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Part Six
Chapter 1
The Light Switch
They were driving North, on the main road, and as they exited the tree line; Skinner was again awed by the facilities he saw. An enormous food processing plant, and the power generating facility, which had previously piqued his interest. Mel began by explaining a previous declaration she had made.
“You commented about our community embodying pure communism, and I assured you just the opposite was true. Well, I will explain what happens in these facilities, and I think you will begin to understand what I meant. These two plants are flagship operations in the philosophy of Whynot. The founders determined there are five essential areas of a nation, which must retain to the citizens, and for the citizens. Those five areas are the necessities of the societies functioning. They felt it was imperative that these essentials never be allowed to become profit centers for a select few, rather their function must benefit the whole. Further, they determined if this was not the case true freedom could never exist.”
Not quite sure where this was leading Skinner pondered her words. Finally he blurted out, “Are you telling me these facilities are held by the community, and used for the benefit of the people? If so that would represent pure communism, just as I suspected.”
“If you continue putting your mouth over your eyes you shall fail to see. Let me ask you a favor please. For the next hour, clear your thoughts and listen. After that we will indulge in whatever question and answer session you care to pursue. Is that fair?”
Skinner assumed a mock expression of contrite censure. I am sorry my lady, I did not mean to offend. Hanging his head as he spoke, he presented a picture of a disciplined child.
Mel laughed at his theatrics, and replied, “Just so long as it doesn’t happen again.
Skinner felt the walls of the mornings disappointments begin to crumble, as once again he was being drawn as a moth to the flame. He could not stop the attraction, however, he determined to control it until he could find a way out of this dilemma. He was first and last a reporter; he reminded himself, as he promised to be good.
Mel thanked him, and began her narration.
“Okay, I will list the five areas and then tell you how we have addressed them. Before that I must give my opinion. I feel there is a sixth area, which is not listed, nevertheless, it may well be the key to the success of the other five. While our founders did not list this area you will learn they did address it’s fondation in a way, which, insures its performance is fulfilled. Alright, here are the five areas along with my sixth area of need. One: Insurance, Two: Banking, Three: Food and clothing, Four: Energy, Five: Medical, Six: Education. Property or land ownership, while not defined, is covered under the banking aspect of this design. The founders simply accepted the native American Indian philosophy, land could be used, but nobody could own it.
Skinner looked at her and asked, “Are you telling me nobody owns this land?”
“No, that is not the case, however, what you will see is how it is designed so everybody owns this land, and over time this design works to insure the future wealth of every citizen of Whynot. This process is going to take some time for you to grasp just how unique this structure truly is designed. However, once you see this solution, you will never see the world the same again.”
Mel pulled into the parking lot of the processing plant, and indicated they should enter the facility. On the way in she told him they were going to meet with Nate Frey, who she termed the enterprise Sachem. She explained his job was the operation of this facility, and due to his financial expertise he was also involved in the financial oeration of all of the community businesses. No sooner had they entered they were shown into his office. Nate was not at all what Skinner had envisioned. For a man of such obvious authority he was remarkably common in appearance. Levis and a Pendleton shirt took the place of suits and tie, and one would have assumed him a farmer in any other setting. It was hard to determine, however, Skinner guessed Nate to be approximately his own age. When shaking hands, it was impossible not to notice the size, and power of the mans hands. A full head of hair showing no sign of greying, and even teeth freely displayed in his warm smile of greeting.
“It is my pleasure,” Nate assured with his enthusiastic introduction. “We are are very proud of this plant, and I am going to enjoy explaining its benefit to our community, to you. Food is the foundation upon which every society is built, and here we have attempted to insure it is our society which is served by this fact. This plant was built, and is maintained by the investment of every member of our community, and everyone in this system are co-owners of its operation. Investment, while not equal in the beginning due to a disparity of individual resources, is held equally. Nobody is allowed to own more than one share of stock, and this allows everybody to, in effect, receive its production at cost.”
