Escaping the Cradle

by Karen Page

Part 6

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Part 6
DATE:FC+6

At exactly seven the next morning, the phone rang. The Prime Minister had debated if to take this in her study or up in the residence. She decided this was better upstairs away from her office.

"Hello?" answered the Prime Minister.

"Prime Minister."

"Who am I speaking to?"

"You can call me Sally."

Georgina knew that the name was likely fake, but it served its purpose. It was the name used the previous night. Sally also seemed unphased that she was talking with the elected leader of the country. That made her stand out from the crowd.

"Fair enough. Thank you for the risk you took making contact last night."

"A more direct method of communication was needed. Are you able to tell us more of your conversations with the aliens?"

"Yes, but then I have a few queries for you."

"I'll give you what I can."

Georgina knew that Sally was being cagy. She didn't know what was going to be asked. But relaying information received wouldn't cost her anything, so decided to.

"I had another visit from them yesterday. Two of the Reginaddes at first. They were interested in the virus that transformed me, and I let them take a biopsy. The virus originated from that third species. An Alphonian was asked to join. He gave his name as Bob. I was asked to give testimony at their council. They said they work together to keep maturing planets from either stagnating or destroying each other."

The Prime Minister then outlined what Bob had said about them preventing planets from stagnating or getting too violent. How the two teams played against each other to thrive.

"Do the two Reginaddes you've been dealing with have names?"

"Apparently, they are reserved for their mates. They never speak them at other times."

"Good to know. I suppose someone should create a book on interstellar etiquette. Anything else?"

"Yes, two things. Firstly, they asked about how I stayed sane after the virus changed me. I mentioned the psychiatrist who looked after me, Dr Hilda Saunders. They got excited when I showed a photograph from a few years ago of her with another woman. They said the other person was humanities saviour."

"And the second thing?" prompted Sally when the Prime Minister paused.

The Prime Minister had expected some reaction about humanities saviour. Either it was something Sally already knew, or she was very good at not giving anything away.

"They said that there had been a ship designed that could take me to give testimony. Do you know anything about this?"

Sally paused before replying. "Yes. I know about the ship. The crew have only done one test flight, and then their factory was attacked. They fled and are in hiding."

"Is this in the UK?"

"Yes."

"This happened on my watch, and I've heard nothing about an attack like that."

"I'm sure you're much too busy to hear about every crime. It hasn't reached the press, and the police are being careful not to panic people. Having thirty-armed mercenaries attacking somewhere might cause people concern."

"Is everybody okay?"

"The mercenaries were the only ones physically injured. Everybody on the project got out. Some were sent away, but the main people took the ship and hid. To say they are skittish is an understatement."

"I was told the Yvestigans are expansionists."

Sally paused. "That doesn't sound good, but we've had invalid impressions regarding the aliens before. We thought the Alphonians and Reginaddes were enemies, but it doesn't appear to be the case. I don't think we can assume that the Yvestigans are behind this without more knowledge. When you next speak with Bob or the Reginaddes, can you ask them if there is a method the Yvestigans can track the ship? That is the only way I can think they were found."

"Okay. Is there anything I can do to help secure the crew and the ship? Would an army unit help?"

"Are you offering? At the moment it was secured by obscurity. If others know where it is, then that has gone. But it is private development. For some it is a science experiment. For others, it is their dream. Hilda gave her life to make sure that dream came true."

"Gave her life?"

"Yes. Look, leave it at that. It isn't fair on others to delve into that and there is a child involved."

"If there is only one ship, would it be better to build more? Share the knowledge so someone can't stop it?"

"That has been discussed, but it causes other issues. At the moment there is one. It forces the single Earth situation. If every country had them before there was a single representative, would there be the same impetus?"

"That is a high-risk strategy."

"We know," sighed Sally. "When they call in again, I will let them know they need to taxi you to the alien council. Do you know how far it is?"

"150 light years. I've no idea the location. They said they would notify them."

"Okay. I will ask."

