Welcome again! Here are the legal statements. If you are not yet old enough or if it is not legal to read this type of material where you live, please leave now. If the subject of homosexual relations offends you please read no further. The following story is a work of fiction and with the exception of Andy and the brief mention of Terry, all persons in this story are fictional. Any resemblance to persons living, dead or not yet born are completely accidental and unintentional.
The Author reserves all rights. copyright 2000 The Author is Andrew Simon van Ryan. Email me at Zlatazobo@aol.com
Visit me at my web page http://hometown.aol.com/zlatazobo/myhomepage/profile.html
Where no one owns the Rain....
By Andrew Simon van Ryan
Copyright 2000. All Rights Reserved
Part Eighteen
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"In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up."
Minister Martin Neimoller, on Germany's fall to the Nazis ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I was startled as the Sat-link phone began to vibrate inside my shirt pocket. I glanced once around the darkened planes interior before pulling it out. I snapped it open and placed it to my ear
"Hello..." I answered in a semi hushed voice.
"Andy, it's Gabriel. Listen to me carefully. You were spotted boarding in Miami. They scanned your iris, so they know it's you. A message was just sent by Conner to the security people at Washington National airport. His instructions were very specific. He wants them to capture you ALIVE. He's sending a helicopter there to bring you to the White House. He wants to speak to you in person. Did you hear everything I just said?"
"Yes. I sure did." I answered quietly as my pulse skyrocketed.
"OK, the choice is yours. You decide what to do, but don't let them find that transmitter on you. They'll know what's going down. Tell the others to get rid of their transmitters, too. You don't want them found on John or Brian if they get searched. And one more thing Andy." Gabriel said with a deep sigh. "God bless you...."
"Got it. Thanks, Gabe." I replied before clicking the phone off. I returned it to my pocket and I leaned over to John.
"New plan. Everything's changed." I whispered.
"What?" he said as the surprise began to make him sit up. I placed my finger over my lips in a silent 'Shhhh'. Brian noticed us and leaned forward in his seat.
"They somehow scanned my eye in Miami. The iris recognition system matched me and they know I'm coming. Conner has sent a helicopter to National. It's to bring me to the White House, alive. He no doubt thinks he's outsmarted us and wants to tell me himself, the jackass. " I whispered to them.
"So now what?" Brian whispered back at me. I paused a moment.
"I'm going to let them take me, but I need to stall about twenty minutes before letting them catch me. When we exit the plane, one of you walk on each side of me. At the first sign of security guards, you two fight 'em while I make a run for it. Will that work, Brian?" He thought only a matter of seconds before replying.
"Yes, but you'll have to get to an outside exit. Outside in the dark is the only way to stall them that long." He stated. "And you have to really conceal that transmitter so they don't find it."
"Then that's what we're going to do, OK?"
They both nodded in agreement. Their faces looked worried.
"It's going to be OK." I reassured them. "I need your SB - 12's. We have to ditch them so they won't be discovered."
Each took out their small white box and handed them to me. I stuffed them into the pocket holding mine.
"Be right back." I said and got up. I headed directly for the toilet and as I did, the attendants voice came over the loudspeaker.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. The pilot has just turned on the seat belt sign and we are on final approach to Washington National Airport. We ask that you please return to your seats now, stow your trays away and put all seats in a full upright position. Thank you."
As I walked past a stewardess she grabbed hold of my arm, causing me to jump.
"Sir, you need to take your seat. " She said. As I turned around she noticed the wild eyed look I was giving her.
"Is everything OK?" She asked.
"I gotta pee. BAD!" I blurted out. She bought it.
"OK, just try and hurry."
I entered the tiny space and latched the door. I took out the three boxes and quickly threw two into the toilet. The third one I opened. I twisted the plastic tube open then fumbled for the battery package in my shirt pocket. My fingers found the Sat-link phone and I quickly tossed it into the toilet as well. Finding the batteries, I tore open the package and fitted them into the tube. Twisting the SB-12 closed, I watched intensely. As I twisted the cap closed to a snug fit, I saw the green LED first begin to blink, then become a steady glow. Releasing one big sigh I paused then opened my mouth. I shoved the plastic tube to the far back of my throat and tried swallowing. It took three times and I almost choked on it once, but the transmitter finally went down. I flushed the toilet twice before it downed the two boxes and the Sat-link phone. Once they'd disappeared into the septic hold, I opened the door and started for my seat.