Nate stopped his narration; as he noted the look of confusion on Skinner’s face. “I see I have created some confusion by this claim, so let me claify myself. This plant operates exactly like any other company in the world. That is, it buys, sells, and functions completely for the purpose of producing a profit; this is done regardless of whether its product is used locally, or sold to outside markets. When I say the members of this community receive their usage at cost it must be explained that is the net result not the initial result. Profit is a vital ingredient because it is this profit, which not only insures the continued operation of the plant, it also insures the future welfare of the owners. Ideally, this profit is calculated each year, and the profit percentage is returned to the owner/citizens of the community as a percentage of the amount of their usage.”
Skinner interupted by saying, “That does not cover the amount of profit because of your outside marketing. So I am forced to ask what is done with the overage?”
“Good question, and I can answer that by pointing out my statement was prefaced by the word ideally. You see this system is designed to benefit all humankind on earth, however, before that occurs we must present this to the world, and elicit their participation. Currently the overage, as you term it, is taken as an one-hundred percent profit amount, and this is then divided, and percentage wise returned to our citizen/owners. It is clear that this equals a far larger amount than the figure they spend each year. Before you ask let me clarify this return. The monies are deposited into each citizens retirement account, and becomes completely available upon the time they chose to retire. Retirement is totally up to the individual, and in our case generally occurs by time we are fifty or younger.
“Wait a minute, are you saying the profit from this operation is so great everybody in this community is financially able to retire at that early of an age?”
“Of course not, while the profit from the food processing is significant, if ordinary cost of living existed here, it would not allow that early of retirement. Before you will understand this it will be necessary for you to continue your studies, and learn the entire system. It is the structure of the whole, which makes this the wealthiest community in the world, and it is this whole we hope to present to the world. My job in this education is explaining the piece of the puzzle represented by my area of expertise. For now, I leave it to you to think on what you have learned so far. If you have any questions you are more than welcome to come back any time, and we will endeavor to answer them. When I say anytime, that is exactly what I mean. You have complete access to anything you need to make this clear.”
Skinner had to agree he had more information than he could digest, and time to ponder what he had heard would be a welcome respite.
Mel thanked Nate, and Skinner shook hands before being led back to the parking lot.
Chapter 2
Questions and Answers
Skinner sat in silence; his thoughts a cylone of questions. “Perhaps you can clear up one question?”
“If I can.”
“I understand how each person owning the company allows the return of profit. However, exactly how is this done on an equal basis?”
“Well, at least you made it an easy question. This is accomplished because each person owns exactly one share, in order to insure equal distribution of profit. There can be no majority stock holder receiving a larger share of the profit, or this system would break down. So, as you can see, by holding ownership to no more than one share, there is absolute equal distribution of profit. This gives the added benefit of allowing unlimited owners, because each persons profit is based on the percentage being applied to their participation, or annual cost. The net result, over time, is at the point of retirement the monies in their retirement account represents company profit from what they spent for services. Or another effect is they have received these services for cost, and at the same time insured their future wellbeing.”
“Let me add one other accomplishment of this system. We are a community of believers, that is we believe in an overall supreme being. Everybody is free to express this as they see fit. We view that expression as God’s business, and thus we judge not. We believe we are our brothers keeper, so to achieve this effect ten percent is held for helping to include new members who are starting from a disadvantaged financial condition. The Christian Bible states it thusly, ‘You shall give unto God ten percent of your yearly increase as tithing.’ As this returned money is increase never before available, we feel this fulfills that dictate. I use that reference, however, all religions have a provision for caring for the less fortunate, and this is our way of meeting all of these requirements.”
Skinner sat silently in thought. The whole structure was so unique, its full impact was beginning to create a storm of excitement.
“That is the most amazing story I have ever heard. How did you ever accomplish this without the system destroying you. Surely nobody outside of this community is aware of what you are doing here. There is simply no way the power mongers could allow this to happen.”
“Initially, this concept was held within the confines of Whynot, California, however, over the past forty years we have slowly spread it until we have seventy-nine communities across this nation. This equals the two-and-half-million residents, as I explained to you. There have been rumors and inuendo, and I am sure there is a level of awareness, but we have a level of power that makes them nervous. We feel now is the time for this idea to explode, and we are poised to strike. Before they can marshal their defenses we want to open up our curtains, and offer this to all citizens of this country and the world. If we do this swiftly enough it will be to late to stop its spread. That is where you fit in.”
