Believing in Dreamland Read Free

codenamed Dreamland. You are?”
    The men saluted. Hastings returned the salute. “At ease.”
    Mason nodded. “Sir. I’m Major Mason Nowland. This is Captain Dorian Kerley and Captain Jonah Frigo. We’re missing one. Captain Samantha Montgomery. Where is she?”
    “Getting checked out. Her vitals were a bit iffy. You boys feel okay?” Hastings sat and stared at them.
    “Yes, Sir,” they replied.
    “Good. We rescued you from an alien attack. I know what you boys are, and you know what those aliens were. So let’s not play games. Keelons are acting up pretty bad. You’re testing something that got their attention. Our guys are checking it out now.”
    “Where is Sammie?” Dorian normally remained quiet, but the idea of her scared and alone gnawed at him.
    “Your human team member is safe. She’s undergoing some tests with our medical staff. Do you think we’re in the business of hurting our own soldiers? Especially the humans? Whatever they did, she got the worst of it.”
    “But she’s alive and safe?” Mason asked.
    “Of course. You’ll all be checked out for anything they might’ve done, but it looks more like they scanned you boys and the technology. Played with your heads a little bit. Could’ve been worse.” Hastings shrugged.
    “They’re getting very aggressive, aren’t they, Sir?” Jonah asked.
    “Damn right. We’re getting reports every day. Abductions. Probes. Returns. We’ll have all four of you checked for repressed memories. See if we can figure out what they’re after.” Hastings sighed. “Sorry to say, but you’re stuck here for now. I’ll have you assigned to me until we can sort out the need-to-know information and what the Keelons liked or didn’t about those new aircrafts. Hopefully, they just liked the new technology.”
    “I’m sorry, Sir, but aren’t you and the other bases coordinating?” Mason asked.
    “Sure, most of the time. We’re so busy trying to contain the problem now that we’re not looking at every jet fighter design you boys might be testing. When it’s worth taking, we’ll use them. I’m not risking war of the worlds on a new jet that might not work.” Hastings leaned back. “You liked those planes?”
    “They’re fast and precise. Not very well-armed.” Dorian nodded.
    “No, barely armed at all. Tells me there’s room to add. They survived the Keelon tractor beams damn well enough. I’ll let the engineers go over it first. My guys here will get you some rooms, clothes and food. After you’re medically cleared, of course. We’ve got a few docs who specialize in your kind.”
    Dorian realized the Commander knew exactly what they were. “You don’t think we’re traitors, Sir?”
    “Hell, no. I’ve got plenty of you boys working for me here. We’ll check out your memories and see. To be sure the Keelons didn’t plant anything. I hate the idea of a sleeper agent. Normally, they’ve been snatching up humans—women who’ve had a lot of contact with aliens on earth. So maybe you guys got snagged in the net this time.” Hastings drummed his fingers on the desk.
    Dorian thought the lack of urgency was odd. “I don’t remember anything unusual. The beam held up for a few minutes then your fighters attacked. We were freed and brought here.”
    “It was almost half an hour by the time we got to your location. You lost some time there, Captain. Don’t worry. Alien crap is like that. You three crashed as kids, but chose the regular Air Force so you’re not really up on everything. We’ll get to the bottom of it. Until we do, you’re relieved of duty pending medical and psych evals. ” Hastings pointed. “Don’t push it. I’ll let your commander know what happened. No black marks on your records.”
    “Thank you, Sir.” Mason nodded. “About Samantha…”
    “She’s in the same boat. We’re just isolating her from you right now. Obviously, she needs more alien education. Unless you boys have illegally informed her of your