LOVE & FRIENDSHIP
-CHAPTER ONE-
The First lady, Barbara Morrow had dinner with Rosemary Kennedy in a glitzy restaurant in Washington's Capitol Hill district.
"...but it must be an honour to have the Supreme Commander to hand", cooed Rosemary with a hint of envy in her tone, as she watched the smart waiter refill their champagne glasses.
Barbara took hers and rose it to her lips, "yes it is, I suppose...but nobody seems to remember who actually invited them - it has all happened too fast - before I knew it, my home has been invaded by aliens!"
Rosemary chuckled as she took a sip of champagne from her glass, "and very handsome ones too, may I add...", she pointed out, and then she chuckled again, "...ohhh dear..I am beginning to sound like my teenage daughter!"
Barbara picked at her starter with her fork, "handsome they are...but it feels...it feels like your home is never your own anymore...and William is always in some meeting with John or one of his own team...", she rose her glass, "...here's to normality returning some day soon, huh?"
Rosemary didn't necessarily agree with her friend, but she took hold of her glass and returned the toast, "not too soon for some of us..."
VVV
Over at the news studios, Ralph Harrison rounded up the days events and finished off his news broadcast. His colleague anchor woman, Susan Feldman, turned to him and shuffled her papers, "So...have you heard the latest? Kristine Walsh has been made the official mouthpiece for the Visitors"
Ralph hid his disappointment as he tidied his news desk, "well...Kris was there right from day one, wasn't she?"
Susan stood up and unclipped her mic from her blouse, "yeah, I guess you are right... and I'm sure she's shrewd enough to get something out of it for herself...I'll see you tomorrow"
Ralph nodded and watched her walk across the cable strewn floor of the set towards the dressing rooms.
He swung in his chair and stood up. He was feeling quite glum now - what did Kris Walsh have and not him? He didn't let on to Susan how he really felt...and that was him seething with jealousy.
He pulled a sigh and picked up his papers from the desk.
VVV
Caitlin Ryan came down the front steps of her house and saw her mother Juliet pruning the hedge, "have a good day at college, honey"
Caitlin smiled at her and started to walk up the damp sidewalk of the treelined street to where the yellow school bus stopped for her.
As the bus came to a halt, she jumped aboard and went and sat next to Ben Greene.
"Hi...are you okay?"
Ben turned in his seat, "that creep Randy...look at him...he's such a jerk", Caitlin turned her head around to see Kerry Laden coo, "Hey Randy! You look real cool in your new uniform!"
Caitlin rolled her eyes and faced front again, "Yeah you are right! Just because he has joined this Visitor friends youth scheme, he thinks he's every girls dream!"
Even with the bus moving, Randy came down the aisle and sat next to Joey Carter, "hey Joe...aren't you not gonna be joining up? Or are you not man enough?", he teased.
Joey turned from the window and looked at him, "Course I am joining up, what do you take me for!"
And as he said it, he could feel Caitlin's disapproving glare boring right into him.
VVV
At the White house, the Visitors Supreme Commander came down the ramp of his personal shuttle and headed towards the President who stood waiting for him with his closest aids..
"Thank you for seeing me so promptly John, there's just a few issues I need to go over with you", William told him with a welcoming smile.
John warmly returned the smile, "not at all Mr President...there is also a few things I want to discuss with you if I may..."
As they went inside the White House and made themselves comfortable in William's office, John handed over some paperwork that he had carried in his carry case.
"You will see that I am continuing to make more progress in our peoples co-existence together, and your security personnel have made a few suggestions that I feel are very beneficial"
William glanced over at the paperwork that landed on his desk, he looked up, "Police departments working with your security forces? Why is there a need for your security forces to be present on our streets anyway?"
John smiled, " I feel - the coalition, however feel, that both our races can only benefit from each others expertise - from arms to just simple negotiations, that is all...and, it is only a suggestion, like I said..."
Morrow leaned back in his leather chair, "I can see the benefits yes - maybe I can suggest a trial scheme can be implemented - now I do have some pressing matters to discuss with you...
John raised his eyebrows, "Oh...? Of course I am at your service to help..."
"I've been been put under a lot of pressure for these science seminars to start...can you give me a date", asked William making direct eye contact with the alien leader.
The Supreme Commander shifted in his seat and chuckled sincerely, "of course...I will relay your request to my senior science team aboard the..."
William cut him off in mid flow of his response, "This is not a request John - It's an order...chemical and steam plants all over the United States and across the world have been re-tooled to produce this life saving chemical compound you so urgently need - an emergence to your end of the bargain must be pushed forward..."
John could only react with a smile, "of course Mr President...I will see to your order personally - but in the meantime -please go over these ideas I have prepared...I just know you will go along with our ways of thinking..."
VVV
Ben Greene came out of the science lab at the college and paused at his locker. He saw Randy Revell in his brown Visitors friends uniform and bragging to who was interested about what the scheme offers.
There was shuttle rides - controlled tours of the motherships - even target practice with their laser weapons that the Visitors had so recently started carrying about their person.