This last statement was like a slap of awareness, and before he thought he responded, “Why me?”
“Patience Mr. Skinner, you must first digest the meal before you may request the recipe. Look I want to introduce you to one more individual, and this will take just a moment. I will then set you free to explore the two areas shown to you today. Once you have come to fully appreciate these structures, we will show you more. Fair enough?”
Skinner nodded his agreement, as they pulled from the parking lot.
Chapter 3
Power to the People
Minutes later they were pulling into the parking lot of the community power plant. Skinner could not help but marvel at the complexity, and unique design of this facility. “I have never seen anything like this, exactly what does it do?”
“Just be patient, and Jay Miller, the Power Sachem, will dazzle you with with the remarkable altered reality he has created. Jay is an original citizen, and he has headed up this facility from the beginning. We take pride in what he has done for us, and the fact he is a product of one of the local California Universities. He is a graduate of the University of California Davis, Engineering Department, and this entire concept is a result of his imaginative vision. I know you will probably be curious about his information concerning the three founders, however, he swears he does not know exactly who they were. Anyway, today I am going to introduce the two of you, and then at your convenience you will be free to research to your hearts content.”
“This gives me the impression we will not be here very long. I take it my research is to occur at another time.”
Yes, generally there would be no problem, however, I have been infomed today he will be overseeing some updates on the heat exchangers; getting ready for this winters usage. Don’t worry about this for I have been assured this will be completed within twenty-four hours, at which time he will be at your disposal.”
Jay Miller rushed into his office. He was a very tall individual, and obviously distracted by the chore he was overseeing. After introductions, and a quick handshake he informed Skinner he was welcome to any information he could provide, however, this would have to occur on a different day. He was cordial, but quick in his mannerisms, and shortly Mel and Skinner were back in the car pulling from the lot.
Mel tried to put Skinner at ease, “I hope you were not put off by that reception, however, Jay is very focused on what he terms his ‘baby.’”
“Not at all, if anything I am more intrigued than every. I will admit the man’s enthusiasm is contagious, as it seems as though he is on a great mission.”
“That’s Jay for you, he is always on a great mission, and you will be amazed by the diversity of his projects. Allthough you will soon learn to distinguish between the ones in his mind, and the ones that make it into real life. Be aware they are not always the same thing.”
Skinner assumed their tour was over, and he was lost in the information, which had been presented. They were almost back to the tree line when he realized they were slowing down for a turn. Snapping out of his reverie, he noted the sign as they passed, “Driving Range.” Thinking he would save Mel a wasted effort he explained, “I really am not a enthusiast of golf.” He was shocked by her response, as his words brought forth spontaneous, delightful laughter. His confusion was quickly set straight.
“This driving range has absolutely nothing to do with golf. This range has everything to do with responsibility.”
Chapter 4
Driving it Home
Within minutes Skinner was greeted by a virtual amusement park for drivers, car drivers that is. He guessed there was fifty plus acres of obstacle course, road racing track, and mud bogs. He watched the primarily teenage drivers perform every outrageous driving feat you could imagine. Watching these performances he was reminded of his first day in Whynot. The car full of youthful citizens, which had pulled up beside him, and informed him, “We do not drive like that in this town.” Shaking his head he turned to Mel, “What the hell is this place? It looks like a training camp for teenage moonshine runners.”
Smiling Mel responded, “Well in away you could draw paralells. Those teenage moonshine runners, you refer to, became some of the best NASCAR drivers, and it is because of them that sport even exists. However, our purpose is somewhat different. Yes, it is our hope to elevate the level of driving ability to its highest order, however, this is done for the purpose of responsibility, not fun.”
“Are you claiming those kids out there aren’t having fun?”
His question spoken so incredulously forced Mel to stop the car, and she broke into uncontrolled laughter. At first Skinner was startled, and then the infectious moment caught him, and soon both had tears of laughter streaming down their cheeks.
