July, 1969
Somewhere Above Nebraska
Major Anthony Nelson relaxed in the rear "instructor" seat of the T-38 Talon, enjoying the view of the cornfields below. Major Roger Healey, in the front seat of the jet, was doing the driving. Even though Nelson knew his way around a jet better, Healey was a skillful pilot. Although he wouldn't admit it publicly, Nelson knew that Healey was a far better jet pilot than Nelson was a helicopter pilot. As one of the few Army pilots in NASA, Healey was regarded as one of the best helicopter pilots in or out of uniform. The two astronauts were flying back to Florida after testing new reconnaissance aircraft in Nevada.
"What was that!" Tony exclaimed after catching something on the radar.
Roger replied, "I dunno, but it is moving."
Tony radioed below, "Omaha control, this is NASA 23 requesting permission to investigate bogie moving fast through your airspace."
The response was immediate, "NASA 23, this is Omaha, we see it too. We are scrambling interceptors, but would welcome your well-trained eyes. Your orders are to observe only, and withdraw at the first sign of trouble."
Tony acknowledged the order, "Roger, Omaha." Then to his fellow pilot, "Roger, I think I'll take the stick now." Roger immediately relinquished control. There was no professional jealousy, Tony was on record as the aircraft commander. This was his baby now. Roger also knew if they were in a chopper, the roles would be reversed.
Tony pushed the jet manufactured for training pilots to its limits. Fortunately, the T-38 Talon was fast and very maneuverable. In very little time, Roger obtained a visual of the unidentified object.
"NASA 23 to Omaha," Roger radioed to control.
"This is Omaha Control, go 23," the ground controller responded.
"I have a visual on the object," Healey reported. Roger went in professional mode, not allowing his mind to try to comprehend what he was seeing, "It seems to be some sort of aerospace craft, heavier than air, one large cylinder with two cylindrical nacelles attached." Healy paused. "There is a saucer attached to the main cylinder. This thing is huge… at least 200 meters long."
There was a long pause from Omaha control. Then, "NASA 23, please confirm."
This time Tony got on the radio, "This is the A/C for NASA 23, confirming my co-pilot's observation." About then all hell started breaking loose. Warning lights and alarms started going off in the T-38. Somehow the main igniting flames in both engines of the plain failed
Tony immediately called the tower, "Omaha, this is NASA 23, I've got multiple blowouts. This is a Mayday. Starting to glide. Requesting permission to eject."
"Eject NASA, Eject!" The officer of the day at the control tower ordered.
"Damn, Roger, My ejection system is fouled." Tony told his friend.
"Well, I'm not leaving without you! Char broiled astronaut is not on the menu!" Roger replied. Roger knew the rocket on his ejection seat would incinerate the back seat. That's why in tandem seat fighters, the back seat goes first.
While the plane was plummeting to Earth, Tony knew what he needed to do. The price would be high, but it far was better than the alternative.
Tony started to shout "Jea…….."
Before he could finish, Tony found himself in a room. Roger was beside him. In front him was a man at a console wearing coveralls. Beside the console was another man wearing what looked like black and gold pajamas with motorcycle boots.
"Who are you supposed to be?" Tony asked, "The Gold Jin?"
The man looked puzzled, and then in a great deal of self-importance announced, "I am Captain James Kirk, welcome about the United Star Ship Enterprise."
Kirk was puzzled. Not only were these 20th century men nonplussed by being aboard a space ship from more than 200 years in the future, they seemed downright annoyed.
Roger was the first to address Kirk, "Hi, Major Roger Healey, US Army, my scowling friend here is Major Anthony Nelson, US Air Force. We appreciate the fact that you got us out of our plane, but just tell her where she is… and we'll be on our way."
Kirk was even more perplexed, "Your plane crashed."
Tony growled between clenched teeth, "He wasn't talking about the plane, and you know it."
Author's Note: I borrowed heavily from Star Trek season one, episode 20, "Tomorrow is Yesterday" by DC Fontana.
