ARCANA Chapter 3 by William James Johnson

The Italian government, in posthumous recognition of the great arctic explorer Umberto Nobile, had commissioned the world famous industrial designer, Paulo Verdi, to create an airship with the ultimate in state of the art technology, to commemorate the seventieth anniversary of the General's tragic voyage in airship "Italia". To be named "Airship Nobile" in his honour, the slender, silver craft was nearly completed in Pozzuoli, an area in southern Italy famous for dirigible construction.

Italy offered to provide this brilliant new structure to transport the scientists in their arctic search for David Koster. It was appropriate that it would be used to honour a former arctic explorer.

Arnhem and Moysev flew to Italy with Carlo Nobile to check on its progress. They all agreed it would be the most suitable type of transportation for the journey to the top of the world. Thorpe was pleased to accept their recommendation.

A corps of designers and engineers from the US, France, and Japan, worked around the clock under the supervision of Paulo Verdi, and by early spring, hovering over the warm valley was the huge shining craft, the product of many fertile imaginations. The project had been completed in only eight months since the mysterious disappearance of the US president.

The shining helium filled craft cast a long shadow across the valley as they arrived for a final inspection of their handiwork. Attached to the bottom, about midship, was the spectacular gondola designed by Verdi. The sleek exterior had been built with acrylic monofilament which gave it tremendous strength.The shatter proof windows which surrounded the gondola, enhanced the bullet shape of the craft. Made of coated monoflex, the windows afforded the maximum exposure for all the crew members to view thoroughly every step of their mission. The coating protected them from the harmful ultraviolet which would be experienced at the higher latitudes. A narrow catwalk skirted the gondola along the front and both sides. This would give the scientists a chance to take specimen collections while transiting to the north.

Arnhem was one of the first to arrive. His limousine parked close to the upright crane which supported the basket used to lift the crew to the pod. Within a half hour, more than twenty vehicles had assembled under the "Nobile". Greetings were exchanged in an atmosphere of joviality as they all realized that the thrill of the voyage would soon begin.

Arnhem had been selected by the others to be the leader of the expedition. As he stepped into the crane basket, Thorpe noticed what the others had missed; Arnhem had aged many years in these past several months. He wished someone else would take the lead, for he felt Arnhem might never make it. Arnhem addressed the enthusiastic group of scientists.

"Gentlemen, it really should not be me addressing you today, but Nicholas Moysev. As you know, we now have his Synthetic Ionization Chamber on board the Nobile, and if you will come into the basket we will go above for a demonstration of this marvelous device."

The crane lifted five scientists at a time. Waiting above to greet each man as he stepped off was Moysev. For the first time in months he was smiling again. He had been working intensely, modifying his SIC for use in the Nobile. He warmly accepted the cheery greetings of his associates. They moved quickly along the pristine corridors of the pod into a central chamber. Amidst flashing lights and the constant whirring of computer tapes, they saw a glassed-in room made of the same acrylic material that was used on the exterior windows. Forming a circle in the ionization chamber, there were ten seats with straps fastened to the floor. Behind the seats was a circular tube, similar to the circular magnet used in Arnhem's experiment back in Washington. In the centre of the seats was a dark blue velvet cloth on which had been placed a model of Airship Nobile.Moysev asked the visitors to take up places around the ionization chamber where they could observe the proceedings.

"As we are all aware, matter is merely the visible manifestation of energy. I believe when we go to the opening at the top of world, we will enter an area of zero magnetism. In such an area, matter collapses upon itself and is converted into pure energy. We can prevent this happening by synthetically creating an opposing charge. For this reason, the ionization chamber has been made. The bank of computers on the right will make observations as we go north, continuously recording magnetic intensity which surrounds our craft. When field intensity starts to move from maximum to zero, I will expect the crew to come to this chamber and strap themselves into their seats. If calculations are correct,a synthetic charge, focusing on the chamber will permit us to go through zero magnetic field without our physical matter collapsing upon itself. What I have said is just so much theory. I will now demonstrate a practical experiment, something you can see for yourselves."

He went to the bank of computers, taking a card from his tunic,programmed to simulate a zero magnetic field. He placed the card into a slot on the front of the computer.

"Please! Watching carefully the model of Nobile. May none of us have to experience what is about to happen."

The ionization chamber hummed suddenly as he pressed a red button on the computer. A blue aura appeared in the centre. As the aura disappeared the model of the Nobile disappeared as well. The astounded scientists had felt this was the weakest part of the thesis. Now that the model had vanished, no one needed further convincing.After a few seconds of stunned silence, they rushed to Moysev, congratulating him. Those who were inclined even kissed the jolly Russian on each cheek. Arnhem shared in the thrill of his friend's moment of glory. Both in the twilight years of their lives had come to experience a fulfilment which neither had ever thought would happen.

Dr. Liu Chow had gone back to look into the chamber.He was the first to ask about what had just occurred. "And what has happened to the model? Where is it now Moysev?"

"I never said I could bring it back. It's in the chamber in the form of pure energy. When we open the chamber door I would assume its energy will then be in this pod. All of you must understand. What you have seen is the opposite of what will happen to us when we go to the Arctic. Without SIC, Nobile and all the crew would disappear just like this model. When we see the computer tell us there is a change in the magnetic field, we apply to the crew in the chamber a reverse charge than one I have just used so that the lack of an external magnetic field will be compensated.I cannot make an external zero magnetic zone, so I make the reverse. The principle is the same."

Still uncertain, Chow pursued further. "And the ship Moysev? What about the ship? You cannot put it into your chamber. How will it be protected?"

"I was coming to that my friend. The SIC is for crew only. If you will look at the red computer on the end, that is device which will determine how much of magnetic energy from our coil will have to be applied to external surface of Airship Nobile."

Thorpe, who never pretended to be a scientist asked a most obvious question.
"Tell me Dr. Moysev, what we have seen today, is this what happened when President Koster was taken from us several months ago?"

"I'm thinking not very likely, Mr. Thorpe. Controlled dematerialization is quite different from total annihilation of substance you have just seen. Your President's energy was collapsed upon itself in a finite way so that it did not entirely reach zero point of pure energy. Whatever did this may have used a dematerialization technique to provide ease of transportation of your leader to another place, and who knows, maybe even another time."

Arnhem interrupted, "Enough questions gentlemen. We've seen it and it works. Now let us take a look at our craft."

As they filed out of the ionization chamber, they proceeded along the corridor to the front of the gondola. They saw spacious well-appointed cabins. Verdi's modular plastic units gave the craft the slick appearance of a science fiction film set. The top of the corridor, along the outside wall had a series of screened openings which took in the outside air, scanning it for radioactive and toxic properties before letting it descend upon the crew members. The pilot's compartment was sumptuous. A pair of large plush chairs which automatically conformed to anyone who sat in them was Verdi's special contribution to the comfort of the pilot and copilot who would invest long hours at their posts. Several small video screens surrounded the captain's position, providing him with instantaneous pictures of the various chambers in the gondola. One monitored the collection of specimens on the catwalk. The food provided for the crew was an update on the concentrated foods used during the astronaut program. This was chosen because it took up less space, produced less waste, and was easily obtained if a crew member felt the need. Navigation for the Nobile was to be provided by international weather satellites, supplying instantaneous weather information, and presenting on a visual screen the actual position of the airship at all times, relative to the earth.

Thorpe, who had been the instigator of all this, asked for the group's attention.
"Gentlemen, as you know, tonight, at a formal dinner, I will announce the names of the ten crew members of Airship Nobile. I don't know how to adequately express my admiration for the outstanding work you have all done in this most important project. I know I speak for President Koster and all my countrymen when I say we are indebted to all of you and I hope someday that President Koster will be able to personally thank you for your unstinting devotion under pressure. When creative men like yourselves can take a fantastic concept and turn it into a reality, man is operating at his peak. My personal thanks to Dr. van Arnhem, who supervised and integrated all this talent. I will see you all this evening at dinner."

