Chapter 4

     Police Chief Dave Schniederman gazed on the new directives in front of him. He would need to implement these changes and he did not like them one bit. He was glad he was retiring and would soon be handing this all over to Gene Washington.

     Washington came into the office just as Dave was pondering the new edicts. Without a word Dave handed them over to Gene.

     "What do you think of this?" He asked the future chief.

     "Oh I have been reading all about it and I think it isn't a bad idea at all. Could be just the advance that law enforcement has been waiting for. Yes, why not? I personally don't particularly like the idea of putting any kind of foreign material under the skin but I am told that it is hypo allergenic and medically tested. They say we won't even know that it is there." Gene said.

     "Are you going to volunteer to take it then?" Dave asked.

     "They are coming today to implant the senior officers first."

     "I'm not really sure. My wife is going crazy over it. She and the other teachers have been told that as public workers they will be required to have the smart chip also. All government workers and city workers will be required to have it implanted as well. Hey Dave it is rumored that Joe Willard and some others already have the chip and have had it for some time. Is that right?" Gene inquired.

     "More than likely. I am told that these so-called government agents have recruited many people in secret. There's one that I am particularly worried about, one of Sam Elliott's workers. He is a drunk and a wife beater and has a record as long as the Mississippi. They of course are using him, as Sam Elliott's good guys are loyal as anything to Sam. Folk, like this degenerate and Willard and Ray Elliott, another degenerate, are being trained to step in once this new initiative takes place."

     "Ray Elliott! Huh that doesn't surprise me. He has a record and has been inside many times and is a violent racist guy. He makes Charley Jackson look like an altar boy." Gene said.

     "A bit of advice Gene before I go. Don't underestimate Charley Jackson. He is in reality a good guy, straight and smart and could be a good friend to you some day." Dave told him.

     Gene raised his eyes at this comment but said nothing.

     "Willard on the other hand is a degenerate, worth a watching and definitely in their pay." Dave went on.

     "But why Willard? He is the most unpopular officer in town and the guys in this precinct hate him. They even have a Joe Willard dart board in the night shift room." Gene told him.

     "And is it just this town that has been chosen to implement these changes?"

     "No! Silver Creek has been chosen also. A few other towns scattered through out the country also. Our deputy chief has put the new plans to everyone and has asked for volunteers. He gave out the literature weeks ago and they have to decide now." Dave answered.

     "The chip is the topic of conversation everywhere. It has been debated, discussed, there have been TV programs and seminars about it and many people think it is a great idea. The government have promised perks and bonuses and with those promises people are going to be queuing up for it." Dave continued.

     "Do you think there's a world food shortage? Gene asked Dave. Dave smiled sardonically.

     "They'll tell you anything if it suits them." Dave said.

     "A long time ago I learned not to believe a word that t^ government or any politician said."

     "Maybe that is wise. I too am rather cautious." Said Gene.

     At this the buzzer went and Dave answered it.

     "Ok Ben thanks. That's fine. Ok. Speak to you later."

     Dave then turned back to Gene.

     "Ok I am going to have to get them in and ask who wants to volunteer. The chip folk are here in the building so we better get the guys in. I'll arrange it for after roll call this morning. Can you get that organized and round them up for me?" Dave asked.

     "Sure. They have all had ample time to decide." Gene declared.

     Dave shrugged.

     "It might be not as simple as that Gene." Dave said.

     "Maybe some people need more time to investigate the chip and its alleged benefits and consequences."

     "Ok, It is all yours. In three months time I will be out of here and sitting at the poolside in my hotel in Palm Springs with a big frosted glass of the finest scotch or something similar. Hopefully, in the afternoons I will be out on the golf course working on my handicap." Said Dave.

     Gene laughed and grabbed his briefcase.

     "Some folk have all the luck." He said with a grin.

     "Ok Dave I'll go get them!"

     Gene went out of the office and went into roll call. He would ask Ben to announce it at roll call that the senior officers were wanted in the Chiefs office immediately after. He would go around and see if he could round up any senior officers who were not in at roll call.

     As he was coming out of the roll call room he bumped into Lou Wilson who was the runner up in the selection for the new chief. He was to be the new deputy.

     "Hey! Gene! Heard congratulations are in order. You made it to Worshipful Master after all. I wasn't there but Ray told me. Well done. Thought you would." Wilson said, his hand on Gene's arm.

     "You will be at my installation?" Gene asked him.

     "You bet I will. Good on you big guy. Secretary of the golf club, raster of the lodge and chief of police. Ain't bad huh? You sure have a whole lot of responsibilities now. As the town's top roll model I reckon you will have to be first in line for the smart chip."

