Lock was perched upon the command chair of the bridge studying the forward screen.   He had called up information from the Probe’s internal operations manuals to the command chairs side viewer but found it much easier to read if he diverted the text to the larger screen directly in front of him.  Reading up on any and all of the Probes systems accomplished two things.  First and most importantly he needed a diversion while waiting for his next assignment to begin and second he was committed to knowing everything possible about the Probe, knowledge was after all, power.  He had been at it for several hours and was thinking of taking a break to raid the kitchen when the communication call indicator on the arm of his command chair started to strobe.

                “Yes, what is it?” Lock tried to keep the anxiety out of his voice.

We are nearing the 48 hour deadline given to us by the Directorate.  I wanted to make sure you were ready for our transit to the coordinates provided.  Once we arrive we must perform a standard reconnaissance of the area and settle into place while remaining cloaked.  Our orders are clear on this point, we are not to allow ourselves to be discovered and are not to uncloak until we receive a coded signal from the Probe sent to meet with us.

                “How close are we?  I want to get something to eat and hit the fresher before we get under way.” Lock knew better but thought briefly that the rumbling of his stomach might be heard by the ships sensors.

In anticipation of just such a request I waited until we had two hours left, which should give you plenty of time.  Please reset the controls for remote access before you leave the bridge, you may find that using any of the conveniently placed sub-consoles throughout my interior might come in handy.  You know you can simply will yourself to the bridge but in the stresses of a combat situation ones mind is not always clear and my previous Directors have found it helpful, should we take any damage, to have control imput opportunity readily available.

                “Are you trying to tell me that we might be in for trouble?”

I believe it was you who said in one of our many conversations that your father was a member of what you called the Boy Scouts and he always used their motto “ Be Prepared”.  I find that motto to be very appropriate in our situation.

                “It’s nice to know that you don’t forget anything we talk about like some people I know.   I’m going to start with a sandwich, holler if anything changes.

……

                Loomis looked out of the window at the roof of the Lab as his driver performed his usual cautionary approach survey.  His driver Duncan was good at his job and even though Loomis got impatient sometimes, this routine was for his own safety.  The door to the roofs landing pad opened just as the dust kicked up by the flyer’s powerful engines settled.  Eldon walked over and opened the vehicle’s heavy door.

                “Elder Loomis, Welcome, I received your call and have the performance reports ready for your inspection.  In short the resent test all went perfectly and our retrofitted Probe will be ready for service in mere days.”

                Loomis made his exit and stood facing Eldon, concern registering on his face. “I thought you said that the Probe could be put into service right after the test results were downloaded by the diagnostic computers and saved?”

                “Yes sir, but the diagnostic computers must compare all sensory results collected during the test displacement with the performance parameters you provided and that process is being run as we speak.  The time needed is just a function of the literally millions of readings that were taken and the complexity of the calculations of the time field.  I’m sure you are aware that if a single calculation does not match when the Probe is sent to a specific set of coordinates in time and space, it might not materialize.  That would be a disaster.” Eldon could see the displeasure on the Elder’s face.

                Loomis signaled his driver to remain available and walked toward the open door with Eldon on his heels.  He remembered the long stairs down to the floor of the Lab that he had so recently and stealthfully used only days ago.  He said nothing until reaching the bottom.

                “What are the chances that a mission can be readied in the next two days?” He spoke into the air without looking at Eldon but knew that if he had stopped walking his protégé would have climbed up his backside.

                “It is one thing to transport a sensor package and quite another to send out a live person or persons.  Before I can sign off on the last test the sensor diagnostics must match our proven base line provided by existing Probes now in service.” Eldon realized only after making his point that his tone had been so forceful and expected the worst.

                “Well, I like a man that sticks to his guns.  With the sincerity you just demonstrated I’d feel safe taking her out for a spin myself.  Just try to remember we’re under the gun here and I now have the time and place for her first real trial and that time must be in two days.”

                Eldon nearly had to push his hanging jaw closed with his hand when he realized no chastisement was forthcoming but recovered quickly. “I do understand Sir.  I just got carried away for fear that whoever goes on this mission must do so without a thought to their personal safety.  Success is always a function of focus and personal fear has a tendency to detract from that focus.”

                “Point taken, now let’s check those test results and set up the mission parameters before I leave.”

                Eldon lead the way as Loomis reached inside his coat pocket for the mission specs he had saved on a transfer crystal.

……

Lock?

                “I’m ready, how long till lift off?” Lock hated the momentary disorientation he felt as the Probe left real time and entered into the time flux.  He wanted to steel himself against the feeling to come.

I have just opened the mission packet that was sent two days ago as instructed and transferred the parameters into my navigation control computer.  Please be seated in the nearest chair for the beginning of our transit.  I am aware that the human body experiences an unsettling feeling when the dilation field is initiated for our entry into the time flux.

                “That’s the understatement of the day but the warning is appreciated.  Let’s get this show on the road.”

                As Lock’s stomach seamed to ignore the rules set down by his mind, he knew they were underway.  He only hoped that the powers that be knew what they were doing……  

                Loomis was not a patient person and he was used to giving orders, not taking them.  During the trip back from his clandestine manipulations of the control programming of the prototype probe in Lab 21, he had received a call from the Woman his operatives had yet to identify.  The Woman that seemed to think he was at her beck and call.  The Woman that was convinced that Loomis’ own fate was tied to hers when they first talked only a few month ago.  His continued lack of knowledge about this woman annoyed him to no end and spoke volumes about her abilities at the game of stealth.  It seemed that she had learned of information that he was to be given by his operative inside the Center, information that would help him to bring his plans to end the threat from the return and debriefing of the now infamous Probe 4 to fruition.  This development was the reason he now sat at his desk within his homes hidden office, none to happy about having to obey a person he wanted desperately to know.  He was deep in thought when the secure line on his desk com flashed for his attention.

                “Mr. Loomis, I have picked up some information that might be of value to you.  I was told you would be expecting my call.”

                Loomis recognized the voice of his best contractor Dorey Mars. “Miss Mars, always a pleasure, I didn’t realize we seem to have an acquaintance in common.  I must tell you I am greatly surprised and a little suspicious.”

                “About that, my employee inside the Center has been keeping an ear to the everyday communications occurring on the central access hub, as you ordered.  While repairs are ongoing after the unfortunate bombing last month, many of the messages that would otherwise have been transmitted via the currently damaged internal private communication network are being sent openly.” Loomis could hear the confidence in Dorey’s voice. “Ordinarily I might suspect such open communication but after checking the facts in random messages, everything has proven to be true so far and items of interest are very rare indeed, as if they realize they are at risk and want their exposure to be limited.  I believe and trust their obvious paranoia.”

