The Monkey and Squirrel fight for freedom. (16 page)

“Of course, we all need a pension; your passion must have made things hard for you. I'm going to mash some tea, would you like a cup?” offered Jimmy.

“Yes please, as I get older, pensions concern me more, hence my more reserved public demeanour.” said Dave with a humourless smile.

“But privately, your passion continues unabated?” inquired Jimmy.

“As does yours, there's more to this than a novel engine design, my moneys on an interstellar ship with ram scoops. I noticed you weren't surprised when I mentioned them.” observed Dave.

“A very astute guess, it won't be in the public domain any time soon, but with so many people involved, leaks are going to occur. Just let me say it looks like our far out friends, intend to get even farther away from us than they are now.” optioned Jimmy.

“Wow with what they have achieved, even if we find them I doubt we could harm them. It must be fear driving them, if it was hate they would be building weapons, not interstellar ships.” reasoned Dave.

“I have reason to believe they are building both, but not deploying weapons in a hostile fashion.” commented Jimmy.

“Like that fighter in the asteroids, if they were hostile that would have been patrolling, out  looking for a threat to kill, not docked presumably only to be deployed if needed. The guilty secret of my youth is out; I played uncool strategy computer games, not shoot em ups.” confessed Dave.

“Me I built virtual space ships and went exploring, also I was more careful where and when I expressed my passions. My advisers were right, ordinary ever day work may be dull, but being unemployed is a total pain, nothing to do, but survive, if you're lucky you won't go mad.” was Jimmy's confession.

“Me I was too hot headed to listen, all I heard was shut up you idiot, do as you’re told. That term you used when making tea, mash I haven't heard it used before, although it did sound sort of right.” enquired Dave.

“A hold over from my home town, brewing was the main industry for centuries. Steeping malted barley in hot water, is called mashing and being similar to making tea, the term was adopted by the entire town, still used by older natives today. I guess you're the first engineer in your family and your parents were into the arts?” asked Jimmy.

“Close, mum is a poet and dad's a literary critic, and frustrated playwright. Both were astounded that I wanted to 'waste my life on something as unimportant as engineering' as they put it. They never understood my passion, they never said it but they were embarrassed by my choice.” answered Dave.

“Art with a very capital A, they probably believe that civilisation begins and ends with art. The truth is art, is a product of civilisation built on engineering and farming. Art is often used to show off the power and wealth of the rulers, it helps keep the 'lesser beings' in line as a subtle form of intimidation, just the same way art is used to day.” optioned Jimmy.

“So they are part of a system of oppression? I'll have to try that on them, they won't believe it.” chortled Dave.

“As I said a subtle one, think of all the jobs that have to be done to keep civilisation healthy and working. Now think if they were paid proportionally to the real importance of that role to that health, all artists would have to have real jobs to get by.” stated Jimmy.

“So it's part of a systematic method for the wealthy to stay that way?” asked Dave.

“Yes, the truly wealthy never bother with politics, unless they fancy it as a hobby. Their wealth gives them sufficient power to either control governments, or move to one of their liking. Their only loyalty is to their wealth, just like bankers only a more mature version.” observed Jimmy.

“That sounds like a personal grievance?” enquired Dave.

“Admittedly yes, I have a younger brother, he end up in high end banking at twenty five, and retired a Euro billionaire just before his fortieth birthday. I get an E-card on my Birthday and Christmas, they're so impersonal they must be sent by his diary. I'm the one who helps mum and dad, visit them at least twice a year and I'm in space for most of it.” fumed Jimmy.

“Relative problems, we all have them in some form. You're basically pissed off because he has the time and money to look after them, but leaves it up to you, have you ever asked him to help?” asked Dave.

“I shouldn’t have to, but it may never of occurred to him I suppose, he always was self absorbed.” answered Jimmy.

“Give it a try, the worst he can do is tell you to f### off.” said Dave.

“May well do, anyway I've got a report to write and a brief to prepare, you're not allowed to see the source, so be off with you, I'll wash up your cup then make a start.” replied Jimmy.

