THEMINDINVADERSanovel

originallytitledTHEARCHONCONSPIRACY

DaveHunt

THEBEREANCALLBend,Oregon

BasedonanoriginalscreenplaybyDaveHuntandT.A.McMahonScripturereferencesaretakenfromtheKingJamesVersionoftheBibleorfromtheNewEnglishBible,©TheDelegatesoftheOxfordUniversityPressandtheSyndicsoftheCambridgeUniversityPress1961,1970.Reprintedwithpermission.Theauthor’sfreemonthlynewsletter,THEBEREANCALL,maybereceivedbysendingarequesttotheaddressbelow,orbycalling1-800-937-6638.Toregisterforfreee-mailupdates,toaccessourdigitalarchives,andtoorderavarietyofadditionalresourcematerialsonline,visitusat:www.thebereancall.org

THEMINDINVADERS

Copyright©2005byDAVEHUNTPublishedbyTheBereanCallPOBox7019,Bend,OR97708

ISBN:978-1-928660-35-4LibraryofCongressControlNumber:2005935596

Previouslypublished©1998byHarvestHouseunderISBN:1-56507-831-4OriginallypublishedasTheArchonConspiracy©1989

Allrightsreserved.Noportionofthisbookmaybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeanswithoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthePublisher.PRINTEDINTHEUNITEDSTATESOFAMERICA

“Wecastthismessageintothecosmos...thisisapresentfromasmall,distantworld....Wehopesomeday,havingsolvedtheproblemsweface,tojoinacommunityofgalacticcivilizations.”—JimmyCarter,presidentoftheUSAJune16,1977—-frommessageonVoyagerspacecraft

“Iampersonallyconvincedthatsuperiorbeingsfromotherspacesandothertimeshaveinitiatedareneweddialoguewithhumanity....Idonotknowwhattheylooklike,howtheyliveorevenwhattheirgoalsarewithrespecttohumankind...(but]Ihavecompletefaithintheirwisdomandbenevolentintentionstowardmanandlivingthingsonearth.”—AndrijaPuharichmedicalscientistwhoheldmorethan50patents

“[Eventually]psychokineticfunctioningwillbereasonablywellaccepted.Itknocksdownthepreviousmodelofthehuman;thereissomethingmorefundamentalthanthematerialwearemadeof.Wecan[psychically]control,externaltoourbodies,thematterthatisaroundus,andcontrolinternallythefunctioningofourbodies,bythewaywethink.’’—Ex-astronautEdgarD.Mitchell,addressingmembersofCongress

“Ifwebelieveintelepathy,webelieveinaprocesswhichmakespossibletheinvasionofapersonalitybysomeoneatadistance.Itisnotatalllikely...thatsaneandintelligentspiritsaretheonlyonestoexert[such]influence....Thereisnoreasonwhyotherscannotdosoaswell.”—JamesHyslop,ColumbiaUniversityprofessoroflogicandethics

“Ihadgreatdifficultytocontrolmythoughts.Therewasademoninme....”—CarlGustavJung,psychiatrist

TableofContentsANotefromtheAuthor[1]Contact![2]AppointmentwithDeath[3]Exit“theNine”[4]OutoftheDarkness[5]LivingProof[6]Changes[7]ACIAOperation?[8]AttheCrossroads[9]APartingoftheWays[10]TheFSBConnection[11]FortheRecord[12]ADesperateDecision[13]Paris![14]Discovered![15]SwallowedUp![16]ProjectArchon[17]ASurprisingProposal[18]Inside![19]AntonioDelSasso[20]ThePlan[21]CatandMouse[22]AFoolishAdventure[23]Invasion![24]PsychicWar![25]AnInfinitePotential?[26]CloseEncounter![27]AnAntichristRebellion?[28]Poltergeist![29]WomanandSerpent[30]KeepingtheFaith[31]GrowingDoubts[32]AWarning!

[33]Outwitted![34]AHoax?[35]ARivalPlan[36]ToSavetheWorld[37]WorldCongress666[38]Holocaust![39]AGreaterPower[40]TheArchonLegacyAlsobyDaveHuntTBCVideoProductionsAboutTheBereanCall

ANotefromtheAuthor

ThecollapseofcommunisminEasternEuropeandbreakupoftheSovietUnionbroughtanewcooperationbetweenRussiaandtheWestFormercommunistcountriesjoinedNATO.EvenChinaexperimentedwithmodifiedcapitalism.Worldpeaceseemedarealistichope.

ForgottenwasthewarningfromAnatolyGolitsyn,oneofthehighestKGBofficialsevertodefect,whoin1984hadpredictedthisveryscenario.WhentheWest,dupedby“peace,”hadfallenfarbehindmilitarily,thetrapwouldbesprung.

WhileCongresscanceledAmerica’sbestdefenseprojects,Russia(hypocriticallyaccusingtheUnitedStatesofpushingthearmsrace)preparedforwar.HergrowingfleetofSS-18Typhoonnuclearsubs(toosilentforustotrack)prowledoffshorewiththeirnuclearmissilesprogrammedforAmericancities.RussiacontinuedtoarmSyria,Iraq,andIranandheldperiodicjointmaneuverswithSyriafortheplannedattackuponIsrael.ThefrequentpracticeofpreemptivestrikesagainsttheUnitedStates(usingdummywarheadsandfaketargets)—andtheincreasedrailingagainstAmericabytheOrthodoxChurchandCommunistParty—hardlypointedtopeace.

WhiletheStateDepartmentandWhiteHouseslept,theCIAcontinueditsclandestinewarwiththeKGB’ssuccessor,theFederalSecurityBureau(FSB).ThenaluckybreakgaveAmericasuddensuperiorityinthemostincredibleweapon:psychicpower.Andthatiswhereourstorybegins.

Thesettingisinthenearfuture.Exceptwherepublicfiguresareclearlyidentified,anysimilaritytopersonslivingordeadisnotintended.Similaritytofutureeventsis.Itcouldhappensoon.

[1]Contact!

“You’renearingOmega!Steadynow.Letyourselfgo.We’retakingyoudeeper...deeper....”

ToKenInman,alreadydeepinaself-inducedtranceandstrappedintothesecretapparatushehadinvented,themetallicvoiceseemedtooriginateinsidehishead.TransmutedbyelectronicsfromKen’sbrainwavesintoanamplifier,theroboticvoiceseemedtocomeacrossvastdistancesofspaceandtime.ItechoedeerilythroughoutthelaboratoryfromaspeakerdirectlyaboveasecondfigurewearingawhitelabcoatandpoisedoverthecontrolsofabankofelectronicmonitoringequipmentBeneaththethinninggrayhairtherewerebeadsofperspirationontheman’sbroad,highforehead,andtheowlishlookbehindthesteel-rimmedglassesbetrayedsignsofgrowingnervousexcitement

Eighteenyearsbefore,whilestillinhismid-teens,KenInmanhadgraduatedsummacumlaudefromStanfordUniversity.Achildprodigyinmath,he’dgoneontoearn,atage19,adoublePh.D.atStanfordinbothelectricalengineeringandcomputerscience—afeatunprecedentedandunlikelyevertobeduplicated.Afterestablishinghisownhighlysuccessfulcomputersoftwarecompany,whichhestillmanaged,Kenhadbranchedoutintopsychicresearch.Itwasadecisionthatgreatlydisappointedsomeofhisformerprofessors,butonethatKenhadnotmadelightly.HeconvincinglyarguedwithhiscriticsthatparapsychologyofferedmorepotentialforbenefittomankindthananyotherHeld.Notahinthowever,didheeverdropofthesecretresearchthathadbeguntoobsessandfinallypossesshim:thesearchforpsychiccontactwithhighlyevolved,nonphysicalintelligences.

Afterfiveintensiveandsolitaryyearsofworkontheproject,Inmanhadbroughtinhisclosefriend,brilliantandpugnaciousStanfordUniversityprofessorofpsychologyFrankLeighton.Togethertheyhad

experimentedtirelesslyinthepursuitofsomethingtheywerebothconvincedwasbiggerthantheA-bomb,thelawofgravity,andthetheoryofrelativityrolledintoone.Andnow,atlastcontacthadapparentlybeenmade!

“WearetheNine.Trustus!WegotyourVoyagermessage...we’vecometohelp....”Thealienvoicesoundedsoothingandhypnotic.

Thoughinacarefullycontrolledalteredstateofconsciousness,Inmanfeltasenseofexhilaration.The“Voyagermessage”?Incredible!Sothey’reoutthere!Thethoughtsracedbyinrapidsuccessionashefelthimselfbeingdrawnintoavortexofmagneticconsciousnesssuchashehadneverimaginedexisted.

Breathingheavilyandfightingtocontrolthetremorinhisfingers,FrankLeightondartedprobingglancesatthedeeplytrancedfigurebeforehim.ThemassiverecliningchairintowhichKenwasstrappedwascompletelycoveredbyathickPlexiglaspyramidreachingalmosttothelaboratory’shighceiling.Amazeofwiresledfromaclose-fittingplastichelmetonKen’sheadandfromnumerouspositionsonhisbodytoanimposingarrayofelectronicwizardrydirectlybesidehim.Fromthere,twolargecomputercablesfedintothemonitoringequipmentlocatedoutsidethepyramid.Theentiresetupwasmountedonapentagram-shapedmetalplatform.This“launchingpadforjourneysintoinnerspace,”asKenandFrankaffectionatelycalledtheirsecretlaboratory,waslocatedabouttenminutesfromStanfordUniversity.

“Youareenteringthesuperluminal.Relax!”ThevoicesentcoldfingersofpanicclutchingatLeighton’sthroatandchest.Thisisit—thepayofftoyearsofhardwork!

Kenlaymotionless,hisfacenowadeathmask.Themonitorsshowedthatthetrancestatehadquicklydeepenedfarbeyondanythingpreviouslyattained.Pulserateandbloodpressurehaddroppedto35perminuteand80/40,respectively.ForamomentLeightonvergedonpanic,cursingtheparanoiaofsecrecythathadforbiddenthepresenceofamedicaldoctorduringthesedangeroussessions.

“We’vebeenwatchingyourdevelopment-^we’reheretohelpyoutakethenextstep,butthere’samentalbarrierblockingus.Openup!There’s

nothingtofear.”Inspiteoftheassuringwordsandmesmerizingcadence,something

chillinghadinterjecteditselfintothemetallicvoicecomingoverthespeaker.Leightonfeltthehaironthebackofhisneckrising.Keepcalm!Getholdofyourself!It’stheelectronicsthatmakesitsoundweird.Steady,Ken.Leighton’seyessweptfromKentotheneedlesandgraphsandbackagain.Hewipedadamphandacrosshisforehead.

“ToreachtheOmegapointwherehumanintelligenceinterfaceswiththeInfinite,youmustdropthebarriersurroundingtheself.Dropthebarrier!”Thecommandingvoicecompelledobedience.

Tohisconsternation,LeightonnoticedthatKenhadbeguntofighthiswaybacktonormalconsciousness.Convulsivelyhestruggledagainstthestrapsholdinghiminplace.Ahollowmoanescapedtherigidmouth.Bloodpressureandpulseratetookaquickupwardjump.Leightonwatchedhelplesslyasthemonitorssignaledaweakeningofthedeeptrancestate.

“Dropthebarrier!”Theotherworldlyvoicehadlostitsseductivequalifyandhadtakenonaharsh,authoritariantone.

“Noooo!”ThecryeruptingfromKen’sthroatsoundedmoreanimalthanhuman.Hewasfightinghisrestraintsdesperatelynow,likeadrowningmantryingtocomeupforair.

“Youmustopenyourself.Dropthebarrier...thebarrier...”Thevoicewaslouder,moreinsistent,butdisjointed,asthoughtheconnectionwerebeingmaintainedwithgreatdifficulty.

“Noooo!”Aterrifyingscreamrippedtheair.“OhGod!Noooo!”Thebankofmonitoringneedlesfluctuatedmadlyforafewseconds,

thenbeganasteadyascentbacktonormal—andbeyond.Cursingunderhisbreath,LeightonpushedabuttonandthePlexiglaspyramidbegantotiltinasmoothmotionoverontoitssideandawayfromhim.Thecontacttheyhaddreamedof,workedfor,andhadachievedatlast,wasslippingaway.

Ken’seyesopenedwildlyandhisheadmovederraticallyasthoughheweredesperatelysearchingtheroomforsomethingorsomeone.Panicwasclearlywrittenineverycontortedfeatureashestrainedinvainagainstthe

heavystrapsholdinghim.Bloodpressureandpulseratehadbothshotupabove200.NowtheybeganaslowdescentashiseyesatlastfocusedonLeighton,whowasworkingswiftlytoremovetheelectronicconnectionsfromhisbodybeforeundoingthecontrolstraps.

“Ken,Idon’tbelieveit!Whydidyouholdback—justwhenyoureachedOmega?Why?”

“Uh—holdback?DidI?”Eveninhisstill-disorientedcondition,Kenwasshockedbythereproachinhiscolleague’svoice.Deliberatelyheshookhisheadtoclearit“Whatareyousaying?”

“Wewerethere,andthenyoustartedfightingitYoudon’tremember?”“Fighting?Idon’tknow.Itfeltlikesomethingwastryingtotakeover

mymind.Itwashorrible!”AshuddershookKen’sbody.Heclutchedhisheadwithbothhands,sickenedandbewildered,strugglingtorecallthedetailsofahorrendousnightmarethatseemedtohoverjustbeyondhisgrasp.

ImpatientlyLeightonreachedovertotherecordingconsolebesideKenandalternatelypunchedthe“rewind”and“fastforward”buttons.Garbledsoundspunctuatedthetenseatmosphere.Atlasthefoundwhathewassearchingfor.“Hereitis.Weweremakinghistory!Listentothis!”

“You’renearingOmega!Steadynow.Letyourselfgo.We’retakingyoudeeper...deeper.”

Atthefirstsoundofthevoice,Ken’sbodyjerkedconvulsivelyandagroanescapedhiscontortedlips.Leightonpushedthepausebuttonmomentarily,thenreleasedit

“WearetheNine.Trustus!WegotyourVoyagermessage...we’vecometohelp.Youareenteringthesuperluminal.Relax!We’vebeenwatchingyourdevelopment—we’reheretohelpyoutakethenextstep,butthere’samentalbarrierblockingus.Openup!There’snothingtofear.”

Leightonwatchedhiscolleaguecarefully.Ken’sbodyshookuncontrollablyastheinsistentvoicecontinued.

“ToreachtheOmegapointwherehumanintelligenceinterfaceswiththeInfinite,youmustdropthebarriersurroundingtheself.Dropthebarrier!”

“Dropthebarrier!”Thevoiceseemedtofilltheroom.

“Noooo!”Thesoundofhisownvoicescreaminghystericallywaslikean

explosioninsideKen’shead.Thepainjerkedhimviolentlyagainsttherestrainingstraps.Reachingoutinpanic,Kenturnedofftherecorderandstartedpullingfranticallyatthebuckles.

“Wait!I’llgetyouout”LeightonputafirmhandonKen’sshoulderandpushedhimdown.

Kenwastrembling.Hehadtheeyesofatrappedanimal.“Somethingwasgrabbingatmymindagain!”Hetookseveraldeepbreaths,exhalingslowly,tryingtocalmhimself.“It’shorrible!Ineverexpectedthis,Frank!WhoaretheseNine?WhydidIsensedanger—somethingrepulsive?”

MethodicallyLeightonunstrappedhim,shakinghisheadinunmistakabledisapprovalashedidso.“Idon’tunderstandwhatyou’resaying.It’sjustincomprehensible!”ThefearandconfusioninKen’seyescausedLeightontoeaseoffabit“Canyouhandleanymore?”heasked.‘Yououghttolistentotherestofitrightnow?—whileit’sfresh.Youmightremembersomething.”

Kensettledbackinthechairandnoddedreluctantly.“Okay.Let’sgiveitanothertry.”Leightonturnedtherecorderbackon.

“Youmustopenyourself.Dropthebarrier...thebarrier...”Thevoicewasfadinginandout.

“Noooo!OhGod!Noooo!”Itwasascreamwrenchedfromthepitofhell.Kengrippedthearmsofhischair,tryingtohangontohissanityuntiltheterrifyingbutindistinctimagespassed.

Leightonturnedofftherecorder.“Welostthepatternrightthere.Weworkedforyearsforthismoment”Gonewasthemomentaryempathyhehadfelt.Thestakesweretoohigh.TherewasnoexcuseforwhatKenhaddone.Onceagainhemadenoattempttodisguisethedisappointmentandresentmenthefelt.HewaspeeringoverhisglassesatKen,butnotwiththedetachedclinicalexpressionsomaddeninglyfamiliartothestudentsinhisgraduatepsychologycoursesatStanford.Agreatprizehadslippedthroughtheirgrasp.Frustratedangerwasboilinginsideofhim.

“Whydidyoufightit?Why?”Leighton’squestionloomedlikeapalpablepresenceintheroom.“Wehadit,Ken!”

“Itoldyou.Itwaslike...likesomethingaliveandterriblyalienwastryingtotakeover—topossessme!Ican’texplainit...”Ken’svoicetrailedaway.

Leightonshookhisheadadamantly.“Ken,theysaidtheygottheVoyagermessageandcameheretohelpus.Doyourealizewhatthatmeans...theopportunitywejustblew?”

“Soit’smyfault,isit?I’msorry,butyoudon’tknowwhatitwaslike.”

“Iwaswatchingeveryflickerofthoseneedles,”Leightoninsisted,“andI’mtellingyoutherewasnoindicationofanyharmfuleffectonanyofthemonitorsuntilyoubegantoresist!That’swhenthingswentwrong!”

Kenbristled.“Iresentbeingblamedforthis,Frank!YouthinkIscreamedlikethatfornoreason?That’snotlikeme,butIheardit—andsodidyou.”

“You’renotexpressinganythingconcrete,Ken—justvagueandsubjectivefeelingsthatreflectonlyyourowninternalstateofmind,butnotwhatwasactuallyhappening.”Leighton’stonehadbecomeclinical,asthoughhewereanalyzingapatientorastudent“Iwaswatchingthemonitorsandtherewasnothing...”

Kencuthimoffangrily.“Idon’tcarewhatthemonitorsshowed!Iwasbeingsuckedintosomethinghideouslyrepulsivebeyonddescription!Ican’texplainitbutitwasterrifying!”

“Ihearwhatyou’resaying,Ken,andI’mtryingtosympathizewithyourfeelings.I’msuretheywererealtoyou.ButI’vegottounderstandwhatactuallyhappened.Wecan’tletithappennexttime.YouwereattheOmegapoint—adreamcometrue—andthenyoupulledyourselfout”

“YouthinkI’mnotjustasdisappointedasyouare?Iconceivedthisthingandbroughtyouintoit!Sogetoffmyback!”

“Okay,okay,”Leightonhalf-apologized.“We’lltryagainwheneveryou’reready.Itshouldbeeasiernexttime...”

“Nexttime?Yeah,maybe...butI’drathernotthinkaboutitrightnow.”Ken’spleadingeyesandcontortedfacereflectedthepanicofunreasoningterror.

“Youcandoit!”saidLeightonsoothingly.Nowitwashisturnto

panic.SurelyKenwouldn’tbackout?“You’llgetoverthiswithagoodnight’ssleep.Maybethiswasafluke.Maybenexttimewillbeabreeze.”FrankputhishandonKen’sarmonlytohaveitbrushedoff.

“Maybe—maybeyou’dliketotradeplaceswithmenexttime.”“I’dbehappyto,ifitmadeanysense,”returnedLeightonearnestly,

“butyoutrainedyourselfforyears:psychedelics,yoga,Zen...Howlongwouldittakeme?Comeon,Ken—I’veneverknownyoutobeaquitter!”

“Getoffmycase,willyou?I’lltryagain—ofcourseIwill.ButI—Ineedsometime.”

Kenstoodresolutelytohisfeethistall,athleticframetoweringoverhiscompanion.TheywerequiteacontrastLeightonobviouslylikedhisliquorandrichfoodstoomuch.“I’vegottogetoutofhere!”mutteredKen,asmuchtohimselfastoLeighton.Heshookhisheadagain,thenhelditinbothhands,wincingatthepainandconfusion.Stillshakinghishead,hestaggeredoutthelaboratorydoorandslammeditbehindhim.

Leightonmadeafewhesitantstepstofollow,thenstopped.Hestoodstill,thesoundoftheslammingdoorechoinginhismemory.Caughtupinawhirlwindofconflictingthoughts,hesurveyedthelabthatKen’sgeniusandperseverancehadbuiltIthadbecomehisownmagnificentobsessionaswell.

We’vemadecontact!Thethoughtbroughtafierceexhilaration.Hewentquicklytoaphoneonanearbydeskandpunchedanumber—anumberthathenevercalledexceptfromlocationswhereitcouldn’tbetracedtohim.

Thephonerangandrang.Finallyanefficientfemalevoiceontheotherendanswered,“CIA.”

Leightonclearedhisthroat“Hawkins,please.”“WhoshallItellhimiscalling?”“Tellhimit’sHerbertGeorgeWells—withthebignewshe’sbeen

waitingfor.”

[2]AppointmentwithDeath

Uponleavingthelab,Keninstinctivelydrovetowardthecoastalhills.Somanytimeshehadgonethereinthepasttowanderinthewoodsandthinktoughproblemsthroughtoasolution.Thistime,however,whenhefoundhimselfonthewindingmountainroadthatheknewsowell,andfacingthelate-afternoonsunthatwasabouttosinkintothePacificjustbeyondtherangehewasclimbing,hecouldnotrememberhowhe’dgottenthere.Norcouldheremember—somewherealongtheroute—pushingJamesTaylor’sSweetBabyJamesintothetapedeck.ItsnostalgicsoundsblaredathimfromthequadstereoofhisMercedesSL-600.

Inspiteofthewealthhiscomputercompanyhadbroughthim,Kenwasfartoodedicatedtohisgoalstohavetimeforthemanyluxurieshecouldsoeasilyafford.TheMercedeswastheonesymbolofsuccessheallowed,theonepossessionthatpossessedhim.Itwashisprideandjoy.Yetnowhehadthebizarrefeelingthatthisfinelytunedmachine,whichhadalwaysbeeninstantlyresponsivetohislightesttouch,wasfightinghim,likesomeliving,breathing,untamedanimalEventhatstrangerealizationseemedvagueandunreal.Onlyonethoughtobsessedhimnow:theterrifyingimperativetoescapefromanelusivebutdreadmemory.Thathauntingnightmarebecamesteadilyclearerandmorepainfulastheeerievoiceshammeredthesamephrasesrepeatedlyandloudlyinsidehisthrobbinghead.

“You’vereachedOmega...Omega...thesuperluminal...superluminal...superluminal...”Itwasmorethanamemory.Themetallic,menacingcommandsseemedtobeemanatingfromhisverysoul,asthoughhenowbelongedto“theNine,”whoevertheywere.EachstabbingsoundheightenedhisdesiretoescapeandthepanicofknowinghecouldnotHisbrilliantmind,thegeniusthatintimidatedtheproudestintellects—what

goodwasitallnow?Astrangetransformationwastakingplaceinhisphysicalperceptions.

TheMercedesthathehadbeenbattlingbegantofeelmoreandmorelikeanextensionofhimself.Thenthetwoofthemweresomehowonesharedbeing—fleshandmachinefusedintothesameessence.Hisarmswerenowfrozentothesteeringwheel,movingasitmovedinwildmaneuvers;andhisfootandlegwerepartofthepumpingacceleratorthatgoadedthepulsatinghulktoitslimits.Atthesametime,onanotherlevel,heknewhewasactingirrationally,butthatwildsurgeofpowerseemedhisonlyhopeforretaliationagainstthehauntingvoices.Evenifitmeanthisowndestruction.Thatwouldsilencethem!Thethoughtwasinsaneandheknewit,butstillhisfootgroundintothefloorboardinobediencetosomeinnercommand.

“WeNinewillguideyou.Youmustopenyourself...openyourself...”Theroadhadnarrowedandsteepenedsharply,becomingaseemingly

endlesssuccessionofdangerouscurveswindingalongtheedgeofadeepandprecipitousgorge.Thebrilliantblueofsky,thetreesrushingbywiththesettingsunslantingthroughtheirbranches,thesurgingpowerthatengulfedhim—itwasexhilarating.He’dhadthatsamefeelingatthefirstmomentofcontactwith“theNine.”Andnow,asthen,ecstasymetamorphosedintofearandconfusion.OnablindcurvetheMercedesswepteffortlesslyaroundalaboringtruckladenwithhayasthoughitwerestandingstill.Itwasadeadlychancethathewouldnevertakeinhisrightmind,butsomethingirresistiblewasnowincontrol.Therealizationthathewasmorethanplayingwithdeath—thathehadanactualappointmentwithit—seemedvagueandunimportant

Isthisalladream?Instunnedandfrozenfascination,hewatchedasahugecobraslitheredoutfromunderthedashboardandupbetweenhislegs.Itstaredathimwithunblinking,hoodedeyes,thenwrappeditselfquicklyaroundhisleftarm.Kenscreameinterrorandclaweddesperatelyforitsneck,buthisfreehandfoundonlyemptyair.Yetitwasthere.Itseyesstaredhypnoticallyintohis,anditsdartingtongueflickedmenacingly.

Histerrifiedpreoccupationwiththehideousserpentwasshatteredby

thesuddensoundofsquealingbrakesandablaringhorn—andtheterriblerealizationthathehadwanderedacrossthenarrowroad’sdoublelineandintothelaneofoncomingtraffic.Inoneinstantthedeadlyserpentvanishedandinitsplace,fillinghisvision,wereatruckandtrailerloadedwithhugeredwoodlogsheadingdirectlytowardhim.Thetruckdriverbrakedandswervedfrantically.Kenpulledthesteeringwheeldesperatelytotheright.

ForasplitsecondKenthoughthe’dmadeit—untilthetruck’shugebumperstrucktheleftrearfenderofhiscarwithadeafeningimpact,flippingtheMercedesovertheguardrailandsendingitcatapultingnearly500feetdownaprecipitous,rock-strewnslope.Thecrumpledmassoftwistedandpoundedmetaldroppedthelast20feetstraightdownintoadrycreekbedinthebottomofthecanyon.LandingwithasickeningcrunchthatKenneverheard,thecarsatwedgedintothenarrowcrevicebetweentwomassiveboulders.

Thesteepterrainandtalltreesmadeitimpossibletocallinahelicopter.Whenparamedicsfinallyreachedthewreckage,theyfoundKenunconsciousandstillstrappedinbytheseatbeltthatwouldhavetobegivencreditforsavinghislife—ifhesurvived.Inspiteoftheenormousbloodlossfrommultiplecompoundfracturesandthepiercingofalungbyoneofhisbrokenribs,therewasabarelydetectablepulse.Ittookmorethananhourtocuthimoutofthetwistedmetaltombandhaulhimupthecliff.Intubatedimmediatelyandrespiratedbyhandwiththeambubag,hewasstillclingingtolifebytheslenderestofthreads.Usingalarge-boreneedle,theparamedicsstartedanIVofnormalsaline,astheracingambulancereachedthehospitalinPaloAlto.

Therethebloodtransfusionsbeganinconcertwithemergencysurgery.Twoofthebestsurgeonsinthecountry—Dr.HaroldElliottandhisassistant—workedheroicallybut,bytheirownestimation,futilely.Thepatienthadfixeddilatedpupilsandnospontaneousrespiration.YethisCTscanwasnormal,indicatingthatthecomawasnotduetointra-cerebralhemorrhaging.

“Diffusebraininjury—possiblysecondarytohypoxia,”Elliott’sassistantmutteredmatter-of-factlywithascowl.“Worstpossible

diagnosis.We’reprobablywastingourtime.”“Hmm...maybe,”wasallElliottrepliedashecutandsewedrapidly.

Hewasthinkingofanotherandpossiblyevenmorehopelessexplanationforthecoma—anonmedicalonethathisassistantwouldscoffat,sotherewasnopointinmentioningit

“WecouldscheduleanMRI—ifhesurviveslongenough,”suggestedtheassistant.

“Perhaps,”saidElliott,preoccupiedwithotherthoughts.Thepatient’snamewaswell-knowntoanyonewhokeptcurrentwiththelocalnews.Theguy’sanoutspokenpromoterofEasternmysticismandpsychicpowers.Asinvolvedinthatstuffashe’sbeen,hecouldbeheavilydemonized.Thatcouldexplainhispeculiarunconsciousstate...maybe.

Bythetimethetwosurgeonshadputtheirinstrumentsdown,Ken’sfiancee,CarlaBertelli,hadarrivedatthehospital.Theyoungwomanthatnownervouslypacedthewaitingroomfloorhadgottenhermaster’sdegreeinjournalismattheUniversityofCalifornia,Berkeley,sevenyearsafterKen’sdoubledoctorate.TheyhadmetwhenCarlaattendedaguestlectureseriesKenhadgivenonparapsychologyattheuniversity.Ithadbeenlove-at-first-sightforbothofthem.Shehadadmiredhisgenius,senseofhumor,andespeciallyhissuavehumanismandcleverput-downofallreligionsthatreinforcedherownrejectionoftheChristianfaithinwhichshe’dbeenraised.Andhehadseeninher,inadditiontoeverythingelseamancouldeverwantinawoman,thatraretenacityofpurposethatreflectedhisown.AtfirstKenhadmadefrequenttripstodateCarla.Attimes,however,itmightbeatwo-hourdriveeachwaybetweenPaloAltoandBerkeley,dependingonthetraffic.Kenwasalreadyputtingin16-hourdaysdevelopingcomputerprograms.Whenheaddedpsychicresearchontopofthattherewasn’tmuchtimeleftforromance.

FromherItalianfather,Carlahadinheritedheroliveskinandlarge,dark,almond-shapedeyes.HerIrishmotherhadendowedherwithauburnhairandlong-limbedbeauty.Winsomelyaffectionate,stubbornlydeterminedandloyal,Carlawasadream-cometrueforthededicatedyoungscientistPursuedbyothersuitors,shehadkeptfaithwiththemansheloved,evenwhenhehadbecometooinvolvedwithadoublecareerto

havethetimeorenergytomakethelongdriveexceptonrareweekends.CarlawasmuchlikeKeninthatrespect.Onceshe’ddetermineduponanobjective,therewasnoturningaside.Itwasthatwaywitheverything.Shehadturneddownseveralpromisingoffersfrommodelingagenciesinordertopursuethecareerinjournalismthathadbeenhercalculatedgoalsincehighschool.

CarlaspenttwoyearswithTheWallStreetJournalandanothertwowithTheWashingtonPost,thendecidedtofreelance.Shehadfoundday-to-dayreportingoncorporatetakeoversandWallStreetscandalsIess-than-challengingandhadsethersightsonaPulitzerprize.Tobefreetopursuethebigstorywhenitcamealong—thatwasnowwhatshewanted.KenhadeventuallyflowntotheEasttotellCarlahowmuchhemissedher,andittooklittlepersuasiontoconvincehertomovebacktoPaloAlto.She’dneverlostthedeepinterestinparapsychologywhichKen’selectrifyinglectureshadearlieraroused,andunderhistutelageshehadbeguntowritearticlesonthesubjectItwasanenthusiasmthathereditorshadnotsharedatfirstDivulginginformationthatnooneelseknew,Kenhadfedherselecteddataabouthisownsecretresearchandintroducedhertothemostfamousscientistsinthefield.Itwasnotsurprising,then,thattheyoungwomanwhowassoontomarryKenInmanhadalreadybecomerecognizedamongtheworld’sjournalistsasoneofthetopexpertsinparapsychology.Indeed,shehadgivenanewandbadlyneededrespectabilitytosuchreporting.

Carlaleapedtoherfeetapprehensivelythemomentthetall,grayingdoctoringreensurgicalscrubswalkedintothewaitingroomandlookedaround.Shewasattractedimmediatelybyhisface—ithadtobethekindestshecouldremembereverseeing.“Ishe?...”ShehadalreadylearnedfromEmergencythedetailsoftheaccidentandthegrimprognosisanddidn’tknowhowtofinishthequestion.“Willhe?...”

“I’mDoctorElliott”Shefeltheroutstretchedhandenvelopedwarmlyinbothofhis.“He’sinacomabutclingingtolife—barely.We’vedoneallwecan.There’saslimchancehemaysurvive,butthedamageissoseverewe’lljusthavetowaitandsee.”Hepausedforamomentandputasympathetichandonherarm.“Wehaven’tdeterminedthecauseofhis

coma,”headdedsolemnly,“andthat’snotgood.”“MayIseehim?Weweregettingmarriednextmonth.”‘”I’msorry.Novisitorsuntilwegethimstabilizedintheintensive

careunit.Wedon’tknowhowlongthatwillbe.Whydon’tyouleaveyourphonenumberatthenurses’station?They’llnotifyyouwhenit’sokaytocomein.There’sreallynopointinwaitingaroundhere.Thebestthingyoucandonowistogetsomerest—andpray.”

Carlalookedmomentarilystartled.Pray?Areyoureallyserious?I’mcountingonKen’sdeterminationtolive—andyourmedicalskill.HowcanItrustadoctorwhomixesmodernsciencewithDarkAgesmumbojumbo!

“Thanks,”sheresponded,abiticilyinspiteofherattemptnottoshowherfeelings,“butIdon’tbelieveinprayer—andneitherdoesKen.”Shedidn’tmeantobeungracious,buthonestyaboutwhatshebelievedwasveryimportanttoher.Nofalseimpressions,nocompromiseofprinciples...especiallywhenitmatteredsomuch.

“Well,IbelieveinGod,”respondedDr.Elliottsoftly,lookingherstraightintheeye,“soIprayforeachofmypatients,andyou’dbeamazedhowoftenHegraciouslyanswersprayer.Andinthiscaseit—itwouldn’tbehonestifIgaveyoutheimpressionthatthere’sanyotherhope.”

[3]Exit“theNine”

PrayerwasamajorpartofDr.HaroldElliott’slife—afactthatdrewvariedreactionsfromhiscolleagues,fromshruggedshoulderstoveiledhostility.Thiswasnotduetohiscritics’lackofinterestinalternativemethodsofhealing.Thehospital,infact,sponsoredseminarsineverythingfromyogatoshamanisticvisualizationandwasconsideredtobeonthecuttingedgeofholisticmedicine.TheproblemwithElliottwashispolitebutuncompromisinginsistencethattheGodrevealedintheBiblewastheonlytrueGodandthatHealonecouldintervenemiraculously,andthenonlyasHegraciouslychose—therewerenotechniquesthatcouldguaranteemiracles.

Elliottwasconsiderednarrow-mindedforhisflatrejectionofpseudoscientifictechniquessuchashypnosisandbiofeedback—whichhebluntlycalled“religionmasqueradingasscience”andwouldnottolerate.Noonecouldfaulthim,however,forthesurgicalskillthathadearnedhimaninternationalreputation.Andeventhosewhocalledhimadogmaticfundamentalistgrudginglyadmittedthatamonghispatientstherehadbeenanamazingnumberofmedicallyinexplicablerecoveries.

EachThursdayeveningElliott’slargehomewasthesiteofaprayermeetingthatoftenwentonuntilaftermidnightandusuallydrew30ormoreparticipantsfromamonghiswidecircleofChristianfriends.Ofcourse,Dr.Elliott’spatients(firstnamesonly)wereroutinelyincludedonthecarefullycompiledandupdatedprayersheetwhichthemembersweregivenasareminderfortheirowndailyintercession.Ken’snamewasaddedtothelengthylistattheregularweeklygatheringwhenitmetthreenightsafterhisaccidentInfact,hebecamethemajorfocusofearnestprayerthatevening.

“Ihaveaspecialburdenforthisyoungman,”Elliotthadexplainedat

thebeginningofthemeeting.“Foryearshe’sbeenabrilliantoutspokenenemyofChrist,advocatingEasternmysticismandpsychicpowers.It’shardtobelievethatanyonethatheavilyinvolvedintheoccultwouldn’tbedemonizedtosomeextent

“He’sstillinacoma,yetthebrainscansshownohemorrhaging.Ordinarily,thatwouldmostlikelyindicatediffuseaxonalinjuries,orhypoxia—conditionswhicharevirtuallyhopeless.Inhiscase,however,Isuspectanonmedicalreason—somekindofdemonicinvolvementLet’smakeKenaspecialprayerprojectaroundtheclockandseewhetherGodinHisgracewillintervene—atleasttorestoreconsciousnesssothathecanhearthetruthandmakearationalchoice.Ithinkhe’sbeentooheavilydeceivedtohavebeenabletodothatuptothispoint.”

Inresponsetothisappeal,thegrouphadspentnearlyanhourinearnestprayerforKen,whenElliott’swife,Karen,calledhimoutofthelivingroomintohisnearbystudy.

“Hal,it’sICUagain!”shewhisperedasshehandedhimthephone.“ThisisDr.Elliott,”hesaid,hopefulthattheremightbesomefurther

goodnews.Thepatienthadshownsomegradualimprovementinhisrespiratorystatusoverthelastfewhours.Elliott,infact,hadordereddecreasedsedationbecauseofmomentaryflickersofconsciousness.

“Doctor!”saidtheexcitedvoiceontheotherendoftheline,“IthinkyououghttogetinhereandseeyourpatientInman.We’vebeenfollowingtheweaningparameters.Iextubatedhimat19:20.He’sbeenbreathingbetterat20perminute,bloodpressurestableat130over80,andhispulseinthe90s.Hispostextubationbloodgaswaswithinnormallimits.Herestedpeacefullyforaboutanhour,nodistress—andthensomethingfrighteninghappened.Eerie,inhumanvoicesbegancomingoutofhim!”

“He’sstillinacoma?”“Yes—butI’dswearI’veseenhimmove!Doctor,Itookthelibertyof

puttinginavideotape.Ithoughtthisshouldberecorded.”“I’llberightthere—andkeepthattaperunning.”Elliottputdownthephoneandturnedtohiswife.“Honey,Ineedyou

tocomewithme!”Asthetwoofthemhurriedthroughthelivingroomtowardthefront

door,Dr.Elliottpausedtoexplaintotheprayergrouptheirsuddendeparture.“I’vejusthadacallfromthehospital.Kenisstillinacoma,buthe’simprovedsomewhat.They’vetakenhimofftheventilatorandhe’sbreathingonhisown.Andnowstrangethingsaregoingonthatcouldbedemonic....Karen’scomingwithme.Pleasebackusupwithprayer—forhiscompletedeliveranceandhealing.”

......Theintensivecareunitconsistedof12patientroomsarrangedina

rectangleandsurroundingacentralnurses’station.Whilethereweresolidwallsbetweenthem,theroomsallhadglassfronts,allowingforobservationofeachpatient.OverthebedsinfouroftheroomswereTVcamerasconnectedtomonitorsonwhichthemostcriticalpatientscouldbemorecloselyobservedfromthecentralstationatalltimes.

ItwasaterrifiedandbewilderedICUchargenursewho,alongwiththreeassistants,wasapprehensivelywatchingKenInman’sTVmonitorwhenDr.Elliottandhiswifearrived.

“Arewegladtoseeyou,Doctor!”sheexclaimed.“I’veseenalotofpsychoticpatientsandplentyofweirdbehavior—butnothingIikethis.”

ElliottglancedfromtheTVscreenshowingInmanlyinginbed,totheothermonitorsthatcontinuouslyexhibitedhiscurrentmedicalstatus.“Nothingunusualatthemoment,”heobserved.“Let’stakealookathim.”

ThechargenursewalkedthefewstepswithElliotttoInman’sroom.“It’sbeenquietforthelast20minutes.Butevenworsethanthevoices,there’ssomethingintherewithhim!Youcanfeelit!”

Theywerestandingnowjustoutsidetheroomandlookingthroughtheglass.Inmanwasclearlyinview.Hisrightlegandleftarmwereincasts.Becauseofthepuncturedlung,therewerechesttubesprotruding.Suddenlythecomatosepatient’srightarmflailedabout,thendroppedlimplyathisside.

“Didyouseethat!”exclaimedthenurse.“Getbacktoyourstation,”saidElliott“MywifeandIaregoingin

there.Makesurethattapeisstillrecording!”AllwasquietwhenDr.Elliottandhiswifeenteredthesmallroom.

Thedoctordrewthecurtainacrosstheglassfrontthenapproachedthe

patientAquickevaluationindicatedthathewasstillinacomaand,afterthebriefimprovement,sinking.Thebedsidemonitorsindicatedaseriousdeteriorationinhisstatus.Karenprayedsilently.AsElliottleanedoverandpulledbackthelidofoneeye,Ken’sfacesuddenlycontortedintoanevil,mockingexpression.Atthesametimehislipsbegantoformwordsandataunting,gutturalvoicemuttered,“Keepyourhandsoff!He’sours!”

WhileKarencontinuedtopray,nowaudibly,Dr.Elliottcommandedtheentitythathadspoken:“IntheNameofJesusChrist,tellmewhoyouare!”

Anominoussilencewastheonlyresponse.“IntheauthorityofJesusChrist...”beganElliott,whenhewasinterrupted.

“He’sours!”cameasneeringvoice,thisoneclearlydifferentfromtheonethathadfirstspoken,butonceagainseeminglyemanatingfromthepatient’smouth.“Youcan’tsavehim!”saidathirdvoicederisively.Ken’sface,whichhadseemedlifelessmomentsbefore,contortedagainintohideousexpressions.HisunbrokenrightarmsuddenlyflexedviolentlyinathreateningmotiontowardDr.Elliottthendroppedbackontothebed.Achorusofvoicesjoinedinmocking,jeeringlaughterthatexplodedfromKen’snow-leeringmouth.

“FatherGod,”prayedElliottaloud,“intheNameofJesusIcryouttoYouforthisyoungman.Pleasedeliverhimfromthepowersofdarkness.”Thenonceagainhecommandedfirmly.“IntheNameofJesusChrist,tellmewhoyouare.”

“Wewillnot!”cametheinstantreplyinadefiantlycontemptuoustone.

“IntheNameofJesusChristofNazarethandthroughthepowerofHisbloodsheduponthecrossforsin—tellmenowwhoyouare!”

HellishgroansissuedfromKen’sthroat,andthencamethegrudgingadmission:“WearetheNine...therulersofthedarknessofthisworld.”Ken’sbodywasshakenviolentlyasthoughbysomeinternalstruggle.Histongueshotoutrepeatedly,liketheforkedtongueofasnake;hiseyesopenedwide,thentookonahoodedreptilianmalevolence;andhisrightarmflailedaboutfuriouslyonceagain.HalandKarenbothsensedaheavy,serpentinepresencethatseemedtobetheembodimentofevilmoreancient

thanthepyramids.‘Thisonebelongstous,”criedanewandmorecommandingvoiceinaburstoffury.“Hehasbeenoursformanyyears.”

AgainElliottturnedtoprayer.“LordJesus,YouaretheCreatorofthisuniversewhobecameamantodieforoursins.YourWordsaysthatthroughYourdeathuponthecrossYou‘destroyedhimthathadthepowerofdeath,thatisthedevil,anddeliveredthemwhothroughfearofdeathwerealltheirlifetimesubjecttobondage.’Lord,weaskmercyandgraceforthisonewholiesneardeathandishelplesstocombattheevilonewhonowholdshiminhisgrip.”

“Heisours!”shriekedthedefiantvoices.“HeisnotaChristian!HerejectedChrist!Youcan’ttakehimfromus!”

“Youhavedeceivedhim.Nowcomeoutofhim,intheNameofJesusChrist,andenternomoreintohim.”Elliottpulledoutahandkerchiefandwipedtheperspirationfromhisbrow.

“Wewillkillhimfirst—andyoutoo,andyourfamily.Leaveusalone,andwewillnotharmhim.”

“Youlie,youdeceivingspirits.Yourthreatsdon’tfrightenus.Youhavenopower.Satan,yourmaster,wasdefeatedatthecrossbyJesusChristYouknowyouhavetocomeoutsodoitnow!”

“I’mleaving,”saidaweakvoice.Kenwasshakenagainlikearatinaterrier’smouth.Thenhelaymotionless,envelopedoncemorebyominoussilence.

“Thatwasatrick,”saidKaren.“Nodemoncameout”“Iknow,”repliedHal.

......Theensuingbattlewaslonganddraining.TogetherHalandKarenhad

beenthroughsimilarstruggleswithdemonsmanytimesbefore.HalhadbeenraisedbymedicalmissionaryparentsinSriLankawhenitwasstillknownasCeylon.Asayoungman,hehadparticipatedinexorcismsledbyhisfather,aphysicianwhohadinspiredHalalsotoenterthemedicalprofession.AftergettinghisM.D.degree,Halhadreturnedtothemissionfield—thistimetoEastAfrica,wherehehadmetandmarriedKaren.Theirministrytherehadofteninvolvedcastingoutdemons.ReturningtotheUnitedStatestoputtheirfourchildrenthroughuniversity,theyhadbeen

astonishedtofindasmuchdemonisminNorthAmericaasinanyThirdWorldcountry.IntheWest,however,demonpossessiontookamoresophisticatedformandwasoftencalledbyvariouspsychologicalnamesinsteadofbeingrecognizedforwhatitreallywas.

Ken’sexorcismturnedouttobethemostdifficulttheElliottshadyetexperienced.Attimesthecomatosepatient’sbodywasthrownviolentlyaroundonthebed.ThedemonsloudlyaccusedElliottofmedicalmalpracticeandwarnedthathewouldbeputinprisonforcausingKen’sdeath.Yetonebyone,grudgingly,thedemonscameoutasHalandKarencontinuedtoinvoketheNameandauthorityofJesusChrist

Whenthelastoneof“theNine”departed,animmediatechangecameoverKen.Colorbeganreturningtohischeeks,andhiseyesopenedbriefly.Hestaredmomentarilyatthetwobendingoverhisbed,thenclosedhiseyesanddroppedoffintoadeepsleep.

“PraiseGod!”exclaimedHalandKareninunisonandbowedtogetherinprayertogivethanks.ThenElliottthrewopenthecurtain.TheICUchargenurse,whohadbeenobservingtheexorcisminastonishmentfromthecontrolstation,metthedoctorandhiswifeoutsideInman’sroom.Herfacewasashen.“Incredible!Ican’tbelieveit!”wasallshecouldsay.

“Ithinkhe’shadamajorhealing!”saidElliottconfidently.“Ifhecontinuestoimprove,asI’msurehewill,I’mgoingtomovehimoutofheretoaregularpost-oproom.Callmeassoonasheawakens.Iwanttobekeptadvisedofeverything.”

Thenursewasstillbadlyshaken.“Isthisthingover?”sheaskedanxiously.“Imean...?”

“It’sfinished—completely,”saidElliot“sorelax.AndIwanttheSurgicalReviewCommitteetoseethatvideo,sobesuretosetitaside,okay?”

“Youreallythinkyouwantthemtoseeit?”askedthenurse.Shelookedasthoughshewereabouttofaint

“OfcourseIwantthemtoseeitWhynot?Say,areyouallright?”“I’mokay—justconcernedaboutyou.Youknowsomeofthecriticism

you’vebeengetting,andthestoriesinthesurgicallounge.Thisvideoisn’tgoingtohelp!”

“Oh,Ithinkitwill,”respondedElliott“Itcoulddothemalotofgoodtoseethis.Mightevenstopsomeoftherumorsandreplacethemwithfacts.”

Unconvinced,andwiththestrainstillshowinginherfeatures,thenurseagreedreluctantly.“Okay,doctor,I’llsetthattapeaside.It’llbethereanytimeyouwantit”

“Now,aboutthepatient,”addedElliott,“Ithinkwe’regoingtoseearemarkablerecoveryfromthispointon.”

[4]OutoftheDarkness

WhenKenawakenedabouteighto’clockthenextmorning,hefeltasthoughhewereascendingslowlyoutofadarkpitMercifully,themockingvoicesandhideousimagesseemedmorememorythanrealityandfadedawayastheroominwhichhefoundhimselfcamesteadilyintoclearerfocus.Thesunwasslantinginthroughalargewindowtohisleft.Itswelcomerayswereglintingfromametallicapparatusstandingjusttotherightofhisbed.Hehaddifficultyturninghisheadfarenoughtoseeitclearly,buttherealizationslowlydawnedthatitwasanintravenouspump—andthatitwasconnectedtohim.

I’minthehospital!Thethoughtseemedimpossibletoconnectwithhimself.HowdidIgethere?Whathappened?Hehadavaguercollectionofleavinghislabanddrivinghiscarsomewhere,butbeyondthateverythingwasblanknomatterhowhestruggledtoremember.Inutterexhaustionhegaveuptryingtounderstandforthemomentandjustlaytherestaringattheceilingandtryingtogetbackintouchwithhisbody.Adull,throbbingpainseemedtoenvelophim.Hecouldmovehisrightarm—theonewiththeIVinit—buthisleftarmandrightlegseemedtobeweighteddown.Liftinghisheadupslightlywithgreateffort,hecouldseethatthoselimbswereencasedincasts.

Kenbecameawarethatsomeonewasmovingaroundneartheheadofhisbed,justoutofhislineofvision.“Soyou’reawake!”saidapleasantfemininevoice.“Howdoyoufeelthismorning?”

“I’mtryingtofigurethatoutI’mnotsurethisisreallyme.HowdidIgetinhere?”

“I’mafraidyourcarwentoveracliff.Youweremoredeadthanalivewhentheybroughtyouin.”Nowthenursecameintoviewandstoodtherelookingathimwithobviousempathy.

“Acliff?Really?Idon’trememberbeingnearanycliffs!”Kentriedto

adjusthispositionandgroanedatthepain.“Wasanybodywithme...anybodyelsehurt?”

“No,Idon’tthinkso.”“Whendidithappen?”“Thisisyourfourthdayinhere—andthefirsttimeyou’vebeen

conscious.Youdon’tknowhowluckyyouare!You’veimprovedsomuchinthelasttenhours.It’sjustincredible!I’mgoingtoslowtheIVandseeifyoucantakesomeclearfluids.Thedoctor’smovingyoualongasfastasyoucango.”

Thenursereachedforthecontrols.“I’mgoingtoraiseyourheadupabit.There.Nowlet’sseehowthisgoesdown.”

Itwaspainfulswallowingatfirst.Afterseveralswallows,however,thepleasantliquidwithaslightlemontastewentdownsmoothlyandseemedtosoothehisthroat.Hemanagedmostoftheglass,thenlaybackexhausted.Ashedozedoff,heheardthenurse’svoicedriftingthroughafog:“I’llbebacksoon.We’regoingtomoveyououtofintensivecaretoanotherroom.”

......“How’sthemiraclepatientdoingtoday?”Atthesoundofthe

enthusiasticvoice,Kenturnedhisheadpainfullytoseeawhite-garbedphysicianburstingexuberantlyintohisroom.Thelean,energeticman—lookingmuchyoungerthanhis56years—seemedtotakeinKen’sentiresituationataglance.Itwasobviousthathewaspleased,verypleased,withwhathesaw.

“Doing?I’mplottingmyescape—that’swhatI’mdoing,”retortedKen,managingawrysmile.Hewasproppedupinbedanddrinkingfromaglassofwaterthathewasholdingwithhisonegoodhand.“WhendoIgetoutofhere?Andwhatdoyoumeanbymiracle?”

“Well,youareonthemend!There’snobettermedicinethanagoodsenseofhumor,”saidthedoctor,ignoringhisquestionsforthemoment“Icanseewe’regoingtohavetotieyoudown!”Elliottstoodthereforamomentgrinningathispatientapprovingly.Atlasthesaidquietly,“Amiracle,myfriend,issomethingthatonlyGodcando—andyou’reit!”

Thetall,wiryfigurebentoverthehospitalbedtolayahandgentlyon

Ken’sgoodshoulder.“Bytheway,I’mDr.HaroldElliott.YoucancallmeHal.I’mthedirectorofTraumaSurgery.MyassistantandItriedtoputyoubacktogethertheotherday.”

“Wereyouabletodoit?”askedKen,eyeingwithinterestthetousledblackhairwithstreaksofgrayandtheintensebutkindlyfacesonearhisown.Heglancedathispain-rackedbody.“Itlookslikeyouhadalotofmendingtodo.Seriously,doctor,what’sthe,uh...prognosis?”

“Yesterday—practicallyhopeless.Today—excellent.Completerecovery.Andthat,myfriend,isoneofthebiggestmiraclesI’veeverseen!”

“Boy,areyoueverhungupon‘miracles’!TheluckoftheIrishiswhatI’dcallit”

Elliottletoutashort,good-naturedlaugh.“The‘luckoftheIrish’wouldn’tevencomeclosetowhatyouneeded!Andyoucan’targuewithme,becauseyouweren’tevenconsciousanddon’tknowwhathappened.Andthat’swhatwe’vegottoworkonabit.Startingfromrightnowandgoingbackintime,tellmewhatyoucanrecall.”

“Touche—endofdiscussion.Bing,bing,bing.You’renotadoctor,you’reabulldozer.”KendecidedhewasgoingtolikeElliott“WhatdoIrecall?Well,ithasn’tbeenexactlywhatyou’dcallpartyingitup—justaverage,run-of-the-millhospitalfunandgames.”HiseyesmetElliott’s,andtheybothlaughed.TheresultantpainbroughtasharpmoanfromKen.“ThenursejusttookmyIVoutandmovedmeinherefromwhereverIusedtobe...andpromisedmesomethingabitmoresolidforlunch.ShesaidI’drun

mycaroveracliff....”“Doyourememberthat?”Elliottinterrupted.“I’vetried,butsofar—well,I—Ican’trememberanyofitDoIhave

amnesia?”“Hardly.Youtoldthenurseyournameandaddressthismorning.

Temporarylossofasmalltimesegment.Nothingtoworryabout.Whatyouandyourcarwentthroughwashorrificandjustaswellforgotten,butthat’snottheworstofit.What’sthelastthingyourememberbeforeitallgoesblank?”

Kenshookhisheadslowly.“Well,Irememberdrivingsomewhereinthecoastalrange,butit’svague.Idon’tknowwhetheritleduptothisaccidentorwhetherI’mjustrememberingsomethingearlier.Iusedtodriveuptherealot.”

“It’llhelpifyoutrytothinkwhereyouwerewhenyougotintoyourcar.”

“Iwastryingtorememberthatwhenyouwalkedin.IthinkIwasatthelabwithmyassociate.AndIdon’thaveagoodfeelingaboutwhateverhappenedthere,butIdon’tknowwhy—andI’msureit’sirrelevant”

“Irrelevant?Youthinkso?”Elliott’stonebecameveryserious.“That’swhatputyouinhere!Ifyouhadn’tgotteninvolvedinpsychicresearchyouwouldn’tbelyinginthatbed.”

“Doctor,withallduerespectyoudon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”

“AsamatteroffactIdo.Yourassociate,FrankLeighton,calledthehospitalyesterday,concernedaboutyourcondition.Insistedontalkingtome.Youwerestillinacoma.Saidhe’dbeeninvolvedwithyouinpsychicresearch.WhenIaskedhimaboutcontactwithspiritentities,hetriedtochangethesubject.”

“Whywouldyouaskthat?”“Youknowwhy.Anyoneasdeeplyinvolvedasyou’vebeenwith

eitherdrugs,mysticism,orpsychicphenomena—andyou’vebeenintoallthree—isboundtohavemadecontactwithspiritentities.”

Kensmiledwearily,andtherewasnowanewrespectforElliottinhisvoice.“Soyoudoknowabitaboutmyfield.”

“You’vebeenplayingwithfireforalongtime,”saidElliott.“I’vefollowedyourresearchandexploitsinthepapers—andyoufinallygotbadlyburned.WhatIwanttoknowishowmuchyourememberabouttryingtocontactso-called‘highlyevolved’extraterrestrialintelligences.”

“Ithinkyou’replayinggameswithme,”respondedKentestily,suddenlywaryofElliott.“Frankwouldn’tgiveoutinformationaboutourresearch.”

“I’mnottryingtogetatyoursecrets,”saidElliott.“I’mtryingtohelpyourememberwhathappenedwhenyoumadethis‘contact.’It’svery

important.”Kenhesitatedforamoment.“Okay,”hesaidatlast,“butI’mgoingto

chewFrankoutforthis.Yes,weweretryingtomakecontact,andallIcanrememberis...therewerethesevoicesinmyhead.Notlikemyownthoughts,butfromsomewhereelse...andaudible!It’shardtoexplain.”Hefellsilent.

“Leightondidn’ttellme,”saidElliottmatter-of-factly.Kenstaredathim.“Thenhowdidyoufindout?Andwhydidyousay

myresearchputmeinhere.Why?”Hiseyespleadedforanexplanation.Dr.Elliott’sbeltpagerwasbeeping.Hesaidafewwordsintohiscell

phonethenturnedbacktoKen.“Excuseme,”saidElliott,“I’vegotsomeotherpatientstosee.And,

anyway,youneedtogetsomerestbeforewetalkanymore.”“I’mnotlettingyouoffthehook,Doctor.Youmadesomepretty

strongstatementsthatIwantclarified—okay?”“YoucancountonitI’llgetbackherethisafternoon,andthenwe’ll

talksomemore.Inthemeantime,haveagoodsleep!”

[5]LivingProof

WhenDr.Elliottreturnedafewhourslater,hewasaccompaniedbyawomanwhowasapparentlynotanurse—atleastshewasn’tinuniform.Thedoctorclosedthedoorbehindthem.Thenhepulleduptwochairsandtheybothsatdownnexttothebed.

“Ken,”hesaidtothepatient“Iwantyoutomeetmywife,Karen.Sheworkswithmeoncaseslikeyours.”

“Youareanurse,then?”Kenlikedherimmediately.SheexudedthesamewarmthandthesamequietconfidenceasElliott—andhersmilewascontagious.

“I’manRN—longretired,”sheresponded.“ButIdon’tgetinvolvedwithHal’smedicalworkanymore—onlyspecialcaseslikeyours.”

Kenlookedfromonetotheotherquestioningly.Thenheglancedathisachingbody.“Itlooksprettymedicaltome.”

“It’sawholelotmorethanmedical,Ken,”declaredElliott.“Medically—well,youshouldbedead.GodhadHishandonyou,

that’sforsure.Otherwiseyouwouldn’thavesurvived.”“Look,Doc,withallduerespect,asIalreadysaid,I’dratheryoukeep

Godoutofthis.”“Yousoundalotlikeyourfiancée.”“Carla!You’vemether?”“Once—briefly,”saidHal.“I’vebeenaskingthenurseswheresheis.”“She’sbeeninandoutseveraltimes,butyouwerestillinacoma.

They’vebeentryingalldaytoreachhertoletherknowyou’reconscious—justgotherafewminutesago.She’sonherwayover.”

“It’llbegreattoseeher!We’regettingmarriednextmonth,”announcedKenproudly.

“Congratulations!”saidKaren.“Nowlook,”saidKen,turningtoElliott,“youseemedtoknowsome

stuffyoushouldn’thave,andyousaidmypsychicresearchlandedmeinhere.”

Dr.Elliottnodded.HeleanedoverfromwherehewassittingbesidethebedandputhishandgentlyonKen’sshoulder.“Thisisn’tgoingtobeeasyforeitherofus,butyouhavetoknow.”

SeeingtheapprehensioninKen’seyes,Elliotthastenedtoadd,“Ithasnothingtodowithyourprognosis.”Kenlookedimmediatelyrelieved,andElliottcontinued.Thedutynursecalledmelastnight.Youwereinacoma,yetyouwereemittingstrangevoicesandyouwerewrithingonthebed.KarenandIandseveralnursesallwitnessedit.”Hepaused.

“Sowhatwasgoingon?”askedKen.“There’snoeasywaytotellyouthis,”saidElliottsolemnly,“soI’ll

justbeblunt.Youweredemon-possessed.”Kenwasindignant“Comeon—Idon’tevenbelieveindemons!”“Youdon’thavetobelieveincholeraforittokillyou,”putinKaren

quickly.“You’remixingmetaphors,”retortedKen.“Youcanidentifycholera

germs.”“Youcanalsoidentifydemons,”counteredHal.“Thereisn’ttimeto

beataroundthebush.Humanbeingsdon’thavepsychicpower—it’sdemonic—andyourinvolvementinitnearlygotyoukilled.”

“Waitaminute!”protestedKen.“I’llbowtoyourexpertiseinmedicine,butIresentitwhenyoutrytostraightenmeoutonpsychicresearchaswell.Isn’tthisalittleoutofyourfield?”

“Notatall,”returnedHalquickly.“IgrewupinCeylonandspentmuchofmylifeinAfrica.I’vedonealotofpsychicresearchbothoverseasandinAmerica,andIcantellyouthere’snodifferencebetweenwhatWesternparapsychologistsaretryingtoreproduce‘scientifically’intheirlaboratories,andwhat’sbeengoingonintheThirdWorldindarkseanceroomsandprimitivejunglehutsforthousandsofyears.”

“Thatdoesn’tprovedemonsarebehindit”saidKenfirmly.

“We’veproveditmanytimes,”interjectedKaren.“Ineverycasewhenwecastoutthedemonstheso-calledpsychicpowersended.Andwe’vefacedwitchdoctorswithpowersthatwoulddazzleWesternparapsychologists.”

“Thatwouldscarethemtodeath!”addedElliott.“It’snotdemonsyou’recastingout,”saidKen,“it’sjustthatyour

brandofdogmaticfundamentalismissonegativethatitdestroysthepositiveatmosphereneededforpsychicpowertomanifestitself!”

“Thatdoesn’tspeaktoowellforpsychics,then,doesit,”quippedKaren,“iffalsesuggestionsfrom‘dogmaticfundamentalists’canstripthemoftheirpowers!”

AfaintsmileonKen’slipsacknowledgedthatthepointwaswell-made.“YousaidIwaspossessedwithdemons...andyouknewI’dtriedtomakecontactwithextraterrestrials…”

“Wehaveaprayermeetinginourhome,”beganElliott,“andyouwereourmainfocuslastnightforseveralhours.”

“Soyouprayed,”Keninterruptedimpatiently,“Iwokeupfromthecoma,andyoucallita‘miracle’—andthrowinthe‘demons’asabonus.Isthatit?”

“Notquite,”saidElliott“Thechargenursecalledmeinthemiddleofourprayermeeting,toldmeaboutthevoicescomingoutofyou—andthatyouweremovingwhileinacoma.KarenandIcamerightoverwhileabout30peopleinourhomekeptprayingforyou.Whenwegothere,thevoicesclaimedyoubelongedtothem.Theywereintheprocessofdestroyingyou.”

“They?”askedKenapprehensively.“Whoarethey?”“Theycalledthemselves‘theNine.’”“TheNine?”ThecolordrainedfromKen’sface.Heclosedhiseyes

andwincedwithpainasmemoriessurfaced,unbiddenandhorrible.Elliottwaitedpatiently.FinallyKensaidweakly,“Goahead.I’m

listening.”“YouwonderedhowIknewyou’dtriedtocontact‘highlyevolved’

extraterrestrials,”continuedElliott.“Whenwecommanded‘theNine,’intheNameofJesusChristtotellushowtheyhadtakenpossessionofyou,

theyconfessedthey’dpretendedtobeETIs...andsaidyou’dfallenforit.”“Theyreallysaidthat?”Helookedstricken,likesomeonewhohadjust

beenrobbedorwaswatchingafireconsumehishouseandallofhispossessions.

Dr.Elliottnoddedsoberly.“It’stheperfectscamthatthewholescientificcommunityisbeingsetuptofallfor.Maybeyourexperiencewillserveasawarning.”

“It’snotascam,”saidKen.“Itmakesgoodsense.Justimaginewhatitcouldmeanifsuchentitieswouldsharetheirincredibletechnologyandpsychicsecretswithus!Everyhumanproblemcouldbesolved!”

“Andyoumadecontact?”askedElliottpolitely.“Ithinkso,butit’svague.Somethingwentwrong,andItriedtofight

themoff.IhaveahazyrecollectionthatFrankcouldn’tunderstandandwasupsetwithme.ThatmustbewhyIleftthelab.Itfeltliketheyweretryingtotakeovermymind.”

“Theydidtakeover—andtriedtokillyou.Eyewitnessesreportedthatyourdrivingwasinsane.”

Kenshuddered.“IwishIcouldrememberwhathappened.”Helaythereinsilence,lookingfromHaltoKarenhelplessly.“Theirname,”heaskedatlast.“Howdidyoucomeupwiththat?”

“Youknow,ofcourse,that‘theNine’arewidelyknowninoccultcircles.”Kennodded.“It’sanidentitydemonsoftenassume,”continuedElliott“’TheNine’areevenmentionedintheBible.Butwedidn’tassumethatwaswhotheywere.IntheNameofJesusChrist,Icommandedtheseducingspiritsthatpossessedyoutoidentifythemselves.”

“Andtheysaid,‘We’retheNine,’justlikethat?”Dr.Elliottshookhishead.“Theyscreamedobscenitiesandthreats—to

killyouandus.KarenandIhavebeenthroughthismanytimesbefore.Thegroupwaspraying,andwedidn’tbackdown.”

Halpausedforamoment.Kenwaslisteningintently.“Yourcasewasunique,”hecontinued.“Andthat’swhyitoffersthekindofproofyouwant.Remember,youwereinacoma.Vitalsignsveryweak.Yettheveinswerestandingoutonyourneck,andloudvoices—notyourown—werespeakingthroughyou.Itjusthappensthateverybitofitwasrecordedbya

TVcameraoveryourbedintheICU.Whenyou’restronger,we’llputitonyourTVforyou—ifyouwanttoseeit.”

Kenwasstunned.“You’renotkiddingme?Youreallyhavethatvideo?”

“Absolutely.”“I’vegottoseeit!”“Youwill.It’sallthere:thesneeringvoices,theunbelievable

contortionsyourbodywasgoingthroughwhileyouwerecomatose.Nottheleastofitweretheexpressionsyourfacetookon—itwasbeyonddescription!”

“Thatcouldhavebeenapurelypsychologicalphenomenon,”suggestedKen,gropingforanotherexplanation.“The‘voices’representedsplitsofmydeeppsyche,andthethrashingaroundwasanunconsciousreleaseofpsychicenergy.”

“GivethatalittlemorethoughtKen,”saidElliottfirmly,“andyou’llrealizeit’sabsurd.Whydoesn’tyoursubconscious—andeveryoneelse’s—dothatsortofthingallthetime?Thefactis,whenthelastdemoncameoutyourcomaended—thatfast.”Elliottsnappedhisfingers.“You’regoingtohealsorapidlynowthatitwillboggletheentirehospitalstaff!You’llbewrittenupinmedicaljournals—andtheskepticsstillwon’tbelieveit.”

Kenwasshakinghishead.“I’vegottoseeitbeforeI’llbelieveit!”“Youwill,butyouneedsomerestnow.”Kenlookedtired,buthedesperatelywantedtounderstand.“Youdon’t

likemytheoryabouttheunconsciousorsplitsofthepsyche,butdon’tyouthinkit’sabitarchaictotalkaboutdemons?”

“Islovearchaic?”askedKaren.“Orjusticeorbeautyortruth?Somethingsneverchange—andgoodandevil,GodandSatan,angelsanddemonsareinthatcategory.”

“Icouldgiveyoulotsofreasonsforcallingthemdemons,”addedHal.“Butyoudesperatelyneedtosleep.Foronething,theyadmitthat’swhotheyare.Andtheycryoutinrage,thenfear,whenthey’reconfrontedwiththeauthorityofJesusChrist...thentheygrudginglyobey.You’llseeitallforyourself.Thenyoucandecide.”

Dr.Elliottandhiswifestooduptoleave.“We’vestayedtoolong.Yougetsomesleep.”

“Yeah,Iwill,”sighedKenwearily.Halpattedhimaffectionatelyonthearm.“We’llbebacktonightwith

thatvideo.”Ken’seyelidsdroopedandclosedashefoughttostayawaketoponder

theshatteringpronouncementsofthesetwoobviouslyintelligentandsincerepeople.Hewouldhavedismissedthemasfundamentalistfanaticshadhenotbeeninthathospitalbed.Thatfactgaveunwelcomecredencetowhattheysaid.Andthevideo!Ican’tbelieveit.There’sgottobeanotherexplanation.Butwhatifthey’reright?Whatifthey’reright!Thatunwelcomepossibilityhoundedhimtotheveryedgeofunconsciousness.

[6]Changes

Itwasastill-apprehensivebutveryexcitedCarlaBertellithatthechargenurseledintoKen’sroomaboutanhouraftertheElliottshaddeparted.Theyfoundtheexhaustedpatientstillsleepingsoundly.“Youmaysitbesidehimandwait,”thenursesaidsoftly,“butbecarefulnottoawakenhim.Heneedsalltheresthecanget.”

“He’soutofdangerand—he’sgoingtobeokay?”AnothernursehadalreadyassuredherofthatbutCarlahadtohearitagain.Itwasalmosttoowonderfultobelieve.

“Oh,definitely.Thedoctor’sverypleased.”Carlaletoutanothersighofreliefandsankdowninachairthatwas

rightbesidethebed.Therewasanotheronenexttoit.Sohe’dalreadyhadtwovisitors!Shewonderedwhotheycouldhavebeen.Nevermind.Shewasonlytoogratefultobeabletositnexttothemanshelovedandwaitnomatterhowlong.Ithadbeensohopeless,butnowshecouldallowherselftobeintoxicatedonceagainwiththeeuphoricanticipationoftheweddingtheyhadplannedwithsuchhappyexcitement.ThedreamshehadsharedwithKenandthathadseemedshatteredonlyafewhoursearlierwasnowaliveagain.Infactitwaslessthan24hourssinceshe’dlastvisitedhiminintensivecareandbeentoldbythenursethatthingsdidn’tlookatallgoodandthatsheshouldkeepintouch.

Whenshe’dcomehomeforlunchandfoundthemessageonheransweringmachinetocallthehospital,she’ddreadedpickingthephoneupanddialing.Thelastthingshehadexpectedtohearwasthewonderfulnewsthathewasoutofdangerandonhiswaytoaveryremarkablerecovery.It’sreallyhappening!Shekeptremindingherself,assheturnedhereyesnowandthenfromKentotakeinthebedsidetablewiththeprofuselybloomingpottedazaleashe’dsent,thebroadvistaoflawnand

treesthroughthewindow,thestarklymodernhospitalparaphernaliaremindingherthathewasbeingwellcaredfor.He’saliveandgettingwell!Itreallyistrue!

Herthoughtswereinterruptedbytwodoctorsleadingagroupofinterns,allofthemdressedingreensurgerygarb,whosuddenlymarchedinandgatheredaroundtoviewthepatientTheypassedfromonetoanotherthechartshowingKen’simpossiblysuddentransitionfromanapparentlyhopelesscomatonormalconsciousness.Soabsorbedweretheyintryingtounderstandwhattheyapparentlyregardedasauniquecase,theyscarcelyseemedtonoticehersittinginthechairbesidethebed.

“IassistedDr.Elliottwhenthepatientwasbroughtinfromemergency,”commentedoneofthesurgeonssoftly.“NormalCT,fixeddilatedpupils,nospontaneousrespiration—moredeadthanalive.”Hehesitated,thenadded,“Ican’ttellyouhowsurprisedIam....There’sjustnoway!”

“Incredible!”saidoneoftheinternsashelookedoverthechart,thenletoutalowwhistleofastonishment.

Afterabriefsilencetheothersurgeonturnedtohiscolleagueandsaidinaconfidentialtone,“Isupposeyou’veheardthatHal’sprayergroupwasinvolved,andtherearerumorsaboutanexorcism!Igetabituncomfortable...”

Carlawashangingontoeveryword,butwithafewmoreexclamationsofaweinterspersedwithmedicaljargon,thedoctorsweregone.

Theausterehospitalbed,thestarkfurnishingsoftheroom,theantisepticodorfadedawaymomentarilyasCarla’smemoryparadedbeforeher—vividscenesofthedeliciousmomentstheyhadshared.ShesawKenonceagainlecturingattheUniversityofCalifornia,Berkeley,thenighttheyhadfirstmet;sherelivedsomeoftheirweekendstogether;shesmiledhappilyassherememberedhownervoushe’dseemedthenighthehadproposed—thenwasusheredabruptlybacktopresentrealitywhenKenmoanedsoftlyandbegantostir.Suddenlyheopenedhiseyesandwasstaringattheceiling.“Darling!”shewhispered,leaningoverthebedtostrokehisforehead.

Nowhesawher.“Carla!”Hecouldsaynomore.

Sheheldhisheadinherhands,coveringhisstitchedfacewithsoftkisses.“Iloveyou!Oh,I’msohappy,sohappyyou’realive!”

“Iloveyou,Carla!”hemanagedtosayandreacheduptoembraceherwithhisonegoodarm.

“Theytoldmeyou’regoingtobefine!”Carlabubbledonecstatically.“Inevergaveup.Iknewyou’dmakeit!What’sthelatestfromthedoctor?”

“Hesayseverything’sgoingtobeokay.”Carlawasnowstandingbesidehim,holdinghishand.Helookedupather.“It’ssogreattoseeyou!”Theysmiledintoeachother’seyes,andshestoopeddowntokisshimagain.

WhatifDr.Elliottandhiswifeareright?Eveninthisrapturousmomenthecouldn’tescapethetroublesomethoughtthathadbeentormentinghim.Whatifthey’reright!HowcanleverexplainthattoCarla?Whatwillshethink?

“Theytoldyouwhathappened?”heasked.“Imean...isn’titincredible?”

“Ican’tbelieveitLastnightIthoughtyouweredying—andnowlookatyou!You’vegotcolorinyourcheeksandtheoldsparkleinyoureye!”

“I’msogladyouweren’tinthecar!Istilldon’tknowhowithappened.Iloveyou,darling,sovery,verymuch!I’msorryforwhatyou’vebeenthrough.Itmusthavebeenhell…”

“Itwasunbearable!Ikeptfrombreakingdownbyplayingtheinvestigativereporter—justhadtofindoutwhathappened.Butitnevermadesense.”Shepaused.“Wouldyourathernotthinkaboutit?”

Kenshookhishead.“No,goahead.Iwanttohear.”“Ieventalkedtothetruckdriver.Hesaidyouwereonhissideofthe

road,andhedidhisbesttomissyou.”“Idon’trememberanything.Thedoctorthinksitmaygraduallycome

backtome.”“Ihikeddownandsawthecar—whatwasleftofitaftertheycutyou

out”Shedugaroundinherpurseandcameoutwithanaudiocassette.“Thiswasinyoursmashedstereodeck—stillingoodshape.”Shehelditupsohecouldseeit.“SweetBabyJames?Thatfigures.”

“Icheckedtoseeifitwouldstillwork,”addedCarla,“anditdoes.Areyoucuriousatalltoknowwhereithadstopped?”

“Idon’tknowifitmeansanything,butwherewasit?”“Justbeforetheendof‘FireandRain.’”Sheputthecassetteonthetop

ofthebedsidetablenexttotheflowersshe’djustbroughtin.“We’llleaveitrightthere—untilthehappydayyoucarryitoutofhere!”

Hewaslookingatherappreciatively.“I’veneverknownyoutobesosentimental.Iloveit!”

Shesqueezedhishand.“Darling,it’smorethansentimentIfyousawwhatwasleftofyourMercedes,you’dknowwhyIhadtoholdontosomethingforhope.There’snowayyoucouldhavesurvived.”

Kenlookedsuddenlytroubledandbewildered.“I’msorry,darling,”saidCarla.“Ishouldn’thavementionedthat.”“No,that’sokay.ItjustbothersmethatIdon’trememberanyofit.

I’vegottoknowwhathappened—howithappened.”“Youweredrivinglikeamaniac,thereportssaid.Ofcourse,you

alwaysdid,butatleastyouwereasafemaniac.”Shebrushedsomestrandsofstrayhairbackfromhisforehead.“Fromwhatthehighwaypatroltoldmeofeyewitnessreports,thistimeyourdrivingwascompletelyinsane.Ijustdon’tunderstandit.”

“Thatfits,”sighedKenreluctantly.“Fitswhat?”“WhatDr.Elliottsaid.”“Well,whatdidhesay?”“Ineedtothinkaboutitsomemore.”“Darling?”Shewasfrowning.“He’sthatprayingsurgeon.It’sso

unprofessionaltomixmedicinewithreligion.It’slikehethinksprayercouldactuallymakeadifference.Heeventoldmetopray!Ifeltlikesaying,‘Comeon,Doc,getintothetwentiethcentury!’Agroupofdoctorswasjustinherewhileyouwereasleep,andsomeofthemdon’tlikehisapproach,either.”

“Didtheysayso?”“Igotthatimpression.”“Whyweretheyhere?”

“Theywerecheckingyououtlikesomerarespecimen—reallyboggledbyyoursuddenrecovery.Calleditimpossible.”

“SoElliottwasright.HesaidthewholehospitalstaffwouldbecomingintoseemeandthatI’dbewrittenupinmedicaljournals.”

Carlawasfrowning.“Theysaidsomethingaboutanexorcism.Ken,didthatdoctorgothroughsomehocus-pocus?”

“Isthatstorygoingaroundthehospital?I’mreallyupset!”declaredKenangrily.

“Well,lookatthat!AmIdreaming,orhastheworld’sgreatestelectronicgeniusreallycomebackfromthedead?”ItwasProfessorLeighton’sboomingvoicecomingfromjustinsidethedoor.

“Frank!”exclaimedKen.“Comeonin!Nowwe’vegotthebestmanandthebride.Allweneedisapreacher.”

“Ajudge,”correctedCarla.“Itwouldbewonderful,buthoneymooningwithaplastermanintractionisn’texactlywhatIwasanticipating.Icanwaitalittlelonger.Howlongwillitbe?”

“Thedoctordidn’tsayhowlong...buthesaidIwouldbeoutofherealotfasterthananyonecouldimagine.”

“Look,Idon’twanttobargeinonyoutwo....”Leightonwasstartingtobackaway.

“That’sokay,Frank.”KenlookedquestioninglyatCarla,andshenoddedherassent

Leightonwasclearlyexcitedasheapproachedthebed.“I’vegotalottotellyou,Ken!ButIcancomeback.”

KenlookedatCarlaagain.“No,it’sokay.It’sgoodtoseeyou.”Leightonhesitated.“There’vebeensomeincredibledevelopmentsin

justthelasttwodays.We’veestablishedsolidcontact.”“You’vewhat?”“Icouldn’twait,Ken!Youwereinacoma,andtheydidn’tgiveyou

muchhope…”“Youdidthatallalone?”“Ibroughtsomeonein—someoneI’veknownaboutforseveralyears.”“Ibroughtyouin,andnowwithoutevenconsultingme—”“Icouldn’tconsultyou!”

“Whoisit?”“Ifyou’reworryingaboutleaks,forgetit.He’saJesuit.Apriest.

Nobodykeepssecretsbetter—youknow,theconfessionalandallthat.Sodon’tworry.Andhe’sthebestnaturalpsychicI’veeverseen.Youwon’tbelievewhathappenedthefirsttimeIhookedhimuponthe‘launchingpad’!”

“Frank,I’vegottotalktoyouaboutthat.TherearesomedangersthatIthinkwehavetogooverandworkoutbeforewegoaheadwithanymoreresearch.”

“Wecan’tholdup,Ken!It’surgent.Everydaycounts!WethinktheRussianscouldbeonthevergeofasimilarbreakthrough.”

“Thewho?WhatintheworlddotheRussianshavetodowiththis?Andwheredidyougetthatkindofinformation?”

Franklookeduncomfortable.“We’vegottotalk—alone.I’llcomebacktomorrow.You’llbefeelingstronger.”

“Yeah,wemayreallyhavesomethingtotalkaboutafterIseeacertainvideothatyouandCarlahavetowatch,too.”

“Avideo?”theybothaskedatonce.“I’msorry,butyou’llhavetoleavenow.”Anursehadenteredthe

roomandwasmotioningthetwovisitorstowardthedoor.“Ireallyletyouoverstay.”

Carlagavehimalongkiss.Stillhoveringoverhim,shewhispered,“What’sthevideoabout?”

“I’lltellyoulater,sweetheart.It’stooinvolvedtogetintorightnow...”hemurmured,thenfellonceagainintoadeepsleep.

......Dr.Elliottandhiswifereturnedaftervisitinghoursthatevening,when

theyknewtheywouldn’tbedisturbed.ThedoctorhadanorderlyconnectaVCRtoKen’stelevision.Afterclosingthedoor,heinsertedthecassettehe’dpickedupatthenurses’station.

“Now,I’vegottowarnyou,”saidElliottsolemnly,“thismaybemorethanyoucanhandle.Ifitgetstobetoomuch,I’llturnitoff.You’resureyoufeeluptoit?”

Kengavehimanaccusinglook.“Areyoutryingtotalkmeoutofit?Is

theresomethingfishyaboutthistape?”“You’llseewhatImean.”Dr.Elliottpickeduptheremoteandturned

iton.Theywatchedthewholethingtogether—nearlyanhourofintensive,andattimesveryfrightening,spiritualwarfare.ElliotthadtoturnitofffrequentlyforKen,whowasseeinghimselfonthescreensayinganddoingtheincrediblybizarre,tobeabletohandleit.Eachtimeitwasinterrupted,however,Kenwouldinsist,aftergainingcontrolofhisemotions,thatthevideobeturnedonagain.

WhentheexorcismwascompleteandElliotthadturnedoffthetelevision,Kenlayquietlyforalongtime,stunnedbywhathe’dseen.Thewholething,frombeginningtoend,justasElliotthadwarnedhim,hadbeentoomuchtohandle—likelivingtheplotofahorrormovie.Hehadseenhimselfonthatscreenwithhisowneyes,hearditallwithhisownears,andtherewasnodenyingwhatwasobviouslyall-too-true.Thevoicesissuingfromhisownmouthhadsoundedfrighteninglyfamiliarandhadmadehimrelivetorturedmemoriesfromthelabandthecaronceagain.Whathadshakenhimthemost,however,hadbeentheastonishingvarietyofhideousexpressionshisfacehadtakenonrepeatedly—andwhilehewasinacoma!Atthosetimesthefeelingthatsomethingsupremelyevilwasincontrolhadbecomeoverwhelming—anevilsopalpablethatithadnauseatedandrepelledhim.Yetatthesametime,therehadbeensomethingfascinatingaboutitsabhorrentwickednessthathaddrawnhimstrongly—apervertedbutalmostirresistibleappealthathadlefthimfeelingill.

TheElliottsprayedsilentlyastheywaitedpatientlyforKentoexpresshimself.Hemadeseveralattemptsbutbrokedowneachtime.Whenatlasthewasabletospeak,hesurprisedhimselfbythestubbornnessheexpressedaloud,whichwasnotatallwhathereallyfeltinside.

“I’veseenitwithmyowneyes,butIstilldon’tbelieveit.Itchallengesmywholeworldview—notjustmine,buttheconsensusoftheentirescientificcommunity.Itcan’tbetrue.There’sgottobeanotherexplanation.”

“Youwantedproof,”Dr.Elliottsaidgently.“Letmeremindyouthatyouwereinacoma,withvitalsignsalmostnil.Aftershowingsome

apparentbuttemporaryimprovementyouweresinking.Somealienbeings—itcouldn’thavebeenyourconsciousorunconsciousmind—wereanimatingyourbody.Youcan’tescapethatKen.Andifthatmeansthescientificconsensusiswrong-well,rememberyou’retalkingofmaterialisticscience,andthisobviouslyinvolvessomethingoutsidethephysicaldimension.”

Kenwassilentagain,thinking,desperatelytryingtofindadefenseforhischerishedbeliefs,butknowingwithinhisownheartthattherewasnone.Thosevoices—whattheysay—andthewaytheyhateandfeartheNameofJesusChristandreluctantlysubmittoHisauthority—thatcan’tbeexplainedasdeeperlevelsofmypsyche,orarchetypalimagesfromthecollectiveunconscious,oranythingelseI’dliketobelieve.Elliott’sright!They’reright!Thehumblingthoughtkepthammeringathim.Ican’t

believeit!Itcan’tbetrue!I’vegottoknowwhatFrankandCarlathink.They’vegottoseethis.Butwhatotherexplanationisthere?

“Comeon,Ken!”chidedElliott“You’reascientist.Sowhynotfacethefacts?Yousawitwithyourowneyes.Theentitiesyoumadecontactwithinyourlabpossessedandtriedtokillyou.Whyisitsohardtoadmittheymighthavebeendemons?”

“Idon’tknow,”saidKenwearily.“It’sjustthatitundermineseverything...”Afteralong,painfulsilence,“Okay,supposingIgoalongwithyourscenario,Doctor.Sowhat’stheirgameplan?”

“Deception,destruction,”saidKaren,“butallundertheguiseofhelpingmankindestablishaNewAgeofpeace,love,andbrotherhood.”

“AndtheNameofJesus—whydoesthatsilencethemandforcethemtoobey?”

“We’rerebels,Ken,”saidElliottquietly.“Wewanttobeourowngods,justlikeSatan,andthatbringsusunderhispower.ThepenaltyisseparationfromourCreatorforever.ButHelovesussomuchthatHebecameamantopaythesentenceHisownjusticedemanded.Indyingforoursinsandresurrectingfromthedead,JesusChristputanendtoSatan’spower.ForgivenessanddeliveranceisavailableasafreegiftofGod’sgracetoallwhowillinglyrepentandacceptHisdeathuponthecrossasthepenaltyfortheirsin.”

“Youcouldn’thavegottenmetolistenfivesecondstowhatyou’vejustsaidifIhadn’tgonethroughthishideousexperienceandseenthatvideoformyself.”Kenseemedalmostpersuaded.HelookedatHalandKarenearnestly.“Frankhastoseeit—andCarla.Iwanttoknowwhattheythink.CanIborrowit?”

“Ofcourse.”Halslidopenthedrawerbesidethebedanddroppedthetapein.“I’mputtingitrighthere.Itbelongstothehospital,sotellthemtheycanmake,copiesiftheywantto,butIhavetohavetheoriginalbackagain.”

“You’reworriedaboutFrankandCarla,”saidKarensolemnly.“Whataboutyourself?WhatareyougoingtodowithJesus?‘TheNine’won’tletyougothiseasily.YouneedHisprotection.”

Kenhesitated.Theycouldseetheinnerconflictmirroredinhiseyes.“Iguessyoucantell,whetherIadmititornot,”heconfessedatlast,“thatyou’veshakenme.”Heclosedhiseyeswearilyandlapsedintopainfulsilenceagain.

Ican’t,justlikethat,throwoutbeliefsI’vespentalifetimebuilding—andI’mnotgoingto.Ican’tdenythattape,andwhattheysayaboutJesusmakesalotofsense,butstill...WithgreateffortKenopenedhiseyesandturnedtotheElliotts.“Youcan’timaginehowharditiseventoadmitasmuchasIhave.I’vegotsomebigdecisionstomake,butI’dliketoknowwhatCarlaandFrankthink....”Hewasfading.

“Sure,Ken,sure,”saidElliott.“We’llseeyoutomorrow.”

[7]ACIAOperation?

I’mnothappyaboutthis,Frank.Notabit!”saidKenforthethirdtime.

Themorningsunwasstreamingthroughtheopenwindow.Kenhadbeenenjoyingthesoundofthebirdsoutsideandthescentoffresh-cutgrass—andfeelingravenouslyhungryandimpatientforbreakfastSuddenlyFrankhadbeenstandingbesidehisbed.He’dgottenpermissionfromtheRNondutytodropinearlybeforevisitinghours.AnemergencyhadaffectedKen’sbusiness,he’dtoldher,andhe’dpromisedtotakeonlyfiveminutes—tenatthemost.

“There’snothingtoworryabout,”respondedFrankagain,reassuringly.Hepulledoverachairnexttothebedandsatdown.“ItoldyouDelSasso’saJesuit—apriest—andyouknow,they’re...uh,trainedtokeepsecrets.Itrusthimcompletely.”

“That’snotwhatI’mworriedabout.Iwantthatresearchstopped—atleastfornow.It’sdangerous.Lookwhathappenedtome!”

“YouhadanaccidentKen,that’sall.Itcouldhavehappenedtoanyone.Maybeyoufellasleep?”

“Idon’tfallasleepatthewheel—andcertainlynotatfiveintheafternoon.Comeon,Frank!Doyouknowwhattheeyewitnessessaidaboutmydriving?”

“Ihaven’theard.”“Iwasdrivinglikeamaniac.Idon’tdothat!Idon’ttakechanceson

blindcurves,driveonthewrongsideoftheroad....There’saconnection,butIcan’tproveitbecauseIdon’thaveanymemoryofwhathappened.WhatstateofmindwasIinwhenIleftthelabthatday?”

Frankseemedembarrassedbythequestion.HestoodupandstaredoutthewindowforamomentAtlastheadmitted,“YouwereveryupsetYou’d

hadabadtimeintrance.Ishouldhavekeptyouthereuntilyoucalmeddown,butIhadnowayofknowingthiswouldhappen.”

“Idon’tthinkweshouldcarryonanymoreexperimentation—atleastnotfornow,underthesecircumstances!”

“It’ssooutofcharacterforyoutosaythat!Thiswasyourmagnificentobsession!Ken,DelSassohasestablishedapermanentcontact.We’removingforward.Thispartnershipwith‘theNine’willaccomplisheverythingyou’vedreamedofandmore!”

“Partnership?Theytriedtokillme!”“That’sawildstatement,Ken.Idon’tunderstandthissudden

negativism.It’snotlikeyouatall.DelSassohadsomeproblems,too,atfirstTheentitiestoldustocutthepowerundertheplatform.Theelectromagneticemanationswereputtingthebrainhemispheresoutofsync.”

“Idon’tbuythat.Theyweretryingtotakeovermymind.”“You’vebecomeobsessedwiththatdelusion.”“It’snodelusion.Lookatme!That’swhyI’mhere!”Frankbegantopacebackandforthingrowingagitation.“Wecould

argueaboutthat,anditwouldn’tproveanything.ThesimplefactisthatwhenwefollowedtheArchons’directionsandcutthepower,DelSassotunedrightin.Thatwastheoneflawinyourdesign.”

“Ibuiltthatequipment,andIdon’twantituseduntilIgetoutofhereandhavecheckeditovermyselfandamsatisfiedthatitisn’tthedoorwayto—well,demonicpossession!”

FrankstoppedbesidethebedandstareddownatKeninastonishment“Areyououtofyourmind?Wheredidyougetsucharidiculousidea?Sincewhendidyoubelieveindemons?”

“I’mnotsayingIbelieveinthem.I’monlythrowingthatoutasahypothesisthatwecan’taffordtooverlook.”

Frankmadenoattempttohidehisexasperation.“Youkeeptalkinglikethat,Ken,andI’llhavetoputyouinapsychiatrichospitalfortreatment!Yousoundlikeyougotsomewirescrossed—andjumpedthetrack!”

TheireyesmetandwhatKensawfrightenedhim.Ithinkyoujustmightdoit.Thethoughtwasterrifying.I’mlyingherehelpless!Inever

knewhowvulnerableapersoncouldbe—completelyatthemercyoftheshrinkswhosetthecriteriafor“sanity”insociety.

Frank’svoicebroughthimbackfromtheoreticalpossibilitiestopresentreality.“Look,Ken,wehavetocometoanunderstanding.You’vehadonegoalinmind,butfromtheverybeginningI’veseenadifferentpotential.ThisresearchisabsolutelyvitaltothedefenseoftheWesternworld.Stoppingitwouldbeanactofsabotage—treasonagainstourcountry!IftheRussiansgetthispowerfirst...”

“You’reparanoidabouttheRussians!Thecoldwarendedyearsago.Maybe‘theNine’you’vejoinedinpartnershipwitharetheonesyououghttobeworriedabout!”ShallIgiveittohim?WillitjustgivehimmorereasontosayI’minsane?Afteralongsilence,Kenpointedtothebedsidetable.“There’savideocassetteinthatdrawer.I’dlikeyoutowatchitandtellmewhatyouthink.”

“I’msorry,Dr.Leighton.You’llhavetoleavenow.I’vegivenyou11minutes.Thepatientisexhausted.”Leightonwonderedhowlongthenursehadbeenstandingjustbehindhimandwhatshe’dheard.

Heopenedthedrawerinthebedsidetableandtookoutthevideocassette.“I’llwatchit,”promisedLeighton,wavingthetapeasheheadedforthedoor.Kenhadalreadydozedoffagain.

......“I’msorry,MissBertelli,he’sjusthadlunchandhe’stakingamuch-

neededrest”ThenurseinchargehadseenCarlaheadingdirectlytowardKen’sroomandhadhurriedovertocutheroff.“You’llhavetowaitintheloungedownthehalluntilheawakens.I’llcallyou.”

“Butyesterday,”Carlaprotested,“theyletmegointohisroomandsitthereuntilhewokeup.”Thenurse’ssternexpressiondidn’tchange.“Iwon’tmakeasound,”pleadedCarla.“Iwanthimtogethissleepasmuchasyoudo.”

“Ican’tvouchforwhatsomeoneletyoudoyesterday,”saidthenurseinanantiseptictone.Sheseemedasunbendingasherstifflystarcheduniform.“Dr.Inman’svisitingschedulehasgottencompletelyoutofhand,andwehavetorestoreasemblanceoforder.Themanwaspracticallydead36hoursago,youknow.Thisisahospital,notGrandCentralStation.”

“You’vereallygotagrouchondutytoday,”CarlatoldKenwhenhehadawakenedandshewasfinallyallowedintohisroom.“Shesaysit’sgettingtobelikeGrandCentralStationaroundhere.HowcomeeveryoneelsegetsinandIhavetowait?Who’sbeenhere?”

“OnlyFrankthatIknowof—andDr.Elliott,ofcourse.Maybeshe’supsetbecauseFranktalkedherintolettinghimcomeintoseemebeforebreakfast.”

“WhywasFrankinheresoearly?Wastheresomethingthatimportant?”

“Notreally.Hewantedtotellmewhatwasgoingon—andIwasn’thappyaboutit.Idon’twantanymoreresearchgoingonuntilIgetoutofhere.Hemadeasortofguardedthreattohavemecommittedtoapsychoward.”

Carlawasfurious.“Thatdoesn’tsurpriseme!I’vegottensomeinformationaboutFrankthatmakesmesuspecthismotives.Didheevertellyouthathe’dbeenwiththeCIA?”

“No,butthereareprobablylotsofthingsabouthimthathe’snevertoldme.Itmusthavebeenalongtimeago—he’sbeenatStanfordfornearly20years.”

“AsIstartedtotellyouyesterdaybeforetheythrewmeoutI’vebeendoingsomeinvestigating,”saidCarla.“Justimaginewhatwasgoingoninsideofme—wonderingwhyyouweredrivingonthewrongsideofthehighwayinthepathofaloggingtruck.Frankwouldn’tcooperate.Hestonewalledme—verypolitely,butveryfirmly.Protectingsecretresearchisonething,butitwasmorethanthat.”

“He’sbroughtinapsychictoworkwithmyinvention.Hethinkshe’scompetingwiththeRussians.”

“IheardhimmentiontheRussiansyesterday.ThatfitsperfectlywithwhatIfoundout!Listentothis!Iwasn’tgoingtoletFranksweet-talkme.Ihadtoknowwhatwasgoingonovertherewithyouinthehospital.So,onahunch,Iusedsomeconnectionsandgotalistingofthephonecallsfromyourlabduringthetimeyouhaven’tbeenthere.At4:10intheafternoononthedayofyouraccident—itmusthavebeenshortlyafteryouleft—heplacedacalltoLangley,Virginia,andtherehavebeenquiteafew

since.”“Langley?CIAheadquarters?”“Exactly.SoIdidsomemoredigging—throughsomeofmyfriendsat

TheWashingtonPost.Ifoundoutthathewasn’tjustsomeonewithcasualties—aninformant,perhaps—butagraduateinthemid-fiftiesoftheCIA’s‘WestPoint’nearWilliamsburg.‘TheFarm,’astheycalledit,involvedcovertactiontraining.Theguy’sbeenseriouslyinvolvedforyears,Ken—andobviouslyhestillis!”

“Maybe.Notobviously.Pastinvolvementyearsago,okay—butsomephonecalls...that’snoproof.Ijustdon’tseeFrankasaCIAagent.”

