THE BEGINNING Book Two (THE EVENT)

by Marshall Huffman

  “Ah, Mr. Whittler, please have a seat. I think we have some things to talk about. Can I get you something to drink? Water, soda, tea?”

  “Screw you. This isn’t legal. You can’t just drag me in without cause.”

  “You know, you are right. I mean in the previous world. But the problem is we are dealing with the here and now. Some things have changed a bit while we are trying to rebuild this country.”

  “Frickin police state is all this is.”

  “Hum..I guess that is one way of looking at it. But honestly, none of that matters. Here you are and we are going to have a little talk about why you are trying to stir up so much trouble and who you intend to give the information you obtained to now that you have it?”

  “That was obtained legally.”

  “Captain Miller, did you jar his brains too hard? He seems to be incapable of understanding simple concepts.”

  “I don’t think that’s it. I think he is just misguided and dumb.”

  “Up yours asshole,” Kyle snarled.

  “See what I mean? The last time he said that he fell down and got a boo-boo. Looks like it might have to happen again,” Captain Miller said dragging him up out of the chair by his shirt.

  “Easy Captain. If he doesn’t tell us what this is all about and give us what we want to know, well, then you can have a word with him by yourself for as long as it takes.”

  “Good. I hope he won’t tell you anything.”

  “I think it would be best if you waited outside while I had a chat with Mr. Whittler,” Randy said.

  Miller reluctantly let go of Kyle’s shirt and shoved him back down in the chair.

  “Call me if he starts getting mouthy again,” Miller said as he went out the door.

  Randy sat and looked at the ceiling for several moments before he looked at Whittler.

  “I didn’t do anything wrong. We just wanted to leave and I wanted to have that information so we could avoid the roadblocks and patrol areas,” Kyle said.

  “Well hell, why didn’t you just say so? We are just about to announce that anyone that wants to leave will be allowed to. They can even come back as long as they do it within a thirty day grace period. Now see, all of this sneaking around for nothing,” Randy said, making a gesture with his hands.

  “We had no way of knowing that.”

  “Now don’t you feel silly? This isn’t a military state. We will let anyone go that isn’t happy here. But there is one problem. You know, the part where you want to know how many military personnel we have and the type of weapons. Oh yes, and how many of each kind. See, that doesn’t exactly go with what you’re telling me. Got a reason for that Mr. Whittler?” Randy asked.

  “Sure. We just wanted to know you wouldn’t come after us,” Kyle said.

  “How does that information help exactly? You think we were going to drop bombs on you for leaving? You can do better than that, surely.”

  “I ain’t saying another word until I have some kind of representation. You can’t do this.”

  “Back to that huh? Well, it grieves me to do this but,” he said and stood and walked to the door.

  “Captain Miller. It seems Mr. Whittler is done talking to me so I guess I’ll let you have a shot. Oops. Bad choice of words.”

  “Be glad to. The basement okay?”

  “Wherever you don’t think you will be disturbed.”

  “That should do just fine,” he said and headed for Whittler.

  “You can’t do this. You can’t let him. You are supposed to be in charge. You are going to let this animal take me downstairs and beat it out of me?” Kyle screamed.

  “Ha...I told you he wasn’t as dumb as you said he was,” Randy said to Miller, “He figured that out pretty quick. Go on, have your talk with him and keep him alive as long as you can,” Randy said and sat down and started reading a report.

  Miller yanked him to his feet and started dragging him to the door.

  “They will kill me if I tell you,” he shouted at Randy.

  “They? What they?”

  “The Freemen. They sent me here to find out what I could about your military strength.”

  “Now see Captain, I don’t think beating it out of him would help, do you?”

  “Hey, I can get the whole story. You know he is going to try to lie his way out of this. Poor me, I didn’t want to do it but they made me. Sob, sob. Boo-hoo.”

  “Listen, I’m telling you the truth. I won’t lie but don’t let him take me downstairs.”

  “Hmm..I don’t know. What do you think Captain?”

  “I’ll stay here with you and if I think he is telling just one little lie, I’ll drag his ass downstairs and get the truth.”

  “Sure. That okay with you Mr. Whittler?”

  “I’ll tell you what you want to know,” he said resignedly.

  They talked for the next two hours and when it was over Randy said to Captain Miller, “That’s the first time I ever got to play good cop, bad cop.”

  “I’m just glad he folded when he did. It would be really hard to have carried that on much longer.”

  “Well done bad cop.”

  “Not too shabby good cop,” Miller replied.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  RUSSIA

  It was a week later when Sergey Vladimir came to see General Yegor Nitikin. In truth, Yegor had been anxious for his return.

  “Chancellor Vladimir,” Yegor said standing when he was ushered into the room.

  “I am simply Sergey Vladimir. I have no pretentions to being the Chancellor.”

  “I meant no disrespect. Since you are simply Sergey Vladimir I am simply Yegor Nitikin. We can drop all pretenses of title. I am glad you decided to come see me.”

