Fade Out by Patrick Tilley Page B

that’s something we’ll have to think about.’ The President looked at Samuels. ‘Gene?’
    â€˜I’ll feel a lot happier when we know more about it,’ said Samuels.
    â€˜We all will,’ said Connors. Having got over the first numbing shock of the Russian announcement, he felt apprehensive. He wasn’t worried about little green men. It was the whole host of practical problems arising out of such a situation, affecting all kinds of things – including himself. But at the same time, he felt excited at the prospect of the imminent contact with something from up there.
    Maybe it would only be an extraterrestrial version of a message in a bottle. It didn’t matter. It would be proof that Man was not alone in the Universe. A sign, perhaps, that the nations of the world should join together. But would they? It was a nice idea, but Connors knew that anyone stepping off a spaceship would have both halves of the world giving him the hardsell on the merits of their own way of life.
    On the other hand, if they were going to be hit by an H. G. Wells-type Martian invasion, there was the depressing prospect that the Russians might try to rip off a tactical advantage in the following confusion. And ifthey did, the US would have to get in on the action too…
    â€˜Bob…’
    The President’s voice brought Connors back to earth. ‘Sorry, I was – ’
    â€˜That’s okay. Listen, this is one headache I can do without. I’m assigning you the responsibility for setting up a special task force to deal with this thing. Any objections?’
    â€˜No, none at all.’
    The President looked at the others. ‘I want to set this thing up so everything goes through Bob. He’ll report directly to me. Anybody see any problems?’
    Apparently nobody did.
    â€˜Good. Then I take it I can count on your unqualified co-operation and support.’
    Connors watched them all say ‘yes’ – even those who didn’t mean it.
    â€˜Great.’ The President turned to Connors. ‘Arnold will be able to help you on the scientific side, and I think you’d better tie in with the Air Force for logistic support. They’re into the space business anyway. That okay, Mel?’
    â€˜Yes, I guess so,’ said Fraser.
    â€˜Chuck?’
    â€˜Yes, fine. But what about NASA? Won’t you want to bring them in on this?’ Air Force General Clayson was great on protocol.
    â€˜Maybe later. I think we ought to hold back on this for a bit. Those boys have tied themselves in so tight with the media to hustle more money and enthusiasm for their space programs, they’d never be able to sit on this. It’d be banner headlines in tomorrow’s press handouts.’
    â€˜They’d be selling grandstand seats,’ said Connors.
    â€˜So until we know what we’re getting into, let’s keep this on an “Eyes Only” basis. Is that clear?’
    It was. Nobody wanted to start a run on Wall Street.
    â€˜Good.’ The President swung his chair round to face Connors. ‘Bob, as from now, I want you to start active preparations for dealing with a possible landing.’
    â€˜In co-operation with the Russians?’
    â€˜I think we have to look into that area. Maybe you could have a talk with them about it. But starting tomorrow, I want a daily progress report. From here on in, your team will have first call on the scientific, technological and manpower resources of America. Don’t worry about red tape. Just get the show on the road.’
    Just get the show on the road
… It must be marvellous to be the President of the United States. To be able to swivel round in a big blue high-backed chair and come out with lines like that. You just drew yourself one hell of an assignment, Connors. The big one…
    â€˜It’s on the way,’ said a voice.
    Connors dimly recognized it as his own.
    Apart from the seven of