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[Author's Note]
This is the third in a series of deleted sections (from my first draft) that detail the initialinvestigation into the anomalous geo-magnetic signal discovered by Buck Morrow. In thissection Mike discovers a regrettable underbelly of the military and starts work on the Squid, afree-swimming submersible capable of diving 20,000 feet under the sea.
 
 The Next MorningThe persistent knocking on his door woke Mike Liu from a sound sleep. "Who's there?""Open this door!" demanded the deep male voice.Mike got out of bed, put on his pants, and went to the door. Opening the door, he wasconfronted by two Caucasian males, dressed in civilian suits. Both men were heavy set, theirshirts yellowed with age, and suits ill-fitted. Pushing their way into Mike's room, they started tomove about the room casually looking at Mike's possessions."Who are you and what do you want?" asked an obviously peeved Mike Liu."We're f'rom tha D.I.A.," said John Thompson, flashing a gold badge and identificationcard at Mike."I don't care who you are. You have no right to barge in here and paw through mybelongings," said an increasingly angry Mike Liu. "I am a Naval officer, and I will not stand forthis treatment from you or any one.""Look, boy. I'm not gonna argue wit yew. jest git dressed, u'r comin' wit us."What?" asked an incredulous Mike Liu. Then he saw the handle of a .38 caliber PoliceSpecial poking out of a holster strapped to the waist of the D.I.A. agent. "Am I under arrest?""Jest com' wit us."All that the two Defense Intelligence Agency agents allowed Mike to do was to put on hisdress shirt, shoes, and socks. They took Mike out to an unmarked army green sedan and placedhim in the rear seat. As the car pulled out of the motel parking lot, Tom Sevson opened the doorto his room and noticed that Mike was being driven away by two men in what appeared to be anarmy sedan."Operator, can you get me 213-667-4555," said Tom Sevson.The young seaman picked up the ringing telephone, "Lieutenant Commander RobertMcHugh's Office.""Is the Commander in?""One moment, Sir. I'll see if he is busy. Who may I say is calling?""Tom Sevson, tell him it's an emergency.""What's up, Tom?" answered a worried Bob McHugh.
 
 "Two men in what looked like an army sedan just took Mike away from the motel,"blurted out Tom Sevson. I didn't like the looks of it so I thought I should call you.""You did the right thing, Tom. I'll get right on it. Were they in uniform?""No."Bob McHugh shouted out to Yeoman's Mate Billy Tedley, "Billy, see if you can get theProvost Marshal at the Presidio in San Francisco.""Provost Marshal's Office.""Please hold for Lieutenant Commander Robert McHugh, United States Navy," saidYeoman's Mate Billy Tedley. "Commander, I've got the Provost Marshal's office on the line.""Can I speak to the Provost? This is important military business.""This is Captain John Wilson.""Captain Wilson, this is Lieutenant Commander Robert McHugh, Office of theOceanographer of the Navy. I just found out that one of my men, Ensign Aloysius Liu, was justtaken into custody by two men driving an army sedan. Is there anything that you can do to helpme find this man. He is on a military mission of the highest priority. Captain, if he isn't found,there could be serious, serious consequences.""Commander, I'm not aware of any arrests of Naval personnel in my district. In addition,my guys usually do not go out in civilian clothes. It almost sounds like it could be someone fromthe Defense Intelligence Agency. I'll try to find out something, what is your telephone number?"After giving Captain Wilson Mike's name and rank and his telephone number, BobMcHugh returned the handset to its cradle.It was almost noon before John Wilson was able to get back to Bob McHugh."Commander, as far as I can determine Ensign Liu was picked up for questioning by the D.I.A.For what reason, I don't know. I don't think he is under arrest, but he is being held by the DIAwho are asking him about some information he was apparently trying to obtain.""Shit! Excuse me Captain, that wasn't meant for you.""That's okay, I understand. Is there something more I can help you with," asked JohnWilson."Who should I talk to?""I gather the agent in charge is a John Thompson. He can be reached at 415-LI-5-4336."
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