Escape From The Net

By Richard Von Meyer

Escape From the Net is a novel about the federal government deciding that a certain portion of the citizens, those with low income and assets, needed to be separated from the others and placed in special places made especially for them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781483549675

Book preview

35

CHAPTER 1

Hey Larry, glad I bumped into ya…You okay? We haven’t connected for quite a while man. I saw some of ‘em playin’ out at the Moose course the other day and that means tennis is right around the corner. They’re setting up some kind of security thing at the courts now looks like.

Hi Adrian. Pardon my disappearance, just hiding out, don’t ask me from what, the whole scene I guess…It’s a totally different world man. I even stopped Internet a couple months ago, basically my last connector to it all. I shoulda been in touch though even if I had to walk over. I’m doin’ a lot of walkin’ lately tryin’ to stay in shape ‘n not think so much.

How about heading for the park tomorrow? That’s no cost and we could get in that good talk we’ve needed for too long. I think I saw the green signal for tomorrow so we should be okay on that. It’s laughable, like security at the tennis courts, but it’s still better than those spells of martial law we had back there, right? Nothin’ beats that.

Right. I’ll bring some gear ‘n see what we can get outta the lake out there while we’re at it. How about pickin’ me up about 10?

That’s good for me ‘n I’m glad to see ya my friend. On that hiding out, let’s be careful we’re not just fallin’ into it like most of ‘em, isolating ourselves for no particular reason, just goin’ with the flow. Anyway, see ya in the morning.

Morning A, this is a great idea…I needed this. I brought the gear but we don’t need to do that. Don’t know about you but I mostly need to talk like we said yesterday. I was gettin’ isolated but at least I knew it, could feel it.

Another thing…Have you noticed people seem kinda slower on the uptake lately, like ya need to repeat most of what ya say, even in my own family, ‘n they almost don’t seem to see ya standing there. A lot of ‘em just don’t respond at all, look at ya funny when ya say somethin’ and walk away, like ya said somethin’ they didn’t like ‘er understand. Do I seem that way, kind of programmed? Maybe it’s in the food or water, some of it has seemed a little different in the past couple months or maybe it’s my taste buds changing.

I haven’t noticed on that slower part but now that you mention it you’ve seemed a little different lately. Maybe we’ll be the last to succumb ole boy, that is if we stop eatin’ and drinkin’.

It is kind of humorous but not really. We can fish for the rest of the morning. We need to get some stuff done at the house later.

I think we’re gettin’ closer to what we’ve known could be next, almost have to be – The whole thing’s gone on for too long and it started pickin’ up speed lately too. I don’t see how everything’s stayed together this long actually and it almost didn’t a couple times there. The last thing I saw said 70% of us were in need of mental health treatment, whatever that could be, and that was years ago and what little insurance is available for most of us doesn’t cover much of that anyway. It’s more than 70% now for sure and that means close to everybody’s affected, maybe me too, who knows…But I’m talking too much. Larry said.

It’s all too much for one session which is about what it could be called.

How about this spot?

Looks good…Let’s give it a try.

Have you noticed more police cars around lately? Wanted to ask you about that too. I checked with my friend Jim at the department the other day and he said they got something from some new federal agency, he didn’t tell me the name, saying an increase in the force had been authorized but it didn’t give any reason for it and there’s nothin’ I’ve seen in the paper about it. I’m almost sure crime is actually down with less people in the city than ever so what’s that about? They said their people had to be used on the job so now there’s more patrol cars around, seven I think he said, and seven new faces in Elmwood. Seems overdone whatever the reason and nobody says anything about it. That’s part of what we’re talkin’ about too.

I’ve noticed ‘em ‘n wondered about it. There’s the sign to Big Rock over there…That brings back memories, tryin’ to get up on it. Remember when we used to jog out this way in gym class, bus over here and go over the bridge and jog into the park? We musta been in pretty good shape.

Ya I remember, seems like yesterday ‘n it’s called youth my friend.

One more thing Larry ‘n then I’ll stop. There’s some kind of construction going on south of town. Realize you wouldn’t have seen it without a car but there’s somethin’ being built right off 25A with a lot of heavy equipment being brought in, tractors ‘n other heavy equipment…It’s big whatever it is.

I’ve heard a couple people sayin’ somethin’ about it come to think of it but I wasn’t close enough to hear much. And there again the paper doesn’t mention it or at least I haven’t seen anything have you?

Not a word about it, almost like they’re being asked not to get into it and the way things are they just obey ‘n they still call it reporting. The other day I tried to bring up that construction at the barber shop but the conversation went flat quick. They clammed up like they didn’t want to talk about it. That could be part of that other too, programmed ‘er whatever. What should be so secretive about somethin’ like that place but come to think of it I’ve noticed other places that look like that one, one about every forty ‘er fifty miles. That is scary, at least for those of us who can still feel scared. I know, I know, you think I’m over-reactin’.