Finally Mel gained a degree of control, and managed to croak out, “No, I don’t suppose I am willing to go that far.”
Once again they both were rocked by uncontrolled mirth. As the laughter began to subside they found themselves staring into each others eyes. Mel felt her cheeks redden, and was first to avert her head. Skinner was shaken by the feelings, which had passed between them, and it took all his willpower not to reach out and pull her into his arms.
Mel tried speaking, in hopes it would ease the moment, “What I am trying to say is this course is a required class before anyone can receive a Drivers License in this community. I don’t know if you have noticed there are no stoplights in our town. We find when the people are taught to follow the rules there is no need for a light bulb to do the job. Anybody who wants can come out here, and express their aggressive feeling to their hearts content. However, you will never see that type of behavior on our streets. Per capita we have the lowest accident rates in the world, and within the bounds of our community there has never been a fatality.”
Skinner studied the facitity with renewed interest, and noted there was a situation covering every type of driving condition he could imagine.
Mel asked if he would like to try the course, and Skinner begged off saying he would feel more comfortable doing so without an audience. Mel teased him about his fragile ego, and headed back into town.
As they entered the town proper, Skinner found he did not wish the day to end. As he was discovering these feeling it dawned on him they were not stopping. Straight through town Mel drove, and soon they were again outside the tree line. This was the way Skinner had entered Whynot, and just as he was going to ask the destination Mel spoke.
“See that sign?”
Skinner looked up and noted the hand lettered sign, “Ye Olde Swimmin Hole.” Just past the sign there was a dirt road heading East, and Mel swung the car onto its rutted track. About four miles later he saw a high embankment, and guessed its purpose. Mel stopped, and jumped out. Skinner watched as she looked back, and then started running up the embankment. Getting out, he started chasing after her, however, she easily beat him to the top. Standing beside her he looked at the very large reservoir enclosed within the embankments. He was shocked when she began removing her cloths, and completely unable to take his eyes from her. As her blouse fluttered to the ground he smiled. Underneath her clothing she had worn a bathing suit, and within minutes her lithe body arched into the air in a perfect dive. The image was a photograph he was sure he could never erase from his mind. Her red hair streaming behind her, and her body painted against the water, he felt like he had been punched in the heart.
Mel wondered if she should be ashamed for what she had just put him through. As her head broke the surface of the water she looked back at his frozen image. Yes, she had shaken him up, and this gave her a warm feeling of satisfaction. She could not understand why she had these feelings, she just knew he effected her in a way she had never felt before.
“Gee, I’m sorry I forgot to ask if you like to swim, and warn you to bring a suit, perhaps you can swim in your Levis. That is if you know how,” she added.
Skinner felt like a little boy who had just been dared to jump off the roof, and without hesitation he began kicking off his shoes. Seconds later he was running towards the water and diving in. As he surfaced, and looked around he discovered she had moved to the far end of the pool. Mel taunted him by teasing, “Not bad for a city dweller.” Skinner bristled at these words, and informed her, “I was was thirteen before I ever swam in a swimming pool; this is my natural element. With that he began swimming towards her, and when he was drawing near she disappeared, like an otter, beneath the water. Turning to look for her, he watched as she surfaced several hundred feet away. Their game of tag continued several minutes until Skinner dove under the surface, and instead of heading towards her, he reversed direction.
Skinner realized he felt alive, and this game meant more to him than he would have ever guessed. He had anticipated her directions, and sure enough he felt the surge of her underwater strokes as she passed by him. He could tell she had surfaced, and he slowly moved behind her. When he broke the surface he had guessed right, and was immediately behind her. Placing his hand on her head; he shoved her beneath the surface.
