The Gathering Storm Page 25

  “Formation, attenhut! Fall out.” The forty men took off, running the two laps on the track as fast as they could. The faster they were done, the more time for chow. Eating, fighting and fucking. That summed up the favorite activities of a combat troop. Torbin knew he had a good core of volunteers. He would have to narrow it down to a twelve man assault team, and two security rear guards. He would have a twelve man backup team if something happened to the primary prior to S-Day.

  S-Day. Squid Day. His choice of terms. Screw D-Day, A-Day, whatever. The enemy were Squids. Everyone needed to remember that. They were not humans, though they would have to fight some humans along the way. Especially when he went in for the Director. He looked at his watch. Time to grab a sandwich at one of the Conch roach coaches, then change into his battle rattle.

  CHAPTER 19

  KEY WEST, FLORIDA

  As a trained scientist and medical professional, I should have seen the signs of what was being done much, much earlier. My failings may have led to permanent damage to our species. I may not have tried to perform some of the perverted acts similar to those of Joseph Mengele, but I still bear the responsibility of blinding myself to realities. I was blinded by the promises of Tschaaa medical science. I ignored the signs of extreme dysfunction and damage. May God forgive me.

  - Excerpts from the “Great Compromise” by Princess Akiko of the Free Japan Royal Family. Appendix 15, Recovered Notes from Doctor Brigitte Fredericks Private Diary, Key West, Florida

  While Bender was working hard to put an assault team together, Professor Joseph Fassbinder and his wife Sarah were taking a break from their duties, visiting a combination restaurant and bar in downtown Key West. Called The Admiral’s Cabin, it was owned by the Admiral and operated by many of his daughters, although he stopped in often to ensure everything was going well. Had anyone remembered the Admiral’s true name, they might have recognized him as the former manager of one of the largest former resort hotels in the Keys. Therefore, running a commercial establishment came second nature to him.

  His odd uniform and rough-looking, sun bleached demeanor was an affectation that had occurred since the Tschaaa occupied the Keys. His appearance may have been a bit bizarre, but a quick mind still operated under his white, sun bleached hair. Today he made sure he was present when he heard that Joseph, a new class of rocketman soon heading off into space, was present.

  He had arranged a special table in a side enclave, with a waiter and hostess standing nearby to serve just the Fassbinders and their young guides, the Olson twins. Sandy and Samuel led them there, espousing the charms and excellence of the establishment, especially the drinks. Joseph was surprised to find that they were expected, and even more so when they were shown to their seat of honor. He asked the twins, “Did you tell them we were coming? I thought we came here to have a drink at the bar and admire the history of Old Key West. I did not expect a private table, private service staff. This is embarrassing.”

  Before the twins could answer, the Admiral appeared from nowhere. “Professor. And Mrs. Professor. Or should I call you Professors One and Two, as I understand both of you have doctorates well above my level of understanding.”

  He then belted out a hardy laugh. The Admiral always seem to chuckle a lot, even when he was angry. “And yes, of course I knew you were coming here. You see, I have the most well-developed informal intelligence establishment in North America, probably the world. The Conch Republic knows all and sees all. I dare say, I knew you were coming before you did.”

  Joseph did not know what to make of the odd character, and smiled cautiously. The Admiral began to guffaw and slapped him on the back. “Relax, Professor One. You and Professor Two are here to have fun. You are my guests.”

  He grabbed a menu. “Please, allow me to order for you. Garçon. Garçon, attend please.” The dedicated wait staff hurried to the table. The Admiral soon ordered “surf and turf” combination platters, Long Island iced teas, and key lime pie for dessert. The Olsons ordered their own stews and boilermakers. Joseph could tell by their demeanor that they had been here many times before.

  After he left the area, Joseph inquired of Sandy, “Is he always so… unusual?”

  She laughed. “Yes, for as long as we have been coming here. Almost three years. He is the Conch Republic personified. Brash, independent, tough, but fun-loving. And a bit eccentric. He’s extremely protective of his people, especially his daughters. Don’t ask me how many he’s ‘adopted’, but they must be in the dozens. Everyone here seems to love him like the crazy Uncle that brings the dangerous fireworks for the Fourth of July.”