You guys there, please hold up a second.

Who’s that?

Must be a warden…Never seen a warden out here before, and on this tiny lake. What’s going on as if we didn’t know. He’s coming over this way. Let’s meet him halfway.

"You guys probably didn’t notice but this has been changed from a green to an amber day. As you know, that means you should use caution ‘n report in every two hours when outside. Let me see your catch before you leave the park…I’ll be up there around the entrance. That’s all I needed to let ya know. Hope you catch some good ones. We stocked it pretty good earlier in the year to keep people

happy. Just be careful."

More and more of it. We’re supposed to be like the thing about Pavlov’s dog, just react, now it’s to colors of days, green amber ‘n red…What a joke. They could choose a little different colors at least, be a little creative. And be careful of what, he didn’t say, scares ya to start with. I’ve never seen the guy in Elmwood before. Oh well, that’s the way it is. Back to those places being built, have you gotten a good look at any of ‘em? And it is scary, places that look alike being built all around and nobody questioning it.

I didn’t get a good look at any of ‘em but the one south of town doesn’t look like a manufacturing plant, more like some kind of military installation except I’ve never seen barracks that big. And it didn’t feel like ya would be welcome looking around either, just somethin’ about it.

I’m getting curiouser and curiouser A and we both know how I am about that. Like I say, I’ve heard a couple people say something about it but they quit when they noticed me tryin’ to listen, why is the question. But let’s stop talking ‘n catch some fish now that the warden says it’s okay. I think I’ve noticed fish like quiet.

I’ll talk low. Hopefully whatever’s being built down there needs workers and they’ll include us. Why didn’t I think of that before…They must need people Adrian said.

Right…Looks like it’s that or nothing, for now at least. I apply when I can but there’s almost nothin’ out there right now. Who cares what it is, we can act like we don’t care like the rest. Hey, got one, first one of the year but look at it, a 5-incher. Better let it go back home before we get hit with a fine and whatever else.

Wait a second…We’re hurtin’ for food this time of the month. Louanne wouldn’t like that. Go ahead man, throw it back. On that construction, maybe we should get on down there, like ASAP, get our names in.

Good idea…Keeping moving does seem to avoid some of that programmed, hung up feeling. Can you go today?

Ya I think so and you picked the right description for it, hung up ‘er programmed, like I can’t get much of anything done, especially stuff that’s important like applying for jobs, like I want to postpone everything, even important stuff like medical…It’s got me in the head. Feels like I’m in a long line going nowhere, like in the movie Doctor Zhivago I saw yesterday. I’ve been watching a lot of mostly older movies lately. The kids don’t like ‘em somehow, look at me funny when I watch ‘em. Maybe we should actually listen to those speakers downtown saying if you’re feeling depressed and who isn’t, you should call some number for counseling. I remember when they put those speakers up and wondered what was going on…Apparently nobody else does. Maybe that would actually do some good. My question is who’s counseling the counselors?

Know what ya mean.

Instead of ‘em working on what’s causing it all, like so few decent-payin’ jobs for half a lifetime for most of us, they work on us with their latest theories on how to cope with what they caused…Ridiculous convoluted stuff. Hey, there’s a good word, convoluted. I’ve even noticed some people giving me funny looks when a word like that happens to slip out, like who am I to use it. It really is a subtle dumbing down process that never seems to bottom out. We’re down to using the simplest words plus a few of the latest catch phrases ‘n tech ‘n medical terms if you notice, which nobody seems to. Except when talking to you that’s what I’m doing too, conforming like the rest - That’s why I’m relieved to see you when I get the chance. But that’s definitely enough from me.

I’m with ya on that feeling relieved when I see ya. Maybe we should cut this short, they’re not biting anyway so how about getting another kind of bite at the Spot and heading down to that place? Give Louanne a call and see if that’ll work…She’ll agree I’m sure. I’ll report in to the station while you’re doing that – We’ve been out about 2 hours. I’ll say this is Larry Davis, android #476, ‘n see if that gets a reaction, some kind of reaction, anything but the usual blank reaction.

Hi dear…Larry and I have an idea we think we should follow up on. We’re thinking about going down to that construction site south of town ‘n puttin’ in applications, the place we went by a while back.

Sounds like a good idea. We do need things from the grocery and bidding starts at noon. I don’t want to miss a couple things if possible. Good luck on that. We wondered about that place, ISCP I think the sign said.

This’ll get us started looking again at least, break the hung up thing.

Get me a coke, burger and chili, my usual since school days. Believe it or not I remember ordering that back there. What was it, a little over an hour to get over here, eat and back to school, and we still made time to run the track a few laps. Think we could do that now? Everybody but athletes are softer now.

That was about 30 years ago, believe it or not, but let’s give it a try sometime, test our real shape rather than just talking about it, do somethin’ instead of just talkin’ Larry said.

