Page 5 of Axon’s Lust

“Mr. President,” he said. “I have our data analyst, Jennifer Rose, here on the line with me. She’s the one that found the pattern in the data and deciphered it.”

“Hello, Jennifer Rose,” The President said, his voice coming out from the speakers, and making me shiver with nerves. Is this how it feels to talk to the leader of your country?

“I commend you on your excellent work. If I am to believe this message, then it looks like it requires a response,” he continued.

“Yes, sir. That seems to be the case,” I answered.

“I see. Then will you be able to respond to them?” the President asked. “Can you create a message and send it back to them?” he asked.

I mulled it over in my head, thinking about ways it could be done. Hmm, maybe if I did the pattern backward…

“I think it’s possible, sir,” I finally said. “But I would need some time…”

“Good. Now I’m going to read the message I have, and you confirm if I received the correct information. This is just so everything is clear,” he said, before clearing his throat. “Can you confirm that the message reads: Humans of Earth. We are the Revians. We come from a planet we call Harpo. We request a meeting with your leaders in peace. We bring you a message,” he said.

“Yes, sir, Mr. President. That is exactly what it says,” I said.

“Thank you, Jennifer. Now, here’s what you’re going to do,” the President instructed, and I leaned closer to the speaker, bracing myself for his next words. “I would like you to work on a response, but do not send it yet. The response must say that we agree to the meeting, and it will take place on the rooftop of the building you are currently in right now. I repeat, only work on the message. Do not send it,” he ordered.

“Okay, Mr. President. I’ll begin working on the message so it’s ready for release when you need it, and I am not to send it without your go signal.” I reiterated.

“Precisely. David, we will be in contact. Your entire department shall be placed on lockdown. Please commence with the lockdown procedures,” the President instructed my manager next.

“Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. President.”

David pressed the button and hung up before we looked at each other in amazement.

“This is it,” he said. “We’ve trained for this.”

“Yes, I suppose we have,” I said, shaking my head and still in disbelief over what was going on. “I just… I didn’t think it would ever happen,” I admitted.

“Yeah, well…,” David trailed off, shrugging. “Are you ready?” he asked, and I nodded.

“Let’s get started.”