CHAPTER 13

Gunther Prosser entered the command post at SHADO HQ wearing his armored riding suit with his white full face helmet tucked under his arm. He had a satchel in his opposite hand.

“Where exactly am I supposed to go to meet my ride to the Moon?” He asked. He paused with a smirk. “I can’t begin to express how odd that felt coming out of my mouth…”

Straker laughed and gave him the directions to the SHADAIR hangar at the regional airport. Prosser stepped out to his BMW R100GS-PD and stowed the satchel in the bulky right side aluminum pannier. The left one was narrower inside to allow passage of the single exhaust silencer. It contained his tools and First-Aid kit.

He donned his helmet and gloves, set the choke lever and thumbed the starter. The machine growled and he accelerated toward the main gate. With no studio left and full protocols in place, the security staff saluted him as he rolled by, hand off the throttle briefly to return it.

 
In Straker’s office stood the remaining command staff, including the newlyweds. “I’m sorry to separate you two so soon after your vows with no prospect for a honeymoon.” He said.

“We knew that was the arrangement.” Said Virginia. “Besides, a honeymoon is wherever you make it.” “We’ll take an official one down the road when time permits.”

Straker continued, “Thorvald and Dr. Jackson will remain here with me, while Alec, Paul and Virginia kick the recruiting drive into high gear.” “Thorvald and Dr. Jackson simply have too much potential to be recognized by an old nemesis that wants them dead.”

“You others will go to universities, military academies, industrial sites and anywhere else you can find candidates to be pilots, naval operatives, engineers, scientists, astronauts and combat troops.”

“You will each select at least five SHADO operatives to go with you and train them in how to conduct detailed interviews and process candidates.” ”They will also train under Dr. Jackson for interrogation instruction in order to weed out unsuitable individuals.”

“Your protégés will continue to beat the bushes while you return here to begin design and commissioning of new equipment.” “We have to get this right the first time and do it quickly…”

“Do not overlook pending or currently retired candidates.” “Many of them are forced out unwillingly in order to fill their slots with new lower paid workers.” “They have experience that we need, especially as aviation and aerospace engineers.”

“Thorvald will head up our combat training center and develop the curriculum.” “You will also teach covert operations and infiltration techniques to those you select from the combat center.” “We might as well start calling you ‘Professor’…”

Straker continued, “The good Doctor will be doing psych evaluations of new recruits almost continuously.” “I suggest you train a group of assistants to use your techniques in order to keep up.” “You will also train our field intelligence agents in interrogation techniques.” “We need them out there probing as soon as possible.”

“Ever since that awakening about other more advanced alien species, I’ve had a nagging thought in the back of my mind that our customary visitors might just be a diversionary force to take our attention off of something much more sinister…”

Straker continued. “General Prosser had an idea to create Rapid Assault Units to hit terrestrial incursions or operational sites.” “The transports and Mobiles are always useful, but they are not quick on the scene by any measure.”

“These RAU’s will be strategically deployed according to intel tips and perform rapid insertions using dual-sport motorcycles and compact weapon systems.” “We will be able to deploy them from air transports, ground transport, by parachute and even the new generation of SkyDiver subs.”

“You will be travelling by SHADAIR transport to and from your destinations as will your recruits.” “I want no footprint of our presence beyond receipts for car rentals, hotels and restaurants.” “You will all get new company credit cards to that end.”

“Your recruitment teams will always include at least one SHADO Security Agent with a portable field intel kit to check out your prospectives before they get any closer to us.” “Any found to have an issue in their profiles will find themselves waking with a hell of a headache and no idea how they got there.”

“Go, plan your trips and pick your protégés.” He said along with, “Good luck…”

CHAPTER 14

Thorvald and Virginia made the absolute most of their wedding night despite the pending separation the following morning. Little was said. They simply bathed in the warmth of their intertwined forms, savoring every moment together.

Virginia’s alarm clock was a rude awakening. Thorvald was not in the bed beside her when she woke. As she reached for her robe to go look for him the bedroom door opened.

Thorvald was in a robe and holding a bed tray loaded with gourmet breakfast items. He placed it over her lap, the sheets only covering her lower half. He poured her fresh brewed coffee into her favorite mug. A ham and cheddar omelet, crispy hash browns and whole wheat toast with her favorite seedless black raspberry jam.

