The Butterfly Effect

The Butterfly Effect

Foreword:

Edgar Allan Poe, in his essay "The Philosophy of Composition" wrote “It appears evident, then, that there is a distinct limit, as regards length, to all works of literary art- the limit of a single sitting”. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America attribute a piece of work with less than 7,500 words as a short story. This however is an attempt, a stepping stone if you must, to produce a composition covering a wide theme and well developed characters.

The Second Act, the accidental name I chose for my blog, and its consequential description is hopefully reflected in what I have tried to produce. A story that stays in the Second Act, so to speak, throughout, and the first and last acts are encompassed in it.

A positive review would provide me the confidence to try and write more exhaustive stories. A good critique will help me write better and improve my current writing before I transcend to the arena of novellas and novels.

Prologue:

Chaos looms large when we try to analyze our actions and their implications. We find ourselves in a complex entanglement that refuses to divulge a singularity, a point in time and space that defines a future action. We tend to believe that a situation arises from various decisions and that a single act, by itself, cannot define it. Strangely, we also believe that the universe was created by a singularity and our existence, the present, is a result of that.

He looked at the site and wished for a different reality. Then he sulked some more. He couldn’t hear anything and could barely see. Cockroaches were predicted to survive catastrophe. What was he doing here with a butterfly?

Episode I: Marooned

“I’m not getting a signal”, she cried.
“Honey, relax. We’ll get through this.” He had no idea how. He could only hope.

Twenty years in the IT industry and millions to show for it. What does a couple do with all this wealth? “Beach front property!” he had announced proudly. As an anniversary gift, this could not go wrong. The coast of California had mushroomed with many such beautiful houses. The source for such luxury always traced back to the Silicon Valley. “We’ll move in within six months.” He proclaimed proudly.

He tried his best to stay calm. At this point, the money flowing down the drain was not as important. His family came first. He had to play the patriarch who protected his family. He smashed the window with the closest object he could lay his hands on. Twenty thousand dollars worth china was the latest casualty.

“It is beautiful Daddy. We can race on the beach every day.” Her joy knew no bounds. For a 10 year old who found happiness in bubble wrap and cardboard cartons, this was heaven. She could build her sand castles whenever she wanted.
“Jenny, look to your right!”
“Wow! Butterflies!” Her eyes lit up.

“I’ll be back soon. Stay here.” He had to go out and find help. He couldn’t take them with him. It was dangerous. “Daddy I’m scared. I want to be with you.” She cried. For a child that young, she had been extremely calm. Her mother consoled her as he hurried out, soaking. Mid summer rains were unusual. Nothing seemed to surprise him at this juncture.

Dawn was about to break. The day could only get better. They went out for a stroll. There was a large crowd gathered. A whale had washed ashore. The clear blue California skies were covered by scavengers waiting for their turn at the buffet. They would have to fight the stray dogs for their meal. “We’ll go home now.” He said. On the way, something caught jenny’s attention. “Daddy, look! More butterflies” she said as she tried to imitate their moments with her tiny hands.

He could not wait for the dawn to break. The SUV or what remained of it could not be navigated over the wide crevices on the road. He took off on foot trying to find someone. Anyone. He needed help. The closest hospital was a mile away.

“This place is deserted at night!” She was obviously worried. “Don’t worry, honey. The neighbors will move in within a month. Besides, the highway patrol passes by every hour.” He had reassured her. “Dinner’s ready.” She had announced. “But Daddy I’m watching Gilligan’s Island”, Jenny retorted. “Alright, we’ll eat in the drawing room today.” Cheers followed the announcement.

As the sun came out on the horizon, it dawned to him. All that was left on the beach was the rumbles he had once called home. Fate was cruel to him, for that ‘once’ had been just a day ago. As he walked further, he reached the edge. The plates had given way. His house now stood on an island. The mainland was a mile away, by sea. The rocks below were adorned by the scavengers. They were feeding off the carcass. The patrolling officers had not made it through the night. Their Car lay smashed and burning on the rock.

He felt the earth move under him. He had experienced this just a few hours ago. The aftershocks unsettled his balance. It lasted a minute. He got up and turned towards the house. He dropped to his knees that very instant. His house had crumbled under the shock. The last thing he remembered was a butterfly hovering around his head.