Thorpe and several of the others left the pod. Those who remained continued their tour. Many had mixed feelings about being selected for the journey. Curiosity mingled with fear was an honest emotion many experienced. Captain Carlo Nobile wanted so much to go in his grandfather's footsteps to the Arctic, he had found it difficult for several weeks to think of anything else. He had even qualified himself as a dirigible pilot with the original squadron Colonel Umberto Nobile had served during the early twenties.

Returning to the main crew deck, he reclined in the Captain's chair and soon became oblivious to the others who watched the dreamy expression which came over his face as he grabbed the controls. His lips moved silently, issuing orders for the take off. Tonight he would know for sure.

A warm evening breeze from the Mediterranean made the heavy velvet drapes in the formal hall of mirrors of Cardinal Vallenti's palace flutter gently. Through the open windows the melodious strains of a string quartet floated softly over the spring blossoms that skirted the courtyard of this world famous Naples fortress. The venue of many extravaganzas in the past, the prelate's staff gloried in its role as host to the world's celebrities.

Long shining Mercedes limousines and Rolls Royces pulled up to the carved stone entrance. Doormen and ushers in gilded livery greeted each guest. A bystander would have thought he was back in the thirties watching an MGM musical premiere. Klieg lights and bunting added to the splendour of this important event. With all this pomp and ceremony it was difficult to realize the world was in a serious depression.
As each of the distinguished guests arrived, a suitable amount of time was choreographed between vehicles, permitting the paparazzi and journalists from many countries to capture this auspicious occasion electronically and on film.

Nicholas Moysev stepped out of the Russian Embassy Mercedes wearing the Colonel's uniform of the Russian Red Army. He reached back into his vehicle to assist his strikingly beautiful companion, Helga Korb, former gold medal winner in the Montreal Olympics, and now one of his country's top electronic experts. Miss Korb had been assisting Moysev for several years in developing the focus beam of the synthetic ionizer. Gossip was rampant in their homeland when she divorced her husband to dedicate herself to Moysev's work. Her pale blue formal draped fluidly over the athletic thighs and waist of this former gymnast. The couple paused for pictures and Moysev, a widower for the past fifteen years, relished this moment as he let his arm touch Miss Korb, who in turn warmly took his hand and smiled for the admiring gathering.

Liu Chow's arrival was low key. The only continual skeptic in the group, his knowledge of mathematics and computers, was essential to the mission. Now 58, he had spent his life in dedication to the ideas of Chairman Mao and devotion to the new China which developed after the so called cultural revolution. His commitment took the form of excellence in his scientific endeavours. Although married, Chow did not bring his wife to Italy, but rather came accompanied by two aides. Of all those who worked on Project Nobile, Chow was the most solitary.

When a vehicle displaying the Canadian Maple Leaf pulled in front of the palace, spectators were surprised and amused to see a young Eskimo named Tuma Tittigapu. He had been flown to Naples to be a possible crew member because of his expertise on native culture and survival techniques in the Arctic. Although only 16, Tuma had earned the respect of the villagers in Baker Lake in the Northwest Territories of Canada. He had demonstrated judgement beyond his years, and his knowledge of traditional practices had been considered by Arnhem to be of great importance to the crew should Airship Nobile have to put down in the Canadian Arctic.

Accompanying Tuma was a young American who had earned a world reputation as a volcanologist. Even as a boy, Michael Easton had shown an outstanding interest in the physical universe. Now in his late twenties, he had completed post-doctoral work in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Centcomp selected him not only for his background in physical sciences, but also because he was expert in communications.
Arnhem had convinced the strategists that the best approach to the opening in the north would be accomplished in the Canadian Arctic rather than in the land north of the USSR. Most of the historical exploration of this area of the world had been conducted in the North American region. For this reason Arnhem felt Tuma should be selected so there would be some Canadian representation on this journey. It was up to Thorpe to decide which of the two young men would be selected to join the Nobile crew.

There was great excitement as the Vatican representative arrived. Sporting his princely pendant, Cardinal Vallenti was the next best thing to a Papal visit. Faithful Italians crowding the curbs thought at first it was the Pope and began making the sign of the cross. The prelate, from years of automatic response, raised his hand in a blessing. His scarlet cape sparkled like a flame when the photo bulbs went off as he stepped out of the car. He turned to the crowd pressing in on the cordon, and blessed all and sundry before entering into his official residence used only for special functions.

Arriving in a US Embassy car was Captain John Robins, former United States Viet Nam veteran, who had years of dirigible experience flying the Goodyear blimp over football games in the US. Now forty two years of age, married, and separated, John Robins flashed his friendly grin as he soaked up the attention. He even risked reaching out to touch the hand of a young Italian girl, who was so caught up in the excitement of the moment that she pushed her way out of the crowd to kiss him on the cheek. This unexpected gesture threw him for a moment. He had always felt that he knew his way around women.

The warmest reception was given to Carlo Nobile, the handsome young Italian scientist, who at age 32 was an international favourite of the jet set. Still unmarried, the tabloids were constantly trying to match him with available European royalty, but Carlo never took any of this publicity seriously. His fellow Italians extended to him the kind of welcome they believed his grandfather Umberto had deserved many years ago but had not received until the last few years of his life. Arnhem's willingness to accept the airship fabricated in southern Italy and dedicated to Nobile, had given the Italians a much needed boost to their morale.
Breaking through the cordon of ropes, the excited spectators thronged around Carlo, grabbing their hero, while lightning flashes from the photographers revealed the incipient expression of panic developing on his young face. Assisted by the police, he climbed the steps of the palace and, looking back over the crowd, waved, smiling, and shouted, "Ciao."

The other distinguished guests had arrived earlier and now waited for their host Gerald Thorpe and his wife Kathryn, who had delayed leaving the embassy because they were to pick up Henry on the way. Unable to wait any longer they decided to go ahead without him.

A metallic silver Cadillac of the US Embassy, its American pendant waiving proudly, was cheered as it approached the entrance. Waving and smiling, Thorpe more than adequately played the role of visiting dignitary. He had never admitted to anyone, even his wife, what he alone knew: how intensely he enjoyed the change in his life since the disappearance of David Koster.

Kathryn Thorpe, a former cover girl for high fashion magazines in the US and France, wore her champagne hair in a regal upsweep held in place by a diamond tiara. She resembled a younger Princess Grace.

As the handsome couple entered the foyer, the splendorous gathering applauded warmly. Thorpe went directly to the scarlet figure of Cardinal Vallenti and apologized for being late. Then with the ease of many years of diplomatic experience, he introduced his beautiful wife to the delighted Prince of the Church. With his wife on one side and the Cardinal on the other, he led the procession into the grand dining room.

Sparkling above the royal ballroom was the famous crystal chandelier presented by Czechoslovakia to one of the earlier kings of Naples. Designed originally to hold candles, the glistening prisms had a harshness about them with the advent of the electric age. The banquet tables were arranged in a long open u-shape and the exquisite silver and china table settings had been loaned for the occasion by Christofro Cardinal Vallenti. This distinguished member of the hierarchy was there to represent the Pontiff and had been invited to read a scriptural text for the benefit of those who still believed in such things. The co-operation on this project had been so outstanding that Thorpe did not mind making this minor concession.
Not until he and his guests reached the head table did Thorpe realize Arnhem was still missing. He leaned gently towards his wife.

"Have you seen Henry?"

She glanced at the empty seat beside her. "He must have been delayed leaving his hotel".

Signalling to his aide, Thorpe excused himself, stepping back from the table. "Find out what's happened with Henry. Be quick about it." The authority in his voice made the aide instinctively give him the Koster salute. Always diplomatic, Thorpe returned to the table and apologized to the Cardinal for this interruption.


"I'm sorry, Your Eminence. It would seem my key man has been delayed. If you would not consider it too much of an imposition, I would like to call on you now to present your scriptural text."