Thorvald sat beside her while she enjoyed his meal. The last item remaining was a piece of toast, generously coated in jam. A dollop slid off, landing between her breasts. “I’ll take care of that, Love” he said grinning.

Virginia smiled a saucy little smile and said, “It looks like it’s going to be another pony-tail kind of day…”

After seeing her off at the SHADAIR terminal, Thorvald reported to Straker’s office, looking a bit lost. Straker smiled gently. “I know how it is, Thorvald – the same thing happened to me on my attempted honeymoon as well.” Thorvald had heard of the divorce and the loss of his son. He was grateful that he and his bride were not on opposite sides of the wall of secrecy that was SHADO.

 
General Prosser was beginning his first day at Moon Base. He had enjoyed the flight up, spending much of it in cockpit despite the zero gravity. He had been warmly welcomed by Major Ellis and she had conducted him on his tour of the facility.

Colonel Bradley had shown Prosser the Interceptors, Mobiles and Hoppers. He was especially pleased to meet the pilots and support crews. The magnetic rail guns mounted on the vehicles were fascinating. He had never thought of that approach and was pleased that Thorvald had been behind their development.

His quarters were compact and simple but quite adequate. The transparent inflated air bed was a bit disconcerting but had proven quite comfortable. The cuisine offered by the automated system was a different story.

While he understood the need for food options to be grouped by national origin, the food itself was heavily processed, preserved and filled with additives. It was as far from fresh as could be created. The coffee and tea were also found lacking. All was clearly reconstituted from frozen bulk for the sake of storage and stability.

This situation would have to be resolved before they could consider enlarging the facility as much as planned. These dedicated people need fresh vegetables, fruits and other nutritious foods. A 24-hour cafeteria like headquarters had would be a godsend here. He would see to that if possible. Perhaps hydroponic gardening?

Prosser had chosen to stand beside Major Ellis’ raised platform in the control sphere so he could see all that happened there. Ford had warned her that he would stay right beside her and ask questions to her and the other monitor staff. He also told her that the General was fascinating to chat with and truly interested in the work done, and not just some over-bearing leader wanting to intimidate the staff.

His first question was the same one asked by everyone visiting Moon Base for the first time… Why the disparity in uniforms and the purple wigs? Gay fought the urge to giggle at the question.

She explained that the blue flight suits were insulated and that the silver material worn by the female and some male staff were simply very durable, comfortable and easy to clean. Since water was a precious commodity on the Moon, clothing that could be rinsed clean that would air dry in hours were necessities.

There now were other fabrics in various colors that would be suitable, but these had become a sort of tradition over the last 13 years. The same was the case for the purple wigs. They were originally thought of as a convenience when time and water were so tightly controlled. “We never had to worry if our hair was uncooperative, and this eliminated the need for hairdressers in space.” She said with a grin.

“Perhaps the male staffers should be wearing them as well,” Said Prosser with a smile and sparkle in his crystal blue eyes. She and Joan both laughed at the idea…

They chatted and she explained the functions of the equipment and monitor systems. She had just finished describing the function of S.I.D. when they were interrupted.

“This is Space Intruder Detector.” “Red Alert.” “There are two inbound targets, bearing 438-126, Blue.” “Speed – Sol 7.” “Range – four million miles and closing.”

“All stations, this is a Red Alert.” “Interceptors, immediate launch.” Said Gay. “The inbounds will be passing Moon Base in fourteen minutes.”

“Projected Earth terminal point calculations coming in now General…” She said. “It looks as though they are headed for Northern Canada, Sir.”

“Do they ever change their trajectories, Major?” Asked Prosser.

“Not as often as you would expect, Sir.” “They generally only do that as a diversion or when they are going to attack this station.” She said.

The AV link chirped and Straker’s face appeared. “What have you got, Gay?”

“Two inbounds, Sir.” “Three interceptors will be in position to fire in thirty seconds.” “I am sending them their fire control solutions now.” She said.

The Interceptors reached their positions and the navigation systems automatically maneuvered to match the firing solutions for each.

“Launching missiles in three point four seconds…” Said Gay. “Two… One… Launch.”

Two Interceptors fired their nose mounted missiles and the third fired ten depleted uranium explosive rounds from each of its’ side mounted rail guns.

Thirteen seconds later there were two brilliant white flashes in the distance. A third distant flash consisted of a series of rapid bright yellow ones followed immediately by a sizeable white one.

