Yours Truly

By M. C. Rogers

End of times, Armageddon, Apocalypse, Alien invasion, Werewolves and Vampires, Heaven and Hell, Zombie subordinates, Mankind's place in the universe. All revealed in concluding edition, Superior Beings trilogy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M. C. Rogers
• Release date: Aug 17, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005056568

M. C. Rogers

Born mid-March, latter-half, last century in Pasadena, Texas. Reared a military brat with privilege: Father, Coast-Guard pilot; Mother, willing accompliss. Began writing while failing at the following endeavors; dishwashing, dry-cleaning, personal training, paramedicing, bartending, welding, and sales. Currently exploring the culinary world with curiosity, astonishment, and grumbling tummy.

Book preview

Introduction

Hello, this is Nathanial Hallowed, Heaven’s Guard, Universal Science Division, Experimental Research Department, Milky Way Galaxy, Solar-System Sol.

Per standing orders and with highest principles in mind we welcome and wish good will. The previous scene was confined in isolation and broadcast multi-sensory mode for those who wish a fuller, more tactile experience.

In time’s interest the interval-training method will be implemented for factual verification of testimony and proof, confessor authenticity. Thus, while defendant recovers, insights and observations provided for background material.

Testifier’s title is Yang, who prefers the taken name, Johnny Johnson. He is a Cloak, individual blind to technology. We have yet to identify Nature’s anomaly but feel time will answer the question when appropriate. It appears his gift, a form of assimilation. When attempting location, sensors are deceived. He maintains ability to morph into surroundings, become one with scenery as it were. This, of course, would be worrisome if he possessed a threat of any kind. The fact, he lives, indicates, he does not.

Respondent is a member of the Superior sect, organisms born from Heavenly technology and identified by majority population as fables or fairy-tales. Unequaled in combat, possessing extreme savagery without burden of hesitation for mercy abhorred, ether given or received. Developing within Humanity’s presence, seen but overlooked, always around, never identified. Like wraiths, supernatural entities walking among lambs, unacknowledged yet revered. In lore, idols of worship. In truth, biological weapons of mass-destruction.

Over study’s span, subjects evolved, overcame obstacles, conquered territories, controlled economies. Employing monetary might, promoting policies designed to reward strong, exploit weak. In other words, corporate titans.

Superior social structure is built on the hierarchy, families ranked according to conflict and commercial success. Any who excel professionally are granted privilege to challenge for higher status. Wolves fight, Vamps conspire, and world runs according to plan, winner take all.

It is within this context, defendant resides. Johnny’s family members, both blended and genetic, are in contention for the crown. His brother, step-sisters, and adopted members of LeTorque possess all three Clans and therefore, the pyramid, ultimate pinnacle of power. They are a resource of infinite might, answer for evil intentions, and proper response to Hellion aggression.

…

Session 1: Miss-Steaks Declaration

Ready?

Uh-huh.

Okay, let’s begin once more. Now, as explained earlier, in exchange for Heavenly protection you’ll answer all questions honestly. Upon completion, a grant of Exoneration issued whereby your kind, those classified Superior, will be placed on notice. All crimes and infractions volunteered or otherwise are immune from Challenge. While under watch, any transgressions against personage for choices made will be met by Force of Conviction...

That’s my immunity, right?

Yes, when satisfied, truthfully testified, verdict will be delivered in visionary form.

Huh?

All your kind will receive this Confession, unedited, without interruption, and purposely time-stamped to avoid misinterpretation or problems with transmission interruption.

What?

Everything will be embedded in a dream, Johnny. All Wolves and Vamps implanted with memories, thus denying any claims to ignorance, Heaven’s Judgement.

Dude, that is awesome!

Yes, yes it is, now on to something else. Due to nature of testimonials some adjustments inserted for witness tolerance. First, in interest of imagery, description is preferred to abstract indication. Henceforth, the word ‘that’ is stricken from your vocabulary.

Huh?

You can’t say ‘that’.

What, ‘huh’ or…?

Yep.

Well, I’ll be.

Second, proper language will be employed, cursing is not allowed.

Come on…

Sorry, it’s nonnegotiable, Heaven doesn’t tolerate such talk.

But…

Don’t act unaware, the rules were written for all to see, etched into tablets for fact. Thou shalt not use certain words, they are a sin and will be punished accordingly. You did get the memo, correct?

Yes, everyone got the stupid…

Then you were warned.