                “You are confident of your information then?” Loomis deliberately sounded as if he was hanging on her every word.   One always wants the help to feel appreciated.

                “As sure as anyone can be in this business,” She said with steel in her voice. “But in answer to your earlier question and before we speak about what I’ve found, I did get a suspicious call early this morning from a woman I do not know.  She seemed to know all about our working arrangement which surprised and worried me and she called me on the encrypted phone I thought only you could access.  She stated flatly and without the slightest bit of emotion that if I hadn’t already, I would be hearing from a plant in my employ at the Center and to pass the information I obtain without delay to you.

                Loomis was listening of course but when Miss Mars said she had received the call over the encrypted phone he had supplied to her for private calls, he was shaken to the bone.  This was a much more serious problem than he first believed and he must redouble his efforts to establish the identity of this woman who seemed to be quite comfortable pulling his strings.  It also struck him that his office communications might be compromised and until this breach could be investigated he might have to rely on personal meetings which he detested.  Considering that the information Miss Mars wanted to give him was likely already known by his puppeteer benefactor, he might as well hear her out before changing up his security measures for any future communications.

                “Miss Mars, it seems I have underestimated this individual but trust me when I say that this too will be corrected in the very near future.  Please continue with your report, I am in the middle of a working plan and if changes are needed, a fix is easier when applied sooner rather than later.” Loomis was finding his interest divided between wanting to learn what Dorey had to offer and the immediate need to address his obvious security issues.

                “We both know of the secret meeting that was held in the subbasement of the Center’s Central Tower.  Attendees included the Center’s founder Jordan Keller and Directorate Manager Andrew Kenfer with a few support staff also present.  As the result of Probe 4 reconfiguring itself and advising that it is ready to except mission orders, a brief but informative message has been designed and sent to the Probe Command Center for dissemination to the probe entailing where and when it is to meet with another Probe for the download of it’s previous mission files and the transfer of a body, assumed to be that of it’s previous joint operations director Davis Keller.  One other thing possibly of value, my plant and the source of this information has a feeling that the management might suspect someone on the inside is spying on the company.  Nothing is definitely known but my operative believes caution at this point cannot be over stressed.”  Dorey made this last point sound ominous.

                “I understand Miss Mars and I take your warning with all seriousness.  Use our backup communication method to send a transcript of the actual message.  Frankly, I anticipated this move to contact the probe and have arrangements in the pipeline to deal with just such an occurrence.  The only thing I was lacking was a time and place to direct my efforts.  I am in your debt but please don’t contact me again until I give you a new secure way for us to communicate.”

                Loomis clicked off and immediately punched in the code to start a rotating encryption algorithm as a buffer to prevent another communication intrusion on his office line, followed by a warning code that would be sent and received by his associates.  When received they would know that communications were compromised and to contact Loomis’ “fixer”.  One of the many anonymous subcontractors Loomis had in his arsenal to repair his compromised security system.  This person was one of the best if not the best in the field.  He’d be back up and running in a day, he was sure.

                Using the internal house intercom Loomis called for his driver, Duncan.  The call he needed to make next had to be secure and the communication system in his personal flyer was impervious to hacking from an outside source, perfect for the needed privacy and security he felt he was lacking at the moment.  As he made his way through his home to the second story landing pad he kept going over in his mind all the people that he knew that might in the remotest be the woman who continued to surprise him.  Whatever happened in the near future, he would not make the mistake of underestimating her again.  She was obviously not as benign and of as little consequence as he had first thought her to be.

                Duncan was waiting at the outer door to the landing pad area as Loomis approached and opened the door wide so he never had to break stride.  Entering the open flyer door, he seated and buckled himself in and reached for the flyers com.  After several seconds a male voice answered.

                “Lab 21, Eldon Monroe, how can I help you?” He said tentatively, Eldon had been eating his lunch and reading the most recent report on the functional status of his new pet project.  The two assistants that had been sent to him were very talented and Eldon looked forward to working with them each day.  He had forgotten what camaraderie was like but with their help he had become quite knowledgeable in the field of time travel while repairing and readying for redeployment, the Center’s first successful attempt at the technology.  He was not expecting the hand com given to him by Elder Loomis to demand his attention at that moment or any other for that matter and was somewhat startled. This was the first call since he received the com and that was weeks ago.

                “Eldon, it’s good to hear your voice son.  How’s our little endeavor coming along?  I believe it will be needed sooner that I expected.  I’ll know for sure as soon as I get a few bugs worked out in my communication lines.” Loomis was being purposely soft spoken and appreciative sounding to give Eldon no cause for any anxiety he knew he would feel if pushed.  Loomis had studied Eldon’s personnel file and knew the boy was a budding genius but also knew he was typically hyper if pressed upon. “I was hoping that your assessment would be positive, are we anywhere close to using our Probe?”

                Eldon liked that Elder Loomis was asking and not demanding information and felt comfortable giving him an outline of the situation. “Our last test with the upgrades used in the existing operational Probes will occur in two days.  My team and I expect it to go smoothly given the glitch free previous tests thus far.  A trial time displacement will follow the day after that.  If all goes well, as I trust it will, the Probe can be pressed into service as soon as the trial displacement has been evaluated and the computer files saved.”

                “Good man!” Loomis genuinely exclaimed, “This is the news I’ve been waiting for and your timing will work perfectly with my own schedule.  I have to run now but I’ll drop by the lab next week to see the results in person.  Can’t tell you how glad I am that I put you in charge.  You won’t have to tend to an empty lab again, and I’ll personally see that you are involved with any active project that suits your fancy when we’re through here.”

                Eldon heard the click on the com indicating that the call had ended.  He took the com away from his ear and looked at it with some doubt.  He wasn’t sure he wanted to be buried in a project as any other peon.  He kind of liked his roll as the boss.  As he walked out to the research bay holding the newly refurbished Probe, the thought briefly occurred to him that he might want to delay his progress and in so doing, his disappearance into the huge corporate machine that was the Center…….

                Kenfer had managed to remain in the lead during the journey from the upper offices down to the lowest level of the Center Complex.  Melman, hot on his boss’s heels, expected Kenfer to enter the Emergency Command Center without hesitation as they reached the heavy entry door but instead turned to face him.

                “Remember that I intend to use this meeting as an attempt to learn who is behind the troubles of late and I don’t want you to show any indications by word or deed that might give my intentions away.  You may notice something that seems to stray from the facts as you know them but just keep it to your self.  What if, anything, I need to say or do will ultimately be dictated by Mr. Keller’s end of the conversation.  Any questions before we enter?”  Kenfer was surprisingly calm under the circumstances.