“Both inbounds destroyed, Sir.” Said Gay. “One by missile and one by rail gun.”

“Well done, Gay.” “My regards to you and your staff.” Said Straker. He added, “What did you think, General Prosser?”

“Very impressive indeed.” “All of these people remained calm, focused and professional, General Straker.” “This operation works exceptionally well.”

The AV link closed, with Prosser’s head filled with new questions… First things first…

Straker’s AV link chirped but no call was incoming. The second time this week…

“What can I do for you to make your jobs easier, more efficient or more comfortable to do?” Asked Prosser with full sincerity.

Gay, Joan and Nina all stared in disbelief. This General Prosser seemed truly interested in their needs. There were several things they had discussed over the thirteen years they’d been stationed here together.

Gay smiled sweetly. Prosser was momentarily forced to pause by her beautiful, shining hazel eyes and disarming charm. Nina and Joan were equally lovely, with soft brown eyes that reminded him of a very enchanting dance partner from less than 24 hours ago… Prosser could remember every feature of her lovely form.

“Perhaps we could start with a change of clothes, General.” Said Gay. Her two charming co-monitors smiled sweetly and nodded their agreement.

Prosser withdrew a notepad and pen from the inner pocket of his tunic.

CHAPTER 15

Two days later, General Prosser was making his first return trip to his home planet. The wonder of that alone kept a smile on his face. He greatly enjoyed the excitement and precision of re-entry, as well as the docking procedure and vertical landing of such a massive machine. In all of his years behind the control stick, he’d never imagined such things. It felt good to feel the full pull of gravity once more…

He chatted with the pilots of both craft in the SHADAIR hangar and thanked them graciously for the experience. He donned his riding suit and powered his machine through the meter-wide gap that remained in the massive sliding doors. The gap allowed fresh air to help the fascinating aircraft and its space-traversing symbiont to reach thermal equilibrium so that routine maintenance could begin.

Within a brief ride, Prosser was again standing in Straker’s office, having left his riding gear in his makeshift office. He related the details of his first lunar visit and his eagerness to return.

He handed Straker Major Ellis’ completed monthly report, which was completed three days before it was due. Straker smiled. He also had a list of features the Interceptor pilots wanted to see on the next generation of craft.

Prosser would get something palatable to eat in the cafeteria before meeting with the aircraft design team to develop specifications for the new long range, high-speed ground based interceptors and their tactical fighter counterparts.

 
Prosser saw Thorvald at a table in the corner with a bowl of soup, bread and coffee. Thorvald motioned for his friend to join him. It was clear that Thorvald’s appetite was off with the absence of his bride.

“Have you heard from your lovely bride?” Prosser asked.

“Only briefly.” “Between the time zone changes and schedules, we have only been able to speak for minutes at a time.”

“She is a captivating woman, Thorvald.” Said Prosser, “As is her mother.” Thorvald smiled broadly.

Prosser said, “I haven’t been this distracted by a woman in at least thirty years…”

Thorvald laughed. “She and her daughter are very much cut from the same bolt of cloth.” “Enough so that I would venture to say they exhibit the same quick wit, tenacity, and zest for life - and, quite likely… similar appetites.”

Prosser’s blue eyes widened and his coloring changed a bit. He had been thinking of her while on his Moon visit. He was mentally processing how to balance a romantic relationship with a civilian while in such a covert role at SHADO…

If the chemistry they’d shared at the wedding reception was any indication, there wouldn’t be a lot of unnecessary chit-chat anyway. She was that kind of woman…

 
Virginia’s recruiting team had hit a rich vein of both recent engineering graduates and retirees with no job prospects in the United States. Jobs were scarce and many corporations had kicked their pending pensioners out to pasture while at the top of their craft in order to cut operating costs. They included aviation, aerospace, marine, mechanical and chemical engineers.

The economic climate in the US and world in general were in decline. Skilled and brilliant people were struggling to maintain their quality of life. It created a buyer’s market for recruiting.

The challenge was in presenting an organization that operated outside of any government in a defensive military role without sounding like some evil outfit bent on world domination from some spy movie… Virginia and her protégés were insistent on the fiction of those examples, despite their nuclear waste processing and storage center being located inside the caldera of an extinct volcano on a South Pacific island…

The new SkyDiver bases would be more like those movies, but real and much, much more elaborate…

 
Foster’s group was having less immediate success, but he had found a cache of experienced pilots of varying backgrounds. Some flew passenger and transport while a handful had combat experience in various large aircraft, fighters and ground attack craft. They seemed to be either quite young or late middle aged.

