Chapter 1

“It’s been a long road Getting from there to here It’s been a long time But my time is finally near...”

Friday, November 22, 1963, was a day Major Michael Barnes, USAF, would remember for the rest of his life. On that day, he learned that the President of the United States was wounded in an attempt on his life while visiting Dallas, Texas.

It was also the day Michael, or Mike, as he preferred to be called, learned that Rhonda, his wife of ten years, had been cheating on him. If what he just overheard was correct, Rhonda had been screwing around on him for most of his marriage.

Adding insult to injury, there was a chance that he wasn’t the biological father of his 8-year-old daughter, Lisa. He listened quietly as his wife spoke to someone on their home phone. She was so wrapped up in her conversation with her lover that she didn’t hear him come inside.

“So when is he leaving?” Mike heard his wife ask. “That’s perfect. How long will he be gone?” he heard Rhonda ask a few moments later. “No, he has no idea. As far as he knows, Lisa is his. I’ve never suggested otherwise,” Rhonda said. “No, sweetheart, Lisa doesn’t know either, and I think it’s about time she learned who her real father is.”

Mike felt as if he had just been punched in the gut. But who was Rhonda speaking with? And where was he being sent? Vietnam? He had been a test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base for the last four years and felt he would be getting orders before long. He had already flown in one war and wasn’t looking forward to doing it again.

Not wanting to hear any more of Rhonda’s betrayal, Mike just wanted to be gone, and he was afraid that if he stuck around, he would do something that he would come to regret. What he needed was information ñ and space from Rhonda.

According to reports, the body of JFK’s “alleged” would-be assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, was found slumped over his firing position on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building, a single gunshot wound to the back of his head, ruling out suicide. At least the president would live.

But Michael’s marriage was dead. As a doornail. His heart wounded, Mike backed away from the door jamb and crept back outside. He returned to his car and left the house, not caring if his errant wife heard him drive away.

He drove to a nearby civilian bar, parked, and went inside. At that moment, Mike only had one goal ñ to drown his sorrows in alcohol. When he sat at the bar stool, the bartender came up and took his order, then brought his beer back.

“Never seen you here before, Major. Problems at home?”

“Yeah, you could say that,” Mike said.

“Wife cheating on ya?”

“Something like that,” Mike said.

“I’ve seen that look before. Listen, give this guy a call. He’s right over in Lancaster. Did right by me,” the bartender said, handing Mike a business card. “Call him now if you want. Feel free to use my phone. Might be able to get in to see him Monday.”

Mike made the call and was surprised when he spoke to the man himself ñ Tom Hawkins. He made an appointment for Monday afternoon since Tom would be out over the weekend.

They say bad news comes in threes, and Mike was pretty sloshed when the third piece of bad news hit. This one came from Walter Cronkite, named “the most trusted man in America,” if one believes the polls. If Cronkite said it, one could take it to the bank.

“This just in,” Cronkite said, holding a piece of paper. “A NASA spokesman just confirmed to CBS News that a very large spacecraft of unknown origin appears to have settled into orbit about 3,500 miles over Washington, D.C. It is not known at this time what intentions the visitors may have.

“The arrival of the spacecraft is being met with mixed emotions on Capitol Hill. Despite the president’s desire for a robust space program to counter the Soviets, a bipartisan coalition of Senators say the money would be better spent on pressing problems at home. Still, others say this incident shows the President’s forward thinking on space and national security matters.

“President Kennedy is currently under medical care at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas, where he is expected to be released soon. In his absence, Vice President Johnson has convened the Cabinet to discuss options. Stay tuned to CBS News for more on this breaking report,” Cronkite said, ending the news flash.

“Shit,” Mike sighed as he swallowed the last of his beer.

“I think that’s about enough for you tonight, Major,” the bartender said, handing Mike a cup of coffee. “Sounds to me like you fellas are gonna be pretty busy,” the older man said, nodding at the black-and-white television.

“Yeah, I reckon so,” Mike said, his Texas drawl starting to show as it often did when he was buzzed. Space aliens, Mike thought sarcastically. What the fuck do they want with this fucked-up planet? He downed the hot, bitter liquid, grabbed his keys, and gently stood up.

“You be careful out there, you hear me?” the bartender asked.

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll be fine,” Mike slurred as he made his way to the door. Climbing in his car, he started it up and headed home. Or rather, the military-provided building that used to be home. Now it was just four walls holding up a roof. He had no idea what he would be walking into. He found out a few minutes later.

