Quantum Planet<\/p>\n
By Elsie Daringer<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Chapter 1<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Nicki Anderson, a girl of 16 in her junior year at Pasadena High School in Southern California, was awakened by her cellphone singing Cyndi Lauper\u2019s, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun<\/em>. Her best friend Cheryl Lindsey, also 16, screams in the phone to Nicki, \u201cMeet me on the steps of the library.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh! Its Saturday, what\u2019s going on and why are you even awake?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust hurry and get down here, I will explain everything to you then.\u201d Cheryl replied sounding extremely excited.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay but I will have to ask my dad first, we are supposed to go to lunch at Balrey\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n Cheryl cried \u201cPlease tell him I am pleading with him and besides Balrey\u2019s is just a couple of blocks away and you would have plenty of time to make it before lunch.<\/p>\n Nicki hung up the phone and got out of bed. She put her fluffy green alien slippers on her feet that her dad had gotten for her last Christmas. She could smell coffee brewing as she proceeded to the kitchen. Her dad was standing there holding out a cup of coffee for her. Nicki gave her dad a kiss on the cheek and took the cup. Her dad, James Anderson, decided to let her drink coffee when she handed him a report on it not being harmful to drink at her age.<\/p>\n James and Nicki lived in a house close to Nicki\u2019s high school. Her mom, Jennifer Rose Anderson, had passed away when she was just 11 years old after a brief battle with breast cancer. Since the loss her mom, she and her dad became very close. Nicki shared the love of Quantum Physics just like her dad. They would spend many nights out in the back yard looking through a telescope that he had gotten for her 3 years ago. They always talked about what it would be like to visit another planet.<\/p>\n James Alexander Anderson started a company called Quantum Planet which dealt in advanced satellite systems. His clients ranged from telecommunications companies to government contracts. He received his PhD in physics from University of California, Berkeley where he and his wife both graduated at the top of their class. The two had met in high school and were inseparable till her passing. Her mom was known as Dr. Rose by her friends and colleagues and her death had hit both Nicki and James very hard. She had promised her mom that she would always look after her dad. She also told her mom that she was going to follow in her footsteps and become the best physics major she could be.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks dad, how did you know I was awake?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI just happened to be walking by your door when I heard your phone singing, so how is Cheryl?\u201d He said with a huge grin. <\/p>\n \u201cWell you heard right. Cheryl wants me to meet her at the library soon. She wouldn\u2019t tell me why, she just sounded super hyped up. Would it be okay with you if I go?\u201d She promised we would be out by time we have our lunch date.\u201d James shook his head yes and just seemed to stare at his daughter. \u201cUh, earth to dad you here?\u201d Nicki said looking a little confused. <\/p>\n \u201cOh sorry about that, it\u2019s just you are looking so much like your mother every day. Anyway you go right ahead I have to deliver some papers to Andy\u2019s this morning anyway. If you want you can ask Cheryl if she would like to join us for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s super dad, knowing Cheryl she will not want to pass up on a chance at going to Balrey\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n Nicki arrived at the library 20 minutes before they opened. Cheryl asked \u201cWhat took you so long, I was going crazy here waiting for you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSeriously Cheryl, first I had to get dressed and then catch the bus, I am lucky I got here this early, plus I have no clue why I am here in the first place.\u201d <\/p>\n Cheryl, who is Nicki\u2019s best friend, started jumping up and down clapping her hands. \u201cYou will never believe who is going to be here today doing a reading.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cCalm down girl, you are getting strange looks from people.\u201d Nicki said \u201cOkay please tell me before you explode and I end up having to find a new BFF.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFirst how do I look?\u201d Cheryl asked. She was wearing a pair of faded tight-fitting jeans and a light blue V-neck short sleeve blouse that buttoned down the front. Cheryl also had long light brown hair that came down the middle of her back and was fairly tall at 5 ft. 9 inches. Her eyes were brown and flecked with gold. She was a very pretty girl who looked older than her 16 years. <\/p>\n \u201cYou look great, but then you always look great. Now would you please tell me why I am spending my Saturday morning, on the first day of spring break, in front of a library?\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cOkay, Okay, my mom talked to Andrea Healy who works here and last night she told her that Emory Long was going to be doing a surprise poetry reading here this morning. There are only a limited number of seats and it will be announced as soon as the library opens.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay.\u201d said Nicki \u201cNot to be a prude or anything but who the hell is Emory Long?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re joking. Am I on one of those hidden camera shows were they show people’s stunned reactions? OMG you are serious. Girlfriend don\u2019t you ever watch TV? I mean I know you were into your studies but this is just wrong.\u201d<\/p>\n Just then Danny Johnson, who is a good friend of both of them and an openly gay male, rode up on his bike and said \u201cHey it\u2019s my two favorite GF\u2019s, what brings you two to the library on a Saturday morning? Cheryl why are you awake, it\u2019s not a school day?