by Gary Starta
“Again, Miranda. That should be countered with the quantum chips.”
“Hmm. Should be?” Miranda raised an eyebrow.
“I know. Too many uncertainties. But today should be a good test. Besides, I’ve already taken some over the counter allergy medicine, it induces a drowsy state so probably no need to worry.” Brands paused realizing that some allergy medication did induce excitability. Miranda tapped fingers with her free hand. Brands knew the teen was about to pounce and she did.
“Is that why you need to get back out there, Doctor? To prove something. I don’t think that’s very considerate of Earth Cat Zero’s safety. And…you still haven’t enlightened me to as where we’re going or what you requested those two officers for. People are getting restless again. You heard the video chats. The homeless man on the street said things are worse than ever. People are so worried about the cats they won’t even meet a beggar’s gaze. We are losing our sense of community. I think my recent interactions seem to be a good litmus test for the boiling pot of acid we seemed headed for today and I just think everything’s going to get worse before it gets better…” Miranda squeezed the cat tighter while her eyes moistened.
“Even on the Fourth of July?”
“Oh! It didn’t even dawn on me. I would have been away on some vacation trip with Leesa for the holiday. I’ve forgotten all about her too.” Miranda closed her eyes in frustration. “I haven’t been a very good friend to her.”
“I do understand your concerns, Miranda. But I believe life is for the living and that’s why Earth Cat Zero needs to get back out there despite the circumstances and setbacks. He’s got to experience why he was created. It doesn’t matter that we don’t know how he was created; he was. It’s that simple. Life is not a destination, Miranda. We can’t live in fear, and neither can you, Earth Cat. Isn’t that right?”
Earth Cat Zero’s eyes glazed over, and tears began to well. For a moment, Brands recalled a similar look on the face of his Uncle Claude during one of the rare times they had met in person at a Christmas party. Claude had only been crying about his own misfortunes at that time, Brands had deducted. The man was always so wrapped up about himself… Oh no. Has Earth Cat Zero been compromised with human feelings? What if an emotional imprint was attached to the data we share? My uncle has a penchant for breakdowns at the most inopportune times. Brands had been the first to admit that his uncle’s contribution to his brain had not come without a price. He experienced frequent urges for junk food which Claude loved. It was possible the man suffered frequent chemical imbalances. But it was also quite possible his uncle’s unstable emotional character was a larger concern. Brands attempted to redirect the conversation before Miranda realized the cat was crying. He petted the cat’s head and divulged their destination.
Miranda scoffed. “I thought you just said life isn’t about a destination, Doctor.”
Brands paced up and down the street as if scattered leaves in the wind. “Come on everyone! Special live appearance by Earth Cat Zero at the Windy Kitty Café.”
The doctor did not fail to notice Miranda’s attempts to hide behind her unkempt bangs.
She’ll live with the public embarrassment if my plan pays off.
One of the city’s security officers tapped Brands on the shoulder. “Excuse us. But just where and what are we needed for today?”
The man’s arrogant behavior prompted Brands to nearly hiss in response. “Haven’t you been listening? There’s an extremely limited engagement at the café.” Brands pointed at the shelter which was across the street. “I think we should get about fifty to one hundred people in there before you lock the doors. Earth Cat Zero will need to deliver an especially important state of the universe address in there. I’m certain several phone cameras will record it and upload it for all to see.”
The officer scoffed. “Sure. Anything you say. I mean I’m getting paid double for holiday duty.”
“That figure is going to be closer to fifty,” said the second security officer. Brands nodded, his eyes scanning the sky for Red. “Okay, we are all good.”
“Yeah, just what is this guy going to do for his encore?” The younger officer whispered to his subordinate. He didn’t think anyone else had heard him, but Brands was certain Miranda had by her pained expression.
“Don’t worry, Miranda. I think it’s high time Earth Cat Zero let his fur down.”
The teen nodded. “Sure, as the officer said. We probably can’t top our appearance at the Bean.”
