MIssion Two

CHAPTER 14

MISSION TWO : PLANNING

The group easily found the professor and the cafeteria. The professor was sitting on a stainless steel bench and table. He was apparently in deep thought as he munched on a ham and cheese on rye.

Skorzenzy turned and greeted the graduates as he finished a bite of his sandwich and washed it down with a cold glass of tea. “Good of you to join me. Help yourself. Go to the selector on the microwave and scroll through the vast menu. I’m sure you’ll find something of interest.” Abdul couldn’t believe it. He was only joking when he referred to a synthesizer.

The kids approached the oversized microwave. Abdul decided he was more knowledgeable than his mates and quickly took front and center. He pushed the menu button, and a holographic picture appeared on the face of the door. The menu easily rivaled the most exotic and elaborate eateries in the world. The choices ranged anywhere from Filet Mignon, Steamed Clams and Baked Alaska, to a simple burger and fries. He chose a ten-inch rib eye with mashed potatoes, green beans, tossed salad with French dressing and apple pie. Within two minutes, the chosen meal appeared behind the viewing screen. “Wow, Captain,” he exclaimed. “It really works.”

Larry was still being cautious, “Yeah, but what does it taste like?”

As Abdul opened the door, his senses were met with the true aroma of a perfectly cooked steak. “We are about to find out.” Without examining the plate, he asked the professor where the cutlery was.

“Look on the plate, son.”

Sure enough, all of the cutlery was on the plate. Even the salad fork. He gingerly grabbed the fork thinking it would still be releasing heat from the cooking operation.

Skorzenzy didn’t look back. “It’s perfectly safe,” was all he said.

The professor was right. The fork was perfectly chilled. He looked at his friends with confusion. He then picked up the spoon and sampled the mashed potatoes. “My mother never made them this good. Larry, this is great. Professor, what about drinks?”

Skorzenzy raised his left hand and pointed to the opposite counter. On it rested another machine resembling a large refrigerator. He hastened over to it and identified the menu button. The display filled with every beverage known to man. From fine wines to a can of coke.

“For the meal you chose, may I suggest an appropriate selection?” asked Skorzenzy.

“Yes Professor. What would go well with the meal?”

“I would choose either the Chàteau Paillas or perhaps the Chàteau de Chambert depending of course on your sensitive palate, and for the dessert, a robust cognac. I’m sure you will find those choices much more satisfying than the standard soft drinks you would normally waste on such extravagance.”

Abdul accepted the offer and made the selections. Within seconds, the door to the refrigerator opened, revealing both glasses of wine and the cognac. He chose the first glass he could reach. Before he could manhandle it, Skorzenzy rose from his chair and approached.

“This is fine wine, not a beer keg festival. You must check the color, savor the aroma, and let the liquid breathe.” Skorzenzy removed the glass from Abdul. He held it up and examined the color as he gently swished the liquid from side to side. “Very good,” he commented. He lowered the glass to his nose, took his left hand and wafted the scent towards his nose. “Ah, very nice. Maybe a little more aging would be in order, but still, a fine choice.” He then took a small taste and rolled the warm liquid around on his tongue. “Yes, very robust indeed. An excellent selection, Abdul. Enjoy your meal.”

Abdul stood in amazement at the process required to check for quality. He gathered his senses and took his meal to the table, sitting directly across from Skorzenzy.

Muki marveled at the technology and the quality it produced. She moved back to the microwave and chose one of her favorite dishes—Roast Duck with Water Chestnuts and Brown Rice. Larry and Judith were next. The pangs of hunger were overtaking any mental reservations they held concerning the quality and texture of the food, plus, the smell of Abdul’s steak and Muki’s roast duck had them salivating. Judith chose a simple Vegetarian’s Lasagna Delight with a side salad covered with a light vinaigrette dressing. Larry chose a childhood favorite and staple of his family—Chipped Beef covered with brown gravy on white toasted bread, better known as shit on a shingle, buttered corn on the cob, sweet peas and Cherry Cobbler.

The kids were devouring yet savoring the meal at the same time. The occasional comment on the quality of the food was heard between bites. “Oh man.’’ “This is great.’’ “Wish my mom cooked as good as this.”

Skorzenzy finished his sandwich and took another drink of his tea. “I believe I need something a little more exciting today. Excuse me.” He rose up and walked over to the refrigerator.

“Hey, Scotty. Think he’s getting his daily dose of Geritol?” Larry cracked a smile. Something he’d refrained from doing over the last few hours.