“You’renotsupposedto.Thebestagentsaretheonesnoonewouldeversuspect”

“Butparapsychology?Itdoesn’tfit.”“Whatdoyoumean‘itdoesn’tfit’?Darling,youknowtheCIA’s

interestinpsychicresearch.”“Well,therehavebeensomepublishedreports,butI’veneverknown

howtruetheyweretotheactualfacts.”“Don’tbenaive!Frankknows—youcanbesure.AndIthinkthat’s

whyhegotinvolvedwithyouinthefirstplace.”“Buthe’sbeenteachingatStanfordallthistime,”protestedKen.“And

workingwithme.I’veneverseenanything,aslongasI’veknownFrank,toindicatehewasinvolvedinsomeclandestineactivityontheside.”

“ShallIremindyouwhereStanfordislocated?”Carlapersisted.“RightnexttoSiliconValley,withoneoftheheaviestconcentrationsofforeignagentsinthecountry.Idon’tthinkhisdutiesatStanfordwouldinhibit—ratherthey’dprobablyenhance—whateverrolehe’sbeenplayingwiththeCIA.”

“You’vebeenreadingtoomanyspynovels,sweetheart,”laughedKen.Evenashesaidithowever,herememberedwonderingwhyithadbeensoeasytopersuadeFranktojoinhim.Infactnowthathethoughtaboutit,Frankhadinitiatedtheidea,butthathadn’tseemedsignificantatthetime.

......Leightonwasbackearlythatevening.Adifferentnursewasonduty

andhedidn’thaveanytroublegettinginforhisusual“fiveminutes,tenat

themost.”Kenwasawake,feelingsomewhatstrongerandtryingtosortoutsomeharddecisions,goingbackoverwhathe’dseenonthatterrifyingvideo.WhathadFrankthoughtofit?WhatwouldCarla’sreactionbewhenshesawit?ThensuddenlyLeightoncamebargingintotheroomandunceremoniouslyinterruptedhisprivatethoughtswithoutsomuchasa

solicitous“Howareyoudoing?”orapolite“Goodevening.”Leightonseemedinahurryanddidn’tpulluptheusualchairtosit

down.“Wasthissomekindofjoke?”heasked,wavingthevideocassetteatKenandthentossingitonthetablebesidethebed.

“Whatdoyoumean?”“It’sblank.Nothing.”“Frank,Idon’tknowwhatkindofgameyou’replaying,butthat’s

unacceptable.”“I’mtellingyouitwasablanktape.”“AndI’mtellingyouitwasn’twhenyoutookitoutofhere.Itbelongs

tothehospital,anditwasaveryimportanttapetome,too.Iwantitback.”“Ijustgaveittoyou.Youcancheckitoutyourself.”FrustratedangerthatKenhadsuppressedforsolongnowcametothe

surfacesuddenly.“Whateveryou’reupto,youdidn’thavetowipeoutthattape!”

“Iknowyou’vebeenthroughaterribleordeal.”Theresponsecamebackclinicalandsympathetic.“You’renotyourself,Ken.That’sclearenoughfromthetroublewe’vehadcommunicatingsinceyoucameoutofyourcoma.Idon’twanttooverstayandtireyoufurther.”Hepulledanenvelopeoutofhisinsidecoatpocketandputitonthetablebesidethetape.“You’llwantyourlawyertolookthisover.It’sacontractforthepurchaseofalloftheequipmentinthelab,includinganypatentsandallrightsofanykind,for$1.3million.Ithinkthat’safairprice.There’sacashier’scheckforthatamountI’dliketopickupthesignedcontracttomorrowevening.”

Kenwasstunned.“Wheredidyougetthatkindofmoney?IstheCIAinvolvedinthis?”

“I’vemadesomeluckyinvestments.Look,Ken.Youwanttoputeverythingonhold,andIwanttoproceed.We’reatastagewhereit’s

urgentandvitaltogoaheadwithoutanyinterruption.Ifyoufeellikegettingbackinwhenyou’refullyrecoveredandyouroldselfonceagain,nothingwouldpleasememore.ItookthelibertyofnotifyingbothyourCPAandattorney.Theyeachhaveacopyofthecontractandwillbestoppingbyfirstthinginthemorning.Inthemeantime,getsomerestoldbuddy,andtakecare.”

“SothisisaCIAoperation,andifIdon’tagreetotheirtermsthey’vegottheirways.Isthatit?”

Frankwasalreadywalkingoutthedoor.

[8]AttheCrossroads

Doyouhaveanothercopyofthetape?”askedKenanxiouslythemomentDr.Elliottandhiswifesteppedinsidehisroomlaterthatevening.

“Isthereaproblem?”askedElliott,instantlyapprehensive.“Isthatthetapeyougaveme?”Kennoddedtowardthesidetable.“Why,yes,”beganHal,pickingitupandexaminingit.“Itcertainly

lookslikeit.There’sthehospitallabel.Why?What’swrong?”“Leightonsaysit’sblank.”Ken’seyestoldthestory.“There’sonewaytofindout,”saidElliott.Hetookthetapeand

hurriedfromtheroom.Whenhereturnedafewminuteslaterhelookedgrim.HehandedthecassettetoKaren.“Somebody’serasedit!”hesaidangrily.

“IloanedittoLeighton.Ineverdreamed...”Kenlookedstricken.”Ishouldhaveknown.”

“Don’tberateyourself,”saidHal.“Weneverlettheoriginaloutofthehospitalwithoutmakingacopy,andIslippedup.”Heturnedtohiswifeandshruggedhelplessly.“Ican’tbelieveit!IftherewaseveratapeIwantedtheCommitteetosee...”

“It’sanotheroneofthoselessonswekeeplearning,”saidKarensolemnly.“We’reinaspiritualbattle,andweletourguarddown.”

“IwantedCarlatoseethatvideo!”Ken’svoiceshook.“Ifshecouldhaveseenitherselfitmighthavepersuadedher.”

“Doesthatmeanyou’repersuaded?”askedKarenhopefully.“I’mpersuadedthatwhatIsawonthatvideowas—well,genuine.As

forwhatitultimatelymeans,I—uh—I’mstillthinkingaboutthat.IwantedCarta’sreactiontoit—andFrank’s.”

“Thewholegroup’sprayingforCarla,”saidHal.“Andforyou.‘TheNine’aren’tgoingtoletyougowithoutafight—infactwesuspect

something’sgoingonthatinvolvesmuchmorethanjustyouandyourpresumed‘accident’”

“Whatdoyoumean?”HalpulledupachairnexttoKaren’sandsatdown.“Look,Ken,I’m

nottryingtobuildacase,buttheNewTestamentwarnsaboutincreasingdemonicactivityinthe‘lastdays’justbeforeChristreturns—involvingseeminglysupernaturalpowers—tosetuptheworldfortheAntichrist.”

Kenrolledhiseyes.“Lastdays?Antichrist?Iwouldhavelaughedyourightoutofherethedaybeforeyesterday.OfcourseIcouldn’tlaughthen—andwouldhavebeendeadifyouhadn’tcastthosedemons—yeah,that’swhatIthinktheywere—outofme.ButAntichrist?”

Karenlookedathimsympathetically.“Iunderstand.Butdiditeveroccurtoyouthatthisdeviceyouinvented—theone‘theNine’usedtopossessyou—couldbejustthethingforSatantousetodeceivethewholeworld?”

“Areyoukidding?”protestedKen.“Don’tyouthinkyou’regettingabitmelodramatic?”

HaldugaroundinthedrawerofthenightstandnexttoKen’sbedandtookoutaGideonBible.“Thisisn’tmyownideaorsomeone’sspeculation,Ken.Here’swhattheBiblehassaidforthepast2000years.Listentothis:‘NowtheSpiritspeakethexpresslythatinthelastdayssomeshalldepartfromthefaith,givingheedtoseducingspiritsanddoctrinesofdevils.’That’s1Timothy4:1.”HepulledhischairclosertothebedandheldtheBibleinfrontofKensothathecouldseeitforhimself.

“NowlistentowhatJesussaid,”continuedHal,“inMatthew24,whenHisdisciplesaskedHimwhatsignswouldmarkthelastdaysbeforeHisreturn:‘Takeheedthatnomandeceiveyou….ForthereshallarisefalseChrists,andfalseprophets,andshallshowgreatsignsandwonders;insomuchthat,ifitwerepossible,theyshalldeceivetheveryelect.’”Heturnedthepagestoanotherpassage.“Lookatthis.Herein2Thessalonianschapter2theApostlePaulalsowarnedaboutdeceptioninthelastdays.ConcerningtheAntichrist,hewrote:‘AndthenshallthatWickedberevealed...whosecomingisaftertheworkingofSatanwithallpowerandsignsandlyingwonders.’”

Dr.ElliottclosedtheBibleandputitontopofthenightstand.“Thoseareonlysomeofthepropheciesaboutthe‘lastdays.’InRevelation13,theApostleJohnevenwarnedthatultimatelythewholeworldwouldworshiptheAntichrist—andSatanaswell,whowillgivehimhisseeminglysupernaturalpower.”

“That’sincrediblestuff—wayoutofmyleague,”saidKen.“Itsoundslikesciencefiction.IneverreadtheBibleinmylife.”

“Whynotbroadenyoureducationabit?”Karenchallengedhim.“Youcan’tdismisstheBibleonhearsaywithoutreadingit—orbecauseitchallengessomeofyour‘scientific’ideas.”

Kenwasquiet.Atlasthesaid,“Ifeelsohelplessjustlyinghere.Leighton’sbeencarryingontheresearchwithoutme—claimshe’sestablishedcontactwith‘theNine’andisworkinginpartnershipwiththemtosavetheworld.Almostsoundslikewhatyoujustread.”

“Ken,hemaynothavewipedoutthatvideo,”suggestedHal.“TheymayhavedoneitHecouldbecompletelyundertheirpower.”

“Idon’twantanythingtodowithentitiesthattriedtokillme.ItoldFranktoholdupontheresearchuntilwecanbecertainwhat’sreallygoingon.Butherefuses,eventhoughI’mtheonewhodesignedandbuilttheequipmentandthelab.Hesaysit’surgenttokeepaheadoftheRussians.”KenpointedwearilytotheenvelopeLeightonhaddroppedonthetablebesidehisbed.“Inthere’sacontractandacashier’scheckFranklefttobuythelabfrommefor$1.3million!WhatshouldIdo?”

HalandKarenexchangedastonishedglances.“I’llcallthegroup,andwe’llhavespecialprayeraboutthis,”saidHal.“DoesLeightonhavethatkindofmoney?”

“No.Andthisistoofasttogetagroupofinvestorstoputitup.CarlathinkstheCIAisbackinghim,thathe’sbeenworkingforthemallalong.”

“Thatmakessense,”agreedHal.“It’sprettycommonknowledgethattheRussians—liketheSoviets—havebeeninvolvedinpsychicresearch—presumablyfaraheadofus.SoIcanunderstandLeighton’surgencyandtheCIA’sinvolvement.”

“Butifallpsychicpowerisdemoniclikeyouclaimitis,”queriedKen,“thendoesitreallymakesense?Imean,woulddemonsgivehelptoboth

theRussiansandAmericans—againsteachother?”“Whynot?”respondedHal.Hestoodupandlookedoutthewindowat

theexpansivelawnrimmedwithshrubsandflowerssoftlyilluminatedbycoloredfloodlights,thentotheglaringartificialbrightnessoftheparkinglotandthedarknessbeyond.“Outthereinthe‘real’world,that’sthewayitworks.Internationalbankersbackallsidesineverywar.Theydon’tcarewhowins,solongaseveryoneremainsdependentupontheirfinances.Whywoulda‘psychicwar’beanydifferent?Satancouldcareless—solongasheretainscontrol.”

Therewasalongsilence.AtlastKensuggested,“Buteventheinternationalbankersdon’twanttodestroythewholeworld—thatwouldputthemoutofbusiness.Ithoughttheywantedaoneworldgovernmentfortheirownselfishreasons.”

“That’strue,”agreedHal.“Andthat’swhattheBiblesaysSatanwillattemptthroughtheAntichrist—tobringpeaceandprosperityunderanewworldordertoprovethatmankindcanmakeitonitsown.Ifwereallyareinthelastdays,thentherewillbeapushforworldwideunity—peace,love,andbrotherhood.TheRussiansandAmericansaregoingtohavetocometogether—alongwiththeChineseandeveryoneelse.”

Ken’sexpressionhadchangedfromskepticismtoconcern.Heshookhisheadwearily.“You’vereallygotmeconfused.Idon’twanttobelieveanyofit.It’slikeanightmare.”Thenheadded,“IcareaboutFrankalot—inspiteofthewayhe’sobviouslytakingadvantageofmybeingoutofthepicturerightnow.I’msurehebelieveshe’sdoingwhat’sright.”

“YoumaybetoogenerouswithLeighton,”suggestedDr.Elliottsolemnly.“Heimpressesmeassomeonewho’shungryforpower,andthatsetshimupforanyliethatpromisesit.Truthhastobemoreimportantthananythingelse,andwe’regoingtobeprayingthatyou’llpursueitwithyourwholeheart.”

......“Dr.Elliotthasscheduledyoutostartphysicaltherapytoday,”saidthe

nursecheerfullywhenshecameintotakeKen’stemperatureandabloodsamplefirstthingthenextmorning.“Doyoufeeluptoit?”

“DoIfeeluptoit?Areyoukidding?Iwanttogetoutofhere!Nothing

personal,youunderstand.Whendowestart?”“They’llcomeandgetyouabout9:30.Youwantyourusual

disgustinglyhealthybreakfastthismorning?”“Yougotit.Ieatthat365daysoutoftheyear.That’swhatkeepsmein

suchgoodshapethatIhavetogetbangedupnowandthenandgointoahospitaljusttobringmebackdowntonormal.”

Kenhadnosoonerfinishedhisbreakfastwhenanurseusheredinhislawyer,PhilGold.Momentslater,GordonStuart—hisCPA—walkedin.

“We’vebothstudiedthecontract,”Goldassuredhim.“It’salllegalandinorderifyouwanttoacceptit.That’suptoyou.Ihavenoideawhether$1.3millionisafairofferorwhetheryouwanttosellatanyprice.”

“Yourtaxbaseislessthan$100,000,”cautionedStuart.“Therearetaxconsequencestothinkofwiththatkindofprofit.Ifyouwanttosell,theremightbebetterwaystogoaboutitthantakingallcash.”

“Idon’tknowwhatIwanttodobutIdon’twanttosellit.Imaywantthewholethingdestroyed.”

TheybothlookedatKenasthoughhewereoutofhismind.“WhynotletLeightontakeitoffyourhands—andpocketthecash?”

suggestedthelawyer.“Ifyoudon’tknowwhattodowith$1.3million,”headdedwithalaugh,“Icouldmakesomesuggestions.”

“It’stoocomplicatedtoexplain.”Theystooduptoleave.“You’vegottomakeyourowndecisionbased

uponyourpersonalgoals,”saidhisCPA.“Butfromjustalegaloraccountingstandpoint,otherthansometaxplanningwedon’tseeanyreasontoturnitdown.”

......Carlawasflabbergastedwhenshecameinlaterthatmorningand

learnedofLeighton’soffer.“Don’tsellatanyprice!”shewarned.Thenafterthinkingitover,sheaddedquickly,“There’sahotstorybuildinghere!”Shewasobviouslyveryexcited.“I’vegottogettothebottomofit.IsmelltheCIA.Somethingbigisbrewing.I’dliketoknowwhattheRussiansarediscovering.Weknowthey’vebeeninvolvedinthesameresearch.”

“Idon’tknowabouttheRussians,andIdon’tcare.AllIknowisthat

Frankhasmadesomekindofpartnershipwiththeentitiesthattriedtokillme.That’swhatI’mconcernedabout.”

“Triedtokillyou?”“SweetheartIwasliterallyamanpossessed.That’swhyIdrovelikea

madman.I’mrememberingpiecesofitnow!”Carlalookedathimsympathetically.“Youwereinacomaforthree

days.Iwouldn’trelyonmemoryforwhatyouthinkwasgoingonatthetimeoftheaccident.”

“I’vegotmorethanmemorytogoon.”Kenturnedaway.Outside,themockingbirdswerepretendingtheywerecanaries,andagentlebreezewaftedthearomaofabouquetofspringblossomsthroughtheopenwindow.Itwassuchabeautifulday.HereIam,miraculouslyalive,withthewomanI’msoontomarrybesideme—andinsteadofbeingecstaticallyhappy,I’mafraid!

Heturnedbacktolookearnestlyintoherfaceoncemore.“Carla,yourememberwhenwewenttoseeTheExorcist?Wecouldn’timaginethatanyintelligentpersoncouldbesogullibleastobelieveWilliamBlatty’sclaimthatitwasbasedonatruestory.WelostalotofrespectforJ.B.Rhine,the‘fatherofAmericanparapsychology,’whenwelearnedthathe’dinvestigatedthecaseandsaiditwasgenuine.Remember?”Hepausedforbreathandcourage.

“Iremember—anditscaredmetodeatheventhoughIknewitwasnonsense.”Shelaughed.“Andyouwerescared,toolButwhatmadeyouthinkofthat?”

“Thereissuchathingasdemonpossession.Iwouldn’thavebelievedit,exceptthatithappenedtome.”

“Demonpossession?”Carla’seyesflashedinsuddenanger.“Sothat’swhattheymeantaboutexorcism!AndyouletDr.Elliott—thatprayingsurgeon—talkyouintothat?Howanintelligentmancanperformhighlytechnicalsurgerythatshowshiscommitmenttoscienceoneminuteandstooptomedievalhocus-pocusthenextisbeyondme!”

“Hedidn’ttalkmeintoit,Carla.Hegavemetheproof—avideoofmyexorcism.”

Carlawasstandingnow,handsonhips,indignant,readyforaction.

“Sothat’sthetapeyoumentioned.Whereisit?”“It’srightthereonthetable,butit’sblanknow.IloanedittoFrank

andsomehowitgoterased.”“SoElliottperformedexorcism?”Thelookshegavehimsaid,You’ve

surebeenbrainwashed!“YouthinkI’veflipped—braindamagefromblowstothehead,lostit

allinthecoma,somethinglikethat.Sweetheart,youdidn’tthinktherewasanythingwrongwithmeuntilIsaidthis.”

“Whendidthis—thisexorcismtakeplace?Ithadtobehereinthehospital,andthat’saviolationofethics!”

“Please,Carla.Don’tgetonthewarpathnow.YouandyourIrishtemper!”

“Yes,Iamupset—andwithgoodreason!Thatadoctorwouldtakeadvantageofapatient’sweakenedconditiontopushhisreligioniscriminal!”

“Sweetheart,givemeachancetoexplain.ItwasthenightthenursecalledtotellyouImightnotmakeit.Iwasn’tina‘weakenedcondition’—Iwasinadeepcomaandsinking.Dr.Elliottandhiswifecameinandtalkedtothe—callthementitiesifyoudon’tliketheword‘demons.’CommandedtheminthenameofJesusChristtocomeoutofme.Itwasallrecordedbyahospitalvideocameraovermybed!Isawthewholething—itreallyhappened.Itwashorrendous!”

“SothatsneakyElliottconvincedyouofthis,”saidCarlaevenly,holdingbacktheangerwithgreateffort.“Heshouldsticktosurgeryandforgetthe‘clergery.’He’sacharlatan.Heshouldlosehislicense!”

“Carla,Isawitmyself!Andtheirvoices—Irecognizedthem.TheywerethesameonesI’dheardinthelabandinmycar.Theycalledthemselves‘theNine’—exactlythewaytheyintroducedthemselvestomewhenIfirstmadecontact.ElliotthadnowayofknowingthatIheardthevoicesofnineseparateentities.Theywerereal!”

“Ofcoursetheywere,buttheyweren’tdemons!”Carlareachedoutandtookhishandandstrokedhisforehead.“Comeon,honey,therearescientificexplanations.Youknowwhattheyare.Withyourconsciousmindsubmergedinacoma,deeperlevelsofyourpsychewerereleased—

splintersofyourpersonality,orarchetypesfromthecollectiveunconscious.Frankcouldgiveyouadozenpsychologicalexplanations.Whenthesearchetypesweresuddenlyintegrated,youcamebackintotheconsciouslevel.”

“Mycomawasn’tpsychological.Iwasatdeath’sdoorfromphysicaltraumatomybrainandbodysufferedinahorriblewreckthatyouyourselfsaidIcouldn’tpossiblyhavesurvived!WhatIsawandheardonthatvideowasn’tElliottandhiswifeputtingmethroughJungiandepthanalysis.TheywerecommandingthesedemonstocomeoutofmeinthenameofJesusChrist.Andtheydidcomeout!That’swhathealedme.”

“Darling,ifyoubuythatyou’vegottotakethewholepackage—angelsandGodandJesusChrist!”Carlaturnedawayandbeganpacingbackandforthbesidethebed.“You’reascientist,”shecontinuedinfrustration,“andtherearelawsofsciencethatyoujustdon’tbreak.”

“Lawsofscience”herepeated.“I’vesaidthatathousandtimeswithoutrealizingthegiantegobehindit.Sciencedoesn’tmakelaws—scientistsdiscoverthelawsthatGodestablished.Wecan’tbreakthem,butHecan—andthat’samiracle.”

“Soyouhaveboughtthewholepackage!”“Ididn’thaveanyotherchoice.Ifonlyyoucouldhaveseenthat

video!”“Thatwouldn’thavechangedanything,Ken.”Shestoppedpacingand

stoodthereclosetothebedlookingdownathimwithpity.“It’ssowrongwhatthatdoctorhasdone—takingadvantageofyourweakenedconditiontobrainwashyou!ToseethishappentothemanIlovejustkillsme.Ken,darling,youknowthere’snoGodorSatanordemons.Religionisacop-outthatkeepspeoplefromtakingresponsibilityfortheirlives!”

Kenshookhishead.“IusedtobelievethatCarla,butitdoesn’twashanymore.LastnightItooktheBibleoutofthatdrawer.I’dheardalotofintellectualgarbagespoutedagainstit,butI’dneverreaditformyself.OnceI’dstarted,Icouldn’tquituntilIwasabsolutelyexhausted.IreadthewholebookofMark—allaboutJesusChrist,whoHeis,whyHecame,Hisdeathforoursins,andHisresurrection.There’saverseinthefrontofthisBiblethathasbeentranslatedinto1100languages.It’sJohn3:16.”

“MymothertaughtittomewhenIcouldbarelytalk,”interjectedCarla.Foramomentshesoftenedatthememoryofthewomanshehadlovedandadmiredalmosttothepointofworship—theonepersonwhotrulyhadlivedtheChristianitythatherfather’shypocrisyhadcausedhertodenounce.

“Ineverhearditbefore,”continuedKeneagerly.“IlearneditlastnightLetmeseeifIcanstillsayit‘ForGodsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife.’ItwasthebestnewsI’deverheard—andIbelievedit.”

“SodidI,asachild,”saidCarla,“butnotanymore.”“Listentome,Carla!Ican’texplainitbutsomethinghappened.I

foundforgivenessandpeaceandjoylikeIneverknewcouldbepossible!”Thereweretearsinhiseyes.

ForalongtimeCarlastoodbesidethebedandstaredinstunnedsilenceatthemanshepassionatelyloved.Atlastsheleanedoverandkissedhimlightlyonthelips.“Youlookawfullytired,honey,”shesaid.“Getsomerestandthinkthisthingthroughagainwhenyou’refeelingbetter.”Thensheturnedtoleave.Assheheadedforthedoor,Kenheardhersayunderherbreath,I’vegottogetoutofherebeforeIexplode.WhenIfindElliott!...

[9]APartingoftheWays

WhenDr.Elliottstoppedinaloneonhislate-eveningrounds,hefoundKencheerfulinspiteofthenewconcernsthatwereweighingheavilyuponhim.LeightonhadcomebyearlierwithhislawyerandanotarypublicaswitnessestocertifyKen’sshakysignatureonthetwocopiesofthecontract.Kenwassurprisedthathenowfeltagreatsenseofrelief.ForLeighton,however,hefeltanoppressiveheavinessandconcern.AsforCarla,heknewherwellenoughtorealizethattherewaslittlehopetosalvagetheirrelationshipunlessherenouncedhisnewfoundfaithinChrist.ThatrealizationwasalmostmorethanKencouldbear.Atthesametime,however,hehadanewjoythatseemedtobeindependentofcircumstances.

“Ididn’thavethestrengthtofightFrankandtheCIA,”KentoldHal.“Itwouldn’thavedoneanygood,anyway.WhileI’mlaidupinhere,theycouldcopyeverythingI’vedoneandbuildtheirownmodel.There’snowayIcouldstopthem.AtleastIgotsomecashoutofthedeal.”

“Idon’tseewhatelseyoucouldhavedone,”saidHalsympathetically.“NowputthatbehindyouandleavetheresultsinGod’shands.”

“That’snotsoeasywhenIfeelresponsible.IfmyinventionisthemeansofbringingFrank—andwhoknowshowmanyothers—underdemoniccontrol,howcanIfeelgoodaboutthat?”

“Thatdevicewon’tdoitKen.Whateveryouinvented,it’notwhatyouandLeightonthink.It’snottheingeniouselectronicsthatmakestheconnectionwith‘theNine.’”

“Howcanyousaythat?”askedKen.“Witchdoctorshavebeenintouchwith‘spiritguides’—whichis

basicallythesameidea—-forthousandsofyears,”saidElliottdryly.“Demonshaveavarietyofdisguisesdesignedtoappealtoeveryone.The

‘extraterrestrialintelligence’maskisforscience-fictionbuffsandscientistswhoimaginethattimepluschancecouldproducegodlikebeingsoutthereonsomeplanetlight-yearsaway.”Elliottshookhisheadindismay.

Kenpausedtothinkitthrough.“Whenyousaidsomethinglikethattheotherday,Ididn’tlikeit,butnowitmakesalotofsensethattoday’sparapsychologistsarejustcivilizedwitchdoctors.Ithinkyou’reright—it’sthesamethingunderanotherlabel.”

“Exactly,”saidHal.“Whethertheycallthemselves‘theNine’or‘AscendedMasters,’orwhatever,demonshaveperpetuallybeenincontactwithmankindthroughassortedyogis,witchdoctors,mediums,andothershamans.Sodon’tberackedbyguilt.ThedeviceLeightonfoolishlypaid$1.3millionforisnobetterthanaOuijaboardoracrystalball.”

KenlookedatHalandlaughed.“Youmeanallmysupersophisticatedelectronicswasjustwindowdressing—andIdidn’tknowit?”

“Right.Therearedozensofdivinationdevices,andthat’sallyoudesigned—justonemore.Ontheotherhand,‘theNine’mayhavespecialplansforyourversionbecauseitseemssoscientificandsophisticated.ThatcouldbetheidealcatalysttosetinmotionafulfillmentofthepropheciesconcerningtheentireworldbecomingdeceivedenoughtohailtheAntichristasitssavior.”

Kenturnedhisheadandstaredoutthewindowinsilence.AtlasthelookedatHalandsaid,“Itsoundslikeascience-fictionplot,butitalsomakesalotofsense.IthinkI’mbeginningtounderstand.It’snotthatthedeceptionitselfissoconvincing,butthathumanprideissoblind.Icanseewhyitappealedtome.”Thenheaddedsomberly,“Thethingthat’stroublingmemostofall--well,youknowwhatitis.”

“Iunderstand,”saidElliottsadly.“Carlacorneredmeinmyofficethisafternoon.Shewaslivid—claimedI’dbrainwashedyou,vowedtoreportmetothehospitaladministrationforpracticing‘clergery’insteadofsurgery.”

“She’lldoit.That’sCarla—youcancountonit.Whenshedecidesonsomething,there’snoturningback.Ihopeitdoesn’taffectyourpositionhere.”

Dr.Elliottsmiled.“Shecancomplainallshewants.Itwon’tmatter.I

haven’tdoneanythingunethical—orthatIwouldn’tdoagain.Sodon’tworryaboutit.”HereachedoutandputhishandonKen’sshoulder.“Shedidn’tspellitout,butIgottheimpressionshe’sbreakingtheengagement—andIfeelatleastpartlyresponsible.Ican’tbelievethatI’dletavideogetoutofthishospital—especiallyonethatimportant—withouthavingacopymade!”

“We’vebeenoverthat.Shesaysitwouldn’thaveconvincedher,andI’msurethat’strue.Youhavetounderstandwhereshe’scomingfrom.Shemockinglyreferstoherselfasap.k.—youknow,apreacher’skid.Herfatherisstillapastorofahugechurch,butfromwhatshesays,hemustbetheultimatehypocrite.She’sbitteraboutthat.Whenshemetme--well,Iwasanatheistandhadalloftheintellectualandsupposedlyscientificargumentstosupportherrejectionofeverythingshe’dbeentaughtasachild.”

“Andnowyou’vepulledthatpropoutfromunderher.”“Sheneverneededanyproppingup.She’saverystrongperson.Carla

won’tcompromise—andsheknowsIwon’t.”“Alotofpeopleareprayingforbothofyou,”saidHal.“Don’tputany

limitsonwhatGodcando.”“I’mtryingtolearn.Karencameinthisafternoonandreadtomefrom

theBible.Ireallyappreciatedthat.There’ssomuchtotakein,andit’ssuddenlylikeIcan’tgetenough.Shewasreadingfrom,IthinkitwasPeter.Somethingaboutfaithbeingtested.IhopeIcanstandthetest.”

“NoneofuscanonourownwithoutHim,”Dr.Elliottassuredhim.“Faithisn’tsomepowerwewieldtoslayspiritualdragons—oraimatGodtomanipulateHimintoansweringourprayers.FaithistrustinGodinsubmissiontoHiswill.ThatmeanslettingHimdothingsHisway!”

“I’vebeenseeingthat,butithelpswhenyouexplainitThere’ssomethingexcitingabout—well,thiswholethingoffaiththatIusedtothinkwasonlyforuneducatedpeoplewhocouldn’tthinkforthemselves.”Kenranoutofwords,buthiseyeshadanewlightthatspokevolumes.

“Hey,you’vecomealongwaysinceIsawyoulast!”exclaimedHal.“It’salwaysexcitingtoseesomeone‘bornagain’andstartingtogrow!”HecouldonlysqueezeKen’sarmastheylookedintoeachother’seyes

withanewsenseofbrotherhood.“I’mgratefultoyouandKarenfornotgivinguponme!”“Goddidn’tgiveuponus,”respondedHalwhenhe’drecoveredhis

voice.“That’swhat’ssofantastic—toknowthattheCreatoroftheuniverseloveseachofuspersonally.Icannevergetoverthewonderofit.SoitmakessensetosurrenderourselvesintoHishands,becauseHehappenstobequiteabitsmarterthanweare—andHereallydoesloveus.SoHiswayisalwaysbest.Onceyou’rethoroughlyconvincedofthat,everythingelsetakescareofitself.”

Kennodded.“I’mconvinced.It’stheonlythingI’veeverfoundthatreallymakessense.AndIusedtothinkthat‘faith’wassomekindofirrationalleapinthedark!”Evenashespoke,therewasaninnerjoythattranscendedthesenseofimpendinglossthathenowfeltsostrongly.

......Carlacameinlatethenextmorningtosaygoodbye.Hereyeswere

red-rimmedandswolleninspiteoftheheavier-than-usualmakeup.Shewasstrong,butherloveforKenwasstrongaswell.He’dbeendreadingthismomentandithaddrivenhimtotryhishandatprayer.Ithadbeenaratherclumsyattempt,butalreadyhe’dexperiencedalighteningoftheburdenandastrengtheningforthebattlesahead.

“Ken,Idon’twantthistodeteriorateintoanemotionalcatharsis,”Carlabegan.“Webothknowthatabarrierhascomebetweenus.”Shehadtoturnawaytohidethetears.

“Carla,Iloveyousomuch!I’ddoanythingthatIhonestlycould.”“Exceptrenounceyournewbeliefs—andIwouldn’taskyoutodo

that.”“Ihopeyoucanrespectmybeliefs.”“Irespectyouandyourrighttobelievewhateveryouwish,butIcan’t

respectwhatyounowbelieve.Ioncebelieveditmyself—andIknowitisn’ttrue.”

“Icouldarguethat,”saidKensoftly,“butIdon’tthinkthatwouldhelpeitherofusrightnow.”

“Iloveyou,Ken—asmuchasever.Iwantyoutoknowthat.”Theireyesmet,andforonebriefmomenttheysharedtheiranguishtogether.

“AndIloveyou,Carla,evenmorethanIeverhavebefore.That’swhythishurtssomuch.Ourloveforeachother—wecan’tletthatbedestroyed.”Theireyesmetagainbriefly,inwordlessempathyforeachother’spain.

Carlawasthefirsttobreakthesilence.“Lovehastohavehelp,Ken.Youknowthat.Eventheclosestrelationshipshavetheirtimesofstrain.Itwouldn’tworktostartoutthisfarapartinsomethingthat’ssoimportanttobothofus.”Shelosthervoice,andtherewasanotherlongsilencebeforeshewasabletocontinue.“Itjustwouldn’twork,”sherepeated.“Itjustwouldn’t.”

“Iwishyou’dgiveussometime.”Ken’seyeswerepleadingwithher,butshecouldn’tmeethisgaze.

“There’llbeplentyoftime,”shesaidinafarawayvoice,“whatevergoodthatwilldo.Itwouldbeagonyforustobeneareachother.I’vealreadymadeupmymind.I’mmovingbacktoD.C.I’vegotlotsofconnectionsthere.”

NowKenhadlosthisvoice.Therewasanotherlong,traumaticsilence.

“Ijustcan’tbelieveit,”Carlaaddedatlast“YouweretheultimateatheistWhathappenedtoallthosearguments?”

Hetookadeepbreath.Godhelpme!“Carla,Idon’tthinkthereissuchathingasaconvincedatheist.IalwaysknewthatGodexisted.Youcan’thonestlypretendtheuniversejusthappenedbychance!Ijustdidn’twanttofacetheconsequences—thatIwasmorallyaccountabletomyCreator.”

Carlacuthimoff.“Ken,Ididn’tcomeheretohaveyoupreachatme.I’veheardplentyofthatmostofmylife!”

“Youaskedmeaquestion.Please,listentome!There’snotadoctorornurseinthishospitalthatcandenythatI’malivingmiracle!Youcan’tdenyit!”

“Oh,can’tI?Myfatherpreachedmiracles.And,ohhowhepreachedagainstsin.”Derisivelyshespatoutthosetwocontemptiblewords.“Andyouknowwhathedid?Hecommittedadultery—notjustwithonewomanbutwithwhoknowshowmany.Eventuallyheranoffwithhissecretaryanddivorcedmymother.Whenshefinallyfacedthehorribletruth,itkilled

her.Shediedofabrokenheart.”“I’msorry,”saidKen,“butthatdoesn’tprove—”

Carlacuthimoffagain.“Prove?I’mgivingyouthefacts!Myfatherhasahugechurchtoday.Hislifestyledoesn’tseemtokeephimfrom‘success’intheself-righteousChristianworld!”

“ButCarla,thereareplentyofChristianswhoarejustasnauseatedbyyourfather’shypocrisyasyouare.Andyourmother—you’vetoldmewhatasaintshewas—shewasaChristian.SohowcanyoucondemnChristbecauseofyourfather?”

Hefellsilent.Whatelsewastheretosay?Shehadturnedaway,unableanylongertobearthepainoflookingintohiseyes.Shepulledthestrapofherpurseoverhershoulderandpreparedtoleave.

“Iwishthishadn’thappenedthisway,”shesaid.“Ididn’tcomehereforadiscussionorargument—justtomakeasimplestatement...andsaygoodbye.”

“Weloveeachother!”Kenpleaded.“Wecanworkourwaythroughthis.”Thenherememberedtheaudiocassetteshe’dbroughtinandtriedtogetitfromthebedsidetable,butitwasjustbeyondhisgrasp.Outofthecomerofhereyeshesawwhathewasreachingforbutmadenomovetohelphim.

“’FireandRain.’JamesTaylor.Youbroughtitbackfromthewreck,”heremindedher.“’Morethansentiment,’youtoldme—itwasahopeyouheldonto.Doyourememberthewords?”Shenoddedalmostimperceptibly.“Iwashummingitthismorning,”hecontinuedeagerly,“andthinkingithadtobemorethancoincidencethatthestereowasplayingthatsongwhenIwentoverthecliff.”

Hebegantosingitsoftly,“LookdownuponmeJesus,You’vegottohelpmemakeastand.You’vejustgottoseemethroughanotherday.Mybody’sachingandmytimeisathand.Iwon’tmakeitanyotherway.”Hereachedouttotouchher,butshepulledherhandaway.“Please,Carla!IplayedthatdozensoftimeswhenIclaimedtobeanatheistandneverthoughtofwhatthewordsmeant.We’velistenedtoittogether.Younevertoldmeyoufoundthewordsoffensive.I’veonlybelievedinJesuslike

thatsongsuggests.Whyhasthatbroughtawallbetweenus?”“StopitKen!There’snopointinprolongingtheagonywebothfeel.

Youknowthatneitherofusisgoingtocompromisewhatwebelievesodeeply,solet’sgetthisbehindus.”Abruptlyshestoodupandwalkedresolutelytowardthedoor.

“Iloveyou,Carla!”hecalledafterher.“Iloveyou!”ForamomentCarla’sfacebrokeasshepausedandhalf-turned.“If

youloveme,thendomeonefavor:Don’teverwasteyourtimeprayingforme!”

Throughabluroftearshewatchedhelplesslyasshewalkedfromtheroomandoutofhislife.

[10]TheFSBConnection

Forsometime,hopeforgenuinecooperationbetweentheWestandRussiahadpervadedtheclimateofinternationalpolitics.ThatalltheformercommunistnationsinEasternEuropehadbeenacceptedintoNATO,madethishopeseemreasonable.Inthemeantime,however,acovertanddesperaterivalrybetweentheCIAandFSB(successortotheKGB)thatwasneverreportedinthepresshadreachednewintensity.IfanoutsideobserverhadbeenabletolookinonacertainclandestinepsychiccommandobasesecludedinthedeepwoodsanhournorthofMoscow,hewouldhavefounditsactivitiesandgoalstobeincompletecontradictiontothepeaceinitiativesbeingoutwardlypromotedbyRussia‘snew“democratic”leaders.

OnablusterydayinlateApril,twoyearsafterthesaleofKenInman‘ssecretlaboratorytotheCIA,RussianArmycolonelAlexeiChernov,commanderofthesecretcommandobase,stoodwatchingaplatoonofhiselitetroops.TheywerepracticingHwarangdoonasoggyfieldthatstillheldafewpatchesofsnowinthealmost-perpetualshadowsofthe12-foot-highwallmarkingthehighlyclassifiedinstallation‘ssouthernperiphery.Chernovwasapowerfulbruteofamanwiththearrogantcockinessofaprofessionalfighter.Insuperbphysicalcondition,heappearedtobemuchyoungerthanhis52years.HavinglostbothparentsintheBattleofStalingrad,hehadcomeupthehardway—throughlifeandinthearmyaswell.Hewasasurvivorineverysenseoftheword.

Onthisparticularday,statuelike,witharmsfolded,Chernovremainedlongerthanusualonapathbehindahedgethatmadeitpossibleforhimtowatchhistroopsunobserved.Anastysituationhaddevelopedatthebasethatoccupiedhisthoughtsandkepthimfromseeingwhatheappearedtobelookingatforsolong.Atlastheseemedtorememberthatheshouldbe

elsewhere.Spinningaround,hetraversedamuddyparadegroundandturnedontoawalkwaythatledbetweentwolongbrickbuildings.Heseemedtobeheadingforthelargeststructureonthebase,straightaheadofhim.Twosoldiersarmedwithautomaticweaponspatrollingjustinfrontofitpreparedtosalute,whenthecolonelsuddenlyturnedofftohisrightdownanotherwalkthatledtowhatappearedtobeagymnasium.

AlargeredsigninfrontoftheguardedbuildingdeclaredinboldCyrillicletters:BEKTEREVRESEARCHINSTITUTE--AUTHORIZEDPERSONNELONLY.Theinsidewasamazeofcorridorslinedwithofficesandlaboratoriesofvarioussizesanddegreesofimportance.Inthecenterwasalargeandelaboratepsychicresearchlaboratorytowhichallcorridorseventuallyled.Itconsistedofamainroomwithseveralauxiliaryroomsadjoining,eachofwhichhadatleastonewindowofone-wayglassopeningontothelab.Thusitwaspossiblefromanumberofanglestoobservethelaboratoryactivitywithoutdisturbingtheconcentrationofthoseinvolved—andofcoursewithoutthoseparticipatingintheexperimentsknowingtheywerebeingwatched.

One-wayglassfromfloortoceilingbetweenthemaincontrolroomandthelabprovidedabroadviewofallactivityfromalocationthatwaselevatedabouttenfeetforbetterobservation.Insidethatvantagepointthescientistincharge,ViktorKhorev—aslim,prematurelygrayingandscholarlylookingmanofabout40—wasdirectingtwoassistantsthroughafinalcheckofacomplexbankofinstruments.Byreasonofdiligenthardworkandanundeniablebrilliance,Dr.KhorevhadestablishedhimselfasthetopRussianinvolvedinadvancedpsychicresearchsosecretthatevenwithintheKremlinitselfonlyahandfulofleadersknewaboutitHisonlyapparentflawwasatroublesomehabitofindependentthinkingthatdidn’tfitwellintotheRussianmilitarysystem—aflawwhichsofarhadbeenlargelyoverlookedinrecognitionofhisgreatvalue,particularlyinrelationtohispresentwork.Inthelabbelow,twootherscientists—PyotrDobrovsky,arelativenewcomer,andDmitriPetrekov,Viktor’sclosecolleagueandconfidantofseveralyears--wereconnectingthelastwirestoamanwho,fromtheperspectiveabove,lookedundersizedandvulnerablewherehereclinedataslightangleinaspecialpaddedarmchair.

Viktorfollowedintentlythequick,suremovementsheobservedbelow.Hisowncomposurewasastudiedprofessionalism.Beneaththesurface,however,likeeachoftheotherscientists,hewasverymuchawarethattheexperimenttheywereabouttobegin—anexperimentwhichhehadnotwantedtoperform—wouldverylikelyendindisaster,ashadthetwoimmediatelypreviousattempts.

“We’rereadydownhere!”crackledDmitri’svoiceovertheintercom.“Iwanttoknowtheinstantanyonedetectstheslightestabnormality—

anything!”orderedViktoroverthemicrophoneinfrontofhim,wherehewasnowseatedatthemaincontrolpanel.“Isthatclear?”

“Right!”cameDmitri’spromptresponsefrombelow.ThetwoassistantsseatedbesideViktornoddedwithouttakingtheireyesfromthepanelbeforethem.There,ondozensofgraphs,needleswerealreadytracingoutbrainwaves,heartbeat,bloodpressure,oxygenlevelinthebloodstream,andothervitaldata.

“You’reclearedfortrancestate,Yakov,”saidViktorquietly.Inspiteofhimself,hisvoicereflectedhisownreluctanceandapprehension.

Thepsychic,securelystrappedintothehugechair,noddedalmostimperceptibly.Hewasalreadywellonhiswaytoout-ofbodyreadiness.Hishands,whichhadgrippedthearmsofthespecialchair,hadnowgonelimp.Totalrelaxationmarkedeveryvisiblemuscularcapability.

“Yakov.Listencarefully.”Viktorwasspeakinginaslowandeven-pacedcadence.“Atthewordstop,youwillinstantlycomeoutofit!Isthatclear?”

“Yes.”Yakov’svoicewasbarelyaudible.Viktorpressedabuttononaspecialpaneltohisleft.Onthescreen

immediatelyinfrontofthepsychicwasprojectedaslideofagroupofseveralbuildingssurroundedbyahighwall.Thenthescenechangedtothecentralstructureofthecomplex.

“ThatisyourtargetYakov.ThelocationisinthecoastalhillssouthofSanFranciscoabout12mileswestofPaloAlto,California.Agentsinthefieldindicateit’saCIAinstallationinvolvedinadvancedpsychicresearch—perhapssimilartoourown.”Viktor’svoicewasdeliberatelyhypnoticnow.“Enterthetargetbuildingandgatherallpossibledatainthetimewe

canallow.Ifyouhaveanytroubleofanykind—eventheslightest—communicateittomeimmediately.Isthatclear?”

Yakovnoddedslowly.Hiseyesglazedoverandontheirsurfacethetargetstructurewasnowdimlyreflected.Theheavylidsdroopedandclosed.

Viktorpushedanotherbuttonandthescreenbegantoreflectacomputer-enhanceddigitalconversionofwhatYakovhimselfwasseeinginhispresumedout-of-bodyjourney.ThepicturewastakendirectlyfromhisbrainwavesthroughaningeniouselectronicenhancementprocessthatViktorhimselfhadonlyrecentlydeveloped.Indistinctandintermittentatfirst,theimageslowlybecameclearerandmorerecognizable.EverythingwasbeingrecordedonvideotapedirectlyfromtheinstrumentprojectingthepictureasYakovwasseeingitinhisbrain.

Theimagebecamesharperasthebuildingwasapproached.Therewasasenseoffloatingthroughspace.WithaslightjerkandamomentaryblackoutthetargetwaspenetratedbyYakovandtheviewwasnowofitsinterior.TheinsidewallsseemedtohavelittlesubstanceasYakov’sprobingmindrepeatedlypassedthroughthemintheprocessoftraversingcorridorsandenteringrooms.

Suddenlytwoshadowyfiguresapproachedfromthebackground,onefromeachsideofthescreen.Forafleetingmomentthefaceofthefigureontherightwhoseemedtobeinalong,hoodedrobe,becameclearlydelineated.Hehadneverappearedinpreviousexperimentsofthisnature.Viktorletoutagruntofrecognition,however,whenthefaceofthemanontheleftcamebrieflyintoview.Thoughhisfeatureswereslightlydistorted,helookedunmistakablylikeStanfordUniversityprofessorFrankLeighton,recentlyarisingstarininternationalpsychicresearchcircles.Hispresencewasquicklyrecordedonacomputer.

“I’minside—nothingspecialtoreportyet.”Yakov’swordscameslowlyandwithgreateffort.“Isensethatthecentrallabisofftomyright.”

SuddenlythehoodedfigureblockedYakov’sprogress,pointingthreateninglyathisinvisibleposition.Inthenextmoment,theimageprojectedfromYakov’sbrainbecameawhirlingkaleidoscopeof

distortions,aphantasmagoriaofgyratingsubstanceandline.Theneedlesmonitoringthepsychic’svitalsignswentberserk.

“Help!”Yakovscreamedinterror.Tmbeingpulledin!They’vegotme!”

“Stop!”Viktoryelledintohismicrophone.“Stop,Yakov!That’sanorder!Stop!”

Yakov’sfacehadbecomeadeathmaskofagony.Hisbodybegantoconvulse,strainingdesperatelyatthestrapsholdinghim.SuddenlytherewasablindingflashasYakovwastornloosebysomeincrediblepowerandthrownacrosstheroom.Hittingtheoppositewall30feetawaywithafrighteningimpact,hisshatteredbodyseemedtohangforamomentbeforedroppingtotheconcretefloorlikeaslabofrawmeat.

“Seetohim!Now!”Viktoryelledintothemike,thenturnedtorunforthestairsleadingtothelabbelow.

DmitrireachedYakov’scrumpledbodyquicklyandrecoiledinhorror.“MoyBog!”hegasped,andstareddownhelplessly.Rushinguptotakecommandoftheemergency,ViktorcouldonlystandtransfixedbesideDmitri.TheviolencewreakedonYakovwasclearlyfarworsethaninthetwoprevious“accidents.”Theredidn’tappeartobeanunbrokenboneinhisbody.YethislefthandgrippedafeltpenofAmericanmanufacturethattheinvestigatorslaterwouldnotbeabletoidentifyasbelongingtoYakovorhavingbeeninthebuildingpriortothatmoment.

AsViktor,Dmitri,andPyotr—thethreescientistsontheproject—watchedinfrozenterror,thatlifelessarmbegantomove.Inclear,blocklettersitprintedabriefsentenceinGreekonthebarefloor.Thescratchingofthefeltpenaddedafinaleerietouchtothemacabrescenebeforethem.Thenthesilenceofdeath.

Stillinshock,Viktorstruggledfranticallytogatherhiswits.“Getacomputertranslationofthatmessage,”hetoldPyotr,whopulledapadfromhispocketand,scarcelyknowingwhathewasdoing,managedtocopythestrangewriting.Withapprehensivebackwardglances,hehurriedfromthelab.

Viktorturnedtoastunnedassistant“Yuri!GetColonelChernovhereimmediately.”

......Inthegymnasium,thecolonelwasseatedinyogapositiononaraised

platformfacingabout40newlyinductedelitetroops,alsoinlotusposition.Hehadjustledthemina20-minutemeditation.Thelast“OM”fadedintothewalls.Eachrecruit,likethecolonel,waswearingablackgiwithFederalTroopsinsignias.Chernovstoodsuddenlyandextendedhisarmswithfistsclenchedtowardthemen.

“Openyoureyes,”hecommandedandmotionedfortwoassistantstobringaheavyslabofconcreteandholditoutinfrontofhim.“Youareabouttowitnessbio-energyextension,”heexplained.“Youwillbetaughttoprojectthisenergybeyondyourbodies.Meditationisthekeyfordevelopingit.”

“Hiyah!”Withaquickkaratejab,Chernov’shandsmashedthroughthesix-inch-thickslab,sendingconcretesplintersflying.“Youassumeitwasmyhandthatsmashedtheconcrete,butyoureyesdeceivedyou.”Chernovpauseddramaticallytolettherecruitsthinkthatover.“Infactmyhandmadenocontact.Theinvisibleforceextendingfrommyhandshatteredtheslab.Thatforce,whenyoulearnthroughmeditationhowtofocusit,actsasaprotectiveshieldovertheentirebody.”

Athinsmiletuggedatthecornersofhismouthashereachedforadelicateglassbeakerandslidhisrighthandintoit.Hemotionedfortwoothermentobringanotherconcreteslabandholditupinfrontofhim.

“Hiyahl”TheColonel’sglass-encasedfistlashedoutwithlightningspeedandagainthedemolishedconcreteslabsplinteredintoahundredpieces.Steppingbackintriumph,Chernovletthedelicateglassbeaker,stillintact,dropfromhishandtothefloor,whereitshattereduponimpact

Arrivingfromthelaboratorystillinshock,Yuriquietlyenteredthegymnasiumandstoodrespectfullyattherear,anxiouslytryingtogetthecolonel’sattention.Therewasnomistakingthelookofterroronhisface.AtlastChernovnoticedandquicklymotionedforhimtocomeforward.

“Yakovhasbeenkilled!”Yuriwhisperedbreathlessly.Chernov’seyesblazedwithanger.Withoutaskingfurtherdetails,he

puthisassistant,MajorRusak,inchargeandimmediatelyhurriedfromthegym,followedcloselybyYuri.

......BythetimeChernoventeredthelab,Viktorwasbackinthecontrol

roomgoingoverthedataandshakinghisheadinpuzzledunbelief.Seeingthecolonel,hecamedowntojoinhimbesidethebody.

“Thismanwasyourresponsibility,Dr.Khorev!”barkedChernov.“No!”Viktorrespondedfirmly.“Iwasnotinfavorofriskinganother

life.Thatwasyourdecision.”“TheCommitteegavetheorder.”“Butonyourinsistence.”Thoughsofrailincomparison,Viktorstoodhisgroundalmostnoseto

nosewithhispowerfullybuiltsuperior,staringhimdownwithunwaveringeyes.Thecolonelhadlongfoundthisunbreakableman’sindividualityandunorthodoxbehaviormaddening.Watchingatasafedistancewhiledirectingtherestofthestaffinshuttingdownequipmentandgatheringrippedwiresanddebris,Dmitrifeltagrowingsenseofdread.

Chernov’smindwasmadeup.He’dhadonepassionformonthsnow:tonailKhorev’shidetothewall—andthiswasmorethansufficientjustification.“Yakov’sdeathhasjeopardizedtheprogram.Youlethimdie!Why?”

“Hedidn’tdie,”Viktorsnappedback.“Hewaskilledliketheothers—bysomethingbeyondourcontrol.Itoldyouthatwewerewarned,butyouwouldn’tletmetellthattotheCommittee.”

“Warned?That’sfantasy!”“Colonel,listentothistapeofYakov’slastwords.”Viktorquickly

wenttoanearbycontrolpanelandpushedabutton.Yakov’svoicecameoverthespeaker.“Help!I’mbeingpulledin!They’vegotme!”

Turningoffthesound,Viktordemanded,“They’vegotme.Whoarethey,Colonel?Certainlynooneinthislab.HewasoutofbodyinsidethatCIAlabinCalifornia.That’swhotheyare,Colonel!They

gothim—justliketheygotthetwobeforehim—andthat’swhyIdidn’twanttoriskanotherman,butyouinsisted!”

“Hewasincoherentatthatpoint”objectedChernov,pointingtothewritingonthefloor.“Lookatthatgibberish.”

“Yakovwasdeadbeforehewrotethat!”

“Impossible!”“Wehavethedatarecordedonthemonitors.”“Hewasrippedoutofthewires,”saidChernov.“You’vegotnothing

whenhewaslyinghere!”“Lookathisbody—andhismangledleftarm.Evenifhe’dstillbeen

alive,hecouldn’thavewrittenanything!”AtthatmomentPyotrreturnedandhandedapieceofpapertoViktor.

“Here’sthetranslationofyourgibberish,Colonel.ItwaswritteninGreek.”ViktorhelditoutforChernovtoseeforhimself,thenbegantoreadaloud:“DeathtoPrometheus.Archon.”

“Thisisthethirdwarning,Colonel.”“Prometheus?Archon?”growledChernov.“Ifthosearecodenamesfor

Americanagents,we’llhuntthemdown—ifittakesthewholeFSBworldwidenetwork!”

“YoumighttrylookingfirstonMountOlympus,headquartersofthegods,”suggestedViktorcaustically,makingnoattempttosoftenthederisioninhisvoice,eventhoughheknewhowdangerousitwastobaitChernov.“SurelyyourememberfromyourwidereadingthatinGreekmythologyPrometheusstolefirefromthegodsandtheypunishedhim.It’squiteobviousthatArchonhaspunishedus!”

Chernov’sfacebecamelivid.Whathelackedineducationhemadeupforinnativecunning.Viktor’sstingingsarcasmwouldberepaidnotwithbrutestrength,butwithafalseaccusationhewouldfinddifficulttodeny.“You’resayingthegodsdidthis?Doctor,theCommitteemeetstomorrowtoinquireaboutthetwopreviousdeaths—andnowwehaveathird.We’llseehowamusedthey’llbewithyourfairytales!”Heturnedabruptlyandstormedoutofthelab.

Dmitri’sconcernhadturnedtodismay.Hewasterrifiedforhisfriend.“Come,takealookatthis,”hesaid,motioningViktortowardtheshatteredchair.Astheybentoverittogether,Dmitriwhispered:“He’sadangerousman,Viktor,andheintendstodestroyyou.Don’tmakeiteasierforhim!”

Viktor’smindwaswrestlingwiththeimmediatepuzzlebeforethem.“Thecolonelisright”hesaidsoftly.“Deadmendon’twritemessages.”

“Butweallsawithappen!”

“Yakovwasdead,Dmitri.Andevenalivehisbraincouldnothavecommandedhisarminthatconditiontomove.Sowhathappenedcouldn’thavebeenYakov’ssubconscious.That’stheestablishedtheorywe’vebeenclingingtoinspiteoftheevidence.Butwecan’tescapethetruthanylonger.Ifitwasn’thisunconsciousmindwhenhewasdead,thenitneedn’thavebeenwhenhewasalive!Somethingelseisincontrol—evenwhenwedon’trealizeit!”

“Whatdoyoumean?”“We’rebeingwatchedandmanipulatedbysomehigherintelligence.

Archon,whoeverorwhateverthatrepresents,islettingusknowthatitholdsthekeytopsychicpowersandisnothappywiththewaywe’reusingthem.”

Dmitriwastoostunnedbythisrevolutionaryideatoreply.“I’lltellyouwhatelseitmeans,”suggestedViktor.“Archonmustexistoutsidethematerialdimension,butwiththecapabilityofinvadingitatwill!”

InstantlyDmitriputacautionaryhandonhisfriend’sshoulder.“Youkeeptalkinglikethatandyou’llendupinalaborcamp!”hewhispered.

Theybothglancedanxiouslyaroundandnoticedasoldierstandinginthedoorwayandstrainingtohearwhattheyweresaying.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Viktordemanded.“We’vecomeforthebody,sir.”“Well,takeitthen,”hebarked,thensaidtoDmitri,“Ifeellikesome

freshair.”Viktorturnedtotherestofhisstaff,whostillseemedtobetoo

shockedtofunction.“Ithinkitwoulddousallgoodtogetoutofhere.Getsomerest.Tomorrowisthehearing,andyoushouldallbepreparedtogiveaclearaccountofwhatyou’vewitnessed.”

......Outside,thetwocomradesfoundabenchinasecludedplace,where

theykepttheirfacesturnedawayfrombuildingsthatmighthideeavesdroppingdevicespoisedintheirdirection.EarnestlyViktortriedtopersuadehisfriend.“Listentome,Dmitri!Everyoneadmitsthatiflifecouldstartonearth,itcouldhappenonotherplanetstoo.Therehastobeintelligentlifeoutthere,andfindingitisasignificantpartofthespace

program—forusandtheAmericans.Isn’tthattrue?”“Ofcourse,”concededDmitri,wonderingwhatthishadtodowith

Viktor’sunthinkableperformancewithChernov.“We’vehadcontactwithintelligentlifefrombeyondearth!Can’tyou

seethat?Butitisn’tthekindwewereexpecting,andwedidn’tfindthemthroughprobingouterspace.They’vecometous—ininnerspace.Wehaven’tseentheirbodiesbecauseIdon’tthinktheyhaveany!”

“Watchyourstep!”respondedDmitri.“Thinkit,ifyouwish,butdon’teversayit—noteventome.IftheCommitteeeversuspectsyouthinknonphysicalintelligencesexist—well,don’texpectmetovisityouinSiberia!”

“ForgettheCommitteeandgivemeahearing,comrade.You’retheonlyoneIcantalkto.Now,supposetheseentitiesdoexist...”

“Whatentities?Yourthesisispurefantasy.Wesawtwofiguresonthevideo.Youthinktheywerenonphysical?”

“Dr.Leighton,ofcourse—yourecognizedhim,too,I’msure—wasphysical.Hecouldbeinchargeofthelab.Buttheotherfigure—thehoodedone—theforcecamethroughhim.I’msureofit!SincewhendoestheCIAwearsuchrobes?ThatwasanArchon—dressedlikedeath!”

Dmitrilookedaroundapprehensively.“Keepyourheaddownwhenyoutalk,”hehissed.“You’regettingcareless.Theyhavedevices.”

“Iknowthedevices.We’retoofaraway—solongaswefaceawayfromthebuildings.”ButheleanedclosertoDmitriashecontinued.“Nowlistentome.Idon’tthinktheAmericanshavethecapabilityofdoingwhatwejustsawtoday!ArchonkilledYakovandtheothers.ArchonisnotacodenamefortheCIA!Idon’tthinkArchonhasabodyofitsown;itusesthebodiesofothers.MaybeitkillsCIAagents,too.Itmusthaveitsownpurpose.WhoorwhatisArchon—andwhatisitupto?I’vegottofindout!”

Fromwherethetwofriendssattheycouldseeamilitaryvandriveuptothefrontdoorofthelabcomplex.Feelingstrangelydetachedfromthehorrortheyhadjustexperienced,theywatchedastwosoldiersemergedfromthebuildingcarryingYakov’scrushedremains.Theyshovedthebodyintothevehicle,climbedin,anddroveoff.

DmitripleadedearnestlywithViktor.“Youcan’tbringYakovandtheothersbackbysacrificingyourself!WhatisthepurposeofangeringChernov?Don’tdoit!Andifyouwanttosurvivetopursueyourresearch,thendon’ttrytobeahero.JusttelltheCommitteewhattheywanttohear!”

“Ihaveaplan,”saidViktorcryptically.AndwhenDmitri’seyesaskedtoknowwhatitwas,Viktoronlyshookhishead.

[11]FortheRecord

ThecommitteeoverseeingPsychicWarfareResearchhadalreadybeenscheduledtomeetforafullhearingtoinquireintothecauseofthepreviousdeathsoftwopsychics.Nowtheyhadathirddeathontheirhands.Understandably,theatmospherewasextremelytense.Viktordidhisbesttoappearincommandofhimself(althoughacertainamountofnervousnesswasexpectedasamatterofrespect)whenhewascalledatlastintothesmallconferenceroomdownthehallfromthelaboratory.Itwasaclosedhearing,withonlythefourRussianArmyofficerspresent—twogeneralsandtwocolonels—asjudgeandjury.Sosecretwasthesubjectmatterthatnotevenastenographerwasincluded.Theofficersmadetheirownnotesasthehearingprogressed,and,ofcourse,itwasallrecordedonaudiocassettes.

AlthoughViktorhadnotbeenconsultedinitscomposition,heknewexactlywhatColonelChernov’swrittenreportstatedbecausehehadbeengivenacopylatetheeveningbefore.Itwastheusualhead-in-sandnonsensethatechoedthematerialisticline,anditangeredViktor.Itwouldtakeallofhisself-controltogoalongwithit.Thenewdemocratizationhadchangedlittleatthislevelofoperations.

HeandDmitrihadtalkedlateintothenight,andheknewthathisfriendwasrightItwouldbesuicidetoattempttogetthecommitteetounderstandwhathesuspected.TheonlysensiblecoursewastoparrotChernov’sreport,hissupposed“findings,”whichwassimplywhatthecolonelknewhissuperiorswantedtohear.Dialecticalmaterialismwasstillthecontrollingideologydespiteexaggeratedreportstothecontrary.Defendingestablisheddogmaswasfarmoreimportantthandiscoveringthetruth,eventhoughofficiallythatstateofaffairswasnowdeniedandrelegatedtothepast.Somethingsweresimplyapartofhumannatureno

matterwhatregimemightbeinpowerandwhatidealsitmightespouse.AllofhislifeundertheformerSovietsystem,Viktorhadnourished,

andsuppressed,abitterhatredofthenecessityforsheersurvival’ssakeofneverexpressingone’strueopinions.Perpetuallytornbetweenhypocrisyorprison,hehadalwaysswallowedhisprideintheendandoptedfortheformer—thoughsometimesbythenarrowestofmargins.Andnow—underthenew“freedom”—solittlehadchanged.Deepinhishearthemaintainedhisintegrity,andheknewthatthedaywouldeventuallycomewhenthedamwouldburstandpourforthafloodofcherishedconvictionsthatwouldsendhimtoprisonwithhisheadheldhigh—atlast.Onthisoccasion,however,Viktorhadapreeminentmotiveforcontrollinghistongue.Hisplandependeduponsurvivingthishearing—aplanthathedarednotdisclose,atleastnotyet,eventoDmitri,theonemanontheentirebasethathetrusted.

Customarilyonlyonewitnesswascalledinatatime,andnodiscussionbetweenwitnessesofanytestimonywaspermittedoutsidethehearing.Nooneworkinginthelabwastoknowwhatanyoneelsehadtestified.ViktorwaitedinthecorridorformorethantwohourswhileChernovmadehispresentationbeforetheCommittee.AsthecolonelexitedandViktorentered,neithermanlookedattheother.Thatwascustomary—anindicationthattherewasnocollusionbetweenthem.Eventheslightestchangeinexpression,theinterplayofaglance,couldbecauseforsuspicion.

ViktorcametoattentioninfrontofGeneralNikolaiGorky,thesteelyeyedchairman.Seatedtohisright,behindthesameslightlyraisedtable,wasGeneralAliyev.ToGorky’sleftsatthetwocolonels—OstapenkoandLutsky.Therewasnoattempttosethimatease.UpontheshouldersofthesemenlaytheresponsibilityofpreparingtheRussianRepublicforthedeadliestwarfareeverconceived,aresponsibilitythattheycarriedwiththeutmostsolemnity.TheonlymaninRussiawhofullycomprehendedwhattheywereinvolvedwithwastheFSBdirectorhimself.Therewasnoroomforerror,andanythingatthesecretbasethatwastheleastoutoflinehadtobedealtwithharshlyandimmediately.

Viktorknewbyexperiencethathewasjustapawnonthechessboard.

Likealloftheothers,includingColonelChernov,hewasamanwhoknewfartoomuch.Hissurvivaldependedsolelyuponhisabilitytocontinuetoproducewhatwasvitaltotheprogram.Ifheeverfailedinthat,hewouldendupsomewhereinthegulag—iftheydecidedtolethimliveatall.HealsoknewthatbynowtheunbendingsuperiorshefacedhadalreadycometotheirconclusionsbaseduponChernov’sbullheadedinput,andhemustnotsayanythingthatwouldrocktheirboat.Hehadsurvivedthisordealfourtimesbeforeandwasdeterminedtodoitagain.

GeneralGorkywasshufflingthroughsomepapersandbarelyacknowledgedViktor’spresencewhenheentered.FinallyhefoundwhathewantedandlookeduptostareViktorcoldlyintheeye.“Dr.Khorev,theautopsydeclarescardiacarresttobethecauseofdeathinbothcases—andnowinthethirdaswell.Weallunderstandthatthetypeofexperimentthesemenwereinvolvedin—so-called‘outof-body’journeysforthepurposeofintelligencegathering—putsagreatstrainontheheart.Werethereanywarningsignstoalertyou?Ifnotwhynot?Andifso,whydidyounotstoptheprocedureintime?”

“Sir,asyouknow,”beganViktor,choosinghiswordscarefully,“mymedicalassistant,Dr.Chevchenko,whoispresentduringallofourexperiments,wasbroughtintotheprogramtwoyearsagobecauseofhismanyyearsofexperienceasacardiacexpertandsurgeon.Hedetectednosigntoindicateanimminentheartattackinanyofthesubjects,norcouldhefindanyindicationaftercarefullygoingoverthegraphswithmeseveraltimessince.Wesimplyhadnowarningthatanythingwaswrong,andthustherewasnowaywecouldhaveabortedtheprocessintimetosavethelivesofthesemen—comradeswhowereveryclosetomeandsoimportanttowhatwearealldedicatedtoaccomplish.”

“Thenhowcanyouexplainwhathappened?”“IhaveaskedDr.Chevchenko,andhehasnoexplanation.Heisgiving

firstprioritytoestablishingadditionalsafeguards,buthehascomeupwithnothingasyet.Wewillkeepworkingonthat,butIthinkweallrecognizebynowthattheseexperimentsareextremelydangerous.”

Gorkyturnedtohiscolleagues.“Doesanyonehaveanyfurtherquestionsregardingthematterofmedicalproceduresandsafeguards?”

Thethreeofficersshooktheirheads.“Nowwecometosomethingfarmoreserious,somethingthatisnot

discussedintheofficialreportgiventoyoubyColonelChernovlastnight.HehasinformedthisCommitteethatyoumadesomereferenceto‘gods.’Weareassumingthatwasinjest,butthatyouwerenotjestingwhenyoustatedtohimthatwearebeingwarnednottoproceedwiththisprogram.Iviewthatstatementwithgreatconcern.Whatdoyouhavetosayforyourself?”

Viktordrewaquickbreath.“OfcourseIwasnotseriousaboutthe‘gods.’WhileIpresumedColonelChernovrecognizedthatIadmititwasanill-advisedremark.I’mafraid,also,thatmyotherstatementstothecolonelmayhavebeenhasty.”

“Hastyinwhatregard?”“Well,there—uh—couldbeotherexplanations.Imayhavebeen

overreactingunderthestressoftheoccasion.Icantellyouthatwhatwewitnessedyesterdaywasnotonlyawesomebutterrifying—asIthinktheotherswhowerepresentwillalltestify.”

“Youdidn’tanswermyquestion.Hastyinwhatregard?”“Iexpressedanopinionaboutthemeaningofthemessagethatwas

givenunderthestressofthemomentandhadnotbeencarefullythoughtouttoaconclusion.”

“Haveyoucometothatconclusionbynow?”“No,sir,Ihavenot.‘DeathtoPrometheus’doesseemtobeawarning.

Itsexactmeaning,however,remainsamystery—whichmayindeedbetheintent.”

GeneralAliyevhadbeenshiftinginhischairrestlesslyanddrumminghisfingersonthetableasiftoshowhisimpatiencewiththelackofprogress.Heinterruptedatthispoint“Therehasbeenaconsistentpatterntotheseso-calledmessages.Isthatnottrue?Foronething,eachhasbeensignedby‘Archon.’Youareresponsible,Dr.Khorev,todeterminetheirsource—andalsotheirmeaning.ThisCommitteeiswaitingtohearsomethingsubstantivefromyou.Instead,you’vegivenusnothingbutvagueapologies.”

“IfyoutookapolloftheleadingRussianpsychologists,”replied

Viktorquickly,“I’mcertaintheconsensuswouldbethatthesourceofthesemessageshastobethedeepunconsciousofeachpsychic.Thatthreedifferentindividualshave,intheirdeaths,givenusmessagesthataresoconsistentincontentmustbeattributedtothecollectiveunconsciousthatissharedbyallmembersoftherace.Theconsistencyinthepresentationofthemessagescanalsobeexplainedonthesamebasis,whichiswhyIwouldpersonallyconsiderthistobetheonlypossibletheory.”

ColonelLutskywasshufflingloudlythroughsomepapersinanapparentshowofdisapproval,andColonelOstapenkohadclearedhisthroat,shovedhischairback,andturnedhisheadseveraltimestowardGeneralGorky.AsforGorky,hissteelyeyeswerestaringwithunblinkingintensityintoViktor’s.

Determinedtokeephistrainofthoughtandnottobeunnerved,Viktorpushedonwithhisexplanation.“Inthealteredstateofconsciousnessthatasyouknow,istheonlywayweknowofforengagingintheseexperiments,thesubconsciousmindcontrolsthemotormuscles.Thisoftenresultsinwhathasbeencalled‘automaticwriting.’Ineachcase—”

“We’refamiliarwiththemechanics,”interruptedGeneralAliyevimpatiently.“Whatwemustknowistheinterpretationofthemessage.”

“I’mleadinguptothatGeneral,”respondedViktorrespectfully.“Tomakeaninterpretation,itisimportanttoconsiderthesource—whichiswhyIgavesuchalengthyexplanationtosupportmybeliefthatthesubconsciousistheculprit,atleastbyalloftheindications.”

“Suchaswhat?”demandedAliyev.Viktorwastroubled,wonderingwhythegeneralseemedtoberesisting

theveryexplanationhehadbeensocertaintheywantedtohear.TherewasnowayofknowingwhatAliyevortheothersmighthaveinmindifitweren’tthematerialisticline,andViktordidnotdaretochangehisplannedresponse.Thiscouldbeatrap—anattempttoencouragehimtobetrayhimself.

“Foronething,wehaveineachcaseareferencetoGreekmythology.”Viktorwasdoinghisbesttoseemrelaxedandsincere.Theremustbenoindicationthatthequestioningwasbotheringhim.“Yesterday,forexample,itwasPrometheus—afigurethatcouldindicateasubconscious

fearonthepartofYakovthathewastreadingondangerousground.ManyRussianpsychologistsagreewiththetheoryofCarlJungthatthecollectiveunconsciousisrichwithprimitivememoriesembodiedinarchetypes,someofwhichhavebecomethesubstanceofmythology.Itwouldbeentirelyconsistentwiththistheorytoexpecttheverykindsof‘messages’thatwehavebeenreceiving.Theinterpretation,then—”

Gorkycuthimoff.“Doctor,youdon’tseemtounderstandourconcern.WhatGeneralAliyevissayingisthis:Wehavebeengetting‘messages’fromsomesourcetellingusnottoproceed.Isthatnotthecase?”

“Yes,sir.”“Nowwhowouldmostbenefitifweshutdownourresearch?”Viktorwasstunnedbytheunexpecteddirectionthequestioninghad

taken,butdidhisbestnottobetrayhisemotions.“TheAmericans,Isuppose,”herepliedcautiously.“ButIdon’t—”

Gorkycuthimoffagain,andhistonehardened.“ThreeofourbestpsychicsdiewhileprobingwhatwebelieveisanAmericanintelligenceinstallationdoingadvancedresearchsimilartoourown.Doesn’tthattellyouanything,Doctor?”

“Idon’tthinktheAmericanshavethecapability—”“Youdon’tthink—youdon’tthink!Opinionsareuseless.Weneed

facts.Yourjobistofigureouthowtheydoit—andstopthem!”“We’vebeendoingourbest,General,todiscovertheirmethods

throughpsychicprobes,butIdon’tseehowwecancontinueourpresentapproach.Don’twehaveagentsabroadwhocanpenetratetheirorganizations?”

“Thathasnothingtodowiththishearing,”Gorkyremindedhimcoldly.“Yourlaboratoryhasitsownreasonsforexistenceanditsspecificassignments.Areyousuggestingthat,infact,ithasnofunctionthatisdifferentfromagentsabroad,andthatweshutitdown?”

“No,sir,IamnotsuggestingthatIunderstandyourpointandwearedoingourbesttofulfillourfunction,butweseemtohaveconfrontedaforcethatisbeyondourpresentcapabilities.”

“Precisely!”returnedGorky.“Andthatistheintolerablestateofaffairsthatthishearingisintendedtoaddress—andtoresolve!”Thegeneral

hesitatedforamoment,asthoughuncertainwhethersomethingoughttobementioned,thenproceeded.“ThefeltpenwithwhichYakovwrotethemessageisofAmericanmake.SuchapenisnoteasilyavailableinRussia.HowdidYakovobtainit?”

“Ihadneverseenitbefore,norhadanyoneinthelaboratory.Iwouldswearitwasnottherepriortotheincident.”

Gorkyheldupthepeninquestion.“You,Dmitri,andPyotrpersonallyobservedYakovwritingwiththispen?”

“Yes,sir,andwithhislefthand.Hehappenstoberight-handed,andIhaveneverknownhimeventoattempttowritewithhisleft.Ofcourse,inatranceanythingispossible.”

“Idon’tthinkanyoneputsmuchimportanceinthat,Doctor.It’sthepenwewanttogetstraight.”

“It’sanAmericanpen!”interjectedGeneralAliyev.“NotGerman,notFrenchorEnglish,butAmerican.”

“Ofcourse,”Viktoraddedthoughtfully,goingalongcompletelynow,“hewaspsychicallyinAmericaatthetimethisoccurred.Wedon’tevenknowwhatsuchastralprojectioninvolves.ConceivablysomethingfromAmericasomehowbecamepsychicallyattachedtohimandappearedinthelabatthetimehesuddenlycamebackintohisbody.”

“Canwebesurehe‘cameback’?”Gorkyaskedsharply.“WhatdoesDr.Chevchenkosay?”

“Hedoesnotknow,sir.I’mafraidthattheunknownsoutnumbertheknownswhenitcomestoout-of-bodytravel.”

GorkyturnedtoAliyev.“Youwantedtosaysomethingelse,General?”“We’redealingwithaforce,”declaredAliyevgrimly,“thatcould

maketheatomicbomblookprimitive.IftheAmericanswintheracetocontrolpsychicpower,that’stheend!WehavebeenassuredforyearsthatAmericanscientistsridiculepsychicpower,thattheirgovernmentspendsverylittleonsuchresearch,andthatwearefaraheadintherace—sofaraheadthattheycannevercatchus.Thatnolongerseemstobethecase.Andyou,Khorev,willhavetoshouldertheblame!”

“Thisisasuddenturnthathascomeonlyinthepastfewweeks.”Viktorwasreelingnow.Hehadbeensoconfidentthathecouldweather

thisprocedure.“IwouldnothaveriskedYakov,believeme,butIunderstoodthatthecommitteeinsisteduponit.”

“Youhadanotherplan?”askedAliyevderisively.“Whydidn’tyoutellus?”

Ofcourse,hecouldn’ttellthecommitteethattheywerestubborn,mulishfoolswhodiscouragedanygenuineexchangeofideas,buthewantedto.Oh,howhewantedtodojustthat!“Idon’thaveaplanatthemoment,and,untilwedoIdon’tthinkit’swisetomakeanotherattemptofthisnature.”

“Wehaveaplan,”interruptedGeneralGorky.“Tomorrow,whenyouflytoParisfortheopeningoftheFirstInternationalCongressonParapsychology,therewillbesomeadditionstoyourdelegation.Everyone—includingyou—willbeunderthecommandofColonelChernov,whowillposeasyourassistant.Theremustbenohintthatyouarenotreallyinchargeofthedelegationinyourpublicappearancestogether.Isthatclear?”

“Yes,sir!”respondedViktorquickly,relievedtoknowthathewasstilltobeallowedtoleavefortheWestThatwasessentialtohisownplan—orwasitadream?—thathe’dbeengoingovercarefullyforseveralmonths.

“I’vedraftedastatementwhichyouwillincludeinyouraddresstotheCongress,”continuedGorky.“Itcallsforstrictcontrolsontheuseofpsychicpowerandforthefreeexchangeofresearchfindings.Yourassignmentistoseetoitthatthisresolutionisadopted.AndIexpectyoutocomebackwithaninvitationforyouandtwoassistantstovisittheCIA’sCaliforniainstallation.Inreturn,youwillinviteDr.FrankLeightontovisityouhere.”

Gorkyturnedtohisfellowofficers.“Ifnooneelsehasanythingfurthertoadd...”

“Sir,themedicalreport,”ColonelLutskyremindedhim.“Indeed.Onemorequestion,Khorev.”ToViktor’srelief,Gorky’stone

wasnolongerthreatening.“YourreportseemedtosuggestthatYakovdiedpriortowritingthemessage.Obviouslyimpossible,isitnot?”

“Thatwasanoversight,sir.ColonelChernovhadalreadypointedouttometheobviousfactthatthemonitorshadmalfunctionedbeforeYakov

wasrippedfromthecontrols.Andoncethewireshadbeentornfromhim,ofcourse,wenolongerhadanymeansofdeterminingexactlywhenhedied.InthatcasewecanonlygobycommonsenseandIheartilyconcur.Thereportwillberewrittenandtherecordscorrected,sir.”

[12]ADesperateDecision

EverythingelsewasmereformalityafterViktor’sacquiescencetothe“correction”inthemedicalreport.TheCommitteespentlittletimequestioningDr.Chevchenko,Dmitri,andtheothers,whosetestimonyaddednothingtowhatwasalreadyknown.WhenColonelChernovreturnedtobeapprisedoftheCommittee’sofficialfindings,hestronglyexpressedonceagainthesamesuspicionsthathehadconsistentlypresentedinthepast.

“WhileIhavenoproofasyet”Chernovdeclared,“IamconvincedthatDr.Khorevisthemainlinkinallthreedeaths.Furthermore,IalsosuspectthatheneverwasaMarxist.HehasalwayshaddisloyalleaningstowardtheWest,eventhoughsofarnothingofthatnaturehasbeenpickeduponanyofthemonitorsinhisofficeorlaborapartment.IurgetheCommitteenottosendhimtoParis.He’sahighriskbeyondourborders—heknowstoomuch!”

“Weunderstandyourfeelingsandhaveourownsuspicions,”repliedGorky.“ButwithoutKhorevtoheadit,ourdelegationwouldnotbetakenseriously,andthatwouldjeopardizeourentiremission.Youdon’tdenythat?”

“I’mthinkingoftherisk,sir,ofhavingadisloyalmanontheteam.”“Youareincharge,Colonel,”Gorkyremindedhimicily.“Areyou

suggestingthatyoucan’thandlethesituation?TheCommitteethoughtyouwerecompetent—inspiteofthefactthatweentrustedyouwiththeinvestigationofthesedeaths,andyourlatestreportaddsnonewinsights.”

“Iapologizeforthelackofprogress,sir.”“We’reinterestedinresults,notapologies,Colonel.Youhaveyour

assignmentArethereanyfurtherquestions?”“No,sir.”

......WhenDmitrireturnedtothelablateinthedayafterhistestimonyhad

beentaken,therewasnoopportunitytoaskViktorhowhehadfaredbeforetheCommittee.Dr.Chevchenkowasthere,goingbackoverthechartsforallthreepsychicsagainandagain,searchingforsomecluehehadnotbeenabletoseeinhismanypreviousreviews.YuriwasassistingPyotrinrepairingthewiringthathadbeenrippedout,andtheotherlabworkersweregoingoveralltheelectronicsineverymonitoringmachineandrecordingdevice,tomakecertainthattherewasnohiddendamage.AppearingbeforetheCommitteehadgiveneveryoneafreshmotivationforworkingovertimetomakeupforthefailuresofthepast.Thatburdenwassharedbyallunderthecommonguiltofthethreedeathsthattorturedmemoriesandcastapalluponthefuture.

Astheeveningworeon,exhaustionovertookthemonebyone.Atlastwhenthehandsofthelargeclockonthelaboratorywallhadmovedpastmidnight,onlyDmitriandViktorremained.BythistimeViktorwasdownthehallinhisoffice,whereDmitrihurriedtojoinhim.Hefoundhisfriendgoingthroughfiledrawersasthoughhislifedependeduponit.

“Thesefileswillstillbeherewhenyougetback,”Dmitrisuggested.“Yououghttobehomepackingandgettingagoodnight’ssleep!”

“Iampacking,”saidViktor,continuingtoworkwithoutlookingup.“I’mgatheringsomepapersthatI’llneedonmytrip.”

“Allofthat?”askedDmitri,wavingatanalreadyoverstuffedandverylargebriefcase.

Viktorwipedhisbrowandsatdownbehindhisdeskwithatiredsigh.“I’llhavetimetosleepontheplane.Thisisveryimportant.”

“Well,tellme,goodcomrade,howdiditgotoday?I’vebeendyingtofindout!”

“Ithinkitwentwell,Dmitri.ThereweresomeanxiousmomentswhenIfearedmytripwasfinished,butintheendIthinktheyweresatisfied.IwentalongwiththeirtotallyinsaneideathattheAmericanshavebeenkillingourbestmen.Thatmadethemhappy.”

Dmitriquicklyputawarningfingertohislipsandshookhisheadvigorously,horrifiedthatViktorwouldspeaksocarelesslyinhisoffice.

“Don’tworry,oldfriend,”Viktorresponded,laughingattheexpressiononDmitri’sface.“Doyouthinktheycanhideanelectronicbugfromme?IputtogethermyowndetectionequipmentandIuseittosweepthisofficeeverymorning.Asfastastheyputtheirbugsin,Itakethemout.”

“Youdo?”DmitriwasastonishedatViktor’sboldness.“Ido.Itwascostingthemaczar’sransom.Thosethingsareexpensive.

Finallytheygaveup.Ihaven’tfoundoneforweeks—andIjustcheckedagainthismorning,sodon’tworry.”

Dmitrilookedrelieved,butstillapprehensive.“Don’tworry,”Viktorassuredhimagain,reachingintohisshirtpocket

topulloutascrapofpaper.DmitricouldseethatitwastheveryoneonwhichPyotrhadcopiedthemessagefromArchon.“I’vebeenthinkingalotaboutthis.”

“Youshoulddestroythatbeforeitdestroysyou!”exclaimedDmitriinalarm.

“Ican’tI’mobsessedbyitTherehastobeanoutsideintelligencebehindthesemessages.”

“Ifyouwanttosurvive,”Dmitrirespondedquickly,“you’dbetteragreewithGorky.TheAmericanswerebeingprobed,theydidn’tlikeit,andtheyretaliated.It’sthatsimple.Itcertainlymakessense,sowhyfightit?”

“Certainly,certainly.”Viktor’svoicedrippedsarcasm.TheAmericanscankillanyofusatwillfromthousandsofmilesaway!Doyouwanttobethefirsttosurrender,orshallI?Ihaven’tnoticedGorkywavingawhiteflag—it’sstillblood-red!”

Viktorpausedtoletthatsinkin,thencontinued.“There’sonlyoneexplanationthatfitsthefacts,Dmitri.I’vewrestledwiththis,butyoujustcan’tescapeit.We’redealingwithintelligencesfarmorehighlyevolvedthananyAmericans.I’mconvincedtheArchonsdon’thavebodies,buttheyhaveincredibleminds.Theymustbethemastersofthepsychicpowerwe’vebeenseeking.Andthey’renothappywithwhatwe’redoing.”

“Please,Viktor.Stayawayfromsuchideas.”

“BecauseI’mafraidofChernovorGorky?Whataboutthefacts?Asascientist,Ihavetoknowthetruth!”

Thereisalsosuchathingasbeingpractical,”arguedDmitripassionately.“Itwon’thelpthecauseoftruthtogetyourselfsenttoalaborcampinSiberia!Yellyour‘truth’asloudasyouwantupthereforallthegooditwilldo.Youmayconvincethewolves,butnobodyelsewillhearyou!”Hestood,resolutely,putbothhandsonthefrontofViktor’sdesk,andleanedoveruntilhisfacewasonlyafootfromhisfriend’s.“Youmaynotlikethis,Viktor,butIdon’tthinkyourtheorymakesanymoresensethanGorky’s.Takethematterofamotive,forexample.TheAmericanshaveagoodone.Buthighlyevolvednonphysicalintelligences?Whatwouldsuchentitieswantwithhumans?We’vegotnothingtoofferthem—iftheydo,infact,exist.AndwhywouldtheyinterferewhenwetrytoprobetheAmericansbutletusproceedwithallofourotherexperiments?Itellyou,itdoesn’taddup!Evenifhe’swrong,Gorkycanmakeabettercasethanyoucan.”

Thatoutburstended,Dmitrisankbackintohischair.Thenheaddedinamoreconciliatorytone,“AndIthinkyou’rebothwrong.”

“Youdo?”askedViktorinsurprise.“Thentellme:What’syourtheory?”

“Ican’texplainitwellenoughyet.ButwhenIcan,thenI’lltellyou.”“Nowyouhavemecurious,Dmitri!ButIcan’twait.Thisthingdrives

medayandnightI’vegottofindtheanswertothispuzzle!”Viktorsearchedaroundanddugsomephotocopiesofmagazine

articlesoutofadrawer,wavedthematDmitri,thendroppedthemontothepilethatwasoverflowinghisbriefcase.“I’vebeenreadingsomepapers—likethese—byanAmericanpsychicresearchernamedKenInman.Hearguesverypersuasivelyfornonphysicalintelligencesbeingbehindallpsychicpower.Hehassomerevolutionaryideasthatarequiteconvincing,butIcan’tgetanythingrecentfromhim.It’sallatleasttwoyearsold.Supposinghe’smadecontactwithsomeentities—likeArchon,perhaps—andthat’swhyhesuddenlysaysnothinganymore.ThiscouldbethesecretbehindtheAmericans’newpower.Theycertainlydidn’thavesuchcapabilitiesashortwhileago.”

“That’snotlikeyou,Viktor—acceptingtheoriesfromtheAmericans.Itcouldbedeliberatemisinformation.”

“Itmakessense,Dmitri!Moresensethanthepigheadedmaterialismwe’restuckwithoverhereinspiteofthesupposedfallofcommunism!YousawwhathappenedtoYakov.That’snotmisinformation!I’mawedbysuchpower.It’ssomekindofmindenergy,andit’sfarbeyondanythingweortheAmericansarecapableofonourown.”

“Iagreewithyou,butyou’refightingarisingtidalwaveofpopularopinionthatyoucan’tstop.YouknowtheAmericans—someofthemotivationalexpertstheKremlinhasbroughtintohelpusinstallamodifiedcapitalism—talkabout‘unlimited’humanpotential.”

Viktorsmiledderisively.“Anychildknowsbetterthanthat!Thereareobviouslimits,Dmitri,andwhatwe’veseenwithourowneyesislight-yearsbeyondanythingreasonable.”

BothfriendslapsedintothoughtfulsilenceasViktorreturnedtosearchingthedrawersofhisdeskfordocumentshewantedtotakewithhim.Atlasthepausedinhisworkandpickeduptheconversationagain.“I’vesearchedeveryencyclopediawehaveandtriedtorecalleverythingIknowfromhistoryormythologytofindsomeclueastotheidentityofArchon.”

“Yes?Tellme!”respondedDmitrieagerly.“Ithoughtthissubjectwastaboo.Areyousureweshouldn’tjustdrop

it?”“It’stoolatetoplaygames,”saidDmitriearnestly.“Don’tjokeabout

somethingsoimportantNowcomeoutwithit.”“ArchonistheGreekwordfor‘ruler.’TheArchonswereagroupof

ninemagistrateswhoruledancientGreece.Ithinktheseentitiesusethename‘Archon’toindicatethattheyareahierarchyofbeings—mostlikelyagroupofninehighlyevolvedintelligences—whoruleinthepsychicrealmandcontrolpsychicpower.Theyprobablyhavesuchincrediblepowersthattheywouldseemlikegods,comparedwithourlevelofdevelopmentThiscertainlyfitswiththereferencetoPrometheus.”

“IthoughtyouweremockingChernov—butyoureallythinktherearegodlikecreaturesouttherewithoutbodieswhoareinterestedinwhatwe

andtheAmericansaredoinginourlabs?Tellthattoanyonebutmeandyouwillendupinalaborcampunderthecareofpsychiatrists!”

“Notgodsinthemythicalorreligioussense—althoughtheycouldbethebasisforthatideainvariousreligions—buthighlyevolvedentitiesthatourancestorsmistookforgods.”

“Ididn’tknowyouwereareligiousman,Viktor.”“I’mnot.”“Thatsoundslikeareligiousideatome.Areyourgodlikecreatures

anydifferentfromthegodsoftheancientGreeksortoday’sshamansinSiberia?”

Thisisascientifictheory!”retortedViktorindignantly,losingpatiencewithhisfriend.“Theseentitiesevolvedtotheirpresentlevel!”

“Callitscientific,ifyouwant”insistedDmitri,“it’sstillreligion.AndIdon’tthinkscientificreligionmakesanybettersensethananyotherreligion.Ifyour‘gods’werecreatedbyevolution,they’renobetterthanthegodsofthemostprimitiveandsuperstitiouspeoples.Theycertainlycouldn’thavecreatedtheuniverse!”

ViktorleanedbackinhischairandgaveDmitrialong,curiouslook.“Ineverknewyouwereinterestedinreligionatall!Thisisasideofyou,myfriend,thatIneversuspected.Haveyoubecomereligiousrecently?”

“We’retalkingtruthandfactsandwhatmakessense,”repliedDmitri,deliberatelyavoidingthequestion.“AllI’mtellingyouisthattheonlyGodthatmakessensewouldhavecreatedtheuniverseandwewouldallberesponsibletoHim.TherecouldbebeingsHehascreatedwithmorepowerthanwehave—angelsordemons—buttherearen’tany‘gods’outtherefortheatheisttolookupto.”

“Youamazeme,Dmitri.Isthisrelatedtoyourtheoryofwhat’sbehindpsychicpower?”

Dmitrinodded.“I’vebeenhopingwecoulddiscussthis—perhapswhenyougetback.Nowisn’tthetime.”

Viktorgavehimanotherlonglook.“Andwealwayshavetobesocareful,don’twe,withwhomwespeak,whatwesay—alwayswiththecloudoverourheadsthatsomeonewillreportus.”Viktor’svoicewas

risinginanger.“Materialistideologycontinuestobeanalbatrossaroundournecks!Itstiflesourresearch—andmakesmesick!Thewholehumanracemaybeindanger,andwecan’tpursuecertainpossibilities.SoMarxandLeninstillruleusfromtheirgraves?”

Confrontedbythehopelessnesstheyfaced,thetwofriendslapsedintosilencewhileViktorcontinuedpullingpapersfromthedrawersinhisdesk.AtlasthedecidedthathehadtosharewithDmitrithesecrethe’dbeenguardingcloselyforsolong.

ViktorstraightenedupfromhisworkandleanedacrosshisdesktofaceDmitri.“I’vemadeabigdecision,oldfriend.WhatisimpossiblehereispossibleintheWestThey’reopentoconsideringanonphysicalextensionoftheuniverseandintelligentlife.”

Dmitrilookedfromtheopeneddrawerstotheoverstuffedbriefcase.Thetruthwasbeginningtosinkin.“Viktor!You’renot...?”

“I’vegottotalkwiththeAmericans.IwanttofindDr.Inman.Wehavetocompareinformation.”

“YoucandothatinParisattheCongress!”exclaimedDmitrihopefully.

“WithChernovbreathingdownmyneck?EvenifIhadcompletefreedominParis,we’reonlythereaweek.That’snotenoughtimetoscratchthesurface,andInmanmaynotevenbethere.Dmitri,oldfriend,we’vebeentogetheralongtime,butIthinkwemustnowsayfarewell.”

Theireyesmetinalongsilence.Nowordscouldexpressthelookthatpassedbetweenthem:whatitmeanttotrustsomeoneinasocietythatdestroyedalltrustwhereone’sbestfriendorevenalovermightbeaninformer.Orafriend,mightturnintoaninformerforanadvantageorbeforcedintobetrayalagainsthisorherwillinanyoneofahundredtriedandprovenways.Suchanexistencecouldneverbeexplainedtothosewhohadnotexperiencedthenightmareoffearandthepainofbitingone’stongueathousandtimesaday.

Ironically,hereatthistop-secretbase,where24-hoursurveillanceofeveryindividualwaspracticedinitsultimateperfection,theyhadfoundoneanother.Ithadnotbeeneasy.Therehadbeenweeksofguardedlookspassingbetweenthem—covertlyatfirst,tentative,questioning.Nowords.

Justanoccasionalfleetinghintintheeyes,untileachthoughtheknew.Thenoneofthem—ithadbeenDmitri—hadmadethefirstcarefulremark,testingViktorinthemiddleofasentencewithawhisperedsarcasmabouthiddenlisteningdevices.Viktorhadmadenoverbalresponse,buthiseyeshadtoldDmitriwhathehadsensedforsometime.Eatingtheirsandwichesalonetogetherlaterthatdayonasecludedbenchoutside,theyhadlooseduponeachotherafloodofpent-upresentmentsagainsttheregime,thenlaughedalmosthystericallyattheintensityofthecatharsis.

Secretlyandwithgreatcarenottogiveanyoutwardsigntotheothersonthebase,theirfriendshiphadgrownfirmanddeep—andnowitwastobenomore.Theybothstoodsuddenly,andViktorcamearoundfrombehindhisdesk.Therewasaswift,fierceembrace.

Theyheldeachotherforanothermomentatarm’slength.“Ifyoumaketheattemptandfail,youknowwhatthatmeans.”Dmitriwassomber.“I’llbeprayingforyou,Viktor.”

Viktorlookedathisfriendinamazement“Youpray?”Dmitrinodded.“Sothat’swhatyouweretellingme—you’reabeliever?”Dmitrinoddedagain.“It’ssomethingverynewwithme,andI’m

beginningtowonderhowIcanstayinthiskindofwork.Ofcourse,oncetheyfindout—”

“I’mnotabeliever,”repliedViktorfirmly,“andIneverwillbe.Youcanprayifyouwant,butIdon’tthinkthe‘gods’willlisten.Whyshouldthey?Asyousaid,whatcanweofferthem?Thewholeuniverseisajungle—thesurvivalofthefittestI’mjusttryingtosurvive.”

“Iwillpraythatyoudo!AndthatyouwillverysoonbelieveinthetrueGod.Ofcourse,wehavenothingtogiveHim—exceptourselves.Andthat’swhytheforgivenessHeoffersisagiftofHisgrace.Heislovingandkindandgracious.YouneedHim,Viktor—andHewillnotturnyouawayifyoucalluponHim.Pleaserememberthat!”

“Andyouwatchyourstep,too,”Viktormanagedtosay,puttingahandonDmitri’sshoulder.“I’llbeworryingaboutyou!”

Theyembracedagainbriefly,tearswellinguptoblurtheirvision,voicesnowtoochokedforfurtherspeech.

Dmitrialmostranfromtheroom.Atthedoorheturnedaroundandmadeafeeblelastgestureoffarewell,butViktorwasonceagainengrossedinhisfeverishstrippingoffiles.Dmitriunderstood.Hehurrieddownthehall,thevoidwithingrowinginsizeandpainwitheverystep.Thesilencehadbegunagain.

