Codename Angel (The Angel Chronicles Book 1) (11 page)

Chapter 27

4:25pm.

Rear Admiral Sidney
Souers glared at Konev who sat across a large table. There were just four of
them in the room, Souers had come on board the Illustrious with a heavily armed
escort and had protested the minute he boarded.

‘You realise what you
have done can be considered as an act of war.’ He continued to glare at Konev.

‘And so can firing on
one of her Majesty’s aircraft carriers Admiral.’ Berkshire commented.

Souers looked at
Berkshire. ‘We were never going to fire directly at your carrier.’

‘But you did fire
across our bow.’

‘A warning shot.’

‘I’ve never heard
such nonsense even from an American.’ Konev Scoffed. ‘This is ridiculous, just
tell us what happened on your carrier earlier this afternoon. And why
Eisenhower is not here instead of you.’

‘Just who invited you
to this party comrade?’ Souers seethed. ‘I don’t recall the Soviet Navy being
part of this exercise.’

‘Neither were those
creatures from another world you made contact with.’

Souers remained
silent for a few seconds before answering. ‘What you saw Colonel was a highly
classified military project involving a new kind of aircraft we’re developing.’

‘As you American’s
like to say Admiral, horseshit!’ Konev stated. ‘We know Eisenhower is on board,
like I have said to the British, Russian intelligence is not that backward.’

‘Let’s not let things
get out of hand here gentlemen.’ Frederick interrupted, he looked at Souers.
‘Admiral Souers we know that it wasn’t experimental aircraft you were in
contact with. We all witnessed what just transpired and now have the events on
film. There are hundreds if not a few thousand witnesses on board the ships in
the fleet. It would be beneficial for us all if you share what you know with
us.’

Souers stared into
emptiness and took a deep breath. ‘I’m afraid Professor Frederick I am under
strict orders not to reveal anything about what you witnessed.’

‘Huh, typical
American selfishness.’ Konev barked.

‘Fuck you, you commie
prick!’ Souers shot back.

Konev jumped to his
feet. ‘You are treading on thin ice Admiral, I have eight submarines at my
command I could sink your carrier in a heartbeat.’

‘And risk all out
war, go ahead we both know who will come out on top.’

Berkshire slammed a
clenched fist down on the table causing both men to jump. ‘I will not have this
sort of behaviour aboard a ship of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy. Colonel sit down
please.’

Konev slumped down in
the chair like a sulking child.

‘If you are not
willing to share vital intelligence on what these objects are General then take
this message back to your superiors. Both the governments of the Soviet Union
and Great Britain will be launching a full enquiry into the events which have
transpired here today, a very public enquiry with film reel and all.’

Souers smiled at the
Admiral. ‘I’m afraid you’re not a very good poker player Admiral, we know both
your governments have covert projects involving flying saucers. By exposing us
you’ll be exposing yourselves.’

‘There, you admit
they are not of this world!’ Konev announced triumphantly.

Souers smiled then
got to his feet, looking over at Konev he put on his officers cap. ‘It’s been a
real pleasure gentlemen.’ He then headed towards the door.

Konev also stood and
glared at Berkshire. ‘This isn’t over admiral, not by a long shot.’ He then
strolled towards the door.

‘Colonel.’ Berkshire
called after him. Konev spun to face the Admiral. ‘He’s right you know we
cannot afford another world war, not after what we went through with the last
war.’

Konev took in a lung
full of air and nodded before disappearing out of the door.

Chapter 28

The Showreel

Whitehall – London –
12:13pm

Wednesday 1
^st
October 1952

All ten committee
members sat in silence staring at the projector screen which displayed the film
which was taken a few days earlier on the flight deck of the Illustrious. After
the incident with both the Americans and Russians Berkshire ordered the
Illustrious home. Despite being without sound the film spoke volumes to the men
in the room. After the film had finished Frederick left the heavy curtains shut
and turned on the light.

‘What do you suppose
we do about any witnesses?’ Dr Alan Good asked. ‘With all those ships in the
immediate area news of this encounter is bound to get out.’

