The Drive

By Mike Lorenz

Meta-Humans. The government's official designation for enhanced individuals with special abilities. When the feds come across the unexplained, they call upon Derreck Meyer, a high-profile investigative consultant with a reputation for getting things done, cleanly and by the book. The ironic twist: Meyer does not believe in Meta-Humans. Having served the feds for too many years with an impeccable track record, Meyer has yet to find undeniable proof of Meta-Human activity. This is where Andrea Winter comes in. Meyer's assistant and protégé brings a new set of perspectives while assisting the seasoned investigative veteran.

Tag along on this caper and witness how Meyer's team gathers the evidence and formulates every plausible theory trying to solve the feds' latest unexplained open-case investigation. As his relationship with his protégé evolves, Meyer can't shake his gut feeling that this case doesn't add up. Will this be the reality-altering case that finally reveals the true existence of Meta-Humans ?

All we can say is that this story has it all: intrigue, romance, spec-ops, family-oriented healthy living and an emotional roller-coaster. This fast-paced saga will introduce you to amazing original characters as Meyer's investigation gets tangled up with the remnants of an ancient WWII Nazi's occult circle. We invite you to witness but a mere chapter in the grand scheme of things, yet one of the most epic confrontations between good and evil.

To quote Andrea Winter, "Hold on, this ain't no Saturday-morning dog-detective story."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Jun 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9780228879329

Book preview

The Drive

Mike Lorenz

The Drive

Copyright © 2022 by Mike Lorenz

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Tellwell Talent

www.tellwell.ca

ISBN

978-0-2288-7931-2 (Hardcover)

978-0-2288-7930-5 (Paperback)

978-0-2288-7932-9 (eBook)

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 - The Drive

CHAPTER 2 - The Investigation

CHAPTER 3 - Always Help When You Can

CHAPTER 4 - The Captain

CHAPTER 5 - Solving the Scene

CHAPTER 6 - First Contact

CHAPTER 7 - The Great Reveal

CHAPTER 8 - The Arbitrator Origin Story

CHAPTER 9 - The Chapter Origin Story

CHAPTER 10 - The Chapter Wild Card

CHAPTER 11 - Managing Loose Ends

CHAPTER 12 - The Chapter’s Brutal Conclusion

CHAPTER 13 - The Aftermath

CHAPTER 14 - The Promise of a Better Day

Epilogue - The Atonement

This book is a work of science fiction. Certain long-standing institutions and agencies as well political, geographical and historic names and sites are referred to, but the characters and events are entirely imaginary. Names, characters, business and government organizations, events and incidents are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, legal entities, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Also, this work refers to past military icons, factions and campaigns based in reality for historical context only. Any passage presenting similarity to past or existing events or conspiracy theories is also purely coincidental.

And finally, the story includes references to a comic book and its character, similarities with any existing comic book or graphic novel and/or any of its characters is also purely coincidental.

CHAPTER 1 - The Drive

On a bright, colorful but sober studio stage, we assist to the live recording of the latest media cast’s introduction. From the stage size and layout, the lighting installation, camera and audio recording equipment as well as the media crew, this is clearly a major production. Quite possibly as major as it gets. The host stands in his perfectly tailored three-piece suit, proud, dynamic, and emanates heart-warming academic and poised wisdom.

– Today on The Drive, our nutrition experts analyze the importance of zinc and magnesium rich diets. Should we consider supplements to compensate for lower natural levels in meats due to soil depletion ? And could extending our seasonal turkey feasts throughout the year prove to solve many, of what we now call, modern illnesses. In our extra-curricular segment, we have an in-depth motivation piece on inspired creativity. This and much more, today on The Drive. I am Derreck Meyer.

As the host completes his introduction, the entire audience in attendance stands up in cheering applause. The ambiance is nothing less than ecstatic. This program is clearly received as a joyful and enriching experience. The perfect balance of news information, healthy-living guidelines, and extra-curricular entertainment for inspiration. People of all ages are gathering in front of their viewing device of choice. Families gather in living rooms in front of their television sets. Individuals on the move or away from home setup their phones, their tablets, their laptops to view this latest multi-cast of The Drive. As the customary introductory musical score is played and the pre-recorded program presentation is queued for broadcasting considerations, the entire Meyer family stands anxious on the side stage by the main curtain.