[13]Paris!

Duringthehour-longearlymorningridetoSheremetyevozInternationalAirportjustnorthofMoscowontheLeningradskyhighway,ColonelChernovhadagreatdealtosaytoeveryoneelseinthesmallbus,buthedidn’taddressonewordtoViktor.Itmadehimfeeluncomfortablylikeanoutsider—whichindeedhewas.TheyweresupposedtobeadelegationoftopRussianparapsychologistsledbyinternationallyknownDr.ViktorKhorev.Infact,Chernovwasincommand,andoutofthesix“delegates”fromthesecretbase,onlyViktorandPyotrwerepsychicresearchers.TheotherswereeithermilitaryorFederalSecurityService(FSB)officers.AndViktorhadhissuspicionsaboutPyotr.

HehadrequestedthatDmitri,whowassecondincommandofthelab,shouldcomealongashisassistant.YetDmitrihadbeenrejected,andPyotr,arelativenewcomer,hadbeensentinstead.Why?ThatquestionhadbotheredViktorforsometime.Hadhistoo-closefriendshipwithDmitribeennoticedafterall?Therewasnouseworryingaboutitnow.Hewouldbewatchedeveryminuteandcouldlooktonooneforhelpinmakinghisescape.Itwouldnotbeeasy.ChernovwouldlikenothingbetterthantobringhimbacktoMoscowasacriminalcaughtintheact.

“Staywithme,”orderedChernovastheyclimbedoutoftheirvehicleinfrontofthebusyairport.“Ihaveyourpassportsandtickets.”Thereminderwashardlynecessary.NomemberofthepartywouldseehispassportagainuntiltheyhadreturnedtoRussia.

ItwasagreatshocktoViktorwhentheywerejoinedbyeightmore“delegates”attheairport—FSBagentswhowouldposeas“secretaries,labassistants,andresearchers.”SomeofthemwouldstayintheWestaftertheCongresstocompletetheirassignments.“Theywillaccomplishbyothermeanswhatyouhavefailedtodo!”ChernovtoldViktorpointedly.This

wasaterriblelast-minuteblowtoViktor.Ithadalreadybeenanimpossibledreamtobeabletoslipawayfromthesmallergroup—butfrom13ofthemnowsharingthetaskofkeepinghimundersurveillancearoundtheclock?Howcouldhedoit?Somehow,somehow...

Astheymovedthroughtheairport,Viktordidhisbesttosuppresshisexcitementandtostiflethefearthathewouldbeheldbackatthelastmomentbysomeunforeseentechnicality.Thathe—withallthesecretsheknew—shouldbeleavingthecountryatlastseemedtoogoodtobetrue.Ittookallofhiswillpowertomaintainanoutwardfacadeofcalm.HesteeledhimselftoignorethesuspiciousstaresthatChernovcontinuedtoaimathisbulgingandveryheavybriefcase.

“Openeverything!”Thecommandwasbarkedbyagrim-facecustomsofficerassoonashehadliftedhisbaggageontothelongcounter.He’dhopedthatanofficialpartywouldbeexemptedfromcloseinspection.Therewasnothingtobeconcernedaboutinhissuitcase,butasheopenedthebriefcasehecouldscarcelycontrolthetremorinhishands.

Thecustomsofficialdugaroundwithpracticedfingers,deliberatelydumpingpreciousdocumentsoutontothecounter.AchiefaimofallborderinspectionswastopreventthesmugglingoutofanyinformationthatmightweakenorharmtheRussiancause.Theparanoiaforsecrecy—acarryoverfromSovietdays—interpretedthislawsobroadlyastoincludethemostmundanefactsandfigures.TheofficerstraightenedupandgaveViktoranaccusinglook.

“Whatareallthesepapers?”Thequestionhe’dfearedtookhisbreathaway.Desperatelyhefoughtagrowingfeelingofdizziness.Getholdofyourself,Viktor!

“I’mpartofanofficialdelegationtoaconference.”Viktorgesturedtowardtheothermembersoftheparty,whowereinfrontandbehindhim.“Ihavetogivesometalks.Thisismy—uh—documentation.”Theofficerstaredathimcoldlyforamomentlonger,thenwavedhimon.ItseemedtoViktorthathewouldnevergetthepapersstuffedbackinside,butonthethirdtryhejustmanagedtojamthebriefcaseshutThefactthatChernovwasstandingnearbyandwatchinghimcloselydidnotmakeiteasier.

“Youshouldhavetakenasuitcaseforyourpapers!”hissedChernovin

alowvoice,comingalongsideofViktorasthedelegationmovedthroughtheshufflingcrowdstowarditsdeparturegate.“Didyoubringyourwholeoffice?Youmusthavelotsofclassifieddocumentsthere!”

Viktorgrippedthebriefcasetightlyandkeptwalking.Anyhesitationorhintoffearwouldbeanadmissionofguilt“IhavesupportstatisticsincaseanythingIsayinmytwospeechesischallenged,”herepliedfirmly.“AndIhavelotsofworktocatchupon.Idon’tintendtowasteanysparetime!”

ThelookChernovgavehimsaid,Idon’tbelieveyou,butitdoesn’tmatter.We’vegotyouunderthemicroscope!

AtleasthehadmadetherightdecisiontoputthepreciousvideooftheYakovdisasterinaninsidepocketofhisheavyovercoatHaditbeeninthebriefcase,itwouldhavebeendiscovered.Morethananythingelse,hewantedtoshowtheAmericanswhatYakov“saw”intheCIAinstallation—andhisbrutaldeath.HehadtoknowhowitallcorrelatedwithwhatwasactuallygoingoninAmericanpsychicresearch.WasLeightonreallywiththeCIA?Wasthatorganization,likeRussia’sFSB,tiedinsocloselywithpsychicresearch?WhywasInmannolongerinthenews?Andwhataboutthehoodedfigure?Heseemedtobethefocusofpower!Wouldhefindtheanswertothesequestions?WouldheactuallymakeittotheWest?Hehadto—failurewasnotanoption.

......OnlywhentheAeroflotIlyushin86jethadrattleditswaydownthe

longrunway,shakenitselflikeahugebird,andliftedintotheairtobeginclimbingtowardthesouthwestdidViktoratlastleanbackinhisseatwithacontentedsighandbegintobreatheeasier.Theflightofferedachancetorelaxandtimetothinkaboutaseriousproblemthathadbeentroublinghim.Hehadoriginallyplanned,attheearliestopportunity,toconfidetotheAmericandelegationhisdesiretodefect.SurelytheycouldbecountedontogetwordtotheAmericanEmbassy,whichwouldinturncontactsomebranchofintelligencetoprovidethehelp—andaboveall,theprotection—hewouldneed.

ViktorhadbeenconfidentthattheAmericanswouldconsiderhimaprizeandthusbewillingtodowhateverwouldbenecessarytoeffecthis

escape.AfterYakov’sdeath,however,hewasnolongersocertain.Itseemeddoubtfulnowthathehadanyexpertisetoofferthattheyneededorwouldwant.ForyearsithadbeencommonknowledgethattheRussianswerefaraheadofallcompetitorsinpsychicresearch.Thatnolongerappearedtobethecase.SomethinghadhappenedtomaketheAmericanssuperior.Afterall,theyhadbeenprobingaCIAinstallationwhenthethreepsychicshadbeenkilled.Coulditbethat“Archon,”whomhehadlongsuspectedwastherealpowerbehindpsychicphenomena,wasrepresentedbythehoodedone?AndwasArchon,then,insomekindofpartnershipwiththeAmericans?TherewasnoescapingtheimplicationofDr.FrankLeightonstandingnearthehoodedoneintheimagethathadbeenprojectedonthescreenfromYakov’sbrainjustbeforehe’dbeenkilled.

Theimplicationsbecamemoredisturbing—forhimpersonallyandforhisplannedescape—thelongerheallowedhisthoughtstoruninthatdirection.LeightonseemedtobelookingdirectlyatYakov’sposition.WouldthatmeanthathehadknownthatYakovhadpsychicallypenetratedtheirsecretresearchfacility?WouldhenotalsobeawareofRussianintentionsandcapabilities,andofViktor’spartintheprogram?Wouldthehoodedone,whohadmadethethreateninggesturesandwasapparentlyresponsibleforYakov’sdeath,beattheCongressinParis?ItseemedstrangethatRussianintelligencehadneverevenhintedattheexistenceofsuchauniquefigureamongtheAmericanpsychics.Leighton,ofcourse,wouldbeattheCongress.HewaslistedastheheadoftheAmericandelegationandakeynoteplenarysessionspeaker.

IfItellLeightonIwanttodefect,willheturnmedown—perhapsevenbetrayme?ThatwouldbeonewaytosettheRussianprogrambackafewyears.There’snoonetoreplaceme.WhatcanIoffertheAmericansinexchangeformysafety?Ifnotinsightsintopsychicpower,certainlyabriefcasecrammedwithinformationabouttopsecretRussianresearch.That’smytrumpcard—orisit?DotheyreallyneedanythingI’vegot?

SuchthoughtsgaveViktorlittlecomfortandmuchconcern.Nevertheless,underthemesmerizingeffectofthethrobbingenginesanddespitetheapprehensionschurninginsidehim,hedozedoffatlastfromsheerexhaustion.Almostimmediately,itseemed,someonewasgripping

hisshoulderandshakinghim.Withgreateffort,hegropedhiswayoutofalabyrinthofunconsciousnessandbacktothepresentAtlasthisstartledeyesfocusedupontheunwelcomefigureofColonelChernov,nowoccupyingtheseatbesidehim.

“I’vebeenstudyingyourspeeches.Somethingshavetobechanged.”Thecolonelwaspointingaccusinglytoawordhehadcircledintheveryfirstparagraph.“Telepathy.”Hespatitoutcontemptuously.That’samysticaltermincompatiblewithscientificmaterialism.”

“It’snotmystical.That’sthecommontermintheWestandmyaudiencewillbemostlyWesterners.”

“Changethatto‘biologicalradio.’”Itwasanorder.Viktorsnortedindisgust.Forhisownsurvivalhehadtoplayittough.

“Westernscientistswilllaughatthat.Biologicalradio!Thestrongestbrainwaveshardlycarrymorethanameter,andthesubjectsinthisexperimentwerenearly2000kilometersapart!”

ThelookinChernov’ssteel-grayeyespiercedtoViktor’ssoul.“Let’sgetthisstraight,Dr.Khorev,sowehavenomoremisunderstandings.I’mincharge.You’retakingordersfromme.Nowisthatclear?”

IfIlethimbullymeanddon’tfightback,thiswholetripcouldbecomeadisaster!He’llcontroleverythingIsayanddo,andI’llcomeoffasabumblinglackeyofMarxismmaterialismthatnoonewouldhelpdefect!Theywouldn’twantme!ButwhatcanIdo?Viktorfoughttocontrolthepanicwellingupinsideandtoconcealanyoutwardexpressionofthefearandconfusionthatmadehimfeelsuddenlyill.Gettough,Viktor,gettough—foryourownsurvival!You’vecomethisfar.Don’tbucklenow!

Steelinghimself,ViktorreturnedChernov’sicystarewithoutflinching.“AndIconsidermyselfdutyboundtogiveyousoundtechnicaladvice,sir.”Itrequiredatremendousefforttokeephisvoiceeven.“Ifyourefusetotakeitthenyou,sir,willberesponsibleforholdingRussianpsychicresearchuptoridiculeinfrontofthewholeworld!”

“Don’tplaygameswithme.IknowyourleaningstowardstheWest!”Chernov’sangryvoicehadrisenabovethedullroaroftheaircraftandseveralothermembersofthedelegationwerestealingcuriousglancesintheirdirection.“Yousteponecentimeteroutofline,andI’llsendyouright

backtoMoscow!”Viktor’sflashingeyesdaredhim.“YouthinkPyotrcantakemyplace?

Withoutme,youdon’thaveadelegation.Sendmehomeandyou’velostallcredibility—youmightaswellallpackup.Idon’tthinkthecommitteewouldbehappyaboutthat!”

Chernov’sfacewasredwithsuppressedrage.HeheldthepageinquestionunderViktor’snoseandthrustapenintohishand.“Nowdoit!”

SlowlyanddeliberatelyViktorscratchedout“telepathy”andwroteinaboveit“biologicalradio.”Thenhehandedthepen,coveredwithicysweatbacktothecolonel,whowasnowaseethingvolcanoonthevergeoferuption.

“Notsofast,comrade.You’vegotlotsofotherchangestomake!”Chernovflippedthroughthepagesmethodically,pointingoutViktor’sfurtherdeviationsfrommaterialistorthodoxy,eachofwhichhehadalreadymarkedinred.

SlappingthepenbackintoViktor’shand,thecoloneltwistedarounduntiltheywerealmostnosetonose.“Youdon’tfoolme,Khorev,”hehissed.“I’mgoingtogetyouifitkillsme!”

ThosewordshauntedViktorfortherestoftheflight.WhatifChernovdidsendhimback?ThemanwasamaniacandjustmightdoitthenblamehimforsabotagingtheRussianmission.Alreadythetriphehadlookeduponwithsuchhopewasturningintoanightmare.Toenhancehischancetoescape,hecouldjustgoalongwithChernov’sstupiddemandsandevenpretendtoagreewiththem.Therewas,however,suchathingasprofessionalprideinone’swork.ItwasonethingtopacifyChernovbymakinghisridiculouschangesonpaper.Itwassomethingelsetobehumiliatedbeforeaninternationalgatheringofscientistsbymakingfoolishstatementsinaspeech.Itwasaterribledilemmathathe’dhavetodealwithwhenthetimecame.

......TherideinthelongblacklimousinefromCharlesdeGaulleAirport

throughthesuburbsofParis,thenacrosstheSeineoverPontdeNeullyanddownthebroadandstatelyAvenueCharlesdeGaulleleftViktorgapinginawe.MoscowandLeningradhadtheirbroadavenuesaswell,

buttherewasnodenyingthattheyweredrabincomparisonwiththegracefulelegancebeforehim.Everythingwasbrighterhere:thefestivestorefrontsandrichwindowdisplays,therainbow-coloredumbrellasunfurledabovethewell-dressedParisienssippingwineorteaattheinnumerablesidewalkcafes.Thegreatabundanceoffruitsandvegetablesdisplayedinthefrontofshopaftershopwasstaggering—andnobodystandinginlonglinesforanything,anywhere.Itwashardtobelieve.Andthetrees!Everywherealongtheavenuesthereweretrees,gracefulandgroomed,lendinganalmostfemininesoftnesstothegrayofstoneandexpanseofboulevard.

Thecrowdsmovingalongthesidewalksseemedtoexudeanalmosttangiblegaiety.Hehadreadofit—-whattheFrenchaffectionatelycalledjoiedevivre.Avibrantenthusiasmhungintheair,asaucy,brazenindividualitythatseemedshockingbutappealing.Viktorwincedatthevividlyrecollectedcontrastthestolid,impassivedoggednessofthetypicalRussianshopper,whorarelyfoundanythingeveninthelargeststorestomakehimorherhappyandwasconsistentlybulliedbyclerkswhocouldcarelesswhethersomethingwassoldornot.CouldParisbeonthesameplanet?

Therewasasophisticationandanobviousaffluencethatwasutterlyforeign.Theheavytraffic,withsomanyluxuriousautoshe’dneverseenbeforeandwhosenameshenowstrainedhiseyescuriouslytoread—Mercedes,BMW,Volvo,RenaultAlfaRomeo--lefthimbreathless.ThiswastheWesthe’dheardaboutandlongedtovisitforhimself!Tobehere—atlast!Forthemoment,caughtupinthekaleidoscopeofwondrousimages,heevenforgotChernov,whowasridingintheotherlimousineprovidedbytheRussianembassy.

AstheyenteredthehugetrafficcirclefedbynineconvergingavenuesinfrontofthePalaisdesCongres,themagnificentArcdeTriomphelaydirectlyahead,justvisibleinthedistanceattheendofAvenuedeLaGrandeArmee.BeyonditstretchedthefabledChampsElysees.OfftotherighttheEiffelTowerpiercedthebluesky.Thefewphotographshehadseenwereenticing,butParisinreallifeexceededhisdreams.Moscow,whichhadalwayslookedsoimpressive,nowseemedsomberandpoverty-

strickenincomparison.EvenStPetersburg—thatmagnificentcityoftheczars—appeareddullanddismalinretrospect.

WhileChernovwasregisteringthedelegation,Viktortookinhisdazzlingsurroundings.Heglancedthroughacolorbrochureshowingsomeofthehugeconferenceroomsandexhibitionhalls,the3700-seatauditorium,luxuriousshopsandrestaurants,andthethousand-roomhigh-risehotelthatmadeupthehugePalaisdesCongrescomplex.Moscowhaditsproudhotelsaswell.Whiletheylookedsplendidfromadistance,closerinspectioninevitablyrevealedthedisappointinglyshoddyworkmanship.Thestarkcontrasttotheflawlessproficiencynowbeforehimcouldnotbedenied.Itwashisfirstglimpseofthe“evilfruitsofcapitalism”hehadhearddenouncedmostofhislife,andtoViktorthegrandeurandopulencewerebeyondbelief—buttheretheywere.

ChernovherdedtheRussiandelegationuptheelevatortothetwelfthfloor,wheretheembassyhadreservedablockofrooms.Beforegivingthemtheirseparatekeys,thecolonelheldabriefmeetingforeveryoneinhislargeandluxurioussuite.Viktorwascertainthatnooneelseinthegroupwouldhavesuchquarters!

“Twopeopleineachroom,”recitedChernov,asthoughhehadgivensimilarspeechesbefore.“Onekey,keptbytheseniorofficer.Westaytogether.Noonegoesanywherealone.”HewaslookingdirectlyatViktor.“Andeverycontactwithanyoneoutsidethisdelegationmustbereporteddaily.Youknowyourassignments.”

Viktor’sroommate,Fyodr,wasarathersuaveyoungmanofabout30.FyodrhadalreadytriedtostrikeupaconversationwithhimintheMoscowairportwhiletheywerewaitingfortheplaneandhadriddenbesidehiminthelimousinetothePalais.ItwasquiteobviousthathisassignmentwastogainViktor’sconfidenceinordertocatchhiminanincriminatingslipofsomekind.ItwasagameViktorhadplayedallhislife,agameinwhichhewasconfidenthecouldbestanyinformant—andonewhichheevenenjoyedattimes.ButnotinParis.Itwouldonlyaddtohisburdensandstandinhisway.

Viktor,Pyotr,Fyodr,andChernov—whowasposingasaparapsychologistnamedDr.AlexandrPavlov,allegedlyViktor’sassistant--

wenttogethertothemagnificentdinnerandreceptionforalldelegatesheldlaterthatevening.Itwasaget-acquaintedtimebeforetheopeningsessionoftheFirstInternationalCongressonParapsychologytobeheldthenextmorning.ThecolonelneverleftViktor’ssideashemingledamongthenumerousWesternerswhowerefamiliarwithhispublishedresearchandwereeagertomeethimatlast.

SuddenlyChernovstiffenedandgrabbedhisarm.“Thereheis!RightoutofYakov’svideo!SoitwastheAmericans!”Outofthecornerofhiseye,ViktorcouldseeDr.FrankLeightonedgingoverinhisdirection.Atlasttheycameface-to-face.

“Dr.Khorev,whataprivilegetomeetyou!”LeightonshookViktor’sextendedhandvigorously.ThisisyourfirsttimeinParis?”Viktornodded.“We’resopleasedtohaveyouandyourdistinguishedcolleagueshereonthishistoricoccasion!”HereachedouttoshakeChernov’shandaswell.

Thisismyassistant,Dr.AlexandrPavlov,”saidViktor.“Weareveryhappytobehere.I’mlookingforwardtoexchangingideasandsharinginformation.”

Leightonwasobserving“Pavlov”curiously,anundisguisedlookofamusementonhisface.“Anyrelationtothefamousbehaviorist?”heaskedwithexaggerated,innocentinterest.

“Hewasactuallyagreatuncle,”responded“Pavlov”smoothly.Leightoncontinuedhisscrutinyforanothermoment,thenaddedinan

offhandedanddisarmingtone,“IwasjustthinkingthatyoubeararemarkableresemblancetoColonelAlexeiChernov.Youknowhim,I’msure—thecommanderoftheeliteRussiancorpsofpsychiccombattroops.TheyhaveabasenorthofMoscow.”

Therewasnomistaking,atleasttoViktor,whatLeightonwasdoing.He’stryingtoshakeusup...letusknowhowfaraheadtheAmericansare...whatincrediblepowertheyhave...thatwe’reanopenbook.IfheknowswhoChernovis—notbyordinaryspyingtechniques,butpsychically—thenheknowseverythingwe’vebeendoing,andallaboutmeaswell.Sowhywouldhehelpmeescape,orevenwantmeintheWest?

“Iwasn’tawareoftheexistenceofsuchacorps,”repliedPavlovinfeignedsurprise.HelookedoveratViktor,whoshookhisheadin

confirmationofthenonexistenceofsuchtroops.“Wheredidyougetsuchanintriguingidea?”askedViktor,notknowingwhatelsetosay.

Leightonthrewhisheadbackandlaughed.HepattedPavlovgood-naturedlyonthearm.“Isn’tthatthewayitalwaysis?Youonlyhearthenewsofwhat’shappeninginyourownbackyardwhenyou’rethousandsofmilesaway.”

HeturnedhisattentionbacktoViktor.“I’mveryeagertohaveyoucomeandseeexactlywhatwe’redoing.We’vemadesomeremarkableprogressthatIhopewillcontributetointernationalpeace.You’llbegettingaformalinvitationtovisitourcountrythroughtheproperchannels.”

“Iwouldbeveryhappyifthatcouldbearranged,”repliedViktor,wonderingwhetherthemanwasseriousnow,butseeingafaintglimmerofhope.“ItismyprivilegetoinviteyoutoRussia.”IfonlyChernovweren’thangingoneveryword!“We’llhavetogettogetherbeforetheconferenceisovertoworkoutthedetails.”IfonlyIcouldseehimalone!

“Let’sdoitoverlunch,”suggestedLeightonwithenthusiasm,“inanicesecludedsettingwherewewon’tbebotheredbyyourmanyWesternfansinterruptingus.Howabouttomorrow?Iknowarestaurant—veryFrench—withthemostdeliciousfoodyou’veevertasted.It’snotfiveminuteswalkfromhere,justoffBoulevardVictorHugo.”

“I’dlikethat”saidViktorwistfully.“Tomorrow,then?”ViktorfeltChernov’ssteel-likegripclosinginonhisarm.“My

assistant,ofcourse,alwaysaccompaniesme,”headdedobediently.“Ihopethat’sagreeable.”

“Ofcourse,”respondedLeighton,givingChernovapenetratinglook.HeturnedtoViktor.“Iunderstandfully.You’llbothbemygueststomorrowafterthemorningsession.I’lllookforwardtoseeingyouthen.”

......“Nexttimeyouwon’tforgettotellyourWesternfriendsthatyounever

goanywherewithoutyourassistant,willyou!”whisperedChernovthreateningly,astheyrodetheelevatoruptotheirroomswhenthegalareceptionbrokeuplatethatnight.“I’msurethey’llallunderstand.”

“Leightonseemstounderstandplenty,”returnedViktorcaustically.

“Likewhoyoureallyare,forinstance—andprobablyeverythingwe’redoing.”

“Andourjobistofindouthowhegetsthatinformationandtopreventitinthefuture!”

Viktortooksomecomfortinthewordour.AtleastChernovwasbeginningtorecognizehowimportanthewasandwouldn’tbelikelytoshiphimbacktoMoscowwithoutsufficientreason.Buthowwouldhegetawayfromthisleechlongenoughtoseekasylum?Thatwasgoingtobefarmoredifficultthanhehadanticipated!PerhapshecouldslipanotetoLeightonsomehow.No,therewastoomuchtoexplain;theriskofmisunderstandingwastoogreat.Therehadtobeanotherway.

[14]Discovered!

Asoneofthetopparapsychologyjournalistsinthefield,CarlaBertellihad,ofcourse,beenlookingforwardtotheCongressformonths.ShehadplannedtoarriveearlytorelaxforafewdaysinParis,butalast-minutedevelopmenthadforcedachangeinitinerarythatbroughtherintoParistheverymorningtheCongressopened.Eagertocatchatleasttheclosingminutesofthefirstday’sopeningsession,CarlahaddrivendesperatelyfromOrlyAirporttothePalaisdesCongresinadrivingrain.Tosaveprecioustime,shedecidednottocheckintoherroomyet,whichmeantshehadnoaccesstohotelparking.Instead,shelefttherentedVolvoC-70convertiblecoupeinfrontofthePalaisinano-parkingzone.Hopingthattheofficial“Press”documentsshe’dstuckinthefrontwindowsonbothsideswouldholdoffthelocalgendarmerieuntilthenoonbreakbetweensessions,shehoistedherumbrellaandranupthebroadstepsintothemainentrance.

Checkinginattheconventionregistrationdesk,CarlareceivedherofficialCongresspressbadgeandhurriedtothecrowdedconferencehall.Asshemadeherwayasinconspicuouslyaspossibledownasideaisle,Dr.ViktorKhorev,thesecondandfinalspeakerofthemorning,wasjustclosinghisaddressbeforeentertainingquestionsandreactionsfromtheaudience.Sheslippedintoherassignedseatinthe“ReservedforthePress”sectionnearthefrontandsettledbacktolisten.CarlahadbeenfollowingKhorev’sresearchforyears—thatportionthatwaspublishedinorleakedouttotheWest—tryingtoreadbetweenthelinestocatchhintsoftherealdatahewasn’tsharing.Thisconference,atlast,wasgoingtoprovidetheopportunityforapersonalinterviewwiththiscelebratedRussianparapsychologistonhisfirsttriptotheWest,andshehadsomeverypointedquestionstoask.

Lookingyoungerthanshehadexpected,Khorevhadanhonest,openfacethatmadeonewanttotrustwhathesaid.Heseemedrelaxedbutearnestashereachedtheclimaxofhistalk.

“...SothisCongress—andthefutureinternationalcooperationthatmustresultfromit—involvesthehigheststakes,theverysurvivalofcivilization.Insummary,letmeremindyouofthefollowing:

“1)Inspiteofwidespreaduseforyears—andanalmostblanketacceptancebymedicine,psychology,education,andcrimedetection—hypnosiscanbeusedasapowerfultooltoeffectmindcontrol.NooneknowshowitworksorwhatforceisbehinditNotonlymustwehaveinternationalcooperationinsuchresearch,butwemustalsoeffectameansofpreventingharmfuluseofthispower.

“2)Contrarytopopularbelief,asubjectcanbehypnotizedwithouthisconsentorknowledgeandmadetoactagainsthiswill.Ihavegivenyouseveralexampleswherewehavedonethisatdistancesupto2000kilometers.

“3)Thepossibilityofremotementalinfluencebeingexercisedovertheentireworldisnolongersciencefiction.Itcouldhappen!AmajorpurposeofthisCongress,therefore,mustbetopreventsuchaneventuality.

“4)Hypnosisisonlyoneexample.Psychicpowercanbeexercisedinmanyother,andevenmoredangerous,ways.Itistheultimateforcethatmightverywellmakeobsoleteeveryconventionalweapon—possiblywithinaslittleastenyears.Internationalcontrolsmustbeestablishedbeforeitistoolate.Forthisweneedthecooperationofallnations.Timeisshort!”

Khorevpausedtoshufflethroughhisnotes.“IhaveastatementwhichIhavebeeninstructedbymygovernmenttodeliveratthisopeningsessionoftheCongress.”Findingwhathewassearchingfor,hebegantoreadverbatim.“Inthenameofthepeace-lovingpeoplesoftheRussianFederation,IcalluponthedelegatesofthisthefirstInternationalCongressonParapsychologytoformulateanagreementforstrictinternationalcontrolsuponfutureresearchanduseofpsychicpower,andforthefreeexchangeofalldata.Nowhereisglasnost,oropennessasyousayintheWest,sodesperatelyneededasintheareaofpsychicdevelopmentThe

RussianFederationispreparedtocooperatefullywiththeothernationsinmakingcertainthatpsychicpowersareusedonlyforpeacefulpurposes.Thankyouverymuch.”

Theapplausewasthunderous,notsomuchbecauseKhorevhadsaidanythingthatwasnewtotheotherdelegates,butbecauseoftheemotionalappealofhisfinalstatementOnebyone,membersoftheaudiencestoodtotheirfeetastheclappingcontinued.Atlast,thechairmanfortheday—tall,thin,andpersonableDr.HansEricksonofOslo,Norway,whohadreplacedDr.Khorevatthemicrophone—managedtomakehimselfheard.

“Youmaybeseated.We’rerunningabitbehindschedule,butIdon’twanttocutshortthequestion-and-answerperiod,sowemaygo15minutesorsointothenoonbreak.WhenIrecognizeyou,pleasedirectyourquestionstoDr.Khorev—andconfinethemtothetopichehasjustaddressed.”

“Yes,Dr.JacquesRouzier,ofFrance.Yourquestion?”ThechairmansteppedasideandViktorreturnedtothemike.

TheFrenchscientistwasobviouslyagitated.“Dr.Khorev,areyouimplyingthatbrainwavescantravel2000kilometers—thedistanceoverwhichyourhypnosisexperimenttookplace?”

“Obviouslynot.Brainwavesonlytravelafewfeet.“Thenwhydoyouusetheterm‘biologicalradio’?”GrippingthepodiumandclearinghisthroatViktorfoughttocontrol

theangerhewantedtodirecttowardChernov,seatednearbyattheRussiandelegation’stable.“It’smerelyamatterofsemantics.InRussiaweusethatterm.IntheWest,ofcourse,youcallit‘telepathy.’”

Rouzierwasnotsatisfied.Clearlyheintendedtopressthepoint.“Thereareprovenexperimentsofmentaltelepathyhalfwayaroundtheworld.Ithasbeendemonstratedtofunctionoutsidethe

limitationsofspace,time,andmatter.Wouldyouagree?”Swallowinghard,Viktorconceded,“Ican’targuewiththeevidence,

butofcoursetheexactexplanationisamatterofinterpretation.”“Butitobviouslyisnotsomeformof‘biologicalradio’—andtheuse

ofthattermismisleadingintheextreme.”HewaitedforKhorevtoagree,butgettingnoresponse,Rouziercontinued.“Whatabouttheinvolvement

ofintelligenceswhomaybesohighlyevolvedthattheyarebeyondthephysicalstateandexistaspureconsciousness?Couldtheynotactperhapsevenwithoutourperception,asthecouriersortransmittersoftelepathiccommunicationthatwouldthusoperateoutsidethelimitationsofourphysicaldimension?”

ViktorwasstaringangrilyatPavlov”withan“I-told-you-so”look,andscarcelyheardwhatRouzierwassaying.Onlywithgreateffortcouldhetearhiseyesoff“Pavlov”andconcentrateuponthequestion,whichwasbecomingverylong,complicated—andembarrassing.

“ThishasbecomeamajortheoryintheWest”Rouzierwassaying.“DotheRussiansacceptthisasaviablepossibility?ThereasonIask,ofcourse,isbecauseinordertoengageintreatiesforthecontrolofpsychicpowers—andIagreethatitshouldbedone—itwouldseemthatweneed,firstofall,anagreementconcerningthenatureofthatpower.Andifotherentitiesare,infact,involved,thenitmaynotevenbepossibleforustoexertcontroloveritwithouttheirpermissionorcooperation.HavetheseconsiderationsbeendiscussedintheRussianFederationatall?”

IfIagree,Chernovwillshipmebackasatraitortothematerialistcause!IfIdisagree,Iwillonlyopenthistopicforfurtherdiscussion,whichwouldbedisastrous!TherewasonlyonewayforViktortoresolvehisdilemma.TurningtoHansErickson,hestrenuouslyobjected,“Mr.Chairman,Ithinkwe’rewanderingfromthesubjectofmypaper.”

“Notatall,”protestedRouzierquickly.“Ifhumanbrainwavesonlycarryafewfeetyettelepathyhasbeendemonstratedacrosscontinents,thentheinvolvementofhigherintelligencesfromanonphysicaldimensionwouldbeagoodhypothesis,woulditnot?”WhenKhorevagaingavenoresponse,Rouzierpersisted:“Haveyouhadanyindicationofthatinyourexperiments?”

SensingChernov’smurderouslook,Viktorheardhimselfrespond,“Ithinkyou’veraisedsomeimportantquestions,butasI’vealreadysaid,theRussianinterpretationwoulddifferfromthatcurrentintheWest—andthatcouldverywellcauseproblems.It’ssomethingthatIagreeshouldbeexplored.”

Quicklyheturnedagaintothechairman.“Thereareotherhandsout

there.”“Yes,overthere,”saidErickson,pointingtosomeonewithhandraised

justbehindthepresssection.“No,notyou.Membersofthepresswillhavetheirspecialchancetoaskquestionslater.Justbehind—Ibelievethat’sDr.MitsuoNakamotoofJapan.Yes,Dr.Nakamoto.”

......Atthatverymoment,backatthesecretbasenorthofMoscow,Dmitri

wasalsobeingconfronted—notbyanardentaudienceoffellowparapsychologists,however,butbythefearedCommitteeOverseeingPsychicWarfareResearch.Thiswasnotageneralinquiry,butaprivateoneinvolvinghimalone,anditwasbeingheldinViktor’sofficeforominousreasons.TherehadnotbeentimetocalltogetherthefullCommittee.Onlytwomemberswerepresent

GeneralNikolaiGorky,hisfacedarkwithsuppressedrage,satbehindViktor’sdesk,withColonelLutskyseatedgrimlybesidehim.Lookingfrailandvulnerable,butwithhisheadheldhigh,Dmitristoodbeforethem.Twosoldierswereguardingthedoor.

Thegeneral’saccusingeyesneverleftDmitriasheangrilypushedthebuttonstooperateataperecorderonthedeskinfrontofhim.

“Well,tellme,goodcomrade,howdiditgotoday?I’vebeendyingtofindout!”Dmitri’spulsealmoststoppedatthesoundofhisvoicecomingfromthemachine.

“Ithinkitwentwell,Dmitri.ThereweresomeanxiousmomentswhenIfearedmytripwasfinished,butintheendIthinktheyweresatisfied.IwentalongwiththeirtotallyinsaneideathattheAmericanshavebeenkillingourbestmen.Thatmadethemhappy.”

GeneralGorkystoppedthecassetteplayermomentarily.“YouadmitbeinginherewithDr.Khorevtwonightsago?”Dmitrinodded.“AndyouadmitthatwehavejustheardyourvoiceandKhorev’s?”Dmitrinoddedagain.Gorkyturnedthemachinebackon.

“Don’tworry,oldfriend.”Viktor’svoicewasconfidentandcontemptuous.“Doyouthinktheycanhideanelectronicbugfromme?Iputtogethermyowndetectionequipmentanduseittosweepthisofficeeverymorning.Asfastastheyputtheirbugsin,Itakethemout.”

“Youdo?”“Ido.Itwascostingthemaczar’sransom.Thosethingsareexpensive.

Finallytheygaveup.Ihaven’tfoundoneforweeks—andIjustcheckedagainthismorning,sodon’tworry.”

Gorkypushedthepausebutton.“Somuchforyourcockycomrade’scompetence!Unfortunately,wedidn’tcheckthetapeuntilthismorning,orhewouldnotbeinParisnow—butyoumaybecertainthathewillbeonhiswaybackveryshortly.”

Thegeneralfast-forwardedthemachinebriefly.Whenitbegantoplayagain,DmitriheardthoseshockingwordsfromViktorthathadbeenhauntinghimeversince.Thencamehisearnestbutineffectivepleading.

“Partyideologyisanalbatrossaroundournecks!Itstiflesourresearch—andmakesmesick!Thewholehumanracemaybeindanger,andwecan’tpursuecertainpossibilitiesbecauseMarxandLeninwouldbeoffended!Theyruleusfromtheirgraves!”

Therewasalongsilenceonthetape,thenViktor’svoiceagain:“I’vemadeabigdecision,oldfriend.WhatisimpossiblehereispossibleintheWestThey’reopentoconsideringanonphysicalextensionoftheuniverseandintelligentlife.”

“Viktor!You’renot...?”“I’vegottotalkwiththeAmericans.IwanttofindDr.Inman.We

havetocompareinformation.”“YoucandothatinParisattheCongress!”“WithChernovbreathingdownmyneck?EvenifIhadcomplete

freedominParis,we’reonlythereaweek.That’snotenoughtimetoscratchthesurface,andInmanmaynotevenbethere.Dmitri,oldfriend,we’vebeentogetheralongtime,butIthinkwemustnowsayfarewell.”

Thegeneralstoppedthemachineandpoundedthedeskinarage.“You,DmitriPetrekov,knewthatKhorevwasplanningtodefectinParis!Doyoudenythat?”

“Iknew,”saidDmitrisoftly,butwithoutshame.“Itriedtopersuadehimnotto.”

“Youkepthissecret!”Gorkywaslivid.“Youputatraitoraheadofyourowncountry!You’reatraitor,too!Notonlythat—”Gorkypausedas

thoughwhathewasabouttosaywastoorepugnanteventoexpress.ItseemedaneternitythathestaredwithcontemptintoDmitri’sunrepentanteyes.“Tellusonceagain,”hesaidatlast,“exactlywhatitwasyouweresearchingforwhenyouwerediscoveredearlythismorninginthisoffice.”

Dmitrireturnedthegeneral’sstare—notdefiantlybutfearlessly.“IwaslookingforthelisteningdevicethatIsuspectedmightbehere.”

“Andwhyshouldyoubeconcernedaboutsuchadevice?”askedGorkycoldly.

“Iwantedtoprotectmyfriend,”camethehonestreply.“Youwantedtosaveyourownskin!”“Youmaythinkwhatyouwish,sir,butIwasnotconcernedfor

myself.”“Everymanlooksoutforhimselffirst!”interruptedColonelLutsky.“Twomonthsago,”continuedDmitricourageously,“Iplacedmyself

inthehandsofGod—theGodIhadbeentaughtallmylifedidnotexist.Whateverhappenstomenow,IwillacceptasHiswill.WhatIhavedonewaswithagoodconscience.ViktorKhorevhasbeenloyalandconscientiousinservinghiscountry.Hewasnotable,however,totelltheCommitteewhathereallybelieved—thatnonphysicalbeingswereinvolvedinthedestructionofourpsychics—becauseyouwouldnothavelistenedtoanythingthatwascontrarytoMarxistmaterialism.”

Thegeneralhelduphishand.“Stop!”heordered.“Wedon’tneedanyfurtherproofofyourguilt—muchlessareligiouslecture.”Hewasmakinganobviousefforttocontrolhisanger.“Youunderstand,ofcourse,”headdedevenly,“thatyouhavenorighttoapublictrial—whichisapity,becauseI’dliketomakeapublicexampleofbothyouandKhorev.Butthisworkmustremainsecret.”

GorkyturnedtoColonelLutsky.“I’mtakingPetrekovbacktoMoscowwithme.I’vealreadysentacabletotheembassy.KhorevwillbeonthenextplaneoutofParis.I’mlookingforwardtomeetinghimmyselfattheMoscowairport!”

......AttheFirstInternationalCongressonParapsychology,Chairman

Ericksonwasrecognizingafourthquestioner.“Yes,Dr.DerekBalfourof

theBritishdelegation.”Viktorsteppednervouslybacktothemike.Hisquestionerswerebeingpolite,buttheywerealsoobviouslyattemptingtodiscreditbeforetheworldthenarrow-mindedmaterialismofhard-coreMarxismthathadsupposedlylostitspowerinthenewRussia.Chernovwasbecomingincreasinglyagitated.

JustastheaudiencemicrophonewasbeinghandedtoBalfour,Viktor’sattentionwasdistractedbythesuddenentranceintotheconferencehalloftwoburlymenwhomadetheirwayquicklytowhereChernovwassitting.Oneofthemleanedoverandspoketohimquietly.Whatcouldbesourgentthattheycouldnotwaitthefewminutesuntilthesessionended?CastingfrequentglancesatDr.Khorevonthespeaker’splatform,thethreeheldahurriedconsultation.Thecolonelseemedtogrowmorefuriouswitheveryword.Viktorfeltasuddenoverwhelmingsenseofimpendingdisaster.

AlthoughthetwomenquicklyfinisheddeliveringtheirmessagetoChernov,theyremainedsquattingintheaislenexttothecolonel.IttookgreateffortforViktortoconcentratehisattentionuponBalfour’squestion—whichitselfonlyincreasedhisapprehension.

“Inout-of-bodyexperiences—suchastheclinicallydeadlookingdownontheirbodiesfromabove,hearingandseeingeverything,”Balfour’stonewasjustabitpatronizing,“asaMarxist,doyouthinksomethingphysicalisoutsidethebodylookingbackatit?”

AvoidingChernov’sunnervingstare,Viktorreplied:“TheRussianpositionwouldbetocallthisaprojectionofconsciousness.”

“Aphysicalprojectionofconsciousness,Dr.Khorev?”persistedBalfour.“SurelyevenaMarxistwouldsee...”

Jumpingindignantlytohisfeet,Chernovinterruptedwithanangryroar.“IsthepurposeofthisCongresstoridiculeMarxism?”

Startledbythisuncivilizedoutburst,theBritishscientistookedtothechairmanforhelp.

EricksonsteppedquicklytoViktor’ssideandspokecalmlyintothemike.“ThisisAlexandrPavlovoftheRussiandelegation.Ithinkhisobjectionisalegitimateone.”

“Mypointis,”insistedBalfour,standinghisground,“thatthenarrow

materialismofKarlMarxshouldnotbeallowedtolimitthepossibleexplanationsofpsychicevents.”

“AndthisCongress,”shouted“Pavlov,”“shouldnotbeanexcuseforattackingpoliticalbeliefs!Idemandanapology!”

“Isaidnothingthatwarrantsanapology.MyremarkswereaddressedtoDr.Khorev,andIwouldliketohearhisresponse.”

“Pavlov”wouldnotbeputoff.“Mr.Chairman,IwillgivetheBritishdelegationandtheCongressSteeringCommitteethreehourstodeliveranapology.Ifnot,thentheRussiandelegationiswithdrawingfromtheCongress!”

ChernovhadnowrevealedthathewastheoneinchargeoftheRussiandelegation.Thatcanonlymeanonething!Viktorfeltasinkingsensationinthepitofhisstomachandhadtoholdontothepodiumasamomentarydizzinesssweptoverhim.HewatchedinconsternationasalloftheRussians,followingChernov’slead,stoodtotheirfeetandheadedforthenearestexit.Viktorwasstunned.Heputhisnoteshastilybackinthebriefcase,closedit,andstoodtheretooshockedtothink.HelookeddesperatelyandlonginglyinthedirectionofDr.Leighton,whoseemedinastateofshockalso.ShouldheruntotheAmericansrightnow,cryingoutforpoliticalasylum?BeforeViktorcouldrationallyevaluatethatdesperatethought,Chernovgrabbedhimbythearmandsteeredhimtowardthedoor—withthetwonewcomersfollowingcloselybehind.

Theconventionhallbrokeintopandemonium.Thegrowingbabbleofvoicesbecamearoarasdelegationshuddledtogetherinearnestconversation,tryingtocomprehendthisstartlingdevelopmentandtoseekwaystoresolveit.JumpingtoherfeetCarlahurriedtocatchthedepartingRussians.IthoughtKhorevheadedtheirdelegation.WhoisthisPavlov?Hemustbebluffing.They’renotpullingout!Whatiftheydo?Ican’tletKhorevgetawaywithoutaninterview!

WhatCarlanowobservedheightenedthemystery.WhiletherestoftheSovietdelegationheadedfortheroomelevators,“Pavlov”andthetwomenwhohadbeeninsuchearnestconversationwithhimpushedandpulledanobviouslyreluctantDr.Khorevoutofthelobbyanddownthefrontsteps.Carlaburstouttherevolvingfrontdoorjustbehindthem.The

rainhadstoppedandthesunwastryingtoshinethroughthethinningclouds.TheRussiansseemedtobeheadingtowardalimousineparkeddirectlyinfrontofthehotel.

Hurryingdownthestepsinhotpursuit,Carlapushedherwaythroughthecrowdthathadgatheredonthesidewalk.Shewasjustintimetosee“Pavlov”shoveKhorevroughlyintothebackseatofthewaitingcar.

“Dr.Pavlov!”shecalled,runninguptohimbreathlessly.AbouttoclimbinbesideKhorev,Chernovpausedandturnedaround.CarlapointedtoherCongresspressbadge.“I’mwiththeofficialpresscorpshere.”

Chernovcutheroffwithanangry“Nyet!”Themerciless,cold-bloodedlookinhiseyesmadehersuddenlyafraidforDr.Khorev.Severalotherreportershadwormedtheirwaythroughthecrowdandwereedgingupto“Pavlov”andCarla,withtaperecorders,cameras,andnotepadsready.“LeDr.Khorev,s’ilvousplait!”Thetwomenwhohadbroughtthelimousinebeganshovingthejournalistsback.

Carlatriedtostepbetween“Pavlov”andtheopendoor,onlytobepushedroughlyasidewithsuchforcethatshealmostfelltothepavement“I’vecomeallthewayfromWashington,D.C.,”sheprotestedloudly,“tointerviewDr.Khorev!”

“Nyet!”Slumpedinthebackseat,athoroughlydejectedandconfusedViktor

Khorevwastryingtocomprehendthissuddenturnofevents.WhyhadtheothermembersoftheRussiandelegationapparentlygonetotheirrooms,andonlyhehadbeenhustledouttothisvehicle?Itwastruethathehadbeenspeaking,butsurelyhewasnotbeingblamedbyChernovforwhathisquestionershadpersistedinsaying.Wasthere,afterall,adevicerecordingwhatDmitriandIsaid?Icheckedthatmorning,butnotafterIhadtestifiedbeforetheCommittee!OrhasDmitricrackedandsoldoutourfriendship?Somehowthey’velearnedofmyplantodefect!

Withterrifyingcertainty,herealizedtherecouldbenootherexplanationforwhatwashappening.ThebesthecouldhopeforwouldbeaSiberianlaborcamp—ifhesomehowescapedthedeathpenalty.Hismorosethoughtswereinterruptedbythesoundsofaloudcommotiononthesidewalk.Peeringouttheopendoor,hecouldseethatChernovandthe

twoRussianEmbassyFSBbodyguardshadtheirbackstohimandwereviciouslypushingbacksomeWesternersandyellingattheminRussian,whiletheWesternerswereyellingbackangrilyinEnglishandFrench.Inthatinstanthemadeadesperatedecision.Bettertomakeevenafutileattempttoescapethanjustsithere!

Clutchingthepreciousbriefcase,Viktorshovedthedooropenonthestreetsideandjumpedout.RecklesslyhebegantothreadhiswayasfastashecouldthroughfourorfiveirregularlanesofheavytrafficattheconvergenceofBoulevardsGouvionandPereire.NotknowinghowbesttoplothiscoursebecauseofhistotalignoranceofParis,heangledtowardasmallerstreetthathecouldseejustbeyondtheswirlingmassofhurtlingvehicles.IfhecouldonlygetintherebeforeChernovsawhim!BrakessquealedandhornsblaredasswervingcarsracingaroundPortedeMaillottriedtododgethisinsanepedestrianchallengingtheminthemiddleofthewidetrafficcircle.AttemptingtoavoidViktor,asmallRenaultsedandrivenbyanelderlywomancutinfrontofaracingtaxiandthetwocarscollided.Threemoreinrapidsuccessionpiledintothem.Withinmoments,thehugeroundaboutwasjammedwithbumper-to-bumpercarsandfrustrated,angrydrivers.

Atthesoundofscreechingbrakesfollowedbytherapidlyrepeatedcrunchofimpactedandcrumplingmetal,Chernovwhirledaround.OverthetopsofaswarmofautoshecouldseeViktorbreakingclearofthetrafficjamandenteringRueDebarcadere.Reachingthesidewalkatlast,thefleeingwould-bedefectorranasfastastheheavybriefcasewouldallowhim.

Following“Pavlov’s”gaze,CarlacaughtafleetingglimpseofthemanshewantedtointerviewjustashedisappearedinthedirectionofPlaceFerdinand.Thensherememberedthathercarwasconvenientlyparkedonlyafewyardsaway.Pushingherwayclearofthegrowingcrowd,sheranquicklytowardtheVolvo.

[15]SwallowedUp!

YellingacommandinRussian,Chernovracedintothestreet.Becauseofthenow-stalledtraffichewasabletomakemuchfastertimethanViktorandhadgainedconsiderablegroundonhisquarrybythetimeheenteredRueDebarcadere.ThetwoFSBofficersjumpedintothelimousineandtookoffwithtiresscreaming,buthadtoapplythebrakesalmostimmediately.AstheyturnedleftintoPortdeMaillottomaketheirwayaroundthetrafficcircle,theirprogresswasimpededbythemassofautosandtrucksbackedupbehindthefive-carcollision.

Carlamadeahurrieddecision.PushingthebuttontoretracttheroofoftheVolvoconvertible,shebackedoutoftheentrancetothePalaisintheoppositedirectionfromthatwhichtheRussianshadtaken.Thenshespunhercararoundandangleditacrosstheoncomingtrafficontheoppositesideofthehugecirclefromthebarelymovinglimousinewhichhadnowdisappearedfromherview.Driverssworeandshooktheirfistsather,butbecauseofthecollisionblockage,onlyatrickleofcarswasgettingthroughinherdirection.Afterseveralnear-disastersshehadsafelynegotiatedthehead-ontrafficandwasabletoturntheVolvointothesmallstreetthatDr.Khorevandhispursuerhadentered.

Bythistime,Viktorwasbadlywindedandhislegswerenearparalysis.Heseemeddetachedfromhimself,asthoughhewerewatchinghisownagonizingperformanceinslowmotionfromadistance.Thebriefcasewasnowanimpossiblyheavyburden,anunreasonableimpedimenttohisescape.Wheneverthatthoughtsurfaced,however,hegrippedthepreciouscaseallthetighterandpushedon.Eachtimehetwistedhisheadaroundtolookbehindhim,hecouldseeingrowingpanicthatChernovwasgainingevermorerapidly.Shouldhetakerefugeinsideoneoftheshopsorcafeshewaspassing?No,Chernovwouldtearthe

placeapart.Ifonlytherewereagendarmeinsightbutthiswasasmallstreetandtheyweren’tlikelytopatrolhere.Whatcouldhedo?

RueDebarcaderewastoonarrowtoallowCarlatopassothervehicles.Fortunately,however,thesparsetrafficwasmovingfairlywell.Fiftyyardsintothesmallstreetshesaw“Dr.Pavlov”charginglikeawildbullalongthesidewalkjustaheadonherright,bowlingoverpedestriansinhismadracetoovertakethefugitivewhowasnowalmostwithinhisgrasp.Passing“Pavlov,”shepulledalongsideanearlyspentDr.Khorev.Facecontortedwithterrorandtheagonyofextremefatigue,hehadscarcelythestrengthtocarrytheheavybriefcaseanylonger,buthestillclutcheditdesperatelyasthoughhewouldratherdiethanabandonit.

Honkingherhornandwavingtohimfromtheopenconvertible,Carlayelled,“Dr.Khorev!Dr.Khorev!”Shewasdirectlybesidehimnowandslowedthecartomatchhisexhaustedpace.“Getin!Hurry!”

Viktorhadnoideawhothisyoungwomanmightbe,butshewashisonlyhope.Staggeringintothestreet,hethrewhispreciousburdenintotheopenautoandwithhislastremainingstrengthdoveinafterit,withChernovnowonlyafewpacesbehind.JustasCarlapushedthegaspedaltothefloor,thecolonel,withasuperhumanleap,graspedthebackseatandhungonwithagripofsteel.Legsflailingemptyair,tryingdesperatelytofindthebumperforsupport,Chernovstruggledagainsttheaccelerationofthevehicletopullhimselfinside.Foronemadmoment,Viktorattemptedtobatterhispursuerwiththebriefcase,buthisstrengthwasgone.

“Droptothefloor!”screamedCarla.Stillaccelerating,sheenteredthetightcircleofPlaceFerdinandatmorethan70kilometersperhourandmadeasharpturntotheleftintoRueBrunel.Thecarskiddedcrazily,throwingthereararoundandslammingtherightwheelupagainstthecurb.TheforcewastoogreatevenforColonelChernov’sbrutestrength.Helosthisprecariousgripandflewthroughtheair.Caromingoffthetopofasidewalkcafétable,thecolonelcrashedthroughaplate-glasswindow.Thecareeningcartilted,nearlyturnedover,thenrighteditselfasCarlaregainedcontrolandspedaway.

ThroughtherearviewmirrorshesawtheRussianlimousineenterPlaceFerdinandandpulltoastopatthecurbwhereshehadshakenoff

Khorev’spursuer.Thedriverandhiscompanionleapedout.Theywerehalf-carryingastaggeringandbadlybleeding“Dr.Pavlov”backtotheirvehiclewhenCarlalostsightofthemasshemadeasharprightturnontoBoulevardPereire.Almostimmediatelysheturnedrightagain,thistimeontotheequallybroadAvenuedesTernes.Atlastshebreathedasighofrelief.

“We’regoingtomakeit!We’regoingtomakeit!”sheshoutedhappily.

Inastateofshock,Viktorwascrouchedonthebackfloor.Hewasstillclutchingthebriefcase,hischestheavinginagony.

“TheAmericanEmbassy!”hemanagedtogasp.“That’swhereI’mheaded.Don’tworry.It’sastraightshot—andnot

far.”CarlaknewParisalmostaswellassheknewWashington,D.C.Just

pastPlaceDesTernestheAvenuenarrowedandbecameRueduFaubourgSt.Honore.ShefolloweditsslightlyskewedrouteasfarasitwentViktorpulledhimselfupontothebackseatandslumpedagainstit,stillgaspingforbreath.EveryfewmomentsheturnedhisheadfearfullytosearchthetrafficbehindthemforsignsoftheirRussianpursuers.Theywerenowheretobeseen.

TurningrightatlastontoRueRoyale,Carlaexclaimedexuberantly,“We’vegotitmade—theycan’tcatchusnow!”

ForViktor,theterrifyingnightmarehadmetamorphosedintothesurrealistnumbnessofadream.Directlyahead,inthecenterofPlacedelaConcorde,hiseyesfocusedinsurpriseuponahugeEgyptianobelisktoweringabovethetraffic.Itallseemedunreal--liketurningthepagesofaschoolbooktoseeonceagainapictureofthis3000-year-oldtreasureofRamsesIIbroughtfromLuxor’sancienttemplegrowingrapidlylargerinhisvision.Wasthisactuallyhappening?

“Theembassy?”Ittookallofhisconcentrationtogetoutthewords.“Looktoyourright!”yelledCarlaintriumph.Turningabruptlyonto

AvenueGabriel,shepulledalmostimmediatelyovertothecurb.Alargebuildingsetfarbackcouldbeseenoverthetopofahighstonewallsurroundingit.Therewasanentranceforautosleadingtoacirculardrive

goinguptothefrontofthebuilding,buttheheavymetalentrygatewasclosed.OneithersideofitpacedamemberoftheFrenchgendarmerieholdingasubmachinegun.Abrassplaqueonthewallread:“No.4,AvenueGabriel,AMERICANEMBASSY.”ThedefectorfromtheRussianFederationcouldnotholdbackasobofrelief.

AsCarlaandViktoropenedtheirdoorstogetoutofthecar,thenearestpolicemanmovedquicklytowardthem,wavinghisgunandshouting,“Parkinginterdit!”

Viktorshrankbackintotheauto,butCarlakeptmovingandmotionedtohimtofollow.“Pleasehelp!It’sanemergency!”shecalledbackinFrench.“He’saRussiandefector!We’rebeingpursued.”

“D’accord!”Quicklythepolicemanwavedthemtowardalow,narrowstructurebuiltintothewalljusttotherightofthemetalgateand,withhisgunattheready,turnedtowatchfortheirpursuers.Enteringhurriedly,theywereconfrontedbytwoyoungUnitedStatesmarinesinfulluniform.

“He’saRussiandefector!”Carlaexplainedagain.“Wehavetogetinside!”

“Yes,ma’am,”cametheanswerinawelcomeSoutherndrawl.Themarineshardlychangedexpression.“Let’shavethepurseandthe

briefcase.Juststepthroughthismetaldetector.”Theybothlookedbackovertheirshoulderstowardthestreetseveral

timesastheyhalf-ranacrossthecourtyardandupthestepsofthemainembassybuilding.Overthetopofthesteelgate,therewasstillnosignoftheirpursuers.

“Wemadeit!”exclaimedCarla,givingViktoratriumphant“thumbs-up”signastheyenteredthroughthebroaddoors.Safelyinsideatlast,theyweremotionedbyanotheryoungmarineguardtowardareceptioncounterontherightjustbeyondagroupofsofasandchairs.ThereCarlaconfidedinalowvoicetoaclerk,“ThisisDr.ViktorKhorevfromtheRussianFederation—averyimportantscientistHewantspoliticalasylum!”

Theyoungwoman’seyeswidened.“Pleasetakeaseatoverthere,andsomeonewillberightwithyou.”

Throwingbackherlong,auburnhairandtakingafewwelcomedeepbreaths,Carlasaidwithawarmsmile,“Well,nowthatwecanfinally

relax,Iguessit’stimetointroducemyself.I’mCarlaBertelli.”“CarlaBertelli—theAmericanjournalist?”Dr.Khorevasked

tentatively.“YoumeanI’mknowninRussia?Idon’tbelieveit!”“I’vereadsomeofyourarticles.Excellent!”Helookedather

admiringly,thenblurtedout“Ithoughtyouwere—well,mucholder.”Theybothlaughed,thetensiondraining.Therewasabrief,

spontaneousembrace.Viktorheldheratarm’slength.Thereweretearsinhiseyesagain.“Yousavedmylife!Doyouknowthat?”

Carlanodded.“Isupposeso.Ididn’tunderstandwhatwashappening.IguessIjustactedonimpulse.”

Wearilytheysankdowntogetheronalongsofafacingthereceptioncounter.Viktorwasshakinghisheadinrelief.“Ican’tbelieveit!I’mfree!Ididn’tthinkitwouldhappen.HowcouldIeverrepayyou?Ioweyoueverything!”

“Well,Ididhaveaselfishinterest,”saidCarla,turningtowardhimwithanimpishgrin.“I’vebeenlookingforwardtohavinganinterviewwithyouformonths—andIwasn’tgoingtoletanythingpreventthat.”

Shehesitatedamomentandthengrewseriousagain.“I’lltellyouwhatyoucoulddoforme,Dr.Khorev--avery,veryspecialfavor.”

“Yes,tellme!”saidViktoreagerly.“Howaboutanexclusiveinterview?”“YoumeanIdon’ttalktoanyotherjournalists—yougetthewhole

story?”Carlanodded.“Isthataskingtoomuch?”“Toomuch?”exclaimedViktor.“Ioweyoumylife.Howdoyousayit

inAmerica?—you’vegotadeal?You’vegotadeal!”“Dr.Khorev?”Abaldingandratherowlish-lookingmanofabout45in

animpeccablebusinesssuithadopenedaprivatedoortotheirleftandwaslookingquestioninglyintheirdirection.

“Yes,I’mKhorev,”repliedViktoreagerly.Themanmarchedoversomewhatpompously,almostlikeaparadeof

one,bowedslightlyandshookViktor’shandwarmly.“I’mKarlJorgensen.Doyouhaveanyidentification?”

“YesIhave.”Viktorpickedupthebriefcaseandpatteditaffectionately.“AndI’vegotmoredatainherethanyoucouldimagine!”

Jorgensen’seyebrowsraisedjustslightly,andathinsmileformedonhislips.“Ifyou’llpleasecomewithme.”

“AndMissBertelli?”ViktorgesturedtowardCarla.“Shebroughtmehere—rescuedme,savedmylife.”

“Wemusttalktoyoualonefirstofall.”HeturnedtoCarla.“Ifyou’lljustwaithereforafewminutes,wehavesomeformalities.”Hesmiledreassuringly.

“Yes,ofcourse.”Atthedoor,Viktorhesitatedandturnedaround.Carlawaved.“I’llberighthere,”shecalled.

......WhentheFirstInternationalCongressonParapsychologyreconvened

thatafternoon,theRussiandelegationwasconspicuouslyabsent.TheconferencehallwasbuzzingwithrumorsthatKhorevandPavlovhadquarreledandthatKhorevhadlastbeenseenrunningacrossBoulevardPereireintoRueDebarcaderepursuedbyPavlov.IttooktheCongresschairman,Dr.Erickson,longerthanusualtoquiettheconfereesandtogettheirundividedattention.

“IhavebeenunabletogetintouchwitheitherDr.KhorevorDr.Pavlov,”beganErickson.“NoneoftheRussianshascheckedoutofthehotel,yetIhavenotbeenabletocontactanyofthem.IdidreachtheRussianEmbassy,however,justafewminutesago.AlthoughtheycouldnothelpmeinlocatingKhorevorPavlov,theyassuredmethattheirdelegationhadnotwithdrawnfromtheCongressandwouldaccepttheformalapologythathadbeendeliveredtothembytheBritishdelegation.

“TheAmericansandanumberofotherdelegations,”continuedErickson,“havealsoexpressedtheirgoodwillandtheirdeepconcernthattheRussiansnotwithdrawfromthisCongress.Wehaveremindedthemhowvitaltheircontinuedparticipationintheimportantdecisionsyettobemadeatthisconferencewillbe.I’msureeverythingwillworkout.Inthemeantime,wemustproceedonschedule.

“Andnowletmeintroduceourfirstspeakeroftheafternoon,thedistinguishedphilosopherandmathematicianaswellasoneoftheworld’s

best-knownparapsychologists,Dr.BernardRogersofCanada.”Thebriefapplausewasquicklyenvelopedbythesolemnhushof

anxietythatstillhunglikeapallovertheconference.InspiteofErickson’sassurance,theRussiandelegation’ssectionwasempty,andthatspokelouderthanthechairman’swords.SosomberwastheatmospherethatRogerswondered,ashelookedupfromhisnotesandclearedhisthroattospeak,whetherhisaudiencewouldbeabletoforgetthepresentcrisisandactuallyheartheimportantpointshehadtomake.

“Thetitleofmypaperis‘PsychicApplicationsintheSearchforExtraterrestrialIntelligence,’”hebegan.“Asweallknow,theexistenceofextraterrestrialintelligencessomewhere—andprobablyinmillionsoflocationsthroughouttheuniverse—isnolongerdoubtedbymostspacescientists.Theonlyquestionishowtomakecontactwiththem.Thebasicproblem,obviously,isthevastdistancesoverwhichcontactmustbemade.”

ItwasatthatpointthatthethoughtsofDr.FrankLeighton,whohadbeguntolistenwithgreatinterestwereinterruptedbyamessengerpresentinghimwithaUnitedStatesEmbassyenvelopeandareceiptformtosign.Intriguedastowhatitcouldcontainofsuchurgency,hehastilytoreitopenandreadthemessagewithin,whistlingsoftlyunderhisbreathashetookinitsimportance.

AsLeighton’sconcentrationwasdrawnintothemessagehewasreading,theCanadian’sspeechbecamemuted,asthoughitwerereachinghimfromanotherdimension.“Travelingatonemillionmilesperhour—40timespresentcapabilities,butperhapsconceivableinthenot-too-distantfuture—itwouldtake30,000yearsforvisitorstoreachearthfromthenearestsolarsystem4.5light-yearsaway.Ourgalaxyis100,000light-yearsacross,anditis15timesthatdistancetothenextgalaxy.

“Obviously,thelikelihoodofface-to-facephysicalcontactwithbeingsfromotherplanetsistooremotetotakeseriously.Icertainlywouldn’tstayawakenightsthinkingaboutwhattodoifitshouldhappen.Evenradiocontactwouldtakeanine-yearround-triptothenearestsolarsystem,andhundredsorthousandsofyearstoanyreallylikelylocationswhereintelligentlifemightexistwithinourowngalaxy—tosaynothing,of

course,ofthemillionsofyearsitwouldtakeforradiocontactwiththoseinothergalaxies.

“Idon’twanttoholdCarlSagan’sMemoryandhissuccessorsandtheentiresearchforextraterrestrials—towhichtheworld’sgovernmentshavecommittedtensofmillionsofdollars—uptoridicule,butyoucanseethatsomeotherapproachisneeded.NordoIneedtotellyoutheonewaythattheproblemposedbythesevastdistancescanbeeliminated.Ofcourse,I’mtalkingaboutpsychiccontact

“Thereisanotherevenmoreintriguingpossibility—thattherearenotonlyextraterrestrialintelligencesoutthere,butextradimensionalintelligencesaswell.Exactlywhatthismeansintechnicaltermsneednotconcernusatthemomentsolongasweareconvincedthatitisaviablescientificpossibility,whichIhavenodoubtthatitis.Thatthissubjectisoftheutmostimportanceandurgency...”

CatchingtheattentionoftheAmericandelegation’svicechairmanseatednexttohim,Leightonleanedoverandwhisperedinhisear.“There’sanemergency.IhavetoflyimmediatelytoWashington,D.C.Pleasetakeoverforme,willyou?Fortunately,Idon’tdelivermypaperuntilFridayandhopetobebackbythen.Ifnot—Ihatetoputthatburdenonyou,butwouldyoumindgivingitforme?”

“I’lldomybest”wasthewhisperedresponse.Leightonpulledafilefolderfromhisbriefcaseandhandedittohis

obligingcolleague.“It’salltypedinfinalorder,nohandwrittennotes.”Heshutthebriefcaseand,withawhisperedwordintheearofanothercolleague,walkedquicklyoutoftheconferencehall.

......Carlalookedimpatientlyatherwatchforatleastthetenthtimeinthe

lastfiveminutes.Dr.Khorevhadbeenbehindthatcloseddoorformorethantwohours.Hadsomethinggonewrong?

Shewenttothereceptiondesk.ThetwoyoungwomenwhohadbeentherewhensheandKhorevhadcomeinhadbeenreplacedbytwoothers.OneofthemlookedupandsmiledpleasantlyasCarlaapproached.“MayIhelpyou?”

“Well,Ihopeso.Ibroughtsomeoneinherenearlytwo-and-ahalf

hoursago,andI’vebeenwaiting.Iwastolditwouldonlybeafewminutes.”

“Well,letmecheckforyou.Whatkindofbusinessdidthispersonhave,orwhoweretheyseeing?”

“HewasaveryimportantRussianscientist—adefector.Heneededpoliticalasylum.”

“Idon’trecallanysuchperson.We’vehadnothinglikethatsinceIronCurtaindays.Noonedefectsanymore.’”

“Youweren’therewhenwecamein.Anyway,aMr.Jorgensen—IbelieveitwasKarlJorgensen—tookhimthroughthatdoorrightoverthere.SaiditwouldbeafewminutesandaskedmetowaitI’vebeenwaiting,andwaiting.CouldyouchecktoseewhatishappeningwithDr.ViktorKhorev—that’shisname—andhowmuchlongerit’sgoingtobe?”

“Certainly.”Shepickedupaphoneanddialed.“ThisisArleneoutinfrontThere’saladyherewhosaysshebroughtinaRussiandefectoracoupleofhoursago—aDr.ViktorKhorev.DoyouhaveanyinformationIcanpassontoher?She’sbeenwaiting.”

Thereceptionistputdownthephone.“He’sgoingtocheckandletmeknow.Itcouldbeafewminutes.Whydon’tyoujustsitdownagain?”

“Thanks,butI’llstand.”Carlapacedbackandforth,agrowingfeelinginsidethatsomethinghadgoneterriblywrong.

Thephonerang,andsheturnedeagerlytothereceptiondesk.Arlenepickedupthephoneandlistenedforafewmoments,thenputitdown.ThereisnorecordofanyRussiandefector—thatjustdoesn’thappen.Areyousure?”

“Whatdoyoumean,amIsure!Ibroughthiminheremyself.”Arlenelookedsympatheticandgenuinelypuzzled.Thatwasthe

ambassador’ssecretary.Believeme,ifanyRussianhadcomeinhere,shewouldknow.”

“Idon’tcarewhatshesays,”returnedCarlaevenly,leaningoverthecounter.“She’slying.IbroughtDr.Khorevinheremyself!”

“Letmeassureyou,nooneliesaroundhere—certainlynottheambassador’spersonalsecretary!”

“Thisisincredible!IwanttotalktoKarlJorgensen!Gethimout

here!”“Idon’tthinkDr.Jorgensenhasbeenintoday.Heusuallydoesn’t

comeinonThursdays.”“Gethimouthere—now!”Shaken,Arlenepickedupthephoneagainanddialed.Afterabrief

conversation,shehelditawayfromherearandsaidtoCarla,“JustasItoldyou,KarlJorgensenhasnotbeeninallday.Infact,he’sgonebacktoWashington.”

“Listentome!JorgensenornoJorgensen,Idon’tcare.Justgetsomeonewithauthorityoutheretotalktome!”

Arlenesaidafewhushedwordsintothephone.Abouttwominuteslater,thesameprivatedooropenedandanotherwell-dressedandpolishedembassy-typegentlemancalledtoher.“MissBertelli?”

“Yes!”Carlahurriedovertohim.“WhathaveyoudonewithKhorev?”Hehadshutthedoorbehindhimandstoodwithhisbackagainstit.“I

thinkthereceptionisthastoldyouthatwehaveneverheardofaDr.ViktorKhorev,hasshenot?”

“Andwebothknowthat’sablatantlie.”Hisfacereddened.“Thoseareharshwords,MissBertelli.Icouldcall

youaliar,too.”“Mywordagainstyourword—isthatthegame?”Carla’seyeswere

flashing.“Howdoyouknowmyname?”Hehesitated.“Yougaveittothereceptionist.”“Ididnot—andshementionednonameonthephone.”Carladrewa

deepbreath.Shestaredathimcontemptuously.“Look,I’mnotanobody.Ihappentobeaverywell-knownjournalistwithaphotographicandindeliblememorythat’sbeenrecordingeverything.”

“Don’tbeafool!TheRussiangovernmentwillofficiallydenythathe’smissing.You’vegotnostory.”

“You’rerightI’mnotpublishinganything—untilIhavethewholestory.AndI’llgetit!”

“Goodluck!”“IsavedDr.Khorev’slife.I’msureyouknowthatHepromisedmean

exclusive,andI’mholdinghim—andtheU.S.government—tothat

promise!Don’tforgetit!Andrememberthis,too:IknowwhereDr.Khorevisbeingtaken—andifhe’snottreatedfairly,Ipromiseyou,thewholeworldisgoingtoknow!”

[16]ProjectArchon

“Ican’tsaythatI’mexactlyshattered.I’mtoocynicalforthat.Butit’sstilldisillusioningwhenyourowngovernment—oratleastthosewhorepresentit—lietoyou!That’sthesortofthingweexpectfromtheRussians,butnotfromourownpeople!”

Angryandfrustrated,CarlawasspeakingbyphonetoaclosefriendinNewYork,oneofthesenioreditorsofTimemagazine.Asshetalked,shepacedimpatientlybackandforthwithinthelimitsofthephone’sshortcordinherfourteenthfloorroomatthePalaisdesCongres.Perfectlyframedinherwindow,therebeforehergazeatthefarendofAvenueRaymondPoincarelaythemajesticmonumentofPlaceVictorHugoandthesprawlingPalaisdeChaillot,whilejustbeyondarosetheblackfiligreeoftheEiffelTower.Shefixedhereyesonitsfamiliarandstolidbeautyasaframeofreferenceforaworldgonebadlyawry.

“Whyshouldyoubeshocked?”cametheunruffledvoicefromtheotherend.“EisenhowerliedtothewholeworldaboutGaryPowersandtheU-2spyplanetheSovietsshotdownin1960;JohnKennedyliedabouttheBayofPigsin1961;NixonliedaboutCIAattemptstofixtheChileanelectionsin1970,aswellasabouthistapesand—Icouldgoonandon.Denialisn’tjustthenameofthegame;it’sanhonorabletraditionandit’sstillinvogue.Youdon’texpecttheembassyboystosay,‘Yes,MissBertelli,wehavetakenDr.Khorevtoasecretlocationforourownnefariouspurposesandaren’tgoingtoletanyoneknowaboutituntilwe’regoodandready,sopleasedon’tbreatheaword.’”

“Iknow,George,Iknow.Butit’sterriblyinsultinganddemeaningwhenyougetliedtorighttoyourface!Ican’tletmypersonalfeelingsgetinvolved,butitstillmakesmescreamingmad!”

“Look,Carla.Iknowyouthinkyou’reontosomethingbiggerthan

Watergate,butyou’realsoawareofthegeneralfeelingamongeditorsaboutpsychicresearch.That’stabloidstuff.Youcouldn’tgetalegitimatepaperormagazinetotouchitwitharobot.IfKhorevwereaphysicistoranovelistorinthemilitaryoranathleteoralmostanythingelse—butaparapsychologist!That’sthekissofdeathonyourstory.Mosteditorswouldsay,‘Oh,anotherUriGeller,huh?Well,thatfadhasdiedoff,thankfully.Sorry,we’renotinterested.’”

“He’snotapsychic,forheaven’ssake.He’sascientistwhochecksuponpsychics—andhe’soneofthemostbrilliantintheworld!”

“Mostifnotallpsychicsarephonies,sowhydoeshehavetobesobrillianttocheckuponthem?”

“George,theCIAisinvolvedinthisuptoitsears.”“Howdoyouknow?”“I’mnotatlibertytorevealthatyet,butI’veknownitforacoupleof

years.Anyway,it’sfairlycommonknowledgethattheCIAisinvolvedtosomeextentinpsychicresearch.Iftheytakeitseriously,thatoughttogiveitsomecredibility.”

“Oh,nowyou’vereallyconvincedme.ShallIremindyouofsomeoftheabsolutelykookythingstheCIAhasbeeninvolvedin,theblundersit’smade,thebungled,harebrainedassassinationplotsagainstCastro,Lumumba,andothers—workingwithpeoplelikeNoriega,theendlesslistofliesandmisinformation?”

“ForgetitI’vereadWoodward,Agee,Marchetti,Stockwell,Snepp—alltheexposesbyexagents.”ShepausedandfrownedattheEiffelTower.“Okay,soifIcan’tgetanoldfriendlikeyouinterested—”

“I’minterested.YouknowthatI’mjustremindingyouofwhatyou’reupagainst.”

“Pleasedon’tI’vehearditforyears.ButI’mtellingyou,somethingisgoingonthat’swayoutoftheordinary.”

“Convinceme.”“Well,youknowwhyI’moverhere.Thisistheworld’sveryfirst

InternationalCongressonParapsychology.Andit’snotabunchofout-of-touchprofessorssittingintheirivorytowerstalkingtheory,either.Theseareofficialgovernmentrepresentativesdiscussingactualapplicationsof

psychicpower,andveryconcernedaboutit.”“Likewhat?”“Look,Idon’thavetimetogointothat.”“That’stheproblem,Carla.It’salwayssovague.”“George,ifsnotvague—believeme.Butpleasehavepityonme—I’m

payingforthisphonecall.TheRussiansaresoconcernedthatinKhorev’sspeechthismorning,addressingtheentireCongress,hecalledforinternationalcontrols,freeexchangeofinformation—andhewasdead-seriouswhenhewarnedaboutthedangersofpsychicpower!”

“ButyouthinkhewasbeinghustledofftotheairporttobetakenbacktoMoscow?”

Thereisn’tanyotherexplanationforwhatIpersonallywitnessedandgotinvolvedin.Wecouldhavebothbeenkilled!”

“ThenapparentlytheRussiansweren’thappywithhisspeech.”“I’mnottalkingabouthisspeech.Thiswasapreparedstatementthat

hisgovernmentinstructedhimtoread.”“Youthinkhechangedit?”“No,there’ssomethingelsebehindthis.Listen.Igetnothingfrommy

friendatpoliceheadquartershereinParis.AtopRussianscientistdefects,andoneoftheirdelegationhastobeinahospitalheresomewherewithdozensoffreshstitchesinhim,andthere’snotapeep.”

“You’vecheckedthehospitals?”“Everylastone.Theyreallyhavethelidonthis!TheAmerican

Embassygoessofarastotellme—me,thepersonwhobroughthimin—thatKhorevdoesn’tevenexist.Hideadefector—that’sstandardprocedure.Butyoutelltheworldyou’vegothim,andtheothersidescreamsforhisrelease.Whyisnobodysayinganything?There’ssomethingIdon’tunderstand,andwhateveritis,it’sgottobebig—reallybig!”

“Well,I’lladmititstinksalittleworsethanusual.I’llgiveyouthatmuch.”

“Andtotopitoff,Dr.FrankLeighton,headoftheAmericandelegation,hasvanishedaswell.Iwouldbetyouanythingthathe’sonthesameplanewithKhorevheadingfortheU.S.rightnow.Andletmetell

yousomethingelse—Leighton’sbeenworkingfortheCIAforyears!”“Sohavealotofotherpeople.”“He’snotjustapaidinformer—he’sinvolvedinsecretresearchthat’s

incredible.ButIcan’tevenwriteaboutthatyet.I’vebeensittingonitbecauseitwaspassedontomeinconfidence.”

“Okay,whatdoyouwantmetodo?”“JustrememberwhatI’vetoldyouandletmeknowanythingthat

comesoverthewiresthatseemstobeevenremotelyrelatedtothisstory.”“Okay.IcanreachyouatthisnumberinParis,right?Thenyou’re

backinWashington?”“No,whenthisCongressendsSaturday,I’monlystoppingin

Washingtonlongenoughtopickupsomethings.ThenI’mheadingforCalifornia.I’llcallyouwhenIgetoutthere.”

“California?”“I’mreluctantIt’sgoingtobepainful.”“Ken?”“Idon’tthinkthere’sanyotherway.He’sstillgotaconnectionwith

Leighton,andthat’showI’mgoingtofindKhorev.”HereyehadwanderedovertolookdownonRueDebarcadereandPlaceFerdinand.Foramomentshehadahorrifyingvisionthrougharearviewmirrorof“Pavlov”bouncingoffthetableandflyingthroughthatplate-glasswindow.Sheshuddered—andthenasmilebegantospreadacrossherface.Itservesyouright,youcontemptiblegorilla!I’dlovetoknowyourthoughtsrightnow.

“Areyouthere,Carla?Hello?”“Sorry—Iwasjustthinking.Oneofthesedays,George,I’mgoingto

handyouoneincrediblestory!That’sapromise.Talktoyoulater.”ShehungupthephoneandstoodlookingdownuponPlaceFerdinand

forafewmoremoments,relishingthememory.Thenithither.Whydidn’tIthinkofthisbefore?They’regoingtobelookingforme!Theydon’tknowme—buttheyknowmycar!

Shedugaroundinherpurse,foundherrentalpapers,andhurriedlydialedanumber.Whensomeoneanswered,shebegantalkingrapidlyinFrench.“ThisisCarlaBertelli.IpickedupablueVolvoC-70convertible

fromyouthismorningatOrly.Yes,Iknowitwasforaweek,butIcan’tdriveitanymore.No,there’snothingwrongwiththecar,justwithme.I’mincapacitated.Someonewillhavetocomeandgetit.I’matthePalaisdesCongres.Nevermindthecancellationfee,penalties,pickup—oranythingelse.Idon’tcarewhatitcosts.Andthere’sa100Francpourboireifsomeonecangetherewithinthehour.I’llbewaitinginthemainlobbynearthecheckoutdesk.”

......Viktorhadprotestedvehementlyatbeingtakensuddenlyoutaback

exitfromtheembassyandintoawaitinglimousinewithoutbeingabletothankCarlaBertellionceagainforsavinghislife.“It’sextremelyurgenttogetyououtofFrance,”Jorgensenhadinsisted,“andsafelytotheUnitedStatesbeforetheRussiansraiseaninternationalfuror.”

“ButwhataboutMissBertelli?”hehadasked.“She’swaiting,youknow.”

“Oneofmyassistantswillexplaineverythingtoher.She’llunderstand.”

Nowthesenseofeuphoriabegantobuilduntilhethoughthewouldburstwiththejoyandrelief.Onthewaytotheairport,Viktorkeptrunninghishandoverthebriefcaseclutchedonhislaptomakesureitwasstillthere.Itallseemedunreal,especiallywhen,withoutgoingthroughcustomsorpassportcontrol,hewasescortedaboardalarge,sleekjetthatapparentlybelongedtosomeagencyoftheUnitedStatesgovernment.Hewastreatedwithgreatcourtesyandcare,asthoughtheflightandeveryoneonitexistedforhisbenefitalone.Itwasnotlongbeforeherealizedthatwasindeedthecase.

Assoonastheplanehadattaineditscruisingaltitude,Viktorbecamethecenterofattention—attentionthatbeganwithquestionsthatseemedatfirsttoreflectgenuineinterestinhimasanindividual,butwhichsoonturnedintointensiveandeventuallygruelinginterrogation.Forthefirsthourorso,ithardlyseemedtomatter.Hewasalmosttoointoxicatedwiththewonderofitalltoanswerthequestionsthatwerebeingfiredathiminrapidsuccession.However,thetruthfinallymovedfromsurrealismtocoldreality.HewasindeedhighabovetheAtlanticOcean,speedingtoward

Washington,D.C.,andithadatlastbecomecleartohimthathisfellowpassengerswerealleitherembassypersonnelorCIAagents.HewasnowcertainthathisinterrogatorshadtobewiththeCIA.

“Doctor,we’resorrytobeaskingsomanyquestions,butyouunderstandwhywehavetobeasthoroughaspossible.It’sforyourprotectionaswellasforours.”Jorgensenhadsaidthatatleastfivetimes,buthesoundedsincereandViktorappreciatedhissolicitude,evenifitseemedoverdone.AtlastViktorleanedbackinhisseat,completelyexhaustedwiththeeffort.

Theseatswerearrangedfacingoneanotheronbothsidesoftheplane.Viktorwasinthemiddleontherightaislefacingtowardtherear,withfiveothermensittingaroundhim.Threewereobviouslyprofessionalinterrogators.ThentherewasJorgensenandanaide.Therewereatleastadozenothersontheplane,buthe’dhadnocontactwiththemasyetalthoughtheywereapparentlypartofhisescort.Lookingaround,he’dseenseveralmenengagedinphoneconversations.Itwasanimpressiveoperation.

“Takeusthroughyourreasonsforwantingtodefectjustoncemore,Doctor,ifyoudon’tmind.”Whydidtheykeepsayingthat?Ifhedidmind—andhedid—hecouldn’tsayso.Thispolitenessseemedsounnecessary,andcertainlystrangeincomparisonwiththewaytheCommitteebackatthebase,forexample,operated.

“Well,asI’vesaid,”beganViktoronceagainwearily,“theevidenceIaccumulatedoverthepastfiveyears—andIhaveasmuchofitasIcouldcarryinmybriefcase—ledmeindirectionsthatIcouldn’tpursueinaMarxistsocietywherematerialismhassolongbeenthesacredcow.Idon’thavetotellyou—thatevennow—there’slittlefreedomtothinkforyourself—especiallyatcertainlevelsinthemilitaryandclassifiedwork—andI’mstarvedforfreedom.Ineedfreedomformyresearch,whichismywholelife—andpersonalfreedomjusttobeahumanbeing.”Hepausedandshrugged.“Andthat’sbasicallyit”

“AndtheParisCongressgaveyouthefirstchanceyou’dhad?”“I’mnotaCommunistPartymember,neverhavebeen,andwithout

thatyoucouldn’tgetoutofthecountry—andevenveryfewParty

membersevergottotheWestThere’sjustnowayyoucanescapeacrossthebordertoFinlandorTurkey—atleastnotanywaythatIwoulddaretotry.There’ssupposedlyanewfreedom—butnotforpeopleinmyposition.Theywouldn’thavesentmetotheCongressifithadn’tbeennecessarytogivethedelegationsomelegitimacy.Everyso-called‘delegate’exceptmewasworkingfortheFSB.”

......Inacurtained-offsectioninthefrontoftheplane,FrankLeighton,tie

loosened,lookingtiredbutclearlyveryexcited,wasseatedwithtwoothermen—theembassy’stopRussianexpertandtheCIA’sWesternEuropedivisionchief.TheywerecloselywatchingKhorev’sinterrogationonclosed-circuittelevision.

“Idon’tthinkhe’saplant,”saidtheembassyofficial,foraboutthesixthtime.HehimselfhaddefectedfromRussia20yearsbefore.EverythingaboutKhorevrangtrue,notonlytothisexpert’sintimateknowledgeoftheRussiansystem,buttohisintuitionaswell.

“Iknowhe’snotaplant,”insistedLeighton.“He’stooimportanttothemtorisk—andIneedhimimmediatelyoutinCalifornia!”

“There’snowayyoucanputhimtoworkyet,”protestedtheCIAdivisionchief.“Soforgetthat.”Andthenheaddedcautiously,“Hewouldn’tbethefirstbigfishthey’vethrownourway.”

“He’snota‘bigfish,’”retortedLeighton.“He’stheirtopmaninpsychicresearch!Theycouldn’tpossiblyaffordtousehimthatway.Canyouimaginehowmuchit’sgoingtosetthembacktolosehim?”

“Istillthinkhecouldbeaplant,”cautionedtheCIAwatchdog.“He’sgottobekeptoniceuntilwecancheckhimoutthoroughly.”

“Whatdoyouwanttodo?”demandedtheRussianexpert.“TreathimlikeyouguysdidYuriNossenko,lockedupforthreeyearsinatinyroomwiththescrewsturnedevertighter,tryingtobreakhimbecausesomebodywasafraidhewasadoubleagent?”

“Don’tkeepbringingthatup,”counteredtheCIAman.“IknowYuriwasyourfriend,butthat’sanisolatedcase,abadmistake—andplentyofmistakeshavebeenmadeintheotherdirection,too.Don’tforgetFedoraandTophat.TheirmisinformationaboutSovietICBMsledusastrayfor

years.AndhowaboutColonelPenkovsky?NowtherewasthedarlingofBritishIntelligence,andourownalso—supposedlythegreatestWesternintelligencecoupofthecentury.Andyouknowthedoubtsabouthimtoday.Ijustwanttobesure.”

“There’snowaytobesure.Liesbecometruth,defectorsturnouttobeplants,someofourownagentsareworkingfortheotherside.Molesareeverywhere,andprettysoonyoudon’tbelieveyourownjudgmentandblack-and-whiteevidencewhenit’sunderyournose.”Hethrewuphishands.“Everything’sacalculatedrisk.”

LeightonhaddeliberatelywithdrawnfromtheargumentItwasirrelevantasfarashewasconcerned.HehadalreadyplacedacalltotheDirectorofCentralIntelligence(DCI)andwouldmakehisappealdirectlytohim.NoticingLeighton’slackofinterestintheirdiscussion,theothertwojoinedhiminleaningbackandwatchingthetelevisionmonitorinsilence.Khorevwasgoingintomoredetailsthanhehadbefore,tellingaboutthelastexperiment.

“Thiswasthethirdpsychicwelost.Hewasoutofhisbody—atleastthat’smypresentunderstanding—probingatargetthattheFSBhadgivenusseveralpicturesof...quitealargecomplexsupposedlylocatedoutsidePaloAlto.WeweretolditwasaCIApsychicresearchlab.”

ThequestionersseatedaroundKhorevexchangedskepticalglances.Inthefrontoftheplane,Leightonsuddenlysatupstraightandleanedforwardontheedgeofhisseat.

“Didhedescribewhathesaw—anydetailsofinterest?”Viktornodded.“Yes,butbetterthanameredescription,Idevelopeda

meansoftransferringtheimageinahumanbrainontovideofilm.Mybriefcase—someonetookitfrommewhenIcameaboard—”Viktorlookedaroundquestioningly,justatraceofworryinhisexpression.

“Wecangetitforyouwhenyouneedit.”“TherearethingsinthereIreallyneedtoexplain,”putinViktor

hurriedly.“You’llhaveplentyoftimeforthatlater.Nowyouweresaying—?”“I’vegotacassetteinthereofwhatourpsychicsaw.Isupposeyou’ve

heardofDr.FrankLeighton—oneofyourtopparapsychologists.You’ll

seeaglimpseofhimonthevideo.”Behindthecurtain,theRussianexpertandtheCIAchieflookedat

Leightonquestioningly.Hestoodabruptlytohisfeet.“Thishasgonetoofar!Iwantthequestioningstopped—now.I’lltakefullresponsibility.”Hepulledthecurtainaside,andthethreeofthemhurrieddowntheaisle.

“Hewasdeadbeyondadoubt,”Khorevwassayingastheycameupbehindhim.“Andthatmangled,lifelessarm—holdingafeltpenthatnoneofushadeverseenbefore—printedoutinGreeklettersthemessage:‘DeathtoPrometheus.Archon.’”

Followingthegazeofthemenseatedoppositehim,Viktorturnedaroundandwasastonishedtoseewhowasstandingtherelistening.LeightonleanedoverandpattedViktorontheshoulder.Surprisedandoverjoyed,Viktorreachedupandthetwoshookhandswarmly.

“Imissedyouatlunchtoday,”quippedLeighton,“butdinnerwilldo.AndIthinkwe’llbothbejustashappythatyour‘assistant’won’tbelisteningin.”

Viktormanagedaweaksmile.“Youmusttellmehowyouknewwhohewas.”

“Oh,I’llexplainthatandawholelotmoreinduetime.Chernov’sanastyone—fillsuponeofourthickestred-flaggedfiles.Butyouwon’thavetoworryabouthimanymore.”

“That’sright!”exclaimedViktor,andthenrepeatedthewordsasthoughhewerejustbeginningtounderstandhisnewfreedom.“You’reright—nomoreChernov!Youcan’timaginewhatthatmeans!”Thetensiondrainedfromhisface,andhejoinedLeightoninanexhilaratinglaugh.

“IwaslookingforwardtoshowingyouthesightsofParis,”addedLeightonabitwistfully.“ButhowaboutWashington,D.C.instead?AndafterthatSanFrancisco!”

“It’sjusttoomuchtobelieve.”Viktor’svoicewaschoked.“AmIreallyhere?Isthisreallyhappeningtome?”

“Itsureis.We’rehappyforyou.Andyoucancountonusforanyhelpyoumayneed.NowIthinkit’stimeweallhadsomethingtodrinkandrelaxedabitbeforetheyserveussomedinner.”

......InthemiddleofdinnerLeightonwascalledawaytoaphone.Itwas

theDCIreturninghiscall.“Iunderstandyou’vegotKhorev,”saidthedirector.“Right.That’swhatIwascallingabout.”“Congratulations!I’llhearhowithappenedlater.Howdoeshelook?”“Cleanasahound’stooth!Imean,thisisViktorKhorev—theoneand

only.He’snotplayinganygames.”“I’dtendtoagreewiththatjustbecauseofwhoheis.”“We’vebeenthroughhisentirebriefcase.You’veneverseenanything

likethetreasureofdocumentshe’sbroughtus.Iguaranteehehasn’theldanythingback.”

“That’sagoodsign.So?”“I’vegottohavehimimmediatelyoutinCalifornia.”“That’snotthewaywedothings.”“Iknowitisn’tbutthisisauniquesituation.”“YouknowI’lltakesomeheatfromsomeoftheOldGuard.”“Iknow,butcan’tyouseewhereKhorevcouldplayakeyrolein

gettingthePlanacceptedbytheworld?Thinkaboutit!”Therewasalongsilenceontheotherend.Whenfinallythedirector

spoke,therewassuppressedexcitementinhisvoice—excitementthatheneverallowedtointrudeintohisprofessionallife,butwhichhecouldscarcelysuppressnowasthetruthofwhatLeightonhadsaidgrippedhim.“You’vegothim.Ononecondition:Hedoesn’tleavethebase.He’sgottobekeptthereunder24-hourguard—forhisprotectionandours.”

“I’llseetothat!”respondedLeighton.“Andlisten:ThisprojectissosensitivethatifKhoreveverstepsone

centimeteroutofline,he’shistory!”“DoyouwantmetobringhimtoLangleytoseeyouonmyway

through?”“I’mleavingfortheMiddleEasttomorrow.I’llstopbywhenI’mnext

outontheWestCoast.Thisisabigbreak—congratulationsagain!”......

Whendinnerwasover,LeightonmotionedforViktortofollowhim.

Togethertheywenttowardthebackoftheplane,awayfromtheothers.“WhatI’mgoingtotalkaboutnowissosecret”Leightonsaidina

confidentialtone,puttinghishandonViktor’sshoulderandleaningclose,“thatnooneonthisplaneknowsaboutitexceptme—andsoonyou.Sodon’tmentionthistoanyone—anddon’tdiscussyourvideooryourwork,nomatterwhoasks.I’vegiventheorderfornoonetoquestionyouanyfurther.Soifsomeonetriestodothat,justcallforme.”HepausedforamomentsmilingwarmlyatViktor.

“I’vereallybeentreatedverykindly.”“Andyoualwayswillbe,”saidLeightonsolemnly.“NowIdon’tknow

whatyourhopeswere—ImeanwhatyouexpectedtodoinAmerica?”“Ofcourse,Iwanttocontinuemyresearchhere—ifthere’ssomeplace

Icanfitin.”HelookedatLeightonquestioningly,knowingthatwhathehadinmindwasreallytoomuchtoask—atleastatthisearlystage.“Ihadhopedtobeabletolearnaboutyourresearch,butIknowitmaybeverysecret.”

“That’snoproblem.I’llbehappytoshowyoueverything.”“Wouldyou?Thatwouldbewonderful!”Viktorbegantofeelthathe

andLeightonwouldbegoodfriends.“IhopeIcanseeyousometimes—Imean,Idon’tknowwhereImightbetaken.”

“That’suptoyou,really.”“Itis?”Viktorcouldn’tbelievehisears,butthenthiswastheWestand

hewasgoingtoAmerica,thelandoffreedom.Thatgavehimcouragetoasksomethingelse.There’ssomeoneI’vewantedforyearstomeet.”

“Who’sthat?”“Dr.KenInman.I’vereadsomeofhispapersandfindhistheories

particularlychallenging,butheseemstohavedroppedoutofsight.Ihaven’tseenanythingrecentfromhim.”SomethingchangedslightlyinLeighton’seyesthatViktorcouldn’tinterpretNowhewasfearfulthathehadoversteppedhisbounds.“I’msorry—Ishouldn’tbeexpressingmyselfsofreelywhenwehardlyknoweachother.”

“No,that’squitealrightSoyouwanttoseeInman.Youknow,hehasn’tbeeninvolvedinthisfieldforabouttwoyears.”

“Didheretire?Ithoughthewasquiteyoung.”

Leightonwasthinkingofapossibilitythatmighthavesomerealpromise.“I’msureIcanarrangeforyoutomeethim.Thatwouldn’tbedifficult.Whetherhe’dbewillingtotalkabouthispsychicresearch—that’sanotherquestion.Buttoyou—yes,Ithinkyoumightbeabletodowhatsomeoftherestofushavetriedtodowithoutsuccess:stirhisinterestagain.”

Viktordidn’tunderstandwhatLeightonmeantanddidn’tknowhowtorespond.Theystoodfacingeachotherinsilence.AtlastLeightonputhishandbackonViktor’sshoulderandhistonebecameconfidentialonceagain.

“Youmayhavebeenhopingforalittlevacation,andIcanprobablyarrangethatlater.There’samatterofsomeurgency,however,andIwaswonderingwhetheryou’dbewillingtojoinmystaffatthatspecialresearchinstallationinCalifornia?”

Viktor’seyeslitupandagrinbeganspreadingacrosshisface.“Youreallymeanthat?Isitpossible?”

“I’llhavetogetsecurityclearanceforyou,whichisn’tusuallygrantedatthisstage,butI’vegotalotofconfidenceinyou.”HewassearchingViktor’seyes.“Youwon’tletmedown,willyou?”

“Never!”saidViktorearnestly.“Thisissuchanhonor.Ineverdreamedofsuchathing!”

