Traveller Probo

Conti had become ever more nervous of his company’s cosy Government relationships. While the United States Government was undeniably his company’s largest client, he knew the emphasis had shifted from his supply of cutting edge security systems to something more insidious and difficult to control.

It was not the first time he, or a member of his team, was to visit the impressive corridors of power in the Pentagon but it was the first time he was to attend a formal meeting. The marine sergeant walked by his side while his own minder was obliged to remain at reception. Like many of the world’s most influential business professionals, Conti had become a victim of his own marketing and publicity. His face, and more likely his alleged bank-balance, were now far too well-known for him to appear in public unattended. So, to his chagrin, he was accompanied by an ex-Special Forces soldier named Jacob who, he had been assured, had impeccable skills and a flawless record.

To attend any meeting without Jacob’s companionship left Conti feeling a little vulnerable. He tried to engage in conversation with the Marine Sergeant but the young man’s disciplined, stony demeanour made the conversation option somewhat moot.

They paused at a wood-panelled door and, after keying in a security code to open, the sergeant stood aside for Conti to enter.

Senator Ruth Benton sat at the head of a conference table surrounded by military top brass and suited civilian executives. As Conti entered, they looked up and Senator Benton stood in welcome as the on-screen video presentation at the opposite end of the room snapped off. There were some of the usual introductions, of which he remembered few, though he did notice that most were not even offered. There were a few faces he recognised. Two were high-ranking Senators known for their outspoken support for Israel and ongoing US military action in the Middle East. There was also General Connor, the US military officer in command of on-the-ground participation in Traveller projects. One face he didn’t expect was that of Paul Anderson, one of the original Saxon Travellers. Anderson’s presence temporarily knocked Conti off-balance, for he was not as highly ranked as the others. He knew that Lieutenant Anderson had been involved in the bloody battle for Giolgrave in Saxon Aengland. Because of his good looks and sense of humour, Anderson had become a popular figure in American Traveller culture. Though the most famous of the American Travellers, he had promptly dropped from public view.

Now he wore the rank of Major.

As Conti took his seat at the table next to Senator Benton, she seemed particularly pleased with herself, which rang even more alarm bells.

“We welcome a distinguished member of this committee, the owner of Helguard Security who is well known to each of us. Not only is Helguard one of the world’s most innovative technology companies and supplier of security technologies for the United States government installations globally but is also the owner of the Transporter.” Though she welcomed with a smile, there was a lack of any warmth.

Conti thought, Committee? What Committee?

“By way of introduction to the task at hand, our commander of United States Traveller missions, General Connor, will get you up to speed.”

Conti fought to keep all expression from his face as he recognised the use of the plural. More than one Traveller mission?

General Connor stood and addressed the meeting. “As we know, the United States currently has one Traveller mission that is about to be launched to visit the Mississippian cultures of the area that includes what we know as the ancient city of Cahokia, near St Louis, Missouri.” He began to describe the mission in more depth and Conti realised that one of the suits next to the General was none other than Professor Cowen, academic in charge of the US Traveller mission. Professor Cowen was becoming another well-known face to a public with an insatiable appetite for Traveller news.

But if this was about the Mississippi mission, why was Conti invited? And, why was Anderson here? Anderson was obvious in his absence from the Mississippi mission. In fact, the only original Traveller involved in Traveller Mississippi was Sergeant Sean Leishman. The Canadian, Morris, was a consultant for the project. He pondered. There was another American Traveller, what was his name? Oh yes, it was Kitchener, the one who had been a medic at Giolgrave.

Where was he now?

General Connor continued in his outline of the Mississippi mission, then made a statement that had Conti look up and take notice. “We consider Traveller Mississippi to be the first of a number of United States Traveller missions. While we had a significant presence in Saxon Traveller, we will continue to prepare for the mission in Israel. In partnership with the Israeli government, we anticipate that lessons learned from our other missions will allow us to be best prepared for our most ambitious Traveller project to date.”

Conti could withhold himself no longer. “I’m not aware any Israeli mission has been approved by Historical Research International or Transporter Corp. While I’m obviously not part of the approval committee, I receive reports on every decision. I think I’m at liberty to divulge that India, China, France, Japan and Germany are some of the approved, fee-paying nations finalising plans for their own Traveller missions. If any were to suspect that the USA was to be given any preferential treatment in having a second Traveller mission allocated, there’d be hell to pay.”

Professor Cowen spoke up, “The United States believes that our close ally, Israel, will soon be another on the Traveller short-list. We’re in the position to assist our allies and, considering the location, believe this Traveller mission will have significant consequences.”

Conti frowned, “But Professor, the selection process is beyond politics. Even I can’t advise when the Transporters will be allocated. With the needs of England having being so spectacularly highlighted and the current Byzantium mission having only just begun, I suggest that any mention of another US mission so soon after Mississippi might be a little presumptuous.”

There were more than a few irritated glances from around the table and Conti noted that Anderson, the only one at the table who had actually Travelled, remained silent.

Just what was going on?

“My dear Paul, this is only a preliminary meeting to permit you an insight into the longer-term planning for future Traveller missions,” smiled Senator Benton. “While we understand the selection process, Israel is a close ally and has requested our assistance so, like most things we do well, we plan early. Your inclusion on the planning committee is a courtesy.” Although she smiled, her gaze was icy. He had a mental image of the robot in ‘Lost in Space’ waving its arms and crying ‘Warning! Warning!’ “However, we ask if you can report on the other missions that are under way so we can best organise our resources and timing.”

The meeting continued, largely outlining the selection process by the Traveller Corp committee. By the time he left the meeting some hours later, Conti felt irritated, as if the whole effort had been a charade. The high ranking personnel, both from the senate and the military, hinted at something else, something much more significant.

But what? What was going on? Why place such emphasis on the mission in Israel, where, in the 11th Century, the tiny country was little more than an insignificant backwater? And, to top it all off, what did the United States government and military have to gain from playing such games?

Conti was silent as Jacob drove him to the airport to board his private jet back to Chicago. He was missing something and he had to find out what it was.