"We've not even gone past Mars, and you don't seem phased by a journey that far. Hang on, I've not heard of any rocket launches from the UK."

"You wouldn't have. It has a unique propulsion. One final question. If it is agreed, do you want to go quietly, or in a blaze of publicity?"

"How do you mean? "

"It needs to be in a controlled area where we know we aren't going to land on someone. We could land in say Horse Guards Parade. The public would see. We could land in the courtyard at the Foreign Office. You might get a few excited workers, but it would be hidden from the public. Or we could meet in a remote field."

"That is something for me to think about," pondered Georgina. "Can I ask you where you fit into this? You seem to know a lot about what is going on."

"I'm an investigator. I'm part of a team that is tasked with trying to keep things stable. We are sent to companies, or governments, where there are issues which aren't being resolved through normal means. This may or may not be caused by the Reginaddes."

"That sounds very generic. Can you give me any examples? Obviously without compromising any individuals."

"The most recent one that you may have heard about is Turkey, back in October last year. Going much further back, there was the disclosure of nuclear technology being sold to Iran."

"How do I know that was you though?"

Sally said, "We work in the background and pass information to others. We don't advertise what we do. There are a few people who have some ideas, but it wouldn't be fair on us, or them, to mention their names."

Georgina considered that. It made sense. They wouldn't have stayed in the shadows if they published what they did. They wouldn't be able to continue their work if people knew they existed.

"I get it," said Georgina with a tinge of frustration. "Thank you for the information. I hope what I've told you helps."

"It does help. Are you okay if I ring the same time on Wednesday? It should give time for the crew of the ship to make contact again."

"Yes. Thank you. I feel bad asking for a lift in the ship."

"It's the only one around and I think they'll find it pushes them."

The call ended and Georgina got up and went down to work.

* * *

"I think we need to create a team handling non-Earth matters," stated the Prime Minister. She was having one of her regular meetings with Craig, her chief of staff, and the cabinet secretary, Sir John Jones. Rupert, was sat at the side, taking notes.

"Is there that much work?" asked Craig.

"Not yet, and there might not be if this is handled at a world stage. But I've noticed there are things that aren't covered in other areas.

"Perhaps someone from the Foreign Office?" suggested Sir John.

"Why them?"

"They deal with non-UK issues. They are used to different languages, cultures. They have protocols for learning how we should interact. They also are our interface with the UN."

"Craig?"

"Yes, though I think it needs to be a dedicated team there. It is something so new, you don't want that job being passed around."

"There are also some things that I'm still keeping to myself. The two races I've met are wanting to go through me."

"You can't keep doing that forever," responded Craig calmly. "You are the UK Prime Minister, not the envoy to the stars."

"There are reasons. There is another thing. I've been asked to attend their council."

"You're going to go?" asked Sir John, slightly agog. This was unusual for the country's top civil servant. It took a lot to surprise him.

"How?" asked Craig, sounding a bit pissed.

"I don't think I'll be away for long, but there needs to be things put in place. It's no different than when I went to Davos."

"It's a lot different," snapped Craig. "You were contactable. You could be home in a few hours. If you're out of touch, it needs to be treated like you were unconscious having an operation. Have you talked to Lewis about this?"

"Not yet. I wanted to discuss it with you two first."

"You have responsibilities here," said Craig.

"I know, and I do them. I'm glad I'm Prime Minister," said Georgina. "However, sometimes there is a bigger picture. This is important for the UK. Also, this is important for me. I've been asked to give testimony regarding the virus that infected me. That is why I have to go."

"Do you want me to book an appointment with Lewis?" asked Rupert, speaking for the first time since the meeting had started.

"Please. Later today would be great. After we finish this conversation, I'd like you to get the Foreign Secretary on the phone."

"Yes, Prime Minister. I think I should accompany you on your trip," said Rupert.

"Great. When I find out when, and for how long, I'll let you all know. John, I think you need to organise a cabinet meeting for tomorrow morning. They need to know what's happening."

