Acceleration

by Lin Larson

“Funny, Silas” he snapped. “I know the plans. Are the tranquilizers ready and being pumped into the municipal water system? We can’t hold control with our people, if you don’t do your part also.”

  “It’s already begun.” Silas cooed. “They should be sheep by Friday, the thirteenth. Do you like my choice of dates? The coup has begun. They just don’t know it yet.” Silas chortled. “It’s a big operation. Taking out Washington and Moscow at the same time is inspired. Two centers of countries will be destroyed. This will show our country and the world that we can do anything and anywhere. They’ll all fear us. Other nations will bow down to us. Now, logistically, we have control of twelve military installations, fifty city water supplies, and an armed takeover of New York. We couldn’t have even considered this magnificent victory without my little drug babies.”

  “The pills,” the Colonel chuckled. “Do the labs think they can keep up the massive production?”

  “They have to. We need special people to lead our nation and the world now. We need supreme intelligence. It’s the only way. Otherwise we become overpowered by mediocrity, stupidity, and its resident do-gooders. We need super-intelligence, power, strength, and will. This is the way. Don’t you feel better since you started the medication, Colonel?”

  “Yes, I do. My emphysema has been cured too. It’s a miracle, Silas. I owe you a lot. But, what if the people don’t want our leadership or they fight back?”

  “Colonel, we have had this conversation before. It bores me. With our medicine and our military victory, we will have cut off the people’s urges and needs for rebellion. Anyway, who can resist what we offer. We’ll end their foolish little global wars, and they’ll look up to us, to us, Colonel.” Jensen was shouting now.

  “But what about Quint?” the Colonel was shaking Jensen. “Stop shouting. You’re crazier than he is, Silas!”

  “You bet I am, crazy with victory. That’s why I can plan all this. Quint is a fool. Anyway he is getting unstable. He was exposed to the early forms of the medication. He will be eliminated as soon as he’s done his job. It’s amazing what these little pills can do. I’ve come so far.” Silas pulls out a bottle of pills and gulps down a handful. The Colonel hands him a glass of water.

  “Silas, you shouldn’t take more than two a day.”

  “I’m the leader. I need the most.”

  “And what about me?” the Colonel said in a voice that seethed with jealousy.

  “You are my partner, Old Buddy. You may take as many as you want.” Jensen laughed again uncontrollably. “Come on old Bud, let’s get off of my ship of geniuses. I think the President’s plane can handle this storm.”

  “You are very confident, Silas. Oh, hell, you’re right. Give me your arm, you bastard.” The Colonel said. “A drink sounds good before we leave. It may keep us from getting seasick. Let’s go to the bar.”

  “Yes, good,” said Silas Jensen. The men walked out and closed the door behind them. The cabin became silent.

  Sam emerged from the shower stall. He sat on the bed with hands twitching. He f forced them to stop. He was shocked and overwhelmed at how far this plot had spread. And Jensen, what a fool he is to take the drug. He knew it was dangerous, but he couldn’t resist the power. And the pills are so addictive that now thousands of people have been trapped in their lure? There must also be mighty big factories churning out the pill garbage. Oh, Sean, look what you’ve done. Scientific discoveries without moral responsibility could destroy us all. Sam buried his face in his hands in despair.

  Sam suddenly brought up his head. He needed to get moving and search more cabins. He found the young cabin steward again. He felt badly, but he had to contain his movements so he could explore the other cabins. He bound the boy in the confines of the Colonel’s old cabin. He apologized but knew it wouldn’t help the poor kid’s feelings. He dispatched the youth of his passkeys and thanked him anyway.

  The search of the adjoining cabins progressed without fruition. They were starkly empty. Sam found few belongings and no clues. Then he heard a key being inserted into a lock. This time the closet was his refuge. He made it just in time.

  There were no voices. A person seemed to be packing his luggage. Sam heard a swish of material and met the eyes of a startled white-haired gentleman. Sam grinned sheepishly and his bent fist jutted out from the enclosure and into the bewildered face. The impact knocked the fellow to the floor. Sam delivered a final blow and the man was out.

