The Madhouse Projects

By Rick Badman

The Madhouse Projects is mainly about automotive engineer Dick Thurman who is dismissed from a California University and begins work at an underground research and development installation in Arizona called the Madhouse due to all the activity there. He meets various people who work on projects there for an organization called BOSS which

• Language: English
• Publisher: ReadersMagnet LLC
• Release date: Oct 9, 2019
• ISBN: 9781950947157

Rick Badman

Rick Badman was born in Warsaw, Indiana on March 21, 1956. He became interested in Science Fiction over 55 years ago at a time when what once was considered science fiction was becoming factual. He began writing science fiction stories back then and longed to have the public discover his ideas about futuristic technology and its possible effect upon the world. Rick Badman's Christian upbringing gives him optimism as he demonstrates in his narratives.

Book preview

The Madhouse Projects

Copyright © 2019 by Rick Badman

Published in the United States of America

ISBN Paperback: 978-1-950947-14-0

ISBN eBook: 978-1-950947-15-7

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of ReadersMagnet, LLC.

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T he Madhouse Projects takes place between 2036 and 2037 and deals mainly with an automotive engineer named Dick Thurman who wants to build flywheel-powered electric cars. After being dismissed from the University of California at San Francisco for being a vocal critic of the Suits, he is hired by a mystery man called the Boss to work at an underground installation in Arizona called the Madhouse.

The different departments at the Madhouse work on technology and projects that are meant to improve the world and society. The technology could exist a generation from now and offers hope and solutions to problems that perplex us today. When you couple that with action and adventure that is experienced by Dick and his wife Kate, The Madhouse Projects should appeal to futurists, lovers of technology and scientific advancement, action losers, and many Christians since the main character is one.

The book doesn’t go over the head of too many readers and isn’t as preachy as many save-the-world novels are. It may inspire many to try and make the BOSS a real organization and shape the future instead of be controlled by those who think they know best how to manipulate it. The book is uplifting, provocative, entertaining, and one in which the good guys win and so does the world. And with many of those s being mature, regular adults, it should appeal to young and old and those in between.

The Madhouse Projects could become a futurist manual that is informative, imaginative. and fun to read.

Chapter 1

The middle-aged man scanned the auditorium full of eager college freshmen and waited patiently for them to quiet down a bit before beginning his welcoming speech.

"When I was a child, during the quarter of the last century, I looked forward to the year 2000. Futurists, scientists, and doom-sayers predicted volumes of things that were supposed to take place by then.

"We collectively held our breaths when midnight, December 31, 1999 rolled around; then again a year later. The earth didn’t crumble and the sky didn’t fall. Not much of anything happened. I thought that by now I would at a multi-billionaire with a couple dozen inventions to my credit.

Why am I standing before you today, you may ask. For the last four years, I’ve been wondering the same thing.

There was a smattering of polite laughter in the auditorium. The man stared at his notes for a moment and decided to depart from his text. He looked up and said, Let me see a show of hands. How many of you are planning to pursue a career in engineering? A third of the hands shot up. Let me give you some advice. If you want to make an obscene amount of money, work for a big company. You can make more in a year than I could hope to make in ten at this university. How many want to become scientists and researchers? Another third of the hands were raised. Unless you want to be a professional beggar, there’s no money in environmental research; never has been. You had better scare people to death to get funding for various projects you want to do. Government research offers more of a future, if you produce the results most people want. If the administration says the sky is green, you better prove it and explain why everybody else thinks it’s blue. The man grasped the sides of the podium and stared down at the first few rows of his audience, shook his head, and continued his speech. I earned a degree in automotive engineering before you were born. A century from now, the name Richard Thurman will mean nothing to most people in the world. Most of you, in my opinion, won’t make a difference in the world. I know I sound cruel. But it’s a fact. If you take my advice and work for a corporation or the government, they’ll soak every ounce of talent and ability out of you, then throw you away. If any of you win a Nobel, it had better be for something significant, or you’re going to become the answer to some trivia question. When I was your age, I wanted to work on an electric car that could outperform a regular car. But the oil industry and car companies killed funding for research and development after Old Sparky was driven nonstop to Seattle three years ago. How many enrolled here because of my little coupe? A couple dozen hands were raised. Good. Don’t expect an automatic A, though. You’ll have to earn every grade you receive. If any of you go into alternative fuels research because you want to thumb your nose at the oil companies, forget it. They aren’t stupid. They got into alternative fuels years ago because they know our oil reserves won’t last forever, But they’re moving at glacier speed to switch over to them. I’m afraid the energy crunch we’re going to experience in a few years will make the days of rolling blackouts at the turn of the century seem like the good old days.

