The Portent by Michael S. Heiser

Author:Michael S. Heiser
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction., Science Fiction., Alien Contact.
Publisher: Bellingham, WA
Published: 2014-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

43

Great perils have this beauty, that they bring to light the fraternity of strangers.

—Victor Hugo

“Good morning,” Fern said cheerfully as Brian and Melissa sat down at the table in the Pit. “Most everyone has already had breakfast. What can I make for you?”

“Thank you, but just show us where everything is. You don’t have to wait on us,” Brian said.

“That’s no problem,” she replied. “My age makes me everyone’s mom or grandma, and I like it that way.” Fern filled a cup of coffee at an adjacent setting. “This is for Graham. Doug was just here but went to get Graham,” she added, her mood shifting.

“Is something wrong?” Melissa asked, picking up on the change.

“I don’t know for sure. Doug was looking at his phone and said he had something Graham needed to see right away. To be honest, that’s usually not good news.”

“I guess we’ll find out shortly.”

“That we will,” Fern replied. “Now, what can I get you?”

Brian and Melissa obliged Fern’s hospitality and were joined moments later by Ward, who did the same.

“Clarise has been up for a couple hours already,” Ward said, taking a sip of his coffee. “Not to sound too ghoulish,” he said, looking in Brian’s direction, “but she’s prepping the lab for your visit.”

“ ‘Prepping’?”

Ward laughed. “Oh yeah. When Clarise gets fixated on a problem or something she’s discovered, she gets a little obsessive.”

“Reminds me of somebody,” Melissa said, grinning.

“I don’t obsess,” Brian objected with a chuckle. “I just like to see things through when I’m on to something.”

“Right.”

“Clarise is also wrapped up in that old printout you gave her with all the letters. She’ll be useless the rest of today, for sure,” Ward added. “That means we’ll have to adapt our normal routine.”

“For Christmas Eve?” Melissa asked, taking a plate from Fern, who had returned to the table with some toasted bagels.

“Yeah. We usually drive into civilization to go out for dinner and see Christmas lights. Clarise already told me she doesn’t want the interruption. But she had a suggestion for the two of you. I tried to talk her out of it. I’m hoping you’ll hate it.”

“What’s that?” Melissa asked, her curiosity roused.

“Shopping. She wants me to take the four of you into the city and buy you anything you need.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Melissa agreed quickly. “What’s the problem with that? Your gender?”

“She’s good.” Ward smiled and looked at Brian.

“What time do we leave? There’s no turning back now. Trust me,” Brian said.

Melissa sighed, feigning irritation. “We can do it some other time if you two don’t have the stamina.”

“Told you,” Brian said, stirring his tea. “Game over. This battle of wits just ended.”

“Actually, it makes good sense to go now,” Ward said. “Lots of sales. Both of you should take inventory after breakfast and make a list of what you need—and not just clothing. Anything. I’ll make sure Malcolm and Deidre do the same.”

“Thank you.” Melissa beamed.

“If we have time, we can still drive around and see Christmas lights.”

“Are we going to see the rest of Miqlat first?” Brian asked.

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