Episode II: Breaking Point

She hugged Jenny tightly. The metallic center piece had saved them from being crushed. She looked around for a way out. Jenny had been silent. The young mind would need intensive therapy. That could wait for now. All that she wanted at this moment was to have her family together. The Danish harpoon lying next to her would serve some purpose at last. She began digging.

“Vanessa, I’m going to Denmark for a couple of weeks. Business trip.” He announced. “Can’t we turn it into a vacation? Jenny would love it.” Her face was so innocent. Although not apt, he could only think of a Labrador pup looking for affection and a back rub. “But mom, I’ve to be in camp.” Jenny retorted. “Don’t worry sweetheart. Every day will be a holiday at the new house. Just two months till we shift!” he comforted Vanessa.

He woke up to the pungent odor of a body rotting. He had never fainted before; he was much stronger than that. It took him a minute to realize where he was; to realize what he must do. He started running towards the remains of his once beautiful home. He found the source of the odor as he hurried away; the skeletal remains of the large sea mammal were an invitation for insects and diseases.

“Mr. Moeller, what do the Danes do for fun?” The deal had been finalized. It was his last weekend in the Norse country. “Faroe Island draws quite a crowd this time of the year.” Moeller replied. “The whaling season is in, I suppose?” He enquired. “Yes. The grindadráp. Vagar is a couple of hours by air. We can reach my holiday villa in Hvalba by sunset. I'll arrange for my jet.” He was known to be a tactician who made people oblige to his bidding without as much as asking them.

A hundred strikes at the wooden door. She had only managed to chip her nail; twice. She was scared, for him, and them. She prayed for his life. Her hopes hung on his saving them. “Mamma, Don’t cry. Dad will get us out of here.” A teary eyed ten year old was giving her reassurances. She Dug harder.

“I don’t know what you have heard, but these are the norms: Harpoons not allowed”, announced the officer at the dock. Grindadráp was regulated by the Faroese authorities. They would only allow blunt gaffs on the boat. “Where is the fun in that!” he complained. “There is an alternative Mr. Roberts. Illegal. But something you might enjoy.” Moeller told him just what he wanted to hear.

He reached the driveway. “Vanessa! Jenny!” he shouted, hoping for a response. His throat was parched. He looked up at the sun and the vast expanse of a calm sea. Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink. He shouted again.

‘The French Connection’ was a beautiful yacht. The Danes knew how to live large. The harpoon in his hands reflected the moonlight. “Aim and fire when I tell you to.” The captain barked. His appearance was reminiscent of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ cast. “Now!” It took a mere second for the weapon to rip in through the blubber. As they hauled the beast on board, Moeller handed him the grindaknívur, the traditional whaling knife to complete the kill. He ripped through the hapless creature as it cried to a painful death.

He heard the faint knocks. He ran to the source. He heard her struggling and knocking amidst grunting cries. As he hurried to dislodge the jammed door, it slipped in deeper. “Aaaagghh!” He heard her scream in pain. He gathered all his strength and pulled the door apart. She had lodged the harpoon in her palm. He pulled it out and lifted her gently.

“Mamma is bleeding!” Jenny cried. He removed his shirt and wrapped her palm to apply pressure. “Jonah, I’m pregnant. Seven weeks in.” Vanessa cried.

Episode III: Deceptions

“We’ll build a fire.” He was digging for some dry wood and leaves. “Jonah, listen to me.” Vanessa cried in pain. “It can wait. You are bleeding and we can’t risk an infection.” He frantically dug through the debris. A chain smoker has a Zippo on him at all times. On the other hand, years of tar burned lungs were wearing him down. He needed fuel and some wood.

“Vanessa Liam! It’s been a while.”
“Marriage does that to you.” She smiled at her college roommate.
Ruby Skye was Frisco’s Hollywood. The nightclub witnessed Page-3 elite and other deep pockets shake a leg and swig a lot under disco lights. Not everyone was welcome, but she knew people who could get her into the VIP lounge.
“Mademoiselle, I get you a drink, yes?” a young Casanova hunting for cougars offered.
“Sorry, but I quit drinking.” She replied as she discretely flashed the ring on her finger gesturing him to back off.

“The Range Rover has petrol.” He muttered to himself. She was bleeding profusely and he had to save her. He could blame himself later. Jenny sucked her thumb and held on to her mother’s arm. He was being punished. They were stranded on an island and only he was to blame.

