Seed Police

by Gayla Prewitt

  “Lots of promises made. So far, I don't see the rewards,” said the president.

  “That's why it's so important to capture these terrorists. They're sabotaging our work. If it wasn't for them, we could already feed the world. Eliminate disease.”

  “Just make sure you're only using necessary force. Only arresting people if it's truly warranted.”

  “Yes, sir,” replied Harris.

  “That will be all,” dismissed the president.

  Upon leaving the office, Harris’ assistant, Tom, seemed somewhat shaken by the encounter. “What are you going to do? He knows something,” observed Finley.

  “As long as the public continues to demand the food program, we have the president right where we want him,” assured Harris.

  “And just how do we make sure that happens?” questioned Finley.

  “A great leader once said that the bigger the lie, the more people will believe it,” stated Harris.

  “Who was that?” asked Finley.

  “You don’t want to know. You don't have to like 'um, to admire the genius,” said Harris, as he pointed to the door in front of them. “After you,” he motioned to his assistant.

  “Where are we going?” asked Finley.

  “I am going to introduce you to our modern-day spin machine,” said Harris. The duo walked into the room filled with reporters from numerous news organizations. Government spokesperson Sally Caruthers stood in front, ready to speak to the crowd.

  “We have called this news conference to address some of the concerns raised about the government food program,” announced Caruthers. “There is a small group of terrorists working to contaminate the food supply. We are asking all citizens to be on the lookout for anything suspicious; by that, we mean anyone having in their possession food products without the government safety label. We believe these terrorists are trying to taint the food supply with non-government approved food, which could put the safety of the public at great risk. Any questions?”

  “Who are these people?” questioned a reporter from the back row.

  “We believe the terrorists are former farmers disgruntled about the government takeover of food production,” said Caruthers. “These people can look like you and me, and could be your neighbor.”

  “What about reports that the latest epidemic is caused by the genetically modified food provided by the government?” challenged a news staff member with the National Gazette.

  “Once again, these new illnesses are the work of the terrorists,” dismissed the government spokesperson. “In a few instances, they have managed to contaminate the food supply and make people deathly ill,” she added. Vitriol grew in her voice. “This is their way of trying to discredit the government program. Their actions are responsible for killing numerous people, and that is why they are considered a great threat to our national security and must be stopped!”

  Chapter 16

  Thy Brother’s Keeper

  Kyle and Sarah Sanders watched TV in their bedroom hoping to catch the evening news when live coverage of the news conference preempted regular programming. In pure disbelief, they listened as the work they were doing to help others was vilified by Caruthers.

  “We have to tell them,” said Kyle.

  “No! They’ll arrest you,” said Sarah.

  “We have to.”

  “They'll take the seeds,” said Sarah. “What’ll we feed the children?”

  “People are dying. We have to help them.”

  “But no one will listen.”

  “I'll find someone to listen. God gave us the wisdom to save the seeds. We have to do what’s right.”

  “I can't bear to lose you and the kids — please don't ask me to!” Distraught, Sarah rushed from the room. She ran to the place that used to provide so much solace, her front porch rocking chair. Kyle followed her. Before speaking, he knew it was better for Sarah to work it out than for him to offer a quick fix with a rational argument. Looking out in the distance, but sensing her husband’s presence, Sarah spoke.

  “What if we're wrong, Kyle? I mean — advances in science and technology saved our baby. Remember?” she reflected.

  “I remember.”

  “He was so small.”

  “That's not the same thing,” responded Kyle. “We're not talking about using science the way nature intended. We're talking about crossing the DNA of different species. Taking parts of animals and bacteria and putting them into plants. Do you really think that we're wrong?”

  There was a pause. “No.” She sat for a while again, rocking back and forth; pensive, she stared into the night. “I'm scared.”

  “I'm scared too.” Kyle kneeled, taking his wife’s hand. “We gotta trust. It's the right thing.”

  Sarah nodded in agreement as the couple sat to ponder their next move.

  Chapter 17

  The Pandemic Grows

  The following morning, casualties continued to arrive at Community Hospital. The latest, a woman in her early thirties was about to give birth. Dr. Charity Simpson remained in crisis mode while directing paramedics caring for the woman.

  “Put her in there,” she said, pointing to an empty exam room.

  “I think my baby's coming,” said the woman.

  “I think so too,” smiled Dr. Simpson, as she noticed a rash on the woman’s arm with fibers protruding from the wound. Concerned, Dr. Simpson comforted the woman, while hoping not to raise alarm in her patient. “You just take it easy. You'll see that baby soon.” Out of the room, the doctor directed the nurse concerning the woman’s care. “I want a complete blood workup,” she said.

  In the middle of the mayhem, Phil Wannamaker approached the doctor. “Got a minute?” he asked.

  “What's up?” responded Dr. Simpson.

  “I’ve been talking to pathologists at the other hospitals,” he spoke in a hushed voice, aiming to keep the conversation confidential. “It seems all the patients have tested positive for a specific bacteria.”

  “What does that mean.”

