Crime Of The Millennia (3) I thank you and Kelley thanks you, give our love to Kate, as I know she will miss her companionship. Karen (Kelley's twin sister), shall be at the house when the Feds' come around; they'll assume it's Kelley. I'm glad that you've thought of that, as the penalties for aiding a fugitive are severe. Richard responded: once again, thanks for everything. Arriving at Hua Hin, the driver informed Richard that a helicopter would take them to Phuket on the West coast and from there a fast launch to his ship. Richard’s unease was readily apparent and the driver sensed his discomfiture. The pilot is a Captain in the Royal Thai Police and he is family who I trust with my life; likewise I have assured our Chiu Chao friend of your safe passage, "Is this not so?" Richard felt the burn of shame rise in him and he fought for composure. Arriving at the gates to the airport, the police gave a cursory glance at Richard and waived the vehicle through and with his other hand indicating as to where the driver should park. As they pulled into the parking space a uniformed officer greeted them with a salute and a, "Sa Wat Di" (A traditional Thai greeting that is used in place of a hand shake as Thais and all Orientals abhor the touching of one another, such as a western handshake.) The Captain spoke to Richard and told him that the flight would be approximately two hours to Phuket. Richard observed that the Captains uniform displayed a paratroop emblem, reinforcing his confidence in his abilities. The Captain went through his check-list and started the turbine, as the rotors changed pitch, they lifted into the air, rising to a height that made the Isthmus visible. The islands of Ko Samui and Ko Phangan glistened like two pearls on the blue sea. Landing in Phuket at the tip of the Isthmus of Kra, from here we will take the launch out to your ship and I will introduce you to the crew and your chief mate. I am sure you will approve, as they are all good men personally picked by my cousin, a man who specializes in these matters such as yours. Richard responded: I am impressed by your concern and your efficiency "driver of no consequence." Both laughed as they exited the helicopter onto a jetty adjacent to the motor launch. The driver smiled and said: "you may rest assured that the pilot of this craft is competent and a member of my family." Richard said: "you have a large family my friend." Stepping onto the dock; Richard heard the fans evacuating the air from the engine compartment, which was a good sign of a man familiar with his craft. The Hawk Motors announced their presence with a ferocious snarl, settling into a purring idle. Both men "waied" to the Royal Captain as this was sufficient for the many thanks Richard felt. He could feel the apprehension rise in him, for he knew that he would soon be on his way. As they settled into their seats, the launch eased from its docked position and into the waters of the Adaman Sea. Richard focused his eyes on the ship as they swung towards the large vessel moored in the water. By arrangement through intermediaries, this was a phantom ship; one that had been reported lost and renamed. The owners compensated by their insurance carriers and it's' new mission, many seas removed; ready for work for a new master. Richard observed that the ship rode low in the water, as it should be; a sign that the cargo was loaded and awaiting his arrival. Similar to a previous cargo that had brought him grief; but once again, necessary. Richard could see that it was a converted trawler, probably fifteen to twenty years old. There was no telling where it was "acquired" and better for him and the crew that they did not know, as his and the crews identification manifests, designated them as contracted Merchant Marines operating for the company on a "contracted ship." True to his word, the man skillfully positioned the launch abeam of the ship. The name of Richard’s command came into view; "KINSLOW" and it hailed from Panama. How fortuitous, as it brought forth pleasant memories of his family and the time they enjoyed in Panama. Yes, in the Orient a good omen-good Joss. The pilot gave three short bursts of his horns, a head appeared above the belt-line of the ship and signaled with a wave. The pilot returned with one short repartee on the horn and set the launch in motion to the end of the ship so Richard could make his visual inspection prior to taking command. Richard’s keen eyes discerned the approximate time that KINSLOW had been out of dry-dock. The pilot executed a ninety-degree turn aft and Richard's previous observations were verified, as the aft portion of the ship was equally encrusted with the shells of barnacles that refused to let go of this large metal clam. Approaching the lowered jetty, Richard could see the netting on the sides of the hull. Its purpose to provide cover for it's master’s arrival. Gliding to the jetty, the pilot cut the engines, as the crew from the KINSLOW secured the launch. Richard, his sea legs at the ready, nimbly transferred from the launch and saluted the pilot The crew, present as Richard's foot touched the deck and all eyes focused on the farang. "Jiab," Richard's first-mate and a leper from Thailand's Lampong colony as were the rest of crew. Richard chose lepers for extra insurance, in case of apprehension and arrest. Many a man, let alone an official in any capacity would be hesitant to interrogate (in close quarters) any leper due to ingrained fear and ignorance. Richard had found that many with the disease were loyal and willing workers and in this instance, ideal for the job. Richard