Coughing and sputtering she came up, and called him a bully. Then she began to splash water into his eyes, and he found himself splashing back. When their splashing hands meet he caught her wrist, and spun her so her back was to him. He held her so she could no longer free her hands to splash, and Mel told him he was cheating. Releasing her hands he was frozen in time as she turned to face him. When their eyes met he felt his arms floating out and wrapping around her. If he had been asked later he could not have guessed how much time elapsed as he drew her into his embrace. He was terrified she would pull free, and an eternity passed before he felt the length of her against him. Their eyes never left each other as he leaned in towards her face until softly their lips brushed. The jolt could not have been more shocking if an electric line had suddenly been dropped into the water. Her arms came up and circled his neck, and like floating on a cloud they drifted beneath the surface locked in each others embrace.
It could have been a second, or a year before they again broke the surface. He could not remember kicking the water to bring them up, and they were still wrapped together lips pressed to lips. He knew he was not at the ocean, however the roar in his head was louder than any surf. Slowly by mutual consent they drew back their heads, and opened their eyes. The moment he met her eyes he knew he was lost.
Mel was shocked to realize this was exactly what she had been teasing him for. Never in her wildest thoughts could she have predicted the impact of her actions. She felt as if she could not breath, and concern rushed through her mind. My God, I don’t think I have the strength to make it to the bank, I might just sink to the bottom and drown. Even as she tried to tell herself she was just playing, her own thoughts called her a liar. Without words they seperated and side-by-side struggled to the bank. Slipping out of the water, and sitting on a small beach, neither spoke a word. Both of their lives had been turned upside down, and the hunger was growing like a raging inferno. Both were afraid the first word would shatter the dam of their reserve, and they would be swept into the tumultous flood waters of desire.
Finally Skinner felt he could speak, and as he started to apologize her hand shoved against his chest thrusting him onto his back. Like a warming blanket she covered him, and her lips found his. The roaring sound in his head was not that of the surf, it was the throaty moan of desire bursting from both of their chests. Like the figures of wind chimes twisting in the wind their arms and legs twined together. It could have been the fifty yard line at the Rose Bowl game, neither would have cared. The fire swept them into an inferno of only them, and the time flew by without notice.
The sun dropped behind the embankment, and they looked into each others eyes. Mel spoke to reassure him, “I am not sorry.”
“Neither am I,” he replied adding, “however I am curious why that water did not evaporate in all that heat.”
This came from so far in left field, Mel was caught off guard. His arms pulled her to him, and both were shaking by the laughter caused by his words.
“You are right. But now I’m scared.” Her voice like a small frightened child hit him like a fist to the heart. Skinner had never been responsible for anything but himself, and he was astounded by his response to her words. He realized he did not want anything to harm this woman; he would stop at nothing to keep that from happening. He kissed her eyes, and hair all the time he could hear his voice reasuring her he did not wish to hurt her. He heard himself speak words he had never considered uttering, and he found he wanted her to believe she could be safe in his arms.
Darkness wrapped like a coccoon about them, and they sat up. Sleep had taken them away from the fear, and both could feel, not safe but better. How long they had slept they could not guess, however Mel whispered she must get home. Skinner gathered their clothing, by the light of the moon, and holding hands they walked to the car.
Mel drove Skinner to his motel, and when he began to protest she silenced him.
“Not now. We will talk later after our thoughts become rational again. Right now I am lost to the feelings, and I want to sort these out. I don’t think anything we say would be logical right now.”
Skinner was in awe as he realized he could not have put it so well. He did not want to be away from her and yet knew he must. The feelings were too powerful, and he told himself, “You are addicted worse than any junkie, and you better find your foundation before you are lost forever. He nodded his agreement, and both knew better than to kiss goodnight. Looking into her eyes Skinner spoke for them both, “If I kiss you, I will not be able to let you leave.”
Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she responded, “Thank you, for I could not have said it.”
Chapter 5
Lost and Found
Skinner was lost, and he found this a feeling he did not like. He understood sleep was not an option this night. As he paced the confines of his room, it dawned on him he had violated every rule of who he thought himself to be. Instinctively, he knew he was involved in the greatest story of his life, and yet he had consorted with his primary source. Lost was the armor of objectivity. Instead of the general parade of questions, which should have marched through his thoughts, he saw that photograph. The arrow of her body slicing the air, and entering the water. The tactile senses of his body hungered for her contact, and he found he felt incomplete.