  Joseph noticed Sam was looking around, searching for something or someone. “Looking for something, Samuel?” Sam suddenly stopped and blushed.

  “He’s just looking for Jolene. She works here sometimes.”

  “She must be quite a woman if he is so smitten with her,” Sarah interjected.

  “The Professor has met her,” Sandy remarked with a sly grin. “He can tell you all about her.”

  “Oh, really?” Sarah replied. “Tell me about this femme fatale, Joseph. What makes her so special?” She cocked an eyebrow, a warning that Joseph had better give a good answer, or suffer the consequences. Before he could answer, Jolene appeared from the back of the establishment, making a beeline toward their table. Joseph started to stutter and blushed. He was still a bit of a blockhead when it came to interpersonal relationships.

  “Uh, honey, let me introduce...”

  Jolene didn’t even acknowledge the presence of Joseph or the Olsons. She went straight to Sarah, threw her arms around her, and kissed her on the cheek. Sarah began to sputter, as Jolene began in explanation, “Professor, I have a niece in your class, Mary Ann Lane. You helped save her from that damned Eater. I owe you and Major Grant big time. Your money’s no good when I am here. Put it away.”

  She turned to Joseph. “Hi, Professor. Glad you finally brought your wife here. I see Sam and Sandy came along too. Looks like you’re up for a fun evening.”

  Sam managed to say, “Hi, Jolene!” to her before Jolene turned and hugged Sarah again.

  “It was Major Grant that killed that thing. I was just knocked on my ass.” Sarah finally confessed.

  Jolene brushed aside her protestations. “Oh hush! You threw yourself on that thing, distracting it so the Major could kill it. Just accept my thank, and no more arguing.”

  Sarah, a bit teary eyed, finally said, “Oh alright. You’re welcome.”

  Jolene then turned her attention to Joseph. “You’d better treat her right, Professor, or else I’ll take a dull fish knife to you.” Joseph could tell she was dead serious.

  “Yes Ma’am.”

  Jolene patted Sarah’s shoulder. “I’ve got to go now. See you later. If the Admiral doesn't get you good service, come see me in the main bar and I’ll fix you up.” Then, like a force of nature, she traveled back the way she came. Sarah was still dabbing her eyes with a napkin, when Joseph asked, “Are you okay, honey?”

  “It’s just my waterworks seem a bit sensitive lately. You’d think I’d get used to this show of gratitude, but... Damnit. Jane did all the heavy lifting.”

  Joseph put his arm around her. “Darling, I love you. Just accept the fact that people care that you even tried. Most people would have run screaming. It looks like our drinks are coming. That should help.”

  The Long Island iced teas helped to lubricate Joseph and Sarah, as Sam and Sandy’s drinks helped relax them. They were soon involved in small talk.

  “Professor, I am jealous,” Sam interjected. “Jolene kissed you the first time you met. It took me a month to get to first base.”

  His sister slapped his arm. “Quit talking about your sexual frustration. You have women hanging all over you.”

  “Yes, but not Jolene,” he shot back.

  “She seemed quite the woman,” Sarah stated. “How did you meet her, Joseph?”

  He took a drink of his cocktail. “I met her my first day of work.
She was running the Conch roach coach outside my building. She knew who I was already.” He paused and looked at Sarah. “She gave me the beers I brought back to our room. She said I had to go home and make up.” Sarah suddenly kissed him, a kiss that lingered a few moments longer than was comfortable for their dining companions.

  Sandy interrupted them. “I’m going to the ladies room. Would you like to show you where it is, Sarah?”

  “Yes, I think that might be a good idea,” Sarah answered. She kissed her husband once more on the cheek. “Don’t start flirting while I’m gone.”

  “No worries. I think your friend Jolene would cut my balls off.”

  Everyone laughed, and the two women headed to the restroom. Joseph watched Sarah walk away. He felt a stirring in his loins as he watched his wife slink off in the black cocktail dress she had found. She seemed to look and act years younger, and her body seemed firmer, rejuvenated. He had a strong urge to run after her, grab her, and show his firsthand appreciation for her sensuous form. Joseph shook his head to bring his thoughts back to the table.