"I know I sound preachy; may be even a doom-and-gloomer. But if we don’t do something and do it fast, we’re in for the hardest times this world has ever faced.

"I’m going to get in trouble saying this. But I really don’t care. Nuclear and solar energy must replace oil, gas, and coal as quickly as possible. It’s a disgrace that this century is more than a third over and we still rely mainly on 19th century energy sources. Protesters and the government crippled the nuclear industry and the oil companies hobbled solar research.

"Want to hear something really ironic? Saudi Arabia produces more electricity from the sun than we do and has gone from exporting oil to exporting electricity via satellite relays and orbiting power stations that should have been ours. We built the equipment they use. But our government and energy companies betrayed this country.

"It’s up to you people to turn things around. Go ahead and make corporate executives mad. Those brain-dead jerks need to be dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century while there’s still some century left. I can’t change Detroit. I don’t have enough years ahead of me to do that. But enough of you are out there who can.

I’ll stop jabbering now and let out for lunch. Hopefully, I’ll see many of you in my classes. Auto Technology 101 isn’t as tough as you may have heard. If you apply yourself and come to learn, you’ll do all right. Good luck.

Professor Thurman waved, strode off the stage and exited through a rear door. He was met by a man in a tailored black suit. His close-cropped shiny black hair appeared as plastic as his smile.

Heard your speech. I’m sure you were just voicing your frustrations and didn’t mean to be so harsh.

I thought I was rather reserved. I take it you’re one of them, he mocked.

Them?

A Suit. An ivory tower dweller. The names don’t get any nicer.

What do you have against corporate executives? Don’t you realize where most of this university’s endowment money comes from?

I’ve seen the books. Who do you represent?

The man looked and said, rather not say."

I’d be ashamed too. Dick smirked.

Your job is on the line, mister, he fumed as his body tensed.

Dick smiled and bragged. I’m tenured. You don’t frighten me.

Not yet, he said coldly before walking away. Dick’s knees began to shake bit as he rode the elevator down to the campus subway. Project ideas and sweet memories of past triumphs flooded his mind as he rode over to the Auto Tech building and took the elevator up to his office.

The telephone on his desk was ringing as he entered his office. He reached it in mid-ring and punched the receiver button.

Professor Thurman.

One of my associates heard your speech. You sound like someone I need, said the mystery caller. Who are you?

I’m not at liberty to tell you that. I’m not one of them, if you’re worried about that. I need someone to head the Automotive Technology Department at our research facility. I’ve read the papers and books you’ve written about your visions of vehicles in the future. They are quite fascinating.

I’m happy here, thank-you.

Not for long, from what I heard.

What did you hear? Dick asked, concerned.

You upset some very important people. What you may have thought were offhand remarks were offhand remarks were insults to them.

I’m tenured, Dick proclaimed. His leg began to quiver nervously.

To many, you’re an obstacle that must be removed or else the school could be shut down. You may have given your last tirade against the tyrants of technology.

Dick paused a moment and said, Let’s say I am pushed out of the way, for the good of the school, and I begin working for you. Could I finally work on flywheel-powered electric cars without being restricted?

I insist on it.

You aren’t trying to lead me on, are you? Dick asked skeptically.

I can’t afford to lead you on. You’ll be paid no less than $100,000 a month. You’ll be paid bonuses for successful projects. Is that enough incentive?

Another phone line lit up.

May I get back to you later? Dick asked.

I’ll let you consider my offer and call you in an hour.

Talk with you then.

Dick cleared the line and punched up the second.

Yes?

This is Dr. Brun. I hate to tell you this, but your speech has prompted threats from five corporate benefactors. They want an apology or else they’ll pull their funding.

It doesn’t surprise me. But I’m not going to apologize for telling the truth. I’m a man of principle.

I know that. But we’re talking about tens of millions of dollars this year alone.

I’ll need to be fired because I have no valid reason for resigning.

If you care at all for this school. I would advise you to resign. I hate like anything to lose you, he said apologetically.

But you hate even worst to lose the grants and endowments. I understand. If I were in your place, I’d do the same thing you’re doing now.

You sure are taking this well. When will you tender your resignation?