Regardless of the hour, Mel felt the need to seek the protection of her office. Driving the short distance she pulled up in front, and noted the lights were on. She had known they would be, for Robert Earle would not rest until sure she was okay. Ordinarily, she would not have minded. After all, there were no secrets in Whynot, however, she had not anticipated the impact of the events of the day. Sure, she had known, when she gave her itenerary to Robert that morning, she and Skinner would be alone at the swimming hole. Furthermore, she had known she was fooling nobody, but herself when she said that it would be a good chance for them to have an informal talk. However, now she was at a loss to explain the pain, joy, and confusion caused by her actions. Oh well, nothing to it, but to do it, and she entered the building.
Robert took one look, and knew this was far more serious than he had considered. Without thought, he found himself speaking, “Mel you are, perhaps, the most powerful woman in the world, nevertheless, you were born and raised in Whynot, California. There is nothing about that fact, which will prepare you to deal with somebody of Mr. Skinners experience. Conversely, Mr. Skinner has nothing, on which to base his experiences concerning you. He is a professional, dedicated reporter, and my understanding is this is all he has ever wanted to be. The obstacles are enormous, yet maybe there is a path where the twain shall meet, it is beyond my ability to say. I am going home now, because this is for you to deal with. I know that you know this, but I’ll say it anyway, we love you.”
The door clicked softly behind him, and Mel was alone with her confusion. Damn her, and damn him; she felt lost and incomplete. Seeking an anchor she dialed home, and the phone was immediatley answered. Reassuring her daughters she would be home shortly, she was caught off guard when they informed her, “We are here for you, so don’t worry about us.” Darn kids were too smart for their own good. The brief conversation had achieved its purpose, for she again knew her foundation was strong. She knew what to do, and she walked out to the car, and headed home, home the magical medicine. She would weather this storm, and any others to cross her path, for she was home in Whynot, California.
Skinner found no such surcease, he was a professional who had violated everything that professionalism represented. This was so devastating, the struggle to find a centered position weighed heavy. The story must take precedent, it was what, and who he was. All else must be put aside, if he could just rid himself of the damn mental photograph.
Through the night he suffered; sleep was not an option, and as the sky began to lighten a soft knock sounded at his door. His instinct said, “Don’t answer it,” as he was afraid she would be standing there, and he was not strong enough to handle that event. The magnetic pull of the door drew him to it, as convention dictated when somebody knocked, you answered. He noted the tremble of his hand on the knob, and as the door swung open his heart was assaulted, however, his mind found a life preserver.
Little sunlight could get past the giant, as Quonah stood looking at him with concern. Skinner smiled as Quonah’s first words were as enigmatic as his last words spoken to him.
“My good friend it is possible to take two different paths, and still end up at the true destination.”
“You jerk, you have known all along this was going to happen, why did you let it happen?”
“Why not? It is not my place to change life, I can only hope to ease the road. But, if you will believe me, ‘All things will be as they are supposed to be.’”
“Well, I will give you this, that is as good as anything I have come up with, so what are we going to do.”
“You have met Whynot, and it has met you, however for you that is not enough. I would like to help you know Whynot, for it is important to your future, and to Whynot’s.”
“I believe that, everything in my instincts tells me this is the most important story of my life.”
“I am happy you feel that way, for it is far more true than you realize…However, that too remains to be seen.”
Chapter 6
When, How, and Why…Whynot
For Skinner, the next two days were a flood of information. Time was not a consideration, for its passage produced no awareness. Sleep was impossible as the constant barrage of information was like explosions within his mind. The three who are one, or Me, Myself, and I became real, and their adventure of discovery actually became a living story before his eyes. Somehow, Quonah brought the past to life so the roads, places, and thoughts lived as though they were Skinner’s adventure. This was made even more real by the fact he had been to the places in the story. Eureka, Lazio’s, all of the roads, these were places from his past. Often he had sought out the giant Redwoods for their ability to make the folly of man’s efforts assume their rightful insignificance.