offered his hand, startling Jiab, more so for it's rarity than for it's cultural aberration. He clasped Richard's hand and looked straight into his eyes; "Welcome aboard Master Richard, I am your first-mate; my name is Jiab. I can have your gear stowed in your cabin, or if you'd like to freshen up prior to inspection..... All eyes carefully watched this exchange between Jiab and the farang. Richard responded that his gear could wait and inquired as to the log, so he could review it in his cabin. Jiab turned to another and spoke in the Northern dialect to fill the Captains request for the log and to direct the Captain to his cabin. Richard stated to Jiab: "Go through all final checks as we get under-way at 1200 hours with course set to 15 degrees S-SW to enter the Malaacan Straits." Jiab acknowledged this request with an aye-aye and a grin, which Richard accepted graciously, relieved that the initial formalities were over and that he had been successful in not offending this proud individual who bore the early stages of his affliction with dignity. Richard hoped to impress on these men of how men treated one another, rather than treat them based upon their looks. Richard instructed Jiab to have the crew available in the afterdeck for a briefing and to meet each man personally. With these formalities done, he turned and went to his quarters. The deck of the ship was orderly with no loose gear apparent and by Richard's own observation, ship shape; though by habit he would do his own inspection, as it was expected and necessary for the long journey ahead. CHAPTER 6 – CHICAGO, The Twins Our first childhood memories (by "our," I mean my twin brother, Frank and myself), are of the cold wind known as the "Chicago Hawk." The "Hawk" is etched into our memories as a reference point of the beginnings of our lives. My brother and I are identical twins of Italian and Mexican extraction, unfortunately our origin did not ensure our acceptance into the neighborhood of Chicago's north side; "Hillbilly Heaven." Great name, "ain't it?" Hillbilly Heaven earned its name from the White southerners escaping poverty and heard that their was "jobs-aplenty" to be had and "all-a-body-had-to-do-was-to-get-up-to, Chee-caw-go" and get a job in "one-o-dem-fac-toh-rees," yep here we were, sharing this small space of heaven with the "Good-ol-folks." We shared this little slice of heaven with Gypsies and I thought they were cool, though my brother was scared to death of them. Yep, a cozy little neighborhood. We came here from New York City, as my grandparents had thrown out their son and daughter-in-law, because they stole everything in their house to pay for a fix. I guess they had no choice, or place to go; so we (the family) ended up in Chicago (where my mother’s parents threw us out, for the same reason.) Our parents believed in better living though chemistry and could not, nor would not maintain anything close to a normal life. Like school, we had none, simple as that; school was what we learned from our father and mother who supported us by stealing anything that was not bolted down. Dad loved to tell everyone that he worked for "The Spot and Steel Company." As far as I remember, he was the obituary bandit, he would get the newspaper (no he didn’t buy it) and he would scan the obituary section and those that had recently died could guarantee a visit from him. They would return home to find that not only had they lost a loved one, but everything that could be carried out of their house! My brother and I shared our stroller (and in later life-a shopping cart) with televisions, toasters, phones and radios. To this date we have this permanent feeling that wherever we sit, we have to fidget to make room for something that isn’t there. Father left us by dying of an overdose of heroin and it took mother a whole day to realize that he had died. She thought he was asleep, "on-the-nod" as junkies call it. I remember that day, as my brother and I tried to wake him by opening the door to the porch to let the Hawk in. We both knew that the cold rush of air would send him into an uncontrollable state of shivering. As you can see, the Hawk is burned into our memories as the start of our lives. Mother in her junkie wisdom, panicked, after realizing he was dead. Like the Hawk, mother was cold and indifferent, but in her junkie outlook, she was terrified of the police. She packed all she could into the car and gave us a minute to say our good-byes to Dad and our apartment. Her favorite scheme was to stop by the trash in an alley and load the trunk of our car with trash; milk cartons, grocery bags, old meat, bones. She would then drive to the local church, find the pastor and tell him her tale of woe; that we were destitute and living in a car with no food nor money. She described our situation to the pastor as down-and-out, with her husband abandoning her, leaving her unable to pay rent or buy food. She would point to the refuse in the car, to make her point. We will never forget the look of horror on their faces, when they came to the window of the car to investigate her story. She missed her true calling as an actress, for she could bring these men of God to tears. After she got the money, she would rent a flop house and buy heroin. To this day, we do not know as to what denomination we truly belong to. For breakfast she would take us into the neighborhood and wait for the delivery of sweet rolls to the stores. After the delivery truck left she would push our stroller to the stack of boxes and pick up a whole box of these nice warm rolls. From there we would go down the side-street and pick-up