Paul was initially disappointed by all the older experienced pilots that seemed to come out of the woodwork. Then he thought about Prosser. As sure as he was about his own prowess in the cockpit, he was confident he wouldn’t last more than a couple minutes in aerial combat against him.

These older pilots would serve in the cockpit and in the classroom as flight instructors. They would be evaluated for combat roles as well. This was a too valuable a resource to pass up.

 
Alec and his group were canvasing the globe, looking for skilled combat soldiers and intelligence agents. His training from the RAF and connections to the SAS proved very useful. Prosser had given him the added caveat that he needed a group of combat troops that were experienced with motorcycles.

Just as Paul had found, the available experienced soldiers and intelligence types tended to hang out in groups. Only these compatriots understood the skills involved and they tended to be very similar in temperament and personality.

They would come from all corners of the world. Even former enemies would learn and train to work in the field together. Their new mission would make new allies.

Within two weeks, the first of the trainees began to arrive by special SHADAIR transport. The vacant soundstages were converted into makeshift dormitories, classrooms and cafeteria. Mobile trailers for classrooms, shower and toilet facilities were brought in and set in place.

To passersby on the road that ran the length of the property, all they saw were parked cars and a lot of trailers that indicated the presence of the new lease holder. All looked as it should to the outside world…

 
General Prosser guided his GS through the security gate at the Scarborough sea base. He was there to meet with Commander Carlin and fly out to meet a SkyDiver sub in the North Sea under cover of darkness. A SHADAIR amphibious transport helicopter would deliver them along with a shipment of fresh supplies.

When the Eastern sky began to glow, the submarine was underway on the surface with the conning tower and the tail of the Sky unit cutting a frothy path through the grey chop.

Prosser was still a little unsure about having an aircraft attached to the bow of a submarine but it had worked brilliantly for 13 years. He basked in the crisp morning breeze and salt spray from the bow. It was something his father had written of often.

Carlin was amazed by Prosser’s stance, flexing his waist and legs instinctively, letting the deck move beneath him while his head remained stationary. Carlin said, “You seem like a natural for sea duty, General.”

Prosser turned and smiled, “I’m not the first Prosser to walk the bridge of a submarine, Commander…” He smiled as Carlin motioned for him to climb down through the hatch. The sun was rising and they would spend the bulk of the day beneath the surface, answering eager questions from the son of a submariner.

 
Virginia was due to arrive at the SHADAIR terminal at 2pm. Thorvald was there waiting, pacing in the reception area. He was glued to the window watching as the Seagull touched down gracefully and slowed to an appropriate ground speed.

The portable ramp drove up as the aircraft came to a complete stop and the engines shut down. Virginia was the third person down the ramp, in her sunglasses, garment bag over her shoulder and a tow-behind suitcase wiggling along behind her. She saw Thorvald in the window looking like a child in a toy store window.

“Hello Love.” She said smiling. Thorvald wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, kissing her long and tenderly. The garment bag and tow-behind slumped to the floor. The SHADO staffers behind her grinned as they stepped around the obstacles and the intertwined lovers.

The rest of the day was a blur until they could be alone together in the evening. They unleashed all their pent up passion in one glorious evening together. They had completely forgotten dinner.

Afterward, when they were both completely worn out and realized they were hungry, Virginia stepped out of the bedroom and returned with a can of SPAM, a butter-knife and a sleeve of saltines. A bottle of beer was in each of her robe pockets. It was a blissful feast, in spite of the crumbs amongst the sheets…

CHAPTER 18

“What’s with these plywood panniers, General?” Said one of his RAU trainees.

“These are sacrificial units that will help you get comfortable with the added weight, bulk and width of the ones that you will receive at the completion of this program.”

“Those will be made of Kevlar and open like a suitcase.” “You will use them to carry your necessities into the field and they will also function as a bullet-resistant barrier when removed and fully opened.” Their eyes grew wide. They hadn’t considered that they might actually be under fire.

“Gear up, mount up and follow me…” He added. “If you have to make an unplanned dismount, please try to do so with some semblance of dignity…”

Prosser secured his chin strap, donned his gloves and fired up his GS. He gave a straight hand signal overhead for them to form up in a line behind him.