  “Professor, I don’t mean to speak out of line, but your wife is hot. You are one lucky man.”

  Joseph looked at Sam. “This I know. But tell me, where are all these young women who are throwing themselves at you?”

  Sam laughed. “A couple are in the bar as we speak. I just really wished Jolene wouldn’t play so hard to get.” They both laughed.

  “Well, young sir, you have lots of time ahead of you. Enjoy the attention you get now. As you age, the number of those desiring you decreases.”

  “Let me warn you, Professor. My sister has the hots for you. I guess in your case, you must be like fine wine. Better with age.” Joseph laughed the comment off, but he knew it was true. Sandy sometimes would bump her firm body into him. He was sure she was doing it on purpose. He made a mental note to make sure she did not get him cornered alone. He didn’t need any problems, now that Sarah and he were acting like newlyweds again.

  Sarah was touching up her makeup in the ladies room. She thought to herself that she seemed to look younger. “This is weird,” she mumbled to herself. Must be because she felt like a young schoolgirl with Joseph these days.

  “You have a great looking husband, Sarah.” Sandy was standing next to her. She was about an inch shorter, but was just as shapely.

  Sarah had noticed her nice legs, and she could swear she had nothing on under her shapely night dress. “Yes, I know. I’m lucky. To be honest, I almost lost him.”

  Sandy then said something that was completely from left field. “Would you fight to keep him?”

  Sarah sputtered a bit. “Wha... what do you mean?”

  “If you think he’s worth keeping, you’d have to hurt me pretty badly to make me give up trying to have him for myself.” Sandy had an intense look in her eyes, and seemed to be breathing a bit harder. Sarah began to have an odd, almost feral feeling herself. She started sizing up Sandy. She was younger, but no bigger or stronger-looking than Sarah. A momentary image of her yanking on Sandy’s auburn hair flashed through her mind.

  “Yes, I would,” she snapped.

  “You would fight me?” Sandy asked again, meeting her eyes.

  “Yes,” she hissed. Where that answer came from, Sarah had no idea. Other than a couple of schoolyard scraps in junior high, she had been decidedly non-violent. Now, she was thinking she had nice manicured sharp nails, which could do a number on Sandy’s face and body. The two women started to close the space between them.

  Jolene chose that moment to walk in. “Evening ladies. Everything okay here?”

  It broke the moment. A few more seconds, and they would have been rolling on the bathroom floor.

  “Just fine, Jolene,” Sandy answered, and went to the mirror to check her makeup and hair.

  Sarah reached over to Jolene and kissed her cheek. “Thanks for sending my husband home with the beer that day. I owe you.”

  Jolene broke into a big grin. “I just did what was right, Professor.”

  “My friends call me Sarah, Jolene.” Sarah noticed the large scar on the left side of Jolene’s face that had been covered by her long hair and paused.

  Jolene said. “Okay, Sarah, it’s a deal. And that scar was a present from an asshole who was tried to kill me.”

  Sarah blushed a bit. “I didn’t mean to stare...”

  Jolene waved her off. “The Director offered to have it fixed with Tschaaa nanite technology, but I turned it down. I think it gives me character.”

  Sandy took the opportunity to leave. “Excuse me, ladies. See you back at the table.” Sarah glared a bit at Sandy as she swung her hips out the door. Jolene grinned after her. “You two were about to get into it with each other, weren't you?”

  Sarah looked at Jolene. “How could you tell?”

  Jolene laughed. “It’s been happening with increased regularity. Almost every night, two girls get into a hair pulling contest. Unless it’s broken up, they end up like two alley cats, all scratched, bruised, and bitten.”

  “Any idea why?” The scientist in her felt an urge to ask more questions.

  “Nope,” Jolene answered. “Must be something in the water.”

  Sarah seemed concerned. “What about you? Any desire to scratch my eyes out?”

  “Hell, no!” Jolene chuckled. “I have no desire to battle anyone. I’m a lover, not a fighter.”

  Both women laughed. “I’d better get back to my table before that redhead tries to put the moves on my husband. See you later, Jolene.” Jolene laughed again and waved goodbye.

