Mesmerized

By Roger Peters

While vacationing on the beach in California, Ron and his family are soon interrupted by an alien invasion. While walking the beach, the water begins to make an ugly change. Soon, all the people are lured into the ocean, and once in, the water makes it change, soon forming a large whirlpool, drowning all its victims.

Luck is with Ron's family today, as his dog is not lured in, and alerts his family in time to save them. Soon, They realize our world is under attack, and they must be on the run.

This is only the first wave of the attack, so they must leave the coastline, heading to a safer haven. They meet another family along the way, and together are able to avoid the alien invasion. Now it is a rush accross the country, always staying just ahead of the invaders. Their only hope is that they can survive this ordeal.

This is a story of hope, love, and survival.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Roger Peters
• Release date: Jun 28, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466184404

Roger Peters

Roger Peters is an artist, philosopher and writer who lives and works in Taranaki, New Zealand. In 1995, he detected a profound and comprehensive philosophy in Shakespeare's 1609 Sonnets. The depth and scope of the insight explains why Shakespeare's plays and poems are increasingly relevant to today's global audience. Peters presented Shakespeare's nature based philosophy in a 1760-page four-volume set William Shakespeare's Sonnet Philosophy in 2005. This volume, Shakespeare & Mature Love (2017), follows a summary volume Shakespeare's Global Philosophy (2017) of 360 pages and several others forthcoming. Together they provide further ways to access the understanding

Book preview

Prologue

Marcus White lost his cool over the mismanagement of his congregation on this sunny morning before the full moon. He always had things under control with his subjects, but Steve Howell has now gone too far. Steve has the audacity to believe he could be co-leader; without the experience, nor the time for such power.

If Steve had known, Marcus is in the planning stage of a secret meeting tonight. Marcus is the kind of man who would sell his soul to the devil in order to maintain power, taking his religion seriously. Over the years he let the power, as well as the fringe benefits with the ladies, go to his head.

Steve has his own agenda, feeling Marcus is leading the members in the wrong direction. The path they are presently headed in is toward the satanic, rather than any kind of Christian beliefs. Steve would rather get them back to the roots of their cult, the loving commune these people started on the small island of White Marco. Marcus received a large inheritance while young, and purchased the island for his flock. The beaches are almost a pure white, which with his nickname of Marco, gave it its name.

The congregation steadily grew over the years, and has a little over three hundred members. The island can sustain about six hundred, and they are growing slowly, having full electricity, as well as running water. Food, water, and additional supplies are flown in once a month to sustain them.

Marcus is having his fortieth birthday today, planning on having the congregations meet before the sun sets. The sermon tonight will be on the dissent taking place, as well as plans of taking them in a new direction.

Marcus' third wife, Jenny, is the most beautiful of his seven wives. She knows Marcus' behavior is out of hand lately, but is unsure on how to restrain him. Controlling him is not an easy task, especially when you’re just one of seven wives, and the penalty for betraying him is death. She is frightened about the fate of the congregation, yet unsure on what to do.

Jenny's duties today include collecting berries which grow on the other side of the island. This is the only time she can get alone to think things out. As she began to fill her basket, she became startled when she heard someone approaching from over the hill. She knew she is supposed to be alone, so an intruder will put a damper on her thoughts.

Don't worry, Jenny. It's just me. Mary Harper told her. Mary, who is Jenny's cousin, mistakenly joined the cult six months ago. She has regretted it ever since, just like Jenny.

You startled me, Jenny replied. What brings you out here? You know you face great danger for leaving the village.

I know, but I had to chance it so I could talk to you in private. I fear Marcus is leading us in the direction Jim Jones led his flock.

Are you sure you weren't followed? I mean, we are both in big trouble if someone saw you talking to me.

Oh no, I made sure of that. I know the dangers of being here, but something has to be done.

What do you propose then?

Today would not be a good day, because of Marcus' birthday, but I am going to poison him tomorrow. I hope you can agree to it, otherwise, I am so dead.

Jenny continues to pick berries, while Mary pitches in. I know it has to be done, but I'm concerned about the meeting this evening by the shore. You never know what the man's intentions are.

