ELEVEN
One of the Primagnons left the roomand returned shortly with a gurney, Then both lifted the Senator gently onto it and slowly wheeled him back into the ballroom. As they entered with the gurney bearing the prostrate form, the Senator’s wife broke from the crowd and hurried to her husband’s side.
“John?! What is it? What have they done to you?”
The bearers rolled the gurney to small alcove at the side of the great room. Some of the crowd started to gather around. Sharon Joined Mrs. Shipley alongside the dying Senator. Jim Paulson and Kirk stood with them and were shocked by their own helplessness. Tears welled up in Kirk’s eyes and he left the group and stepped into the ballroom. Almost choking with the conflicting emotions of sorrow and fury, he shouted,
“Parker, Come out! Damn you Parker, Come out!” He was nearly crying and the last of his words caught in his throat.
The door at the far end opened and Parker entered the room. He had several of his associates with him and strode purposefully toward the desperate scientist. As the party approached the young man, they could feel as well as see what was going on in his tortured mind. as he reached toward thoughts of violence.
Two of the Primagnon lieutenants stepped forward to protect their leader as Parker faced the distraught young man.
“Parker, You d-did this!”
“No my friend. Nature has had it’s way.”
“B-But, you can save him. You have the means. I’ve seen it”
“I’m sorry. I came to know the Senator well in the talk we had. I think it’s best to allow him to pass on.”
“You son of a bitch!” The young man blurted out the words. Choking on his hatred, he made a lunge for Parker but was restrained by the guards.
“Strong language for you, Kirk. I think you’re learning. We’ll see how much you’ve learned a little later,” and Parker turned on his heel and proceeded back in the direction of his office. His men held Kirk for a few moments before joining their leader.
Kirk wanted to scream his raging helplessness after the departing figures, but it seemed futile. He found his mind was working at incredible speed, trying to search for way out of the maze of this nightmare, but finding only dead ends.
Someone was standing at his elbow, and he saw it was Mrs. Jackson. The black lady was one of the few who’d held up a brave front to the incredible events that had battered them.
“Dr. Millah...the Senatah, He really needs the help of a competent physician.”
It took a moment for Kirk to focus on her words. He looked back over his shoulder to where Parker and the others had disappeared to see the doors close behind them. He turned in the direction of the nearby prisoners. Perhaps in the group of hundreds there was someone who could help, yet the expression in their eyes reflected total defeat.
“A doctor, A doctor is needed... anyone here a doctor?”
Sharon hurried from the alcove and touched Kirk’s shoulder.
“He’s asking for you,” she whispered urgently.
Kirk looked desperately at the crowd and then followed Sharon back into the alcove. It was quiet inside the small chamber except for Mrs. Shipley’s muffled sobs and the Senator’s labored breathing. The half dozen grouped around the senior Senator made room for Kirk to stand beside the old man.
At first there seemed to be little sign of life about the old man, and then he took a deep breath. It rattled in his throat as he labored to grasp the oxygen his lungs craved. Kirk took the man’s wrinkled hand in his own and looked down at him. With all his knowledge, life and death were mysteries he couldn’t unravel.
There was a hand on his shoulder and Kirk turned and looked into the dazed eyes of a middle-aged man who had joined them. He was of medium height with thin curly hair and carried a small black case.
“I’m Doctor Craig. what seems to be the trouble?”
With a look of desperation Kirk spoke to the doctor. “It’s Senator Shipley...he’s...”
Sharon broke in, “We think it’s a heart attack, doctor.”
“Well, let me see,” and he moved next to the gurney. “I have my bag with me--an old habit.” He took out a stethoscope and listened to the Senator’s heart for a few moments.
No one saw the hopeless expression on his face. Digging down into the bag. he handed Kirk a small bottle, syringe and sanitary disposable needle. Kirk held them while the doctor pushed the Senator’s sleeve up out of the way. He prepared the syringe and carefully inserted the fine point into one of the large veins on the upper arm, then slowly compressed the plunger, withdrew the device and put his instruments way. The MD turned the the group and motioned for Kirk to follow him.
“I’ve done all I can. He’s sinking, but he should come out of it for a few minutes at least. I’m sorry, but without the proper equipment...”
“I understand Doctor. W--we certainly appreciate the help you’ve given us.
The M,D, looked around the big room and studied a group nearby. His wife was among them and his face screwed up as tears began to run down his cheeks. Ashamed, he turned away from the young man. When he spoke again, his voice was choked with emotion.
“Perhaps it’s better, in view of this. Perhaps the Senator will be better off.”
Kirk placed a hand on the doctor’s drooping shoulder. It trembled for a moment before the man moved slowly away to join the main group and his wife. There was a stirring in the alcove and Kirk heard his name called in a harsh, gasping whisper. He hurried back to the Senator’s side.
For a moment the great man stared unseeing up at Kirk, then spoke as he recalled what had happened.
“Kirk, It’s up to you now,” The Senator was having difficultly speaking and it was difficult to understand what he was saying.
“Kirkland my boy, this is a poor way to say goodbye. You, you’re the only one---where’s momma?” he looked around until he spied his wife standing nearby, looking at him with a vacant stare. The nightmare of the evening had driven the life from her.
“Kirk, I’ve tried all my life to do what was best for my country. Now I’m afraid my time is over. But these people here tonight. These Primagnons or whatever they are...I’ve heard rumblings; from the CIA...and I couldn't believe it...The reports too vague...But now I believe they’ll do what they say they can do--I want you to, aaaahh,!” The pain tossed the Senator and he writhed for a moment before he could speak again.
