Manorgium

By Stoney Burke

"Stoney Burke is also the author of 'The Tin Box'. He is retired and living the dream. He presently resides in Skippack ,Pennsylvania. He is the father of four, and the grandfather of five."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 28, 2012
• ISBN: 9781479720620

Stoney Burke

"Stoney Burke is also the author of 'The Tin Box'. He is retired and living the dream. He presently resides in Skippack ,Pennsylvania. He is the father of four, and the grandfather of five."

Book preview

Copyright © 2012 by Stoney Burke.

Library of Congress Control Number:          2012917544

ISBN:                    Hardcover                        978-1-4797-2061-3

                               Softcover                          978-1-4797-2060-6

                               Ebook                                978-1-4797-2062-0

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

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Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Epilogue

Chapter 1

T he sun was just starting to come up in West Palm beach Florida, when the clock radio came on at 6:30 am. The radio channel is set to a station that plays only songs from the forties and fifties. Doris Day is singing a song that made her famous, back in the day, as the residents of Holyoke Retirement community often say. Sara Sawyer and Herb Goode are two of the residents, of the retirement community. Herb starts to sing along with Doris Day, Once I had a secret love, that lived within the heart of me. It’s the station that the majority of the old folks listen to, day and night. The music is piped in throughout the community rooms, the restaurant, the breakfast room, and throughout the outdoors, around the pools, shuffleboard courts and tennis courts.

Herb rolls over and plants a big juicy, stinky kiss on Sara, Good morning, Sweetheart. Sara pushes Herb away smiling, Please go rinse your mouth out, and put your teeth in, if you want to kiss me, you old coot!. Herb says, If I do can we fool around?, heading toward the bathroom. I’ll take one of my special little blue pills, and we can watch the sun rise as I rise. What do you say, Sara girl?.

Sara laughs out loud, Forget it, Herb! You know what that pill does to you. I’m hungry for breakfast, and I’m not walking down to the breakfast room with you sticking out like a sore thumb. Don’t you remember two weeks ago, when ‘Old Pete’ Kelly came to dinner with Sgt. Johnson standing at attention? Keep your pill for later tonight, after dinner, that is if you still have the energy, and can stay awake long enough to perform. Poor Betty was so embarrassed, and everybody laughing at him.

It didn’t bother ‘Old Pete’, did it? He laughed right along with everybody else. When he yelled out loud, ‘Anybody want some? It’s still good for another hour or so.’ I felt sorry for his poor wife. Her face turned as red as the tomatoes on the salad buffet. Ok beautiful! I’ll go next door and take a shower, and be back in a half hour or so to fetch you. Herb left her apartment a little disappointed.

Herb and Sara both lost their spouses, but the Good Lord has graciously allowed a second chance for them late in life, at love and friendship. They do everything together, from rising in the morning until they go to sleep together at night. They have separate apartments, which are a few doors apart. Like many of the other couples they aren’t married, and never will marry.

Herb was born and raised in Michigan, outside East Lansing. After he graduated from high school, he tried going to college for a couple of semesters, but he found out that it wasn’t his calling. He took a job at the car factory for a few years, until he tired of the day to day drudgery. The bar, that he and some of his friends frequented after work, went up for sale, so Herb bought the place, called ‘McGurks Tavern’, and sunk his life savings into fixing it up. He worked long and hard hours every day, and it paid off.

One afternoon, a bunch of girls that worked in the office, in the factory where they made the ‘Chevrolets’, stopped in for a couple of cold ones. Herb fell in love immediately when he saw her. This rounds on me!, said Herb, putting three pitchers of beer on their table. He asked her to come sit at the bar so he could talk to her a little bit. He bought her a drink, and found out that her name is Mary Kelly. He asked her for a date, and she said ‘Yes’. She had a twinkle in her eyes, and he knew that they were meant for each other. They were married the following summer. Mary didn’t want to stay at the office, so she enrolled in a nursing school, and Herb paid for the two year course. She completed the course and became an RN.

They tried for many years to have a child, but it never worked for them. So, Mary was happy being a nurse at the hospital, where she worked in the maternity ward for thirty five years. Herb loved Mary more than anything in the world. He was the perfect husband, and when he found out that she was given six months to live, he cried his eyes out. She died tragically from breast cancer when she was fifty eight years old.

Sara McCarthy was also born and raised in Michigan. She met her husband when she went on a blind date one night. Her girlfriend Susie had arranged it, because she told Sara she was a wallflower, and, at the rate she was headed, she would be an old spinster, working in their town public library. John had just graduated from Michigan University, and was starting a career in a large corporation that manufactured hospital equipment. In one year they were married, and started a family. Sara never worked another day in her life. She became a stay-at-home Mom, and had four children, three girls and a boy. The girls turned out fine, marrying hard working, successful husbands, and had good children. John Jr., on the other hand, was turning into a free spirit.