So what else’s happening? We know how the general scene is, life by the numbers or the latest how-to book ‘er show. Have wondered if you were keeping up your piano?

A little but I need to get back with a teacher and that takes money, more than I’ve got. The cost of living stays way ahead of my interests for sure and I’m sure I’m not alone. I’m startin’ to feel satisfied with a hundred bucks a month to spend on discretionary stuff and you know how far that goes, a round of golf and dinner maybe. I’ve gotten a little more into chess with a guy in the building and hoping you’d get an interest in that so we can take a board places with us.

I know I know, I’ll do it but I’m hung up like everybody else, can’t concentrate enough to even sit down, relax a little, and get into a game like chess, too much other stuff floating around in my head that feels important but isn’t. That’s the hung-up thing.

About what we’re talking about A, it’s like some kind of invisible net coming down over us, minds ‘n all, and it’s impossible to avoid the thing. Strange but I can almost see it up there ‘n getting’ lower. Anyway, we probably shouldn’t say much here, especially about that place. That’s probably paranoia talkin’ but it feels real to me. I thought I heard a neighbor saying it was going to be low-income housing but when you think about it, could there be that many low-income people around here? That makes me wonder too. Maybe it’s got to that point. Those kinds of statistics have all but disappeared from the newspapers.

I agree that the place doesn’t sound like regular housing, more like military housing ‘er somethin’. Somethin’ strange about the whole thing. I hear there’s only about 8 thousand people left in our dear town and that place looks like it could hold all of ‘em ‘n more so maybe that’s it, we’re gonna end up there.

One thing for sure, we’d probably be eligible for living in that place if it’s low-income housing but I’m not keen on moving and I was in the service once already…Get my point? Here’s 20 for a little gas while I’m thinking about it. From what you said it should be about a mile ahead…There it is. Wow, look at the size of it, those big buildings going into the distance. Does look like it could hold plenty of people. Pull in at the gate up there. Looks like it’s is well guarded like you said with that fence and towers Larry said.

It’s grown a lot since Louanne and I saw it maybe a month ago.

II

You gentlemen will need to register…Please sign here the guard said.

Park near that first building up ahead and you’ll see a door marked office and the personnel section’s right inside the door to the left. I assume you’re looking for work?

Right, do you know if they have anything Adrian said.

I’m not sure but they haven’t stopped talkin’ to people and that means they’re still doin’ some hirin’ at least, people with carpentry skills for sure.

You need to check everything on your person, including all phone and picture devices, here in one of these containers the woman said. Then please have a seat and we have a couple forms for you to fill out and a few questions to ask you and then we’ll tell you a little of what you’d be doing if you’re hired and show you around a little. Please answer all questions.

I knew there’d be forms and signatures and with a lot of small print I’m sure.

Better try to read it first but we need to go through with this.

You’re right, we need this so don’t question anything, maybe later.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Department of Internal Security

Employment Application

Name_________________________________________________________

Address_____________________City______State______Zip Code________

Date and Place of Birth____/____/____

Education – Give degrees granted and major area of study_________________________________________________________

List any disabilities limiting your activity_________________________________________________________

Are you known to be allergic to any medications or drugs?_________________________________________________________

RWB Card #_____________________

Employment for the past 3 years_________________________________________________________

No. in household including yourself____No. living at above address_______

Are you willing to take a pledge of secrecy about work done at this federal project with penalties for violation the same as those applicable in time of war?_______________________________________________________________

If you gentlemen will take a seat we’ll interview you shortly and tell you a little about what you’d be doing if you’re hired and then we’ll take a short tour of our facility the woman said.

Did you notice the thing about taking a pledge of secrecy? Adrian said.

Ya, oh well, that’s just more of it – The whole thing’s under control, no room to wiggle, control control and we the people let it happen. And I’ll bet not one person questioned it. And what’s a RWB card? Had to leave that one blank.

Okay gentlemen, if you’ll step in my office we’ll go over your applications. I’m Roberta Kaser and I’m glad to meet you. I see your name is Larry Davis and you’ve worked at various places, mostly in Elmwood, the city just north of here…Is that right? she said looking at both of them.

I’m Larry and yes, I’ve worked at various places in the area, mostly at EMCO in Elmwood. I also sold musical instruments and worked in the advertising business, making and imprinting some products. That’s some of the self-employment part of my life, before self-employment became pretty much a thing of the past if you remember. In high school I worked at EMCO in the summers.

Were you in the military service? she continued.

Yes, good ole Navy Larry replied.

Do you feel the need for a strong federal government and strong party in power?

Yes, a strong federal government and strong party in power are absolute musts.

How about you?

"I’m Adrian Kendall and they call me A…Can’t get much shorter than that. I’ve done all kinds of work, mostly at a company making