“I want you to help them, son, to help our country. That Parker. I could see he had his eyes on you. He want’s to use you son, to use us all. You must get away from here...There are a lot more folks important to our nation. Help ‘em son. Some the finest leaders...national security...”
The ailing man grabbed for his chest again and incredible pain was written on his face. He made an attempt rise, only to slump back on the gurney. Kirk grabbed for him and held the old man’s head against his chest. His young head bent over the old one while tears rolled unneeded down his cheeks, wetting the old man’s b row. The great leader opened his eyes and looked up at the younger man who had been like a son to him.
“Help them Kirk,” he breathed. “Help....” and with a deep sigh, his long life left him.
At first Kirk couldn’t believe his well-loved friend was gone. He held the old man for a while, rocking him gently in his arms. Distracted by the pressure of a hand on his shoulder, he turned. Through the mist of tears he could see the Usher, and two Primagnon guards standing behind him. The others in the alcove were leaving except for Sharon and Mrs. Shipley. He glared at the aliens.
“Leave us alone!. Haven’t you done enough? You killed him!”
“Please, Dr. Miller, try to understand. We bear condolences from Mr. Parker. He also admired the Senator. He sent us to prepare him.” The Usher appeared to be truly compassionate.
“Prepare him, for what?” demanded Kirk.
“Why, prepare him for his return to the outside. Your
people will undoubtedly wish to give the Senator the state funeral he so richly deserves,” replied the Usher.
Kirk stubbornly held the inert form close for a few moments, before laying the Senator back on the gurney. He couldn’t think of any way to fight them. He had to find plan to carry out the dead man’s wishes. That would take time. Carefully he folded the Senator’s hands on his chest and took one long, last look before pulling the sheet over Shipley’s face.
It was Jim Paulson who came forward to help kirk and led him past the Primagnon group. Kirk held in his fury, he mustn’t lose control now. He had to think.
When they joined the group outside the dim alcove, Sharon gave Kirk a quick look of sympathy, but didn’t touch ot try to console him She and Mrs. Jackson were apparently more concerned with Mrs. Shipley’s welfare. The Senator’s wife was a strong woman, yet, from the blank stare in her eyes, it was apparent she was now in shock.
Paulson left Kirk’s side to join Sally. Kirk stood alone in his grief just outside the alcove. So confounded by his mourning, he was barely aware of what was going on inside. For a few moments, light appeared to come from the far side of the small room, as if a door beyond had been opened. The impression only grazed his mind, but was left lodged in his subconscious. A few moments later, the Usher came out of the alcove and motioned to four Primagnons who were standing nearby. They moved after the Usher in the direction of the small group composed of Sharon, Mrs. Shipley, Mrs.,Jackson, and a few steps away, Kirk Miller. The Usher stopped beside Sharon.
“Mrs. Miller, if you will be kind enough to follow these brethern, Mr. Parker would like a few w ords with you in private.”
Kirk stepped forward to defend his wife, but two of the Primagnons each placed a hands on his shoulders. He struggled and flung away their hands,and they took firm hold of his arms. The Usher turned to face h im.
“Please Doctor, y our wife will suffer no harm. The leader merely wants to talk to her.”
Sharon was terrified, but too proud to show these creatures she was afraid. One took her arm to lead her away from her distraught husband. She pulled herself free and glared at the guard. Turning to look over her shoulder and could see Kirk was frightened for her. In a burst of fury, he tore himself loose from his captors and struck out at one of the Primagnons who held him.
“Here, none of that!” Ordered the Usher. He motioned to one of the men carrying one of the special kits. The Primagnon moved quickly toward the flailing Kirk and aimed the wand at h im. Immediately Kirk crumpled. The man he’d been fighting grabbed for him and lowered him gently to the floor.
“I wish you people would understand we’re only trying to help you!“ the Usher said impatiently. Turning to Sharon, he almost pleaded. “Mrs. Miller, will you please go quietly? We don’t want to hurt any of you, but you must see resistance is useless.”
Kirk was still unconscious and Sharon could see she might expect no help from the others in the room. She glared at her escorts, then turned and started toward the far door.
Meanwhile, the Usher continue to speak to those who waited behind. Many of the crowd turned with terrified looks toward the locked doors.
“We are going to begin the interviews now,” continued the Usher. “We can handle ten of you at a time. Each will be consulted individually. The interviews, I might add are mandatory and I hope you will go quietly. If not we will be forced to give you assistance.”
As he spoke more of the uniformed Primagnons came into the room. Their jumpsuit style apparel was black with silver trim, and on the cuffs of each where various markings indicating rank or position. Each was armed with a unique looking weapon.
The Usher began to read names from his list. Names of senators and congressmen were included as well as the Chief of the FBI and Sally Merriwether. Although Sally appeared frightened, she didn’t cry out. Jim Paulson made an attempt to shield her, but was held back by several guards.
Some of the wives and girlfriends of the men chosen didn’t exhibit Sharon or Sallys’ courage. Some fainted or screamed out as they attempted to cling to the arms of their men. The guards showed great patience at first, but finally even their calm forbearance gave way to irritation and they pointed their weapons at the more stubborn politicians. There were more screams now when those who where threatened tried to shield themselves with their hands. the Primagnons fired the weapons and sparks shot from the pointed metallic sticks and brought forth a series of ouches and yipes. It was as if the Primagnons were pushing a small herd of unruly steers with some sort of sophisticated cattle prods.
The politicians jumped and flinched before they started moving quickly toward the doors pointed out to them. Those who remained behind could only watch helplessly and wonder what fate awaited them when their time came.
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