stories from both Reilly's Homeword and Terra, 'The Empress gently caressed her long, flowing mane of rich, fine-spun aurum, her ice blue eyes twinkled with understanding as she contemplated the misbehaving youth's digressions.'" I quoted one descriptive passage. "So I guess I also need my hair down past my butt." "Sure thing, Alex." Julia giggled. "You want everything 'aurum'- just in case they decide to search you?" "Ya, I guess so. Here, let me phase us out for some privacy." I said as I blushed. As I did so, I noticed Vernon Reynolds suddenly start looking around at anything but Jules and I. He started whistling. Peyton looked at him, apparently not understanding his nervousness. 1910 hours, Reilly Research Station, Kili Island, June 27th, 2028 "RVP, Miss Treibche needs a fitting. I need German, Polish, and Czech languages- spoken and written. Include the updated protection protocols as well as emergency comm link encryption." "Will the recipient please state name, race origin, and base language for voiceprint verification."? I nodded to Peyton, indicating that it was all right and required before continuing. "Peyton Treibche, Terran, Egyptian." She said clearly. "Error! Receipient's name, race and base language do not correlate! Please restate name, race, and base language." Peyton looked worried as she hesitated. "RVP, Empress Override, OakridgeEmpress8716." "Accepted. Empress will please state nature of override." "RVP, Peyton Treibche is a Terran-Earther hybrid living in Egypt circa 2085BC. I will personally vouch for her allegiance and security clearance." "Accepted. "Will the recipient please restate name, race origin, and base language for voiceprint verification?" "Peyton Treibche, Terran, Egyptian." She repeated "Voiceprint accepted, please remain stationary for EPG measurement." A narrow, focused line of blue light slowly panned down Peyton's body from head to toe. "Measurement complete, thank you, Miss Treibche. Completion of garment in two hours." "Thank you, RVP." I said happily. "You are most welcome, Alex. Empress, External Processor #3-Omega wishes to meet with you and Miss Treibche in the third level conference room at your convenience." "Tell her we'll be right there, RVP. Peyton needs to change into some comfortable clothes first." "Reclining Quarters have been established for Miss Peyton- level three- west, room three-three-eight. Voiceprint security level four has been enabled." "Thanks, RVP, you're the best!" I told the efficient AI. "You are again welcome, director." "This room is mine? It is simply wonderful, Empress!" Peyton exclaimed as she entered her very own room. I began to wonder if she ever had a place of her own before. "Over there in the closet, you'll find some casual clothing to wear until your suit is finished. I'll wait outside for you, hun." I told her after showing her the amenities of the room. I didn't have to wait long for her to change. "So what do we do now, Empress?" Peyton asked as she exited her room. "Now we meet the other members of the team and I tell you what I have in mind for this mission, hun. I'm also going to relate to you some very disturbing information." "Ladies and gentleman, I'd like to present Ensign Peyton Treibche. Peyton, Jacquelyn Cummins, Randi Van Pelt, my sister Brianna Mason and her husband, Charles." I introduced her to everyone. "My God, Alex, what did you do to your hair?" Brie quickly approached and began running her hand through my silky, extremely long, golden hair. "And yer eyes! Y'all could peirce a reactor chamber with those things!" "She's trying the Arian look, dear- blonde haired, blue eyes...etc." Charles explained. After a round of handshaking, we all sat down at the tables and Randi brought up the images from earlier. "Peyton, do you recognize this inscription?" I asked calmly. "I've seen them on the plateau back home, Empress, why?" She answered quickly. "Could you translate them, please?" "You saw them on the plateau...back home?" Charles Mason exclaimed. Peyton cowered slightly at the change in his voice. "Yes, sir. I am from what you term Ancient Egypt. My mother, along with others came here from another arm of this very galaxy you call the Milky Way." "Peyton, can you please translate the inscription?" I asked again gently. "Prime Meridian 12, To...understand...universe...us." She wrinkled her nose in frustration then restated her translation. "Prime Meridian 12. To better understand the Universe around us." She filled in the blanks and looked at me. "Empress, where did you get these images? They look to be from the original Meridian 12 Spacecraft! My mother ar