                “I said I understood when you told me upstairs.” Melman said quietly, “Lead on and I’ll play along as best I can.”

                Kenfer said nothing more as he pushed open the door and entered the outer security office.  Benson was standing at an oblong table near the center of the room, coffee cup in hand, engaged in animated conversation with Dean and Karl.  All three heads turned when the door opened.

                “Director Kenfer,” Benson said as if relieved to finally see him. “We have the conference room set up and ready for our meeting.  Karl has the secure video and audio link in place to bring Mr. Keller to the table and Dean has provided for access to any of the Center’s undamaged systems we may need.  Mr. Keller will appear to us on a video screen in the same manner we will be appearing to him in his office.  Is there any other requirements before we begin?”

                “Thank you Mr. Benson, everything appears to be in order.  You and your friends have come through nicely just as Melman said you would.  Now, let’s go to the conference room and get started.”

                The conference room was much larger than the five of them required of course but its designers had expected that if used, a significant number of people would be gathering to formulate whatever type of plan they needed.  Benson had arranged to use the end of the room closest to the door and he directed them smoothly to the available seating.  Dean and Karl took their places on the far side of the table, at the two portable computers so they could access the Center’s internal systems.  Kenfer was at the head of the table and both Melman and Benson were opposite Dean and Karl, next to the door.

                At the center of the conference table was a communications cube hanging from the ceiling.  Video screens and speakers were embedded in the four perimeter surfaces.  The cube hung down just far enough to clear the head of a seated adult.  Anyone at the table could comfortably see both his fellow attendees and the video presentation.  Karl made a show of using his computer to bring the screen facing the end of the table to life.  As instructed earlier by Benson the image of Mr. Keller’s Secretary Maggie Pierce, greeted them on the screen.   Before activating the audio Karl explained to Director Kenfer that Mr. Keller was already in his office and that Mr. Keller’s secretary was going to switch from her desk screen to Mr. Keller’s secure office link at the Director’s request.  Karl nodded to Director Kenfer to indicate the audio was now activated.

                “Why Miss Pierce, I haven’t seen you in months.  In control of the bosses business as always I see.” Kenfer was genuinely smiling.

                “Director Kenfer,” she said with a grin. “You know I don’t let just anyone take up Mr. Keller’s time.  He’s been impatient with the staff in general all day and it’s not like him.  I hope you give him what he needs with all this cloak and dagger meeting stuff.” Her grin had turned into a frown.

                “Everyone is under a lot of stress from the developments of the last few weeks and I’m hoping that this little Pow Wow will lead us to a measure of relief.” Kenfer paused to see if Maggie’s expression would relax, which it did. “Please switch us through to the Boss.”

                Maggie’s smile returned again and she leaned forward.  Her hand came into view as she reached for the screen, settling down toward the lower left corner and in the next instant they were looking into the strong eyes of Jordan Keller.  He was seated behind his very impressive desk, leaning slightly back in his chair, speaking into his hand com when he apparently noticed his video screen activate.  With only a couple more words spoken to his caller, he placed the com in its cradle and steadied his attention on the view screen.

                “Andrew, finally, I have been counting the minutes to this meeting all day it seems and none to gracefully I’m afraid.”

                “Good to see you again also Mr. Keller, Maggie warned us that you were a little out of sorts today.”  Kenfer noticed the bags under Keller’s eyes.  He looked like he hadn’t slept very much lately.

                “I’d like to introduce you to my staff,” Kenfer advised. “I could not have made this meeting happen without them.  To my right are two brilliant representatives of my technical staff Karl Andel and his brother Dean.  To my left is Lee Melman my personal assistant, whom I believe you know already and to his left Cory Benson our very best diagnostic programmer.  As you already know from our private meeting a few days ago in your office we have been forced to utilize the Center’s Emergency Command facility at the lowest sublevel below the Center’s central tower.  We have access to all of the Center’s undamaged systems from this location.  The fact that this meeting is/has happened was leaked over the general communication hub a couple of days ago.  No specifics of time or date were given, only news of Probe 4’s return to service and our plan to devise a plan to bring it in for debriefing.  That alone will force the perpetrator to attempt to stop us.”

                “You hinted that you were developing information that you could share during this meeting.” Keller had leaned forward and moved his chair closer to his viewing screen.

                “Mr. Benson has used information gathered from the original OIA coded transmission sent to Probe 4 that led to the demise of your nephew Davis, while resident director of the same probe.  The program developed by Mr. Benson has given us the origin of the transmission and the content.  It was sent from our own communication center embedded in what would look to the casual observer to have been a routine data exchange during a prescheduled mission check.” Kenfer noticed that Keller’s face was grim.

                “You said that basically, Probe 4 has employed a root safety program to shut down and correct its situation by acquiring a new Director.” Keller was looking at a thick file he obviously had compiled as he spoke. “My own investigation into this situation has indicated that we have a spy on the center’s staff.  We need to expose this person or persons before bringing Probe 4 back to the Center.”

                “I have been in contact with the Probe and ordered it to wait for a new mission instruction set.” Kenfer said, “My intent is to allow Dean to transmit these new instructions using the Center’s general information hub.  Suspicions of why sensitive information has been found on the general network should be allayed after considering the damage done to our infrastructure by the recent bombing, preventing us from using our normally encrypted communication method.  The instructions will include a destination and time table for a backup Probe to meet our Probe 4 for an information dump and to pick up Davis’ body.  I expect that this meeting will be compromised and an attempt made to destroy Probe 4 before the information can be analyzed.”

                Keller put the file down on his desk and leaned smoothly back in his chair.  He was silent for at least a minute before speaking. “Who ever is behind this mess will have to have access to a Probe or its equivalent.  As far as I know our Company has the only technology capable of interfering with a meeting of our Probe 4 and a backup Probe sent via the Center’s launch station.  I have a master inventory record of every piece of equipment ever assigned to the Time Research Project, as well as a record of every dime spent.  First thing in the morning an internal audit will determine if another Probe exists that we aren’t aware of.  With a Company this size I suppose resources could have been squirreled away without to much chance of being caught.”

                At that moment Melman cleared his throat. 

                “Mr. Melman, would you like to add anything while Mr. Keller is still with us?”

                “Mr. Keller, you mentioned an internal audit.  Will this audit include the development phase of the Probe project?” Melman was operating on a hunch but his hunches had served him well in the past.

