The Mother of All Read online

  THE MOTHER OF ALL

  Copyright © 2020 by Dana S. Reiner

  All rights reserved.

  Visit our Web site at www.danareinerbooks.com

  Cover Design by Absolute Marketing Group

  Acknowledgements

  The ideas from this novel… I would like to think stemmed from a young age. My mother was adopted by my grandparents, deep in the jungles of Panama. It was there my grandparents impacted so many lives, including my own. I have always believed that the jungle lives in my genetics and feel like it has contributed to shades of my imagination.

  Foremost, I would like to thank my heroes, my grandparents. If it wasn't for them hiking deep into the jungles of Panama 60 plus years ago and having the hearts to adopt a starving infant, this story may have never been told. Not a day goes by that I am not thankful for the sacrifices they made by adopting my mother and the rest of my family. Thank you for being the role models that I have looked up to my entire life. I hope I have made you proud. I would also like to thank my immediate family for listening to me explain this fantasy world that I have had in my head for the last eight years. I appreciate your kind words and support. I love you all.

  I would like to thank all my professors at both Bismarck State College and Minnesota State University Moorhead. Thank you for pushing me and challenging me in ways you may never know you did. I am extremely proud to be a mystic and a dragon. It took me a little longer to graduate but it made me appreciate victory a little more.

  I would like to thank my editor, Emily. Thank you for helping me develop my story in ways I never imagined. Thank you for answering all my questions and endless emails. Your insight is something I will always cherish. I am glad we could work on this project together.

  I would like to thank Mac and his marketing team at Absolute Marketing Group. Your team was extremely welcoming and really brought to life my imagination. I look forward to working with you in the future.

  I would also like to thank my coworkers and friends that always asked about my book and showed interest in an idea that I eventually wanted to turn into a novel. Your positive words and energy fueled me when I was at my lowest points in life.

  Last but certainly not least. I would like to thank you, the reader. Thank you for diving into this story with me. May it open your imagination, and may you have as much fun reading it, as I had writing it. Thank you.

  Sincerely,

  Dana

  Chapter 1

  Campus of the Latin Research Resurgence

  America has surrendered! America has surrendered!

  I couldn’t believe my eyes as I read the breaking news scrolling at the bottom of the television that was mounted on the wall of my father’s lab. Before I could even gather my thoughts to ask my father a simple question, he grabbed his phone. A part of me felt -that something very life changing or historical was happening. Yet, a part of me was so curious and afraid of what exactly this meant. How would this affect the Latin Research Resurgence or the current global affairs?

  America has always been such a military juggernaut or at least that is what I recall from my history lessons. They always seem to be one step ahead of the opposition in all military aspects.

  America was always the epitome of what other militaries strived to be like. They always seem to possess the best branches of the military worldwide. To be honest, this was the first time I recall ever hearing of America being targeted on its homeland during my lifetime. Of course, I have read history books that cited Pearl Harbor, September 11th and various terrorist attacks of the past, but nothing came to mind recently.

  Tension with America and C.O.C.A. (Campaign Of Continental Alignment) has grown to an all-time high over the last six plus years. It seemed as if it was only a matter of time before push came to shove with the two heavyweights. Two worlds with two completely different sets of beliefs. Two different ways of life.

  “Call me back as soon as possible, Lina!” said my father. I could hear him breathing heavily as he left my mother the voicemail. His left hand held his coffee mug while his right hand covered his mouth. I could tell he was concerned and in very deep thought.

  “What does this mean?” I asked my father, concerned about our overall well-being and safety of the Latin Research Resurgence.

  “I am not too sure Layka, but help me clean up, sweetie,” said my father. His voice was smooth and calm, though I could tell he was nervous. I quickly started to put away the microscopes, pipettes, brushes and everything else that I always found myself toying with every time I was inside my father's lab.

  My father's lab was just on the outskirts of the jungle. It sits approximately 3.5 miles away from The Latin Research Resurgence or the L.R.R.’s main campus. It was a scientists’ dream lab with all the access to the jungle, any scientific device you needed, storage space, a fireplace and of course, WIFI. The resources were, for the most part, endless.

  My father enjoyed having his office away from the main campus because he said he felt at peace out near the jungle. He always claimed that technology is advancing so quickly and that it is nice to hear the earth every once in a while: to actually get a real feel of life. I guess my father enjoyed the sound of nature or maybe just the combination of rain and the wild. The jungle actually kind of scared me; especially at night. Although, I must admit, it was beautiful to view the entire jungle in the entourage for as far as the eye could see. A sea of green vegetation that seemed endless.

  There was always so much life in the jungle and so much mystery. I guess what scared me was all the life it possessed; it was one of the largest ecosystems in the world with so much biodiversity. Its plants and animals were responsible for much of today's advances in science and medicine.