Leightongrippedhisarm.“You’regoingtofindwhatwe’redoingfascinating.Remember:Nooneelseonthisplaneknowsaboutthisprojectsodon’tmentionaword.”

LeightonmotionedViktorovertoaseat.TheysatdownandLeightonleanedinclose.“Whatwe’reinvolvedinoutthereisthemostexcitingchallengeI’veeverfaced.Letmetellyoualittlebitaboutit.ThecodenameisProjectArchon.’”

[17]ASurprisingProposal

Carlaslowedtherentedcartoacrawlaswavesofnostalgiasweptoverher.Thecurvingstreet,theelegantnewhomessetfarbackonacrelots,thepleasantlyrollingfoothillterrainand,atlast,thehouseshehadn’tseensinceithadbeenintheframingstage—itallseemedreminiscentofadreamshehadlongforgotten.It’sbeautiful,butIcan’tbelievehe’slivedinthathugeplaceallalonefortwoyears!I’msurehehasn’tmarried—atleastIhaven’theard.Plentyofwomenwouldbeinterestedinhim!Heprobablyhassomeoneinmindifheisn’tengagedbynow.

Sittingatopasteeplyslopingandivy-fringedlawnattheendofthecul-de-sac,thehomewasallshehadimaginedandhopedfor—inanothertimethatnowseemedunreal.Thelow,sprawlingsilhouetteofitsoverhangingroofofbeigeconcreteshakesblendedintothelushlandscapingofstatelyconifers,bloomingazaleas,andrhododendrons.Themagnificentnativeliveoaksthathadbeenleftinplacecompletedthetastefulartistry,appropriatetothebackgroundofwoodedhillsrisingjustbeyond.Ithadbeenlittlemorethanrawacreageandadreamthelasttimeshe’dseenit.

Shehadcomedirectlyfromtheairport—hadn’tevengonetoherhotelyet.AtfirstCarlahadthoughtofcallingfromthere,butthatwouldhavemadeitevenmorepainful.Ithadtobeasurpriseforhim—andsheknewthatifshedidn’tgetitoverwithimmediately,shemightnotfindthecouragetofacehimlater.Courage?Shefeltatotallackofitas,withgrowingapprehensionandembarrassment,sheforcedherselftoclimbthosebroadstepsontothefrontporchandringthebell.Maybehewon’tevenbehome.Offonatripsomewhere—orwhoknowswhat.Ishouldhavephonedfirst.Thisiscrazy!Anxiouslylongmomentsprecededthesoundoffamiliarfootstepsbeyondthedoor.Thenitswungopenandthere

hewas,alookofshockedandopenmouthedunbeliefwrittenonhisface.“Carla!?”“Yourememberthecartoonoftheguywhowentbyplane,thencanoe,

andfinallybydogsledtoreachacabindeepintheArctic,andthensaid,‘ThoughtI’ddropbywhileIhappenedtobeintheneighborhood’?Well,Ijusthappenedtobeinthisneighborhood.OnlyallIdidwasflyinfromD.C.—nocanoesordogsleds.”

Hedidn’tlaughatherlittlejoke—didn’tevensmile.Heseemedtoostunnedtoknowwhethertoinviteherin.Itwas,afterall,astaggeringsurprise.

“Actually,”continuedCarla,“I’mpursuingastory.AndIdesperatelyneedyourhelporIwouldn’tbehere.”Hervoicequaveredjustalittleintryingtogetoutthecarefullychosenwordsthroughamouththathadbecomesuddenlyverydry.

That’sCarla—stillthesame.Abrupt,honest,everythingupfront.That’soneofthemanyreasonsIlovedhersomuch.Kenstoodthereforwhatseemedanothereternity,tryingtoconvincehimselfthathiseyesandearswerenotdeceivinghim,thatitwasreallyhappening.Carlawasactuallystandingthere,lookingmorebeautifulthanever,facinghimonthefrontporchofthehometheyhaddreamedofandplannedtogether.

“Well,comeonin,”hefinallymanagedtosay,openingthedoorandsteppingaside.“YouknowI’lldoanythingIcantohelpyou.”

“Iknow.That’swhyIcame.”Shesteppedinside,herfullskirtswishingagainsthimasshepassed.Nowhesmelledherperfume,thekindshe’dknownwashisfavorite.He’dtriedtoforgether,andthoughthehadprettymuchsucceeded,knowingthatwasbest.Hehaddatedseveralotherwomen,butnoneofthemseemedright.Andnowsuddenly,inspiteofhimself,hefeltthatoverwhelmingattractionagain.Getholdofyourself,Inman!It’sfinished.

Theystoodwithoutspeaking,justinsidethedoor,lookingatoneanother.Shewassearchinghisfaceforscarsandnotfindingany.“It’sgreattoseewhataremarkablerecoveryyoumade.Areyouassoundasyoulook?”

Henodded.“Perfectcondition,sothedoctortellsme.Andyourjob?I

confessIhaven’tseenmanyofyourarticles—don’treadtherightjournalsanymore.”

“Noneedtoapologize.Iwouldn’texpectyouto.”Hereyewastakinginthecomfortablebutsimply-furnishedsunkenlivingroomjustofftheentryhall.Itshugewindowsreachedfromfloortoloftyopen-beamedceilingandlookedoutuponabreathtakingviewofthecityinthedistancebelow.Thelargestonefireplaceandraisedhearthwithitssweepingcurveacrossthefarcorneroftheroomhadbeenoneofhermanycreativeideas.Theplanstheyhadworkedontogetherhadincorporatedfarmoreofhertastethanhis.Hefinisheditthatway—andstilllivesinit!

Foramomentshecouldseethemstrollinghandinhandovertherawland,thenmerrilywalkingthroughthefloorplanthathadbeenlaidoutonthefinishedfoundation—andfinally,thelasttime,justafterithadbeenframedandjustbeforetheaccidentlikechildrenplayinghouse,goingthrough“theirhome”together,excitedtogettheirfirstrealsenseofthesizeandlayoutoftherooms.Sheputahandquicklytohermouthsohecouldn’tseethatherlipsweretrembling.Thatsurprisingupsurgeoffeelings—feelingsthatshehadassuredherselfwerelongdead—caughthercompletelyoffguard.Shewasamazedattheirintensity.

Heledherintothelivingroomandpulledupachairforhernearhisinfrontofthefire.Theysatforamomentinanotherbriefbutawkwardsilence.

“Haveyouhaddinner?”Kenaskedatlast“Momisfixingitrightnow.”Seeingherlookofsurprise,heexplained,“MydaddiedjustbeforeChristmas.I’vegotthisbighousehere,youknow,thatwe...”Hisvoicecaughtandheturnedawayforamoment,thenmanagedtocontinue.“Well,she’southerenowstayingwithme.ThewintersareprettytoughinMaine.She’llkeepthefamilyhomebackthereforthegrandchildren,forsummers.It’srightonthebay—well,youremember.”

Carlasuddenlyfeltlikecryingonhisshoulderastheguiltsurfacedonceagain.Walkingoutonhimwhenhewasstillinthehospitalsoclosetodeath.Itseemedsoheartless.Shethrewherheadbackinsteadandlaughed,thatrollicking,liltinglaughheknewsowell.

“What’ssofunny?”heaskedinfeignedoffense.

“You!Youlooklikeyou’vejustseenaghost.”“Well,haven’tI?”Theybothlaughednervously.“Dinnerisoutofthequestion,”saidCarlafirmly.“I’mnotstaying

long.IjustgotofftheplanefromD.C.andcamerighthere.It’sratherurgent”Shewaslookingaroundtheroomagain,takingitallinwithevidentapproval.“You’vedoneagreatjob,Ken.It’sbeautiful.”

“Wouldyouliketoseetherestofit?”heaskedeagerly,jumpingtohisfeet.Shedidn’tmove,asthoughshehadn’theard.Hehesitated,lookedembarrassed,thensatdownagain.“Well—whydon’tyoutellmehowIcanhelpyou?”

“You’restillintouchwithDr.Leighton?”“YoumeanFrank?Notreally.Why?”“Butyoucouldbe?”“Isuppose,butIdon’thaveanyrealreason.We’vehardlyhadany

contactsinceheboughtmeout.That’sgottobetwoyears.”“Andhemovedyourequipment—thatyouinventedanddeveloped—

toanotherlocation.Doyouknowwhere?”Kennodded.“I’vebeenthereonce—maybeayearago.Heneeded

sometechnicaladvicewhenitwasbeingreinstalled.ButI’moutofthatfieldcompletely.AndFrank’sverysecretivenow.YoumayhavebeenrightabouttheCIA.”

“Iwasright—aboutthatandafewotherthings.”Shestaredthoughtfullyatthefireinsilence.“He’dreallyliketohaveyouinvolvedoncemore,wouldn’the?”

“He’stoldmethatafewtimes.”Kenlookeduncomfortable.“What’sthissuddeninterestinFrank?Iheardyoucrossedhimoffyourlist—whichsurprisedme,really.Hecouldhavebeenagreatsource.”

“Itwasmutual.Butyou’restillongoodterms.Right?”“AsfarasIknow.But,asIsaid,wehaven’treallyhadanycontactfor

alongtime—forreasonsthatI’msureyouremember.”Shelookedabituncomfortableforamoment,butchosenottotakeup

thechallenge,ifthatwaswhatheintended.Insteadshesurprisedhim.“Listen,supposeIsaidthatI’minagreement—thatLeighton’sinvolvedinsomethingevil?”AtKen’shopefullook,Carlaheldupacautioninghand

andshookherhead.“Please,don’tjumptoconclusions.I’vegotdifferentreasonsthanyouhave,ofcourse,butIdon’tlikewhatIthinkisgoingon.”Shepaused,choosingherwords.“Look,I’vegotcertainsuspicions,okay,thatIhavetocheckoutsomehow.”

Kengotupandthrewonanotherlog.Hestoodtherewithhisbacktothefire,lookingatherquestioningly.“Whydon’tyoutellmeexactlywhatyouhaveinmind?”

“Idon’tknowexactly.That’stheproblem.Ijusthaveabadfeelingaboutsomething.”Shehesitated,thenshruggedandcontinued.“It’stoomuchtogointo,really.There’sahotstory,asyouprobablysuspect.It’sgoteverythinginit—CIA,FSB,aRussiandefector—andIsuspectthatFrankisrightinthemiddleofit.”

“Thebigstorythatcomesalongonceinalifetime?”interruptedKen.“Pulitzerprize?”

“Forgettheprize.Thisisfarmoreimportantthanthat.Isavedsomeone’slifeinParis.You’dknowhisname—ViktorKhorev.”

“You’rekidding!Howdidyoudothat?”“Well,Ijusthappenedtobeintherightplaceattherighttime.

RescuedKhorevwhenhewasmakingabreakforitandjustabouttobecaught.IgothimtotheAmericanEmbassyinParis.Theytookhimintoanofficeforaninterview,andthentheydeniedthatI’dbroughthimthere—triedtotellmethey’dneverseenhim!”

“Thismustbesomebaddreamyouhad,”interruptedKenskeptically.“You’resayingtheyjustoutrightliedtoyou—itwasthatblatant?”ShenoddedandKenlaughed.“TheStateDepartmentdoesn’tknowwhatahugemistakeitmade.They’vegotatigerontheirtailnow.Andyou’regoingtoshowthem.”

Carlasmiledandheldupbothhandsinmockhumility.“Okay,okay—that’spartofit.Butgivemecreditforhavingsomeheart.I’mdeeplyconcernedaboutKhorev.Idon’twanttoseehimexploited!That’shappenedtoomanytimestodefectorstoletmefeelcomfortablerightnow.He’sgottobesomewhereinthiscountry,ofcourse,andIthinkFrank’sgothim.”

“And,ofcourse,”addedKenfacetiously,“incidentalthoughitmaybe,

thereisastoryinvolved—anditsoundslikeabigone.Soyouwouldn’tpassthatup.”

“I’mnotallheart.Afterall,Khorevowesmehislife—andhepromisedmetheexclusiveonhisstory.ButIthinkhe’sgottenhimselfinvolvedinsomethingmuchbiggerthanhisdefection,andhe’sgoingtobemyentreetothataswell.”

“Ithinkyou’reprobablyrightabouthimbeingwithFrank--eventually.ButIdoubtthathe’dbeinvolvedouttherealready.”

“Ithinkheis,andI’vegotmyreasons.Butagain,that’stoomuchtogointonow.”

“Andyouwantmetofindout,ifIcan,whetherKhorev’sactuallythere,andgenerallywhat’sgoingon.Isthatit?”

“Iwantmorethanthat.Iwanttogetinsidethatinstallationmyselfandseefirsthandwhat’sgoingon!”

“Whydon’tyoujustgodirectlytoFrank?YoucouldreachhimatStanford—that’swhereI’dhavetocall.Hestillteachesacourseortwooverthere.Infact,he’sheadofthedepartmentnow,incaseyouhadn’theard.He’dbegladtobebackintouchwithyou—probablyinviteyououttherehimself,ifhethoughtyou’dgivehimagoodwrite-up.Ofcourse,hewouldn’twantyoutomentionanyofhissecretwork.YouknowhowparanoidFrankisaboutthatsideofthings—hisfearoftheRussiansandallthat.”

Carlashookherhead.“Nochanceofthat!Youdon’tknowthewayItoldFrankoffthelasttimeIsawhim—fortakingadvantageofyouwhenyouwereinthehospitalandstealingyourlife’sworkforafractionofwhatitwasworth,andforafewotherthings.Idon’tthinkhe’dgivemethetimeofday.”Shestoodtoherfeet.“AmIaskingtoomuch?”

“Ken,supper’sgoingtobereadyinaboutfiveminutes.Doyouhearme?Whereareyou?”Hismother’svoicedrewnearerasshecamedownthehallfromthekitchen.BeforeKencouldanswer,shewalkedintothelivingroomandstoppedinsurprise.“Oh,Ididn’tknowyouhadavisitor.”Thenshesawwhoitwasandputbothhandstohermouthinastonishment.

“Carla—I--well,howwonderfultoseeyou!”SherushedoverandgaveCarlaahug.“Wouldyoujoinusfordinner?”

“It’sniceofyoutoask,butIalreadytoldKenIcouldn’t.”“Well,I’mmuchmorepersuasivethanheis.Itwouldbesuchatreat!

Wouldyou?”“Ican’t.”Carlastartedtowardtheentryhalltoescapewhatwas

becomingincreasinglyemotionalandembarrassing.Kenhurriedafterher.Heopenedthefrontdoor.“I’llseewhatIcando.WherecanIgetintouchwithyou?”

“AttheHilton.Butonlyifyoucangetmeinoutthere—orhavefoundKhorev.”

Shestarteddownthestepsandhefollowedhertothecar.“Hotelsareterriblyexpensive.Youcouldstayhere.Iwouldn’thassleyou.There’sasuite,youknow,attheotherendofthehousewithitsownbedroom,study,andbath—anditsownentrance.”

“Iknow.Thatwasmyidea,remember?”Thishouseisfullofyourbrilliantideas,andtheyallworkedoutgreat

—exceptthebombshelterunderthegarage.Solidgranitebeginsaboutsixfeetdown.”

“Thatwasyourinspiration.”“Well,youthoughtitwasagoodidea,too.”Helookedather

longingly.“Youreallyoughttoseehowitallturnedout.”Sheputahandonhisarm.“Yourmother’sassweetasever.Tellher

I’msorryIcouldn’tstay.Andmaybeyoushouldn’tevenmentiontoFrankyetthatI’mouthere.”

......Assoonasdinnerwasover,Kengotonthephoneandcalledthe

Elliotts.Karenanswered.“Everythinggoingokay?”sheasked.“WemissedyouThursday.Hal

wasgoingtocallyou.”“Imissedbeingthere.Hadatouchoftheflu,butI’mokaynow.IsHal

in?Heoughttogetonthephone,too.”“No.Emergencysurgery.What’sup?”“Carta’sbackintown!Shejustlefthereafewminutesago!”“PraisetheLord!”“Well,yeah—butI’msureshe’sjustasfarfromtheLordasever.

Therewasn’tanychanceatalltobroachthatsubject”“Iwouldn’teventhinkofthatyet,Ken!”saidKarengently.“It’snot

yourjobto‘witness’toher.You’vealreadytriedthat.Sheknowswhat’sright—nowit’shermove.IftheLordopensthedoor,andsheshowssomeinterest...okay.Inthemeantime,youjustneedtobeafriendtoher,ifshe’llallowthat.LetherseetheloveandforgivenessofChristinyourlife.”

“Well,Ithinkitwasprettyclearthatshehasnointentionofevengivingmeachancetodothat.Shewantsmetodoafavorforher,whichI’dbehappytodoifitwasanythingelse.”Kenhesitated.Finallyheadded,“Idon’tfeelcomfortableaboutit,butIpromisedher...”

“Promisedherwhat?”“ShewantsmetogetbackintouchwithLeighton.”“Ken!”“Don’tworry.Youknowit’scompletelyoutofthequestionthatI

wouldgetinvolvedagainintheslightest.ButIpromisedI’dcontacthimtotrytofindoutsomethingforher.She’sworkingonabigstory.”

Therewasalong,thoughtfulsilenceonbothendsoftheline.“Itwasgreattoseeheragain,andthere’sstillalotoffeelingthere,that’sforsure.Itreallysurprisedme—andconvictedme,too.IhavetoconfessthatI’vetriedsohardtoforgetCarlathatIhaven’tprayedforherlatelyasIshould.ButI’mgoingtofromnowon.”

“I’veneverstopped—dayandnight.GodhasgivenmearealloveandconcernforCarla,andHalfeelsthesameway.Well,thisisinteresting!Soyou’regoingtocontactLeightonafterallthistime.Andatleastyou’rebackintouchwithCarla.I’llnotifytheprayergrouprightaway.”

“Yeah,that’swhyIwascalling.”“Soshe’sworkingonabigstorythatinvolvesLeighton—that’s

interesting!Isthereanythingelseyoucantellmetopassontothegroupsowecanprayspecifically?”

“Notyet.It’shersecret.Shethinksit’sthebiggeststorythat’severcomealong.IfifswhatIthinkitis—youknow,ifArchonisgoingtomakethemovelikewe’vebeenexpecting—thenwe’dbetterstartprayingaroundtheclockandgettingalotofotherstojoinus!”

......KencalledFrank’sStanfordofficefirstthingthenextmorning.“You

justcaughtme!”exclaimedLeighton,soundingbothsurprisedandpleased.“It’sbeenalongtime.”

“I’vebeenwantingtogetintouch,butyouknowhowtimeflies.Howarethingsgoing?”

“Youmeanhereatschool,oratthelab?”“Oh,Ireadaboutyouinthealumninews.Iapologizefornotcalling

soonertocongratulateyou—newheadofthedepartmentandallthat.Butactually,Iwaswonderingabouttheproject.”

“StillworriedthatI’mtraffickingwithdemons?”“Frank,I’mnotcallingtopushmybeliefsunlessyouwanttotalk

aboutit.Ireallyaminterestedtoknowwhat’sbeenhappening.”“Ken,I’dlovetoshowyou.”Leightonwasbubblingwithenthusiasm

now.“Whenyouseewhatwe’redoingandwhereit’sleading—well,you’llforgetallaboutthose‘powersofdarkness.’Ican’ttalkaboutitonthephone.It’stoobig.”

“Andtoosecretofcourse.Iunderstand.”“Well,that’strue.But,actually,we’renotgoingtokeepitsecretmuch

longer.Nottotally,anyway.We’vegottograduallyleakittothepress.Thepublichastobeinformed.”

“Really?You’vecomethatfar?”“Youcan’timaginewhat’shappened!It’sinterestingyoucalled,

becauseIwasjustthinkingofyoulastnight—andyourex-fiancée.IcaughtaglimpseofherinParislastweekattheCongress.She’dbethelogicalonetowritesomekeyarticlesaboutourresearch.”

“Frank,thisisamazing.Ihaven’tseenorheardfromCarlasinceshebrokeourengagement,butshejustgotintotownlastnightandweweretalkingaboutyouandtheproject.Sheexpressedalotofinterest”

“Really?Listen.Whataboutthis?DelSasso—yourememberDelSasso?”

“Inevermethim,butyou’vetalkedabouthim.”“Right.Well,DelSassoisgoingtobedoingsomeworkinourmain

labtomorrow.Whydon’tyouandCarlastopin?Thatwouldgiveyouboth

agoodideaofhowfarwe’vecome.Yourememberwherewe’relocated?”“Icanfindit.Whattime?”“It’sgoingtobeat10:00inthemorning,soyoushouldbehereby

9:30.Actuallywe’redoingthisforsomeonewhojustarrivedfrom—well,you’llmeethimtomorrow.Infact,Iwasgoingtocallyou,becausehe’sveryanxioustomeetyou.Seemstobeagreatfanofyours,”

“Can’timaginewhothatwouldbe.Anyway,we’llbethere.Seeyouat9:30.”

“Onething,Ken.There’salotofsecurityaroundhere.Justsomeprecautions.I’llleavewordsothey’llletyouin.”

......CarlawasoutwhenKenphoned.Shereturnedhiscalljustafterlunch.“HowwouldyouliketoseeyourRussianfriendtomorrow?”heasked.“Look,Mr.PracticalJoker,thisistooserioustokidabout.”“I’mnotkidding.”Heheardhergaspontheotherendoftheline.“You’renot?”“Nope.HowaboutifIpickyouupatthehotelat9:00tomorrow

morning?Ipromisenottodriveoveranycliffs.”Therewasamoment’shesitation,then,“Whydon’tIcometoyour

house?I’llfollowyoufromthereinmycar.I’dfeelmorecomfortablethatway.Andyou’rereallynotputtingmeon?”

“Comeon,Carla,you’remakingmefeelbad.Where’syourconfidence?WhenyouputSupersleuthInmanonthetrail—well,yououghttoknowit’sinthebag!Tomorrowyougettofindoutwhat’s

goingon.We’rebothinvitedtowatchDelSassodohisstuffinthelab—youknow,he’sFrank’sprizepsychic.Andyouturnedouttoberightagain.I’mjustaboutpositiveyourRussianfriendwillbethere.”

Shewasecstatic.“Thisisfantastic,Ken!”“Oh,that’snotall,”headdedmatter-of-factly.“Canyoutakeanymore

goodnews?”“Ifyoutrytomakeitanybetterthanthis,thenI’llknowyou’reputting

meon.Whatmorecouldtherebe?”“Franksaysthey’regoingtobeginleakingdevelopmentstothemedia,

andhe’dlikeyoutowritesomekeyarticles.Howaboutthat?”

“Youjustbrokethroughmycredibilitybarrier.Idon’tbelieveawordyou’vesaidnow.”

“Carla,it’salltrue—everyword.”“SoIwasrightonthis,too.ItoldyouFrankwouldbeeagertogetyou

involvedagain.That’swhatdidit.”“ButyouandIknowthatisn’tgoingtohappen.AndIdon’twantto

misleadhim.I’mjustgettingyouinsidethere,andthenyou’reonyourown.Thatwasourdeal—right?”

“That’sright.”“Okay.Seeyoutomorrowmorningouthereat9:15.I’maboutten

minutesaway,andwe’resupposedtobethereat9:30.”“I’llbethere.AndKen,thanks.Ireallydoappreciateit.”

......GeneralNikolaiGorky’sofficewasonthethirdfloorofthemodern

high-risebuildingtheKGBhadmovedintoduringthesummerof1972andwasnowoccupiedbyitssuccessor,theFSB.Thehugecrescent-shapedcomplexwashiddenbehindathickwoodjustofftheroadencirclingMoscow—muchlikethesequesteredCentralIntelligenceAgencyheadquartersoutsideWashington,D.C.ThearchitectureevenseemedtohavebeenpatternedaftertheCIAdesign.GorkywasoneofthefewpeopleinthenewstructurewhohadcomeupthroughtheranksintheoldAll-RussianInsuranceCompany’sbuildingonMoscow’sLubyannskayaSquarethattheinfamousCheka,predecessortotheKGB,hadoccupiedin1918.Hewasveryhappynottobeinthatancientedificeanylonger.ManyFSBofficeswerestillhousedthere,alongwiththenotoriousLubyankaPrisonwhereGorkyhadgottenhisstartasaguardandlearnedtheexquisiteartofextractingconfessionsbytortureforwhatevertheStatewanted—whethertheyboreanyrelationshiptowhattheprisonershadactuallydoneornot.Hehadcomealongwaysincethentobecomeresponsibleforanelitecorpsofcommandostrainedinpsychicpower,whoseveryexistencewasunknownevenamongtopRussianleaders—exceptfortheFSBdirectorhimself,thePresident,andtheGeneralSecretaryoftheCommunistParty,andaveryfewcloseaides.

Gorkyhadalwaysexudedasmugandseeminglyjustifiedconfidence

inhisperiodicreportstothoseabovehim.Onthisday,however,hewasstillsmartingfromthehumiliatingexperienceofameetingwiththetwomostpowerfulmenintheKremlin—ameetingthathadgoneonintotheearly-morninghours.He’dhadtoconfessthattheAmericanshadapparentlykilledtheirthreemosttalentedpsychics.Andontopofallthat,themostbrilliantandproductiveRussianpsychicresearcherhaddefectedrightunderthenosesofthepsychicforce’sfieldcommanderandtwooftheirbestFSBagentsandwasnowworkingwiththeAmericans.

Gorkywasinnomoodtofaceanyone,butthematterwasurgentandtimewasoftheessence.NorwasColonelAlexeiChernovinclinedtowardpatienceandkindnessthatday.Thestitcheshadonlybeenremovedthatmorning.Twolongscars,stilluglyandred,wereall-too-conspicuousforamanwhoneededtobeabletoblendintothecrowd.Onescarangledacrosshisnoseanddownhisleftcheek,andtheotherslashedacrosshisneckbeneaththechin.Anotherfewmillimetersanditwouldhaveseveredhisjugular.ThesetwoproudbutnowhumiliatedandfuriousmenfacedeachotherinGorky’soffice,eachknowingthatsomethinghadgoneterriblywrongintheiroperation,butneitherwillingtoadmitit,muchlesstotakeresponsibility.

“YouhadyourordersinParis—andyoufailed.”ThewordscamepainfullyfromGorky,knowingthatfailureofthoseunderhiscommandeventuallyreflecteduponhim.

Chernovstoodstifflyerect“Therewillbenomorefailure,exceptbytheAmericans.IhadneverbeeninfavorofKhorev’smethodofpenetratingtheCIAbyprojectionofconsciousness.Onthespot,wewillaccomplishourmission.Ihavenodoubtaboutthat.”

“Don’tbesococky,”cautionedGorky.“Youknowthatoverconfidencecanbringdefeattothesuperiorforceinanyconflict.”

Chernovnoddedgrimlyandshifteduneasily.“Iwillnotbeoverconfident,justconfident—andwithgoodcause.I’mtakingmytwobestmen.Togetherwecanaccomplishtheimpossible.”

“Areyouforgettingthehoodedone?Fromthenewinformationwe’vejustgotten,he’sextremelydangerous!”

“Wewilldestroyhim.”

“IwantKhorevalive—don’tforgetthat.Wehaveconfirmationthathe’sworkingwithLeightonandisbeinghousedonthePaloAltoinstallation.It’safortress.”

“Iwanttoseehimdead—andthewoman,too--butyouknowIobeyorders.”

“Dowhateveryouwanttosatisfyyourthirstforrevengeagainstthewomanwhohelpedhimescape.HernameisCarlaBertelli.She’sgottobeaCIAagent.Hercareerasajournalistisjustafront.She’sinPaloAltoalready.”

Thegeneralstoodabruptly.“Remember:IwantKhorevalive,righthereinfrontofme!Iwanttosweatandbleedhisfullconfessionoutofhimpersonally.”

Gorkypickedupalarge,thickenvelopefromhisdeskandhandedittothecolonel.“Theseareyournewidentities,passports,andinstructionsforyouandyourmen.They’llbeexpectingyouattheconsulateinSanFrancisco,buttheyknownothing.ColonelLutskyisbeingassignedthereasanadvisor.Youreportonlytohimortome.Don’tfailthistime,comrade!”

[18]Inside!

Thethickfogthathaddriftedoverthehillsfromthecoastduringthenightwasvanishingunderthewarmingraysofthemorningsun.Thefewlingeringwispsofvaporlentamomentarytranslucencetotheair,givingtheleavesandblossomsontreesandshrubsadelicate,glisteningsheen.Itwasamorningofrarebeauty—whichonlyseemedtoaccentuatethebittersweetmoodthatgrippedKen.InspiteofthefactthathehadlongsincegivenupanythoughtofrecoveringhispastrelationshipwithCarla,theirbriefmeetingthenightbeforehadstirredemotionsforherthathehadthoughtwerelongdeadandthathedarednotnourishnow.

KenbackedoutofthegarageandeasedhisGMCYukondownthesteepdrivewayjustasCarla,inherrentedChrysler,camearoundthecurveandstoppedinthecul-de-sactowaitforhim.

“Perfecttiming!”calledKen,ashepulledupbesideher.“Followme,andwe’llbethereinafewminutes.”

Traversingtherollingresidentialareathroughamazeofcurvingstreets,theycameatlasttothemainhighway.HereKenturnedleftandheadedhigherintothecoastalrange.Astheybeganclimbingintothefoothills,afloodofmemoriespouredoverhim.Thiswasaroutehepurposelyavoidedforthatveryreason.Tenmilesaheadwasthecliffhe’dgoneover.He’dbeenupthereonlyoncesincethatfatefulday.Lookingdownfromtheroadtothechasmbelow,he’dbeenoverwhelmedbyamingledaweandgratitudeatthemiracleofhissurvival.Asaresultofthatfearfulplungethatshouldhavebroughtdeath,hehadfoundanewlifeasdifferentasnightanddayfromwhathe’dknownbefore.

Alittlemorethanamileupthewindinghighway,thetwocarsturnedrightontoanewlypavedroadmarked“Private:KeepOut.”Afteranothermileofmeanderingthroughathickforestofyoungpines,theroadledinto

astandofmatureredwoods.Itwasoneofthefewgrovesthathadsurvived—throughbelatedgovernmentintervention—theearlierindiscriminateslaughterinthe1800softheseancientgiants.Soonanothermuchlargerandobviouslynewersignwarned:“RestrictedGovernmentProperty.NoTrespassing!”Shortlythereafter,theycameoverasharpriseandthetreesopeneduptorevealabroadmeadow.Herethewindingapproachstraightenedandranalongaten-foot-highstonewallthathadnotbeenthereontheonepreviousoccasionwhenKenhadvisitedtheclandestineinstallation.Exceptforthecoilsofbarbedwireontop,itwasvaguelyreminiscentofanancientmedievalcastle,completewithmoat.

Kenpulledleftintoanarrowentrance.Therewerenosignstoindicatewhatkindofgovernmentoperationthismightbe.Theheavy,solid-steelgatewasnearlyashighasthewallandrevealednothingbutafewscatteredtreetopsbeyond.Builtintothewallnexttothegatewasafortifiedguardstationmannedbytwomencarryingautomaticweaponsandwearingflakjacketsovertheircivilianclothes.OneofthemapproachedKen’svehicle,whiletheotherremainedinside,onthealert.

“Dr.Inman?”theguardasked.“That’sright.”“Identification,please.”Heleaneddownandlookedthroughthe

window,searchingtheinteriorofthecar.“IsthatMissBertellibehindyou?”Kennodded.“Wouldyoupleaseopentheback?”askedtheguard.Abriefsearchfollowed,thenthebusinesslikeordertocloseit.OnlyafterthesameprocedurehadbeenfollowedwithCarladidtheheavygateswingslowlyopen.Itclosedwithponderousprecisionthemomentthetwocarshadmovedinside.

Fiftyyardsdirectlyahead,attheendofabroaddrivelinedwithflowersandexoticshrubs,stoodthemaincomplex—awide,two-storybuildingofheavyconstruction,fewwindows,andasolidfrontdoorshelteredbehindastonewallofaboutshoulderheight.Otherbuildings,lowandrambling,linedthewidelawnthatstretchedouttotherightandleftoneitherside.TheinstallationhadbeengreatlyenlargedsinceKenhadvisiteditearlierandnowformedagiantU-shape,opentowardwhatseemedtobetheonlygateinthemassive,highwallsurroundingthe

property.Infrontofthemainbuildingthedrivewidenedtoallowadozen

spacesfor“VisitorParking”oneitherside.ThereKenandCarlalefttheircarsandwalkedtheshortdistancetotheentranceunderthevigilantsurveillanceoftwomoreguardswearingflakjacketsandwithautomaticweaponsslungovertheirshoulders.

“Justyouraveragepsychicresearchlab,”whisperedKenwithpretendednaiveté.“NoreasonatalltoimaginetheCIAcouldpossiblyhaveanythingtodowiththisfriendlylittleoperation!”

“Iknewsomethingwasgoingon,”returnedCarlasoftly,“butthisisawesome—afarcryfromanyparapsychologylabI’veevervisited!”

“MayIseeyourbag,MissBertelli?”askedoneoftheguardshalf-apologeticallyastheyapproachedthefrontdoor.“Justaformality.”Whileheperformedthatinspection,hiscompanionranametaldetectorovertheirbodies.“Okay.Goonin.Dr.Leightonisexpectingyou.”

Leightonwaswaitinginthesmalllobbyjustinsidetheheavycarved-oakfrontdoor,whichKensuspectedhadasteelcore.Astheyentered,Leightonrushedovertogreetthem,armsextendedexuberantly.ShakingKen’shandvigorously,heexclaimed,“Youdon’tknowwhatyourcallmeanttome,Ken!It’sgreattobebackintouchandtoknowthatyou’reinterestedagain.Wecouldsureuseyourexpertise!”

“AndCarla—whatawonderfulsurprisethisis!”Leightonbegan,turningtogreetherwarmly.Shegavehimherhandtentatively.Heshookitgently,thenhelditinbothofhisforamoment.“IhadplannedtotalkwithyouinParis,butthenIhadtoleavesuddenly.Andnowhereyouare!”

Thentobothofthem,Leightonexplainedapologetically,“Ihopethetightsecuritywasn’ttoobothersome.It’sjustaprecaution.”

“DoIdetectthatsameoldparanoiaabouttheRussians,Frank?”Kenshookhisheadinmildreproof.“Ithoughtitwasallpeace,love,andbrotherhoodnow,witharmsreductionandallthatgoodstuff.”

“Itis!”repliedLeighton,winkingatCarla.“However,we’vemadesomereluctantconcessionstothenormalworldofbombsandbullets—butnotforlong.Whatwe’redevelopingherewillbringrealandlastingpeace

totheworld,notjustaslogan.AndIdon’tmeandecadesorevenyearsfromnow,butinamatterofmonths!”

“Ifyoucandothat,Frank,”saidKensincerely,“thenyou’vegotmeandeveryoneelseonyourside.I’dbeveryinterestedtoknowhowyou’regoingtodoit.Iguessthat’swhatwecameheretofindout.”

“AndhaveIgotatripforyou!”Frank’seyesweregleaming.“Buckleyourseatbeltsandhangon.”

Motioningtothemtofollow,heledthemdownalonghallway,pausingbesidethefirstdoorontheright.“We’llstopinmyofficeforamoment.”Withhishandontheknob,heturnedtoCarla.“Areyoureadyforasurprise?Someoneinthereisveryanxioustoseeyou.Canyouguess?”Shelookednonplussedandshookherhead.Itwouldn’tdotolethimknowthatshehadsuspectedKhorevwashereandhadactuallycomeinsearchofhim.

Leightonopenedthedoorandledthewayinside.Aslightlybuiltmanofmediumheightwithdark,prematurelygrayingcrewcuthairandSlavicfeaturesjumpedupfromthesofafacingthehugedeskandrushedtowardCarla,armsextended.

“MissBertelli!”“Dr.Khorev!”Therewasaquick,affectionateembrace,thena

momentaryawkwardsilence.“Theydidn’tletmesaygoodbye,”beganViktoratlast“I’msorry.Of

course,theyexplainedtoyou.”Carlastartedtosay,“No,theydidn’t,”butglancedoveratLeighton

andsomesuddeninstinctcausedhertoswallowthosewords.“It’ssogoodtoseeyouheresafeandsound!”sheexclaimed.“Th’t’sallthatmatters.”

PuttinganarmaroundCarlaonceagain,ViktorturnedtoLeighton.“Youcan’timaginehowbraveshewas!Ifitweren’tforMissBertelli,Iwouldn’tbehere!”

FrankmotionedtowardKen.“Viktor,thisisKenInman—themanyouwantedtosee.He’sactuallythegeniuswhoinventedthePsitron.”

“It’sagreathonortomeetyou,”saidKenenthusiastically,givinghimawarmhandshake.“I’vefollowedyourworkforyears—whatlittlewecouldlearn.I’vereadeverythingofyoursthat’sbeenpublishedinthe

West.”“It’sagreaterhonorformetomeetyou,Dr.Inman.Dr.Leightonhas

toldmeaboutyourresearch—andyourterribleaccident.IonlyarrivedlastnightandI’mlookingforward—”

“Let’sdropthe‘doctor’stuff,Viktor,”interruptedLeightongood-naturedly.ViktoracknowledgedthereproofwithanodandreturnedLeighton’ssmile.Theyhadapparentlybeenoverthatbefore.

“Aboutfivemoreminutes,Frank!”Thepenetrating,slightlyabrasivevoicebelongedtoatall,spare,andratherattractivefortyishwomaninawhitelabcoatwhohadmaterializedbrieflyinthedoorway,thendisappeareddownthehall.

Leightoncalledafterher,“Comebackhere,Kay!”Shereappeared,smiling,andtooktwoshortstepsintotheroom.

“ThisisKayMorris,”saidLeighton.“She’sinchargeofourlabs—andwhatshesaysgoes.”

“Wanttoputthatinwriting?”respondedthewomanwithashortlaugh.“Thatwouldbetheday!”

“Kay’smadesomefantasticcontributions,”returnedLeighton,soundingalmosttooeffusive.Carla’sinvestigativereportinginstinctsweresuddenlyaroused.Asabachelor,andnotaveryhandsomeoneatthat,LeightonhadalwaysbeenknownatStanfordasacoldfish.YettherewasanuncharacteristicwarmthbetweenhimandKay—anintriguingchemistrythatobviouslywentbeyondthemostamiableemployer-employeerelationship.ThatinitselfwouldnothavebeenenoughtopiqueCarla’sinteresthaditnotbeenforsomethingelseshesensedasLeightonhurriedonwithhisintroductions.

“Kay,youhaven’tmetViktorKhorevyet.He’sjustcomefromRussiatojoinourteam.”Viktorhalf-bowed,andKay’ssmilesuddenlyfrozeassheseemedtonoticehimforthefirsttime.Quicklysherecovered.

“Nottheworld-renownedparapsychologist!”sheexclaimedsmoothly.“You’reright!”wentonLeightonwithgreatenthusiasm.“Thisisthe

ViktorKhorev—freshfromthebaseweknowsowelljustnorthofMoscow.He’sgoingtobequiteanadditiontoourstaff,andIknowhe’llhaveagreatdealtocontribute.”

“I’msurehewill,”respondedKay.TurningtowardViktor,shesaidwithless-than-ampleenthusiasm,“I’mlookingforwardtoworkingwithyou,Dr.Khorev.”

Somethingwasn’tright,butCarlacouldn’tputherfingeronit.Isshe,perhaps,paranoidaboutRussians?Ordoesshefeelthreatenedbyamaleworld-classparapsychologistcomingintothepicture?Oraremyjournalisticinstinctsoutofcontrol?Idon’tknow,butthere’ssomething...

“ThisisCarlaBertelli,thejournalist,”Leightonwassaying.“I’msureyou’vereadsomeofherstuff.”

Kaymanagedamoreconvincingsmilethanshe’dgivenViktor,andseemedalmostrelievedtoturnherattentionawayfromhim.

“Yes,infactIhave.Mostinsightful.Whatapleasuretomeetyou,MissBertelli.”

“Andlast,butfarfromleast”continuedLeightonhurriedlynow,glancingathiswatch,“thisisKenInman,whoinventedthePsitronafewyearsbackandwantstoseewhatwe’reuptonow.”

Kayextendedherhand.“Ithinkyou’llbeastonished,”shedeclaredwithashowofrealenthusiasm,“toseehowfarwe’vegottenusingyourincredibleelectronicdevice—andsomeoftheinnovationswe’veadded.”

“I’mlookingforwardtothat,”repliedKen.Kaynoddedtoeachoneagain.“It’sanhonortomeetallofyou,”she

saidcordially.Then,glancingatherwatch,sheadded,“I’msorry,butIhavetogetrightbacktothelab.I’llseeyouoverthere.Inabouttwominutes,”sheaddedpointedlytoLeighton,thenturnedandhurriedfromtheroom.

“Ph.D.inroboticsfromMIT,”saidLeighton,withevidentpride.“Brilliant,efficient.ThesmartestthingIeverdidwashireherthreeweeksago.Shehasreallygottenusorganized.”Hehesitatedasthoughhefelthemighthavewaxedabittooenthusiastic.“Idon’tneedtotellyoutheconnectionbetweenKay’sexpertiseinartificialintelligenceandwhatwe’reinvolvedinhere.”

Hestartedtowardthedoorandmotionedforthemtofollow.“Wecantalkmorelater.ThemanIwantyoualltomeetisAntonioDelSasso,themostremarkablepsychicintheworld.He’salreadyinthelabpreparing

himself—andAntonio’sasticklerforpromptness,sowe’dbettergetoverthere.”

Leightonledthemoutintothehallagainandaroundacornertotheright.Carlawasstillpreoccupied.SupposetherewasaromancebetweenFrankandKay.Whileitwasnoneofherbusiness,shehopeditwouldbringtherealhappinessthat,aslongasshe’dknownhim,shehadsensedFrankdesperatelyneeded.Addtothestrainsinherentinsucharelationshipwithone’sbossthetremendouspressureKaymustbeundertoperform,andnowtheunknownelementsbeingintroducedwithViktor’sentry—perhapsherreactiontoViktorhadbeenonlynatural.Carlafiledtheimpressionsawayforfurtherreferenceanddeterminednottolettheminhibitherrelationshipwiththisratherunusualwoman.

AgainLeighton’seffusivevoicecommandedCarla’sattention.“AntonioisthefirstonetobefullydevelopedonthePsitron.He’sbeenunderthedirectionoftheArchonsfortwoyears.Theyhaveaprogramfordevelopingotherpsychics—infactaplanfortheworld.”

“You’reintouchwithArchons?”askedViktor,lookingatLeightoninsuddenconsternation.

“IthoughtI’dexplainedthat.”“Youinvitedmetojoin‘ProjectArchon,’butIhadnoidea...”Viktor

seemedalmostfrightened.Leightonstoppedinfrontofadoormarked“Laboratory1”.Aboveita

largeredlightwasflashingthewarning:“Experimentinprogress.”HelookedatKhorevwithconcern.“WouldconstantcontactwiththeArchonsandguidancefromthembotheryou?”

Viktorhesitated.“Theyhavedoneyounoharm?”“Harm?”returnedLeightonwithalaugh.“Ofcoursenot!They’reour

mentors.That’swhatthiswholeprojectisallabout.ForgetanycontactyoumayhavehadwiththeminRussia.You’reonoursidenowandthere’snothingtofear.”

Viktorseemedrelieved.“Thatexplainsafewthings.IthinkI’mbeginningtounderstandwhatIreallycametotheWesthopingtofindout.”

LeightonputhishandonViktor’sshoulderandgesturedtowardKen.

“MygoodfriendhereoncethoughtthattheArchonsweredemonsuptodeviltry.Ithinkwhatwe’reallabouttowitnesswillmakeitclearthattheyareindeedhighlyevolvedintelligencesthatwanttorescuemankindfromself-destruction.”

“I’llbelieveitwhenIseeit”saidKenwithagood-naturedgrin.“Solet’stakealookatwhatthisDelSassocando.That’swhywe’rehere,isn’tit?”

“That’sright!”Leightonwasbeamingonceagain.Puttingafingeroverhislipsforsilence,hepushedthedooropen.

[19]AntonioDelSasso

CarlacouldhardlycontainherexcitementasLeightonledthemquietlyintoalarge,high-ceilingedroom.ItseemedalmosttoomuchtobelievethatshehadlocatedViktorKhorevand,ontopofthat,tohavebeensoeasilyinvitedinsidethistop-secretpsychicresearchinstallationthatshewascertainattheveryleastwasbeingfundedbytheCIA—andmorethanlikelywastotallyunderitscontrol!Wereherhopestoohighandherimaginationtookeenlyincited,orwasthisthePulitzer-prizestoryshehadbeensocertainshewaspursuing?Whateveritturnedouttobe,shemustkeepherobjectivityinordertopresentthefactstothepublic,andshemustnotbeswayedbyFrank’spersuasiveness.Evaluatingpsychicphenomenawasaverytrickybusiness,asshewellknew.Itwasnevereasytoseparatethesmallamountofgenuinefromthevastamountoffraud.

Onceinsidethehugelaboratory,Kenlookedinvainforthe“launchingpadforjourneysintoinnerspace”thathe’dinventedandthatFranknowcalledthePsitron.Itwasnowheretobeseen.

Frankdetectedthequestioningsearchandwhispered,“ThePsitron’sinanotherlab.DelSassodoesn’tneeditanymore.HegoesintoOmegainstantly.We’vestartedtrainingtwoothersonit.They’rejustthefirst.Onedaythere’llbethousandsandeventuallymillionswithDelSasso’scapabilitiesineverycountryaroundtheworld.It’sfantastic,Ken,fantastic!”

Inthecenterofthewalloppositetheentrancewasaraisedplatformoccupiedonlybyanoversized,cushionedchairwithbroadarmsandahighback.Inappearanceitwasalmostthronelikeandlookedquiteout-of-placeinanexperimentallaboratory.Onthisloftyperch,inyogaposition,satamanwhosegiantsizeandcommandingdemeanormadehimanintimidatingfigureeveninthepassivityofdeepmeditation.Thefull-

lengthmonk’srobehewore,withhoodthrownback,wasjet-blacklikehisthickeyebrowsandheavy,close-croppedbeard.TherewasnoneedforLeightontoannouncethatthiscompellingpersonwasthehighly-acclaimedFatherAntonioDelSasso.

Thehoodedone!Viktorwasstaggered.SoYakovhadbeeninsidethisveryinstallation!WasitDelSasso,ortheArchons,whokilledYakov?Maybetherewasnorealdistinction.ViktorsensedthatLeightonwaswatchinghimandtriedhisbesttocontrolhisfeelings.

KayMorrisgaveLeightonanalmost-imperceptiblenod,thenturnedbacktoherrelentlesslyefficientdirectionoftwoassistants.Onelabworkerwaspreparingaremotelyoperatedbroadcast-qualityvideocameraonwheels;theotherwasreadyingacomputernexttoabankofmonitoringneedlesandgraphs.KennotedthattherewerenowiresconnectedtoDelSassoandwonderedwhatwasbeingmeasured.

AgainLeightonsensedtheunspokenquestionandwhispered:“Antoniogeneratesanincredibleelectromagneticfieldandananti-gravitationalforce—andsomeotherstrangeforceswehaven’tbeenabletoanalyze.I’llexplainmorelater.”

Thentoallthreehewhispered,“Youaren’tgoingtobelievethis!”Withtheuseofasmallforklift,thetwolabassistantsbeganhauling

frombehindastoragewallonthefarrightsideoftheroomanumberofheavyarticles.Thesetheycarefullyspacedabout15feetinfrontofDelSasso.Therewasanempty50-gallonsteeloildrum,alate-modelautomobilegasolineenginemountedonwoodenskids,alargeelectricmotorsimilarlymounted,andabarbellwithnumerouslargeweightsonit,which,Leightonwhispered,weighed“morethan1000pounds!”

WhentheobjectswereinplacetothesatisfactionofKayMorris,shemotionedtoherassistantstojoinherbehindaheavysteelshieldthatsurroundedthemonitoringequipmentandcontrols.Thenshequietlyaddressedthemeditatingpsychic.“We’reready,FatherDelSasso.”

Alongandalmostpalpablesilencefollowed.CarlaandViktorglancedatLeightonapprehensively.Heflashedthemaquick,confidentsmile.Suddenlytheoildrumwasliftedstraightupbysomeinvisibleforce.Itremainedmotionlessabouttenfeetintheairforafullminute.Then,witha

soundlikeasonicboom,itwascrumpledintoaballanddroppedbacktothefloor.

ViktorandCarlawerestunned.TheylookedatoneanotherandthenatLeighton.Hewassmilingandnoddingatthemagain.Ken’sfacialexpressionhadnotchanged.Somberandthoughtful,heavoidedlookingattheothers.

Nowtheautomobileenginestartedwitharoarandrevveduptoafastandsteadyidle.Thentheelectricmotorstartedaswell.Nocordorcableconnectedittoanysourceofelectricpower.Thebarbellliftedfromthefloorandcontinuedslowlytorise.Withatriumphantgrin,LeightonthrewaquickglanceatViktorandCarla.Theyweretransfixed.

Ken’seyes,likeDelSasso’s,wereclosed.“Father,”heprayedsilently,“intheNameofJesusChristandthroughHisbloodshedonthecrossforoursins,IaskYoutobindthedemonswhoareempoweringDelSassoandthatyouwilltherebyexposetheevilbehindhimandthetruesourceofhispower.”

Suddenlythebarbellhesitatedinitsponderouslevitationandbegantowobble.Somethingappearedtobegoingwrong.ViktorandCarlalookedinsurpriseatLeighton.Hisfaceregisteredstunnedincredulity.

DelSassomoveduncomfortablyinhischairandbecameincreasinglyagitated.Thesuspendedbarbelljerkedanddodgedaboutcrazily.Eventhedriverlessforkliftbegantorockbackandforthasthoughshakenbysomeunseengianthand.Thetwomotorssputteredandbouncedspasmodically,thenfelloverontheirsidesandquit.Atthesameinstanttheheavybarbellslammedagainstthesteelshieldprotectingthecontrolcenter,bouncedoff,andcrashedtothefloor.Thenallwassilent.

Dr.Morrisandhertwoassistantsfranticallycheckedthegraphsandcomputerizedmonitors.Leightonseemedparalyzed.DelSassoopenedhiseyeslikeamanawakeningfromanightmare.Hesatinawesomestillnessforamoment,staringatKen.Thenaterrifyingroar—ofanguishatfirstandthenrage—eruptedfromDelSasso’sthroat.Jumpingtohisfeetwitheyesblazing,hepointedanaccusingfingerstraightatKenandscreamed,“Hedidit!Gethimout!”

Unperturbed,Kencalmlyreturnedhisgaze.Viktorlookedin

bewildermentandapprehensionfromonetotheotherofthesetwoapparentantagonists.

“You’dbetterleave,”urgedFrankinalowvoice.“Hehasaviolenttemper.”

“I’mnotafraidofhim.Areyou?”Ken’schallengewasclear.“Ken,Idon’twantaconfrontation.”“Gethimoutnow!”DelSassothundered.“Let’sallgo,”whisperedFrankinconsternation.Kenwillinglywent

alongasFrankhurriedlyledtheway,followedcloselybyViktorandCarla.

Outsideinthehall,withhisbackagainstthecloseddoor,FrankturnedtoKenonceagain.“Nowwhatwasgoingoninthere?Whatdidhemeanyoudidit?Whatdidyoudo?”

“CouldhebejealousofKen?”suggestedCarlatentatively.“KeninventedthePsitronandwasthefirsttomakecontact.Psychicscanbeverytemperamental.”

“Heisaprimadonna,”concededLeighton.“Andhecanexplode.Buthe’sneveractedlikethis.Butthen,I’veneverknownhimtofail.”Wipinghisbrowwithahandkerchief,heturnedtoViktor.“Whatdoyouthink?”

Viktorwasoverwhelmed.“Idon’tknowwhathappened,butI’veneverseenanythinglikethis!DelSasso’spowersare...are...”HegaveuptryingtofindtheproperEnglishsuperlativeandshruggedhisshouldershelplessly.

“Ifhehassuchgreatpowers,whydoesn’theworkthemonme?Whydoesheaskyoutoescortmeout?”AgainKen’svoicecarriedthatunmistakablechallenge.

LeightonlookedatKeninamazement“Whatareyoutryingtosay?”“He’safraidofme,andIknowwhy.”“You’recrazy.He’snotafraidofanythingoranyone,Icanguarantee

that.AndIalreadytoldyouI’mnotgoingtohaveaconfrontation.Idon’twantthatkindofademonstration.Nowwhatdidhemeanyoudidit?”

“IknowwhathemeantandheknowsthatIknow.ButI’mgoingtolethimtellyou.Youwouldn’tlikemyexplanation.”

“SomehowKenbrokehisconcentration,”suggestedCarla.

“Concentrationhadnothingtodowithit,”retortedKen.“That’samyth.”

“Thenwhatwasit?”demandedLeighton.“Frank,Itoldyoutoaskhim.”“I’maskingyou.Didyoudeliberatelydosomething?”Kenturnedawaywithoutreplyingandbegantowalkbacktowardthe

lobby.Frankandtheothersfollowedhim.“Ken,Iwanttoknow—fromyou!”demandedFrank.Kenturnedslowlyaroundtofacethem.“DelSassodoesn’thaveany

psychicpower,”hesaidquietly,lookingFrankintheeye.“You’rebeingdeceived—badly.”

FrankturnedtoViktorandCarlainfrustration.“Nopsychicpowers?”herepeatedscornfully.“Isthismancrazy?Yousawit.”

“Oh,weallsawpower,”retortedKen.“Lotsofpower.Butitwasn’tunderDelSasso’scontrol.Ijustprovedthat.Humansdon’thavethecapacityforpsychicpower.There’snowaytheycandevelopit.That’spartofthedelusion.TheArchonsareusingDelSasso—andyou.Thatman’spossessed—likeIwas.”

“ComeoffitKen!Ithoughtyou’dgottenoverthatfixation.”“YouaskedmetotellyouwhatIdid,”saidKenevenly.“Okay,I’lltell

you.Ijustveryquietly,intheNameofJesusChristaskedtheonetrueGodtobindthedemonsthatwereputtingonthatshow.Andyousawwhathappened.”

Leighton’sjawdropped,andforjustamomentheseemedshakenanduncertain.Thenhisfacereddenedinanger.“That’sacoincidence,”hespatback.“Antonioisaverysensitiveperson.Hesensedyourhostilityanditbrokehisconcentration.Thisisadelicateprocedure.”

“Ken,Ifindyourexplanationchildishandself-serving!”Carlawantedtodistanceherselffromhisreligiousfanaticismimmediately.Aworld-renownedjournalisthadanimagetomaintain,especiallyifthatjournalistwasawoman.

Viktorwaswatchingandlisteninginperplexedsilence.SuchaconversationcouldneverhavetakenplaceinhislabinRussia!WhatdidKenmeanbypossessed?Washereferringtodemons,andwashe,like

Dmitri,abeliever?AtthatmomentthelaboratorydoorburstopenandDelSassoexploded

intothecorridor.HeimmediatelysawKenanderuptedwithrageonceagain.“Itoldyoutogethimout!”hebellowed.“IfIeverseehimhereagain,I’llkillhim!”

“Why?”askedKenquietly,inaverycalmvoice.“Why?”“Getout!”DelSassostartedtowardthem.Kenstoodhisground,staringfearlesslyintoAntonio’shate-filled

eyes.“I’mnotafraidofyou.GreaterisHethat’sinmethanthedemonsthatareinyou.”

DelSassoletoutaroaroffrustratedrage.LeightongrabbedKenbyanelbow,turnedhimaround,andstartedmovinghimhurriedlytowardthelobby.Kenwentalongwithoutresisting.Astheyturnedthecornerinthecorridor,Leightoncalledbackoverhisshoulder.“I’llseethatheleaves,Antonio.I’mtakinghimoutrightnow.”

“Waitformeinmyoffice,”Leightonaddedtotheothers.Ashesteppedintothelobby,withFrankstillpushinghimalong,Ken

heardCarlatellingViktor,“I’mgladwecameinseparatecars.”Thewordswerelikeaknifeplungedintohisback.

Outside,theywalkedsidebysideinstubbornsilence.Whentheyreachedthecar,FrankputhishandonKen’sarm.“Ican’tbelieveyou’ddothistome!”

“Dowhat?”“Youdeceivedme!IthoughtyouweregenuinelyinterestedorI

wouldn’thaveinvitedyou.”“Iwas—andIam,Frank.AndI’mconcernedforyou.”“Ithinkyoudeliberatelycameheretodisrupttheprogram.Youincited

DelSasso.You’veresentedthatIboughtyouout,eventhoughI’vealwayskepttheofferopentobringyoubackin.”

“Idon’twantbackin.ButIcameheregenuinelyinterestedtoseewhatwasgoingon,andI’mgladIdid.I’vemetDelSassonow,andheonlyconfirmedwhatIalreadyknew.I’mwarningyou,Frank:You’reheadingfordisaster.”

“Idon’tknowhowyoucansaythatKen!Ifyouonlyknewthe

potentialavailabletomankind,notjusttoDelSasso—he’sonlythefirst—buttoallofus!”

“Iknowthefulldeceptionofthatfalsepromise,Frank.AndIknowwho’sbehindit.Theytriedtokillme,andthey’llkillyouwhenyou’veservedtheirpurposeandtheyhavenofurtheruseforyou.”

“Ken,Ialreadytoldyoutherewasaflawinyouroriginaldesign.Itwasaslightmistakethatanyonecouldmake,butitwasanimportantone,andthatwaswhyyoufreakedoutanddroveoverthatcliff.TheArchonsidentifiedthatflaw,toldushowtocorrectit,andwedid.Thisisn’ttheory.We’veprovedthatwhattheysaidwastrue.Afterwemadethatmodification,Antoniohadnomoretrouble—nottheslightest.”

“He’scompletelypossessed!”“Idon’twanttohearthatagain!”“Whetheryouwanttohearitornot,it’sthetruth.”“Ken,listentome.Ifyouwouldonlydropyourfixationaboutdemons

andtakeanotherlookwithanopenmind.”“Itookalook.”“Butwiththesameoldsuperstitiousprejudice.Ken,we’reonthe

vergeofsolvingallhumanproblems!We’regoingtohaveanewworldwithoutpovertyordiseaseorwar!”

“AndwiththeArchonsincontrol,right?”“So?”Frankconceded.“NowIsupposeyou’regoingtofind

somethingsinisterinthat!Howcoulditbeotherwise?It’stheirplanandtheyhavetheknowledgeandthepower.Theyhavetobeincharge,butonlyuntilwe’vegotthepowertodoitourselves.”

“Alackofpowerisn’ttheproblem,Frank.Youshouldrealizethat.Youknowwhatthisgenerationhasbeencalled:‘nucleargiantsbutmoralmidgets.’Remember?Andthat’sdangerous!”

FrankgrewsilentKenclimbedintohiscarandloweredthewindow.“WhoaretheArchons?”

“They’rehighlyevolved,nonphysicalintelligenceswho’vebeenguidingourevolution.”

“They’vedonealousyjob!”“That’swhythey’reinterveningnow—topreventanecologicalor

nuclearholocaust.Ifwedestroyourselves,thatcouldsetbackthekarmaofthewholegalaxy.”

“Whatyou’regivingme,Frank,isbasicHinduism.Whyisthatacceptable,butChristianityisunthinkable?”

“It’snotHinduism.It’sscience.”“Youknowbetterthanthat.Karma,highlyevolvedMasters,magic

powersthroughyogictrance—that’sscience?”Frankdidn’tanswer.Hespunaroundandstartedtowalkaway.Kenleanedoutthewindowandcalledafterhim.“SoI’mpersonanon

gratafromnowon?”Frankstoppedandturnedtofacehimagain.“Iwishitwereotherwise,

butwhatwouldbethepoint?AnotherblowupwithDelSasso?”“Yououghttobeaskingyourselfsomeseriousquestions,Frank.For

example,whathappenedtoDelSasso’sgreatpowers?AndwherearetheArchons?Aretheysoweak?Theynearlykilledmeonce,butIhavenofearofthemanymore.Facethefacts!Itoldyouthetruth—whatIactuallydidinthelab.IshutDelSassodownwithasimpleprayer!”

Leightonlookedathimwithastonishment,andthenwithcontempt“Abrilliantmindgonetoruin—that’swhatyouare.Eversincethataccidentyou’vebeensufferingfromreligiousdelusions.Youneedprofessionalhelp,Ken.Icouldarrangeforthebestpsychiatricdiagnosisandtreatment.”

“Forgetabout‘analyzing’me,andanalyzeyourownsituation.You’regettinginoveryourhead.YououghttostayawakenightsaskingyourselfhowyouknowtheArchonsaretellingyouthetruth!Whydoyoutrustthem?Supposethey’renotwhotheysaytheyare,andI’mrightafterall?”

FrankstaredatKeninsilence.Thenheturnedawayonceagainand,withoutanotherword,hurriedtowardthefrontdoor.

Kenbackedhiscaroutofitsparkingplaceanddroveslowlytowardthegate.HefelttheweightofaheavygriefforFrank,andforKhorev,too—andanoverwhelmingsenseofforebodingforCarla.AsforDelSasso,themanwasevilpersonifiedandcapableofalmostanything.TheArchonshadchosentheirinstrumentwell.

[20]ThePlan

WhenLeightonreturnedtohisoffice,hefoundDelSassoinarelaxedandaffablemood,sittinginaneasychairdeepinconversationwithCarlaandViktor.Theyhadbeenprobinghimwithpointedquestionsaboutthedangersoftheincrediblepsychicpowertheyhadjustseenhimdisplay.Whatifitgotintothewronghands?Andhowcouldthatpossibility,afterall,bepreventedifpsychicpowerwassimplyanormalhumanpotentialandthusavailableequallytoeveryone?Whatafrightfulworlditwouldbeifeverypersonhadsuchdangerouscapabilities—aworldofsorcererszappingoneanotherwithunlimitedpowersofthemind!

DelSassohadlaughedattheirfearsandassuredthemthat,contrarytopopularmisconceptionsaboutunlimitedhumanpotential,psychicpowerwasagifttomankindfromhigherintelligences—theArchons.Afailuretorecognizeandhonorthetruesourceofthisforcewas,infactthereasonfortheslowprogressandfrustrationthathadplaguedthefieldofparapsychologyworldwidesinceitsinceptionattheendofthenineteenthcentury.Thebreakthroughcamewhenthissecretresearchcenter,directedbyFrankLeighton,hadbeenwillingtoenterintoanagreementwiththeArchonstobecome,undertheirdirectionandcontrol,thedistributorsofthispowertotheworld.ThatpartnershiphadcatapultedtheAmericanslight-yearsaheadoftheRussiansandeveryoneelse.

ItallmadesensetoViktor.Infact,thecriticalquestionsthathadloomedsolargeforhimseemedtobeintheprocessofbeingansweredwithoutevenaskingthem.DelSasso’sexplanationoftheroleplayedbytheArchonswasinperfectagreementwiththeconclusionsViktorhadarrivedatinRussia,andfilledinmostofthemissinggapsinhistheory.Thereasonfortherepeatedwarnings,andthehorrifyingeventsinhislaboratorynorthofMoscowwhentheypersistedinpursuingtheirresearch

alongforbiddenlines,nowseemedclear.ForCarla,however,whoknewnothingofwhathadhappenedin

Viktor’slab,DelSasso’sstatementsweretoorevolutionarytoacceptwithoutfurtherproof.Ofcourse,shehadlittledoubtaboutthestaggeringpowerhehaddisplayed,buttoattributeittomysteriousnonphysicalintelligencesseemedtoraisemorequestionsthanitanswered.WhoweretheseArchonsthatLeightonandDelSassospokeofinsuchfamiliarterms—andthatViktorseemedtohaveknownaboutandfeared?Whatwastheirintentandmotive?Italsoremindedher,uncomfortably,ofsomeofthethingsKenhadsaidinthehospital.Whileshecouldnolongerbelieveindemons,yetiftherewerehighlyevolvednonphysicalentitiesouttheresomewhere,wasitnotpossiblethatsomeofthemcouldbeevil?Sheresolvedtokeepanopenmind,butnottosurrendertheskepticismthateveryjournalisthadtoapplycontinuallytoeachstorybeinginvestigated.

“Howdidthatlunaticgetinhere?”demandedDelSassothemomentLeightonwalkedthroughthedoor.

Leightonshookhisheadinembarrassmentanddisbelief.“It’smyfaultforinvitinghim.I’msorry,Antonio.Ihadnoidea.”

“Don’teventhinkaboutit,”repliedDelSassocontemptuously.“He’safundamentalistfanaticcompletelyparanoidaboutdemons.ImetdozenslikehimwhenIwasonlecturetourfortheSocietyofJesus.They’dconfrontmeatmytalks,quoteBibleversesthat‘proved’thepopewastheAntichrist.WhenI’dagreeandsay,‘Maybeheis,’they’dbespeechless.Youknow,ofcourse,”headdedconspiratorially,“thattheJesuitshaven’tgottenalongtoowellwiththepopeforyears.”Thenhiseyesnarrowed.“Don’tletmeseethatmaniacinhereeveragain!”

“You’vegotmywordonthat,”saidLeightonwithconviction,seatinghimselfcasuallyonthefrontofhishugedesk.“Nowtellme,whatreallyhappenedinthere?”

DelSassoleanedbackcomfortablyandlaughedashelookedfromonetotheotherofhisadmirers.Heobviouslyenjoyedhiscelebritystatus,butheexudedawinningsincerityaswell.Hischarm,whenhewantedtoturniton,seemedalmostsupernatural.Keepyourfeetontheground,andyourheadoutoftheclouds!Carlaremindedherself.

“IwasinOmega,”saidDelSasso,“withmyeyesclosed,waitingforthestartingsignalfromKay.Thenyouallcamein.ThemomentheenteredthelabIknewhewasthere,eventhoughwe’venevermetTheArchonsidentifiedhimasanenemy.”

DelSassoletthatsinkinforamoment,thencontinued.“Itriedtoignorehimandcarryonfortheirsake.”HegesturedtowardCarlaandViktor.“ButIwassotunedintothecollectiveunconsciousthathisnegativethoughtswerelikeradiostaticjammingthefrequencyonwhichIwasreceivingtheenergy.Itinfuriatedme.FinallyIjusthadtocallahaltandgethimoutofthere.”

“Hetoldusheshutyoudown,”saidCarla.ShewantedtohearfromDelSassoadirectresponsethatwouldlaytorestKen’sfundamentalistfantasiesonceandforall.

DelSasso’swarm,browneyesinstantlyignitedinablazeofanger.CarlafoundthesuddentransformationtooJekyllandHydeishforcomfort.Yetwhathesaidwaspersuasiveenough.“Whatmakesamanlielikethat?Ikneweverythoughthewasthinking—pitiful,archaicsuperstitionsaboutdemons.”HerolledhislargeeyesincontemptthenturnedtoViktor.“Howdidthelittleyousaw—beforeIstoppedit—comparewiththelevelyou’vereachedintheRussia?”

“There’snocomparison.You’resofarbeyondanythingwe’veachieved—well,it’sobviousthatyourexplanationabouttheArchonsisaccurate.”Viktorleanedforwardandnoddedhisheadslowlyinawedassent.“Itcertainlyconfirmsmyownresearch,andexplainssomemysteriouseventsinmylabthatIsuspectyouknowallabout.”

SuchconfirmationfromViktormadeastrongimpressionuponCarla,butshestilldidn’tknowwhattheyweretalkingabout.

Leightoncouldnotsuppressasmugexpression.“SoAntoniohasbeenexplainingabouttheArchons,hashe?”SeeingCarla’spuzzledlook,hesuggestedtoViktor,“Nowthatyou’rereunitedunder,shallwesay,morerelaxedconditionsthanwhenyoumetinParis,itwouldbeagoodidea,whenthere’stime,totellCarlasomeofyourpastexperienceswiththeArchons.”

“You’vebeenincontactwiththem,too?”askedCarla,turningto

Viktorinsurprise.“We’vebeenchastenedbythem—severely,”herepliedsomberly.“I’d

liketoseefurtherevidence,ofcourse,butsofar,everythingDr.DelSasso—”

“Antonio,please,orFatherDelSasso,ifyouprefer,”interjectedthepsychicgraciously.

“—Antoniohassaidringstrue,”continuedViktor.HeturnedtoLeighton.“PerhapsIcouldshowMissBertelli—Carla—”Hischeeksflushedslightlyashecorrectedhimself.“PerhapsIcouldshowhermyvideo.”

“Agreatidea!”respondedLeighton,lookingsuddenlylikeamanwhohadjustrememberedhehadsomeextraordinarysurprisesuphissleeve.“Thatwouldgivehersomeinsights.Andthat’simportant,becauseeventuallythepowerthattheArchonsaretrainingustousemustbesharedwiththeworld.”HeturnedtoCarla.“That’swhereyoucomein,ifyou’rewilling,ofcourse.We’lldiscussthatlater.Ithastobeplannedcarefully.”

LookingquestioninglyatDelSassoforconfirmation,Leightonsuggested,“Idon’tthinkAntoniowantstogobacktothelabandstartoverafterthatrudeinterruption.”

Antonioglancedathiswatchandshookhishead.“I’vegottogetovertolabfour.It’salmosttimeforthedailytransmission,andIhavetogetwiredup.”Standingtoleave,heshooktheoutstretchedhandsofCarlaandViktor.“Itwasapleasuretomeetyou.I’mlookingforwardtoworkingwithyouboth.”

“Iwouldbehighlyhonored,”saidViktorenthusiastically.“Well,you’vecertainlyimpressedme,”addedCarla.“DoIunderstand

thatyou’rewillingtogivemecompletefreedomasaninvestigativereporter?”

“Wewouldn’twantitanyotherway,”DelSassoassuredherinstantly,lookingherdirectlyintheeyeswithanexpressionofchildlikeinnocencethatencouragedtotaltrust.

AsDelSassolefttheroom,Leightonwalkedaroundandseatedhimselfintheoversizedexecutivechairbehindhishugedesk.Theveryfewpapersontopofitwereneatlyarranged.Heobviouslyranatightship

andwaswell-organizedhimself.Claspinghishandsbehindhishead,heleanedfarbackinevidentandjustifiablesatisfaction.“Well,youjustgotitfromthehorse’smouth.Antonio’ssomethingelse,isn’the?Incaseyou’rewondering,he’sstillanactiveJesuitpriestbutnotanarrow-mindedadherenttoChristiandogmabyanymeans,asIsupposeyoucantell.Hisdoctorate’sinOrientallanguages.WhenIfirstmethimhewasalreadyatoppsychic—developedhispowerswhilestudyingBuddhisminJapanshortlyaftertheKoreanWar.IknewimmediatelyhewasanaturalforthePsitron.SowhenKenhadhisaccidentanddroppedout,IbroughtinAntonio.Hemadealmostimmediatecontactwith‘theNine,’andit’sbeenanincredibleadventureeversince.”

Leightonpauseddramaticallyforamomentthenadded,“Insteadofjusttalkingaboutit—-sinceyougotcheatedoutofseeingwhatAntoniocanreallydo—whydon’tIjustboggleyouabitbeforewebreakforlunch.Okay?”

“Boggle?”askedViktor.“Astonish,amaze,astound,”explainedCarla.“Soundsgood.Let’sgo

forit.”ThensheleanedoverandpattedViktor’sarm.“That’sahighbrowword.Iwouldn’tworryaboutit.YourEnglishissomuchbetterthanmyFrenchorGerman.AndasformyRussian,aboutallIcansayis‘Goodmorning,’‘Howareyou?’and‘Goodbye.’”

Leightonpushedabuttonandspokeontheintercomtohissecretaryinanadjoiningroom.“Holdallmycalls—Iwon’tbeavailableuntilafterlunch.”

Heselectedavideocassettefromamongseveralstackedneatlyinonecornerofhisdesk,walkedovertoaVCRconnectedtoahuge,curvedtelevisionscreennearby,andinsertedit.Pickinguparemotecontrol,hecameovertojoinhistwoguestsonthelongsofa.Ashestartedthevideoheremindedthem,“Ifyouhaveanyquestions,justletmeknowandI’llstopit.”

ThevideobeganwithDelSassoseatedinanoffice,eyesclosed,athinwireinhishands,whichhewasmovingslowlyinacircularmotion,holdingithorizontallyaboutsixinchesabovealarge-scalemapspreadoutonthedeskbeforehim.Suddenlythewiretwistedinhisfingersand

pointeddirectlyatthemap.Atthesameinstant,withhiseyesstillclosed,hishandsstoppedtheirmotionandseemedtohover.Anassistantappearedfromthesideandputacalibratedmagnifyingdeviceonthemapinthedesignatedspot.Thecamerazoomedinonanearbycomputerwherethepreciselatitudeandlongitudeappearedonthemonitor.

Leightonpushedthepausebutton.“ThisisoneofthefirstpracticalapplicationsoftheArchons’powers.Thecoordinatesyousawonthecomputerwereobviouslychanged,butotherwiseyouwitnesseditexactlyasithappened.Armyengineersarestillmappingoutthearea,butalreadyitpromisestobethelargestpoolofoileverdiscovered.It’sinawildernesslocationwithinthecontinentalUnitedStates,asitethatwouldsurpriseanygeologist—whichmaybewhyitremainedunknown.They’vedrilledanumberofwells,tested,andcappedthem.Thelocation,ofcourse,issecretatthemoment.”

Thenextscenethatcameonthescreenwastheinteriorofahugehothouseshapedlikeapyramid.Itwasfilledwithawidevarietyofvegetableandmelonplants.DelSassocouldbeseenwalkingslowlyupanddownbetweenthelongrows,stoppingtoholdhishandsbrieflyovereachplant.Thatscenemergedintoanothershowingseveralworkersinthesamelocationharvestingastonishingquantitiesofcabbagesandcantaloupesthesizeofbasketballs,aswellashugetomatoes,carrots,beets,andotherproduce,allofprodigioussizeandsuperbquality.

AgainLeightonpausedtocomment.“Thisisanotherpracticalapplicationthatwillbenefittheworld.Everythingyoujustsawwasgrowninabouttwo-thirdsthenormaltimeandwithhalftheusualamountofwaterinverypoorsoil,yetwithavitaminandmineralcontentfarhigherthananythingbeingpresentlyproduced.Thesecretisaconversionofpsychicenergyinnateinspace,eveninavacuum.ThesameresultscanbehadintheSahara,oranywhere.Idon’thavetotellyouwhatthiswillmeanfortheworld.”

“Nowthat’ssomethingworthwhilethatIcouldgetexcitedabout!”exclaimedCarla.“Isitbeingdonenow?”

“Notyet.WeneedthousandsofDelSassos.Theyhavetobetrained,andthatcanonlyhappenwhenthePlanhasbeenrevealedandacceptedby

theworld’sleaders.ThatwillbringthedawningofaNewAgebeyondimagination—paradiseonearth!”

“ThePlan?”askedViktorwarily.“Whatplan?”“Wedon’thaveallthedetailsyet,buttheArchonshaveadefinitePlan

forimplementingtheirsolutiontothecriseswenowface.We’llgetintothatlater.IwanttoshowyouonemoreexampleofwhattheArchonscando.It’ssomethingIthinkyou’llagreecouldguaranteelastingpeaceamongallnations—andevenamongindividuals.”

LeightonstartedthevideoagainandViktorgasped.ThescenewasnowinsidehislaboratoryinRussia.ThequalityoftheimagewasalmostasgoodasifitwerebeingtransmittedliveoveraclearTVchannel.YakovwasbeingstrappedintohischairbyDmitri.Viktorsawhimselfbusilydirectingtheoperationfromthecontrolroomabove.Thewholetraumaticepisodeunfoldedagainbeforehiseyesexactlyasithadhappened.HesawYakovrippedoutoftheapparatusandthrownacrosstheroomtohisdeath.Viktorgroanedandlookedaway.

Unconsciously,CarlaputacomfortinghandonViktor’sarm.Leightonstoppedthefilm.“I’msorry,”hesaid.“Ishouldhavewarned

youbeforehand.IguessIgotcarriedawaywantingtosurpriseyou.”“No,it’sokay,”respondedViktorsolemnly.“Ineededtoseeitagain.

Sometimesitseemssounreal—likeanightmare,orsomethingI’vefantasized.”HeturnedtoCarla.“IguessyoucouldtellthatwasinsidemylabnearMoscow?”

“Thatactuallyhappened?”sheaskedinastonishment.Viktornodded.“Thatwasthethirdpsychicwe’dlost.”“Youbroughtthefilmwithyou?”“Ibroughtsomefilm,butnotthat.”HeturnedtoLeighton.“NowI

knowwhatyoumeanby‘boggle.’Idon’tknowwhattosay.Soyouactuallykneweverythingweweredoing?”

“Everything,”saidLeightonmatter-of-factly.Carlastilldidnotunderstand.“Howcouldyougetanagentinsidehis

lab?”sheaskedLeighton.“Andhowcouldhetakethatfilmwithoutanyoneknowingit?”Beforehecouldrespond,sheturnedtoViktorinbewilderment.“Didyoueversuspectthatoneofyourownmenwasdoing

this?”“That’snothowithappened,”repliedViktor.“IknowwhatFrankis

goingtotellusbecausewedidsomewhatthesamething,butourresultswereStoneAgeincomparison.”

Hitchingaroundonthesofasothathecouldlookdirectlyintotheireyes,Leightonleanedinclose.Itwasagestureofconfidentialitytowardthesetwowhowerebeingtakenintotheinnercircle.“DelSassotookthatfilmwithhismind,sittingrightinthatlabwhereyousawhimtoday.”Hespokecalmly,buttheexpressiononhisfacewasacrescendooftriumph.

“Ican’tbelieveit!”exclaimedCarla.ShelookedoveratViktor.Hewasnoddinginawedconfirmation.

Leighton’seyesreflectedanexcitementthathecouldhardlycontain.“InourvaultsherewehavethousandsoffeetoffilmofsecretRussianexperiments,notonlyfromViktor’slab,butfromotherlabsofvariouskinds—evenfilmsoftop-secret,high-levelKremlinmeetings.”

Leightonloweredhisvoiceandleanedevencloser.“WhatI’mtellingyouishighlyclassifiedinformation.It’snottobesharedwithanyoneuntiltheArchonsgivetheword.Youcouldcountononehandthepeopleoutsideofthisbasewhoknowaboutit.NoneofthefilmIjustmentioned—andImeannoneofit—hasbeenseenbyanyoneintheFBI,theStateDepartmentthePentagon....SuchknowledgeandpowerwillnotbeusedagainsttheRussians,oragainstanyothernation,solongastheygoalongwiththePlanwhenthetimecomes—whichwillbeverysoon.”

Leightonletthatinformationsinkinforafewmoments.Hestoodandbegantopacethefloorinsilence.Atlasthebegantospeakwithpassion.“Canyouseewhatthismeans?Warwillbeimpossible.Peacewillbepermanent,andevencrimewillbenomore.IntheNewWorldnoonewillbeabletohatchsecretplots.There’llbenosubversion,noterrorism.Itwillbeimpossibletohideanythoughtordeedfromthoseincontrol.Paradisewillberestored.”

“Thoseincontrol?”askedViktorpointedly.Hesuddenlylookedapprehensive.“Whowillthatbe?”

“TheArchonsatfirst,ofcourse,”declaredLeightonwithouthesitation.“Thenthosewhohavebeenchosenbythemaschannelsoftheir

power.”“Andifsomenationsrefusetoacceptthisneworder?”suggested

Carla.“What’sthealternative?”shotbackLeighton.“They’dbeinsanenotto

goalong.Therewardsforcooperationarevirtuallyunlimited.Everynationwillhaveitsownpsychics—thousandsandevenmillionsofthem—withpowerslikeDelSasso’s.Fortheaverageperson,thiswillbringaboutanentirelynewwayofperceivingthemselvesandtheworldaroundthem—atransformationthatwillfollownaturallyfromthedailyandroutinedisplayofwhatusedtobethoughtofasimpossible.Ithinkyoucanappreciatefromeventhelittleyou’veseenonthevideothatsuchpowerasthiscreatesaradicalchangeinconsciousness,anentirelynewwayoflookingatrealitythatremovestheillusionoflimitationsthathaveneedlesslyenslavedusasaresultofourpastconditioning.Thenewconditioningprocesswillcomeaboutthroughtheverydisplayofthispower.Thatinitselfwillproduceanewworldviewand,asaresult,anewworld.”

Viktorhadscarcelyheardtheirexchange.Hewasstillsostunnedbywhathe’dseenthathecouldhardlyfindwords.“Thisisabsolutelystaggering,”hemurmured,moretohimselfthantotheothers.“IthoughtitwastheArchonsthatkilledYakov,andmysuperiorsinsisteditwastheAmericans.Whowasit?”

“Itwasboth,”repliedLeightonsimply.“Why?”interjectedCarla.“WhywouldtheyhelpDelSasso,andkill

theRussianpsychics?”“ForthesamereasonthatViktordefectedtotheWest:Marxist

materialismstilldominates.Itrefusestoadmittheexistenceofentitieswithoutbodies.TheArchons—well,youhavetobelieveinthemtoworkwiththem.”

“Istilldon’tunderstandthefavoritism,”persistedCarla.“What’stheirpurpose?”

“Theywanttohelpus,andthatmeansthewholeworldeventually.Butatthisstagethey’reworkingthroughtheAmericansbecausewe’retheoneswhomadecontactandhavefaithinthem.”HelookedatCarla

sympathetically.“ThatwasKen’sproblem.Hewouldn’ttrustthem.”“Butwhoarethey?”sheasked.“That’salmostlikeaskingwhatisgravityorenergy.Idon’thavea

completeanswertothatquestion,andweprobablyneverwillbecausethey’resofarbeyondus.Basically,asI’vealreadysaid,they’rehighlyevolvedbeingswhohaveadvancedbeyondthelowerstatesofbodilydependence.Fromtheirhigherdimensionthey’vebeenguidingmankind’sevolutionforthousandsofyears.There’snodeathortimeintheirdimension,andtheysaywe’vereachedacriticalphasethatrequirestheirdirectinterventiontopreventusfromdestroyingourselves.”

“Idon’tdoubttheneedfortheirintervention,”murmuredCarla,notentirelyconvinced.“ButI’mnotsureIlikethewaythey’regoingaboutit.”

“Youwon’tquestiontheirwisdomorabilityonceyou’veworkedwiththem.Iguaranteethat.”

Viktorstillseemedstunned.“Suchstaggeringpower.Howdoesitwork?Whydotheyneedtochannelitthroughhumans—notjustone,butthousandsandevenmillionsofDelSassos?”

“Theyhaven’texplainedthat.Idon’tthinkifssomuchthattheyneedtoworkthroughahumanchannel.Ithinkit’smoreacaseofwantingustoberesponsibleforourselves.”Leightonbegantopacebackandforthagain,ponderinghiswordsashespoke.“TheimpressionIgetisthattheydon’twanttodoeverythingforus.We’vegottolearntodoitonourownsowecanbeindependentofthemeventually.SotheydoneedDelSassos.Millionsofthemhavetobetrained.That’souronlyhopeforsurvival.Timeisshort,andtheymusthavethecooperationoftheworld.”

HestoppedinfrontofCarlaandstoodlookingdownintoherupturnedface,studyinghercarefully.“That’swhereyoucomein.It’saverydelicatesituation.Ifwedon’tbreakthisnewsjustright,itcouldcauseworldwidepanicorskepticism.Oneisasbadastheother.Wehavetogeneratebeliefandgenuinetrust,oritwon’twork.RightnowDelSassoisouronelink,ouronehope.Ifsomethingshouldhappentohim—well,Idon’tevenwanttothinkaboutit.”

......

ThatnightKenandhismotherattended,astheyregularlydid,theweeklyprayergatheringatthelargehomeofHalandKarenElliott.Therewere,asusual,anumberof“praiseitems”thatwereenumeratedatthebeginningofthemeetingbytheleaderofthegroup,RogerAndrews,alocalattorney.Itwasconsiderednolessimportanttogivethanksforprayersthathadbeenansweredthantomakenewrequests,ofwhichtherewerealwaysseveralimportantones.

WhenKen’sturncametomakehisprayerneedsknown,hestoodtoaddressthegroup.“We’vehadCarlaBertelliandFrankLeighton,asyouknow,ontheprayerlistforalongtime,”hebeganearnestly.“I’dliketoupdateyousoyoucanpraymorespecifically.CarlaisbackintownandmaybegettinginvolvedwithFrank’spsychicresearchprogram—thesameonethatgotmedemonizedandalmostkilled.PraiseGod,thatwhatSatanmeantforevil,Godturnedintogood.Andthat’showIcametotheLord,asmostofyouknow.”

“Thankyou,Lord!PraiseGod!Thankyou,Jesus!”Theshortexpressionsofthanksgivingweremurmuredsoftlyaroundtheroom.MostofthosepresenthadprayedearnestlythenightthatHalandKarenhadgonetothehospitaltocastthedemonsoutofKen,andtheyhadwatchedwithjoyandexcitementhisrapidgrowthinthefaith.

“Thepsychicwhotookmyplace,”continuedKensolemnly,“isheavilydemon-possessed.Idon’tthinkthere’sanydoubtaboutthat.I’mafraidCarlaissoimpressedbywhatshethinksarepsychicpowersthatshe’llbesuckedrightintothewholedelusion.Sheneedstohavehereyesopenedtothetruth.Pleaseprayspecificallythatshewillbecomedisillusioned—thatthemaskwillslipenoughfortherealevilbehindthistobecomeobvioustoher.”

Hestartedtositdown,thenrememberedViktor.“PleaseprayalsoforthetopRussianscientistinpsychicresearchwhohasjoinedLeighton’steam.Ithinkhehassomedoubts.PraythattheLordwilldeliverhimalso.”Afteramoment’spause,headdedthoughtfully,“Ofcourse,they’llbothhavetobewilling.It’sachoicetheyhavetomake.SojustpraythatGodwilldoeverythingpossibletoconfrontthemwiththetruthsotheycanatleastmakeanintelligentchoice.Rightnowthey’reunderheavydeception,

whichcanonlygetworseaslongastheyremainundertheinfluenceofLeightonandhisteam.”

Therewere,ofcourse,manyotherprayerrequests,andthemeeting,asusual,wentonuntilnearlymidnightThesepeoplehadcometothefirmconvictionthatprayerinvolvedmorethanbrieflystatingastringofcasualrequests.TherewasaferventearnestnessandpersistenceintheirprayersastheynotonlylaidbeforeGodthemanyneeds,butappealedrepeatedlytoScriptureandGod’sgraceandloveinsupportoftheirrequests.

Thoughthehourwaslate,theparticipantslingeredwhenthemeetingatlastbrokeup.DonJordan,theFBI’sWestCoastDirectorofCounterintelligenceandstationedatthelocaloffice,shookhandswarmlywithKen.“Goodtoseeyouagain,brother.I’llsurebeprayingdailyforthoserequestsyoumentioned.”HetookKenbythearmandsaidinalowvoice,“Couldwestepoutsideforamoment?”

Whentheywereawayfromthehouseinacornerofthedimly-litbackyard,Jordansaid,“IwonderifIcouldaskyousomething.YousaidaRussianscientisthasjoinedLeighton’steam?”Kennodded.

“NoRussianthatwouldqualifyforsuchajobhasbeeninthecountrythatIknowof,”addedJordan,“whichmeanshe’sgottobeahigh-leveldefector—andaveryrecentonethatIdon’tevenknowabout.Isthatcorrect?”

“That’sright.Carladidn’tgivemeanydetails.SheonlymentionedthatithappenedinParistwoweeksagoattheFirstInternationalCongressonParapsychology.Sheapparentlyplayedakeyroleinhelpinghimmakehisbreak.”

Donshookhisheadindisbelief.“Thatmeansonlyonething:Leighton’soperationmustbeundersomegovernmentagency,andIsuspectit’stheCIA.Nobodyelsecouldhaveatop-leveldefectorthatquickly.Itusuallytakesmonths,andevenyears,forclearance.You’resureaboutthis?”

“Absolutely.Iwasthereandsawhimmyself.”“There’snothinglikebureaucracy,”saidDonwitharesignedshrug.

“Thelefthandnevertellstherighthandwhatit’sdoing.You’dthinksomebodywouldhavetoldusthatabrand-newRussiandefectorwasgoing

tobeworkinginourarea.TheRussiansmayverywellmakeanattempteithertorecoverortokillthisman.Butdoesanyonetellme?No,Ijusthappentofindoutbyaccident!”

“DotheRussiansnormallygoafterdefectors?”askedKeninsurprise.“Youdon’treadaboutthatsortofthing.”

“Itrarelygetsintothenews.Ifhe’sabigenoughfish—whichthismansoundslike—they’dgoafterhimiftheyknewwherehewas.That’spreciselywhydefectorswithhigh-levelclassifiedinformationtogive,orcovertties,aregivenanewidentityanddisappearatleastforafewyears,untilthey’renot‘hot’anymore.Idon’tthinkthere’sanydoubtthattheRussianswillfindoutwhereheis—andthatmeanswe’vegotproblems!”Heshookhisheadagainindisbelief.“Ican’tbelievetheCIAwouldn’ttellus.”

“Maybetheyplannedtotellyou.Hejustgottherelastnight.Anyway,it’slikeafortressoutthere,”addedKen.“Idon’tthinktheRussianscouldpossiblygetathim.”

Donsmiledandshookhishead.“TheRussianshaveanelitecorpsthathandlesjustsuchjobs,andthey’reveryefficient.I’mgoingtocallmyofficerightaway.”

“TheCIAmustknowwhatthey’redoing.”“Iwouldn’tcountonit—notifmylifedependedonit.”Heputahand

onKen’sshoulder.“Andyou’resureyourex-fiancéehelpedthisdefectorescape?”

Kennodded.“That’swhatshesaid.”“IftheRussiansknowthat—andtheyprobablydo—thenshe’sinbig

danger.Revengeisapowerfulmotive,evenfortheFSB.Doyouknowwhereshe’sstaying?”

“AttheHilton,asoflastnight.”“I’llhavesomeonecheckonhernowandthen.That’sthebestIcan

promise.TheCIAshouldreallyhavesomeoneassignedtoherdayandnight.”

[21]CatandMouse

ItwasverylatewhenCarla,witharestrainedyawn,finallystoodtoherfeettosayareluctantgoodnight.FrankandViktorstoodupstifflyaswell.Ithadbeenanemotionallyexhaustingdayforallofthem.DelSassohadretiredearlierwithabadheadache,whichhadbecomeafrequentoccurrenceforhimlatelyandgaveLeightonagreatdealofconcern.

“Thishasbeenincrediblyinformativeandfascinating,”saidCarla,“butIjusthavetogetsomesleep.Don’texpectmebeforenoon.Whataboutyou,Viktor?Whereareyoustaying?Doyouneedaride?”

“I’mstayingouthere—Inoneoftheguestapartments.It’snicerthananythingI’veeverlivedin.”

“It’sforhisownprotection,”addedLeighton.“Ifwegavehimanewidentityandlethimdisappear,he’dbeofnovaluetothePlan.ButasthetopRussianscientistinthisfield,withaninternationalreputation,hisendorsementwillmeanalot.Sowe’reguardinghiminherewherehe’llbesafeuntilthePlanhasbeenimplemented.Thenanywhereintheworldwillbesafeforeveryone!”

CarlagaveViktoraquickhug.“It’sbeenwonderfulseeingyouagain,andknowingthatyou’reinsuchgoodhands—andthatyou’llbeinvolvedrightawayinthekindofresearchyouwerehopingtogetinto.”

“Icanneverthankyouenough!”heresponded.“Withoutyourcourage,thiswouldn’thavehappened!IhatetothinkwhereI’dberightnow.”

“Well,don’tforgetourlittlearrangement.”“Never!AndI’msohappythatyou’regoingtobepartofthisproject

too.Isthatright?”Helookedquestioninglytobothofthemforconfirmation.

“Icertainlyhopeso,”saidLeighton,turningtoCarla.“Areyou

acceptingtheassignment?”Shehadbeenmovingslowlytowardthedoorastheytalked.“I’llbe

backtomorrowtogetacloserlookandafewmorequestionsanswered.”Carlapausedforamoment,thenaddedcautiously,“I’dbecrazytoturndownanopportunitylikethis!Yes,I’dliketoacceptthechallenge,Frank—providedIcankeepmyindependenceasajournalist.”

“That’sunderstood,”Frankremindedher,“sodon’tevenmentionitagain.”

Astheheavysteelgateswungshutbehindherandsheturnedhercarontotheaccessroad,Carlabreathedalong,satisfiedsigh.Wow!Whataday!Incredible!DoIwanttotaketheassignment?IguessIplayedthatcool!HereIthoughtitwouldbesodifficulttofindoutwhatwasgoingon.InsteadI’minvited—almostbegged.Itwasallbeyondanythingshewouldhavedaredtohopefor.Yet,inspiteofherexhilaration,therewasagnawingpangofdoubt.Somethingbotheredher.

Wasittoogoodtobetrue?OrwasitthefactthatDelSasso,whocouldbesocharmingandsincere,hadshownanothersidethatwasfrighteninglyvicious?AndtheArchons—weretheyreallyhighlyevolvedintelligencesorsimplydeeperlevelsofthehumanpsyche?Frankhadassuredherthathehadpersonallymetthemandthatshewould,too,eventually.He’dalsosaidthattheiractualidentitywasn’tallthatimportantandwasprobablybeyondhumancomprehension,anyway.Afterall,thepotentialforbringingpeaceandprosperitytotheworldwaswhatreallymattered,andthereseemedlittledoubtaboutthat.Andyet,shehardlyknewhowtopinpointtheunsettlingfeelingthatsomethingwasn’tquiteright.

Itwasalongerdrivebacktothehighwaythansheremembered.Theremotenessofthenarrowroadandtheintensedarknessunderthetalltreesheightenedanotheranxietythatshehadmanageduntilnowtosuppressentirely.SupposethemenwhohadpursuedViktorandfromwhoseclutchesshehadliterallysnatchedhimtriedtofindhim?Thatwouldnotbeunlikely.Ofcoursetheywouldn’tbeabletoreachhiminsidethatCIAfortress.Intheirfrustration,mighttheynottrytotakerevengeonher?

Suddenlytheunexpectedglareofheadlightsinherrearviewmirror

startledherbacktopresentreality.Shetrieddesperatelytosuppresstheimpulsetopanic.Surelyitwasparanoideventoconsidertheterrifyingfearthatnowhadherheartbeatingwildly.Butwhocoulditpossiblybe?Nooneelsehadbeenleavingtheresearchcenterafterher.She’dheardoneoftheguardsatthegatemakethatremarktohiscompanion.Andtheroaddead-endedthere.Carsdidn’tmaterializeoutofthinair.Hadsomeonebeenhidinginthewoods,waitingforher?Shepressedtheacceleratorharderandhertiressquealedinprotestassheskiddedaroundsucceedingcurves.Thepursuingcarquickeneditspaceaccordingly.

Bythetimeshereachedthemainhighway,afeelingofhelplessterrorgrippedCarla.Shepulledontoitwithoutstopping—directlyintothepathofafast-movingcar.Thescreechofbrakes,alongskid,andithadcareenedbrieflyoffandbackontotheroadway.Blinkingheadlightsandblaringhornsignaledthedriver’sanger.Atleasttherewassomeonebetweenherandwhatshewasnowconvincedweredeterminedpursuers.SherememberedKen’sinvitation,butresistedthetemptationtoturnoffontotheroadleadingtohishouse.Thatwouldbetheday!She’dmadetherightdecisiontwoyearsago,andnowthatshehadgottenwhatshewantedfromhimitwouldbeinsanetohaveanyfurthercontact.Seeinghisincredibleperformanceatthelabhadmadethatcrystal-clearonceagain.Hehaddevelopedintoanimpossiblefundamentalistfanatic,justasshehadfearedhewould.

Allthewaydownthemountainthecarthathadfollowedherontheaccessroadmadenoattempttogetdirectlybehindheragain.Whenthehighwayleftthefoothillsandleveledoffinthevalley,theinterveningcarturnedoffatanintersection.Nowtheothercarhungback.Butbythetimeshehadmadeseveralturnsintownanditwasstillbehindher,therecouldbenodoubtofitsoccupants’ultimateintentions.

