Dr. Kenneth Early, a metallurgist by profession, had been placed in charge of arguably the most valuable pieces of cargo in the history of the world, at least that's what he kept telling himself. Garrison Lee had selected him personally to make sure the crates they were transporting arrived safely in Nevada. They would have flown to Las Vegas Army Airfield but the dangers of an aerial mishap dictated they travel by secure truck convoy, and Lee had provided ten of his best security people to guard this unusual cargo.

The doctor fought his way back to the lead truck and waved at the driver inside, then proceeded to the green government Chevrolet at the head of the column. He opened the rear door and was grateful for the shelter the car provided. He removed his hat and shook it out, creating a small dust cloud and making his security driver cough.

"Sorry, it's really blowing out there" Early said as he threw his hat on the seat beside him, then took his thick glasses out of his coat. He placed them on his nose, then leaned forward, placing his elbows on the front seat. "Any luck with the radio yet?"

"Not a word, Doc, it's probably the storm; these army-surplus radios just aren't that good when it comes to weather."

"Damn, Lee will have my butt if we don't let him know we had to pull off, it screws up his time schedule," Early said trying to peer through the side window. "I don't much like sitting here out in the middle of nowhere."

"Me neither, Doc. To tell you the truth, knowing what's in those crates, hell, I can't seem to look at the world the same as I did yesterday." The driver swallowed and turned his head to look at Early. "There's some really bad scuttlebutt goin' round, Doc, really creepy stuff."