Joe (18 page)

“Speaking of mistakes,” Hal folded his hands on the table. “They had a little indiscretion with the time machine.”

“I thought Jason’s time machine was broke.”

“The HG Wells.”

“I thought the HG Wells was broke,” Elliott said.

“It’s not and I’ll explain later. But, Frank fears something came through.”

“Something came through the HG Wells.”

Hal nodded.

“Do they know for sure?”

“Not yet.”

“How would something come through?” Elliott asked.

“It’s beyond me. All I know is there is a retractor beam, and it went off when our Dean and Dean Clone were fighting.”

“Oh, no.” Elliott sat back. “You feared that.”

“Yes, I know. Clash of the Brainiac’s.”

“Are they still moving forward with having them both in Beginnings?” Elliott asked.

“As far as I know, Frank said it would add excitement.”

“I can’t wait to see how he explains it to the community. I mean how will they handle it?”

“Good God, Elliott, it’s Beginnings.” Hal said. “What do they care about? Frank will tell them. They’ll say, ‘oh’ and then move on to more important matters like Frank’s movie rendition of his children’s book, the newest sales in Bowmen and the Most Smartest Hero in Beginnings Contest.”

Elliott laughed. “You know, I really hope I am voted into that contest.”

“Really?”

“That sounds like so much fun.”

“And Danny thinks Frank is gonna win.”

“Well …” Elliott hem hawed. “If you think about it.”

“Think about what? Do you honestly think Frank would win?”

Elliott didn’t respond.

“Elliott, he may be hero enough but is he smart enough.”

“Depends.”

“You mean if they ask military questions?”

“No.” Elliott shook his head. “It depends on whether or not the intellectual challenge is held in isolation or in front of people.”

“What do you mean?”

“Frank. Captain, he reads minds.”

“Oh … my … God.”

Elliott nodded. “If he doesn’t know the answer …”

“Someone around him might.”

“Exactly.”

“Fuck. Fuck.” Hal stood up. “He can’t win this. I want to win this.”

“That’s easy. Think the wrong answer really strong.”

Hal smiled. “That is a brilliant idea. I do hope you get voted to play.”

Elliott was about to agree and he stopped. His eyes lifted and he looked beyond Hal.

“What?” Hal asked then turned around to see Corporal Lewis enter.

Lewis had a look on his face. Shock. As if someone died.

“Corporal Lewis?” Hal stood. “Is everything ok?”

“You briefed us on what President Slagel said. What his feelings were about our man that was taken by the Canadian mass, right?”

“Yes.”

“He’s psychic.”

“Excuse me.”

“Captain. I just received a radio call from our scout that was taken.” Lewis said. “They released him. He’s on his way home. He’s fine. Healthy, uninjured, and on his way home. Said he’d brief us when he arrived. I’ve sent troops to meet him. Escort him home safely. We had men about twenty five miles from his reported location.”

Hal was shocked. Not that he didn’t trust Frank’s guess, but he didn’t think he’d be so right on.

It took him aback. Hal was grateful. But on another hand he was worried, because Frank was calling the ‘Great War’ progress as if Frank himself was a futuristic guru, and if Frank continued to be right, the Great War was closer than they thought.

****

Had Fr. O’Brien not been on an all-night drinking binge following a wild night at the Hoot and Shout, he may not have stumbled across the man. The good priest was wandering the streets on the extremely warm April night, when he saw the figure stumbling.

He told Doctor Blue he thought it was a zombie, the way he staggered. Then he thought the man had to be drunk, until he drew closer.

The man was ill, very ill, and he rushed him to the clinic.

Thank God Blue was still there.

He was sewing up Josephine after she fell drunk onto the bar at Hoi-Hoi on the Range.

Blue couldn’t figure out what it was.

“Hot damn that looks like the plague” Josephine stated. “Maybe it was a delayed reaction or something.”

Blue took the rambling as that, but only for a moment.

Each clinic in the provinces of Beginnings had a supply of the plague antidote that Dean created. Basically it was a souped up antibiotic, and to the best of Blue’s knowledge wouldn’t hurt.

He guessed.

So he gave the man a dose.

His symptoms decreased almost immediately and he started to get better.