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHa, ha Danny, can you please inform our bookworm friend here who Emory Long is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGirl you are messing with my head right? Oh no you are serious. Nicki you have got to lay off the science. Emory Long is just the hottest thing in pants to walk this earth. Haven\u2019t you ever watched Shadowland? He is the dreamy hottie who plays Vance the teenage Vamp, and I would let him bite my neck any day or every day for that matter.\u201d He did a little flip with his head and blinked his bright blue eyes. \u201cOkay, so still why are you gals here?\u201d<\/p>\n Nicki looked at Danny smiling and said \u201cAlright I have heard of that show, but you guys know I am not a big TV buff. Danny you might want to pretty yourself up because apparently your dream god, or vamp is going to be here at the library doing a poetry reading.<\/p>\n \u201cNo way are you guys having some fun at my expense?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNicki is telling you the truth.\u201d Cheryl started jumping up and down and screaming,<\/p>\n \u201cYes oh yes my dream man will be here in about one hour.\u201d<\/p>\n Now it was Danny\u2019s turn to flip out. \u201cOMG I should have worn a nicer shirt. Why didn\u2019t you guys tell me this yesterday? OMG I am going to faint.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTake it easy lover boy.\u201d Nicki said with a sigh, \u201cWe just got the big scoop this morning. You both really need to relax after all he is just a guy for heaven\u2019s sake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a guy who\u2019s name is listed under dreamy in the dictionary, and who I plan on slipping my phone number to.\u201d said Cheryl.<\/p>\n That\u2019s when Danny said, \u201cCheryl you do realize that Emory is gay don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo way Danny, you say that about every hot guy in town.\u201d Cheryl gave him a little push with her hip.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay honey, but when Mr. Dreamy see\u2019s my ass swinging by him you will see those big blue eyes following my every step.\u201d he said as he pointed his finger to his butt cheek and made a sizzle sound.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 2<\/p>\n James took his morning coffee to his home office and began loading his briefcase with papers he had piled on his desk. He then proceeded to his wall safe which was hidden behind a copy of Van Gogh\u2019s Starry Night. He removed a hidden panel from the bottom liner and pulled out a carved wooden case. He carefully wrapped the case in some bubble wrap and put it inside a box. He printed out a shipping label and attached it to the box.<\/p>\n First stop was to the post office where he dropped off the box at the inside drop box. He then went to his friend and partner of the company, Andy\u2019s house. Andy and James were the same age and had been friends since grade school. Andy also graduated from Berkeley with a physics degree. Andy is a six foot three inch tall guy with just touches of gray in his brown hair. He is well built and his eyes a light Caribbean blue. James calls him the perfect bachelor.<\/p>\n James rang the doorbell and the door was opened immediately by Andy. \u201cThank god you\u2019re here I was just going to call you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell then I guess it\u2019s a good thing I am here.\u201d James said smiling. \u201cWhat\u2019s up, I just came to drop off the last of the files for the VADAR satellite system. I am then going to meet up with Nicki at Balrey\u2019s for lunch. Would you care to join us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo can do bro,\u201d Andy replied \u201cthe office just called and said there was a reporter there asking questions about you. Scott is on duty and he said the reporter\u2019s credentials looked official but the guy wanted to know if you were there today. He said the guy was acting strange so Scott tried your cell number and didn\u2019t get a hold of you, that\u2019s when he called me. Scott told him if he wanted to talk to you he would have to make an appointment.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess I never turned my volume up on my phone. Nicki says that is one of my bad habits. I will call Scott and save you a trip over there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s okay James I have a lot of work I want to get done before next week\u2019s press conference, so I was going to go to the office anyway. I will check on this guy when I get there and give you a call if it\u2019s important.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks man, this is why you make the big bucks,\u201d James said kidding around. \u201cWell I still have some time left before I go and meet Nicki so would you like to check out the final plans?\u201d Andy led James to his home office and James produced the files.<\/p>\n \u201cWant some coffee?\u201d Andy asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNah, I just drank most of a pot of coffee at home before I came here.\u201d<\/p>\n Andy laid out the papers on his desk and began studying them. \u201cYou really outdid yourself on this project, how did you find a metal that would work on the way this one panel maneuvers?\u201d James answered Andy with a big grin on his face, \u201cIt was in front of me the whole time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly what does that mean?\u201d Andy stood there waiting for James\u2019s answer.<\/p>\n James looked at Andy and said, \u201cThat means that I may have come up with a solution that creates a problem. Seriously the metal for the panel was easy it is just the materials some old pennies were made from, but with that said, I made another discovery that could be a problem, but until I can prove or disprove anything I cannot tell anyone about it. Not even you my friend.\u201d<\/p>\n Andy stood there just shaking his head. He knew James well enough to know not to ask any more questions. They both sat there and looked at the rest of the plans and just smiled. Andy then said he was going to head out to the office. \u201cI will call you later and let you know about the reporter, he probably wants the inside scoop on VADAR. I can\u2019t believe we have finally done it.\u201d He and James walked out together and headed for their cars.