Still…

Don’t worry, you’ll do fine. Okay, closing declaration, time’s arc will be followed. The reason is basic. A small fib can be maintained, the large cannot. Variables of unperceived, miniscule events untangle webs and reveal deception. Therefore, begin describing where you’ve been since contact, last made.

Okay, um… not sure when…?

Where were you when Heaven pronounced, real?

(Note: Existential Proclamation; Hellion Arrival. Ref. 1)

At Miss-Steaks.

Who is Miss Steak?

She’s not a person. It’s a restaurant in Love-Field Airport.

Describe the establishment, please.

Okay, imagine a steak-house catering to all things beef. There’s lassoes on every wall, straw on the floor, and peanuts in giant bowls. A menacing bull-ride at the entrance greets guests and all employees dress up cowboy-style with jeans, boots, and… huh… how strange…

What?

Well, for some reason, prattling’s fun.

Yes, it’s the serum, so long as truth uttered, pleasure centers will activate. The medication’s proven extremely effective in witness-recollection for contrast between joyful veracity and painful perjury is a powerful motivator.

I don’t under…?

Don’t lie. You really don’t want to lie.

All right, uh…

At Miss-Steaks.

Oh, yeah. Well, we were sitting in a booth waiting for news to announce departure time. With everyone present, Vivian ordered accordingly.

What’ll it be?

Everything, sugar.

The world was whittling by, people going about daily lives believing reality still applied. Not comprehending, change in the air.

Excuse me?

The whole enchilada, cream-cheese, bring the entire menu.

After ordering, everybody leaned back, relaxed, and readied for some barbeque. The atmosphere was ideal, smoky, with an odor of seared flesh and noise of sizzling meat flowing from an open-concept kitchen. Above the entrance, a giant steer-head, mounted with pride, looming over all, gazing down with deep-set eyes, forever overseeing the consummation of its fellow, four-legged friends. Everything proceeded as planned, we controlled Third Clan…

(Note: Superior Division; World Domination. Ref. 2)

… began a global crisis…

(Note: Superior Subterfuge; Nuclear Annihilation. Ref. 3)

… and awaited the reply. Surprised how it arrived, however, thought your announcement would voice the shift.

It didn’t?

Nope, came from the lips of a babe.

Gasp!

She was a lowly food-attendant with blonde hair, skinny legs, and the uncanny ability to see things clearly.

Jingle

The thought of waste, startled motion.

Jangle

A slipped tray transformed two from waiting patrons to figures in action, blurring distance between themselves and appetizer descent. Freaky to behold, one moment, a pair of Wolves seated at the table, and then…

Phew!

Nice catch!

… five feet away, towering tall with plates in giant paws, relief evident on faces, what they craved, unspoiled, saved from the trembling hands of a child in western-wear. Glanced around to witness reaction of those present, customers, and marveled at their ability to remain oblivious. Returned attention to servant, tiny kitchen-wench attempting disappearance act, to fade away, go unnoticed. But she couldn’t. So she didn’t.

Hello, dear.

She caught the eye of LeTorque and Trudy spoke for all.

Come forward.

No choice. Girl’s feet, unwillingly, followed command.

What’s your name?

Lips parted as voice rebuffed mind and uttered a word, believed, better left unsaid.

Becky.

Scanned room for it became apparent something was different. While Humans remained unmindful, my kind were otherwise. Focused, fixated on the pixie-stick creature not with menace of past encounters, but newfound perspective.

Becky, do you know how amazing you are?

It was then, suspicions confirmed.

Amazing?

The child’s voice was small, nothing more than a peep, barely audible over din of diners, deaf to surroundings, content in consumption, unaware deleted history.

Yes, my dear, amazing. Let me be first to congratulate. You’ll go down in annuls as beginning of breed, origin, start of the new generation…

By look of innocent eyes and empty expression, theorized miscomprehension, and wasn’t alone…

Trudy?

Yes?

Let me try.

… for precisely then, the blue orbs of a Vampire so powerful nations unknowingly fought for her thoughts, settled on a lowly surf-and-turf worker plying her trade in a restaurant pretending to be a butcher-shop located in a terminal imitating a food-court within an airport masquerading as mall to deceive a fearfully flying public who gratefully paid a high price of admission to assume personas of individuals not worried about the obvious contradiction between metallurgy and air-travel when…

Hold on.

Huh?

Try and keep the rambling to a minimum.