  “What real choice do I have? If I would have taken too long you would have sent someone to...shall we say, gather me.”

  “I am sorry you feel that way. I had no intention of sending anyone at any time. You are free to do as you wish.”

  Sergey looked at him for some time, trying to determine if he was being truthful or facetious.

  Finally he said, “I will take you at your word. No matter, I am here.”

  “Please, take a seat; we have much to talk about. Would you like coffee or tea?”

  “Tea, if it is not too much trouble.”

  Yegor pushed a button his desk and a smart looking woman appeared.

  “General?”

  “Please, two teas.”

  “Yes General.”

  When she had gone Yegor said, “Now. I know you do not trust me and I can’t say that I blame you. After all I represent the military and have the power presently. I know you think that since I have control that Russia will revert to its former self. You are wrong. I have no desire to be a dictator and have Russia return to the past. We are not at war with anyone but ourselves. Killing each other isn’t the way to rebuild the country.”

  “I hear you General..”

  “Yegor, please.”

  “Alright, I hear you Yegor but what does that really mean?”

  “Sergey we have a chance to change from what Russia was to what it truly can be. I have given a great deal of thought to how we might make our country a better place for all of us to live.”

  “Very generous Yegor, but you will excuse me if I am skeptical. As you said, you have the power. No one simply relinquishes power and steps aside and lets others be responsible for the direction of a nation.”

  “Sergey, Russia has been going in the same direction for hundreds of years. What has it gotten us? We rule by fear. It is time for that all to stop.”

  “And how would such a thing be accomplished? You will forgive me if I say it seems far too simple.”

  “Simple? No. Possible? Yes. Let me tell you what I am thinking and then you can decide if it is possible.”

  “I am here Yegor. Please, tell me how this can be accomplished,” Sergey said.

  Sergey was trying to figure out just what the General was really up to. No
one ever stepped down willingly when he had the whole country under his thumb. He would listen but he was sure something sinister was underlying.

  He was about to speak when the General’s attendant brought in a tray with tea.

  “Sugar? Milk?”

  “Sugar please,” Sergey said.

  “Sergey, have you ever heard of the term technocracy?”

  “Nét. I have never heard of that word before.”

  “Technocracy is a form of government that is made up of scientists, engineers, economists and specialists that really understand what it takes to make a nation great. Even the Americans had a brief movement where technocracy was bantered around.”

  “If it works so well, why did they give up on it?”

  “Roosevelt’s New Deal caused the idea to wither and die. It was brought up several times but each time something or someone managed to crush it.”

  “And how does such a thing work, this technocracy?”

  Sergey asked.

  “I honestly don’t know everything about it but as I understand it, a committee is formed with various experts in critical fields that help to govern the direction of the country.”

  “And the military would be included in such a committee?”

  “Yes but with equal input. They would not oversee the committee.”

  “Ah but yes. No matter what you think, they would. Maybe not at first but when something didn’t go their way they would soon revert to their old ways. Intimidation.”

  “I see the possibility. You are right. So Sergey, how do we keep that from happening?”

  “Honestly I don’t know if it can be done. Human nature is just what it is. When we can’t get what we want we pout like children. We never really grow up. Power corrupts everyone to some extent. You, me, everyone is nothing more than a child wanting to have its way.”

  Yegor leaned back in his chair and looked at Vladimir. Is it that simple? Can we never just accept the opinion of others without always wanting to be the one that is right? Was I guilty of this? Of course I was, he realized. Finally he said, “You are right Sergey. That is a very excellent observation. So, how can we overcome such a situation? We have a clean piece of paper; we can take Russia in any direction. Are you interested in helping to direct our country?”

  “Interested? Da. Do I have any answers? That remains to be seen. I must say Yegor Nitikin, I still do not trust you one hundred percent but I do think you really care about making Russia a better place for all to live. Because of that, I would join you in trying to figure out what that direction should be.”

  “Excellent.”

  “Of course I won’t always have my finger on the solution you seek,” he said holding up his hand with the missing fingers.

  Yegor laughed and said, “I think we will get along just fine.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  CHINA

  “I demand to know why the filthy Americans can spy on us and we can do nothing about it,” General Tusan yelled at the men assembled in the room.

  No one spoke up. They were all too afraid they would unleash his rage on them if they did.

  “Answer me or I will have you all taken out and shot,” he yelled.

  His face was red and spittle came out of his mouth. Everyone was terrified but he would surely kill all of them if no one spoke up. Finally one man did.

  “Honorable General, China had some satellites hovering over Earth before the attack. Now we no longer have any way of controlling them. All modern electronic equipment has broken down.”

  He walked up to the man and looked him straight in the eyes. His face was just inches from the man.

  “Then tell me this. Why is it that the America devils are now able to spy on us?”

  “General, I do not know for sure but it would seem they had facilities underground that were not harmed during the attack. It can be the only answer,” he said wishing he was any place but standing in front of this crazy man.

