Shroud of Doom

by William Manchee

PART OF GOD’S DEVINE PLAN.

   

  Rupra Bruda, Chairman

  Citizens for a Pure City

  CPC

   

  Everyone but Bruda took some of the handbills and began distributing them throughout the city. Bruda spent the rest of the day contacting the media and advising them of the rally. He also met with Assemblyman Tash and asked him to sponsor a bill in the World Assembly calling for the eviction of the Mutants. Tash thought it was a great idea and agreed to introduce it immediately.

  Late in the day Bruda went to the East Gate and picked out a good location for the rally. He decided on a public park built as a place for people entering the city to rest and relax. It had lots of big trees, beautiful flower gardens, and a large grassy area with picnic tables. Bruda figured the grassy area could accommodate a large crowd and they could put a few picnic tables together to create a small stage from which he could give his speeches. When he got to Essyria’s compartment in the early evening she was waiting for him.

  “Where have you been?” she asked irritably. “I thought you’d be home when I got off work.”

  “I told you I was getting together with the guys and planning a protest rally.”

  “Yeah, but I didn’t think it would take all day. I’m starving.”

  “I’m sorry,” Bruda said taking Essyria in his arms. “Let’s go get something to eat and I’ll tell you about the rally tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow? That soon?”

  “Yes. We have to strike while Mt. Soni is still erupting and people are pounding on the gates of the city demanding to be let in.”

  They went down the street to a restaurant they both liked and put in their order. While they were waiting for their dinner they drank Tekari and Bruda showed her one of the handbills and explained his plans.

  “That’s a pretty bold approach. Aren’t you afraid the mutants will try to string you up?”

  “If they try to make trouble they’ll regret it. The boys will be bringing their lasers.”

  “I don’t know. You could get hurt.”

  “Don’t worry. There will be security at the gate. So I doubt anyone will start any trouble.”

  As they were talking Essyria noticed a picture of Bruda on the VC over the bar. “Look! You’re on the VC.”

  Bruda looked over at the bar and saw that there was a story about his rally on the news. He got up and asked the bartender to turn up the sound. Essyria followed him over and watched over his shoulder.

  “The Citizens for a Pure City will be rallying at the East Gate tomorrow according its founder, Rupra Bruda. Bruda tells Central Soni News that the rally is designed to drum up support for the Mutant Relocation Act, a bill he claims will be introduced in the World Assembly tomorrow. The bill will provide that all mutants in the city are to be expelled, so that normal, healthy humans stuck on the outside can be admitted. Bruda claims the mutants should have never been allowed in the city as they are unhealthy, unruly, and a drain on the city’s economy. He claims the areas of the city they occupy have a high crime rate, are run-down, and a danger to the good citizens of Shisk. The rally will be a 800 kyloons at East Gate Park.

  “Assemblyman Shelona Pulma who represents the mutant district said he’s never heard of the CPC and doubts any respectable citizen of Shisk will support the group’s proposal. When we asked several prominent mutants in the area about the proposal the general consensus was that it was an abomination and the Rupra Bruda must be a lunatic.”

  Bruda turned around angrily and retreated back to his table. “A lunatic, huh,” he spat. “We’ll see about that.”

  “Well, what did you expect the reaction from the mutants to be,” Essyria laughed. “You’re proposing to root them out of their homes and throw them out of the city to their likely death. You didn’t think they’d be happy about that, did you?”

  Bruda took a deep breath. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right. Anyway, the best way to put them in their place is to make the rally tomorrow a big success.”

  “Well, that VC story should bring out a lot of curious citizens if nothing else.”

  Bruda nodded as their food was being served. After they’d eaten they took a leisurely walk and then returned to their compartment. Before they’d even had a chance to take their coats off, the door bell rung. Bruda looked at the door irritably and then reluctantly went over to answer it. A tall man flashed a badge in Rupra’s face indicating he was an inquisitor from the PE’s office named Griggs Wentz.

  “May I come in,” Wentz asked politely.

  Bruda hesitated, not knowing what to do. The timing of the visit made him think the inquisitor was there because of the rally—perhaps to warn him not to cause any trouble? He hoped that was all it was. Finally, he stepped back and let the officer in. Essyria gave him a wary look.

  “Please, have a seat,” Essyria said.

  Wentz took a seat, pulled out a small notebook, and turned to one of its pages. “Forgive the intrusion, but I’m here to ask you about an incident that recently occurred in the mutant section of town near the Mighty Jolly Tavern.”

  Bruda’s stomach twisted and Essyria gave him a worried look.

  “Are you familiar with the Tavern, Mr. Bruda?” Wentz asked.

  “Yes,” Bruda admitted, fearful he’d bring up his encounter with the Seafolken woman.

  “I understand you had a run in with a rhutz while you were there.”

  “One growled at us is all. It wasn’t anything unusual. Rhutz aren’t known for being too friendly.”

  “Yes, you should know that better than anyone, I suppose,” Wentz said. “I’ve read about your encounters with the rhutz back in Tributon.”