Oh…didn’t realize…?

Yes, it’s why the interruption.

Okay, uh…

Becky’s illumination.

Right…

Hello, pumpkin, I’m Mistress Vivian and she’s Madam Trudy. Along with Melissa, we represent the LeTorque Matriarchy. Which means, delectable one, we’re Vampires. And you, the luckiest person alive. You see, before this moment, at any other time, you’d be dead…

Which was true.

Yes, forgive us one second.

All-righty.

For the record, admitted into facts are rules and regulations contained within the Inferior-Evolutionary Guideline Manual. In it are recommendations regarding Superior contact with sub-species, Homo-Sapiens. Specifically, Chapter Two, Section One, entitled ‘Expendable Resources’. Further information is available upon concurrence or at end of summation.

(Note: Unverified. At present time no direct knowledge of ‘laws against humanity’ proffered, but general consensus based on public suspicion indicates manuscript may, indeed, exist.)

Okay, please continue.

All right. Uh…

Mistress Vivian was explaining why the youthful serving-girl, Becky, was not going to die.

Oh, right…

… and a death-sentence was issued for anyone with your ability. It’s not your fault… well… guess it is, because you’re a freak of nature. Somebody who sees what we truly are. Unfortunately, for your very specific subclass, in the past you met a horrible fate. We slaughtered your kind. Hunted each down, bled all dry…

The child’s eyes met mine and realized, information too much to handle. Began to worry she’d die from fright and alter time’s trajectory when Trudy intervened with a softer explanation.

What Mistress Vivian means, your forbearers, those with gifts of Superior-sight, were eliminated by our kind.

Your kind?

Yes, dear, my kind.

She gave a quick profile picture.

… and we’re genetically perfect while you, sadly, are not. We were bred first. You, the product of dilution, a minimal breed borne from better blood, preserved for prodigy survival…

(Note: Birth of Humanity; Superior Mistake. Ref. 4)

After summation, Trudy paused, allowing the girl a response.

You exterminated people?

Vivian intervened with an answer.

’Exterminated’ is such a harsh word, cupcake. Think of it as preserving them immortal, as though they live on inside us. Which, technically is true, considering preparation practices at the time.

What were…?

Generally, pinch of salt, dash of pepper.

The scene was super surreal, Vampires interacting with the future stage of Human development. Was curious where conversation might lead but reality shifted gear and time followed form as boob-tube over bar revealed your face, onscreen, informing everyone, impending alien invasion.

We have breaking news…

(Note: Channel Five Exclusive; Interview with Heaven. First recorded evidence of Superior Interference. Ref. 5)

The program was our signal to leave so we rose as a group, moved toward exit, but during departure Trudy halted stride, turned to juvenile in waitress-wear, and imparted a few words of wisdom.

Want a little advice?

Yes, please.

Thus, to answer the question, we were interacting with Mankind’s future in frail, female-form…

Do you see the man on television?

Uh-huh.

… at Miss-Steaks restaurant…

He’s not a man, he’s something else altogether. So when he speaks, remember one thing.

Okay.

… in Love Field Airport…

He has only Heaven’s interest at heart.

… when you made, presence known.

…

(Break)

Interlude 1: Prehistoric Formulation

The defendant’s kind are imbued with genetic perfection, a specific breed produced for infiltration and annihilation of those most unworthy continuation. Conceived under scientific scrutiny, introduced on planet, allowed to evolve. Representing the latest in biological warfare and under consideration for deployment as Heaven’s response to Hell’s challenge. As we break from Confessional, the following for consideration.

Growl.

Hiss.

Time was prehistoric, words unwritten, verbal communication a rudimentary version of future dialect. They were first, novel, roaming wild without nemesis, apex predators on the prowl. Done for submersion purposes, adapting, culminating in lethal form employed today. But we speak of past events, beginnings which reveal present plus intervening years for historical linkage. Subjects multiplied as others added by self-replication and scientific insertion. Perfected mixture for Nature to mold. Over time, equilibrium acquired. Without enemies or allies, stagnation settled. Inconsistent with purpose, alteration added, a secondary bipedal species introduced, integrated.

Snort

Grunt

Please, shut up.

The Neanderthals were a mistake. We readily admit the error and acknowledge need for further study. It should be noted though, while perishing in most horrific ways they did provide useful tools which accelerated contestant fortune. One of them, fire.

