by R. P. Wolff
Erik was reluctant to strike Lance, fearing that the bees would sting him, but Lance gestured Erik to pretend to punch him. Nothing happened. So just someone striking him didn’t do it. Lance gestured Erik to do it again. This time, Lance screamed. The bees swarmed down to Erik, who dropped to the ground, turned his body facing the ground, and covered himself up.
The bees attacked.
Erik shrieked. “Get them off me! Ahhh!”
Lance shouted, “Stop,” but nothing happened. Lance screamed again, hoping that might be their signal to stop, but that didn’t work. He tried clapping his hands. That didn’t work. Fortunately, they didn’t sting Lance, but the bees wouldn’t stop swarming. Lance panicked, not knowing how to stop them. “Stop it now,” he yelled.
“Come on, man, they’re killing me,” Erik mumbled.
Lance tried to gently swipe the bees off Erik, but they kept up their vicious attack. In a gentler voice, he said, “Come on, bees, stop. Please stop.”
No response.
After a short while, magically, all the bees flew away. There were about thirty dead bees lying to the side of Erik, apparently the bees that had stung poor Erik.
After the danger was gone, Erik turned around and started patting his back, and yelled, “What the fuck, man? Why didn’t you stop them sooner?”
“I’m sorry. I thought they would just stop if I just yelled them to stop.”
“Man, I think I got stung about a hundred times.” He pulled up his shirt and showed Lance’s his back. “Check out my back. Shit, they got my legs and ankles too. Man, I’m going to kick your ass.”
“Hey, man, again, I’m sorry, but I can’t control them. It seems like after they inflict enough pain, they leave.
“Even though I can’t stop them after they attack, I think I know how to get them to attack. I need to be attacked and scream or yell, but I’m not sure if I even have to be attacked. They might just do it if I scream. We’ll have to do another trial again.”
“Not with me. Find someone else.”
Erik started picking out the stingers. His back was starting to turn red around the bee stings. “Help me get these stingers out.”
“Sure thing.” Lance started the arduous task of removing over thirty stingers.
As he was removing them, he confided in Erik. “Erik, don’t you see? I have a tremendous power over these bees that I can use down the road. Please don’t tell anyone.”
“Okay, sure. Of course, I won’t tell anyone, cellie. Just don’t have them attack me again.”
Chapter 17
It was his time. The Maters could release Lance from prison today if he passed their stupid religious test. He worried that they would try to trick him, and he would have to remain in prison. He had to be good and play their game.
He waited in a secluded room, with dull gray walls, concrete floor, and no windows. They did not cuff him. Lance, like most of the Polics, had established himself as a non-threatening prisoner, who wouldn’t try to escape because of their children. The guards were not as lax with the parent-less men.
Don’t be controversial, he thought. Be nice. His hands shook. There was so much riding on this test.
The door opened, and a high-level Mater cleric with the standard all-black outfit, like the ones that Catholic priests wore except without the white collar. Instead, the clerics wore a black collar with a distinctive white “Z” in the middle. He also wore a silver chain with a thick “Z” dangling. He had a tall silver and gold hat like a miter that Catholic bishops used to wear. Lance knew from his teachings that this was a disciple, who was equivalent to Catholic Cardinals. There were 150 of them throughout the United States, with Texas having eight of them, stationed in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin.
Lance stood up and did the sign of the “Z” and bowed to the holy man. Lance was expecting a bishop at the most—not a disciple. This surprised him. The Mater ranking system had clerics at the lowest level, then bishops, then disciples, then the Gods of the Sun, Land, and Sea, and finally, Zelda Mater, the mother of all the Gods.
Lance kept his head bowed while the disciple made his own sign of the Z, and said, “Blessed you my child. May Zelda Mater, the mother of the all the Gods, bless you.”
“And bless be to you father,” Lance replied.
“Okay, sit down, my child.”