Looking at his father prepping to get back live, Andrew Meyer, the eldest son, brushes off anxiousness with positive focus and determination. Just by looking at the man in his late twenties, it is clear that he has been cut from the same mold as his esteemed and respected father. He stands both humble and proud to follow the ambitious course set by his famous dad. Andrea Meyer takes her motherly responsibilities very seriously. She attempts to muster all her courage to keep her emotions under wraps to provide moral support for her son, as well as her entire family. One hand on Andrew’s shoulder, her other, wrapped around her daughter Jordana. The entire family is all smiles, anxious with excitement. Andrea looks at her son with admiration and attempts in vain to hold back her tears as she kisses Jordana on her forehead. She leans down to stare Jordana in the eyes. Andrea clearly wants Jordana to feel included and be a part of this big day.

The lead stage-hand signals Derreck Meyer that they are back live. Meyer takes center stage and launches the program.

– Welcome to The Drive, your source of information for optimized healthy-living. I am Derreck Meyer. Now, you all know, we, at The Drive, can’t start the program without acknowledging YOU. You in our audience, you at home or on the road, we want to thank you all for making us the number one watched multi-cast program. This is really important to us. We take great pride in preparing the very best program we can, to get you strong, healthy, focused, and hopefully, inspired. The Team has prepared yet another awesome program for you today, but before we get to that… It’s a big day on The Drive today, where we have reached a long-anticipated milestone.

Andrea can’t help but tighten her grip on Andrew’s shoulder. Sincerely grateful of the support, Andrew puts his hand on his mother’s hand, and then pauses to lean his cheek on Andrea’s supporting hand. He stares deep in his mother’s eyes as Derreck Meyer proceeds with his introduction. - As you all know, The Drive has been an incredible journey, and I am proud and humbled for all your participation… But it is now time for me to pass the torch.

A sad gloom is audible from the audience in assistance. At home family members look at one another as to pause and appreciate the finality of the moment. He has had his own segment on The Drive for quite some time now.

Derreck is interrupted by the stage-hand crew. What’s that ?

whispers Derreck. Over three years ? I’m told his segment has been on, for over three years… As it gone by that fast ? Derreck pauses and stares at his family by the main curtain. His eyes light up with pride as the crowd cheers and applauds. You’ve all grown to love him, almost as much as I do. Please stand as I present you The Drive’s new host, my son, Andrew Meyer. Andrew, his eyes still locked with Andrea’s stare, steps towards the center stage. As soon as the crowd sees him, the cheers explode as the recording equipment’s VU meter needle is seen bounce as far right of the scale as it can reach. Her son now on stage, Andrea wipes her eyes and hugs Jordana, still placing all her efforts on making sure Jordana feels she is also a key part of this joyous and memorable event.

Members of the crowd, both in the assistance and home viewers, are seen quickly overcoming their doubts and grief of losing Derreck Meyer as host and start nodding in reassurance. The Drive will be just as great with Meyer the son… Andrew reaches his dad at the center of the stage. Derreck steps forward, and the two men embrace in a heart-felt hug. As the crowd cheers and the camera flashes light up the stage, the hug between father and son seems more reminiscent of a championship hug between a football coach and his star quarterback. A stagehand needs to signal the crowd to quiet down. Clearly everyone is lost in the moment and would have cheered all day. Andrew finally takes the lead and speaks up.

– Thanks dad. Thank you all. It is with great pride and humility that I accept this honor. I will do my best to carry the torch and keep The Drive strong and focused.

As applauses are heard, Andrew carries forward as he walks toward the crowd and looks down at his feet. You know, I actually don’t feel as much pressure as I thought I would…

Andrew explains to the audience. Derreck Meyer is a legend, and simply cannot be replaced. talk about shoes to fill… so, I just won’t try. Derreck Meyer puts his hand to his chest, clearly moved by his son’s praise and the crowd’s applause. You have learned to get to know the entire Meyer family throughout the years…

Andrew directs the crowd’s attention to the main monitor where we see a montage of video clips from over the years. From snapshots of Derreck and Andrea as a couple, to the arrival of their children. From Derreck’s first in-the-field interviews with top celebrities, to young Jordana dressed in rainy weather gear, doing a storm weather report piece for the show. The images are sentimental, moving, and utterly awe-inspiring. The montage on the monitor cuts to Andrea hugging her daughter tight on the side stage. It’s only when Jordana waves to the crowd that Andrea notices they are now the live focus of all the viewers. She does her best to compose herself and waves to the audience, wiping tears from her eyes.

