Circuit of Sanctuaries - Portal of Opportunity by Moore Foote Jackson

Author:Moore Foote, Jackson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Unknown
Published: 2015-09-10T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23 – Lack of Communication

“Colonel, we have a scramble directive from Homeland Security,” the Air Force communications officer informed his supervisor.

“Please elaborate,” the Colonel demanded.

“They say a vintage supersonic jet just made an unauthorized take off from some little airstrip in Texas,” he replied. “No flight plan either. Last known heading, due west.”

“Heading straight for us, huh?”

“Well, presumably sir. It seems that they were lost off radar shortly after takeoff. So, if it wasn’t just a drunk pilot who went up and promptly crashed, then they’re probably skimming the deck.”

“Don’t over think this, Lieutenant,” answered the cool-headed tower commander. “Give the order.”

“Yes sir.”

About the time Kuel was scramming high over Albuquerque, four F-22’s were scrambling to intercept his missing F-104. Kuel was listening to the chatter and was aware of the company he would be getting shortly.

“Alright boys,” Kuel said out loud, “Let’s see if I can charm you into becoming my backups, rather than my pursuers.”

******************

“Have we heard anything else from ElDann?” Nohjyn asked Hannat.

“Negative. Nothing since the fight in the hospital room,” he replied. “I think his comm system was perhaps damaged by that Nephilim.”

“Yes, that is the most likely explanation,” said Nohjyn, after a few seconds of thought. “We must proceed as planned, regardless.”

“Agreed.”

The Marakandran continued on its westward course, skimming low over the terrain… and, being shadowed out at the edge of the atmosphere by the Ministry of Pain.

******************

“I don’t know which might be the bogey and which is the echo, sir, but I have two small blips matching each other’s speed, crossing over right now,” the radar man reported to his superior.

“Echo?” the colonel demanded clarification.

“Yes, sir. One close to the deck… as you said. But, another out at the edge of space.”

“Identical courses and speed, you say?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Ok. Split the wing and chase them both.”

“But sir…” the Lieutenant began to protest.

“I know, R.O., the 22’s don’t have that service ceiling. But, if the top one is real, we don’t want to be caught off guard when it comes back down.”

“Yes, sir.” He gave the command.

*****************

“I still can’t get any response from my team,” ElDann informed Jameson and Links, as they sped south on highway eighty-nine toward their rendezvous point. “It seems like I am not transmitting clearly. And, I’m not getting anything back except garbled static.”

“You think one of us is bugged?” Brinker asked in a worried tone.

“No, that sounds different. I think one of the blows I took to the head broke something,” ElDann replied.

“Yeah, but you’re pretty much healed-up already, aren’t you?” Agent Links merely noted what was visibly obvious.

“Yes, I am Bill, but, unfortunately, my internal communications system isn’t a part of my biology. It is a mechanical and electronic implant. The only thing my body does is to provide the electricity for it to operate.

“I see. Well, should I attempt a phone call, then?” he queried.

“No. We can’t take the risk of having our signal identified… especially since Nessie will shortly be in the mix.”

“Yep,” Jameson agreed.

“Yep,” Links concurred. “I just hope your broken radio hasn’t given anything away.

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