From Here To 1137 AD; Episode 15, Checking on Edgar

This is episode fifteen of the novel, From Here To 1137. 

   If you would like to purchase From  Here To 1137, it is available on Amazon in Kindle format or paperback.

Checking On Edgar

Tom returned to the house. He went to bed, but he did not sleep much. He plotted a strategy. 

He thought while staring at the illuminated digital clock across the room.

“Billy McElroy was a bully. In my freshman year, he backed me against the wall in the boys’ restroom. His buddies were all with him. He wanted my writing tablet.’

‘I remember thinking, it’s a writing tablet today, a pen tomorrow, and money the day after that. I wasn’t about to enable Billy’s nicotine addiction.’

‘I knew that without his friends, he was weak. I worked on a farm. I’d stacked bales of hay all day long. I’d birthed calves. Billy’s only accomplishment was smoking cigarettes and creating a monstrous wave of hair on his head.’

‘He wore confidence that hid his cowardice. “You will have to rip this tablet away from me. And the next time I see you, you better not be alone.” He smirked and walked away. Every one of them was a coward, but the biggest was Billy McElroy.’

‘It’s a funny thing. We never said a word to each other the rest of our time in school. I don’t even remember exchanging looks with him. On graduation day, he came up and shook my hand and said, “No hard feelings.” It took me a while to figure out what he was talking about. I guess cowards have a conscience too.’

In the middle of one of the scenarios of thinking about the meeting with Frank Grasso, he fell asleep.

The 5:30 AM buzzer from the clock across the room sounded. Tom got out of bed and turned it off. The day began. He dressed and went to the barn. He forced the cattle out of the barn and shoveled manure. When he was done, he laid down hay for the cattle. 

Back at the house, he made coffee and breakfast, and waited for Edgar’s eight o’clock call. He sat at the kitchen table and watched the second hand arrive at the twelve.

Tom mentally said to Brain, ‘Brain, can you hear me?”

“Yes,” Brain said.

“Can anyone else hear you?” 

“No.”

“So if I should carry on an audible conversation with you, nobody else will hear, right?” 

“That’s right.”

Tom thought.

“Is something wrong?” Brain asked.

“No, not really,” Tom said. “It makes me wonder about all those folks walking the streets, and talking to themselves.”

“They are mentally ill,” Brain said.

“But I am not, right?” Tom asked. 

“No,” Brain said.

“Thanks,” Tom said. “Is it possible to locate my brother? He’s supposed to be in a bed and breakfast in Mastic Beach, Long Island.”

“He would have to do something that I could track,” Brain said. 

“You have no idea where he is?” Tom asked.

“Your phone is about to ring, and it’s from Mastic Beach,” Brain said. 

The phone rang, and Tom hurried into the dining room.

“Hello, Edgar?”

“Hi, Tom.”

“I was just starting to worry about you,” Tom said.

“I couldn’t sleep last night,” Edgar said.

“Do you have anything planned?” Tom asked.  

“I don’t have a car, and a taxi brought me here,” Edgar said. “I’m kind of locked in to what I can do.”

“Did you pay cash or credit card?” Tom asked.

“Cash.”

“Good,” Tom said.

“Are you going to drive here and get me?” Edgar asked.

Edgar’s tone seemed strange to Tom. It was not that long ago that he appeared brash and arrogant. Now he seemed like a child lost in a crowd. Tom thought, ’He always has been dependent on Dad, Mom, and me.’

“Tom, are you there?” Edgar panicked.

“Yes, yes,” Tom said, “I’m here. I was trying to think of something.”

“Are you coming to pick me up?”

“No,” Tom said, “well, maybe, but for now, can you stay put for at least a couple of days? You should be fine.”

“What are you going to do?” Edgar’s voice quivered.

“Edgar,” Tom said assuringly, “you don’t need to worry. Just stay where you are. You are safe there.”

“This is strange,” Edgar said, “but somehow I believe you.”

“Listen,” Tom said, “if you need anything, call me, okay? I have to go now. Thanks for calling. I just wanted to make sure you were safe.”

“Okay,” Edgar said and hung up the phone.

Tom called Debbie.

“Hello,” Debbie said.

“How are you doing this morning?” Tom said.

“I’m fine,” Debbie said. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“It kind of makes me wish I had something planned,” Tom said. “But maybe we can plan something for next week.”