Ben closed his vandalized locker and watched as Randy pushed passed him with his friends in toe.
Maybe he could join the scheme...
No sooner had he thought about it, he left Caitlin Ryan to eat her lunch in the college canteen and went to see the young Visitor girl at the entrance to the sports hall where the scheme had been set up.
The Visitor girl beamed a white toothy smile at him as he approached, "hello...I am Deborah, how I can I be of assistance? Are you interesting in joining up?"
Ben took the leaflet she handed out to him and then followed Deborah inside.
VVV
Over at the Memorial research center, a Visitor science team arrived in a shuttle that touched down at the front parking lot.
Senior scientist, Rosa, came down the extended ramp along side Commander Gerald, "the President has been putting a lot of pressure onto the Supreme Commander for these science seminars to begin - just put the word around that they will begin within a few days...that should shut them up"
Rosa nodded in her cap and sun visors, "at your request commander"
She began to organise her team.
VVV
From the center's second floor windows, Amy Appleton turned and pointed, "hey guys - it looks like we have company, my guess is that the science seminars are set to start...", she cried in excitement.
Toni turned from her microscope, "it's about frigging time...I can't wait until they get started -just imagine all the wonderful things they can help us with..."
Dr Vincent Lee smiled thinly as he came to watch at the window with his hands in his pockets, "well...I'll reserve judgement until I actually attend one...jury's out for me until I do..."
VVV
Angela Kennedy strolled up the corridor towards the college sports hall that was acting as the Visitors youth scheme facility. A Visitor female was handing out leaflets to students passing by. Angela bit her lip and approached the alien, "excuse me..."
Deborah turned to her, "hello...I am Deborah...would you like information? Here's a leaflet of what the youth scheme offers..."
Angela quickly scanned through it, "it all sounds really cool...wow"
Deborah smiled at her, "I can see that you are interested...would you like to register? It is a very quick sign up and will not take more than 5 minutes of your time"
Angela was in two minds - the brown uniform wasn't particularly flattering to the female figure, but...
She looked up to see Ben Greene dressed up in one such uniform and cap - a Visitor male had his hand firmly placed on the students shoulder looking deep into his eyes.
It was him! It was the attractive male Visitor that had been with Gerald at her parents party a week ago.
Angela hid her blushes and turned to Deborah, "where do I sign...?"
-CHAPTER TWO=
The Interview had come to a close. The Visitors Supreme Commander, John and President William Morrow shook hands as a sign of solidarity for the TV camera.
Kristine Walsh turned in her chair to camera 4 and smiled, "...and that's it for the 'big issue' - from all of us here in Washington...goodnight"
And then the end-credits rolled.
Kristine stood and shook hands with both the President and the Supreme Commander uttering a simple goodbye to them, with a passing , "I'll see you tomorrow Kristine..", from John.
Ralph Harrison watched from the wings - then approached her with a smile, "Congratulations on your new position"
Kristine laughed as she unclipped her mic from her collar, "I know! I couldn't believe it when they asked me...but thanks Ralph - I'm touched - some people in our profession haven't been quite so nice about it"
Ralph and Kris left the heat of the studio lights and into the cooler glass foyer, "I was seething with jealousy when I first heard about it - that's for the record - but that's just human nature for you - but I am at your request to be at your disposal...you are going to need some help with all this Visitor- human relations news..."
Kris turned as she went through her purse checking that she had everything, "You are so right! Diana was just saying the other day I've got a lot of stuff lined up...", she tilted her head and pointed her finger at him, "...you know what? You can help me by keeping tabs on what's hot here in the capital...especially if I am in New York or L.A, you can keep me posted on John's whereabouts for me..."
Ralph was beaming at her. He was really pleased at that suggestion, "Yeah...thanks Kris...thanks a lot"
VVV
Angela Kennedy had completed her tour around the Visitor youth friends facility. After, she came face to face with the attractive male Visitor who she had seen with Ben Greene earlier.
"Hi...", Angela beamed at him. The male alien smiled back at her hands on his hips, "hello"
Deborah made the introductions, "this is Greg...he is in-charge of registration for the youth scheme in the Washington D.C area"
Angela couldn't help but swoon at him - his looks were too good to be true, "yes...I am definitely joining up!"
Greg stepped forward, "that is good to hear...we'll get the scan pad to complete the process for you"
Angela followed the attractive alien into the small office, Deborah hung near the doorway to show her out.
"I saw you before...you were at my parents party in George town last week...", told Angela taking the scan-pad from him.
Greg watched her sign her name with the laser pen, "yes...I thought your face was familiar...it is good to welcome you within our ranks..."
Angela was over the moon as she handed the scan-pad back. Greg had recognised her. He came forward and shook her hand firmly. His hand was ice cold. His dark eyes stared at her...seeing through her as she met them...
VVV
Sam Walker and Kath Wagner stepped out from the busy restaurant at 10pm.
"That sure was a great meal...", cooed Kath - she was feeling quite stuffed now with all that she had eaten, "...with all this Visitor hype going around at the moment - you can easily forget about how to simply enjoy yourselves!"
