Mac remained skeptical. “Were you able to warn yourself when you kept dying and reviving in Lake Vostok?”

“No. But the entity can read my mind. It will know what I seek. One thing I do know: if Colonel Vacendak gets to the portal first, it gives the military access to a device that can alter our species’ evolution in the cosmos. And that makes us a threat to these E.T.s. Humanity’s already in timeout for detonating nuclear weapons; there’s no way MJ-12 will be allowed to access the higher dimensions. Our species will be annihilated before that happens.”

Jonas turned to Mac. “Have Mr. Reed prepare one of the Mantas for launch. Get Dr. Wallace everything he needs, and pack my ECW gear as well. I’m going with him.”

Mac looked shocked. “Jonas, you don’t honestly believe this nonsense?”

“I’ve been drinking, so I’m not sure what I believe. All I know is that Zach was given information seven years ago that could have altered our planet’s future for the good. Maybe this was just a trial run to see if humanity was ready. Regardless, if there’s even a remote chance of altering what happened today and saving David, then I’m willing to take it.”

The two men embraced.

“Mac, see to it that my son is taken to Davis Base and shipped to Monterey for the funeral. If his mother calls again, tell her—”

“Tell her nothing,” I said. “Mac, whether you believe this or not, no one can know. The people on board that research vessel, if they suspect I’m alive and chasing down their sub, they’ll go after your loved ones just like they went after mine.”

Jonas sat down to think. “Zach’s right. We need to fly both of our families somewhere safe until we return.”

“Terry’s in shock, Jonas. She won’t go anywhere until after the funeral, and there will be no convincing her otherwise.”

“Contact bin Rashidi, tell him I need to speak with the crown prince. I’ll ask him to arrange a special ceremony at the Dubai aquarium, honoring David and all those who died today. You call Terry. Tell her David’s body was flown to the United Arab Emirates along with the other dead crewmen. Tell her I’m already en route. Then have your wife arrange a private jet to fly both our families to the Middle East as soon as possible. I’ll ask the crown prince to safeguard them and delay the ceremony until you and I arrive.

“If this works”—Jonas looked hard at me—“there won’t be a funeral.”

“And if it doesn’t… ? Never mind. C’mon, Zach, let’s get you what you need.”