“I feel like I’ve guilted you into something,” Debbie said. 

“No,” Tom said, “not at all. I was hoping to talk to you or your brother.”

“Steve has already caught the bus for high school,” Debbie said.

“Okay,” Tom said, “I’ll run this by you. I may be gone for a couple of days, and I need somebody to look in on the cattle and toss some hay down for them.”

“I’ll say something to Steve,” Debbie said. “And if he can’t do it, I will,”

“You’re the best,” Tom said.

“Where are you going?” Debbie asked.

“I’m going to visit Edgar,” Tom said.

“You got to be kidding me,” Debbie said, “after the way he treated you?”

“He’s my brother, and he’s in a jam,” Tom said. 

“You’re being too good to him,” Debbie said. 

“Debbie,” Tom paused, “you’d do the same for your brother.”

“Not if he won’t look in on your cattle and feed them,” Debbie said.

“How’s school going for you?” Tom asked.

“I'm doing well,” Debbie said. “A little hard at first, but I’m catching on.”

“What about you?” Debbie said. “Did you enroll?”

“No,” Tom said, “we’ll talk about it when I come back from Edgar’s.”

“Is there anything I can do?” Debbie asked.

“You know where the house key is,” Tom said. “While I’m gone, you could do a load of laundry for me—just kidding.”

“Goodbye, Tom. Have a safe trip.”

“I’ll call when I’m back.”

From Here To 1137 AD; Episode 14, The Use Of MAS

This is episode fourteen of the novel, From Here To 1137. 

   If you would like to purchase From  Here To 1137, it is available on Amazon in Kindle format or paperback. 

The Use Of MAS

“What are some tools I have available?” Tom asked.

“You have the use of telepathy, as explained by Gordon,” Brain said. “Just follow the protocol, and answers will be provided.”

“You mentioned the irrational behavior of Frank Grasso,” Tom continued. “What if he takes a gun and shoots me?”

“You can be fitted with MAS,” Brain said.

“What is MAS?” Tom twisted his face.

“In your language, the letters M, A, and S,” Brain said. “It stands for Micro Absorption Suit. It is a micro-thin skin-clinging suit that absorbs tremendous amounts of shock. It will stop any bullet. The only weapon that can penetrate MAS is not available on this planet.”

“What about an atomic bomb?” Tom joked.

“If that should happen, MAS will survive,” Brain said. “And your remains will be perfectly preserved.”

“You don’t know how much comfort that brings?” 

“Thank you, Tom. It might help to know in the event of an atomic blast. You will look fine; however, there will be a complete redistribution of cells. Brian cells may be found in your feet.”

“You are such a comfort,” Tom said sarcastically. 

“I try,” Brain said.

“Tell me more about MAS,” Tom said.

“You can wear it under your clothes or over,” Brain said. “It is invisible. There is a beneficial feature you should be aware of: There are two million subatomic engines in the MAS. They provide all the functions to protect you, but also they can provide you with what will appear as personal physical strength.”

“How about good looks?” Tom chided.

“I imagine that can be arranged,” Brain said, “but in your case, there’s only so much the suit can do.”

“Okay,” Tom said, “let’s suspend the humor—don’t say it, you weren’t joking.”

“Keep up the quick wit, and you will be replacing me,” Brain said. “Nevertheless, let us return to the serious matter at hand.”  

“By all means,” Tom removed the grin from his face. “You were about to explain the subatomic engines.”

“The subatomic engines can be activated in such a way that they will increase your strength and reflexes.”

Tom’s head dropped into deep thought. 

“You are troubled?” Brain asked.

“Indeed,” Tom said. “It’s a two-edged sword. If it is overused, could it send those disturbing waves through the universe?”

“That is a possibility,” Brain said.

“The dilemma is how much can I use without it causing that disturbance?”

“Allow me to clarify something that will help you make informed decisions,” Brain said. “It is not the use of any of the apparatuses or skills provided. They are all protected and will not cause so much as a ripple in the universe. It is the effect it has on your civilization. Changing the pace of the natural development of technology and notoriety are the challenges you must deal with. I can’t make those decisions for you. I can calculate the risks, and that is it. Gordon made the decision to pick you. He expressed great confidence in you.”

“So,” Tom chided, “I can’t use it to get girls.”

“Who do you have in mind?” Brain said. 

“You are good,” Tom said. 