Sam turned and took hold of her hand, and looked into her eyes, "I am glad...I think with all this good will going around, we really have a future together..."
Kath stopped beneath the street lamp, the cool breeze blowing her red hair as well as the dried leaves at her feet, "are you talking about Marriage? I thought that..."
Sam didn't let her continue her sentence, he cupped her face with his hands and kissed her softly on the lips - pulling away, he was more serious in tone, "with all this Visitor hype - sometimes you cannot help feeling..."
He paused as two Visitor officers strolled by and waited till they were out of earshot before continuing "...feeling threatened, I know it sounds crazy, but...I just want us to be together for always, that's all"
They embraced in the moonlight.
VVV
Up until now, Ross Morrell was having a day like any other day at the Baltimore plant. Just as he was about to clock off for his lunch -the emergency alarm klaxon went off.
Alex Fisher came flying out of his office at the sound - panic in his face. There was frenzied shouts and cries from the catwalk below, Ross leaned over the rail and could see some accident had occurred and started hurrying long the lattice walk-way.
"Mr Fisher you better come quick!"
Alex swallowed down nervously and puffed and blowed, as he followed Ross down the stairwell to keep up with the younger man.
Ross could see that a tank had exploded - there was twisted metal scattered about the area. Two human workers laid out bleeding and unconscious on the concrete floor after being caught up in the blast.
Visitor Supervisor Adam rushed over to them at the base of the stairwell, "we've contained the fire...the gas build up was enormous, the pressure gages were off the scale...it couldn't have been helped"
Alex was frantic as he looked about, "has it damaged the plant?"
Adam placed a hand on Alex's shoulder reassuringly, "I'm sure work can begin again shortly Mr Fisher..."
Just then, another Visitor technician hurried over to them and pulled Adam aside. Their voices hushed and low.
Alex and Ross glanced at one another, they couldn't make out what was going on or what was being said.
Adam finally looked over to them, as his technician hurried off, "it seems that one of my men has been injured too...if you can excuse me, I must go and see to him"
Alex went to follow him, "Maybe I can be of help..."
Adam swung around and was unexpectedly forceful, as his hand was flat against the plant bosses chest keeping him from stepping forward further, "No! Mr Fisher - I insist you remain here...if you don't mind"
Ross could see that Adam still had his hand pressed up against Alex's chest, the Visitor relaxed his stance and then hurried off towards the shuttle craft where his men had taken the injured Visitor.
Ross and Alex glanced at one another, none of them noticing the green slimy substance dripping to the concrete from where the injured alien technician had fallen.
VVV
The cop car honked it's horn and dialled it's siren briefly in Washington's business district. Maggie Winters waved her hand at the police officer nodding towards her from the squad car.
"My brother Jimmy - he's well excited at the moment - he told me the other day that their patrols are going to be shadowed by Visitor security officers - you know, so they can learn things from them", informed Maggie.
Kath wasn't really listening to her, she was standing on the curb-side in a dream. Maggie waved a hand out in front of Kath's face, "hey! You still with us?", she laughed.
"Sam's asked me to marry him...", Kath blurted out and meeting her gaze.
"Sam's asked you to marry him? Why am I only hearing about this now? You must be so excited!", breathed Maggie made up for her best friend.
Kath nodded and turned to her, "I know...I've been waiting months for this...the Visitors arrival has really done me a favour!"
Maggie finished her carton of expresso, "Has he got you a diamond?"
Kath laughed as they made their way across the street to the law firm they worked at, "not yet! Give him time"
Ray Tomlinson was at the entrance foyer tapping the face of his watch with his finger.
"Oops...late back from lunch again!", laughed Kath, "mind you, he's got a lot on his mind...he was saying this morning that his brother and his family have up'd and left their house, he says he can't get hold of them"
"What does his brother do?" asked Maggie holding the door as they stepped foot into the law firm.
"Some scientist in New York..."
VVV
President Morrow crossed the neat lawn of the White House and met the Visitors Supreme Commander from his personal shuttle that had just touched down in the sharp November sunshine.
"Mr President - good to be back here in Washington", John opened up warmly holding out his hand.
William shook his hand, "good to see you too John. I gather all is well with your fleet?"
"Yes, yes...", answered John, eyes hidden behind his shades, "...and I am pleased to inform you I have personally organised the dates for the science seminars to commence...my scientific team are organising it as we speak...I have also brought Kristine Walsh along with me..."
They both turned to see Kris Walsh in a neat trouser suit loitering nearby with her news crew.
John continued as Kris came forward, "I will publicly make sure that your people are reassured that we fully intend to keep to our side of the bargain - after all you are helping us save our ailing world...we should show gratitude"
Kris Walsh was leading the way, "nice to see you Mr President...", she immediately turned her attentions to the alien leader, "I've set up a decent pitch inside...I was thinking the oval office...our flag and the Visitors flag side by side next to each other..."
John smiled and put his hands together, "indeed Kristine..."
