OUR OWN WORST ENEMY

Helipad Number Nine had become a battle of wills-- the future humans demanding full control of the base and General Farrell unwilling to relinquish command.

"General," their leader began, "I have made my intentions very clear.  I wish control of this installation.  If you do not comply immediately, I will have you killed and will assume control anyway."

"Is that right?  You're not in much of a position to make threats.  Do you see all those guns pointed at your head?  The first move you make that I even consider hostile, I'll have my men blow you and those other things into the next millennium where you belong.  I have witnesses here who will attest to the fact that we were in imminent danger and had to fire."

The creature’s head slowly spun, scanning the soldiers.  It snapped back quickly to Farrell.  "I have no wish to continue this any further, General.  You have had your chance to surrender.  There will be no more.”  He slowly turned to Hiller.  “Mr. Hiller, would you step away from the general and Mr. Toomer, please?"

Toomer slowly moved back.  "I'm not liking this, general!" he said.

"Relax, Mr. Toomer.  As I've said, they're in no position to do anything here."

The leader of the future humans continued to communicate telepathically.   "Mr. Hiller, I request of you one final time, please step away from the General and Mr. Toomer."

"And if I don't?"

"Then you will be killed also."

"Do as he says, Mr. Hiller," said General Farrell.  "I want them to start something so we can take 'em out."

Hiller walked off the helipad and immediately yelled to General Farrell.  "General, I will support any decision you make here to the President.  If you have to fire, fire!"

The future human began walking toward General Farrell.  It was a very slow, menacing walk, a walk that seemed completely measured and calculated.

"You take one more step," General Farrell said, "and it'll be your last!"

The creature continued his slow walk.

"Gentlemen, fire!"  Farrell ordered his troops.

"Gentlemen!  Fire!" he repeated, with no compliance from any of his men.  "I order you to fire!"

Not one bullet flew.  The creature stopped walking.

"Let me show you how it's done, General," he communicated.  "Troops, turn your guns on the General and Mr. Toomer."

In unison, all the soldiers turned around and took aim on the two men.  General Farrell was livid.  "I'll have every last one of you court martialed.  Get those guns off me, now!" he hollered.

"It's no use, General.  They're under my command now.  Before I have them open fire, do you have anything final to say?"

"Fuck you, dickless!” he growled.  “What did you do to my men?"

"Sorry, General.  That's a question you'll carry to eternity.”  The creature turned his back on Farrell and began to walk away.  “Gentlemen, kill these two."

"Noooo!  Don't!" Hiller screamed.

Gunfire rang out on Helipad Number Nine as Hiller looked away.  When the shooting stopped, General Farrell and Mr. Toomer lay dead.  Hiller was beside himself as blood slowly pooled up and oozed away from the bodies.  Farrell was face down, his head near Toomer’s feet.  Toomer’s face was pockmarked by bullet holes.  Hiller’s fists clench