When all the guests were seated, Thorpe tapped his wine glass gently with a spoon and the bell like tones of sterling silver against expensive crystal brought silence to the room.

"My friends, we are privileged this evening to have as our guest His Eminence, Christofro Cardinal Vallenti. His Eminence has kindly consented to present us with an inspiring text from the scriptures."

As the Cardinal stood up, Thorpe saw out of the corner of his eye that his aide was moving anxiously towards him. In the sonorous tones of a churchman, the Cardinal began.

"Thank you, Mr. Thorpe, and thank you, ladies and gentlemen. You honour my people and me with your presence on such an important evening. I have taken some random verses from the Prophecy of the Book of Ezekiel, chapter 1, verses 4 and 5, and verses 15 and 16. 'And I saw, and behold a whirlwind came out of the north, and a great cloud and a fire enfolding it, and brightness was about it. And out of the midst thereof, that is out of the midst of the fire as it were the resemblance of amber, and in the midst thereof the likeness of four living creatures, and this was their appearance; there was the likeness of a man in them.'"

"My dear friends, I don't know what it was Ezekiel saw. But I have been following closely the plans you have made for this mission, and God willing, you may better understand Ezekiel's message after you have completed your journey."
"And now verses 15 and 16. 'Now as I beheld the living creatures there appeared upon the earth by the living creatures one wheel with four faces, and the appearance of the wheels and the work of them was like the appearance of the sea, and the four had all one likeness and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the midst of a wheel.' It is not my place to speculate on the scripture but if I were as young as many of you and had been born in the space age, I would be wondering what sort of craft Ezekiel was describing. I must admit I am glad he referred to the structure as a wheel and not a saucer. God willing the crew of Airship Nobile may uncover this mystery. It is what I would call 'Arcana', a great mystery, a holy secret." As he spoke, he noticed Thorpe and his aide were hurriedly leaving the ballroom.

"I realize there are many among you who consider belief in God a weakness. We all serve Him in our own way. We serve Him when we serve mankind. Whether or not we do this in a Church or by prayer, somewhere in our daily activity we are doing God's work. On this journey may God bless you and protect you and may you return safely to us with the Arcana. This is my prayer for you and Airship Nobile."
The dignity of the Italian Prelate added a royal ingredient to the occasion. When he sat down he realized there were now vacant seats on each side of him. Kathryn Thorpe, left her seat to move next to him.

"Please excuse Gerald, Your Eminence. He was suddenly called away."

"I hope it's nothing serious."

"I expect he will return momentarily."

Sensing that something had to be done, Carlo Nobile went over to the orchestra and had the music begin. He ordered the waiters to serve dinner. By the time Thorpe returned, everyone had finished their meal. The guests had become very anxious with his unexpected absence. Reaching his place at the head table, he didn't have to ask for their attention. The orchestra stopped suddenly as Thorpe remained standing.

"My friends! It is with deep regret that I must tell you; we have lost Henry van Arnhem." The shock of his remark was electric in the ballroom.

"Fortunately I was able to get there before he was taken from us by a massive heart attack. Henry's final request was that we would not let his death interfere with our planned mission, and he begged me to put Carlo Nobile in his place as head of this expedition."

"I must say I agreed with Henry. Carlo will be a good leader. He has youth, energy, good health, and a remarkably active mind. Throughout these past months, I have seen this man genuinely demonstrate initiative and determination to qualify to be one of the crew. He has spent many hours acquiring proficiency as a dirigible pilot. Carlo, the mantle of Henry van Arnhem is now on your shoulders."

Always the master of adaptability, Thorpe now altered his grim tone as he tried to restore the enthusiasm of his associates.

"Much study has gone into the selection of the crew of the Nobile. Centcomp analysed the various candidates, and on the basis of suitability in fulfilling the terms of reference, the following will be your crew.

"Your new Commander as I have already said, will be Carlo Nobile. I know, Carlo, you would always wonder whether or not you would've made the crew if Henry van Arnhem had not passed on. The answer is yes. Centcomp had selected you to be the co-pilot of the craft, and your reputation as a mathematician provided a second string to your bow. I understand that mathematical calculations are critical when it comes to determining the strength of the magnetic curtain you will encounter.

"I'm proud to present to all of you the pilot of Airship Nobile, Captain John Robins, a fellow American."

John Robins stood momentarily to acknowledge the applause of the audience.

"John Robins has the skill a military pilot would gain during two tours of operational flying in Viet Nam and in military flying in Desert Storm. He also has thousands of commercial flying hours as the skipper of weather dirigibles and our famous Goodyear blimp.

"This next selection is no surprise to any of us. Nicholas Moysev, at 73, has shown all of us the Russian Bear still has vital energy and we are proud he will be on Airship Nobile. Our Centcomp has also selected Dr. Moysev's brilliant assistant Miss Helga Korb who has helped him perfect the electron beam used in his SIC. At least when the terrain of the Arctic becomes monotonously dull, you crew members will have some beauty to contemplate.

"From the United Kingdom, I am proud to present Dr. Henley Armstrong, an outstanding chemist and Cambridge don who will be accompanied by another of his countrymen, or should I say countrywomen, Miss Sandra Wright who is a specialist in audio-visual equipment, and will be the official recorder on this mission."

At 25, unmarried Sandra Wright, with the lithe body of an avid tennis player and the sophisticated beauty of an upper class background, would give Helga Korb a run for the attentions of the men of the Nobile. Or could it be that Centcomp decided the presence of these two very attractive women would neutralize the energy they evoked and the men enjoying their company would still keep their minds on their task.
Thorpe continued with his introductions.

"Since the importance of properly functioning computers on board the Nobile cannot be over stressed, Centcomp had no difficulty in selecting Dr. Liu Chow to fill this capacity.

"France has given us Monsieur Andre Goulet, the world's foremost expert on radioactivity and its effects on the environment. We are all pleased he has consented to be a member of our team.

"Without taking anything away from this young man, Michael Easton, from the US is the crewman who will be replacing Dr. van Arnhem. Michael had been selected by Centcomp to be on our standby crew should a replacement be necessary. Don't let his youth fool you. Michael has a post-doctorate in volcanology and Arctic flora. He has been gathering specimens from the Canadian Arctic for National Geographic over the past year. He is very familiar with the terrain you will be crossing.

"And now last but certainly not least, at only 16, an original native of Canada, Tuma Tittigapu from Baker Lake. It was Dr. van Arnhem who insisted that Tuma be included because of his personal experience with the harsh environment of Canada's arctic region. Henry felt that if anything should happen to the airship and you were forced to land, Tuma's survival skills could be the difference between life or death. God forbid anything should happen." Even Thorpe resorted to the divinity when cornered.

"Well, that's it, my friends. I know some of you will be disappointed, and I feel certain several of you are now relieved. Working together as a crew begins tomorrow. As for all those who have made this possible, a mere thank you is so inadequate. We are all indebted to the government of Italy who so generously offered us their brilliant creation 'Airship Nobile' to carry this brave crew on its search for our lost President. I would be remiss if I did not personally thank His Eminence, Cardinal Vallenti, for this splendid evening. Now, let's celebrate. Henry van Arnhem would have wanted you to enjoy this happy time. In conclusion, let us all pledge that we will succeed for our associate who gave this venture all he had."
The guests gave the impression of enjoying themselves. The glistening ballroom, the expensive gowns, and the black tie and tails of the dignitaries made this a memorable evening for everyone. Underlying the external mirth was the emptiness they all felt with the absence of their friend and leader.

The forced joviality came to an early end just after midnight when the stream of luxury vehicles collected their distinguished passengers and delivered them to their hotels. The crowds waited eagerly for the appearance of Carlo Nobile. Word had reached the throng that their favourite was to be the expedition's commander. His grandfather would have been proud of him. As he approached the main entrance of the palace the crowd could see, holding his hand and smiling in her sophisticated way, beautiful Sandra Wright. She knew enough about the media to exploit this unique photo opportunity. Dr. Henley Armstrong did not look very kindly on her move to latch onto this handsome Italian hero. He had made concessions to get Sandra appointed as official recorder for this voyage. She had obviously made concessions to him. Here she was already looking in another direction once her appointment had been confirmed by Thorpe.