William watched as John followed Kristine through the side door to the White House - he was beginning to wonder who exactly was in charge here!
-CHAPTER THREE-
In George town, Edward Kennedy shook hands with Commander Gerald whom had arrived in a shuttle that had touched town onto the street, outside the mansion grounds.
"nice of you to drop by Gerald - my wife is particularly fond of your visits", laughed Edward.
The Visitor strolled along side him up the gravel driveway towards the house, "and I look forward to stopping by - you both make me feel very welcome"
Rosemary was already waiting for them at the front entrance, "Gerald!", she beamed excitedly and stepping out to greet him, "can I fix you up some refreshments?"
Gerald entered the grand hall and waved his hand at her, "no thank you - I can't stay long - I've actually stopped by with some very good news..."
Rosemary and Edward glanced at one another, "Ohhh?"
"Yes...it seems that Cole Landsbury no longer fits the bill and has been removed from office - his position at the White House with the President's staff is vacant...", Gerald informed, trailing off deliberately, so they both could take in the news...
Rosemary was wide-eyed, "Really? Oh...", she grabbed her husbands arm, "...Edward this means..."
Gerald shook his head, "John has had a word with the President himself, and has asked me who I could think of for a suitable replacement...I suggested that you would be perfect for the role...", he seduced.
Rosemary put her hands together in glee as Edward was quite overwhelmed with the offer, "Of...of course I am honoured...what an amazing opportunity for me...but...it's a great shame...", he looked at Gerald questioningly, "...what did Cole do that was so wrong?"
Gerald kept up his smile, even though this was tiresome, "Look...I know you two were friends - but far from agreeing on human-Visitor relations - he was found to be plotting to sabotage that agreement...the President was under a lot of pressure to act upon it...", he lied.
Edward was bewildered - but he finally smiled, "I am honoured of course...I will take up the post...thank you"
Gerald tilted his head and looked very pleased with himself as he took Rosemary's hand into his and caressed it, whilst looking at Edward, "good...I knew I could count on you..."
VVV
Cole Landsbury was a bumbling wreck inside the shuttle as Commander Gerald climbed back aboard the craft.
Michele monitored him as his jerks and spasms started to weaken from where he was sprawled out on the back bunk. She looked up to her superior officer, "his mind is completely gone...", she informed.
Gerald nodded as he signalled for the pilot to lift off, "I have sorted out his replacement - we just have to make sure that the story I have woven sticks..."
He sat down and crossed his leg over his knee, "...we better visit Rosa when we get back...it seems that this conversion has gone dangerously wrong...and nearly jeopardized our mission..."
Michele nodded and they both watched the human cease fitting as the shuttle carried them over George town and up towards the looming mothership beyond...
VVV
It was the next morning when Edward Kennedy made himself at home in his office at the White House.
Rachel Spencer, Cole Landsbury's former secretary turned her head, "I hope you are settling in Mr Kennedy..."
Edward gazed about the swish office and turned - he took Rachel's hand, "a nice coffee would be good and...", he sat her down in a chair, "...I am sorry about Cole, I knew you and him were rather close...", he said sympathetically.
Rachel looked up at him and removed her specs, "but I don't understand it Mr Kennedy, Cole's not answering his calls - where has he gone? It's as if he's just disappeared off the face of the Earth..."
Edward thought that was odd too, but dismissed the thought with a wave of the hand, "maybe he was under a lot of pressure...I understand that he was against the human- Visitor relations policy, and in today's climate - that's not advisable...we can't be seen as being ungrateful to the Visitors - they have given us so much..."
Rachel nodded, "Yes... I know all that...Cole was never a fan of the Visitors and wasn't quiet about it either, but something strange is going on...", her voice became hushed, "...only last week he was looking into several disappearances of..."
Edward's gaze averted to the doorway because Commander Gerald was standing there. Edward straightened up and greeted him, "Gerald...this is a surprize..."
"Are you settling in? I hope everything is to your liking..."
Edward nodded, "yes...I am, thank you"
Gerald's eyes glanced towards Rachel coldly, "I would like to have a word with Mr Kennedy in private...if you would kindly excuse us..."
Rachel stood up from the chair quickly brushing herself down, "of course..."and with a parting smile at Edward, she hurried off. The Flagship commander watched her go, then shut the office door.
VVV
Rachel Spencer saw the first lady, Barbara Morrow as she hurried up the swish corridor.
"Rachel!", Barbara called out in concern, "...I just heard about Cole - I am so sorry"
Rachel looked at her, "So why did the president fire him just because he has his own opinions of the Visitors?"
The First lady was taken aback, "Rachel...I don't understand...I hade no idea..."
"I bet!", and red faced, Rachel stormed off up the corridor leaving Barbara rather confused about her behaviour - both of them not noticing the shadowy Visitor officer lurking nearby...
VVV
"More effective...?", asked Alex Fisher in his office at the Baltimore Plant. Visitor Supervisor Adam nodded, glancing down to the plant layout plans that were spread out over the cluttered office desk - he pointed a finger to a section off to the left of the layout.