He murmured, ‘where am I?’ just before he passed out.

Sleep for a few days was a side effect of the drug.

It worked. But did it work on the man because he was sick or because he had the plague. And if he had the plague, how in the world did he get it.

It was a concern of Blue’s, but not one he would worry about until further testing. So he drew the blood, marked it urgent, and sent it to Beginnings with the first rider.

Dean didn’t answer his phone, so Blue left a note.

‘Please check this for our plague’

He then instructed Dean to keep it quiet. After all, no one would want a panic to ensue. What if someone immune suddenly became un-immune?

At least they had a medicine for it.

The man was resting nicely, tucked in and asleep in the bed.

Blue lifted his chart. He was so focused on stabilizing the man he never bothered to get his name.

No name. Who was it?

He looked familiar. Very familiar, but Blue didn’t know his name.

“Goddamn it,” Blue cursed his age, figuring that was the reason for his lack of memory.

He called his assistant in, he didn’t recognize the man either.

Was it a stranger? Did he stumble into town? Was he one of those quiet residents? Maybe he was from Jordan.

In any event, Blue knew him. Or at least he thought he knew him.

He was perturbed that it happened, it was mark of inefficiency in his clinic and that was rare for Blue.

But Blue had to figure out the man’s name. He may have a medical condition that was urgent.

Hating to do it, Blue needed answers, and if the man was from Bowman, there were two people that knew everyone’s name. If they didn’t, they could call in who did.

After procrastinating a bit with coffee and breakfast, Blue sought out Sgt. Ryder and Capt. Slagel.

“He did what?” Joe blasted.

Robbie winced. “He, meaning, Frank, didn’t do anything. He’s being cautious.”

“Christ.” Joe reached into his chest pocket and pulled out a cigarette.

“Dad, why are you smoking?”

“Because I want a cigarette.” Joe flipped the lid on his Zippo and ignited the end into a fiery red cherry. He blew out the smoke.

Robbie grabbed the pack as well and lit one. “It’s been a long night.”

“You don’t even know what you’re looking for.”

“Nope.”

“If anything.”

Robbie shook his head. “I wasn’t there. Remember. All I know is Frank came home and grabbed me. We’ve been searching all night. Nothing is unusual.”

“Have you talked to Hal?”

“He did and Hal said nothing unusual happened there.”

“If this machine zapped something back, it could have landed anywhere.”

“I just thought of something.”

“What’s that?”

“The little girl,” Robbie said.

“What are you talking about?”

“The one with a tattoo on her neck of a karaoke cd.” Robbie indicated to this own neck. ”She didn’t speak.”

“Ok.”

“What if when he pulled something from the future he pulled her through to arrive months ago?”

“Is it possible?”

Robbie shrugged. “I don’t know.”

“I would think, or rather hope the beam didn’t grab something. Maybe it would be something a person has to approach.”

Robbie started to chuckle.

“What? What is so funny now?”

“All those tales about space ships and lights beaming down. What if it was the time machine?”

Joe rolled his eyes and plopped on the couch of the trailer. “Anything anymore is possible. Speaking of possible. Were you able to snatch me up a TV set?”

“Danny is working on it for you. Been busy with Beginnings with the Most Smartest Hero contest.”

“Good. I’m bored up here. I was actually thinking of moving in with Dean in that house outside of Bowman.”

“Yeah, right.” Robbie snickered. “Dad, you and Dean wouldn’t be able to live together. Plus, he’s moving back to Beginnings.”

“All the better, I can live with Roy.”

Robbie shook his head.

“Roy is going back.”

“Roy is staying in this time.”

“Where?” Joe asked.

“Beginnings.”

“How is that gonna happen?”

“Frank says . . . he has a plan.”

Joe closed his eyes. “Christ.”

****

Ellen had a few minutes to work in the cryo lab. The puppy embryos were coming along nicely and she couldn’t wait until the first litter.

She had to work in Containment. Which would be an easy day. After all, they were rehearsing for encore performance of the presentation of Joe Day.

Blue had called, sounding worried. Ellen had just ended that conversation. He told her about the patient in Bowman who was sick. He was worried it was the old plague.