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 3<\/p>\n At 9:00 a.m. sharp the doors to the library opened. Nicki, Cheryl and Danny were the first ones through the door. \u201cHi Mrs. Healy,\u201d Cheryl said with excitement in her voice. \u201cWhich room is the reading going to be in?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s in the lecture hall and I am glad to see your mom gave you the news, I know how much you love this young man. Hi Nicki and Danny, I see Cheryl has dragged you two along,\u201d she said laughing, \u201c you can go on in, the reading isn\u2019t for one hour but once the news spreads this place is going to be busy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI would have died if I would have missed this.\u201d Danny said to Mrs. Healy. She just gave him a pat on the arm and then excused herself as she had to put the notice out in the front.<\/p>\n They headed into the lecture hall and took the first three seats in front of the lectern.<\/p>\n \u201cOh look over there, they have Emory\u2019s new book out. Life in Words, I hear he just loves poetry.\u201d Danny said with a dreamy look on his face.<\/p>\n Before they were there long the lecture hall started filling up. The three of them sat there chatting until 10:00 am rolled around. Mrs. Healy came up to the microphone and introduced Emory to the crowd. Emory was wearing faded black jeans and a silk black shirt. His blond hair was down to his shoulders and wavy. His blue eyes looked haunting with the way he wore his hair. He had very pale skin and looked very much like the vampire he played on TV. Danny let out a big sigh.<\/p>\n Emory did indeed read poems from his new book. After 20 minutes of reading, Emory told the audience that he was giving away thirty copies of his new book and that he would sign them. He picked the first three rows of people saying that they had to be true fans if they made it to the front rows.<\/p>\n Cheryl was the first in line. When Emory signed her book she was speechless and blushing. Next came Nicki, she thanked Emory and told him she loved his poems. Danny was next, he shook Emory\u2019s hand and while shaking his hand he pressed a small piece of paper in Emory\u2019s palm. Emory gave him a huge grin and a wink.<\/p>\n When they got outside Cheryl was hitting herself in the head with the book saying, \u201cStupid, stupid, stupid. I can\u2019t believe I choked, of all the times for my brain to fart it had to be in front of Emory Long.\u201d Nicki gave her friend a hug and told her it was not the end of the world.<\/p>\n Danny however was smiling from ear to ear. \u201cI gave him my number and he took it and gave me a wink. I do believe I have died and gone to heaven. Don\u2019t feel bad Cheryl I told you he bats for my team.\u201d<\/p>\n The three started to walk towards Danny\u2019s bike when Nicki asked if he would like to join them for lunch at Balrey\u2019s. \u201cI am sure my dad wouldn\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing GF, this is my lucky day, first the man of my dreams and now lunch at Balrey\u2019s. Life is just too good to me.\u201d<\/p>\n Nicki called James and told him that Danny was going to join them and that they were just a few minutes away. \u201cGreat,\u201d said James \u201cI just got here so I will get a table for four. See you in a few minutes sweetheart.\u201d They arrived and James already had a table for them.<\/p>\n James stood up to shake Danny\u2019s hand and he gave both Nicki and Cheryl a kiss on the cheek. \u201cSo, Dr. A, I read in the paper that your company has some big news coming up. What\u2019s the scoop?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI would have to kill you if I told you.\u201d James said laughing.<\/p>\n \u201cSeriously though Dr. A, the papers say you are going to change the world, is that much at least true?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDanny I will tell you this. We humans tend to think things on a small scale. Now let your mind expand and go way beyond the box. Would you say that the world is limitless, that we have only just begun to really understand energy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWow Dr. A, you mean you came up with a new light bulb.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIn a way only it was the light bulb that turned on in my brain. Some day in the near future you will see exactly what I mean.\u201d James laughed again.<\/p>\n Nicki was just sitting there staring when James asked her, \u201cA penny for your thoughts.\u201d He had always asked her that question when she seemed to be deep in thought.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry dad it\u2019s just something you said kind of clicked in. It reminded me of mom always telling me \u201cAlways think beyond the box.\u201d<\/p>\n Danny said, \u201cWell I am thinking beyond the box and more like into my stomach. How about a serious discussion on what we are going to eat.\u201d Everyone laughed and looked at their menus.<\/p>\n Nicki ordered the eggplant parmesan sandwich with sweet potato fries this was her favorite meal at Balrey\u2019s. James ordered an apple walnut salad with raspberry vinaigrette. Cheryl and Danny both ordered the grilled onion burgers. Balrey\u2019s was known for having great food in a casual atmosphere. Nicki and her dad ate here often. Her dad claimed his best ideas came from eating here.<\/p>\n After having a lunch filled with lots of laughter, James paid the bill and they all headed out the door. James asked Nicki if she wanted a ride back to the house. \u201cNo thanks dad, we are going to walk with Danny back to the library to get his bike and then Cheryl and I will catch the metro. Oh, can you take mine and Cheryl\u2019s book back with you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, I will be more than glad to. See you two back at the house, Danny it was nice seeing you again.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou to Dr. A and thanks for the lunch.\u201d James gave his daughter a kiss and a hug and headed to where he parked his car.<\/p>\n A half hour after they left Balrey\u2019s Nicki and Cheryl said their goodbye\u2019s to Danny and caught the bus to Nicki\u2019s house. When they reached the house Nicki noticed that her dad\u2019s car was not in the driveway. \u201cThat\u2019s odd I thought for sure dad would have beaten us home, maybe he stopped at the office.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope he gets back before I have to leave,\u201d replied Cheryl \u201che has my book with him and I really want to show it to my mom.