Escaping the Cradle - Part 21

Escaping the Cradle

by Karen Page

Part 21

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Part 21
DATE:FC+70

Craig slipped into the Prime Minister's office. As her Chief of Staff, he was the only one, apart from Rupert, who were allowed in unintroduced, if she wasn't in a meeting. The sight though wasn't what he expected. She was sitting there with her head in her hands.

"Prime Minister," he said gently. "What's wrong?"

She looked up and smiled seeing her friend. "The secretariat of CARICOM has requested that Tobago be the seat of a world government. This is the sixth request from different countries or bodies in two days."

"I see," he said, and when she indicated, sat down on the chair opposite her. "I didn't think this was something you were dealing with."

"It is currently being managed by a committee established by the United Nations. Some countries and regions believe that I have influence over the matter."

"You are the public face with all things alien and by extension all the things about a world government. They think you have a sway."

"And there was me thinking being the Prime Minister was going to be a cushy job! When I was a peace negotiator, there were normally two main sides to a conflict. If I was unlucky, there were a few more involved in the sidelines, throwing in a few curveballs. For this, there are two hundred countries wanting their piece of cake."

This he understood. Having been one of her peace negotiation team, he knew what those days were like. Now being in the heart of government he had an inkling what she was going through. He would never truly know some of the decisions and choices she had to make.

"You can't fool me. You would love to be handling it."

She laughed. "You know me well. But in this case, I'm just steering this ship, and hope everything goes in the same direction. Anyway, I'm sure that's not why you came to see me."

"I wanted to see you about the strategy you'd got Colin working on."

"Is it completed?" she asked, surprised.

"A significant proportion. There are some questions on implementation that impact how it should be presented. I've gone through it earlier, and it is what you wanted. A complete joined-up strategy. A copy will be in your Redbox tonight."

"Anything else?"

"Seems Star Bright have a contract with Farnborough, so it seems they've taken staying legal to heart. Our American Ambassador is still trying to smooth things over after they complained about Aurora violating their airspace when they collected their pilot. The fact they didn't travel via air didn't seem to impress them and they aren't welcome at the moment."

"They've only themselves to blame for that mess," said the Prime Minister without compassion.

"Indeed, though it seems they did follow the current NASA regulations for spaceships. That doesn't seem to have curried any relief from the FAA. I think they're more upset that the spaceship isn't theirs and they're sulking a bit."

"Okay, what about UK border regulations?"

"There is now a manual mechanism for them to log inbound flights. If they go via the FBO, things shouldn't be an issue. We've got a few companies that are thinking about space activities, but they aren't alone. It seems existing mining companies are starting to contemplate future asteroid operations."

"Good. Then I hope our plans help. But how will they be impacted if there is a vote to join the alien council?"

Craig smiled. "That is what you will read about tonight."

"Tease. I have our esteemed Chief Scientific Advisor in a few."

"I better leave you to it."

As he walked out, Georgina pressed the intercom. "Rupert, has Martyn arrived?"

"Not yet, Prime Minister."

"Okay, let me know. What's after?"

"A call with the French, German, Dutch and Italian leaders regarding the currency."

Georgina rolled her eyes. More positioning.

"Not something that can be brought forward. Okay, see if anybody has seen Martyn. I doubt he would have got that lost," concluded the Prime Minister, and ended the call.

The Prime Minister continued to go through her correspondence. Just because her meeting was cancelled didn't mean she had nothing to do. It just meant she'd have less that night.

"Still no sign of our Chief Scientific Advisor?" she asked later.

"No, Prime Minister. I'll reschedule him when I get hold of him. Your diary is full for today."

"Okay. It's strange, he was very insistent for this meeting. So, what's next on the agenda?"

"In about ten minutes, a meeting with the Chancellor regarding the upcoming budget. You're slightly ahead of schedule."

"Amazing. That doesn't happen often. Is everything ready for the trip to the alien council tomorrow?"