  Sarah hurried back to the table, and sat down next to her husband. Sandy had not arrived yet. Then Sarah saw her at the bar, chatting up a couple of good looking young men. She turned to Joseph, grabbed him, kissing him passionately.

  “My, my, aren’t you feisty tonight,” Joseph smirked.

  Sarah leaned close and whispered into his ear. “Just wait until later, when we get home.” She reached under the table and ran her hand up his thigh. Their food arrived at that moment, as did Sandy. For the rest of the evening, Joseph noticed an odd tension between Sandy and Sarah. They kept giving each other little smirks, twisting their bodies to emphasize their curves in some type of weird competition.

  Eventually, he whispered to his wife, “Darling, what is going on?”

  His wife squeezed his thigh under the table. “I’ll tell you at home.”

  Over the course of the evening, conversation included talk about “the good old days”, before the Tschaaa appeared. Sam made a startling comment. “Sometimes, I think the Squids’ coming is a godsend.”

  Both Joseph and Sarah were taken aback. “How can you say that with the number of people killed? And people of color becoming?” Sarah was to pounce on Sam with questions. She may have controlled her old radicalism, but she wasn’t dead.

  Sam answered defiantly. “How can I say that? Easy. We had a black President who did more to institute class warfare and divide the nation, after claiming he was the great unifier, than anyone in history. Africans practiced genocide on their own people just because they were of a different tribe. The Cambodians slaughtered a million of their own people in the name of Communism. Even “white people” lost out on education and jobs due to affirmative action because we were blamed for slavery and segregation. Hell, I wasn’t even born until the Millennium, yet somehow it was my fault.” He took a slug of his drink.

  “All of the secular socialists and atheists were promoting Darwinism and evolution. Well, guess what? The Tschaaa are proof of Darwin’s theory of the survival of the fittest. It’s not my fault either that people of color lost out in the cosmic crap shoot of evolution. It’s just that the Tschaaa find them tastier than us.”

  Sarah continued, “But you lost family and friends. Don’t you wish that you had them back?”

  “If wishes were horses beggars would ride,” Sam mumbled. “Of course I miss my parents, my cousins, my friends. But Darwin won. Now, we have to make the best
of it, and climb back toward the top. Hell, our early ancestors were meals for leopards and hyenas. But we worked past that, began to top them in the food chain. Eventually, we’ll be equal to or on top of the Squids in the food chain again, just as we beat out the all the other predators.” Samuel’s face was flushed by the end of his speech. The fresh faced student Joseph had known years ago was long gone.

  “Pardon my brother,” Sandy interjected. “He wonders why Jolene and other women tend to shy away from him. It’s because he always carries a soap box around with him.”

  Samuel waved at his sister in a sign of dismissal. “You’re just like the other women. You don’t want to admit the unpleasant truth. I need another drink.” He stood up and wobbled toward the bar, where Jolene was tending.

  “He is very angry, isn't he?” Joseph asked.

  Sandy sighed. “He’s just frustrated and self-centered. He is my twin and I love him, but he seems to want what he can’t have. Primarily Jolene. And to change the past to what he wants.” Sandy gave Joseph a bit of a smoldering look. “I know what is obtainable, and what isn’t. Therefore, I’m less frustrated.”

  Sarah glared at Sandy. “Sometimes there are obstacles that are greater than you realize.”

  Both women began to lean in toward each other. Joseph jumped in. “Hey, Sandy, can you suggest some other establishments to visit in the future? My wife and I have some fun to catch up on.” He squeezed his wife’s hand.

  Sandy saw the gesture and sighed. “Yes, Professor. Let me write on this napkin...”

  The evening was becoming curiouser and curiouser. Finally, they had all eaten, drank and laughed enough. Various men and women kept coming over to strike up a conversation with the Olson twins, all unattached singles. Two young ladies in particular kept glaring at each other as they vied for Sam’s attention.

  Joseph glanced at his watch. “Come on, time to go. I’m about to fall over.” He and Sarah got up to excuse themselves. Surprisingly Sarah and Sandy hugged each other. Then he noticed that they purposefully pressed their breasts together and squeezed each other in a short bear hug, as if checking out the strength of the other’s body.