“Yeah, too bad he doesn’t have a pocket tricorder.” Abdul enjoyed the missed humor. Even Muki and Judith had a laugh with the exchange.

Skorzenzy returned to the table with a large bottle and five glasses. “Unlike my new esteemed colleagues, my hearing is fine. I felt the occasion required something more eloquent to celebrate Muki’s travels.” He placed a perfectly chilled bottle of Dom Perignon Vintage 2000. He carefully filled each champagne flute and placed them before his guests. “To many more successful voyages and discoveries.” He raised his glass and waited for the others to follow suit. One by one the glasses lightly clinked with his. “Cheers,” said the professor.

“Cheers,” replied the four. Each took long sips of the nectar fit for the kings.

Skorzenzy replaced his flute on the table and looked up at Abdul. “I’ve been thinking about who should be next.” Judith was hoping it would be her, but she feared her temper of late would go against her cause. “I believe the next subject, if he’s willing…”

“Dammit,” Judith muttered.

“...should be our intrepid brown Star Trek fan. Judith, you must temper your emotions, and Larry, I don’t think you’ve fully signed on with the adventure as of yet.” He looked directly into Abdul’s dark brown eyes. “Are you up for the challenge, Scotty?” Yes, the Star Trek references had not escaped his notice. He would use Abdul’s imagination for his acceptance.

Abdul studied the offer as he bit into his last piece of apple pie. He took a small drink of the superb cognac and sat back. Inside, he was bursting to say yes, but instead, he chose to maintain restraint.

“Professor, I would be honored to take the voyage and travel to where no man or beast has been for over two thousand years.”

“The Pyramids, my friend? But we’ve already been there and seen the wonders of the Egyptian culture.”

“No, Professor. I prefer to witness one of the greatest acts in mankind’s history.”

His response stumped the professor. What could be more vital in man’s history than solving the myths of Egypt?

“Then where, Abdul? Where do you wish to travel?”

He took another long drink of the cognac. He found the drink not only soothing and warm; it relaxed his overactive mind and sharpened his senses.

“The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. To be exact, I wish to follow Judas Iscariot and find out if he accepted the thirty pieces of silver, and proceeded to hang himself in dismay for his actions.”

His words were a shock to all. Never had he shown or mentioned any thought of religion for over six years. His world (or so they thought) revolved around one thing, and one thing only—Star Trek.

“Why there?” asked Judith. “I don’t understand.”

He knew his choice would baffle his friends, but then, they didn’t know everything about him. For years, he’d been fascinated with the raging debate among Christians concerning the fate of Judas. One side held strong to the belief that Judas was fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. He was chosen to betray Jesus before being born, thus allowing his soul to ascend to heaven. The other side was staunch in their support that since he allowed Satan to harden his heart and betray the “Son of Man,” after which he chose to commit suicide; therefore, his soul was condemned to the fiery pits of hell. And then, there was a minority group, who actually believed he was the first vampire.

“Why, it’s elementary, Judith.” His tone was reverting back to a poor imitation of James Doohan. “I believe it would benefit mankind immensely to determine exactly what happened to him. According to the discussion I heard, my parents and their scholastic friends debated about his fate with no definitive answer. Perhaps my trip will shed light on the truth, and save those “blowhards” from arguing on issues they could only speculate on. I will admit, despite enjoying watching all those academicians turn red and pop neck veins as they vie for position in an attempt to sway each other, which was an exercise in futility, I could walk in wearing my original Star Trek tunic, and enlighten the so-called enlightened ones and triumphantly correct them all, of course, with a gleam in my eye.” He started laughing with his dissertation and the thought of embarrassing his parents and their so-called friends.

His oration left his friends speechless. In all their years together, he seldom took a serious note with any issue or shown any desire of real religious interest. But, now they were seeing a different side, one he’d concealed remarkably well from them.

Skorzenzy broke the silence. “My friend, you have chosen and orated well. I agree with your assessment and analysis. However, in order to accomplish your wishes, I must warn you of the dangers. The place you chose is barren with little cover. I will have to scan the computer banks to make sure that when you appear, you aren’t noticed. I’ll need to fashion a garment and sandals for the time period. We can’t have you traipsing around in a strange white suit. You would literally stick out like a sore thumb and create more interest than desired. Still, even with the hazards, I believe it is a worthy mission.”

“Wait a minute,” interjected Larry. “Are you saying he’s going to have to remove the suit and hide it during his trip?”

“Of course he will. He can’t very well remain incognito wearing the suit, now can he?”

“He could use the red danger button and be instantly transported back if he detected trouble, couldn’t he?”