     "Oh I haven't decided yet Lou." Gene told him.

     "But Gene you simply don't have the choice. You more than anyone else will be required to set a good example and take the chip."

     "Hey now hold on! What has good example to do with it?" Gene retorted loudly.

     "Hey! Hey! Come over here and let us talk. Ssshhh!" Lou said quietly and in a placating manner as he grabbed Gene by the elbow.

     "Gene! We are coming on to new and exciting times. Guys like you and I have moved into a new epoch a new level. We are going to rule the roost here and call the shots. This chip is the ultimate stamp of enlightenment. We need to be seen to be stepping forward and conforming to the new era. This chip is going to filter out all the silt and keep only the cream of society. The new regime will usher in a brave new world with opportunities and wonders that we could never have imagined before. You won't even know that you have it Bro. It can only be detected with a scanner. It is no big deal." Lou promised him.

     "How do you really know that?" Gene asked.

     "Gene! Gene! Come into my office."

     Lou took Gene into his office. He went into drawer in his desk and came out with a small, strange looking device similar to a cell phone. He switched it on and handed it to Gene.

     "Scan my hand," He urged.

     "What?"

     "Scan my hand. Go on."

     Gene did so and the machine started to bleep. Right away it started to read off personal information about Lou from his date of birth and social security number, to his police academy training details and educational qualifications and then it started to give all his medical details including his blood group and DNA profile. Gene read all of this in disbelief.

     "This is astounding. It will be ideal in law enforcement." Gasped Gene.

     "When it starts spouting about my banking and financial details switch it off. I don't want you seeing how big my overdraft is." Laughed Lou.

     "Actually you can select and choose which type of info that you want with this thing. Simply press select and the whole list will come up."

     "This is totally amazing!" Gasped Gene wide eyed.

     "Great isn't it?" Lou declared.

     "I can even get an instant print off if I want. Think how fantastic a tool that will be to law enforcement agents. You pull over some guy and can tell right away if there is a warrant out on him, if he is out on license, or if he is on probation. You can track lost kids and keep track of those on parole. Medical records and special needs will all be on it. The possibilities are endless."

     "Gee I could do with this for my fifteen year old son." Gene told him.

     "I could do with it for my doggone wife!" Joked Lou.

     "It is the ultimate ID card Bro!" Lou declared excitedly.

     "It sure is."

     "So? What do you think?" Lou asked him.

     "It's terrific."

     "So you'll take it?" Inquired Lou.

     "Oh I guess so."

     "Have you read the guru's statements or his writings?" Asked Lou.

     "Some of them. I haven't really had time." Answered Gene.

     "Make the time Wash. He is absolutely the greatest person that there has ever been. He will change your life. Get into his writings. I can give you some that are recommended for those new to his teachings. This man will change your life. I guarantee it."

     "Ok I would love to see his stuff. I would like to see what he has to say."

     "Great, Attaboy! Gee Wash! You and I are sure going to be a great team together."

     Just then the desk sergeant Ben Leyton paged Gene. Gene's mom was on the line and wanted to speak to him urgently. He needed to go take the call.

     "Oh heck this is my mom. I need to go answer this Lou. You know what moms are like."

     "I sure do. If it isn't our moms and the wives it's the girlfriends." Lou said chirpily.

     "I'll catch up with you later Gene."

     Gene went to the nearest phone and took the call.

     It was his mother.

     "Hi mom! How are you doing?"

     "Gene! I am pleading with you son as the mother who gave birth to you. Don't take the mark of the beast. Please son! Stay away from fining to do with the mark of the beast."

     "Mom! What are you talking about? Have you been at another convention?"

     "Gene! Your father and I are pleading with you not to take the mark or biochip, smart-chip, biomark, whatever they call it. If you do you are lost. Have nothing to do with this terrible guru and his teachings. Don't even have his writings about you."

     "Mom. The microchip is only an advance in technology. Sure you told me that my great grand dad said that television was from Satan and he would never have it in his house. The biochip is nothing more than a new method of identification. It is also a credit card and driver's license that cannot be lost or stolen. Who said it is the mark of the beast?" Laughed Gene.

     At this his mother started to cry. This stopped Gene in his tracks as his mother was a strong lady. She was deeply religious and constantly harangued Gene for not going to church and for his attitude to the Lord and the Holy Scriptures. Gene was a man of science and that had always been his argument to his parents. They were heartbroken at his disbelief.

     "Mom! Please. Don't cry."

     "Please Gene. Promise me that you won't take the mark of the beast. Please son. I have never pleaded with you like this before. I implore you not to take this smart chip. Please come and see me. Will you at least do that?" She pleaded tearfully.

