Disclaimer
The following is a work of fiction. Any real names, real events, non-original content, or likeness of celebrities are used in a fictitious and parodic manner. All other character names and events are fictional and any resemblance of real names or events are purely coincidental.
CHAPTER THREE: ELECTIONEERING. OR, IN WHICH THE WILLIAMSES REUNITE WITH THE BELLUMS IN CALGARY AND MEET THE HONORABLE JASON SAXON, MP FOR DARINGTON-CENTER, AND CLAUDIA DARING, MISTER SAXON’S ASSISTANT.
Calgary, Alberta. July 1.
It still did not feel the same.
When Calgary was renamed the capital city of Alberta after Edmonton was left devastated in the wake of the events three years ago, there was a lot of objections to the move. While some people got used to change, Edmonton would forever be the true capital. Even as the Daring Foundation was recently announced as the corporation that would rebuild and restore the former city back to its former glory, it still would not be the same. Especially the name change from Edmonton to Darington. Though one had to credit the Darings, phase one of the rebuilding process has attracted people back to the northern city and probably when the rest of the city is rebuilt things will go back to normal, or as normal as it could get.
Still, it wasn’t the same. That was Dean Williams’ thought as he, Karen, Faith, and Amy waited in line at the airport to clear customs. It had been over a year since the Williamses were in Canada. That time was for the funeral of Ryan Jeffries. That was also the last time Kevin and Donnie Bellum spoke. The two of them had creative differences back to when they were all shopping around the Doomtown script. Donnie wanted Michael Bay to direct the film, Kevin wanted Christopher Nolan to direct it Donnie also felt that he was being written in the script as completely whiny and wimpy, and it was Kevin who was responsible for it. The two of them never showed up for the premier and for a while Donnie wanted nothing to with the entire project until Karen mediated a deal with Dean and Donnie that saw Donnie getting a modest percentage from the film’s distributing rights. But the rift between Donnie and Kevin was still there. Even at Ryan’s funeral, they sat on opposite parts in the church. At the time Dean was not too concerned, he was more grateful that Faith slept through the entire service. He was not looking forward to having to explain to his little girl why the man inside the box draped with the Canadian flag is never waking up.
The customs officer checked and double checked Dean’s passport and security ID card. The rotund Filipino guard then waved him through as he was the last in his party to go through the pains of modern security. Dean had overheard one of the other customs officers mention something of a rumored security threat, but could not make much more out of it. Dean made his way towards the luggage claims area to pick up his suitcases and checked his Blackberry to see if there were any messages from the studio executives regarding his final draft for Crazy Diamond. Nothing yet. Good, Dean thought to himself. Maybe this will be two weeks of not worrying about work.
Dean picked up his luggage and walked over to where the three most important women in his life were standing, talking to someone who was hard to make out from the distance. As he got closer, he saw it was Donnie and Doctor Sarah Bellum. Dean walked over and hugged his former boss and his wife.
“Good to you see you again, Dean” Sarah said cordially. “Glad to see Hollywood hasn’t killed you yet.”
“Well, if it tried to, Karen here would more than likely patch me up.” Dean said as he wrapped his arm around the shoulders of his wife, who held Faith in her arms as the little girl just stared at Donnie and played shy around him.
“Where’s ‘Ailey?” Faith quietly ask with her head buried into Karen’s shoulder blade.
“She’s with her grandparents at the university grounds.” Sarah answered, knowing Faith was asking about the Bellums’ own daughter Hailey.
“Thought you were gonna meet us at the university?” Karen asked.
“We were, but we figured why not surprise ya and welcome you back home.” Donnie said.
Amy Benz looked at her watch and noticed the time. “Well, we best get going here. Your speech begins in two hours time and we need to still get the rental vehicle and everything else checked in.”
“Right then, we’ll meet you there!” Donnie said as he and Sarah waved goodbye and the Williamses made their way towards the car rental kiosk. Just as they were leaving, Sarah felt a vibration in her pocket and removed her cell phone to reveal a text message from Kevin. It read: “What do u know about Projects Looking Glass and Lazarus?”
“Dammit Kevin, it’s my day off.” Sarah said quietly to herself and hoping not to arise suspicion for Donnie and discreetly texted back: “Never heard of them. Will tell u more if I can later.”
July First. Canada Day. The creation of a nation. This was Amy’s first time in Canada and was looking forward to see if things are done differently than her own America’s Fourth of July. Pretty much all of her knowledge on Canada came from working with Dean and Karen. Living in California for a good portion of her life, this was going to be a new experience for her. However, similar to her last moments in L.A., an old woman wearing a shawl over her head approached Amy as she waited for the valet to bring forth her rental car.
“The chain has to be broken in the present!” the old woman exclaimed at Amy’s general exclamation. “The dark-skinned one will lead us out of our darkest hour!”
“Excuse me?” Amy said with an offended look upon her face.
“The future needs its heroes now in the present! Break the chain before we are all swallowed by fear!” the old lady exclaimed again. Amy looked confused the relieved as the valet pulled up with the luxury SUV she had requested for her and her client. “Guess they have their shares of crazies here, too.” Amy said as she sighed and got into the vehicle and waited for Dean and Karen to make their out. As they came out from the airport entrance, Dean was approached by the same woman who freaked Amy out.