Dammit Larry, you’re making this harder than it needs to be. Maybe I should have chosen you second.

“Of course he could, but if he is detected before making his discovery, or even getting close to the truth, then the venture is wasted. Is it not?” The answer/question was condescending and mocking.

“I agree with the professor,” replied Abdul. “What is the point of traveling back if I’m instantly brought back with no new information. Professor, I have no problem with the proposal.”

“Before you agree Abdul, I’m sure this trip is going to require a few days of investigation. I have a special pouch for the trip which will be strapped on to your chest inside the suit, but the rations will be very limited. Water will obviously be of the highest priority. You will have to use it sparingly. Also, the rations will consist mainly of jerky and dried goods. Are you still willing to go?” Skorzenzy sat back as Abdul digested the information.

“Yes, I am.”

“Good. As soon as the meal is finished, we shall adjourn to the dressing room and begin the preparations.”

“Wait a minute,” said Larry. “If I’m remembering correctly, Abdul will be in real time, correct?”

“Correct.”

“What are we supposed to do for two days while he’s gone?”

Skorzenzy furrowed his brow and sarcastically replied, “What else, Mr. Kowalski? We wait.” Why can’t his inquisitive mind accept my achievements? He showed so much promise during the landing. I hope his attitude changes or there will be few options available. He rose up and made his way into the corridor.

“Abdul, are you nuts or plain insane?” Larry’s words were hard and precise.

“Negative Captain. I’m going where no man—”

“Knock off the shit, Abdul, This is serious. This isn’t some video game or comic book adventure. This is real life. What you’re proposing is highly dangerous, and I’m still not convinced the professor doesn’t have ulterior motives. You heard what Muki said, or did you choose to block it out? Skorzenzy, or his family, were somehow...” He stopped himself from finishing his damning statement concerning the possibility that the professor’s family was potentially involved with the Kennedy shooting.

“Larry, that may be true, but I’m sure Skorzenzy’s family wasn’t involved with Pontius Pilate or King Herod’s plan. Muki came back in one piece. Shaken, but in one piece.” He placed his left hand on her shoulder with a reassuring grip. “Muki, what do you think?”

She could see the want in his eyes and understood from the short time they’d spent together, trying to talk him out of the journey was pointless. “I have every confidence Abdul knows what he’s doing. He’s right. I did come back whole. A bit shaken, but whole.”

“See Larry, it’s settled. I’ll be fine.” Abdul looked at Judith. “What do you think, Barbie? Should I go or should I stay?

If there were one thing you didn’t call Judith, it was Barbie. The last person to refer to her as “Barbie” found a crowbar flying at his head.

“Look, you psychotic little shit. Call me that one more time and I’ll personally send you back in time and impale your skinny ass to the cross!” She almost fell over as she vaulted up from the bench as she berated Abdul. “I should be going back, not you. Who in this room gives two shits about what happened to his soul? No one. No one, you hear me! We should be going back and killing all of those murderous bastards of the Third Reich and my fucking great-grandfather. But no, we’re going back to see what someone named Judas may or may not have done. This is BULLSHIT!” Her friends had feared she was boiling under the surface, they just didn’t realize how much. She’d been silent for way too long.

“Look, you cheerleader wannabe.”

Judith struck out and slapped Abdul hard across the face.

“Wannabe cheerleader? I’m gonna kick your ass right here, right now, and there’s nothing your wimpy ass can do to stop me.”

Abdul rubbed the spot on his face, which was instantly starting to turn red.

“You bitch. Bring it!”

Muki couldn’t take it anymore and proceeded to defend Abdul with her words.

“Did you learn nothing back at the diner? If I were Skorzenzy, I too wouldn’t send you back in your current state. You are an uncontrollable ball of hate. You’re probably right about him not being able to defend himself. But, as long as I’m standing here, you won’t touch him again in anger. Do you understand?” Muki’s black eyes were filled with rage as she stared Judith down.

“Tell him not to call me Barbie again, okay? Tell him, or I’ll take on both of you!”

Muki looked deep into Abdul’s eyes. “Abdul, promise.”

“I promise. I just wanted to see if her high beams would turn on if I pissed her off. Mission accomplished, eh Captain?” It took a few moments for the others to catch on. They instantly looked at Judith’s heaving chest. Mission accomplished. She was on full beams. Larry couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

“Perverts,” was all she could say.

“Okay, now that’s settled, Captain, would you escort me to the transporter room? It is time Judas and I had a talk.”

Larry slapped Abdul on the back. “Aye Scotty, it is, despite my reservations, it is.” The four left the cafeteria.