Galactic Envoy

“We have a lot to talk about tonight, Cathy.” said the Administrator.  “I hope you didn’t have any plans?”

Cathy looked toward Sandee, who had walked up to the plane with Bill. 

“I’m sure they can be canceled easily, sir,” said Sandee. 

“I’d like you to meet a friend of mine, sir,” said Cathy, motioning to Sandee.  “This is Sandee Winston of the Public Affairs Office.”

“Glad to meet you Sandee,” acknowledged the Administrator, shaking hands with Sandee.  The administrator then looked over to the director.  “Ted, you can send your assistant home, she won’t be needed, tonight,” he said.  “You and Cathy can join me on the plane, we are going to Washington for a meeting.”

Cathy, Sandee and Bob looked at each other.  Cathy did not like this one bit.  “Can I ask what this is all about?” asked Cathy. 

“I’m afraid until we are airborne, I can’t say anything,” said the administrator. 

“Would it be possible for Sandee to accompany us?” asked Cathy, realizing there was safety in numbers. 

The administrator looked into the airplane.  A voice said OK. 

“What is your clearance, Sandee?” asked the administrator. 

“My current access is none, but I have had a secret clearance in the past,” responded Sandee. 

The administrator looked into the plane at a gentleman standing near the door, but not recognizable.  There was a pause.  Cathy could hear two muffled voices. 

“Approved,” came the response from the gentleman. 

Sandee looked a little hesitant at the idea of taking a plane trip.  She looked at Cathy and saw an expression of ‘help’ on it.  She nodded yes.  As Sandee did, Cathy’s face looked relieved.  Then, Sandee remembered her daughter who was at home alone, and asked: “How long are we going to be gone, sir?”

The administrator looked into the plane and the gentleman responded: “Till tomorrow afternoon, at least.”

Sandee looked at Ted.  “I’ve got a 16-year old daughter at home who thinks I’m just gone for a few hours.  She expects me back before midnight.”

Before Ted can respond, a voice from the plane said: “You can call her from the plane.  If necessary, we can make arrangements for someone to stay with her.”

“She doesn’t need a baby-sitter,” said Sandee.  “She knows my cell phone number in case of emergency.”

While Ted told his assistant she wouldn’t be needed to-night, Sandee and Cathy boarded the plane with the administrator.  Both were still apprehensive about this unusual ‘trip,’ but both figured they were safe with the company involved.  They were soon joined by the director.  The mysterious gentleman had moved back into a dark seat at the rear of the plane.  Sandee and Cathy sat across from each other at a table in the front of the plane.