‘We are dealing with
the matter in regards to Royal Naval personnel, and monitoring the press for
any unwanted publicity. However as for other countries taking part in the
exercise it’s still unclear. Our listening posts throughout Europe have been
monitoring news broadcasts and printed news. So far nothing has turned up, I
think other governments are as keen as we are to keep a lid on this.’ Morris
Stanford explained.

‘What disturbs me
about this film.’ Norman Canning said. ‘Is the part the Americans played.
Firing on one of Her Majesty’s warships, surely that shouldn’t go unpunished.’

‘It certainly
undermines this so called special relationship the Prime Minister likes to
refer to.’ Sir Harold Bates said. He looked at Stanford. ‘Any news from the US
Embassy?’

Stanford shook his
head. ‘Not a peep I’m afraid. Given the information Anthony and Ralph supplied
I think this was more of an embarrassment for the Yanks.’

‘You mean we caught
them with their trousers down.’ Chambers said.

Stanford nodded. ‘And
given the very nature of this film it points towards the strong possibility
that this was not their first meeting with these creatures.’

‘But why the public
display?’ Richard Wilks asked shrugging his shoulders. ‘Surely the Americans
have as good as any reason to keep this a secret.’

Frederick mused over
what Wilks had just suggested. ‘Do you suppose the Americans had knowledge that
Soviet subs were patrolling the area?’ His question was directed at Admiral
Berkshire who had been unusually quiet during the meeting.

‘It’s possible.’
Berkshire replied.

‘What are you
suggesting Ralph?’ Chambers asked.

‘Perhaps the Yanks
did plan that meeting on purpose but not so much for our benefit but as a
display for the Soviets. A warning that they not only have allies on this
planet but beyond. Colonel Konev speculated that the Americans might have put
on a show.’

Richard Wilks shook
his head. ‘Surely a more advanced civilisation would be above such trivial
matters such as planetary superiority.’

‘Who’s to say the
Americans didn’t lie to whoever it was they met with. A cock and bull story
about bringing many nations together to witness the event for the sake of
peace. But in reality a propaganda stunt put on for the Soviet elite to witness.
An incident like that would have wide reaching political implications and could
affect the outcome of any conflict. Russia might think twice about attacking
the US if they know that these beings or whatever you want to call them are
keeping a watchful eye on what’s happening.’

‘It’s a good
suggestion Ralph.’ Chambers commented. ‘But until we have solid evidence that
the Americans have some sort of relationship with these creatures I’m afraid
we’re still at square one. And the longer the Yanks stay silent the longer
we’ll be stuck there.’ Other members nodded in silent agreement. ‘This film is
startling however and would suggest the Americans have some sort of
relationship.’ More members nodded. Chambers looked at Stanford. ‘How much do
we know about this Rear Adm. Sidney Souers and this Colonel Yuri Konev?’

‘Souers was appointed
as the first Director of Central Intelligence by President Truman back in 1946,
before that he was with Naval intelligence. As for Konev, he’s much more
interesting. He was head of the Russian Army and science research division,
nicknamed the scavenger after the war. His job was to gather whatever
technology the Nazis left behind. He has two children who are prominent
scientists. Although no one in scientific circles has seen or heard from his
daughter in a few years.’ Stanford looked at the document in front of him. ‘Her
name is Anna Vilenko.’

The name jogged
Frederick’s memory. ‘I have heard of her, caused a stink a few years ago, by
disproving a theory on matter which was put forward by another Russian
physicist Igor Lakatos. They had quite a falling out over it.’

‘So where does this
put the subject of God?’ Berkshire enquired.

All the other
committee members looked at him.

‘I beg your pardon
Anthony.’ Chambers asked.

Berkshire indicated
to the projector screen. ‘This film goes far beyond the political and military
landscape we have to consider the impact this has on religion. I don’t know if
any of you are familiar with the bible but it doesn’t exactly mention creatures
from another world. There are hundreds of millions of people around the world
who have a strong belief system, myself included. Are we just going to abandon
teachings which have been passed down for thousands of years?’

Berkshire’s words
were greeted with a wall of silence.

‘A revelation such as
this would decimate many of the main religions.’ Richard Wilks said.

