"Would you believe I know them both, and they're wonderful men. I was doing a research project for our government in Siad after the last war, before their father died. That's when I met Prince Ali, was introduced to his brother, and we became good friends, but now they're fighting each other over stupidity!"
Now it was Dr. Cooper's turn to be depressed, but he didn't let it get to him.
"I don't know what I could do, Doc, but I'll try to think of something."
"Just rest, son. I know you need it. We don't need you sick now. You're a big help to us. We don't know what we'd do without you!"
"Tell Dr. Horton I'll be in to see him, and soon. I've got something to ask him; something important, about my powers."
"All right," Cooper beamed from ear to ear. "Take it easy, son!"
"Oh! I've got something for you!" Mike added, and brought him the new MLC drawing. Then he was gone as quickly as he'd come. Mike sighed deeply, and sat on the sofa again. He picked up the paper and stared at the main article for a long, long time. "I wish I could help so much," he said aloud, "but there's nothing I can do."
"Who said there's nothing?" came a deep male voice, out of nowhere.
Mike jumped and looked behind him. There stood the form of a man wearing the costume of someone from the mid-east countries, one of the desert people. He was a handsome, middle aged man, with a full gray beard. There was a certain glow around him that made Mike realize this person must be a spirit, like Horton always talked about. After all, there was no way a flesh and blood human being could have entered the apartment without Mike's knowledge of it. He had done a security check on the place when he'd moved in. It was perfectly all right.
"Who are you?" Mike asked, awed by the vibrations of the noble appearing stranger.
"My identity is not important," the spirit said, "many people followed me in my lifetime, and I did many mysterious things that would put even your abilities to shame. I am he who speaks for Allah."
"I think I know who you are! But why do you visit me? I've never seen a spirit before. I'm not afraid, just confused. Is it about something I've done?"
"In a way. You wished to help those men in the other country to stop the war. I have come to help you fulfill your wish."
"Really? How?" Mike was amazed. He felt like Alladin in possession of the magic lamp! This was fantastic!
"Just come along, and fly with me. I will guide you to the places you seek, and the people you should speak with. I will also tell you what you need to say, and you must do exactly what I tell you to succeed."
"How should we start?"