Andrew takes a more serious composure. No, I can’t replace Derreck Meyer, I wouldn’t dream of even trying. I could never do my old man justice… and it’s The Drive’s audience that would end up suffering for my failed attempt. All I can do is proceed with my own journey, do my best, and make my family proud. As the montage resumes, images from Andrew Meyer interviewing world-renowned personalities, from big screen celebrities to professional sports athletes, to major political figures. The crowd applauds, acknowledging young Andrew Meyer’s already lustrous accomplishments. As far as track records go… Not too shabby, would you agree ? The crowd members are seen nodding and applauding acknowledging the young man’s already impressive career. Thank you, this all means so much to me. But my first guest as the host of The Drive will cast a huge shadow on all my previous segments. Our first guest on The Drive has truly done it all. And I’m his greatest fan…

Derreck Meyer looks to the side stage by the main curtain to see who his son’s first guess will be. With his shoulders held high in confusion, Derreck Meyer is slow to notice that the spotlight is on him.

Dad, it’s you.

The two men make their way to the interview stage, hug and sit down. A new montage is displayed. Older images, this time of Derreck Meyer with celebrities from further back memory lane. Derreck Meyer, still composed but slightly overwhelmed slowly whispers. – wow. As he stares at his legacy displayed on the monitor.

Andrew begins the interview. - Quite simply amazing… and really inspiring. Now, as THE Drive behind it all… did you ever stop to contemplate that while you have been promoting a balanced, pro-health lifestyle and guiding us all these years… top celebrities have actually referred to YOU as their life coach on many occasions, even after meeting you only once… and have you actually stopped to process how you also made quite a name for yourself as a top journalist ? Derreck Meyer is speechless as the crowd applauds. Before we go to break, can you please say it one more time… The crowd feels the anticipation. Derreck Meyer looks straight into the camera. - Bring Peace to counter War. Bring Health to counter Death. Grow Crops to counter Famine. And Cure all Illness, by Staying away from Bad, do Good, protect your family, and live… By God, live.

Derreck Meyer’s famous words of wisdom bring the crowd to a standing ovation. At home, families are seen hugging, couples kissing with a bright spark in their eyes. The live broadcast cuts to a pre-recorded commercial clip, while on the side stage, a stagehand reaches out to meet Andrea Meyers and her daughter Jordana. They both wave to Derreck and Andrew before being escorted to their private lodge backstage.

CHAPTER 2 - The Investigation

We see a quick segment prep. Andrew Meyer is standing on the Drive’s stage, looking straight in the camera. – Vitamin B is a key element to keep the nervous system healthy. Some experts would say that you can’t relax or fight stress if you’re suffering from Vitamin B deficiency… Could regular intakes of low-cholesterol cheese and yogurt be the key to being efficient AND happy ? We’ll dig deeper, next, on the Drive.

Once in their private lodge, Andrea Meyer and her daughter Jordana try to settle in. Andrea sits down in one of the lounge’s sofas and attempts to compose herself. Jordana kindly brings a bottle of water to her mom and sits close by her side. She takes her mom’s hand and looks at her. - It’s okay mom, I know this is a big day for Dad and Andrew, but the family and the show will be ok. Andrea nods and does her best to keep her emotions in check, in appreciation for her daughter’s support. But Jordana feels she must insist.

– I know Dad’s always been really proud of the program and always devoted himself. Andrew has always been on board and fully committed. But Mom, you’re actually shaking.