The crew members made it an early night, because on the next day their intensive training would get under way. Sandra and Carlo were the only two members of the Nobile crew to see the sun rise over the coastal mountains on the first day of their work as a team.

View other novels by William James Johnson at www.wordclix.com

ARCANA Chapter 2 by William James Johnson

Within a week Gerald Thorpe had managed to gather scientists from several countries. Centcomp made the selections. The United Kingdom and France supplied the Concorde for transporting this distinguished group to Washington from the four corners of the world. Even in his absence David Koster's system was working for his return.

The meeting was in the top secret laboratory set up by Thorpe adjacent to the War Room. Word had spread that Dr. Henry van Arnhem would defend his hollow earth thesis. All his life he had looked forward to this moment. Skeptics came prepared to blast him out of the water if he should attempt to introduce false science into his presentation.

Gerald Thorpe, acting as host, thanked the distinguished visitors for acting so quickly on his invitation. After a brief recounting of the mysterious events of the past several days, he introduced Henry van Arnhem and turned the proceedings over to the renowned Ufologist.

"My colleagues, you honour me by your presence at this experiment. Many of you have been working for years in your search for a greater understanding of the total energy spectrum. I am particularly pleased to see Dr. Nicholas Moysev of the USSR. I trust, Nicholas, you will address this meeting on the subject of your Synthetic Ionization Chamber."

The Russian scientist had achieved world fame as the man who had discovered that the magnetic north was not a single point of magnetism in the Arctic, but rather a circle of equal magnetic force with a diameter of approximately twelve hundred miles. He nodded agreement with Arnhem's proposal.

Arnhem continued, "Dr. Moysev's discovery is essential to the plan which I will present to you today. Now that the world leaders realize that an unknown force has intruded into our space and taken our head of government, I believe we should have little or no difficulty getting their support in a scheme which I hope will restore our President to his rightful place. But I have delayed enough. Let us get down to work." Arnhem projected a slide which looked familiar except for the top and bottom of the picture.

"I'm sure many of you recognize this photograph of the planet Mars. What you may not recognize is the bright areas above and below the planet which for many years was thought to be an ice cap"

His second slide showed a view of the "Red Planet" taken by one of the US satellites in which the white cap appeared to be floating in space above the planet. "I have asked the opinion of many of you, but I always get the same answer. The floating white mass on Mars is probably ice crystals. This is where I disagree gentlemen. I believe the white mass is actually a body of light caused by the shining of an interior sun through the openings which occur at the polar extremities of the planet."

There was a sudden rumbling in the audience. Arnhem knew it was time to demonstrate his theory before going any further. He asked to have the lights turned down, and moved to a location behind the lab table, on which was a large Pyrex jar surrounded by a ring magnet, out of which ran varied coloured wires. Seeping in at the base of the jar was a milky haze.

"I will be releasing ionized chlorine into the jar. When I throw this switch, I will activate the electromagnet which surrounds the container. In the base of the jar is a tiny light source which will help demonstrate my principle of congealed gases."
As he said this, the cloudy vapour which was slowly entering from the bottom of the jar suddenly began to swirl in a circle forming a floating doughnut in free space. As more gas entered the chamber it was soon taken to the grey mass which increased in density. To the amazement of the audience, the tiny light in the base of the jar shone through the centre of the vapour and reflected off the inside top of the container.

The first to comment was Liu Chow of Shanghai University, a renowned theoretical mathematician. He was a small wiry man with shiny blue black hair, and was dressed in a modified Mao jacket.

"Professor Arnhem, may I point out, please, that our problem is with Earth, sir. Not Mars. This experiment is fascinating to see, but it escapes me as to how it is related to your theory that the world is hollow."

"In time, Dr. Chow, I hope to establish the principle beyond any doubt."
Arnhem was pleased that Liu Chow had led him so logically to the next step in his presentation. This time everyone recognized the large photograph of Earth taken from the Moon during a US space voyage.

"Study this photograph closely, gentlemen. It tells us more in what it does not say than in what it reveals." He knew they wouldn't let his challenge go unanswered. The energy focussed on that one picture would have been sufficient to operate Centcomp for several hours.

"I'm not toying with you. You surprise me. No one has remarked that if there is a hole at the top of the world then why can't we see it in this photograph?"
Many in his audience thought about this, but were reluctant to risk the speaker's sarcasm. Arnhem's finger circled the large white mass at the top of the photograph. "That's it, gentlemen. There is the opening, and I am certain that when we go there we will see that it is about twelve hundred miles across just as Dr. Moysev's ring of equal magnetic force has occurred."

Dr. Liu Chow was not going to accept this idea so easily. "My dear professor, what you have shown us is precisely what we have all known for many years. The Arctic is covered in ice and snow. Is this not the ice cap of Mars all over again? Please accept my apologies, but I, for one, do not feel that what we have seen so far warrants an expedition to search for some unknown creatures in an Arctic wasteland."

"Dr. Chow is correct in being cautious. He is my King Ferdinand and I'm Columbus trying to convince him I can reach the east by sailing west." They all laughed, not at Dr. Chow, but at Arnhem's disarming manner. He continued his explanation.

"You must understand what has happened in this photograph. The white area is not snow and ice, but rather is caused by a blinding light from the inner sun which overexposed the photographic film. We are conditioned to accept the idea that the white mass must be snow because of our preconceived notions of what is to be found in the Arctic. I'm asking you to accept the idea this phenomenon could be light."

Professor Henley Armstrong of Cambridge rose to be recognized. "Doctor van Arnhem! If what you say is true, how is it that transport aircraft flying the polar route have never seen this opening of which you speak?"

Arnhem was getting all the questions he had hoped would be asked. "Professor Armstrong has asked an important question. Let me reply this way. The area of the opening is so vast one could transit into its edge and not be aware his craft is entering an opening. The aircraft do not fly across the opening. Instead, the pilots fly around the top of the doughnut shaped polar region."

Saying this, he picked up a large model of the hollow earth and taking a small aircraft out of the box on the desk, flew it around the mouth of the opening.

"You must understand, what we have in our aircraft is instrumentation based on false science. A pilot believes he is flying a great circle route when really he is making a jog in his journey in the polar regions and flies the lip of the opening until he reaches the appropriate city on the other side of the doughnut."

"But surely, old chap, someone must have seen this great opening you claim is there," continued Dr. Armstrong.

"You're right Henley. Many have been there, but they did not realize what it was they were seeing. In 1927, when Admiral Byrd made his famous flight across the North Pole, he continued more than a thousand miles beyond the lip and reported back on his radio, 'Below us is a jungle-type terrain with huge animals running through the trees.'"

Dr. Armstrong, still on his feet, retorted, "How is it I've never heard of this famous broadcast before?"

"Because, my learned colleague, the information was kept secret by my government for many years. It felt that to make this common knowledge would risk bringing unfair ridicule on Admiral Byrd, who along with being a courageous scientist, was also a national hero. You can go to the Centcomp research files. It's all there."

Arnhem moved quickly to his next concept. "Possibly this next example will be more convincing. You are all familiar with the first global voyage under water by the nuclear vessel Arcturus. What you may not be aware of is the fact this craft was five days in error on its polar navigation when it surfaced in the Arctic Ocean. As you all know, the navigational system used is the Synthetic Inertial Navigational System, better known as SINS. This device uses a system of simulated planets whose courses are programmed by an onboard computer, and the position of the submarine is measured relative to the information fed into the SINS. The only way there is any logical explanation for the five day error is that the information was incorrect. I believe it was incorrect because the sub had transited into the inner earth and out again with the navigational officer believing that the information given him by the computer was accurate. It was accurate if the earth were really a sphere. But it is not a sphere gentlemen. It is doughnut shaped, and no computer programmer in his right mind would try to convince his superiors to allow for this unverified physical fact when preparing the computer for operational use."