  “Are you saying the Americans are more capable than us?” he asked.

  He knew he was in big trouble. No matter what he said, it would be wrong. If he said yes, it would surely mean his death. If he said no, the General would want to know why we couldn’t do the same thing.

  “General. I cannot answer for the Americans. I can only tell you what I think must have happened. I am not privileged to military secrets. We may have the same type systems buried underground. I am sure if the Americans could do it, China could have done the same thing,” he replied hoping he had chosen his words carefully enough.

  “And if we did have such a facility underground, it could be restored to control our satellites?”

  “I do not know General. That is a question for one of the military men that knows the system. I have no knowledge of such a place.”

  The General stepped back a ways and his face became less hard. He placed his hand on the man’s shoulder.

  “You are the only one to have the fortitude to speak. What is your name?”

  “Feng Zhijian General.”

  “Feng. I like that. Point of the weapon. Yes, that is a good name. Then Feng Zhijian you are to find out if such a place exists. You will be given privileges that will allow you to travel and use any resources as necessary to locate this place.”

  “But General. It will be a military operation. They will not grant me entrance. They will probably just shoot me for trying to gain access.”

  “You will be well protected. You will have two of my elite guard with you when you travel and I will give you a letter demanding they comply with your wishes.”

  “And they will honor this?”

  “They will or be shot.”

  “Yes General.”

  “Good. I will see you in two hours at my quarters. I will want to know how you plan to proceed. Do not fail me Feng Zhijian.”

  “Yes General”

  With that General Tusan turned and walked out. Everyone let out a big sigh.

  “What do you intend to do Feng?” the man next to him asked.

  “I have no idea. I don’t know anything about the military or where their bases are, especially secret ones.”

  “Then I suggest you spend the next two hours coming up with something that will please the General or you will have little time left on this earth.”

  “Why is he so paranoid about the Americans?”

  “That is not for you to question. I would be very careful even asking such a question. He is determined to be a world power and to destroy the Americans once and for all.”

  “It is sad that we cannot work with each nation to rebuild the earth,” Feng said under his breath.

  CHAPTER FORTY

  CHINA

  “What do you have for me Feng Zhijian?” the General commanded.

  “General sir. For me to locate such a facility I will need to speak to all the soldiers to see if anyone was ever posted to one of the locations. With all the men you have, surely one has been to such a place or has heard rumors.”

  “I have heard rumors but that is like the wind. It blows in all directions. The military leaders did not want anyone to know of our locations. Rumors were started to keep spies from learning the true locations,” he replied.

  “I understand. Then perhaps one of your men may have had a posting at such a facility or know of someone who has.”

  “This seems like a waste of time Feng. I do not tolerate people who waste time. We must gain the upper hand immediately,” the General said menacingly.

  “I want to complete my assignment to your satisfaction as quickly as possible General. This is the fastest way I know of.”

  “Then I will grant you access to all the military men. You had better hope this is productive Feng Zhijian.”

  “I will give it my undivided attention General.”

  “I hope so for your sake,” the General said, dismissing him.

  Feng spent the next ten days talking to every military man he could find. Some had heard locations from friends t
hat had heard it from other friends and on and on. No one could give him a definite location. Feng knew it was just a matter of time before the General summoned him to find out if he was successful.

  He had gathered hundreds of pages of notes but in spite of all the information, he had not one solid lead. He knew his days were numbered.

  “Excuse me Major Zong. I am Feng Zhijian and I am here on behalf of General Tusan. He has ordered me to try to locate a military base that may be underground and has the ability to reach our satellites. It would be a secret base I suppose,” he said handing him the letter to all military personnel from the General.

  “And if I knew of such a location and told you, it would no longer be a secret would it?”

  “Sir. The General is adamant that such a base be located. If you know of such a place it would be wise to tell me so I can report back to the General.”

  “And what would be in it for me Feng Zhijian?”

  “Major, I humbly suggest that you would be able to go on living. If you know of such a place and do not tell me, I would have to report it to the General. That would be very bad,” Feng replied.

  The Major laughed.

  “Relax Feng. I was just kidding. Of course I will tell you what I know. It isn’t all that much but maybe it will help you.”

  “I would be most grateful,” Feng replied but he was not laughing.

  “You must realize I have only a limited knowledge about the place. I was never stationed there but I had an acquaintance that was.”

  “An acquaintance? How reliable is this person?”

  “Ah, she is quite reliable. We were very good friends,” the Major replied.

  “I understand. Go on.”

  “The base is located near the city of Guiln. It is in western Kwangsi Chuang. The base was located close to the Yu River. According to my friend, the base was known only to a very few and it was to be one of the most advanced underground facilities in China.”

  “You believe this to be true?” Feng asked, trying not to show excitement.

  “She had no reason to make it up. She said it was massive and that even the workers had no idea what they were working on. Anyone caught snooping around was executed on the spot.”