  “Sorry, Sir, ah- General. Oops, another big shot. Listen old timer, do you mind if I borrow your stunning clothes? Of course you don’t. It’s a good cause. You see, yours should open more doors and answers for me. Sleepy, huh? It’s been a hell of a night. Get comfortable, it’s going to get longer.” Sam searched his pockets. “Orders! You don’t mind if I just take a little peek?”

  The papers indicated a little town outside in Idaho. The due date for arrival was the thirteenth. Bingo. It had to be the bunker location. Now for the factories. The suitcase gave no further information. Sam unclothed the general and secured him in the closet. He felt rather like a chameleon. The uniform was a close fit, but the decorations were impressive. He pocketed the orders and the wallet. “Good bye, Sir. Thanks for everything. They’ll find you, eventually.”

  Sam picked up the suitcase and strutted towards what he presumed was the exit from the ship. He was then carried along by a noisy group, and into a waiting speedboat. The storm had abated to only a steady rain. The winds still battered the boat but had lost its urge to sink and destroy.

  A guard offered the general a poncho.

  “Thank you, Mister.” Sam barked in his best military style.

  The boat heaved itself along with the pull of the waves. The rain had beaten down the voices. Everyone concentrated on holding the rail and seeing through the downpour.

  Sam was jolted as the little craft bumped into the floating pier. Stocky guards lifted out the bedraggled elite. One pulled Sam aside and saluted.

  “General, the military lodging is at Bluepoint Hotel. Shall I drive you?” he said.

  “Sam responded gruffly. “Yes, that’s good. Where’s the car? I can’t see a thing in this

  confounded rain!”

  “This way, Sir.” The man said.

  Sam trailed the driver through the cloister of cars. He picked up a fist size rock as he stomped along. The driver soon wiped his wet face, turned the ignition key, and slumped in his seat.

  “Sorry. I need the car, but not you.” Sam said as he slid the man over.

  He drove a few miles and closed in on a solitary tree hugging the highway. He pulled the driver through the mud and up against the tree. He found a rope in the trunk of the limo and tied up his victim.

  “I’m getting good at these knots, friend. Don’t worry, someone will see you from the road in the morning, I think. Just do me a favor and don’t talk too soon. Okay? Just nod your head. Aw, shucks, you can’t as yet. Too bad.” Sam patted the guy’s cheek and sloshed back to his vehicle.

  Sam plowed away through the flooded highway towards a little innocent beach restaurant, the Macaw.

  CHAPTER 37

  Eon Gustafson ran his big hand through his blond hair. He had just turned his life upside down or did he? It wasn’t his fault that he was curious. Now here he was at a party that was more like a coven, and it was run by the President of the United States. On top of it all, he had pledged fidelity to a famous dead author who had been accused of murder. He had to get out of here. First, he had to calm down with a stiff drink or something.

  Eon looked at the drink tray despondently. “You haven’t got a coke, do you?” he said to the waiter. “Scotch would be even better!”

  “No,” the guy snipped back.

  “I already asked.” A feminine voice answered.

  Eon searched for the source. Yes, it was definitely feminine.

  “I love your locks,” Elizabeth Martin grabbed onto his arm and swayed. “Oops. I’m tipsy. I’ve had too much of the orange stuff
.” She giggled and snuggled along his body. Her long dark hair flowed across Eon’s face as he pulled away.

  “Sweetheart, let’s talk first, although I do find you stunning. It must be that purple dress against all this orange.”

  “You like this little dress,” she rose it slightly. Her beckoning smile vanished. Her slim hands with their deep purple nails clutched against her abdomen.

  “You okay, baby?” Eon blurted out.

  ‘Sure,” she gulped the air and tore out a bottle of pills from her beaded handbag. “I need more medicine.” She fumbled with the lavender capsules.

  Eon looked around. “Do you need a drink of water?”

  “No,” she said as she popped them in her mouth. “I need more.” She shook the now empty bottle. “Excuse me, I gotta call this little number on the label.” Martin started to walk away but tripped and fell back against Eon.

  “I’ll call for you, when we get ashore. I’ll hold it for you until then so it’s safe. How about you getting in one of those little boats with me. We’ll leave this bash to the sharks.” Eon winked.

  “Only if you’ll love me,” Martin swayed and muttered.