John Sawyer became President and CEO when he was forty years old. By the time he was fifty years old, he was a millionaire several times over. Sara and John were very happy together. They wanted for nothing. As a lot of success stories, this also was one that ends tragically. John contracted prostrate cancer, and was dead by the time he was fifty eight.

John Jr., after his father died, started at a small community college outside Detroit. After two years he hadn’t completed one course, and he was asked to leave. So, he enrolled at Michigan University in hopes of following in his fathers footsteps, or so he told his mother. Five years later, he has been enrolled in three colleges, never completing one credit course. He is majoring in women and booze, living in one of the fraternity houses. Sara set up a trust fund for him, and she told him that when that money runs out, he is on his own.

Herb is sitting on the bed, which Sara has already made, waiting for her to finish in the bathroom. Are you ready in there?, calls Herb. Not much time before the shuffleboard tournament at eight o’clock. Yes dear I’m ready. I’m just brushing my teeth, which aren’t in a glass, snickering to herself.

Wow! You are a beautiful ‘Old Babe’, Sara girl. I’m the luckiest darn guy in the whole world, planting another big kiss on her mouth.

Holyoke Retirement Community is a beautiful place. Everything is always sparkling clean. The breakfast buffet is very good. They will make you anything you want, and it never takes more than ten minutes. Luckily, Sara and Herb’s favorite booth is vacant this morning. Herb always eats a big breakfast of eggs and bacon, or pork roll and toast, juice and decaf coffee, black. They both line up their pills, before eating breakfast.

Herb says, It’s hell getting old isn’t Sara, but at least we’re still kicking. Sara says, I wish you would cut back on the eggs and greasy meat. It’s not good for you to eat so much cholesterol every morning. I worry about your heart, with all that greasy food you eat! Sara, on the other hand, is having a bowl of oatmeal, and a cup of tea. Herb devours his breakfast, and is raring to go to the Shuffleboard Tourney. Ready when you are, Hon. Sara hasn’t finished her food, but says, Ok! Let’s get to it there handsome. Let’s go and kick some ass!

Strolling down the hallway outside the cafeteria, holding hands, they pass the big TV room, which looks like a sports bar, since there are several big screen TV’s, one on each wall. Some of the residents gather in this room to watch TV for sports or news, or just to watch some of the old shows. There is always a conversation to be had, or a card game. All the TV’s this morning are on the CNN news channel. Sara stops in the doorway, and hears that Newscaster Tom Hansen is giving a special report. Sara asks, Herb, can we go in for a few minutes? I want to see what is going on. We still have half an hour before the tournament starts. Herb says, Sure thing, Hon. They very rarely watch TV in their apartments. Infrequently they may watch a movie or a sports event.

CNN News special report from Hawaii, with Tom Hansen reporting. ‘The Big Four Nations’ met yesterday in Honolulu, at the Hilton Hotel. China, Great Britain, Russia and the United States comprise the ‘Big Four Nations’ Alliance, each sending the head of their respective countries. The main topic was the small country of Upper Amene, who until very recently, has never been in the news. It is a small country of only seven million people, of which four million are senior citizens, over the age of sixty years. The other three million do all the work, which is mainly taking care of the seniors, and working in the salt mines, landscaping and taking care of all the menial jobs.

The population growth of Upper Amene isn’t even one percent. If not for the immigrants, Upper Amene would probably cease to exist. Tom Hansen continues, The country is ruled by Queen Iman Itchbay, who herself is fifty two years old. She has been in power since the Queen Mother passed away seven years ago. Queen Mother was a shrewd ruler, very adept at business matters, and because of that the country managed to keep it’s head above water. The major export has been salt. Actually, it is the only export. Upper Amene supplies about one percent of the worlds salt supply, which is mainly transported throughout Europe. Then eight months ago, everything changed in Upper Amene, with the discovery of a mineral called, ‘Manorgium’. It has been tested, and, supposedly proven by the scientists in Upper Amene, that if taken with a glass of red wine daily, will slow down the aging process in humans by 30%. Consequently, the world wants to get their hands on it, mainly for the senior citizen populations, says Tom Hansen.

Late last night, the President of the United States made a statement, after the meetings had adjourned with the other Big Four Nations.

President Mildred Horton comes on the TV screen, and says, Good morning everyone. As you probably know by now, we have been meeting with the other Alliance members to discuss the situation in Upper Amene. Negotiations have been ongoing since the discovery of ‘Manorgium’, and subsequent tests have been done, and supposedly proven, that it slows down the aging process by 30% in humans. At 8:00 pm, Honolulu time, these negotiations have ceased, and Upper Amenes ruler has told us that she is done talking to us, and she is leaving. This is totally unacceptable, and the ‘Big Four Nations’ will strive to continue talking, and ask Queen Itchbay to reconsider. Our mineralogists have been trying to investigate how big this mineral mine really is, but the Queen will not allow them to cross the border. It appears that they don’t have much of an army, because they are blocking the borders with tour buses and bus drivers. Everyone is respecting the sovereignty of this small nation, so far. We will be flying back to the capital tomorrow, and we will keep everyone updated, as the situation progresses, says the President.