“It's been fun, we'll have to do it again some time, and I do so enjoy flights of fancy.” with that Dave departed.

The medical and logistic assessments had already been done and were attached, clearly only his input on the interstellar ship was wanted. But Jimmy still asked a few questions of the habitat doctors and the people who had compiled the other reports to complete his understanding. 

Jimmy finalised his notes, wrote his report, made a cup of tea while thinking how can I deliver this to the security man, I don't even know his name. Just as he sat down, his door bell went, it was the security man, this place must be bugged, I never considered that possibility it's so obvious I should have.

“I was just passing and thought I’ll just pop in to see how you were getting on.” said the smiling security man.

He can’t believe I'm that naïve, best play along though, Jimmy thought as he said. “What a coincidence I have just finished the report, come in.”

“Certainly, I see you're making tea, have you a spare in the pot?”

“I think I could squeeze one out, the report is on the table.” replied Jimmy.

“I'll read it here then you can answer any questions I have.” said the security man.

“OK I have some reports to read myself.” replied Jimmy.

With that the unnamed security man settled down to read with his cup of English tea, from the Cornwall plantations. Occasionally asking for explanations of technical details or reasoning behind conclusions and speculation, until.

“This speculation about a fusion engine, how likely is it?”

“Well just like the specialist I consulted said, it depends on that being a working fusion reactor. The rest of the design is fairly standard stuff, sort of a supercharged ion engine, the ship would still work with a standard ion engine. It would take about ten times longer and over twice the fuel mass to get up to ram scoop speed. The design suggests it was originally for an ion engine and this is a new development that has been included as it came available.” answered Jimmy

“But your expert doesn't want his name associated with this, as it could hurt his intellectual standing.” observed the security man.

“His chances of a healthy pension actually! Attacks from the more conventional side of his profession would be merciless, and could render him unemployed, especially if he was proved right it would be unforgivable.” explained Jimmy.

“I thought scientists and engineers were only concerned with facts?” asked the bemused security man.

“Proven facts, accepted theories, every really new principle or theory has to go through, the hell fire of everyone it proves wrong or offends. Being right is no defence against that, in fact your career has more chance of surviving if you're proved wrong or an outright fraud. That's the arena where I learnt about politics, these government types are amateurs by comparison. Even murder is a possibility and has happened or been attempted on several occasions.” explained Jimmy.

“There am I thinking those ivory tower types were above all that.” said the security man.

“No the tower just makes it easier to achieve the desired result, when throwing your rival out the window. And claiming he just was sticking his head out for a breath of air, and overbalanced falling to his death, when the police turn up. If you want to live dangerously, try telling an eminent scientist, he has wasted his life working on a failed theory and you’re the only one with the proof. It doesn't matter how old and venerable he is, your chance of getting out the room alive decreases by the second.” explained Jimmy.

“That puts a new angle on a rash of suicides amongst post graduates in our most prominent universities. Anyway that's getting off topic do you think your expert, would be amiable to expand his ideas to non-scientists in confidence?” asked the security man.

“Provided his family, pension and himself are safe, I don't see a problem, he is actually more likely to trust you than another expert in his field.” replied Jimmy.

“Ten minutes ago I would have been surprised, but you live and learn or you don't live long.”

“You're right about that, anyway have I answered all your questions?” asked Jimmy.

“I think so; we now know why our experts thought it was a hoax and why a lot of mysterious suicides have to be reinvestigated as murders. An appropriate quote would be a surfeit of riches, thanks I think.” replied the security man.

After security had left, Jimmy thought he didn't even pretend to need to be told who my expert was, well time to put the kettle on. His travel documents and arrangements arrived an hour later; he was on the ten pm fight down, connecting to the midnight suborbital to London Euro zone. That made him think of the England’s idiotic withdrawal from the EU in 2019, the other countries of the UK applied for independent membership of the EU and put up border control posts to limit smuggling. The humiliating terms England had been forced to accept for its readmission in 2025, with its economy on its knees and in danger of total collapse.