“This is not the time! Go back while you can!” the old woman shouted at Dean, who simply ignored her and made his way into the vehicle. Once in there, Amy drove off and the woman was then grabbed by two men in black trench coats similar to the last time in Los Angeles.
It felt odd that Dean Williams was accepting an honorary degree in English from the University of Calgary, especially on a holiday. But whatever reasons this is happeneing, Dean was going to enjoy this moment. Karen would want him to so. Even Dr. Reese-Shaw would want him to savor this moment. While he flunked out the first go-around with higher education, it felt like this was now a small victory and achievement he can cherish. Forget about doing a successful movie the first time around. Forget about rumored romantic link-ups with Selma Blair, Emily Deschanel, or Billie Piper on the set of Doomtown. Forget the possibility that Crazy Diamond could possibly bomb. This would be a moment Dean Williams could be proud of: holding an university degree, albeit a honorary one. If only his family could be here to see the success he has done over the last three years.
After the ceremony inside, everyone converged outside for refreshments and more socializing. Amy struck out on her own to some sightseeing and was amazed to look into the horizon and see the Rocky Mountains way in the distance. The Bellums watched as Hailey and Faith played and chased each other among the crowd. Dean and Karen stood near a table, snacking on a fruit medley plate.
“So, we’re not telling them we invited Kev and Ariel over, right?” Karen asked Dean.
“Well,” Dean said after swallowing a strawberry. “Figured tell Kevin that he is invited to the farm for a few days and then lock him and Donnie in the basement until they hash out their differences. It has to work, right?”
“Yeah, or they end up killing each other.” Karen said jokingly.
“I don’t think they have it in them to do such a thing. Especially Donnie.” Dean said.
“You did read and watch what you came up with right?” Karen said with a playful smirk.
“Well, I left Kevin to write the stuff that happened with him exclusively since I wasn’t there to witness it, so it could have been exaggerated to some degree.” Dean chuckled lightly. Around this time a woman – short, black hair done up in a bun, wearing a red blouse and short black skirt – tapped Dean on the shoulder.
“Dean? Dean Williams? From Andrew?” the woman asked as Dean turned around and recognized her.
“Claudia? Claudia Reimer?” Dean asked back.
“Well it’s Daring now. Been like that for nearly a year.” Claudia Daring said almost boastfully. “How have you been? Haven’t seen you since you flamed out at the U of A…”
“Well, it’s been a strange trip since then.” Dean said. “Ya know, living through a nuclear strike and all that jazz?”
“Yes, thank god my now husband John and I were in Antigua during that incident. Horrible times they must have been.” Claudia stated almost in a condescending manner.
Same old Claudie, Dean thought to himself. Same smile, same cute Ukrainian cheeks. Breasts were definitely bigger since he last saw her in 1999, but he tried not to pay too much to them with Karen standing there. “I’m sorry, where are my manners?” Dean asked. “Claudia Daring, meet my wife Karen.”
Claudia and Karen shook hands after Dean’s introduction. “Ah yes, the paramedic from your little film. How adorable you finally found someone after, what, fifteen years maybe?” Claudia said.
Feeling an old rivalry resurfacing, Dean shot back “Well that little film made three hundred million domestically.”
“The Daring Foundation makes that much in two weeks time.” Claudia said back. “But I’m not really here to dwell on our successes and shortcomings. My boss wanted to meet you personally.”
“Really? Whose that?” asked Dean.
Claudie answered back with admiration, “Jason Saxon, the current minister of Homeland and Public Safety.”
“Really? Marry into one of richest families in the world and end up as some politician’s secretary? Go figure.” Karen stated. It was around this time, a man about five feet ten inches started to walk towards this little discussion group. He was wearing a well-designed black business suit to match his well-coifed black hair with a slight five-o-clock shadow. The man made his way over towards Dean and Karen and stood right next to Claudia.
“Hello, I’m Jason Saxon,” the man introduced himself to the Williamses. “Dean, right?” Jason Saxon said as he shook Dean’s hand. “Loved your first crack into Hollywood. I swear to god, I’ve seen Doomtown like five times already!” Jason said with enthusiasm and grinning the entire time.
Taken back on how to react, Dean kind of stammered and said “Uhh, thanks I guess. Didn’t realize you were such a fan.”
“Anything for a small town Alberta boy.” Saxon stated with great cheer. “I mean look right here, you got a promising screenwriter and a woman who married into one of the most powerful and influential families today. Both starting off with such humble beginnings,” he said looking at Dean and Claudia respectively. He then looked at Karen and said “And this must be the missus, eh? En chante, madame.” Saxon said as he took Karen’s right hand and kissed it in a chivalrous manner. Karen giggled a little bit at this noble act. Meanwhile Donnie and Sarah came over with Hailey and Faith in tow. Jason recognized them as well and went over to great them.
“Donnie Bellum! Nice to finally meet you!” Saxon said as he shook Donnie’s hand. “Love your FlickPicks business. Still waiting for my copy of The Dark Knight – it’s right at the top of my queue list.”