"Yes...it is clearly known now that parts of this plant haven't been re-tooled fully enough to carry out it's new purpose...causing problems to occur that we have already experienced when the storage tank exploded"
Alex looked up to the alien, "What do you suggest? I am all ears - and respect your greater expertise Adam..."
"I have instructed my technicians - and yours of course - to begin a re-model of the structure...particular these areas C and D...", he said confidently tapping the plans.
Alex could only agree with the alien - after all, the Visitors technological know-how was far more advanced than his own.
"Well...if you feel it will speed up the process making this chemical compound you need..."
Adam could see the human was where he wanted him, "Mr Fisher - I would like to make a recommendation that water would be a far better agent to the steam in this particular plant...a simple method can be utilized from the part of the harbour the plant sits on...it will increase the output of this facility ten-fold...but it is only a suggestion..."
Alex had been drawn to the idea instantly - Adam was so convincing, "no...you go right ahead...you want the water - you take it"
Adam broke into a triumphant smile and placed a hand gently onto the humans shoulder, "I am so glad that you agree...after all...it's just a natural up step in our mission - to save our world..."
VVV
As night fell, Rachel Spencer drove her car into the underground car lot of her Washington apartment block.
She reached over to collect some papers and her purse from the back seat and got out, locking the door of her Chevrolet.
She then hurried over to the elevator, her footsteps echoed about the empty lot as she stopped to press the call button next to the elevator doors.
As she waited, Cole Landsbury came to mind. She had called around to his house before coming home, there had been nobody in - and the house had been in complete darkness.
The elevator pinged it's arrival and she entered, and rode the few floors to her apartment.
She pulled the iron gate across and entered her swish apartment. She removed her heels and went over to the lamp to switch it on. Nothing happened. The bulb was gone.
She stepped back and turned around and gasped at the shadow that moved out of the closet. before she could even react there was a sudden bolt of blue, like an energy charge - and she found herself falling to the laminated flooring.
Rachel tried to roll over...she was in pain...she turned aside from where she laid and saw the black boot step over her, and then there was another flash of blue, and she knew nothing more...
-CHAPTER FOUR-
Edward Kennedy came out from the meeting at the White House with the Visitors Supreme Commander and the President.
William Morrow shook hands with both of them, "I need to be at another meeting with the Vice-President -we'll discuss those other issues next time John..."
John responded with a smile and watched the President hurry off up the corridor with his aids. Edward was about to bade farewell himself when he noticed the doors open to the alien leaders office - he was amazed by the transformation.
"John...how wonderful!", he gasped as he stepped in the door way, the Supreme Commander was close behind him watching Edward closely, "you approve do you Mr Kennedy?"
Edward waved his arm into the direction of the desk - it was now all hi-tech that had been built in by John's scientific staff, "...this is all so very modern...it looks very complicated"
John smiled and dismissed it all with a wave of the hand, "It's nothing more than a device that helps me stay in touch with my fleet"
Edward went over to the desk to make a closer inspection, "your team have been busy..."
He then looked across to John, "I was wondering...have you seen anything of my secretary , Rachel Spencer...she hasn't turned in for two days and I am getting no answer from her at home"
John shook his head, "I am sorry to hear that - and I am afraid I cannot seem to place her face...but, I must say...", John thought it best to swiftly change the subject, "...I must congratulate you on your new position here - Gerald informed me that you were a fine candidate, and I can see that he was right..."
Edward was overwhelmed by the alien leaders praise, "why, thank you Supreme Commander - that is very kind of you to say"
John took his arm and ushered him out the door to the corridor, "Now, you must excuse me...I have some pressing matters to attend to with my fleet"
Edward took his hand with a firm handshake, "Of course...thank you again Supreme Commander", and then he was on his way up the corridor.
John turned his head to see Commander Gerald approach him from the opposite direction with two of his men. The alien leader's usual warm smile faded to something more serious, "Gerald, I must commend you...Edward Kennedy is a perfect choice to replace Cole Landsbury - I am sure he will meet to our needs precisely..."
The flagship Commander smiled, the Supreme leader was pleased and he was sure to be rewarded - maybe a promotion, "thank you Supreme Commander, my thoughts exactly...", he said smugly with his hands behind his back and standing to attention, "Now, your personal shuttle awaits you..."
VVV
Ralph Harrison had been working hard over the last few days. He had followed the Visitor film crews around bringing forth up-to-date news on the life saving chemical gas the aliens were making to save their dying planet.
After a long shift he returned to the TV studios with a selection of tapes and interviews in the can.
Susan Feldman turned from her coffee break to see a Visitor standing standing right behind Ralph, he was holding a helmet under his arm.
"Will that be all Mr Harrison?", asked the Visitor pilot.
Ralph nodded his head at him, "yes Jason, you can go - have you got a copy of my schedule for tomorrow?"
Jason nodded, "Of course Mr Harrison, I'll have your shuttle standing by", he said in his low vibrating tone.