“My God, Mike, you’re drunk,” Rhonda screeched when he stumbled through the front door. “I’ve been worried sick about you. Have you seen the news?”

“What? You mean the space aliens? Yeah, I saw it down at Joe’s Bar. They can have the fucking planet for all I care,” Mike snarled as he collapsed on the couch, his tie half undone, his uniform jacket fully unbuttoned.

“Well, you’d better care, mister. Jim’s called here several times asking for you,” Rhonda snapped. Jim Tyson, or Col. Jim Tyson, was Mike’s commanding officer. They had known each other for years ñ ever since Mike graduated from West Point and went to Air Force flight school. Jim was Mike’s flight instructor and, Mike thought, a friend and mentor. But after what he heard today, he began to wonder.

“Yeah, I’m sure he has,” Mike slurred. “But as you can see, I’m in no shape to do anything right now.”

“Yeah, I can see that. You’re a disgrace,” Rhonda huffed indignantly as she started down the hall.

“Maybe. But at least I’m not a cheater,” Mike growled, causing Rhonda to turn back to him, startled.

“What did you say?” Rhonda asked, fire in her eyes.

“You heard me,” Mike replied. “Or to be more precise, I heard you. Earlier today. Talking to your lover.”

“So, that WAS you I heard pulling out of here earlier today,” Rhonda said quietly.

“Yes, and I overheard you talking to your lover. Tell me something. Is Lisa my daughter?”

“Of course she is,” Rhonda snapped defensively. “You were there when she was born.”

“But was I there when she was conceived?”

“Don’t be silly, Mike. Of course, you were,” Rhonda replied with an edge that unnerved Mike. “Look, I know things have been tense with all the trips you’ve had to take lately. Maybe if you were home more often...”

“It’s not my fault Jim keeps sending me TDY,” Mike snapped, using the military acronym for “temporary duty.” Then he had a moment of clarity as he recalled something he heard Rhonda say. Suddenly, his head cleared as he connected the dots. He distinctly remembered hearing Rhonda ask when he would leave and for how long.

“It’s Jim Tyson, isn’t it? You’re fooling around on me with Jim Tyson,” Mike said. Rhonda’s face went white for just a moment.

“Don’t be stupid, Mike,” she snapped. “Jim’s your friend. And your commanding officer. I’m not fooling around on you at all. Besides, he’s married with two kids. Do you honestly think he would throw all that away?” Mike knew that Jim was married, and he also knew that Jim liked to “play around” from time to time ñ like that three-month affair he had with that cute little French girl when they were in Europe together on TDY.

“Right now, I don’t know what to think,” Mike said. “But I do know that he’s the one who’s been sending me all over Hell’s Half-Acre these last several months. I distinctly heard you ask him when I would be leaving next. And for how long. I’m not stupid, Rhonda.”

“No, of course you’re not,” Rhonda said, hoping to get her husband under control. “Maybe you misunderstood what you thought you heard.”

“Don’t piss down my back and tell me it’s raining, Rhonda,” Mike hissed through clenched teeth. “I know what I heard.” Rhonda looked down as she considered her following words. Deep down, she knew her husband wouldn’t tolerate her cheating or lying ñ something she had been doing for some time already.

“Look, why don’t we get some sleep. Perhaps you’ll feel better in the morning,” Rhonda said. Mike recognized her delaying tactic and decided to back down for the moment. Their telephone rang, and Rhonda answered after the second ring.

“Yes, Jim, he’s here now. He just got back a few minutes ago. Hold on,” Rhonda said. “It’s Jim. He wants to talk with you,” she said, holding the handset out to her husband. Mike got off the couch and walked into the kitchen, where the phone hung on the wall.

“Barnes,” he snapped after taking the handset from Rhonda.

“Where have you been, Mike? I’ve been trying to get hold of you.” Jim asked.

“I was at Joe’s Bar,” Mike said. “Why?”

“Have you seen the news?” Jim asked.

“You mean, about the spacecraft? Yeah, I saw that,” Mike said.

“I need you in the situation room bright and early ñ zero-four-hundred hours,” Jim said. “And for God’s sake, you’d better be sober when you get here. General Allen is coming in from Washington.” Lt. General Allen was in charge of the Air Force’s special test program.

“Of course ... sir,” Mike said with a hint of anger.