  “That won’t be hard.” Eon replied.

  Martin offered her hand and leaned her whole body against him. “I might need a little boost into that boat though and…” she grinned, “And, I might get sick on it. Do you mind?”

  “No.” Eon pocketed the empty pill bottle. “I’ll probably throw up with you.” He guided the lady ahead of him.

  They were stopped at the door. “Hold it,” the guard sneered. “Oh, Miss Martin. I didn’t realize it was you. Go right through.”

  “Thank you. You look very nice in your uniform, kiddo,” she slurred.

  “Yes, ma’am. Thanks.”

  Martin nodded to Eon. “The guard likes me. He wants me, but I’m too good for him.”

  “Yes, you are.” Eon answered, as he helped her into the launch and slipped his jacket over her slim bare arms.

  Martin sank against him, as the launch began to move. Something made Eon feel her pulse. It was there but faint. He looked down into her fine features. His eyes bulged open. She was twisting up with pain.

  “Honey, what’s wrong?”

  “I hurt so badly.” She began to cry. “I’m sorry to lean on you. I don’t even know you.”

  “Yes, I know. Listen, we’re almost to shore. I’ll get these guys to get you an ambulance. Just hold on.” Eon said.

  “Something is stabbing me in the pocket of your coat,” she desperately pulled the cell phone from Eon’s coat’s pocket. “A phone. I hate it. I hate everything. I hurt so bad.”

  “Give it to me, Elizabeth. “It’s mine.”

  “No no no. It hurt me. No no no.” She threw the phone into the ocean, then suddenly sat still, blinked repeatedly, and leaned back against Eon. Her thin shoulders shook as she cried softly. “I hurt. Oh, I hurt so much. I’m sorry, sir. I think I threw your phone away.

  .....“Oh, baby. It’s only a phone.”

  Elizabeth gasped. “Ahhhhh!”

  Eon whispered, “Elizabeth, Elizabeth, are you okay?”

  She didn’t answer, but he felt her breathing beside him. He knew nothing could be done until the boat reached the shore. He felt it shift against the pellets of rain, but it held together. They bounced closer to the unseen docks. He wished it would hurry faster.

  Eon looked around impatiently. The lights on the boat grotesquely shadowed the disheveled and diverse group. Two military men were in the rear. The forward hull held two ladies in colorful silk dresses that were now plastered to their shapely bodies. Two business types in suit coats were gritting their teeth impatiently against the cold and rain.

  Eon felt his lady suddenly gasp and looked down apprehensively. He didn’t like this at all.

  Martin was clawing at her face. “This can’t be right. No!” she mumbled. No”

  That’s when he really saw her. “Oh!” Eon pulled away. He starred at the small tortured lady that huddled in his coat. She had changed horribly. The skin on her face was shriveling, even as the rain slid down her sinking cheeks. Her limbs twisted, as pain erupted over her body. Spidery blood vessels climbed and choked her breathing skin. Elizabeth Martin then gasped and slumped forward. Eon caught her and barely breathed. He knew that she was dead. He didn’t need to check for a pulse.

  He felt the boat suddenly slam against the dock. He pulled his wallet from his coat and eased Elizabeth back against her seat. The pill bottle fell from her lap. He stared in shock and sorrow one last time at the deceased body of Elizabeth Martin and the bottle.

  Eon picked up the bottle and ran from the boat. He didn’t stop until the rain had swallowed up the voices which called to him. He was not about to return. He saw the flickering lights of the limousines. He hurled himself at one and ripped the driver from his seat. He rammed his fist at the shocked face. He had never hurt anyone before, but now he wanted to strike out at everyone and anything. He banged his huge body on the steering column as he climbed into the car. Eon threw the car in gear and tore through the mud and exploded onto the highway.

  Eon Gustafson wanted desperately to put the hellish picture of the dying Elizabeth Martin behind him. He doubted however, that he ever would.

  #

  Eon had no idea where the Macaw was located, but he’d find it. He wanted desperately to get the guys responsible for Elizabeth Martin’s suffering and cruel death. He hoped he had headed in the right direction. He’d give it an hour and then travel the road again in the opposite direction. The Macaw had to be on this road somewhere. He was desperate to see Sam again. Only Sam could understand what had happened and how he felt. Then they would take action. The bad guys must be stopped and they must pay for the horror and pain they are causing.