"Yes, Prime Minister. The others going with us will be here first thing."

"Great. It's a good job Eos is a larger ship. Enough seats for everybody."

It was early afternoon that Rupert mentioned to the Prime Minister that Sir John needed an urgent meeting.

"Send him in."

Sir John, the Cabinet Secretary, came in. His face a mask.

"Prime Minister," he said, as he took the seat opposite her desk. "I have some grave news."

"Oh?"

"This morning someone collapsed, after just coming out of the Westminster Tube station. Paramedics attended and found him dead. Identification upon him indicated it was Martyn."

"Oh no. How did he die?"

"They suspected a heart attack. However, they are now reassessing. Professor Lucas, one of the members of the ISAAC committee, was discovered dead. He and his family had been tortured. SO15 are investigating. All the other members are fine and are getting security until more is known."

"Since ISAAC is to do with the alien issue, is there any danger for tomorrow?"

"They are trying to find that out now. It is early in the investigation."

* * *

It had been a week since the last overnight frost, and Ashleigh was glad her morning walk to the office hadn't been slippery. Early April was upon them and spring felt like it might have arrived. From the office kitchen, she could see the sun glinting on the river. It was a view she'd grown to love.

She'd been worried that as the project had stabilised, they might have moved elsewhere, but there was still much the scientists were learning, and more tests they needed to run. That was the official reason. In reality, they were waiting for the communications satellite that Jessica's company was building. Well altering might have been a better phrase. The company had been building a research satellite, but the client had filed for bankruptcy leaving an almost finished satellite behind.

Ashleigh sighed. She missed Jessica, but Sam was still around so she knew that Jessica would always be back. Sam and Jessica missed each other, but their life had been full of distance during Sam's deployments in the US Navy. It was now Jessica's time to be away.

Her phone ringing disturbed her thoughts, and she answered it without looking who it was. "Hello?"

"Ashleigh, it's Stacy. Are you all okay there? I tried to ring Becky, but she sent it to voice mail."

"I think so," said Ashleigh cautiously. "All the team are busy downstairs. Why?"

The call was totally out of the blue and Ashleigh was caught a bit off guard. It was unusual for Stacy to ring, and it wasn't like she was ringing for a chat. She sounded all business.

"Two people in the government scientific advisory committee on the aliens died today. I just wanted to make sure you were aware. Be cautious."

"I'll let the others know. Thanks for the update."

Stacy terminated the call, and Ashleigh held her phone as if the conversation was going to continue. Two people dead linked to the alien issue. Star Bright were also involved and that sent a small shudder down her spine. This was like the mercenary issue all over again.

She pulled herself together and scarpered down the stairs to the discussion area. The team were in conference about the following days trip.

Becky noticed Ashleigh enter the room, and the anxiety on her face. "What's wrong?"

"I've just had a call from Stacy. It seems two members of the ISAAC committee are dead. Stacy was just making sure we were all okay and told us to be careful."

"Do you think Jenny will be safe?" asked Becky.

"I think the school would have rung us if there was a problem," responded Ashleigh, now worrying about Jenny herself. "But I can check."

She didn't get out of the room before Becky's phone rang. This one didn't give a number. She answered it this time. Before Becky could say anything, the person said, "This is Overwatch. Stacy had us keeping an eye on your perimeter. We've got a whole line of emergency vehicles heading over the canal bridge, and one of my guys just picked up that they're going to your daughter's school

Ashleigh had already been moving towards the door, and Becky was joining her, grabbing her coat which was by the door. "We're going there now."

"It might be coincidence," the female voice said. "We haven't seen anything else untoward."

"Can you ring me back in ten minutes. We will know more then."

"Sure. There is an app on your home screen if you need to contact me."

Becky was too worried to be angry that they'd hacked into her phone and installed an app. "You drive," she said to Ashleigh. "I'm too worried."

Ashleigh didn't say anything but scrambled into the driver's seat. Once they were out of the car park, and round the bend, she put her foot down, ignoring the speed limit.