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf he\u2019s not here soon I will call him and remind him about the books. Let\u2019s work on our science project while we are waiting.\u201d They spent a good hour working on it before realizing the time.<\/p>\n \u201cNicki, your dad still isn\u2019t home do you think you should call him?\u201d Cheryl asked. Nicki picked up her cellphone and dialed James\u2019s cell number.<\/p>\n \u201cIt went right to his voicemail. I know he had it on at the restaurant because I called him before we got there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe your dad had a meeting or something came up and he didn\u2019t want his phone ringing. Your dad has done that in the past.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo he never takes meetings on the weekend. He did go see my Uncle Andy this morning, maybe he stopped back over there.\u201d Nicki said with some concern in her voice. \u201cI will call him up and see if my dad is there.\u201d<\/p>\n She called her uncle and after two rings he answered with a cheery \u201cHey there sweetheart, to what do I owe this pleasure of you calling me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHi Uncle Andy, I was just wondering if you have seen my dad? I called his cell and it went right to his voicemail so I am hoping he stopped by your house.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry Nicki, the last time I talked to your dad was this morning when he dropped of the plans. I also tried calling him and got his voicemail. In fact I was just getting ready to call your house number. Maybe you should try and call his office he might have thought that I was still there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, I guess he could have done that, but usually he calls me before driving that far. Thanks Uncle Andy, if he happens to call you can you ask him to call me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing kiddo and you let me know if you get a hold of him, I would also like to talk to him.\u201d Nicki hung up with her uncle and immediately dialed her dad\u2019s office. Once again the line went to his voicemail.<\/p>\n Now Nicki was beginning to get worried. \u201cThis is not like my dad at all I really think he would have called me if he knew we would be waiting on him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about asking your Aunt Amy, any chance he might have stopped over her place?\u201d Amanda Anderson was James\u2019s younger sister. She is an agent with the FBI, Los Angeles field office.<\/p>\n \u201cGood idea Cheryl, he might have stopped there and lost track of time.\u201d<\/p>\n Once again Nicki picked up her cellphone and this time called her aunts number. \u201cHey Nicki, how\u2019s my favorite niece doing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHi Aunt Amy, listen have you heard from my dad today at all?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo I haven\u2019t, why is there a problem? You sound like you are worried, what\u2019s happened?\u201d Nicki explained to her aunt exactly what they had done today and how she could not find her dad right now.<\/p>\n \u201cI am coming right over, in the meantime if he does come home or call, give me a call right back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will see you in a little bit, thanks Aunt Amy, I am really getting nervous, it\u2019s not like dad to not contact me at all, especially if he knows I am waiting for him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know sweetie, it may just be that he forgot to charge his phone and somehow lost track of the time. We will get this figured out when I get there. See you soon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy Aunt is on her way over. Can you stay at least till she gets here, it shouldn\u2019t take her more than fifteen minutes.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not going anywhere Nicki, I don\u2019t want you to be home alone and worried. I will call my mom and tell her to pick me up in a half hour, by then your Aunt will be here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Cheryl, that means a lot to me. I just have a bad feeling about this. I wonder if it has something to do with this new satellite that he and Uncle Andy are working on. Everything about it has been so hush, hush. Dad was not even able to tell me anything about it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 4<\/p>\n Amanda Anderson arrived at her brother\u2019s house and was immediately greeted by her niece. \u201cI am guessing no word from your dad yet. Hi Cheryl, glad to see Nicki has not been home alone. Nicki, I want you to tell me as much details as possible on what happened today.\u201d<\/p>\n Nicki relayed all the details she could remember. Amanda asked if she could look through James office. \u201cDo you think this may have something to do with dad\u2019s most recent project, Aunt Amy? I mean dad wouldn\u2019t say anything about this one to me at all. He and Uncle Andy were always talking in hushed whispers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s why I would like to check his office out. As of now we can\u2019t even report him as missing, but if I can find any kind of clue at all, I can at least get a head start on things. Cheryl, do me a favor and don\u2019t mention any of this to your family just yet. We don\u2019t even know for sure he is actually missing yet.<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t, I know you don\u2019t need any more problems with a bunch of people calling and stuff.\u201d Just as she finished speaking her cellphone rang, it was her mom telling her to be out front she was going to be there in a minute to pick her up. \u201cI have to go now, Nicki if you need anything at all just give me a call, also if you find anything out.\u201d Cheryl gave her friend a big hug. \u201cBye Aunt Amy, it was nice seeing you.\u201d Amy gave her a hug and thanked her for taking care of her niece.<\/p>\n After Cheryl left Nicki joined her Aunt Amy in her father\u2019s office. I knew your father was a brainiac but seriously how do you make any sense out of this?\u201d she said pointing at the pile of papers stacked on his desk.<\/p>\n \u201cOh that stuff is all just some of the schematics from some of his past designs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou understand this; you really are your father\u2019s child.