a bottle of milk that the milkman left at each doorstep. Dinner was another project provided by her capable talents, after buying her dope, or waking up from being on the nod; we would go to the grocery store and my brother and I would be placed in the cart. She would go to the refrigerator section, pickup a carton of milk and go down the aisle to the meat department. She would ask the butcher to slice some bologna or salami and put on a roll with all the trimmings. With dinner in hand we would go down the next aisle and eat our meal. As we exited the store she would say to the clerk: "OOPS! Forgot my wallet!" By the age of seven, mother had molded our lives into hers. Consumed by her search for dope and food, she would take us into an apartment building and ring all the door bells, one-by one and those that answered, she would respond with; "OOPS, wrong buzzer-sorry. She would go to the floor that had no response, entering from the rear porch area and use our blanket, by covering the window on the door; break the glass and reach in and open the door. My brother would ask if this would be our new home and she would tell us; no I'm here to clean the apartment, since it's my job? Our visits were frequent and our blanket saw plenty of use, on the job. On her job, she would seat us at the table and go into their refrigerator and get us a snack, sometimes if we were lucky we sit in front of the television while we ate. She would go into the room and come out, modeling different clothes. Sometimes she found toys that we could play with while we watched the morning cartoons on WGN. At the end of a program, she would be in her new wardrobe with a new bag and out we would go. I missed those apartments, as it was like we lived in each and everyone of them. As all things came to pass, mom’s career was cut short and with her demise, our lives. We were arrested on one of her daily excursions, we were in the apartment and all was normal (?), watching Bozo. We had got a late start as mom nodded out in the chair and woke up with a start, stumbling, trying to rush as if she had a regular job. Driven by fear of not having money for her next purchase of smack. We entered her customers (?) residence for cleaning (?) and mom placed us in front of the television. She went into the bedroom and the door of the bedroom crashed open with a bang; with mom running and a naked man right behind her. His red face prominent in his naked state, intent and focused on mom. He tackled her and they landed on the floor, right beside us. We were terrified, yet we stared straight into both of their eyes. The naked man had her pinned on the living room floor. What did we do? What could we do? We screamed! Mom struggled as Bozo announced "The Grand Prize Game," not a pretty sight. A pounding on the door to the apartment, diverting our attention and like the bedroom door, it burst open, no naked man, but a very large cop. He jumped into the fracas, beating the naked man with his night stick! Neighbor’s heads, stacked on the door jamb, curious to see the menagerie occurring on their neighbors floor. The cop beaten the naked man senseless and one of the neighbors told him that mom did not belong in the apartment and that the naked man who lay groaning on the floor, did. The cop grumbled to the neighbor, that upon breaking in the door after hearing the screaming and seeing the naked man on top of the lady (our mom,) he assumed that he was raping her. It did not occur to him that she could be a prowler and the fellow he subdued, the real victim. He deftly handcuffed mom and we ran from him in the tight confines of the apartment, since we would not go quietly. Between avoiding capture and our screaming, our little minds slipped another gear. The cop prevailed and corralled us, locking one of us under each arm, he took us out into the street with mom in tow to the awaiting paddy wagon. Through the tears, I remember the look on her face, unlike the crook or thief, with their mask of defiance; mom’s face was a mixture of sadness and pain. That was the last time we saw her, as we were taken to the Audy Home, a place for juvenile delinquents. We were considered accomplices in our mother’s deeds and deemed; juvenile delinquents. Mixed with others like ourselves, we clung to each other as we had since birth, other kids smirked and sneered, as we wondered what fate had in store for us. The next day, we were taken to court and made "Wards of the Court." At no time did anyone ask what we thought, or what happened. During the proceedings, the Courts discussion excluded us from any participation, yet we were stripped of our lives, and our mother. The only thing I can remember is that we were remanded into the custody of the Illinois Youth Commission at St. Charles. St. Charles was not a Catholic school, nor a church, its sole purpose to house juvenile delinquents. CHAPTER 7 – WHITE HOUSE WEST, Casa San Clemente Dr. Kipler and I will go over the fine points and Elizabeth, since this is an informal setting; Dr. Kipler and I will go over the next agenda. If you would like you can take up the First Ladies offer of the tour. Elizabeth responded, yes I’d like that very much, you’ll find the First Lady in the library, through that door; Eric will be on the other side and he will escort you to the library. Dr. Kipler and I will be there when you are through. Elizabeth went through the door and Eric stationed by the wall, speaking into his cuff microphone. Right this way, he said and she fell in step behind him. Elizabeth couldn’t help but be impressed with the detail of Secret Service Agents assigned to protect