Sizzle

Crackle

Pop

Though Superiors knew of the element, it held few interests other than occasional lightning-strikes, igniting fauna. Cold is irrelevant to them, metabolisms manipulated by generating heat from mitochondrial fusion within cell structure itself. Furthermore, they tend to enjoy meat without searing, preferring raw overall. Not afraid of fire, far from it, Cortex function altered to replace fright with anticipation which, when rerouted, substitutes longing for dread. It is therefore, impossible for them to understand fear because they desire its presence.

How far now?

Don’t know? It feels like we’ve been walking for hours.

Would you two be quiet?

Now, while experiments had no need for heightened communication, the Cavepeople did, inventing complex vocal interactions for many reasons such as greetings, warnings, and general rumors. But mostly warnings.

My feet hurt.

My back is killing me.

Guys, I really think we should keep our voices down.

As a rule, Superior-subject lifespans are unpredictable. The reason is simplicity, designed to replicate anatomically, employing outside matter for energy and regeneration. In theory, so long as resources available, survival in perfected form secure. In reality…

Snarl!

Roar!

… destruction of precarious proportions, initial instinct of attack, held in tenuous check by two forces. First, power-lust. Coupled mate of utmost importance, chosen for success. Wolves may hold physical advantages but Vampires are intricately designed to counter opposition. Intelligence with lethal assets can alter balance, any confrontation.

Was it a twig?

I think so.

Hush!

The second element of survival continuation is aforementioned, self-replication of gendered species which can be accessed through various references of note. For minor reasons, explanation is unavailable. Therefore, if any have questions about paired life-form continuation practices, please seek help elsewhere. We now continue.

Did you hear it?

I definitely heard something.

Shh!

The Neanderthals were ill-equipped to deal with subject specie due to miscalculation of priority function. Engineered incorrectly, relying on faulty intelligence information. Instead of emphasizing physical, neural prevailed.

Snap

Oh, crap.

I told you.

Big heads housed enormous brains with large bodies for transport. They were structurally sound but slow of foot, lumbering along with lengthy arms and gangly legs. A loving people, very first Vegans, producing bounties of fresh produce with each fruitful year of existence. Also, nomadic culture, moving in groups, carrying sticks or stones to break bones and other materials found while foraging. Fairly capable of protecting themselves in numbers, it was singles which disappeared most. Jungle cats and dogs did greatest damage for they, in early stages of development and bodies, not readily adaptable. Easily picked off when traveling in twos or small groups, they never ventured alone. When individual identified, entire group mourned, knowing another passed away. Still, survival was possible if, again, an error not made, reverse-engineering without return to origin and result, intelligent prey without fully-formed physical capabilities. To numerous animals considered dangerous, defensive postures developed. Unfortunately, they were on a planet with beings of violence, constructed for sole purpose, domination.

Joe?

They played with supper.

Vince?

The ritual of storytelling grew over time. None were ever seen but a lone witness always left alive. Purpose never questioned for free-choice encouraged, but future encounters cemented generalized belief, done for idolization purposes.

Anyone?

They were surely aware of circumstance. In an instance, any Wolf could end every Cave-life without effort. Reason for restraint became manifest when flint struck stone.

Hello?

The first recorded evidence of Superior interest in anything but self was Vampire and Cavewoman.

Anyone there?

Her title was Alice, six feet high with bodily fur and dour expression. It wasn’t personality so much as Neander jawline, more adapted to grazing than rendering of flesh. In person, she was quite nice.

Eek!

Don’t be scared. Name’s Nat, got a few questions…

A visit was made to confirm monitor-operation status, a recording of interviews for synchronization and stabilization purposes. All were found functional and further buttressed by first-hand, witness-recollected testimony.

(Note: Molecular Identification; Elemental Spyware. A periodic jigsaw table. Ref. 6)

What did you speak of?

The flame and how it came to light.

There was an airy quality about her, as though life fleeting. Possibly caused by attempts to hasten nature, mistakenly inserting preservation instincts without corresponding stimuli. They, cognitively aware but mentally stifled. Resembling newborns, trusting and curious, perfect prey.

Tell me exactly what she said.

Okay, well…

Speculated to be of base-brain origin, bridge between past and present, organ of self-preservation. Breathing, circulation, and perspiration are good examples of its purpose. As is startle, fright, and flee. The problem appears to be a chemical reaction caused by life-or-death situations passed along to future generations. Be it as it may, when Neanders encountered something dangerous…

Grr!