Don't I know it? Mary said, as they continue filling the basket.

And also, it's a full moon tonight. One can't be sure what crazy things may happen.

I plan on killing him with this poison, Mary said, reaching into her pocket, producing a small vial.

Do you think it will work?

I hope so. This stuff is completely odorless and tasteless, so it should do the trick.

I certainly hope it works, otherwise, we are both dead meat.

We better get back before they wonder where we are. Just make sure we get back separately.

Agreed, Jenny said, draping a towel over the berries, and then made her way back to the village.

When Mary arrives, her husband Robert is waiting for her in the barracks. He paces the floor, knowing the flock will wonder about her disappearance.

Where have you been? Robert asks when she walks in.

Mary looks nervous, but regains her composure. I went for a walk. I left the village for a while to think about things.

You know it is forbidden to leave the village alone, unless it is authorized.

I know that, dear, I needed the time to clear my head, that's all.

Well, you don't watch out, you lose your head. That is all I am going to say. Robert said, storming out of the room, obviously disturbed.

Mary and Jenny did not see each other again until the group met on the beach. The sun is beginning to set, with the bonfires blazing. Between the fires, the setting sun, and the swell of the ocean waves, it leaves an ominous feeling in Jenny's emotions. For some reason, she feels a certain doom awaiting them.

All three hundred and seventeen members are gathered to learn of Marcus' message. The ocean always fascinated him, but for some reason, he feels this evening will bring something special. He cannot quite pinpoint it, but is sure it will be unique, unlike the others.

His congregation is gathered in front of him, facing the incoming waves. He looks out amongst his people, as well as the sun setting on the horizon. As he stood there, he could sense his people are ready. Marcus stood at attention, raising his arms, signaling he is ready to speak.

Good evening. He began. We are gathered here for several reasons, some good, some not. First, I would like to thank Jenny for the berries. But to get down to more serious matters, it has come to my attention much dissent is being brought against us by outsiders, as well as many inside our own organization.

Some of the members gasp when he reveals this, not wishing to believe anyone would want to do them harm.

Marcus stood a moment, gathering his thoughts. After a long pause, he continues. "As I was saying, it seems some of you do not appreciate the work I have done. The Lord is with us, and I for one will not tolerate this blasphemy against me.

As I said, not all is bad news. I am celebrating my fortieth birthday, and my son Joe is now eighteen. I have groomed him over the last two years to be second in command. I feel he is ready to assume his role, and I would like you all to give him a warm round of applause."

Most, but not all applaud Joe for his appointment.

Steve Howell is infuriated, feeling he should be second in command of this cult. He didn't like to refer to it as such, but knew it was. Hey! Steve said. I thought that position was going to be mine. What happened?

What do you mean, what happened? You should have seen it coming. You have been nothing but a corrupt SOB since you arrived.

With that, Steve charges Marcus with a knife he had hidden inside his frock. As he charges, the others began to look out at the waves coming in. The moon reflects off the icy waters, the waves getting very frothy, bringing forth a glow, which began to draw the masses toward its edge.

Steve abandons his quest to kill Marcus for the moment, instead keeping his concentration on what is happening. He notices the others starting to head toward the water as if in a trance. He is perplexed as to why they would act this way, but soon began to succumb to its effects as well.

Marcus couldn't understand why Steve abandoned trying to take him out, but is relieved. He is facing away from the water, but had to see why the others are ignoring him, instead making a steady trek toward the ocean. He turns around, facing the incoming waves, shocked at first at what he is seeing. The ocean took on an irresistible aquamarine color, which soon begins to lure him, as well as the others to its depths. He tries to resist, but try as he might, began to make his fatal trek on the beach.

By the time the first few dozen reach the edge of the sea, the others began to battle and fight amongst each other to get there. Soon, all the citizens of the island were in the water, swimming towards its depths. Some try to resist the calling, but to no avail.

After the last of them swam to the deeper part of the coastline, the ocean changes, rather than being the appealing water it had once been, it began its ugly change. A huge whirlpool forms, which some of the hapless victims try to swim out of, but of no use.