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou should see some of the page\u2019s he has with formulas written on them, dad is like this super genius.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou know your grandfather was just like that, I guess your dad got all the smart genes when he was born and I got the leftovers.\u201d Nicki laughed. It made Amy feel good to see her smile.<\/p>\n \u201cNicki, can you tell if any of this stuff is recent.\u201d Nicki looked through the files and told her aunt that none of this stuff was from his recent project. \u201cDoes your dad have a safe were he might keep some of the sensitive documents?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes he does, he has always told me if something were to happen to him I could figure out the password by looking in the top drawer of his desk.\u201d They opened up the desk and checked out a few papers, than Nicki noticed the piece of paper taped toward the back of the desk.<\/p>\n Amy read it aloud \u201cEinstein\u2019s theory of relativity proved, okay I hope that makes some sense to you, because I am lost on this one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh that\u2019s an easy one.\u201d Nicki took a pencil and piece of paper from her father\u2019s desk and wrote down 05-29-19-19.<\/p>\n \u201cMy niece you really amaze me, just what do those numbers mean.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the date that Einstein\u2019s theory was proved. That was pretty clever of dad.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo where is the safe?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnother easy one, it is behind dad\u2019s print of Starry Nights right here on the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n They went to the wall and Nicki swung the painting out. Her father had hinges installed on the frame to make getting in and out of the safe easier. Nicki then punched in the numbers and then put her thumb on a small glass panel. The light on the panel turned green and the safe door opened. \u201cWow your dad really went all out on that safe, sweet.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah dad added my fingerprint to it a year ago. He said he knew he could trust me.\u201d They looked in the safe and took out a stack of folders. Toward the back of the safe were several stacks of cash.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is your dad doing with so much money in there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDad said we needed and emergency fund in case the banks ever collapsed or if there was a war.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI guess my brother believes in planning ahead.\u201d Amanda said shaking her head.<\/p>\n They took the files to the living room and sat them on the coffee table. As they were going through them Nicki came across one that read, In case of death. That was when Nicki lost all her composure and hugging her aunt she cried out, \u201cPlease tell me dads okay, please Aunt Amy. I don\u2019t think I could take it if something were to happen to him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere, there sweetie, we are going to find your dad, I will not rest until we do. You need to stay strong, I will find my brother and you will help me do it.\u201d<\/p>\n She held on to her sobbing niece a good ten minutes. After Nicki was calmed down they finished going through the files with no luck. These were mainly papers to do with household things.<\/p>\n \u201cNicki can you call up Andy and see if he will come over. Maybe he can shed some light on what has happened to James.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI called him earlier and he said he only saw dad this morning when he dropped off the papers for the project.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCall him again anyway and tell him I would like to talk to him.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk I will call him right now.\u201d Nicki picked up her cell and called Andy. Andy told her that he would come right away. While waiting for him to show up, Nicki made a pot of coffee for them.<\/p>\n Amanda told Nicki that if they did not find him by the morning that she would call her office since they were going to be the ones who would handle the case because of his involvement with government contracts. She also told her that she would not be allowed to handle the case, but not to worry a lot of her coworkers owed her and she was going to do her own investigation.<\/p>\n Andy arrived at James\u2019s house fifteen minutes after hanging up with Nicki. He rang the doorbell and when Nicki answered she ran into his arms and started crying again. Andy held her tight and kept telling her that everything was going to be alright. They stepped into the living room where Amy was waiting. \u201cHow are things going Andy?\u201d Amanda said as she gave him a hug.<\/p>\n \u201cThey were going great till I got the calls from Nicki. Do you have any clue as to what has happened?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was going to ask you the same thing.\u201d Amy said.<\/p>\n \u201cAll I can tell you is what went on when James came to my place this morning.\u201d Andy told her.<\/p>\n \u201cGreat, any little detail can provide us with some kind of clue.\u201d Andy told her everything including the part about a reporter showing up at the plant.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is something; do you have the guy\u2019s name and what news agency he works for?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet me call up Scott Sanger, he was the one on duty at the time.\u201d Andy called Scott and beings Scott was still working he was able to provide Andy with the information. \u201cHere you go Amy, guy\u2019s name is Thomas Maxwell, and he supposedly works for the LA Times.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet me call up my partner and see who this guy is\u201d Amy said as she picked up her cell phone. Amanda called the bureau office where she worked and spoke to her partner Sonja Kiperman. Amanda and Sonja graduated from the Academy together and after a few years they became partners. Amanda knew her partner would be at the office, Sonja always told her it was easier getting research done when most people were gone from the office. She said it kept her more focused this way. The two of them were working on an illegal arms case.