“It’s what I do.”

From Here To 1137 AD; Episode 13, Chatting With Brain

This is episode twelve of the novel, From Here To 1137. 

   If you would like to purchase From  Here To 1137, it is available on Amazon in Kindle format or paperback.  

Chatting With Brain

After Tom placed the phone down, he went to the back porch, slipped into his work coat, and put on his work boots. He walked out the back door and faced blistering snow and wind. He reached the spot where he last saw the pod. 

“I hope nobody has taken her,” Tom said with his head ducked into his coat. “Pod, open the door.”

A door opened to an invisible spacecraft. He stepped inside, and the door closed.

He walked forward and sat in the captain’s chair.

“Brain, can you hear me?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t know how much you can read my mind,” Tom said, “but I’m in quite a pickle. And from what Gordon told me, I may have the power to get my brother out of a jam. I tried to read between the lines what Gordon told me. Is it wrong for me to use the powers of you and the pod for my personal problems?” 

Brain immediately replied, “Gordon gave to you, me, and the pod to use for good. He did not intend for you to be burdened by problems. You were selected because you would not use it to gather power. You can use it in any way you wish.”

“Suppose I tell you the problem I’m facing, and you can help me,” Tom said.

“Before you begin,” Brain said, “your judgement on this matter will be your judgement. Brain is confident that you will make the right decision without my assistance or advice. However, Brain and all the systems of the pod are available to you.”

Tom told Brain everything he knew. And when finished, he asked, “What do you think, can I use what advantages are available to me to help my brother? Is it fully justified?” 

“It is, and I’m ready to assist.”

“Is there any way you can verify my brother's story?”

“A moment, please,” Brain said.

Tom ran his finger through his hair and scratched the back of his head.

In that time, Brain answered. “The story your brother told you is verified. Your brother is in grave danger. 

“I want to talk with Frank Grasso, personally,” Tom said. 

“My research of Frank Grasso indicates face to face-to-face meetings are admired by him. However, there are dangers.”

“What are they?”

“He is irrational and may order your execution immediately.” 

“I’m sure you could calculate the probability…”

Brain interrupted, “He’s irrational. However, the best way to reach him appears to be face-to-face. Additionally, if you were to tell me what you have in mind, I can provide what is needed to carry it out successfully.”

“What is the ultimate successful procedure to successfully assure my brother’s release from his gambling debt?” Tom asked.

“We could arrange for the entire criminal network to be eliminated,” Brain said.

“You mean having them arrested and convicted, all of them, right?” Tom asked.

“Well, that’s one way,” Brain said. “The assured solution I calculated was killing all of them.”

“I can’t have that done,” Tom said.

“I am aware,” Brain said. “I wanted to let you know the full extent of the capabilities available to you.”

“I’m not out to clean up crime in New York City,” Tom said. “Getting involved with the police will only bring attention to me and maybe this pod and you. That may do exactly what Gordon warned against: sending a disturbance that will reverberate beyond this galaxy. And I only want to get my brother out of a jam.”

“If we put our heads together, we can effectively rescue your brother from his dire situation,” Brain said.

“Brain,” Tom said.

“What?”

“You don’t have a head,” Tom informed.

“Of that, I am aware,” Brain said. “I use expressions and idioms to appeal to your folksy Midwest vernacular.”

“Thanks for condescendingly explaining that to me,” Tom said. 

“I seem to have hurt your feelings,” Brain said.

“I’m messin’ with you,” Tom said. 

“And I with you,” Brain said. “I’ve been programmed for humor. Humor sometimes eases tension and allows for clearer thinking. However, it must be monitored and curbed as needed.”

“I’m sure you’ll sprinkle in just enough and keep me in check,” Tom said. 

“It’s what I do,” Brain said.

From Here To 1137 AD; Episode 12, Edgar's In Big Trouble

This is episode eleven of the novel, From Here To 1137. 

   If you would like to purchase From  Here To 1137, it is available on Amazon in Kindle format or paperback. 

Edgar's In Big Trouble  

By the time the first of December rolled around, there had already been three snowfalls. The soybeans and corn yields were better than expected. Yet, not enough to forestall the financial woes coming in the spring. He went days without thinking about the invisible space-pod in the cornfield. At times, he wondered if it was still there, but not enough to make him want to check on it. He was so busy with the work and concerns of the farm, he had little to no time to think about it. 