                Keller got up from his chair and disappeared from view for a few moments, when he sat back down he had another file in his hands.  As he rifled through it he appeared to be deep in thought and then he spoke. “If you had asked me that question about a project under development currently, I would have said the money and material resources for R & D as well as active development after a project is proven for production is one and the same but early in my Companies history, before I had a board of directors telling me what I could and couldn’t do I separated each facet of a project to prove to my financiers where every penny went.  Now, to directly answer your question Mr. Melman, no it would not have been included but I see where you’re going with this.  The file in my hand is the original R & D information.  I will see that it is part of tomorrow’s audit.

                Benson had patiently listened to everything that had been said.  He knew that Dean had arranged for their case files and Mr. Keller’s files to be exchanged for complete disclosure while the discussion ensued.  The false information had been seeded and he knew they would reap results given time.  Mr. Keller was through for now and their meeting would be wrapping up soon.  He had held a small bit of information back from the group but only because there was a very small potential for error in his precious program and that potential could conceivably account for his suspicion but he had to inform the group now.  Keller was reaching for the disconnect toggle.

                “Please! Everyone, you all need to hear this before we adjourn.”  Benson was shaking as he reached for his brief case……     

                “Yes?” Loomis said with hesitation.  He knew the communication line was encrypted but very few individuals knew this number.”May I help you?”

                “Mr. Loomis, this is Dorey, I have news that might interest you.”

                Loomis recognized the voice immediately, his favorite subcontractor always had something of interest to offer him.  His fears dissipating when he remembered programming the hand com he had provided to her for these contacts with a call forwarding feature so he would not miss an important update.  She had reached him without even knowing that she was talking to him at his residence.

                “Of course, what have you got for me?”

                Dorey was used to the cat and mouse way she had to deal with Loomis and also believed that he trusted her now that several of the assignments he had given her were successful.  She decided in this case it would be better to get to the point quickly.

                “My resource inside the Center has just contacted me with information she was able to intercept via the general communications system trace she has been monitoring now for several weeks.  I told her to keep watch for anything pertaining to your Probe project.  One of the trigger names initiated a hit and the conversation was recorded.” Dorey knew Loomis would be salivating by now.

                “Please Miss Mars, I’m all ears.  Who was it that your employee has stumbled upon?” Loomis hoped this was not a waste of his time.

                “The message was from Andrew Kenfer and we both know who he is.  The Center’s communications system has been damaged as you already know and calls from several of the office staff in the central tower are being made by using the only lines still working, these lines are connected to the general business hub where my source has been faithfully listening.”

                “By all means please continue, you have peaked my interest.” Loomis said.

                “It seems that there has been communication with your lost Probe.  The Probe, using internal programming, has rectified the situation that disabled it on its own and communications have been restored.  Kenfer has ordered it to stand by for a new set of operating orders.  These orders are being uploaded shortly from a meeting about to take place in the Emergency Operations bunker located below ground level somewhere under the Center Complex.” Dorey wanted to see the expression on Loomis’ face at this moment.

                “How sure are you of this information?” Loomis was no longer tired, his mind was racing.  This could be the break he needed.

                “My source assures me that the only way anyone wishing to communicate from the tower that was damaged in the recent explosion is to use the general nexus hub.  Since the disruption, all manor of calls have passed through this hub, both general and priority coded in nature.  The simple randomness of the information in itself demonstrates the lack of any thought out or planned leak.” Dorey was sure that this information just set the hook.

                If this information was genuine Loomis had to hurry his plan along.  It sounded right, without access to the normal executive communication system Kenfer would use whatever he had at his disposal.  After all, he didn’t know about the plot that was at the heart of all his recent troubles and therefore not thinking of the need for subterfuge.  It was imperative that he learn what Kenfer had in mind for the errant Probe.  He was now quite pleased with himself for anticipating the need to ready a Probe of his own.

                “Listen to me carefully,” Loomis said slowly, “tell your contact that I must know about these new orders Kenfer is planning to send the Probe.  I also need to know who else is involved on the inside in order to prevent accidental discovery and most importantly, if at all possible, I want to listen in on this meeting or at least find out its location so that I might use my authority as an Elder to horn in on the action.”

                Dorey knew that her contact in this matter, Bella West, was deep under cover and could operate pretty efficiently from her station in the Center’s shipping department.  Literally everyone at the Center knew her and relied on her at one point or another to move a package or sometimes just information to an office across the hall or to a business contact on the other side of the globe.  It was time for Bella to really earn her money.  She should be able to start with the most trusted of her friends in the company that owed her a favor or two and find this emergency hidey hole where all the action was taking place and now that she had Loomis clued in, she would just need a little more time.  The one thing Dorey needed the most was the one thing they had the least of……time.

                Loomis ended the call with a button push and left the office in a hurry.  As he walked he keyed the call code for his flyer on his hand com and almost went head over heals on the slippery hallway floor in his haste to get up to the landing pad.  Stopping at a closet only long enough to grab his jacket, he was out through the door and giving his driver directions as the flyer lifted off into the night.  Loomis realized there would be no sleep for him again as he stared out the side window.  He was excited.  If he played his cards right, with just a little luck and the planning he had put in place so far, this Probe business would all be over soon…..    

We have been contacted by the Center’s Directorate Manager, Andrew Kenfer, directly.  It seems that we are to be used as bait to ferret out the party or parties responsible for our current dilemma.  Mr. Kenfer has asked that my system verify his command code, providing proof positive that we have no further doubt as to the authority now communicating with us.  I have done as requested and found his code to be genuine.  His orders are as follows.

Forty eight hours from the end of his last communication, we are to travel to a coded location.  When we arrive we are to scout the area for security purposes by syncing with the local time line, checking the area and then phasing back out while keeping watch using our monitors.  The meeting that will take place there will need to be free from local interference to be successful.  The stakes are literally the continued survival of the Center’s Projects and the future of the Time Program as we now know it.  Kenfer is sending another Probe to pick up Davis Keller’s body and sealed equipment to download the communication logs that will be used to unmask our enemies.  The assigned Director of the Probe we are meeting with has yet to be determined for security reasons.  This entire operation will be accomplished outside of normal channels and known only to Kenfer, his aid Lee Melman and the Center’s Founder Jordan Keller, all of whom I have informed you about earlier.

                “Why is this exchange taking place at a secretive location?  I know there is someone out there trying to take control of the Center but can they really guarantee our safety?” Lock rubbed his forehead displaying his concern.

I am satisfied beyond a doubt that our orders have come from Directorate Manager Kenfer.  The communication code used is randomly generated by my own system and matched by Kenfer’s system using facts only he and I can know.  As to whether they can keep the operation a secret on their end will be proven out in time.  We must practice our due diligence and maintain the utmost care during the meeting.  If it turns out a failure, it will not be our fault.  It is good that you have been perfecting your operating skills, when the time comes it is always better to depend on knowledge rather than luck.