     "Of course mom. I will come over soon as I can."

     "Will you come this evening from work?" She insisted.

     "If you want me to?"

     "Yes I do."

     "Ok mom I will be over after my shift. Please don't be upset anymore. I'll drive right over straight from work. It is time I came and saw you and dad anyway." Gene said.

     "Promise me that you won't take that mark. You haven't taken it already have you? Oh please tell me that you haven't?''

     "No mom I haven't! Ok mother. I promise. I will discuss it with you when I come over. Would you like me to bring you some of your favorite candy?" He asked as he tried to placate his mother.

     "Bet this is all a ploy to get me to go buy your hand made chocolate candies." He said with a laugh.

     "Gene. Son. Forget the candies. Come yourself and please don't take the mark of the beast. Get rid of any of the guru's books and pamphlets. Anything with him on it or anything that he has written."

     "Ok mom! I need to go. We have a meeting with the chief now. I'll see you tonight."

     Gene came off the phone with his mother and raised his eyes in exasperation. He had had to listen to Cynthia his wife going on about the guru and about he. Gene's lack of religious beliefs. Now his mother was at it. They just did not understand. When he eventually did have the chip implanted he would need to keep it secret from his wife and mother, as they would give him a hard time. With these thoughts he headed to the chiefs office. He entered the Chiefs office and found that most of the senior officers were already there.

     "Ok!" Said Dave Schniederman lifting a pen.

     "You all know why you are here. I won't go into the arguments for or against at this time. They have all already been voiced. I only need to know if any of you wish to go have the biochip implanted on your hand or your forehead."

     "Ben? Do you wish to volunteer?"

     "No Sir. I won't be taking the biochip." Answered Ben.

     Lou Wilson raised his eyes in exasperation at Ben's answer.

     "Captain Colvin?" Dave asked.

     "You bet. Yes sir. I want it." Said Jack Colvin.

     "Mike? Lieutenant Douglas?" Continued Dave.

     "No Sir." Mike answered.

     Jack Colvin and Lou Wilson nudged each other and grinned.

     "Scared Douglas?" Taunted Lou Wilson.

     "I'll give you scared." Snarled six foot three Mike Douglas rising to his feet and squaring up to Lou.

     "That is enough gentleman!" Said Dave.

     "Bobby? Sergeant MacDonald?" Went on Dave.

     "Oh no sir. I won't be taking the chip?" Replied Bobby.

     "Phil?"

     "Sir I don't really know right now. I ain't really sure."

     "Ok! You can decide later."

     Jack Colvin raised his hand.

     "Chief? Will you be taking the chip?" He asked sardonically.

     At this Dave made no answer. He shot to his feet, rolled up his sleeve and bared his arm.

     "Captain Colvin. I got this mark in Auschwitz when I was a kid when my mother and father, two sisters, brother. Uncle, Aunt and two cousins and I were interred. My brother and one sister and I were the only survivors and no! I won't be taking the chip!" Snarled Dave.

     There was a silence at Dave's outburst. Jack Colvin knew better that say anymore.

     "Does that answer your question?" He demanded.

     "Yes sir." Jack answered staring down at his feet and avoiding looking at Dave.

     "Now let us get on with this. Mark?"

     "No sir."

     "Zack?"

     "No sir."

     "Lou?"

     "I already have it Chief."

     Dave stared at him momentarily but said nothing.

     "Joe? Sergeant McNally?"

     "No chief. I won't be taking it."

     At this Wilson started to mockingly sing a Catholic Hymn.

     "I'll sing a hymn to Mary about the biochip___"

     Joe McNally lunged at Wilson and had to be dragged back by the others. At this outburst Dave Schniederman shot to his feet.

     "You want me to suspend you altogether?"

     "No sir. I am only joking." Wilson said in pretense surprise.

     "Wrap it and zip it!" Warned Dave.

     "Sergeant Willard?"

     "Have it already." Grunted Willard.

     "Gene?"

     "I .. .I ain't sure. I will have to think about it." Said Gene.

     At this Lou Wilson looked up at Gene.

     Gene shrugged his shoulders and looked apologetically at Lou.

     Lou looked rather peeved at this disclosure from Gene.

     "Lieutenant Rogers?"

     "Yes Chief." He answered as he grinned over at Wilson and Colvin.

     "Ok. Thank you for your attention. The implementation people will call you when they are ready for you. Good day gentlemen."

     They all started to stream out of Dave's office.

     Lou and Jack Colvin caught up with Gene.

     "Hey Washington! You better understand something! If you don't take that chip in your hand or on your forehead then you will not be taking up your new appointment."