The second week in December, a cold wind blew in from the north. It brought pelting snow and built thigh-high drifts against the fences, barns, and other outbuildings. 

Tom brought in a couple of arms full of split logs from the logs stacked just outside the back door. He placed the split logs next to the fireplace. He stoked the fire and sat in a chair near the fire. He picked up a half-read book and continued reading.

The phone rang. Tom got up. He walked into the dining room where the phone sat on a small table.

“Hello,” Tom said.

“Tom, this is Edgar.” His voice quivered. 

Tom immediately sensed the fear in his voice. “Edgar, are you okay? You sound stressed.”

“Tom, I’m in big trouble.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“I owe a lot of money,” Edgar said.

“What!”

“I owe a lot of money.”

“To whom?”

“Some guys.”

“Not to a bank!” Tom exclaimed. “What do you mean, some guys?”

“Tough guys,” Edgar said. “Guys who hurt you or worse.”

“I don’t have any money, Edgar. The farm is nearly bankrupt. Gene Francis may have to sell it this spring.”

“How does such a thing happen?” Edgar said angrily. “I don’t trust that Gene Francis. He’s a small-town shyster lawyer. He’s holding out. There’ plenty of money in the farm.”

“There’s little to none,” Tom said. “Gene went over the books with me.”

“You say Gene did,” Edgar said skeptically.

“And I had them reviewed by an accountant,” Tom said.

“There’s something fishy going on,” Edgar said. “I don’t like playing games. These guys I’m dealing with don’t mess around. They put people in the hospital.”

“The way things are set up, I can’t send you anything,” Tom said. “And if there was money, it has to go through the trustee, and that’s Gene Francis.”

“Where’s all the money gone to?” Edgar demanded.

“Really, Edgar, it’s none of your business. You left. You wanted no part of what happened back here. But there is your debt to the farm, for one. I’ve talked to Gene about collecting the loan and kicking it down the road a bit. He says he’s morally and legally bound to carry out the will. And the unpaid loans made to you are one of the reasons for selling the farm. Also, Mom had tremendous bills from her treatments. Gene has managed to get the hospital to reduce some of the outstanding money. Mom had been robbing Peter to pay Paul for a couple of years. And you, you were always writing home for handouts. Rather than hear a grown son’s sob story, she wrote a check.”

“I’m a dead man,” Edgar said morosely.  

“How much do you owe?” 

“I owe a little over one hundred thousand.”

“What!” Tom exclaimed. “How did you get one hundred thousand dollars in debt?”

Edgar said nothing.

“Well?” Tom said. “I’m waiting.”

“Gambling,” Edgar said, “I’m addicted to gambling.”

“No, no, no,” Tom said, “you’re not addicted to gambling, you’re addicted to yourself. You always have been. You’re an arrogant, selfish, egotistical, halfwit.”

“Whatever happens to me, it’s on you, brother,” Edgar said sternly. 

“I’m sorry, Edgar,” Tom said. “I think you know that I’d help you if I could.”

“That’s why I called,” Edgar said. “Look, I’ll try to work something out. Forget I called. Goodbye, Tom.”

“Wait a minute, Edgar,” Tom said. “There may be a way. You said you owe guys, what are the guys’ names?”

“I owe money to a guy named Frank Grasso,” Edgar said. “He’s a boss in the mafia. He’s a made man. He’s a powerful man. And he’s ruthless.” 

“Where are you right now?” Tom asked.

“I’m hiding out. It’s a bed and breakfast on Long Island, Mastic Beach.” Edgar said. “It’s just a matter of time before they find me. I can’t run. Nobody can escape them. They will find you.”

“I may be able to help,” Tom said. 

“How much can you come up with?” Edgar said.

“I’m not sure money is the answer,” Tom said. “There are other ways.”

“You’re talking insanity,” Edgar said. “The only thing they understand is money. If you owe them money, they own you. And if you work for them, the money is so good, it’s hard to turn down. Once you do business with them, you’re in, and there’s no way out. They can take care of you, but you have to take care of them.”

“How in the world did you ever get mixed up in this?” Tom said.

“By being so smart, you think everybody else is stupid,” Edgar said. 

“How long can you stay hidden?” Tom said.

“I hope I am hidden,” Edgar said. “But I can’t really be sure.”

“Call me in the morning, eight o’clock,” Tom said. “Take care.”