Ralph nodded and the alien strode off. Susan crushed her coffee carton and came over to him, "So...they've given you your own pilot now I see"
Ralph laughed and there was a boasting element in his tone, "My own Shuttle as well! As and when I need it - and believe me, it cuts down a lot of precious time"
"Aren't you getting a little bit too involved?", asked Susan worriedly.
Ralph turned as he pulled his jacket on, "Ohh not this again Susan, come on - this is all doing my career a world of good - giving it a real boost - who knows what will come of it - it could be a springboard to some really great things in the future!"
Susan folded her arms across her chest, "is it? taking their views over your own - censoring this - removing that - I've seen it all on the cutting room floor, and remember I told you that the Visitor leader doesn't want us to put them in a bad light..."
Ralph shrugged at her, he really wasn't getting her, "Yeah...So?"
"What do they want? What are they hiding, do you think?", Susan cried - hands up in the air.
Ralph stacked the tapes and chuckled, "they aren't hiding anything! I think that YOU are just being paranoid - or maybe just a bit jealous - like I was when Kristine Walsh got the Visitor spokesperson job...just do as I did, suck it up and deal with it..."
"and just like HER you are becoming their mouthpiece!", warned Susan.
Ralph turned his back on her, "look, I haven't got time for this - I've got to get up early in the morning and have a long day ahead of me...I'm interviewing the Secretary of State, I have a lot to prepare, so I'll see you tomorrow"
"You are a fool Ralph!", called out Susan after him, "a damned greedy fool..."
VVV
Police Officer Sean Steele entered the precinct with Jimmy Winters, they went up to the front desk where Helena Shaw sat.
"Hi there...what's this, a double shift?", teased Helena, "...or is it because you twos can't get enough of me"
Sean removed his cap, "Doug Whetheral never showed up today...that's three officers out in a week!"
Jimmy leaned his elbow on top of the counter, "he's right - I can do with the extra shifts, but this is too much man"
Helena waved her hand, "they're just sick or something, I'd expect"
Jimmy leaned forward and lowered his tone of voice, "if you want my opinion, they are making room...", although his voice was hushed, both Helena and Sean detected a tense edge to it.
Helena was intrigued, "room...for who?", she asked with her hand beneath her chin.
"Well...", he looked towards the foyer entrance as two Visitor troopers and their captain stepped inside with the police chief.
"The chief's said himself in our last briefing that we are going to be joined...by them", he said.
Sean considered this and shrugged, "I'd give them the benefit of the doubt...they could be of help to us, who knows...and I'm telling you one thing, I'd sure like to have a go at one of those laser guns of theirs", he laughed.
Jimmy however, wasn't as accommodating, "What's it all about? Why are they getting involved with our security issues anyway...?"
Helena put her hands together admiring the Visitor Captain that was chatting with the Police Chief nearby, "Oooo I don't know...I think it might be quite interesting to have them around and very easy on the eye as well...", she chuckled playfully.
Sean laughed out loud, "Helena! You flirt, you really don't change do you!"
Jimmy half heartedly joined in with the banter, but he could feel the Visitor Captain's eyes on him.
VVV
Ralph Harrison had completed his interview with the Secretary of State. He shook Fred Follery's hand and watched him drive off in his Limousine. Visitor Sub-Commander Michele waited on the grass where they stood outside the Capitol building. She had overseen the interview.
"Ralph, I must congratulate you - you are really doing a fantastic job, Kristine Walsh should watch her back"
Ralph went red, "thanks...that's very kind of you to say...but I'm sure Kris wouldn't like it if she'd heard you say that"
Michele put her hands behind her back and they strolled to the waiting news van on the corner, "do not put yourself down Ralph...sometimes you have to go for what you want in life Ralph...never hold yourself back...unlike that colleague news woman of yours..."
She watched Ralph's reaction carefully as he stopped in his tracks and turned, "Who? Susan Feldman...she's okay, just a bit highly strung, that's her problem"
Michele didn't return the smile as they watched the news crew load up the van. Ralph was ready to go, "right - I have another job to get to across town, I'll see you again Sub-Commander..."
Michele nodded her head in the sunshine, "Indeed Ralph - indeed"
She watched him hurry across the grass to his waiting personal shuttle, Michele turned around to see her Visitor Captain and his men approach from the opposite direction.
"Ahhhh Kyle, all well at the police precinct?"
Kyle shook his head holding his helmet under his arm, "Yes Sub-commander, there are a few more unwanted obstacles to deal with, but a part from that..."
Michele smiled, "good...and what about the other matter?"
Both Kyle and Michele watched Ralph's shuttle lift off into the air and fly over the dome of the Capitol.
"yes Sub-Commander - she is no longer a problem..."
-CHAPTER FIVE-
Angela Kennedy gazed out of the portal window to see Washington DC in all it's glory below them.
Beth Cordingley equalled her excitement, "it's fantastic! This is so amazing!"
They and the rest of the Visitor friends youth team were riding in a shuttle craft. Greg came out of the flight section with a smile on his face, "how are you? Are you all thrilled with your ride..."