Both men sat down. It was torturous for Lance to go through these ridiculous rituals. Over and over, he had to do the sign of the Z, recite the eight commandments, learn the scriptures, and pray for the virgin Zelda Mater. He only did it so they would release him, and he could reunite with his family.
“Hello, I’m Disciple Cobb.”
Lance nodded.
Disciple Cobb opened a well-organized file folder that had pages fastened on both sides. It was about two inches thick.
What the hell was in there? Lance wondered.
“Okay, so you’re prisoner 88715?”
“Yes.”
“It says here that you used to be the governor of Texas. Is that right?”
Lance sighed and nodded. This disciple surely knew that he was the former governor of Texas. Lance figured the disciple was trying to demean him.
“I’m sorry,” Disciple Cobb said. “I didn’t hear you.”
“Yes.” Lance had to be careful and show complete respect for the disciple.
“Okay, what religion are you?”
“I am a Mater, sir.” All right, thought Lance. Easy questions.
Disciple Cobb flipped through the pages reading them. He said, “It says here that you said on the record that you would never convert to a Mater. What has changed, and why should I believe you?”
Lance expected this line of questioning and was ready for it. “Disciple Cobb, at that time, I just didn’t understand the Mater scriptures, but during the past year I have seen the light.” Now, Lance needed to lay out the bullshit even more. “I’ve been so fortunate to have excellent clerics teach me the findings of Materism.”
“Recite the eight commandments?”
“Sure.” Lance cleared his throat.
“Thou shalt believe in the Mother of the all the Gods.
“Thou shalt believe in the Three Gods of the Sun, Land, and the Sea.
“Thou shalt not take the name of the Mother of all the Gods or the Three Gods names in vain.
“Thou shalt share all its riches.
“Thou shalt remember the Awakening Day, when it comes, and keep it holy.
“Thou shalt not harm a Mater.
“Thou shalt not steal.
“Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
Disciple Cobb asked, “Describe the three Gods and how they came about.”
Lance replied, “The book of the Sun tells us that the spirits of the Gods of the Sun, Land, and the Sea created the Earth as we know it. They were born by Zelda Mater, who was also a spirit at that time. They ruled the world through their spirits since the Sun.”
“How did they rule the world?”
“Through their spirits, Disciple Cobb.” Lance wondered whether this Cobb guy actually believed this bullshit or was just playing along, so he could be a GS 15.
“How was the word ‘Materism’ derived?”
“Materism comes from the Latin word ‘mater’ which means ‘mother.’”
“What happened on the Awakening Day?”
“The Gods sent down their mother, Zelda Mater, in human form as described in the Book of Land. The Book of Land tells us that the Zelda Mater was to come to Earth and to give birth to three Gods.”
“Who is the father of the Gods?”
“Zelda Mater is a virgin, similar to the Virgin Mary of the previous Catholic Religion.”
Disciple Cobb slammed his fist against the table, and yelled, “Don’t you ever compare that heretic Catholic religion to the almighty Mater religion.”
Lance gasped. He could kick himself for bringing up any religion. “I’m sorry, Disciple Cobb. I know it’s a despicable outdated r
eligion, but I was just using it to explain the virgin Zelda.”
“Don’t do it again if you want to be released,” Disciple Cobb snapped.
“Yes, sir.”
“Okay, again, who is the father of all the Gods?”
“The Gods in their spirit form are the father of their human selves. They impregnated Zelda Mater, who gave birth to triplets: The Gods of the Sun, Land and the Sea.”
“How is that possible?”
“The scriptures tells us that, Disciple Cobb, but there were many witnesses to the Awakening, and Zelda Mater is a virgin.” Lance held his breath hoping that the Disciple wouldn’t explode again.
“What do the scriptures say about the Conversion Day?”