“Is there a problem, Major?” Jim asked. Mike thought about ripping Jim’s head off but changed his mind. He thought there was a proper time for everything, and this wasn’t it.

“I’m just fucking peachy, Colonel,” Mike said sarcastically.

“Whatever it is that’s got you pissed off, Mike ... leave it at home. I need your head in the game here. Understand?”

“Yes, sir,” Mike replied.

“All right. Be here. 0400 hours. Got it?”

“I’ll be there, sir,” Mike said before replacing the handset on the phone. He turned to his wife. “I need to get some sleep. I have to be in the situation room early in the morning.”

“Have you eaten anything?” Rhonda asked, having slipped into “nurture” mode, something she was pretty good at.

“I had a burger at Joe’s,” Mike said. “I’d like to say goodnight to Lisa.”

“She’s already asleep. Please don’t wake her up,” Rhonda said.

“Of course not,” Mike said as he headed up the stairs to their bedroom. Rhonda’s voice caused him to stop.

“Mike ... I do ... love you,” Rhonda said quietly. Mike looked at the woman he had married ten years ago and nodded.

“Yeah. Love you, too,” Mike said quietly before climbing the stairs. He looked in on Lisa and saw her curled up in her bed, asleep, her stuffed animals surrounding her angelic little face. “Goodnight, little angel,” Mike whispered before closing the door.

He changed into his pajamas, then climbed into bed after setting the alarm for 2:30 am. He was sound asleep by the time Rhonda joined him under the covers. He left early the following day, giving Rhonda and Lisa a quick kiss on the cheek before he left.

“Everything okay at home, Mike?” Jim asked as Mike poured a cup of coffee.

“No, Jim, it’s not,” Mike said. “I think Rhonda’s having an affair.”

“Damn,” Jim said, appearing sympathetic. “I’m sorry to hear that. Anything I can do?” Mike looked at Jim, seething on the inside, but simply shook his head.

“No, there’s nothing you can do,” Mike said. Other than fucking kill yourself, Mike thought.

“What are you going to do about it?” Jim asked.

“I guess I’ll need to get proof, then get a divorce,” Mike replied. “And God help the sonofabitch she’s screwing.” Jim’s face went dark for a few moments, but he recovered quickly. He knew Mike’s temper, having seen it often enough over the years, and he dreaded the idea of facing that temper himself.

“Any idea who she’s messing with?” Jim asked.

“I have a pretty good idea,” Mike replied, watching Jim’s face for any reaction.

“Well, just don’t do anything stupid. I don’t want to have to bail you out of jail,” Jim said. Mike chuckled at that.

“No problem, Colonel,” Mike said with a smile that held no warmth.

“We’d better get going. General Allen will be here any minute,” Jim said. They walked into a secure conference room and sat down with their coffee, greeting the other officers in the room. A few minutes later, a door opened. General Allen walked in, his uniform filled with ribbons received while serving in two wars. Three other men accompanied him, one in uniform and two wearing plain black suits. Everyone stood to attention.

“Take your seats,” the general said as he put his briefcase on the table in front of him. Everyone sat down, and General Allen removed a folder from his briefcase before passing papers around the room. “Of course, what I’m about to tell you is not to leave this room. Understand?”

“Yes, sir,” everyone echoed.

“Late yesterday, I met with Vice President Johnson, and he specifically requested your squadron for this job, Colonel Tyson,” the general said.

“Job, sir?” Jim asked. “What about the president? Does he know about this?”

“Of course he knows, Colonel. But he’s indisposed at the moment. Let me bring you up to speed. This has yet to be released to the public, and if all goes as planned, it won’t be. The last thing we want is panic.

“The, uh, ‘visitors’ have somehow managed to take control of our communications satellites. They identified themselves as the H’t’quiy.”

“Hutkey, General?” Jim asked.

“No, Colonel. The H’t’quiy,” General Allen said, correcting Jim.

“So they’ve been in contact?” Jim followed up.

“Yes, Colonel, they have,” the general said.

“Any idea what they want, sir?” Jim asked. General Allen looked uncomfortably around and motioned to one of the dark-suited civilians.

“They want half of all women of childbearing age,” the suit said, causing the officers in the room to chuckle, which then faded into an awkward silence as the implications settled in.

“Seriously?” Mike asked. Maybe he could give them Rhonda, he thought darkly. It would save on alimony, and he’d be practically guaranteed custody of Lisa.