… instead of running…

Hi, how’s it going?

… they began introductions…

Growl!

… and, inevitably, eaten.

Burp.

It was, therefore, somewhat surprising, conversation was occurring at all.

She paid particular interest to what?

Land conservation, she wished to know why the old crops set aflame while traveling.

They were game yet allowed existence. Contrary to impulse, done for a reason.

And why do you light them on fire?

So predators won’t follow.

Defensive design from intelligent minds was too enticing for Vampires to ignore. Neanderthals were the first species with higher communication skills encountered for previously, ape-intellect, the apex alternative. With arrival of abstract ideas, those of defensive postures, dormant synapses responsible for adaptable thought were flipped and subsequent stage, higher development, begun.

…

Session 2: Flight to Nowhere

Here you go.

Thanks.

You’re welcome. Would you like cream or sugar?

No, black’s fine.

Okay, please continue.

All right, um…

Miss-Steaks, pardoning Becky, public pronouncement.

Okay. Well, as you were getting introduced, we made way through the terminal, out some door, and down a tarmac where private planes parked. While walking, a sudden feeling emerged, something not precisely right, out of place.

Hey, where’d everybody go?

Only a single member remained, all others, gone.

Sweetie, we need to talk.

Vivian said, things changed, plan altered without personal consultation.

I get a plane to myself?

Yes.

She was tasked with delivering bad news because the rules of Rock-Paper-Scissors were unfathomable.

Why does Paper win?

It covers Rock.

Her reasoning wouldn’t allow for it.

But doesn’t Rock pound Paper into pulp?

Apparently, post-debate, a decision made. Though it had a claim to supremacy, precedent would prevail and Rock ruled susceptible to asphyxiation by Paper-hug.

Okay, Vivian, what’s going on?

After swearing, I wouldn’t get angry, she complied.

Everyone took a vote… actually, more like a poll… or a pledge. Anyway, all were asked if they could restrain from ripping your head off if they flew with you. Everybody agreed, they could make no such guarantee...

It sucked.

I can’t believe you’re making me fly by myself!

Possibly would’ve thrown a fit if not for the arrival of something which transformed everything.

You won’t be alone, Sweetie, you’ll have a pilot and stewardess.

Stewardess?

Yes. Look, there she is right now.

My eyes followed command and nearly popped from sockets.

She was a Vampire, wasn’t she?

Yep.

Johnny, this is Carmen.

Five-foot-ten with sandy hair and the body of a pin-up model.

Hello, Mr. Johnson, I’m your attendant. If you’d like anything, just ask, I’ll deliver.

Not sure ears believed words. Nat, obviously we’ve had our differences and you might destroy the world, but truth told, incredible job with the Vamps.

They are attractive.

Dude, they’re gorgeous. Telling you, every time a new one arrives, think about using powers of Clan Elder to…

Whoa, whoa, whoa. This is an official inquiry which may be witnessed by others, some of modest persuasions. So if you could keep it clean...

Huh?

No smut, Johnny.

Oh, okay. Uh, let’s see… hmm… forgot where…

At the airport, boarding a plane.

Right, so everything was fine, found seat and in process of pre-medication for self-preservation in the aviation-age when Carmen abruptly interrupted.

In case of emergency, overhead airbags will deploy…

Who in their right mind thought it a good idea?

Huh?

What being believed announcing pitfalls of service a positive goal? An emergency during flight implies plummeting. It precedes splatting. Can’t believe either’s ever a good thing.

We’re going splat!

Yay!

See, doesn’t work. And get this, she also had the nerve to announce passenger responsibilities. If there are transportation officials witnessing this interrogation…

There are.

Good, like to point something out. The public should not be entrusted with Emergency Management Procedures. We are not trained properly. Hired you for the job.

Mister Johnson!

I’m out of here!

Now, didn’t know where to go, but sure of one thing, not there. So, raced down the aisle looking for an emergency-escape hatch, found one…

Yes!

… but couldn’t open it…

Urk!

…because wasn’t paying attention when pretty prattling Vampire explained emergency-exiting procedures. Hence, gave up, returned to aisle, ran up rear of aircraft, spun around, and faced a different kind of Carmen, the stern-stewardess type.

Mister Johnson, get in your seat!

No!

It was probably then, voice raised, which ended any possibility of lifelong dance-partnership. Can’t say for certain what changed, her eyes, nose, maybe those longing lips, but suddenly menace filled the air.

