My Journal

By Harriman Nelson

32

In spite of today’s promise of sunshine, let me begin by saying this has been a day from hell and if my pen quivers or if there are tear stains on the page, they are witness to what happened.

It all began when Jiggs called me on my cell phone. At first I was a little mift, as Emmie and I were having lunch at Sharkey’s. He was so happy to get back to his diner, and had kept his promise of the best Rueben Sandwiches on Earth. Along with some imported beer.

“Can you call back, Jiggs,” I said as soon as I answered having seen his number, “we’re having lunch.”

“Turn on TV. Now. Any channel.”

“Jiggs?”

“Just do it, man!”

I called out to Sharkey to turn on the  wall TV which he did in a heartbeat.

A building was surrounded by police, lights flashing, and an ambulance. But what made it scary was the White House limo right in the center of things.

“….We’re here at the Museum of Arts and Sciences,” the reporter said, “where the official portrait of the president was unveiled, attended by invitees and the public. We  don’t know yet who is in need of the paramedics and…here comes the president…”

Lee looked distressed and in shock, and didn’t answer any questions as he was physically escorted to the ambulance.

Then a white sheet draped figure on a gurney followed and was placed into the ambulance with him. In seconds the ambulance drove away, but its lights and sirens silent. The police cars and the limo following weren’t.

“….Ladies and gentlemen,”Ms. Simpson began as she emerged, “it is with great regret to report that the First Lady is dead.”

“Ohmygod, ohmygod,” Sharkey groaned.

My heart was in my stomach. Oh, my poor Lee.

“The cause of her sudden death is unknown at this time and her body is being taken to Bethesda Naval Hospital for a complete autopsy.”

“What happened?” a reporter on the scene asked.

“Unknown at this time. As a precaution all of the catered food and drink are being confiscated for examination. Since no one else seems to have been affected adversely, it’s assumed that the First Lady may have suffered a toxic shock or allergic reaction to something in the refreshments, though she’s been very careful not to consume anything she hasn’t already checked out."

“Can the baby be saved?”

“The unborn infant is also dead.”

“Have the aliens been notified?”

“Moments ago. When informed at the White House, Ambassador Numbers broadcast the news to them via their own communications system. The alien captain and his wife are on their way.”

“Chief…” I said.

“Yes, sir. I’ll close down here and get back to Seaview…just in case they want to blame it on us. No, you go on ahead home sir. You got a lot to do.  The meal’s on the house…”

“Thank you, Francis.”

And with that Emmie and I drove home. Neither of us said a word. The shock was just too great.

Officers and crew were already streaming through the institute gate when we arrived, Chip waiting for us at the bungalow.

“I put out a recall just in case Lee needs us on full alert again…”

“Thanks Chip… I…I need to call Lee.”

“I…I’m sorry about your loss, sir.”

My cell rang. Oh gawd, it was Lee’s number on the screen…what the hell could I say?”

“Son,” I began.

“It’s me, Joe, sir. I take it you heard?”

“Yes, just now…”

“Lee’s in a bad way…trying to hold himself together….she…she’s in autopsy now…they’re  checking her blood…not that they’ll be able to tell much…it could really be anything, even some kind of alien bug…Lee’s  just outside autopsy, slumped down on the floor, head in his hands, weeping. Security’s keeping everyone away.”

“See if he’ll talk to me…”

It seemed to take forever, and I could hear the shuffling of feet and some mumbling. Finally Lee answered.

“Harry?” he managed, his voice broken.

“Oh, Lee. I’m so so sorry…”

“Can you come? Right away?”

“Of course.”

“Use the flying sub. I don’t give a damn if you have to use it for something personal. I'll Oh, gawd, oh gawd,” he barely managed between sobs.

“We’ll be right there. Can we go supersonic?”

“Yeah. I’ll take any grief about it.”

“On our way, son.”

“Thanks Dad…”

With that Joe took the call and told me Lee was being escorted to the hospital chapel. We said our goodbyes and I asked Chip to get a pilot and copilot for the flying sub.

Emmie ran into the bungalow, grabbed a few things for us and before I could count to ten, or so it seemed, we were in the sky with Kowalski and Sharkey,  headed to Washington, and to my just widowed son.

I used the time aloft to record this horrendous event. And I hope they can figure out what happened to Melody. One thing is for certain. Her loss will leave a mighty big hole in all of our lives.