The Alternative

by Richard Dante

FIFTEEN

 

  Senator Bracken relaxed and sipped the life giving fluid supplied by the formidable Mr. Parker. He drank eagerly. It gave him strength and seemed to return some of the courage he’d lost. While the Primagnon attendants completed their work, Bracken looked directly at the Primagnon leader. Parker stood patiently in front ot the desk, waiting until all was put right again.

  When they had finished, Bracken found he was feeling much like his old self, and could almost speak to this Parker person as an equal.

  Parker spoke first.

  “I see you have recovered Senator. And yet I sense a slight embarrassment lingers. Don’t disturb yourself. It ‘s of no importance. This evening’s little gala was designed to put you all through the wringer and most reactions were anticipated.” The Primagnon paused for a moment, studying the Senator. “Before we get down to business, I’d like to offer my condolences on the death of y our leader.”

  “Thank you. John Shipley’s death will certainly leave a great void,” replied Bracken with some lack of conviction.

  “I realize you aren’t quite certain how he died. Let me assure it was from natural causes and through no fault of ours.”

  “Oh...of course...it goes without saying,” Bracken agreed fawningly.

  The Primagnon stepped forward and stood over Bracken. “I would like ot hear from your own lips why you disliked that great human being so much?”

  Bracken was taken aback by the unexpected question.

  “What?! What do you mean? We all loved him.”

  Bracken grew uncomfortable and took another swig of the pacifying drink.

  “So you’ve said on many occasions, Senator. But deep down, you... I hesitate to say it...Hated him. You can tell me. It makes no difference now.”

  “But...I...we all revered...”stammered Bracken.

  “Come now Senator, you know you can bare your soul to me?”

  The Primagnon almost whispered the words. So soothingly , the sound caressed Bracken’s ears. Something gave his mind a nudge. His conscience wanted to speak out and tell what he’d kept hidden for years. The ambitious frustrations had been pushing and shoving, trying to reach the goal he wanted so desperately.

  The Primagnon already knew what was stored in his brain, but for reasons of his own, he wanted the Senator to say it, to purge his mind. Parker could see into Bracken’s thoughts and observed the struggle the human was having with his conscience, and the unwillingness to expose himself. Parker waited patiently. The potion was having its effect and soon all would come pouring out.

  Bracken took another sip of the green liquid as he tried to avoid the prying look of the Primagnon before him. At last something told he could confide in this being who waited so patiently .

  “Shipley? Hate Him?! You’re damned right I hated him! I’m glad the sanctimonious old bastard’s dead! I’ll admit he was great help early in my career, but for years he stood in the way of progress. My Progress!” His voice rose as he warmed to the canker which had plagued him.

  “He refused to retire. Refused to die, while the rest of us stood in his shadow and waited. Shipley! Shipley! Shipley! That’s all we heard...An untiring workhorse for the good of his country! I’ve been hearing all my life. I’m glad he’s dead, but they’re all ready for him. He’ll probably live on in legend forever. They’ve already prepared his official portrait for the Senate Hall Of fame, where it’ll hang with Henry clay, Robert Taft and all the others. He’ll leave a permanent mark on our nation’s history and bring distinction to the Senate! -- Bullshit!” Bracken snorted, His envy of the late Senate leader was obvious to the Primagnon.

  During the tirade Bracken hadn’t looked at the Primagnon. Now he did so, He, like so many victims of paranoia, quickly analyzed his own verbal catharsis and sheepishly clamped his mouth shut.

  The Primagnon apparently took no notice of the Senator’s discomfiture, but went on with his interview.

  “My dear Senator. we already know the many facets of your unique personality. Some of them are, to say the least, unworthy of a man of your stature.

  Bracken squirmed slightly under the Primagnon Leader’s critical gaze.

  “For instance. We know about the secret bank account you have in Switzerland. Full and fat with misappropriated funds and kickbacks. On a scale of misdeeds, that’s probably the most innocent. The world thinks of you as a leader and humanitarian. I wonder what your constituents would say about your black market dealings and the clandestine arrangement you’ve made with the Desalinization Commission. Humans cannot live without water, yet you and your associates have been charging a high tariff for the water. A fee that fills you pockets.”

  Bracken was red-faced with embarrassment and cringed back into the comfortable chair. What sort of trick was this? How could this being know so much about what he’d kept secret? Now he began to have fears for his safely. What were they planning for him?

  Reading this thought, Parker told him. “Fear not, Bracken, we have great plans for you. Now your leader is dead, you are next in succession. I don’t agree with your methods, but we can use men like you. You, Senator, are an achiever. A ruthless one. You don’t care who you step on in order to win. It’s your whole raison d’etre. You do want to be on the winning side, don’t you?”

  The pressure of the Primagnon’s will on his muddled brain was overpowering. Bracken was willing to agree to anything in order to relieve the push and pull of a force pressing like fingers to dislodge a blackhead or the pus from a boil.

  Finally he broke and opened his mind to the Primagnon,

  “Yes! Yes!” he agreed, trying to sink farther down into the soft chair.