Lance wished he would have previously read about the Conversion Day, before he was governor, because it spelled out what the Maters intended to do. It was like Hitler’s book Mein Kemp, which spelled out his plan in detail of taking over Europe and killing all the Jews. If other countries would have only read it or have taken it seriously, then they might have stopped Hitler sooner. The same was true with the book of Mater. The book of Mater spelled out everything, but no one, including Lance, thought that people would follow it.
Lance knew the answer, and responded, “The Conversion Day is spelled out in the Book of the Sea. It tells us that the Maters will rise up on this day.”
“What day does the scriptures say this is going to happen?”
“It doesn’t say a specific date but ensures that it is coming.”
Disciple Cobb nodded.
Lance continued, “So on this day, the Maters will rise up and convert the infidels and heretics to Maters.”
“Good.” Disciple Cobb paused momentarily. “Who is the leader of the Mater religion?”
“Well, of course, it is Zelda Mater, the mother of all the Gods.” Lance couldn’t believe how easy the questions were. Maybe Cobb was just throwing him softballs at first only to follow up with tough questions, a common attorney tactic that Lance had used himself many times.
“Explain the significance of the Evig.”
“The Evig is the lighting of the three candles representing the Gods of the Sun, Land, and Sea. The word is derived from the Latin word Evigilationem which means awakening.”
Disciple Cobb nodded for Lance to continue.
“All Maters should light the three candles on July 30 each year in honor of the Awakening. For the kids, the Mater Claus comes down the chimneys with presents. Adults exchange gifts as well. Also, whenever our beloved Mother speaks to the masses, the Evig should be lit even if it’s not on the Awakening.” Lance paused waiting for the next question.
“Okay, what role do the human Gods have in Materism?”
“The human Gods will eventually take over the leadership of Materism and the world once the virgin Zelda Mater has risen to the heavens. Then the God of the Sun will be first in succession, followed by the God of the Land, and then the God of the Sea.”
“And what happens after that?”
“The world will end. Devoted Maters will go to the heavens; everyone else will go to hell.” Lance had a mischievous thought. If someone killed Zelda and her sons and the world didn’t end, people would hopefully doubt Materism. But Lance couldn’t imagine this happening especially while the Gods were minors.
Disciple Cobb closed the file folder, folded his arms, and said, “Okay, I understand that you have been taught, for the past year, the Mater religion. You’re an intelligent person, being an attorney and former governor, so I expected that you would be able to answer these questions. But the real question is, do you really mean it, or are you trying to fool me? Do you really believe it?”
“Yes, I do,” Lance said with the sincerest face he could muster.
“How can I be assured of that?”
Lance sighed. Was he not going to let him go? Lance worried. He couldn’t wait to see his family, but this asshole disciple was his last obstacle. He had to pass the test. Lance gathered his thoughts for the important question. He said, “I have religiously practiced Materism for the past year. If you let me out, I will show you that I’m a devoted Mater. I will keep holy the Awakening Day. I will live and breathe the eight commandments. And … I don’t know how else to show you, but I am a true Mater. I mean, the world has changed. I realize that Materism is the only religion in this country and the world.” Lance stopped and held his breath.
Disciple Cobb nodded. “Yes, the world will eventually convert to Materism.” Disciple Cobb sighed, reopened the file folder, and studied it again. “Okay, I understand that you are twelve days over your original sentence.” Disciple Codd sighed again. “All right, I’m satisfied.”
Lance smiled. Could it be true? he imagined. Could I see my family today?
“You can go,” Disciple Cobb said.
“Well, where will I go?” Lance asked. He was reluctant to ask because he didn’t want to ruin his chances of the disciple releasing him, but he had to know.
“You will be assigned to an apartment and a bus will take you there.”
“Will my wife and daughter be there?” Lance couldn’t wait to see them.
“That I don’t know.”
“What do you mean, you don’t know?”
“Are you challenging me? You know, I can still change my mind.”
“No, I’m sorry, Disciple Cobb.” Lance could kick himself for challenging the disciple. He just needed to get out of the miserable prison and get back to civilization. He needed to kiss some more ass.