How this entire experience was created was beyond his understanding. It just happened, and Skinner knew this mystery would haunt him for the rest of his life. Quonah explained it by saying, “You needed the information so it came to you.” Skinner could only admit to the truth of this statement, and yet was left wondering what-the-hell it meant. Determined to find an answer he pressed Quonah for better clarification, The big Indian merely shrugged, and removed from his pack a hand written book. This he handed to Skinner, and remarked, “The information lives in here. This is the only place where it is stored, and it lives here for the purpose of belonging to you.”
Skinner took the book into his hands, and it was as if he held a living being. It was hand written with the precision of the ancient tomes produced by scribes of long ago. However, the title made it clear it was the story of events which occurred less than fifty-years ago. “Schizophrenic Rescue,” was the hand written title, and Skinner found himself holding it like a precious relic.
When Skinner looked up to the big Indian, he saw another book extended toward him. The title said, “The Truth of the Butte Wizard,” and Quonah explained. “There are two copies of this work: one belongs to the Sachem of the Community, and number two was written for the ‘Herald’ who shall open the curtains. When you read this work, it should become apparent that person is you. What you do with this information is up to you, however, there is only one true path for its fulfillment, so think wisely.”
Quonah refused all further attempts on Skinner’s part to discuss the information he had received. Quonah merely shrugged at Skinner’s questions and replied, “Before you should ask, you should know, and that requires you read the books.”
Skinner finally admitted defeat, and agreed he would read them. Quonah nodded his assent, and promised he would not be far, and they would talk again. This left room for nothing more to say, so shaking hands Quonah smiled, and left his friend to ponder.
Chapter 7
A Cortex Vortex
The feeling of being alone closed around him like a glove. Skinner sat deep in thought, the confusion of his emotions, and his lifetime of logic a battle ground vying for his future. Time was unconsidered, for Skinner knew any effort to rush would result in his defeat. Slowly logic, that foundation stone of his life, began to hold sway, and a reassuring sense of purpose congealed into resolve and direction. The story must come first, for if that was not the case Skinner would find himself a prisoner unable to leave this community. Instinctively, he knew everything would be lost should that occur.
Skinner sat there knowing he had reached the right decision, however, he could not resolve the deep sense of loss he felt. A pale arrow kept slicing through his mind, and slipping into the dark pool of his thoughts. Forcing one foot to follow the other, he managed to shower and shave. “How long had it been,” he questioned the haggard countenance staring back from the mirror. This was not the person with whom he had communicated for years. By time his ablutions were complete, he comprehended, never again would he feel the same. The story was no-longer a rush of adrenaline, it was but a task, an onerus requirement for survival.
Skinner sat on the foot of the bed; his eyes staring at the two books on the small table before him. Sleep would have to come if he was to make any sense of them, however, sleep seemed like an experience no-longer available to him. He turned back the covers and slid into the bed; his intent was to think over the events of the past two days. A golden arrow, in a corona of light sliced the blue diamond surface of a mirrored pond, and sleep’s hand reached out and drew him into it’s welcoming mist.
Oh yes, he thought of the events, yet these thoughts came in a form beyond anything he could have imagined. Giant trees, winding roads, mysterious visions of soaring above ancient civilizations; an assault unlike any dream, and an understanding it was all true. This was an experience he would never forget, yet one he understood he would never speak of, and he slept.
Chapter 8
Business as Usual?
Arriving at her home, Mel was still torn by the events of the day. She had retraced these events from every angle, and regardless of the light they were placed in, the results were always the same. Her behavior was so out of character it was impossible for her to recognize herself. It was as though she was reading somebody else’s life story. A novel read, and vicariously experienced, however, this novel had become her life story, and a sense of embarrashment was the result. Nervous laughter broke her thoughts as she pulled into the drive. This was Whynot, and here secrets never remained hidden for long. She instinctively understood this fact was a vital factor guiding the values which made Whynot so unique, never-the-less, this was her first situation where it was she experiencing this phenomenon…What had she been thinking?
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© Copyright 2007 K. I. Smet (UN: k-i-smet at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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