Dr. Moysev admired Arnhem's tenacity in the face of so much opposition. When he asked to be heard, Henry van Arnhem let out an audible sigh of relief.

Nicholas Moysev was a bear of a man. Now in his early seventies he had the energy of a man in his mid-fifties. He had acquired a world reputation for his discoveries in natural phenomena. Wearing the military tunic of an army Colonel, he proudly displayed his Lenin Medal.

"I am trusting my good friend Henry will have many more speculations to present. Of this I am sure. But I am thinking the time for ideas is over. Let us now look at the facts. Many of you, I'm hoping, recall what happened in 1958 in USSR. That was, how you would call it, Henry, big year for my country. We launched Sputnik and for me it was even bigger success. During IGY, with help from many of my countrymen, we make most important discovery. For many years, people of world believed that North Magnetic Pole is one point which changes position each year. This was a good theory because different people found it in different places each year. For me it is not good to believe it this way because no one could tell me the reason why it keeps changing. Then I get idea maybe it is not changing. We go to see for ourselves. And yes it changes. But it is found in many places at same time. Marking places on map I see after many months, magnetic pole not pole at all but instead is great circle. We so sure this is true we try same work in Antarctic and again it is true."

Moysev then took a small instrument from his tunic and went to the lab table and asked Dr. van Arnhem to verify what the instrument was reading as he moved it over the circle magnet Arnhem had used in his experiment. At every point on the magnet the instrument gave a full scale deflection. Then as he moved it to the point in the centre of the circle, he observed a zero reading on the metre. The Russian scientist stressed this most significant fact.

"Meter shows zero reading in centre of magnetic field. This will be most difficult problem we are facing if we try to go into open earth. Most dangerous risk could happen to crew and ship where matter falls in on itself in a magnetic field of zero. In this zone I believe all matter is changing into pure energy since the field of electrical potential is neutralized. There is no doubt you will need my Synthetic Ionization Chamber Henry." Arnhem interrupted his Russian colleague.

"Thank you Nicholas for your explanation of zero field magnetism. I think your explanation of the SIC would be more effective when the time comes to have the actual device here."

"You are right, my friend Henry. Of course, you are right. But please, one more thing let me say. Dr. Henry van Arnhem is my hard working friend. Many years he works to prove earth is hollow. With my discovery and what he shows us now, I believe my friend. The world is hollow...but I'm not so sure I'm ready to say yes there are people living inside it."

Henry van Arnhem appreciated Moysev's endorsement. He replied, "Nicholas I don't expect anyone to believe in my idea of superior beings living inside the earth. All I want is for you to accept, as with the chlorine gas in this jar, that there is definitely a real possibility all spherical bodies made up of congealed gases at one time were open at their polar regions. If you accept this principle, then let us apply it to our own planet earth. Just let me say once again how much I personally appreciate Dr. Moysev's vote of confidence."

The audience applauded this last statement and the two elderly scientists embraced briefly before Moysev returned to his seat.

Arnhem continued, "Please don't think I'm being too simplistic, but you must understand that the elementary experiment used in high school physics in which a paper is placed over a magnet and then sprinkled with metal filings to display the magnetic field is similar to what I have demonstrated in my bell jar and magnetic coil experiment. The ring of magnetism in the polar regions requires that the source of this power be circular to be consistent, as is the bar magnet's shape consistent with its field pattern. And I firmly believe this form, for the lack of a better description, is doughnut shaped and hence has an opening in the centre. Otherwise, my friends, the magnetic north pole and the geographic north pole would occupy the same position."

The scientist's presentation was disrupted by the voice of one of the younger scientists in the group, Carlo Nobile of Rome.

"Professor! Please! If I may speak for a moment. I am Captain Carlo Nobile. Many of you remember my grandfather Umberto. When Admiral Byrd was gaining fame, my grandfather made a great trip to the North pole too. He was with that other very famous man, the Norwegian explorer, Amundsen, in their airship Norge. Grandfather Umberto always wanted to go back to the north. On his second trip he went in that tragic airship called 'Italia'. You all know the unfortunate story of this sad voyage. It broke in two and many of the crew fell out of the front of the ship when it hit the ice. The others threw them things to help them. Then the ship, or what remained of it, went back into the sky never to be seen again.

"Grandfather and two others were saved but he suffered terrible for the rest of his life. Many people said he could've saved his men. But how? No one ever says how. They just say there must have been some way.

"But that is not why I asked to speak. I want to tell you about my grandfather. Many times when I was a young boy in Pozzuoli, he told me why he wanted to go back to the north. When he was on his first trip he saw something very strange. He told me he had seen two suns in the sky at the same time. The other men also said that they had seen two suns, but they thought it must be the white light from the ice and snow which had made them hallucinate. But after hearing you, Professor, I believe my grandfather was right. He must have seen two suns. Tell me, sir, how I can help in my grandfather's memory."

Nobile's gesture provoked several others in the group to stand and claim a place on what was shaping up to be a modern voyage of discovery on a planet where many had come to believe there was nothing new under the sun. Some needed more proof from Arnhem and he continued with many events which by themselves had little significance, but when placed into the context of a new world view, suddenly were given great importance.

He told of Vilhjalmur Stefanson's long ordeal of ten continuous years in the Arctic in search of legendary, fair skinned, red haired natives, and his discovery of a small band of these on an island in the western Arctic. He also told of how poor Stefanson was ridiculed and lost his reputation when he returned with his fantastic tale. Many had hoped he would find his legendary creatures in the eastern Arctic, so they could have claimed they were the product of inter-breeding with Vikings from Greenland. When he told of finding them at the other side of the continent, he was expelled from the Explorer's Club as being a fraud, and no one took into consideration the personal sacrifice this brave man had made to endure hardships for ten years in that unforgiving land.

A story which really got their attention was Arnhem's account of the discovery by Amundson when his small vessel got icebound for the winter in the polar sea. A fine dust settled all over his craft and Amundson believed it to be the dust of a northern volcano. Being a true scientist, he collected specimens and brought them back to Norway for analysing. He was reluctant to reveal that the lab identified the fine dust as pollen of tropical plants in the high Arctic. Since there was no way of explaining the presence of such plants in this harsh climate, Amundsen let the world continue to believe it was volcanic ash.

The tale which ended the presentation was of Pythias of Greece. He had courageously voyaged north and on his return claimed that if you continue far enough north, you will come to a warmer clime in which tropical plants and animals flourish. Needless to say, Pythias went the way of all travellers whose tales of adventure fall on deaf ears, or are listened to merely for their entertainment value.

The distinguished old scientist, tall and lean from his Dutch American heritage, now slightly bent in stature, concluded his presentation.

"As I've told Mr.Thorpe, we must prepare to see for ourselves."

View other novels by William James Johnson by clicking on www.wordclix.com

ARCANA Chapter 1 by William James Johnson

Foreword

"Armageddon,” suggestive of doom and damnation in the mouths of modern evangelists, strikes terror into the hearts of their faithful. The mysterious word actually means "The Hill of Meggido.” This was the predicted location of the war to end all wars. It later came to be known as Palestine, and today is recognized as the Middle East. Strategically located at the crossing of two important travel routes, military and trade, it became the centre of origin of the three major religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In biblical times, King Solomon stabled 450 horses at Meggido, establishing it as a military centre.

To understand the present, one must study the past. Even before Solomon, there lived in this historical land the patriarch, Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. Ironically his name means "laughter,” which referred to the levity of the parents when God told them they would have a child in their old age. It was this same Isaac whom God asked Abraham to sacrifice as proof of his obedience.