  Once I finished cleaning, I quickly grabbed my backpack and electronics. I circled around the office to make sure nothing important would get left behind. I made my way outside, looking towards the jungle. The western sky was growing dark with clouds. I quickly jumped into the passenger's seat of my father’s work truck with my eyes locked on the storm.

  I immediately turned on the vehicle’s TV, anticipating the latest updates with what was happening in America. As I waited for my father, I could see the thunderstorm inching closer and closer. After what seemed like an eternity, my father finally made his way outside. He locked up the office, glanced at his phone another time and slid it inside his pants pocket. He quickly entered the truck and fastened his seatbelt. “I think that's everything, sweetie. We need to hurry home and beat this storm!”

  I reached to fasten my seat belt, when an alarm sounded over the radio. It was Dr. Janet Gruver, president of the Latin Research Resurgence, saying “Attention all L.R.R. employees, please return to campus immediately. This is not a test!” She repeated this message three or four times. As we sped home, I could sense the levels of stress rising in my father. He was driving a lot faster than normal. I couldn't quite tell if it was because of the storm or the breaking news of what just happened in America. Either way, something unsettling was happening and the storm wasn't making anything more comforting.

  “Father, look!” I yelled as we approached campus.

  There were at least a dozen research vehicles with their orange caution lights on in front of the atrium on campus. This was terrifying; the last time I saw vehicles in front of the atrium, a team of our scientists had lost communication with headquarters and went missing for two days during a storm that produced flash floods and hurricane-like winds. Something was definitely peculiar, and I was dying to find out precisely what it was.

  As we approached our home, I could see the front light of the house on and my mother standing outside in her green raincoat and rainboots, waiting for our arrival.

  “I ju
st listened to your voicemail, Craigio! Dr. Gruver just sent out a message saying there is a mandatory meeting at 18:00,” she said to my father as we exited the vehicle.

  “I heard Dr. Gruver's message in the car and saw the message on my watch. Let me clean myself up a little bit, mi amor, and we will head over to the atrium,” said father.

  I stood glancing at the dark and rumbling sky, when my mother's arms could be felt, hugging me from behind.

  “We should get inside sweetie, that storm looks nasty,” said my mother.

  As we walked into our home I was quickly met by our dog, Àna, a highly energetic Airedale terrier. I quickly greeted her and started to take off my muddy shoes. Before I could escape to my room, my mother's voice came over our household intercom.

  “Layka, your father and I are heading to the atrium for the mandatory meeting. I made chicken pasta and it just needs to be heated up. Please look over your studies and we’ll be home soon to answer any questions you may have. Te amo, sweetheart.”

  I couldn't help but admire and adore my mother. She always had such a soothing voice full of love. She was always on the move to accomplish some task or get something done around the house or campus. I often wondered what father and I would do if she wasn't around. My mother was always so prepared and organized and was always adamant about my father and I being organized as well.

  “How is she so calm right now?” I asked myself out loud. I knew if I did actually ask her, she would answer with some philosophical or motivational quote like “The luckiest people are the most prepared.”

  My mother would always say a quote she gathered from one of her mentors or colleagues. So, in order to prevent daily lectures, father and I would try to be as prepared as possible when it came to school, house chores, or work.

  I made my way towards the kitchen to warm up my dinner and opened our back door to let Àna out before the storm struck. Àna could sense the storm approaching. After only a couple minutes, she began clawing and barking at the door to be let back in.

  Still intrigued with what was happening with America, I turned on the kitchen TV to catch up with the breaking news. The latest headline read C.O.C.A. Presidential Leader Olga Petrovich set to speak at 18:00. This was only minutes away. I quickly grabbed my food from the microwave and let Àna in from her bathroom break. I was then glued to the TV, watching very anxiously.

  As I waited for Olga to give her speech, I took a second to just admire how she looked at the podium. Olga was always dressed to a T, her hair perfectly in place. She was absolutely gorgeous. I felt as if everything she wore was tailor-made. Everything she did or wore coordinated and complemented every characteristic she possessed. She maintained a glow that always seemed to light up the room.

  Next to her were a handful of her bodyguards or members of her secret service, all dressed to a T in their C.O.C.A colored suits, an elegant combination of grays and blues. Olga always surrounded herself with attractive people. Each member of her staff possessed seemingly perfect genetics - ideal hairlines, smiles, height, and facial structure.

  After a minute or two of shaking everyone's hand, Olga approached the podium and began to speak. “Good evening. Please join me in a moment of silence for all of those that have been lost in this war.”

  The room obliged and was silent for half a minute.

  Olga stood still at the podium, looking at the ground. Then she began to carry on with her speech. “I would like to take this time to say thank you, thank you to the Western People. Thank you for lending me your ear during this time of grieving. Nothing is good about war; nothing is good about people dying. Thousands of lives from both sides have been sacrificed but never lost. Victory and glory may seem unreachable, but I would like you to know that freedom will still be intact.