"You didn't answer me earlier," said Craig, slightly less crabby. "How are you getting there?"

"I presume it will be by spaceship," said Georgina. She was glad that Craig was often a voice of reason, but he was pressing all her buttons today. "I'm waiting for confirmation. I don't really have them on instant messenger."

"Intergalactic email," mused Sir John.

"I suspect their system is totally different. How planets communicate is another unknown to add to the list. In some ways, it makes me feel like a child, trying to understand why my parents did certain things. It's all shiny and new and strange. Yet I'm sure there are wonders and perils that we can't even imagine."

It was early afternoon that Lewis arrived. His easy swagger always made the PM smile. Him being gay made some in government uncomfortable, but he never stopped. His hard work and natural skill had made his rise assured. Being Home Secretary and Deputy Prime-Minister was an accomplishment. She knew there was more to Lewis. His history was there if someone looked. But since nobody had questioned that part of him, they'd not looked. Either the press didn't know, or they'd never had a reason to blab.

The Prime Minister took Lewis towards her discussion area, which was two three-seater settees. She had a single seater at the end. Rupert was also there, but he stood to her side.

"Did you enjoy the concert?" asked Lewis.

"Yes," Georgina replied. "How did you know I went?"

"Security stopped me attending. With all that is happening, they didn't want us at the same place in public."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

Lewis waved it away. "I'll go to the next one and I've heard Monica sing before. So, what can I do for you Prime Minister?"

"I've been invited to visit the alien council meeting. I'm going to announce this in cabinet tomorrow, but I thought you should know before."

"You're planning on going then?"

"Yes. Rupert offered to come with me."

Lewis looked across at Rupert, got up and shook his hand. "You're a brave man."

"I'm just doing my job," stammered Rupert, surprised at Lewis's reaction.

"Offering to go to an alien world is never 'just doing your job'," said Georgina.

"How long will the two of you be away?" enquired Lewis.

"Unknown. I'm told we will be travelling 150 light years. I've no idea how long that will take."

"I hope the spaceship can travel faster than light, or you'll be gone a long time."

"I had the Chief Scientific Adviser see me on Saturday. He's in a total dither. He said that speed of light was an absolute. His theory is the aliens might live for a lot longer than us or have hibernation. I asked him to consult with experts and come back to me when they had more ideas. I've not seen him since."

"Ouch."

"His background is more biology and genes. I'm sure he would be interested in the actual aliens rather than how they move. But his job is to know the experts and come to a consensus."

"So how do you want me to run things while you are away?"

"I want you to shadow me for the next few days. We can then discuss specifics as we move forward. This is if the cabinet agree. I'm also going to see His Majesty to discuss. Now, let's discuss what we think the reaction of each member of cabinet will be."

Rupert gave a small cough. "Do you want me to step out now?"

Things were moving from a government discussion to a party discussion. Rupert knew that Georgina didn't like him being involved with things like that. A separation between party and government.

"Yes, thank you."

The conversation was wrapping up when there was a knock, and Rupert came in. "Prime Minister, sorry to interrupt."

"What is it?"

"The press office have just notified us that a news item has just been shown discussing the Earth ship. They have announced that it is British. The first test was the Pudsey Bear that went to the space station."

"Okay, thank you for letting me know. Get them to send me an email with the recording. I'll review it when it comes through."

"Yes, Prime Minister. Anything else?"

"No, that's all for now. Oh, who announced it?"

"Storm Daniels."

"Thanks Rupert," said Georgina, and Rupert departed once more, closing the door behind him.

"Do you want to see it?" Georgina asked Lewis.

"Sure."

They went across to the Prime Minister's desk. The video from her watching the security footage of Sally was still on her screen. Lewis blanched. Georgina found the waiting email but didn't run it yet.

"You know her?" asked Georgina. It had been impossible not to notice Lewis's reaction.

"She looks like someone I know," he responded cautiously, mentally castigating himself.

"Oh?"