  The longer the rain splashed and the wipers pulled against it, the more the night felt like a bad dream. Eon yearned to open his eyes wide soon and be back in his comfortable ranch house in the Hollywood Hills. A physicist, as mundane and careful as he was, would never stumble upon such a horror as he had just seen. That was too crazy, awful, and unreal.

  Eon suddenly looked down at his white knuckles on his hands and relaxed his grip on the steering wheel. He was no coward though. He must calm down. He was not going to run away merely because he was afraid. Fear wakes a person up to reality, but he never wanted this kind of reality No one would. He had never been so horrified and frightened in his life… Eon spent the next hour trying to calm himself.

  #

  7 A.M., Sam Stone glanced down at the General’s watch that he had confiscated. It had an alarm set for 800 hours on the 13th. Was that the time of the missile launch or the personnel invasion? Whatever. He’d get there early.

  Sam stretched his legs under the small restaurant table. He felt somewhat refreshed after pulling up to a motel for the remainder of the night. The shower and couple of hours of sleep had done wonders. He was ready to go. He looked at the single fresh rose on the small table. It brought back sweet memories of Susie. She always had fresh flowers on her table every morning. She would go for a walk in the early morning hours before Sam had stirred. She’d then stop at the corner market. The owner would be just getting in his delivery, and he always made sure he had fresh daisies or roses for his favorite customers. Susie said it meant the day would be lucky. He leaned impulsively over and inhaled the aroma as he reached for his coffee. Nice.

  “More coffee, General?” A grey-haired lady in a t-shirt and jeans held the pot of steaming brew aloft of Sam’s cup.

  “Thanks, I’d like that. You’ve been here a long time, haven’t you?”

  “Yes, Sir, it’s my second home. I thought you looked familiar, but I couldn’t place you. I’m Anna.”

  “Anna, yes. I used to come here while I was a sophomore at the University. I changed schools for the next two years after that. But, I have great memories of your songs on the guitar, performed right here. You still sing your ballads?”


  “That was over ten or more years ago. I was also a good thirty years older than you, even then. It’s funny. I thought I was going to bring back the era of Joni Mitchell or Joan Baez. But, I found out that the world didn’t want to go back to my youth or change really anything at all. So now I work the early hours to watch the sun come up with my coffee. Anyway, we only have the song-fests on Friday and Saturday nights now. You can still come though. The young people are taught to be tolerant of the older idealists like me. And you’re still young enough to sort of fit in, but I’d leave the military uniform at home. Actually, you look pretty young to be a general. You must have gone through some life changes, if you remember my music. Your life must have stories to tell. What did you say your first name was?”

  “I didn’t. Sorry to be so secretive, but just call me General.” Sam looked at her warmly. “You’ve got a real nice place here. Would you leave the bill?

  “Sure thing, handsome. You sure do look young. You must have borrowed that uniform. I like to tease. Did you really win all those ribbons?” She leaned against the table and was enjoying the conversation

  Sam gulped the hot coffee and almost choked on the irony of the lady’s comments. “Coffee is hot! Anna, are you flirting with me or just being your charming friendly self?”

  “A lady is never too old to flirt, and thank you for the compliment. I’ll let you read your paper in peace now, sorry, I promise.”

  “Anna, you may come back, anytime.” Sam smiled. The lady was as delightful a touch as any rose on a table. He watched her flounce away like a teenager.

  “General, may I join you now? I’m not as pretty, but I like you too.”

  Sam looked up into the blue eyes of a commanding presence.

  “Eon Gustafson. Yes, of course. I’ve had enough charming chitchat. I’m glad you made it. Do you still feel the same as last night?” Sam eyed him warily; had the man changed his mind or had it been changed for him?

  “More so. I’ve been through hell since I saw you last. A girl died in my arms.” Eon lowered his head. “She changed horribly, right before me. I think it was because of the pills. I couldn’t do anything to help her. I left her on the boat and ran. I highjacked a car and have been driving around all night. I fell asleep in the car outside here. I feel awful. Mind if I drink your coffee?”