                As Melman followed Kenfer out of his office, he was walking on automatic pilot with dozens of thoughts whirling through his mind.  It took him a few moments to realize that during his trance Kenfer had made an unexpected turn, leaving him quite alone and totally surprised.  Backtracking, Melman found an unfamiliar office door standing open with sounds of fingers playing across computer keys drifting out into the hall.  With nothing to lose, Melman entered and found Mr. Kenfer using an ordinary shipping terminal.

                “Pardon me Sir, but you do realize that station is a common shipping terminal used by everyone on this floor and that you have no expectation of privacy should you be communicating anything of importance.” Melman caught himself tapping his foot as he spoke, like a mother scolding her child.

                “Quite right Mr. Melman, just what I’m hoping for.  I’m thinking that with our in-house communications disrupted from the recent attack on the Center, using this terminal will not be suspect, as a temporary measure only.  The information that I have just forwarded will play nicely in my plan for the undoing of those who have been plaguing us.” Kenfer seemed very pleased with himself.

                “You’re telling me this is part of a plan?” said Melman.

                Kenfer was already up from the desk and heading out the door when he answered. “All will be revealed when we convene down in the emergency bunker, no stops this time I promise.  Benson and his minions should be ready and waiting for us when we hit the door.  I have also arranged for Mr. Keller to be present via closed circuit video and audio link up.  A sort of high level conference call, if you will.”

                Melman was completely surprised when he heard Keller’s name and caught himself involuntarily stopping a moment but hurried to catch up with Kenfer before he got out of sight around any one of the many turns they were making during their trek to the bowels of the Center.

                “Mr. Keller has never interfered with the day to day operations of the Center.” Melman found himself saying slowly, “I guess I’d have expected him to know and even be silently directing efforts to solve this mystery but I can’t think of a single time when Mr. Keller has taken part so actively.”

                “The only thing I’ll say for now, at least till we get to the meeting, is that we have a fox in the hen house and every measure is being taken to trap or if needed…. kill him.”

                Melman thought Kenfer put an awful lot more emphasis on the word kill, which was not to his liking but he also knew without being told that when a Probe shuts down there are only two reasons, a systems malfunction or the death of that particular Probes acting Director and with the violence he had witnessed to date, it wasn’t a stretch to assume that Kenfer and possibly even Keller believed that whatever you sow, so shall you reap…….

                “Yes?” Loomis had a tendency to be rather short with callers bothering him at inopportune moments.

                “Mr. Loomis? This is Dorey Mars over at the Government Services Office, I have some information you will want to hear.  It was necessary to wait until this late hour to contact you, in order to avoid others that might suspect our arrangement.”

                Loomis was frustrated that she had contacted him now but intrigued at the same time.”Miss Mars, of course, forgive my curtness but your call finds me at a rather difficult time.  Can you make this short and to the point?”

                “Of course Mr. Loomis, my contact within the Center’s offices has forwarded to me information of a special meeting soon to take place under the guise of an emergency planning session.  This meeting is supposedly the direct result of the damage inflicted on the central tower of the Center Complex, a successful attack I might add.” Dorey was sure this tidbit might prove her continuing worth to one of her best customers.

                “A meeting you say, who are the principles involved and what is it that you need me to know that couldn’t wait till the light of day?”  Loomis said slowly.

                “I believe you already know Andrew Kenfer and his personal troll Melman.  There is also someone helping to do their research, I think his name is Benson.  Benson has a couple of lackeys there too but the real icing on the cake if you will, is that the owner of the Center, Jordan Keller himself is going to preside over the whole thing.”

                Loomis stopped fiddling with his keys at the mention of Keller’s name.  He knew that if Keller was involved time was running out to get control of this whole mess.  He needed to get rid of this distraction and get on with his business here.

                “The only bit of information that I did not already know about is Keller’s involvement.  I’m glad you called when you did.  I need verification about Keller and while you’re at it, dig as deep as you can into the goings on at this meeting.  The next few hours are very critical to my success and I do not need any surprises at this juncture.” Loomis resumed with his efforts to open the roof door.

                “My inside agent already has instructions to forward any more information to me immediately.  I’ll sift through it and give you anything of importance as soon as I get it.” Dorey just had this conversation with Bella West only moments before calling Loomis. The line went dead without further conversation.  A standard Loomis trademark action that let you know he was done with you.

                Finally finding the right key, the door opened for Loomis without a sound.  He was grateful that some maintenance person had kept its hinges lubricated well.  Descending the stairs was easy enough but he was afraid to use his pocket light in fear that a technician might be wondering around unable to sleep or maybe looking to raid the kitchen for a snack and notice his unauthorized entry.  This part of the lab had a ceiling that was three stories high, which meant that Loomis had to change directions three times as he felt his way by hand rail and negotiated landings at each story mark.  As he stepped off the last steel mesh stair tread he stopped to get his bearings.  Using his hand com loaded with the building’s floor plan, he set off in the direction of the separate section used to house the Probe Project.  Pointing the face of his com forward afforded him with just enough light from its active screen to keep him form bumping into things and allowing him to hurry along.

                When he reached the entry point at the Probe’s enclosure he was expecting the Security Arch and the identification panel next to the door.  Reaching into the small backpack he had brought with him he dug out a small cylinder.  Removing the end cover with a few turns exposed a data crystal Loomis had preprogrammed earlier the day before.  When he pushed the crystal into the receiving port at the side of the entry panel the archway door moved quietly to the side.  Loomis then retrieved the crystal as he scanned his surroundings and passed unnoticed through the archway, the door sliding back to cover his entry.  Inside he headed straight for the raised platform housing the Probe’s control computer.  Without hesitation he opened the back of one of the seven redundant mainframe processors responsible for every single aspect of the Probe’s functioning.  The unit’s label read “BACKUP MODULE”.  Retrieving yet another cylinder marked with a red stripe this time, he removed and inserted it in an empty memory slot and hurriedly replaced the back cover.

                Loomis was descending the platform steps when his com again vibrated at his side.  Cursing he pulled it from its belt holder and flipped it open. “Sir? This is Henley, your driver, you requested that I check in before landing to pick you up.

                Loomis looked at the time in the corner of his com’s screen.  How could it have passed by so quickly?  He had been on his mission now for over two hours, incredible.  It would be light soon and technicians were notorious for being early risers.  He had to get out of here now.

                “Wait five minutes and then set down with the utmost care.  Use the sound suppressors if you must.  There cannot be a sound heard within the building.  I’m heading back now.” Loomis used the crystal to open the archway as before and made a beeline straight for the stairs to the roof.  At the last landing on the way up, he hesitated just long enough for a quick look around to satisfy himself that no one had detected his presence.  He was smiling as he climbed the remaining stairs to the roof…….. 