Prosser’s ‘Rolling Circus’ as it would come to be called, followed him dutifully around the studio lot, taking advantage of the sharp corners, open areas and varying size of apertures through which to ride. The group stretched out and individuals would eventually pass the slower riders, forming a new order.

The large paved area of the former studio employee parking area presented the opportunity to dial up the speed substantially. Prosser leaned hard, touching his knee sliders to the tarmac and accelerating sharply out of the corners. He looked back to see which others were anywhere near keeping up. There were a few…

He gave the hand signal to form into a circle around him and let them stop and come to idle and a lower pulse. Into the intercom system he said, “Now we will see how comfortable you are when the pavement ends…” “Follow me to the quarry.” He pulled away sharply between the student machines. They willingly followed…

The paved road allowed them speed and transitioned suddenly to gravel. The street riders suddenly were out of their element and tried to keep up with the experienced off-road riders. Prosser’s voice was soon in their ears, “Apply increased smooth throttle and get your speed back up so you don’t sink and wash out.” “Keep your transitions smooth left to right and stop fighting the bar.” “Let it move a bit…” “Keep those knees pressed against the fuel cell!”

They went down a ramp and onto the shelf of a road that led to the quarry floor. It was wide enough for the massive dump trucks and scrapers to traverse safely but to the street-only riders it looked like a sidewalk with one side a rock wall and the other certain death. A few of them were getting too close to the edge.

Prosser yelled into the com, “Get those eyeballs up and focused on the line of the inner wall.” “Don’t look at that edge ever again, do you understand?” He heard several sheepish sounding “Yes Sirs…” They formed up a circle again at the quarry floor. He shut down his GS, swung up the chin bar of his helmet and dismounted. The group did likewise. Several were dripping wet with sweat.

“Okay everyone, take a few breaths…” Said Prosser. “I want you to learn two very important maxims that you must commit to memory and action.”

“First – There are very few situations you will encounter on two wheels that cannot be mitigated by a generous application of throttle…”

“Second – That upon which ye fixate, ye shall surely hit…” “Repeat them with me…” It brought about laughter, but the lesson was nonetheless quite valid.

Prosser stepped over to a young dark haired lad who reminded him in appearance of a young brunette Ed Straker. “Son, when we rode on pavement, you were right on my flank, yet you slid all the way to the back when the road turned to gravel and stayed there.” “What kind of riding have you been doing?”

“I raced vintage British motorcycles on road circuits, General.” He said.

“Excellent.” Said Prosser. “You will help your comrades learn to be faster on pavement.” “However, we need to take care of an issue with you and the rest of the riders who rolled in last with you.” “I am assuming that you all were street oriented riders, probably cruisers and sport bikes, am I correct?” They all nodded.

“Your intuition and muscle memory makes you want to hunker down on the tank when the machine gets unsettled.” “This will get you killed off-road.” “You have to get your ass off the seat and keep it there…”

“You must learn to put your full weight on the pegs, pushing your center of gravity down to that level.” “I promise you that you will get to where standing on the pegs with your knees pressed into the tank will become second nature to you.” “To flatten your learning curve immediately, please present your ignition keys…”

Prosser took each key and used it to release the seat on each of the machines. He removed each and set them in a neat row on the ground. “After we do three more trips up and back successfully, you will be allowed to re-install these.”

His RAU group would repeat this exercise multiple times daily without his presence, each member helping to mentor their fellow operatives. This is exactly what Prosser wanted…


The day was coming to a close and the Command Staff reconvened in Straker’s office. The status of projects was at the forefront.

Virginia’s engineering team had a preliminary design for the new network of recon and attack satellites. It would include multiple detection formats and also missiles, a rail gun and a new device of terrifying potential: A focused beam form of electromagnetic pulse energy.

If fired at a terrestrial location, it would immediately return that region to the pre-industrial state where electric lights and telephones would be a dream of the future. They hoped to be able to focus the effect for better isolation to minimize collateral damage. It would be, like the other satellite systems and armaments, capable of firing both into space and back down toward planet Earth.

The new satellites would make up the Orbital Defense and Intelligence Network. The acronym a happy coincidence that Virginia dedicated to her favorite Viking son.

 
A dedicated aerospace manufacturer was now under very tight SHADO security and producing new prototypes for the long-range Interceptors and the giant cargo shuttles and massive VTOL aircraft that would launch and recover them.