"You'd better hurry!" The stewardess scolded as the planes interior lights came on.
I quickly took my seat.
Far below our approaching aircraft, the dark Potomac River flowed silently.
The Razorfish now settled into its stationary 'wait' position just below the tidal estuary at Washington, DC. From there it would launch the missile within the hour. As the 'fish' came to rest, my flight skidded onto the runway at Washington National airport. I waited anxiously as we taxied to the gate.
"Remember." I whispered to the other two. "As soon as someone tries to stop us, you two rush 'em. I'll make a run for it. We gotta try to delay them as long as possible."
John and Brian nodded their heads as the plane jerked to a halt. I knew the targeting device's' instructions said it was waterproof for seven hours. I hoped it was stomach acid proof for at least one.
The Stewardess reached out and unlatched the planes door, swinging it open. The rush of cold night time air entered the plane as the first passengers began to exit into the tunnel.
"Here we go." I said softly as it came time for us to disembark. Brian reached into the overhead and took out our overcoats.
"These might come in handy." He said as he passed one to each of us.
Entering the tunnel we walked swiftly up into the terminal. I noticed no one, but just as we passed out of the waiting area a voice called from behind.
"Andrew van Ryan!"
I didn't look back. I sprang forward as John and Brian spun around to face the four men in black suits. Brian flung his coat over the faces of two before launching himself head long at them. He tackled both with enough force that one was knocked unconscious when his head hit the ground. John simply punched the fourth one with a well placed fist, knocking him out cold. As he flung into the two men, Brian had reached to grab the leg of a third. This one fell, but quickly sprang to his feet. Ignoring Brian, the third man gave chase after me. I was quite a ways ahead when I spotted a door marked exit. I slammed through the doorway and descended the staircase hidden behind it at full speed. I heard the door alarm bark to life as two gunshots echoed down the stairwell from up behind me.
At the bottom of the stairs I exited another doorway that opened out onto the tarmac. I spotted a moving luggage tram about twenty yards away and sprinted to it. Flinging myself into the last cart, I glanced at my watch. 7:24AM GMT. I figured I needed to buy about ten more minutes before letting them catch me. When the tram entered the luggage carousel drop off, I huddled down, covered myself with the coat and stayed quiet. I figured they'd expect me to keep running and I was right. I peeked out and watched as one, then two more black suited men ran past the cart. As I lay there catching by breath and glancing at the watch, I could hear them shouting in the luggage claim area. Nearly eight minutes passed before I heard the voices coming closer.
"Just don't shoot him. Conner insists we capture him alive and bring him to the White House." I heard one of the men instruct the others.
That was confirmation of the message Noah had intercepted. Conner wanted to tell me in person our 'assault' had been defeated so he could gloat. I glanced at my watch. 7:34AM GMT. Time to get caught.
I heard footsteps approaching and I sprang from my hiding place. The two goons were on me instantly. For the next few minutes they took turns giving me the beating of my life. When it was obvious they'd beaten me into a barely conscious state and drained out any fight left in me, I was dragged across the tarmac to a waiting Helicopter. As we got close, I saw it was emblazoned with the Presidential Seal. It was Marine Corps One, the Presidents Helicopter. Bleeding from the mouth and nose, I was thrown inside onto the floor. The two men who'd been dragging me got in, I heard several others enter and then the door slid shut. The Helicopter gunned it's engine and we lifted up and away from Washington National Airport, headed for the White House. My watch read 7:55AM.
Sitting in the cold dark waters of the Potomac, the Razorfish began to slowly open. With nearly unnoticeable movement the back of it slid apart and the missile's' nose tipped up. It locked onto the targeting device, which was still on the move less than three and a half miles away. It was 7:55AM GMT. Five minutes to launch. It would travel the distance to the target in less than 40 seconds, tipping upward before accelerating down at full power. Too fast for any defensive response.
In Brussels, the assembled Members of the EU had taken their seats. An Assistant representative of the Secretary General stepped to the podium and made the announcement.
