Thanks for returning. This installment brings the Matt's recruits together and the threat is revealed.
*****
Scott approached the booth, and before he could say anything he was waved to the seat. "You're late. Did you bring my item?"
As Scott squeezed into the booth across from the man he couldn't help by appreciate how enormous the man he was facing was. He felt dwarfed by comparison. Struggling to keep his wits, trying not to totally intimidated he coolly looked up at the man and answered.
"Yeah, it's right here," Scott pulled out the case containing the ray gun from his backpack.
"Good, hand it over." The man said roughly.
Scott compiled and watched as the stranger opened the case, then closed it setting it by his side.
"So, what did you think? Fucking incredible huh?" The large man said, smiling and more jovial than Scott would have expected.
"Uh, yeah. Fucking amazing! Did you invent it? How long does the hypnosis thing if that's what it is last?
Ignoring his questions, he extended his hand, "My name is Matt Storm." Scott reached out and took the huge hand and shook it. "Scott Mitchell. But you already know that."
"I do." Matt said. "I don't have a lot of time, I'm sorry for that but it can't be helped. I see that you've grown a little since you first used the item. Good, but I'm afraid I will have to accelerate that a bit more." Matt reached across the table and pulled Scott's arm close and stabbed it with some kind of needle device.
"Ow! What the fuck man!" Scott yelled as he tried to pull his arm back, but it wouldn't budge.
Matt hit him with another injection and then let his arm go.
Scott looked horrified. He wanted to say something, but it appeared he was having an allergic reaction to the injections, he couldn't talk his throat seemed to be swelling shut. His heart was pounding; he began sweating profusely and was losing consciousness.
Then like a jolt of adrenaline he shot up sitting straight and tall. He was wide alert although he didn't feel himself, he was calm.
"There that's better. Do you want something to eat, drink? I have a lot to cover and you're going to be busy the next couple of days."
Scott was suddenly very hungry. He waved to Patty, she was there in a flash. "Patty let me have a Denver Omelet combo, a side of sausage patties, two biscuits and a large milk." He paused and looked at Matt. "Just another water, honey. Please make sure to keep my glass full." Matt handed her a fifty-dollar bill, she smiled and said, "Sure sweetie."
Patty was back with Scott's food in short order. In the meantime, Scott asked Matt the standard questions, who was he, where did he come from, what did you inject me with and the most important, why?
Matt let loose a hardy laughed. It was a laugh that if not drugged Scott would have been insulted by. But when Matt finished he apologized and explained. "Scott for a young primitive you are more astute than I gave you credit for, so I am going to level with you. What the hell, if you freak out I can simply wipe your mind and we can try again." He leaned in closer to Scott, not that he had to. The diner was now almost empty, there was no one near the two. Nevertheless, he put on a show for the earthling.
"I'm not from around here. I'm recruiting young people like yourself to help save your planet from an invading space creatures. My people don't think your puny planet is worthy of the investment of time and resources, but I disagree. That is why I have drugged you again. I drugged you earlier when you first picked up the gun. Do you remember the prick on the heel of your hand?"
Matt pulled an envelope from out of his jacket pocket and placed it in front of Scott. "You should have noticed that your wardrobe is becoming a little small if not impossible to wear. Here's a few bucks to help pay for the new threads you're going to need. I'd recommend you go there from here."
Scott picked up the envelope and leafed through a stack of over twenty one hundred dollar bills. He opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out.
"Scott, close your mouth and eat your food." Matt laughed again. "That's impossible, I know." He laughed again. "Look, in your current puny state, you can't help, you'd only get yourself killed and doesn't help any of us out. I'm counting on you being the techie brains of my team. You're plenty smart and clever. You've shown imagination getting into the pants of all three of your roommates without letting on about the gun."
Scott blushed as he continued to eat his meal. He had questions but he decided it better to let Matt finish his story.
"I know what you're going to ask," Matt said. "You're worried about school and your classes. Don't be. You will pass all your classes and learn more on this mission than you'd learn in those stuffy antiquated classes. You will maintain your GPA and graduate with honors and if all goes well save your tiny blue planet in the process."
Scott had finished all his food and took the last swig of his milk. Patty used that moment to pick up the empty plates and refill Matt's water glass. When she left, Matt looked at Scott and said. "Now for your questions.
Scott found that he felt a lot better and the drugs seemed to allow him to be more himself. "Okay, let me get this straight, you're from outer space..."
Matt interrupted him. "No, I'm from Iowa, I just work in outer space."
Scott continued. "...and obviously, a Star Trek fan."
Matt smiled and nodded.