‘Something you would
be more than happy with I suppose Professor Wilks.’ Berkshire remarked bluntly.

‘Not at all Admiral,
I fear it could tear this world apart if religion was suddenly brought into
question. Disclosure of this nature could set the religious world on fire
something which I am not eager to see, I can assure you.’

Chambers took a deep
breath. ‘I think gentlemen we need to leave the philosophical debate for
another time, we have more pressing matters to attend to, no disrespect to your
faith of course Admiral. We have to decide whether to trust the Americans
concerning their involvement over this affair.’

‘I’d like to know
what the Prime Minister is going to make of this film.’ Frederick asked.

‘I don’t think the PM
needs to see this film, well not yet anyway.’ Stanford replied. ‘No sense in
getting the old man’s feathers ruffled. Besides he’s not in the best of health
at the moment, both physical and political.’

‘So you’re suggesting
that we lie to him.’ Dr Arthur Lloyd said.

‘Not at all, I’m
merely suggesting we don’t show him this film straight away. We’ll just give
him the report on paper so he can read it in his own time.’

‘It sounds as if you
want to break away from government leadership?’ Frederick stated.

Stanford thought for
a moment then nodded. ‘It’s a course of action which could be beneficial to our
group. The less people involved means it’s unlikely secrets get out. The
defection of Burgess and Mclean only highlights the need for absolute secrecy.’

‘But Churchill
established this group on the condition that we report to him, while he is
Prime Minister.’ Frederick said.

‘And we will honour
that agreement to a certain extent, but we must think of the future. The PM’s
enemies are gathering, he will not be in office much longer. His leadership
during the war was invaluable he gave the nation hope. But the world has
changed dramatically since. As a peace time Prime Minister he doesn’t fit in.
After he is out of office we cut all ties with government bureaucracy.’
Stanford noted the look on Frederick’s face. ‘It’s for the best Ralph, I’m as
fond of the old man as everyone else in this room. But given the evidence
displayed here today we have to act in a positive manner. If the Americans are
sneaking behind our backs then I suggest we do the same, and cutting government
ties would minimise the risk of exposure.’

‘As much as I hate to
admit it Morris you are right.’ Air Marshal Ian Morgan said. ‘I hate keeping
anything from the old man, but if there is a greater good in doing so then so
be it.’

Stanford gave a
satisfied nod. ‘Good, we’ll keep this film under lock and key and make time to
study it further. Until then I suggest we adjourn for now until further
notice.’

Chapter
29

A friendly Warning

Trinity College –
Cambridge – 1:23pm

Friday 3
^rd
October 1952

Frederick looked up
and smiled at Norman Hinshelwood who had just knocked on his open door.
‘Norman, what a pleasant surprise.’ Frederick greeted.

Hinshelwood entered
the room and sat down opposite Frederick. ‘I haven’t seen you in a few months
Ralph and since I was in town I thought I would catch up with you, see what
you’ve been up to.’

‘I’ve been keeping
busy, you know how Cambridge life is.’

‘Yes Chester has been
filling me in on events and practices.’ Hinshelwood remarked dryly.

Frederick thought
back to the conversation he had with Professor Osborne a few months earlier,
but before he spoke Hinshelwood beat him to it.

‘I also spoke to the
Prime Minister a few months back at the Royal society, he told me of the group
he was setting up and your name was mentioned.’

‘Really.’ Frederick
replied.

Hinshelwood took a
deep breath. ‘We both know what the old man is like Ralph, I wouldn’t get
entrenched in this ridiculous notion concerning flying saucers and men From
Mars.’

‘Well thanks for the
advice Norman.’

‘Oh I wouldn’t call
it advice Ralph, more of a warning. You’re in line for the chair at Cambridge,
and a well respected member of the Royal society, not to mention a Nobel Prize
winning physicist. You’re involvement in a group which investigates flying
saucer sightings could jeopardize all that.’

Frederick glared at
Hinshelwood. ‘Thank you for that warning Norman, I shall take it into
advisement.’

Hinshelwood stood up.
‘Glad we have had this chance to talk Ralph.’