Johnny.

She spoke with an amused expression. It was the first time, initial name invoked. Didn’t like it. Didn’t trust it. Her voice was feline in nature. Like a cat or a lion. Yeah, more like a lion because, pretty sure, could tame a kitty.

I will ask one more time, sit down. If you don’t, there will be ramifications.

Now, normally Mistresses obeyed because the alternate choice is extremely unhealthy. But, we were on a plane…

Which scares you.

Which terrifies me, everything about the ordeal is unnerving. You worry over packing correctly, arriving on time, checking bags properly, getting through security, locating correct terminal, finding departing gate, and finally, as if not frightened enough, funneled down some narrow hallway to enter a vehicle which, might add, looks suspiciously coffin-like.

It does resemble one.

Uh-huh. So it’s probably why, the reaction.

Ramifications?

Yes.

All right, as you’re aware, power’s mine and with it comes some perks. Namely, Wolves and Vamps in the Clan treat me with respect. With it as background, when Carmen, an admittedly mighty fine-looking Vampire threatened ramifications, probably got a little high-headed…

What kind of…?

… and found myself bound to a chair without explanation or comprehension. One breath questioning a Mistress and then, strapped down, meekly staring forward as she completed the mandated Emergency Management Performance.

She finished?

Yep, even inflated the life-preserver to show proper procedures when planes crash in frigid waters. Bet sharks love those things. Picture them, swimming around with beady eyes, looking for a seal to swallow and lo-behold, there above, silhouetted perfectly on the water’s surface, a bobbing land-mammal just begging to be eaten alive.

You really have a fear of flying.

Yep.

Why do you think it is?

Don’t know? Might be the wings, could be the pilot, or perhaps it’s because when things get thrown in the air, they come down with a thud. The heavier, the thuddier.

Thuddier?

It means, more thuddy.

Johnny, our databanks contain reference material of all beings encountered and nowhere is the word ‘thuddier’.

(Note: Heaven’s linguistic superiority unknown at this time)

Are you sure?

Yes.

Did you spell it with two d’s?

Yes.

Because sometimes words get the double-lettering thing.

Yes, we know. It’s still not a word. Would you please continue?

Um… where…?

Carmen was finishing instructions.

Oh yeah. Well, when she was done with her one-man emergency preparation act, plane took off into the wild blue yonder. Sat quietly for a while till itching reared its ugly head. Thankfully, straps chosen were made of rubber, allowing for scratching if not escape. Thought it a bit emasculating and slightly embarrassing which led to further pondering, worst-case situations. Sadly, one immediately came to mind.

Carmen?

Nature calling.

Yes, Mr. Johnson?

She reverted to last-name usage. Don’t get me wrong, still cute, adorable, and dream of long-distance travelers worldwide, but something was different about her attitude.

I have to use the restroom.

She didn’t trust me.

Seriously, need to go.

It must be an odd profession, guarding. Authorized to keep people under wraps with force when necessary, yet thwarted at times and no one to blame but themselves.

What are you talking about?

The bathroom, my good spaceman, the toilet zone. You’ve seen the show where prisoner escapes through window. It’s always in a restroom. One might assume, after watching the pivotal scene innumerable times, people would disbelieve repeat performances. One might be wrong, though, for the essential plot-element can be replayed continuously till end of time due to something known but rarely admitted.

Are you coming with me?

We are uncomfortable watching others perform, evacuation drills.

No, but don’t try anything funny.

Nearly giggled when she spoke because, at same time words spoken, opened door to find a three-foot square compartment with sink, mirror, and vacuum-hole. Not enough room for humor. While prepping for procedure, thought of reaching over and touching walls till deducing others did also, followed through with the act, and neglected to wash properly. It led to contemplating number of germs in closed containers on metal planes and angst arose. Ironically, looked for a window, an alternate way out but found nothing, only tanned aviation interior. Felt a little panicky and slightly claustrophobic but managed to maintain composure and hone in on success, one step from voidance, just awaiting bowel approval. Therefore, what happened should not be held against me.

Whrrrlll!

What the…? What’s going on?

Denying an urge to seed air with liquid fear, remained still, and waited for the answer from Vampire outside.

It’s just a little turbulence. Don’t worry. Hurry and finish up.

Those three sentences should not run together. Turbulence lacks size, worrying is involuntary, and performance issues should never be rushed. Now, might’ve finished, believe could’ve ended situation if given thirty more seconds. But wasn’t to be.