All the members of the cult succumb to the draw of the whirlpool, being sucked into its depths. When the last of the victims went under, the strange phenomenon subsides, with the drowned victims one by one floating to the surface.

All told, 317 members of the White cult died that evening.

*******

Ron and George Patterson are in their living room, watching the end of another win by their team. Ron's sister Lisa is over her friend’s house with his mother.

After the game, it went into a commercial break. Ron looks over at his father, giving him a high five because their team had won.

When the news came on, the newscaster broke in with a developing story. And once again we are on the air, The announcer starts. "This just in, on a small island, bought by cult leader Marcus White, there has been a mass suicide. It seems they all went into the depths of the ocean, drowning them. There have been several suicide cults in the past, but this one has us perplexed, as several of its members used to once be important members of our society. So far, a little over two hundred bodies have been recovered, with many more expected. All the bodies are not expected to be recovered, either lost at sea, or eaten by sharks.

Marcus White was reported to be having some squabbles with his longtime friend Steve Howell, but it is unclear if this has anything to do with the connection. It is believed this is a suicide, as no other evidence proves otherwise. We will keep you updated on any further developments."

I looked over toward my father, perplexed. Dad, what does this mean? I ask.

I don't know, son. Maybe it means something, maybe nothing at all.

*******

I, Ron Patterson have anticipated this day for several months, and the time has now arrived. We have waited on this vacation, and will head out in the morning.

Since I was very young, I considered my father a hero. Not a hero in the sense of a firefighter who saves the life of a family from a burning building. Not a hero like a police officer who rescues victims from a hostage situation; but a hero nevertheless.

I am interested in my father's line of work. He kept what he does hush-hush for obvious reasons; that being he works on top-secret projects for the military. He would be disappointed if he knew I was aware of his business. What he doesn't know is I have listened in to his conversations with his fellow workers. I became interested in his line of work, but would not want to do it myself. What I would want is something that could improve mankind, not something that may destroy it. I don't disapprove of his line of work; as it is necessary, I just wouldn't want it myself.

He is currently working on a program that will enable us to destroy objects outside our atmosphere. It is my belief we are many times more advanced in technology than the government is leading us to believe. The reason is, a while back I saw on the news the Chinese blew up one of their satellites using their new technology. I had overheard my father and his friends from work discussing the situation, with none showing much concern. I know now we are further along than my father or the government would ever admit.

I think what he is doing is way cool. I've had several vivid dreams now in which we blew the enemies satellites and weaponry out of the sky. In one dream, we took out an alien craft as it enters our atmosphere.

I am approaching my fourteenth birthday. My parents are planning a trip to California to camp at the beach. My sister Lisa and I are looking forward to it, as we have never seen the ocean. It promises to be an exciting trip. My father needs a break from work, as it is a great burden.

My Father is George Patterson, and I love him dearly. Lately, though, I have been concerned about his health and peace of mind. His job is a drain on him, and though I know he loves his work, he has become aware of the moral ramifications such weaponry can bestow upon us.

It is my hope his time off will bring peace to his mind and spirit. Although we have no present need for such weaponry, the possibility is always present. It's my hope and desire that even if we have such technology, it will never be needed. The need to stay more advanced than the enemy is always present, but if the need to use them ever arises, then God help us all.

We must always strive to defend ourselves, but as our technology grows, then so does the danger we may someday annihilate ourselves.

As I said, I consider my father a hero for his contribution to mankind, yet I am beginning to have doubts about whether he's headed in the right direction. After all, we need weaponry to defend our nation, but are there other issues out there that could be better served?

My family planned this vacation several months ago. My parents, George and Karen, are taking my eleven year old sister and me to Pismo Beach. They want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. What they really wish is to be one with nature.

George's work causes him, as well as mother great stress. His work entails the development of weapon systems that, with the aid of global positioning, can literally take out any target, anywhere. Another purpose of these weapons is to take out satellites, or any other objects outside the atmosphere

Dad discussed these concerns with mother. Both deciding what the government is doing is immoral.

If the government wished, they could use funds for better uses. Dad feels he could use his talents to concentrate his energy on other options. While the government works to develop weapons to destroy mankind, George wishes to spend time to come up with solutions. When we get back from vacation, he plans on quitting his job.