  Rupra shrugged. “So, it was all a big mistake. I killed the rhutz by accident. I was aiming at a range dear when—”

  “I know. There was a tremor. I’ve seen all the news reports.”

  “Okay. So what do you want?”

  “Well, it seems you paid a second visit to the Mighty Jolly ten days ago. Several witnesses saw you and some of your friends tracking that same rhutz, ah, Misty I think was his name.”

  “No. It was the other way around. We were just minding our own business when the rhutz started following us.”

  “Is that why you killed it?”

  “We didn’t kill it. We just went back to the tram station and left the area.”

  “What I don’t understand is why you went to a mutant neighborhood in the first place. You weren’t going to the Mighty Jolly.”

  “Ah. Yes we were, until the rhutz started following us. It scared us, so we decided just to return to the tram station rather than risk getting torn apart by a rhutz.”

  “Really? I thought you had been barred from the Mighty Jolly.”

  Bruda shook his head. “Who told you that?”

  “The manager informed us that his bouncer had banned you because of your involvement in the Flat Meadow Massacre.”

  Bruda didn’t say anything.

  “Don’t think you can lie to me. If I find out anything you tell me is not true, I can make you take the truth serum.”

  A cold chill came over Bruda. The truth serum was something he feared. He didn’t know what effect it would have on him. He thought with his abilities he might be able to put up a barrier in his mind and withstand it, but he didn’t know for sure, so he said nothing.

  Wentz continued, “The funny thing is, the rhutz is now dead.”

  “Dead? Really?”

  Wentz nodded. “Yes, I’m afraid so. It seems you and your friends were the last ones to see it alive.”

  Bruda shrugged. “Hmm. That’s strange.”

  “Yes, it is particularly strange since his body was found in the same disposal unit as Connell Riki.”

  “Who?” Bruda asked.

  “Eyeball, the bouncer at the Mighty Jolly. Connell Riki is his real name.”

  “Oh. The bouncer. He’s dead?” Bruda asked feigning surprise.

  “Right. The very same mutant you
had a run in the last time you frequented the Mighty Jolly.”

  Bruda shook his head. “I wouldn’t kill someone just because he didn’t want me in his tavern. That’s ridiculous.”

  “I understand you don’t like rhutz, but what do you have against mutants? I see you’re leading a rally trying to have them expelled from the city.”

  “That’s true. It’s not that I have anything against them. It just a question of resources. We can’t protect everyone from the contamination, so we have to make some hard choices. Obviously we should protect those people who are normal and healthy. It’s just common sense.”

  Wentz shook his head in disgust. “Well, unfortunately I can’t prove you and your friends killed Eyeball and the rhutz right now, but I know you did it and I promise you I won’t rest until I have established good cause for you to be compelled to take the truth serum. Then we’ll find out what really happened.”

  “Don’t waste your time. You’ll never find the proof because we didn’t do it.”

  “Sure you didn’t and Mt. Soni isn’t erupting right now,” Wentz spat as he got up to leave. He went to the door, then turned back. “Don’t leave the city.”

  Bruda didn’t reply but just glared at Wentz. Finally, Wentz turned and left. Bruda got up quickly and closed the door behind him and then turned to look at Essyria. “What a skutz! If he thinks he can mess with me, he’s sorely mistaken.”

  “What are you going to do?” Essyria asked.

  Bruda smiled thinly. “Make sure his investigation comes to an abrupt halt. He’s out of his league but he doesn’t know it.”

  “Did you read his mind?” Essyria asked.

  “Yes. He has no evidence.”

  “So, why don’t you leave it alone?”

  “Because if he keeps digging he might find something. It’s better to derail him right now while there aren’t many involved in the investigation.”

  Bruda’s concern about Wentz’ investigation wasn’t that he’d find any evidence to go forward with a case, but that he’d make an accusations, a prosecutor would be appointed and Bruda would be forced to accept the representation of a defender. That would create a lot of bad publicity and be a disaster at this early stage in his political career. He knew what he had to do—get rid of Inquisitor Wentz that very night.

  “I’m going out for a while,” he said.

  “Where are you going?” Essyria asked worriedly.

  “Just for some fresh air. I’ll be back in a few kyloons. If anyone asks you where I was tonight, well, tomorrow is a big day so I went to bed early. You can vouch for me.”

  “What about your tracking chip. Central Authority will know you went out.”

  “My tracking chip is in the bedroom. I removed it shortly after I got to Shisk. If anybody is tracking me they’ll think I’m in bed.”

  Essyria nodded. “Okay. But what if they examine your body and find the chip missing?”

  “I replaced the real chip with a deactivated one, so if they x-ray me it will appear to be there.”

  “Okay, so do you know where to find Wentz?”

  “Yes, he’s stopping at the Lonely Tavern for a drink before he goes home. He likes to flirt with the barmaid there.”

  Essyria smiled. “Reading minds comes in handy?”

  “Yes, it does,” Bruda said.

  “I’ll need some zilium capsules.”