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Sonja, can you run a name through the system for me?\u201d Amanda asked.<\/p>\n \u201cSure, what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy brother hasn\u2019t been seen in a while and my niece is very worried. My brother usually always checks in with her and right now it has been over 6 hours since she heard from him. Plus he doesn\u2019t answer his cell and he was supposed to meet her and her friend at the house after they all had lunch together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGive me the name and I will run it right through for you. I know your brother well enough to know he is one who would not make your niece worry.\u201d Amanda gave her the information that Andy had given her.<\/p>\n \u201cOk Nicki, Sonja is running a check on this guy. He is probably legit but its best if we cover all angles.\u201d Nicki gave her aunt a big hug and said \u201cI love you Aunt Amy and I feel much better having you here. Maybe my dad\u2019s car broke down and his phone battery could be dead like you said.\u201d<\/p>\n Nicki brought the pot of coffee she made earlier out to the living room and the three of them sat and drank while waiting on Sonja to call back. After twenty minutes went by Amanda\u2019s phone rang. \u201cSo what\u2019s the word?\u201d Amy asked Sonja.<\/p>\n \u201cYou aren\u2019t going to like this. I ran this guy\u2019s name and I came up with five Thomas Maxwell\u2019s, none of them work for the LA Times. One of them is seventy-six years old, one is twelve, and the other three are between the ages of thirty-two and fifty-one. If you can get me a description of the guy I can check out the three men.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOk Sonja I will call you back in a bit, you still going to be at the office?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will be here for as long as you need me to be here.\u201d After Amy hung up her phone she told Nicki and Andy about the conversation.<\/p>\n \u201cShit.\u201d Andy was visibly upset, \u201cHow about we all take a drive down to my office. If Scott is still there I will have him run the footage of when the guy was there, then we can have a good description for Sonja.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s take my SUV; I can get us there a lot faster.\u201d Amy grabbed her keys and they all went out to her truck.<\/p>\n Amy drove a new black GMC Yukon Denali that was fully equipped with all the modern gadgets. They all got in the truck and Amy punched the gas. \u201cAmy when we get there we can also ask the gate security to check their camera\u2019s and see if James had been there at all today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood idea Andy and if he had we would have a good time line to go by.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAunt Amy, when was the last time you talked to dad?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s see he called me about a week ago and wanted to know if I wanted to come to the press conference next week. He said it was going to be very interesting. I thought he was joking around, but he said that he believed I was really going to like this one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDad has been acting a little stranger than usual and I figured it was because of this new project.\u201d Nicki said.<\/p>\n Andy replied, \u201cYour dad has done a really great job on this project. There are even some things that he told me I was going to have to wait and find out. I know enough about your dad not to try and question him when he is like that as it gets you nowhere.\u201d Both Amy and Nicki shook their heads yes to that one.<\/p>\n Amy pulled up to the security gate at the parking garage and rolled down her window. Andy leaned over, \u201cHi Ken, this is Dr. Anderson\u2019s sister and his daughter. We were wondering if Dr. Anderson has been to the office at all today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJust a minute Dr. Kramer let me look at the book.\u201d After reading the check in log book he poked his head in the truck and said that it did not show him in today. \u201cI also just looked at the monitor and his parking space is empty. Are you going to go inside?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes Ken, can you tell me if Scott is still working the front desk?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, he told me he is working a double today, he said Denise had some kind of family function today so he took her shift to help her out.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Ken, we won\u2019t be in there long but keep an eye on Amanda\u2019s truck, I am going to have her park it in my spot.\u201d<\/p>\n After they got the truck parked they headed over to the front entrance so that they could talk to Scott. \u201cHello Dr. Kramer and hi Nicki what brings you here?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cScott this is James\u2019s sister Amanda Anderson, she is a federal agent, and we need to see the footage of when the reporter came in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHi Agent Anderson, I will pull that footage up right now, why don\u2019t you all come back over here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks Scott,\u201d Amy said while shaking his hand \u201cplease just call me Amy. I am not here on official duty it is more that I care about my brother\u2019s whereabouts.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDr. Kramer told me he hasn\u2019t been seen since this afternoon, how you holding up Nicki?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI am just glad to have everyone\u2019s help right now.\u201d She replied.<\/p>\n They all went over to the monitor that Scott was sitting at. He punched in some numbers and on the screen it showed the guy walking over to the security desk. Amanda made notes on the guy\u2019s appearance. He was around six feet tall with short cut brown hair. He looked fairly young and had a slim build to him. She would guess his weight at about 180. \u201cSee how he never makes eye contact with me. I am usually a pretty good judge of character and this guy had something about him that struck me the wrong way.