I’ll fax it to your office by 5:00 this afternoon. I’ll make arrangements with various teachers to take over my classes and clean out my office before I leave this afternoon. And don’t worry about me. I’ll do all right.

I’ll write letters of recommendation.

That won’t be necessary. I’ve already received a job offer.

So fast? Who with? Dr. Brun asked in amazement.

He wouldn’t give me his name. In fact, he didn’t tell me where I would work. But the money’s good. He’ll call me back in about an hour.

I’m glad to hear you won’t be unemployed. What will you be doing?

I’ll be in automotive R & D. I’m supposed to head the department.

As you should. Good luck, he said sincerely.

Thanks.

Dick cancelled the line and reached in a drawer for his lunch. When he opened the lunch case, he heard a little message his wife Kate had programmed into the memo unit.

There is lobster loaf in the microwave compartment, toffee chunk ice cream in the refrigerated compartment, and cider in the drink dispenser. I wanted to send a special lunch with you since this is the first day of your tenure. Make me proud.

I hope I can, he sighed.

Dick punched in the cooking commands into the microwave and a minute later opened the compartment lid. The aroma of succulent lobster filled the office. He savored every tender bite. He was about to open the refrigerated compartment when a handful of students assembled at his office door. A young man he had the pleasure of teaching for three years headed the group and approached the professor.

Is it true? he asked.

If you mean about me leaving, yes. How did you hear it so fast?

Dr. Brun told us. You can’t leave. We need you here, he pleaded.

Evidently the school needs money more.

That really sucks. If I had known you were going to be thrown out, I would have transferred to another school.

It happened rather suddenly. I’m going to a better job. My advice to you is to do your best and earn your degree. Dr. Huntington will take some of my classes. Continue with your projects and make proud of you. he urged.

But it won’t be the same around here without you. The others agreed with the young man.

Things change. You’re going to have to get used to people being hired and fired all the time. If you don’t compromise your standards and do what you believe in, everything will work out. You may have some lean times. But at least you’ll feel good about yourself. That’ll be little comfort when you’re collecting unemployment. But I have a feeling you’ll do just fine in the real world.

They shook hands and parted company. The students slowly walked away and left Dick to finish his lunch. The expected phone call came in several minutes later.

Have you made up your mind?

The president of the university made it up for me. When do I start?

A plane will be sent for you. Do you want to bring your wife along?

I don’t know how she’ll take the news that I’ve got a new job. Could you call me later tonight after I fill her in on the details?

I’ll call you back around 11:00. That won’t be too late. Will it?

11:00 sounds fine.

Talk with you then. said the mysterious caller.

That afternoon, students and teachers in and out of Dick’s office constantly. Occasional phone calls from former students interrupted his packing and brought tears to his eyes. Awards, photos, models, and other reminders of the years of service to the school were placed lovingly in boxes. Inflation wrap secured the items in their containers.

The school graciously provided a trailer for Dick to haul his belongings home in. After inflating the protective inner lining, Dick pulled away slowly out of the parking lot. He returned the waves of well-wishers. Occasionally, admirers presented him with submarine sandwiches. Ever since he was a college student and often too busy to eat three meals a day, these meals between two buns often satisfied his hunger. They reminded him of those heady days when he thought he could change the world.

The drive home was slower than normal. Dick needed time to think of reasons why the loss of his tenured position and starting a new job who knew where was the best decision he had made in years. He even drove without the radio on so he could rehearse what he was going to tell his wife. By the time he reached home, he was ready.

Dick was met at the door by his wife who hugged his neck and gave him a passionate kiss on the lips after he set the paper bag he was carrying down on the front steps. Moments later, she noticed the trailer hitched to the car.

What’s with the trailer?

I had to clear my office out since I’m starting a new job—

She pushed him away and asked. What new job?

I’m going to make no less than $100,000 a month and head an automotive research and development department, he bragged.

But you taught fifteen years to gain tenure. Why would you throw it all away?

I made some corporate executives mad I gave my orientation speech.

I knew your big mouth would get you in deep trouble someday. Did you even try to apologize?

I had a feeling this day would come for the last few years. After years of frustration and shrinking funding. I think I was done a favor.

You threw a sure thing away because some guy promised you a bunch of money and a job? I don’t think I’ll ever understand you. Did you even think about Rita and Greg? They still need our financial support from time to time, she chided him.

Don’t worry. he said confidently.

Don’t worry? You don’t even know if your next job is going to last beyond the end of the week.