Although nothing was impossible, she assured him that the antidote Hope worked on several viral strains of Pneumonia as well. Quite quickly too.

When he said he didn’t know the patient, Ellen was positive she did. There was a man, which fit the description like that in Jordan. John Grain, he was ill and hacking up a storm at the Shout and Hoot the night before.

Probably him.

Would she make sure Dean checked the blood anyhow, he asked her.

Ellen told him she would if Dean didn’t.

That wasted ten minutes of her thirty.

She started to get antsy.

There was nothing better than watching the puppy embryos float about and move.

The cryo door buzzed. Ellen didn’t turn around.

“El?” Dean called out.

Ellen lifted her head and stared out, still not turning around.

“You may want to come topside to get a signal. Frank has an announcement on TV in a bit.”

The corner of Ellen’s mouth raised in a smile. “I’m busy Roy.”

Dean stopped.

She turned around. “I’m surprised to see you up and about,” She said, hiding her excitement. “I mean after all, when you got back last night we had a long night.” She winked.

Dean’s jaw twitched and he turned.

“Dean.”

He stopped.

“I missed you.” She rushed to him.

With a wide smile, Dean faced her and took her into his arms. They embraced long and hard. He buried his lips near her ear, breathing outward. “I missed you too El. God, I missed you.”

“What are you doing here? Did you sneak?”

He shook his head, kissed her on the cheek and stepped back. “I’m home.”

“What?”

“Home.” He held up his hand. “Frank has figured out a way that Roy and I and both live here.”

“Really?” She grinned. ”Oh, Dean, that makes me so happy. I need you in my life right now. Frank is so busy.”

“I know. And I’ll be here. I miss the kids. I can’t wait to see them.”

“Is Frank going to explain it all to the people here?”

“Yep. The clone thing. He says he has an explanation. The truth. Sort of.”

“The truth, sort of?” Ellen asked.

“Well, yeah, he’s gonna tell the truth, leaving some things out.”

“I wonder what he’s gonna say?”

“You’ll have to come up and watch. But for now …” He looked at his watch. “I have to go. I can’t be seen until after his announcement.”

“I know. Once people see you, they’re gonna wonder how they were fooled.”

“You weren’t, were you?”

“Dean, I knew the second he spoke.” She reached out and touched his face. “He’s not my Dean.”

He grabbed her hand, slid it to his mouth and kissed it. “I’ll see you in a bit. I just wanted to stop by.”

Ellen nodded.

He darted a kiss to her. “It’s good to be back.” With a smile, he stepped back, turned and left the cryo lab.

“It’s good to have you back, Dean,” Ellen whispered, standing alone. “It’s good to have you back.”

****

Hal and Elliott moved with a quick pace toward the hospital in Bowman.

“When did this happen?” Hal asked.

“Last night,” replied Elliott. “He was stumbling, sick, and Fr. O’Brien found him.”

“Odd. And Blue doesn’t know him?”

“Not at all.”

“Did we receive any calls from Doyle camp or Jordan about missing residents?”

“None. But, a few were here for the event last night. Ellen recalled one that was coughing pretty badly and fit the description.”

“What is the description of the patient?”

“Male, mid-forties, brown hair, a little on the heavy side.”

“Hmm.” Hal rubbed his chin then reached for the clinic doors. “I’m sure we’ll know who he is.”

“I have no idea who that is,” Hal whispered, arms folded, standing side by side with Elliott near the patient’s bed.

“Me either.” Elliott studied the man.

Blue shrugged. “No one knows him. He has to be one of those Jordanian people. They don’t socialize often with us.”

“More than likely,” Hal said. “And he’ll be out for how long?”

“Another day or two,” Blue said.

“How’s his health.” Hal questioned.

“Symptoms are better, improving.”

With a sigh, Hal stepped back. “Elliott, take a photo and we’ll send Owens to Jordan to get an ID on this man.”

“Yes Captain.” Elliott raised the camera.

“You came prepared,” Blue stated.

“Always,” Elliott smiled.

Hal walked to ward the door. “I’ll meet you at my office. Thank you Blue.”

“You’re welcome.” Blue nodded.

Elliott readied to take the picture and he paused. “This is odd.”