\u201d Scott said. Amy asked if there was any way he could take some still shots from the video. He took some stills of the guy and got one good one of the guys face.<\/p>\n \u201cGreat, Andy can we go to your office so I can send these pictures right over to Sonja.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure thing, right down this way, thanks Scott.\u201d<\/p>\n Once they reached Andy\u2019s office he sat down at his desk and booted up his laptop. After everything was set up and running he turned it over to Amanda. She asked Andy to set up his scanner for her. He got that running and started to scan the photo\u2019s that they got from Scott.<\/p>\n Amanda called Sonja and told her that she was sending over the photos at that moment. \u201cOkay, got them, give me a while to check out the descriptions with the photos. If I don\u2019t get anything from that I will run the one with the guy actually facing the camera through our face scan program.\u201d<\/p>\n They hung up and Amy said \u201cNow all we can do is waiting to see if we get a hit on whom this man is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t we head back to your house Nicki, if your dad shows up there he will think something has happened to you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJames office is locked up right Andy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s double check just to make sure.\u201d The three walked down the hall and stopped at James office. All the doors were locked up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter 5<\/p>\n After coming out of Balrey\u2019s James took the two books to his car and headed for home. He looked into his rearview mirror and was startled to see a face looking at him. \u201cEyes on the road big guy, I do have something pointing right at your head.\u201d The guy had very dark sunglasses on and all James could make out was that the guy had short cropped hair, almost military style. \u201cI want you to head over to the Target parking lot on E. Colorado. I know you should know your way there, so just drive nicely and don\u2019t get stupid on me. James heard a click and felt the gun against the back of his head. This is just a friendly reminder Professor for you to do exactly as I say.\u201d His voice had a very deep bass tone to it. James nodded yes and drove about ten minutes to the Target parking lot.<\/p>\n \u201cNow I want you to head on over to that black SUV in the back of the lot there. When we are parked I want you to hand me the keys.\u201d James had no way to do anything else but listen. After they were parked, James turned off the car and handed his keys back to the man.<\/p>\n His front door was then opened by another man dressed in a suit, \u201cPlease follow me Dr. Anderson.\u201d he said as he opened the back door of the SUV.<\/p>\n James got into the backseat. He heard the suit guy talking to the guy with his keys. The suit guy then got into the backseat with James and told James to put on a black hood that he pulled out of the pocket of the seat in front of him.<\/p>\n \u201cIs this really necessary?\u201d James asked and the guy just shook his head yes.<\/p>\n \u201cAlso, I need your cellphone, before we take off.\u201d<\/p>\n They drove off and James tried to keep track of the turns but soon gave up on that idea.<\/p>\n \u201cMind if I ask what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all, we are bringing you to a secure location where we would like to have a chat with you. Seems like you may have something we are very interested in.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou could have just made an appointment with me at my office, why all this?\u201d James said with his arms pointing out.<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Anderson, I mean Dr. Anderson, we need a secure place and your office is far from secure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExactly who are you guys and just what is it you think I have and do I really need this hood on?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe hood comes off after we arrive at our destination, not one minute before.\u201d<\/p>\n After fifteen minutes went by James asked suits how long this was going to take, he said it was very hot under the hood. \u201cWe will be there in another forty minutes or so. Just be patient, we have no intention of harming you unless you give us a reason. If it makes you feel any better my name is Matt and I will be the one looking after you. Sit back and just relax, it is all you can do anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n Another thirty-five minutes passed when James could feel the tires driving over gravel. After another five minutes they were back on either black top or concrete.<\/p>\n Finally the vehicle came to a stop. Matt took the hood off of James\u2019s head and James took in a gulp of fresh air. He was guided out of the vehicle and was led through a door into a hall lighted with fluorescent bulbs and painted a steel gray color. \u201cWhat a cheery color.\u201d James said. Matt just shrugged his shoulders and led James by his elbow forward. They had passed a lot of doors, none with any windows. They walked down several more halls and finally Matt brought out some keys and unlocked a door on his left. James was led into a room with a sleeping cot, a chair and small table, and a bathroom.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can freshen up here. I will be back in a half hour but first I need you to empty your pockets.\u201d Matt put all James stuff from his pocket onto a small tray. He then patted James down. After Matt left he heard the door being locked. He tried the handle just to see and it did not budge. James checked out the small room. There were no windows and the walls were bare and painted in the same dull gray as the halls. James went into the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face. He then went and sat down on the cot and waited.<\/p>\n Half hour later Matt came back with a couple of sub sandwiches and bottles of water. He sat the stuff on the small table. \u201cHere eat one of these and have some water, it will be morning before you get to eat again.\u201d Matt grabbed one of the sandwiches and started eating. James decided he better eat also plus he was very thirsty so he downed half the bottle of water. \u201cSo is there anything that you are allowed to tell me Matt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo I really can\u2019t but everything will be explained tomorrow so just try to relax. You will have to sleep on the cot tonight. I will be just outside the door if you need anything.