The school was a mile away, down the country lane that went towards the canal. As they drew close, there were police cars already in attendance. A paramedic first responder was pulling up as they pulled into the side. The school carpark entrance was blocked.

"Move along," said a policeman approaching as they got out of the car.

"My daughter is in there," said Becky. "Jenny Head."

"Stay there." The policeman walked a few steps away, and radioed in. He continued to patrol, stopping anybody entering the school carpark, or playground at the front.

They weren't the only parents turning up. This was a local school in a rural area. The emergency services turning up en masse wasn't going to go unnoticed. Parents from the village walked up, and calls were being made to friends to let them know. This was a benefit of a close-knit community.

Becky's phone rang. "It's me," said the American woman that had called earlier.

"I'm at Jenny's school," replied Becky. "What can you tell me?"

"We don't know what's happened, or if it involves Jenny. However, you are in quite a contained area between the canal and the river. All roads have to go over a canal bridge. Each one has been raised, effectively sealing the area off. Police are heading to each one. More police are coming in from Cheltenham and Stroud."

"It sounds like a manhunt," said Becky.

The policeman she'd spoken with earlier started to come back towards them, and Becky ended the call.

"Any parents, can you gather in the school carpark," he called out. "Any parents to the school carpark."

The policeman continued shouting that out, moving along the crowd. Ashleigh and Becky shuffled along with the others. Now they were in a crowd, Becky knew she wouldn't be able to ring back the American who'd called.

It was nearly the school finishing time, so the majority of the parents were there. Ashleigh saw Grace, Kelly's mum, and gave a small wave.

"What's going on? I've just got here."

"We've not been told."

"Can I have your attention," a voice boomed above the noise of the crowd. When things got a bit quieter, he continued. "I'm inspector Johnson. In a minute, the children are going to come out. This will be in small groups. When you see your child, we will need to confirm identity, and you will be on your way. Are the parents or guardians of Kelly Brown and Jenny Head in the crowd. If so, can you please come through."

Ashleigh's heart sank. This was like an American TV show, where there'd been a school shooting. They always called the parents of the pupils that were impacted. Holding hands with Becky, they made their way to the front.

When the three of them were on one side, the inspector told them, "A group of armed people stormed the school. Everybody was moved to the gym, and they asked for Jenny by name. Pupils pointed towards them, but both girls claimed to be Jenny. They were in a rush and took both of them. We've closed the bridges over the canal, so they should be trapped."

"This isn't to do with the body they found in your office basement?" asked Grace, with a sly grin at Becky.

"The body found in the basement was from before we took over The Anchor," said Becky.

"Ah, that was you," said the Inspector, a small nod. That case had become legendary for the number of cases it cleared up or gave clues for.

"But it might be due to my job," added Becky reluctantly.

"So, you're to blame for Kelly being kidnapped?" snapped Grace.

"No," said Ashleigh. "It is the kidnappers to blame."

"Why do you think your job might be to do with this?" asked the Inspector, ignoring the glares between Ashleigh and Grace.

"Probably because thirty mercenaries tried to attack my factory in January. And earlier today two members of the science committee advising the government on the aliens were killed. My company works in the same area."

The inspector paled. "This isn't a joking matter."

"Am I laughing?"

He moved away to call someone, leaving Grace glowering at them. "Is this when Jenny didn't attend school for a few days?"

"Yes," said Becky plainly. "She was upset at not being able to attend."

Becky pulled out her phone and dialled James. "Hey James. Bit of an issue. Seems Jenny and Kelly have been kidnapped."

"What the —" he started before catching himself. "What can we do to help?"

"Something mad. There is a field just behind the school carpark. I need for the police inspector here to get the severity of the issue without saying things."

"A touchdown for a few minutes?" confirmed James. "It will be about five minutes."

"Sounds perfect. Thanks."

