Pit Bulls vs Aliens by Neal Wooten Page A

Gulf Stream, I’m afraid that’s out of my territory.”
    “Maybe they’re just lost,” Thomas offered. “I mean, whales aren’t very bright, are they?”
    Sally almost went off on him until she noticed the devious smile and realized he was baiting her.
    “Wait,” Dr. McNair said, holding the first map, the one with the dotted current lines and measurements of water temps. “What’s this line? Is it an error on the photo?”
    Sally and Thomas leaned in. Not far off the westernmost point of North Africa was a very faint shadow.
    “I’m sure that’s just a printing error,” Sally said.
    Dr. McNair started punching the keys on his computer. “Let’s get a current satellite view.” He played with the mouse and keyboard until he got what he wanted. He looked up at them both. “You’re not going to believe this.”
    Both of them jumped out of their seats and walked around behind him, one on each side. They stared at the large computer screen in awe. There was the same faint line.
    “It’s probably just a reef,” Sally said.
    “Visible from space?” Dr. McNair asked.
    “Maybe a whale,” Thomas said.
    Dr. McNair put two fingers on the lines at the bottom of the map that marked the length in miles, then on the mystery line. “Yep, could be a whale, if whales grow to a hundred miles long.”
    Thomas leaned a little closer. “It looks like the outline of a spaceship to me.”
    Sally scoffed.
    Dr. McNair smiled as he realized the opportunity for an expedition had finally presented itself. “Whatever it is, we need to find out. Who’s up for a field trip?”
    Sally nodded.
    “You want me to go too?” Thomas asked.
    Dr. McNair leaned back in his chair and stared up at him. “You’re the only alien expert we have.”
    Thomas smiled. “I’m in. Who’s buying?”
    “The Climatology Department can pick up the bill, even though this is more your area, Ms. Xie,” Dr. McNair said.
    “Why don’t we have the coast guard or someone go by there?” Sally asked.
    “Not a chance,” Dr. McNair said. “Okay, Thomas and I will go without you.”
    “No, no,” Sally said. “I’m in.”
    “Great,” Thomas said. Then he looked at Sally. “But just remember, this is a professional investigation. No funny stuff.”
    “Are you sure you want to take the class clown?” Sally asked.
    “Of course, I’m sure,” Dr. McNair said.
    “Thank you, Stephen.” Thomas sat back with his chest sticking out in pride.
    “Because if we really find aliens,” Dr. McNair said, “I want someone expendable to sacrifice so we can get away.”

Chapter Nine
    “Why didn’t we get a launch confirmation?” General Nickerson huffed as he leaned over the airman’s shoulder, his frustration actually seeming to raise the temperature in the tomb of electronic devices, the control room at NORAD. He was a large man, over 240 pounds, and stood over six feet tall. He was a daunting figure by all standards, especially to those of lower rank, but this situation was making him even more intimidating.
    Airman Rodriguez squirmed a little uncomfortably in his seat. He didn’t answer. He kept staring at the screen as if the answer might appear, but the screen took the Fifth Amendment.
    Every controller in the room sat up straighter while they stared at their own screens as if hoping to aid the airman’s lack of an answer. But it turned into a library as you could even hear the general’s breathing.
    “What’s the target?” the general asked.
    The airman punched a few buttons, and the left big screen in the front of the huge room filled with the world map outline. “Central America, sir. It looks like the inbound will hit Panama. There are six total.”
    The general stared at the big screen and rubbed his chin. His large frame breathed heavily, making the three stars on each shoulder rise and fall. Perspiration began to form on his bald head. “Panama? Who would want to bomb Panama?”
    “Maybe they’re going after the canal,”