“Yes, Major,” the suit replied. “They’ve provided a list of requirements ñ blood types, genetic markers, that sort of thing. But it still amounts to millions of women.”

“What is this? Mars needs women?” one of the officers burst out in disbelief.

“Their ship can carry that many passengers? Between planets? Just how ‘large’ is this spacecraft?” another one demanded.

Mike heard the married officer sitting next to him mutter, “It’d have to be huge to carry millions of women AND their luggage.”

“They said nothing about luggage, and they’ve given us 96 hours to respond,” General Allen interjected. “That was nearly 12 hours ago.”

“And if we don’t?” Jim asked.

“They say they will sterilize all living beings on the planet,” the suit said.

“They say?” Jim asked, incredulous.

“We’re not willing to put it to the test, Colonel,” the suit said. “Are you?” Jim looked uncomfortable at that.

“We’ve decided to respond, just not in the way they expect,” the general said. “We have to assume that they have some sort of defensive weaponry on that ship of theirs. That rules out a direct ascent attack by one of our new TITAN II ICBMs since they would have no capacity to dodge defenses. Though a barrage of all our current missile inventory is one backup plan.” He took a deep breath before continuing.

“That’s where your squadron comes in, Colonel,” Gen. Allen told Jim. “We’re taking the X-67C out of mothballs.” The X-67C was a beefed-up version of the X-15, designed to go into orbit after being launched from a modified B52 bomber. “It at least has the potential to dodge defensive weaponry. And can be maneuvered in space.”

“But sir, that vehicle has only been launched twice,” Jim protested.

“Yes it has, and the only man who has ever flown it is right here,” General Allen said, looking at Mike. “The 67 was designed to go into space, was it not, Major?”

“Yes sir, it was,” Mike said. “But it’s never been taken more than 60 miles up.”

“And now, it’s going a lot higher. With a little package.”

“Package?” Jim asked.

“Yes. There’s a Mark 59 nuclear device being delivered this afternoon. It’s already been fitted inside a missile that will be launched by the 67,” the general said. Mike and Jim looked at each other, shocked. The Mark 59 was said to be the most powerful nuclear device on the planet, with a maximum yield of nearly 200 megatons.

“I understand the 67 is equipped with a missile launch system, Colonel,” General Allen said. “Is that correct?”

“Yes, sir, it is. But we’ve never launched anything from it. It’s one of the many systems that have never been fully tested.”

“It will be now, Colonel. Yes, Major, what is it?” the general said, looking at Mike.

“Sir, there’s another ... concern,” Mike said.

“And that is?”

“The little matter of re-entry. I don’t wish to speak ill of the dead, but I really don’t want to end up like John Glenn,” Mike said. Glenn, the first American to go into orbit aboard the Mercury spacecraft Friendship 7, experienced problems with the craft. It burned up in the atmosphere during re-entry, setting the manned space program back years.

“I understand how you feel, Major, and I can’t say that I blame you,” General Allen said. “I understand the 67 is equipped with heat tiles designed to protect the craft during re-entry.”

“Yes, sir, it is,” Mike said. “But they’ve never really been put to the test, and...”

“And what, Major?” the general asked.

“I’ve never been trained on re-entry from orbit, sir.” The general nodded his head as he digested Mike’s statement.

“I appreciate your candor. That’s why I brought Deke Slayton. I’m sure you’ve heard of him. He was one of the original Mercury astronauts. I asked him to come up with a flight plan. He’ll work with you in the simulator to get you ready,” the general said.

“I hope you’re ready to burn some midnight oil, Major,” Deke said. “We’re going to be spending a lot of time together.” Mike looked at Jim, then back at Deke and the General.

“Is there a problem, Major?” General Allen asked.

“Uh, no sir. I need to pick up some things from the house,” Mike said.

“Bring enough to last four days, Major. Until this mission is over, you are confined to this base,” the general said.

“I have an appointment in Lancaster on Monday, sir,” Mike said. “I’d like permission to make that appointment.” Jim looked at Mike, his eyebrows raised.

“Oh? What kind of appointment?” General Allen asked.

“It’s, uh, personal business, sir,” Mike replied.

“No can do, Major. National security concerns come first, and I don’t want to risk something happening to you. I’m afraid you’ll have to reschedule your appointment,” the general replied.

“Yes, sir,” Mike responded.

“All right, gentlemen. Get to it. Time’s a-wasting,” the general said, standing up. That signaled the end of the meeting, and everyone stood with the general. “As you were,” General Allen announced as he left the room.