Brands clasped hands standing before the crowd in the packed shelter which appeared very homey with couches and coffee tables replete with mats for cat play as well as multi-tiered cat houses. Earth Cat Zero wasted no time experimenting, bounding from house to mat and back again. He looks like he’s in a cat kingdom. Earth Cat Zero’s joy mustered courage for the doctor to speak. In the corner of the room, a woman named Sandy responsible for running the shelter was weeping. I better get on with it. She might not be crying out of happiness.
“As you can see, this is a very impromptu gathering. I want everyone to see that our work is transparent. I hope – you can forgive just how transparent we are – what with the prank we pulled at the Bean. I hope you’ll accept our sincerest apologies for any disrespectful behavior on our part.” Brands glanced at Miranda who attempted to appear distracted, observing Earth Cat Zero’s gymnastics.
A man in a blue Cubs shirt raised a hand. “Uh. Yeah. I understand you’re in high stress situation. It’s kind of like when you’re the batter, two strikes, two outs, and three runs down with the bases loaded. So, by that example, do you think you’ll be able handle any curve balls the quantum world may throw at you?”
“Good question.” Brands nodded. “But I hoped to have Earth Cat Zero speak today. If all goes as planned, we will go back on the offense; we’ve been on the defense for far too long.” Brands swallowed audibly hoping his roundabout sports analogy made any sense whatsoever. “So, without further delay, I’m going to turn the floor over to Earth Cat Zero.”
Brands smiled when the majority put their hands together to cheer.
“I should thank you, all.” Earth Cat Zero began. “If it wasn’t for your observances, I don’t think I’d exist in reality, at least that’s what quantum physics tells me.”
A thirtyish woman spoke. “How does it feel to see the world through somewhat human eyes now? I would think our cats never had to worry about such things before.”
“I agree. I do think the animal world has kept themselves pretty aloof over the years.”
“Hey,” grumbled an elderly man. “Are you dissing our dog population with that comment? I mean, look, if the quantum world – or whatever you call it – chose to make a change and decided to keep man’s best friend, isn’t that pretty foretelling of who’s the stronger species?”
“Uh. If you call a tail wagging, yes ‘dog’ the stronger species then go right ahead.”
The crowd jeered, some laughing in jest. At least that’s how Brands interpreted the atmosphere. This is good. This is honest. This is what the people need. Even Sandy smiled through tears.
“I mean,” Earth Cat Zero continued, “I’ve never wanted to stick my head out of a moving vehicle.”
“Oh, low blow.” A man held up a picture of his schnauzer. “Don’t include Max in that disparagement, he’s too short for his head to reach the window.”
Earth Cat Zero made himself comfortable at the top of a cat house, folding his front paws underneath him. “One thing about us cats, we can keep our cool.” The cat’s blue and green striped tail wagged rhythmically.
The dog owner responded. “I always thought that’s what the cats were thinking. Mostly about themselves.”
“Truthfully, we live in the moment. It’s something you humans should learn.” Earth Cat rose to his haunches. “I am finding this human gift of speech very distracting.”
The crowd laughed until a boy about ten years of age raised
a hand. “What do you think of how humans have portrayed cats?”
“Not much. I’ve seen cartoons about indignant cats, a cat that is part dog even.”
“What about entertainment?” The boy asked. “Can you sing?”
“Again. That sounds like a human need. I am still quite feline despite my abilities. I would sing if it pleased me - not to please others.”
Miranda gazed at Brands and he felt that an intervention might be needed.
“I think everyone can agree that the subject of a talking cat is fascinating.” Miranda shouted. “It’s why I’d like to initiate a contest. Whomever can paint the best portrait of Earth Cat Zero will win a prize to be announced and have their painting displayed at the Art Institute of Chicago.”
Brands attempted an impromptu smile, but he felt it appeared forced or at the very least lopsided. “That’s right. I hope everyone participates.”
Another older man responded. “This is all distraction. But…sometimes a distraction is what we need.” The crowd groaned with agreement.