Later Isaac took Rebecca as his wife, and they were blessed with twin sons, Esau and Jacob. The conflict which arose in this ancient family formed the basis for the tragedy still ongoing in the region in our times. Rebecca, favouring Jacob over Esau, the first born, deceived her blind husband by covering Jacob's smooth limbs with animal skins, so that Isaac would think Jacob was Esau and give him his blessing instead of to his first born as was the custom. In this conflict, as with all family struggles, time had a way of concealing the true responsibility for its beginning. Deception was its basis. Its results, if biblical prophesy is fulfilled, will be the most horrendous battle in man's history.

The meaning of names is significant in this story. The name "Arcana" the title of this novel, is a coined word which means "an ancient holy secret". The name Jacob means "the supplanter". Tradition tells us that God changed his name to "Israel" which is "perseverer with God". This adventure takes place at the beginning of the new millennium, after the attack on the descendants of Esau by the family of Jacob and the plunging of civilization into the worst depression ever experienced.

It is through this exciting adventure into the "Abode of IAM" that man is given a chance to survive the devastation of the end time as prophesied in the Bible. The journey is a challenge for anyone who has ever doubted the value of his traditional beliefs. Arcana is out of this world. It is a voyage into the near future, a philosophical journey into the dark recesses of each person's greatest fear. It is an opportunity to discover the secret which restores man's belief in a higher destiny.

Chapter 1

Henry van Arnhem listened to his car radio as the announcer, trying hard to control the urgency in his voice, spoke:

"It is now confirmed. President David Koster disappeared mysteriously from his residence last night. He was to fly to Guam today to witness the test of the neutron bomb over the island of Rocas. Chief of Internal Security, Gerald Thorpe, reported a glistening sphere was observed emitting a blinding blue flash directed at the study of the President. Kate Ramsey, the Koster housekeeper, said the sphere had disappeared as quickly as it had arrived. After notifying security, she went to the President's study where all that remained was the imprint of his slippers burned into the carpet and the faint odour of an electrical short."

Arnhem turned into the curving driveway at the White House. On his left he saw a cordon of ropes surrounding a burnt patch on the lawn about fifty feet across. A young Marine waved him on to a parking area at the side of the president's residence and opened his door.

"Dr. van Arnhem?"

"That's right."

"Mr. Thorpe is expecting you, sir. Would you please follow me?"

Arnhem checked the windows in his car and grabbed the brief case from the back seat. He locked all the doors, slammed the driver's door and checked it again. The young Marine led the way into a side entrance where the two entered a short corridor. The soldier placed his right hand palm down on a luminescent screen. The mahogany panelling opened to an elevator compartment.

"This will take us down to the bomb proof war room."

Thorpe was reluctant to bring the old scientist out of retirement, but he had no choice. The scientist had a reputation for being obstinate with the establishment and had been forced into an early retirement because of his UFO theories. The Central Computer selected him as the most likely person to explain the disappearance of Koster.

As he entered the elevator with the young Marine, van Arnhem tried to make small talk.

"How far down is this war room?"

"That's secure information, sir. I don't wish to be rude, but I'm not allowed to answer any of your questions."

"You mean they even have this place bugged?"

The escort pointed to a small pendant attached to his tunic. Arnhem recognized it as one of the personal electronic surveillance buttons which had been developed for all civil servants under the Koster regime. You either played the game Koster's way or you didn't play at all.

The soldier replied, "As I have said, sir, I am not permitted to answer your questions."

When the door opened another soldier met the visitor with an electric cart. He touched his left shoulder with his right hand, palm down, in the salute which had been adopted by the Modifier Party. His leader, Koster, firmly believed the best way to return law and order to his troubled country was to monitor all behaviour no matter how insignificant and to develop instinctive reactions. This salute, which was even used by ordinary people when greeting friends, was an example of instinctive response.

Koster had wanted to develop a unified mass whose responses would be predictable. Once predictable behaviour was established, it would be no problem to organize the mass to carry out the will of the state. This conditioning was evident when the people did not reject their president's announced plan to destroy the primitive population of Rocas in testing the neutron bomb. Koster had convinced his advisors and they in turn sold the concept to the nation: primitive peoples hinder the progress of the more advanced states. Destroying the seven hundred natives of Rocas would serve a greater good than letting them continue. It would not only give the US much needed scientific data, but also it would demonstrate to the whole world that America had power over life and death. They could have tested the bomb on an isolated island inhabited only by animals but that had not been good enough for Koster. He had wanted to go all the way.

The leaders of the USSR and China threatened retaliation if the US carried out its testing. Koster assured his cabinet, "They've got more serious problems than to concern themselves with the fate of a few hundred illiterates on an island they've never heard of."

The scientist was taken into Thorpe's private office. As he entered, Thorpe rushed over to meet the professor and gave the Koster salute.

"Henry, thank you for coming."

Arnhem did not return the salute and there was an uncomfortable few seconds of silence. Realizing he had made a faux pas, he gave a half‑hearted gesture to put things right.

"Good old Henry. Still haven't taken on the new way. You will, though. Everyone will in time." Arnhem did not like Thorpe taking this liberty with him.

"God forbid we should all become alike."

"God. Henry did you say God? And you a scientist!"

No one mentioned God anymore. It had taken only a few short years of Koster rule to eliminate the need for a Deity. Arnhem, an avowed agnostic, did not take offence at Thorpe's chiding.

"You know what I meant, Gerald. I'm sure you haven't asked me here to have a theological debate."

"That's true, Henry. We are in serious trouble. Before you meet the others, there are several things I would like to review."

He was told about the increase in UFO manifestations on the eve of scheduled neutron bomb tests. In numerous locations throughout the world, the heavens were alive with the most concentrated UFO sightings ever recorded. It was reminiscent of 1946 when radars had glowed with apple green blips as a squadron of nine UFOs flying in formation circled Washington's Capitol and then vanished from the screens as suddenly as they had appeared. Years of investigation by the United States Air Force had led nowhere. Many believed that outer space activity of NASA and the Russians had triggered these extraterrestrial fantasies.

Now on the threshold of the 21st century, the world's technology had produced a self‑indulgent North American society seeking its next narcotic fix rather than addressing the serious problems of over‑population, starvation, and disease. The "might is right" adage from the mid‑thirties was the slogan of modern America. "Doing your own thing" was no longer a mere epigram. Now the masses were terrified of lawlessness. In these conditions David Koster became a new breed of American president.

World renowned as a behavioural psychologist, Koster knew what buttons to push to get support. Building on a fear of anarchy he convinced the masses that less personal liberty was not too much to pay to protect private property and restore order. His Modifier Party won the largest mandate in history. Koster took that as a sign he could do anything as long as he got crime under control. Electronic bugging became "Societal Monitoring". In the so called land of the free, every home had an audio video communicator which fed conversations directly into a central computer which was programmed to make social behavioural judgments.

Koster won out over the religious fundamentalists who had had their heyday during the eighties. The attempt to make people believe the world's problems were all caused by Satan lost its appeal when Americans saw friends and neighbours opting out of reality into drug induced euphoria. Koster convinced them that chemical dependence induced by the state was the only way to control the unpredictable behaviour of addicts and at the same time remove the incentive of enormous profits enjoyed in the past by private dealers. Americans exchanged their freedom for narcotics supplied by their leaders.

Failing in their attempts to thwart the SM (Societal Monitoring) computer by developing their own spoken codes, thousands of citizens with any remaining sense of freedom were booked on suspicion of treason, and sent to work in the coal mines of the central states. By Koster's suspension of the Bill of Rights, van Arnhem saw that he had changed America from the last bastion of freedom to a nation controlled by a totalitarian megalomaniac.

His approach to the social problems which confronted his country was simple: man had caused the problems, man must find the solutions. He believed that all power resided in a well‑informed leadership and had to be exercised with discretion. This meant that decisions would be based on what was good for the majority, without regard for individual rights. In his inaugural address he stated, "Liberty is too precious to be wasted on individuals. As our society becomes more complex, the amount of individual freedom must be diminished proportionately to the will of the masses. If we are to be a powerful nation again, we must first restore power to the majority. Those who oppose the will of the masses shall become the servants of the strong. I promise you they will serve or they will not survive."