That had been the end of the UK independence party as a political entity, as its rich supporters found themselves haemorrhaging wealth. Most of the wealthy moved themselves with their wealth elsewhere. Those left behind unable to leave found themselves destitute in an independent, economically isolated UK. Once their non-EU friends had split them off from the EU, their true agenda was revealed. All the multinationals with factories in England moved them to EU countries, Scotland and Wales did particularly well out of this.

The need for a reliable fast link to mainland Europe, had lead to a engineering miracle, financed by a huge Scottish gamble. The submarine rail tunnel moored to the seabed but floating above it, a novel use of the oil rig technology and industry of Scotland. It started with just one tunnel and one line so it could generate revenue as soon as possible. No passenger traffic at first, it rapidly expanded to four tunnels, inter connected at module junctions by a refuge come service area with its own service tram tunnel. only at that point it was judged feasible to permit passenger services. They used the same method to connect to Wales and Ireland so those countries could bypass the high English tolls. This network was in place and running at a profit by the end of two thousand and twenty three, completed in two thousand and twenty six, the modular construction, clear vision, in time finance had made it all possible.

Chapter 14

Jimmy meets Euro Security English division

Anyway his bag was packed; Jimmy had his notes and copies of the reports, time to go. Hours later he landed in London, feeling ready for about twelve hours solid sleep. When he exited the sub orbital aircraft, he was suddenly manhandled through a side exit, stuffed in a car and whisked away without explanation. Ending up in a windowless room with a table and two chairs screwed to the floor.

He tried his phone but couldn't get a signal, sod it he said to himself, using his jacket as a pillow he curled up on the table and went to sleep. The security man watching him on the hidden camera thought he's not supposed to do that, he should be pacing anxiously or something; the boss isn't going to like this. He was right, but not for the reasons he believed. He had only been following orders and standard procedures, having been told 'to collect this man (photograph) from, PK SO 024, escort him to secure centre 012 and await further orders'. Naturally no one had told him anything else, but it would all be his fault, the boss is never in the wrong, except to those in the pay grades above.

When Jimmy woke up his watch said ten am, he had slept for six hours so it would be two am London time, he needed the toilet, he shouted, but no one came. Then he shouted I need the F###### toilet if you don't get me to one now I'll do it by the door and you can share it. With cleaners being regarded as a security risk the officers, much to their disgust, had to do their own cleaning. So not long after his announcement, Jimmy was taken to a toilet by his watcher, when the watcher tried to stop Jimmy getting a drink of water. Jimmy side stepped the very tired young man and tripped him. The watcher knocked himself out as his head hit the wash basin. Jimmy thought now what, then searched the watchers pockets, Euro security officer John Smith he turned out to be.

Jimmy as quickly as he could dragged John to the guest room, he had seen fit to give Jimmy, and using John's pass locked the room. Exploring the place Jimmy found cells, other rooms like his, good bed rooms and a stocked kitchen off the control room. So after he had eaten and had a cup of tea or three, he looked at John on the  control room monitor. John was awake, Jimmy pressed the talk button by the microphone and asked “why did you drag me in here John?”

The reply consisted mostly of four letter words. To which Jimmy replied

“I'm going to my hotel, I'll use your car and if I ever see you again I'll give you the right thumping you deserve.”

With that Jimmy found the garage, driving off leaving the lights on and the doors open, then leaving the car with the keys still in the ignition outside his hotel. Feeling relived as he checked in his reserved room, leaving John Smith's ID at lost property, feeling his anger lessen, he fell asleep in the comfortable bed.

He was still there thinking of breakfast, when John's boss Carl Johnson arrived at secure centre 012 at ten am sharp. That's when the fun started, he was shocked, surprised, and then relieved to find John alive he had someone to blame. Having called in support on arrival, the video record revealed what had happened. Obviously a sloppy clerk hadn't drafted the orders properly, low bid clerical service providers, apparently still not regarded as a security risk. It was the work of a moment to find Jimmy's hotel. When he got there, Jimmy was half way through a full English breakfast. Carl Johnson didn't hesitate, barging right up to Jimmy's table, trusting out his hand saying,

“A bit of a misunderstanding last night, sorry about that, the chap misunderstood his orders, no hard feelings, I'm Carl Johnson.”