the President and his family. It was eerie as they were in positions that ensured minimal effort to move into action. Like now, Eric was outside the small briefing room and aware of the Presidential Aide’s order to be taken to the First Lady. In it’s own way, comforting, but eerie never-the-less. Eric approached the door, which was opened by another agent into a magnificent library. Unlike the rest of the house with it’s layer of framed history, the library was cloaked in books from floor to ceiling. A smell of leather and lilac emanated from a magnificent floral arrangement in the center of the table. The First Lady came forward, I am so glad that you’ve taken me up on my offer, for its not often that I get to share the history of our house with another woman, as our visitors are generally dignitaries and agency personnel and usually men. This will be our little excursion, we'll start here. Elizabeth, fascinated by the persona of the First Lady, uttered the appropriate acknowledgements and responses as the First Lady set the pace, pointing out various aspects of the architecture and the history of their residence. It was obvious that not only was this the Presidents and First Lady’s residence, but those that had passed through its portals were a part of history; boring it was not; far from it. Elizabeth realized that her time at San Clemente, would be the pivotal point for the rest of her life. We need to cover only two items that are "off-table" Dr. Kipler, as they are not in effect as we speak. I am providing you this information Dr. Kipler, for when they are implemented, they will require your full cooperation, as they will fall under your jurisdiction. John went to the wall of maps and pulled on the shade release, uncovering a structural chart that identified the Federal agencies involved and the respondent State agencies across the United States. The main service provider on the map, identified by the initials "AOD." Dr. Kipler’s curiosity piqued, though he refrained from asking John as to what "AOD" stood for. It was readily apparent that it was extensive, as the total "AOD’s" identified numbered one-hundred and fifty; spread throughout the fifty states. Dr. Kipler, could see that his agency would control the funds and that these "AOD’s" could expect annual funding based upon location; with quarterly recaps to ascertain increases or decreases within their allocations. What was unusual in this presentation, is that Dr. Kipler did not receive a copy of the structural graph that was on the wall nor it’s referenced index. It is likely that the highest court in our land will be required to intervene into the States inability to establish a standard on abortion. This issue has wend it’s way through the lower courts and is now before the US Supreme Court. Dr. Kipler did his best to remain silent as John continued; I have been directed to inform you of this matter as your predecessor was instrumental in "fast tracking" the implementation and approval of free dispensation of hormones for the regulation of birth control. The phenomenal birth rates of the poor have increased and requests for additional funds for the maintenance of various programs have trebled. The program was successful although a variety of problems surfaced from our "fast track" efforts, as their were numerous side-effects from the introduction of the synthetic hormones and the bovine based extractions provided to the various age groups of females. This had an effect over the ten year span of the program, although its distribution was limited to primary regions which census identified as having the highest increases in the targeted income population groups. To sum the effectiveness of the program, it was effective in reducing the projected population increases, but with a commensurate increase in higher expenditures of funds for medical services for the side-effects these products produced. In essence the reduction was provided by the limitation of additional births but with a commensurate increase of medical services which drained funds from another budget area. Our research shows that a high potential of complications is likely, requiring more costly therapies for those who are unable to pay. Dr. Kipler was familiar with the studies and the numerous reports issued by various agencies and the applied projections, in fact the proposed suggestions that John alluded to in the Courts decision was the model of Werner AG’s clinics. The potential profit was the impetus for Otto’s investment as the reports clearly indicated that the preference to a potentially hazardous prescription of birth control in lieu of any alternative was abortion, though each States laws prohibited it’s proactive application; except in extreme emergencies. No state was immune, as all had experienced legal challenges to laws that prohibited "Abortion on Demand." John continued: we need for you to provide a proposal for operational clinics that will parallel the units of Werner AG. The necessity for this is that Werner’s system is good, but it cannot cover the demand that this decision will generate; as the projections recently provided could double or even triple the numbers we expect and Werner AG's clinics cannot provide this level of production. Dr. Kipler’s facial expression belied his shock, as this was an indirect order that competed with his machinations, and a potential source of competition. A complication he could not have predicted, as he was sure that the Federal government would distance itself as much as possible from the potential controversy that could develop from its existence; which is why he had