He puts the phone on mute and repeatedly slams his fist against the desk. He takes a deep breath and unmutes the phone.
"So now what?" he asks.
"Now that we're on the same page," Arnold says, "we can move forward with our plan. But we don't have much time." The line disconnects.
He turns off the jammer, grabs his coat and car keys, and dashes for his car.
He pulls up at the entrance of a gated community a quarter-hour later. The security guard asks him for his identification and house number. After a couple of minutes, the gate slides open and he proceeds through the private road. He parks his car in the visitor lot, turns off the car, and in a sudden burst of anger slams his fist repeatedly against the steering wheel. Then he leans back and takes a couple of deep breaths before stepping out of the car.
At the entrance of the house, he is greeted by two gentlemen who escort him inside the house.
"Good evening, Doctor," says Matthew Varras, a member of the Uek'untracefrom Azha and a representative of the Azhalian Assembly on Earth. The men shake hands. "The last time we met in person was years ago, and now you're here unexpectedly. I'm worried."
"I apologize for my sudden visit. Perhaps we can talk alone?"
Matthew directs the Doctor to his office. "Please have a seat. Can I get you anything to drink?" Matthew offers.
"No thank you."
"In that case, why are you here?"
He's blunt. "Angelica is dead. Their house was raided, and there were no survivors." The Doctor pauses as he watches Matthew absorb the news. "I wanted you to hear it from me first, in person," he adds.
"My sons?"
"Everyone was killed or suicided."
Matthew sits down heavily, and takes a moment to reminisce. "Angelica and I talked just yesterday. She was so excited. She was telling me how you've been right all along. How Zec is alive, and here on Earth. I told her not to get too excited until she actually saw him with her own two eyes." Matthew stands up and walks toward his liquor cabinet, opens it and pours himself a stiff drink. "Tell me, Doctor. Even if it's true that the Euperians found a way to inject their DNA and Essence into a human embryo, and that's how Zec got a second chance of life, what's the endgame? With the Ucte controlling Earth, there's no way anyone will believe his identity. Now what?"
Matthew stares at the Doctor, waiting for a response. He takes a sip of whiskey, walks toward the Doctor, and slams his fist at the desk. "Godsdammit, Doctor, what's the endgame? Tell me my daughter and sons didn't die in vain!"
The Doctor stands. "I'm truly sorry for your loss, old friend. I can assure you, they did not die in vain. But that's all I can say." He turns and starts walking to the door.
He can hear Matthew screaming obscenities at him as he exits the house.
❖❖❖
Matthew Varras stands in front of his financial supporters and re-election campaign volunteers. They're listening intently to him talk about the grim prospects of an electoral defeat, and the threat of the Ucte People's Party picking up critical seats in the upcoming election.
"Excuse me, gentlemen, I need my dad for a minute," Angelica — Matthew's youngest child and campaign manager — says, tapping him on the shoulder and steering him away from the middle of the crowd to a corner. "You're not going to believe who's here!" she whispers excitedly.
Matthew quickly scans the room for a celebrity, or anyone else who might trigger such excitement from his daughter. "Who?" he asks, after seeing no one special.
"Doctor John Buchanan!"
"The human war hero?" he asks, with an incredulous expression in his face.
"Yes!"
"That's interesting and quite unexpected, to say the least. Who did he arrive with?"
"He actually came alone, and contributed money to your campaign."
"Why would he do such a thing? Did he forget he's human?" Matthew asks jokingly.
"Not funny, Dad. Don't forget, he lives in your district, and more importantly, he's a global hero who's loved and respected among your human constituents."
"I know, but it still doesn't make sense for him to be here."
Angelica disregards his comment and hands him two champagne glasses. "Go talk to him," she demands.
Matthew sighs, and walks over to the Doctor with the two champagne flutes in hand. "Doctor Buchanan, it's an honor." Matthew extends the Doctor a glass, and Buchanan rises from his chair.
"Thank you, Representative Varras. The honor is all mine. I'm a huge fan," the Doctor says, and the men shake hands.
"Can I get you anything else besides the drink, or may I answer any questions for you?"
"I'm well, thank you. I've already stuffed myself with those delicious meatballs the waiters are serving."
"Yes, they are indeed delicious."
"I do want to say you've done an excellent job representing your constituents, and I truly believe you have a great chance to be re-elected to your seat."
"What you say means a lot to me, and I appreciate your support." Matthew pauses and takes a sip of his drink. He continues, "I really wish I could be as confident about my re-election chances as you seem to be. My life is well known to the Ucte government on Azha. My family is alive and who we are today thanks to Euperian generosity." Matthew pauses and glances at Angelica. "Even my kids born in Uek'unt see themselves as Euperian," he adds.
"I agree, it's going to be one tough battle, but that's why I'm here," Doctor Buchanan interjects emphatically. "Although humans don't have the right to vote, the Ucte government will realize they need the support of humans to govern." Buchanan takes the last sip of his champagne. "I can provide you that support."
Matthew ponders his next words carefully. "Doctor, can I be frank?"
"Please," the doctor responds. He has an attentive expression in his face.
"I get the impression that you're implying that I should make a deal