“I promise.” Earth Cat Zero stated above the roar. “To bring your cat population back to its rightful place.” The cat began to produce tears to Brands’s dismay. “Even if it means my displacement. But for now, I think you should join us at Navy Pier for our nation’s fireworks celebration.”
When the crowd applauded, Brands felt relief. Maybe my uncle’s contribution to this equation is what the people needed to hear after all.
As the trio navigated crowd-filled streets to the pier, Miranda thanked Brands. “No need to thank me, thank Earth Cat.”
“No, Doctor. I don’t think after all the time I’ve spent with this cat that he has suddenly developed sentimentality. But the point is, it was needed. I just hope your contributions won’t betray us – or worse – Earth Cat.”
The doctor gazed upward to the pier’s Centennial Wheel which reflected bright neon colors changing from green to purple to blue as it spun. If the cat’s personality can be altered, can his coloring? If so, maybe it’s not just about what’s on the inside.
The doctor’s mind drifted as to the cat’s genetic makeup and what a change to it might mean. Could an induced genetic alteration bring about a field distortion without need for an acceleration? Brands caught himself daydreaming. Just where is Red? He looked upward and even scanned the night sky with an app but could not find the cardinal among the exploding fireworks.
The answer was reflected not in the sky but on Brands’s watch faceplate.
Oh, great. I’ve let them play our vulnerabilities. They’ve got Red.
Chapter Nineteen
Throughout the remainder of the evening, Miranda replayed the video she had taken of the nighttime sky. Firework neon sparkles of greens, purples, blues and reds would have normally brought a smile to her face. But with Red being taken, the visual made her chest constrict. The colors were all dull and the sounds of the explosions were something to be wary of, faceless players with invisible weapons watching from shadows while she could not watch back.
“You should sleep.” Brands’s tone was emotionless and not very convincing. “I’ve forwarded all the information to the DOD. It’s not much to go on…it’s probably super encrypted and untraceable.” The culprit’s brief message still flashed on the doctor’s high-tech watch as if a red alert.
Earth Cat Zero had wended his way onto the doctor’s shoulder and was peering from a rearview vantage point at Red’s empty cage. “Why didn’t they take me?”
“You are an integral part of the acceleration equation.” Brands raised a hand and Earth Cat Zero nestled his face into the doctor’s palm. “The cardinal was a good choice I must admit for blackmailing. Besides, they would have had a helluva time breaking you free of the force field what with its DNA recognition system, Earth Cat.” The doctor cleared his throat and it reminded Miranda of a tiger’s growl. “They would have had even more of a time prying you from my dying hands.” Brands’s eyes bulged.
Miranda frowned, plopped on the white couch, legs spread apart. “I just don’t know; there’s something about the message that’s troubling me.” Earth Cat Zero tilted his head as if to say ‘really’. “Well, really troubling me.” Miranda added.
Brands read the communique. “We want to return the bird unharmed, but we need to once again remind you the accelerations are of utmost importance to not only restoring the cat population but retaining the human element. You should proceed…with haste. If you should need further encouragement, we could release audio recorded at the Bean, but that really wouldn’t serve either of our interests.” The doctor analyzed for what Miranda believed to be her benefit.
“The Chicago PD is working with the Air Force and all the major airports to recheck radar readouts…maybe electronic surveillance will catch those smug bastards with their hands in the cosmic cookie jar. Ah, I didn’t want so many cooks in this kitchen, Miranda…”
“But Doctor, what if the DOD is part of this? Not to mention, the DOE. Did someone really have the savvy to imitate one of their scientists? Or are people being paid to look the other way?”
“Ah, that’s it, Miranda. I should be looking the other way. This whole scenario is out-of-the-box. But I’m looking at this from a very myopic microscope.”
“Doctor, I think I need to speak to my mother. Something is off here. The message is pretty clear that we’ve been warned prior.”
“Well, maybe they are including the impersonator of Felicity Mandabelle, as the initial reminder. If that wasn’t a warning it certainly rang my bell. Besides, they even mentioned the Bean in the message.”