"Before we begin the voting, the Secretary General has granted a request by the British Prime Minster to allow the reading of a message by a representative of a Civilian Group. He comes to us today from the British Protectorate country of Belize."
Hushed voices echoed in the Grand Hall as the members questioned each other on what the message could be. A uniformed security officer entered the room where Ezekiel was waiting.
"Any time you're ready, sir." The officer said.
Zeke looked at his watch. It read 7:55 AM.
"OK," he said. "I'm ready. Lead the way."
The Security Officer opened the door and they stepped into the hall. As Zeke was focusing on his task of delivering the message his mind flashed for a moment to our parting, but he suppressed the thought, thinking to himself 'No. Not until I've finished.' He refocused his thoughts as the Officer lead him through the backstage area to the rear steps that lead up onto the stage.
"Thank you." He said to the officer who now stepped aside. Ezekiel took my folded speech from his pocket as he climbed the stairs and opened it.
"This is it." he sighed to himself.
The assembled members of the European Union hushed as Ezekiel entered and walked swiftly to the podium. Stepping onto the rostrum, he paused momentarily. Then, in a soft spoken voice, he began.
"I come before you today with a message of the utmost importance. As I do, I am reminded of words spoken by a man who, like myself, was born to one English parent and one American parent. Over seventy years ago, Sir Winston Churchill was elected to the Highest Office in Great Britain. In his first broadcast as Prime Minister to the British people, Churchill said and I quote..
'Arm yourselves, and be ye men of valour, and be in readiness for the conflict; for it is better for us to perish in battle than to look upon the outrage of our nation and our altar.'
This call and spur to the faithful servants of Truth and Justice went forth due to the policies dictated by one man. Adolph Hitler, the greatest evil of the Twentieth Century. Hitler's twisted ideals resulted in the great conflict we call World War Two and it devastated Europe. Today you, the leadership of the combined European Union, have assembled to decide whether or not to proceed with a declaration of war against the most formidable military force imaginable, The United States of America. Not because of it's people, but because of the policies of one man, President Joshua Conner.
Not since the time of Churchill has the world seen such evil personified in one individual. The world knows only too well of this mans crimes. President Conner has followed the same path as Hitler before him. Today, the death camps hold Americans prisoner as Conners campaign to purge the land of those he deems 'the undesirable element' expands. He has undertaken this persecution on an even grander scale than Hitler, already having sent millions to their death. I represent one of those 'elements' persecuted by Conner. I am a Homosexual."
Throughout the hall there were scattered mutterings. Ezekiel paused, looking slowly about. As the mumbling quieted, he glanced at his watch. It read 8:00AM, GMT. Zero Hour, missile away.
"I come today, at this particular moment to ask that you hold off from declaring war. I bring the news that millions, if not billions of lives have been spared and your cause for battle has been removed."
Again the hall echoed with mutterings, but Ezekiel continued, speaking louder.
"At this very moment, a group of young homosexuals that escaped Conners death camps and then banded together in the jungles of Belize, have launched a missile attack directly against President Conner in Washington D.C."
Hushed but excited voices could be heard everywhere. Ezekiel spoke even louder now.
"This group took it upon themselves to stop Conner before his madness could engulfed the entire world and bring about mass destruction beyond any human comprehension. They have undertaken this action not only to stop him, but to prevent the needless slaughter of human lives. In doing so, these men have paid the ultimate price. They have given their lives. Given their lives for your lives, the lives of your families and the lives of millions."
The muttering throughout the hall jumped to astonished gasps and chatter. He simply spoke up and continued on.
"By the time I have finished here, The United States will be free of Joshua Conner and World War Three will have been averted. The cause for your declaration of war shall have been removed and your countrymen need not arm themselves. Therefore, I wish to put before you the words of Sir Winston Churchill once again."
Looking out to the farthest reaches of the hall, he quoted.
"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."
The hall fell totally silent. Ezekiel pulled his shoulders back and stood as tall as he could. Declaring in a clear and loud voice, he proclaimed to them all.
"We have been called Queers. We have been called Faggots and Homos, Deviates and Perverts. After today, we shall be called by another name. One that we have not been called before....."
Ezekiel paused, taking a deep breath before saying the last word I had written.
"HEROES."