Ifshecontinuedontoherhotel,theywouldknowwhereshewasstaying!Shouldshedrivedirectlytothepolicestation?Thatwouldaccomplishnothingexcepttomakeherlookfoolish.Think,Carla,think!Shewilledtheterror-driventhoughtsintosubmission.Yes,shehadit—aplan—awaythatshecouldgettoanotherhotelwithoutherpursuersknowingit.Therewasnowaytolosethembytryingtodrivefasterthan

theydid.Shewouldgointoherownhotelfirst.Iftheyfollowedherintotheparkinggarage,however,shewouldbetrapped.Toavoidthat,shepulleduptothefrontdoorandgaveherkeystothebellman.Asshedidso,shenoticedthatherpursuershadparkedjustdownthestreetandturnedofftheirlights.

InsidethelobbyCarlacheckedatthedeskformessages.TherewasonecallfromhereditorfriendinNewYork.Shehurriedtotheelevator.Onceinherroom,shewouldphoneanotherhotelforareservation,gatherherthings,andcallacabtomeetherattherearserviceentrance.Anelevatorwaswaitingwithitsdoorsopen.Shesteppedinsideand,withasighofrelief,pushedthebuttonfortheeighthfloor.Twomensteppedinquicklybesideherjustasthedoorsclosed.

Shefoughtoffthefirstwaveofpanicandtriedtothinkrationally.Fromwhatshe’dseenastheyhadenteredandcouldnowobserveoutofthecornerofhereye,theydidn’tlooklikeRussianagents—ordidthey?Howcouldonebesure?Theywerefortyishand,inspiteoftheirbusinesssuits,lookedunmistakablymuscularandveryfit.Shetriedtoassureherselfthattheycouldn’tpossiblybetheoccupantsofthecarthathadfollowedher.Thensherememberedthatshehadcarelesslystoodwaitingforhermailataportionofthefrontcounterwhereasidedoor,throughwhichtheymighthaveentered,wasnotvisible.Idiot!Andtheydidn’tpushanumberfortheirfloor!They’reobviouslyplanningtogetoffattheeighthwithme!Whattodonow?

Theelevatorstoppedatthesixthfloorandayoungcouplegotin,lookingabitembarrassedandhasteningtoexplainwhytheywereoutandaboutintheirpajamasandbathrobes.“Theicemachinewasn’tworkingonourfloor,”theymumbled,asthoughremindingoneanother.Theypushednumberfive,andthenthemanexclaimed,“Oh,wethoughtthiswasgoingdown.”

“Well,wegetanextrarideforourmoney,honey,”addedthegirl,whichtheybothfoundsomehowhilarious.

Attheeighthfloortheelevatordooropened.Thetwomenmadenomovetogetoff.Carlasteppedtoonesideandmotionedtothem.“Thismustbeyourfloor,too.Goahead.I’mnotgettingoff.IjustrememberedI

havetogobacktothelobbyforsomething.”Shereachedoutandpushedthefirst-floorbutton.

“Whatacoincidence!”saidthetallerofthetwo.“We’vegotthesameproblem.”

Don’tpanic!Think!There’sgottobesomeway.Whatshouldshedo?Whatcouldshedo?Theelevatormadeitswaytothetopfloor,thenstartedbackdown.Thetwomenwerelikesphinxes.Oblivioustoherpredicament,theyoungcouplechatteredawayhappilyinlowvoices.Shouldshegetoffwiththem?No,theywouldbenohelpatall—andshemightgetthemkilledaswellforwitnessingwhathappenedtoher.Wasthisallparanoia?Asthoughinabaddream,shefelttheelevatorcometoastopatthefifthfloor,sawthedooropen,andwatchedhelplesslyastheyoungcouple,stilltalkingnonstop,gotoff.Thedoorsclosed,leavingher—alonemouse—tofacethesetwocatswhowerereadytopounce.

Shedeterminedtoconfrontthem.Perhapsbytakingtheoffensiveshecoulduseupthetimeitwouldtaketoreachthelobby.Justassheopenedhermouthtospeak,however,themanclosesttoherreachedquicklyinsidehiscoatpocket.Insteadofthegunshefearedwouldbepointedather,heheldoutabadge.

“We’rewiththeFBI,MissBertelli.Wejustwantedyoutoknowthatwe’llbecheckingwithyoufromtimetotimeincaseyouhaveanyproblems.”

Carlagaspedinrelief.Thenawaveofangersurgedoverher.“Youtwogoonsreallygavemeascare!IthoughtyouwerefromtheFSB!Whydidyouwaitsolongtotellme?”

“Weweregoingtogetoffwithyouonyourfloor,andthenthatyoungcouplegoton.Wecouldhardlyidentifyourselvesintheirpresence.I’msorrywefrightenedyou.Buttellme,whywouldyouevenimaginewewerefromtheFSB?”

Theelevatorcametoahaltonthegroundflooranditsdoorsopened.Theysteppedoutintothelobbytogether.Carlawasstillfuming.“IfyouhadidentifiedyourselvesrightawayyoumighthavecaughtsomeFSBagents!Idon’tknowwhoelsewouldhavefollowedmehere!Comeon,I’llshowyou.They’reparkedoutonthestreet.”

Thetwomenranforthefrontdoor,withCarlafollowingasfastasshecould.Whenshejoinedthemoutside,thecarwasnowheretobeseen.“Theywererightoverthere,”shesaid,pointingtowhereherpursuershadparked.“Followedmeallthewayfromupinthehillswestoftown.”

“Canyougiveusadescriptionofthecarandanyoneinit?”“Theywerealwaystoofarbehind,andtheyparkedhalfablockaway.

Ithinkitwasafour-doorsedan,darkblueormaybeblacklate-modelFord,I’dsay.”

“We’llcruisetheneighborhoodandtakealook,”saidthespecialagentwhohadshownherhisbadge.Hehandedherhiscard.“Ifyouhaveanyproblems,callthatnumber.”

“Iwasgoingtocheckoutofhereandintoanotherhotel,nowthatwhoeverfollowedmeknowsI’mstayinghere.ShouldIdothat?”

“Thatwouldn’thelp.They’dfindyouwhereveryouwent.Betterthanthat,stayhereandI’llrecommenda24-hourwatch.Wecan’tguardyou,exactly,butwecanwatchforRussianagents.Ithasthesameeffect.”

“SoI’mthedecoy?Wow!Idon’tlikethis!ButwhatcanIsay?”“We’renotaskingforyourpermission.It’llhappen,whetheryouwant

itornot.Wewon’tcomeuptoyouinpublic,andifyouseeus,don’tshowanysignofrecognition.Okay?”

“Okay.Andthanksalot.Pardonmytemper.Ifeelawholelotbetternow.”

[22]AFoolishAdventure

WhileprayingforCarlathenextmorning,Kenfeltoverwhelmedbyasenseofresponsibilityfortheparthehadplayedinleadingherintoherpresentdanger.Afterall,hehadintroducedhertothefieldofpsychicresearchandencouragedhertoever-deeperinvolvementevenwhenshe’dhadlittleinterestinitherselfandhereditorsatthattimehadnotbeensupportiveofthisnewdirectionherwritingwastaking.Shewouldn’tbeassociatedwithFrankandheadingforwhocouldsaywhatultimatedelusionordestructionatthehandsof“theNine”haditnotbeenforhisinfluenceinthepast.Thatrealizationbecameanoverpoweringburden.

InsteadoftakingthisfeelingofguilttoGodforforgivenessandaskingGodforHisdirection,KenbegantothinkofwhathecoulddotomakeupforhavingledCarlaastray—somethingtohelphernow.Inthatobsessiveframeofmind,theinsistentthoughtwouldn’tleavehimthatheoughttocalltheCIAinSanFrancisco.Itreallydidn’tmakesense,butdrivennowbyacrushingsenseofguilthebecamethevictimofanirrationalcompulsion.Checkingwiththeoperator,hefoundthattherewasnolistingthereorinLosAngeles.EventuallyhecalledVirginiainformation,gotthenumberoftheheadquartersinLangley,anddialeditwonderingexactlywhathewouldsay.

“CIA,”intonedthegirlontheswitchboard.“Ineedtotalktowhoever’sinchargeofyourWestCoastoperations.”“Whatkindofoperations?”“Itinvolvesapsychicresearchinstallation.”Afteralongsilence,shecamebackonthelineandsaid,“Idon’tfind

anylistingforpsychicresearchoranythingwith‘psychic’init.”“Listentome!”demandedKen.“Thisisterriblyimportant!Someone’s

lifeisindanger!Justgetmesomebodywithsomeauthoritywho’s

connectedatallwiththispartofthecountry!”Quicklytheoperatorassuredhim,“I’llputyouthroughtosomeone

whomaybeabletohelpyou.”Afterafewmomentsamalevoicesaid,“Hogan.”“Mr.Hogan,mynameisKenInman.I’mcallingfromPaloAlto.

There’ssomeoneoutherewhoisworkingforyou,andIwantedtoletyouknowthatherlifeisingreatdanger.”

“Hmm.Whatkindofdanger?”“FromRussianagentsseekingrevenge!”“Really?”“Really.ShehelpedRussia’stopparapsychologistescaperecentlyand

—”“Howrecently?Andwhere?”“Lastweek—inParis.”“Ithinksomeone’sbeenpullingyourleg.Therewasn’tahigh-level

Russiandefectionanywhereintheworldlastweek.Iftherehadbeen,I’dhaveknownit”

“Look,Hogan,I’vegottopsecurityclearancewithNASAandthePentagon.I’vedesignedcomputersystemsforyouragencyaswellasformilitaryintelligence.I’mnotakook.IknowwhatI’mtalkingaboutandifyoudon’t,thenIguessifstoohighlyclassified.DoyouknowanythingaboutasecretpsychicresearchinstallationnearPaloAltorunbyFrankLeighton?”

“IfIdid,obviouslyIcouldn’ttellyou.”“AcitizenoftheUnitedStateswhohelpedaRussianscientistdefect—

andwho’sgettinginvolvedwithyouragency—isingreatdanger.Shehastobeprotected,andnothing’sbeingdoneaboutit!HowdoIgetsomeaction?”

“Mr.Inman,Idon’tdoubtyourclearanceleveloryoursincerity,butIdoubtthevalidityofwhatyou’retellingme.Someonehasmisinformedyou.Andevenifwhatyousayweretrue,amanofyourintelligenceknowsIcan’tgoonhearsay.Ifyourfriendisindeedapartofoneofouroperationsinvolvinganykindofpersonaldanger,youmaybecertainshewillbeprovidedallnecessaryprotection.”

“ButIdon’tthinkyouknowshe’sworkingforyou!”interruptedKenanxiously,realizingthatdidn’tmakesense,buttryingdesperatelytokeepHoganfromcuttinghimoff.

“Thosethingshaveawayofgettingsortedout.Ireallywouldn’tbeconcernedaboutit,Mr.Inman.Iappreciateyourcall.”Withthathehungup.

Kenrealizeditwouldbefruitlesstocallback.Itdidn’tmakesensenomatterhowhetriedtoexplainit.Bureaucracyisanincurableplague!Thisisincredible!Iknowshe’sindanger,buttheCIAprobablydoesn’tevenknowshe’sworkingforthem.MaybeLeightonhastakensomesteps,butIdoubtit.

Histroubledthoughtswereinterruptedbythephoneringing.Hepickedupthereceiver.“Hello.”

“Ken,thisisDonJordan.IjustwantedtoletyouknowthattwoofourmencheckedinwithCarlalastnightShe’sstillattheHilton—gotinverylate.Shewasfollowedinfromsomewhereinthefoothills,butwedon’thaveanyleads.We’vegotherhotelroomunder24-hoursurveillance.”

“Don,Idon’twanttoseemtobeinterfering,butwhataboutwhenshedrivesbackandforthfromFrank’slab?Ifshewasfollowedfromouttherelastnight...?”

“Ken,ifitweren’tforyourtop-secretclearancelevel,Icouldn’tevendiscussthiswithyouandshouldn’tbe.WhateverLeightonisdoingoutthereisapparentlysohighlyclassifiedthatIcan’tfindanyoneintheCIAwho’llevenadmitthathislabexists.We’llpickherupalongtheaccessroadaboutamilefromthehighwayandfollowherin—attheU.S.Governmentsign.Butinside,that’sunderCIAjurisdiction.Ourmenwouldlooksillygoinginthere.Wejustcan’tdoit.”

“Sillyornot—”“Iunderstandhowyoufeel.Believeme,I’mdoingallIcan.Infact,

I’mreallystretchingit.”“Iknowyouare,andIappreciateitThanks,brother—andpleasekeep

praying!”......

Kenlefthisofficeathiscomputercompanyearlythatafternoon.He

couldn’tshakeofftheinsistentthoughtthatCarlawasinimminentdangerandthatheoughttodosomethingaboutit.ItseemedalltooclearthattheCIAwasn’tgoingtotakecareofher.Shehadfallenthroughabureaucraticcrack.AtleasthehadaccidentallyalertedtheFBIandtheywerewatchingher,butnotalongthemostdangerousstretchofaccessroad.Hedecidedtodriveuptheretocheckitouthimself.IftheRussianshadsentateamtogetViktorandfoundthathewasguardeddayandnightinsideafortress,hehadnoideahowtheywouldtacklethatproblem—butCarlawasclearlyvulnerable.Themostlikelyspotforthemtogoafterher,nowthatthehotelwasbeingguarded,wouldbethatisolatedstretchofaccessroadthattheFBIwasn’tcovering.Maybeit’scrazy,butI’mgoingtocheckthatoutmyself—atleastseewhatitlookslike.Onhiswayoutthere,hestoppedbyhishousetochangeintosomejeans.Asalast-minutethought,hegrabbedadownjacketandanolddeerriflehehadn’tusedforyearsandsomeammunition.

Hismotherwassittingoutsidereadingwhenhehurriedbyonhiswaybacktothegarage,“Don’tmakeanysupperforme,”heremarkedcasually.“It’llprobablybelatebeforeIgethome.”

Shelookedupathimoverherglassesashewalkedby.“Mygoodness!Ididn’tknowitwashuntingseason!Whereareyougoinginsuchahurry?”

“I’mjustgoingtodoalittlescoutingaroundupinthehills.Seeyoutomorrow.Takecare.”

“Youtakecare!”shecalledafterhim.“Youhearme?Takecare!”Drivingslowlypastthe“RestrictedGovernmentProperty.No

Trespassing!”sign,Kenbegantofeelratherfoolish.ItwouldbeveryembarrassingtomeetLeighton—orCarla,forthatmatter—ontheirwaytoPaloAlto.Whenhecamewithinsightofthewallsurroundingtheproperty,heturnedaround,droveafewyardsuntilhecouldnotbeseenfromtheinstallation,thenpulledovertothesideandsattherewithhisengineidling.So,I’velookeditover.WhatdoIdonow?I’vejustwastedmytime.There’snothingIcoulddo.Herememberedseeingabout100yardsbacktowardthehighwayanopeninginthetreesnexttotheroadthatcouldconcealavehicle.Hedecidedtocheckitoutonhiswayhome.

Duskwasnowsettlingfastunderthetallredwoods.Whenhecametothenarrowclearing,hegotoutofhiscarandinspecteditwithhisflashlight.Itwentdeeperintothewoodsthanhehadthought—morethan20feet—andhenoticedthereweretiretracksthatcontinuedbackunderthetreesfartherthannecessaryifoneweremerelyturningaround.Someonehasbeenparkinghere!Ahunter,perhaps,poachingongovernmentproperty?Notlikely—gameisscarceinthisarea.Thetrackslookveryfresh!

Afoolhardythoughtcrossedhismindandherejectedit.Butitcamebackagain...andagain.Gettingintohiscar,hedroveonanotherquarterofamileandpulledofftheroadasfarashecouldatoneofthefewspotswheretheshoulderwasabitwiderthanusual.Thenhescribbledanoteonascrapofpaper—”Ranoutofgas.I’llberightback”—andstuckitunderthewindshieldwiper.

Loadingtherifle,heputsomeextraammunitioninapocket,lockedthecar,andstartedoffdowntheroadwiththegunwrappedinthedownjacket.Fiveminutesofbriskwalkingbroughthimbacktothenarrowclearing.Itwasnowaftersixo’clockandnearlydark.SupposeRussianagentsareplanningtousethisspottonight!Somebodyparkedinhereveryrecently.Iwanttoscarethemaway,butI’dalsoliketobeabletoidentifythem.HowcanIdothat?Afraidtousehisflashlighthegropedarounduntilhefoundsomelarge,loosebranches,twonearbylogssmallenoughforhimtodrag,andsomeheftyboulders.Hecarefullymadealowbarriersomewhatlessthanacarlengthinsidethetrees.Adriverbackinginwouldnotbelikelytonoticeitinthedark,especiallyifhehadbeentherebeforeandhadbeenabletodrivebackmuchfartheroutofsight.

Kenfoundahidingplaceinaclusterofhighfernsabout20feetaway,justbehindalargetree.Therehesettleddowntowait.Thenightairgrewcold—goodthinghe’dbroughttheheavyjacket.Heshovedhishandsdeepdownintoitswarmpockets.Theriflelayacrosshislap.Onehourwentby,thentwo.Hemusthavedozedoff.Thesoundofacarengineapproachingfromthehighwayjoltedhimawake.

Nowhecouldseeitslightscomingintermittentlythroughthetrees.Itslowed,stoppeddirectlyinfrontofhim,thenbegantobackintothe

narrowopening.Ken’sheartbegantopound.Hereleasedthesafetyandmovedovertocrouchupagainstthetree.Inthedimilluminationofback-uplights,hecouldjustmakeoutthelowbarricadehe’dconstructed,butthedriverapparentlydidn’tseeit.Therewasacrashasthetailpipehitalargeboulder,thegrindingofanotherboulderunderthegastank,andadullthumpasthereartiresstrucklogs.

Doorsopenedandtwomenjumpedoutandranbacktoinvestigate.ThevolleyofangrywordsleftnodoubtthatthesemenwereRussians!Hefrozeagainsttheshelteringtreetrunk.Theyshinedflashlightsonthedebrisandkickedatitinanger,thenyelledsomethingatthedriver.Hepulledthecarupandtheystartedtomovetherocksandlogsoutoftheway.Thentheyseemedtohavesecondthoughtsandstoppedtheirwork.Thereweresubduedmutteringsastheyheldabriefconsultation.Hurriedlytheygotbackintothecaranddroveoff.SothereisaRussianteamonCarlo’strail,andtheyhadplannedtowaitforherhere!I’vegottogetwordtotheFBI!

Shouldhegototheguardsatthegate?They’dprobablyjustrunhimoff—wouldn’tevenlistentohim.AndifhefollowedtooquicklyinthedirectionthattheRussianshaddriven,theymightbewaitingforhim.Whatiftheycameback?Afterabout20minutesofanxiousindecision,Kencautiouslymadehiswayouttotheroadand,afteranuneventfulhike,reachedhiscar.Nothinghadbeentouched.Thenotewasstillonthewindshield.Gettingin,hedroveouttothehighwayasfastasthecurveswouldallow,withoutseeinganyone.ItseemedforeverbeforehecametoapublicphoneonthewayintoPaloAlto.FromtherehedialedhisfriendDonJordan’sresidence,anumberthatheknewbyheart.

Afterafewrings,therewasatired,“Hello.”ItwasDon’swife.“Gloria,isDonthere?”“Whoisthis?Oh,Ken.Ididn’trecognizeyourvoice.Don’sgetting

dressedrightnowtogointotheoffice.There’sanemergency.”“I’vegotanemergency,too.SomethingawfullyurgentCanyouput

himonforjustaminute?”“Holdon.”Therewasabriefwaitthen,“Hello.I’mreallyinarush,

Ken.”

“Listen!IwasupontheroadintoLeighton’sfortressandIranintosomeRussianagents!”

“Youdid?HowdidyouknowtheywereRussians?”“IwashidingnearaspotIthoughtsomeonemightusetoparkoutof

sight—about200yardsfromtheinstallation—whenthiscarbackedin.TwoofthemgotoutandtheyweretalkingRussian!Thentheytookoff.”

“Howlongagowasthat?”“About40minutes,maybealittlemore.”“Youcanbeverythankful,Ken.Wehadtwospecialagentsinacaron

thatroadbeginningaboutnineo’clock,waitingtofollowCarlabacktoherhotel.TheymusthavegottentherejustbeforetheRussiansdroveoutTheyradioedthattheywereattemptingtopulloveracartheyhadpursuedoutoftheprivateroad.TheychaseditdowntowardPaloAltoandthenitturnedofftothenorth.Bythetimeourback-upunitsandthehighwaypatrolfoundtheircar,ourmenweredead.WehaveanAPBout,butwedon’tknowwhowe’relookingfor.Wehaveavaguedescriptionofthecar,butnolicensenumber.”

“Youmeantheyweretoomuchforyourmentohandle?”gaspedKen.“Whoaretheseguys!”

“It’saspecialRussianteam,likeIsuspectedwouldbecoming.”“YoumeantheSpetznas?”“No.Asecretpsychiccombatgrouptentimesmoredangerous.We

don’thaveanyoneontheWestCoastcapableofdealingwiththem.We’vesenttoVirginiaforsomespecialcommandos.They’llhavethatroadblanketedbytomorrownight.”

“WhataboutCarla?”“Idon’tthinkshe’sinanyimmediatedanger.We’veprobablyscared

themoffforthemomentatleast.Butwe’vegotanotherteamoutontheroadnowwaitingforher.They’llescorthertothehotel.Ken,I’vegottogo.I’llkeepyouuptodate.”

Thanks,Don.”“Listen,domeonefavor,willyou?”“What’sthat?”“Don’ttrytoplaycopsandrobbersanymore.Youmayhavesaved

Carla’slifetonight,butstayoutofthisfromnowon.Imeanthat!Foryourowngood—andforCarla’s!Isthatclear?”

“Ihearyou,Don.”

[23]Invasion!

TheisolatedstretchofaccessroadwasemptywhenCarlaatlastdroveouttothemainhighwayafterleavingtheinstallation.Shehad,ofcourse,noknowledgeofthedeadlydramathathadbeenactedoutalongthatrouteearlier.Nordidsheknowthatshehadreacheditsjuncturewiththemainroadjustminutesbeforetheback-upFBIteamassignedtoescortherarrived.Consequently,themensatwaitingfornearlyanhourbeforetheywerebelatedlynotifiedthatshehadalreadydriventoPaloAlto.

Twentyminuteslater,shewasracingupthestepsofthehotel.AquicksurveyofthelobbyrevealedoneofthetwoFBIspecialagentsfromthepreviousnight.Hewassittinginaneasychairandglancedatheroverthenewspaperhewasreading,thenwentbacktoitwithoutaflickerofrecognition.Justseeinghim—togetherwiththefactthatshehadn’tbeenfollowedthistime—madeherfeelimmeasurablybetter.UncleSam’smenreallywereonthejob!Carlaresistedasecondglance.

Theremustbeaconvention!shethoughtasshetookinthecrowd.Peopleeverywhere!Aboutadozenofthemsqueezedintotheelevatorwithher.Ordinarypeople,itseemed—exceptforthetwomenonthefarsidethatshenoticedjustasthedoorshut.Therewassomethingstrangelyfamiliaraboutoneofthem.WashetheshorterofthetwoFBIagentsshe’dencounteredintheelevatorthepreviousnight?He’dhadabeard.Shestoleanotherlook.Pavlov?No,itcan’tbe!Heturnedtolookather,andtheireyesmet,justasherlipsframedhisnameindisbelief.

Sheturnedherheadquicklyaway,butwasdrawnirresistiblybacktothatfaceagainforanotherfurtiveglance.Itwasimportanttobeabsolutelycertain.Hewasnotlookingather,soshewasabletostudyhimforamoment.Thenewbeard—perhapstocoversomenastyscars—hadalmostfooledher,buttherewasnownodoubtaboutit.Themanwas

unquestionablyDr.AlexandrPavlovfromParis,who,asViktorhadexplainedtoher,wasinfactColonelAlexeiChernov,aRussianArmyofficerinchargeofaspecialcontingentofpsychiccombattroops!Norcouldtherebeanydoubtastohisintention!

Insteadofexperiencingthewavesofpanicshe’dalwaysimaginedwouldpossessherifsheeveractuallyfacedsuchasituation,Carlafeltstrangelydetachedfromherselfandeveryonearoundher.Wasthisreal?Theelevatorbegantospin.Wouldshefaint?Shelongedfortheoblivionofunconsciousness,butfoughtitoffinterror.Sheleanedagainstthewallandclenchedherfists,tryingdesperatelytohangonandthink.WhatcanIdo?NowayamIgoingtogetoffonmyfloor!Andgettingoffwithsomeoneelseisnobetter.IfIrideittothetop,I’llfinallybeonitalonewiththetwoofthem.ShouldIscreamrightnow?Theymightkilleveryone!

Therewasonlyonethingtodo.Clutchingherleftside,shefellagainstthemannexttoherandinaweakvoice,butloudenoughforeveryonetohear,pleadedwithhim:“Imustbehavingaheartattack!Pleasegetmebackdowntothelobby!Ineedanambulance!”Gaspingloudlyforbreath,sheclutchedherchestwithonehand,andwiththeothergrabbedathimfranticallyforsupportassheslidhelplesslytothefloor.Peoplecranedtheirneckstosee.Shehadturnedashenwithpanic,andthusgaveinvoluntaryauthenticitytothescenarioshewasplayingoutsodesperately.

“Standback!”Themanjustbehindherhadtakencharge,easingCarlatothefloorandpushingpassengersbacktomakeroomforher.“Givehersomeair!Howcanwegetthisthingturnedaround?”

“Youcan’t,”saidawoman.“Where’severybodygettingoff?”“Thereareonlyfourfloorspunched,”saidsomeoneelse.“Don’tanyonegetoff!”wailedCarla.“Pleasestaywithme.Helpme!”“Okay,lady.Keepcalm.Everyonestayaboard,”thereassuringand

authoritativevoicebarked.“Pushthe‘closedoor’buttonassoonasitopens.”

“AnyoneknowCPR?”askedaconcernedmalevoice.“Ido!”respondedafemale,“butshedoesn’tneedityet.We’llneedall

ofthementohelpcarryherwhenwegetbacktothelobby!”

Amazingly,noonegotoff.Thedoorwasclosedpromptlyeachtimeitopenedandinnotimeatalltheywerebacktothegroundlevel.Throughaforestofshinsandankles,CarlahadwarilyobservedthefeetandlegsofChernovandhiscompanion.Theyhadshuffledaroundonthefarsideoftheelevator,buthadmadenomovetowardher.Nowasothersbentovertocarryher,shesawthetwoRussiansscurryoutintothelobby.

“FBI!”Carlascreamed,pushingawaythosewhowerebendingovertolifther,andgettingwarilytoherfeet“Help!FBI!”sheyelledevenlouder.Thespecialagentwhohadbeensittinginthelobbywhenshe’denteredcamerunningaroundthecorner,andanotheronerushedupfromtheoppositedirection.Carla’sfellowpassengersfellbackinsurpriseandstoodnearbystaringatherinshock.

“TwoRussians—onewithabeard!”Carlamanagedtotellthem.“Theyheadedforthefrontdoor!Thatway!”Nowshebecameawarethatshewastremblingfromheadtotoe.

ThetwoagentsranoffatgreatspeedandCarla,stilltrembling,followedthemcautiouslyatasafedistanceacrossthelobbyandoutthefrontdoor.Thereshestoodandlookedanxiouslyinalldirectionsbutsawnothing.Inafewminutestheycamebackseparatelyandempty-handed.Acrowdofthecurioushadgatheredinfrontofthehotel.

“Wecan’ttalkhere,”saidtheagentwhoseemedtobeincharge.Heshowedherhisbadgeandintroducedhimselfandhiscompanion.“I’mCarlRichardson.ThisisGeorgeLawton.Let’sgetoutofhere.”

Theyledhertoanunmarkedcarparkedbythecurbandputherinthebackseat.Richardsonclimbedintherewithher.“Nowtelluswhathappened,”hedemanded.

Asshetoldherstory,Lawtondroveslowlyaroundthearea,thenparkedablockdownthestreetsotheycouldkeepthehotelinview.“Thatwasquickthinking,MissBertelli,”Richardsonsaidwhenshe’dfinished.“Itprobablysavedyourlife.WehaveathickfileonChernov.He’sthemostviciousanddangerousmantheFSBhas.Butweneedascompleteadescriptionasyoucangiveusofhispresentappearance,andoftheothermanaswell.”

“Well,physicallyChernovhasn’tchangedsinceIsawhimlessthan

threeweeksagoinParis,”saidCarla,tryingtopicturehim.“Helooksabout45yearsold,anevensixfeettall,powerfullybuilt—I’dsayabout200pounds.Sharpnose,squarejaw,hiseyesaresortofsunkenandnarrow,broadforehead,thickblackhaircutveryshort,butitliesdownflatHisbeardisextremelyshort—itcan’tbemorethanthreeweeksoldbecausehedidn’thaveabeardinParis.Hiscompanion,alsopowerfullybuilt,isabouttwoinchestaller,butIreallydidn’tgetagoodlookathim.Ithinkhehadshort,sandyhairandbroadcheekbones,butthat’saboutallIremember.Theywerebothwearingdarksuits.”

Asshegavethedescriptions,Lawtonrepeatedthemoverthecarradio.“That’sgoingimmediatelyoutonanAllPointsBulletin,”explainedRichardson.“Itgoesnotonlytoouragents,buttolocalpolice,sheriffs,highwaypatrol—everylaw-enforcementagency.Unfortunately,wedon’thaveadescriptionoftheircarotherthanwhatyougaveuslastnight,whichisn’tmuchtogoon.”

Theydrovebacktothehotel,thistimeparkingaroundthecorner,andthethreeofthemwalkedinthesidedoorandhurriedacrossthelobby.Immediatelytheywererecognizedandseveralofthemostinquisitiveguestsfollowedthem.“Standback!”orderedthetwoagentsassoonasanelevatordoorhadopened,andtheypreventedanyoneelsefromentering.Thedoorclosedonthethreeofthem,andRichardsonpunchedfloorsfour,six,andten.RespondingtoCarla’squestioninglook,heexplained,“Someofthosepeoplewillbewatchingtoseewhatfloorwegetoffatandthey’llliterallysnoopalongthehallstryingtofindoutsomething.”

Atthefourthandsixthfloorshepunchedthebuttontoclosethedoorimmediately.Whentheelevatoropenedatthetenthfloor,theygotoutandtheFBIagentsledthewaydownthestairstotheeighth,whereCarla’sroomwaslocated.

Sheopenedthedoortoherroom,andtheywentinwithhertocheckitout.“LawtonandIhaveblownourcover,”explainedRichardson.“Youwon’tseeusagaininthelobby.We’lltradeplaceswiththeteamthathasbeenoccupyingtheadjoiningroom.”Hepointedtotheaccessdoorbetween.“Thedooronoursideisopenatalltimes.Ifyouhaveanemergency,justopenyoursideandcomeonin.We’llbethere24hoursa

day.There’sanotherteamintheroomdirectlyacrossthehallwatchingyourdoordayandnight.”

“Youreallymakemefeelsecure,”respondedCarlagratefully.“Ididn’tknowIwasthisimportant.It’shardformetobelievethatsomeoneactuallywantstokillme.That’sahorriblerealization!”

“Fromwhatyoutoldus,younearlykilledChernov,”saidLawton.“He’snotthekindtotakethatwithoutgettingrevenge.”

“Don’tforget,however,you’renothisprimarytarget,”addedRichardson.“That’sinyourfavor.He’safterthedefectoryourescued.Henowknowsyou’llbewatchedaroundtheclockafteryourecognizedhimtonight,andhemaydecideitisn’tworththeriskandeffort.Wehopeso,butifhetries,we’vegotyoucovered.Nomoreelevatorridesunescorted.Everywhereyougo,someonewillberightthere.Youwon’talwaysknowitbutyoucancountonit.”

Carlawasinbedtryingtofallasleepandfindingitimpossible,whenthephonerang.“MissBertelli,”saidadeepmalevoice,“thisisDonJordan.I’minchargeoftheFBIteamsthathaveyouundersurveillance.Ijustwantedtoexplainacoupleofthings.Firstofall,youmightbeinterestedtoknowthatthemenyousawintheelevatorwereapparentlyontheprivateaccessroadoutneartheresearchcenterearliertonight—probablytowaylayyou.Amutualfriendofours,KenInman,seemstohavefrightenedthemoff.”

“You’rekidding!WhatintheworldwasKendoingoutthere?”“Exactlywhatheshouldn’thavebeendoing—andI’vewarnedhim

aboutthat.Buthehadsuchconcernforyou,hejustdidn’trealizewhathewasgettinginto.Butheknowsbetternow.ThisisaverydangerousRussianteam.Theykilledtwoofourmenwhotriedtoarrestthemalittlelater.”

“SoKensavedmylife—andriskedhisowntodoit?”“Iguessyoucouldsaythat”saidJordan.ForamomentCarlasawherselfwalkingoutofahospitalroomand

heardKencallingtoher.ThensherealizedthatJordanwastellinghersomethingimportant

“...wedon’tknowhowmanymoretheremaybeinthiseliteRussian

team,butwe’vegotacompanyofspeciallytrainedArmycommandoscominginfromVirginiawhocanhandlethem.Bytomorroweveningthey’llbedeployedallalongthataccessroadleadingfromthemainhighwaytothelaboratorysoyouwon’thaveanythingfurthertoworryabout.”

“Areyouexpectingamajorassaultonthelaboratory?”askedCarlainsurprise.

“Ican’tsaywhatwe’reexpecting.Ofcourse,everythingI’vesaidtoyouisconfidential.Imainlywantedtoletyouknowthatwehavethesituationundercontrol.Justrelaxandhaveagoodnight’srest.”

“Ireallyappreciatethis,”saidCarla.“Iwashavingaterribletimetryingtogettosleep.Idon’tliketotakepills.”

“Definitelydon’ttakeanyunderthesecircumstances!”Jordancautionedher.

“Thanksagain.You’vemademefeelsomuchbetter!”......

Carlasleptfitfully.Nightmaresmergedwithwakingfantasies.Thewholeoflifehadbecomeabaddreamfromwhichshehopedonedaytoawaken.Wasitworthgoingon?Ofcourseitis!shetoldherselfwheneversuchathoughtsurfaced.TherewasnodoubtthatshehadaPulitzer-prize-winningstoryinthebag,atleastfivemilliondollarsinmovierights,andalloftheotherendlessbenefits.Shewasnotonlysittingonthestoryofalifetime,butshewaslivingit,participatinginitsfrighteningdevelopment,experiencingitallherselffromtheinside!Hadanyotherjournalistseverbeensoluckyastostumbleuponsuchanopportunity?

Afteralatebreakfastinherroom—deliveredbyanFBIagent--shedressedandwentdowntohercar.Themaninthehallwhogotontheelevatorwithherandfollowedherintothegarage,theunmarkedcarwithtwomeninitthatpulledoutjustaheadofher,andthesimilaronethatfollowedjustbehindandstayedwithherallthewaytothegateoftheinstallation,gaveherafeelingnotonlyofimpregnablesecurity,butalsoofimportancethatwasmorethangratifying.Shewouldn’twanttolivethatwayforlong,however.AtleastitwasquiteapparentthatChernovwasnotgoingtobeabletocompletehisdesignsuponher—andcertainlyViktor

wasbeyondhisreachinLeighton’simpregnablefortress.“Ihearyou’vehadsomeadventures,”exclaimedLeightonthemoment

shewalkedintohisofficejustbeforenoon.“Ihadsomeanxiousmoments,butI’mreallynotworriedanymore,”

saidCarla,tryingtobeblaséaboutthewholething.Thensheaddedwithalaugh,“You’dthinkIwasthepresidentoftheUnitedStatesifyoucouldseethewaymyhotelroomiswatched—andtheescortIgotrightuptothegate!”

“Well,you’resafeouthere—that’sforcertain.ThisplaceisguardedbetterthanFortKnox.MaybeIcanpersuadeyoutomovein.You’dhaveyourownapartmentlikeViktor,greatfood—theHiltoncan’tofferanythingbetter—sauna,gymnasium,swimmingpool…”

Carlalaughedandshookherhead.“AndmissthecelebrityfeelingIgetwithescortsandguardsfollowingmeeverywhere?Iappreciatetheoffer,butI’mnotworriedanymore.Theytoldmethey’regoingtohaveawholecompanyofspecialArmycommandosguardingtheroadbyevening,soeventhatspookystretchthatusedtoscaremetodeathisgoingtobeapieceofcakefromnowon.”

“Iknow,”respondedLeightonwithascowl,“andIthinkit’saridiculousoverreaction.Theescortthey’vegivenyoushouldbeenough.Idon’tlikesomuchattention—notthatkind.Somesenatorcouldstartaskingquestionsthatwecan’tansweryet.”Heshruggedandmanagedahalf-smile.“Look,I’mnotsuggestingit’syourfault.Anyway,we’vegotajobtodoouthere.LetmegetthelabontheintercomandseewhatDelSasso’supto.Viktorisalreadydownthere.We’vegotalotofgroundtocovertoday.”

......Thenightwaspitch-black.Notonlywasitthedarkofthenewmoon,

butaheavybankoffoghadcreptinlandfromthecoastafewmilestothewestandupandoverthemountains,seepingdowntothegroundthroughthetreetops.Silenceandimmobilityreigned.Thetwoguardsondutyatthegatewerefacingtheusualeveningboredom.Itwasnowabout8:30p.m.andtherehadbeennoactivitysincethelabassistantsandsecretarieshadleftinthenormalday’s-endexodusshortlyafterfiveo’clock.

Thiswasnotajobthatlentitselftocardsortelevisioninoffmoments.Eventhoughthedailyroutinewasmostlywatchingandwaitingforsomethingthatsofarhadneverhappened,vigilancewasdemandedatalltimes.Theguardstookturnspeeringfromtheirfortifiedstationthroughthesmall,thickpaneofbulletproofglassatthefogswirlingalongthefloodlightedroadinfrontofthesteelgatetheyweremanning.ThereportthatRussianagentswereknowntobeinthevicinitystalkingMissBertelliandwerelikelytoattemptapenetrationoftheinstallationtokillDr.Khorevhadputnervesonedge.

“Ican’tbelievetheythinktheycanattackthisfortress,”musedtheyoungerofthetwoguardsforthefourthorfifthtimethatevening,moretohimselfthantohiscompanion,whowastiredofhearingit

“Yeah,yeah,I’veheardthatopinion.Myself,Idon’ttakeanythingforgranted.”

Theyoungermanturnedawaywithaloudyawnfromanotherlookatthefog-enshroudedroadleadingtothegate.“Ifyouhadthejobofgettinginsidehereandkillingsomeone,howwouldyougoaboutit?Notafrontalassault.”

“Iwouldn’teventry.I’dwaittilltheguycameoutwhichhe’dhavetodoeventually.I’dlielowandgethimwhenhewasonvacationsomewhereandnotexpectingit.”

“Supposetherewassomereasonwhyyoucouldn’twaitthatlong?”“You’dhavetowait.It’simpossibletocrackthisplace.Youknowthat.

Youcan’tgothroughthewall,andevenifyoucouldgetoverorunderit,theelectronicswouldtriggeranimmediatealarm.You’dhavetocomethroughhere—overourdeadbodies.AndIdon’tknowhowanyonecouldgetatus.”Hetookhisturnpeeringintothenight.

“Helicopter,maybe?”persistedtheyoungerone.“Don’tbesilly.You’vebeenwatchingtoomuchTV.”“Well,howaboutparachutes?Someoftheseguyscanlandona

dime.”“Inthemiddleofthesetalltrees—andatnight?Nowyouaregetting

crazy!”“Tap,tap,tap.”Atthesoundcomingfrombehindthem,thetwomen

whirledaround,automaticweaponspoised.Theycouldseeafamiliarfacepeeringintothesmallwindowintheheavysteeldoorthatgavethemaccesstotheinsideofthecompound—aretreatroutetheycouldtakeifitwereeverneeded.

“Well,lookwho’shere,”saidtheyoungertohiscompanion.“It’snotoftenwegetavisitfromthe‘bigwheels.’”Hewentover,unlockedthedoor,andopenedit.“Outforastroll,areyou?”

“Yeah.Mybrainwasgettingfoggy,soIthoughtI’dclearitwithashortwalkaroundthebase.Thatneverfails.”

“Well,comeonin,”saidtheolderguard,“andrelieveourboredomforafewminutes.We’resupposedtobeonalert,butwhat’sthepoint?ThewoodsarecrawlingwithArmycommandos.AnyRussianagentsouttherecouldn’tgetwithinacountrymileofthisplace.Andiftheydid,I’dliketoseethemtrytogetin!”

Suddenlythevisitor,whohadsteppedinsidethesmallstation,staredwithshockedexpressionpasttheguardsthroughthesmallwindowandaskedinahushedvoice,“Whatwasitthatjustmovedoverthereacrosstheroad?”

Thetwoguardssteppedquicklyovertopeeroutthroughthebulletproofglassintothefog.“Straightacross?”theelderoneasked,half-turningbacktowardthevisitor.Ashedidso,henoticedaquickmovementoutofthecornerofhiseye.

Withalightningmotion,thevideosurveillancecamerahadbeenshovedtooneside.Wearingaderisivesmile,thevisitorwaspointingahandgunfittedwithasilencer.Theguardhadnochancetoaimhisownweaponindefense:Thethreeslugstoreintohisfaceandhead,killinghiminstantly.Hisyoungercompanionwhirledaroundbutwasdeadbeforehecouldraisehisgun.

Instantly,thevisitorpushedthebuttonthatopenedthearmoreddoor,steppedquicklyoverthetwobodiesandintotheopendoorway,andwavedattheemptyroad.Fourmenindarksweatsuitsracedswiftlyoutofthethickwoods.Chernovwasthefirsttoentertheguardstation.“Harasho!”hegrunted,takingthegunthathadjustkilledthetwoguards.Itwouldleavethebasewithhimwhenheandhismenhadaccomplishedtheir

mission.Whenallfourwereinside,the“bigwheel”closedtheautomaticdoor

again,pointingoutthecontrolbuttontotheothers,andsaidinfluentRussian:“Givemetwominutestogetbackinside.Thenyouanglelefttothesideentrance.Getimmediatelyawayfromthewallandstayawayfromit.That’swheretheelectronicsurveillancedevicesare.Otherwiseyouonlyhavetocontendwithdogsandguards.”Steppingquicklyouttheinnerdoor,the“bigwheel”wasgone.

[24]PsychicWar!

Chernovandhismenmovedswiftlytogetthesurveillancecamerabackintoplace.Bothcorpsesweredraggedupnexttotheinsidedoor,outofthecamera’snormalviewingangle.Oneofthemenputonaflakjacketthathadbeenquicklystrippedfromabody.Hishairandweightweresimilartothoseofoneofthedeadmen,andfromtherearhecouldpasstheperiodiccursorylookfromthesecuritycontrolcenterinside.Quicklythecamerawasmovedback.Thentheywaited.Twominutesseemedaneternity,butitwasabsolutelyessentialtoprotecttheidentityoftheiragentontheinside.Whenthelastsecondhadbeencounted—leavingthenew“guard”peeringoutthesmallwindowtowardtheroad—Chernovledhisothertwomenintothecomplex,closingthedoorsecurelybehindthem.

Ashort,fastrunofabout90feetbroughtallthreetoaclumpofsmallfirtreesneartotheendbuildingontheleftsideoftheentrydrive.Theretheystoppedoutofsighttosurveythesituationandorientthemselveswiththemapofthepropertytheyhadmemorized.TheyknewtherewerefourtrainedandextremelyviciousRottweilerattackdogsthatroamedthegroundsafterdark.Itwouldbeonlyamatterofafewmomentsuntiltheywouldpickuptheintruders’strangescentsandbeuponthem.

Thenumberofguardspatrollingandtheroutestheytookvaried,sothethreeRussianswererunningtheriskofbeingdiscoveredatanytime.Theycrouchedandwaitedforthedogs.Itwouldbebesttodisposeofthemfirst.Chernovsmiledtohimself.Dogsandguardswerenogreatchallengeforhimandhismen.Itwasthehoodedonethatconcernedhim.

ThesoundofbarkingcomingatthemfromtwodirectionscausedChernovandhismentocrouchlower.Twooftheconvergingcaninesweredispatchedwithsingleshotsfromsilencedgunsassoonastheycamewithinrange.Thentheinvadersjumpedoutoftheshelterofthetreesto

facetheothertwo.Snarlingferociously,thedogschargedwithfangsbared.Thecolonelsteppedbacktowatchthesetwomenthathehadcarefullytrainedperform.Theguarddogsdidn’tstandachance.Lightningkickstothethroatbroketwonecksinmidairlunge.

Chernovgruntedhisapproval.“Now!”hewhispered,andtheyracedfortherowoflowbuildingsontheirleft.Oncethere,theycreptcautiouslyalong,keepingclosetothewallsandtraversingquicklytheshortopenspacesbetween.Reachingthefarendofthelaststructure,theypausedforbreathagainandsurveyedthearealeadingtothesidedoorthattheyknewwouldbeunlocked.

“Freeze!”Thesterncommandwasbarkedfrombehindthefurtivefigures.Aguardhadjustcomearoundtheotherendofthebuildingandspottedthem.Heapproachedrapidly,automaticweaponoutinfront,readytofire.

“Handsup!Getupagainstthewall!Now!”Chernovandhismenobeyedgrudgingly.“Spreadyourlegs—nosuddenmovements.”Heapproachedthemcautiouslytogetabetterviewinthedimlight.Howdidtheseguysgetinhere?Helookedaroundwarilyincasethereweremore.

Hehadtonotifycentralcontrolimmediately,andhewasalsogoingtoneedsomehelp.Keepingacarefuleyeontheintrudersandhisguntrained,hepulledhiswalkie-talkiefromhisbelt.Outofthecornerofhiseye,Chernovsawwhatwashappeningandknewhehadtoactinstantly.

Whirlingaroundfasterthantheguard’seyecouldfollow,thecolonelmadeasweepingmotionthroughtheairwithonehand.Hetouchednothing,yetthewalkie-talkiesplinteredintodozensofpieces.Theautomaticweaponwastornfromthehandsthatgrippeditandthrownagainsttheconcretewallofthebuildingwithsuchforcethatthebarrelbentandthestockshattered.Inanotherblurofgracefulmotion,Chernovbrokethehelplessman’sneckwithaflyingfoot.Theydraggedhisbodyquicklyunderalargebush,thenhurriedtothemainstructure.

Keepingasmuchastheycouldintheshadows,theyquicklyreachedthesidedoortheyknewwouldbeunlockedwithoutencounteringanyotherguardsandmadetheirwaynoiselesslyinside.Followingtheblueprintsofthebuildingtheyhadmemorized,theyheadedswiftlyand

silentlyforLeighton’soffice.“Remember!”whisperedChernov,repeatinganorderhehadalready

drilledintohismen.Thetallhoodedoneisdangerous.Shoothimonsight!Andthewomanismine.”

......Afteranotherexhaustingdayofwatchingexperiments,recording

explanations,andanalyzingthedaily“transmission”fromtheArchons,CarlahadbeeninanintensestrategysessionalleveningwithViktor,DelSasso,Morris,andLeightoninthelatter’sspaciousoffice.TheArchons’“transmission”thatdayhadgiventhefirstdetailsofhowthePlanwouldbepresentedtotheworldandthenecessarystepstobetakenthereafterforitsimplementation.Followingtheexactprocedurewasabsolutelyessential.Theprocesswouldrequireanumberofnews“leaks”byCarlatohereditorfriendinNewYorkinadditiontoherownsyndicatedarticles,allofwhichhadtobewrittenandhandledwithextremecare.

CarlaandLeightonhadbeenleftaloneforthepasttenminutes.Kayhadexcusedherselftodosomepreparationinthelabsforthenextday’swork.Viktorhadsteppedoutsidetoclearhisheadwithashortwalk.AndDelSassohadgonetohisapartmenttochangeclothes.“Ihaveanintuition,”he’dexplained,“thatI’mnotsupposedtowearmyusualrobetherestoftheevening.”Hehadn’tyetreturned.

“Hisheadachemayhavegottenworseandhewenttobed,”suggestedLeighton.

ViktorhadjustrejoinedthemwhenCarlamadeadecision.“Isthatofferofaroomforthenightstillopen?”sheaskedLeighton.

“Itsureis!”camethequickreply.“Well,maybeI’lltakeyouuponit—fortonight,anyway.”“It’salongdriveback,Isuppose,”suggestedViktor.Carlahesitated.She’dbeendebatingwithherselfalleveningwhether

totellthemwhathadhappened,andhadfinallyconcludedthatsheshould.“Ididn’twanttoupsetyou,Viktor.Ofcourse,everyoneknowsthattheaccessroadisnowguardedwithacompanyofspecialcommandos.”

“That’sridiculous!”retortedFrankimpatiently.“Whoneedsthoseguys?”HeturnedtoViktor.“Someonethinkstheyspottedaspecial

Russianteamapparentlyheretoassassinateyou.”Viktorsuddenlylookedfrightened.“Don’tgiveitanotherthought,”Frankcontinued.“Look,Viktor,whathappensoutthereisnoconcernofours.Insidethisfortressisanotherworld,andnobody’sgoingtobreakinhere,believeme!That’swhyyou’reinhere.”

“There’ssomethingyoudon’tknow,Frank,”interruptedCarla.“WhenViktordoveintomyconvertibleinParisandwemadeourescape,aRussiandelegatetotheCongressthatIonlyknewasDr.AlexandrPavlov,arealbruteofamanwhowaschasingViktor,leapedontomycar.Hewasclimbingin,andwouldhavehadus,whenImadeafastturnthatbrokehisgripandthrewhimthroughaplate-glasswindow....”

Itwasn’t“Pavlov”shewasseeingnowintherearviewmirror,clingingtohercarinParis,butChernovintheelevatorinPaloAlto—withrevengeinhiseyes.Shehadtostoptogetcontrolofhervoice.WhydoIfeellikethis?There’snothingtobefrightenedofanymore.ForViktor’ssake,getholdofyourself.Don’tmakeitworseforhim!

Viktorpickedupthestory.“Asyouknew,Frank—althoughIhadnoideaatthetimehowyouknew—’Pavlov’wasreallyColonelAlexeiChernov,thecommandantofthesecretinstallationwheremylabwaslocated.Itwasalsoamilitarybasefortrainingspecialtroopsinpsychicwarfare.”

Leightonsmiledandnodded.“IknewwhohewastheminuteIsawhimthatfirstnight.Asyoubothnowknow,we’vegothimonlotsoffilm.”Thenheaddedwithachuckle,“IblewhiscoverattheCongress.Privately,ofcourse.Yourememberthat,Viktor?”Viktornoddedsoberly.

“Chernovishere!”continuedCarla,lookingatViktorsympathetically.“Healmostgotmeatmyhotellastnight!”Shepausedagaintocontrolhervoice.“I’msurehe’safterbothofus!”

“Thenyouhavetostayhere!”exclaimedLeighton.“Notjusttonight,butuntilthePlanhasbeenimplementedandallnations,includingtheRussians,arepartofit.OnlythenwillthethreatfromChernovandhismenbeended!”

AllthecolorhaddrainedfromViktor’sface.Leightonnoticedandtriedtoreassurehim.“There’snothingtobeafraidof,Viktornothingat

all.Chernovcan’tevengetclosetousoutherewithawholecompanyofcommandosdeployedalongtheaccessroad.Itwouldtakeanarmywithtankstogetpastthem.Andit’satleastathree-milehikethroughthickwoodswithnotrails,soyoucanforgetaboutthatAndevenif,bysomemiracle,theygothere,Iguaranteeyoutheycouldnevergetinside.It’simpossible!Sojustrelax.”

“Youdon’tknowthecapabilitiesofthesemen,”saidViktorinaweakvoice.Hesoundedresignedanddefeated.

“Forgetit!”insistedLeighton.“NowCarla,letmeshowyoutoyourapartmentIt’srightnexttoViktor’s—allmadeupandready.Doyouhavesomethingsinyourcar?”

Shenodded.“Justafew.”“Wecanpickthemuponourwayoverthere.Areyoucoming,too,

Viktor?”Viktornoddedlistlessly.Helookedlikeacondemnedmanwhosedayofexecutionhadarrived.

Leightonstoodtohisfeet“Viktor!Itellyou—there’snothingtobeafraidof.Iwishyoucouldseeyourselfinamirror.It’scomical.Comeon,man,cheerup!”Thenherememberedsomething.“Waitaminute.Ialmostforgot.LetmecalltheFBIsotheyknowyou’restayingheretonight.”

......OutinthehallandjustaroundthecornerfromLeighton’soffice,Del

SassowasbeingkiddedabouthisattirebyoneoftheCIAguards,adevoutCatholic.“Ialmostdidn’trecognizeyou!Isaidtomyself,‘Wholetthatstrangedudeinhere?’Youdon’tlooklikeyourselfwithoutthatrobe,Father.Ithoughtyounevertookitoff.”

“Oh,Idohaveitlaunderedonceayear,whenItakemyannualbath.I’mquitecivilized.”

Atthatmoment,Chernovandhistwomen,movingquicklydownthemainhallfromthesidedoor,steppedintoview.Theagentsawthematthesametimetheysawhim.Hewentintoanimmediatecrouch,swinginghisautomaticweaponquicklyfromwhereitwasslungoverhisshoulder.Therewasnotimeforhimeventoaim.AvolleyofmuffledshotsfromChernov,andhismenlefttheguarddeadinapoolofblood.DelSassoslowlyraisedhishandsoverhishead.

“He’satallone,”saidChernov.“Usehimforashield!”Oneofhismengrabbedthepsychic,putaguntohishead,andmarchedhimalonginfrontofthem.TheyarrivedattheofficedoorjustasLeightonopenedit.

“MyGod!”criedLeightonandjumpedbackintotheroom,tryingtoclosethedoor.Chernov’sshouldersmasheditopenandknockedLeightontothefloorunconscious.WithoneoftheRussiansstandingguardatthedoor,thecolonelandhisothermanchargedintotheoffice,pushingDelSassoaheadofthem.

CarlascreamedandChernovsmashedheracrossthemouthwiththebackofhishand,knockingherdown.Fromthefloorshewatchedinsemiconsciousterror.

“Pavlov”stoodoverher,enjoyingthismomentimmensely.“So,wedomeetagain,MissBertelli.YouwerequitebraveinParis,andthatwasabrilliantpieceofactingontheelevator.Thistimethere’snoescape!”

“Don’tharmher!”pleadedViktor.Eyesblazingwithhatred,Chernovslammedhimacrossthemouth,

knockinghimtotheflooralso.“I’mtakingyouwithme,Khorev—backtoMoscow.I’dratherkillyourightnow,butyouhavesomedebtstopaytothecountryyoubetrayed!”

Thecolonelglancedquicklyaroundthelargeofficewithoutfindingsomeonehehadexpectedtobethere.LeaningoverViktor,hedemanded,“Where’sthehoodedone?”

“The‘hoodedone’?”stammeredViktor,pretendingnottounderstand.WithonepowerfulhandChernovgrabbedViktorbythebackofhis

neckandpulledhimtohisfeet,shovingthebarrelofhispistolunderViktor’schin.“YouknowwhoImean!Whereishe?”

“I’mtheoneyoucallthe‘hoodedone,’”saidDelSasso,“andyouarealldeadmen.”HepulledawayfromtheSovietwhohadbeenholdingtheguntohisheadandfacedthemwithatwistedsmileonhisfacethatstunnedViktorandCarla.Itwasderisive,contemptuous,andmocking—likethesmileofabullygloatingoveracoweringvictim.HerewasafrighteningsideofDelSassothatViktorandCarlahadtriedtoforget.

“Youweregoingtoshootthe‘hoodedone’onsightThenshoothim.”DelSassowaslaughingnow,tauntingthem.

ToCarla,theveryatmosphereintheroomseemedtohavebeenchargedwithsomemysteriousforce.Yetitwasn’tsomuchapowerasapresence—primordialandhorrifying—likenothingshecouldfathomorlabel.TheArchons?

ThebarrelofthegunthathadbeenpressedagainstDelSasso’sheadbentandtwistedandtheuselessweaponwaswrenchedfromthehandthathelditandfelltothefloor.Thetoughandseeminglyinvinciblewarrior,“tentimesmoredangerous”thantheSpetznas,whohadbeenholdingDelSasso,wasnowquakinglikeanaspenleafinthewind.Helevitatedslowly,begantotwirlatincreasingspeed,thensuddenlyshotthroughtheairandcrashedintohiscompanionwhowasguardingthedoor,sendingthembothintothecorridor.Thedoorslammedshut.Therewasavolleyofshotsfromthedirectionofthelobby,thenfootstepsrunningtowardthemandababbleofvoices.

NowDelSassoturnedhisattentiontoChernov.TheoldMasterwasdesperatelyattemptingtoaimagunthatseemedaliveandrefusedtopointatthe‘hoodedone,’whomhenowrecognizedatlast.AslightquickgesturefromDelSassoandthegunwastornfromChernov’sgripandskiddedacrossthefloortowardViktor.Viktorgrabbedforit.

ChernovmadeafeintasthoughheweregoingafterViktorandthegun,thenspunsuddenlyandwithblindingspeedarchedhislethalfoottowardDelSasso’sthroat.Instantlyhewasthrownagainstthefarwalloftheoffice,justasYakovhadbeeninthelaboratory.Batteredandbloody,hepulledhimselfupfromthefloor,shookhimself,andbeganawaryadvancetowardhisincredibleantagonist.

“Idetestviolence,”saidDelSasso.Carlanoticedthathisvoicehadtakenonaverycontrolledandalmostconciliatorytone.“Surrendernowandnomoreharmwillcometoyou.”

Withacryofrage,Chernovcharged.Hehadnottakentwostepswhen,toherutterterror,CarlasawtheheavyglassthatprotectedthetopofLeighton’shugedeskabruptlyliftintotheair.Spinninglikeahigh-speedcircularsaw,itsailedswiftlythroughChernov’smidsection,bisectinghisbodyatthebeltline.Smashingintothewallbehindhim,theglassexplodedintoathousandbloodyshards.Carlagaspedinwordless

horrorandlostconsciousness.Whenshecametohersenses,Carlafoundherselflyingonasofain

thelobby.Ghastlypaleandinshockhimself,Viktorwasleaningoverher,dabbinggentlyatherbleedingmouthwithdamppapertowelsheldintremblinghands.

“Areyouokay?”askedViktor.Shenoddedweakly.“Ican’tbelieveit.Ijustcan’t.”Badlyshaken,butwithawildlookoftriumphinhiseyes,Leighton

wasnearby,alternatelytalkingonaphone,andbarkingorderstothosepresent.Hewasverymuchinchargeonceagain.KayMorrishoveredathiselbow,consultingwithhimbetweenphonecalls.

Carlawatchedthefranticactivityoutofafog,tryingtoregainhersenses.Atfirst,theroomwasswarmingwithguards—morethanCarlahadimaginedwereonthebase.TheyconferredtogetherinlowtoneswithMikeBradford,thedirectorofsecurity,shooktheirheadsinunbeliefatwhathadhappened,thenhurriedbacktotheirassignedduties.Unruffledandcomposed,asthoughhewereinanotherworld,DelSassostoodnearLeighton,watchingandlistening.Therewasanunearthlypeaceabouthimthatseemedsupernatural.

Viktorheldbothofherhandstightlyinhis.“Itwasawful!”“Isitallover?”Carlaasked.“Theothertwomen?”“WhenDelSassoknockedthemthroughthedoortheywereshotby

someguardswhowerecomingdownthehallsearchingforthem.”Carlastruggledandmanagedtositup.Herearwasstillringingfrom

theblowChernovhadgivenher,andonesideofherfacewasswollen.ShesawLeightonhangupthephone.Hecameoverandsatdownbesideherandputanarmaroundhertenderly.

“Areyouokay?”heasked.Shenodded.“ShouldIcalladoctor?”Helookedatherswollenfaceandcutlipwithconcern.

Sheshookherhead.“I’mokay,Frank—really.”“Ican’ttellyouhowsorryIamthatthishappened,”hetoldher.“Please,it’snotyourfault.”TurningtoViktorapologetically,Franksaid,“Istillsayit’simpossible.

There’snowaytheycouldgetinhere.Theymusthavecomeupthrough

thewoods.Somehowtheygotintotheguardstationatthegateandkilledtheguards.Theymusthavetrickedthem,buthow?Ijustcan’tbelieveit!”

“Antoniosavedourlives,”murmuredCarla.Heturnedandsmiledatheracrossthelobby.“Youweremagnificent,Antonio!”shecalledouttohim.

Hewalkedover,pulledupachair,andsatdownheavily.“I’msorrythathehurtyou,Carla.Andaboutyouroffice,Frank—thingsreallygotoutofhand.Ididn’twantitthatway,butsometimestheonlywaytostopviolenceiswithgreaterviolence.”Heseemedalmostlikearepentantchildapologizingforsomemisdeed.

“Please,Antonio!”saidLeightongratefully.“Ifitweren’tforyou,we’dallbedead!”

DelSassoturnedtoViktorandCarla.“Iofferedhimhislife.Youheardthatdidn’tyou?Iaskedhimtosurrender.You’remywitnesses.”

“We’reyourwitnesses,”saidViktorsolemnly.Hestillseemedtobeinastateofshock.

“IhearditandIsawit,”Carlaassuredhim.“Somuchblood!”murmuredDelSasso.“Idon’tlikeit.Basically,I’m

agentleperson.”Heseemedobsessedtoprovethathehadn’tintendedsuchbloodyviolence.Carlawonderedatthat.

Sheputahandgingerlytoherswollenface.Shehadn’tknownthatshewouldbegettingintosomethinglikethis,couldneverhaveanticipateditWell,therewasalwaysapricetobepaidforanythingthatwasworthwhile,andtherecouldnolongerbeanydoubtthatshewassittingonastoryfarbiggerthanshehadevenimagined.Whateverthecostinthefuture,therewasnoturningbacknow.

CarlawasextremelygratefultoDelSassoforsavingherlife,butatthesametimetherewassomethingterrifyingaboutthepowerhecontrolled.Ordiditcontrolhiminsomemysteriousway?Wasthatwhathewastryingtotellthem,andwhyhewassoapologetic?WasDelSasso,afterall,justapawnoftheArchons?Itwasafrighteningquestion.

[25]AnInfinitePotential?

“Welostfourgoodandbravemen,”intonedLeighton.“Menwhobelievedinwhatwe’redoingandgavetheirlivesinthelineofduty.Wewillnotdishonorthemandtheirmemory—orthebereavedfamiliestheyleftbehind—byabandoningthenoblecausetowhichtheyhaddedicatedthemselves.Letthisbeatimeofsolemnrededicationtothehigh-mindedidealsofinternationalgoodwillamongallpeoplesandnations.”

Theoccasionwasamemorialserviceheldinthelargetheaterinthecenterofthemainbuildingthedayaftertheslainguardshadbeeninterred.ItwasnowfourdaysaftertheRussianattack.Carlawassurprisedatthelargenumberofpersonnelinvolvedatthesecretcomplex.Therewereabout50employeespresentfromscientists,labassistants,andsecretaries;tocooks,janitors,andofcoursetheinternalsecurityforce—whichhadnowbeenincreasedbyeightmeninadditiontoreplacingthefourwhohadbeenkilled.Theentirestaffwasinattendance—astaffthathadcomethroughaterribleordealwithobviouslyhighmoraleinspiteofthelossesithadsustained.

Leightonfinishedhisspeechonapositivenote:“Wewillcarryonwithoutlookingback.Wewillletnothingandnoonedeterusfromourgoal.WeareworkingforaNewWorldofpeace,love,andbrotherhood—aworldwithoutfearofwarorcrime,aworldwithouthunger,amodelsocietyofequalopportunityandoflonglifeforall.Wearewithinsightofthatgoalanditwillbeachieved!”Fromhereandtherecamethestaccatoofenthusiasticapplause.

“Thisveryauditoriuminwhichyounowsitwillsoonbefilledwithleadersfromallnations,whowillmeettoimplementthePlanforthatNewWorld.ThatPlan,asyouallknow,isstilltoohighlyclassifiedtoshareopenlyevenonthisoccasion.Yourindividualcontributionstotheprogram

andyourconfidenceinmeasyourdirectorhavebroughtustotheverybrinkofsuccess,andIamgratefulforthespiritofloyaltyanddedicationthatcontinuestomotivateeachofyou.Itwillnotbelongnowuntileveryoneintheworldwillknowthesecretandreapthebenefitsofyourpersistenteffortshere.IampleasedtosaythatIhavejustreceivedconfirmationofthefullbackingofthePresidentoftheUnitedStates.PreliminarycontactsarebeingmadewithkeyleadersintheSenateandHouse,butofcoursenodetailscanbesharedwiththemuntilthattimecomes—whichIassureyouwillbeverysoon.”Therewasanotherburstofapplause.

Leightonpulledanenvelopeoutofhispocket,openedit,andunfoldedapieceofpaper.“Iwanttoreadtoyoupartofatelegramreceivedfromthepresidentonlyafewmomentsbeforethisgatheringconvened.Therestisconfidential,butwillbedisclosedtoyoulater.Hereitis:‘IhavespokenbyphonewiththeRussianpresidentanddescribedtohimtheattackbyRussianagentsuponyourinstallation,whichisdedicatedtothepeacefuluseofpsychicdevelopmentforallpeoples.Hehasassuredmethathewasnotawareofthisassaultteamandistakingstepstopreventsuchanoccurrencefromeverhappeningagain.HehasgivenmehispersonalwordthatpeaceishistoppriorityandthathiscountrywillparticipateintheforthcomingCongressforwhichyouarenowpreparing.Icongratulateyouandyourcolleaguesforthepartyouhaveplayedandwillcontinuetoplayintheestablishmentofapeacefulandprosperousworldforallmankind.’”Leightonpauseddramatically,andagaintherewasanenthusiasticresponsefromhislisteners.

“Youcanseethatourpresidentbacksourmission100percent.Youalsoknowthat,whilenotdoubtingthesincerityoftheRussianpresident,andbeingthankfulforhispromiseofpeace,weshallnotrelaxourvigilanceuntilourgoalhasbeenreached.IamdeterminedinmyownheartandIcalluponyouaswelltojoinwithmeinapledgetoourhigherselves,thatthosewhosememorywehonortodaywillnothavediedinvain!”

Therewasthunderousapplause,andtheaudiencestoodtoitsfeetLeightonacknowledgedtheirendorsementofhisleadershipgraciouslyfor

afewmomentsbeforesteppingdownfromthepodiumtomarktheendofthemeeting.Therewasabriefbabbleofvoicesasstaffmemberscameuptoshakehishandandexpresstheirsupportoncemore,beforereturningtointerruptedtasksinlabsandoffices.

......BackinhisofficeatlastLeightonheldacouncilwithhisinnercircle.

PresentwereMorris,DelSasso,Khorev,Bertelli,andMikeBradford,headofsecurity.Itwasasolemngathering.

“IthinkyouallknowMike,”beganLeighton.“I’veaskedhimtomeetwithustodiscussthemosttroublingaspectoftherecentattack.”

MikewasaveteranofCIAcovertoperationsfromCubatoVietnamandAngola—andmostplacesinbetween.Hewasastoughandsmartastheycame,andhewasclearlyverydisturbed.Hescannedthefacesofthosepresentcarefully,thenclearedhisthroatandbegan.

“WewerehitbadtheothernightIstilldon’tbelieveit.I‘vebeenpuzzlingoverthisthingeversince.Whathappenedwasimpossible.TheRussianassaultteamenteredourcomplexwithouttriggeringanyelectronicalarms.Thatispossibleonlyiftheyenteredatoneparticularplace—whichleavesonlyoneexplanation,anditisn’tapleasantone:Someonefromtheinsideletthemin!”

Thestunnedsilencespokelouderthanwords.Mikefoldedhisarmsandwatchedthereactions.

“Areyoucertain?”askedViktoratlastobviouslybadlyshaken.“Nothingis100percentcertain,”admittedMike.“Theymighthave

trickedourmensomehow,butthat’ssounlikelyitcanbecategoricallyruledout.”

“Butitisapossibility,”interjectedKayMorris.“Veryunlikely.Canyouimaginehowourmencouldhavebeen

inducedtoopenthedoortotheirfortifiedstationandletsomeonein?Andwewereonalert!”

“Hypnoticcontrol,perhaps,”musedViktor.“IcantellyouthatChernovhadincrediblepsychicpowers.”

“Let’sgetthepicture,”saidFrank.Thegatewasclosed,butbothdoorstotheguardstationwerewideopen.Thatistheonlypossibleentrance

route—andapparentlyanexitaswellforatleastoneRussian.”Inresponsetothequestioninglooks,Mikeexplained,“Oneoftheflak

jacketsismissingandwasprobablybeingwornbysomeonewholeftinahurry.Howmanyotherstherewere,wedon’tknow.”

“Thisreallybothersme,”saidKay.“Idon’tthinkweshouldevensuggestitwasaninsidejobuntilwe’reabsolutelycertain.Thethoughtofatraitorwithinourownranksisnotonlyrepugnant,itbreedsanatmosphereofsuspicionthatI,forone,wouldfindimpossibletoworkin.Ifthatassaultteamhasbeenabletoleaveuswithasuspicionthatwilleatatus,theninasensethey’vewonafterall,andIdon’twanttoconcedethat!”

Leightonwastakenbythethoughtandnoddedinagreement.“IagreewithKay.Youallrealizethatanatmosphereofmistrustcouldliterallyshutusdown—itwouldbeapsychicvictoryfortheRussians.IttakesfaithnotonlyintheArchonsbutinourselvesandinoneanotherforthePlantosucceed.”

“That’swhatconcernsme,”continuedKay.“Ican’timaginehowtheygotin.ButsupposetheRussianswereabletocoveralltraceoftheirentry?Thatwouldaccomplishtwothings:Itwouldleavethatmethodsecretforafutureteamtouse;anditwouldallowthemtoleave‘evidence’thattheygotinbywayoftheguardstation,whichwouldseemtopointtoaninsidejobandbreedsuspicionamongusall.”

Therewasalong,uncomfortablesilence.“Whataboutthispossibility?”suggestedCarlaatlast.“TheRussiansgotinside—wedon’tknowhow—andthetwoguardsatthegatewerethefirsttodiscoverthem.Theycameoutoftheirstationandwerekilled,draggedbackinthereoutofsight—”

“Theywereshotinsidethestation,”interruptedMike,whohadbeenlisteningquietly,whileshakinghisheadwithevidentdispleasure.

“Sotheywerecapturedandthentakenintothestationandexecutedtofurtherthe‘insidejob’theory,”saidMorrisquickly.

LeightonturnedtoDelSasso.“You’vebeenawfullyquiet,Antonio.HavetheArchonsgivenyoutheanswer?”

“Theydon’ttelluseverything,forreasonsthatIdon’tentirelyunderstand—somethingtodowithresponsibilityandpersonalgrowth.I

thoughttheFBIwasinvestigating,soI’dliketoknowwhattheythink.”FrankgesturedtowardMike.“Well?”Mikelookedembarrassed.“Actuallytheyhaveprettymuchthrownout

theinside-jobtheory.TheyseemtofavorsomethingmorelikewhatDr.Morrisissuggesting.”

Leightonlookedpleased.Hisprotégéhadprovenheranalyticalcapabilitiesonceagain,andthedreadpallofsuspicionhadbeenlifted.“I’llbuythat,”hedeclaredemphatically.NoticingMike’sdisappointment,Frankpattedhimontheshoulder.“Ofcourse,ifMikecomesupwithsubstantialevidence,that’sanothermatter.ButuntilthenIthinkweoughttolayasidesuspicionsandgetonwithourwork.Andforyou,Mike,thatmeanssomehowfindinghowtheyreallygotin!”

Leightonstoodtodismissthemeeting.“Ineedn’tremindyouthatwhatwehavediscussedheremustbeheldinthestrictestconfidence.Forthesakeofmoralewecan’talloweventheslightestsuggestiontoleakoutthatitmighthavebeenaninsidejob.Itwouldpoisontheatmosphereamongtheentirestaff.”

......Carladialedafamiliarnumberandleanedbackcomfortablyather

desk.ShehadfinallymovedintoherownofficejustdownthehallfromLeighton’sandwasenjoyingtheprivacy.AtFrank’ssuggestionshewasbelatedlyreturningastringofphonecallstoherhotelfromhereditorfriendatTimemagazine.ProjectArchonwasbackonschedule,andshewasnowauthorizedtodropsometantalizingpiecesofinformation.Ittookafewminutestogetthrough,andwhenhecameontheline,GeorgeConklinwasupset.

“Carla!Aren’tyougettingmyphonemessages?‘TwoFBIagentsslaininPaloAlto—routinelineofduty’comesoverthewires.Maybeitisroutine,butmyjournalisticnoseistwitchingandIthinkIsmellsomething—maybesomeconnectiontoyourbigstory?ButIcan’tevenreachyou.Where’veyoubeen?VacationinginHawaii?”

“I’vebeeninvolved,George,rightinthemiddleofthisthing.It’snotjustabigstory,it’sthebiggestyouorIwilleversee.Iliterallyhaven’tbeenabletogettoaphone.Thisismyfirstchance.”

“Soyou’retellingmethereissomeconnection?”“Youbetterbelieveit!”“We’vehadateamofourbestbloodhoundsouttheresniffing

everywhereandtheycameupwithnothing.We’reprintingnextweek’seditiontomorrow,sowhat’stheconnection,andwhat’sthestory?Canyoutellmeyet?”

“I’msorry,George,buttheanswer’s‘no.’Thisthingisstillgettingbiggereveryday.ButI’mgoingtogiveyousomeinfothatyoucanprintifyouwantto—withoutmyname.You’llbequoting‘areliableinsidesource,’andwhatI’mgoingtotellyouistheunvarnishedtruth.Okay?”

“Mytaperecorder’srunning.”“George!Youburythattape!”“Don’tworry.Itdoesn’texistunlessIhavetoresurrectit.Sowhat’s

goingon?”“Your‘reliablesource’informsyouthatthetwoFBIagentswere

killedwhentheytriedtointerceptaspecialRussiancombatteamhereonasecretmission.”

“You’rekidding!”“IwishIwere!Isawthisthingfirsthandandalmostgotkilledmyself.

Butdeletethat.Backtotheprintablestuff.TheRussiansattackedatop-secretpsychicresearchlabnearPaloAltorunbytheCIA.Why?BecausetheAmericanshavemadearesearchbreakthroughthatputsthemlight-yearsaheadoftheRussiansandeveryoneelseinthedevelopmentofincrediblepsychicpowers.”

“Ialreadytoldyou,”interruptedGeorge,“thispsychicstuffisstrictlyforthesleazetabloids.”

“TheRussiansapparentlyhaveadifferentview,”returnedCarlapointedly.“Isawtheteamtheysentwithmyowneyes,andIcantellyouthisistop-prioritystuffwiththem—andwithourowngovernmentaswell.Getyourheadoutofthesand,George!”

“I’lladmit,”camethegrudgingresponse,“thereareCongressmenandex-astronautsandNobelscientistsinvolvedinthisthing.Why,Ican’timagine.”

“Givethemcreditforsomeintelligence,okay,George?Andlisten—I

haven’tgottentotherealpointyet.AndIdon’twantyoutoprintanyoftheaboveifyouleavethispartoutThereasonwhytheAmericansaresofaraheadis—hangontoyourchair—they’vemadecontactwithhigherintelligencesthathavebeenguidingourevolutionand—”

“Isthisyourideaofajoke?”interruptedGeorge.“Comeon,Carla,you’rewastingmytime.”

“Thisistheabsolutetruth.Youthinkhumansaretheonlyintelligentlifeintheuniverse?”

“So‘we’renotalone.’Howmanysci-fifilmshaveusedthoselines!‘They’ve’beenhereandnowwe’vegotsome‘littlegreenmen’oniceatanairbase.”

“Isaidnothinglikethat!”“YousaidtheCIAisintouchwith‘higherintelligences.’Wecan’t

printthat.”“ThenIguessI’llhavetogotoTheWashingtonPost.Iwanttogive

youthehotteststoryofyourcareer.Thisisjustthetipoftheiceberg.Butyouknowyourstandards,andifyoucan’thandleit,then—”

“Carla,they’dlaughusoutofbusiness.Higherintelligencesaretakingover?Isupposethey’rearrivinginUFOs!Youknowhowcrazypeopleare.Youcouldstartanationwidepanic—likeOrsonWells’‘Martianinvasion’!”

“Ididn’tsaythey’retakingover—andthey’renotarrivinginUFOs.You’retheonewho’smakingitludicrous.I’mtellingyou,George,psychiccontacthasbeenmade.”

“Doyouknowhowfaroutthisis?”“Andhaveyouforgottenthat‘truthisstrangerthanfiction’?Ifyou

needanangle,here’sone:TieitinwiththeSearchforExtraterrestrialIntelligencethatCarlSaganfoundedandhasonlygrownlargersincehisdeath.Wouldyouprintitiftheymaderadiocontact?Butthat’sawholelotlesslikelythanwhatI’mtalkingabout.Itcouldtakehundredsorthousandsofyearsforradiotogettothenearestinhabitedplanet,butpsychiccontactisinstantaneous.It’shappened,George!Iknowthatforsure!Butsayithoweveryouwantto—hintatitasapossibilitysuggestedbyyour‘insidesource.’Idon’thavetotellyouwhattodo.”

Therewasalongsilence.FinallyGeorgemumbled,“ThisisreallythestorybehindthedeathsofthetwoFBIagents?”

“Thetipoftheiceberg—withmoretocomeifyouwantit.”“It’sthestoryofthecentury,ifit’strue.”“’Ifit’strue’?Nowyou’reinsultingme!Look,George,you’veknown

meforhowlong—sixyears?DidIeverexaggerateorgiveyouanyinformationthatwasn’tsolidgold?I’mtellingyouthatsomethingbiggerthanyouorIhaveeverimaginedisgoingtobreaksoon.Anddon’ttrytoverifythis—you’llonlygetdenialsfromtheWhiteHouseondown.”

“Carla,youknowI’vegottohaveconfirmationfromsomeone.”“Notonthisstory,youdon’tGeorge!Thisisfroma‘reliableinside

source.’There’snowayyoucangetverification.Youeitherprintitthatway,oryou’vegotnothing.”

“Yougivemefits,Carla.I’vegottobecrazytoprintthis.Listen—doabetterjobofkeepingintouch,willyou?”

“I’lldomybest.Takecare.”Assoonassheputthephonedown,shedialedLeightononthe

intercom.“IjustfinishedtalkingtoGeorge.He’sgoingtoprintitbutyouweresurerightaboutresistance.HeclimbedthewallwhenImentioned‘higherintelligences.’Evensuggestedthatsuchareport—ifpeoplebelievedit—couldcauseworldwidepanic.”

“That’samajorproblem.Scornfuldenialorpanic—thosearethetworeactionsthatcouldkillus.TheArchonshavetobeintroducedtotheworldinawaythatgeneratesacceptanceofthemandtheirmission,andfaithintheirabilitiesandgoodintentions.That’swhyyouhavesuchacrucialroletoplay.”

“Well,Icanseeitisn’tgoingtobeeasy.I’mworkingonmyfirstarticle.I’llhaveittothepointwhereyoucangooveritbytomorroworthenextday.”

“Great!Don’tforget:We’remeetinginmyofficeagainrightafterdinner.”

......KayMorrisexcusedherselffromtheplanningmeetinginLeighton’s

officethatevening—therewerethreelabstoprepareforthenextday’s

experiments.AlltheotherswerepresentViktor,Antonio,Carla—and,ofcourse,Frankhimself.FrankhadnoticedthatViktorhadseemedwithdrawnthelastfewdaysandfinallydecidedtofindoutwhatwaswrong.

“Something’sbotheringyou,Viktor.We’reinthistogether,andoneoftherulesisthatwedon’tkeepanysecretsfromeachother.What’stheproblem?”

“It’ssomethingIhavetoworkoutinmyownmind.”“Well,comeoutwithit.We’dallliketohelp.”Hesitantly,Viktorbegan:“Youhavetounderstandmybackgroundofa

lifetimeunderoppressivetotalitarianism.Yes,theIronCurtaincamedown,andwesupposedlyhavenew‘freedoms’andthere’splentyoftalkaboutdemocracy,butinactualfactaneliteinnercirclerunsthecountryandnooneelsecandoanythingaboutit.”

“Butyou’veleftthatbehind,”saidLeighton,tryingtobeencouraging.“Andyouwon’tbecoopedupbehindthesewallsfortoomuchlonger.”

“I’vegotnocomplaints,Frank.I’mverygratefulforallofthat.Whattroublesme—well,it’slikewe’vesoldoursoulstotheArchons.Whatevertheysaygoes.Period.We’retoldthatthePlanwillbeimplementedsoon.Acouncilofsuperiorbeingswho’vebeenwatchingoverourevolutionareabouttointervenetokeepusfromdestroyingourselves.Whynotjustadmitthatthey’regoingtotakeovertheworld?That’swhatitamountsto.Don’tyouseewhyitlookstomelikewe’rehelpingtoputthewholeworldinthegripofanewtotalitarianismthatcouldbeevenworsethantheoneIescaped?”

Franksmiledbenignly.“Therearesomehugedifferences,Viktor,betweentheoldSovietandnowthenewRussiansystemandtheNewAgetheArchonswillbringtoearth.Foronething,theArchonshavenoselfishinterests.Theygetnothingoutofthis—nomoney,power,property.They’rebenefitingus,nottakinganythingfromus.They’resofarbeyondourevolutionarystageofdevelopmentthattheydon’twantanythingfromus.”

“That’strue,”concededViktor,“butsomethingstilltroublesmeaboutthewholething.It’snotthatIwanttobackout;pleasedon’tthinkthatat

all.Ibelieveinwhatwe’redoing,butI’mjusttryingtounderstandsomeaspects.”

DelSasso,whohadbeenlisteningquietly,nowstoodtohisfeetandwalkedovertositononeendofLeighton’shugedeskwherehecouldcommandaviewofeveryone’sface.“There’ssomethingmuchdeeperthatyou’remissing,”hebeganconfidentially,“andthisisprobablyasgoodatimeasanytoexplainit.”

CarlanoticedgladlythatthiswasnottheDelSassoofafewnightsago—thepsychicwarriorwhohadexudedsuchapalpableevilandwhohadcommittedsuchanatrocityagainstChernov.Nowheemanatedanequallysuperhumanloveandcompassionthatwasnolesstangible.

“I’vebeenincommunicationwiththeArchonsforabouttwoyears,”Antoniocontinued,“andknowthembetterthananyone.”HeturnedtoViktorandCarla.“You’vereadorlistenedtoonlyafractionofthetransmissionsfromthemsofar.LetmeexplainthatthePlaninvolvesawholelotmorethanpsychicpowerandpeaceandprosperity.TheArchons’ultimategoalistobringoutthebestinmankind,thetrueinnergoodnessthathasbeenputdownbythousandsofyearsofnegativereligionsexaltingfalseandoppressivedeities.Theywantustorealizethatwearegoodnesspersonifiedandreallygodsourselves.”

“Nowthat’ssomethingIcanreallygetexcitedabout!”exclaimedCarla.“Itresonatessotrulywithmyownexperience!Youcan’timaginetheput-downsIsufferedgrowingupwithafatherwhopastoredafundamentalistchurch.Hisonemissioninlifeseemedtobetodriveintothecongregation—andespeciallyintome,hisonlychild—whatworthlesswretchesweallwereandthatwewereundercondemnationbyaGodwhowouldsendusalltohelltoburnforeverifwedidn’tknuckledownandlivethestraight-laced,soberandsad,self-denying,miserablelifethatwasrequiredofallChristians.Italmostdestroyedme,especiallywhenIfoundoutthatmyfatherdidn’tlivethekindoflifeheforcedonothers!”SheturnedtoViktor.“Talkabouttotalitarianismandoppressivesystems!Youcan’timaginetheliberatingsenseoffreedomwhenIrealizedthatIdidn’thavetobelieveinanygodbutmyself!”

DelSassohadbeennoddingwithapproval.“YouknowI’maJesuit

priest,butwhatCarlahasjustsaidisexactlywhatIbelieve.I’mashamedthatmyownchurchhasbeenamajorforceinoppressingmankind—especiallywomen—injustthewayCarlaexperienced.YetaJesuitpriest,PierreTeilharddeChardin,iscreditedwithbeing‘TheFatheroftheNewAge.’Andbytheway,TeilhardwroteoftheveryOmegapointatwhichpsychiccontactisfirstmadewiththeArchons—thepointatwhichhesaidmankindwouldmergeintogodhood.”

“ThoseideasarequiteadeparturefromwhatbothCatholicsandProtestantshavealwaystaught,”remarkedLeighton.“Ittakesagreatdealofcouragetobreakwithsomanycenturiesoftradition.”

“Ithastobedone,”affirmedDelSasso.“TheBibleisanunfortunateperversionoftheancientnaturemythsheldincommonbyallpeoples.AsoneverypopularCatholicpriesthaspointedoutso-called‘originalsin’wasreallythe‘originalblessing.’The‘serpent’isnottheenemyofmankindbutitssaviorandtruestfriend.ThereismuchwisdomhiddeninthemythoftheGardenofEden.Theserpent’sofferofgodhoodwasnotalie,buttheliberatingtruththatdeliversusfromtheoppressivebeliefinajealousgodwhosetshimselfupassuperiortoallothers.That’saninsulttotheintegrityofanyhumanbeing!Infactwe’reallequalbecausetheforcelatentintheuniverseisavailabletoall.”

“Youdon’tknowhowgoodthatmakesmefeel!”declaredCarlawithconviction.“It’ssogreattohearamanoftheclothspeakoutlikethisandvindicateidealsI’vetriedtopromoteforyears!It’slikeabreathoffreshair.Ionlywishmymothercouldhaveheardthisbeforeshedied.”

DelSassowalkedoverandsatdownbesideViktor.HeputhishandonViktor’sshoulderandlookedathimcompassionately.“Soyousee,Viktor,theNewWorldweareworkingforisnotatallliketheoppressivesystemofaStalinorKhrushchev,ortheunjustsuperstructureofcapitalism.Theveryreasonwhyyourejectthosesystemsisthatyou’reagodwhomustbefree—youcan’tberuledbyanyone.We’rearaceofgodswhohavelostourway,forgottenourtrueidentity,andneedtorememberwhowereallyare.TheArchonsdon’twanttotakeover;theywanttosetusfreetoexperienceourowninfinitepotential.Theirultimatepurposeistorestoreapositiveself-image,aglorioussenseofselfesteemtoaworldofbeings

brokenunderaloadofnegativismthathasstifledtheirfulldevelopmentascreaturesofthecosmos.”

Carla’seyesweresparkling.SheleanedoverandgaveViktorahug.“Can’tyouseethetruthinwhathe’ssaying?”sheasked.

“Ithinkso,”saidViktor.“Ithinkso.”HewassmilingashehadnotsmiledsincefacingChernovandapparentdeathfournightsearlier.Andthemanwhohadsavedhimthenwasnowpointingthewaytoabrighterfuturethanhehadeverimaginedpossible.

“IthinkIunderstandsomethingalittle.betternow,”musedCarla.“YoumeanaboutthewayIactedthefirsttimewemet,”saidAntonio,

asthoughhewerereadinghermind.“Exactly.Icanseewhymyex-fiancée’spresenceenragedyou.He’sa

narrow-mindedChristianfundamentalistwhorepresentstheveryantithesisoftheliberatingtruthyou’vejustexplainedsobeautifully.That’swhytheArchonsidentifiedhimasthe‘enemy.’”

“Youdounderstand!”saidDelSassowarmly.Therewassomethinginfinitelygentleandcomfortinginhisvoice.

......LyinginbedatherhotelthatnightCarlafoundsleepeludingheronce

again.ForallofherenthusiasmearlierthateveningwhenDelSassohadexplainedthingssowell,hereshewasplaguedbysomeofthesameolddoubts.HowcanIbesosureonemomentthattheArchonsandDelSassoaregoodnesspersonified—afterall,he’stheironlyrepresentative—andthenextmomentbetroubledbybasicconcerns?Andwhydon’tIeverthinkoftherightquestionstoaskwhenI’mwithDelSasso?I’msooverwhelmedbyhischarismathatIlosetheabilitytothinkformyself!

DelSasso’spersuasivepronouncementsaboutinfinitehumanpotentialandtheinnategoodnessandpowerineveryonehadbeenveryappealing.Yetnowsheremembereddistinctlythathehadsaidjustasclearly,whentheyhadfirstmetthatsuchabeliefwasadelusion.Afterall,therecognitionthathumansdidn’thavepsychicpowerswithinthemselvesbutthattheycamefromthese‘higherbeings’hadbeenthewholebasisforthegreatbreakthroughthathadcomeinpsychicresearch.TheirwillingnesstohonortheArchonsasthesourceofpsychicpowerwaswhytheAmericans

hadleapedaheadoftheRussians.Whatwasthetruth,andwhydidDelSassocontradicthimself?Were

theretwotruths—onetobetoldtotheworldatlarge,andtheothertobeknownonlytotheinnercircle?WhyhadDelSassobeenpresentingastruththateveningwhathehadformerlyidentifiedasalie?Ofcourseshenolongerbelievedit,butitdidtroublehertorememberthattheBibledefinitelyidentifiedtheideathatmanisagodwithinfinitepotentialasthegreatlieofSatan.Sheremembered,too,asagirl,hearingrevivalpreacherswarnofamanwhowouldspeakgreatliesanddeceivethewholeworld.ItwouldbeparanoidtoconnectthatbiblicalmythwithDelSasso,theArchons,andthePlan,buttherewasatroublingsimilaritythatshefounddifficulttodismiss.

[26]CloseEncounter!

“IseeaPulitzerprizeinyourfuture!”Thesoundoftheexaggeratedgypsyaccentpompouslyintoned,causedCarlatolookupfromhercomputerwithastart.DelSassowasstandingintheopendoorwaytoheroffice,actingtheconsummatefortune-teller.“Yes,Iseetheworldofjournalismworshipingatyourfeet.”

“Thenyoucan’tseeverywell,”returnedCarlawithalaugh.“You’reobviouslyacheapphony.Theworldofjournalismwouldbegreenwithenvy,notworshipingatmyfeet.”

Smilingbroadly,hesteppedinsideandstoodtheretoweringoverher.“Stillworkingonthatfirststory?”

“You’rebadlyinformedallthewayaround.Ithoughteveryoneknewthebignewsbynow.Ifinishedmyfirstarticleyesterday,andTheWashingtonPostgrabbedit.Theythoughtitwashot.Otherpaperswon’tbeabletopickitupuntilthePostprintsittomorrow.I’mreallyexcited!”

“Magnifique!Well,I’vegottogetovertothemainlab.Don’tmissthetransmissiontoday.There’sgoingtobesomethingspecialforyouandViktor.”

......Afterashortbreakforlunch,CarlaandViktorwalkedtogetheroverto

thelabwherethedailytransmissionfromtheArchonswasreceived.Itwasinthefirstbuildingontheleftasoneenteredthecomplexthroughthegate.Theytookthelongestpossibleroute,enjoyingthebeautyofthewell-landscapedgroundsandthetoweringredwoodsthatcouldbeseenjustbeyondthewall.

“Doyourealizethisisoneoftheveryfewchanceswe’vehadtotalkalone?”remarkedCarlaastheystartedalongthewindinggravelpaththatledawayfromthemainbuilding.

“Ihadn’tthoughtofitthatway,”musedViktor,“butnowthatIlookback,you’rerightIdon’tthinkthere’sbeenanyintentiontokeepusfromtalking.”

“Oh,Ididn’tmeanthat.We’vebeenextremelybusydayandnight.”Carlastoppedandpointedtoanexceptionallylargeredwoodjustoutsidethecomplex.“Sometrees,huh?Didyoueverseeanythingsohuge?They’retheoldestlivingthingsonearth!”

“ThepicturesI’dseenjustdidn’tpreparemefortherealthing,”respondedViktorappreciatively.“There’ssomethingawesomeyoucouldn’tpossiblyunderstandwithoutexperiencingit!I’dlovetogetoutthereandspendadayjustwalkingthroughaforestlikethat!”

“You’venoideahowawesometheyareupclose.We’lltakeagoodlonghikethroughthosetreestogether,Viktor—soon.”

Helookedatherfondly.“Isthatapromise?”“That’sapromise.”“Weneedtospendsometimetogether,Carla,justtotalkandget

acquainted,andit’simpossibleinhere.Everythinggoesatsuchafeverouspitch.IhadnoideaAmericansworkedthishard!”

“Mostofthemdon’t,”laughedCarla.“Frank’sunusual,buthe’sdrivenbyasenseofurgencythatImustadmitIshare.”

“Oh,Idotoo.I’mnotcomplainingaboutthat.YouknowwhatI’mtryingtosay.”

“Iknow,andIfeelexactlythesameway.”Therewasapoignantsilence.WhenCarlabrokeit,therewas

suppressedexcitementinhervoice.“AntoniosaystheArchonsaregoingtotellussomethingspecialtoday.FrankthinksthefirstWorldCongressandtheinaugurationoftheNewAgewillcomewithinamonth.It’smovingfasterthanIthought!”

Theywerenearingtheendoftheirbriefwalk.Viktorslowedthepaceandloweredhisvoice.“I’vewantedtoaskyousomething.WhatdoyouthinkofDr.Morris?”

“Kay?She’squitearemarkablewoman,ifthat’swhatyoumean.”“No,somethingelse.”Carlastoppedandlookedathimclosely.“Areyoutryingtosay

something?”“Justaskingwhatyouthink.”“Well,sinceyoumentionitI’vehadastrangefeelingaboutherever

sincewefirstmet,butIdon’tknowwhy.”“Ithinkshe’saRussian!”saidViktorabruptly.“Youwhat?”“Infact,I’malmostcertain.”‘Viktor,comeon!She’sagraduateofMIT—withaNewYorkaccent!”“Iknowitsoundscrazy,andIprobablyshouldhavekeptittomyself,

butI’vebeenwatchingher.It’slittlethingsthatI’venoticed,likemannerismsandthewaysheputssentencestogether—evensomeexpressionssheusesseemtobepeculiarlyRussianbuttranslatedintoEnglish.”

Theyresumedtheirwalkveryslowly.Carlawasflabbergasted.“HaveyousaidanythingtoFrank?”sheasked.

“Notyet.Itwouldn’tdoanygood.Icouldn’tproveitandmaybeitmeansnothing.”

“SheleftFrank’sofficethatnightabout30minutesbefore—”Carlabegan,thenstopped.“No,it’snotfaireventothinksuchthoughts.Afterallshe’sthedirectorofthelabs,andsheworksashardasFrank.She’sreallycommitted.”

“DoyouthinkFrank’sinlovewithher?”“Soyoupickeduponthat,too.He’ssmittenforsure,butIthinkshe’s

verycarefulnottoshowtoomuchfeelinginpublic.Peopledofallinlove.”HershoulderbrushedagainstViktor’s.Theireyesmetandheldforthebriefestofmoments.

“I’vetalkedtoMike,”continuedViktor,“andhesayshe’scertainthatsomeoneontheinsideshottheguardsandletChernovin—butnottomentionittoFrank.IsthatbecausehethinksKaymightbetheone?”

“Whydidn’tyouaskhim?”“Icouldn’tdothat!”“Ireallyfeelbadaboutthiswholeconversation,”saidCarla.“Itisn’t

fairtoKay—”Shestruggledtofindthewords.Theirwalkhadtakenthembehindthebuilding.BeforeCarlacould

finishthatsentence,theycamearoundacornerjustintimetoseeLeighton,whohadhurrieddirectlyacrossthelawn,approachingthefrontdoorofthelabatalope.“We’lltalkaboutitlater,”whisperedCarla.