Beth blushed - the phrase ride had her thinking of other things, but it was Angela who stood from the leather bunk and stepped forward, "Ohhh yesss! This is way much better than that new ride at Disneyland!"
She stared at the handsome Visitor and blushed - he responded with a kind smile and took her hand and helped her sit down as they went through a little turbulence. Beth shot her a glare over to her that could turn anyone to stone - but Angela didn't care, she knew her friend was just jealous that she was getting all the attention.
The shuttle was heading towards the landing strip at the college grounds, Randy sat next to Beth and snaked his arm around her, "How's about you and me have a private party of our own when we get back", he coaxed.
Beth turned her nose up at him, "No offense...but I have set my sights on a lot higher than you!"
Ben Greene, who had been quiet up until now, smirked. He just loved it when Randy was the one put in his place for a change.
But it didn't go unnoticed by Randy, "hey, what are you smirking at you queer fuck!", he seethed through gritted teeth.
Ben shrugged and looked away as in the way he really didn't care, "just you..."
Randy hated it when Ben stood his ground, he lunged forward so his face was only inches away from his own, eyes boring straight into him, "...I've just been asking myself something - why would our alien friends want a filthy faggot like you in their ranks, huh?"
Greg looked over from where he stood, he could see what was going on.
The shuttle was touching down on the grass outside the college. Angela turned from the window from where she sat, "we're back...ohhh Randy! Just lay off him!"
Deborah, the Visitor female, stepped out from the flight section and went and operated the door release and the shuttles exit ramp extended outward with a low hum.
Greg stood back and watched intently as his 'students' disembarked. Angela paused over the fresh-hold and looked at Greg, "See you later - hotshot", she teased.
The alien watched her go and then saw Ben move by, he stopped the human by placing a hand over his shoulder, Ben looked up.
"Don't let those who like to see you fall see that they are winning...we all have different qualities", he vibrated.
Ben broke off eye contact and nodded, then walked down the ramp glancing back briefly, but Greg was already back inside the shuttle.
VVV
At the locker room, Beth Cordingley turned to Angela as she slipped out of her brown youth scheme uniform, "You think Greg likes you?"
Angela stared at herself in the mirror over the sink, "yeah...what's not to like"
Beth chuckled as she quickly took her hair down and shook her head to untangle it, "I think he prefers blondes", she sung deliberately referring to herself.
Angela picked up her kit bag, "like you? Do me a favour...now come on, we'll miss the bus..."
VVV
Ben Greene hurried across the college lawn to catch the yellow school bus. Randy Revell was stood at the doorway, his arm acting as a barrier.
"Bus is full faggot", he sneered with a nasty grin.
Ben tried to push past, but he was getting absolutely nowhere. Caitlin Ryan and Kerry Laden could see what was going on from the bus windows.
"Hey Randy, let him go! You are such a childish creep!", Kerry called out through the open flap.
Randy looked at her and tried to play that to his advantage, "Okay...he can come aboard...but on one condition...", he turned to face Ben, "...leave the youth scheme"
Ben narrowed his eyes at him as the bully went on, "...the scheme is not for people like you - do you understand me, boy?"
Ben exhaled and shook his head, he just didn't want to fight back anymore - but something in him wanted to -
"Okay...", he muttered.
Randy looking triumphant over his little victory, waved his arm aside and ushered the steps like some grand gesture.
Ben climbed aboard the bus and went and sat next to Caitlin, she turned to him, "You are better off quitting that scheme...especially if it is filled with jerks like him!"
Randy's laughter rocked the bus. Ben smirked to himself and looked at her defiantly, "Who says anything about quitting...I'm not going anywhere..."
Caitlin frowned at him and then looked back to Randy horsing around with his friends, she hoped her friend knew what he was doing.
VVV
Meanwhile Police officer Sean Steele had been partnered up with a young Visitor female named Phillipa.
She smiled at him as they sat in the squad car in traffic.
"This is going to interesting - I am looking forward to see how you enforce law and order in your land...", said the Visitor girl.
Sean relaxed his grip on the steering wheel, this traffic was going nowhere, he turned to her, "do you have some kind of police department on Sirius?", he was trying to stoke up the conversation.
"Security squad...I suppose it is rather similar the way it is set out", replied Phillipa with a quick flash of a smile. He liked that smile. He had to admit, he had sure drawn the long straw. Poor Jimmy Winters had been paired off with some burley over-weight male Visitor, and had been vocally complaining about it.
Phillipa was sure easy on the eye, but they all were...mostly...there were the odd less pretty ones, but most were overly attractive.
"...but crime to kept to an absolute minimum on our planet Mr Steele...I'm sure my security superiors will be able to offer much improvement to how you run things here"
Sean didn't like the sound of that. The aliens had been living amongst them for just more than a month or so and thought they knew best.
"Unbelievable", he murmured.
Phillipa turned, her hair tied back in a tight ponytail behind her cap, "what was that?"
Sean was glad she had missed that, somehow he suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable with her in the car - the way she bore through at him behind those dark shades.