  He leaned ever closer to the doctor. “It’s a bacteria not usually found in humans. Interesting though. This is the same bacterium that is often used in the process of genetically modifying plants and other organisms.”

  “Can you find out more about that?” requested the doctor, very intrigued.

  “I'm on it,” said Phil.

  For the first time in a long time, Charity Simpson allowed herself to be hopeful. Maybe they were closing in on the cause of the sickness, which could lead to a cure.

  Meanwhile, government workers in a lab not too far away put the finishing touches on an aerial drone they were preparing for launch. If the release were successful, gains made at Community Hospital would be all but in vain.

  Back at the hospital delivery room, Dr. Simpson handed a newborn baby girl to her mother.

  “Oh, she’s beautiful,” adored the mother.

  “Yes, she is,” agreed Dr. Simpson, “just like her momma.”

  “Can I nurse her?” asked the woman.

  “I think you should wait, cautioned Dr. Simpson. “We got some results back from your blood tests.”

  The mother looked away, the joy left her expression. “I got the disease, don't I?” said the woman.

  Charity hesitated. “Yes,” she replied.

  “If I don't make it, please make sure someone takes care of my baby. Her daddy already died.”

  “I will,” vowed the doctor.

  “You promise?”

  “I promise.” Doctor Simpson reached down, holding the baby’s fingers as the mother cuddled the new little one in her arms. She feared the joyous scene would be cut short, ending with a tragedy that had become all too familiar.

  Chapter 18

  Pray

  Across town, Reverend Ben Cameron addressed the congregation at New Hope Church. The reverend was a behemoth of a man, dark skin, and bright eyes. Those who knew him well knew he was a gentle giant with a tough interior. Today, the reverend, somewhat wea
ry, shared scripture he hoped would encourage. “When times are tough, I remember the words of my savior,” he sermonized to the crowd. “‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and will give you rest.’ Jesus wants us to ask for help; he tells us, ‘I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’ ”

  Once the service was finished, members gathered to give a parting handshake to the reverend waiting in the back foyer. Caroline and Tilley Mason stood in line, anticipating their turn to greet the minister.

  “I saw you on TV,” said Tilley. The reverend towered over the little girl. He bent down, hoping to get on eye level with Tilley.

  “Did you now?” he smiled.

  Concerned about what she had seen on TV, Caroline took the opportunity to ask more about the possible dangers of the government food program. “Do you really think the food could be making people sick?” inquired the mother.

  “Yes, I do,” responded the reverend.

  “What am I going to do? I have to feed Tilley something,” said Caroline.

  “Pray,” comforted the minister.

  Chapter 19

  Our Private Eden

  Emily Clarkson lay in her bed, thinking about all that had changed in the past few days. Not yet daybreak, she heard a sound on the second story bedroom window. Faint at first, she went to investigate the noise. Just as she reached the window, Emily witnessed what appeared to be a pebble, hit the glass. Looking down, she spied Chance Sanders standing in the light emanating from the farm’s electricity pole. Emily opened the window. Once he spotted her, Chance called out to Emily. “Emily come down, I want to show you something,” he spoke quietly, hoping not to wake the others.

  “Are you crazy?” Emily whispered back.

  “Yeah!” confirmed Chance.

  “I'll be right there,” Emily responded.

  Moments later, in the woods, Emily traveled in front of Chance with Chance’s hands covering her eyes. Walking behind, he continued to guide her.

  “No peeking until I say when,” insisted Chance. The sun rose, cresting the rise in front of them. “Okay — now!” he said with great anticipation as he removed the makeshift blindfold. The sun’s first rays revealed a small beautiful waterfall amongst the trees. The green grass and other foliage created a dramatic contrast with the wasteland around them.

  “It’s beautiful!” said Emily. “How did you know this was here?”

  “I just found it one day,” replied Chance. “I don't think anybody knows it exists.”

  “How can that be?” she questioned.

  “I don't know — maybe the hill creates an echo — blocks it from the satellite,” Chance shrugged. “I love coming here. Here I can forget — and remember.” He paused. “I like to forget how things are — and remember how it was before — before all the dust,” added Chance.

  “I know what you mean,” agreed Emily. “My mom used to be happy. Now all she does is cry. I try to be strong for her — but sometimes, I don't want to be strong anymore.”

  At that moment, Chance playfully reached into the stream, throwing water onto Emily.

  “Chance!” shrieked Emily.

  “Well, now you're all wet,” he smiled mischievously.

  “Chance Sanders, you're going to wish you hadn't done that!” threatened Emily as she began chasing Chance through the brook. The two continued to splash each other before resting on the bank of the stream. “Thanks,” announced Emily.

  “For what?” asked Chance.

  “Helping me to forget and remember.”

  Chapter 20

  The Great Escape

  Back at the farm, Sarah Sanders put into motion the first part of a plan she and Kyle had agreed to the night before.

  “Kids get your things together — only a few things,” she told the children at the breakfast table.

  “Where are we going, Mommy?” asked Sailor.

  “Away, just for a little while,” she answered, not wanting to cause alarm.