Dad thinks it would be nice for me to have a sleep-over with my friends in the backyard the day before the trip. Our parents are also thinking of letting Lisa have a slumber party at her friend's house.

Our family is anxious to get moving, as this vacation is a long time coming. We feel it will be a very relaxing, as well as rejuvenating experience.

Chapter 1

I can't wait to go on this trip! I said while laying my sleeping bag on the ground.

I know. Steve said, laying his sleeping bag next to mine. I only wish I was going too. You've got to be the luckiest kid in town.

You bet I am! We leave tomorrow after dad gets off work. I can hardly wait. It sucks my sister has to go, as she always gets in the way.

Know what you mean buddy. I sure wouldn't want her there.

The good thing is, Thursday, I will be fourteen years old, and my dad promised to take me deep sea fishing.

Your sister isn't going to bug us, is she? I mean, it seems like it should just be the guys out here tonight. Steve said, lying down on his sleeping bag and gazing into the sky.

I know what you're saying. I hope she doesn't spread her cooties on us. of course, I no longer believe in cooties, nor does he, but I just put that in for the heck of it.

How many of our friends are staying overnight?

Well, Mike and Fred have accepted the invitation, but Tom has a bad cold and will not be able to make it.

Too bad! Tom is so much fun. His imagination is wild, and he tells great ghost stories when we sleep over.

Got that right, the moon will be full, and I have a scary story I plan on scaring you all with.

I can't wait. It'll most likely be a doozy. When will Mike and Fred be here?

Their dad will drop them off after their dinner. They should be here about seven.

Guys, it's time to come in. Supper is ready. My father said, walking back into the kitchen.

Be right there, dad. I say as we head into the house. I reach down and give my black lab, Shadow, a pat on the head before entering.

When we are in the dining room, there is a large meal beset before us. There are hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, pork and beans, potato chips, cole slaw, soda, and we will have apple pie with ice cream for dessert.

Man, oh man. I said, It looks like a feast fit for a king.

Got that right, Steve said. I feel I could eat a half dozen hotdogs. I will need to save room for the pie, however.

All right boys, take your seats. Lisa, sit here next to daddy and me. My mother said, taking her seat.

Lisa sat down, and as Steve and I take our seats, she sticks her tongue out at me.

Mom, Lisa stuck her tongue at me again.

Be nice, kids. Karen said while George takes his seat at the end of the table.

That's right kids. Lisa, I have decided to let you have that slumber party with the Thompson twins you wanted so badly. My father said.

Oh, goody, they will be much more fun than my mean old brother anyway. We can play lots of games. Lisa said, once again sticking her tongue out at me.

Now cut that out, and let's have a nice dinner. George said.

The rest of dinner is uneventful. Lisa went next door, and my friends have shown up.

Woohoo! Mike said I can't believe we have ridden ourselves of that sister of yours. Now it will just be a night out with the boys.

I know, we can tell ghost stories, and try to scare each other to death. I said, The sun has set, and the moon will be full. It should be a scary night.

The four of us set about the business of getting Mike and Fred's sleeping bags positioned. During the next two hours, we burn wood on the charcoal grille. It is a hot summer night; but it felt more like camping with the fire going. We roast marshmallows on sticks, and cook hotdogs on the grille. One of the hotdogs fell to the ground, and Shadow was the lucky recipient of it.

After this time together, we get sleepy, so lie down in our sleeping bags to tell a few ghost stories before calling it a night.

I'll start, I have a story. Fred said as we all stare at the full moon.

Go ahead, but mine will be better. I chime in.

All right, Once upon a time, there was this big ogre who lives in the woods. He is considered a very mean ogre, but has a weakness. This weakness is a desire to become a knight of the round table. Now everyone knows an ogre cannot become a knight, but this is his wish nevertheless. One day, the ogre, named Rodney, met up with a knight on his journey into the deepest parts of the woods. He walks up to the knight and said, excuse me sir, what must I do to become a knight?"

The knight looks at him in wide eyed wonder. Why, what do you mean, you are nothing but an ogre. You can never become a knight, as you will never be noble enough to meet the qualifications.

