The Prodigal Sun: A Novel

by S. E. Meyer

  “Not at all like slaves John. We are his helpers, and I feel most fortunate to have the opportunity to serve. My life has purpose and in return I am provided with everything I need. I’ve never been to the surface so I don’t know what it is like, but from what I hear of it, I would choose this life over any life up there.” She seemed very sincere as she stopped in front of an elevator bank and pointed in an upward direction with her index finger. “Billions of people, wandering around with no real purpose, lost. I’m sad for them because I have true happiness. I need to show you how to use the elevators now. I can’t tell you anything else, but I will tell you this. With true purpose comes true peace. That’s the reason we were created in the first place.” She went through the process of how to operate the elevator. It was quick and a very easy concept for John to learn.

  “Thank you,” he said as the woman in white stepped out of the elevator and bowed slightly.

  “Have a safe journey.”

  The elevator doors closed and John was once again alone. It took several hours to get to the central hub in Mexico and then only another hour or so up to Madison. He had plenty of time to make his plans. He would head up north first and meet with Jenny’s parents, swing through Mill City and talk to her sister Barb, and then head south to meet with his own mom and dad. Then finally, see if he could find his brother. Last John knew he was living in Chicago. He figured it wouldn’t take him more than a couple of days and he should be back before Jenny was up and around. John wasn’t sure where the elevator would end up in the city of Madison, but he was about to find out. It slowed down then suddenly stopped and the doors opened. John looked out into a parking garage. He got out and looked over his shoulder in time to see the entrance to the elevator disappear. What an amazing mode of transportation, and it’s completely concealed, John thought. He made his way to the main level of the parking ramp and realized he was at the Dade County Airport. That’s convenient, they have car rentals at the baggage check area.

  Within three hours he made it to Jenny’s parent’s house and gave a quick wrap on the door as he walked in. The lights were off in the kitchen and dining room. John headed deeper into the house and saw everyone glued to the television as he came around the corner. Both of Jenny’s parents were there, and so were her sister Barb and Aurora.

  “John!” Barb yelped with excitement, jumping off the couch and ran over to him. “Oh my God John, where have you been? Where is Jenny? We thought you were gone.” She hugged him tightly and then led him over to Jenny’s mom and dad in front of the TV.

  “Gone?” asked John as he raised an eyebrow.

  “Yeah, haven’t you heard? There are all kinds of people missing. They started disappearing about a day or so ago and no one knows what’s going on. We haven’t been able to get a hold of you for days. We were about to get in the long lines at the police station and fill out a report like everyone else. Not that it’s going to do much good, they’re swamped with missing person reports and it’s not your typical disappearances. I mean it’s like thousands of people. It’s all over the news. It’s going on all over the world I guess, people are just vanishing.” Barb was moving her arms wildly as she excitedly explained the situation.

  “I know, I mean, yes I heard,” replied John.

  Jenny’s mother stood up and hugged him. “Where is Jenny, John? We can’t get a hold of her.” Her expression showed deep concern and she looked like she was about to cry.

  “She’s okay and she’s safe. Listen guys, I’m glad Barb is here too so I can talk to all of you at the same time. Um, I guess I’m not sure how to say this.” The laundry soap commercial that was playing on the TV was over and an announcement came on that caught everyone’s attention.

  ‘Tonight on Dateline, a special report. We take a look at the disturbing disappearances that have been spanning the globe the last few days. Join us as we take an in depth look, and listen to startling eye-witness accounts of what is was like to watch these disappearances take place first hand.’ The opening screen changed to show an excited looking woman staring into the camera.

  “They were there and then poof, they were just gone. Just like that.”

  The scene changed to another preview of an upcoming interview. It was a man from Alabama wearing a camouflage-hunting jacket with a ball cap on his head.