  “This entire war has been based on misguidance and lack of communication. People of the West have always contributed to great innovation in all aspects of life and together we can all contribute to the greater good of the world. My vision doesn’t include restrictions that will take you from your homes, cities, children or day to day activities. Data has just validated that a shift is needed for the people of the entire world and together we can achieve extraordinary things. The earth is valuable, and I don't believe the world lacks restrictions, but rather structure. Future citizens will no longer have to worry about housing, feeding their children, transportation, work, or healthcare. Everyone will have a role...a duty. Together the world will see progression and results that are unimaginable.

  “The East and West War is over, and a new war is upon us. One that requires the best version of yourself, which each and every one of you can and will provide. Ultimate victory and glory are on the horizon. People of the West, I ask you in this time of grieving to embrace this transition. Embrace this shift. Trust in me and we will achieve our wildest dreams together. The no-travel ban will be lifted immediately, and a cease fire will be in effect. Your family members and all citizens of the West will be able to return home to join their families and it will all be at no cost.

  “North American citizens will be required to check into their local C.O.C.A. office, in the country that they are currently located in and arrangements will be made to have them home by the end of the week. In order to properly assess what benefits will be made available to each citizen, family, or business, proper data must be collected. Centers will be set up across the western world in a large majority of the provinces, counties, and cities. Representatives of C.O.C.A. will be present to make sure that data has been collected properly and that proper protocol is being followed. C.O.C.A. 's microchip will be inserted surgically, and a DNA sample must be provided by those who wish to take part in our free flight program, as well as the meal plan. Proper standard operating procedures and training will be provided via electronic devices. There you will be able to see what is expected of you and your families. Options will be made available for work, schooling, and all your essential needs. When all the training and tests have been completed our team of scientists will assess and assign different roles to each of our future citizens.

  “This process will take some time to adjust to and we will take all the time in the world to make sure each and every one of you feels comfortable with this transition. May this not be the end, but the beginning of something great. Great observation leads to great data and great data leads to great science. Let us walk hand in hand into the future of this world, our world. Hotlines will be made available to anyone that has questions, along with videos. I can't stress it enough, that I want this to be as stress free of a transition as possible for you all. Thank you Western world and always trust in science. Have a Great Evening. Thank you!”

  Olga remained at the podium, smiling ear to ear, displaying her perfect white teeth. Everything she said came off her tongue so easily, so smoothly. How could the Western people not buy into everything she said? It all came so gracefully and sincerely.

  After a few minutes, the airing of President Olga Petrovich’s press conference ended. The screen just displayed the C.O.C.A. symbol on the TV, along with the date and time. The only thing I could hear was an instrumental version of C.O.C.A. 's anthem, which was actually quite catchy.

  “What is happening?” I asked myself as I shut off the TV and made my way towards my bedroom. I could hear the storm roaring like a jet as beads of rain crashed against the windows.

  I finished my studies as soon as possible and waited for the arrival of my parents. I sat in my bed with Àna and comforted her as we both waited for the storm to pass. The rain was heavy, and the winds were howling.

  As I lay in bed, my mind was overwhelmed with questions for my parents. What did they learn from their meeting? What did they know? What is actually going to change with our day to day lives? It was hard to imagine Olga doing anything that would impact the L.R.R., but I was still overly concerned.

  Just as I was beginning to fall asleep, I heard the garage door open and close. Àna jumped off my bed and rushed t
o greet my parents. A minute or two passed before I heard a light knock on my bedroom door. It was my mother.

  “Hey, sweetie,” she said in a comforting voice.

  “Hey, Mama,” I answered from beneath a comforter, with only my head exposed.

  She sat on my bed and began to play with my hair and rub my head. “Did you finish your studies?” she asked.

  I nodded and let out a mumbling confirmation.

  “Your father has to take care of a few things at his office and should be back a little later. What's wrong, honey? I can tell you're upset.”

  I was silent for a few seconds, then shrugged my shoulders. “I’m just scared of what will happen. I am scared that I will have to do a job or occupation that I don't want to or that we will have to leave campus. I don't want anything to change,” I said. My voice began to tremble.

  “Oh sweetie, nothing is going to change with our family. Dr. Gruver assured us of that this evening. She cancelled school and work for the rest of the week. She wants maintenance done around the campus in case C.O.C.A. officials show up next week. President Olga Petrovich is scheduled to be here this month to give her annual State of the Planet speech. Dr. Gruver believes that the majority of C.O.C.A. 's attention will be on America but since C.O.C.A. does a majority of the funding for the research here on the L.R.R., she just wants us prepared. Dr. Gruver wants all our data and projects to be crisp and presentable in case we get asked about them. Your father is actually going to ask if you wanted to go with him and a handful of the team to do maintenance on all seven research towers this weekend,” she said with a smile on her face.

  I couldn't believe what I just heard.

  “No way! Really?” I cried. I could feel my sense of sadness quickly turning into joy.