What can you possibly mean? The ogre said with disgust. I may be an ogre, but am certainly noble enough to join the likes of you. As a matter of fact, I am the most noble of ogres. Now I say again, what do I need to do to become a knight? This has been my desire since like..., forever.

I am sorry, ogre, but there is nothing I can do. You are nothing but an ugly ogre, and not permitted to be knighted by a king, as that is what is needed to seek your wishes.

Well, I am sorry too then, sir knight. I will do anything to attain my wish. With that, the ogre reaches out with his clawed hand, lopping off the head of the knight. The ogre then dressed himself in the knight's armor, picking up his sword and shield.

Afterward, the ogre sought out the king of the ogre's, and the king saw the ogre, and since he was dressed like a knight, he knighted him.

Bernard, the king of the ogres, raised his hand and proclaimed, I, as the king of the ogres, hereby knight you Sir Rodney, the first knight of the ogres. And that is how he got his wish that day."

The rest of us look over at Fred, and then bust up laughing.

That has got to be the lamest story I have ever heard. Steve said. Now I hope your story is much better, Ron. What we need is something that will scare the yell out of us.

Believe me, this story that I have for you tonight will give you nightmares.

Well it better, as that last one was pretty lame. Mike said, as the others agree.

It goes something like this, I proceed. "About four weeks ago, just outside of town, a man was bitten by a wild dog. It appears as if it was rabid, so he became frightened he could come down with rabies.

After he arrives back at home, he cleans his wounded arm. The wound wasn't substantial, but is enough he decides to see his doctor.

Fortunately for him, his doctor was working late, so he gave him a visit. The doctor walks him to the examination room and has him sit facing the window. As the doctor examines the wounds, his patient happens to look out the window, noticing for the first time the full moon.

While the doctor continues to examine his patient, he fails to notice the hair growing out of the man's back. He is still examining the wounded arm, so didn't see the man's face elongating into a wolves snout, with large fangs replacing his teeth.

Without looking up, the doctor turns to get something on the table, during this time, the man's transformation is complete, and is now a werewolf.

As the doctor turns around, he is horrified by what stands before him. The monsters fingers by this time have morphed into large claws. Only one swipe of his claws is needed across the doctor's stomach to drop the man dead.

The werewolf ran out of the building toward the dessert. The following morning, the doctor's body was discovered. In the dessert, several animals were found mutilated beyond recognition. To this day, there have been no signs of who the culprit was.

Now remember, this happened on the last full moon, and the moon is full once again. Whoever is out there could be on the prowl again. So if I was you..., I would watch your back!"

As I finish my story, the other three look at me in horror.

Now that's what I'm talking about! Steve butts in.

Yeah! That was a great story. I sure wish I had an imagination like that. Mike said.

Thanks, guys, I thought that one up the other day. I'm working on another right now and..., All right, fess up, who cut the cheese?

Fred giggles, giving away the guilty party. I admit it, I'm at fault.

Well, are you going to wipe?

Wipe what?

You pooped your britches, didn't you? I always wipe after pooping.

Gross, that one smelled like rotten eggs. Mike said holding his nose.

Yep, the pork and beans are kicking in. Steve said, letting one rip himself.

Man, you guys are really disgusting. Look there, even Shadow is moving to the other side of the yard to get away from the stench. I said as I let out an excruciatingly long one.

We continue on with our crude jokes about bodily functions, but eventually tire of it and move on to my vacation.

Hey, Ron, what are you going to do on your vacation? Mike asks.

Well, first we are going to Pismo Beach to camp. We will spend several days going on long hikes, as the parents like to make sure we stay in our top physical condition. My dad is going to take me deep sea fishing for my birthday. I am especially looking forward to that, as I have never caught anything bigger than a two-pound trout. If I am lucky, I may catch something much bigger. We might go to one of the amusement parks on the way home as well. I sure hope so.

Man, you sure are lucky, Steve said. I envy you; my parents haven't been able to have a decent vacation in years. When we do get out, it's usually to the mountains. Don't get me wrong, the trips are nice, but I would once like to be able to see the ocean.

We then went