     "Are you threatening me Lou? What do you mean I won't be taking up my new appointment? I have worked hard for this and you, lack of the chip or anything else or anyone else won't stop me." Yelled Gene.

     "You want to bet?" Rasped Wilson through clenched teeth.

     "Yes I do!" Yelled Gene.

     Lou waved him aside and snarled and swore under his breath and with this said he stormed off in a rage.

     It was announced at roll call that the senior officers would go first to have the chip inserted. They would be called to the specially prepared chip room in the medical block of the precinct.

     A demonstration of the chip's capabilities was given at roll call when Joe Willard was asked to take part, so as the others could see how it worked and what it could do. A government officer did this with Willard's help and the majority of the watching officers were wowed. The first batch was ready to go.

     Mike Douglas and the other Christian officers exchanged glances. It appeared that the whole world was going crazy. From the roll call window they could see a crowd standing outside of the new building across from the precinct.

     They were queuing up to take the chip and were pushing and Jostling with each other. Men and women of all ages and children as well, stood waiting to be given the trendy new fad the 'with it' biochip that would as they believed, herald in changes in their lives and ally them with the guru, the new messiah, the great 'He Who Is'.

     Old Ron stood outside the new building berating those queuing for the chip. They laughed him to scorn and told him that his Jesus was finished. The guru was here and he was their new messiah.

     Not far from where Ron was standing a UN patrol car was sitting. He was being watched. These UN police seemed to have appeared almost overnight and were everywhere and were working in all public places. They appeared to have precedence over even the regular police force. They could be seen directing traffic and patrolling in general.

     Mike and his Christian colleagues watched all this fearfully.

     "Time to go guys!" Said Mike Douglas.

     "Yes I agree." Said Mark Chan.

     Gene Washington did not know what to do. He wanted to move with the times and he wanted to be a good police chief but he also was hearing things from his mother and his wife Cynthia that were causing him confusion and distress. Mike Douglas and Bobby were good friends to him and they also urged him not to take this chip.

     He took Mike Douglas aside.

     "Mike what am I to do?" He pleaded.

     "Gene. Don't take this chip. It is the mark of the beast and the guru is the man of perdition. Please don't take it. Come with Bob and me. We are going."

     "Going?" Asked Gene in disbelief.

     "Going where?"

     "The times spoken of in the Holy Scriptures are here. We need to do as we are urged in the Bible and go!" Mike told him.

     "Aw gee Mike. I think that Bible instruction course that you guys were on has did something to your heads. I am not religious. What am I supposed to do? I mean I have everything right now. I have two new babies, new position to take up, many friends and new opportunities. What am I to do?" He asked.

     "Gene if you take the mark of the beast or worship its image you will be lost." Mike told him bluntly.

     "Gee Mike. You and Bobby have always been good friends to me but you guys know that I am not religious and don't hold with all this. Just tell me what I should do? Convince me guys!" He pleaded again.

     "Cynthia your wife won't take the mark Gene!" Mike told him bluntly.

     By this time the first group of men had come back with the chip implanted in their bodies. The others surrounded them as they came back and asked about it.

     "It is no big deal!" Said Jack Colvin."

     "Nothing to get upset over." Voiced Clint Rogers.

     "It is one simple procedure. The computer organizes the info for your own personal chip, and it is put on to it and inserted. It is done under aseptic conditions and you hardly feel it and are likely to forget it is there." Colvin continued.

     "I urge anyone to go and get it as it is one 'with it' and sensible thing to have. Go get it everyone, and don't listen to these Bible thumpers and merchants of doom that tell you it is the mark of the beast." He spat viciously.

     On hearing this Mike and Bobby took Gene aside into another room to speak to him in private. They were stalling for time and trying to delay Gene from listening to Lou and Jack.

     Meanwhile back at Sam Elliott's ranch a group of government agents had asked him for an interview to discuss as they said Sam's position in the community as an upstanding citizen. They needed people like him in their new regime they told him. They would need someone with Sam's experience to oversee food distribution and run the state farms.

     They had sent similar agents to selected people throughout the community of Fort Wayne. George Anders the chief engineer at the power station and dam to name but a few. They tried to recruit Randy the editor of the Fort Wayne Gazette and Nat the head of the brewery. Charley and Sue Jackson, Cynthia Washington and various others had also been approached. Sam told the government agents in no uncertain terms what he thought of their new regime and their brave new world and the microchip, same as Charley and most of the others had done.

     They had left the ranch but before going had told Sam that he was being stupid and that they would be back.

     Sam's pastor Steve Tyier had been approached also as he was also a farmer. When he had told them to stand there until he got his double barrel loaded they had gone off in a hurry.

