Muster

by Christoff Orr

  “What is that?” Stacy asked.

  “Invisible ink,” Miguel said with a tone of shock and amusement.

  Lt. Preen continued to flip through the pages, a bit slower now, pausing every so often to look at what was written. “The real question is what is it trying to say?”

  Those in the grow room, gathered around Lt. Preen as he continued to slowly thumb through the book. Each page displayed words as well as random letters and symbols. There didn’t seem to be a coherent flow from one page to another.

  “Do you have a computer?” Alberto asked as he continued to look at the writings on the book's pages.

  “Yeah, it’s not that great, and its only gets the National Internet Feed, so it’s not like you’ll be able to search much,” Stacy answered. “Here, it’s this way,” she said as she turned and walked out of the grow room. She made her way back down the hall and into through the door of the second bedroom in the house. This room was more of what a typical bedroom, in the sense that it had a bed, a small end table, and a chest of drawers. Along with its arraignment of bedroom furniture, there was a scattering of clothing which was strewn across the floor and bed. “It’s right over here,” Stacy said, as she nervously picked up some of her more private apparel.

  “Thanks,” Alberto said as he sat down on the unkempt bed, and placed the laptop computer on his legs. He paced the book next to him on the bed as he powered up the older computer.

  “I honestly don’t think you’ll able to do that great of a search on this old thing,” Stacy said, as she quickly picked up a black bra which laid next to Alberto, before quickly stuffing the unmentionable into her pants pocket. “It’s not like there is Google anymore.”

  “The text on in this book is code, computer code. It’s basically a roadmap, telling us where to go to find the real information. Trust me, where I’m going I won't need Google.” As soon as the computer powered one, he quickly depressed three keys and waited a second till a black control screen appeared. Soon A white blinking line showed up in the top left-hand corner of the screen. He looked again at the first page of the book and quickly realized something. He couldn’t read the invisible ink in her room, without the presence of the UV lights, it had one again, disappeared.

  Without saying another word, Alberto closed the laptop and made his way back into the grow room, where he proceeded to sit on the floor, next to a five-gallon orange Home Depot bucket, which had the first sprouts of green onions poking through the rich soil. Sitting down he opened the laptop once again, where the black command screen and blinking line greeted him once again. He laid the book down on the floor next to him, where he proposed it open to the first page. This time, the once hidden words, vibrantly reappeared. He started to type in the first bit of code before he stopped to look up. There standing nearly on top of him, was his father, Stacy, the Commander and Lt. Preen. “Um guys, this might take a little bit. I’m no Jonathan when it comes to writing code.”

  “But, what are you doing?” Lt. Preen asked.

  Alberto looked at as he held the book up in his left hand. “The coding written in this book is a map of the Deep Web. So I am trying to get into the Deep Web and on to the Dark Web, where I assume something useful is waiting for us.”

  “How can you access that? I thought the Government had shut down all major search engines?” The Commander asked.

  “Search engines, yes that is gone forever. But that only made up a very small amount of the internet. Not even this newly formed Government is capable of shutting the Dark Web down. But like I said, it might take me a little bit. So if you don’t mind.” Alberto said as he gestured towards the door.

  Quickly getting the hint, the four others made their way back out into the front room, where the rest of the group was still napping and taking a much-needed break. It didn’t take long for Miguel, the Command and Lt. Preen to also found themselves stretched out on the floor and fall into a deep sleep.

  Only Stacy was still awake, as she sat at the small kitchen table to read one of her favorite books. She was finishing up her copy of Jane Austen’s Emma, once again, when she saw Alberto slowly walk into the front room, still holding the laptop in his hands as he approached. She placed the book on the table and quickly rose to her feet. “Did you figure it out?”

  Alberto's eyes were red and shown clear signs of exhaustion. “Um,” He started as he took another look at the screen before turning back towards Stacy. “Yes, I think I did.” He grabbed one more look at the screen before stating in a hollow tone, “Have you ever been to Kansas?”

  24 Duplexity

  The Hole, Kansas

  Tucker laid there on his side, the dilapidated twin mattress sunk under his weight. It had long outlived its viable usefulness, thus making it perfect for Government use. It somehow ended up in this overcrowded storage room, where it was tucked in between two rows of floors to ceiling shelves full of random items. Every house has a draw affectionally referred to as the ‘junk drawer’ typically located in the kitchen or some other common room. Here down in the Hole, they had a ‘junk room’ and the mattress was its prized possession. Tucker had heard the rumors about it, and the abundant usage it received from habitual residents of the Hole, but he never thought he would one day take advantage of its usage. Yet there he laid, stark naked, covered only in the thin blanket.

  It wasn’t till after the deed was done, that Tucker took a moment to think about the hygienic integrity of the blanket that now rested upon his naked flesh. He instantly wanted to jump up and take a long hot shower but remained prone on the bed instead. Felling that jumping up and screaming like a little girl about cooties in front of the beautiful Dr. Amy, wouldn’t go over to well. It also nearly guaranty that there would be no follow up performance. He chose instead to lay there, on his side as he watched the for mentioned beautiful Dr. Amy get dressed. Once her clothing was properly positioned back on her feminine frame, she pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail. He knew he was grinning like a teenage fool, but he couldn’t help it. Finally, he spoke up, “So, how do you know we won't get caught?”