The new Interceptors would include an escape/survival capsule to protect the pilot and weapons officer. An accident or received fire from a UFO would no longer mean certain death. They would also be larger, with triple the range, multiple forward missiles and a pair of rail guns. They would be capable of tight maneuvering and utilize heads-up displays for navigation and weapons systems.

 
The massive hull sections for the new SkyDiver subs were being built quickly as modules at well-established shipyards in both Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin and Groton, Connecticut. The sections would be joined and the propulsion and other systems added at a new island installation in the North Atlantic between Iceland and the Shetland Islands.

The new Sky units would be carried internally with rails that would elevate them to launch position while the hull remained level. They would also have greater range, speed and armament than present. The prototype, based on the current version, would be flight ready in a matter of weeks if the schedules held up.

 
The visit from the otherworldly police representative had pressed home the message. Time was not on their side. They would have to pause from re-inventing the wheel in favor of finding some stop gap measures that would satisfy immediate needs. This meant getting out to do some global shopping for big ticket items…

 
General Prosser worked on his presentation for the I.A.C. meeting tomorrow and his address to the U.N. joint committee the following day. He considered giving them the exact same message. This was no time for anything but crystal clarity. He had to get the words right.

Prosser looked at the desktop display case that Thorvald had made and given him in thanks for serving as Best Man on the big day. It was beautiful burled walnut with a hinged glass-paned lid and cushioned blue satin interior. It held his father’s Iron Cross and his grandfather’s Blue Max. He gazed upon them for inspiration.

He wondered what his father would have said to bolster the courage and solidarity of his U-boat crew when their demise was eminent...

CHAPTER 19

At her home in Brighton, Mrs. Lake returned from the market to find a message on her answering machine. She pressed the play button.

“Mom, this is Ginny.” “Tomorrow afternoon, something important is going on at the United Nations Joint Assembly meeting in New York.” “It will be broadcast live around 7pm our time.” “You need to find that channel and watch it – it will explain a great many things…” “Love you…”

Mrs. Lake knew of those channels but only turned them on when she had trouble falling asleep. To her, diplomats at work had all the appeal of watching corn grow.

She checked her cable service menu and found nothing but parliamentary coverage which was even less exciting than diplomats in action.

She called her neighbor Madelyn, also a widow, who had a satellite system that kept her glued to the television. She had a channel that would carry the U.N. meeting and invited her over if she agreed to bring a bottle of wine…

 
Prosser reluctantly relinquished riding to London on his trusty mount in favor of riding with Paul in his turbine car. Following their visit to the United Nations, they would visit a few U.S. combat aircraft manufacturers to troll for prospective models and contracts. There was no time to wait for new aircraft designs to make it to production. SHADO needed combat aircraft as soon as possible.

Prosser’s arrival at the I.A.C. went as expected. They already knew about SHADO but the news that there were two other belligerent species involved and some kind of extra-terrestrial law enforcement organization came as a shock.

The committee didn’t debate any of Prosser’s speech or the implications it involved. They couldn’t do anything but support it by the language of their own charter.

Prosser and Foster boarded a SHADAIR SST that afternoon bound for the U.S. They were picked up by SHADO operatives and were provided reasonably posh accommodations at a company safe-house minutes from the U.N. building in Manhattan.

 
The following evening Mrs. Lake was sitting on the sofa beside Madelyn, both with a rather large glass of wine. She was telling Madelyn about Virginia’s wedding and the handsome General she waltzed with for what seemed like an hour.

“Ginny said this was something important, but this kind of programming doesn’t meet my definition of ‘entertainment’.” Madelyn giggled. Her glass was getting nearer to empty.

The moderator introduced the United Nations Security Council Acting President. All fifteen U.N.S.C. representatives were in attendance along with the full United Nations standing membership, representing dozens of nations. The auditorium was filled. Following the cordial greeting, the moderator introduced the speaker…

Brigadier General Gunther Prosser, in formal dress blue uniform complete with the same white gloves and gleaming black boots stepped to the lectern with calm confidence.

“My God, Madelyn… That’s him!” “That’s General Prosser!” “Turn it up dear…”

 
Prosser glanced at his notes and slipped them back into his pocket. Cue cards and tele-prompters were no way to prepare the world for global war with alien races. Prosser took a deep breath and began.

“Esteemed representatives of the many member nations of this United Nations charter, I address you this afternoon in order to inform you of a pending threat to every individual human life in every country on Planet Earth.”