"I'd rather not discuss her," said Lewis carefully. "And I'd rather you didn't ask questions to others about her either."

"I haven't, but why are you so nervous? Is she bad news?"

"No, but she is ... a rather private person. How do you know her?"

"She managed to get to see me while at the Albert Hall. I came across one occurrence of her after reviewing the concert replay on the orchestra's website. She was on her own."

"So, you didn't get security or anybody else to look into her?"

"No. She left me a phone. She called me this morning, and we swapped information about the aliens. She seems to know the people behind the ship that can go beyond our solar system. The aliens have suggested they take me to the meeting. Can I trust her?"

"Yes," he said with utter conviction.

"Fine. If we mention her, she used the name Sally, which I'm sure isn't her real name. You seemed to be right about Tim Harper. He seems a solid journalist. I asked Sally for references. She gave me two that the group she works with have been involved. A recent one and an older one. The recent one was the child ring in Turkey. The older one the Iran nuclear parts scandal."

"I can confirm Iran. Turkey sounded like them, but I have no proof."

"So why did they risk exposure? They could have given you the phone to give to me."

"They could, but they probably didn't want you thinking I worked for anybody but the government."

"And do you just work here?"

"Yes. I swore my oath when I became an MP, and I take that very seriously. I have no side jobs, and all my interests are noted. We never talk business if we meet for a meal. Just life."

"Just asking," said Georgina putting up her hands in surrender. "You do seem to have a rather eclectic group of friends."

"You know where I went to school, don't you?"

"Sure. I was fortunate to see one of their concerts before I got into politics. Why?"

"It wasn't just a great music school. It brought out the best in everybody that went there. We were encouraged and helped to grow. We were never belittled but taught how to take personal responsibility and help others. Tim was a few years older than me."

"You and Brian appear to have done equally well. Didn't I see somewhere that Brian has been promoted?"

"Yes," smiled Lewis fondly. "He seems to be doing okay."

"Doing okay. He's now a senior director in one of the biggest accounting firms in the country."

Georgina clicked the emailed link, and they watched the announcement, including a replay of the video from the previous November. "This is the first test we can find of the new propulsion system in the spaceship the Prime Minister mentioned. I explained it to a few eminent scientists, and they are trying to work out how it works."

The Prime Minister looked through her contacts on her computer and sent the link to Martyn Miller, her Chief Scientific Adviser. She asked him for his thoughts for 8am the following morning.

"Do you have any school friends that want the job of Chief Scientific Adviser?" she asked Lewis.

Lewis laughed. "No. I could give you a professional billiards player, a travel writer, farmers, oboist and logistics."

"Oboist?"

"You saw her last night at the concert. Well, she was quite well hidden behind the strings, but I went to school with the principal oboist."

"A music school, and only one that went into music?"

Lewis shrugged. "Music was what bound us, but we all had our own passions. I was probably one of the last in our year to decide what I wanted to do."

"So, is there anything I need to be aware of in the land of the Home Office. Say a potential terrorist attack and thirty dead mercenaries?"

Lewis gaped. "Yes, but we've kept it very hushed, so not to panic people. Two security guards from there are assisting the police. MI5 have the bodies, and things are wrapping up on site. The investigations are ongoing into who they were and why they were attacking. I've been kept informed, and at the moment doesn't appear to be a wider issue that requires ramping up the Threat Level."

"Good. When will the police be finished onsite?" asked the PM. She wanted to ask where it was, but she didn't feel she really needed or wanted to know.

"Later today. Can I ask how you know about this?" asked Lewis, puzzled. This incident had been discreetly handled to not cause panic. For the PM to know, there was a leak.

"Sally told me."

Lewis chuckled, no longer concerned. "Oh, what a tangled web."

"I presume you have a discrete method of letting Sally know when the police have finished."

Lewis didn't feel comfortable with that query, but when he glanced up at Georgina's face, he saw it wasn't a request. He said the only thing he could, "Yes, Prime Minister."