Page 9 - Unlikely Stories 3

Recall Mission

Stewell Dreyfuss, professor of astrophysics at New Mexico Tech,
was startled by the sudden appearance of three large men in his small
basement office in the science building. One of them looked familiar,
but Dreyfuss couldn’t put a name to the face.
“May I help you, gentlemen? My office hours are posted in the
hallway next to the door.”
One of the unscheduled visitors stepped forward. A distinctly
military bearing belied his business-casual attire.
“Doctor Dreyfuss, this is official government business. It is
extremely urgent. I am General Thomas A. Hawke, chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff. With me are James E. Corncracker,
administrator of NASA, and Senator Barkenbeit, ranking member of
the Armed Services Committee.”
“Ah,” said the academic. “Now I recognize the senator from
photographs. Perhaps it is his height—particularly in the company of
you other two gentlemen, that delayed that recognition.”
“Yes, fine, let us get down to brass tacks.” Barkenbeit and the
other men surveyed the seating arrangements. Two ancient wooden
straight-back chairs were the only furniture in the room apart from
the professor’s desk and swivel chair. The NASA man remained
standing, while the others pulled up the chairs in front of Dreyfuss.
“First,” intoned Hawke, “let me state that our conversation is
being recorded—never mind how—and that this building has been
swept electronically for any other surveillance equipment. It is after
hours, and we won’t be disturbed. What we discuss may not go
beyond this room. Your security clearance is adequate, but may be
elevated in the near future. State secrets are going to be revealed to
you, professor: the penalties for revealing them to unauthorized
parties are quite severe. Do you understand?”
Stewell Dreyfuss had been subjected to student pranks in the past.
He glanced at the calendar. No, not Hallowe’en or Homecoming
Week. He laid down his reading glasses and bowed his head.
“You have the advantage of me. Please proceed. I normally go
home about this hour, so make it brief.”
The seated men looked at Corncracker.
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