"Well, George, I have a strong feeling that you and I have similar views on the need to expel the aliens from our planet. For that reason, I want to invite you to a special gathering today with other likeminded individuals." Paul hands George a business card. "Hope to see you there."
Later, George Harper sits in his car, contemplating his next move. He looks at his phone and reads Amy's message wishing him luck on his business trip. He feels guilty for lying to her, but she would never understand. He can no longer stand idle and lose another woman he loves to an alien, not like he lost his wife. He looks at his reflection in the mirror and makes up his mind.
❖❖❖
Wally and Blake enter the diner, look around, and slide into an empty booth facing the entrance. "He's not here," Blake growls.
"Patience. He's probably making sure we came alone." Wally calls the waitress over and orders two coffees and two Irish breakfasts.
"Or it's a trap," Blake responds, just as the diner's door chimes. Two men enter and help themselves to the empty seats at Blake and Wally's table.
"Good morning, gentlemen," Aaron says in a low voice. "Thank you for meeting up with us. This is Matthew, one of the founders of the Resistance."
"Good morning," Matthew says with a warm smile.
"I didn't expect to see an Uek'unt leading the Euperian Resistance," Blake says slowly.
"Well, we didn't expect to get a message from an Isarian," Matthew says, looking at Wally. "The official line is that there are no Isarians on Earth, and never have been. I have to wonder just how wrong that statement is."
"Thank you for meeting with us, and I apologize for my associate," Wally says quickly. "But like him, I wasn't expecting a Azhalian representative to be leading what the UN calls a terrorist group."
"I understand. First of all, let me assure you this is not a trap. If it were, you would've already been arrested. Second of all, what you have heard in the fake media is just that — fake. Propaganda, some of which we encourage."
Matthew pauses as the waiter arrives. "Would you guys like to order as well?" he asks.
"Just coffee for us, please." Matthew returns his attention to Wally and Blake. "So with that out of the way, how can I help you gentlemen?"
"We need to get back to Azha," Wally says.
"Trying to reunite with the queen?"
Wally looks a bit startled before replying. "That's the plan."
"You must hold some interesting memories, Wally," Matthew says. "I can probably make some arrangements for you to be smuggled into Azha, but what's in it for us?"
"Actually, there are four of us. If we can get to the queen, we guarantee that we can change the course of the war. Which means that for you and your movement here on Earth, less Ucte control over Earth affairs — and if the cards are played right, maybe even them losing their hold on Earth."
"Sounds like an intriguing offer, but there's a lot of 'ifs.' Who are the other two individuals?"
"Euperians loyal to the queen."
Matthew looks to Aaron, and there's a silent exchange of information that Wally and Blake don't catch. Matthew shakes his head. "Sorry, gentlemen, but I didn't get to where I am by taking 'ifs' as payment."
"We have money," Wally says.
"I have enough money to last me a couple of lifetimes. What I need is manpower. Since the passing of the Alien Exclusion Act, the UN has not only increased their number of raids, but has also started to induct Ucte soldiers into their forces. How about this. If you can help us smuggle some contraband, I'll get you and your friends to Azha. Do we have a deal?"
"What are we smuggling, and to where?" Blake asks.
"Does it matter? It's your only ticket to Azha."
"You have a deal," Wally says, extending his hand to Matthew. He pays the bill, and minutes later the four of them walk out, Wally and Blake taking their breakfasts to go.
Matthew and Aaron wave to Wally and Blake as they drive off. "You look puzzled," Aaron says.
"You should be, too. There's a Isarian on Earth. Don't you wonder whose memories he possesses?"
It takes Aaron a moment to connect the dots. "You're saying there's a possibility that the Doctor has been correct all this time?"
"It's starting to look that way."
Chapter 15
Years after its demise in the wake of World War III, the United Nations has risen from the ashes like a phoenix, reborn through the intercession of the Azhalians, to become what nobody but right-wing conspiracy theorists and Marxist utopians had ever thought possible: the overarching government of the entire Earth.
The nuclear holocaust had obliterated entire countries and rendered many parts of the planet inhospitable. The survivors split into thirteen factions, and during the ensuing decade, constantly fought each other for control of the planet's scant remaining natural resources—particularly drinkable water and arable land. When the Azhalians arrived, they were welcomed as saviors by most.
Today, General Robert A. Helms hurries through the empty corridors of the structure that stands on the former grounds of the UN building in midtown Manhattan. He has received critical information from his field officers that he must deliver to the UN representatives who have secretly convened here in New York.
Two armed UNSTF soldiers greet him at the door of the New Oval Office. "Good evening, sir," the first says.
Helms nods and presses his thumb against the scanner. The metal doors open, and he walks into the briefing room. The tapping of his dress shoes against the cold marble floor echoes throughout the vast space. Six men sit at desks in front of him. They are five of the thirteen permanent members of the UN's governing board, as well as the body's Secretary-General. Helms doesn't fully trust them, and the mistrust is mutual.
Helms takes off his ring and inserts it into the port of the computer