“Look, I’m only in charge of your exit interview,” Disciple Cobb said.
Exit interview, thought Lance. This was anything but an interview—it was a brainwashing interrogation.
Disciple Cobb continued, “I’m not sure who’s handling the other exit interviews.”
“Where am I going?”
He flipped through some papers. “You are assigned to an apartment complex in Lewisville called ‘The Summit.’ You probably have seen it before because I know that you used to live in Lewisville.”
“Yeah, I think I know where it is at.” Lance thought it was near the Home Depot and was in a nice area but wasn’t sure of its current condition.
“Okay, so you’ll be assigned there.” He flipped to another page in the file folder. “Your job will be a bus driver, and your grade pay will be a seven.”
“How much does that equate to?” Lance asked. Great, four years of college and three years of law school, and now I’m a bus driver, he thought. How demoralizing.
“Forty-one thousand.”
Great, Lance thought sarcastically. Lance used to make $350,000 as an attorney. “Forty-one thousand,” Lance repeated out loud. “I used to make over $350,000 a year.”
“Well, there’s no more rich people in accordance with the fourth commandment. You should be glad to have that.”
“Can I keep my car?”
Disciple Cobb chuckled. “No,” he said stretching out the word in a mocking way. “You’re going to be taking public transportation for the rest of your life.”
Chapter 18
Lance had to stay in prison for another ten agonizing days after his interview with Disciple Cobb.
After an hour-long bus ride, the bus arrived at the Summit apartments in Lewisville, Texas.
Great, thought Lance. At least, I’m in Lewisville. He hoped that his wife and Becca where there, but he knew that was probably doubtful. Lance knew better than to ask the mean-looking guards on the bus.
The bus came to a stop at the apartment office. The guards herded him inside and led him to a person behind a table. The person gave him a key with apartment number 215 written on it.
“Your apartment will be room 215. You will be sharing the apartment with a roommate.”
“Is it my wife or daughter?”
“No,” the lady growled. “But it is someone you know.”
“Who?”
“Peter Goodman.”
Pete Goodman got out earlier th
an Lance. Even though he knew Pete Goodman, it was still very disappointing that it wasn’t his daughter or wife. There had been a glimmer of hope that it would be one of them, and the reality that it wasn’t one of them hit him hard. He held back tears.
“You know Peter Goodman, right?” the lady asked. “If you don’t want to room with him, we can always assign you someone else.”
Lance figured that she was only bluffing, but he wouldn’t take her up on it anyway. It would be good to reunite with Pete. Maybe they could figure out a way to escape and find his daughter and wife.
A guard jabbed his rifle into Lance’s side and barked, “Come on, let’s go.”
“Yes, sir,” Lance said. He didn’t want to antagonize anyone on his first day out.
After a short walk, Lance climbed up the stairs with the guard following him closely. The guard pounded on the door.
A voice through the door said, “Hello?”
“Open the door,” the guard barked.
“Okay, okay.”
The door opened, and it was Pete as expected.
“Here’s your new roommate,” the guard said. “Enjoy your spacious accommodations.” He faced Lance. “You are to report to work tomorrow at 0700 to start your new job as a bus driver. Don’t be late.”
Lance nodded.
The guard darted down the steps.
“Hey, what’s up, buddy,” Pete said and gave Lance a hug.
“I’m pissed,” said Lance. “They promised me that I would reunite with my family. Where are they?”
“I’m sorry Lance, but I’ve spoken to several people and none of them have been reunited with their families. I think they are just leading us on. They must be housing women at different apartment complexes.”
Lance grunted. “I can’t believe it. I did everything they asked. I studied their stupid religion.”
“Shhh, don’t let anyone hear you. Come in. Let’s talk inside.”
Lance entered the apartment, and it was ridiculously small and dark, little sunlight shining in. He only saw one bedroom with two single beds. “Is there another bedroom?” Lance asked.