Donnie looked perplexed. “Thanks, who are you?” he asked
Dean answered. “He’s Jason Saxon, minister of Homeland and Public Safety.”
Donnie still looked confused and watched as Jason Saxon introduced himself to Sarah in the same manner he did with Karen.
“You see Miss Daring, this right here,” Saxon said standing right beside Dean and Donnie, “This is our future. A return to traditional family values. This will make perfect PR for my campaign, wouldn’t you think so. I can see the headlines now- ‘Four of the Vegreville Six Endorse Saxon for PM’ That will pull at the strings of people in the heartland of Canada I tell you.”
“Uh, I hardly vote ever.” Donnie said.
“And quite frankly, Mister Saxon,” Dean said. “You kind of rubbed me the wrong way about a year ago.”
Jason Saxon’s white-grinning mouth went from joy to confusion. “I… don’t know what you mean” he said to Dean.
“Last year at Ryan Jeffries’ funeral. You did some stump speech on how we’re winning the war? If we were winning, why didn’t Ryan make it…” Dean stopped in mid-rant and felt a shortness of breath. It felt like some type of panic attack. “Excuse me” he said as he quickly ran off towards the washrooms.
“Huh, that was kind of a downer, eh?” Saxon said going back to his joyous self. “Anyways, electioneering wasn’t my only purpose here, no no no. July Seventh, a new park being officially opened in Vegreville and it would mean so much if we can get the Vegreville Six all there.”
“Was there six of us?” Karen asked Donnie.
“I thought there was eight when we count Ryan and Penny.” Donnie answered back.
“Well, wouldn’t Hailey count too?” asked Sarah.
“Or for that manner, what about Keith Richards and Ric Flair?” Karen asked back.
“Well Hailey was only two at the time, and those two geezers weren’t really from Veg... “ stated Donnie. “And since the six of us… oh no! Kevin’s not going to be there is he?”
“Well I did send an invite to him” Saxon stated “If he shows up, good. If not, hey the effort was there right? Anyways, consider yourselves VIPs by my request. Miss Daring? Hand them the invitations.”
Claudia opened up a folder and passed four envelopes to the Bellums and Karen.
“We hope you can all attend. It guarantees to be a blast.” Saxon said “Anyways, we got some more hands to shake. Hope to see you there!” He and Claudia Daring walked away as Donnie, Karen, and Sarah watched in confusion as Jason Saxon made his through another crowd of people, shaking hands and being charming.
“Okay, anyone care to tell me what that was about?” Donnie asked.
The washroom was quiet. That was all Dean needed. Quiet. Where was Amy to keep him from losing control? He should have punched out Jason Saxon. What a grandstanding jackass he was. Dean felt like his heart was going to explode. He nervously reached into the pocket of his suit jacket. There they were. Klonopin.
“Take one every 12 hours as needed” were the prescriptions’ orders which Dean ignored as he swallowed four. And damn that Claudia Reimer or Daring or whatever her name was for making Dean feel two inches tall. Hopefully they’re gone once the pills kick in.
Jason Saxon and Claudia Daring made their way to their staff limousine. The two of them got into the back and sat down. Jason reached over for a bag of sunflower seeds and began to eat them with a small handful. Claudia sat across from her boss as she opened up her laptop computer and saw a notice.
“It seems the board wishes to have a conference with you, Mister Saxon.” Claudia stated as she got the laptop in position as Jason put away the excess sunflower seeds.
“Incoming video conference” the computer prompted as on the screen a boardroom filled with a mix of old white men and some token minority groups. At the head of the table was John Daring, a man in his early thirties with brown hair.
“Sorry to disturb you Mister Saxon, but this seems to be only time we can see you and my wife at the same time.” John stated.
“Understandable.” Saxon came back. “I assume everything is going ahead smoothly?”
“Yes Mister Saxon.” John commented. “Daring Strategic Homeland Defensive Initiative is online and ready to be activated. The only delay is from our pharmaceutical team. They need more time to synthesize Yellow Light for your needs.”
“Are my friends even ready yet?” asked Saxon.
“The first generation is nearing its final gestation period Mister Saxon” one of the board members spoke. “We say we’re nearly 10 days away from fulfilling your orders.”
“Well, looks like we’ll have to stall until they’re ready.” Saxon said slightly disappointed. “Anyways, looks like I’ll have a little more personal fun during then. What about the Brodys?”
“Agents Black and White delivered the invitations as per your orders.” Another board member said. “They stated that they knew nothing about Looking Glass or Lazarus.”
“Hmmm. Pity. Anything else to report?” asked Saxon.
“We’ve been getting reports of drifters appearing at random points in the world. Apparently they keep babbling on about chains or something.” John said.
“Inform the team to toss them somewhere that they can’t do too much harm and maybe get some help like a lobotomy or stake burning or whatever people here used to treat the mentally ill.” Saxon ordered.
“Yes Mister Saxon” the board all said in differing cadences.
“Now gentlemen.”, Jason Saxon said with a smile on his face. “Let us prepare to change the world…”
No comments:
Post a Comment