Thorpe also reviewed what had led to the world's greatest depression. Despite all the attempts by the West to provide alternative energy sources to replace Arab oil, the military‑industrial complex had increased its demand for high grade Middle Eastern crude. Russia too was in the energy conflict but the Arabs had refused to deal with either major power until the Palestinian problem had been resolved. Late in the nineties, after a summit in Geneva, both East and West gave Israel an ultimatum: secede the West Bank to the Palestinians or be forced out of the area altogether. Premier Itzak Wolman urged the major powers to rescind their ultimatum or promised that Israel would take drastic action against their threats. The great powers' hunger for oil clouded their ability to clearly see the Premier's intention. When the time to act upon the ultimatum arrived, Wolman sought a summit of all parties but was refused.

The night he received the signal of refusal, selected bombers of the Israeli Air Force struck at the key petroleum centres throughout the Middle East with nuclear weapons which had been in its arsenal since the sixties. The fireballs were seen as far away as central Italy and the world awoke to the news that Middle Eastern oil and millions of Arabs who lived in the refinery cities had been vaporised. Paralysed by the enormity of the Israeli attacks, no Arab nation retaliated. A stunned world was told that this small nation would never leave any portion of its homeland, even if it meant every person had to die. It was Massada all over again. The numbers of dead and dying rose daily as radioactive desert sand drifted steadily eastward with the prevailing winds killing untold millions. The grain crops of the southern Ukraine and central China were devastated. The world had never seen such total destruction.

In America, David Koster, with his brilliant background in behavioural modification was the right man at the right time. America needed a strong leader. With the charismatic quality of a Kennedy, Koster swept the country with his promise to restore the power once enjoyed by America in the forum of the world's nations. Although dismayed by the tragic action of Israel, he saw an opportunity in the current dilemma to regain America's power. As Commander‑in‑Chief, Koster ordered resumption of the development of the neutron bomb without delay. He even publicized the fact that the United States would soon have the ability to destroy people without damaging property. The technology for the neutron bomb had been neglected for the past twenty years and the time was right to reactivate it.

After months of intense scientific development the weapon to end all wars was ready. Despite intense pressure from all the ambassadors of the United Nations to cancel his plan to annihilate the 700 natives of Rocas with the neutron bomb, Koster gave the order to continue with the test. The United States Seventh Fleet blockaded the small island in the southern Pacific and had to eliminate several small craft which had gone to the area to prevent the testing. Even the Pope requested that everyone pray that God intercede and stop this criminal action. But Koster convinced his cabinet that to claim to have power and refuse to use it was worthless. He said that the world must see for itself that the United States was the leader among power brokers and that once this new weapon had been used, it would be the guarantor of peace forever.

The increase in UFO activity as the testing day drew near puzzled Koster and his experts but they withheld this information from the public. Some politicians believed it was a Russian ploy to delay the testing, others felt that the complexity of electronic activity was capable of producing unexplainable glitzes and that this increase was mere coincidence. Yet it was the night before the test that the real event occurred.

Working alone in his upstairs study in the early evening, David Koster was suddenly blinded by an intense blue light which filled the small room. Covering his eyes with his hands he stood up in the brilliant energy field which surrounded him smelling the scent of an electrical generator. Then it was all over. As suddenly as it had appeared, it vanished, and with it the Nation's leader.

"That's it, Henry. Now you know the whole story."

"He never should have gone ahead with his plan to kill all those people."

"You know what they say, hind sight is twenty twenty. Come, let's meet the others."

They walked down a narrow corridor to a metal door which opened into the vast war room. The enormous size of the war room awed the old scientist. Surrounding the large planning table was a map of the flattened sphere of the world. Electronic notations blinked on and off in many of the strategic locations where the US military were engaged. The status of nuclear subs and Strategic Air Command Bombers flashed intermittently. Banks of computers whirred incessantly as somewhere in this mass of data collecting other computers made demands on the system.

Thorpe resumed the dignity of his office and introduced Arnhem to the gathering. "Doctor Henry van Arnhem is the world's foremost expert on Ufology. You all know why I have invited him here and, Henry, I know that steel trap mind of yours has already surmised why you were asked to come on such short notice."

Arnhem studied their concerned expressions. He wondered what the so called "masses" would say if they could see the lack of confidence and even the look of sheer panic on some of the faces which the leaders of this great nation revealed at this moment. He recalled speaking to some of the older ones in previous cabinets about his theory of UFOs and being laughed out of the meetings. The over‑whelming sense of vindication made Arnhem savour this moment. Now in his late seventies, he remembered 1946, when as a young scientist he had propounded a theory about the UFO phenomena which had occurred over Washington. It was now time to recall again what had once cost him a prestigious appointment at MIT.

"Thank you for your kind words, Gerald. The administration was not always so generous in its praise."

There was an embarrassed smiling amongst the group, more from nervousness in this high strung gathering than from levity. Arnhem measured his words carefully.

"Has David Koster been annihilated by some unknown power?" He paused before continuing. "I think not. As yet I have not had a chance to look at the actual site where he disappeared, but I feel that what has happened is consistent with the UFO theory which I presented to my government over fifty years ago.

The record will show that, in September 1946, a battery of radar screens in the Washington DC area reported what appeared to be a squadron of nine aircraft flying in formation over the Capitol. The war department confirmed that no allied aircraft were airborne at that time. President Truman contacted Mr. Stalin and was assured that there had not been an invasion of our air space by the Soviets. Now understand, gentlemen, I was as prepared, as much as the rest of the technical advisors at that time, to accept the theory that what had occurred was random electronic interference, except for one thing. The films taken of the scope receptions showed a definite pattern which convinced me that what had taken place was not a sporadic happening, but a deliberate target flying in formation at speeds unheard of at our stage of technical development. Furthermore, several other radar sites made similar reports. How anyone could be convinced that this was just a technical disruption is beyond me."

He was beginning to feel the constriction in his chest which his doctor had told him was a danger sign. He had already experienced one serious heart attack and the excitement generated while telling of his problems of trying to convince the authorities of his theory in the past made it seem to be happening all over again.

Thorpe was becoming impatient with his visitor but did not wish to discourage him at a time when his knowledge was of such importance.

"Please, Henry, can we skip all that and get to the present?"

Arnhem's impatience flared. "No we can't skip that and get to the present. Not yet anyway. There is much more which must be said before we look at the problem facing us today. I have waited over fifty years for this moment. I cannot condense a lifetime of work into a fifteen minute capsule."

Thorpe's face coloured at the rebuke. He regretted now that he had asked the elderly scientist to address his group. He didn't like the aged. They were too difficult to manipulate. If David Koster were here things would be different.

"That's the problem with today's system," continued Arnhem. "You young fellows want the answer to every question, and you want it with the least amount of input."

The rest of the gathering were feeling the same embarrassment Thorpe had experienced. No one liked being put down, particularly in front of his or her peers. A young aide, in the ever present grey suit, stood to address the group first giving the governmental salute.

"Mr Thorpe, wouldn't we be further ahead to introduce Dr. van Arnhem to our MM Computer?"

Arnhem knew the aide was referring to the Memory Modifier which had been used to provide resource material for the Central Computer. It had been developed to brain scan scientists and other professionals within an hour after death to remove whatever bits of data might assist the new system. The MM Computer selected only pertinent information and eliminated all unnecessary data . It had been rumoured the government had secretly used the device on recalcitrant citizens to reprogram them while they were still living. It was a form of electronic lobotomy.

Arnhem's tone became threatening. "Do that, my friends, and you will lose your only chance of ever seeing David Koster again. I came to help. I would rather die by my own hand than let you mutilate my brain like you have done to thousands who have gone before me".