                “Hey Benson,” Karl said with satisfaction. “We have the conference room ready.  All the Center’s files either on site or remotely stored are at our disposal.  We also have whatever audio and video feeds there are available to us on the servers also linked for search and replay.”

                Benson sighed, “You guys have done a great job.  Melman should have the boss down here any time now and we can see what our efforts have yielded.  I need one more thing though, tell Dean to have the program I designed and gave you both wiped from your personal Comps.  The only traces of our investigation must stay here in this room until Mr. Kenfer orders otherwise.  Got it?”

                Karl was turning to follow Benson’s last request as he answered over his shoulder, “Ok but Dean doesn’t like all this cloak and dagger stuff.  Who exactly are we hiding from anyway?”

                “When we get to the bottom of this we’ll know the answer to that question, just be ready and try to relax.  We’re earning a lot of brownie points and I for one intend to collect.” Benson smiled at the thought of having a little juice with the boss the next time he needed a favor.

                Melman arrived at the Center’s Medical offices just a bit latter than he’d planned.  He expected Mr. Kenfer to be waiting for him in the reception room, possibly getting the last bit of advice about his treatment but no one, not even staff, greeted his arrival.  Taking the initiative he headed down the hall to the nurses station to find Kenfer.  The duty nurse stepped out of her office about half way down the hallway and they both bumped into each other with a thump, neither expecting the other to materialize in this fashion.

                “Ok chief, what’s the hurry?  Only medical personnel are allowed back here….Oh, you’re the guy that dropped off that nice Mr. Kenfer a few hours ago.”  She stared intently at Melman as she spoke, not liking the invasion of her space.

                “Sorry about that miss…?” Melman drew a blank.

                “That would be Nurse Burns.” She said evenly, tapping her foot softly on the floor.

                “Right, there wasn’t much time for introductions when I brought Mr. Kenfer in.  My name’s Melman.  I’m Mr. Kenfer’s personal assistant and I have returned to gather him up.  We have business this afternoon that requires his presence.” Melman could tell Miss Burns was a little miffed, maybe from the sudden surprise in the hall.

                “Sorry Sport,” She said with a flourish.  “Mr. Kenfer left here right after his treatment was completed.  He said something about needing to get to his office and his something something phone.  I couldn’t hear him all that well.  He was talking softly as he walked away toward the door.  He seemed to be in quite the hurry.”

                Melman said nothing for a moment as he tried to process what the something something phone might mean and realized the only thing his office phone had over his personal hand com was a secure access line.  Spinning on his heels he thanked Nurse Burns for her excellent work and was out the door before the nurse could say another word.

                The upper floors of the Center were still accessible by freight elevator, one of the only things that still worked in Kenfer’s section of the building.  Melman didn’t bother to knock before he turned the door knob and walked in.  Kenfer was just putting his phone back in its cradle as Melman entered the office.

                “I know we are a bit ruffled around here but we still need to maintain simple courtesy before entering the private space of others.” Kenfer was smiling as he spoke.

                “Sorry about that Mr. Kenfer but I was worried about you not being down at the medical station and wasn’t thinking.  Luckily the nurse heard you mumbling as you left, giving me a clue where you might be.” Melman was calming down now as he spoke. “I take it that you needed secure communications or you could have waited for me and made your call from Medical.”

                “Yep, needed to give Jordan Keller a heads up and this is as good a time and place as any to let you in on what I intend to do.”

                Melman sat down in one of the two plush chairs directly in front of Kenfer’s desk as he talked.

                “I let Keller know that if I say or do anything that is contrary to the information in the files of our investigation that I sent to him, it will be just to try and smoke out any possible internal operatives working as spies in the Center.  I didn’t want him critiquing me or accidentally letting the cat out of the bag on the “Op” I may have to run.  A couple of false statements by me might show up elsewhere letting us know who to keep an eye on.  Get my drift?” Kenfer leaned back in his chair as he finished his spiel.

                “Let me get this straight….you plan to falsify some information in the meeting down in the Command Center.  You can’t suspect Benson or his staff mates.” Melman said slowly, “I’ve known Benson for years, he would never get involved in anything like this and his friends Karl and Dean have the same relationship with Benson as Benson and I do.”

                Kenfer leaned forward again, “No, this has nothing to do with them.  I plan to make a couple of contacts inside the Center during our meeting.  When I do, I’ll leak specific information only known to be incorrect by our close knit group.  When the information resurfaces I’ll know who the candidates for our ‘Mole’, happen to be, a standard investigation tactic but a proven one.  It has occurred to Keller too that there might be an agent inside the Center.  Our two independent investigations give us twice the chance at smoking him or her out. ”

                “It’s your show down there,” Melman said, “and I appreciate being let in on the plan.  Benson has everything ready to go so if you don’t have any other stops to make, let’s get going.”

                Melman stood up and followed, Kenfer was already out the door.  Nurse Burns was right, Kenfer was in quite the hurry……

Lock…..Lock…..Lock…..

                Lock stirred in his bed and realized that the Probe was speaking to him. “Yes, sorry, I thought I’d catch up on my sleep.  I didn’t realize how tired I actually was, how long was I out of it?”

You have been asleep for over ten hours.  It is good that you are now rested.

                “What’s happened?  Have you heard anything from the Center?” Lock’s voice still contained evidence he’d just awoke from a sound sleep.

We have been told to stay where we are.  Our fate is being decided by the Directorate and must pass muster with the owner of the Center and the Probe project, Jordan Keller.  If you remember I gave you a brief synopsis of Jordan’s involvement in this whole matter.

                “Yes, I remember, this Jordan character seems to have his head screwed on right for a change and level heads are a must at this point in the game.” Lock was ready for some traveling orders and wished the Probe would get to the good stuff, if any.

We have only received the hold order so far but I think something is about to happen and even though I’m not human, with no inclination to gamble, I’d bet that we will receive a directive soon.  You should refresh yourself and come to the kitchen. We can go over our options while you take in sustenance.

                “We have options?” Lock said faintly as he headed into the fresher for the hottest shower he could stand……

                Loomis, comfortable in the secret office designed into his residence’s lower level, watched the hidden camera feeds installed by one of his drones to keep him abreast of the repairs to the Center complex.  Andrew Kenfer had contacted him right after the attack, apologizing and asking him for a delay in meeting with Kenfer and the other Elders.  Loomis had graciously advised Kenfer to take whatever time he needed knowing full well he was glad for all the time he could get before facing that group again.