"Nothing", he finally said and smiled, "look...we are moving! Thank the lord...now lets get some real police work done..."
VVV
Toni Morrell parked her VW beetle up onto the curb as Jenny Morgan came up the walk holding Carla.
"Hi...good day?", asked Jenny.
Toni took her daughter from her and strapped her in the child seat, "not really, Dr Lee is getting concerned about Phyllis...nobody's seen or heard from her for more than a week!"
Jenny pulled her a frown, "is she still missing? Maybe she has gone on vacation..."
Toni closed the back door to her car and pulled the hair out of her eyes, "what - without telling anybody? No, I've worked with her for 15 years, it's totally out of character of her"
Jenny's father Jamie pulled up in his blue mustang behind the beetle and honked his horn, "come on Jen! We've gotta be going to the mall before it closes!"
Jenny rolled her eyes and turned to Toni, "I'll see you tomorrow - dad's got his eyes on a Visitor girl he's seen around the mall...it is so embarrassing!"
Toni laughed with her as she watched Jenny jump in the two-seater behind her car, "see you later!"
And the mustang screeched off up the suburban street.
VVV
Over at the chemical plant in Baltimore, Ross Morrell was finishing his shift as two more cargo tanker shuttles, carrying the chemical compound rose up into the air and journeyed up to the massive Mothership that halo'd Washington DC.
Ross removed his yellow hard hat and turned to see Alex Fisher in conversation with the Visitor Supervisor, Adam.
He was about to call over a 'see you tomorrow', when he noticed the injured Visitor from the other day.
Ross beamed a smile as he went and approached him as he worked on the pressure dials, "Hi...how are you doing? I can see you are much better..."
The Visitor technician nodded his head, but looked towards his leader talking to Alex. Adam had noticed the conversation and after cutting Alex off in mid flow, marched over to them, "is everything all right?", his eyes stared directly to the technician.
Ross nodded and pointed his finger towards the other Visitor, "I was just saying how much better he was looking - he looks really well - you Visitors must be thick skinned - it's as if he was never near that explosion at all!"
Alex who was now at their side shook his head, "I said a similar thing earlier - but Adam here tells me that their antibodies are faster working than our own - another difference between our race and theirs...", he chuckled.
Ross chuckled as well, "Well...we may look the same but I'm sure their are differences if you look closer enough"
Adam turned to him, after sending the technician off on his way, "Don't let us keep you Mr Morrell..."
Ross detected a little irritation in his tone and came to the conclusion that he had out stayed his welcome, "I'll see you guys tomorrow..."
And with that he went along his way.
VVV
At the police precinct, officer Sean Steele had finished his shift. The Visitor girl, Phillipa turned to him at the locker room entrance, "I have enjoyed working along side you today officer Steele, it was very enlightening..."
Sean tried to match her enthusiasm, "Well...that's a word for it...but, like wise, I'll see you tomorrow...", he then pushed the door inward and disappeared into the men's locker room.
After changing into his civvies, he came out of the locker room to catch sight of the Police Chief chatting to Helena Shaw at the front desk.
"Hey, Sean...", called the Chief looking up at him, "How was it today, working with the new Visitor in-take?"
Sean half smiled in response as he held his jacket over his shoulder, "Well...to quote one word...enlightening"
The chief looked please, but Sean was starting to catch up with his thoughts and what the Chief had said, "In-take? Are you saying there is going to be more of them?"
The Police Chief nodded, "Of course...this is the start of a new project with the Visitors - it's not just happening here in Washington you know, it's happening all across the country"
Sean moved his bomber jacket across his arm, "So...this is going to be a regular thing, from now on?"
"Yes...but it is a good thing on our part Sean - just think what we can learn from them..."
Sean just gave him a farewell nod and walked off, Helena sat at the front desk fiddling with her pen, "you know what Sean's like sir...he doesn't like change"
The chief looked at her sharply, "Well, he's just going to have to get used to it, because this is the new order of things..."
VVV
Sean lit up a cigarette underneath the street lamp and looked up to the massive expanse of the Visitors mothership, the lights illuminating the night sky like some super city. He then looked around and caught sight of Phillipa and her friends hurry over to their waiting shuttle to take them back up to the ship.
Jimmy Winters was then stood at his pals side, "Just look at them - they've been here for just one day and they think they know best", he hissed.
Sean looked at him, the street light casting their shadows up against the wall, "the chief says they're here to stay"
"I know...and I give it a week, especially the one they've landed me with...he was too pushy, wanting to know absolutely everything about our procedures...I soon told him what for, he sure didn't like it...but do I give a horses ass? Like shit I do!"
He patted his friend on the back, as he made to leave, "We'll be back to normal in a week...trust me"
And with a parting wave, Jimmy disappeared into the night. Sean took a puff of his cigarette. He shuddered - somehow, to him, it felt like the Visitors were gradually taking control...that human control was starting to quietly slip away...
...or maybe he was just being too damned paranoid.
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CONTINUED IN PART 3 PEACE & TECHNOLOGY