The corporate plane is going to pick me up tonight. That should be a good sign.

Just because someone has a corporate plane doesn’t mean he’s in good financial shape. Remember those dot commers that fell faster than they rose? Who’s to say the one who offered you pie in the sky isn’t about to throw it in your face?

I have a good feeling about this move.

The woman sniffed the air a couple times and asked. What is that smell?

Dick leaned down, picked up the sack, and opened it. He pulled out a sub sandwich and offered it to his wife. I was saving this chicken sub for you. You didn’t fix anything special for tonight, did you?

I thought maybe we could go out to celebrate your first day as a tenured professor.

We can still celebrate. I only ate one of my subs on the way home.

That’s not the point, she said as they entered the living room. You should have at least consulted with me first.

Dick set the bag on the couch and said. Let’s not argue about what happened. I can’t change a thing and don’t want to. If we’re not going out. I’ll share my sandwiches with you. Do we have any ice cream left?

The rest of the night, Dick sensed simmering resentment from his wife. She tried to be pleasant. But the chilly edge to her voice couldn’t mask her true feelings.

At 11:00 the phone rang. Before Dick could reach the receiver button, his wife punched it.

Thurman residence.

Is your husband there?

Yes he is. Are you the one who convinced my husband to work for you? Dick pushed her aside and said, My wife is afraid I made the wrong decision.

I can understand her trepidation. You will be able to join the Madhouse, won’t you?

Is that what you call your installation? Dick asked.

I don’t know about this, dear, his wife warned.

If she’s worried about my operations, tell her not to be. As a show of good faith in your abilities and what you mean to me, I’ll transfer the first two months’ pay into your bank account immediately after this call. I take it your wife isn’t coming with you.

Give her some time. Maybe if I do well after six months, she’ll join me.

You’re going to have to do one bang-up job to merit a move, buster, she said as she left the room.

If she changes her mind, said the caller, I’ll make sure the move goes smoothly. How much do you owe on your house?

About $150,000.

Not anymore. People shouldn’t have any financial worries hanging over their heads affecting their work. You’re going to love your new home.

You’re very accommodating. What’s the catch?

No catch. Just do the best job possible and you’ll be richly rewarded in many ways. You’ll have the freedom to do things you’ve only dreamed about doing.

Great. It’s going to be a pleasure working for you. How will I recognize your plane?

It will be the plane with vertical takeoff and landing pods. Better yet, go to the terminal computer and punch in Lunatic One.

Appropriate name. When will I get a chance to see you?

Eventually. Welcome to the family, he said warmly.

What all should I bring?

Whatever you feel is important and needed. If you need anything after you arrive, we’ll provide it for you. If you leave within the hour, you should arrive at the airport about the time my plane lands.

Dick hadn’t unloaded everything from the trailer, so there was enough room left inside for several suitcases and his computer system. His wife reluctantly helped him pack his suitcases. Her silence was interrupted occasionally by brief statements that were tinged with sadness.

The drive to the airport was in silence, save for a Mozart piano concerto on the radio. Dick spied an occasional tear trickling down Kate’s cheek as she drove.

When they pulled up to the entrance, Dick left the car and approached the terminal information computer. When he discovered which gate his plane had landed at, he reentered the car and was driven a couple kilometers down to where private planes were kept.

One plane seemed to lord over the others. It was a hypersonic private liner able to carry cargo and passengers. The rear cargo hold had its belly compartment on the tarmac. A couple robots were waiting behind the compartment to receive the personal cargo.

Kate didn’t even attempt to back the trailer up to the cargo compartment. As soon as the car and trailer were parallel to the compartment, one of the robots deflated the packing inside the trailer before the engine was turned off. Dick and two crew members from the plane helped the robots stow the trailer’s contents inside the compartment. Ten minutes later, the compartment was lifted into the fuselage.

Dick embraced his wife who wept as they kissed,

Please call me when you get there, she gently pleaded as she held onto him.

I’ll call you as often as I can. I’ll try never to get too busy to keep in touch, he said as he held onto her shoulders.

Promise?

To the best of my ability. That’s all I can promise. I love you.

They hugged and kissed again as if Dick was about to be sent off to war. Kate handed Dick the bag which contained the remaining pair of subs. One of the crew members carried Dick’s lunch case up into the plane.

Before stepping on the escalator which took him up into the plane, Dick turned and waved to his wife.

I’m going to make you proud of me. That’s a promise I must keep. See you later.