As Ezekiel stepped away from the podium, the hall erupted. Jumping to their feet, they shouted their approval and joyful relief. The European Leaders cheered wildly as he turned to leave. Reaching the rear steps Zeke broke down. As tears poured forth and streamed down his cheeks, he lifted his face in a gaze toward Heaven and said softly "I love you, Andy van Ryan"
At the same time in Washington, I had been dragged from the Helicopter pad on the South Lawn of the White House and in through the executive entrance. Now I was being dragged down the hallway and into the Oval Office. Conner's' two henchmen threw me down in front of the Presidents desk. I nearly landed on my face, but somehow caught my balance before hitting the carpet. Supported on hands and knees, I stared at the floor for a moment. Then I heard him speak.
"Hello, Mr. van Ryan." He said.
I looked up to find him standing at the windows, staring out at the darkened White House lawn.
"You and I have something in common, you know." Conner began. "We both want to be the winner here." He chuckled for a moment, then added "Only, I never lose. Your pen is not mightier than my sword after all."
I felt the weakness and pain in my body begin to leave as I went numb. Terry's' murder suddenly filled my mind and the final bits of strength in me all came together at once.
Conner turned from looking out the window so he could face me. I was still on the floor, holding myself up on hands and knees.
"Did you really expect that stupid plot in your book to work?" He snarled at me.
That's when I felt the power inside my body surge. Looking up, I stared at Conner. He seemed to study my face.
"NO...." I stated coldly. Putting one foot flat to the floor, I began pushing myself up, raising slowly to a full standing position. I kept my eyes locked in his. An expression of surprise and disbelief started growing on his face as he watched me stand as tall and straight as I could.
"no?...." He said softly.
"No. I didn't." I told him. "What I expected was for you to make the ultimate mistake."
He stared intently and said "What kind of crap are you talking about, you fucking little pervert?"
Then he noticed. Gazing into my eyes he saw neither fear nor anger. He saw satisfaction.
I could see wheels turning in his head as he tried to guess what I knew that he didn't.
Just then, one of his henchmen glanced out the window. The light created by the missiles engine was beginning to illuminate the night time view. I could see out the window behind Conner and noticed it as well. The President was staring at me, still confused.
Stretching out my arms to each side and with a loud, clear voice, I spoke while he read his fate in my steely eyes.
"Behold! I come quickly! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End."
Conners face twisted up with confused rage.
His henchman suddenly realized what was causing the growing illumination outside.
"Incoming!" He yelled.
Conners eyes widened with fear as mine smiled in triumph. He knew it was over. He knew he was dead. The last thing Joshua Conner heard before the White House dispelled into superheated radioactive vapor was my voice.
"This is for Terry, Mother Fucker!"
"Where no one owns the Rain"
by Andrew Simon van Ryan
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Epilogue
In the Beginning...
"When they imprisoned innocent individuals for 'abuse,' you didn't speak out because you were not the one persecuted. When they searched, without warrant, you said nothing because you were not searched. When they seized property without due process, you said nothing because it wasn't your property.
When they kicked in the door of someone suspected of drug possession, killed him, then found no drugs, you said nothing because your loved one was not killed and 'anything goes fighting drug use'. When they drove a man to suicide in their attempt to collect taxes he never owed, you said nothing because he was not someone you knew. When they suspended the right to trial by jury for accused "deadbeat dads," you said nothing because you are not a deadbeat dad.
When they take your money and dictate how much you may keep, you say nothing because you consider taxation necessary. When they came for online news groups, you said nothing because you don't use online services. When they took away rights, you said nothing because you didn't vote.
And when they and their evil finally come for youand they will, will there be any left who will care about your plight, anyone left to speak out for you, to defend you? There won't be if you continue in indifferent silence. If you are one of those who've said nothing, your silence and apathy will someday pay offwhen they finally come for you."
Author Unknown
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The Author wishes to acknowledge the influence of the following individuals. I recommend reading their listed books as well. The future these men envisioned in their own time has come only too close to being fact in our time.
William S. Burroughs - 'The Wild Boys', 'Bladerunner'
Aldous Huxley - 'Brave New World'
George Orwell - '1984', 'Animal Farm'
H.G. Wells - 'The Time Machine'
Ray Bradbury - 'Fahrenheit 451'