“What do you mean ‘We cannot insure the house’? I paid a fortune for it.” The temper in his tone had reached unassailable heights.
The agent at the other end cleared the lump in his throat. “But sir, the risk evaluation places the premium higher than the land value.”
“Don’t give me that jargon bullshit. I do that for a living.” The receptionist at the hotel in Copenhagen was making signs at him to lower his tone.
“Your property is in the earthquake belt. The zoning permits look suspicious. We can’t take the risk.” He hung up before Jonathan could say anything else.

“Jonah, I have to tell you something and it is important.”
“Shshh. They’ll see the fire and come for us. Everything will be alright.” He was hugging her and comforting her. “We will be parents again.” He tried to cheer her.
“I need to talk to you about that.”

“Votre pêches semble délicieux.” Danni Lazarus quipped slyly.
“Ils sont exclusivement destinés à mon mari” She pulled her scarf to cover her chest while managing to reciprocate his pass at the same time. Platonic flirting; it had been a while and it seemed very harmless.
“Ah, votre français est tres bien. Cognac?” the French are an insistent lot.
“Merci; Un bourbon, s’il vous plait.” A drink wasn’t such a bad idea.
“Américain!” he cussed as he barked at the barkeep for their drinks.

“Jenny was at camp and you were away. I had too much to drink. I’m sorry.” She managed to blurt amidst heavy breathing and soft cries.
He was confused. He was not sure what she was trying to say. “Honey, we’ll get through this.”
“It is not yours Jonah. Please forgive me.” A tear crept down her soft pale cheek and burned on his tanned arm.
“Daddy, what is that?” Jenny shouted under the noise of the rotors. He was not in the state to respond. “Heli-top-ter!” she shouted as the rescue crew reached them.

“He will not like this.”
“But the coastguard picked their signal. How are we to blame?”
“We have to inform him right away.”
The meteorological station bordering the Golden Gate reserve had only two observers. They had risked their employment working for him. They were at a risk of losing much more if they did not do his bidding right. Mr. Lazarus’ displeasure could get them killed.

Episode IV: Patterns

“Mr. Moeller was worried about you. He expresses his empathy.”
It was a day as usual at the hospital. Jonathan however looked like a bereaved man who was lost in a jungle for ages. And why not? It had been nearly a day since he met someone other than his family; he was marooned for over half a day; his wife just gave him some wonderful news; and in this chaos, the world had made half a rotation about itself oblivious to an earthquake that destroyed his life!
“Thank you. Can you please inform Mr. Moeller that I will need some time off with my family.” He said, sizing the suave gentleman dressed in an Armani.
“Of course”, he smiled as he handed over a bouquet and walked towards the exit.

“I have finished the rece. We have hit Ground Zero.” Danni fastened his night robe as he chewed on his Cuban. The lady was fast asleep. He would usually leave after his conquests. Tonight, he had to cuddle and put her to sleep. “We can start the op now doc.”
“No. We wait till they move in. We have to eliminate the Roberts.”

“Why?”, was the only question running through his mind and the only word uttered when he sat next to her. She did not indulge him with a reply. She turned towards the window and stared at the void.
“The meteorological department has confirmed a sub-Richter Earthquake. The damages are estimated to be minimal. The investigation has been assigned to a priv...” the Television turned off at the impact of the remote on the ground. “Minimal! Are they shitting me!” he shouted as he steamed out of the room.

“The timer is set to trigger in an hour. Their lights are out.” Danni supervised as the team laid the grid dynamite. “Not more than three casualties expected. The site will survive the damage.”
“Good. You have handled the agencies too I hope.”
“Yes. They will be blind and deaf to everything we do tonight.”
“The machinery will arrive by evening tomorrow.”

“Mr. Roberts, you can use my villa in Monte Rio. My associate will help you.”
“Thank you Mr. Moeller. I had no alternatives.” He said as he bought toothbrushes and soaps and daily essentials. He could shop in Monte Rio for everything else. Jenny was unfazed and drooling at some candies. He bought her a butterfly shaped candy. The twinkle in her eyes was the only thing that could put a smile on his face.

“There is a problem doc.” Lazarus was fuming. His English vocabulary seemed challenged when he was excited or apprehensive and gradually transited into heavily accented French. He tried to maintain his calm and to be intelligible. “The building stood. Grid plate separated. Land submerged.”
“Relax Danni”, said the voice from the other end, “Is ground Zero impacted?” Danni replied in the negative. “Good. Send our guys in to finish the job by day break.”
“Yes.” He hissed.