     Sam was worried. He knew that they were in the tribulation and would need to flee soon. The guru was making his proclamation in a few days. The adults would flee but Sam wondered what they would do about the kids. Sam was pondering all these things when his sons and nephews arrived home from school.

     They told Sam that a man had come to speak to them about the chip. He had told them that if they had the chip put in their bodies they would be safe from any would be child molester and that the chip was their guarantee of safety. They were told a lot of other things that really upset Sam and he made the decision that he would need to think about keeping them home. The boys had been raised as Christians and had followed Sam's own example and joined his own local Baptist church.

     Carl Harris soon arrived at Sam's. Carl was still suffering from the effects of the locust stings that he received and was feeling poorly. Antibiotics, creams and lotions hadn't helped in anyway and he was unable to sleep for the pain and discomfort.

     Carl was not religious but was loyal to Sam and did not agree with the chip. He decided that he also would need to soon keep his children home from the school. The officials had also been speaking to his children who attended the local elementary school.

     Sam was soon receiving calls from other parents. He decided to phone Cynthia Washington and voice his disgust. When he did Cynthia herself answered.

     Cynthia had been out of town on a course for principals and knew nothing about the talk to her children. She was outraged, as many parents had been phoning her. She apologized to Sam and told him she would deal with it immediately.

     Sam liked Cynthia and knew that she would. Sue Jackson had been on to her also and filled her in on the happenings at the school.

     "What is going on Sam?" Cynthia asked.

     "Is everyone blind? Can't they see the signs of the times? We have had locusts that sting, we've .had an earthquake where we shouldn't have had one, and an extinct volcano came to life even if momentarily! These are no coincidences. We've had a(l these signs and yet things don't change. People are getting greedier and more selfish and more immoral. Now they are clamoring to take this chip for a measly couple of perks. Don't they know that this is the mark of the beast?" She retorted.

     "Even my husband laughs at me for saying this."

     "Ma'am I know." Just at that Aaron, Sam's younger son attracted his attention.

     "Hey dad. You better come and see this."

     "Dad you are going to go spare." Shouted Wesley.

     "Hey Mrs. Washington I need to go. I'll get back to you later. Thanks for your help and no they ain't getting to our kids. Thanks. Yeah you have my number just phone me anytime."

     Sam went outside to see what his sons were shouting about.

     There were strange lights flashing in the sky and Sam could not make them out at first. He thought at first it was lightning and then it dawned on him what it was.

     "God help us." Sam said almost to himself.

     "Dad! It's the guru's picture and his sayings." Yelled Wesley.

     Over the town there was some sort of laser display. They were putting the guru's image over the town for everyone to see.

     "There was also an advertising blimp with his picture on it floating over the town dad." Aaron told his dad.

     The laser display was no simple affair. Even from the ranch they could see that it was spectacular. Sam and his sons watched in growing trepidation.

     He slipped his arms around the boys as they looked up at the exhibition.

     "Guys we are going to have to leave here soon. Come inside. I don't want you to look on the image of the beast. He will be able to perform many great signs and wonders and even bring fire down from the sky but they are illusions and deceptions. Don't be intimidated by these works of Satan in any way." He told his sons.

     "Dad some guys at school think the guru is real cool and so do some of the teachers. They talk about him whenever they get the chance." Wesley told Sam.

     "Well boys we are Christians and we ain't going to listen. Think it might soon be time for you guys to stay home." He said.

     "Wow dad that would be cool." Said Wesley.

     "Other teachers tell us not to listen to the guru. Mr. Johnson our homeroom teacher told us that the guru was evil and that we should close our ears to him.

     He got in bother because a kid in the class, Wayne Willard reported him for saying this." Aaron said.

     "Guys we are going to have to leave soon. It will be tough but we are Christians and we believe in the Lord Jesus and it tells us in the Holy Scriptures that when these times come we are to flee."

     "Dad I thought the rapture was going to take us away from all of that and that we would miss the persecution and the man of perdition?" Aaron asked.

     "Son I ain't sure anymore about that. I think we may have to suffer the tribulation and we may even have to die for what we believe in and I think we are seeing the anti-Christ right now. We need to trust in Jesus and keep praying and asking for His help and His guidance." He continued.

     Just at that something flashed across the darkening sky.

     "Dad! Look a shooting star!" Wesley said

     "Kind of big for a shooting star son. Gee look at its tail. That ain't a shooting star."

     "Is it one the guru's tricks?"

     Sam grinned and looked up. The comet arced off far out into space its tail huge behind it. They watched it until it became just a pinpoint of light.