Ka-thunk!

We’re going down!

All right, don’t know what others do in dire flight situations…

What the stewardess instructed during Emergency Procedures Presentation.

Oh, well, makes sense now. But then, a mile high over troubled waters…

We’re all gonna’ die!

… it’s possible to find one’s feet running down the aisle, looking for something known to be invaluable in plummeting situations but is inexplicably absent. Probably shouldn’t be surprised since the aviation-industry, essentially, wrote passengers off as a cost of doing business…

Huh?

Where’s the freaking parachutes? There should be parachutes? Maybe not for everyone, it’s probably unaffordable, but for some at the very least. Speaking of which, where’s the plane’s chute? Remember when astronauts returned from the Moon in capsules? Those things fell from outer-space. Doesn’t same theory apply to intra-atmosphere travel?

My goodness, you have issues.

I know!

So what happened next?

Well, looked for a place to hide…

Hold on, how’d you get past Carmen?

Well, in all haste and confusion … um… forgot to do something which gave pause in the apprehension process...

Which was?

Didn’t zip up.

No.

Yep, came bursting out in all my glory. Now, don’t think it was the tipping point, held out lightest glimmer of hope, could turn on the charisma and win back Carmen’s heart. But then something else emerged which, pretty much, destroyed such notion.

What?

Pee. Hadn’t fully finished and while running down the aisle, left a little drop of me with every step taken.

Yuck.

Yeah, it’s what she said. And then she said…

Mr. Johnson…!

… using her outside voice again.

… need I remind you, I am in charge of your safety on this flight…

Began searching for a way around, saw a door near rear-tail section and it occurred, perfect place to store secret parachutes in case everything went wrong and escape from unruly passengers became necessary.

… and furthermore, I’ve been tasked with making sure you arrive at your destination…

Thought about throwing a fake. You know, juking and sprinting past when she mentioned something, undeniably forgotten.

… and one more thing, this plane has the very latest in modern technology. As such, it maintains the ability of automation. Which means, though you may not remember, we are not alone…

Felt the presence behind.

Johnny, meet our pilot, Fred.

Couldn’t turn because, Vampire to the front.

Fred, say hello to...

So, woke tied to a chair, bucket between the legs.

A bucket?

Yep, very own urinal.

Makes sense.

Yeah, but did nothing to improve things with Dimples.

Dimples?

Uh-huh, it’s her pet name. Keeping open the possibility maybe, just perhaps, she’ll come around in time. Anyway, it was the usual confinement as we crossed open waters.

Must’ve been rough.

Know what, wasn’t so bad. It’s possible Dimples was worried, might hold a grudge and use Elder powers to punish, so she hit an overhead switch and downloaded a program specifically designed for one’s like me.

It’s the craft’s personal broadcast channel, used by VIP’s to relax over long voyages, secure in the knowledge anything seen, heard, or otherwise witnessed, previously vetted and personally approved by highest authorities…

Thing was amazingly effective….

What was it called?

Don’t think it had a name. One of those self-help seminars where narrator explains what went wrong and how to avoid doing same. Got to admit, had some interesting insights. In fact, bet bottom dollar you’d find it fascinating. Unfortunately, don’t know what it’s called so probably, impossible to find.

Not necessarily, with flight-plan or destination, information is retrievable.

Well, both are easy to get, but don’t think it’ll work.

Why not?

The plane crashed and burned.

Crashed?

Yep, took a header into Mother Earth.

…

(BREAK)

Interlude 2: Subordinate Use

The introduction of fire brought devastation, previously limited to weather forces or volcanic activity, the terrain was fertile ground, a tinderbox of potential. Neanders, new to the process and without benefit of descendant disaster made the inevitable… well… unavoidable.

Light it.

But, it’s so windy.

It’s why we added more hay.

They developed skills without identifying basics. Oh, it was known, dry matter would burn quicker than wet and which stones made sparks when struck, but they did not pay particular attention to one aspect of the science.

Whoosh!

Holy…!

The amount of land burnt during initial forays turned day to night as smoke billowed from raging infernos ignited by beings of child-like natures, playing with fire.

Get the water!

What water? We’re in a prairie!

Landscape from space revealed the image.

(Note: Heavenly Surveillance; Interstellar Espionage. Ref. 7)

For those without graphic designs, picture a planet with blue water and green land. On the land take