  Dr. Amy was repositioning her ID badge onto her lab coat, completely distracted from the question directed towards her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear what you asked.” She said as she looked back towards Tucker who was still laying on the bed.

  “On the way here, you said that we wouldn’t get caught. How do you know?” Tucker asked.

  Dr. Amy smiled, “There are no cameras in this room,” She said as she pointed with her right index finger to the upper corners of the small storage room. “When this facility was retrofitted for its current vocation, they didn’t install any security provisions in this room, even the doors are antiquated.” She turned to point out that the door only used a basic lock, much like one on any typical bedroom. It can be locked from the inside by simply turning the selector in the center of the knob in one direction or another. It can also just as easily be picked from the other side with something as simple as a coin. “This is the lest secure, least monitored room in this whole place.”

  Tucker, ignorant of the lack of security, just realized that anyone could have entered during their carnal satisfaction of one another. The thought terrified him and excited a little at the same time. “Why? I mean, why leave such a room so illy protected?”

  “The room itself is its own protection. This door is the only way in or out. Originally it was a service maintenance room. Just over there,” Dr. Amy pointed to the far left corner where a cement square, three feet high, and three feet by three feet square, protruded from the floor. That is the only real entrance to the service tunnels.” She paused as she smoothed down her lab coat and ensured that she looked presentable.

  “So, what’s in there?” Tucker asked as he finally removed himself from the bed. He quickly got his shorts and pants back on, oddly feeling self-conscious about his exposed body. “What’s to stop anyone from coming in or out of it?”

  “If anyone is able to enter or exit throug
h those pipes, they are some sort of superhuman. Those pipes are typically submerged, and even if they are vacant of fluids, they run for hundreds of yards in multiple direction, in pitch blackness. They would have to blindly wonder through them to get here. That is after they even find the entrance in the outside world. So, basically, there is nothing to worry about.” Dr. Amy turned to leave, however, hesitated a moment after she placed her hand on the door. She half turned, still holding on to the doorknob, as she looked back at Tucker, “This was nice. I’ll let you know when we could meet up again. Would you like that?”

  “Yes!” Tucker unexpectedly blurted out. “Um, yeah, sure,” He quickly followed up, trying to downplay his obvious excitement at the idea of being with her once again.

  Dr. Amy let a little smile on her lips, as she opened the door and exited. She quickly walked out of the room and made the turn down the narrow cement hallway. This particular hallway was a bit wider than the rest in the Hole, mainly due to the service room she had just excited. It was located on one of the higher floors, though still underground. As she walked, her heals clicked on the highly polished cement floor. A guilty but enjoyable smile arose on her lips as she couldn’t help but feel like a she was back in college. It was nice to feel truly wanted again and admired. Yes, he was a bit young and a bit of vigorous, but he was nice. An attribute that was in short supply nowadays. She paused her thoughts for a moment as she looked at the stairwell which led to the lower leaves of the Hole, debating if she should take the stairs or not. After a few seconds of internal debate, she figured she had worked out enough today, as another little smile crossed her lips. She quickly passed the stairs and made her way to the Elevator bay.

  It didn’t take long for an elevator to pick her up and deliver her down to the administration level where her office was located. Dr. Amy was so lost in her thoughts, still replaying the events that had transpired within the secluded room, that she literally screamed when she walked into her office and found Dr. Klaus sitting behind her desk. After regaining her composure she quickly asked, “What are you doing here?”

  Without looking up from the computer screen Dr. Klaus simply commented, “I wonder if he will allow us to continue with our studies?”

  “What in heavens name are you talking about?” Dr. Amy asked incredulously, her hips cocked and her arms folded.

  “Edict,” Dr. Klaus started to say as he pulled his attention away from the glowing screen and up towards Dr. Amy. “Now that he’s the one calling the shots,” He started before his line of thought was sidetracked. “What happened to you?” He quickly asked as he looked at Dr. Amy.

  “What?” Dr. Amy asked back, now feeling a bit angered and self conscious. She never liked to be questioned or accused of something, especially in the sanctuary of her own office.

  Dr. Klaus hesitated on answering as he looked her over. Finally, he spoke up, “I don’t know. You just look different. Plus,” He pointed towards Dr. Amy’s neck, “You don’t have your scarf on.”

  Instantly she shot her hand towards her neck, where he fingers only found the exposed flesh. Her fingertips ran across the still visible scar and a flood of panic coursed through her body. She shot her right hand into the pocket on her lab coat, where she had stuffed the silk barrier, prior to disrobing. Now truly disturbed and frustrated, she pulled the scarf out and began to wrap it around her neck as she growled out, “What is it that you want? I have a lot to do.”

  Dr. Klaus looked a second longer at her before he pushed himself away from her desk and stood up. “Things are going to be changing, I can guaranty that, I just suggest you keep your mind on the task at hand. Don’t get lost in distractions.” He slowly walked by her, stopping just a step beyond, as he turned back towards her, “This little, toy, of yours. It might be fun to play with right now, but is he worth everything you’ve sacrificed. After all, you don’t want to be left without a chair when the music stops.”