The children were gradually coming out. A few at a time, reuniting them with their parents. Each were checked to make sure they were going to the right people, and another kidnapping wasn't in progress. Tears and hugs were in abundance.

"Is it wise getting James to do that?" Ashleigh asked Becky, when she'd come off the phone.

She shrugged. "I think it rams home the situation. And Grace knows better than to blab. One more call."

This time she was glad to see the app on her main screen. 'Overwatch' was the icon. She'd heard mention of Overwatch previously. She pressed it. It didn't even ring, but she was connected instantly.

"Jenny and her friend were kidnapped," said Becky. "Do you have a way to let Stacy know?"

"On it. Police are crawling over the area. They have search drones scanning for unexplained heat signatures. You might want to get James to take the ship back to the factory. If they start searching properties, you don't want it found. Was the friend Kelly?"

"Yes."

"Ouch. Be careful with open communications. You know where her father works in Cheltenham?"

"Yes, but not how senior."

"Senior enough for it to be an issue. And then there is her great aunt who was SIS. She is retired but she still has contacts. Be very careful."

Before Becky could respond, the call was gone. It sounded a bit more ominous than expected. Becky had no idea who Kelly's great aunt was.

Eos suddenly blinked into view, sitting in the field adjacent to the school. Becky saw the Inspector, who'd migrated from his radio to his phone, notice. Grace noticed too and looked sharply at Becky.

Becky quickly sent James a message. It was supposed to be end-to-end encrypted. "Hey. That was quick. Great job. The bridges over the canal are shut and they are searching buildings in the area. It might be best to go back to the factory. BTW, the walls have ears."

"It's just Sam with me. So, we're good to go. Understood. I will tell the others."

"Thanks, you've got the attention I needed. Safe trip."

Eos disappeared, the interdimensional drive taking her away, leaving those that had briefly glimpsed her, wondering why the ship had been there.

The inspector came back, scowling. "SO15 have linked this to London. They're taking charge."

"I don't care who's in charge," snapped Ashleigh. "I want Jenny and Kelly back. What's happening?"

"Units are covering the area, trying to locate them. There was a small gap between it happening and the police being notified, but it wasn't enough time for them to have got to the canal."

Inspector Johnson turned to Grace. "Your husbands employer got looped in. You should have said. You lot really know how to make my life difficult." He paused pulling himself together. "Do you have any idea why your daughter would have claimed to be Jenny?"

"Jenny is her best friend. Knowing her, she was trying to protect Jenny or confuse the kidnappers."

"CCTV shows them acting up as they're taken outside the school. It slowed them down. Perhaps enough so that the staff could get out of the locked gym and raise the alarm before they got too far. It's a shame it didn't show the vehicle." The inspector shook his head in wonder. "Okay. Go home. Mrs Brown, a security officer from your husband's work will be there soon. Mrs Head, a family liaison officer is probably at your house already."

"Can we get our children's bags?" asked Grace.

"Sorry, no. Forensics have to sweep the area. We don't want any contamination."

The road, which had been filled with cars driven by anxious parents, had cleared. The police cars were still filling the carpark, and along one side of the street, but that was it.

"Grace, is there anything you need?" asked Becky, kindly. "Do you want to come back to ours for a bit until Clive gets home?"

Grace gave a wan smile. "Sorry I was a bit of a bitch earlier. Thanks for the offer, but I better get home. I think it's going to be a long night for all of us."

As they were driving back, Becky's phone rang. It came through the car speakers. It was James. "I've had a call. I've been asked to make some long-distance pickups. Are you okay for that?"

"Sure. Don't forget about the notifications for the return journey."

"Understood."

"It seems Laura's bringing in reinforcements," mused Ashleigh. "If they've kidnapped Jenny, why haven't we heard from them?"

"It's too early," said Becky. "They have to get to their destination. If they're hidden close by, they're going to be radio silent. As Grace said, it's going to be a long night."

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Footnote:

SO15	The Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command. Sounds London‑based, but in practice they have operational hubs across the UK.