proposed the Werner AG clinic system. This revelation would require that he inform Otto of this new development. Your proposal Dr. Kipler has a time frame, as the decision is scheduled for hearings in the first session; it will give us time to refine and deploy the necessary equipment and personnel. The President has expressed confidence in your ability to provide us with an air-tight proposal and I am likewise confident in your knowledge. The parameters must encompass considerations that were extrapolated in the studies. These were ethical on the medical concerns, and the potential religious ramifications. You are authorized to utilize Department of Justice legal counsel to ensure compliance. If you do not have any questions, your first report will be due in the first quarter of next year and it should be clear that there is no directive on this and we need your input, as it is within your responsibilities. John, I’m not questioning that, I find it unorthodox in this informal setting, as I would expect a directive for this implementation. I’m aware of the time limitations and I’m sure we can meet them. Dr. Kipler, the budget in your agency allocates side bar proposals and it is more than adequate to cover the expenses incurred in this research, if you require additional funds they can be made available from another agency under your authorization. If there’s any question, I will be happy to assist you in resolving it to your satisfaction. John, I will do the best job possible and since it is authorized to parallel the Werner model, it will simplify the operational descriptive, but I must assume that all personnel will be Civil Service with GSA as the supplier of the necessary equipment and incidentals. Funding will be through USPH or FDA; correct me if I’m wrong. FDA, Dr. Kipler; if it requires a change I will inform you. Dr. Kipler, all communication on this will be "EYES-ONLY," until it is official. The second item Dr. Kipler, concerns project "SUSTAIN." Dr. Kipler prepared himself for another blow, by remaining silent and waiting for John to continue. We are encouraged by the preliminary results and ready to implement a portion of the research studies to a company who has expressed interest in manufacturing the factor synthetically. They are quite capable and will provide us with the required reports. "SUSTAIN" will continue under your oversight, as I know that there is a tremendous amount of lab work in process. Dr. Kipler refrained from protest; for it would bring an unwelcome inspection into the new lab and he could ill afford any interference in the project at this time. If he relinquished a portion of his control now, it would be a favorable sign to the Presidents aide. Dr. Kipler, if this is acceptable to you, we can go continue, or if you have any reservations; I need to know now. None whatsoever John, my only concern regards the protocols and what will be necessary to assist them in their synthesis process. Excellent, lets calendar a time to transfer the required information and we will schedule a meeting so we can exchange ideas; if its convenient now I’ll suggest the first Monday of February. I think it will be fine, I’ll be sure to have Dr. Holman available. Dr. Kipler, if that’s all, I must say that I find it a pleasure to work with you. And I, with you John. Lets see if we can locate the First Lady and Elizabeth, Dr. Kipler. Exiting the room, the ever vigilant agent noted their passage and communicated their destination. Dr. Kipler, I believe we will find them in the chapel. He opened an arched door and together they passed into a large room with benches on both sides and an elevated dais at the end. The First Lady and Elizabeth turned as John and Dr. Kipler approached. Elizabeth said, its amazing Dr. Kipler, this house, I mean ranch; deferring to the First Lady-who nodded her acknowledgment of Elizabeth’s information. This California architecture is wonderful, in absolute contrast to our eastern influences with traditionally styled furniture; whereas each piece is large with minimal carvings, the word I should use is unsubstantial. The First Lady commented, you are quite correct, as that is my sentiment. As you know the White House contains the largest collection of American period furniture and I’ve learned a lot about furniture during these terms. I’m so glad that you enjoyed it here, you must make it a point to see the White House collection when we are back. Delighted with the invitation, Elizabeth enthusiastically responded in the affirmative. The First Lady spoke, I’m sorry I must leave you now as I hope you’ve enjoyed yourself, don’t forget to give me a call and well set a date Thank you, Elizabeth said, I’ll be sure to. If your ready, I’ll have the car available so you can do a little sightseeing on the way back to the airport, as the helicopter is gone at the moment. Elizabeth would like to see some of California before we leave. Yes I’d like that very much. The car will be out in front in fifteen minutes, so if you need a little time, the powder room and restroom are directly across the hall. I’ll be out front and Eric from the detail will be waiting to escort you out. Opening the chapel door revealed Eric on station. Dr. Kipler paused as he set his notebook on the table and Elizabeth went into the restroom with her briefcase. Dr Kipler, went over the days activities in his mind as he opened the stall door passing the urinals as he had always done through out his life. His condition precluded him from an upright position and had been a source of shame and misery for him throughout his life.
Copyright © 1995 Daemon Toles |