\u201d Matt told him.<\/p>\n After Matt left the room James had lain down on the cot and was trying to think.<\/p>\n Someone was serious about his project and he had to make sure that Nicki was safe and Andy. This was not good. James knew it was going to be a long night. James had fallen asleep. He woke up to a knock on the door. He sat up and Matt came in carrying a tray with some breakfast on it for the both of them.<\/p>\n \u201cRise and shine doc. We have some eggs and bacon, toast, juice and my favorite, coffee. Matt sat the tray down on the table and poured them both a cup of coffee from a carafe.<\/p>\n James and Matt sat and ate their breakfast in silence. After they were finished Matt told James that it would be a while before he was taken to see his boss. He told James he would be back in a couple of hours and that James was welcome to use the shower.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat time is it?\u201d James asked.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is 9:15 a.m. You seem to have slept alright.\u201d Matt said.<\/p>\n James could not believe he slept so long. He was guessing that the stress had gotten to him. Matt left the room and James went in and showered. He then sat on the chair and waited. Finally after what felt like hours Matt came back.<\/p>\n \u201cOk doc, up on your feet, we are going to see the man.\u201d James noticed that Matt was a fairly big guy. He wore his dark brown hair cut short and was the same height as James. Nothing unusual stood out about him except his suit look well-tailored. They walked down several halls and then came to an elevator. Matt needed a key for that also. The elevator had two buttons one up one down, which Matt pushed. After what felt like five minutes, the elevator stopped.<\/p>\n James looked out to see highly polished stone floors and the hall was painted in a deep mauve. \u201cSo this is how the better half-lives?\u201d James said lightly.<\/p>\n Matt led them down a hall with one door directly ahead. Matt had to put his hand up to a panel. The panel turned green and the door slid open. This led to another hall with a few more doors;<\/p>\n Matt stopped at the third door and knocked. The door slid open and James was again led inside.<\/p>\n The room was huge. It contained a nice mahogany wood desk with some comfortable looking leather seats. Off to the side were a couch and chairs and a big screen TV. The desk had a built in control panel. Sitting at the desk was an older man in a black suit similar to Matt’s. The man got up and went over to James and introduced himself.<\/p>\n \u201cDr. Anderson my name is Frank Pierce, and I am the director of the IIA.\u201d James shook Franks hand and asked what the IIA stood for. \u201cInternational Intelligence Agency, we operate in almost every country in the world. Our job is to look out for the security of many countries including our own. We are not even known to our own CIA.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy then am I being introduced if you are such a secret?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSit, you are here because we have had our eyes on your company for a long time. Your current project is of extra special interest to us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat project was commissioned by our own government and was supposed to remain highly classified.\u201d James replied sounding a little confused.<\/p>\n \u201cYes Dr. Anderson, but I am afraid your security on this project has been breached somehow.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d James protested.<\/p>\n \u201cI am saying that our own country is trying to sell your secret to others, we seem to have a mole in our own countries top security and we need to find out just who it is. This satellite your building must never make it to space in working condition. The consequences could be astronomical.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t get it this is being built to the exact specifications that the government required. How do I know you are who you say you are? How exactly do you know what this satellite can and cannot do? What proof do you have, and why should I tell you anything?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHold on Dr. Anderson, I don\u2019t blame you for being cautious, that\u2019s actually a very good thing. We have anticipated this. As proof, please let\u2019s sit over by the screen. There is someone you need to meet that can verify who we are.\u201d<\/p>\n The three of them went over to the couch where the big screen TV was. Frank picked up a remote and turned it on. He then took out a cell phone and punched in a series of numbers. In less than a minute the screen came on and James heard the voice as the picture came to life. \u201cHello Dr. Anderson, I am here to seek your help on a matter of international security.\u201d James stared at the screen and whispered, \u201cMadame President.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Quantum Planet By Elsie Daringer Chapter 1 Nicki Anderson, a girl of 16 in her junior year at Pasadena High School in Southern California, was awakened by her cellphone singing Cyndi Lauper\u2019s, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Her best friend Cheryl Lindsey, also 16, screams in the phone to Nicki, \u201cMeet me […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-24","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","post"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P7zFf6-o","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/brainimplosion.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/brainimplosion.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/brainimplosion.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brainimplosion.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brainimplosion.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/brainimplosion.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":376,"href":"https:\/\/brainimplosion.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24\/revisions\/376"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/brainimplosion.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}