Chapter 1: The Truth is realized
“Operator, could you please get me the Pentagon? No, don’t worry about the charges. Yes, I’ll wait.”
I had been watching the local news. There had been the usual stories about corruption, sports, bad weather, and a murder. But today something was different. The anchors didn’t make much of the report. A number of triangular objects had been detected by United States satellites. The report said the size was not determinable, but I could not believe that. One very grainy image had been released to the public. I was looking at it on the TV. No other information was released.
My jaw was sitting in my lap. Could it be true? Could it really be? Was I seeing what I thought I was seeing? It had to be. There was no mistaking that shape. It was a shape that would forever be ingrained in my mind.
My first reaction was to call the Pentagon. I had to let someone know what I knew.
It took a while to get through, but I was finally successful.
“Hello, this is the Pentagon phone system. If you know the number of the office you wish to access…”
Darn it. I got the stupid phone system. I waited on the line for 10 minutes waiting for a human to pickup.
“Hello, this is the Pentagon switchboard. How many I help you?” a human voice on the other end said.
I responded, “Hello. I was just watching the local news, and I saw a report on a grainy image taken of some objects located out in space. I might have some crucial information concerning these shapes. I am sorry to say that I do not know who I need to speak to about this.”
“Well, if you will let me put you on hold, I will see if I can rout your call where it needs to go.”
Before I could say anything, I was on hold and listening to the usual easy listening. I stayed there for about 15 minutes. It was then that I finally got some response.
“Hello, office of General David Johnson, can I help you?” A male voice came through.
I repeated. “Yes, hello. As I was telling your switchboard operator, I was watching the local news, and I saw a report on a grainy image taken of some objects located out in space. I might have some crucial information concerning these shapes.”
“And what information might that be?” The man asked with a slightly indignant tone in his voice.
“Now, please don’t hang up on my as soon as I say this, because it will sound very strange, but I know exactly what ships those are, and where they come from.” I paused.
“Those are Imperator-class Star Destroyers, one of the most powerful warships of the Galactic Empire.”
As I finished, there was a strange silent on the other end. Had I been cut off? Did I sound THAT crazy? There was no dial-tone, so I didn’t think I had been hung up on. Then I heard the voice on the other end.
“Ooooookkkkaaaaaayyyy. Sir, how would you know that?” the voice was very patronizing.
“Well, I shouldn’t say I’m sure about it. But the general outline of the ship fits.” I replied.
“Well sir, tell you what. I’m going to hang up now, and I’ll take your idea under advisement and inform the general.”
“Wait, just a second. Before you hang up, let me add one last thing. These ships, they are approximately 1600M long and if I’m right about these ships, we are all in deep trouble.” I ended and waited.
There was another prolonged pause. Very prolonged. As before, I knew I was still connected, because again there was no dial-tone.
“Ahhh, sir. I’ve been advised to ask you for some additional informati…”
“What, you mean I’m right?” I interrupted.
“I’m sorry, I can’t say anything about it, but if you would give me some more information, it would be very helpful.”
This was getting annoying. I wanted to help, but government secrecy was getting in the way.
“Look, without knowing more information, I can’t give you any information that would be importance. You’ve got my number on your caller ID if you change your mind.”
At that I hung up.