Jimmy looked at him, saying. “Whoever you are you're responsible for giving me a load of grief; get out of my sight you jumped up pox doctor’s clerk, until I have finished breakfast and my second pot of tea.”

Carl's smile became forced,

“But it's an issue of national security.” he hissed though his teeth. 

The contents of the milk jug ended up over Carl, Jimmy saying,

“You're the idiot in charge, God the country has no chance, go away, it's the hot water jug next.”

A seething Carl left to get cleaned up, grinding his teeth. It looked like he was going to miss his afternoon golf today. An hour later, a recomposed Carl approached Jimmy tentatively as Jimmy had just received a fresh pot of tea.

Jimmy saw him approach, but as he was feeling calmer didn't instantly reach for the hot water jug.

“What do you want, you excuse of a man?” he didn't feel forgiving either.

“I presume as you're here, you came to consult on a matter of importance, a hotel coffee shop is not the best place for it.” said  Carl Johnson as calmly as he could.

“Why not I feel safer here, no wonder the Chinese offered me political asylum, if political detention routinely happens here now.” replied Jimmy.

“They what?  Asked an astounded Carl.

“Offered me political asylum, why shouldn’t they?” asked Jimmy pleased at the man's shocked expression.

“Nobody would go to them, they come here.” stated Carl Johnson.

“The reception I got, I nearly phoned the embassy last night. Find me someone with at least half a functioning brain, I'll talk to them in my room, idiots like you can wait elsewhere.” ordered Jimmy.

“But, BUT.” started Carl.

Jimmy cut him off loudly informing him.

“It's about some mysterious e-mails you illegally intercepted, what are you pulling that face for, it can’t be a secret the Chinese told me all about them before I came.”

Carl was speechless, his face is a picture thought Jimmy, smiling.

Eventually Carl managed to get out through gritted teeth,

“I'll see what I can do.”

“By the way is the boy OK? He did hit his head hard when he fell over his feet.” inquired Jimmy.

“Yes he's OK, the centre was ransacked, everything not seriously nailed down was stolen, the car has completely disappeared, probably spare parts by now.” replied Carl.

“Funny thing the consequences of bad decisions, becoming a pain in the backside, it's been happening a lot the last few years.” observed Jimmy.

Carl was back about a hour later,

“This is Gary Murphy, a consultant of ours, you can talk to him, he meets both our requirements.”

“Hi, Jimmy I don't know why they dragged you in I've already told them it's a hoax, still you do built habitats.” Gary said.

“The orders are clear, we want his options not just yours.” interrupted Carl.

“OK, OK, chill, whenever you’re ready Jimmy.” said Gary.

“We'll go up now, my luggage has only just arrived in my room, Carl you wait at the door, and I’ll have something for you to read, to keep you out of trouble.” replied Jimmy.

At his room Jimmy and Gary went in, a few seconds later Jimmy stuck his head out, handing a folder to Carl,

“This is what I did for the Chinese, enjoy.”

Back in the room,

“That should keep Carl occupied; let’s see these e-mails then Gary.”

“I've got them up on my laptop already Jimmy.”

Jimmy read them and looked at his documents, then speaking to Gary.

“The Chinese versions of these must have been edited, still it makes no difference to my conclusions. Whoever edited them didn't want any talk of an interstellar ship, but that was my conclusion.”

“But I decided it was a hoax, what makes you think otherwise?” asked Gary.

“As you said yourself, I build habitats. The only area of doubt is the fusion drive, the people I consulted all agreed, we couldn't see how that design of a reactor could work. Otherwise it's viable, substitute a conventional ion engine it all works, it just takes longer, and the ram scoops look practical.” explained Jimmy.

“What ram scoops?” asked Gary.

“Look at this plan, these features here are deployable ram scoops for when in interstellar space, here is one of four small craft hangers, all this area is fuel tanks.” explained Jimmy.