“No. I don’t think that’s it. I just have this feeling.” Miranda’s mind raced. Could even the beggar on the street have been one of the shadow people in disguise? The teen felt a cold shiver run up and down her spine. She had had some physical contact with the man, handing him some cash. What if this was about making a genetic contact with me? What if this was about breaking the protective DNA shielding of Earth Cat Zero’s forcefield? The forcefield, disguised as a cat leash, would only allow the doctor or Miranda to physically move the cat from out of its confines without receiving a nasty taser-like sting. But she tried to dismiss the notion. It seems whomever these people are they want us to pull the quantum strings. If so, Earth Cat Zero should be safe.
“Ooh.” Miranda groaned and placed a hand on her forehead in the aftermath of contemplation. Before I tell the doctor about my theory, I think I better make sure mom is all right.
Caron answered on the second ring this time. “Is everything okay? I hope you enjoyed some fireworks last night.”
Miranda was surprised by the casual tone of her mother’s voice, so much that it took her a long moment to reply. “Oh yeah. We saw some fireworks all right.”
“Hmm. What does that mean, Miranda?” Caron’s normal suspicious tone of voice hadn’t taken long to return. “Well, we weren’t going to announce this until the last moment, but we are running an acceleration later today.”
Miranda choked on the news. “Uh – what. Are you sure?”
“It’s best we get back in the game.”
Miranda tilted her head in confusion and Earth Cat Zero, perched on the couch’s armrest, mimicked. This doesn’t sound like mom. Even if this is all about science.
“Aren’t you concerned about Earth Cat? I mean…”
“Sweetie, we’ve discussed this. This run won’t involve any outside influences – well – unless some come up involuntarily. Well, I – we – just need to get on with this…the public was promised a resolution.”
Miranda wanted to scream at her mother’s word speak. You’re talking to me, Mom! Not some department officials!
“Everything’s going to be fine.”
“No, Mom! It isn’t. We lost Red last night.”
“Well, he’s a bird, he’ll fly back.”
“He was taken.” – Miranda shot Brands a defiant look. “Look, I don’t care if
I’m leaking this over sensitive channels or whatever you call them. Red was taken hostage. A message warns that we’ve been threatened prior. I don’t know what that means. Maybe you do.”
“Uh. I – I’ve got to think, Miranda. Let me get back to you.”
OMG. She’s got to ‘think’. That sounds like something I’d say to her when she accuses me of skipping a class with Leesa.
Brands typed at a furious pace to answer whomever he was corresponding with via watch. Miranda, dumbfounded, fell hypnotized to the tapping and disconnected her call.
Still caught in what felt like a waking dream, Miranda did not fight Brands’s decision to meet -what the DOE claimed to be - the ‘real’ Felicity Mandabelle at another downtown location. Wearing black heels and a matching black dress, Miranda wanted to show whomever they were meeting she meant business. She recalled the doctor’s growl just moments earlier. She might be a bit stunned, but Miranda believed it would only take one more trick for her to expose some very nasty claws and fangs - even if only in the figurative sense. It seemed the very act of walking down a sidewalk was surrealistic to Miranda, her heels tapping on the pavement like some secret Morse code while Earth Cat Zero purred as loud as a buzz saw, seemingly nonplussed by all the drama. Who is watching us now?
Brands’s chatter centered her a bit. “It’s fairly cool for a July day. I just know that bringing another scientist on board will help us with the experiments – and – help us to get Red back. This is a good thing, Miranda.” The doctor’s gum chomping was nonchalant as if they were on their way to a game at Wrigley Field.
“I can’t help seeing the devil’s eyes peer out from every corner.”
Earth Cat Zero chimed in. “I have superior peripheral vision, Miranda. If there’s a rat – or devil - among us, I’ll spot him.”
Miranda scooped up the feline from the sidewalk and shook him gently, peering into his dark blue orbs. “I wouldn’t doubt it. But these devils are electronic, wireless and digital, Earth Cat. I wouldn’t expect you to spot them so easily.”