  “I seen it with my own eyes, there was like some sort of white colored box. Kinda looked like one ‘o them pills like the doctor gives ya, all rounded like in the corners. I seen my neighbors Bobby Sue and Billy Ray get put in one and then I swear to God they disappeared right in front of my own eyes. Wouldn’ta believed it if I hadn’t seen it myself. I think it’s Aliens. They’s abduct’in us, that’s what they’s do’in.”

  The narrator came back on the air. ‘Don’t miss tonight’s Dateline, The Missing Persons Crisis Special Report’ John walked in front of the TV to get everyone’s attention.

  “Jenny and I have recently been hired by, well, I guess the best way to say this is we have new jobs working for the government.” John didn’t know what else to say and he thought it might be hard to explain what he and Jenny had been through over the last few days. Explaining to them how a group of friendly Annunaki humanoids were helping the Human Race survive an attack and invasion by a bloodthirsty alien ruler from another planet certainly wasn’t going to help his credibility. He needed them to trust him for their own sake, and for Jenny’s. John needed to make sure they would be safe. “We’ve been hired to help with this whole mess.”

  “Because of your work at the lab? And Jenny’s job at the clinic?” asked Barb.

  “Yes, listen, the government has just discovered how to protect everyone from these disappearances. I’m sure there will be an announcement soon. I’m on the team to roll the program out to everyone and get as many people inoculated as possible, and as soon as possible. I wanted to make sure you were safe first so I’m here to help you guys. I brought everything we need to get you set up with the protection chip.”

  “The what?” Jenny’s mother asked.

  “The government decided to call it the Metallic Anodized Relay Chip, or Marc. It somehow disrupts the signal they use to take people away.” Jenny’s dad suddenly became interested in what John was saying and pulled his attention away from the television.

  “Who are they John? What do you know? Who is doing this? Is it some kind of terrorist attack?”

  John pulled out the small injection gun and loaded a chip into the chamber. “We don’t know exactly who they are, but we do know that this will keep you safe.”

  “What is it?” asked Jenny’s dad.

  “It’s just a small electronic chip that goes just under the skin on the back of your neck. I’m going to use this device to give each of you one, including Aurora. It’s kind of like an immunization. Who’s first?”

  Barb moved closer to John and volunteered. “I will. Thank God someone is doing something about this. Will it hurt much?”

  “A little pinch, but that’s it.” He moved around behind Barb and placed the device to the back of her neck. John pulled the trigger and Barb jumped a little, rubbing her neck with her right hand.

  “That’s it? That wasn’t too bad.” Barb picked up Aurora and sat her on her lap. “Honey, Uncle John has to give you a little shot okay? Just like the one he just gave Mommy. It doesn’t hurt though okay? John loaded another chip into the chamber and knelt down next to Barb. He looked at Aurora and smiled.

  “Hi munchkin, this will only take a second.” He put the gun to her small neck while Barb supported her head.

  “Owie!” she said and began to pout.

  “It’s all over okay? You’re a brave girl princess!” John gave her a hug and kissed her forehead. “Okay, let’s get you two done and then I have to get going. I want to get to my folks as soon as I can.” He finished up with both of Jenny’s parents and then put the gun in his pocket. “I’m so glad you guys were all here. With the way things have been going it sounds like I’m luc
ky I got here when I did.”

  “You’re leaving?” asked Jenny’s mother.

  “I have to. I have more people to help, I wish I could stay longer, but I really need to hit the road and get to my family.” John headed for the door and Barb walked him out.

  “John, be careful and tell Jenny to get a hold of us, we’re worried about her. Things are getting crazy around here with the disappearances. Have you been staying up to date with what’s been happening?”

  “Not exactly, I’ve been kind of busy.”

  “Well there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to it all. They canceled a bunch of flights because pilots are missing. Cops, firefighters, jeez, they can’t even find the Mayor. The grocery stores are already empty, with no way to keep up with demand. I got lucky working at the grocery store. I charged as much as I could against my paycheck yesterday and filled up the van with as much water and canned goods as I could before coming up here. We should be fine for a few weeks anyway.”

