The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 25

"I've completed my evaluation of the substance in the sacks," Paul announced to VK, who was making dinner in the front of the mobile laboratory. "It's a slightly modified, but weaponized, version of the obedience drug they used on me over twenty years ago. The antidote I developed after our Singapore encounter should be effective."

"That's a relief," VK said, while doing his best to stir-fry vegetables for Kung Pao chicken. VK enjoyed cooking, especially Chinese dishes.

"The EMP generator manual described how to operate the astonishing device. Once activated an electro-magnetic pulse explodes incoming artillery shells in midair. It not only disrupts guidance systems but redirects the missile, sending it back where it came from."

"Wow, that's an evil weapon. It turns defense into offence. Using an opponent's weapon against them."

"Mike, this is Sam," Sam spoke on Paul's earphone. "Don't talk. Just listen. I shouldn't stay on the phone long. I talked to Ann about your ideas to Arcadia taking territory and risking the possibility of casualties. She didn't buy it. She issued a capture order. You need to hide. I'll try to have her cancel the order, but it may take a few days."

Paul's mind spun as he absorbed this disturbing news. He had been pursued and drugged when he attempted to stop Maria from executing her world domination plan in Singapore years earlier. This time it could be worse. If Bright Sun recognized him, she would certainly eliminate him to secure her plan.

"I'm so sorry," Sam continued. "To convince her to change the plan I couldn't avoid using your name."

"It's okay," Paul said, to comfort his new friend. But it was far from okay. "I appreciate your effort. I better hang up. They may be able to track this conversation and find me using phone cell tower coordinates."

"You're right. Good luck."

Paul ended the call and turned to VK, sitting beside him in the mobile laboratory. "I need to find a place to hide for a while," Paul said, asking for help with his hideout search.

"They might trace you here," Nara said. "That would put the lab and our whole operation in jeopardy."

"You need to move the lab while I lead them away."

"This rainstorm gives me an idea. What about the flood control tunnels? They won't look for you there."

To deal with occasional tropical deluges and avoid the destructive flooding they caused, Bangkok built massive flood control tunnels under the city. These carried the flood-water from the frequent torrential rains to the Chao Phraya River. The engineering marvels mostly eliminated the destruction caused by floods of the past. But the tremendous volume of water from the monsoon temporarily overwhelmed even these immense diversions.

Hours after it started the incredible torrential rain continued to pound the roofs and streets of Bangkok. Individual raindrops, evident in even the most violent storm, were replaced by the thunderous rumble like a waterfall spilling a river onto the city. Roofs shed the deluge onto the already flooded street concealing the many holes and broken pavement with sheets of water reflecting the lights of cars and shops. Daylight vanished into the storm, so the great city's nightlights beckoned the brave few venturing out during the inundation.

Paul approached the Arcadia meeting hall entrance brashly striding into the front door. The clerk at the registration desk apparently recognized him and reached for her phone. He paused a moment to make sure, but when two men ran in his direction, he made his escape.

Charging out the door, the downpour instantly soaked him. Each step splashed as he hurried down the street trying to avoid puddles that might conceal holes and broken sidewalks. Paul's slender but strong legs carried him through the shallow pools gaining distance from his pursuers.

Panting like a dog while running Paul spoke into his hands-free voice-activated mobile earphone, "VK, can you hear me? I can't talk much, but tell me how to find the nearest access hatch."

Momentarily distracted he stumbled and fell face first tripping in a hole in the sidewalk. Stunned he lifted his head wiping the water from his eyes. The faint light from a nearby shop shown the red color of blood before it washed from his hand. Just a scrape, I think. My knee?. Get up. They're still coming.

Peeling himself off the gritty street, wounded and limping slightly, Paul forced himself to run down the next alley. "No, turn back," Nara said in his earphone. "Go down the street you just came from and turn right at the next corner. It's fifty yards from the corner on the right side." Water invaded his eyes so he could hardly see. Retracing his steps and following VK's instructions he found the access hatch between two parked cars.

This is great. The parked cars give me cover. He reached to open the hatch by turning the lever incorporated in the lid. He struggled to slide the lid to the side just enough so he could squeeze through the opening and climb down the access ladder. Before stepping down away from the lid he again used all his strength to inch the heavy cover back over his head. The latch clicked closed.

Clinging to the ladder the roar of many waterfalls obliterated any other sounds. Now protected from the deluge the black emptiness disturbed his expected relief. One step at a time, he tentatively lowered himself down the ladder reaching a landing ledge after only a couple of rungs. He stood in cool slimy water up to his ankles but he felt safe for the moment.

While still gripping the ladder he reached inside his waterproof shirt-pocket to get out his night-vision contacts again. No, there's no point. It's just a big pipe filled with water. I'd probably lose them in the water, anyway. Paul stood holding the ladder waiting in the darkness.

Now what? "VK can you hear me?" Paul shouted into his earphone. "VK answer."

I guess the mobile doesn't work down here. They'll end up going back to the hall after they look around the area but don't find me. I can just wait here for maybe an hour that should be enough.

Paul felt water around his waist and submerging his hands still grasping the ladder. It's coming up fast. Three feet in just a few minutes. Water surged into the tunnel, filling it only inches from the ceiling and still rising.

Climbing the ladder keeping his head above water, he reached for the latch. It's too soon. They might still be in the area. There's no choice. I have to get out before I drown. Just before he climbed up to the access hatch he slipped on his Strong-Arm sleeve as water covered everything but his head. I might need this.