  Just then, Casey entered the kitchen. “Chance isn’t in his room,” she told her mother.

  In an instant, Janie Clarkson joined the two. “Emily’s gone too,” she added. This definitely had not been part of the plan.

  On Capitol Hill, Congressman Landon arrived at his office. “A gentleman’s waiting in your office,” greeted the secretary. “He says it's a matter of life and death,” she added.

  “Who is it?” he asked, suspicion flashed across his face. Because of recent events, the congressional representative grew leery of any strangers that approached him.

  “He says he's a farmer?” The receptionist seemed skeptical of the claim.

  Not sure what to expect, the congressman advanced to his office with great discretion. The minute he was out of sight, the secretary reached for the phone, dialing a nearby office. A man in a black uniform picked up the call. “You told me to let you know if anything unusual happened here,” informed the secretary. Fearing discovery, she quickly ended the call.

  Upon entering his office, Congressman Landon spotted a man fidgeting, sitting in a chair in front of the representative’s desk. Dust covering his boots wafted onto the floor as the man shifted his feet.

  “Can I help you?” asked Jack Landon. He kept a safe distance.

  “I’m hoping I can help you,” responded Kyle Sanders.

  “How is that?” Surprised by Kyle’s response, Congressman Landon sat down and attempted to log into his computer account. He planned to get security information on the man sitting before him. He plugged in his password and user name, the screen read, “access denied.”

  “You're trying to stop the government food program, right?” asked Kyle.

  “Yes,” responded the Congressman, somewhat distracted by his repeated futile attempts to log in. The computer screen continued to read, “access denied” & “password not valid.”

  “I think I may have proof the food is making people sick,” said Kyle.

  “What do you mean?” questioned Landon, giving the farmer his full attention.

  “No one’s sick in my town,” answered Kyle.

  “I don't understand.” The congressman returned to the task of accessing his computer account. Again, he was denied entry.

  “No one in my town eats the government food,” asserted the farmer.

  The congressman, once more, turned his gaze upon Kyle. “How can that be?” he asked.

  “We grow our own.” Kyle pulled a seed packet from inside his coat pocket.

  Alarm overtook the congressman. He realized he must already be under suspicion, with what appeared to be the blocking of his government computer account. Now, a man with seeds sat in his office. Landon rose and threw his laptop in a bag. “We need to get out of here — now!” he said, grabbing Kyle by the arm.

  “Congressman, where are you going?” inquired the secretary as the two passed her desk. “You have a meeting!” she stalled. She hoped to give the man she had phoned ample time to intercept the pair.

  “It'll have to wait,” responded the congressman, not stopping a beat.

  Jack Landon and Kyle Sanders dashed to the second-floor lobby. Security monitors revealed men in black swat-like uniforms rushing to the area. The congressman caught sight of the impending danger displayed on the screen.

  “This way.” Jack pointed to a back door exit.

  When the patrol arrived at the congressman’s office, the secretary met them. “They're gone, she said.

  Ted Harris picked up the phone in his office. Anger crossed his face when he heard the news of the duo’s escape. “Bring the security files,” he demanded. “I want to see the man's face.” Harris slammed the phone’s receiver. Moments later, inside the surveillance center, a staff member displayed the video taken of the hallway near the congressman’s office. Harris surveyed the images.

  “That's not it. This is just junk,” he barked impatiently. “Wait. Wait. Wait. There you are!” Harris knew he had hit pay dirt, as he viewed the congressman and Kyl
e Sanders, side by side, as they rushed through the shot.

  “I know that farmer,” Harris declared, with a sly grin.

  Chapter 21

  You Can Run, but You Can’t Hide

  A short time later, cars swarmed the Sanders’ farm. The government men burst through the homestead’s front door. Guns drawn, members of the patrol searched the house. One of the men noticed a painting on the living room wall was askew. He wasted no time to investigate. Upon further examination, he discovered the latch behind the picture. Taking his gun, he fired at the lock, opening the door to the secret room. Down in the cellar, the patrol discovered empty bags with a few seeds scattered on the floor.

  Just a few miles away, at the main intersection of Mill Valley, Sarah Sanders shifted gears as the covered truck she drove, filled with seeds and family, made its way out of town. All that was precious was aboard, except for Chance and Emily. Moments later, Ted Harris arrived at the farm as his men continued to scour the property for clues.

  “We’ve done a complete search, there’s no one here,” reported one of the men.

  “I want this whole place torn apart,” commanded Harris. “They were hiding something. I want to know what!”

  Then a voice from a distance called out to the leader. “Mr. Harris, I think we may have found something!” the man proclaimed.

  Meanwhile, Chance and Emily began their return home. Oblivious to the danger ahead, the two continued to enjoy each other’s company, laughing as they emerged from the woods, not far from the farmhouse. At that moment, Emily tackled Chance, knocking him to the ground.

  “Hey!” said Chance playfully. Emily put her index finger to her lips, motioning for Chance to be quiet. Still confused, Chance looked in the direction where Emily was pointing. The two, spotted government men ransacking the premises and quickly went for cover behind a large fallen tree.