  “That was smart Barb. Make sure you ration it. I’m not sure how long it will take for things to get back into some semblance of order.” John could see the fear in her eyes as they spoke.

  “People are scared John, no one is leaving their homes. Everyone is just staying glued to the TV.”

  “At this point that’s probably the safest place to be. Just sit tight and keep an eye on the TV. I’ll check back in with you when I can, but I better get going. I need to make sure my family is okay too.” They shared a lengthy embrace and John could feel Barb’s distress as she squeezed him. “It’ll be alright Barb. You don’t have to worry anymore with the chip I gave you. He pulled away from her and headed out the door.

  John made it to the city where his mom and dad lived in record time. There was no traffic on the highways and he flipped on the radio as he entered the city limits. There was a talk radio show in progress.

  ‘….that’s exactly what we’re talking about here. Okay, let’s go to the phones. Hello you’re on the air.’

  ‘Good morning, well I don’t know about anyone else, but I want to know what our government is doing about this. You know? I’m sure they’re sitting in their underground bunkers somewhere, safe as can be, meanwhile we’re all up here getting picked off like flies. What is being done?’

  ‘Thank you for your comments caller and to let you know, everyone else is feeling the same way you are. What is being done about this? What is being done to protect us? That’s what everyone would like to know. Okay, we need to take a commercial break, but we’ll be right back.’

  I guess Braedon was right, that didn’t take long. People are already begging for something to be done, John thought as he headed over to his parents side of town. The radio host came back on the air.

  ‘We just got word that the Whitehouse has made an announcement. The President will be addressing the Nation tonight at seven o’clock.” He listened to a few more callers then switched channels, looking for some music but not finding any. Every station was broadcasting coverage and new developments of the disappearances. John got tired of listening to the doom and gloom. He finally turned the radio off and enjoyed the silence. The streets were vacant and the one leading to John’s parent’s house was no exception. He had managed to burn up the entire day between his stops and the drive across Wisconsin. It was starting to get dark as he maneuvered the car to his parent’s driveway. A wave of anxiety rushed over him. I hope I’m not too late.

  There were no lights on in the house and it was already hard to see inside his parent’s modest brick home. He flipped on a light switch as he entered the house and walked to the living room. The television was on, but no one seemed to be around. “Mom! Dad!” John yelled for them as he searched the house and ended up back in the living room in front of the TV. Weird, no one’s home, John thought. He convinced himself that they just stepped out and he decided to wait. He noticed the Presidential address was coming on the TV so he turned up the volume and sat down on the couch. John thought it was strange to see the President again so soon. Most of the address was the same old political verbiage. There was a lot of talking in circles and requests for the public to stay calm. He announced that they had been working feverishly around the clock on a way to protect everyone, and that the best scientists and brilliant minds had finally come up with a solution. They announced that starting tomorrow, everyone could go to any one of their local clinics, hospitals or town halls to receive the injection that would save their lives. There was an alphabetical calendar system set up based on the first letter of everyone’s last name. Tomorrow it was A through F and would take five days to inject everyone. Anyone not able to leave their homes due to medical or other reasons were to call a number on the screen to be placed on a list and would be taken care of as soon as someone could get out to them. The President’s address ended and the media immediately began to pick apart his message. John turned the TV off. He was starting to get worried, his parents still weren’t home and John couldn’t imagine where they could be. He was just about to go out and check the garage for their car when he heard the back door open. He made his way to the back of the house to see his mother and father walking in with broad smiles on their faces.

  “Mom, Dad! Where have you guys been?” John must have startled them because they jumped as soon as he started speaking. As soon as they realized it was John the smiles returned.

  His father started speaking in an excited tone. “John! How are you doing? Your mother and I were worried about you, but then we thought maybe you went on up ahead of us.”

  “What? What do you mean? Where were you?” asked John.