Kate smiled through her tears and waved a few times before ducking her head back inside the car. The plane lifted up with a roar as the vehicle pulled away. Dick settled into a seat near the front of the plane and watched his car and the trailer shrink from view on the video monitor. A minute later, they became just another point of light below on the highway.

After the plane reached its cruising altitude and speed, a man left the cockpit and entered the passenger compartment. He sat in a seat facing the auto researcher.

Welcome aboard, Professor Thurman.

Better not refer me as that. I doubt I’ll ever teach in college again, he sighed.

I believe the sacrifice you made will be more than rewarded. How does your wife feel about the change?

She’s worried. She thinks we’re headed for a financial crash.

I understand. The Boss will make sure your family is taken care of. He’s like a father.

Have you ever met him?

I don’t even know if it is a him. Women who are recruited say the Boss has a female voice. For all I know, the Boss might be a computer with extraordinary artificial intelligence. I want to believe it’s a man. But it doesn’t really matter to me, As long as I get paid to do what I love to do, I don’t care.

How long have you worked for the Madhouse?

"About six months. I was a commercial pilot for seven years when I got the call. The Boss wants to start a spaceline.’

What all does he want to do? Dick asked in amazement.

He wants to be involved in practically everything. He’s also seeking support for projects in Washington.

Has he been successful?

He has some allies who have managed to embed various programs in department funding.

Maybe the Boss ought to recruit some front people who will take the flak if Congress questions particular programs, Dick suggested as he leaned forward in his chair.

He probably has.

Dick peered at the monitor and sighted the lights of Vegas as he asked, When do we arrive?

In about an hour. If I could fly this flat out, it’d take no more than ten minutes. I hear the new planes are supposed to make this one seem as slow as a prop plane. I definitely want first crack at flying one of those wonder crafts, he gushed.

Could you tell me what all they do at the Madhouse?

A little bit of everything. There are energy projects, transportation projects, environmental projects, you name it and they probably do it. The Boss seems to want to change the world single-handedly. I have a feeling he just might.

Are you allowed to tell me where the installation is located?

All I can tell you is that it’s somewhere hot. But don’t worry. Most of the place is underground. There are stores, shops, churches, schools, a movie multiplex, sports complex, and even fast-food restaurants there. I’ve been told you are fond of submarine sandwiches.

Dick reached for his sack of subs.

I’m not hungry, but thank-you. You’ll probably spend a lot of time at the Sub Pen. The Captain can make any type of sandwich you want. You name the ingredients and he’ll put them in.

Your boss should have told me about the place when he first contacted me. I wouldn’t have hesitated to start working for him. Does the Captain deliver?

Twenty-four hours a day. If you are working on a car at 3:00 in the morning and get an attack of the munchies, you can call down for a sub.

That’s good to know.

Dick yawned and shook his head. The pilot left the passenger compartment and reentered the cockpit. Dick reclined his seat and in a few minutes was far asleep.

Chapter 2

The pilot gently shook Dick’s shoulder to wake him.

We’re there. A cab station is outside the hanger. You can take a cab to your home which is next to where you’ll be working. If your wife joins you later, there is enough room for her,

There had better be. When should I check in for my first day of work?

If you’re not too tired, the earlier the better. Some people practically live there.

When I get involved with a project, I’ll be one of them. Normally, I should be out the door by 8:00.

Dick left the hanger and walked a few paces to an area where half a dozen auto-cabs were located. As he approached one, the passenger hatch slid open. When he stepped inside and sat down, he was greeted by a friendly programmed voice.

Good-morning, sir. Where may I take you?

My name is Dick Thurman. Do you know where I’m staying? I just arrived.

Please fasten your seat belt.

After Dick strapped himself in, the hatch slid close and the cab glided out onto the deserted street.

Where is this place? I wasn’t awake when we landed.

I’m not at liberty to tell you. What I can tell you is that you are 180 meters below the surface. The temperature is a constant 22° C. If you’re wondering, the surface temperature is 41° C. The predicted high for today is 55°.

How extensive is this community?

You are on sub-level twelve. It covers a million square meter. There are eight more levels below us.

I hope that’s enough room, Dick said sarcastically. It must have cost a fortune to build this place.

"The federal government hollowed out the area that comprises the bottom ten levels. The original intent was to store nuclear waste. But the people in this state refused to allow the government to deposit any. The installation was purchased five years ago for $3 million at