“Well,lookwho’sbeenoutforastroll!”exclaimedFrank,obviouslyingoodspirits.“I’msorryyoutwohaven’thadtimetogetbetteracquainted.”Hepulledthedooropenandmotionedforthemtoenter.“Youmakeaveryhandsomepair.”

“We’llacceptthatcompliment”laughedCarlaassheputherarmthroughViktor’s.Heblushedslightlyandlookedpleased.

Enteringthelab,theytooktheirseatsquietly.Asusual,DelSassowasalreadyinplace.Dr.MorrisandanassistantwereintheprocessofconnectingwiresfromvariouspartsofhisbodytoabankofmonitoringequipmentAssoonasthatwasdone,theassistantleft.Onlytheinnercirclecouldbepresentatthesesessions.Antoniowentimmediatelyintoatrance.Hebreathedrapidlyforafewmoments,thensettleddowntoaslow,rhythmicpace.

Suddenlyhiswholebodyjerkedandhisheadcockedtooneside.Aneerieandstrangelymetallicvoicebegantospeakthroughhimatahighpitch.TheNinegiveyougreetingsfromanotherdimensiondirectlyadjacenttoyours.Therecentattackonyourinstallationwasanecessarytest.Youpasseditwell,butmorearetocome.Thequestionofentryisamysteryyoumustconfrontandsolveforyourownspiritualgrowth.Everystepisimportantaswemovetowardourgoal.CarlaBertelli’sarticleswillplayakeyconsciousness-raisingrole.ViktorKhorevmustgivethekeynoteaddressattheCongress.”

“Itisthereforeessentialthatthesetwoseeusforthemselves.Theymaynotapproachus,buttheywillbeallowedtoenterandwitnessourmeetingwiththethreehigherinitiates.Thiswilloccuratprecisely3:15thisafternoon.AtthattimewewillannouncethedateforthecomingWorldCongress.Farewell.”

ThemomentDelSassocameoutofhistrance,aeuphoricLeightonhurriedovertoCarlaandViktor,whowereveryexcitedbutalsoconfusedandapprehensive.“Congratulations!”exclaimedLeighton.“Youcan’timaginewhatgoodnewsthisis!Wecouldn’treallygoforwarduntilwe

hadthatdate,anduntiltheArchonsacceptedyoubothintothePlan.Thisisgoingtochangeyourlivesforever!”

“Whatdidtheymean—seethem?”askedCarla.“Withourphysicaleyes?Ididn’tthinktheyhadbodies.”

“Ithastobeasurprisethefirsttime,”saidLeightonenigmatically.......

Promptlyat2:30LeightonherdedDelSasso,Morris,Khorev,andBertelliintoalate-modelCadillac.FrankgotbehindthewheelwithKaybesidehimandtheotherthreeinthebackseatTheyleftthebaseescortedinconspicuouslybyacarinfrontandonejustbehind,each—inadditiontoitsdriver—carryingtwoheavilyarmedCIAagentsdressedinworkmen’sclothes.OntheothersideofPaloAltotheyenteredaseedy,run-downindustrialparkanddrovealongawindingstreet.Itendedinacul-de-sac,mostofwhichwastakenupbythesprawlinggroundsofanextensivebuilding,apparentlyabandoned.Therewerenocarsintheparkinglot,andthelandscapingwasnoticeablyunkemptThethreevehiclespulledintoadriveandparkedbehindthebuilding.Everyoneexceptthetwodriversintheothercarsclimbedout.

“TheCompanyownsthisproperty,”confidedLeightonastheywalkedaroundtothefront.

“Company?”askedViktor.“That’swhatweaffectionatelycalltheCIA.”Wavingahandatthe

run-downappearance,Leightonadded,“Wepurposelyletitlookabandonedanduseitfornothingbutthesemeetings.TheycomeirregularlyattheArchons’command.”

ThetwoCIAagentsintheleadcarhadremainedattherearofthebuildingtopretendtheyweremakingsomerepairs,whiletheothertwostartedtopullafewweedsinfront,oneneareachcomerofthewidestructure.Leightonledtheothersupashortbrickwalktothefrontdoor,whereheproducedakeyandletthemallin.Heturnedonnolights,andinthesemidarknesstheywalkedthroughwhathadoncebeenanofficestraighttowardareardoor.

Leightonpausedbeforeopeningit.“CarlaandViktor,”hewarnedthemsolemnly,“whatyouareabouttoseewillshockandperhapseven

terrifyyou.Staybehindusatalltimesandkeepyouremotionsundercontrol.Don’tpanic,andundernocircumstancestrytoapproachthevehicle.Wethreewilldosoattheappropriatetime,butforyourownsafetyyoumustkeepyourdistance.”

“Vehicle?”askedViktor.Hewasliterallytremblingwithfear.TheywereactuallygoingtoseesomeArchons?Carlawaseagerwithanticipation,butatthesametimealmostafraidtogothroughthedoor.

“Itmustbeasurprise!”saidLeighton.“Remember?Sodon’taskanymorequestions!”Thenheaddedsolemnly,“Kayhadherinitiationherejustaweekbeforeyoutwoarrived.”

Openingthedoor,heledthemintowhatappearedtobeahugewarehousewithaveryhighroof.TheystoodtogetherjustinsideforamomentThenLeighton,DelSasso,andMorristooktwostepsforward,puttheirpalmstogetherinfrontoftheminthetraditionalOrientalgreeting,andbowedinunisonninetimes.Puzzledandfearful,ViktorandCarlaremainednearthedoor,watchinginwonder.Peeringaround,theytriedtoadjusttheireyestothedimlightthatfilteredthroughdustyVenetianblindsdrawntightacrossloftyskylights.Thebuildingappearedtobeempty.

Suddenlyavibratinghumbegan,likeathousandmonkschantingthe“OM.”Itseemedtochargetheatmospherewithanalmost-tangibleelectricalcurrentThenthereitwas—asthoughithadmaterializedoutofthinair.“Look!”whisperedViktorinastonishment

Agiantspacecraft,lookinglikesomethingoutofascience-fictionmovieandfillingthefarendofthewarehouse,wasnowhoveringjustoffthefloor,itstopcrowdedupagainsttheroof.Itwasnearlythesizeofa747butwithoutwingsandofafuturisticdesign.Carlanearlyfaintedfromshockandfright.“Itcan’tbe!”shewhisperedback.“Youseeit,too?”

“It’simpossible!”saidViktorhoarsely,unabletobelievehiseyes.Atthatmomenttwolightsonthetopoftheobjectcameonandbegan

torotate,flashingpurpleandgreenastheyspunroundandround,revealingastrange,unearthlysheentothemetallicsurface.Asifthatwereasignal,thecraftseeminglybegantopulsatewithlife,asthoughitwereabouttometamorphoseintosomepredatorycreature.Strickenwithanunreasoningterror,CarlaandViktorcouldhardlyretaintheirsanityand

stifletheinstincttoflee.Involuntarilytheyshrankbackagainstthewall.Ashimmeringpyramidofbrilliantwhitelight,withabaseofabout35

feetoneachside,suddenlyappearedinfrontofthehoveringcraft.ThelighthadapeculiarradiancethatmadeCarlafeelinstantlydizzy.Thedizzinesspassed,however,asquicklyasithadcome.Nowshefeltanirresistibleattractionfortheglowingpyramidofunearthlyincandescence—asthoughhermindweresomehowbeingdrawnintoanotherconsciousnessthatwasmergingwithsomethinglivinginsidethatstrangelight.Anoverpoweringpresencecouldnowbefeltinthewarehouse.CarlasenseditwasthesamepresenceshehadfeltinLeighton’sofficewhenDelSassohadtakencontrolfromtheRussians.

“That’soursignal,”saidLeightoninanexcitedvoice,motioningtoViktorandCarlatoremainbehind.“Youwaithere.Don’tmoveunderanycircumstances!”

WithLeightoninthelead,thethreemovedslowlytowardthemysteriouscraft.AsViktorandCarlawatchedinterrifiedfascination,nineluminousandalmosttransparentbeingssuddenlyappearedinthecenterofthepyramid.Theyworeshimmeringrobesoflightthatcoveredtheirentirebodies,leavingexposedonlytheirreptilian-likeheadsthatseemedtoflareoutfromtheirbroadshoulderslikethehoodsofcobras.Therewassomethingawesomelysupernaturalaboutthecreatures.Theyseemedtobegrotesqueandbeautiful,repulsiveandattractiveatthesametime.IneeriesilencetheyquicklyformedacirclearoundLeighton,DelSasso,andMorrisasthethreeearthlingssolemnlyenteredthepyramidoflighttogetherandprostratedthemselvesinworship.TheleaderoftheNinemotionedforthemtoarise.

“Idon’tbelievethis,Idon’tbelievethis.”Carlakeptrepeatingthewordstoherselfthroughchatteringteeth.Shewasshakingasthoughfromachillingsub-zerowind.

“Wecan’tbothbehallucinating,”saidViktor,wipingthecoldperspirationfromhisforeheadwithahandthatwasalreadydamp.

TheNineseemedtobeconversingwithLeightonandhisparty.Astheydidso,firecameoutoftheirmouthsandtheirbodiesbecameathousandpointsoflightthatcastweirdshadowsofbothhumanand

inhumanformsonthewarehousewalls.Inspiteofherterror,Carlafoundherselfunabletoturnhergazefromthisunbelievableperformance.Asherfascinationgrewtoalmosthypnoticproportions,herfearsubsidedandthepresencethatchargedtheatmospherebecamebenevolentandall-wise.Shewasnolongershaking,butwasnowovertakenwithafeelingofgratitudefortheprivilegeofwitnessingsuchascene.Howblessedtheworldwastobevisitedbysuchcreaturesoflovewhohadcometorescuemankindfromself-destruction!

[27]AnAntichristRebellion?

Thecircleofunearthlycreaturesopenedassuddenlyasithadclosed.ViktorandCarlawatchedinstunnedbewildermentastheirthreecolleagueswalkedslowlybacktowardthem.Thepyramiddisappearedinstantly,andtheNinevanishedwithit.WhenLeighton,DelSasso,andMorrishadresumedtheiroriginalplacesfacingthestrangecraftjustinfrontofViktorandCarla,theyputtheirpalmstogetherandbowedninetimesagain.Thevibrating“OM”fadedandinitsplaceastrangewhirringsoundaroseandgrewinvolume.Totheirconsternation,ViktorandCarlarealizedthattheUFOhadswungaroundtopointintheirdirection.Itwasgatheringspeedandheadingdirectlytowardthem.

Leightonsensedtheirterrorandreachedbackacautioninghand.Withouttakinghiseyesfromthestrangecraft,heyelled,“Don’tmove!”

Thewhirringsoundhadbecomeahigh-pitchedscreamwhen,atgreatlyacceleratingspeed,theUFOpassedwithininchesovertheirheadsandoutthroughthesideofthewarehouse.CarlaclutchedViktorandtogethertheyclungtoeachotherasabriefwaveofnauseapassedoverthemandsubsided.

Carlahadcringedinanticipationofthedevastationasthespacecrafttorethroughthewalls.Tohercompleteastonishment,thewarehousewasnowemptyandstillintact.HereyesmetViktor’s,andforamomenttheyclungtooneanotherinsheerrelief.

“Youtookitverywell,”saidLeightonwhentheirearshadstoppedringing.“BetterthanIdidthefirsttimeIhadthisexperience.”Hecouldnothidehisowntrepidation,however,evennow.Morrisseemedtobecontrollingherselfwithgreateffort.OnlyDelSassowascompletelycool.ItseemedtoCarlathathewasalmostindistinguishablefromtheArchons,socloselyhadhebecomeidentifiedwiththem.

Leightonledthembackoutside.TheCIAagentswerestillpullingweedsinaboredandhalfheartedmanner.Hadtheyseenthisgiantspacecraftcomeburstingoutofthesideofthebuildingsooftenthatitnolongeraffectedthem?ViktortookholdofLeighton’sarm.“Whatdoesitlooklikefromoutherewhenthatthingcomesshootingoutofthebuilding?”

LeightonputafingertohislipsandshookhisheadtoremindViktorthattheirexperiencewasnottobesharedwithothers.“Theysawnothingouthere!”hesaidinalowvoice.“SofartheArchonshavechosenonlytorevealthemselvestousandonlyinsidethatbuilding.Outherethey’reinvisible.Butonedaytheywillmakethemselvesknowntotheentireworld.”

“Whenyouwereinthatpyramidoflight,”whisperedCarla,unabletorestrainhercuriosity,“whatdidyoutalkabout?”

AgainFrankputafingertohislipsandshookhishead.“We’llsharethatlater,”hesaidandledthewaytothecar.

Onceinsidetheirautoandontheirwaybacktothebase,Frankgaveventtohissuppressedexcitement“We’vebeengiventhedate!”heannouncedtoViktorandCarla.“SixweeksfromnextFriday.Thatdoesn’tgiveusmuchtime.Carla’sfirstarticlewillbeprintedtomorrow,andtheArchonspromiseanenthusiasticreactionfromboththemediaandthepublic.”

Stillstunnedfromtheirexperience,CarlaandViktorseemedscarcelyabletocomprehendwhatFrankhadsaid.“Didn’tyouhearme?”heasked.“We’vegotthedatefortheWorldCongress!”

“That’sfantastic,”saidCarla,“butI’msodisorientedthatIcanhardlythink.I’vejustseenwhatlookedlikeahugesolidobjectsailrightthroughthesideofabuildingasthoughthewallsweren’tthere.Andthenyousayit’sinvisibleoutside.Whatwasthatthing?”

“CallitaUFO,ifyoulike,”respondedFrank.“TheNinesaythere’snowaytheycanmakeusunderstandsucheventsatourpresentlevelofdevelopment.It’ssomekindoftransmogrificationofpsychicenergy.That’salltheycantellus.”

Viktorwasbesidehimself.“Frank,whatwe’vejustseenmakes

Columbus’discoveryofAmerica,theBolshevikRevolution,manwalkingonthemoon,andeverythingelsethat’shappenedinhistoryseemlikenothingincomparison.Thisisit!Thisistheultimate.”

“VisionsoftheVirginMaryarethesameorderofevent”putinDelSassocasually.“Allreligionsoriginallycamefromsuchapparitions.”

“Apparitions?”askedCarlainsurprise.“Whatwesawwasn’treallythere?”

‘Itwasanditwasn’t,”respondedFrank.“It’stheoldquestionofwhat’sreal,andyouknowthere’snoanswertothat!”

“Isawitwithmyowneyes,”saidViktor,stillovercomewithawe,“ornoonecouldhavegottenmetobelieveit!”

“Oh,Ialmostforgottotellyou,”saidFrank,addressingCarlaandViktoragain.“Theyinformedusthatthegatheringofleadersistobecalled,‘WorldCongress666.’”

“Ilikethat!”saidDelSassowithaheartylaugh.“Infact,Iloveit!”“’666’?”askedViktor.“Doesitmeansomething?”“Now,there’soneoftheadvantagesofgrowingupinanatheistic

society!”laughedCarla.“NoAntichristmythstogivelittlechildrennightmareslikeIusedtohave.”

“Antichrist?”askedViktor,stillnotunderstanding.“Sorry,”saidCarla.“He’sasatanicfigureintheBiblewho’s

supposedlygoingtobeworshipedas‘God’andtakeovertheworld.You’llfindithardtobelieve,Viktor,butintheWestthissuperstitionissostrongthatthenumber666—whichissupposedlytheAntichrist’snumber—reallyfrightenspeople.EvenmajorHollywoodfilmshaveexploitedthefearitgenerates.”SheturnedtoFrank.“I’mmystifiedastowhytheArchonswouldwanttoidentifytheirNewWorldOrderwithasymbolthat’scertaintoarouseparanoiaandopposition.”

“Theydidn’texplainit,”saidFrank,lookingabitperplexedhimself.“I’mascuriousasyouaretoknowwhytheychosewhatmostpeopleconsidertobeanegativesymbol.”

“There’snoneedtoexplainsomethingsoobvious,”brokeinDelSassoimpatiently.“It’sastrokeofgenius—andaboldone.TheAntichristmythhasobsessedWesternersforcenturies.Evenpeoplewhodon’tgoto

churchwillpaytowatchamoviethatdepictsthatnonsense.Andinsteadoflookingatitlikeanyotherhorrorfilm,theysittheretransfixedwiththefearthatitreallycouldhappen.”

“That’sexactlywhatIwassaying,”interjectedFrank.“Using666canhardlyarousemuchgoodwillandsupport!”

“Andyou’reapsychologistFrank?”returnedDelSasso.“ShameonyoufornotrecognizingwhattheArchonsaredoing.They’reincrediblepsychologists.They’regoingtoforcetheworldtofacetheobsessivefearoftheAntichristhead-onandgetridofitonceandforall!”

“ButthinkoftheoutcryfromChristianseverywhere!”protestedCarta.“Use666andthey’llpointtoBiblepropheciesandcallthisthefulfillmentThey’llbeabletosay,‘Aha!Wetoldyouso—it’sanAntichristplot!’”

“Letthemsayit.That’spreciselythestrategy.It’singenious.”DelSassoleanedbackandwentintoparoxysmsoflaughter.“It’sbrilliant,”headded,wipingthetearsfromhiseyeswhenhehadrecovered.“IfthefundamentalistwatchdogswereabletosniffaroundandcomeupwithsuspicionsofsomeAntichristconnection—well,thatmightcatchon.Buttocallgovernmentleaderstoa‘666Summit’makesitsoup-frontthatnoonecanmakechargesaboutahiddenagenda.Don’tyousee?”

FrankandMorriswerenoddingtheiragreement“Itisbrilliant”saidKay.

“I’msureitgoesfarbeyondwhatanyofusunderstandsatthispoint,”addedDelSasso,“butthere’ssomethingdeeperandofgreaterimportanceinvolvedthat’sratherobvious.Canyouseewhatitis?”

“It’sgottobemorethanjustaclevermeansofdisarmingtheopposition,”suggestedCarla.“Ithinkit’salsoadeclaration—almostastatementoffaiththey’rerequiringfromworldleaders,andeventuallyfromearth’sentirepopulation.Isthatwhatyoumean?”

“Voila!DelSassoreachedoverandgaveCarlaaplayfulpatonthecheek.“You’rereallygettingtunedin!TheArchons,whoarewatchingyoucloselydayandnightmustbeverypleased.”

“You’velostme,”saidViktor.“It’sactuallyrathersimple,”saidDelSasso.“And,asyouknow,

simplicityisoneofthemarksofgenius.Byidentifyingthemselveswiththeforbiddennumber666,worldleaders—whoareobviouslynotfollowersofsomemythicalAntichrist—willdestroythissuperstitioninonestroke!”

“Talkaboutpullingtherugout!”saidLeighton,becomingmoreenthusiasticwitheverynewinsight“AnyonewhoaccusesthisNewWorldOrderofbeingafrontfortheAntichristwillbelaughedoutofcourt.”

“Exactly!It’slikethechiefinaprimitivetribeviolatingataboo,”wentonDelSasso.“Heeithergetskilled,orheputsanendtotheprohibitionandtherebyliberateshisfollowers.Byidentifyingthemselveswith666,participantsintheCongresswillliberatetheworldfromasuperstitiousfearthathasinhibitedrealprogressforcenturies.ThatwillbetheendoftheAntichristmythforever!”

“Pardonme,Antonio,”addedCarlawithexcitementmountinginhervoice,“butthere’sanevengreatergeniusbehindthisboldmove.”SheturnedtoViktor.“You’rehavingdifficultyunderstandingthisbecauseyouwereraisedinanatheisticenvironmentfreefromtheharmfuleffectsofChristiansuperstitions.IfyouknewwhatastronggriptheideaofanAntichristhasintheWest,you’drealizethatinordertousherintheirNewOrder,theArchonshavetodestroythisidea.TheBiblesaysthat666representsamanwhowillestablishaNewWorldOrderinrebellionagainsttheSupremeBeing.‘Shame,shame!’theChristianswillcryagainstthosewhotakethatnumber,but‘Bravo!’sayI.It’sarebellionthathastohappenandwhosetimehascome.Itwillliberatetheworldforeverfromthedemeaningliethatmankindcan’tmakeitonitsownandhastogrovelinconfessionofitssinandinadequacyandliveoffthecrumbsof‘grace’that‘Christ’dropsnowandthenfromhissumptuoustable.”

“SoitisanAntichristrebellionafterall,”saidViktor,beginningtounderstandatlast.

“Ofcourseitis!”DelSasso’sjawwassetandhiseyeswereflashingwiththefireofindependence.“WewillindeedestablishwhattheBiblehascalledtheruleofAntichristItwon’tbeevil,however,liketheBiblewarns,butamonumenttotheinnategoodnessanddeityofman.Anditwillbeledbyamanwhoembodiesthisdeityinitsgrandeurandfullness!”

[28]Poltergeist!

Afteranearlydinnerinherroom,Carlalayinbedflickingthetelevisionchannelsbackandforth,tryingtofindsomethingthatheldherinterest,andhopingmostofallthatshewouldsomehowdozeoff.Gettingtosleepwasbecominganightlyproblem.AtlastsheturnedofftheTVandlayinthedark,goingoverrecenteventsandconversationsandwrestlingwithherownthoughts.

Whentheyhadarrivedbackatthelabcomplexlatethatafternoon,noonehadfeltlikedoinganythingfurtherthatday.ThemeetingwiththeArchonshadbeentooemotionallydraining,andtheirannouncementssoexhilarating.Frankhadgiveneveryonetheeveningoff.YetthesleepCarlaneededsodesperatelyeludedher.

Itfrustratedherthatshekeptcomingbacktothenumber666.AsmuchasshetriedtodenyitthefactthattheArchonshadchosentoidentifythemselvesandtheirPlanwiththesymboloftheAntichristwastroubling.EverythingDelSassohadsaid,andtowhichshehadsocleverlycontributed,madesense.Itwaslogical,evenbrilliantastheyhadallagreed.Yetthatveryfactworriedheraswell.Itwasalmosttooingenious.Andinspiteofitsbrilliance,itlackedoneessentialelementanymeansofprovingthatitratherthantheopposingChristianview,wastrue.Sellingthistotheworldwouldnotbeeasy,andthatwasherjob!

Themosttroublingthoughtseemedchildishlysimple:ThesettingupofaNewWorldOrderassociatedwith666wasanundeniablefulfillmentofBiblepropheciesconcerningtheAntichrist!DelSasso’sinsights,thoughverycunning,weresimplyanattempttodenytheobviousfacts.Nomatterhowonetriedtoexplainitaway,thefactremainedthattheBiblepredictedthatthecomingAntichristwouldsetuphiskingdomusing,insomeway,thenumber666—andthatwasexactlywhattheArchonswereproposing

todo!Carlahadtoldherselfforyearsthatshedidn’tbelievetheBible.Yetit

stillmadeherexceedinglyuncomfortabletoseeherselfparticipatingineventsthatseemedsomuchlikewhattheBiblepredicted—eventsthatestablishedanAntichristkingdomandwouldthereforeincurthewrathofGoduponthoseinvolvedinthem.ItwasparticularlydevastatingthatDelSasso,inspiteofhisdeviousexplanations,evenadmittedthatthePlanwasclearlyanAntichristplot,andthemanhe’dsaidwouldheaditup—washereferringtohimself?Howcouldshecommunicatethefactstotheworldwithoutarousingsuspicion,opposition,andevenpanic?Thatthiswasherpersonalresponsibilityasajournalisthadbeguntohaunther.

Ithadallseemedcrystal-clearthatafternoonwhenshehadagreedsowholeheartedlywithDelSasso,butnowshewasn’tsosure.ThePlanwassomethingthatshedesperatelywantedtobelieve.Itofferedhopeforaworldonthebrinkofdisasteranditmadealotofsense,butwasshereallyconvincedthatitwouldallworkoutexactlyastheArchonspromised?Tryasshemighttogiveanunequivocal“yes”tothatquestion,therewasanaggingdoubtthatplaguedher.Andthatfactwasveryunsettling.DelSassohadsaidthattheArchonswerewatchingherdayandnight.Couldtheyalsoreadhermind?Werethey,then,displeasedwithher,ordidtheyconsiderdoubtnormalforhumanbeings?

TheArchons!EverytimesheclosedhereyesshecouldseethatUFOcomingdirectlytowardher,thenpassingincomprehensiblythroughthesideofthebuildingoverherhead.Frankhadsaiditwasn’taphysicalobject,butithadcertainlylookedphysical.Nophysicalobjectcouldflythroughwalls—orcouldit?Relativity,uncertainty,blackholes,antimatter—whocouldkeepupwithwhatmightbepossible,andwhowasreallyqualifiedtomakedogmaticassertionsthatsomethingwasimpossible?IftheArchonsthemselveswerenotphysical,however,thenwhateveritwastheyflewaroundinwouldn’tneedtobephysicaleither.Didtheyreallyneedthesevehiclestotransportthemselves,ordidUFOsservesomeotherdeceptivepurpose?

CarlahadneverbelievedinUFOs.Theveryterm“unidentifiedflyingobject”hadseemedlikeacop-out.Nowshe’dseenoneforherselfatclose

range,anditwasstillunidentified.AndthebeingsthatcameoutofittotalkwithLeighton,DelSasso,andMorris-whydidtheylookso...reptilian?Grantedthattheyhadevolvedbeyondbodilyexistence,butiftheyweregoingtomaterializetemporarybodiessotheycouldbeseenbyhumans,whydidtheychoosetotakeaformthatseemedtobenotonlyrepulsive,butdemonic?Sheshudderedatthethought.WasthiswhatKenhadwarnedheraboutandforwhichshehadridiculedhim?Hadhe,infactbeenrightallalong?No,shecouldneveradmitthatherfather,insteadofhavingbeendestroyedbyChristianity,wasactuallyanevilmanwhohadpervertedthetruth.

SleephadcomeatlastwhensuddenlyCarlawasjoltedtotransfixedwakefulness.Thebedwasshaking,butthiswasnoearthquake.Thewholebuildingwasn’tmoving,justthebed—thenitstopped.Thedrapeswereopen,andinthedimlightcomingthroughthewindowfromthestreetbelowshesawwhatappearedtobeashadowyfigureglidequicklyaroundthecornerintothebathroom.Shefrozeinterror,ascreamcomingsoundlesslyfromherparalyzedlips.

Suddenlythebedbegantoshakeagainandonesideofittiltedup,dumpingherontothefloor.Lights!Turnonsomelights!Staggeringtoherfeetsheswitchedonthebedlamp.Thebulbglowed,butitslightdidn’tshineout—asthoughthedarknessintheroomwereabsorbingit.Shefeltherwayovertothelampthatstoodononeendofthelong,lowcombinationbureauanddesk.Asshereachedovertoturniton,itslidawayfromheroutstretchedhandasthoughitwerealivingthing.

Shefeltutterlyhelplessandvulnerable.Whatcouldshedo?Asshetriedtowrestlewiththatterrifyingquestion,shenoticedthatastrangeluminescentglowwasemanatingfromthehalf-openbathroomdoorintowhichthatmysteriousfigurehaddisappeared.Nowsheheardgutturalmutteringsintherethatmadeherskincrawl.Shewouldhavetogopasttheretogetintothehall.Thethoughtoffleeingfromtheroomturnedterrorintopanic.

OutofthecornerofhereyeshesawflashingagainstthewalloppositethewindowthesamepurpleandgreenlightsthatshehadseenearlieremanatingfromtheUFO.TheArchons!Werethey,asshehadfeared,

displeasedwithherdoubtsandweremakingathreateningshowoftheirpower?Weretheyjustfrighteningher,ordidtheyintendsomepunishment?

ShouldshegotothewindowandyellintothenightthatshebelievedintheArchons,sothisnightmarewouldend?Believeintheirexistenceandpower,thatshedid—butwhowerethey,really,andwhatweretheirintentions?Thequestionsthatmatteredthemostwerethehardesttoanswer.Shefoundherselfunabletomakethetotalcommitmentoffaithsheknewtheydemanded.WouldthisbetheendofherinvolvementwithLeighton?Wouldshedaretogobackthereagain?

NowshefeltthatPresenceintheroom—oppressive,ugly,reptilian,horrifying.Yetithadbecomelovinginthewarehouse.Woulditmakethatsametransformationnow?IfonlytheFBIstilloccupiedtheadjoiningroom,shewouldappealtothem!WhynotappealtotheArchonthatwasapparentlyintheroomwithher?

Shestoodinthemiddleofthefloorfeelingfoolishasshepouredoutherwordsintothedarkness,butdriventodosobyanoverpoweringfear.“Please,mayItalkwithyou?Ifyouwantmetobelieve,don’tscaremetodeath.Pleaseleavemealone.I’monyourside.IwantthePlantowork,butIhavesomequestions—please!”

Theluminousglowleftthebathroom,thegutturalgrumblingsstopped,andthelightfromthelampshehadturnedonilluminatedtheroom.Withanaudiblesighofrelief,Carlasankdownontothebedandbegantocry.Theyhadheardherandhadleft.Shewasgrateful.Buttheverythoughtofgoingbacktobedseemedinsane.Eveniftheyhadgone,therewasnowayshewouldstayinthisroom!

Shepickedupthephonetodialthedesktoseeifanotherroomwasavailable,atleastfortherestofthenight.Insteadofadialtone,however,sheheardcomingoutoftheinstrumentintoherearthatgutturalvoicethathadearlierbeenmutteringinthebathroom:“NoonedefiestheNine...noonedefiestheNine....”Itwaslikeabrokenrecord—andutterlyterrifying.

Instantlyshedroppedthereceiverandstumbledovertothebureau.Hersuitcasewassittingontopofit.Inafrenzyshetooksomeofherthingsfromadrawerandthrewthemintothesuitcase,sobbingoverand

overasshedidso,“I’mnotdefyingyou...I’mnotdefyingyou....”Whenshehadfinisheddressingitoccurredtoherthatthe

manifestationshadstopped.Thatgaveherfreshhopeandcourage.Cautiouslyshewenttothebathroom,reachedinthroughthehalfopendoorandflippedthelightswitch.Thelightcameon.Everythingseemedtobenormalagain.

Carlasteppedonefootinsidethebathroomandgrabbedhertoiletrycasecontaininghertoothbrush,comb,andothersimilaritems.Asshestraighteneduptostepbackoutshelookedintothemirror.Insteadofherownreflection,therewastheclose-upimageofoneoftheArchonsjustasshehadseentheminthepyramidoflight.Itwasstaringatherwithunblinking,hooded,reptilianeyes.

Withashriekshejumpedbackandslammedthebathroomdoorbehindher.Alargepictureonthewallnexttothebedcrashedtothefloorandsplinteredintopieces.Thesoundofshatteringglassresurrectedahorriblememory.ShecouldseeChernovbeingcutinhalfagainandthebloodiedglassdesktopexplodingagainstthewall.Thathorrifyingvisionpushedheroverthebrink.

Withuncontrollablesobsgushingfromathroatnowtightenedinpanic,Carlamanagedsomehowtoputthecasefromthebathroomintothesuitcaseandcloseit.Shudderinginterrorasshehurriedpastthebathroomdoorwiththesuitcaseclutchedtightly,shefledintothehallway.

......AllthatdayKenhadfeltaninsistentburdenforCarlaandan

overwhelmingsenseofdangeronherbehalf.Hehadlefthisofficeshortlyafterlunchtocomehomeandhadspenttheafternoonandeveninginhisbedroominearnestprayer.HehadcriedouttoGodtorescueherfromtheseductiveinfluenceofDelSasso,toprotectherfromevilandthedestructionthatheknewthePlanwouldleadtoforthoseinvolvedinit,andtodowhateverwasnecessarytoopenCarla’seyestothetrueidentityoftheArchons.Theburdenhadfinallyliftedaboutnineo’clock,andhewasconfidentthathisprayershadbeenheardandwouldbeanswered.Hehadgoneintohisstudytodosomecomputerworkthathadtobereadythefollowingday.Havingfinishedthattask,hewasreadinghisBiblebefore

goingtobed,whenthedoorbellrang.Thebellcontinuedtoringfranticallyashehurriedtothefrontdoor

concernedthatthesoundwouldwakenhismother.Whocoulditbeatthistimeofnight?Therecentviolenteventshadcausedhimtobecomecautious.Beforeopeningthedoorhecalledout“Whoisit?”

“It’sCarla.Please!”PraiseGod!Heopenedthedoorandthereshestood,hairdisheveled,

eyesswollenfromcrying,panicandterrorwrittenalloverherface—andholdingtightlytoasuitcasefromwhichseveralitemsofclothingprotruded.Kentookthebag,andwithanarmaroundCarladrewherquicklyinside.Sheclungtohim,sobbing,“Something’safterme!Ialmostdidn’tgethere.Thecarwasfightingmelikeitwasalive!”

ForonereelingmomentKenrelivedhisownexperiencewithacarthathaddrivenhimoveracliff.

“Iknowwhatyoumean.Youdidtherightthingcominghere,”heassuredherasheledherintothelivingroom.Shesankdownontothesofaandfoughtbackthetears.Hesatbesideher.“Canyoutellmewhathappened?”

“Allhellbrokelooseinmyhotelroom!”Thewordspouredoutinafloodoftears.Thebedwasshaking,picturescomingoffthewall...voices...ahorriblePresence.Itwasterrifying!I—Ican’ttalkaboutit.”

Kenputanarmgentlyaroundher.Itsprotectivepressurereleasedmorepent-upsobs.“I’msorry,”shesaidwhenshehadrecoveredsomewhat.“Youknowthisisn’tlikeme.”Shestraightenedupandsmoothedherhairandwipedhereyes.“I’mgoingtobeokay.Youofferedtotakemein—isthatstillopen?”

“Foraslongasyouwant!”“Ken,thisissogoodofyou.It’sjustuntilIcanrecovermywits.Ifeel

likeafool,blubberinglikeababy.”“Carla!Whathappened?”Mrs.Inmanhadcomeintothelivingroom

andhurriedtoputanarmaroundCarlaaswell.“Demonicmanifestationsinherhotelroom—horrible,”saidKen

softly.“Shecan’ttalkaboutit.”“Youpoordear!Letmeshowyoutoyourroom,”saidMrs.Inman,

takingCarlabythehand.“Ken,youbringthesuitcase.”Theywalkeddownthehalltogethertothefarendofthehouse,where

Ken’smotheropenedthedoortoaspacioussuite.“Thebed’smadeup,”shesaid,leadingCarlainside.“Thebath’sthroughthatdoor.I’llgetsometowels.Theotherdoorgoestoastudy.Thisendofthehouseisallyours.”

Mrs.Inmanhurriedtopullsometowelsandanextrablanketoutofalinenclosetjustoutsideinthehallandputthemonthebed.Kensetthesuitcasedownandstoodthereuncertainly.“Wouldyouliketocomeintothekitchenforabitetoeatorsomethingtodrink—andunwindalittle?”

“Icouldfixsomething—whateveryouwant,”addedhismother,pattingCarlaonthearm.

Idesperatelyneedtotalkthisover,butnotwithhim.He’lljustlecturemeaboutdemons....“Thankssomuch.It’sverykind,butit’ssolateandI’mabsolutelywipedout.IfIcanjustgetsomesleep.InthemorningI’lltellyouallaboutit.”

“Yousleepinaslateasyouwant”saidMrs.Inman.“Breakfastiswheneveryougetup.”ShejoinedKeninthehall.“Seeyouinthemorning,Carla.”

“GoodnightAndthankssoverymuch.”Itdidn’ttakeCarlalongtogetintohernightgown.Leavingthe

bathroomlightonandthedooropenacracksothatherroomwouldn’tbecompletelydark,shecollapsedintobedcompletelyexhausted.Peace...safety—thehouseanditsoccupantsexudedthefeeling.Theeventsofthelastfewhoursrecededintoalimboofblessedunrealityasshedriftedofftosleep.

Howlongshesleptshedidn’tknow,butsomethingsuddenlyawakenedher.Shestruggledtoopenhereyes.Throughthedrawndrapescamethedimflashingofvioletandgreenlights,apparentlyfromjustoutsidetheslidingglassdoors.TheirUFOagain!Asixthsensecausedhertoturnherhead—andtherehewas.Shesawhimdistinctlyinthedimlightandgaspedinsurprise.Thelongblackrobeandhoodwereunmistakable.

“Antonio?”shewhispered.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Thefiguremadenoanswer,butmovedtowardherominously,seeming

toglidewithouttouchingthefloor.

“Antonio!”Hewasstandingoverhernow,motionlessandsilent.Insidethehood

shecouldnotmakeouthisface—onlytheglowingeyes.Suddenlyhebentoverandreachedout.Shescreamedjustashishandsgrabbedherbythethroatandchokedoffthesound.

[29]WomanandSerpent

Kenwasturningoutthelightinhisstudywhenheheardthestifledscream.HeracedacrosstheadjoininglivingroomanddownthehalltowardCarla’sroom.Heflungopenthedoorandburstin.ThehoodedfigureleaningoverthebedreleasedCarlaandturnedquicklytomeetthischallenge.

Therewasnomistakingthetallfigure,thefull-lengthmonk’srobe,andthedeliberate,almostflowingmovements.Foronebriefmomentofconfusionandindecision,KenwonderedhowDelSassohadgottenin.Thenheunderstood.

NowonlyafewstepsawayandmovingrapidlytowardKen,thehoodedfigurepointeditsrighthandthreateninglyathim.InthesameinstantagiantcobradroppedfromtheceilingontoKen’sheadandshoulders.Fromwhereshelay,clutchingherthroatinpainandstillgagging,Carlawatchedintransfixedhorror.

“God,helpme!”criedKen.Instinctivelyhegrabbedatthethickbodythatwaswrappingitselfaroundhim,andfoundonlyemptyair.Thememorycamesurgingbackofanothertimesolongago,whenhehadbeenhelplessagainstasimilarattack.Nowheknewwhattodo.

Inafirmandauthoritativevoice,hecommandedthehugeserpentandhoodedfigure:“IntheNameofJesusChristofNazareth,begone—anddonotreturn!”Instantlytheyvanishedfromtheroom.

KenhurriedovertoCarla.Shewassobbingquietly.Heputanarmaroundhershoulder,andsherecoiledinfear.They’regone,”hesaidsoftly.“Areyouokay?”

“I’mterrified,Ken!”shesaidinaweak,hoarsevoice,findingitverydifficulttospeak.“Wheredidtheygo?”Shesearchedtheroomwithfrightenedeyes.

“Nevermindwhere.They’regone,andIpromiseyoutheywon’tcomeback.Nothere.You’llbesafeinthishousefromnowon.”

“Mythroat—Icanhardlyswallow.”“Howaboutsomethingwarmtodrink?Whatwouldyoulike?I’llrun

tothekitchenandmakeit.Itwon’ttakeaminute.”Sheclutchedathisarm.“Don’tleaveme,please!”Shestruggledout

ofbedandtoherfeet.“I’llcomewithyou.”Hehelpedherintoherrobeandsupportedherastheywalkeddown

thelonghallpastthelivingroomtothekitchenontheothersideofthehouse.Carlasankintoachairwhileheputonakettleanddugaroundforsometeabags.

“HowdidAntoniogetinhere,andwheredidtheygo?”sheaskedinbewilderment

Hesatdownatthetablewithherandlookedatherearnestly.“Idon’tknowhowtotellyou,Carla.Youknowwe’vehadsomemisunderstandingsandIdon’twantto—”

“Please,Ken.Justtellme.I’lllisten.”Shereturnedhisgazewitheyesthatweretired,defeated,anddesperate.

“Itwasn’tDelSasso.”“ButIsawhim!”“Isawhimtoo,butthat’snotwhoitwas.Itwasanevilspirit...”“Aspirit?Howcanyousaythat!Icanstillfeelthosehandsonmy

throatLook—theremustbemarks!”Heleanedovertolookclosely.“Therearemarks,butnotmadebyDel

Sassointheflesh.ItwasoneoftheArchons,andyouknowwhoI’vesaidtheyare.They’redemons!”

Carlawinced.“Iwasafraidyou’dsaythat.Buthowcouldsomethingwithoutabodychokemeandleavephysicalmarks?”

“Didyouseeanybodyshakeyourbedorripthatpicturefromthewall?”heasked.Sheshookherheadinconfusion.“Isitbodiesthatthrowthingsaroundinagenuinehauntedhouse—orspirits?”Kencontinued.“DoesthattellyouanythingaboutthefeatsDelSassopullsoff?”

Theysippedtheirteatogetherinsilence.Shewasstillthinkingoverhisquestion.Atlastshesaid,“Psychicpower—we’vealwayscalledit

‘mindovermatter.’”“Whosemind?”heaskedpointedly.“Well,presumablythemindofthepsychic.”“Whycouldn’titbesomeothermind—themindofaspiritbeingthat’s

deceivingpsychicsintothinkingit’stheirmindthat’sdoingthegreatfeats?”

“Butspiritsaren’tphysical,”protestedCarla,“andthere’salotofphysicalphenomenainvolved.”

“Herewegoagain.Isapsychic’smindphysical?”askedKen.“IguessI’vealwaysequatedmindwithbrain.”“Haveyoueverseenapsychic’sbrainreachoutandphysicallymove

someobject?Isthatwhat’smeantby‘mindovermatter’?”Carlalaughedruefully.“Oh,thathurts!”sheexclaimed.She

swallowedtheteaslowlyinsilenceonceagain,lettingitshealingwarmthsootheherthroat.

“You’reknockingalotofpropsoutfromunderme,Ken,”sheadmittedgrudgingly.“Whyhaven’tIeverthoughtitthroughlikethis?”

“DoIdaresaypride?Thatwastheprobleminmycase,anditsthebesettingsinoftheentirehumanrace.TheArchonsknowthat.Sotheybaitthehookwiththeideathatpsychicphenomenarepresentapowerthatwehave,apowerofourminds,thatthere’saninfinitepotentialineachofusthatmerelyhastobedeveloped.Andallthetimethey’rechannelingtheirpowerthroughusinordertodeludeusandbringus,intheend,undertheircontrol.”

Carlashookherheadinbewilderment“Thatcallsforanothercup.Makeitalittlestrongerthistime,willyouplease?”

Kenbroughttheteatothetableandsatdownagain.“There’salsoanelementoffearinvolved.Thethreatfromsomethingphysicaldoesn’tcausenearlyasmuchfearasthethreatfromsomethingnonphysical.”

Shenoddedsolemnly.“Ifoundthatouttonight!”“SoyouunderstandwhatI’msaying.IfItoldyoutherewasalionin

thenextroom,you’dhaveoneleveloffear,andyou’dquicklythinkofwaystodefendyourselfwhenitcamethroughthedoor.ButifItoldyoutherewasaghostabouttoenterthisroomandyoureallybelievedinsuch

things,you’dexperienceaterrorfarbeyondwhatanyphysicalthreatcouldgenerate.AmIright?”

“Believeme,”shesaid,“evenwhenyouclaimyoudon’tbelieveinsuchthings,you’restillterrorized.BackinthehotelItriedtotellmyselfIdidn’tbelieve,andImusthavelookedlikeablobofjellywhenIgothere.”

“Carla,theentirehumanraceknowsintuitivelythatevilspiritsarereal.Butbecauseofprideandfearwepretendtheydon’texist.Wehidebehindthediscreditedmaterialisticbiasof‘modernscience’asourjustificationfordoingawaywithSatanandGod,demons,andangels.”

Carlahadfinishedherteaandwasturningtheemptycuparoundinherhand,studyingitcarefully.

“Butthat’snotreallyrelevanttowhathappenedtometonight,”shesaidatlast“Youhaven’tconvincedmethatdemonswereinvolvedatall.IreallythinkitwastheArchons,andIstillbelievethey’rehighlyevolved,benevolentintelligencesfromsomeotherpartoftheuniverse.Idon’tseewhythatcan’tbetrue.”

“Theycertainlyactlikedemons!”saidKensharply.Carlaputthecupdownandstartedtocrysoftly.Sheburiedherheadin

herarmsonthetabletostiflethesobs.“They’retryingtofrightenme,andIdon’tunderstandwhytheythinktheyhaveto.”SheliftedherheadandlookedatKenthroughthetears.“Iknowyouwon’tunderstandthis,butIstillwanttoworkwiththem.Yes,theyscaremetodeath,butIthinktheirPlanmakessense…“

Kenshookhisheadindisbelief.“Carla,ifwhatyou’vebeenthroughhasn’tconvincedyou,Idon’tknowwhatit’sgoingtotake!”Heswallowedtherestofthesentence.

“Ken,yourBiblesaysthatGodchastisespeople—sometimesveryseverely,”saidCarla.“Andyouthinkthat’sokay.”

Henodded.“Iknowwhatyou’regoingtosay,anditdoesn’twork.Godisinfinitelyjustandloving,andHiswaysareperfect.YoucantrustHim.ButifyoutrusttheArchons,Carla,you’refinished!”

“Letmetellyouwhathappened,”insistedCarla.“ItalkedtotheArchonthatwasinmyhotelroom,Ken—honestlyIdid.Andtheystopped

frighteningmeforawhile.Ithinkit’shorriblewhattheydidinthehotel,butsupposetheyweretryingtodisciplinemefordoubting,likeyoubelieveGoddoes?Ijustdon’twantittohappenagain.Iwasterrified!”

“Andhereinyourbedroom?”“IthinkthatwasdifferentSupposingtherearebadArchonsoutthere,

andtheydidthattoturnmeagainstthegoodonesandtheirPlan?”“AndIthinkyou’retootiredtoberational,”saidKeninfrustration.

Heglancedupatthekitchenclockandstoodtohisfeet.“It’snearly3:00a.m.I’mbushed,andyououghttobeinevenworseshape.Let’sgetsomesleep.”

Carlapushedherchairbackandgotupreluctantly.“I’mafraidtoleavethesecurityofthiskitchenandgobacktobed.”

“I’llmakeyouapromise,Carla,”heassuredheragain.“They’renotcomingback.Believeme.”

“You’vegotpoweroverthem.I’veseenthat.That’swhatmakesmefeelsafehere.”

“It’snotmypower,”putinKenquickly.“IcanonlycommandthemintheNameofJesusChrist.Thatoughttotellyouwhotheyare!”

Hereyeswerepleadingwithhim.“CanIaskyouoneotherthing?Iwasphysicallychokedbyaspiritentityofsomekind—andcouldhavebeenkilledifyouhadn’tsavedme.Isawthathorrible,hugecobrawithmyownphysicaleyes.AndtherewasDelSasso,onlyitwasn’thim,anditwasn’tarealsnake.That’swhatyou’retryingtotellme,isthatright?”

Kennodded.“Whyme—andwhat’sitallabout?”Kenstartedtospeak,thenhesitated.Afteralongthoughtfulsilencehe

saidatlast,“Carla,there’stoomuchinvolvedinthosequestionstogetintothemwhenwe’rebothsoexhausted.We’lltalktomorrowmorning,orwheneveryouwantto.”

Togethertheystartedwalkingslowlybacktowardherbedroom.“I’llsaythismuchrightnow,”saidKen.“Whathappenedtoyoutonightisn’tanythingnew.It’sbeengoingoninvariousformssincethebeginningoftime.”

“Ithas?Likewhenandwhere?”

“Well,itallstartedwithawomanandaserpentinagarden.Youknowwhenthatwas.Insteadofthreateningher,however,thatserpentseductivelyofferedherinfiniteknowledgeandpower.Butitdestroyedherandallofherdescendantswithaningeniousdeception.”

“Oh,Ken—youknowwhatIthinkaboutthatstory.IfIweren’tsotired—”

“Youamazeme,Carla.I’dthinkthatwhatjusthappenedtoyouwouldhavebeenmorethanconvincing!Yousawtheserpentwithyourowneyes,andyouknowthattheBiblealwaysidentifiesSatanas‘thatoldserpent.’Whatisitgoingtotake?”

“AreyousayingthatwasSatanhimself?”demandedCarla.“Itcouldhavebeen,”saidKenwithouthesitation.“Whetherthat’sso

ornothewascertainlytheonebehindwhathappenedtoyoutonight.”“DelSassohasanentirelydifferentinterpretationoftheGardenof

Edenmyth,”saidCarlasoftly.“ItmadeanawfullotofsensewhenheexplaineditandIwassosurethen,butnowI’mconfused.Idon’tknowwhatIbelieve.”

“IknowverywellwhatDelSassoandotherslikehimteach,”respondedKenevenly.“They’veturnedthewholethinginsideoutsothattheserpentbecomesthesavior.Andthepromiseofgodhood,insteadofbeingtheseductiveliethatenslavedthehumanrace,ispromotedasthe‘truth’thatsetsusfree.”

“Istillthinkitmakesalotofsense,”saidCarladefensively.“StopandthinkCarla,please!Can’tyouseethattheliehasn’t

changed?AndtheLeightonsandDelSassosandKhorevs—yes,andalltherestofus—arejustasvulnerabletodayasEvewasthen.”

AtthedoortoCarla’sroomtheystopped.“Youcanbeverythankfulforwhathappenedtonight,”Kendeclaredwithconviction.

Carla’sinstantlookofprotestdemandedanexplanation.“You’llbethankfuloneday,Carla.It’sgoingtoforceyoutomakea

decision.TheArchonsrealizeyou’vegotdoubts,sotheycan’tdestroyyoubydeceit.You’renotbuyingthewholelie,sothenextthingtheytryisfearandviolence.You’veseenbehindthemasktotheirtruecharacter.GodhasallowedthisinHismercy.Lookattheevidencenow,andmaketheright

choice!”Carlacouldrespondonlyinstunnedsilence.“Goodnight,”she

murmuredatlast.“Goodnight—andGodhelpyou!”

[30]KeepingtheFaith

WhenCarlaenteredthekitchenlatethatmorning,Kenwasonthephoneandhismotherwassqueezingorangejuice.Fromapotonthestovecamethegentle“plop-plop”ofoatmealcooking.Thewholesomefragrance,thehomeysound,theinstantwelcominghugthatMrs.Inmangaveherlentarestorativenormalcytolife.

“I’msogladyoufeltcomfortableaboutcominghere!”camethesincerewordsfromthematronlyfigureintheblue-spriggedapron.“Andtheninthishousetohavesomethinglikethathappen—Icouldn’tbelieveit!Kentoldmejustalittlebit.Ihopeyouwereabletogetsomesleepafterthat.”

“Believeitornot,Izonkedoutcompletelyandjustwokeupafewminutesago.ButIstillfeelexhausted.”Shesmiled,tookMrs.Inman’shand,andadded,“You’rebothsokind.Iappreciateitmorethanwordscanexpress.”

“Youjustmakeyourselfrightathome.”Sheturnedherattentionbacktotheorangejuiceandcarriedonoverhershoulder.“I’dapologizeforthisSpartanbreakfastbutKentellsmeyoueatthesamestuff.Idon’tevenhaveasliceofbaconinthehouse.Hecallsit‘junkfood.’”

“You’vegotsomeplainyogurt,Ibet.”“Lotsofit.Andlecithingranulesbythequart,ifyouwantany.”“Toujours,ofcourse,”laughedCarla.“Youmanagetosurviveinspite

ofKen’sdietaryparanoia?”“Well,Idosneaksomethingunhealthyonceinawhile,butIdon’t

thinkhe’sthatparanoid.Abitwiserthansomeoftherestofus,perhaps.Buthetellsmeyou’rejustasfanatical.”

“Almost.”Kenhungupthephone.“So,yousleptwell—nomore‘visitors.’

That’sgreat.”“Idon’tevenrememberhavingadream.”Therewastheusualsmalltalkasthethreeateatthekitchentable

together.KenseemedreluctanttobringuptheeventsofthepreviousnightorcarryontheirdiscussionunlessCarlawasready.Whenshedidbroachthesubject,hewassurprisedbyherquestion.

“WhatdoyouthinkaboutUFOs?”sheasked.“They’re‘real,’butcertainlynotphysical,”repliedKenwithout

hesitation,givingheraquestioninglookandwonderingwhatthishadtodowiththehorrorshehadjustbeenthrough.

“Whydoyousaythat?”“Therearelotsofreasons.IthinkyouknowthemaswellasIdo.For

example,they’vebeentrackedonradarmakinga90-degreeturnat7000milesperhour.Physicalobjectsjustcan’tdothatwithoutdisintegrating.UFOshovermotionless,thenacceleratethroughthesoundbarrierwithoutmakingasonicboom.Again,aphysicalobjectcouldn’tdothat.Andthereareotherreasons.Butwhydoyouask?”

“I’llgiveyouonemorereason,”interruptedKen’smother.“YoucantellthemtobegoneintheNameofJesus,andtheyvanish.Youdidn’taskmyopinion,butI’llgiveittoyouanyway:They’redemonicmanifestations,andIwouldn’thaveanythingtodowiththem!”

Carlalookedfrommothertosoninmocksurprise.“SoKensweptyouintothefold,too!You’renotthesameladyIremembervisitinginMaineafewsummersago.”

“Ihopeyoulikethisonebetter,”saidMrs.Inman.“Icertainlydo.”“You’vegotmyvoteonthat.”Carlacontemplatedheroatmealfora

momentthenreluctantlycontinued.“InfactasmuchasIdon’twanttoadmitit,you’vebothgotapeaceandcontentmentandaquietconfidencethatI,uh...well,frankly,admireandenvy.Thisplaceislikeanoasis.”

Therewasalongsilence.Carlatookaswallowoforangejuice,leanedback,andstudiedtheglass.“I’malmostafraidtoaskthesequestions.YouknowverywellthatbeforewhathappenedlastnightIwouldn’thavewantedtohearyouropinion.”Shefellsilentagain.

“WhydoyouhaveUFOsonyourmind?”askedKen.

Carlahesitatedandthendecidedtotellpartofit.“Iwassworntosecrecyonthis,butafterwhattheytriedtodotomelastnight,I’vegotsomelegitimatequestions.”

“We’llkeepitconfidential,”promisedKen.“I’dappreciatethat.Well,whatevertheyare,IsawmyfirstUFO

yesterdayafternoon—veryclose.”Carlatriednottosounddramatic.“Andlastnight—bothatthehotelandoverhere—whenallofthathorrificstuffcamedownonme,thesamelightsthatwereonthatUFOwerejustoutside.”

Mrs.Inmanwasshocked.“YoureallysawaUFO?Closeup?Thatfrightensmeforyou,Carla!Idon’tevenwanttoknowwhatitlookedlike!”

“IpresumeitwasrelatedtotheArchons,”saidKen.“That’sright.TheArchonstoldustobethere.ApparentlyFrank,Del

Sasso,andKayhavebeenmeetingwiththemthiswayforsometime.”Kenwasgrim.“Carla,youknowmyopinion,soIwon’tstateitagain.

Youdon’tfoolaroundwiththisstuff!Youcouldgetintothissodeepthatyoucan’tgetout.Whatwasyourreactionwhenyousawthisthing?”

“Itleftmeshaken—andveryconfused.Itwasahorribleexperienceonemoment,butthenextIseemedtobedrawnintoitlikeIwasbeinghypnotized,andfromthenonitseemedwonderfulanddesirable.It’sreallystrange:Itwasevilandrepulsiveandyetgoodandattractiveatthesametime.Therewassomethingveryseductiveaboutitthatdrewme.”

“That’swhatIwasafraidof,”saidKen.“WhatdidtheUFOdo—Imean,whatwasthepurpose?”

“ItwasanincredibleencounterwiththeArchons,butIreallyshouldn’tsayanymore.IjustwantedtoknowwhatyouthinkofUFOs,andyousaidprettymuchwhatIexpectedyouwould.Isawthiswholeepisodewithmyowneyesandstillcan’tbelieveit.Viktorsawit,too.TheArchonsandtheircrafthadtobereal,butI’mnotsureanymorewhatthatmeans.”

“LikeDelSassoandtheserpentlastnight,”Kenremindedher.“Thatwasreal,too,wasn’tit?”

“Andevenmorefrighteningandconfusing.”

“They’rethesamekindofevent,Carla.AndIthinkyoucanseethatyourconsenttobeinvolvedintheone—andthenhavingdoubtsaboutit—broughtontheother.Ifyouwon’tbelievetheirlies,thentheironlyoptionistodestroyyoubeforeyoubelieveintheOnewhowilldeliveryoufromtheirpower.”

ShewincedattheobliquereferencetoChristandlapsedintothoughtfulsilenceagain.Atlastsheremindedhim,“AsIsaidlastnight,Idon’tthinkthey’retryingtodestroyme.Theycouldhavedonethatifthey’dwantedto,buttheystoppedthemanifestationswhenIpleadedwiththemtoleave.Well,therewassomethingafterthatbut—”

“Look,Carla!”saidKenearnestly,“there’salotofprayergoingupforyou,andiftheArchonsdidn’tdestroyyoulastnightinthehotel,I’dgiveGod’smercythecreditratherthantheirbenevolence.”Heleanedacrossthetable.“Idon’twanttogiveyouthewrongimpression,either.Alltheprayerintheworldisn’tgoingtoprotectyouifyoumakethatfinalrejectionofChrist—andonlyGodknowswhenthathappens.”

“Idoappreciateyourprayers,”saidCarlasoftly.“EvenifyouleaveGodandSatanoutofthis,”Kencontinued,“surely

itmustoccurtoyouthatwhetheryouthinktheArchonsaredemonsorhighlyevolvedextraterrestrials,youhavetheknowledgeandthepower,asajournalisttobecomeathreattothem.”

“That’swhatfrightensme.”“Iftheynolongerlookuponyouasanassetbutasaliabilityintheir

scheme—”Heleftthesentenceunfinished.Afteralongsilenceshesaid,“Doyouthinktheycanreallyreadmy

mind?”Heshrugged.“I’mnotsurewhatdemonscanandcan’tdo.Their

powerislimitedbyGodandbyourrelationshiptoHim.Ifyouplaybytheirrules,you’regoingtosuffertheconsequences.Idespisethemutterly,andIhavenofearofthematall.”

“Irespectandadmireyouforthat,Ken,”“That’snicetosay,buthowdoIgetthroughtoyou?HowisGod

goingtogetyoutothepointwhereyou’lladmitthetruth?JesusChristisyouronlymeansofescapefromthedestructionthatFrankandDelSasso

aredraggingyouinto.Ifyoudon’topenyourhearttoHim—”“AreyoutryingtogetmetoacceptJesusforself-preservation?”she

askedaccusingly.“Thatcan’tbetheonlymotive,butit’slegitimate.Inthefinalanalysis,

however,youreallyhavetobelievethatHiswayisbest.IftheArchonsareactuallymorelovingthanChristandcandomoreforyou,thenyou’dbeafoolnottofollowthem—andIwouldn’ttrytopersuadeyouotherwise.ButifChristwinsinthosedepartments,then—well,Idon’thavetotellyou.”

Carlawithdrewintosilenceagain.Herlipsweretremblingwhenshespokeatlast“Youknowwhatthiskindofdiscussiondidbetweenusbefore.It’sbestifweavoidit.”HereyesmetKen’sinamomentofsharedsorrow.Brieflyherhandtouchedhis,thenshedrewitback.SheturnedquicklytoMrs.Inman.Shewasjustopeninghereyes.Thepossibilitythatshemighthavebeenprayingwasstrangelycomforting.“Itwasadeliciousbreakfast”Carlaproffered.“Thankyousomuch.MayIhelpwiththedishes?”

“Oh,don’tbesilly.I’vegotalldaytoputteraroundhere.You’vegotfarmoreimportantthingstodo.”

Carlapushedherchairbackfromthetable.“Well,Ireallyshouldgetoutthere,Frankwillwonderwhathappenedtome.”

“Heoughttowonderaboutmorethanthat,”saidKenpointedly.ThedoorbellrangandKenjumpedup.“I’llgetit.Ifyoucanspare

anotherfewminutes,Carla,it’ssomeoneyoureallyshouldmeet.”InamomentKenreturnedwithasandy-hairedmanofpleasant

mannerandmilitarybearing.“Carla,IwantyoutomeetmygoodfriendDonJordan.He’sgotsomethingextremelyimportanttotellyou.”

KenpulledoutachairforDonandtheybothsatdown.“Youdon’tneedme,”saidMrs.Inman,gettingupandgatheringtheremainingdishesfromthetable,“andI’vegotworktodo.Now,beforeIgo,canIgetsomethingforyou,Don?”

“Somecoffee,ifyou’vegotit.”“Willinstantdo?”“That’sgreat—Itakeitblack.”

CarlahadbeenlookingfromKentoDonquestioningly.“Thatnameisfamiliarforsomereason.”

“I’mwiththeFBI,”Jordanbegan.“Wetalkedonthephoneafewdaysago,ifyouremember.”

“Yes,Idoremember.Youwereinchargeofthemenwhowerewatchingmyroomandfollowingmeeverywhere—usingmeasadecoytocatchthoseRussians.”

Donlookedabituncomfortable.“Wedidallwecould.”“Oh,youmisunderstandme,”cutinCarlaquickly.“I’mnot

complainingatall.Iappreciatedtheprotection!”Jordansmiled.“Thanks.Kensaysyouhavetogetbackouttothe

researchcomplex,soI’llbebrief.WhatI’mabouttotellyoumustbeheldinthestrictestconfidencefromeveryone,andthatincludesLeighton,Khorev,Morris,DelSasso,andanybodyelse.Areyouwillingtoabidebythat?”

CarlahesitatedandglancedoveratKen,buthehadlookedaway.Thiswastobeherdecision.“Ifyouthinkit’ssomethingIreallyoughttoknow,andifthosearetheconditions—okay,I’llagreetothat.”

Jordanleanedforward.“YouhaveaRussianagentworkinginsidethatinstallation,”hedeclaredbluntly.Carladrewinaquickbreath.Kenlookedgrim.“I’mtellingyouthisinpartbecauseofmyfriendshipwithKenandhisconcernforyou,whichIshare.ButalsoIwanttoenlistyouasoureyesandearstoletusknowanythingatallyoulearnfromtheinsidethatmightbeevenremotelyrelatedtothiscase.Idon’tthinkthatwillplaceyouinanydanger.Infact,itwillprobablycontributetoyoursafety.”

Carlawastryingtodigestthisinformationandassessitsimplications.“Idon’tknowwhoitcouldbe,”shesaidthoughtfully.“CertainlynotViktororLeighton.Oneofthesecuritymen,perhaps?”

JordantookasipofthecoffeeMrs.Inmanhadplacedinfrontofhim.“Asfaraswe’reconcernedatthispoint”hesaid,“everybodywhowastherethatnightisundersuspicion.”

“Well,IsupposeIshouldaskwhyI’mnotonthatlist,too,”saidCarlawithawrysmile.“OrIguessIshouldthankKenforthat.Well,thisisinteresting!MikeBradford—youknow,theheadofsecurity—isconvinced

itwasaninsidejob,too.YetLeightonwon’thearofit.InfactweweretoldthattheFBIwasconvinceditwasnotaninsidejob.”Carlagavehimaquestioninglook.

“It’sabitlikepoker,”saidJordan.“We’vehadtomisleadthemastowhatwebelieve,andwehaveourreasonsforthat.Asforwhethersomeoneontheinsidewasthekeytothisoperation,theresimplyisn’tanydoubt.Iwon’ttaketimetogiveyouthemanyreasons.OneofthemostinterestingissomethingthatMikedoesn’tknow:ThepersonwhokilledthetwoguardsatthegategavethemurderweapontoColonelChernov,theleaderoftheRussianteam.HehaditwithhiminLeighton’sofficeatthetimeofhisdeath.ItwasAmerican-made,notRussian.We’retryingtotraceit.”

Carlawasstaggered.“Iseewhatyoumean—theredoesn’tseemtobeanydoubtatall!ButwhynotletFrankknowthetruth?Surelyheisn’toneofthesuspects!”

“Fortworeasons.Firstofall,wewanttogivetheRussianagentafalsesenseofsecurity.Second,wewanteverythingtoproceednormally.ItwouldbeverydifficultforLeightontoprovidenormalleadershipifheknewwhatI’vejusttoldyou.”

AsenseofhelplessincredulitygrippedCarla.“IthoughtIwashotonthetrailofabigstory,butIhadnoideaitwoulddevelopintothis!It’sgoingcompletelyberserk.”

“Ifyouhanginthere,whichIwishyouwouldn’t”saidKen,“it’sgoingtogetevenwilderiftheArchonspushittoaconclusion.”

“I’mnotbackingoutnow,”declaredCarlafirmly.“AndIdon’tthinkMr.Jordanwouldwantmeto.MymajormotiveatonetimewasaPulitzerprize.There’salotmorethanthatatstakenow.It’sironic,Ken,thatevenifyourargumentsaboutwhotheArchonsareandwhatthey’reuptoarealltrue,thatgivesmeevenmorereasonnottobackout!”

Kenlookedatherinalarm.“Youlostme,Carla.”“IgotintothisbecauseIjusthappenedtobeintherightplaceatthe

righttimetosaveViktorKhorev’slife.AndIcertainlywon’tabandonhimnow—demonsornodemons!”

“Idon’tknowexactlywhatthetwoofyouaretalkingabout,”said

Jordan,standingtoleave.“Youunderstand,MissBertelli,thatsomeoneonthestaffoutthere,someonethatyoumayworkwitheveryday,isaruthlessmurdererwhoshottwoguardsincoldblood,undoubtedlyletthespecialassaultteamintothebase,andisprobablystillcommittedtothesameobjectives.Doesanyoneatallstandoutinyourmindasapossiblesuspect?”

“Notreally,”saidCarla.Shehesitated.“Well,perhapsIshouldsaythatViktortoldmehethinksKayMorrisisRussian.Ofcourse,shecouldbeRussianandnotbetheone—”

“We’vealreadycheckedheroutalongwitheveryoneelse,andshecertainlyisn’tRussian!”saidJordan.Hepulledapadfromhisinsidepocketandmadeanotation.“We’llgobackoverthedata.”

“Well,IguessI’mgameforwhateveryouwantmetodo,”saidCarla.“Great,”saidJordan.“We’llcountonyoutotipustoanythingyou

thinkweoughttoknow.Nothingistooinsignificant.Anythingatallthatstrikesyouassuspiciousorout-of-the-ordinary,letmeknowaboutitrightaway.”Hehandedherhiscard.“Don’tcallmefromthephonesoutthere.Iguessyouknowthey’reallbugged.”

“Iassumedthat,”shesaid.“AndIwon’tcarrythiscardwithme.I’llmemorizethenumber.”

Thethreeofthemwalkedtowardthefrontdoortogether.Jordanreachedintohiscoatpocket,pulledoutasnub-nosed38r

evolverandhelditouttoCarla.“Doyouknowhowtohandleaweaponlikethis?”

Shetookitbrokeitopen,andspunthecylinder.Itwasempty.“I’vedonequiteabitoftargetpractice.Yes,Icanhandleit—andevenhitwhatI’maimingatbelieveitornot.”

“Kensaidyoucould,butIwantedtoseeformyself.”Jordanopenedhisbriefcaseandbroughtoutaboxofammunition.“Hereyouare.I’dloaditrightnow,anddon’tgoanywherewithoutit.I’vetakencareofthepaperwork,soyou’reauthorizedtocarryaconcealedweapon.Don’thesitatetouseitifyouhaveto.”

CarlalookedgrimlyfromtheweaponandammunitioninherhandstoJordanandKenandbackagain.“Well,Isuregotmyselfintosomething,

didn’tI!”

[31]GrowingDoubts

Onherwaytotheinstallation,Carlawentbythehotel.Enteringbythesidedoor,shewentquicklytotherestaurantThereshewentthroughthebreakfastbuffetpickingupsomefruitandjuiceandapieceoftoast.Hurriedlyeatingasmuchasshecould,shechargedthetickettoherroom.Itwastheweakestofcoverstomakeitappearthatshehadspentthenightthere.Nextshewenttothefrontdesk.

“Ineedtopickupmymessages.CarlaBertelli,room815.”“Oh,Ms.Bertelli!”exclaimedtheyoungmanonduty.“Everybody’s

beentryingtoreachyou.Wehaven’tgottenanyanswerinyourroom.”“I’vebeeninandoutandhavescarcelyhadaminute.Letmehave

them.”Shestartedtowalkaway,thenrememberedtheconditionofherroom.“Bytheway,apicturefelloffthewalllastnightandshattered.I’venoideahowithappened.”

“We’resorryaboutanyinconvenience,Ms.Bertelli.We’lltakecareofit.”

Therewerenearlytwodozenphonecalls.Carlatookaquicklookthroughthemasshehurriedfromthelobby.Everymajortelevisionnetworkhadcalledatleastonce,sometwice.Ineachcaseitwas“urgent.”Georgewastryingtocontacther;themessagesaiditwas“anemergency.”ReportersfromtheSanFranciscoChronicleandtheLosAngelesTimeswerealsotryingtoreachher,aswellaslocalradioandtelevisionstations.HerarticlethatmorninginTheWashingtonPosthadobviouslycreatedquiteastir!ShewouldhavetoconsultLeightononhowtorespondtotherequestsforinterviews.

Onthedriveouttotheinstallation,herecstasyovertheresponsetoherarticlewassubmergedinarenewedwaveofconcern:HowcouldshefaceDelSassoaftertheeventsofthepreviousnight?Didheknowwhathad

happened?Itseemedunrealistictoimaginethathehadnoconnectiontotheattackuponherbyafigurethatlookedexactlylikehim.IfithadbeenanArchon—goodorbad—whyhaditimpersonatedDelSassoinitsattempttoterrorizeorevenkillher?Therehadtobeareason—someconnection.Ofcourse,hewastheArchons’linkwiththeworld,sowhoelsebutDelSasso?

Couldithavebeenhis“psychicdouble”thatchokedher?TherewerereportsthatSatyaSaiBabaofAnanthapur,SouthIndia,hadappearedintwogeographicallocationsatonce.SohadthefamousstigmatistPadrePio.Shehadalwaysrejectedsuchideasasreligioussuperstition.Nowshedidn’tknowwhattothink.SaiBabaandPadrePio—aHinduguruandaCatholicpriest—supposedlyknewwhenandwheretheir“doubles”appearedandwhateachwasdoingandwhy.WouldDelSassoknowwhathadhappenedtoher,andbeawareofhisconnectiontothishorribleevent?WasthistheendoftheirfriendshipandthusofherinvolvementinthePlan?Shecouldn’tletthathappen!

Carlaarrivedjustintimefortheusual11:00A.M.meetingoftheinnercircle.Antoniowaswalkingdownthecorridor,approachingFrank’sofficefromtheoppositedirection,asshewalkedup.Theymetatthedoor.Playitcool,Carla!Actlikenothinghashappened.Shedidherbest,butthepsychicseemedtosensesomethingunusual—ordidhereallyknoweverythingandwasjustpretendingtopickuponsomethingnow?

“What’sthematter,mydear?Seenaghost?”hequeriedandputacomfortingarmaroundhermomentarily.

“Youareremarkablyperceptive!”respondedCarlanonchalantly,asthoughsheweregoingalongwithsomemake-believegame.“Asamatteroffact,Ijustsawoneleeringatmeinthelobby,butIgaveitakaratechopanditdisappeared.”Walkingpasthimintotheoffice,shetookaseatonthesofanexttoViktor,whonoddedtoherandsmiledasAntoniocontinuedhismonologue.

“Appearanceslikethatcanhappen,”persistedDelSassosolemnlyashefollowedonherheels.“Negativethoughtsattractpsychicenergythatmaylingerfromatraumaticexperienceandcanevenseemtogiveitsolidform.”Heloweredhishugeframetothefloornearbyandsettledintoa

yogaposition.Whywashepursuingthisideaofpsychicappearances?Well,ifhe

wasexpectingtogetsomeemotionalreactionfromher,hewaswastinghistime.Therewasnowaythatshewasgoingtotellanyoneaboutherhorrifyingexperience—notevenViktor.HadtheArchonstoldDelSassothatshehadsomedoubtsaboutthem?Iftheywereupsetenoughtoattackher,wouldn’ttheydenounceherinthenexttransmission?Yettheyhadnotidentifiedthetraitoronthestaff.Why?Apparentlytheywerenotall-knowing,soperhapstheycouldn’treadherthoughtsafterall.Itwasallveryconfusing.

PretendingtohavenofurtherinterestinwhatsheandDelSassohadbeensparringabout,CarlaturnedtotalktoViktor.Justatthatmomenthowever,LeightonburstexuberantlyintotheofficewithKayMorrisinhiswake.Herushedtohisdesktograbtheremotecontrol,hurriedovertositonthesofanexttoViktorandCarla,andmotionedtotheotherstotakeseatsforviewingthegiantTVscreen.

“Everybodytakeaseatwhereyoucanseethescreen,”hesaidbreathlessly.There’saspecialnewsbulletinonallthenetworksat11:00.We’rejustintimetocatchit.”

Whenthescreenlitup,thenewscastwasalreadyinprogress:“...accordingtoabriefarticleinthecurrentissueofTimemagazine.NothinghasarousedsuchintensebipartisaninterestonCapitolHillsincetheIsraeli-PLOpeaceagreement.FearingtheymayhaveanunauthorizedCIAclandestineprojectontheirhands,membersofbothHousesareclamoringforaninvestigationunlesstheWhiteHousemakesafulldisclosure.Sofarthepresidentisinsistingthattheinformationishighlyclassifiedandthattherehasbeennowrongdoing.AsfortheTimeallegationsaboutasecretCIApsychicresearchbreakthrough,theDirectorofCentralIntelligence,whoappearedwiththepresidentatthenewsconferenceearlierthismorning,admittedthattherehavebeensomemajordevelopments,butrefusedtodiscussthem.

“Congresssuddenlyfindsitselfcaughtshort.ThereisnocommitteeofficiallyoverseeingpsychicdevelopmentbecausemostmembersofbothHouseshaveuntilnowrefusedtotakesuchphenomenaseriously.There

arenocontrolsorguidelinesbecausetheproponents’glowingdescriptionsofwhatcouldbedonewithpsychicpowerhaveconsistentlybeendismissedbycriticsasimaginationatbestandfraudatworst.IftheCIAhas,infact,notonlydeveloped‘psychicwarfare’capabilities,but,astheTimearticlefurtheralleges,hasemployedtheseweaponsagainsttheRussians,whosentaspecialcombatteamtodestroytheCIA’ssecretpsychicresearchinstallation,thensomeonewithinthetoplevelsofgovernmentmaywellhaveengagedinactivitiesnotauthorizedbyCongress.ThusfartheonlycommentfromtheKremlinhasbeen‘nocomment.’

“Andnowintothishighlychargedatmospherecomesanarticleintoday’sWashingtonPostbyCarlaBertelli,whoisgenerallyregardedasthemostreliablejournalistreportingpsychicresearch.Thereisspeculationthatshemaybethe‘insidesource’quotedinTime.Ms.BertelligoesevenfurtherthanTime’sastonishingclaimthattheCIAhasmadecontactwith‘higherintelligences.’Sheallegesthattheseextraterrestrialsareinfactresponsibleforthepsychicbreakthrough—andthattheirultimatepurposeistosharethispowerwiththeentireworld.ThisnetworkhassofarbeenunsuccessfulinitsattempttoreachMs.Bertelliforaliveinterview.Staytunedforperiodicupdatesasthisfast-breakingstorydevelops.”

FrankswitchedofftheTVatthatpointandjumpedtohisfeet.“Well!Howdoyoulikethat!”heexclaimed.“ThingsseemtobemovingalongexactlyastheArchonspredicted!”Hewalkedoverandsatonthefrontofhisdeskwherehecouldfacehiscolleagues.“Weshouldallbeveryencouraged,butthere’salongwaytogoanditisn’tgoingtobeeasy.We’vegotplentyoftopgovernmentleadersonoursidenow,andthat’swhatittakesfortheWorldCongress.Butthesecondphaseinvolvesthegeneralpopulation.We’vegottogetthemfullybehindus.TheArchonshavealreadytargetedkeyleadersinentertainment,business,education,andethnicandotherminoritygroups.Self-hypnosisandsubliminaltapesandsuccess-motivationseminarswillplayabigpartwhenwegettothatpoint.”

HeturnedtoCarla.“Akeyfactorinlayingthefoundationforallofthat,astheprogramwejustwatcheddemonstrated,willbeyournews

leaksandarticles.Howarewedoing?”CarlahadbeenuncomfortablyawarethatAntoniohadbeenobserving

hercloselyduringthetelevisionnewsbroadcast.ShewasgratefulthatLeightonhadremindedhim—andtheothersaswell—ofthekeyroleshewasplaying.

“Myphoneatthehotelhasbeenringingoffthehook,”sheannounced.“Ididn’tknowwhattosay,soIjustdidn’tansweritandpretendedIwasn’tthere.”ShepulledthesheafofphonemessagesoutofherpurseandwavedthematFrank.TheseaccumulatedjustthismorningsincethePostarticlecameout.Everytelevisionnetworkisaftermepluseveryotherkindofmedia.WhatdoIsaytothesepeople?”

“Ithastobehandleddiscreetlyfromhereon,”cautionedLeighton.“I’vebeenonthephoneoffandonallmorningwiththeDCI.He’secstatic.AntonioandIareflyingintoD.C.nextweek.TheDCI’ssettingupsomemeetingsforuswithsomekeysenatorsandcongressionalleaders.”

“Butwhataboutthesephonecalls?”interruptedCarla.“DoIgiveinterviews—andifso,whatdoIsay?”

“Iwasgettingtothat.That’swhatI’vebeendiscussingwiththeDCIallmorning.Youmustnotgiveanyfurtherdetails.ThosearetoberevealedonlyinyourarticlesorspecificnewsleakstoyourfriendatTimeastheArchonsdirectus.Inthemeantime,yousimplyexplainthatyou’renotauthorizedtogiveoutanyfurtherinformationyet.Andyoukeephammeringawayonthreesalientpoints.Wordthemdifferentlyforvariety,butheretheyare:1)explainthatsomethingabsolutelynewisgoingtohappenonearththatwillbenefitallofmankind;2)emphasizethatnopoliticalpartyornationwillberesponsiblefororabletocontrolthisprocessforitsownbenefitand3)thateverythingwillbeunderthecontrolofhigherintelligenceswhohavebeenmonitoringourevolutionarydevelopmentforthousandsofyearsandarenowsteppingintopreservelifeonearthandtousherinaNewAgeofpeaceandprosperity.”

“ButamIauthorizedatthispointtogoonTVandradioandtogiveinterviewstoreporters?”persistedCarla.

“Definitelynot.Thatwouldbepremature.You’regoingtohavetoput

themoff.LetthemknowthatthedirectorandpsychicfromthissecretresearchinstallationwillbegoingpublicinWashingtonnextweek,anddropsomehintsoffurtherdevelopments.Butnothingmorethanthat.”

“I’mworkingonmynextarticleforthePost.It’sduenextweek.”“Yes,ofcourse.Continuewiththat.”“AndIreallyneedasecretaryofmyown,Frank.ViktorandIhave

beensharingthesameone.”“I’lltakecareofthatimmediately.You’llhaveoneinthemorning.”“Ihaven’tyetmetwithCarlatogivehermyinput,”interjectedDel

Sasso.InresponsetoCarla’squestioninglook,Frankwavedhishandat

Antonioandsaid,“Whydon’tyougoaheadandgiveusallabriefsummary.”

DelSassostoodtohisfeetandpositionedhimselfsohecouldobserveeachface.“Weallknow,”heremindedthem,“thatthePlancouldfailbecauseofeitherskepticismorfear.EithernobodybelievesinitortheybelievebutareafraidtotrusttheArchons.Alotofpeopleequateextraterrestrialswithspaceshipsinvadingearthtoenslaveus.Psychologists,psychiatrists,sociologists,andalotofacademiciansandeducatedpeopleareveryskepticalaboutthepossibilityofcontactwithextraterrestrials.Sowe’vegottogivethemsomethingtheycanbelievein.Weletthemthinkthatwe’reonlypresentingtheArchonsashighlyevolvedextraterrestrialstocatertotheimaginationofthecommonpeople,butthattheArchonsarereallyJungianarchetypescomingtousfromthecollectiveunconscious.Sowesatisfyeveryone.”

“Youmean,”interruptedCarla,“thatthetruthdoesn’tmatter?”“Truth?”respondedDelSassoabitcontemptuously.“Whatdoesthat

mean?”“It’snoteasytodefine,butIthinkweallknowwhatitmeans.”“Ontheelementarylevelofmathematicsandthephysicalsciences,

perhaps,”concededDelSasso.“Butthesecrettohumanhappinessandfulfillmentliesoutsidescienceintherealmofconsciousness,andtherebeliefiswhatcounts.WejustwantthemtobelieveinandtrusttheArchons.Itdoesn’treallymatterwhoanyonethinkstheyare.”

Carlalookedabitnonplussed.“I’lldropbyyourofficelaterthisafternoon,”DelSassotoldher,“andgooverthisagainwithyou.Themostimportantthingtorememberistokeepwhateveryouspeakorwriteonapositivenote.Alloftheproblemsintheworldtodayhaveresultedfromthefactthattheraceofgodslivingonthisplanethasbeencaughtinthedescendingspiralofitsownnegativethinking,whichhasloweredself-esteem.Mankindneedstobetrainedtocreateanewrealitythroughthepowerofpositivethinking.”

......Backinherofficethatafternoon,Carlafoundthatsheneededmore

thanapositiveapproach.Whenshereturnedthemanyphonecalls,mediarepresentativesconfrontedherwithaproblemshehadn’tevenconsidered,andforwhichshecouldn’tgivethemaverygoodanswer.Thepracticalconsiderationsofmoralaccountabilityinrunningagovernmentwerethecenteroftheirconcern.HerconversationwithGeorgeConklinwastypical.

“I’mgettingalotofflakfromupstairs,”saidGeorge,whenCarlareachedhimatlast.Theythinkthiswholethingsoundslikeanelitegroupofinsidersaccountabletonoonebutthemselves,operatingagovernmentwithinthegovernmentmakingtheirownrules.”

“George,thisisnotanelitistoperation,”sherepliedquickly,anxioustoputthatargumentdownimmediately.“It’snotwhatwe’veseensomuchofintheCIAinthepast—agroupofzealotsanswerabletonoonebutthemselves.ThePlanforaNewWorldOrderhasbeenconceivedandisbeingdirectedbyhigherintelligenceswhoplaynofavorites.Theywanttobenefittheentireplanetandallmankindtogether.”

“Carla,Idon’tknowifI’lleverlivedownprintingyourlineabout‘higherintelligences.’Nobodyherebelievesthatstuff,andyououghttoseeourmail.We’regettingrippedbyskeptics.”

“Alltheletterscan’tbenegative.”“Ididn’tsaytheywere.”“Sowhatarethepercentages?”Therewasanembarrassedpause.“Idon’thavethatfigure.”“Comeon,George.Youmusthavesomeidea.”“Okay,sothevastmajorityarefavorable.Buttheskepticsrepresent

thebetter-educatedandmoreintelligentreaders.”“Oh,sure.DoyouhaveIQtestscoresforeachofyourreaders?Oris

thelevelof‘intelligence’determinedbywhethertheyagreewithyourskepticismornot?ShameonyouelitistsatTime!Doyoureallythinkthathumansaretheonlyintelligentbeingsintheentireuniverse,orthemosthighlyevolved?”

“Ofcoursenot,butsofarthere’sbeennocontact,anduntilthereis—”“That’swhatI’mtellingyou,George.Therehasbeencontact.”“Thenproveit.Let’sseetheselittlegreencrittersintheOvalOffice.

Afterall,that’swherethey’dgo,isn’tit?Youknow,‘Takemetoyourleader.’”

“You’llseetheminduetime,andsowillthewholeworld.AndGeorge,they’renotgreen.”

“Areyoutryingtotellmeyou’veseenthem?”“Iam—andIhave.Butthat’snotforpublicationyet.”“WhataretheyputtinginthewateroutthereinPaloAlto?”“That’snotkind.Iwasn’thallucinating,andI’mnotlying.”“Well,putthemondisplaythen,andwe’llallbeconvinced.”“George,youdon’t‘putondisplay’beingsthatareasfarbeyonduson

theevolutionaryscaleaswearebeyondworms.They’recallingtheshots,andthey’llshowthemselveswhentheappropriatetimecomes.”

“That’sasmokescreen.I’msorry,Carla,butthecutelittlephrase“whentheappropriatetimecomes’isn’tgoingtocutit.You’vethrownussomescraps.Ifyoudon’tfollowupwiththewholemealprettyfastyou’regoingtoloseallcredibilityandthereputationyou’vebuiltovertheyears—andIdon’twanttoseethathappen.”

“Look,George,you’retheonewhotoldmethatifcontactreallyhadbeenestablished,thenbreakingthenewstoosuddenlycouldcreateworldwidepanic—fearofanattackfromMarsor,evenworse,somehorrifyingInvasionoftheBodySnatchers.Remember?”

“Thatwasnearlyaweekago,butwehaven’tseenanythingeithertobeafraidofortogetexcitedabout.Sowhat’shappeningnow?”

“Icanonlytellyouthis:Nextweekthepsychicwhohastheseincrediblepowersandisindailycontactwiththeseentitieswillbecoming

toD.C.withthedirectorofthesecretresearchfacilitytomeetwithkeyleadersontheHillandtoletthemallseefirsthandwhathecando.Therewon’tbeanyskepticsinWashingtonafterthat.Ifyouwanttoseeitforyourself,contactthedirectoroftheCIAforapressinvitation.”

TherewassilenceforamomentWhenGeorgereplied,whathesaidshookCarlawithanotherpossibilitythatshehadn’tevenconsidered.“Yeah,I’llthinkaboutthat.But,youknow,IalreadytoldyouthatitsmacksofanelitegroupinsidetheCIAmakingtheirownrules.”

“AndIexplained,George,thattheArchonsareincontrol,nottheCIA!”interruptedCarla.

“Yeah,Iheardyou,”saidGeorge,“Andthat’swhatreallybothersme.It’stheperfectsetupfortakingovertheworld.Ifthisgroupcouldsomehowconvinceeveryonethatthey’reonlycarryingouttheinstructionsofextraterrestrialintelligenceswithinfinitepowerswhoareimposingaNewWorldOrder....YouseewhatI’mthinking?”

......KenhadspentmuchoftheeveninginprayerfulstudyofPaul’sepistle

totheEphesians—especiallychaptersixthatdealtwithspiritualwarfare.HewasstillupverylatewhenCarlareturned.Sheknockedsoftlyandhehurriedtothefrontdoor.

“I’msorry.Icompletelyforgottogiveyouakeythismorning,”saidKenapologeticallyasheletherin.“You’vegotyourownentrancearoundthesideifyouwanttouseit.Andyouneedyourownremotesoyoucanputyourcarinthegarage.RemindmeatbreakfastandI’llgivethemtoyou.”

“Askingforakeynevercrossedmymind.AllIcouldthinkofwasthatmypursewasawfullyheavy,andwhatiftheywouldn’tletmecarrythatgunonthebase.OfcourseIcouldn’ttellthemthatIwascarryingittoprotectmefromwhatmighthappen—notinthecrueloutsideworld,butinsidethatinstallation.”

“Didtheytakeitaway?”“No.Theguardsfoundit,ofcourse.IshowedthemthepermitDon

hadgivenmeandexplainedthatitwasbecausemylifewasstillindangerontheoutsidefromtheothermembersofthatRussianteam—whoeverand

wherevertheymightbe.TheycheckedwithFrankandhesaidokay.”“CanIgetyousomething?Hotchocolate,tea,somejuice,fruit...

anything?”“I’mwipedout,butI’msokeyedupthatmaybesomesteaming-hot

decaftea,ifyou’vegotit,willhelpmeunwind.”“We’vegotit.”Theywalkedintothekitchentogether,whereKenputonsomewater

toboil.“Franksuremustbeaslavedriver!”hesaiddryly.“Isthisthelengthofanormalday?”

“Normal?”laughedCarla.“Idon’tthinkIknowwhatthatmeansanymore—notjustinrelationtoaworkday.Imeaningeneral.”

“Something’sbotheringyou,”suggestedKen.“AnythingImighthelpwith?”

Carlahesitated.Finallysheasked,“There’satheorythatourmindscreatetherealityaroundus.What’syouropinion?”

“It’sludicrous,”declaredKenwithoutanyhesitation.“Howcanyousaythatwhensomanytopscientistsbelieveit?”Hepouredtheteaandsatdownwithheratthetable.“Infact,veryfew

ifanyreputablescientiststakethatideaseriously.It’sbeenpopularizedbyahandfulofwriterssuchasCapraandZukov,buttheyrepresentaverysmallfringeelementinphysics.In30secondsIcanshowyoujusthowstupiditis.”

“Goahead.”“Didyou‘create’thecupIpulledoutofthecupboardtopouryourtea

into,ordidI?”“Well—”“Youdidn’tevenknowwhatcoloritwasgoingtobe,orwhatshape,

andIwasn’teventhinkingofthat.Soobviously,neitherofus‘created’it.Right?”

“That’sprettystraightforward,I’dhavetoagree,butthatstillleavesthepossibilitythatitwascreatedbysomeoneelse’smindandwejustacceptedthat.”

“Andthatotherperson’smindhasbeenmaintainingitsexistenceandspatialpositionwithoutevenknowingwhereitwas?”Hegavehera

reprovinglook.“Comeon,Carla!AndwhataboutthemillionsofmicroscopiccreaturesinthewaterIboiled,orthemoleculesandatomsinthewater.Whosemindcreatedthatreality?”

“Ineverthoughtofthat.”Theshapeandcolorofthatcupareverysuperficialimpressions

interpretedbyoureyesandhavenothingtodowithwhatthecupinitselfreallyis.Itlooksfardifferentthroughanelectronmicroscope,forexample.Andthere’sawholeuniverseofmoleculesandatomsandsubatomicparticles—includingsomeparticlesthatsciencehasn’tevendiscoveredyet—thatmakeupthatcupthatnohumaneyehaseverseenorhumanmindconceived.Youthinkthatrealitythatwedon’tevenknowaboutyetistheproductofhumanthought?Canyouseriouslyimaginethatthedistantgalaxies,theinteriorofstars,blackholes,andmyriadwondersofauniverseneverseenbyhumaneyeandpredatingourexistence—thatallofthatwascreatedbyourminds?I’msorry,butIdon’thavemuchpatiencewithpeoplewhocalltheaccountofCreationintheBibleamythandthenfallforridiculousideaslikethat!”

Carlaheldupherhandsinmocksurrender.“Igiveup,”shesaid.“Boy,whenyougetonyoursoapbox!Okay,soit’sludicrous.Thenwhydoesthistheoryseemsoreasonabletosomanyintelligentpeople.Why?”

“I’vealreadysaidit,Carla.It’spride.Thecolossaldimensionsofthedelusionareonlyexceededbythegiganticegosthatswallowit.Farfromcreatingrealitywithourownminds,we’restrugglingtodiscoverthesecretsofauniversethatwascreatedbyanotherMindwhoisinfinitelybeyondus.”

AMindinfinitelybeyondus,thoughtCarla.He’sgivingmeanargumentfortheexistenceofGod—andIaskedforit!Theysippedtheirteainsilence.Atlastsheasked,“WhatwouldyousayifIsuggestedthattheUFOandtheArchonsthatIsawinthatwarehousewereanillusioncreatedbymovieprojectorsriggeduptodeceivemeandViktor?Andthatthesamemechanismwillbeusedtoconvinceothers?”

Kenthoughtaboutitcarefully.“It’spossible,butnotlikely.Whatgaveyouthatidea?”

“OneoftheeditorsatTimeI’veknownforyears.He’ssuspiciousof

thewholething.ThinksitmightbeaploybyanelitegroupinWashingtontotakeovertheworldbymakingeveryonethinkthey’refollowingordersfromhigherintelligences.”

“Idon’tknowwhathappenedinthewarehouse.Iwasn’tthere.ButIcanassureyouthereweren’tanymovieprojectorsinyourroomtheothernight—hereoratthehotel.Andthereweren’tanyinthelabwhenDelSassoputonhisshow.There’sdefinitelysomeheavydemonicinvolvement.”

“Italwayscomesbacktothat,doesn’tit,”saidCarla.Therewasjustahintofbitternessinhervoice.

Kenshrugged.“That’slikesayingeatingalwaysinvolvesfood,or—”Carlaheldupahand.“Okay,don’toverwhelmme.Igetthepoint.”“I’msorry,”saidKen.“Whatyourfriendsaidaboutanelitegroupin

WashingtonorwithintheCIA—hemighthavesomethingthere.I’dbearitinmindandseeifanydevelopmentsthatcomealongseemtofitthatscenario.”

“Youreallythinkso?I’msurprisedyou’dsaythat.”“Evilalwaysoperatesontwolevels,”saidKen.“Thedemonicandthe

human.SatanhasthesameegoproblemswithhisdisciplesthatGodhaswithHis.IfChristianleadersoftentrytobuildtheirownlittlekingdoms,it’snotsurprisingthatthefollowersofAntichristwould.”

Carlasmiledandshookherhead.“Youamazeme,Ken.Twoyearsagoyouweretheconsummateatheist,andnowyou’retheultimateChristian!”

“Ifthat’sthewayIcomeacross,thenI’vegottorepentofit,”saidKen.“I’msofarfrombeingtheultimateChristian.”

“Well,yousurehavethisthingwired.AndIdon’tmeanthatinabadway.I’mreallyimpressed.You’vegotauniquewayofsayingthings:‘SatanhasthesameegoproblemswithhisdisciplesthatGodhaswithHis.’”Sheleanedbackandlaughed.“That’squiteawaytoputit!”

“I’mnottryingtoplaythebigexpert,”respondedKen.“YoucouldlookitupintheBibleforyourself—anythingI’mtellingyou.Thenlookattheworldaroundyouthroughthatwisdomandyougetawholenewperspective.Youdon’thavetobetoobrighttorealizethatFrankandDelSassocouldpossiblyhopetousetheArchonsfortheirownends.That’s

nottoofarfetched,knowinghumangreedandpride.”“Isupposeyou’reright”concededCarla.“Whichdoesgivesome

supporttoGeorge’sconcern.”“Whateverthecase,”saidKenearnestly,“I’lltellyouonethingfor

sure.Intheend,everyoneinvolvedwiththeArchonswillbecomevictims,andI’mprayingdayandnightthatyouwon’tbeoneofthem!”

[32]AWarning!

“Ken’sleftfortheofficealready,”hismotherinformedCarlawhensheenteredthekitchenthenextmorning.SeeingthedisappointmentonCarla’sface,sheadded,“Heworksmuchtoohard—alwayshas,evenwhenhewasaboy.Foreversomeurgentprojectorother.”

“That’soneofthethingsthatattractedmetohim,”saidCarla.“Hewasonamission,goingsomewhere,notwastinghistimebutdoingsomethingworthwhile,goal-oriented.”

“Hestillis,”saidMrs.Inman,“butofcourse,thegoalshavechangeddrastically,andforthebetter—believeme,theyhave!”Carlastartedtofrown,thensmiled.

“Well,whatwouldyoulikethismorning?”Mrs.Inmanaskedher.“Somebaconandeggsforachange?Iboughtsome,justincase.”

“Youmeanyouwantmetojoinyouinaminirebellionagainstthetyrannyofhealthfood?Okay,let’sgoforit!”

......KenhadgottenupearlytospendconsiderabletimecryingouttoGod

onceagainforCarla.HeprayedthatthedemonicevilwouldbesoobviousthatCarlawouldnotbeabletodenyit;thatGodwouldputashieldofprotectionaroundher;thatViktorandFrankwouldhavetheireyesopenedaswell;thatthePlanwouldbefrustrated—andingeneralthatGodwoulddoallHecouldwithoutviolatingCarla’spowerofchoicetomakethetruthclearenoughtoherthatshecouldmakethatchoicewithoutanydeludinginfluenceuponher.

ItconcernedKendeeplythatinspiteofthefrankdiscussionstheyhadbeenabletohave,insteadofescapingtheArchons,itseemedshewasbeingdrawnindeeperandwaspreparingtoplayakeyroleinpersuadingtheworldtoembracetheirseductivePlan.Hekeenlyfelttheurgencyto

prayspecificallythatshewouldseethroughthemasktotheevilbehinditandbecomethoroughlydisillusioned.Andthatshewouldbeprotectedfromthedemonicpowerthatheknewwouldbeunleashedagainstherinrenewedfuryifshetriedtobackout.