Tom Hansen says, We will now go to Peter Jannings, CNN reporter in Edna, the capital city of Upper Amene. Good morning Tom. Edna, the Capital of Upper Amene, has a population of approximately two million people, of which one and a half million are senior citizens, living in high rise condominiums or apartment buildings. Let’s try to talk to some of the citizens of Edna." Tom approaches a man and a woman looking in store windows. The man is pulling a tank of oxygen, and the woman is pushing a walker, as they make their way down Queens Blvd., which is the main street through Edna.

Excuse me, Sir and Madam, says Peter. Could we speak with you for a few minutes? I am Peter Jannings from CNN News. Can I ask what your names are?

Sure, I am Tommy McCormack and this is my wife Molly. What is it that you want?, asks Tommy. What do you think about the problems your Queen is having with the leaders of the world concerning exporting ‘Manorgium’, the mineral that was discovered in your country?, says Peter.

What the hell are you talking about? Turn off that camera. We don’t want to be on your telly station, unless you are going to pay us, says Tommy, turning to Molly. Molly, what the hell is he talking about, do you know? Molly says, I don’t know, but I remember seeing something on the telly the other day, about some new discovery here.

It’s called ‘Manorgium’, and it was just discovered in Upper Amene. It’s a mineral, that if taken with a glass of red wine, on a daily basis, will slow down the aging process in humans, by 30% The ‘Big Four Nations’ has been trying to get Queen Itchbay to start exporting it to the rest of the world, says Peter

Tommy says, If we found it, I think we should keep it, all for ourselves. What does the rest of the world do for us? Nothing! Molly says, It doesn’t seem right that we hog it all. Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. McCormick. Back to you Tom.

Herb turns to Sara in amazement, with this new found knowledge. Sounds like we should try to get some of that stuff, loud enough so that everyone in the room hears. These people shouldn’t be allowed to keep it all for themselves! Sara nods in agreement, and pulls Herb by the arm, because she is ready to go play shuffleboard.

Chapter 2

P resident Mildred Horton, and her entourage, arrive back at Kennedy Air Force base outside the city at 4:30 pm. The presidential helicopter is there waiting to fly her to the White House. Milly tells her Press Secretary George Zymodopolis to set up a meeting with her cabinet for seven o’clock that evening. Everyone will attend. No excuses. I realize that it’s short notice. Secondly, I want to address the Congress tomorrow at one o’clock. George says that he will set everything up, and notify her cabinet, and the members of the Congress.

The cabinet meeting begins at 7:05 pm, and as instructed, every one in the cabinet is there. President Horton turns to Vice President Barbara Bixby and tells her that they will be addressing Congress tomorrow at one o’clock, and she wants her to be there. Barbara Bixby says, I can’t be there, Milly. I have a mammogram scheduled for noon. Milly sternly says, Cancel it!

President Horton has had a grueling four days in Hawaii, and then a long flight back home. She wants to get this meeting over with, and get a good nights sleep. Her husband Jack is off some place, God knows where, probably with some hussy. Milly stands and calls the meeting to order. Thank you everyone for attending on such short notice. The reason for this meeting should be quite obvious to all of you. We must find some way to acquire this mineral peacefully. After the Iraqi war, the world opinion of the United States is at an all time low. If we are forced to take drastic measures, and invade this country, we could be alienated for a long, long time. Also, it appears that the other members of the ‘Big Four Nations’ could try to negotiate a trade agreement for themselves. And, in order to protect their own interests, could possibly offer arms and/or troops, to stop the United States from invading Upper Amene. This situation could escalate very quickly, and I do not want to see that happen. People, this is a very difficult task, and we should brainstorm as many ideas as possible, to find a viable solution. Are there any questions?, says President Horton. Ok! Then we will meet at the same time tomorrow evening. Have a good night.

As the President is ready to leave, George Zymodolopis tells her that a few reporters have gathered, and would like to ask her some questions. I’m sorry, Milly. I know that you are tired. I will keep it to only a few questions. Milly smiles, and nods ‘Yes’, she will.

Ladies and gentleman of the press, good evening, says President Horton. As of yesterday evening, negotiations have broken off with Queen Iman Itchbay, and she has refused to answer any contacts from us. There is no way to get in touch with her. Tomorrow morning, I will address Congress, and let them decide on some course of action. My cabinet has just been apprised of the present situation, and we will meet again tomorrow evening, hopefully with some fresh ideas on what to do. I know that the citizens of the United States want, and deserve to get, access to this new miracle. I will do anything, and everything in my power to make it happen. Are there any questions?

President Horton points at Lacey Gallagher, a reporter from the Washington post. Thank you, Madam President, says Ms Gallagher. In lieu of the developments in Upper Amene, what course of action do you forsee for the United States to take, to peaceably resolve this situation?. My cabinet has many knowledgeable people, and the American people can rest assured that we will strive to come to a peaceful solution, says President Horton.