                As he watched the screen he keyed in the code to Lab 21, It had been three days since he informed the technician over there, Eldon wasn’t it?, that he (pretending to represent Director Kenfer), was reactivating the prototype Probe project.   Loomis was anxious to know if the two techs sent to help Eldon had arrived as promised and what progress had been made to date.  Loomis couldn’t contact his benefactor, his mysterious lady boss, until the prototype probe was up and running.

                “Lab 21,” Eldon answered with a professional tone. “How may I help you?”  Eldon was very busy and had clipped the com to his coat rather than walk back out of the lab to his desk.  It was against the rules to bring a com devise into the research area without supervisor permission but he was the supervisor now and this was convenient for the time being.

                “This is Senior Elder Lyle Loomis of the Elders Committee over at the Center.  Andrew Kenfer has asked that I contact you and act as liaison between you and the Centers Probe Command Staff.  As I understand it, you have been assigned to reactivate the original prototype Probe and advise us when your task has been completed.” Loomis kept an all business demeanor to his voice.

                “Yes sir, Mr. Kenfer’s personal secretary contacted me a few days ago and I have been working non-stop toward that end.” Eldon was aware of who Loomis was and did not question his authority.

                “Good!  Did you receive the reinforcements to help with the reactivation?  You should have at least two able bodies to start with and should you need more please speak up now.” Loomis didn’t want to sound like he knew for sure what resources Eldon had.  He wanted Eldon to confirm the project status on his own.

                “Two technicians arrived the day after my conversation with Mr. Kenfer’s secretary.  I also received the unlock codes to the probes secure sub-lab with all equipment and records the same day.  I took the liberty of opening all areas and familiarizing myself with the program before my help arrived.  I can report that although we will need to have a few more days, due to the disassembly that occurred when the project was shelved, we appear to have all that we need at the moment to continue with the reactivation process.” Eldon swelled with pride as he recounted his progress.

                “It sounds like we have the right man for the job so I’m going to give you some need to know information to save time.  Prep the Probe for two individuals.  We’re aware that only one usually travels on any particular mission but we will need a second body for back up on this trip.  We have a critical situation to correct and cannot fail.” Loomis hoped that seeming to trust Eldon would make him work even faster with no questions.

                “There are a few items of equipment that have been rendered useless due to advancements in the design of later Probes.  I can remove them and that should free up the space you’ll need for the second traveler.  You do know Sir that this model has no virtual interior movement capabilities.  The travelers will literally have to remain in the command chairs while in transit.” Although Eldon wanted to take a trip in a Probe someday, he did not envy the two taking this trip, especially in this older version.

                “Comfort is the least of my concerns this time around,” said Loomis, “results are all that count and the amenities will just have to yield to function.  I’ll be over to the lab in person soon.  Do the best you can and use the code I’m sending to your com as we speak, to get anything else you need and I do mean anything.  Is that clear?”

                Eldon started to say yes but saw that Mr. Loomis had already terminated the call……..

                “Come in,” Jordan said never taking his eyes off his work.

                Maggie Pierce, saddled early in life with a nick name she hated, Mag Pie and on occasion Maggs, had been the only secretary Jordan Keller ever had.  Friends since college, she had helped and supported him throughout his many business ventures over the years.  Maggie thought at one time that Jordan was her sole mate and told herself that was why she had never sought out a path or career of her own.  When Jordan married, only a few years after graduation, she put ideas of romance aside and remained his closest friend and confidant.  Now after almost 30 years the two of them had an almost symbiotic like relationship.  At times they could even finish each others sentences.

                “Reports have come in about the damage to the Center Complex.  You should take a break and look them over.  There are decisions to be made about repair priorities and several department heads are whining to be the first back in service.” Maggie talked to Jordan more like a brother than a boss.

                “I’ve just been studying a run down of everything the Center has on Davis’ Death, the missing Probe and all the suspicions coming to light through the incident investigation.  I never should have sent Davis out by himself.  Rare as it might be, there have been other missions that required another operative be sent along with a Probe/Director paring.  A second living mind might have sensed the danger Davis was in and by protocol would have been consulted before Davis’ repair module was jettisoned after this mysterious OIA message was received.” Jordan had put his grief aside, concentrating now on making the responsible party pay. “I will… get to the bottom of this mess.”

                The office building Jordan occupied was a fortress.  Though nondescript by design, it held every conceivable form of technological wizardry and his security team could defend it from the deadliest of attacks.  Jordan also maintained a staff of the best scientists and researcher’s money could buy but if you asked any of his employees, many having followed him through life just as Maggie had done, they couldn’t think of working for anyone else.  Loyalty was given and received by both boss and employee alike.

                Jordan kept his hub of operations secret and was glad he had not given into his desire to work out of the Center’s Penthouse Suite, at the top of the building just violated.  He learned a long time ago that others would always want what he had worked so hard for, the money mostly but money brought respect and ultimately power, irresistible to those who were unsuccessful at earning it for themselves.  He suspected that in the end Davis’ death and near loss of a Probe, the attack on the Center and the discovered time wave, were all going to be linked somehow.  The deviant or deviants behind this would be uncovered and he was finally making some headway.

                “You’ve been at this for hours.” Maggie said sternly, “You need some rest.  Let all your minions looking into the problem have a little more time.  What good will working to exhaustion, do you?  If you miss something because you’re tired, you’ll never forgive yourself.”

                Jordan had received a message just before Maggie had interrupted him, from the command bunker below the subfloor of the Center.  He knew that a critical meeting was about to take place.  Enough of the pieces to the Probe puzzle were now available to study and if anyone could connect the dots, it was these four men and their dossiers revealed competence and the proven track record he demanded of his employees.  A teleconference link was being established so that he could join the meeting as soon as it began. 

                “Have the research department go back over the data on the time wave.  I need to know how much time we have before another mission must be initiated.” Jordan realized he would need to act soon and tried to keep the angst out of his voice. “I’m aware that our problem Probe has reinitiated communications and is waiting for orders.  Instruct the Directorate to advise me immediately when they are ready to proceed.  Nothing is to be transmitted until I have been briefed.  As I understand it, this particular Probe’s programming has saved it from extinction and has amazingly found and trained a new Director.  We desperately need to bring it in safely and study its entire mission history.”

                Jordan’s desk com chimed and he noticed it was the security line only available to the Center’s Directorate Manager Andrew Kenfer.

                “Yes? Jordan Keller here.” Jordan expected to be in communication with Kenfer soon over the teleconference connection from the Center’s Command Center and wondered why the advance call.