“I see it now, why didn't I see it before?” asked Gary.

“I build habitats, you don't, the experience gives you insights not otherwise available.”

“I think I understand, what you mean. That just leaves the habitat video.” said Gary.

“That's all real, all the trees are varieties from the Mars Terra-forming supply I'm told, the core volume is part of a classic design for habitats. The chat about how long it took to pressurise is very believable, it also tells us they’re not in the asteroids.” said Jimmy.

“That pins them down to one of two planets doesn't it?” asked Gary.

“Three possibilities plus one outside possibility.” speculated Jimmy.

“I was thinking of Jupiter or Saturn, what are the other possibilities?”asked Gary.

“Neptune, with the Kuiper belt the outside bet.” replied Jimmy.

“If they were going to either they'd be still on route, they wouldn't have had time for a side trip back to the asteroids. “So why not, Uranus?” asked Gary.

“It's relatively short of resources, Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune are better long term options,  and the Monkeys could easily used Jupiter as a rest and recuperation break before moving on. We currently can't reach any of those planets, why bother with an expensive search?” asked Jimmy.

“The unknown is driving the security types mad, knowing the Monkeys are out there, but not what they are up to, is making them desperate to find out. It's obvious that the Monkeys are spying on us, the cryptic remarks about being able to defend themselves, tells us they have weapons. Weapons create the possibility of the Monkeys having evil intent, that is the operational logic of security. We have given the Monkeys better reasons than most to hate us, a potential threat needs to be evaluated and counter measures have to be prepared.” explained Gary.

“The Monkeys entire stance is defensive, it all ways has been, they were right about the weakness on my habitats. They made a lame joke about rights infringement, all of it tells us how they are developing as a people.” countered Jimmy.

“We saw the youngsters in the video, maybe you don't know, but they’re not supposed to be able to breed. They never received any medical training, denied free will and self-esteem, that's why a lot of experts regard the recording as fake.” explained Gary.

“I don't see it like that myself, obviously their programming was flawed, it must been. They had to have been planning their escape for years, meticulously preparing and organising across vast distances. The Monkeys took control of everything they needed to, at the same time. Having previously secretly turned their space stations into space ships, and part built their enormous habitats.” optioned Jimmy.

“We saw them being built, after they made their break.” said Gary with a smile.

“I build habitats remember? What was seen back then was the final assembly of prefabricated components. Do you have any idea of the size of the workforce needed to build those three Chinese small habitats?” asked Jimmy.

“I don't know other than it was large.” answered Gary.

“I don't either, but I do know it was over a hundred thousand, how many of these Monkeys are there?” asked Jimmy.

“I think around ten thousand, Ho I see and they had to do most of the work in secret.” answered Gary.

“Now you get it! Also I consulted experts, those cancer treatments are right, down to the doses for body mass ratios. Think about what they took with them, genetic engineering labs, their breeding and enhancement facilities, medical production units. Not forgetting the flight simulators and educational facilities provided for the original human crews. I say they prepared damn well, and are still learning, staying up to date with published research.” concluded Jimmy.

“If you're right and they believe you, it will scare the hell out security.” said Gary

“Well leave that bit of speculation out, if it does more harm than good, no point in needlessly alarming security, nothing good will come of it.” stated Jimmy.

Outside Major Johnson listened in with interest! Jimmy thinks we're needlessly alarmed, the Chinese know more about our intelligence than we do. Somewhere out there is an alien race, with unknown weapons, no reason to like us and lots of reasons to hate us, it might be our own fault but it’s past time to panic.

Better get things in motion, I'll leave them nattering it's all being recorded any way; we definitely need to get China on board for this. He was already on his way out, with a large cat to drop amongst the paranoid pigeons. Jimmy and Gary talked for another couple of hours, Jimmy let him copy his report for the Chinese and bid him goodbye. Then packed his bag and left to spend a couple of weeks with his wife. Meanwhile Major Johnson was wondering how many of his security group, would drop dead today. Going on the colour of them two perhaps three, purple and breathless wasn't an indicator of good health and long life.