“Everything is odd, Elliott,” Hal said. “Explain what you mean.”

“It’s just that . . . you would think someone would know him,” Elliot said. “Given that he looks remarkably like Elvis.”

This made Hal stop cold.

****

“Hal, I’m about to go on TV, I’ll call you back.” Frank grumbled. “I promise. Thanks.” He hung up. “Man.”

“Turn the ringer off, Frank.” Danny instructed. “Ok?”

“Here, take it until I’m done.” Frank handed it to Danny.

Danny placed it in his pocket. “Ok we’re set wait for my cue.”

“Which will be?”

“I’ll signal you.”

“How?”

“With my hand.”

“Are you gonna wave?”

“No, I’m . . .” Danny paused. “Yeah, I’m gonna wave.”

“Got it.”

Danny stepped behind the camera. He fiddled at first with the computer, and then returned to his cameraman position. He counted out with his fingers, one, and two and pointed.

Frank stared.

“Frank.” Danny whispered. “You’re on.”

“Oh. You were supposed to wave.”

Danny cringed.

Frank looked into the camera, then down to his notes. “Hello, my name is Frank Slagel. I am the president in case you didn’t know. I have a very important message today. I hope that you’ll all understand and be, you know, understanding.”

He shuffled his note cards.

“When Fort first arrived. I know I thought he was just another crazy black guy spouting off about the future. Seems Fort was right. He did chase a clone through the time machine. I know this because I, we, have been living with the clone among us. When I tell you the name of the clone, you’re gonna be like, wow, how did I not know. I was like that, too. The clone came through as a means to interfere with my dad’s death. But failed and was stuck here.”

Dean stood back stage with Roy waiting. Frank was going to tell how he had the clone take Dean’s place to draw out the killer.

Frank continued, “Remember when Dean admitted to creating clones and he murdered them all.”

Dean cringed.

“He murdered all but one. The clone of himself.” Frank stared out.

“What’s he doing?” Dean asked Roy.

“Giving people a moment to digest.

After the pause, Frank went on, “Dean discovered his clone in a drunken binge . . .”

“I what!” Dean blasted.

“And, after deliberation thought it would be cool for both of them to work for the better of the community. But because he didn’t want the clone to get in trouble or himself for cloning, he hid out.”

“I’m killing him.” Dean mumbled.

“I discovered the clone …”

“You? You?”

Roy just smiled. “Frank is very good.”

Dean gave him a cross glance.

“I discovered the clone when I realized how nice and neat everything the clone did. And his unnatural attraction to Happy Days.” Frank said. “When I approached him, he came clean. His name is Roy and he’s pretty damn cool, not to mention brilliant. I tell you this and ask that you as a community forgive the selfish, I wanna be alone for a while and not bother with my kids, attitude of Dean, and accept the brilliance of both of these men, and the promise of a better future they can bring.”

“Not bad.” Roy commented. “It will work.”

Dean shook his head “I can’t possibly imagine anything else he could say to make it worse.”

Frank started to leave, but stopped. “One more thing.” He said into the microphone. “Dean will be available at the clinic for questions in the next hour.” He winked. “Have a good day.” He stepped off camera and to Dean. “What did you think?”

“You’re an asshole.” Dean snapped.

****

Joe turned off the TV. Danny had gone into rules and regulations regarding Beginnings Most Smartest Hero and said he would announce those chosen by nightfall.

Just about the time, Joe had enough and wasn’t in the mood to watch a Happy Days rerun, Robbie walked in.

“Dean’s pissed.” Robbie shut the door.

“I bet.” Joe stood up.

“People were flocking to the clinic, Andrea threw a bird, and demanded a question and answer session be at the Social Hall. So I locked Roy and Dean in there and made people line up.”

“That’s sounds smart.”

“Yeah, I figured, if they had to wait an hour they may leave.”

Joe nodded.

“Hal called. I have to go to Bowman and check something out.”

“What’s that?” Joe asked.

“He has a man there that got sick last night. Fr. O’Brien found him. No one knows him.”

“Is he from Jordan?” Joe asked.

“That’s what he thought. Elliott took a ride up there and no one knows him.”

Joe rubbed his chin. “Sounds odd.”