                “Mr. Jordan, thank you for taking my call.  As you probably know, I was shaken up a bit during the attack on the Center.  I have been treated and although in mild pain will be joining my associates shortly for our crisis meeting.  I wanted to tell you that even though I trust my team implicitly, I may find it necessary to hide by exclusion some of the facts I have become privy to in this matter.  Your files have absolutely everything I know about the situation and I didn’t want you to question me if you notice I have left out information during our meeting. I may also alter information and want you to understand and trust that I have a reason for altering any facts for the moment.” Kenfer was hoping Mr. Jordan would go along with him for now. “I’ll explain later if my theory pans out but I can tell you I know for sure we have a spy in our midst.”

                Jordan thought to himself that this was not really an unexpected development.  Commercial espionage was not uncommon and he had people investigating along those lines himself.

                “Ok,” Jordan said, “I respect your authority in this matter and will defer to your plan.  As you say, I’ll expect an explanation after the meeting and rest assured I will not comment on your actions.”

                “Thank you, I’m not yet sure exactly what path our meeting may take but I knew you would have done your homework and recognized any variation from the information I sent over to your office.  I want to have free reign over the facts hopping to smoke out our spy.”

                Kenfer had immense respect for Mr. Keller and suspected that if he wasn’t challenging his plan the same idea must have also occurred to him about the internal spy.

                “The Meeting will begin in about thirty minutes.” Kenfer said, “You will have full audio and video access right at your desk comp.  Until then, I’ve got to get down to the bunker.”

                Jordan was glad Kenfer was in charge on the Center’s end and greatly anticipated the meeting to come…….   

                “Listen to me,” Karl said as he continued undeterred down the stairs, “when we get to the basement command center, we will fire up the isolated com system just like Benson directed and then verify that we have access to the Center’s video and data storage grid.  With the new filter systems installed down here, we will be able to view the entire Center security video library, as well as bring up any communications that have originated inside or outside the complex with no one suspecting a thing.”

                Karl reached the entry tunnel to the emergency command center first, with Dean close behind.  Half way down the corridor was a large steel door.  Next to the door was a short podium with a slanted top surface that glowed slightly.  Benson had told them both that when they reached the entry portal Dean was to place his right hand flat on the surface and the steel blast door would slide out of the way, revealing a second door that Benson had given them the key too.  Once inside they were to prepare the communications and video systems for operation.  Dean and Karl had no way of knowing that the orders from Benson were actually directives from Lee Melman.  Melman wanted all systems ready when the other Center members arrived.  They began preparations at once.

                When Melman learned that Directorate Manager Kenfer had been trapped in one of the Center’s lifts, he wasted no time in taking charge of Kenfer’s extraction and medical treatment.  He now waited outside of the nurse’s station on the 2^nd floor.  He had already been advised that Kenfer had sustained a broken left arm and a few bumps and bruises, nothing that would keep him from his duties once he was treated.  While waiting, Melman fielded status calls from the various repair teams that went immediately to work to repair vital Center systems.  He was proud that his disaster plan was being employed without a hitch.  Most of the damage had been to communications and the floor below.  Melman new Kenfer would want repair estimates and he was doing his best to obtain them as each department head reported in.  Both Kenfer and Melman knew this was about the probe.  They were getting too close to finding out who was behind its near loss and this was an attempt to stop or at least slow down their progress.

                Benson had taken Melman’s earlier suggestions to heart and had backed up all his research at every important juncture.  Even though he had lost his cubicle computers, the data was still available on his personal comp with copies distributed to both of his agents Dean and Karl.

                “Operator, Connect me with the basement command center.” Benson did not bother to use a secure line for this call.  He knew it was no secret that during an emergency the command center was to be manned until such time that stability returned to the Center’s systems.

                “Command center,” Dean said with uncertainty in his voice. “Please keep this circuit clear unless you have emergency business.”

                “Dean this is Benson, just calling to make sure you’re not having any issues you need help with.  You will be having company soon and I want everything ready.  Directorate Manager Kenfer, his personal assistant Lee Melman and I will be down within the hour.” Benson was trying not to place undue pressure on the pair.  He knew they were up to the job and would not disappoint him.

                “Everything is going smoothly.  Communications and video access has been established easily and Karl is back tracing all lines to ensure they are secure from prying eyes and ears.” Dean could detect a small amount of angst in Benson’s voice despite his attempt to disguise it.

                “Great, I’ll call when we’re all heading down.  By the way, is the conference facility furnished adequately and are there supplies present in the kitchen facility?” Benson had never set foot in the command center himself and had no clue if they would need to send down furniture and food stuffs for the meeting.  He might as well deal with it now as later.

                “We’ve got top of the line furnishings, conference table with chairs and plenty of food and drink.  There is even a fully equipped sleeping area with bath and showers.  Someone thought of everything.”

                Benson cut the connection and keyed in Melman’s person com code.  He recognized Melman’s voice answer. “My guys have everything under control down in the command center,” Benson said, “we’re ready when you are for our pow wow.  How’s Mr. Kenfer doing?”

                Melman hesitated before answering as he finished entering status notes he had been collecting from all the effected department heads into his hand comp. “The doctors have examined him and he is being treated for a broken left arm as we speak.  A few more minutes under the mending ray and he should be good as new, just the usual soreness for a few hours.”

                “We will have untraceable access to the Center’s com and video grid for our investigation.” Benson said. “I have almost completed the last phase of my analysis of the Probe data.  We will know soon where the orders came from and what they entailed.  The Center may have been attacked but thanks to our precautions, no data or personnel were lost.  I’m bringing my results to date with me along with my personal comp that’s still running the final program.” Benson was anxious to get to the meeting and begin comparing notes in hopes of ending this once and for all.

                “The doctor has just advised me that Director Kenfer will be coming out in a few moments.  Give us about fifteen minutes and we will be on our way down to command.” Melman planned to scoop up Kenfer, make a brief stop to personally talk to the director of the repair efforts and then make their way to what he hoped would be a productive and enlightening meeting.  The safety and security of the command bunker would be a welcome relief.

                Benson called the command center as promised reaching Karl this time. “The boss is OK and we should all be down in about twenty minutes give or take.  Run one more diagnostic on the security feeds before we arrive.  I’m sure that if what I’ve heard about Kenfer is true, he’ll hit the door running and will want all the information he can get.  Set up the group viewing screen in the conference room with a comp port so I can put my findings up for all to see.  Did you guys bring your personal comps as backup?  You should also have your copies of your analysis data with you.

                Karl could sense that things were about to get interesting and he tried to stay calm as he spoke. “Don’t worry, this is not the first presentation we’ve been part of.  It’s about time this thing came to a head and we have all the right tools down here to get to the bottom of this mystery.

                Benson couldn’t help but be apprehensive.  The future of Center operations depended on clearing up this mess…….