“I am here to represent an organization that was formed thirteen years ago by U.N.S.C. charter action to address a threat from outside our solar system.” “Several of your governments have supported this organization covertly due to the nature of the threat.”

“At that time, we were tasked with protecting the inhabitants of this planet from a race of extraterrestrial humanoids that prey on our species as a source of transplant organs, test subjects and possible slave labor.”

The assembled delegation gasped and glanced back and forth as the translations entered their headsets.

“This organization of dedicated individuals has fought tirelessly around the clock, fighting desperate battles in space, on land, sea and air - all on your behalf.”

“These alien incursions still occur at an alarming rate and this organization stands in the gap voluntarily while you remain blissfully unaware.” “They have maintained their covert status to avoid delivering this inevitably terrifying revelation to the whole of humanity.”

“Our universe is teaming with sentient life.” “We now face two additional worlds of belligerent aliens who seek nothing less than to enslave our species and rend this planet for its resources.” “This will end our world as we know it.” “This has been confirmed by otherworldly authorities we are now in contact with.” 

“This covert organization needs the cooperation of every nation of the globe to prepare for this pending threat to all of humanity.” “This means that we will have to be able to operate in all parts of the globe with complete freedom.”

There was an angry murmur building in the assembly as the words reached their ears.

“We are not asking for your governmental permission to operate in your airspace, within your borders or in your territorial waters.” “This serves as notification to your respective nations that we will be operating within and above your countries as we deem necessary.”

“This message is delivered to you as a courtesy…” Prosser leaned forward with a piercing gaze in his crystal blue eyes. The camera zoomed in accordingly…

“I also serve you official notice that we will not tolerate any form of interference from any faction, nation or group of nations.” “In addition, we will not tolerate any attempts to surveil our operations, personnel or installations, on land, at sea, in the air or in orbit.” “We have no interest in your internal, national affairs…”

“Any violation of this dictate will be treated as a threat to the sanctity of human life.” “All human life.” “Retribution for such an act will render your nation isolated from the rest of the world economically, and you will be returned to the technological level of your Iron Age ancestors.”

There were now shouts of outrage and a shoe was thrown by a Middle Eastern delegate, which fell far short of the podium. Prosser resisted the urge to smile…

“When I address you again, it will be to give you notice that the battle is pending…”

“Finally, our organization welcomes the earnest support of your military forces both in preparation and at the time of attack by this grave threat.” “For the purpose of identification, you will either support or actively avoid any and all land, air and sea vehicles bearing this emblem…”

Prosser placed a length of rolled fabric across the top of the lectern, clipped it in place and let it roll downward to reveal the image of a stylized man in a circle with a long tapering shadow vectoring away at an angle. The script beneath had the first letter of each word capitalized and rimmed in blood red. “Supreme Headquarters Alien Defense Organization.” The camera lens zoomed in on the image of the SHADO logo and stayed there. It would be on the cover of every newspaper and online news source for the foreseeable future…

Prosser coolly turned on his heel and stepped away to the exit of the stage. A SHADO sedan was waiting in the secure parking area at the bottom of the stairwell.

 
At a home in Brighton, two aging widows watched with widened eyes. “That explains so much…” “All of these years having to keep it concealed.” “My poor, dear Ginny and her friends.” Mrs. Lake had tears in her eyes.

Madelyn, a little tipsy said, “That is one hell of a man, dear…” Mrs. Lake laughed through her teary eyes. “That he surely is, Madelyn…”

She walked back home in the dark, wondering at the terrifying things her daughter and her friends had experienced and decided it was better that she didn’t know… She just wanted to hear Ginny’s voice and to know that she was safe.

Her answering machine picked up, twice now… She now understood why it was so hard to find Ginny at home. The second time, she left a message.

“I understand now, Ginny…” “I just want to tell you I love you very much…” Her voice was straining when she added, “Give my love to your Thorvald and those fine people you work with – especially General Prosser…”

She hung up the phone and picked up the framed photo of her late husband in his dress uniform. She gazed at those familiar grey eyes as tears rolled down her cheeks. “You’d be so proud of our Virginia, Love.” “She’s been saving the world for thirteen years and we’ve never known…” “She has all the brilliance, selfless devotion and love that we could have ever hoped for.” “We both miss you so…”

She sat on the sofa and sobbed, clutching the photo in her tightly wrapped arms…