Inthequietofearlymorning,KenhadconcludedthattherewaslittlepointintryingtoreasonwithCarlaanyfurther.Hehadsaidmorethanenough.AllhecoulddonowwastokeepprayingandbelievethatGodwoulddoeverythingpossibletobringhertothepointofdecision,atwhichtimeshewouldhavetoexerciseherpowerofchoice.TherewasnothingthatevenGodHimselfcoulddotomakeherchoosetherightpath.

ThephoneranginthekitchenjustasCarlaandMrs.Inmanwerefinishingbreakfast.“It’sKen—foryou,”saidhismotherasshehandedthephonetoCarla.

“Goodmorning!”saidKen.“Ijustwantedtomakesurethatyougotthekeyandremotegarage-dooropenerIleftonthecounterinthekitchen.”

“Yourmotherpointedthemouttome.Thanksalot.”“Iseverythingokay?”“Yeah,justfine.”“AnythingIcando?”“Well,Iwasthinkingofaskingyoutomeetmeatthehotel.Ireally

needtogettherestofmythings,andthere’snowayI’mgoingbackinthatroomwithoutyou.”

“Iunderstand.Didyouwanttodoitthismorningortonight?”“Well,ifyoucanfititin,doyoumind,sayinhalfanhour?”“Noproblem.Seeyouinthelobby.”

......“Itlookssomundaneinhere,so‘everyday-commonplace-business-as-

usual,’”saidCarlaastheylefttheelevatorandwalkeddownthehalltowardherroom.“Ifeelkindofsillyaskingyoutohelpmegetsomeclothes.”Inspiteofthebravewords,Carla’svoicebetrayedheranxiety.

“Iknowexactlywhatyoumean,”respondedKen.Carlaopenedthedoor.Shetookastepinside,turnedonthelightand

screamed.“Ken!Look!I—Idon’tbelievethis!Why?”

Herushedinpasther,thenstoodtransfixedbythedestructionthatmethiseye.Themattressandbedclotheshadbeenrippedofftheking-sizebedandthrownintoacorner,smashingalamp.Threepicturesnowlayshatteredontheflooralongwithtwootherlamps.Thedrawershadbeendumpedoutandthedrapesrippedfromthewindows.

Carlasurveyedthesceneinanguish.“TheArchonsweren’tthisvicious,”shesaid.Thisisincredible!”

“Youdon’tthinktheArchonsdidit?”askedKeninsurprise.“Okay,Ken,youseeademonbehindeverything.ButwhatIseein

hereistheworkoftheCIA,FSB—oreventheFBI.Theywerelookingforsomething.That’sobvious.”

“Whatdoyouhavethattheywouldwant?”“Nothing,thatIknowof,buttheyobviouslythoughtIhadsomething.”“Carla,bereasonable!TheCIAorFSB—andcertainlytheFBI—

wouldhavenoreasonfordoingthis.ButtheArchonswould.”“Why?”askedCarla.“Iwasn’tevenhere.”“Maybetheyjustwantedtoletyouknowhowvulnerableyouare—

thattheycanpullyourstringsandmakeyoudowhattheywantyouto,likeapuppet!”

Carlajuststoodandstaredathiminshock.“Comeon,”hesaid.“Let’spackyourthingsandgetoutofhere.”Togethertheygatheredherclothesandputthemintohersuitcase.Onthewaydowntothelobbyintheelevator,Kentoldher,“Iwas

thinking,Carla,thatthismayworkoutforthebestanyway.Itgivesyouareasontocheckout,presumablyforanotherhotel.Here’swhatIthinkyououghttosay.”

......Backatthefrontdesk,Carlaturnedinherkey.“I’mgoingtohaveto

checkout,”shebeganinalowvoice.Shewasvisiblyshakenanditwasobviousthatshehadjustbeenthroughatraumaticexperience.“Someonegotintomyroom—thankGodIwasn’tthere—andtoreitcompletelytopieces.”

“I’mterriblysorry.Idon’tseehowanyonecouldgetin,”saidtheyoungmanwaitingonher.

Sheleanedforwardinagestureofconfidentiality.“YourememberwhentheFBIwashereafewdaysago?”

“Yes.”“Well,youwouldn’thaveknown,buttheywereprotectingme.”She

noddedinKen’sdirectionandtheclerkraisedhiseyebrowsknowingly.“Wethoughtthethreathadended,butapparentlywhoeverisaftermegotintomyroom.ObviouslyI’mnotsayingwhereI’mgoing.I’llcomebacktomorrowtopickupanymessages.Doyouhaveanynow?”

“Wecertainlydo.Ialmostforgot.You’vegotastackofphonecalls.”IntheparkinglotKenputthesuitcaseinCarla’scarandheldthedoor

openassheclimbedin.Quicklysheriffledthroughthephonemessages.“ABC,CBS,NBC,NewYorkTimes—everybodywantsmetobeontheirtalkshowordoanarticlefortheirnewspaperormagazine.I’veneverbeensomuchindemand.”Shelookedupathim.Thereweretracesoftearsinhereyes,buthervoicecarriedtheolddeterminationonceagain.“Don’tthinkyouhaven’tmadesomepoints,becauseyouhave.I’vethoughtseriouslyaboutchuckingthiswholething,butIdon’tseehowIcan.”

“Carla!”“Look,I’mnotapuppetonastring,butI’vemadeacommitmentto

Frank.”“Youdon’toweFrankathing!He’sonapowertripandhe’susing

you!”“Maybe,butIcan’tabandonViktor.”“Andthereisastoryyou’reafter.”“Don’tfaultmeforthat,Ken.Iamajournalist,andI’vegottoseethis

storythroughtotheend!”“I’llbeprayingforyou!”Therewasnothingelsetosay.“Pleasedo,Ken.”Carlabitherlipandlookedaway.Shestartedthe

engineandleanedoutthewindow,forcingasmile.“I’vegotanassignmentfromyourfriendJordan,too,youknow.Ican’tlethimdowneither.Whenit’sallover,maybeI’llwriteabook:IWasaSpyfortheFBI.”

......Carlahadjustturnedontotheaccessroadleadingintotheinstallation

whenshesawaheadofhertheflashingredlightofapolicecarapproachingrapidly.Itpassedatgreatspeedonitswayouttothemainhighway.Shedroveonslowly,warily.Whatisitnow?Asshecamearoundabendwithinafewhundredyardsofthefrontgate,theoverwroughtsenseofdangeranddéjàvupeakedasanothernightmarelaybeforehergaze.Policecars,uniformedandplainclothesofficers,thepronebodyofawomanontheground....Carla’sreactionsmovedintoslowmotionandaprotectiveunrealitydescendedoverthescene.

Unaware,sheslowedhercartoacrawl.Auniformedofficerwavedheron.I’vegottoknowwhoitis...what’sgoingon!Ithoughttheviolencewasover.Innumbeddefianceoftheorder,shepulledovertothesideoftheroadandgotout.

“Here,letmehelpyou,”saidakindandfamiliarvoice.ShebecameawarethatDonJordanwasbesideherwithhishandunderherelbow.

“Whathappened?”Carlaasked,avertinghergazefromthefigurenowbeingcoveredwithasheetnearby,andfearfulthatwhoeverwaslyingtherehadsomeconnectiontotheinstallation.

“Shewasfoundhanginginatreejustbackfromtheroadearlythismorningbyoneoftheguardsonhiswayintowork,”camethetersereply.

“Whowasit?”“Ayoungwomanabout25namedIngerKrieg.”“Ohno!Suicide?”“Thathasn’tbeendetermined,butwethinkso.”“Didsheleaveanote?”“Yes,apparentlyinherhandwriting.It’sbeinganalyzed.Iunderstand

sheworkedatthebase.”“Shewastheotherpsychic,”saidCarla,fightingthefeelingoflight-

headedness.“Well,we’vehadseveral,butnoneofthemworkedout.IngercameallthewayfromWestGermanyaboutthreemonthsago.NoneoftheothersseemedabletoadapttothePsitron.Theyallendedupbasketcasesmentally.Twoofthemarestillinthepsychiatrichospitalintown.ButInger,shewasdoingverywell.Isawsomeofherwork.ShewasbeingtrainedbyDelSasso.Shewassuchalikableperson.Thisisterrible!”

“I’dbettergetbackoverthere,”saidJordan.“I’msupposedtobein

chargeoftheinvestigationsinceithappenedongovernmentproperty.Ihaven’theardapeepoutofyou.Nothinghappening?”

“Nothing—no—nothingthatI’venoticed.NothingincriminatingonKayMorris.She’sworkingveryhardandseemstobe110percentcommittedtotheproject.”

“Icheckedheroutagain,andsheseemstobeclean.We’vegotthreeofourpeopleintherenow.Night-shiftguardStanKirby,dayshiftguardArtDenham,andlabassistantAnneWhite.Youcansendmessagestomebyanyofthem,andifyouneedhelpatanytime,relyonthem.”

“Havetheycomeupwithanything?”“Notyet.I’llseeyoulater.”

......AsCarlapulledintoherusualparkingplace,shesawViktorwalking

acrossthelawnfromthetransmissionlabbacktothemainbuilding.Shejumpedoutofthecarandcalled,“Viktor!”Hisfacebrightenedwhenhesawhercomingtowardhim.Theymetinthemiddleofthelawnandhuggedeachotherbriefly,thenbeganwalkingslowlytowardthefrontdoortogether.

“DidyouhearaboutInger?”sheaskedimmediately.Viktor’sfacedarkenedandhenodded.“Leightonannouncedittothe

staffearlythismorning.”“Whatdidhesay?”“Hecalleditagreattragedy.Itapparentlyhappenedsometimelast

nightHesuggestedthatitwasdespondencyduetohome-sickness.Idon’tbelieveit.”

“NordoI,”agreedCarla.“Thisisnumberwhat—six?Whycan’tanyonebutDelSassomakeitonthePsitron?”

“There’ssomethingfundamentallywrong,”saidViktorgrimly,loweringhisvoiceastheynearedthefrontdoor.

No,seven!thoughtCarla.Kenwasthefirst,andthatmakesseven.ThenwhydidDelSassotaketothePsitronlikeaducktowater?Frankhasusedthoseexactwordsatleastadozentimes.Whyisthatpriestsospecial?CouldKenberight?SheglancedoveratViktor.Heappearedtobedealingwithhisowninnerconflicts.

“ThePlanissupposedtobringpeace,love,andbrotherhoodtotheworld,”hemurmured,moretohimselfthantoher.“Ironic,isn’tit?”

......Laterthatmorningatthe11:00staffmeeting,Carlasensedthat

Leightonwastiredanddiscouragedasheaddressedtheinnercircle.HepacednervouslybackandforthinfrontofhisdeskashetalkedaboutthelossofInger.

“Thisisaterribleblowtotheprogram.WeneedmillionsofAntonios,andsofarwe’velosteveryonewe’vetriedtodevelop.Ijustdon’tunderstandit!”HeturnedtoViktor.“You’vebeenanalyzingtheprogram.IknowyouworkedcloselywithInger.Doyouhaveanyideas?”

“There’ssomethingfundamentallywrong!”saidViktorwithconviction,echoingtheverywordshehadspokentoCarlaearlier.“We’vehadproblemswiththementalstabilityofthepsychicsinthepast,sowemodifiedtheapproach,sloweditdown.Wewererushingthemalongtoofast.Ingerwasthefirstunderthenewapproach,andshewasdoingwell.ShewasalmostanotherAntonio.InfactIcalledherthatjustyesterday—andnowthis!Whydon’ttheArchonsexplain?”

“Theyhave,”DelSassocutin.“We’vebeenpremature.It’sourfaultforrushingtheprogram.YourecallthatwewerenotspecificallyinstructedbytheArchonstostartthetrainingprogramyet.Evenso,Idon’tthinkweshouldbediscouraged,Frank.Foronething,itwasthekarmaofeachoneofthesepeople.Theywillcomebackthebetterforitsowedon’tmournforthem,deadoralive.Andwe’vealllearnedsomethingintheprocessthatwillbeinvaluablewhenthePlanisbeingimplementedworldwide.”

“Antonio’sright,”agreedKay.“Ifyouwentbackoverthetranscriptsofallofthetransmissions,asIdidrecently,youwouldn’tfindanyinstructionstotrainotherpsychicsyet.InourzealIthinkwe’verushedahead—acostlylesson,butonewecanbenefitfrom.”

“OnethingnoneofuscanaffordtoforgetIguess,”addedFrank.“We’repioneersinanewfield,explorersofinnerspace—andtherearedangers.Thinkoftheliveslostinthepastforeachnewadvancemankindhasmade.There’salwaysapricetopay.Itcouldyetcostsomeofusinthisroomourlives.Butwhenyouthinkofthebenefitstotheentirehuman

race—well,Ithinkwehaveatremendousprivilege!”“There’ssomethingelse,”cutinDelSasso.“Ishouldn’tbetheoneto

sayitbecauseitmaysoundabitegotisticalandself-serving,butit’sbeenagreatmistaketoattempttotrainothersonthePsitronatthisstage.Ifwehadanumberofpsychicswithpowersequaltomine,therewouldbenoclearleadership,maybeevenrivalry.Thatwouldn’tbegoodatthispoint—right?”

“Ithinkyou’reright,”saidFrankabitreluctantly.“I’dwantedtohaveatleastoneotherPsitron-trainedpsychictoshowoffattheCongress,butIletmyownambitionsinsteadoftheArchons’wisdomrule.NowIcanseewhytheArchonshaveheldbackthedevelopmentofthepsychics,whowillbenecessarytoimplementthePlan,untilit’sbeenadoptedbytheworld.”

“Allofthiswisdomnowisn’thelpingIngerandtherest,”saidViktorsolemnly.“I’vegottotakemyshareoftheblame.”

“Well,let’snotblameoneanother,”saidFrank.“Thatisn’tgoingtohelp.Weneedtogoforwardagain.AntonioandIleaveforD.C.inthemorning,andIexpecttohavesomeexcitingnewswhenwereturn.”

Leightonstoodup,signalingtheendofthemeeting.“Youknowwhattodo,”hesaid,turningtoKay.“There’salotofworkinthelabsthatneedstobefinalizedwhileAntonioisgone.Viktorwillhelpyou.Butrememberthatpreparingforhisspeechtakestoppriority.Right,Viktor?”Leightonslappedhimontheback.“You’rethekeynoter,youknow.”

Viktorlookedsolemn.“That’sabigresponsibility,butI’mlookingforwardtoit.”

“AndCarla,”addedLeighton,“assoonasyoufinishtheroughdraftofthenextarticle,youshouldgoontothethirdone.I’llgooverthembothwhenIgetback.”

......“Knock,knock—mayIcomein?”CarlalookedupfromherworktoseethatDelSassohadopenedher

officedooracrackandwaspeeringin.Sheleanedbackandstretchedwithawearysigh.“Pleasedo.All

packedandreadytogo?”

Hepushedthedooropenandsteppedjustinside.“Oh,Idon’ttakemuchwithme.Ijustthrowafewthingstogetheratthelastminute.That’sthewayI’vealwaysdone.”

“Really?You’vetraveledalot?”“Allovertheworld.”“Ididn’tknowthat.Youhaven’ttoldmemuchaboutyourself,

Antonio.”“Whenisthereevertimearoundheretovisitwithbeautifulwomen?”

Theglintinhiseyestartledher.“Whatdoyouwant—thebarefacts?IwasborninRome,grewupthere,becameaJesuit—andhavelecturedallovertheworldasaspecialenvoyfortheblackpope.”

“Theblackpope?”That’swhattheycalltheheadoftheSocietyofJesus,becausethe

successortoIgnatiusLoyola—that’sourfounder—wearsablackrobelikemine,whilethepopewearsawhiteone.”

“Howinteresting.Ineverknewthat.”Antoniolookedathercloselyashehadbeendoingeversincethat

night.Henoticedherdiscomfort“Havenofear,”hesaidinasoothingvoice.“Iamnotheretoreproveyouforyourdoubts.Everypersonmustdealwiththeminhisownway,andIhaveconfidencethatyouwillcomethroughyourpresentperiodofconflictwithfirmconviction.”

“Well,thankyou.”Whathesaidnextcaughthercompletelyoffguard.“Youknow,Carla,

Dr.Inmanisrightinawayaboutwhathecalls‘demons.’”“Really?”Apparentlyhecouldreadhermindafterall.Thatthought

wasdevastating.“Psychicdevelopmenthasitspitfalls,”continuedDelSasso.“Andthe

psychicworldisadangerousone—aspoorIngerjustfoundout.”“Itwassuchatragedy!”repliedCarla,wonderingwhathewasleading

upto.“Shewassoyoung—andfulloflife.”“Itriedtowarnher,butshewouldn’tlisten.There’sadarkside,you

know.”Noreplywasexpected.Ishewarningme?“Neverrelyonsomeoneelsetosaveyou,”saidDelSasso.“That’sthe

majormisunderstandingmostChristianshaveaboutChrist.Youmustlooktothedivinewithinyourself,notwithinanother.Realizeyourownonenesswiththecosmos,andthenthesemisguidedcreaturesDr.Inmancalls‘demons’havenopoweroveryou.”

Carlafoundherselfnoddingassentpropelledbytheveryforceofhispersonality,yetunabletomakeanaudiblereply.WashetellingherthatherdoubtsabouttheArchonshadbroughtontherecentfrighteningexperiences?Washewarninghernottodoubtinthefuture?

“There’saplaceforhonestdoubts...uptoapoint,”saidDelSassoabruptly,apparentlyreadinghermindagain.“IntheearlystagesofthePlan,discussionoftheissueswillbeencouragedinordertoclarifythethinkingofthosewhosincerelyseekthetruth.”Hecamecloserandstoodtheretoweringoverher.“Regretfully,itwilleventuallybenecessarytoeliminateallopposition.Thestakesaretoohightodootherwise.Idon’tneedtotellyouthatChristiansare,unfortunately,thechiefoppositiontothePlan.They’llhavetobepersuaded...orelse.”

“IfIunderstandwhatyou’resaying,Antonio,”saidCarla,“thenIthinkyoumaybeoverlookingsomething.TherearemillionsofChristians—peoplelikeKenInman—whowouldratherdiethandenytheirLord.Doyoureallymeanthey’llhavetobeeliminated?”

“There’snootherchoice.It’snotbecausetheArchonsareopposedtoreligion,whichthey’renot.Butnarrow-mindeddogmashavetogoinordertomakewayforamuchmoreappropriatereligionbroadenoughfortheentireworldtoembrace.”

DelSassospokethewordswithoutanimosity,muchlikeadoctordictatingaprescription.“Thenewworldreligionwillbeecumenical,embracingallcreeds—except,ofcourse,thosethatclaimtobeexclusivelytrue.TherearemillionsofChristianswhoposenoproblem,whounderstandthatChrist,regardlessofwhattheBiblesays,neverclaimedtobetheonlyway,butrepresentativeofallways.TheywillfitintotheNewOrderwithoutanyproblems.Asforthenarrow-mindedfundamentalists,however—whetherChristiansorMoslemsorJews,orwhateverreligion—iftheydon’tvoluntarilygiveuptheirobstructive,negativedogmas,thenofcourseothermeasureswillhavetobetaken.Atstakeisworldwide

peace.Narrowsectarianbeliefscan’tbeallowedtostandintheway.”Hestartedtoleave,butturnedtopauseamomentinthedoorway.“I

wantedtowarnyoubeforeIleavefortheEast.Nevertrustanybeings,nomatterhowhighlyevolvedtheymayseemtobe.SomeofthemostenlightenedhavechosentousethedarksideoftheForce.Theycanbeverydestructive.Andifyouallowthemtofrightenyou,thenyou’reintheirpower.”

Sohedidknow!Carlafoughttocontrolarisingpanic.Sheheardherselfsaying,“Thankyou,Antonio.Iappreciatethisverymuch.ItexplainssomethingsI’vebeenwonderingabout.”

“I’mawareofyourquestionsanddoubts.Itwouldbeatragedynottoresolvethemintherightdirection.”Hiseyesseemedtopierceintoherverysoulasheheldherwithhisintensegaze.Thenheturnedandleft,closingthedoornoiselesslybehindhim.

[33]Outwitted!

Thenextfewdayspassedquicklyanduneventfully.Absorbedingettinghernewsecretaryorientedandcatchinguponbackphonecalls,Carlahadlittletimetodevotetolong-standingdoubtsandconflicts.Theyhadonlybeenputasidetemporarily,however—notsilenced.Disappointingly,Kenhadbeenoflittlehelplatelyinsortingthemout.Heseemed,infact,tobeavoidingher.Onthefewoccasionstheirscheduleshadbroughtthemintocontactoverbreakfastoralate-nightcupoftea,hehadbeenuncharacteristicallyreluctanttocarryontheirdiscussionsofthepast.Shecouldn’tunderstandthat.Diditmeanthathe’dgivenuponher?Afewdaysagothatwouldhavepleasedher,butnowitbotheredhergreatly.Shefeltneglected.

TheresearchcenterseemedemptywithoutFrankandAntonio,andCarlarealizedthatshehadagreateraffectionforbothofthemthanshehadbeenwillingtoadmit.Theyhadimpactedherlifeinmanyways,andshefeltarealsenseofcamaraderieinsharingwiththemthemutualgoalofbringingpeacetoaworldthatteeteredonthebrinkofdisaster.WhetherProjectArchonwouldactuallyturnouttobetheanswerornotitwasanobleventure.ShefeltastrongcommitmenttoworktogetherwiththemtoseethePlanthroughtoasuccessfulconclusion,ifthatwereatallpossible.

DuringthistimeshehadseenlittleofViktor.HeseemedtobeworkingdayandnightwithKay,andCarlawonderedhowtheyweregettingalong.Shehadintendedtoaskhimthatatlunchthatday,butViktorhadnotappeared.Itwasnownearly2:00p.m.,andstillnosignofViktorinhisofficeacrossthehallfromhers.Shepushedbackfromhercomputer,stoodupandstretched,anddecidedtocheckontheirprogress.

Therewerethreelabassistants—twomensheknewandayoungwomanshehadnevermet—workinginthemainlabwhenshewalkedin.

KayandViktorwerenowheretobeseen.“DoyouhaveanyideawhereImightfindDr.Khorev?”Carlaasked.

“HelefthereawhileagowithDr.Morris,”saidtheyoungwoman.“Bytheway,I’mAnneWhite.I’veseenquiteabitofyou,butIdon’tthinkwe’veevermet.”

“Hownicetomeetyou,”saidCarla.ShegaveAnneaslightnodandaknowinglooktoindicatethatsheknewwhoshewas.“Anyideawheretheywent?”

“Igottheimpression,”saidoneofthemen,“thattheywerehavingaseriousdisagreementMaybetheywantedtogosomeplacewheretheycoulddiscussitalone.”

“Really?Doyouhaveanyideawhattheproblemwas?”“Ireallycouldn’tsay.Idon’tthinkitwasanythingabouttheworkin

here—somethingpersonalbetweenthem,maybe.”“Howlongagodidtheyleave?”askedCarla.“Abouttenminutesago,wouldn’tyousay?”saidtheyoungman,

turningtoAnneforconfirmation.Shenodded.“AboutthatI’dguess.”“Well,theycertainlydidn’tgotoViktor’soffice,”saidCarlahalfto

herself.ShepickedupanearbyphoneanddialedKay’soffice,thenFrank’s,thenViktor’sjusttobecertain.Secretariesateachplacesaidtheyhadn’tseeneitherofthemallafternoon.Shedialedthestafflounge,buttheyweren’tthere—thenViktor’sapartment,buttherewasnoanswer.Carlawasbeginningtofeelapprehensive.

“Well,theycan’tjustdisappear,canthey,”shesaidaloudtonooneinparticular,tryingtosoundnonchalant“Iwantedtotalktothemaboutsomethingthatreallycan’twait.Maybethey’rebackinViktor’sapartmentandjustaren’tansweringthephone.I’lltakealookoverthere.”

Frankhadapparentlynotbeendeniedanythinghe’dwantedinconstructingthesecretcomplex.Behindthemainstructurewasasetofsixluxuryapartmentsinalong,two-storybrickbuilding.OneapartmentwasreservedforthedirectoroftheCIA,whohadnotappearedsinceCarlahadbeenthere,butwho,sheunderstood,haduseditfrequentlyinthepast.Frankusedanotheroftheapartments,asdidMikeBradford,theheadofsecurity.Viktor,ofcourse,whowaskeptonthebasecontinuouslyforhis

protection,hadhisownapartment,whichCarlahadvisitedacoupleoftimes.

Approachingthebuilding,shecouldseethatthedoortoViktor’sapartment—number5,inthemiddleontheupperlevel—washalf-open.Assheclimbedthestairs,Carlasmiledtoherself.ThatwasjustlikeViktor.Hewasabitprudishandwouldneverhaveawomaninhisapartmentwithouthavingthedoorajar,somaybethatwasasignthatheandKaywereinthereafterall.Ifso,itwasoddthathehadn’tansweredthephone.Thatwasn’tlikehim.

Whenshereachedthetopofthestairs,sheheardsubduedbutangryvoicescomingfromwithin.Peeringcautiouslyinsidethehalf-opendoorshecouldnowhearthemplainly,butshecouldn’tmakeoutthewords.Thenithitherlikeafreighttrain:Theywereconversingintheirnativetongue!SoViktorhadbeenright.ShewasRussian!HadheconfrontedKayinthelab,andthentakenherupheretohaveitout?

Carlacautiouslypushedthedooropenabitwiderandslippedquietlyintotheentryhall.Fromthereshecouldseepartofthelivingroomandkitchen.Thevoiceswerecomingfromfartherwithin.Takingthegunfromherpurseandreleasingthesafety,shemovedquicklythroughthelivingroom.Beyonditsheverycautiouslyenteredalonghall,holdingthegunready.Thevoiceswerecomingthroughanopendoorontherightwhichsherememberedwasalargestudy.Slidingalongthewall,shecreptcloser.

NowshecouldseeViktor,sittingatthefarendoftheroominfrontofthefireplace,hisrightprofiletowardher.HewasspeakingRussianrapidlyandhistonewasclearlyangryandaccusatory.Anotherstepnearer,peeringcarefullythroughtheopendoorway,andshesawKayfacinghim,lookingsurprisinglycomposed.Infactsheseemedtobeenjoyingherself.WhatdoIdonow?Justwalkin?Wait?OrshouldIgobackandgetsecurity?InthenextmomentCarla’sheartfrozeinherchestasthatdecisionwastakenfromher.Kay’seyeshadwanderedoverandseenher!

Withherheartbeatingwildlynow,Carlasteppedquicklyintotheroomandpointedthe.38revolveratKay.Therewasnothingelsetodonowthatshehadbeendiscovered.Whatfollowedastonishedhercompletely.Kayjumpedtoherfeetandgreetedherwithapparentrelief.

“Carla!AmIgladtoseeyou.Yougotherejustintime!”Viktor’sreactionsurprisedherevenmore.“Carla!Howdidyougetin

here?”hedemandedwithevidentdispleasure.Kaystartedtowardher.“Holditrightthere!”commandedCarla,

aimingtheweaponatherheadtoletherknowthatshemeantbusiness.“Notanotherinch!”

“Whyareyoupointingthatgunatme?”demandedKaywithapuzzledlookandhurttone.“Ithoughtyou’dcomeintoarresthim!Youhave,haven’tyou?”ShelookedatViktoraccusingly.“I’vejustblownhiscover.”

“Waitaminute!”hissedViktor.“Mycover?Youthinkyou’llgetawaywiththat?”

“Youareasmoothone,aren’tyou,”Kaysaid,turningtowardViktorandstaringathimcontemptuously.ThensheaddedtoCarla,“That’sthekindittakestomakeadoubleagent.He’saplant—andagoodone!”

“She’slying!”saidViktorangrily.“Youdon’tbelieveher,Carla—doyou?”

“Isurehopeshe’slying!”saidCarla.SheturnedtoKay.“IheardyouspeakingRussian.Explainthat!”

Kaylaughednervously.“Sothat’swhathasyouconfused.OfcourseIspeakRussian.Myparentswereimmigrants.WespokeitathomewhenIgrewup.That’soneofthereasonstheCIAputmeinhere.”

“TheCIA?”askedCarlainsurprise.“EvenFrankdidn’tknow,”saidKay.“Noonebutthedirectorof

CentralIntelligencehimselfknowswhoIamandwhyI’mhere—tospotRussianinfiltrationofthisoperation.Viktoralmostfooledme.”

“Waitaminute!”interruptedCarla.“IhappenedtohavebeentherewhenheescapedfromColonelChernov—thesameonewhocameinheretotakeViktorbacktoRussia.”

“That’sright,”cutinKay.“TotakehimbacktoRussia.Hewasn’tgoingtokillViktoralongwiththerestofus.Youinnocentlybecamepartofastaged‘defection’inParisthatgaveKhorevtheperfectcover—untilIgotontohisgame.Hethreatenedtokillmejustbeforeyoucamethroughthatdoor!”

“Carla,thismonsterislyingthroughherteeth,”saidViktor.“Iknew

I’dseenhersomewhere,andfinallyremembered.She’sChernov’slover!”“Viktor!”exclaimedCarla.“Youexpectmetobelievesomethingthat

incredible?”ViktorstoodtohisfeetandtookasteptowardCarla.“Holdit!”she

commanded,pointingthegunathishead.“Stayback!”“Listentome,Carla!”hepleaded.“I’veseenherpictureonChernov’s

desk!She’schangedherappearance.That’swhyittookmesolongtorealizewhoshewas.Butsheadmittedit.”

Kaywasnowlivid.“Khorev,youlyingsnake,you’regoingtothechair!”SheturnedtoCarlaagain.“Look,wedon’thavetostandhereandlistentothisgarbage.There’saphoneoverthere.PickitupandgettheDCI.He’lltellyouwhoIam.I’llgiveyouthenumberthatgoesrightintohisprivateofficeattheheadquartersinLangley,Virginia.Ijusttalkedtohimtherenotmorethan30minutesago—justbeforethisRussianplantandIcameupheretohaveourconfrontation.”

She’sgottobelying,thoughtCarla.IknowViktor.He’snoplant!Butwhatifheis?Ican’ttrusteitherofthem!

“I’mnotcallingLangley,”announcedCarla.“I’mgoingtogetsecurityupheretoarrestbothofyouandthenwe’llsortitoutfromthere.”

“Nowyou’remakingsense,”saidKay.“Justgethimintocustody—that’sallIwant.Andthenwe’llfindoutwho’slying.”

“Shutup,bothofyou!”commandedCarla.Tohersurprise,shenoticedthatViktornowlookedworried.“Ifit’sgoingtobemywordagainsthers,”hesaid,“Idon’tstandachance.YouknowthatCarla.”

“Isaidtoshutup!”respondedCarla.“Idon’tknowwho’stellingthetruth.Sogetthis:I’llshooteitherofyouifyoumakeamove!Stayrightwhereyouare.”ShewalkedsidewaysovertothephonesittingonatableattheendofthesofajusttoKay’sleft.Shepickedupthephone,withherlefthand,holdingtheguninherrightandkeepingitpointedatKay.Whensheheardthetone,sheputthereceiverdownandbegantopushthebuttonswithherlefthand.Todoso,shehadtoturnhereyesmomentarilydowntothephoneandthegunwaveredslightlyofftarget.ThatwasalltheopeningKayneeded.

“Lookout!”Viktoryelled,butthewarningcametoolate.

BeforeCarlacouldreact,Kayhadcoveredthedistancebetweentheminoneleap,andaflyingfoothadknockedthegunfromherhand.Inanotherblurofmotion,sofastthatCarlawashardlyawareitwashappening,thesamefootsweptbothofCarla’sfeetfromunderher.AndinthenextinstantKaywasstandingoverherwiththeguninherhandpointedatCarla’shead.

“Getup,Ms.Bertelli.”Kay’svoicewaslikesteel.Carlastruggledtoherfeet“Now,overinthatchairwhereIwassitting.”Shewavedthegun.“Khorev,sitbackdownagain.”Therewasnothingtodobutfolloworders.

“Youwon’tbelievethis,”gloatedKay,“butMoscoworderedmetogetoutofhereandcomehomeaweekago.Iwouldn’tdoit.Nothingwasgoingtorobmeofmyrevenge.ButIneverdreameditwouldbehandedtomeonasilverplatter!Youreallysurprisedme,Carla.Ihadnoideayoucarriedagun—andthat’sjustperfect!”

“WereyoureallyChernov’slover?”askedCarla.“That’swhyI’mgoingtoenjoythissomuch!”“ButyourNewYorkaccent?”“That’swhereIgrewup,stupid.MyfatherwaswiththeSoviet

delegationattheUN.Butthat’senough!Idon’thaveanymoretime.”“Yousuredon’t”saidCarla.“You’recover’sblown,lady.Thisroom’s

bugged—everything’sbeingrecorded.Whateveryoudowithus,youwon’tgetawaywithit!”

AderisivesmileformedonKay’slips.“You’reright.AndIknowwhereallofthatequipmentis,soyouwon’thavethesatisfactionofthinkingthatI’llbecaught.”

ShemovedoverandstoodbehindCarla.“It’sgoingtobeaveryobviousmurder-suicide.You’reinlovewitheachother,aren’tyou?I’veknownthatforalongtime.You’vebeenhavinganaffair,quarreled,andyoukilledhim,Carla.Thenyouturnedthegunonyourself.WithallthementalillnessandsuicidesattributedtotheArchons,you’lljustbetwomoretragiccasualtiesinthequestforgodhood.”

SheshovedCarlatoonesideinherchairandkneltdownbehindhertoaimatViktor,whoclosedhiseyesinanticipation.“Ihavetogettheanglesjustright.”

Ashotrangoutfromthehallway.Viktordoveforcoverbehindhischair.CarlawassuddenlyawareofKay’shead,sonearherown,jerkingviolentlyandturningredasKaywasknockedtothefloorwiththebullet’simpact.Asthoughinadream,CarlaturnedtoseeAnneWhiteracingthroughthedoortowardher,guninhand,pointedatthenowmotionlessbodyofKay.Shestoodoverherforamomentthenputthegunbackintoherpurse.

“Thatwasclose!”Annesaidinrelief.Viktorwaspickinghimselfupfromthefloor.“Areyoualright?”sheaskedCarla.

Carlanoddedweakly.Thehorriblerealityofthelastfewminuteswasjustbeginningtohither.“Ican’tthankyouenough!”Sheclosedhereyes.ItcouldbemeandViktorlyingonthefloorinsteadofKay!ShefeltanarmaroundherandlookedupintoViktor’sface.Hewastrembling—likeshewas.“I’msorry!”shesaid.“Sosorry!”

“Please!”saidViktor.“Shewasagoodliar.Youhadtobesure.”“Ididn’twanttokillher,”saidAnnematter-of-factly,“butIhadno

choice.Icouldn’ttakeachancethatshe’dshootyouifItoldhertodrophergun.”

“Youfollowedme?”askedCarlaweakly.Anneshookherhead.“No,notimmediately.ButthemoreIthought

aboutyoucomingoverhere,themoreworriedIbecame.SoIprayed,‘God,pleaseshowmewhattodo.’ThankGodthatIgotherejustintime!”

“ThankGod,youdid!”saidCarla.“ShewasamemberofChernov’spsychiccombattroops,”explained

Viktor.“SheadmittedtomethatshekilledtheguardsandletChernovin.”“Bothofyouwillbematerialwitnesses,”saidAnne.“Nowlet’svacate

thisapartment—andbecarefulnottodisturbanythinginthisroomonyourwayout.I’lljustuseyourphoneinthekitchenforaminute,Viktor.”

[34]AHoax?

Anhourlater,whenCarlapickedupherofficephone,itwasanextremelyexcitedLeightonwhowasontheotherend.

“Youwon’tbelievewhat’sbeengoingonbackhereinWashington!”hebubbled.“IwantyoutogetKayandViktor,andthethreeofyougointomyofficewhereIcantalktoyouallatonceonthespeaker.I’llcallbackintenminutes.”

“I’vebeentryingtoreachyou,Frank.Kay,uh—sheisn’thereanymore.She’s...dead.”

“What?”exclaimedFrank.“Itwasaninsidejob,Frank,andKaywastheonewhokilledthe

guardsandlettheRussiansin.”“Idon’tbelieveit!Andyousayshe’sdead?”“AnFBIagentshotherjustintime.Shewasabouttokillmeand

Viktor.ShewastrainedbyChernov—shewashislover.IthappenedinViktor’sapartment.”

“Chernov’slover?”Therewasananguishedsilence,thenthechokedresponse.“Ican’tbelieveit.ShewasjustasexcitedaboutthePlanandjustasdedicatedasanyofus.IwasveryfondofKay.Wewereveryclose.I—Idon’tunderstand.Howcouldshedeceivemesocompletely?”

Therewasalongsilence.“Frank,areyouthere?”“Whydidn’ttheArchonstellusabouther?”heaskedatlast“Theytoldusitwasamysterywehadtosolveourselvesforour

spiritualgrowth—remember?”“Iremember.ButtothinkitwasKay—oneoftheinnercircle,ahigher

initiate!Icaredalotforher,Carla,andIwassureshefeltthesameaboutme.Wehadsuchrapport.HowcouldIbesostupid?”

“IwonderhowmuchshepassedontoMoscow?”askedCarla.

“We’vegottoassumeshepasseditallalong.TheRussiansknoweverything!Idon’tthinkthatwillhurtus,butit’sagoodthingthePlanisgoingintoeffectsoon.Ijustcan’tbelieveit!”

“I’msorry,Frank.Itwasagreatshocktome,too.ShouldIgetViktorandcomeintoyouroffice?”

“Idon’thavethehearttotalkaboutitnow.We’recomingbacktomorrow.We’lljustwaituntilthen.”

......CarlacalledViktor’sofficeontheintercomtotellhimofher

conversationwithLeighton.Hissecretaryanswered.“He’snothere,”shesaid.“HemaystillbebackathisapartmentAnFBIagentcameinhereaboutanhouragoandsaidthataMr.Jordanwantedtoseehimoverthere.”

“Thanks,”saidCarla.ShehungupthephonejustasViktorwalkedthroughthedoorofheroffice.

“Soyou’vealreadyhadyoursessionwiththeFBI,”saidCarla.“Iwishthey’dgettome.Idon’tfeellikehangingaroundhereanylonger.It’simpossibletodoanythingproductiveafterwhatwe’vebeenthrough.”

Theywanttotalktoyounow,”saidViktor.“Jordanaskedmetocomeandgetyou.DidyoueverreachFrank?”

“Idid.Hetookitveryhard.HewasinvolvedwithKay,andIguessshelethimthinkshecaredforhim.”

“Shewasincredible.”Viktorshookhisheadindisbelief.“Viktor,Ican’ttellyouhowsorryIam.Shehadmesoconfused.I

couldhaveshotyou!”“Please.Idon’tevenwanttothinkaboutit!”“It’sboggling!”sighedCarla.“Thisisaworldofspiesand

internationalintrigueI’vereadaboutbutwasneversurehowmuchwasfactorfiction.Andtosuddenlyfindmyselfpartofit!”

“TheFSBmakesitsownrules,”saidViktorbitterly.“Evilbecomesgoodandmightisright”Hehesitatedforamoment,andthenplungedonasthoughtherewassomethinghe’dbeenholdingbackandhadtoexpress.“AndIhaveaterriblefeelingthatwhatevertheArchonsrepresentoperatesexactlythesameway.Idon’tlikeit,Carla.”

Sheputafingertoherlipsandshookherhead.“We’vebothhadourdoubtsfromtimetotime,”saidCarlaquickly,“butthat’sonlynaturalwithsomethingofthismagnitude—andespeciallysomethingthat’ssorevolutionary.Nothinglikeithaseverhappenedinthehistoryoftheworld.AndIunderstandyourresentmentthatwehavetotakeordersfromtheArchons,butafterall,it’stheirPlan.Thewholeworldisgoingtobegratefultothem—andus—someday.That’swhatkeepsmegoing.”Shestoodwearily.“Well,yousaidtheFBIwantedtotalktome—Isupposetogetmyversionofthisnightmare.Sowhydon’tyouleadmetothem.”

Whentheywereoutside,CarlascoldedViktor,“Haveyouforgotten?Ourofficeshaveears!Youcan’ttalklikethatinthere!”

“Idon’tknowwhetherIcareanymore,”saidViktorangrily.“I’mbeginningtofeellikeI’mbackintheSovietUnionofthepast—ormaybethatI’velandedinsomethingfarworse.I’mconfinedtothisprison,can’tevengooutside,andtheArchonsdictateoureverymove—andsoonourthoughts!”

“ButiftheArchonsarewhotheyclaimtobe,”insistedCarla,“well,Imean,they’resofarbeyondus,itonlymakessensethatweshouldtakeordersfromthem.”

Theyhadstoppedtotalkandwerestandingnowbetweenthemainstructureandtheapartmentbuilding.ViktorleanedclosetoCarlaandwhispered,“SupposetherearenoArchons.SupposethewholeArchonthingisahoax.”

“Youcan’tbelievethat,Viktor!”“I’vebeentormenteddayandnighttryingtofitthepiecestogether,

andhere’swhatI’vecomeupwith.There’snodoubtthatAntoniohasinconceivablepowers—beyondimagination,really.Inallmyyearsofpsychicresearch,Ineverevendreamedofanythingclosetowhathecando.”

CarlacouldseeJordanstandingonthelandinginfrontofViktor’sapartmentwatchingthem.Shewavedathimandhewavedback.“Jordan’swaitingforus,”shesaid.“Wecoulddiscussthislater.”

Heheldherbythearmandcontinuedtotalkrapidly.Shehadneverseenhimsoagitated.“I’vegottosharethiswithyou—now.Listen!

Antoniohasallthepowerheneedstotakeovertheworld.Nobodycouldstophim.Butbillionsofpeoplewouldresentwhathe’ddoneandtherewouldbenoendofrebellion.SohepretendstheArchonsaredirectinghim.Insteadofdoingithimselfandarousingresentmenthegetsinstalledasworldrulerbythisgroupof‘highlyevolvedextraterrestrialintelligenceswhohavebeenguidingourevolution.’It’saningeniousidea.Ofcourse,DelSasso,likeeveryoneelse,mustfollowtheirorders—andthatmakeshimnotthevillainbutthehero.Theideaof‘highlyevolvedintelligencesfromanotherdimension’hasenoughromanceandscience-fictionappealsothateveryonewouldwanttogoalongwithitorbeafraidnotto—atleastuntilhe’ssofullyestablishedthatrebellionjustwouldn’tbepossible.”Viktorranoutofbreath.

Carla’sheadwasspinning.“Areyouserious?Ineverwouldhavedreamedit,butthen—”ShecouldhearthevoiceofGeorgeonthetelephoneagain,andsuddenlypiecesbegantofallintoplace.“DoyouthinktheremightbeanelitegroupwithintheCIAconspiringwithDelSassoonthis?”sheasked.

“That’spossible.Ihaven’ttriedtothinkofsuchdetails.I’vebeenhauntedbythisnightmareeversinceInger’sdeath.IthinkDelSassodrovehertosuicide!”

“Inevertoldyouthathealmostkilledme.”“When?How?”“Well,maybeitwasn’treallyhim,buttherehadtobeaconnection.A

figurethatlookedexactlylikehim,hoodedrobeandall,camerightintomybedroomwhenIwasasleepandtriedtostrangleme!”

“Thatsoundslikehispsychicdouble!Whydidyoucomebackhereafterthat?Andwhydidn’tyoutellmesooner?”Viktorwasclearlyupset.

“Ididn’twanttoabandonyou,butIdidn’tknowwhattosay.Thewholethinghasbeenveryconfusing.I’vewantedtotalkaboutit,butthereneverseemstobetherighttime.”

“Well—howdidyouescapefromDelSasso?”askedViktorearnestly.“Ican’ttalkaboutit.”“Carla,ifsonlyyouandme—justlikeinParis.Onlyitisn’tChernov

who’safterusnow.We’reupagainstsomethingmuchbigger.Idon’teven

knowwhoourenemiesmightbeanymore.Itcouldbeanybody!Wehavetosticktogetherandsharewhatweknow.”

Carlaspokereluctantly.“Someonerescuedme.He’dhavetoexplainhowhedidit.”

“WasitDr.Inman?”Shenodded.“I’dliketogethisreactiontoyourtheory.”“SowouldI,”saidViktor.“HeinventedthePsitron,buthe’soneofthe

fewIwouldtrust.I’dliketoknowwhathethinks—whyDelSassoistheonlyonewho’sbeensuccessfullytrainedonit.We’velostsix.”

“Seven,”correctedCarla.“KenwasthefirstandtheArchonsalmostkilledhim—remember?”

“Itwasn’ttheArchons—itwasDelSasso.”“Buthewasn’teveninthepictureatthattime.”“Ithinkhewas,butnooneknewit—exceptFrank.They’vegottobe

inthistogether.TheybothworkfortheCIA,andIdon’tseeanydifferencenowbetweenthatandtheKGBoritssuccessor,theFSB.”

“ButhowcouldDelSassocontrolKen’smindthen,ifKenhascompletepoweroverhimnow?”

“Hecan’tstanduptoDelSasso’spower!”respondedViktor.“I’mcertainthathecan,andthathasmeconfused.”“Youmeanatthelab?DelSassoexplainedthat.”“I’veseenotherevidencesincethenthatIreallyneedtosharewith

you.ButIcan’tdoitwithoutKenpresenttogivehisownexplanation.”CarlathoughtforamomentThere’sgottobesomewaytogetyouout

ofheretomeetwithKen,andIthinkIknowhow.Comeon.Don’taskmehowIknow,butJordanissomeoneyoucantrustaswell.”Theycontinuedtherestoftheshortwalk.Atthebottomofthestairs,CarlastoppedandcalleduptoJordan,“Canweaskyouaquestiondownhere?”Henoddedandcamedownthestepstwoatatime.

ShemotionedtoJordan,andthethreeofthemwithdrewfromtheswarmsofsecuritymenandFBIagentsaroundViktor’sapartment.“Don,ViktorhassomethingthatIthinkyououghttohear.Hecan’ttellyouinsideofthiscomplex,becauseKenhastohearittoo.Weneedhisopinion.It’sreallyimportant.IstheresomewayyoucouldgetViktorout

ofthisprisonlongenoughtodiscussthiswithKen—likethisevening?”Jordanthoughtforamoment.“Yeah,”hesaid.“Thatcanbearranged.

He’samaterialwitnessandIsimplyneedtobringhimintomyofficeforsomemorequestioning.I’lltakehiminmycar.IwasheadingbackthereassoonasI’dgottenyourstatementanyway.”

“Terrific!”saidCarla.“I’dfeelmorecomfortableaboutsayingcertainthingsifyoutookmystatementinyourofficeaswell.Isthatokay?”

“That’sfine.Infact,Iwasgoingtosuggestit.”“Okay.I’llfollowyouandViktor.Howlongdoyouthinkyou’llwant

tospendwithme?”“Halfanhour,maybealittlemore.”“Good.Onemorething.Viktorhasseennothingbuttheinsideofthis

sterileinstallationeversincehearrivedintheUnitedStates.Whenyou’redonewithme,insteadofhavingthediscussionwithKeninyouroffice,howaboutanicerestaurant?Justalittlefavorforamanwhohadsuchhighhopeswhenhedefected?”

“Iseenoproblem,”saidJordan.“Wheredoyousuggest?”“HowabouttheOldWharfFishHouse?It’s4:30now,solet’smakeit

7o’clock.Okay?”“That’sfine.Letmeclearupafewthingshere,andViktorandIwill

bewaitinginmycarbythegatein15minutes.”“I’llphoneKenfrommyofficeandmakesurehecanmeetus,”added

Carla,withobviousrelief.Backinheroffice,shegatheredafewpapersintoherbriefcase,then

calledKen’scompany.Apolitefemalevoiceanswered.“SensitronicsInternational.MayIhelpyou?”

“Yes,I’dliketospeaktoDr.Inman.”“Justamoment,please.”Therewasapauseastheswitchboard

connectedherwithKen’ssecretary.“Dr.Inman’soffice.”“ThisisCarlaBertelli.IsKenavailable?It’sratherurgent.”“Justamoment,Ms.Bertelli.”Ken’svoicecameontheline.“Carla!Areyouokay?”“I’mfine.Ken,isyoureveningclear?”

“Itcanbe.What’sup?”“Oh,Ijustthoughtitwouldbenicetogettogetherwithyoufordinner

attheOldWharfFishHouse...sayabout7:00?”Therewasapauseontheotherend.“You’renotpullingmyleg?”“No,I’mnot.Somethingawfulhashappenedouthere,andIreally

needsomediversiontotakemymindoffofit.Itwouldbeverynice,Ken.”

“Ithinkitwouldbefabulous.ShallIhavemysecretarygetreservations?”

“Please.Makeitforfour.”“Forfour?”“Yeah.Thereareacoupleofpeopleyouabsolutelymustmeet.”

[35]ARivalPlan

KenwasattherestaurantwhenCarlaarrived.WhiletheywaitedforJordanandViktor,shefilledKeninonwhathadhappened—whoKayMorriswasandtheclosecallsheandViktorhadhadthatafternoonandhowthey’dbeenrescuedinthenickoftimebyanFBIagentnamedAnneWhite.

“Iknowherverywell,”saidKen.“We’vedatedafewtimes.”“Really?She’squiteattractive,”saidCarla.“Averyniceperson.You’dlikeher,”saidKen.“Herrealnameis

AnneBartkowski,butshegoesby“White’onspecialassignmentslikethat.”

“HowdoyouknowherandDonJordan?”“TheybothattendthesameThursdaynightprayermeetingthatmy

motherandIgoto...theonethat’sheldinDr.HaroldElliott’shouse.I’msureyourememberhim.”

“HowcouldIforget?”saidCarlawithafrown.“Well,Imustsay,youcertainlyhaveaninterestinggroupof‘Christianfriends’—andyousureseemtolookoutforoneanother.”

ViktorandJordanarrivedatthatpoint,andtheywereseatedimmediatelyattheirtable.Astheywerelookingoverthemenu,Carlarememberedsomethingshe’dforgottentotellJordan.“Don,youknowAnneWhitegotmygun,”shesaid.“Isupposeit’spartoftheevidence,butIwantedtobesureyouknewwhathappenedtoit.AndI’drathernothaveanotherone.Thanksjustthesame!”

“Youdidyourjob,sowe’llletyougointoearlyretirement,”saidJordan.“Annetoldmeallaboutit.ShesaidthatyouandViktorhandledyourselveswell.”

“Thatwaskindofhertosay,andit’strueofViktor—butIwas

completelyoutclassed.IneedednotjustagunbutatankagainstKay.I’veneverseenanythinglikeit.AndAnne—shewasfabulous.Shesureknewwhatshewasdoing.Shesavedourlives—justintime.”

“She’soneofthebest,”saidJordan.“She’sour‘AnnieOakley.’Well,what’severybodyhaving?”

“I’mgoingtotakethecombo,”saidCarla,“andthat’swhatyou’vegottohave,too,Viktor.”Sheleanedoverandpointedtothatselectiononthemenu.“You’veneverhadanythinglikethisinMoscow,beingsofarfromtheocean.That’swhyIwantedustocomehere.It’sacombinationplate:chinooksalmonfromAlaska,theworld’sbestlobsterfromtheCaribbean,andgiantprawnsfromtheGulfofMexico—everythingflowninfresh,andtheprawnsareinthemostdeliciousbatteryou’veevertasted.It’sfabulous!Howaboutit?”

Viktor,whohadneverevenimaginedsuchascene,hadspentasmuchtimelookingaroundtherestaurantashehadgoingoverthemenu.“Itsoundsamazing,”hesaid.“Ifyourecommendit—”

“Youwon’tregretit,”saidJordanenthusiastically.“I’mgoingtohavethesamething.”

“AndsowillI,”addedKen.“Well,thatmakesitunanimous,”laughedCarla.Aftertheyhad

ordered,shewastednotime.“Beforewegetdowntobusiness,IjustwanttoaskDonwhethertheFBIcan’tpersuadetheCIAtoletViktorseewhatit’slikeintheoutsideworldatleastonceinawhile.Iknowtheexperiencethiseveningisgoingtodohimalotofgood,andIdon’tseehowhecanbeinsuchbigdangeranymore.Right?”

“It’sstillunpredictableattheKremlin,”repliedDon.“Ithinktheyreallywantpeace—fortheirownreasons,ofcourse.AndtheRussianpresidentseemstobegettingalongwellwithourpresident.IftheRussianpresidentcansurviveanotheryearorsowithoutamilitarycoup.”

“DoyouthinkKayMorriswastellingthetruthwhenshesaidshe’dbeencalledbacktoMoscowandrefusedtogoinordertogetrevengeonmeandCarla?”askedViktor.

“Fromalltheinformationwehave,Ithinkthat’strue.Buttherecouldbeotherrenegadeagentsoutthere.IfIwereyou,Viktor,I’dundergoa

completechangeinidentity.Thisisabigcountry.Youcoulddropoutofsightveryeasily—atleastuntilyou’renolongerofanyimportancetotheRussians.”

Viktorlookedsomber.“That’snotpossiblebeforetheCongress.MyidentityiswhatmakesmevaluabletoLeighton,andhesaysit’sessentialthatIgivethekeynoteaddress.”

“ThenI’dasktheCIAtotakecareofitimmediatelyaftertheCongress,whenyourpresentidentityhasserveditspurpose.Andinthemeantime,Iwouldn’tleavethatfortress.I’vegotfourmeninhereguardingyourightnow.ThisisaprettyexpensivemealforUncleSam.”

“You’rekidding!”saidCarla,lookingaroundtheroom.“Ididn’trealizethatwouldbenecessary,butIthinkit’sgoingtobeworthit.ViktordesperatelywantedtodiscusssomeideashehaswithKen—and,asyouknow,Kenispersonanongrataoutthere.Sothiswastheonlyway.”SheturnedtoViktor.“Whydon’tyouexplainwhatyoutoldmethisafternoon.”

“IwasenthusiasticwhenIfirstcamehere,”beganViktor.“SeeingDelSasso’spowerschangedmywholethinking.AndthePlanheldoutsuchhopeforrescuingplanetEarth.ButIbecameuncomfortableatthewaytheArchonsdictateeverything.Theirwordislawandhastobeobeyedorelse—justliketheoppressiveMarxistsocietyIgrewupin.InoticedthateverythingtheArchonsdidincreasedDelSasso’simportanceandpower.He’sthekeytothewholething.Eachdaya‘transmission’comesfromtheArchonsthroughDelSassotellinguswhattodo.Butthere’snowaytoprovewhethertheArchonsarereallyspeakingthroughDelSasso,orwhetherhe’sjustputtingonanact.Thatbegantotroubleme.”

Viktorwastryingtoeatashetalked.Hehadobviouslyneverseenalobsteranddidn’tknowwhichendtogoafter.“Who’swinningthebattleoverthere,”Carlakiddedhim,“youortheseamonster?”

Notwillingtoadmitdefeattoacrustacean,hesaid,“IthinkI’mgoingtocomeoutontop,”andwentbacktoattackingaclaw.

“Here,letmeshowyou,”saidKenwithalaugh.“Mmm!Reallydelicious!”saidViktor.Whenhe’dgottensomegood

chunksofthesucculentwhitemeathecontinuedearnestly.“ThePlan

promisesthatDelSassoisonlythefirst.Therewillbebillionsjustlikehimwhocanusethispsychicpowerforthegoodofmankind.Yet,sofar,wehaven’tbeenabletoproduceevenone.We’vehadsixpsychicsinsuccessiontrainingonthePsitronandeveryoneofthemhasmetdisaster.Fivebeganactingstrangely,losttouchwithreality,andtwoofthemarestillinapsychiatrichospital.Thelastone—that’sInger—apparentlyhungherself.”

“Wehaven’tresolvedthat,”interjectedDon.“It’saverystrangecase.”“Anyway,thepointis,”continuedCarla,“anyonewhoseemstobe

developingpowersthatcouldposeanykindofchallengetoDelSassogetseliminatedonewayoranother.”

“Evencommunismsoundsgoodonpaper,buttheparadiseitpromisesneverquitematerializes,”saidViktor.“It’slikethatwiththeArchons.Theypromisepeace,love,andbrotherhood,butallwe’vegottensofarhasbeenviolenceanddeath.Toputitbluntly,IthinkthewholeArchonthingcouldbeahoax,andthePlanissimplyDelSasso’sclevermeansoftakingovertheworld.IsuspectFrank’sanaccomplice,butmaybehe’sbeenfooledliketherestofus.”

CarlaturnedtoKen.“Well,whatdoyouthink?”“YouknowwhereI’mcomingfrom.Viktordoesn’t,soletmeexplain

abit.TheBiblesaysthatanevilmancalledtheAntichristisgoingtotakeovertheworld.”

“Youmean‘Mr.666,’”saidViktor.“Soyoubelievethat?”“Yeah,Ido.There’vebeenafewgoodcandidatesinthepast.Hitler

cameawfullyclose.ItcanonlyhappenwhenGodallowsitandtheAntichristwillprobablybeanincarnationofSatan,who’salsoknownastheserpent.WhethertheArchons’Planisthewayitwillhappen,Idon’tknow.PowerfulasDelSassois—atleastatthispoint—Idoubtthathe’stheAntichrist.Buthecertainlyhassomeofthequalifications.”

“Suchas?”askedCarla.“SecondThessalonians2:9,10andRevelation13:4explainthathe

manifestsallthepowerofSatanin‘signsandlyingwondersandwithalldeceivableness.’ThatcertainlyfitsDelSasso—andbeingborninRomedoesn’thurt.ButIthinktheAntichristwillalsohaveapowerfulpolitical

basetostartfrom,soit’satoss-upatthispoint.”“IsthisDelSassoreallythatgreat?”askedJordan.“Incredible!”saidCarla.“Hispsychicpowersarecomparableto

anythingtheNewTestamentsaysaboutJesus.Ihaven’tseenhimraisethedead,butIwouldn’tdoubtthathecould.Notonlythat,buthe’sgotirresistiblepowersofpersuasion—charismalikeyoucouldn’tbelieve.He’scertainlyqualifiedtoheadupthePlan—which,bytheway,Ithinkisingeniousandreallydoesoffergenuinehopefortheworld.Itmakesgoodsense.Frankly,Istillhopeitworks.”

Kengaveheradisappointedlook,thenturnedbacktoViktor.“Whateverelsecomesthroughthetransmissions,orwhetherDelSassofakesitattimes,Idon’tknowbecauseI’veneverbeenpresent.ButfromwhatlittleI’veheard,Idon’tthinkit’sDelSasso’sPlan.It’stheArchons’—andthey’redemons!”

KennoticedViktor’scynicalsmile.“Iwasasmuchaskepticasyouare,Viktor—probablymoreso.You’reaskingmyopinion,andIhavetogiveyouatleastsomeofthereasonswhyIholditoritwouldmakeevenlesssense.”

“I’mnotobjecting,”repliedViktor.“Iwanttoknowexactlywhatyoureallybelieve.”

“Okay,”saidKen.“DelSassomayverywellhopetobecometheworldruler.Andwithhispervertedtheology,hemayevenfeelthatbeingtheAntichristwouldbeagreathonor.Thatcouldexplainwhyhehasprobablyeliminatedanyonewhoseemedtobedevelopingpowerscomparabletohis.ButtheArchonsreallyexist.Youmustknowthatthehistoryoftheoccultisfilledwithreferencestothem—thoughthey’remostoftencalled‘theNine,’astheyfirstidentifiedthemselvestome.”

Viktornodded.“SoDelSassodidn’tpullsomethingoutoftheair.Hepretendedtobeintouchwithtraditionalentitiesthatoccultistsandpsychicsatleastarefamiliarwith.ThatgivesthePlanacertainlegitimacy.Maybetherearesuchentities.Idon’tdisputethat.Infact,itwastheconvictionthatnonphysicalentitieswerebehindpsychicphenomena—andthedesiretopursuethatpossibilityinmyresearch—thatcausedmetodefecttotheWest.”

“Thenwhatareyousaying?”demandedCarla.“Ithoughtyousuggestedtheydidn’texist.”

“Imeantheydon’texistasDelSassorepresentsthem.Idon’tknowwhoorwhattheyreallyare,butIthinkhe’smadethemintosomethingelseforhisownends.”

Kenreachedintoaninsidepocketofhisjacketandpulledoutasmallblackbook.HehelditupforViktortosee.ThesewererareintheSovietUnion.Withthenewso-called-freedomthey’rereadilyavailable,butyoumayneverhaveseenone.”

“Whatisit?”askedViktor.“ANewTestament—partoftheBible.”“You’reright.It’sunfamiliartome.”“Letmejustreadafewversesfromit.”KenglancedoveratCarla.Her

lookofanticipationpleasedhim.“BelieveitornottheArchonswerementionedinhere1900yearsago,”headded.Carlalookedsurprised.

“AJewishreligiousleadernamedSaul,whohatedChristiansandhadthemputinprisonandkilled,claimedthatJesusChristresurrectedfromthedead,cametohim,andconvertedhim.ThatseemstobetheonlylogicalexplanationforSaulsuddenlybecomingaChristian.HebecameknownastheApostlePaul,andfacedprisonanddeathhimself.I’mreadingfromaletterhewrotetothechurchatthattimeinEphesus—atownthat’sinmodernTurkeytoday:‘Finallythen,findyourstrengthintheLord,inhismightypower.PutonallthearmourwhichGodprovides,sothatyoumaybeabletostandfirmagainstthedevicesofthedevil.Forourfightisnotagainsthumanfoes,butagainstcosmicpowers,againsttheauthoritiesandpotentatesofthisdarkworld,againstthesuperhumanforcesofevilintheheavens.Therefore,takeupGod’sarmour;thenyouwillbeabletostandyourgroundwhenthingsareattheirworsttocompleteeverytaskandstilltostand.’”

Viktorseemedunimpressed.“Sowhatdoesitmean?”“Theword‘authorities’inthisEnglishtranslationcomesfromthe

word‘Archons’intheoriginalGreekinwhichPaulwroteit.WhenIsawthatoneeveningwhileIwasreadingthisScripture,itnearlyknockedmeoutofmychair.”

“IknewitwasaGreekword,”declaredViktor.“ButIneverknewtheBiblewasoriginallywritteninGreek—likethosemessageswegotinmylabbackintheRussia!”HewasgivingKenhisundividedattentionnow.

“TheArchons,asyouprobablyknow,”continuedKen,“weretheninemagistrateswhoruledAthensinPaul’sday.However,Paul—whoclaimedtobeinspiredbyGodtowritethis—makesitclearthatheisreferringtoAthen’srulersonlyasawayofexplainingthatthereisasimilarhierarchyofdemonicbeingsdirectingtheforcesofevilinthisworld.Hespecificallysaysthatthebattleisnotagainsthumanfoes,butagainstspiritualbeingsofgreatpowerandwickednesswhoareapparentlyunderthecommandofwhatPaulhimselfcallstheArchons,ortheNine.”

CarlahadbeenlisteningtoKen’sexplanationwithobviousastonishment“Whydidn’tyouevertellmethattheBibleidentifiedtheArchons?”shedemanded.“Thisisamazing!”

“Youweren’texactlyeagertohearanythingfromthisbook,remember?”

“ButDelSassoknowstheBible,”persistedViktor.“HemustknowthatittalksabouttheArchons,andthatonlygivesonemorereasonforhimtopretendthey’redirectinghim.”

“Notpretend—theyaredirectinghim,”saidKenfirmly.“Youcametotheconclusionthatsomenonphysicalentities—-notthepsychic’smindasispopularlythought—werethesourceofpsychicpower.I’mconvincedofthesamething.TheArchons,ortheNine,havetobethesourceofhispower!”

“ButwhosaystheyhavethePlanthatcomesthroughDelSassointhese‘transmissions’?”insistedViktor.“Whatiftheydon’tcarehowthispowerisused,sohe’spretendingthey’redirectinghimsothathecanmonopolizeitanddominatetheworld?”

“Thenmanyotherpsychicsshouldhavegottenthesamepower.ButyouadmitthatDelSassoseemstobeunique.Thattellsmehe’stheirchosenmanfortheirpurpose,nothis.ThisthingisbiggerthanDelSasso—oreventhehumanrace.There’sacosmicstrugglegoingonbetweenGodandSatan,andmankindjoinedSatan’ssidebybelievingtheliethatwecouldbecomegods—theveryliethatisnowbeingpresentedthrough

thePlan.”“IfGodissoall-powerful,”objectedCarla,“whydoesn’tHejustslam

SatanacrossthemouthwiththebackofHishandandlockhimawayandbedonewithit?”

“MayIgetawordinhere?”askedDon,whohadbeenfollowingtheconversationwithgreatinterest.

“Peasedo!”saidKen.“It’snotamatterofrawpower,”suggestedDon.“Theissueisamoral

one.Goodandevilhavenothingtodowithforce.MightdoesnotmakerightThere’samoralchoicethateachpersonmustmakewillingly.TheonlywaythatGodwouldwanttowinthisbattleforthehumanheart—andindeedtheonlywayHecanwin—isthroughlove.HelovedussomuchthatHebecameamananddiedforoursinssothatHecouldjustlyforgiveus.ThosewholoveGodinresponsetoHisloveandbelieveinChristastheirSaviorandLordaredeliveredfromSatan’sclutchesandintheNameofJesusChristhavecompletepoweroverSatanandhisdemons.”

KenleanedacrossthetableandspoketoCarlaandViktorearnestly.“YoubothsawmeshutdownDelSasso’spowerinthelaboratorythatday.Iunderstandheofferedanotherexplanation,butthat’salie.YousawthatIwasnotafraidofhim.AndCarlacouldtellyouthatwhatseemedtobeDelSasso—althoughitwasreallyanArchonusinghisform—camerightintoherbedroomandwasabouttodestroyher.Butwhen,inthenameofJesusChristIcommandeditandwhatseemedtobeahugecobrathatwasattackingmetogetout,theyimmediatelydisappeared.Satanisconsistentlycalled‘theserpent’intheBible.”

ViktorlookedatCarlaquestioningly,andshenoddedvigorously.“That’swhatImentionedtoyou,butIwantedyoutohearKen’sexplanation,sincehe’stheonewhomadethemvanish.Iwasreallybeingchokedandwouldhavebeenkilledifhehadn’trescuedme.”

“I,too,wasrescued,Viktor,”saidKen.“Asyouknow,IinventedthePsitronandwasthefirstonetomakecontactwiththeArchonsthroughusingit.AsaresultIwaspossessedbytheNine.Theytriedtokillme—andwouldhavesucceededifthesurgeonwhoworkedonmehadn’tbeenaChristianandcastoutthosedemons.That’swhotheyare.Soitmaynotbe

DelSassoatallwhokilledIngeranddrovetheothersinsane,butrathertheArchonsthemselves.Theyalmostsucceededindoingmein.”

“SoyoureallydidshutdownDelSassointhelabthatday,”musedViktor,onlyhalf-convinced.“Thatmeansyouhaveagreaterpower.Soyoucouldtakeovertheworld.Isthatwhatyou’resaying?”

“ThepowerthatIwasthevehicleforthatdaywasnomoreminetouseasIpleasethantheArchons’powercanbeusedbyDelSassotohisownends.Andneitherkindispsychicpower,Viktor.It’ssomethingaltogetherdifferent.TheauthorityIhaveandtowhichtheArchonsandSatanhimselfmustyield—whichiswhyIhavenofearatallofDelSasso—isintheNameofJesusChrist.JesusChristconqueredSatanbydyingforoursinsandresurrectingfromthedeadasproofthatthepenaltyhadbeenpaidandthatallwhowouldreceiveHimastheirLordandSaviorwouldbeforgivenandwouldcomeunderGod’sprotection.That’sexactlywhatDonjusttoldyou,butIwantedtosayitagainbecausethere’snootherwayforyoutobeprotectedfromDelSassoandtheArchonsbehindhim.”

“Idon’tintendtosurrendermyintegritytotheArchons,”declaredViktorangrily,“nomatterwhoorwhattheyrepresent.AndIwillnotbeDelSasso’sorFrank’s—howdoyousayit?—lackey.”

“That’sbravelyspoken,Viktor,”saidDon,“andIadmireyourcourage.Butremember,you’renowupagainstthepowerthatwipedoutChernovandhismenwithoutworkingupasweat!HowdoyouproposetodefytheArchonswithoutsufferingthesamefate?”

“Idon’tknow,”respondedViktorgloomily,“butI’mnotgoingalongwiththisnewtotalitarianismthat’sevenworsethantheMarxismIleftbehind!”

“Viktor,please!”pleadedCarla.“You’rebothingravedanger,”warnedKen.“You’vebeenofvalueto

thePlan.ButifyoutrytoopposetheArchons,andtheyrealizethatthey’llneverbeabletogetyoutobelieveinthem,they’lltrytodestroyyou.Godhasabetterplan.It’sforallthosewhorepentoftheirrebellionandbelieveinJesusChrist.”

Viktorthoughtaboutitforsometimeinsilence.Atlasthesaid,“I’ve

gotmyownplan.IknowwhatI’mgoingtodo.”Thediscussionwasobviouslyover.

[36]ToSavetheWorld

ItwaslatethatnightwhenCarlareturnedtoKen’shouse.ShehadgonebacktothebasetotrytoreasonwithViktor—withoutsuccess.Kenhadwaitedupforher,andtogethertheysatatthekitchentabletotalk—thefirsttimehe’dbeenavailabletodothatinnearlyaweek.

“IreallylikeViktor,”saidKen,“butI’veneverseenanyonesostubborn.Didhetellyouwhatheintendstodo?”

“No.Hejustrepeatedwhathesaidatdinner—thathehashisownplanandknowsexactlywhathe’sgoingtodo.Buthewouldn’tspellitout.I’mworriedabouthim.”

“AndI’mconcernedforbothofyouandprayingforyou.YouweregoingtohanginthereforJordan,andthatassignmentwascompleted.Iknowyouhaven’twantedtoabandonViktor,butCarla,he’shaditalllaidoutforhimandmadehischoice—andhewon’teventellyouwhatitis!Idon’tthinkyou’reobligatedtohimanymore.”

“ImadeacommitmenttoFrank,andIcan’tgobackonthatnow.Andthere’sastoryhere,Ken—thestoryofthecentury,ifnotofallhistory!AndIstillkeephopingthattheArchonsreallyarebenevolenthigherbeingswhoputusonearthandhavebeenwatchingoverourevolution.”

“Whatarewe,”askedKensarcastically,“somekindofexperimenttheycreatedinalaboratoryandmovedtothisplanet?Orifwe’rejustanevolutionaryformoflifethatsprangupspontaneouslyonearth,howdidtheygettobethezookeepersoftheuniversewiththerighttocontrolourdestiny?Furthermore,iftheArchons‘putushere,’thenwhoputthemthere?Andwhoputthemthere—there,adinfinitum,adabsurdum?”

“Zookeepersoftheuniverse?”Carlaleanedbackandlaughed.“Youdon’tleaveapersonmuchroomtowafflearoundin,doyou,Ken?Okay,soitisabsurdthattheyputushere,someyet‘higher’creaturesputthem

there—reductioadabsurdum.”“Sowhatdoyoudowhensomething’sabsurd?”hedemandedquickly.“Hey,backoffabit.”Sheheldupbothhandsinprotest.“Everything’s

soblack-and-whitewithyou,sosimple,butIdon’tseeitthatway.IguessI’mtornatthispoint.TherearetimeswhenIwanttoscreamforhelpandrunoutofthereasfastasIcan.ButatothertimesIsensesuchagenuinewarmthandlovesurroundingAntonio.GodknowswedesperatelyneeddrasticsolutionsifplanetEarthistosurvive.AtleasttheArchons,whoeverorwhatevertheymaybe,offersomethingpositiveforachange—thefirstplanthatI’veheardofthatmakessense.”

“Itdoesn’tmakesense.Ithasnomoralfoundation,nobasisforindividualfreedomofconscience,andthusnogenuinelove—anditreeksofevil.Viktorsensesthat.”

“SodoIattimes,butnotalways.IguessIjustwantittoworkbecausethereseemstobenoalternative.”

“There’sanalternative,Carla,thatdoesmakesense.AndyouknowwhatImean.”

Carlatracedthepatternonthetableclothforawhilewithaspoonhandle.Finallyshesaid,“IseemyselftoaremarkabledegreeinViktor.Perhapsthat’swhyIfeelsoclosetohim.HishatredofMarxisttotalitarianism,andnowhisfearthattheArchonsintendtocontroltheentireworld,ismuchlikethewayIfeltaboutChristianityasateenager.Itseemedsorestrictive,andIwantedtotalfreedom.”

“Ifthatkindof‘freedom’existed,”saidKen,“we’dallbehostagetotheuninhibitedactionsofothers,whichwouldinevitablyclashwithourown.Realfreedomcanonlyexistwithinlawsthatdefineit.Obediencetouniversallawsgivesusthefreedomtoflyairplanesorhanggliders,traveltothemoon,usetheenergyintheatom.Listen!Theincrediblescientificadvancementmankindhasmadehasalwaysbeenthroughobediencetothelawsthatgovernthephysicaluniverse—workingwithinthem,nottryingtooverthrowthem.Therearealsomoralandspirituallawsthatmustbeobeyed,andthegreatdelusionthatwecandoourownthinginviolationoftheselawsisthecauseofallourills.”

Noresponsewasforthcomingso,afterwaitingafewmoments,Ken

continued.“TheonlyrealfreedomisfoundinJesusChrist.AndtheonlyreasonsyoucanofferforrejectingHimallinvolvepeoplewhomisrepresentedHim,notChristHimself.It’sunfairtoblameHimforwhatothershavedoneinHisName.Justremember:Helovesyou,andHe’swillingtoforgiveallyouranimosity.”

Carla’sexpressionalternatedbetweenangerandamusement.“IfinditamazingthatI’msittingheresocalmlywhileyoutrytoconvertme,”sherespondedatlastwithanuncomfortablelaugh.“Iwouldhavestormedoutofhereifyou’ddaredtosaysuchathingonlytwoweeksago.Youhaven’tconvincedme,ofcourse,butI’mgladwecanatleasttalknow.”

......UponhisreturnwithDelSassofromWashington,D.C,Leighton

calledtheentirestaffintothetheatertogivethemhisreport.Beforedoingso,hehadafewwordstosayaboutKay,buthedidnotmentionhername,nordidhegiveanydetailsofwhathadactuallyhappenedinViktor’sapartment.Kay’sbodyhadbeenhurriedlyremovedthatnight,andtheCIAandFBIhadputalidofsecrecyonthewholeaffair.AnneWhitehadsimplynotcomebacktoworkthenextday,andthecomplexhadbeenbuzzingwithrumors.ThetwoguardswhowereworkingfortheFBIremainedasaprecaution,butevenMike,asheadofsecurity,wasnotawareoftheirtrueidentity.

“Wehadforsometimesuspectedthatatraitorwasinourmidst,”beganLeighton,andCarlanotedthathisvoicewasfirm.HehadapparentlybeenabletoputKayandhisrelationshipwithhercompletelybehindhim.“Amurderer,”continuedLeighton,“whokilledtwoguardsandlettheRussianattackteaminsidethesepremises.Well,thatpersonhasnowbeeneliminated.Wemustnowputthisinthepastandmoveonintothefuture,which,Iamdelightedtotellyou,hasneverlookedbrighter.LetmegiveyouafewdetailsofwhathasjusthappenedinWashington,D.C.

“Thepresidentiswholeheartedlywithus.HegatheredatCampDavidaselectgroupofambassadorsfrom40or50countriesaswellassympatheticmembersoftheHouseandtheSenate.AlmosthisentireCabinetwasthere,alongwithanumberofhigh-rankingPentagonofficers.Iwishyoucouldallhavebeentheretowitnesswhatoccurred,butthe

mediawasn’teveninvited.YouwouldhavebeenproudofAntonioDelSasso.Beforethisaugustgroupheputonanincredibleperformance—andIdomeanincredible.

“Ofcoursetherewereskeptics,”continuedLeightonwithalaugh,“andAntonioputthemintheirplacewithfinesse.TherewasthisseniorsenatorfromtheSouth—theconsummateskeptic.AntoniohadjustlevitatedanArmytankbroughtinforthatpurpose.Heleftitsuspended50feetintheairforafullfiveminutes,whilehelecturedtheaudienceonthepeacefulusesofpsychicpower.Can’tyoujustimaginethetotalbewildermentandconsternationthatcreated!Everybodywasabsolutelystaggered!—exceptthisindividual,whoshallremainunnamed.Hewasconvinceditwasatrick.Sometrickthatwouldbe!ThentherewastheCongressmanwhothoughtthewholethingwasawasteofvaluabletimeandinsistedinaverypompoustone,‘Ican’tseethatthismindpowerthat’sbeingdemonstratedtoustodayhasanypracticalandpeacefulpurposes.’

“Antoniowasthesoulofpatience.Thepresidentisatrapshooter,youknow.SoAntonioaskedforatraptobesetup.‘ImaginethoseclaypigeonsaremissilesfiredbytheRussians,Americans,oranyothercountry,’hetoldeveryone.‘Nowwatchthis.’Asthetargetscameoutofthattrap,Antonioshatteredthemalmostinstantlyoneaftertheother.”FrankwasinterruptedbyloudapplauseandmotionedtoDelSassotostandupandacknowledgetheacclaimofhiscolleagues.

“Letmetellyou,”Leightonconcluded,“bythetimeweleft,Antoniohadthemeatingoutofhishand.Theonlyproblemwehavenowisthesizeofthisauditorium,because,believeme,everyonewantstocomeandparticipateintheCongress.I’veleftittothepresidenttoinvitethoseindividualswhowouldbemostinfluentialintheircountries.Throughhissupportwe’renowassuredofsuccess!”

Therewasastandingovation.Aftershakinghandsandreceivingcongratulationsfromeachpersonthere,Leightonhurriedtohisoffice.Therehegatheredwithhisinnercircle,nowdiminishedbyKayMorris’death,topresentthemwithfurtherdetails.Firstofall,heturnedtoViktor.

“Icouldn’thelpnoticingtheexpressiononyourface,Viktor,whenI

wasspeakingtothestaffinthetheater.Iknowitmusthavebeenaterribleexperience—whatyouandCarlawentthroughwhileweweregone.Isthatit?”

“It’snothingnew,”saidViktor.“I’vementioneditbefore,andIthoughtI’dresolvedit,butIhaven’t.”Watchit,Viktor!Carlagavehimaquickwarninglook,buthepaidnoattention.Thewordsseemedtogushoutasthoughpropelledbypassion.“I’mstillbotheredbytheauthoritarianismoftheArchonsandthesimilaritybetweentheNewOrdertheyproposeandtheoldSovietsystemthatIgrewupwith.”Heseemedtogetcontrolofhimselfandshruggedhelplessly,lookingapologeticallyfromLeightontoDelSasso.“Idon’twanttobetheonetoholdthingsback.”

“Itistheirprogram,”saidCarlasoftly,butwithconviction.“Andthey’resofarbeyondusthatweoughttotaketheiradvice.Idon’tseehowitcouldbeotherwise,orwhat’swrongwiththat”

“It’snottakingadvicethatconcernsme,”reiteratedViktor,“it’ssurrenderingourselvestotheircontrol.”

Leightonlookeduneasy.HeturnedtoDelSasso.“ViktorhashonestlyexpressedhisconcernsabouttheintegrityoftheArchons.Istheresome‘sign’wecouldgivehimthatwouldrestorehisconfidence?”

Antonionoddedsolemnly.“I’mconfidentthattheArchonsarewillingtoattesttotheirgoodwillinamannerthatViktorcannotdoubt.”

Quicklyheassumedtheyogapositionandwasalmostimmediatelyindeeptrance.Fromhisthroatissuedthevoiceofanelderlyman.Loudly,deliberately,solemnlythevoiceintonedamessageinalanguagethatCarlacouldnotidentifyandwhichapparentlywasunknowntoeveryoneelseintheroomalso—everyone,thatis,exceptViktor.Hesattransfixed.

Thevoiceceasedasabruptlyasithadbegun,andDelSassocameslowlyoutofhistrance.“Well?”heaskedimmediately.

Viktorwastremblinguncontrollably.Whenatlasthecouldspeak,itwastostammer,“He—it—wasspeakingtomeinanobscuredialectspokenonlyinthesmallSiberianvillageofKarkaralinskwhereIusedtovisitmygrandparentsinthesummerwhenIwasasmallboy.”Overcomeonceagainwithemotion,hehadtopausewhilehewipedtearsfromhiseyes.

“Itsoundedexactlylikemygrandfather,”ViktorcontinuedatlastThesamemannerismsandphrases—likeheusedwhenhe’dscoldmeforbeingafraidofthemilkcowthatusedtobullymewhenIwasverysmall.ThevoicesaidthatImustnotbeafraid,butImusttrusttheArchons,forlikethatcowtheirpurposewastonourishmeandallmankind.”

EmotionovercameViktoragain.Atlastherecoveredhimselfandcontinued.“Ionlynowrememberedthatitwas20yearsagotodaythatmygrandfatherwentintotheforestandneverreturned.Nobodywaseverfound.Thatisthesignthevoiceofferedtome,butIdon’tknowwhatitmeans.”

“Itisquiteclear,”saidDelSassoquickly.“Theworld,likeyourgrandfather,iswalking‘thepathofnoreturn’andmustberescued.Youcouldnothelpyourgrandfatherthen,butyouareinapositiontohelptheentireworldnow.”

Headbowed,Viktor’sshouldersshookconvulsively.“I’msorry.Ifeelashamedofmyselffordoubting.”

LeightontriedtopickuptheconversationagaintotaketheembarrassingattentionfromViktor.“WeknowthattheArchonshaveincredible,Isupposeinfinite,power.Iftheirintentionswereevil,theycouldhavefinishedusofflongago.”

“Ofcourse!”agreedCarla.“AndIcan’timaginewhattheywouldwantfromusanyway.”

......Carlawasnotsurprisedthattherenewedassurancetheincredible

demonstrationgaveherdidn’tlastlong.ShehadbeenonanemotionalrollercoastereversincesnatchingViktorfromChernov’sgraspinParis.Andlatelyshehadbeguntofearthatherfluctuatingemotionswereindangerofgettingoutofcontrol.Olddoubtsthatshehadwrestledwithrepeatedlycamebackagain,nowstrongerthanever.Shehoped,however,thatViktorhadatleastgivenuphis“plan.”Whateverthatmightbe,shewassureitwouldbringhimintodangerousconfrontationwiththeArchons.Andsheknewwhatthatcouldmean!

ThepromiseCarlaandViktorhadmadetospendmorequalitytimetogetherhadfallenvictimtothehecticpacetheywerebothmaintaining.

CarlawasnowgrantingsometelephoneinterviewsandhadbeentoSanFranciscotwicefornetworktelevisionappearances.TwodaysafterDelSasso’sremarkableperformanceinLeighton’soffice,however,shemadeitapointtodropinonViktor.Hewashunchedoverhiscomputerandconcentratingsodeeplythathedidn’tevennoticeherenterhisofficeuntilshewasstandingoverhisdesk.

“Arethoseyourmemoirs,orareyoustillpolishingthatkeynoteaddress?”shequeriedlightly.

Helookedupandsmiled,thenleanedbackandstretchedhiscrampedarmsandback.“No,IwasaskingthismachinetotellmehowintheworldIgotfrommysmallvillageintheUralstothis—this—”Hesearchedforwords,thenshruggedandthrewhisarmsoutwide.

“Wishingyouwerebackthere?”Heshruggedagain.“Maybe.Whenyouthinkaboutwherethisworld

isgoing,youeitherwanttocloseyoureyesandwishforthegoodolddaysortrytodowhateveryoucantomakeitbetter.AndI’mnotsurethatoneisanylessfantasythantheother.”

“Itwouldn’tbehardtobecomeacompletecynic,”respondedCarlasympathetically.“Ifeelthesamewayattimes.Hey!Whydon’twegooutsideforabreathoffreshair.Ineedagoodwalktoclearmyhead.”

Onceoutsideandawayfromthebuildingsandwalkingalongthepathjustinsidethewall,shesaidquietlytoViktor,“Well,yougotyour‘sign’theotherday.Ithoughtitwasprettyimpressive.”

“Itwasmorethanimpressive,”admittedViktor.“Itwasincredible.Thatwasmygrandfather’svoiceandhispeculiaridiomsandinflections!”

“Icouldtellfromthelookonyourface,”saidCarla,“thatitwasgenuine,thoughIdidn’tknowwhatwasbeingsaid.”

‘Itconvincedmeatthetime,butIrealizedlater,ofcourse,thatitwasnomorea‘sign’ortheproofIneededthananythingelseDelSassodoes.Iwaslikeputtyinhishands,andthatmademeresolvethatmydecisionswillbemadealone,notwhenI’mwithhimandFrankoranyoneelse.I’mashamedofmyself—thewayIbrokedown.”

“Idon’tthinkyoushouldfeelthatwayatall.”“IknowwhatI’msaying,Carla.WhenIthoughtaboutitafterward

withaclearhead,IrealizedthatallI’dseenwasanotherdisplayofpsychicpower,andIhadmistakenlyacceptedpowerasasignoftruthfulnessandsincerity,whichisstupid.”

“You’reright!”saidCarla.“Ithoughtofthesamething,butdidn’twanttodestroythefaithithadgivenyou.Kenhasbeentryingtopointthisouttomeforalongtime—thatmightisn’trightandthatpowerprovidesnomoralfoundation.ButIdon’treallythinkit’sfair—atleastnotyet—tolabelDelSassoandtheArchonswiththiserror.”

Viktorstoppedtogazeatthatgiantredwoodjustoutsidethecomplexthatalwaysgavehimsuchasenseofawe.WhenheturnedtofaceCarlaagain,hiseyeshadnarrowedandthesterndeterminationwasbackinhisvoice.“IriskedmylifetoescapeMarxistoppression.Yes,itstillhangsoninthe‘new’Russia—andit’scomingbackwithavengeance.NowI’mgoingtoriskmylifeagaintohelptheworldescapeanevenworsetotalitarianism.IrealizethatImaydieintheattempt,butthereisnootherhonorablecoursetotake.”

“Don’tbeafool,Viktor!I’mterrifiedforyou.”“Ihadaverygoodfriend—myoldlabassistant—whosaidmuchthe

samethingtomeinMoscowwhenItoldhimIwasgoingtodefect,”reminiscedViktor.“HewasaChristian,likeyourfriendKen.IwonderwhathappenedtoDmitriafterIleft.”

“IwishIknewwhatyouwereplanningtodo.IsthereanywayIcouldhelp?”

Viktorshookhishead.“Youwillseewhenthetimecomes.”

[37]WorldCongress666

ItwasJune14—adaynevertobeforgotten.Thisdate,convenersofWorldCongress666weredetermined,wouldgodowninhistoryasthedayofthekeyeventthatlaidthefoundationforaNewAgeofunbrokenworldpeaceandeconomicandecologicalwholeness.Theywereconfidentalsothatitwouldalwaysberememberedandcherishedasthedaythattheplanetwasrescuedfromanalmostcertainholocaust.Forresidentsofanareafamousforitsfog,itwouldcertainlyberememberedasoneofthemostbeautifulJunedaysinhistory.TheunusualweatherprovidedthedignitariesfromallovertheworldflyingintoSanFrancisco’sInternationalAirportacrystal-clearandsweepingview—fromthePacificOceanandGoldenGateBridge,overNobHillandtheskyscrapersalongMarketStreet,acrosstheOaklandBayBridgetoBerkeley,andonintotheWalnutCreekarea,overwhichMountDiablocouldbeseentoweringinthedistancelikesomebroodinggiant.

ToregularcommutersthatFridaymorning,therewasnothingunusualinthenumberofforeignersattheSanFranciscoairport,manyinnativedressfromrobestoturbans.Buttothediscriminatingeye,thequalitywasquiteremarkable.OnewouldhavetogobacktotheApril1945SanFranciscoConferencethatbirthedtheUnitedNationstofindatimewhenacomparablenumberofinternationalleadershadconvergeduponthispartoftheworld.Andeventhenthecomparisonfailed.In1945onlyabout50nationshadbeenrepresented;onthisdate,high-leveldignitariesfrommorethan120nationspouredintotheBayarea.Fromtheairport,however,theseinternationalrepresentativesdidnotproceednorthintothemetropolitandistrict,butsouthinasteadystreamoflimousineswhosedestinationwasacertainsecludedand,untilrecently,unknownCIAinstallationintheredwoodswestofPaloAlto.

Elated,yetwithunresolvedconflictsstillstirringwithin,CarlapacednervouslyinherofficeawaitingthecallontheintercomthatwouldtellheritwastimetojoinFrankandtheotherVIPstoformallygreettheirguests.Herexcitementgrewasshecaughtglimpsesthroughthewindowofthelimousinesarrivingoneafteranother.Therewerediplomatsfromaroundtheworld,includingthosefrommanyThirdWorldandCommunistcountries(evenChinaandNorthKoreawererepresented),aswellashigh-levelofficersrepresentingthePentagonandNATO.AmongthefirstarrivalswasaU.S.Armystaffcarwiththeflagofafour-stargeneralflyingfromthefrontfender.Afterthetwodozenparkingplacesinsidethecomplexwerefilled,thedrivershadtodropofftheirfashionablyattiredpassengersandthendrivebackthroughthegatetoparkoutside.Theguardswerestilltheretocheckidentitiesandtohandouttheofficialpacketofmaterialstoeachinvitee,butthegatewasnowleftopeninhonorofthisgreatevent.Fromthisdateforwarditwouldremainperpetuallyopenasasymbolofthenewtrustthatwouldhenceforthprevailamongallnations.

Therewas,ofcourse,alargepresscorpspresent,butbecauseoflimitedseatingcapacityintheauditoriumwherethemainmeetingwastobeheld,mostofthemwererequiredtowaitjustoutsidethegate.Therenearly200congregatedandhadtobeheldbackbypolicetopreventblockageofthenarrowroadinfrontoftheentrance.About30representativesofthemajormediagiants,eachonehandpickedbyCarla,wereallowedinsidetominglewiththeguestsandtoseethishistoriceventunfoldfromtheinside.

Promptlyat4:00p.m.ajustifiablyproudandbeamingFrankLeightonledhisinnercircleoutsidetostandbesidehiminareceptionlinetogreettheirdistinguishedguests,whohadalreadybeentakenonguidedtoursthroughmuchofthefacility.ForthisauspiciousoccasionLeightonwasattiredinadarksuitwithalmostindistinguishablepinstripes.OnhislapelheworeadiscretelydesignedbadgeidentifyinghimasfounderanddirectorofthePsychicResearchCenter.Acrossthetopofthebadgewereemblazonedthelargegoldnumbers:666.Inthepacketgiventoeachdelegatetothecongresswasasimilaridentificationbadgebearingeach

one’sname,country,andoffice—andofcoursethesameprominentnumericaldesignation.

ToLeighton’sleftstoodAntonioDelSassowearinghislong,blackmonk’srobe,hoodthrownback,smilinggraciously,andprojectingacaptivatingcharm.NextcameCarla,radiantlybeautifulinafull-skirted,floweredsilkdress;andfinally,apaleandtenseViktor,feelinguncomfortableinaveryexpensivesuitthatFrankhadorderedtailor-madeforhim.Asthekeynotespeaker,hehadtolookthepart.

“There’sawarmandbeautifulpresenceofloveoverthiswholeplace,isn’tthere?”CarlawhisperedtoViktor.“Haven’tyoufeltitgrowingstrongerallday?”

Heshookhishead.“Ihadn’tnoticed,”hesaidinafarawayvoice.“Areyouokay?”whisperedCarla.Henoddedandlookedaway.“I’m

worriedaboutyou!”Viktor’sjawstiffened,buthemadenoanswer.Theinviteddelegatesfiledslowlyby,shakinghands,bowing,honored

tomeetLeightonandthrilledtoshakethehandofthegreatestpsychictheworldhadyetknown—theonewhowouldleadmankindintotheNewAge.CarlaandViktor,too,weretherecipientsofrepeatedcongratulationsfortheircontributiontothesuccessoftheresearchcenter.Intheeuphoriaofthatgrandmoment,shefeltherselfwantingtobelievemorethaneverbeforethatthePlanwouldindeedcuretheworld’sills.WhatadayitwouldbeforplanetEarthanditsinhabitantsifonlythatcouldbetrue!

U.S.Marinesindressuniformstrolledamongtheguests,carryinglargetraysloadedwithavarietyofdrinksandhorsd’oeuvres.Longtablesholdingthesamefarehadbeensetupontheexpansivelawnontherightsideofthedrive.Theretheguestsmingledwithoneanotheruntilatlastallhadarrivedandgonethroughtheformalityofthereceptionline.Leightonthenmovedtoamicrophonesetuponasmallplatform.

“MayIhaveyourattention,please!”Thebabbleofexcitedvoicesdieddown.“Beforewegointotheauditoriumtoproceedwiththeactivitiesofthishistoricoccasion,AntonioDelSassowouldliketowelcomeyouandsayafewwordsaboutthebadgesyouareallwearing.Bytheway,isanyonenotwearingabadge?”

Therewasananxiousflurryhereandthereasdelegateswhohad

forgottentoputontheirbadgesdidso.Inthemeantime,DelSassosteppedtothemike.

“Welcometo‘WorldCongress666,’”beganDelSassoinawarmbutboomingvoice.“Youareallawarethattheverynameanddateandsubstanceofthisgatheringwasdecreedbyhigherintelligenceswhohavebeenwatchingourprogressformillennia.TheyhavechosentointerveneatthiscrucialtimeinordertorescueusfromaprobablenuclearholocaustandtolaythefoundationforarevolutionarynewpoliticalandeconomicsystemthatwillusherinaNewAgeofpeaceandprosperityandfreedomforallpeoples.

“I’msureyouallknowthenamePierreTeilharddeChardin,theJesuitpriestrightlyknownas‘thefatheroftheNewAge.’Youmaynotknowthathepredictedthisdaywoulddawn—thedaywhenmankindwouldtakeaquantumleaponitsjourneytowardtheOmegapointwhereweeachrealizeourtruegodhood.Thishasbeenthehopeofallreligions.Yettherearecertain,shallwesay,‘badly-informed’fundamentalistelementsamongJews,Christians,andMoslemsthatwillnotacceptthisgreattruth.Suchnegativismcannotanylongerbeallowedtoholdbackthedevelopmentoftherace.Therewillbespecificinstructionsconcerningthislater.Inthemeanwhile,thedestructionoftheAntichristmyth,whichwearetogetheraccomplishingtoday,isthefirststepalongthatpath.

“Youareeachwearing—andwithgreatprideanddignity,Itrust—thenumber666onabadge,alongwithyourname,country,andoffice.Thesignificanceofdoingsohasalreadybeencommunicatedtoyouintheliteratureyoureceivedwithyourformalinvitation.Yetmanyofyou,incomingthroughthereceptionline,hadquestionsaboutthisandsomeseemedquiteconfused.Indulgeme,therefore,whileIgiveabriefexplanationofthemonumentalimportanceofthismoment.ThoseofyoucomingfromtheEastmaynotrealizeit,buttheWesternworldhaslivedforcenturiesunderthehauntingfearofacomingAntichristtakingoverthisplanetandrequiringeveryinhabitanttowearthenumber666onpainofdeath.Yourcourageandconvictioninidentifyingyourselvestodaywiththatdreadnumberhasbrokenthatpowerfultabooandhasdeliveredtheentireworld,fromthismomentforth,fromthedebilitatingAntichrist

superstitionthathasenslavedsomanyinthepastTheworldcannowbreakfreefromthenegativeideasofsinandredemptionandthedemeaningdelusionthatmanisdependentuponsomemythical‘God.’

“Yourbraveexamplewillbefollowedbymenandwomenofgoodwilleverywhere,whowillidentifythemselveswiththeNewOrderbywearingasimilarbadge.SoIcongratulateyouontheroleyouareplayingtoday.Letusalldrinkatoasttoeachotherandtothegloriousfreedomfromthedestructivereligiousbeliefsthathavefortoolongstrangledprogressandfosteredintolerance.”

