"You're sure openly using your abilities," Esther complained.
"Yes," The Ancient One agreed. "There always has to be one or two each generation that frustrate the system. It's part of our responsibilities."
"How long have you been giving the government intel?" David asked.
"Since The Vietnam War," The Ancient One answered. "I was disappointed I couldn't go in my physical form and when I found I could leave my body, gather information and give it to people I started doing it. They claimed I was an air force lieutenant working for intelligence. Over the years my rank has increased, purely honorary, of course, but it gives me the authority to act wherever I show up."
"Honorary, my ass!" Esther snapped. Everybody laughed.
"What a nightmare!" David complained. "While you're assisting one branch of government another branch of government systematically tries to hide what you're doing. Seems like a waste of effort!"
"Can't argue that!" The Ancient One agreed. "Here's our ride!"
He entered the plane and materialized. The others followed suit. "Hi Fred!" he snapped.
"Good day sir!" the pilot answered. "James wanted me to thank you for the scholarship. Really appreciated!"
"Not a problem!" The Ancient One answered. "One of the nice things I get to do. Better let them know we're coming."
"Yes sir!" the pilot snapped. He clicked on his transmitter. "Echo bravo," he began, "this is hopscotch. Sending an advisary that I have unscheduled VIPs on board on an opts mission. Request security detail and welcoming committee. Code alpha alpha bravo bravo zulu. 10 21."
There was silence for some time, then a voice returned "Echo bravo to hopscotch. What is the classifications of your passengers?"
"Stars, eagles and bars, alpha bravo!" the pilot answered. "Air force, marine and, navy."
"Understood, hopscotch!" the ship answered. "Welcoming committee will be waiting along with security. Don't bump your passengers' butts!"
The pilot grinned. "I won't!" he answered, and clicked off the transmitter. "They'll be waiting sir!" he snapped.
"Good!" The Ancient One answered.
As they approached the carrier Esther remarked "I can't believe you're going to land this big plane on that little thing!"
"Takes practice!" David remarked.
The plane touched down with such ease that Esther was even more amazed. The hatch was opened. A twelve man security team stood on either side of it and several officers waited a short distance away. The Ancient One departed, helped the ladies down, then made for the officers. "Captain Donovan," one of them announced, giving a sharp salute then extending his hand. The Ancient One returned the salute.
"Glad to make your acquaintance Captain!" he snapped as he took his hand. "We're here about your odor problem. Will have to skip most of the formalities. You know the drill. Our presence is to be entered into no logs, no one is to talk about us ever being here."
"Understood, sir!" the Captain snapped. "The Admiral's going to be disappointed, however, that he missed you. A minor accident sent him ashore."
The Ancient One looked concerned. "Unfortunate!" he remarked. "Give him my deepest regards. Now, we'd better get at it! Ladies, I have the feeling we're looking for a male. You would detect him easier than us. Kindly search the vessel. We will be in the wardroom right inside this door."
The two women nodded and disappeared. One of the security guards went "Whoa!"
"Come on, marines!" The Ancient One snapped. They entered the wardroom and stood around for about ten minutes, then the ladies walked in.
"Got two," they remarked, "628 and 1342. 628 is the strongest."
"Then we'll check that one first," The Ancient One snapped. "Gentlemen, lead the way!"
The marines took off at a fast trot, clearing the way as they went. In a few minutes they were outside the door. "Ensigns Merriweather and Dunlap," The Ancient One remarked. "I've got a feeling the one we're looking for is on the night shift, because he's definitely in there. Any intel, lieutenant?"
"That would be Dunlap, sir, an oddball, but never been any problems. Woo! Why can we smell it so bad?"
"Because you're in our presence," The Ancient One answered, "and that heightens your senses. Block the corridor, gentlemen, let no one in! And if the individual in this cabin somehow manages to get by us, he is not to leave it."
"Understood, sir!" the lieutenant snapped. "Lethal force, sir?"
"Affirmative!" The Ancient One answered. When the marines were in position The Ancient One knocked on the door. After a few moments it opened.
"Oh, crap!" the young man inside moaned when he saw who it was. "Spoiled sport! Damn!"
The Ancient One pushed him back into the cabin and the others followed him in. "All right," The Ancient One explained, "how and why?"