  “We were just in the backyard. We’ve been talking to an angel.” They were obviously very excited, which seemed odd to John considering everything that was going on. His parents were in their sixties, but they seemed to have an extra bounce in their step this evening. They were shuffling around the house and kept putting things in a small pile in the middle of the living room floor. There were two suitcases, a duffel bag, and several pillows. “Do you think I should bring my new hat mother?” his dad asked.

  “It’s Heaven dear, you’re probably not going to need your hat,” she replied.

  His dad didn’t seem convinced.” I don’t know, what if it’s sunny there.”

  “Oh fine, throw it in, can’t hurt I guess.” His mother looked over at him. So are you excited to go? That’s why you’re here right?”

  John’s dad responded before he could answer. “Well of course that’s why he’s here. Did they come see you too John, and let you know when we were leaving?”

  “Where are you guys going? It’s probably best to stay at home right now, things are pretty crazy you know.”

  “Well, we’re getting out of here dear, going home! Sweet Jesus, we’re going home!” his mother said as she flung her arm in the air and then slapped her thigh.

  “What on earth are you talking about?” John asked. He was getting worried. John knew his parents didn’t drink alcohol, but he wasn’t convinced they hadn’t taken up the habit recently.

  “They’re coming to take us home John! We were just visited by an angel and he told us to get ready. You mean he didn’t tell you? How did you know to be here at the right time?”

  John looked at his watch. It was seven-thirty. “Would you guys stop running around all over and sit down for a minute and explain to me what you are talking about.”

  “The Rapture dear. It’s here! We weren’t sure what was going on at first either, with all the people disappearing, but then he came to see us. That’s when we knew for sure.”

  “Mom, listen I know what’s going on here okay? Believe me, it has nothing to do with the Rapture, or God, or any of that stuff okay? I guess I can see how you might think that, but that’s not what’s happening here. That’s why I came to see you. I came to help you guys. You need to get the chip put in so you’re both safe.”

  “The Chip? Oh we heard about that nonsense on TV today. Oh no, we’re not ha
ving anything to do with that. We don’t need it, we’re leaving.” She looked over at John’s dad. “He should be here any minute now.”

  “Look, mom, dad, who is coming? I still don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “We told you, the angel dear. He’s taking us home. Just like where everyone else is going.”

  “You guys, everyone isn’t going home. I know where they are going. All of these people have been abducted. They’re being taken to work as slaves. I know how it sounds, but believe me, that’s what’s really going on here. I know this for a fact. You guys can’t go, I won’t let you.” John pleaded. “Listen, I have first-hand knowledge of what’s happening here. I’ve been working for the government and received a lot of privileged information over the last several days. They are here to take as many slaves as they can.”

  Both of his parents had disappointed looks on their faces. “John, I can’t believe you would think that. You’re talking utter nonsense,” his mother replied.

  “No, you are the ones wrapped up in a bunch of nonsense,” John assured her.

  “Well, just wait and see. Once you meet him you’ll know.” John suddenly felt an odd sensation. He could feel another presence in the room and looked around, but couldn’t see anything. His mom was about to speak again but John cut her off.

  “Shh, hang on a sec. I think someone is here,” whispered John. He felt around with his mind. There was definitely someone, or something, close by. Suddenly the room was filled with a bright light and John could see a tall figure standing in the corner. The light seemed to be coming directly from the center of the room and within a few seconds there was a large white structure sitting directly in front of him. It was taller than it was wide and looked like a pill capsule standing on end because it was rounded off on the top and bottom. The figure moved to the center of the room in front of the pod and began to speak.

  “Are you ready?” it asked in a soft tone.

  John’s parents stood up and answered very excitedly with several yes’s. John stared the figure down while reaching out with his mind. He couldn’t read anything from the stranger. The only sensation he got was an unexplained feeling of safety and trust. John couldn’t hold back anymore. “Who are you?”