Jordana hugs her mother to comfort her. Andrea Meyer takes a deep breath, calms down, looks at her daughter, and with the most heart-felt smile, attempts to explain. - Oh, sweetheart, it’s so much more than that… You’re old enough to learn the truth, now. Just like we told Andrew when he was just a few years older than you are now. Your father wasn’t always a media personality. Jordana tries to lighten the mood. - Oh, come on, Mom. Next, you’re going to tell me, you and Dad did not meet in college. Andrea looks at her daughter, pauses and whispers. - Well, actually… - No… Replies Jordana in disbelief. Andrea Meyer goes on to finally reveal the truth of her past to her daughter. She sets up the following narration, re-writing what Jordana was told since she was a child.

Two special agents are standing on guard at the entrance of a strange facility. The entrance, large enough to receive vehicles, is closed-down and off limits, complete with safety cones and ‘crime scene investigation’ yellow tape. An older agent walks-up to the two men on guard. One of the agents guarding the entrance seems unable to hold back his frustration, feeling useless and irrelevant, standing by the entrance. - Any idea what’s going on here, Sarge ? The Sargent throws his cigarette to the ground and shares what he can with his subordinate.

– I don’t like this any more than you do, Williams. But we’re tasked with securing the perimeter of the site only. We don’t have jurisdiction to go inside. Some Big Shot Shadow Ops Consultant is being sent in. Williams looks at his fellow agent on guard and can’t help but ask. - Shadow Ops, Sarge ? - Yeah, there was an explosion in this very facility last evening. One that caused the sector’s electrical grid to fail. Yet the facility is all but empty. Apparently, there might be a so-called Meta-Human factor to what ever happened here. Explains the Sargent.

Williams is caught off guard. - Meta-Human ? Like, super-powered enhanced beings ? So, we are wasting our time… this is a hoax… It always turns out to be a hoax… Doesn’t it ? The Sargent lights up a new cigarette, and on a very strict tone brings agent Williams to order.

– That’s classified, Williams. Got it ? This is over your pay grade. You will comply with your directives. We’re here to secure the site and assist the Investigative Experts. Is that clear ?

Williams stands to attention and acknowledges his Commanding Officer’s orders. - Yes, sir ! .

Two black SUVs followed by a black box-truck arrive on scene. Four heavily-armed guards step out of the first SUV, combat boots, body armor, automatic rifles. Two guards walk up to open the doors of the second vehicle where a man and a woman dressed in corporate suits step out of the executive SUV. As the same two guards that opened the doors now escort the Expert couple towards the entrance guarded by Williams and the other Fed agent, the other two guards now serve as escort detail for two scientists dressed in complete full body HAZMAT suits coming out of the box-truck. Pushing a trolley full of equipment down a ramp at the back of the box-truck, the two scientists proceed to also make their way towards the facility entrance. As the two Experts lead the Shadow Ops Team towards the entrance, we see a young Derreck Meyer pull out his official badge from his suit’s breast pocket. Meyer presents his badge to the site securing Team. - Thank you, Sargent. We’ll take it from here. One of the armed guards opens the door and the Experts walk in, followed by the rest of the Shadow Ops Team.

Once inside the facility, the Team begins its investigation. Derreck Meyer ascertains the area and begins managing the team. – You can setup the mobile lab in the corner over there on the left. The two scientists push the trolley to the corner indicated by their Team Leader. The guards that have been following Meyer from the SUV are now standing watch, a few steps from the entrance with their rifles ready. The detachment enters through a double-door vestibule, the likes you usually find in high-tech clean rooms to prevent foreign contaminants. The team deploys to observe the strange facility and scan everything in sight, making sure the area is secured. Yet they remain close by the entrance to prevent contaminating the investigation scene. They stand by, awaiting further orders.

One of the guards reports. – Looks clear from here. But there’s something on the floor you might want to investigate. The guard points down to a strange slimy substance forming a huge puddle on the floor, just shy of the entrance. Meyer standing behind the security detail, places his hand on the lead guard’s shoulder.

– Standard drill. I want one guard securing the main entrance. I want the standard two guard detachment for the mobile lab and I want backup for the lead Agents in case we stumble onto unfinished business. - Yes, sir. Acknowledges the lead guard proceeding to deploy the site’s security and surveillance detail.

Two of the four men walk up to stand guard by the trolley as the scientists begin deploying their instruments and chemistry testing kits. Derreck Meyer looks at the scientists and points to the puddle. One of the scientists complies and walks up to the puddle and