  Dr. Amy snapped around and looked down towards the short man, “What the hell does that suppose to mean!?”

  He quickly raised his hands in defense, “Don’t get mad at me. I’m just saying that the old man might now be around much longer. If Mr. Edict is truly going to take command in the near future, well he’s not the type to except delays or excuses.” Dr. Klaus turned back towards the door, pulled on the handle and quickly exited the room.

  Now alone, Dr. Amy stood there, arms still crossed and her mind began to race. Clearly, there is nothing she needs to worry about. Is there? After all, her department has always reached their goals, and the latest advancements she has made could be a major breakthrough. She didn’t personally know Mr. Edict, but she didn’t think him a fool. Clearly, he wouldn’t discard her entire department, all their research, all of her hard work. No, she thought as she shook her head. There’s too much as risk, to do something so brash.

  She made her way to her desk and sat down. She looked at the laptop, still open from when Dr. Klaus had it open. She minimized the open window and gazed longingly into the pictured used as her laptop wallpaper. It was a mesmerizing picture of a beach, where the beach was located she had no clue. It was a stock photo she had come across some time ago. However as she continued to look at it, she couldn’t help but dream of being on that beach. She wondered where it was if there were people on that beach at this very moment? It had been over ten years since she had taken a vacation to a beach, now as she thought about it, it seemed like a lifetime ago. As she looked around her sterile office, hidden deep within the ground, she wondered if she would ever see the beach again.

  She reached up to her neck, as her fingers pushed past the freshly wrapped scarf and felt the scared flesh. Maybe this is hell. Maybe she didn’t survive the hanging and this is just some perpetual torment for all the evil she has done. Even if it wasn’t, she knew that one day it would be. She has gone too far down the wrong path, vested too much, she knew that there were no pearly gates, now winged angelic host waiting for her soul. As she looked around, she realized this was as good as it will ever get for her. The thought left a rock in her gut, and doubt in her mind. I’ve sold my soul, and for what?

  25 Blood & Soil

  Keystone, South Dakota Territory

  The Double R Ranch originally belonged to his Rufus Reginald, the Great-Great-Great Granddad of Stonewall. Rufus was a land prospector in 1876 during the boom of Deadwood. While everyone else was looking for gold, he found his fortune buying and selling claims. It wasn’t the easiest of jobs or the safest for that matter, but it was lucrative. When eager and prospectors, overwhelmed with ‘gold fever’ came to Deadwood, Rufus would sell claims at what he would determine to be the fair market price. Then either due to lack of gold, exhaustion or fear, often those same prospectors would return to Rufus, looking to sell their claim, at any price.

  Over time Rufus was quick to realize that gold was being found less and less, while the increase in prospectors continued to grow rapidly. It was rumored that his true strike of fortune came after a long night at the local watering hole, a saloon called the Silver Tongue. It was here that Rufus heard a new arrival, fresh from New York City, offer to pay $200 for a fresh steak. Rufus strolled over and inquired of the tenderfoot, as to why he would be willing to pay such a price for a single meal. He response was that the meat found out in the plains was some of the best he had ever had. Nothing back East could even compare. This bit of information spurred Rufus and started in motion what would be the families providence.

  The next day, Rufus sold the majority of his claims and used the funds to purchase 10,000 acres of open grazing land, and three hundred head of cattle. It took time, but over the next few generations, the Double R Ranch grew into one of the largest cattle ranch, West of the Mississippi. At their peak, they had over 100,000 acres and thousands of head of cattle. Beef from their cows were some of the most desired, not only in America but internationally as well. Unfortunate though, over time, government fees and oversights on the cattle industry forced them to seek
other avenues of revenue. The family was forced to sell off parcels of land, a little at a time, losing cattle in the process.

  It was Stonewalls father that was able to stop fatal financial hemorrhage, as the family switched gears from being a cattle ranch to a ‘Cowboy Resort,’ offering some of the finest of western experiences. Stonewall had been the general manager of the Double R Ranch as well as committee chairman overseeing working relations between the town folks of the Keystone SD area for a dozen years before the lights went out. He was a well-respected member of the community. His willingness to work hard and smart made him a friend to both the working man as well as outside investors.

  His father started him off at a young age, mucking stables, sweeping floors and cleaning rooms. He learned the business from the ground up, which allowed him to relate to everyone within the family company. But it wasn’t just his work ethics or his knowledge of business and finances, it was his honest, to the bone love he had for the area. He knew how important this land was to his family and to those around them.

  It was the love of the land of the people, that caused so many to rally around Stonewall during the Fox Wars. The difficulties of leadership during the Fox Wars pushed Stonewall to the limit and tested every bit of leadership skills. Today, those skills of leadership, as well as negotiation, are tested once again. Charging a gun emplacement, or pushing a herd of cattle through a freezing winter storm, those came easily to Stonewall. He didn’t have to think during those moments, all he had to do was an act. Lately, though, it seemed like all he had was things to think about, people to manage and lives to save.