  Parker released his hold on Bracken’s mind the he was able to relax again. The rise and fall of tension under the Primagnon’s interrogation was more subtle, yet as effective as being stretched on the rack. And now Bracken poured out his all to the man.

  “I came into office with all the best intentions,” He began haltingly. “But all around me I saw my peers lining their pockets with the money of their constituents; ignoring the very principles for which we were elected. My illusions were shattered early in the game. I even tried to start an investigation into the corruption, but got my hands slapped for it.

  “Since I couldn’t fight ‘em, I decided to join in. Oh--I did a lot of good. Worked hard for the common man, but for every card I dealt him, I dealt myself two. I became a genius at the slight of hand, Covered my bets with tons of paperwork until i emerged a Winner--looking clean-laundered, starched and pure. The great unwashed are such fools!”

  When he’d finished, Parker said. “Good, now it’s all out in the open we can forget about it. Let’s get down to the real reason for this meeting.

  Bracken was reassured by the Primagnons manner. Perhaps all this would all work out to his favor, he rationalized.

  “Yes, I think you’ll appreciate what we have in store for you, Senator,” Replied Parker to Bracken’s thoughts.

  This little demonstration of ESP jarred the Senator and his jaw fell open for a moment. He clamped it shut as if afraid he might say something to incriminate himself further. Now he was almost afraid to think. Parker ignored his uneasiness, gave a token nod of agreement, and went on.

  “All of that will be changed in the New Order of things. Unfortunately, Primagnons are still a minority. It’ll take years to convert every suitable human to the Primagnon force. That’s why we needed Shipley’s help. Regrettably, his stubborn spirit refused our invitation and the effort killed him. Now we turn to you”

  Bracken’s ego received an encouraging boost by the Primagnon’s words. He smiled at Parker, who reached over his desk and pressed a button on the console. Again the giant screen glowed. This time with the face of the Senator from New York.

  “We need the help of the world leaders in order to expedite the Change Over,” said Parker. Many countries b
lindly follow the policies of the United States. That’s why we started our campaign here. We need to move more of our kind into areas of dominance.”

  Senator Bracken was barely listening, fascinated by his own image seated in the Senate Chamber. It was obvious he was now Majority Leader. The next picture showed him shaking hands above his head in victory. There was giant political rally and behind him, a huge picture of himself with the words, Bracken for President! printed in bold letters.

  The picture changed, and there he was, standing with the Chief Justice on the Capital steps. A large crowd of people surrounded him as he was sworn in as President of the United Stares.

  “You...M-mean? Bracken stammered.

  “Yes. Before the year is out, you’ll be President.”

  Bracken smiled his toothiest smile, He positively beamed. This man, or Primagnon was offering him the one thing he wanted most in the world. The Presidency of the United States.

  “And when you are President, You will also be a Primagnon. the first Primagnon President of the United States!” Parker laughed to himself at the idea.

  Bracken sobered somewhat, saying, “Primagnon? But how?”

  Parker smiled at Bracken a little apprehensively. He wasn’t sure he could endure another spell of the Senator’s hysterics. Even a Primagnon’s patience has it’s limits.

  “It’s quite simple Senator. Just a few moments in the Changing Room and you’ll be one of us.”

  Bracken’s face screwed up as if he might cry. The Primagnon could see the man’s human brain was again looking for escape.

  “But you said -- Death,” Bracken almost choked on the last word.

  “Don’t worry about it, Mr. President,” soothed Parker the Primagnon. It’s only a fleeting , temporary demise. Not more than the heart stoppage you humans experience when you sneeze. And when it’s over you’ll be a new Primagnon. You’ll be pleased with what that means. No more pain, no more anxiety and a very long and healthy life.”

  Once again the Primagnon had stilled the Senator’s fears. And suddenly Bracken knew he’d risk even death to achieve the pinnacle promised him.

  “You’ll find the Change more than worth it to become a Primagnon. I understand it’s really a beautiful experience. Since I was born a Primagnon, I’ve never been through it. But those who have, assure me it is most uplifting.

  The Senator sat quietly for a few moments. His thoughts torn between the opposing poles of fear and ambition. Again the Primagnon broke the silence.

  “I think this should be enough for our first meeting, Senator. If you will go with these brethren, they will conduct you to the changing room.”

  The two Primagnons, who had waited quietly behind the Senator during the conference, now stepped forward. Bracken looked at them a little apprehensively, then took a last slug from the glass and stood up.

  “I might mention Senator, you will also find your character changed when you return. Your painful conscience will be gone. You need never concern yourself with it again.”

  “Thank You,” Bracken replied a little tremulously.

  “You are welcome,” responded the Primagnon leader.

  Parker pressed a button and the door opened. The Two Primagnons took the Senator firmly by the elbows and escorted him through it.

  Parker sighed as he leaned back against the desk. It had all seemed to easy, but he certainly didn’t envy his men and machines the ordeal of changing the illustrious Senator into a Primagnon.

  SIXTEEN