  Essyria nodded and went into the bathroom where she kept a good supply of the strong pain killer. She counted out eight pills and put them in a plastic bag. When she returned to the living room she handed them to Bruda.

  “This should do it,” Essyria said, then gave Bruda a kiss goodbye. “Be careful. Enforcer Wentz may be more dangerous than you think.”

  Bruda nodded, then left and walked six blocks to the Lonely Tavern. There was an alley across the street, so he hid in the shadows where he had a good view of the Tavern’s front door. Closing his eyes he concentrated, searching for Wentz’ thoughts. Having just read his mind it was easy to find his brain waves amongst the customers in the Tavern. He established a link and then relaxed. He knew now it was just a matter of time until his problem would be solved.

  Wentz had a few drinks and flirted with the barmaid for about twenty loons, then he came staggering out of the tavern and headed toward his compartment. As he passed the alley Bruda took hold of Wentz’ lungs with his invisible hand and crushed them with all his might. Wentz gasped in pain, grabbed his chest struggling to breath. Panic stricken, eyes bulging, his entire body began to burn from a lack of oxygen. He began to convulse until he finally passed out and collapsed in a heap.

  Bruda came out quickly from the shadows and dragged him back into the alley. After propping his body against the side of the building, he took the pills out of his pocket and stuffed them into Wentz mouth. Then with his invisible hand, he forced the pills down his throat. Satisfied with his work, he scanned the area in all directions. Seeing no one about he walked out of the alley and went back to Essyria’s compartment. She was relieved to see him.

  “How did it go?” Essyria asked.

  “No problem. He was half drunk when he came out of the bar so he had no chance to fight me off.”

  “Good. Did anyone see you?”

  “No. The street was deserted. They probably won’t find him until morning.”

  “He’ll be long dead by then,” Essyria noted.

  “I hope so.”

   

   

  The next day Bruda and Essyria got up early and went to East Gate Park. Peeta and Bligh were already there setting up tables and putting pickets together. Several public enforcers were stationed at the edge of the park watching them warily. As the morning wore on more and more supporters showed up to help get things organized. When the hour came for the rally several thousand people were mingling around the grassy area between the park and Shisk’s East Gate and several news reporters and their camera crews were on the scene. Noting it was time for the rally to begin, Bruda climbed up on the makeshift stage and addressed the crowd.

  “Citizens of Shisk. My name is Rupra Bruda and I stand before you to protest an intolerable state of affairs. If you look out through the East Gate to our beloved city, you will see thousands and thousands of citizens of Soni waiting to be allowed into the safety of our dome. Yet, according to our leaders, none of them will be allowed in. Instead they will be left outside to die from the toxic air and polluted water.

  “These officials say that Shisk does not have the resources to accommodate everyone who wants into the city. This may be true but who decides who has the right to the protection of the city? Should it be Central Authority or the people of Shisk?. . . My friends, we are a democratic city and who is allowed to live here should be determined by the people not a bunch of bureaucrats. The World Assembly should put the matter to a vote and decide who can stay and who must leave.

  “If you will remember when the dome was first constructed Central Authority, without the peoples consent, let over 50,000 mutants into the city. What right did have to do this? Did you vote to allow them? No, you didn’t. Some bureaucrat took it upon himself to let them in.”

  There were cheers and nods of agreement from many in the crowd, but many others shook their heads in disbelief. A contingent of mutants on the fringe of the crowd scowled at Bruda looking like they wanted to come over and expel him from the city immediately.

  Bruda continued. “I know it’s tempting to feel sorry for the plight of the mutants, but for some reason God has chosen them for a different destiny than the rest of us. Perhaps they are paying for their sins or the sins of their fathers. None of us mere mortals can possibly understand God’s will, but when it is clear, as it is with the mutants, we shouldn’t interfere with it.

  “The mutants are a sick people and if you let them mingle amongst us their diseases will spread to the rest of us. Let us right a horrible wrong by expelling the mutants and letting as many normal and healthy humans in the city as it can hold wi
thout jeopardizing the citizens that already live her. Let not mere mortals interfere with the will of the Lord!

  “So, come up and sign our petition demanding the General Assembly take this matter up and vote to evict all mutants from the city immediately to make room for those who truly deserve to be protected. I have been assured a bill will be introduced today proposing that very thing. So, let’s let everyone know that the majority of the citizens of Shisk support it and want it passed without delay. Let the will of the people prevail!”

  Again there were many who cheered but an equal number who just stared at Bruda as if he were the diseased one. Bruda stepped down and picked up a picket. A hundred other demonstrations joined him as he marched to the East Gate. As the people outside the city saw the picketers marching toward them, they began to cheer and move in closer to get a better view, but when the marchers got too close the contingent of public enforcers stepped in front of them blocking their march. Bruda stopped and stared at the officers for a long minute and then turned and began marching along the street that led into the city. Crowds along the way cheered and jeered the picketers in equal numbers. It was apparent that Bruda had opened up a painful wound that would cause much grief to the inhabitants of Shisk in the days to come.