Charging forward, two of Koster's men seized the old scientist who managed to pull away from them. Gerald Thorpe interposed himself.

"Let him go. That's what David Koster always admired in you, Henry."

At the mention of Koster's name, they relented and gave Thorpe a chance to speak.

"You're a fighter. And so is President Koster, and we want him back. Help us Henry... Please help us."

The sincerity of Thorpe's tone placated the tired old man. "You see gentlemen, the reason I have had difficulty these many years getting my theories accepted is that I don't look to outer space as the source of flying objects, but rather I look to inner space.

"For many years I have been experimenting with the concept that spherical masses which have been formed out of congealed gases are actually hollow, doughnut shaped bodies. To put it into the simplest terms, our earth is hollow, and somewhere in the bowels of this mass, there is a civilization which is more advanced than we can ever hope to become."

As his assertion sunk in, some of his listeners began to smile. Arnhem had seen this happen before and he was ready for their criticism.

"But Doctor! Everyone knows the centre of the earth is a ball of molten rock!"

"Is it? Have you any idea, my learned young friend, how far into the earth man has actually gone?" He waited for a reply, but no one offered an answer.

"In 1959, man made an attempt during the International Geophysical Year to burrow into the earth's mantel in Operation Mohole, and managed to get down a total of seven miles...seven miles. Under forty thousand feet. We know the diameter of the earth is eight thousand miles, more or less. Calculate the ratio of man's efforts to unlock the secrets of his globe and you will realize that what I am saying is as important to man's knowledge, as Columbus discovering America. There is a world inside and the beings who propel the so called flying saucers reside in this world."

Gerald Thorpe had been take aback by this statement as much as the others. He interjected, "But we don't even know for sure that there are such things as flying saucers or whatever."

At last Arnhem had the kind of attention he deserved. As a professor he demanded it of his students, and now these desperate men were prepared to hear him out.

"The error most Ufologists make is to assume that these craft are extra‑terrestrial. I personally believe these creatures want us to believe they come from outer space because they don't want us messing around with their inner environment like we have done with ours. At the risk of being ridiculed, I am prepared to theorize that this race may have lived on the earth at one time. I contend that this super race continues to this day to monitor man's activities. This is the reason that in 1946 they came back to earth in such large numbers. They returned to earth to determine why the earth's atmosphere suddenly showed an increase in radioactivity. Remember, the nuclear bombs dropped on Japan had been released about a year before the strange radar sighting over Washington. Any race who can create such advanced craft surely must be capable of monitoring the increase in the radioactivity of the atmosphere. I calculate that it took almost a year for the increase in radioactivity after Hiroshima and Nagasaki to be detected in the upper atmosphere by the saucer people. When the increase was discovered, I feel they sent craft out to investigate what had caused the increase."

The old scientist paused, letting his theories penetrate the minds of his audience. He knew he had them. It wasn't like it had been under Truman when UFO activities were just beginning. Many countries were now seriously looking into ways to confirm or deny the existence of such sightings.

Arnhem continued. "You must understand, we are dealing with an advanced civilization. I suggest that these people, if I can refer to them as people, have probably mastered the atom and are capable of materializing or dematerializing using sophisticated ray theory. I've been told a blue ray was observed when our leader vanished. I believe, gentlemen, that what occurred was a controlled dematerialization of substance, and I believe our leader is probably at this very moment facing his captors somewhere in a kingdom in the bowels of the earth."

Gerald Thorpe was perspiring noticeably as he listened to Arnhem's theory. "But what about President Koster. What can we do?"

"We must go to him," said Arnhem.

Last Chance

Shall a priest be brought,
Or will you chance this end alone?

He watched through misty eyes
The gathering of his flock.
There was the young girl,
Who showed so much promise,
Now spent on coke.

His doctor son,
Marked as a murderer
By those, whose fetal fetish
Would not permit the ending of one cell.

There his partner stood,
Comforting his wife of thirty odd years.
He knew they were lovers.
No one knew but he.
What a spectacle he could have made
Of this final feast.

Outside his room
The table was loaded
With the sweet tastes of favorite foods.
He could not partake.
The tubes ran into his nose,
And up his arm,
Life juices in saline.

God has to give him the benefit of the doubt.
He had not been a bad man.
Rather, he was what you would call,
A nothing man.

Sure he had been successful.
He had made money.
The secret is not in the making,
But rather in the knowing how to use it.

What would they all do with
His small fortune after he was gone?

Who the hell cares really.

No use fighting it.
Here I come Lord.
My one last chance.

Below Freezing

At seventy five below zero, breathing hurts. The burning sensation inside your chest feels like the membraneous tissue has become a solid mass. Whipping snow stung my face, huddled inside the wolf trimmed parka. The hair of the wolf is used because it does not freeze. Head down, I followed the others to the snow covered Jamesway hut, modelled after the Inuit igloo, standing alone like a huge Arctic monument beside the taxistrip. Great Whale River was barely a stopping place in the fifties. Where once the howls of huskies blended with the roaring wind, now is heard the raucous chattering of snowmobiles.

It was interesting returning to this arctic clime after forty years. The only thing which had not changed was the bitterness of the extreme low temperature which still made the chest feel it was on fire.

"Bill, you old sonofabitch" said Zendo, the cypher clerk from the radar site. "You said you'd come back, and here you are. Can't believe it."

"Zend! Still here after forty years. And hardly any grey in that mop of yours. How the hell are you?"

"If I was any better, someone would probably want me to pay for it. But I got lucky. You must have heard about my ticker problem. Apparently the bloody cold weather saved me. I was out in a gale calibrating the receiver when I got this terrific burning in my chest. Never could understand how you can feel like your on fire when the this icy bitch gets you. The guys came to check on me, and if it had been much longer they say that would have been it. The supply plane was leaving for Churchill and Skeeter came with me."

"So what did they do?"

"Once I got thawed out, and completed the tests, they sent me to Sunnybrook in Toronto."

"Well you sure look good to me."

"Like I said. I got lucky. They gave me the heart of a nineteen year old kid who lost control when his bike hit a soft shoulder, and he was a complete right off."

"Man still coming up smelling like roses. So this young heart...has it improved your sex life any?"

"Still as good as ever," he said, punching me on the arm.

Read other blogs by William James Johnson by clicking here, www.noozoon.blogspot.com

Concentration

Learning to do something you have never done before, requires concentration. I guess this is the reason I never took up playing golf. From the beginning I wasn't sure if I was naturally right handed or left. It really didn't matter much. I couldn't make the club head strike the ball no matter how I went at it. Then there was the instruction on how I should grip the club. The way I did it, you would think I was spastic from birth. Oh and don't forget to keep your head down when you swing. Again it was deja vu. I didn't have to see what the club and the ball were doing. So seldom did they come in contact, you would think they had never met before.

Okay if not golf, then why this wordy preamble. I want to stress the importance of concentration when it comes to learning how to draw. Here is your first lesson in contour drawing. Don't think of this term "contour" as being limited to the outside of edges only. .

What I want you to do, is select a window with a view which interests you, and acquire a felt pen which can be used on glass. Make sure the ink in the pen is removable after your exercise. Here's where concentration is essential. Study the scene outside your window, letting your eye understand all the nuances (tricky stuff) you are looking at. Now comes the test. Take a steady but relaxed position in front of your scene, and "concentrate" on the fact that what you are viewing is a detailed, two dimensional scene which is printed on the outside surface of the glass, and you are going to trace in detail with your pen all the lines which make up your study. In other words, you are going to experience this scene both visually and physically with the motion of your arm and hand.

This is a tremendous exercise in seeing and recording a detailed picture which is outside your room, but your experience of coordinating the eye and the hand is the "natural way to draw".

Be patient and try several different views. If you do this exercise correctly, you will also develop an instinct for understanding perspective, and the changing size of objects as they move into the distance. Good luck, and don't give up. See you again soon.

If you would like to view some of my art, click here www.noozoon.com