The Enigma Beyond

Though thoroughly confused, Tony verified, “…Colonel? Is that you? Is everything okay after the incursion of the drone swarm?”

The Colonel’s voice responded, “Where the hell are you, boy? You’re supposed to be on duty here, and now! Tell me where you are so I can send the M.P.s for you. Let me bring you in before you get into more trouble.”

Rose assessed the blank stare on Tony’s face and quickly took the phone from his hand, turned on the speaker function and explained, “Whoa, Colonel. I’m afraid this is all my fault that Bough’s not there on duty. Don’t be angry with him. We had a few brewskies and got to talking about the deep metaphysical flaws in the universe. Then the next thing, we’re humping each other’s brains out! I always like a short nap afterwards, but…well, I just couldn’t turn loose of him, so we had seconds, then…well, I’ve lost track of how many seconds. In fact, we don’t even know what day it is, so don’t be too down on the lad.”

Rose then continued with her tall tale. “Now the hilarious part is that he was trying to sell me on some nonsense story that you folks got whacked by some big computer in the sky. Then, you, Colonel Thornhill, gave him a ghost code clearance phrase to take to the Pentagon that would launch an all-out attack on this supercomputer in the sky. You know, missiles, tommy guns, the whole works. Doesn’t that story beat all?

“He even claims that there is some magic passcode phrase that he is to use to get into the Pentagon! Boy, talk about your cloak and dagger theatrics! Do you recall that ghost code clearance phrase? The way Bough tells it, this is the funniest phrase I ever heard! I’m thinking this boy is crazy, so if you can confirm the phrase, I’ll bring him back to the compound toot-sweet!”

After a few moments of silence, a voice returned to the phone but now sounded like a female. “There is no such clearance code. Thank you for remaining on the call long enough to pinpoint your whereabouts. The hunt is now over.”

Tony was furious. “JOAN, I know what you did, you bitch! And just so you know, he did give a ghost code clearance phrase so you failed to catch the deception. Some supercomputer you are!”

Rose grabbed the phone and disconnected the call. She then stepped into the truck stop lounge and asked, “Who is going west? I will pay you to take this phone to the next state and throw it out while there is still some power left in it.”

A burly man strolled over, and she dropped it into his open palm. He turned to leave and said, “You pay for my coffee, Rose.”

Rose smiled slightly. “Thanks, Mike. Please don’t answer any incoming calls, and don’t wait too long to get rid of it.”

Mike called back over his shoulder. “I figured that it was a problem. You two best run now.”

In under eight minutes, Rose was shifting gears hard and fast. Tony sat glumly in the passenger seat staring out on the road. Once they were at cruising speed, Rose asked, “So there was a ghost code clearance phrase? Hah! I made that up! And the…whatever it was…flubbed the answer! Ha!” After a few seconds she continued, “What was the last thing the Colonel said?”

Tony dejectedly answered, “That’s an order, soldier.”