“I’ll see you in the briefing room when you get settled in, Major,” Deke said before leaving.

“I’ll be there,” Mike said. Jim grabbed Mike by the shoulder.

“What kind of appointment do you have in Lancaster?” Jim asked after everyone else left.

“I’m seeing a lawyer,” Mike said.

“What?” Jim asked, shocked. “Why?”

“That’s who one normally sees about a divorce,” Mike replied.

“Divorce? Are you out of your mind? Do you know what that will do to Rhonda? Or Lisa? Think about your little girl,” Jim exclaimed.

“Is she my little girl?” Mike asked. “Really?”

“Well, of course, she is,” Jim answered. “She adores you, and this would destroy her. And Rhonda.” Mike studied Jim’s face closely, looking for any resemblance between his “friend” and his daughter. The problem was that Jim and Mike looked enough alike that they could easily be mistaken for brothers.

Worse yet, standard blood tests wouldn’t reveal much since Mike’s blood was A positive, and Rhonda’s was B negative. Theoretically, Lisa could fall into just about any blood group. If there was just some foolproof way to prove paternity, he thought sadly.

“And I adore her as well,” Mike said, which was true. “I guess it’s academic now. You heard the General. I won’t be able to do anything until after this mission.”

“No, you won’t,” Jim said. “You should take these next few days to calm down and think about things. I’d hate to see you ruin your career over something like a divorce.”

“You might have a point. Maybe I should think about this a bit more,” Mike said, hoping to throw Jim off, at least for now. “But I won’t be made a fool of.”

“Of course not,” Jim said, not wholly convinced that Mike would let the matter drop.

“Anyway, I’d better go. I need to pack some things up and say goodbye to Lisa,” Mike said. “If you’ll excuse me ... sir.” Jim nodded his head as he let go of Mike’s shoulder.

“Of course,” Jim said. Watching Mike walk away, Jim wondered how much he actually knew.

“How long are you going to be gone this time?” Rhonda asked as Mike packed his things.

“A few days,” he replied, not looking at his errant wife. “I’ll call when I can. I’m going to be quite busy, but I’ll try to call before Lisa goes to bed.”

“Please do. She misses you when you’re not here.”

“I miss her, too,” Mike said sadly.

“What about me? Do you miss me?” Rhonda asked. Mike stopped long enough to look at her. Part of him wanted to tear into her, but the rational part decided this wasn’t the right time.

“You know I do. I’m wondering if you miss me, though,” he said.

“Don’t be silly, Mike. You know I miss you. And I love you,” Rhonda said.

“Really?” Mike asked.

“Yes, I do. I know I’ve been a bitch lately, and I apologize for that. But I do love you.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Mike said as he finished packing. “Yes, you have been somewhat bitchy of late. And I accept your apology.” Not that it’ll make any difference. He closed his suitcases and carried them downstairs, where Lisa waited for him, clutching a ragged teddy bear. It was her favorite, a welcome home present Mike had given her a few years earlier when he returned from TDY. He set his suitcases down and took her in his arms.

“How long are you going to be gone, Daddy?” Lisa asked.

“Not long, little angel. Just a few days,” Mike told her.

“Are you going to get the space aliens?” she asked, a tear sliding down her cheek. Mike looked at Rhonda, who shrugged her shoulders.

“It’s been on the news almost all day long,” she said. Mike nodded his head and turned back to his daughter.

“I’m going to do my best, sweetheart,” Mike told her. “I’m counting on you to watch over your mother while I’m gone. Will you do that for me?”

“Yes, Daddy,” Lisa said, tightening her grip on Mike.

“That’s my girl,” Mike said with a smile. “And hang on to Teddy, okay? I hear space aliens are scared of teddy bears.”

“I will, Daddy,” Lisa said in her tiny voice. Mike kissed his daughter’s forehead and gave her one last hug.

“I love you, sweetheart,” Mike finally said.

“I love you too, Daddy,” Lisa said.

“Go on out back, sweetheart,” Rhonda told the young girl. “Daddy needs to load his things in the car.” The little girl gave Mike one more kiss and ran out the back door. Mike took his things to the car and loaded them in the back seat. He heard a man’s voice from the open garage door.

“Hey, neighbor,” the man called. Mike turned to see Harold Keyes, a lieutenant who lived across the street with his wife, Rita. They had only been in the neighborhood for a couple of months, and both seemed friendly and easy-going.