Theapplausewasfollowedbygood-naturedbanterandtheclinkingofglasses.CarlafeltsomeonetapherontheshoulderandturnedaroundtolookintothesmilingfaceofGeorgeConklin.Heraisedhisglasstotouchhers,andwithawinksaid,“Here’stothepeacefuluseofpsychicpower!”

“Comingfromyou,George,”shelaughedassheraisedherglasstotouchhisagain,“that’sthebiggestcomplimentI’veevergotten!”

“Ireallymeanit,”hesaid.“Thanksforgettingmeinside.There’sanincrediblepresenceofloveinhere.IfeltitthemomentIcamethroughthegate,andit’sgrowingstronger!”

“Beautiful,George!Isn’titfantastic?”“YouknowI’mnotgiventosuperlatives,butthisisreallyuplifting.

I’veneverfeltanythinglikeit!”“Youcan’tevenimaginewhatyou’regoingtoseethisafternoon!”

addedCarla.“You’reatoughnuttocrack,butbelieveme,you’regoingtobecompletelyboggled—andconverted.Therewon’tbeanydoubtsaftertoday!”

Sheturnedtotouchglasseswithothersofdifferentcomplexions,dress,andcultureasthegueststoastedtheneweraofpeaceeachwasconvincedwasdawning.Sweptalongasonthecrestofawaveofoverwhelmingloveandecstaticoptimismthathadallbutsubmergedtheconflictsstillstirringwithinher,Carlafoundherselftouchingherbadgewithpride.Itwassuchanhonortoshakehandswithandhugandexchangesincereexpressionsofbrotherhoodandsisterhoodwiththesemenandwomenofworldrenown,eachthereonbehalfofthescoresofcountriesthathadsentrepresentatives.Itwaslikegettingasneakpreview

ofthenewworldsoontoberealizedthroughtheirjointcommitmenttothePlan.

ShehadlostsightofViktorandwonderedwhetherhehadbeensimilarlystirred.DotheArchonsknowwhateveritisthathehasuphissleeve?WillitbedetrimentaltothePlan?Ifso,whatwilltheydotostophim?ShouldItellFrankthatViktorhasaplanofhisown?Wouldn’titbeforViktor’sowngoodaswellasforthegoodofthewholeworld?

Carlasensedthatsomeonewasstaringather.ShelookedupintotheeyesofAntonioDelSassowhowasnowmovingslowlythroughthecrowdafewfeetfromher.Hewassmiling.Shereturnedhissmileandblewakissinhisdirection.

Franksteppedtothemicrophoneagain.“WewillgoinsideinafewminutesandthereyouwillallwitnessforyourselvestheawesomecapabilitiesthatresideinAntonioDelSasso,whoisminglingamongyourightnowtogiveyouanopportunitytoconversewithhimpersonally.AsyoualreadyknowfromtheWhiteHousereportthatwassenttoeachofyou,Dr.DelSassohaspowersthatnootherperson,deadoralive—includingKrishna,Buddha,JesusChrist,orMohammed—haseverdisplayed.

“Ourpurposeisnottoworshiphim.Neitherisithistosolicitourworship.Heisaveryhumblemanwhoseonlydesireistoservemankind.Antoniocontinuallyremindsmethathehasbeenchosenbyhigherintelligencesmerelyasaprototypeofthemillionsandeventuallybillionsofotherswhowill,throughhisexampleandguidance,induetimedevelopthesamegodlikecapabilities.ThisistheheartofthePlanandtheonlyhopeforanewworldofpeace,love,andgenuinebrotherhoodamongallpeoples.Onlythencanwebeacceptedintotheintergalacticcommunityofplanetarycivilizationsthathaspatientlyawaitedforcenturiesourlong-overduecomingofage.Whataheritagetopassontoourchildrenandgrandchildren!

“Wheneveryouareready,youmaybegintomovetoyourrightthroughthetwoentrancestotheauditoriumwhereyouseethemarineguardsstanding.Haveyourofficialbadgesprominentlydisplayedforentrance.We’llconveneinthereinabout15minutes.”

......Formorethanaweek,Kenhadexperiencedaheightenedconcernfor

Carla.Forthatconcernhehadconcludedthathenolongerhadanyrecourseexceptferventprayer.They’dhadlittlecontactinthelastfewdaysasshedailyseemedtobecomemoreandmorewithdrawnanduncommunicative.He’dbeenreluctanttotrytobreakintoherprivateworld,sensingthathemustleavehertodealwithherconflictsalone.Neitherprayernorpersuasioncouldforcehertomaketherightdecision.Itwouldhavetocomewillinglyfromherownheart.Argumentsandcoaxings—he’dgivenhermorethanenoughofthoseinthepast.Sheknewthetruth,anditwasnowamatterofactinguponitwithoutanyfurtherinfluencefromhim.AsthedayoftheCongressdrewnear,hehadagonizedforherinprayerthatGodwouldleavenostoneunturnedinconfrontingherwiththetruth.

Shehadshowedhimherbadgeatbreakfastonthemorningofthethirteenth,makinglightofthelarge666,andhehadbeenappalled.“Ican’tfindwordstoexpressmyhorroratthis!”he’dsaid.“You’retriflingwithyoureternalsoul!”

“Backoff,Ken,”hadbeenherinstantresponse.“I’veneverseenyoureactlikethis.”

“Carla—yourmother,ifshewerestillalive,wouldbefarmoreshockedtothinkofyouwearingthenumber666thanbyyourfather’sunfaithfulness!”

Shehadputthebadgebackinherpursewithoutanotherwordandhadleftthetable,leavingherbreakfastuntouched.

“Thosewhotakethatnumber,”hehadcalledafterherasshehadhurrieddownthehall,“willsuffer‘thewrathoftheLamb’!Don’tbringthejustjudgmentofGoddownuponyourself,Carla,please!”

Shehadleftthehousewithoutanotherword.Withanurgencyvergingupondespair,KenhadappealedtoHaland

KarenElliott,whomhelookeduptoandrespectedashisfatherandmotherinthefaith.“Prayerisn’tgoingtochangehermind,”Halhadsaid.“ButwecanpetitionGodtointerveneandpreventthisdiabolicalPlanfromcomingintobeing,atleastfornow,sothattheworldwillhavealittle

longertoturntoChrist.”Withthisinmind,ithadbeendecidedthatasmanyascouldwouldtakethedayofJune14offfromworkandwouldspendittogetherinprayerandfasting.

CarlaandKenmetonlybrieflyatbreakfastthatmorning.Ken’smotherhadtriedtogetaconversationgoing,withlittlesuccess.KenhadwaiteduntilbreakfastwasovertolovinglyattemptonceagaintoimpressuponCarlatheseriousnessofwhatshewasabouttoparticipatein.Shehadpolitelythankedhimforhisconcern,thenhadhurriedofftotheinstallation,callingoverhershoulderasshewentoutthedoorthatthiswasthe“bigday.”AfewminuteslaterKenandhismotherhaddrivenovertotheElliott’shouseforwhatwastobea“bigday”forthemaswell.

Itwasasolemngatheringofabout20whomettogetherinthefamiliarlivingroom.“I’mconvincedthatthisisthegreatestchallengewehaveeverfacedasagroup,”saidElliottastheypreparedtopray.“Asyouallknow,thisisthelong-awaiteddaywhentheattemptwillbemadebyFrankandDelSassotopersuadedelegatesfromaroundtheworldtoturntheircountriesovertotheArchons.Ithinkyou’reallfamiliarwiththefactthatArchonistheGreekwordinEphesiansfor‘principalities’intheKingJames—thedemonsthatPaulidentifiedasdirectingtheevilpowersofdarknessoverthisearth.Thedelegates,ofcourse,don’trealizeit,buttoembracetheArchons‘PlanistantamounttoturningtheworldovertotheAntichrist.Theyareevenbeingpersuadedtowearthenumber666inordertomocktheprophecywarningagainstthisinRevelation13.Ibelievethere’sagreatspiritualbattlebeingwagedintheheavenliesrightnow,andourprayerscouldplayasignificantpartinitsoutcome.

“Ofcourse,ifthisisGod’stimetoallowSatantotakeover,thenourprayerswillnotchangethat.SomehowIcan’tbelievethattimehascomeyet.Ifithad,I’mconvincedwewouldalreadyhavebeenrapturedoutofhere,andthatobviouslyhasn’thappened.Solet’sprayinfaithandbindtheforcesofevilintheNameofJesusChristfromdeceivingthosewhoareatallopentothetruth.Let’spraythatSatan’spurposeswillbefrustrated,thatthePlanwillnottakeshapeyet,thattherewillbeatleastalittlemoretimeleftforthegospeltobepreachedandformanymoretocometoChristbeforeifsforevertoolate.”

“AndpleasepraytwospecificthingsforCarla,”Kenadded,“thathereyeswillbeopenedcompletelyandshewillhavethecouragetoturnfromeviltoChristandthatshewillbekeptinphysicalsafety.Thatwholesceneoutthereisapowderkeg.Almostanythingcouldhappen.AndpraythesameforViktorKhorev,theRussian,aswell—andforFrank,andforthedelegatesfromthesemanycountries,thattheywillhavetheireyesopenedalsoandbedeliveredfromtheliesandpersuasiveinfluenceofseducingspirits.”

SoitwasthatwhileFrank,histeam,andavastassemblageofworldleaderssavoredtheirmomentofdestinyoutattheinstallation,ahumblegroupofsuppliantswaskneelinginprayerthatthesesamehighhopesmightnotcometofruition.

......Whilethedelegatesproceededthroughtheoutsidedoors,Carlaand

theotherstaffmemberswhoweretobeseatedontheplatformenteredthroughthefrontlobby.TurningtotheirleftalongthecorridorpastLeighton’soffice,thentotherightpastthemainlabwhereCarlaandViktorhadfirstseenDelSassodemonstratehispowers,theybranchedleftagaindownanarrowpassagewaythatledthemontothestagebyabackentrance.JoiningLeighton,DelSasso,Viktor,andCarlainspecialseatsontheplatformbehindthepodiumwereMikeBradford,headofsecurity,hisassistantLeighton’spersonalsecretary,andformerCalTechprofessorDr.ChrisBurton,whohadrecentlyarrivedtotakeoverasheadofthelabsinplaceofKayMorris.

Fromherplaceofhonorontheplatform,Carlawatchedinfascinationastherepresentativesfrommorethan120countrieshurriedtoclaimthefrontrowsinthesmall250-seatauditorium.Thesesophisticatedpersonages—manyofthemworldrenownedseemedaseagerandexcitedaschildrenjostlingtheirwayintoaSaturdaymoviematinee.TothinkthatthepresidentoftheUnitedStateshadbeendelugedwithrequestsfromaroundtheworldfromambassadors,membersofparliamentsenators,andCongressmentoattend—andthatthousandshadbeenturnedawayforlackofspace!Suchanoutpouringofacceptanceandsupportatthisearlystage—evenbeforethefullstoryhadbeentoldtotheworld—hadhadatelling

effectuponCarla’sownthinking.InfactithadbeenoneofthekeyinfluencesduringthepasttwoweeksineasingherdoubtsandrenewinghercommitmenttothePlan.

Anarmyofsoundandelectronictechnicianstosupplementtheirownstaffhadbeenbroughtinandcouldbeseenattheirpoststhroughouttheauditoriumonvideomachinesandinthesoundandrecordingbooths.Thentherewastherewiringthathadbeendonetoputearphonesateveryseatforsimultaneoustranslationin20languagesbythe40translatorswhohadbeenbroughtin,somefromothercountries.Theywerenowseatedintheirspeciallyconstructedboothsalongthecurvingrearwallbetweenthehuge,laminated-oakbeamsthatsupportedthedomedroof.Andbehindher,loominguptotheslopingceilingfromitsbaseontheplatform,wasthenewlyinstalled,giant,curvedtelevisionscreen.

ForCarla,itwasawesometoseeitalllaidoutbeforehernowandtoremembertheeventsthathadbroughthertothisincrediblepointintime.Howquicklyithadalldeveloped—andnowtheculmination,withtheeyesoftheworlduponthem!AndtothinkthatithadallbegunbecauseshejusthappenedtohaveacarintherightplaceattherighttimeinParistorescueViktorKhorev,themansittingbesideheratthisverymoment—themanwhowastogivethekeynoteaddresstothisaugustgathering.Itwasanhonorandresponsibilityhesurelyhadneveranticipatedwhenhemadethecrucialdecisiontodefect!Shedesperatelyhopeditwouldbeforhimatimeofvindicationandhonorandacceptancebytheworld,whichhesojustlydeserved,andthatitwouldbringthehappinesshesoevidentlylacked.

HertrainofthoughtwasbrokenbyFrank’slow,whisperedvoiceasheleanedoverclosetoViktor.“Areyoufeelingalright,Viktor?”

Viktorwavedhimoff.“Justnerves.I’llbeokayonceIgettothepodium.”FrankseemedsatisfiedandwentbacktohisseatnexttoDelSassotoawaitthemomentwhenhewouldofficiallyconveneWorldCongress666.

CarlalookedoveratViktorinconcern.Hewasgoingthroughhisnotes,underliningkeyphraseswitharedpen.Therewasnopointintellinghimagainthatshewasworried,orinwarninghimnottodo

anythingfoolish.Shehadalreadysaidthattoomanytimes.Shewouldunderstand“whenthetimecomes,”hehadtoldher.Apparentlythatmomentinhistoryhadnowarrived.Shewasexcited—andsuddenlyterriblyafraid.

[38]Holocaust!

Ladiesandgentlemen,distinguishedrepresentativesoftheworld’snations,selectmembersofthemedia,”Leightonbeganatlast,“itisagreathonorandjoytowelcomeeachofyouheretodaytothismostimportantoccasioninthelongandtoo-oftentragichistoryofourrace.WearegatheredjusttothesouthofSanFranciscowhere,in1945,hopefuldelegatesfromlessthanhalfofthenationswerepresentmettolaythefoundationfortheUnitedNations.Todaywelaythefoundationforsomethingfarmoresignificant—notjustanorganizationofnationsthatremainhopelesslyseparatedbynationalrivalries,butaNewWorldOrderthatwillmakeallpeopleandallnationsequalandone.Whenwehaveprovenourselvestobeunitedandatpeace,thenwewillqualifytoapplyforentranceintoanintergalacticcommunityofcivilizationsthathaveevolvedfarbeyondusandwhostandreadytosharetechnologyandsupernaturalpowersthatwillgiveusundreamedofaccesstothevastuniverseofspaceanditslimitlessresources.

“Wemustcrawlbeforewecanwalk,takebabystepsbeforewecanrunandthenfly.ThekeytothisNewAgeliesinthefirststepwemusttake:qualifyingforandreceivingthegiftofpsychicpowerdispensedbyhighlyevolvedintelligenceswhohavebeenwatchingoverourevolutionforthousandsofyears.Whenwefirstmadecontactwiththeseentitiesmorethantwoyearsago,Iselfishlyassumedthatthispowerwasformyownnation’sexclusiveuseinanongoingrivalrywiththeRussiansandChinese,whowerealsoattemptingtodeveloppsychicwarfarecapabilities.Isoonlearned,however,thattheintentionoftheArchonswasforustosharethisknowledgeandpowerequallywiththeentireworld.

“HereagainweseeanotherverysignificantdifferencebetweenwhatweseektoaccomplishtodayandwhathappenedattheSanFrancisco

Conferenceof1945.ThenalsotheUnitedStateshaddevelopedanincrediblenewpower,butoneitwasafraidtosharewiththeworld.Thatpowerhasbeenthecauseofmuchsufferinginthedeadlyrivalrythatensuedandleavesustodayinfearofanuclearholocaust.Now,asthen,itistheUnitedStatesthatholdsthesecrettoanincrediblenewforce.Butthistime,fortunately,itisunderthecontrolofhigherbeingsandistobesharedwiththeworld—nothoardedforourselvesandtherebycreatingarivalrywithotherswhowouldfeelcompelledtostealit.Indeed,equalsharingisthemajorconditionunderwhichthispowerwillbedispensed.Thatfactaloneshouldseteverynationateaseandassurethesuccessofthisgreatadventurethatweareprivilegedtolaunchtodayforallmankind.Thiswillbe,indeed,aquantumleap.

“Youhaveallbeengivenadraftoftheagreementtobesignedbyallnationsintheworld.ThisCongressisnotmeetingtomakechangesinthatagreement.IthasbeendictatedbytheArchonsandcannotbechanged.However,youwilleasilyseethatitissimpleandgivesnopreferencetoonenationoveranother,butisdesignedforthemutualbenefitofall.YourpurposeinbeinghereistoseeademonstrationofthepowerthatisbeingofferedtoyournationifyouwilljointheNewOrder.Thenyouaretocarryyourreport,togetherwiththeagreementandyourrecommendation,backtotheleadersofyourrespectivecountries.Wehave90daysinwhichallofthenationsoftheworldmustuniteinsigningtheagreement,ortheofferwillbewithdrawn.Itisinconceivablethatanynationwouldnotwishtobetherecipientofthispower,butitmustbelefttoindividualdecision.Therewillbenocoercion,butthedecisionmustbeunanimous.

“Asyouwillsee,receivingthepowerentailssubmissiontothedirectionoftheArchonsuntiltheydeterminethatwearewell-establishedintheNewOrderandcapableofcarryingonbyourselves.UntiltherearecomparablepsychicleadersineachcountrytoformacompetentWorldCouncil,theArchons’orderswillberelayedthroughAntonioDelSasso.HeisthemanwhomInowwishtopresenttoyouonceagain—firstofallonthegianttelevisionscreenjustbehindme,andthen,inperson,ashegivesfurtherdemonstrationsofthesecapabilities.”

Theapplausewasthunderous.Thelightsweredimmed.Viktorand

CarlasawonceagainbasicallythesamevideothatLeightonhadshowedthemthatfirstdayinhisoffice.Therewas,firstofall,thelocationofoil,butnowinsertedinthevideowerestatementsbyseveralgeologistsconcerningtheamazingsizeoftheoilpoolthathadbeenverifiedtobeundergroundatthisseeminglyunlikelysite.Alsoaddedwasa“transmission”fromtheArchonsthroughDelSassopromisingthatsimilarpoolsofoillayinmanyotherlocationsaroundtheworld—someinareasofextremepoverty—andwouldbedisclosedaccordingtoafairdevelopmentschedule.

NextcamethesamesequenceshowingDelSassointhepyramid-shapedhothouseholdinghishandsovertheyoungplants,thentheharvestingofthehugeproduce.AtthatpointthevideostoppedandthelightscameonbrieflywhileanassistantsecretaryofAgriculturefortheUnitedStatesdisplayedsomeoftheactualproduceonthestageandexplainedthatitcouldbegrownindepletedsoilandinaridconditionswithoutfertilizers.

“Theonlythingstandinginthewayofthisbountybeingavailabletothepoorestareasoftheworld,”hesaidenthusiastically,“isthetrainingofpsychicsfortheindividualcountriesandlocalities.ThesoonertheworldadoptsthePlan,thesoonerwecanseethecompleteeliminationofallfamineandmalnutrition.Iurgeyoutorecommendearlyacceptancewhenyoureturntoyourhomecountries!”

ThevideoresumedwithsomeshotsinsideViktor’slaboratorynorthofMoscowandshowedhimatthecentralcontrols.ButthehorrorofYakov’sdeathhadbeencutout.Finally,therewasanastonishingmontageofbriefscenesinrapidsuccessionaroundtheworld:RussianleadersinaseriesofsecretmeetingsinsidetheKremlin,similarsecretmeetingsofChineseleaders,generalsandtheiraidesconferringinanemergencymeetingatNATOheadquarters,thepresident’sCabinetmeetinginclosedsessionintheWhiteHouse,drugczarsmeetingsecretlyinColombia,atop-levelMafiaconclaveinSicily,thepopeinprivateprayerinhischambers,andofficersconferringoveramaponthebridgeofaRussianSS18Typhoonnuclearsubmarineunderthepolarice-cap.SubtitlesinEnglishexplainedeachscene.

Thelightswenton,andLeightonsteppedquicklytothepodiumamidabuzzofwhisperedcommentseruptingthroughoutthestunnedaudience.“Youarewonderinghowwetookallofthoseshotsofsecretmeetingsaroundtheworld,”saidLeightonwithasmile.“You’dneverguess!TheywereallshotbyAntonioDelSassofromalaboratoryjustdownthehalltoyourleftandrecordedfromhisbraindirectlyontovideotapejustasyousawthem.”Hepausedtoenjoytheapplause,continuingwhenquiethadonceagainbeenrestored.

“YousawDr.Khorev,forexample,”Leightonwenton,“inhislaboratorynorthofMoscow.Thatwasbeforehecametothiscountry,andhewasunawarethatthevideowasbeingtakenatthetime.Andremember,thatwasinasecretandheavilyguardedcommandobasewhoseveryexistenceisknowntoonlyahandfuloftopRussianleaders.Ineednottellyouthepotentialofsuchcapabilities,notonlyforendingwar,butcrimeaswell.ThatiswhyweselectedtheshotsofthesecretmeetingsofdrugczarsinColombiaandofMafialeadersinSicily.Thosemenhavenotbeenarrestedyet,butyoumaybesuretheywillbeoncethePlanhasgoneintoeffect.Bothwarandcrime,ladiesandgentlemen,willbecomeobsoleteonthisplanet!”

Enthusiasticclappinginterruptedhimfornearlyafullminute.Asitdiedout,however,theinitialenthusiasmregisteredonthefacesbeforehimquicklygavewaytoawaryconcern.Leightonsmiledknowinglyashecontinued.

“Iknowwhatsomeofyouarethinking.Thiswillbetheend,aswell,ofallprivacyforeveryone!Indeednot.Youcanputthosefearsatrestrightnow.DelSassoisnotpeeringintobedrooms.Therewillbenospyingonbusinesscompetitorsorsportsrivals.TheArchonsimposeapsychicscreeningprocessthatallowsonlyillegalactivitiestobemonitoredandthatblacksouteverythingelse.Theonlyexceptionwouldbeincasesoflife-threateningdangerstothepartiesconcerned.Thebenefitsarealmostlimitless,whilesafeguardswillpreventanyabusewhatsoever.

“Now,forthemomentyou’veallbeeneagerlyanticipating:whenAntonioDelSassogivesyouafirsthandlivedisplayofjustasmallsampleofthepowerstheArchonsstandreadytodispensetotheworld.Andnow,

ladiesandgentlemen,onceagain,Dr.AntonioDelSasso,anextraordinaryJesuitpriest—butmuchmorethanthattheArchons’ambassador-at-largetotheworld!”

TensionpeakedandfoundmomentaryreleaseinathunderingstandingovationasDelSassostoodmodestlywithheadbowed.Atlasthewavedhisarmsforquiet“Justabriefexplanationfirstofall,”beganDelSassowhenthewelcomingapplausehadsubsided.Thoseofyouwhoknowanythingatallaboutthepsychicresearchthathasbeeninprogressaroundtheworldforthepastcenturyrealizethatthishasbeenamostdifficultfield.Togetanyresultsatall,theconditionsmustbejustright.Theoutcomesofthemostfruitfulexperimentsareverydifficulttorepeatevenunderpreciselythesameconditions.Moreover,psychicpowerhasbeennotoriouslyunpredictableandunreliable,andtheeffectsachievedaredisappointinglysmallatbestanddifficulttocontrol.

“Withthatinmind,noticethattheconditionsareofnoconcerntome.Youdon’thavetobequiet,thelightsneednotbedimmed—Idon’tevenhavetobeclosetowhateverishappening.Yetitisallunderperfectcontrol—notmine,buttheArchons’.Imentionthatagain,becausethekeytoreceivingthispowerisingivingcreditandsubmittingtothosewhodirectitforourbenefit.Icanonlydowhattheyallowmetodoandwithinthelimitsofthepowerwhichtheyarewillingtodispenseatthetime—which,bytheway,willbeunlimitedwhenthePlanhasbeenfullyimplemented.”

AtthispointthetraceofagrintouchedDelSasso’sface.“Wehaveamongustodayabout30representativesofthemajormediagiants.Theyaresittinginasectiontomyrightandtoyourleft.Iwon’taskthemtostandorraisetheirhands,becauseyouwillallbeabletoseethem.Takealook!”

Totheutterastonishmentoftheaudienceandtothechagrinandfrightofthemediapersonalities,all30ofthemweresuddenlyliftedoutoftheirseatsandlevitateduptotheceiling.Pandemoniumbrokeout.“Wewon’tallowanyheartattacks,”saidDelSassoquickly.“Themedicalbenefitsofthispower—wehaven’tevenmentionedthemyet—arestaggering.Thepotentialforhealingalldiseaseontheplanetandgivinglonglifeto

everyoneisunlimited.”Hewavedahandandthosesuspendedslowlyreturnedtotheirseats.

“Now,”saidDelSassowithalaugh,“I’llshowyouhowselectivethispowercanbe.Youwouldcertainlyexpect—wouldyounot?—thateveryonewhohadjustlivedthrougharemarkableexperiencesuchastheoneyou’vejustseenwithyourowneyeswouldnowbeanenthusiasticbeliever.Butthatstrangelyenough,isnotthecase.Theskepticismofreportersandnewscastersisbeyondbelief.Someofthemarestillconvincedthatwhatjusthappenedtothemwassomekindoftrick.RightnowthosewhoremainskepticalofthispowerandthePlanaregoingtogothroughthesameexperienceagaintoseeifwecanmakestaunchbelieversoutofthem.”Instantlyfivemenandtwowomenshotupoutoftheirseatsandfoundthemselvesneartheceilingonceagain.CarlanotedwithsatisfactionthatGeorgeConklinwasnotamongthem.ThenDelSassoloweredthemamidlaughterandapplause.

NowDelSassostoodfacingtheaudience,armsfolded,eyeingeachpersonthoughtfully.Onecouldsensetheapprehension.Whatmightthismandonext?Thenheburstintoagood-naturedlaugh.“Don’tworry,”heassuredeveryone.“I’mnotgoingtohaveanymore‘audienceparticipation.’”Therewasanaudiblesighofrelief.

“SomeofyouwereatCampDavidafewweeksago,”continuedDelSasso,“whenIwaschallengedbyacertainwell-knownSouthernsenatorwhodoubtedthecontributionthispowercouldmaketoworldpeace.Atthattimeatrapwassetup,andasitpropelledtheclaypigeons,Idisintegratedthemintoathousandfragmentswithmymind,suggestingthatICBMswouldmeetthesamefateshortlyaftertheywerelaunchedanywhereintheworld,oncethePlanwasinforce.Ofcourse,thefirststepwouldbetodisarmanddestroyallsuchmissiles,sincetherewouldnolongerbeanyneedforthem.

“Thequestionwasraisedlaterwhethersuchdestructionofnuclearmissilesinflightmightnotdetonatethemorinsomewayspreadnuclearwasteorcontamination.Thatwasaveryperceptiveobservation.Actually,wewouldn’tdisintegrateICBMsthesamewayIdidtheclaypigeons.Iwassimulatingwhatashotgundoes.Withnuclearmissiles,however,we

would,iftheneedarose,simplydisengagetheirconnectionwiththisuniverse—inotherwords,dissolvetheirexistence,makethemdisappear,asthoughtheyhadrunintoalumpofantimatter.

“Ineedavolunteerfromtheaudience—amanwithconsiderablestrength.Quickly.”

Fromthefrontrowauniformedandveryathletic-lookingyoungUnitedStatesArmycolonelofabout35jumpedtohisfeet.Judgingfromthethickneck,cauliflowerears,andbentnose,hehadbeenaboxeratonetime.DelSassomotionedtohim,andthecolonelhurriedontotheplatform.Lookingatthe666badgehewaswearing,DelSassoreadofftheinformation:“ThisisColonelRobBlaisley,adjutanttothecurrentNATOcommander.”Hereachedoutandshookthecolonel’shandwarmly.“I’mpleasedtomeetyou,Colonel.”

Alabassistanthadwheeledupalargemetalgrocerycartfilledwithroundobjects.PointingtoitDelSassosaid,“Thereareaboutadozenbowlingballsinthereandacoupleofsteelshotputs.”ThecolonelwasheftingandcheckingthemasDelSassospoke.“Isthatright,Colonel?”

“They’relegit,”saidthecolonel.“IlovetobowlandIusedtoputtheshot.Thesearen’tcreampuffs.They’reregulation16poundbowlingballsandsolid-steel16poundshots.Whatdoyouwantmetodo—throwthematyou?”

“Say,we’regoingontourtogether,youandI,”retortedDelSassowithalaugh.“You’vegotsomegreatlines.We’dmakeaterrificact!No,don’tthrowthematme.Throwthemattheaudience.Thebowlingballsfirst.”

Thecolonelpickedupabowlingballandpreparedtothrowit,whenDelSassosaid,“Dropitonthefloorfirstofallsoeveryoneknowsit’ssolid.”HehelditoverhisheadanddroppeditTheimpactwasconvincing.

“Ididn’tmeanfromthathigh!”saidDelSasso.HeturnedtoLeighton.“Weneedtoreinforcethisfloorifwe’regoingtodothatagain.”

“Pleasedon’t!”respondedLeightonquickly.“Okay.Startthrowingthemoutthere,”saidDelSasso.Thecolonelhesitated.“Areyousuresomebodyisn’tgoingtoget

hurt?”heasked.Withthathewasliftedofftheflooruptotheceiling.

“Youseewhathappenstodoubters,”quippedDelSasso,easinghimbackdownagain.“Nowthrowthatthingrightoutthere.You’vegotafour-stargeneralonthefrontrownexttowhereyouweresitting.Aimitathim.”

“Notonyourlife,sir!”saidthecolonel,andthrewtheballquicklytowardtheothersideoftheauditorium.Ithadnottraveledmorethantenfeetintheairwhenitsuddenlydisappeared.Therewasaloudgaspsimultaneouslyfrom250throats.Thecolonelthrewanotherinaslightlydifferentdirection,withthesameresultThenathird.DelSassohelduphishand.

“Ithinkthat’senoughofthose,Colonel.There’snopointindestroyingmorebowlingballs.Theycostmoney,andtheArchonshavenotyettoldmehowtobringthemback.Now,howaboutthosetwoshots?Howfardidyouusedtobeabletoputa16-poundshot?”

“Sixtyfeetormoreinmycollegedays.Iwasn’tthatgreatatitbutIcompetedinalotofmeetsandwonafew.”

“Okay.Iwon’taskyoutodropthatontothefloor—itwouldgorightthrough.Butjustleteveryoneknowit’ssolid.”

“It’ssolidsteel,”saidthecolonel,heftingtheballbackandforthfromonehandtotheother.

“Now,let’sseehowfaryoucanputthatthingoutintotheaudience,”saidDelSasso.

Thecolonelgaveamightyheave.Thesteelshotlaunchedinahightrajectoryoutovertheaudience,thensuddenlydisappeared.

“Idon’tthinkweneedtobotherwiththeotherone,”saidDelSasso,“unlessyouwantto.”

“Yeah,let’sdoitagain,”saidthecolonelenthusiastically.“Okay,heave-ho,”saidDelSasso.Outwentthesecond16poundshotofsolidsteel,archingtowardthe

audience,thenvanishingintothinair.Therewasaroarofapprovalfromtheaudience,thenthunderingapplause.DelSassohelduphishandforquiet,thenmotionedtotherightofthestage.Frombehindthecurtainalabassistantbroughtoutastrangecontraptionandthrustitintothearmsoftheastonishedcolonel.

“Wouldyoucaretotelltheaudiencewhatthatis?”DelSassoaskedhim.

Thecolonelseemeddumbfounded.“It’sa—aflamethrower!”hesaid.“WhatamIsupposedtodowiththis?”

“Strapitonyourbackanduseittoburnmetoacrisp.”“Youdon’tmeanthat!”“Yes,Ido.Youwantedtothrowbowlingballsatme.Imuchprefer

flames.Goahead.”ThecolonelstrappeditonhisbackwhileDelSassotalked.Hebacked

offafewpaces,andfromabout20feetturnediton.AsheetofflameshotoutaimeddirectlyatDelSasso,butdisappearedwhenitgotwithinafewfeetofhischest.Hebeganwalkingtowardthecolonel,andtheflamesrecededasheadvanceduntilsuddenly,whenhewasstandingdirectlyinfrontofittheflamethroweritselfvanished.

Spontaneouslytheaudience,whichhadbeensittinginbreathlesswonderduringthisincredibledisplayofpower,cametoitsfeetclappingandcheering.DelSassosmiledimperceptibly,bowedseveraltimes,thenreturnedtohisseat.

Thestandingovationwasdeafening.Leightonhelduphishandsforsilence.“Youunderstand,ofcourse,”hesaidwhenhecouldatlastbeheard,“thatwhatyou’vejustseenrepresentsonlythetiniestfractionofthepowerbeingmadeavailabletomankindthroughthebenevolentinterventionoftheArchons.Moreover,aswehavealreadymentioned,theirPlanwillinvolvethedevelopmentofliterallymillionsofpsychicswithpowersequaltothoseofAntonioDelSasso.Infacttherewillbenolimit.Eachnationwillbeabletotrainasmanyshamansasitdesires.Thereisunlimitedpoweravailabletoall—eventothetiniestandpoorestcountries.Ultimately,eachpersononearthwillhaveunobstructedaccesstotheforceinnatewithintheuniversewithoutgoingthroughtheArchons!

“Ofcourse,todothisitwillbenecessarytomanufacturelargenumbersofthePsitron—that’stheingeniouselectronicdivinationdevicethroughwhichinitialcontactismadeattheOmegapointwiththeseentitiesandwhichservesastheofficialtrainingmechanism.Wealreadyhaveacommitmentfromaconglomerateoftheworld’sbanksforaloanin

theamountoffivebilliondollarstosetupmanufacturingplantsforthePsitroninstrategiclocationsoneverycontinentTheguaranteeforthisloan,ofcourse,willcomefromthesignatoriestotheNewWorldConstitution,which,asyounowknow,willofnecessityincludeeverynationonearth.

“Naturally,considerabletechnicalexpertisewillberequiredtocarrythisthroughtoasuccessfulconclusioninasbriefatimeaspossible.WearefortunatetobejoinedinthiseffortbyamanwhoisundoubtedlythemostbrilliantparapsychologisttheformerSovietUnioneverproduced.Irefer,ofcourse,toDr.ViktorKhorev.InitiallyhedefectedfromRussiaindesperationtojointheprogram.Now,however,Dr.KhorevisaheroinhisowncountryandhehasrecentlybeencommendedtothisworkbytheRussianpresidenthimself.

“Itnowgivesmegreatpleasuretopresenttoyouourkeynotespeakeroftheevening,amanwhosepresenceisasymbolnotonlyofscientificgreatnessbutofthesolidaritybetweenourtwogreatnations—theUnitedStatesofAmericaandtheRussianFederation—Dr.ViktorKhorev.”

SlowlyanddeliberatelyViktorsteppedtothepodiumandtookhisnotesoutofaplainfolderandspreadthembeforehim.“Representativesoftheworld’snationsandhonoredguests,”Viktorbegan,lookingoutovertheaudience,“sincecomingheretothisremarkableresearchcenter,IhavebeendoingwhatallofyoumustcarefullyandcourageouslydotonightThatis,Ihavebeenattemptingtounderstandtheever-moreincrediblehappeningsintheselaboratoriesandtheirimplicationsforallofhumanity.

“Whatyouhaveseenonvideotapeisalltrue.Itislight-yearsaheadofanythingwewereabletoaccomplishorevendreamedofaccomplishingduringmyyearsofpsychicresearchintheSovietUnionandthenintheRussianFederation.Andthesamecanbesaidforthepsychicresearchinanyothercountry.Thereisnoway,asbothDr.LeightonandDr.DelSassohavealreadycarefullyexplained...”HereViktorhalfturnedandnoddedtowardLeightonandDelSasso,”...thatsuchpowercouldbedevelopedapartfromtheseentitiesknownastheArchons—or‘theNine.’Icantellyouwithoutfearofcontradiction,baseduponmymanyyearsofresearch,thatnohumanagencyhasorcandevelopsuchpowers.Theycome

exclusivelyfromtheArchons.Theycontrolthispoweranddispenseitastheywillandtowhomtheywill.Andtheyhavenowdeclaredtheirwillingness,throughAntonioDelSasso,tomakethispoweravailabletotheworldinordertopreventthedestructionofthisplanet—adestructionwhichotherwiseseemsinevitable.

“Fortheworldtoreceivethispower,aswehavealreadybeentold,wemustofnecessitysubmitourselvescompletelytotheseentities—throughtheirambassadorAntonioDelSasso,ofcourse.IthinkyouareallconvincedoftheimportantparthewillplayinthePlan,andofhisuniquequalificationstodoso.Naturally,ifwearetosubmittotallytotheArchons,thenwemusttrustthemcompletely.Itwouldbefollytosubmittobeingsthatwearenotcertainareabsolutelytrustworthy.

“ThereinliesthecruxoftheproblemthatIhavewrestledwithoverthesepastfewweeks.IwanttotakeyouthroughtheprocessofdoubtthatImyselfhaveexperienced,andthenbringyoutothehappyconclusionIhavereached.IrealizedthatifIandallofus—theworld—aretotrustthem,andthatisanecessityforthePlantobeputintooperation,thentherearecertaincriteriawhichwemustassess.

“HereisthereasoningprocessImyselfstruggledthrough.Firstofall,Iwasraisedinanatheisticcountryandamanatheistmyself.YetIrecognize,aseveryreasonablepersonmustthatonlyGod—ifsuchabeingexisted—couldbetrustedtotally.ThisistruebecauseGod,byverydefinition,islovingandkindandabovecorruptionevenbyHisowndesires,beingself-existentandinfiniteandthusneedingnothingfromanyoneoranything,beingHimselftheCreatorofall.AndbecauseGodis,againbyverydefinition,unchangeable,wecanonthebasisofbothHischaracterandHispastperformancehavecompleteconfidenceinwhatHewilldointhefuture.Unfortunately,Goddoesn’texist,sowearelefttoourowndevicesanddarenotputourselvesatthemercyofanyoneelse.And,asIthoughtitovercarefully,thatseemedlogicallytoincludetheArchonsaswell.

“BeinglessthanGod—indeed,theydenytheveryexistenceofasupremedeityandclaimthateachofusisagodinhisownright—theArchonscouldconceivablybecorruptedbytheirownselfishdesires.Here

Ifacedagravedilemma.SincetheArchons,highlyevolvedthoughtheymaybe,arelessthanGodandthuscapableofchange,wehaveaseriousproblem.Eveniftheyhadbeennothinglessthancompletelybenevolentintheirdealingswithmankindforthepastthousandyears,wecouldnothaveabsoluteconfidenceonthebasisofthatimpressiverecordthattheywouldnotturnagainstordeceiveusinthefuture.”

Atthispointinhistalk,ViktorturnedandgesturedagaintowardLeightonandDelSasso,whobothworeexpressionsofconcern,butseemedgenerallypleasedwithhisapproachthusfar.“Dr.LeightonandDr.DelSassohaveknownofmydoubtsandhavegivenofthemselvesmostgraciouslyinhelpingmetoworkmywaythroughthem.Itwasnoteasy,becausetheproblemwasamostdifficultone.WearecalledupontosubmittotheArchonstotally,eventhoughtheyarelessthanGodandcouldbepursuingselfishintereststhatareunknowntous.Ofcoursetheytellustheyarebenevolent,buthowcanweacceptsuchassurances?

“OnepersuasiveargumentisthefactthattheArchonsaresofarbeyondmanthattheyreallydon’tneedus.Thereisnothingwecanofferthem,itwouldseem,thereforenothingtheywouldwantfromus.Andsotheywouldhavenomotivetolietoortrickorharmusinanyway.Afterall,whatwouldbethepurpose?ForsometimeIacceptedthislineofreasoning.Ieventuallyhadtofacethefacthowever,thatiftheyhadnointerestinharmingus,thenwhywouldtheybeinterestedinhelpingus.Whywouldtheybeinterestedinusatall?Thatquestionleftmepuzzled,andthenIrealizedthattherewassomethingIhadoverlooked.”

Viktorpausedtodrawseveraldeepbreathsatthispointandtogatherhiscourage.Astillnessthatcouldalmostbefelthadsettledovertheaudience.EveryeyewasfixedinunblinkinganticipationuponViktor.CarlanoticedthatLeightonseemedfrozeninhischairandDelSassowasominouslymotionlessasthoughheweregoingintotrance.Shefeltagrowingsenseofdread,yetatthesametimesheseemedtobestrangelyinsulatedfromwhatwashappeningaroundher.

WhatViktorhadsaidaboutGodhadhitherwithstunningforce.HerewasanatheisttellingherwhoGodwas—if,ashesaid,therewasaGod—andwhyHealonecouldbetrusted.Hisreasoninghadbeenpowerfully

persuasive.Ithadloosedafloodofdeepandgrowingconvictionsthatshehadbeensuppressing.Timeseemedtostandstill,theauditoriumrecededintounreality,andViktor’svoicebecameadistantdroneasconversationsshe’dhadwithKencamebackwithnewforce.Hislogiccouldnotberefuted,andnowcouldnolongerbeignored.AndtheverypointsViktor,anatheist,wasmaking—whichsheseemedtobehearingasthoughforthefirsttime—reinforcedandgavenewcredibilitytowhatKenhadtriedtopersuadeherofthesepastweeks.

Viktor’svoice,nowbetrayingthestrainofagrowingfear,yetringingwithacouragebornofconvictionandtheurgentdesiretowarntheworld,caughtherfullattentiononceagain.“Therewasnoneedtospeculate.Theevidencewasstaringmeintheface,butIhadbeenunwillingtoacceptit.Itisamatterofrecord,ifFrankLeightonwillbewillingtoadmitit—andifnot,thereareothersherewhomayhavethecouragetodoso(hereheglancedquicklyatCarla)—thattheArchonshavebeenlessthanforthrightintheirdealingswiththoseinvolvedinthisprojectevenfromtheverybeginning.Theyhavepromisedpeace,love,andbrotherhood.Insteadtheyhaveproducedviolence,involvingeventhedeathorinsanityofthosewhohavebelievedtheirpromisesandsubmittedtotheircontrol.IncontrasttothemillionsofpsychicsinadditiontoDelSassotheypromise,theyhavenotproducedevenone—inspiteofdiligenteffortsattheselaboratoriestotrainothersonthePsitron!Inowdoubtthattheyeverintendedto.WehaveobedientlygiventheArchonscompletecontrolofthisprojectandourlives,andtheresultssofar—otherthanthepowersDelSassodisplaystoseduceus—havenotbeengood!”

AtlastitwasallcomingtogetherforCarla.Whydidn’tIlistentoKen?shethoughtWhatiftheArchonsaredemons?Viktorismakinganairtightcaseagainstthem.They’reevil,withoutadoubt,bentupondeception,domination—andperhapsevendestruction.ShefeltanoverpoweringurgetogetupandrunforthenearestexitButViktor!Whatwouldhappentohim?Shecouldn’tleavehim.Soshesatthere,transfixedbythehorrorshefelt,andwhichsheknewwithastrangeandterrifyingcertaintywasabouttoexplodebeforeher.

Fromtheaudiencecamearestlessstirring,arisingmurmur.Carla

sensedthatthepresenceoflovethathadearlierbeenfelthadgone,andinitsplacewasthereptilianpresencesheknewalltoowell.Leightonstartedtorisefromhischair,thensankback,seeminglytoostunnedtoreact.Nowanominoussilencehadsettledintheauditorium,likethecalmbeforeastorm.Theaudiencewastransfixedinsilentalarm.Onlytheeeriesoundofbreathingcouldbeheard.

Viktor’swordscameinatorrentnow,asthoughheexpectedtobestoppedandwasrushingtogetitallout.“It’sthecompletecontroltheydemandthatconcernsme.I’veexperiencedtotalitarianism.Iunderstandthattherearemanychangesbeingmadeevennowinmynativecountry—acountrythatIdearlylove.However,thatcountryisfarfromthefreedomthatallmencherish,afreedomthatIsoughtintheWestandwhichIfindislackingevenhere.”

Carlacouldnotbelieveherears.AnditseemedevenmoreunbelievablethatLeightonhadnotintervened,andthatDelSassohadmadenomovetocuthimdown.WeretheyreluctanttocreateanevenworsesceneinfrontofthisaudienceandthereforewouldsimplyallowViktortofinishandthendiscredithim?AndwhatoftheArchons?Whyhadtheymadenomovetosilencehim?

“Thisisacrucialgatheringandyoudoindeedholdthefutureoftheworldinyourhands.EverythingdependsuponwhetheryoubowtothewilloftheArchonsorresistthem.Iwarnyounow,tosubmittotheircontrolwillbetoturnthisworldintoonevastprison—notofbodiesconfinedwithincells,butofmindsnolongerabletothinkforthemselves.TheparadisetheArchonsofferwillinfactturnouttobetheindescribablehellofavicioustotalitarianismworsethananythingthisworldhasyetseen—dictatedbyalienintelligenceswhointendtouseusfortheirowninsidiouspurposes.”

Leightonhadshakenhimselfoutofhisparalysisandjumpedtohisfeet.HerantothepodiumandtriedtopullthemicrophoneawayfromViktor.FightingoffLeighton,withalasteffortViktorshoutedintothemike,“CloseyourmindstotheArchons’influence.Fightback.Don’tletthemimposetheirwill.”AtthatpointasecurityguardgrabbedViktor,torethemikefromhishands,andthrewhimontotheplatformfloor.

TheunleashingoftheArchons’furycameatthatmomentandwithaviolencethatsweptallrationalthoughtbeforeit.ThestillnesswasbrokenbyacryofragefromthethroatofDelSasso,horriblyreminiscentofhisreactionwhenKenhadshuthimdowninthelaboratory.Yes,CarlawasnowcertainthatKenhadindeedshuthimdown.Ken’slastwordscamevividlybeforeher:ThewrathoftheLamb—thejudgmentofGod!Yes,sheadmittedatlast,JesusisGod.HeisallViktorhasattributedtotheCreatoroftheuniverse,andhere,inthisbuildingHeisnolongerrestrainingthemurderouseviltheArchonsrepresent.ThosewhobelievedthemarereapingthefruitofrebellionagainstthetrueGod.

Thefloorbegantobuckle,thenitsuddenlyopenedbeneaththemediarepresentatives,swallowingthemenmasse.Seatswererippedupfromthefloorandflewthroughtheair.Theaudiencewasthrownaboutlikesomuchflotsamonastormysea.Theentireauditoriumwasinastateofmassiveupheaval.Hugechunksoftheroofcavedin,crushingscoresofdelegatestodeath.Andmosthorribleofall,thelaminatedwoodbeamsthatsupportedtheceilingsplinteredoffintolongspears.Theyflewthroughtheairlikeguidedmissilesandimpaledthosewhostillremainedaliveandweremadlyscramblingoverbodiesanddebrisinanattempttogettotheexits.

Thosedelegateswhomanagedtoreachtheexitswithoutbeingspeared,climbingoverpilesofbodiesandwreckageintheprocess,foundthedoorslockedandtheirexitfromtheholocaustdenied.Poundingwiththeirfistshelplesslyonthedoorsandwalls,somediedofhysteria,whiletheremainderwerecrushedundertherainofdebrisfromthecollapsingroofthatseemedtobeaimedatthosebelowbysomeall-seeingintelligencethatwasdirectingthedestruction.Clearly,nosurvivorsweregoingtobeallowedtoescapetotellthehorribletruthofwhatactuallyhappened.

Leighton,inthelastspasmofablasteddream,cursedtheArchonsandburstsuddenlyintoflames.HisscreamwasquicklyswallowedupintheintenseheatandhisbodyseemedtomeltandturntoashesbeforeCarla’shorrifiedgaze.Thenshesawotherexamplesofspontaneoushumancombustiontakingplaceamongthefewwhostillremainedalive.The

flamesbeganleapingfromtheirbodiestoconsumeotherswhowerealreadydead.MikeBradford,headofsecurity,washitinthemiddleofthebackbyaheavypieceoftheceilingthatknockedhimtothefloor.Hestruggledupononeelbow,pulledhisrevolverfrominsidehiscoatandinaragefiredseveralslugsintoLeighton’sdisintegratingbody.ThenheturnedituponDelSasso,whowassittingentrancedinhischairinyogaposition,butthegunwastornfromhishandandaheavybeamcamecrashingdownandcrushedhisskull.Hisassistantleapedfromtheplatform,onlytovanishbeforehelandedontheauditoriumfloorbelow.

Viktor,whohadbeentoostunnedtomovefromwherehelay,wasslowlyregainingconsciousness.Hestruggledtohisfeetandbegantostaggerdesperatelytowardtherearoftheplatform.Hehadonlytakentwostepswhenahugesectionoftheoverheadstagelightingcrasheddownuponhimandpinnedhimtothefloor.Helaymotionless.Carla,miraculouslyuntouched,wascertainthathewasdead.Shehadalreadystartedtoruntowardthebackstageexitwhereshehadentered,whensheheardhernamebeingcalled.

Turningaround,shesawthatViktorhadregainedconsciousnessonceagainandwasstrugglingtogetfreeoftheweightthatheldhimdown.Hiseyeswerepleadingwithher.Togotohimwouldbealmostcertainsuicide,butshecouldnotabandonhim.Shemadeherwaybackasquicklyasshecouldoverthedebris.

“LordJesus,helpmegettohim—helpme!”Itwasthefirstprayershehadutteredinover20years.

[39]AGreaterPower

Kenhadbeengrowinguneasyastheafternoonprogressed.Itwasnowafter5o’clock.Whatwashappeningoutthere?Wasitenoughjusttopray,orwastheresomethinghehadtodoaswell?Decisivelyherosefromhiskneesandannouncedtotherest,“I’vegottoleave.IjustknowI’msupposedtogetouttotheinstallationassoonaspossible.Idon’tknowwhatImaybegettingintoorwhytheLordisdirectingmetodothis,sopleaseprayforme!Youknowtheguardshavemypictureandinstructionsnottoletmein.”

DonJordanwalkedoutsidewithhim.“You’renotevengoingtogetoffthemainhighway,”hetoldKen.“They’llhavethataccessroadblockedoffforsure.You’llnevergetthrough.I’mgoingtogetonmyradioandcontacttheheadofthelocalhighwaypatrol,givehimadescriptionofyourcar,andaskhimtoletyouthrough.Thatwillgetyouontotheroad.Whatyoudoatthegateissomethingelse.Ican’thelpyouthere.We’lljustkeeppraying.”

“I’lltrusttheLordforthat,”saidKenashehurriedtohisJeep.“He’llmakeawaysomehow!Thanksalot!”

Sureenough,aCaliforniahighwaypatrolvehicleandthreelocalpolicecarswereattheentrancetotheaccessroadandapolicebarricadeacrossit.Kenpulledinandanofficerwavedhimtostop.Theofficerlookedathisdriver’slicense,grunted,andhandeditback.“Hey,movethatthingandletthiscarthrough,”heyelled,wavingattwoofficersstandingnearthebarricade.

Therewasanotherpolicecheckpointjustinsidethe“GovernmentProperty”sign,butwhenKenwavedhisdriver’slicenseattheofficersmanningit,theymotionedhimon.Thelastquarterofamiletotheinstallation,onesideoftheroadwascompletelytakenupwithparked

taxis,limos,andprivateautos,theirdriversstandingaroundtalkingandsmokingornoddingintheirvehicles.Nearingthegate,hesawthatitwassurroundedwithtelevisionfilmcrewsandothermediapersonnelwhohadn’tbeenallowedinside.Theywerewaitingtogetpicturesofthedignitariesandhopingforinterviews.Itwastotalcongestion.ForamomentKenhadamentalimageoftheopeningdayoftroutseasononasmallcreekinLosAngelesCounty.Youalmosthadtobringinyourownrocktostandon.

KendrovehisJeepslowlythroughthemillingmassandfinallyreachedthegate.Tohissurprisehefounditstandingwideopen.Ashewaseasinghisvehicleonthrough,aguardcamerunningoutofhisstation,yellingathimtostop.“Hey!Youcan’tgointhere.Therearen’tanyparkingplacesinside,”saidtheguard,cominguptohiswindow.“You’retwohourslate,anyway.LetmeseeyourIDandyourinvitation.”

“Idon’thaveaninvitation,”saidKen,“butI’vegottogetthrough!IwassentoutherebyDonJordanoftheFBI.”

“He’sgotnojurisdictioninhere.Say,aren’tyouKenInman?”Kennodded.“IthoughtIrecognizedyou!Okay,justbackthisthingupandgetonoutofhere.Youknowyou’renotallowedonthepremises.”

......ReachingViktor,Carlawasabletoliftthebeamenoughforhimto

slidefree.Shehelpedhimtohisfeetthengettinghershouldersunderanarm,shehalf-carriedandhalf-draggedhimtowardthebackstageexitthatledofftherearoftheplatformintotheinteriorcorridors.Theyreacheditsafelyamidthecontinuingrainofdebris.Bysomemiraclethedoorwasajar.Shetookonebriefbackwardlookatthechaos.DelSassowasstandingwithupliftedheadandhands—unscathed,untouchedbydeadlymissiles.Heappearedtobeinanattitudeofworship,asthoughhewereofferingtotheArchonstheimpaledandcrushedbodiesasalibation.Thenheturnedandsawher.Evenatthatdistance,shecouldseethesearinghatredinhiseyes.

Viktorwashalf-stunnedanddraggingabloodyandbatteredlegthatwasnearlyuseless.HeclungtoCarla,terror-stricken.Ifitwerenotforhishelplessness,shecouldhavebeenoutsidebynow.Buthowcouldshe

abandonhim?“WhathaveIdone?”Viktorkeptrepeating.“WhathaveIdone?I

thoughtwecouldfightthemifwealldidittogether.DidIcausethedeathsofallofthosepeople?”Heleanedagainstthewall,gaspingforbreath.“Someonehastoescapetotelltherestoftheworld.Yougoonwithoutme.It’senoughifonlyoneofusmakesit.Theworldmustbewarned!”

“We’renottheonlysurvivors,”saidCarla,tryingtopullhimgentlyalong.“DelSassoisalive!We’vegottogofaster,ifyoucan.”

“Ican’tmakeit—goonyourself.TellthemtheArchonsareevil.Tellwhatthey’vedone.They’vekilledeveryonesonoonewouldknowthetruth.”

“I’mnotleavingyou,Viktor,”shesaidfirmly.“We’regoingtomakeittogether.Comeon,youcandoit!Don’tgiveupnow!”

Slowlydescendingashortstairwayandpainfullystaggeringalongthenarrowhall,theyreacheditsjuncturewiththemaincorridorthatwentpastthecentrallabandontotheoffices.Astheycamearoundthecornerintothebroadhallway,theyweresuddenlyconfrontedbyColonelChernovblockingtheirpath.Itwasimpossible.Hewasdead.Shehadseenhishorribledemisewithherowneyes—buttherehewas,apparentlyintheflesh,atwistedgrindefacinghismouth,hisfaceamaskofevil.Revengewasclearlywritteninhismalevolenteyes.

Chernovseemednottonoticeher,sointentwasheuponViktor,whomheaddressedinRussian.Viktorrepliedinhaltingphrasesandseemedtobepleadingforhislife.

“It’snotChernov.”Carlayelledathim.“It’sanArchon!”Viktorstaredback,uncomprehendingly.“TellityoubelongtotheLordJesusChrist.UseHisName—believeinHim!Hewillsaveyou!”

Carlawasamazed.Hadthosewordsissuedfromhermouth?Thensherealizedtheywerecomingfromherheartaswell.“Ibelieve,”shecriedaloud.“IdobelievethatJesusdiedforme!”Nowshehadanewreasonforsurviving—notonlytowarntheworld,buttotellKen.Here,inthisextremity,attheveryapexofherlife,shehadyieldedherrebellioushearttotheOneshehadsolongrejected.

Viktorwasshakinghishead.“Christdemandssubmission,too.Iwon’t

doitIwanttobefree!”“Christgivesfreedom—fromyourself!”Shewaspleadingwithhim

now.“TherealdictatorisViktorKhorev!You’reaslavetoyourself,Viktor!Christwillsaveyou.Hediedforyou.”

“No!”saidViktor.HestaredatCarlaforonebriefmomentwithwideandglassyeyes.Tohersorrow,shesawtheunreasoning,frightenedlookofamanlostinawildernessanddespairingofeverfindinghiswayback.

Hetorehishandloosefromhergripandbeganbackingawayinterror.Chernov,histwistedsmilenowturnedintoasnarl,wasstalkinghimlikeatigerpreparingtospringonitsprey.

“Viktor!”sheyelled.“BelieveinJesus!Hewillprotectyou!”ButViktorseemeddeaftohervoicenow.

Inasuddenblurofmotion,Chernovspunaround.HisflyingfoothitViktorinthefacewithadeadlyforcethathurledhimagainstthewall.Eyesinstantlyglazingover,Viktor’slimpbodydroppedtothefloor.

NowChernovturnedhisevilintentionsinherdirection.“Helpme,LordJesus!”shemurmured,andChernovvanished.Sobbinguncontrollably,sheranalongthemaincorridor,pastthelabwhereshehadfirstseenDelSassodisplayhispowers,thenturnedleftpastLeighton’soffice,wherethenightmarehadbegunandwhereshehadspentsomanyhoursanddaysandnightsstrugglingwithherconflictsandfinallycommittingherself—tothis.

Assheburstintothelobbywithfreedomnowinsightshesawhim.Hewasstandinginfrontofthedoorinhislong,blackrobe,hoodthrownback,barringherescape.ThiswasnoArchon.ItwasDelSassohimselfintheflesh!

“What’sthehurry,Carla?”heaskedwithexaggeratedconcern.“Thepartyisn’tover,anditisn’tpolitetoskipoutlikethiswithoutthankingyourhost.”Heregardedherwithanexpressionofgreedyanticipation.

Carlahesitated.Shouldsherunbackdownthehallforthesideexit?No,hewouldcatchherbeforeshetookadozensteps.Hecouldmovelikeacat.

“Youdon’thaveyourKen-boyheretohelpyouthistime!”gloatedDelSasso.“You’reallmine!”Hestartedtowardher,andshebegantoback

towardthecorridor.“You’remad,Antonio,”shesaid.“Completelymad!Youwere

enjoyingthatholocaust!YoudidenjoyslicingChernovinhalf,didn’tyou?”

“Ilovethepower,”hesaidsimply.“Whynot?It’slikebeingGod.Icandoanything.You’llsee!”

......Withtheguard’swordsringinginhisears,Kenbegantopray.Lord,

pleasehelpme.I’mnotbackingoutofhere.IhavetogetthroughtoCarla!Suddenlyoverthemainbuildingappearedapulsatingglowofalternatinggreenandpurple.Thenhesawit—agiantUFOallaflamerisingrightoutoftheroofofthetheaterinthecenterofthemainbuilding.Therewasadeafeningroarandtheroofseemedtocollapse.Itwasobviouseventoatheistsandagnosticsthataholocaustofsupernaturalproportionswastakingplace.

“Isaidbackthisthingup!”theguardwassnarling,reachingforhisweapon.Thenheheardtheexplosionandturnedandsawittoo!Atthatmomentapervasiveandancientreptilianpresenceseemedtohavebeenloosedthroughtherupturedroof—apresencethatwasterrifyingbeyonddescription.

Foronebriefmomenttheguardstaredinstarkterror,thenheturnedandran.Kengunnedhisengineanddroveforward.Intherearviewmirrorhecouldseethethrongofmediapersonnelscatteringinpanicandheardtheirhorrifiedscreams.TheUFO,lookingmorelikeaballoffirenowthanaspacecraft,haddroppeddownandwasheadingdirectlyforthegateatacceleratingspeed,skimmingalongjustabovetheground.

“Helpme,LordJesus—thankYou!”Therewasn’ttimetosaymore.TheUFOwasuponhim.HegrippedthesteeringwheelandclosedhiseyesforonebriefmomentHiscarpassedrightthroughit“Thankyou,Lord!”Nowhecouldseethattherewasnoplacetopark.Thefewspaceswerefilledwithlimousinesandmilitaryvehicles.Hepulledupinfrontofthestonewallthatprotectedthefrontdoorandjumpedout.Theywouldbeinthetheater.Heranthehundredfeetalongthebuildingtohisrightandtriedbothdoors,buttheywerelocked.Thehandleswerealmosttoohotto

touch.Nosoundcamefromwithinexceptthestillnessofdeathandthecracklingoffire.Hesteppedbackadozenfeetandlookedup.Dense,blacksmoketingedwiththeredofleapingflameswasbillowingintothesky.Thetheaterwasengulfed,completelyablaze.

......Carlaturnedtorundownthecorridor,butDelSassoreachedout

quicklyandcaughtherlong,auburnhairinonehugefist.Shescreamed,scratched,kicked,buthewasfartoostrongforher.Shefeltherselfbeingdraggedbackintothelobby,wherehethrewherdowninthemiddleofthefloor.Shelaytherehalf-stunned.Standingoverher,DelSassowaspreparingtooffertotheArchonsamostacceptablesacrifice—anewChristian.

“LordJesus,helpme!”Carlacried.“Godhelpme—please!”“Jesusishelpingme!”intonedDelSasso.“HebelongstotheArchons

now.TheycrucifiedHim,andtheywantyouaswell.”Theybothheardthehandleturnandthenthefrontdoorswingrapidly

openandslamagainsttheoutsidewall.Kenrushedinside,headingforthecorridor.Thenhesawthemandstoppedinsurprise.DelSassowhirledtofacehim.

“YousaidyoushutmedownandthatIwasafraidofyou.AndIsaidIwouldkillyouifyouevershowedyourhatefulfaceinhereagain!Nowwewillsee.”DelSassograbbedaheavyceramiclampfromatable,rippeditfromthewall,toreofftheshadeandgrippeditbythenarrowtoptouseasaweapon.Warily,headvancedonKen.

“Let’sgo,Carla,”saidKenfirmly.“We’releaving.Headforthedoor.Now.”

“LookoutKen!He’s—”ShestruggledtoherfeetandbegantocirclewidelyaroundDelSassotowardthedoor.

“Whydoyouneedaweaponlikethat?”askedKencalmly.“Whatabout‘psychicpowers’?Whynotusethem?Youknowtheywon’tworkonarealChristian,don’tyou,youdemonsofdestruction!”

DelSasso’smouthmoved,butnosoundcameoutHehesitated,eyeingKenmurderously.Carlahadreachedthedoor,pusheditopen,andhelditasshewatchedinfrightenedfascination.Kenbegantoretreatslowly

towardtheopendoor,nevertakinghiseyesfromDelSasso,whowasfollowing,brandishingthelampuncertainly.

“I’mnottalkingtoyou,Antonio.You’rejustashell,”saidKeninanevenvoice.“I’mtalkingtothedemonswhopossessyou.Whoeveryouare,howevermanyofyouthereare,intheNameofJesusChristandthroughthebloodofHiscross--we’releaving.Youcanhavethisbuilding!”

KenhadreachedthedoornowandmotionedforCarlatoleave.“GettotheJeep!”hewhispered.Sheturnedandran.Kensteppedquicklyoutside,stillkeepinghiseyeonthepsychic.DelSassoletoutaroarofrageandthrewthelampjustasKenslammedthedoorshut.HeheardthelampsmashharmlesslyontheinsideofthedoorasheturnedandhurriedtojoinCarla.ShewasleaningupagainsttheJeep,sobbing.Thedoortothelobbyhadnotopened.

“Hewon’tfollowus,”saidKen.“PraiseGod,you’resafe!”Shefellintohisarms.Heheldhertightassheshookwithsobs.“You

can’tbelievewhathappenedinthere!”shemanagedtosay.Andthenthewholeworldstartedtospinandeverythingwentblack.

Hecarriedherintothecar,thenclimbedinbehindthewheelandstartedtheengine.Inthedistanceheheardthesoundofsirensapproachingrapidlyalongtheaccessroad.Filmcrewswererushingthroughthegate,settingupcameras.Reportersweretalkingintorecorders.Kendroveslowlyaroundthecircledriveandthroughthegatheringcrowd.Lookingback,hecouldseethatthefire,drivenbyastiffbreeze,hadspreadfromthetheaterandnowengulfedalmosttheentirestructure.Thefour-starredflagwasflappingproudlyabovethefenderofthegeneral’scar.

[40]TheArchonLegacy

CarlarecoveredconsciousnessaboutaquarterofamileawayfromtheinstallationwhenKenpulledovertoletthefirstfireengine—withsirenwailingatear-splittingamplitude—roarpast.Sheopenedhereyes,lookedaroundinterrorforamoment,thenrealizedthattheyweresafeandonthewayhome.Hehadtopulloverandstoptoletanotherfireenginegoby,andCarlatookholdofhisarm.Heturnedandtheireyesmet.Shewascryingagain,butnowshewassmilingthroughthetears.

“Lookatme,Ken,”shesaidbetweensobs.“Somethinghappenedtome—somethingwonderful.Canyoutell?”

“Areyoutellingme...?”Shenodded,andhereyestoldhimwhatshecouldn’tfindthewordsto

say.Heputhisarmsaroundherandheldhertightbothofthemsobbingnow—tearsofjoy.ThankGod!Oh,Carla—thankGod!”

......FiremenfoundAntonioDelSassofacedown,unconsciousfromsmoke

inhalation,inthemaincorridorjustoutsidethenarrowpassagethatledtothebackstagedoor.Theyspeculatedthathehadbeenfelledbythepowerfulexplosioninthetheaterearlier,hadcometo,andhadbeenabletomakehiswayonlythatfarbeforebeingovercomebythesmoke.Otherwisetherewasnoexplanationwhy,ifhehadescapedinjuryinthetheater,itwouldhavetakenhimsolongtogosuchashortdistance,orwhyhehadn’tgottenoutsafelyalongthesameescaperouteasCarlaBertelli,theonlyothersurvivor.

KencalledtheElliottsthemomenthehadgottenCarlasafelytohishouse.Therewasmingledjoyandsorrowatthenewsheconveyed:joythatCarlahadnotonlysurvivedbuthadsurrenderedtoChristatlast,andsorrowforViktorandFrankandthemanyotherswhohadperished.As

firemenwouldlaterreport,theall-consumingholocausthadbeensofiercethatonlyasheshadremainedandlittlecouldbelearnedofitscausefromexaminingtheruins.Ofcourse,Viktor’sbody—notfivefeetfromDelSasso—hadbeenfoundaswell,theonlyonerecoveredofallthosewhohaddied.

“Wehavetobecareful,”HalElliotthadcautionedthegatheringasheannouncedthenews,“thatwedon’timaginethatourprayershavethepowertofrustratecompletelySatan’splansforthisworld.Ourprayersplayedaparttodaybecauseit’sclearlynotyetGod’stimetoallowtheAntichristtosetuphiscounterfeitkingdom.Andwemustalwaysrememberthatit’snothowloudlyorhowlongwepraythatcounts.Wearenotheardforour‘muchspeaking,’asJesussaid.WhatmattersisthefaithGodgivesus,andtheholinessofourlives.‘Theeffectualferventprayerofarighteousmanavailethmuch,’accordingtoJames5:16.Godwon’tuseuncleanvesselsforHiswork,nomatterhowoftenwecrytoHimandclaimHispromises.AndHeonlyanswersaccordingtoHisperfectwill,towhichwemustbeinobedientsubmissionorwewillnotbeheardatall.”

Tothe“Amens”andnoddedagreement,Haladdedanotherexhortation.“Insteadofrestingonwhatwemightimaginewasagreatvictory,weneedtospendstillmoretimewhilewe’rehereinlettingGodsearchourheartsandperhapsrevealthroughHisWordthesignificanceoftoday’sastonishingevents.Wheredoesthisfitin,ifatall,withBibleprophecy?Whatdoesitmeanforthefuture,andwhatarewetodoaboutit?Ithinkwe’reatacriticaljunctureinworldhistory,andwebelieversneedsomefreshinsightanddirectionfromGod’sWord.”

WhileheagreedwithHalandwaswillingtocontinuetoprayalongwiththeothers,DonJordanhadthesuddenconvictionthatanothertaskhadbeengiventohimatthatmoment.HecalledKenandtoldhimthathewascomingrightover—thatitwasurgent.

WhenJordanarrived,briefcaseinhand,Carlawaslyingonthesofainthelivingroom,pouringouttoKenthewholeunbelievabletale.“You’redoingtherightthing,”saidJordansympatheticallytoCarlawhenhejoinedthem.“You’vegottogetthisoffyourchest,shareitwithsomeonerightaway.That’swhyIwantedtobehere.”Hepulledataperecorderoutofhis

briefcase.There’sanotherandmaybeevenmoreimportantreason,also.Isuspectthatyourversionofthestoryisgoingtobeverycrucialinthefuture.YoumaybecertainthatDelSassowillhaveadifferenttaletotell,intotalconflictwithyours.”

“Idon’tknowhowfaryou’vegotten,”hesaid,asheputtherecordernearCarlaandturnediton,“butyou’llhavetostartover—withthismorning,firstofall.Takeusthroughtheentireday,anddon’tleaveoutanydetail.Thenwe’llgobacktowhenyoufirstmetViktorinParisandbringitforwardfromthere.Takeyourtime.Ihavenoofficialstatus,andprobablyneverwill.ThiswillbehandledbytheCIAtobeginwith—andthenafederalgrandjury,Iwouldimagine—orperhapsaSenatecommittee,dependingonwhichwaytheywanttogo.TomorrowIcouldn’tdothis,solet’sgetatitwhilewecan.”

......Itwasaftermidnightwhentheyfinishedatlast.Theprocesshadbeen

anexhaustingandhorriblytraumaticoneforCarla,butsheheldupwelltotheveryend.Thenshewentofftobed.KenandDontalkedawhilelonger.ThelatterwouldnotleavethehouseuntiltheyhadmadeacopyofeverytapeforKentoputinhissafedepositbox.Jordantooktheoriginalsforhisfiles,tobeproducediftheappropriatetimeevercame.Havingheardthestory,heknewthathehaddonetherightthing—andthathewouldnothesitatetotakethewitnessstand,evenifitmeanthisjob,whichhewasnowconvincedmightverywellbethecasesomeday.TherewerepeoplehighlyplacedinWashingtonwhowouldratherdiethanhavethetruthcomeout.Hewasnowsureofthat.

AnearlymorningphonecallfromJordanrelayedtheexpectednews.“Ken,we’vejustgottenorderstobringCarlainforquestioning.Itisn’tgoingtobeunderourjurisdiction.AsIsuspected,theCIAwillbeincharge,buttheywantustobringherin.Twoofmymenareonthewayovertherenow.Don’twakeupCarlauntiltheygetthere—butIwantedyoutoknow.Idon’tknowforsure,butIgettheimpressionthatDelSassohasalreadysaidsomethingsthatmayimplicateCarla.”

“Implicateher?”respondedKen.“Inwhat?”“Inthecauseofthedestruction.”

“That’sinsane!”Kenfelthimselflosingcontrol.“Getholdofyourself,Ken.Andmakenostatementstothetwoagents

whentheycome.Justkeepcool.That’swhyIcalledyou.Okay?Prayaboutit,brother,andlettheLordtakeover.You’vegottowalkintheSpiritnowifyoueverdid—notintheflesh!Andnotaword,ofcourse,abouttherecordingwemadelastnight,oraboutthisphonecall.”

ItwaslateafternoonwhenCarlawasfinallybroughtbacktothehousebythesametwoagents—bothofwhomhadpreviouslybeenondutyattheHilton.Shelookedexhausted—andstunned--whenKenopenedthedoortoletherin.“Remember,you’renotunderarrestyet,”oneoftheagentswassaying,“butyoushouldn’tleavetownwithoutcheckingwithusfirst.”Kenopenedhismouth,thenbithislipandtookCarlabythearmandledherinside.Sheputherarmsaroundhisneckandclungtohim,tryingtoholdbackthetears.

Heheldheruntilshehadstoppedshaking,thentheywalkedtothekitchen,hisarmaroundher.Heputsomewaterontoboilandtheysatdownatthetable.Carlawipedhereyes.“Ididn’tletthemseemelikethis,Icanassureyou,”shesaid.“Iwasstrongdownthere.Butit’ssounbelievable.”

“Tellmeaboutit.”“Ican’t—theywon’tletme.”“Whatdoyoumean?”“I’munderacourt-imposedorderofsilence—can’tdiscussthiswhole

thing,frombeginningtoend,withanyone,notevenwithyou.”Ken’sthoughtswereracing.Jordanhadn’tjustbeenguessing.What

wasgoingtohappen?Thiswasincredible.Hewouldfightwitheveryounceofhisstrength.Theywouldn’tgetawaywiththis—whateveritwastheyweretryingtogetawaywiththatCarlacouldn’ttellhimabout.Theshrillsoundofthekettlebroughthimbacktothepresent

Whenhehadbroughtthecupsandteapotbacktothetable,hesaid,“Youcanatleasttellmehowitwent,andwhyyou’resoupset.”

“Ken,I’mnotsupposedtosayanything.”HerememberedwhatJordanhadsaid.“Aretheyblamingyouinsome

way?”heasked.“Don’tsayanything—justnodyesorno.”

Shenoddedslowly.“Butthere’snowaytheycanmakethatliework!”heexclaimedangrily.

“Maybetheycan.There’ssomethingIoverlooked,Ken.Wealloverlookedit—evenJordan.”

......TheUnitedStatesgovernmenthadimmediatelysetupanarmedpatrol

tokeepthecuriousfromenteringanypartoftheproperty,includingtheaccessroad.Ablanketofcompletesecrecyhadbeenpulledovertheentireaffair.Thefactthattherehadbeenahugeexplosionandfirewiththelossofnearly300lives,manyofthemwell-knowninternationalleadersandtopmediapersonalities,couldnot,ofcourse,bekeptquiet.NewsreportsandgraphicfilmfootageofleadersarrivingfortheCongress,thethrongofjournalistsoutsidethegate,thenthefire,wereflashedaroundtheworldinamatterofminutes.Beyondthat,however,themediawaslefttospeculateonitsown.Othergovernments,ofcourse,whoserepresentativeshadperishedinthedisaster,weredemandinganswers.Eachreceivedthestandardresponsethatnocommentwasyetavailableandthatafullinquirymighttakemonths.

NointerviewsofeitherBertelliorDelSassowereallowedtothemedia.Itwasrumored,however,from“reliablesources”thattheirtestimonywasinseriousconflictandthatthereweremajorholesinBertelli’sstory.Itwaseasyenoughtospeculate,andalotofthatwasdoneopenlyinthepressinthedaysthatfollowedthedisaster.Therealmostseemedtobearesentmentbysomeofherformercolleaguesthatshealone—incontrasttothe30othermediapersonsinsideatthetimeofthedisaster,eachofwhomshehadpersonallyinvited—hadsurvived.Why?Somethingdidn’taddup.Foronething,DelSassohadbeenfoundunconsciousnotfarfromthetheater,whileBertelli,ontheotherhand,hadmadeitoutwithoutevenabruise.Howcouldshehavebeeninthetheateratthetimeofthehugeexplosionthathadbeenwitnessedbythemediapersonnelclusteredaroundthegateatthetime,andbythetwoguards?Whywasshetheonlysurvivor,andhowcouldshehaveescapedunscathed?Sotherumorsflew,andwhentherearenofactstogoby,rumorfeedsuponitself.

Afteraweekinthehospitalundercloseguard,DelSassoseemedtobecompletelyrecovered.The“source”leakedenoughtoknowthatDelSassocouldremembereverythinguptothetimeoftheexplosion,butnothingthereafter,whichwas,afterall,whatonewouldexpect,giventheforceofthatblast.YetBertelliknewallthedetails,beforeandafter—andsomeofthemwereabsolutelyunbelievable.Science-fictionwriterswouldhesitatetopaintthescenarioshehadcomeupwith,soitwasrumored.

AsforthegiantUFO,noonehadgottenapicture,andthereportswereextremelyconflicting.Somesaidithadn’tbeenaUFOatall,butahugeballoffirepropelledbytheexplosion,andthatitjustseemedtolooklikeaUFO.OtherssworetheyhadbeenabletomakeoutthemetalbodyandthewindowsandtheclassicStarWarsshape.OnlyonewitnesssaidhehadseenKen’sJeepdriverightthroughit,butobviouslythatcouldn’thavehappened—ithadtohavepassedjustoverhim.

Inthefinalanalysis,theUFOtheoryfellundertheweightoftheunbelievablescenariothatwouldhavetobeacceptedifitweretrue.Foronething,thewitnesses—morethan100ofthem--were

nearlyunanimousthattheobjecthadcomeoutofthedomedroofofthetheaterontherightsideofthemainstructure.Sincetherewasnowayaspacecraftofsuchhugeproportionscouldhavegotteninsidethebuilding,itwasobviousthatonedidn’texitthebuildingeither.SotheobjecthadtobenotagiantUFOringedwithflames,butahugeballoffirethatbysomefreakofnature—relatedpossiblytothekindofexplosionorthewindcurrentsatthetime—hadbeenpropelledinahorizontalvectorandhaddissipatedinthetreesjustbeyondthegate.Thatseveraltreetopswerebadlyscorchedinalinearpatternleadingawayfromthetheaterseemedtoconfirmthislineofreasoning.

......KenandCarlarefusedtoallowgovernmentprohibitionstodictate

theirpersonallives,especiallywhenitcametothatwhichmatteredsomuchtobothofthem.TheweddingthathadbeencancelledmorethantwoyearsbeforebecauseofKen’sconversiontoChristbecamearealityatlonglastbecauseofCarla’sconversion.Therewas,ofcourse,awholedifferentlistofguestsnowthanhadbeenproposedoriginally.Everything

hadchanged.Carlafoundherselfinvolvedwithanewworldoffriends,mostofthemfromtheprayermeetingattheElliotts’andthechurchKenattendedandaweeklyBiblestudyinhishomethatheled.

“Asyourhusband,”Kenhadsaidwhenhe’dproposedforthis,thesecondtime,“I’llbeabletosharesecretsyoucan’ttellmeotherwise,sowecanfightthisthingtogether.”

Carlahadlaughed.“Areyoutryingtojustifythisgrandproposal?Somemenmarrywomenfortheirmoney--whichIdon’thave.Andothers—well,areyoumarryingmeforthesecretinformationI’mprivyto?”

Originally,theyhadhopedtohoneymooninHawaii,butthatwasoutofthequestionnowwiththeimposedprohibitionontravel.Itwouldhavebeenalocalresort,hadnotJordanintervenedontheirbehalf.Underhispressure,theCIArelentedandletthemtravelasfarasCarmel,amere50milestothesouthofPaloAlto,butinmanywaysnolessbeautifulorpopularwithnewlywedsthanMaui.

Duringthenextsixmonths,CarlawassummonedtoWashington,D.C.severaltimestotestifybeforeaclosedSenatehearing.Therewasmuchpressureinthemediatoliftthelidofsecrecy,butthegovernmentwouldnevergiveintosuchdemands.AnditsoonbecamecleartoCarlaandKen,whoalwaysaccompaniedher,andtothetwolawyersKenhadhired,thatCarlawasindeeptrouble—andwhy.

“You’restillstickingtoyourstory,”askedthechairmanoftheSenateinvestigatingcommitteeonCarla’sthirdappearancebeforethatbody,“thatitwasColonelChernov—amanwhohadbeendeadforseveralweeks--whokilledDr.Khorevinthecorridorasthetwoofyouweretryingtomakeyourescape?”Hepeeredatheroverhisglassesincredulously.

“AsI’vealreadyexplained,itwasn’tChernov.”ShewasfindingitincreasinglydifficulttoholdherIrishtemperundercontrol.Theyseemedtobedeliberatelyinsistingthatshehadsaidwhatshehadn’tandattemptingtodiscredithertestimonyineverywaytheycould,simplybecauseitdisagreedwiththatoftheirstarwitness,AntonioDelSasso.Herdemandtoconfronthimface-to-facewasrepeatedlydenied.

“Butyousaiditlookedexactlylikehim!”thechairmaninterruptedsharply.

“IexplainedthatitwasanArchonmasqueradingasChernov.”“AndDr.DelSassosaysthatthewhole‘Archonscenario’was

somethingthatViktorKhorevinvented,andthatyouwentalongwithit.Apparentlythetwoofyouhadthisagreementfromtheverybeginning.Wehave,ofcourse,yourpublishedarticlestoverifythis.Youdon’tdenythem?”

“OfcourseIdon’tdenythem.AndI’mtellingyouonceagainthatDelSassoislying.HepresentedhimselfastheArchons’ambassador-at-largetotheworldandstatedonmanyoccasions,includingatthegatheringunderinvestigation,thatthepsychicpowershemanifestedcameentirelyfromtheArchons.”

“Andyouexpectthiscommitteetobelievefantasiesabouthighlyevolvedextraterrestrialswithoutbodies—spiritbeingsthatyounowcalldemons—whogoaroundmasqueradingasdeadRussianofficers?”

“Idon’thaveanycontroloverwhatthecommitteebelieves.IonlyknowthatI’mtellingyouthetruth,whetheryoubelieveitornot!”

“Andyoustillsticktoyourstory,”putinanothersenator,“thatyouencounteredDr.DelSassointhelobbyaftertheexplosion—inspiteofthefactthatfiremenfoundhimlyingunconsciousjustoutsidethetheater,farinsidethebuilding?”

“Iam—andmyhusband,KenInman,hascorroboratedthatfact.”“Yes,wehavehistestimony,anditdoes,indeed,agreewithyours—as

wouldbeexpected.”AtthatpointKenjumpedtohisfeettoobjectonlytobepulleddown

byhistwolawyers.“ItookCarlaoutinmyYukon.Therearewitnesseswhosawuscomeoutofthelobbytogether!”hewhisperedtotheattorneys.“AndthatprovesnothingaboutDelSassobeinginthelobby!”wasthesternresponse,witharemindertokeepcoolandletthemhandleit.Afterall,thatwaswhathehadhiredthemfor.

“Weareurgingyoutotellthetruth,Mrs.Inman,”thechairmansaidagain.“Youhavenothadacriminalrecorduptothistime,andIwanttoappealtoyouonthebasisoftheloyaltyyouonceseemedtohavetowardyourcountry.Worldleadersdiedinthatholocaustplacingthestabilityofourrelationshipwithothernationsatjeopardy.Icannotofferyou

clemency—thatwouldbeforajudgetodecide—butIcanofferyouthesatisfactionofknowingthatyoucanatleastinsomedegreeredeemyourselffromthisunspeakablecrimebytellingthetruthnow.”

“Ihavetoldthetruth,”wasallCarlacouldsay.Sheseemedtohavelosttouchwithreality.Thiscouldn’tpossiblybehappening!

“Youknowthatitmakesnosenseatall,”persistedthechairman,“thatDr.DelSassowouldbeinthelobbyastepfromsafety,andthengobackintoalmostcertaindeath.Infactifthefiremenhadnotfoundhimjustintime,hewouldhavebeendead.Whywouldhegoback?Hewouldhaveknownthateveryoneelsewasdead.Andhavingcomethatfarinhisefforttoescape,hecertainlywouldn’treenteraburningbuildingfornoreason.”

“Maybehewasashamedofwhathe’ddoneandwantedtodie,”respondedCarla.“Idon’tknow.You’llhavetoaskhimwhyhewentback.Butsincehe’sobviouslylying,therereallyisn’tmuchpointinaskinghimanything.AndIstillwantaface-to-faceconfrontationwithhimbeforethiscommittee.”

Thatwasawishthatwouldneverbegranted,inspiteoftheargumentsKen’slawyersablypresentedandsomebehind-thescenespressurefromJordanatconsiderablerisktohimself.

......Sothehearingsdraggedonmonthaftermonthinverydisappointing

fashion,inspiteoftheprayersofthegroupthatmetattheElliotts’housethatthetruthwouldcomeouttowarntheworld.Dr.Elliott’sremindertotheprayergroupthatthereweretrialsoffaithandthatGod’swillwasalwaysbestandthatHewasincontrolinspiteofappearancestothecontrary,wereagreatcomforttoKenandCarlaandtoeveryoneintheprayergroup.TheyhadconfidenceinthegoodnessofGod,thattheywereinHishands,andthatinHistimethetruthwouldindeedcomeout,thoughthatseemedanimpossibledream.

Itwas,afterall,Carla’swordagainstDelSasso’s.Theoldsaying,“Truthisstrangerthanfiction,”certainlyprovedtobeaccurateonceagain.Inthiscase,thetruthwastoostrangefortheSenateinvestigatingcommitteetobelieve.Itwasn’tthatanyofthemwerenecessarilyconspiringwiththosecertainpersonshighupinWashingtonwhoknewthe

truthandwanteditsuppressed.ItwassimplythatCarla’sstoryseemedbeyondcredibility.Withoutanintimateknowledgeofthefacts,itcouldn’tbeotherwise.

Inthemeantime,DelSasso’sentireapproachhadbeenrevised.HenolongermentionedtheArchons,sincetheywerebeingtotallydiscountedintheSenatehearing.Insteadofhighlyevolvedspiritentitiesexternaltomankind,hespokeofJungianarchetypesthatcouldbecontactedthrougharevivalofancientshamanistictechniques—andinsistedthatthishadbeenhisthesisallalong.Bythismeans,hesuggested,onecouldtapintotheinfinitepowersofthemindthatlayunusedintheunconscious,butthatcouldbeawakenedanddeveloped.HeformedacompanycalledShamansUnlimitedtoofferinstructioninsuchtechniquesandbecameveryquicklythemostpopularguruonthehumanpotential/positivementalattitude/successmotivationcircuit.Therewere,ofcourse,manyothersbringingthismessagetobusinessandpoliticalleaders,toeducatorsandpsychologists,butDelSassohadanexclusiveonthepsychicpowerswithwhichtobaithishook.Hedid,however,tonedownthosepowersconsiderablyinhisdemonstrationsundertherationalethathedidn’twanttogetanyone’sexpectationstoohigh,atleastinthebeginning.

“Itisironic,”Kentoldtheprayergroup,“thatwhatseemedatfirsttobeadisasterfortheArchonshasturnedouttobeagreatleapforward.It’salmostasthoughtheyplanneditthisway.WhereDelSassowasonceknowntoaneliteupperechelonofleaders,he’snowknowntotheentireworld.Thankstothenewsmedia,whichhastreatedhimasahero,hisnameisoneveryone’slips.Overnighthe’sbecomeaninternationalcelebrity.

“AsforthePlan,nothinghasreallychangedthatmuch.Itdoesn’tmatterwhetheryoucallthem‘Archons’or‘archetypes’fromthecollectiveunconscious.They’restilldemons,andDelSassoisstilltheirnumber-oneman.Theendresultwillbethesame:thedemonizationofcountlessmillionsinpreparationfortheAntichrist.Now,however,DelSassoisusingamoreeffectivemeansoftakingthedelusionofgodhoodandinfinitepotentialtothemasses.”

“That’sright,”Halhadagreed.“Prophecywillbefulfilled.Satan’s

‘Archonplan’hasnotbeenshutdown—ithasonlychangedform.Andyoucancountonit.Thepublic’sappetiteandgullibilityforthecounterfeitsupernaturalhasn’tbeenshutdowneither—it’sgrowing.We’rejustseeingacleveradjustmentintheprogramforsettingtheworldupforthegreatdelusion.We’renotgoingtostopthat.Wewon’tsavetheworld,nomatterhowmuchprayingandpreachingwedo.Thekeyisthechurch.Ifitwillawakentowhat’shappeningandproclaimthetruegospel,thenmaybeamultitudeofthesedeceivedsoulscanbesavedbeforeifstoolate.Carla’sanexample.Sheseemedhopelesslyentangled,but—thankGod!”Hal’ssmilesaidtherest.

......Itwasnearlyeightmonthsafterthefactwhenthecommitteefinally

reacheditsverdict.ThefindingswereacceptedbyCongressandtheWhiteHouseandcommunicatedtothemanynationswhohadlostleadersintheholocaust.KenandCarlawerecalledbacktoWashingtontobepresentwhenthepublicannouncementwasmade.“Arewegoingtobearrested?”theyaskedtheirattorneysduringtheflight.

“Notfromtheinformationwe’vereceived,”theywereassured,“butyou’regoingtobeveryunhappywiththefindings.”

Indeedtheywereunhappywhentheymetwiththecommitteeandlearneditsverdict.Theywerenotallowedtoreply—allargumentshavingended—butwererequiredtolistensilentlyasthelistofchargesagainstthemwasread.Theywerethentoldthatduetolackofevidence,thechargeswerebeingdropped,butthattheinvestigationwasnotover.Thentheywentoutsidetomingleinthecrowdandlistentothepublicannouncement

ItwasacoldandblusteryFebruaryday,withleadenskiesthreateningtodumpconsiderablesnowonthenation’scapital.Nevertheless,theannouncementwasmadefromtheSenatesteps.Publicclamorforthefactshadprecludedrevealingtheverdictatanordinarynewsconference.Thepublicdemandedtobepresent,andthousandshadgatheredinthechillwind,someofthemtowaitseveralhoursforthelong-expectedpronouncementThepresidentoftheUnitedStateswasmeetingwithhisCabinetatCampDavid,sothevicepresident,asleaderoftheSenate,read

thepreparedremarksinhisplace.Theywerebrief.“Thefull,writtenreportwillbeavailabletoanyonewhowishestogo

insideafterthisstatementandpickitupattheinformationcounter,”heannouncedintothemicrophonethatcarriedhisvoiceoverloudspeakerstothevastthrong.“Inbrief,theconclusionthecommitteehasreachedisthis:Thedeathsof289personsandthedestructionofthepsychicresearchfacilitynearPaloAlto,California,lastJune14wereduetoanexplosivedeviceplantedbyViktorKhorevwhohadonlyrecentlypretendedtodefecttotheWest.Hewasnothowever—andwewantthistobeveryclear—actingasanagentoftheRussiangovernment,butaspartofaplanengineeredbyacertainColonelAlexeiChernovwithouttheknowledgeofhissuperiorsinMoscow.WhentheirfirstattempttodestroythepsychicresearchfacilityfailedandChernovwaskilledthroughtheheroiceffortsofDr.AntonioDelSasso,Khorev—actingwithotherpersonsunknown—accomplishedthatgoalwithapowerfulexplosivedevice.WehavetheassuranceoftheRussianpresidenthimselfthatKhorevandChernovandcertainotherrogueagentswereactingontheirownandwithoutthesanctionsorbackingoftheirgovernment.Intensiveinvestigationwiththehelpofouralliesoverseashasverifiedthetruthofthatdeclaration.

“Well-knownjournalistCarlaBertelli,nowCarlaInman,hasalsobeenimplicated.ItwasshewhohelpedKhorevandChernovstagewhatwenowknowwasafakeescapeinParisaspartofKhorev’sphonydefection.ShewasaclosefriendofKhorevduringthetimetheyweretogetheratthefacility,andapparentlyjoinedhimintheconspiracytodestroyit.ShepublishedarticlespresentingKhorev’sfakethesisaboutmythicalbeingswithoutbodies,calledArchons,touseasacoverfortheirplotandeventriedtoconvincetheSenateinvestigatingcommitteethatthe‘Archons’weretheonesresponsibleforthedestruction.Bertelliescapedwithoutsomuchasascratch,somethingevenKhorevfailedtodo,soitisatleastpresumptivethatsheknewwhentheexplosionwouldtakeplaceandleftthetheaterintimetoavoidit.

“Reluctantly,theSenateinvestigatingcommitteehasdecidednottoindictMrs.Inmanandherhusbandatthepresenttime,forlackofevidence.Theinvestigationwillcontinue,however,andifatsomefuture

timethatevidenceiseverputtogether,thentheywillbearrestedandprosecutedfortheirpartinthisdiabolicalscheme.Inthemeantime,theyarefree.

“Iknowthatthemediarepresentativesheretodayhavemanyquestions,butthisisnotthetimeorplaceforaskingandansweringthem.ThepresidentismeetingatthisverymomentwiththeCabinettodiscussthisvitalmatterandhowitaffectsourrelationshipswithothernations,manyofwhomlostsomeoftheirtopleaders.Hewillholdapressconferencenextweek,andatthattimehewillansweryourquestions.”

KenandCarla’sattentionwasdistractedmomentarilyfromthevicepresident’sdroningvoicewhenareporterfromTheWashingtonPostwhohadknownCarlaforyearswormedhiswaythroughthecrowdtoreachthemandstartedaskingquestions.

“Iwasreallyshockedbywhatwejustheard,”hesaidtoCarla.“Andverysorry.Ifinditunbelievable.Doyouhaveanycomments?”

“WecantalknowthatthegagorderhasbeenremovedandI’vebeenfalselyaccusedpublicly—andwewill.Infactwe’lldomorethanthat,”saidCarla.“Iintendnotonlytodefendmyselffromtheslanderousaccusationsyou’vejustheard,buttoclearthegoodnameofViktorKhorevaswell.MyhusbandandIwillnotgiveupuntilthetruthhasbeentold.Youcancountonthat!”

Thevicepresidentwasjustconcluding,andwhathewassayingcaughttheirattentiononceagain.“Onemorething,ladiesandgentlemen.Dr.AntonioDelSasso,theonlysurvivoroftheblastandtheonewhoheroicallyriskedhislifeinattemptingtocarryDr.Khorevtosafety,isherewithus.ThepresidentwillbeawardinghimamedalinaspecialceremonyattheWhiteHouselaterthisafternoon.Iwanthimtostandherebesidemewhereyoucanallseehim.Ladiesandgentlemen,pleaseshowyourappreciationtothismanforhiseffortstobringprosperityandbrotherhoodtothisplanet.”

Thecrowdwentwild.Nowgarbedinaturtlenecksweaterandtweedsportcoat,DelSassoinclinedhisheadslightlyandsmiled.Yes,thePlanwouldgoforward.Thefewlivesthathadbeensacrificedwereonlythebeginning.ItwasallpartofthePlan,allnecessarytokeepitmoving.

Nothingcouldstopitnow.Ofthathewascertain.

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LESTWEFORGET:ADocumentaryofAnti-SemitismPastandPresentThisfilmdocumentsaconcertedcampaigntode-humanizetheJewishpeopleandde-legitimizethenationofIsrael.Asviewerswillseeinthisexclusivefootage,today’sArab-sponsoredstate-runpropagandaisalarminglysimilartothatofNaziGermanyduringWorldWarII,andpresentsaclearandpresentdangertoJewishpeoplearoundtheworldtoday.74minutes.

OBSTACLETOCOMFORT:TheFaithMinistryofGeorgeMüllerGeorgeMüllerofBristolbecamealegendinhisowngeneration.Hewasthebuilderofschools,asupporterofmissions,andafathertosome10,000orphans.Theamazingissueofhislifedoesnotlieinwhathedidbutinhowheaccomplishedit:byfaith—refusingtotellanyoneofhisneeds,mentioningthemonlytoGodinprivate,onhisknees.74minutes.

AWOMANRIDESTHEBEAST:TheRomanCatholicChurchandtheLastDaysMost“endtimes”discussionsfocusonthecomingAntichrist,butheisonlyhalfthe

story.InRevelation17,thereisanothermysteriouscharacterattheheartofprophecy—awomanwhoridesthebeast.Traditionsaysthis“mystery”womanisconnectedwiththechurchofRome—butisn’tsuchaviewoutdated?RemarkablecluesinScriptureremovealldoubt.60minutes.

THESECRETSEDUCTION:ExposingOprah’s“NewSpirituality”intheLightofScriptureViewersofthiscriticalexaminationofTheSecretwillbetruthfullyenlightenedasDaveandTomuseGod’sWordtonotonlyexposetheoccultrootsofNewSpirituality,butidentifyitsconnectiontounbiblicalmovementswithinthecontemporaryevangelicalchurch.90minutes.

PSYCHOLOGYANDTHECHURCH:CriticalQuestions,CrucialAnswersWhilesupportingtheexhortationforbelieverstobearoneanother’sburdensthroughprayer,fellowship,andtheWordofGod,thisvolumesimultaneouslyexposes—inabiblicallyincisivemanner—underlyingconcernsthathaveplaguedtheevangelicalcommunityasaresultofembracingwhatistantamounttoacounterfeitreligiouspracticewovenintothefabricofcontemporaryChristianity.412-pagebookwith60-minuteDVD.

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