The trio was picked up by a Chauffer in a Mercedes Sedan. Monte Rio was an hour’s drive from San Francisco. Jonathan sat in the seat adjacent to the driver as the ladies got comfortable in the rear seat. Vanessa could not help but be unusually quiet as Jenny clasped her thumbs together and waved her hands. Children in their fantasy land; so distant in their innocence; uncorrupted by reality. The adults counted the seconds and then minutes of a silent drive stretching parallel to the pacific. The calmest of oceans sounded like battle tanks in the silence of their broken spirits and trust. As they pulled into the drive, heaving a sigh, a tall gentleman stood at the door to welcome them.
“Welcome Mr. Roberts; Mrs. Roberts; and you must be Jenny.” He said.
“Thank you. Can you please ask Mr. Moeller to set up a voice conference? I don’t want the work to stall any longer.” Jonathan was desperately looking for distractions. Even work seemed pleasurable compared to the pain in the knowledge of a cheating wife. The aide nodded in accord as he turned towards his car. “And one more thing Mr. err, I did not get your name.”
“Danni Lazarus.” Vanessa mumbled in a daze as her head hit the ground.

“The dynamites went off now!” He screamed into the phone as he watched the house tumble down.
“We will move in with the machinery as planned.” The Doc exulted from the other end.

Two large trawlers marked MM Sea Links pulled in close to the newly formed island. “You don’t have to worry about them. My guards will secure the house. Keep them away for a while and we’ll deal with them later.” Grumbled the man on board as a small jetty was being prepared.
“Yes Mr. Moeller” Danni mocked a salute. He was watching the news report running a cover on Leduc Moeller, the Danish tycoon whose company had volunteered to run the earthquake investigation.

Episode V: Connections

“We have hit the mantle.” The foreman announced. Moeller was satisfied with the pace but his prize lay miles below. “Keep at it.” He shouted back. Danni was getting impatient. “Doc, we found traces half a day ago. Let’s get the pump out now.” He was no expert on in-situ leaching, but he had done his homework. Moeller despised fortune hunters. But they were the only ones whose trust could be bought. He didn’t even have to pay Danni.

“In conclusion, I propose a theory of continuity, that no singularity exists and the Big Bang Theory has to be invalidated.” That was a bold statement for a dissertation. Especially considering the adjudicators spent most of their lives proving what he was disproving. Moeller never received his doctorate. But he would prove his thesis even at the expense of the world.

There are many ways to overcome pain. Some choose to distract emotional scars with physical ones. Jonah chose to plunge his confusion and sorrows into work. Moeller’s workstation seemed inviting. His mind was blank and he was not sure what he was doing. Then he came across the folder, Pedro Point, his erstwhile home.

“5 big ones for your expertise and your beachfront home.” Moeller had offered. “I think that price can barely cover my expertise Mr. Moeller.” he retorted “Besides, the house is not for sale.” Business meets rarely involved any business talk. It was a ploy by old and tired men to win some friends. This deal would change his life, so he didn’t mind the awkward fraternity.

“So when do we start extraction!” Danni was furious now. “We waited 2 months just to get here.” His impatience was justified. He had invested his time and money on this project and was now eager to enjoy the returns. Moeller had found him a fortune but he wanted to lay his hands on it. Now.

“Mr. Lazarus, I’m sure you checked me out, and this deal can make you rich.” Moeller knew big fish required big bait. Luckily for him, the site he chose had ample uranium deposits. Danni would fund everything and take all the profits. “But what’s in it for you?” He questioned. “I’m a scientist and I don’t care for the profits. I’ll need you to turn a blind eye to my decisions and let me handle the project.” Danni was a man of his words.

“Can we at least talk?” Vanessa steamed in. She was tired of the silent treatment.
“Not now.” He retorted. He was not sure whether he was enlightened or more confused by the information on the screen.

“But we have to talk. It’s Danni’s. He drugged me.” She cried.

Suddenly things started to make more sense to him. “I want to drop the child.” Poor Vanessa, he thought, she hadn’t a clue that a fetus was the least of his worries right now.

“If a singularity can create the universe in a matter of seconds, a singularity can cease it too.” Moeller tried to hammer some sense into the committee. They wouldn’t budge. “I’ve designed an experiment and I will prove it to you someday.” He shouted as they packed up to leave.

“Danni, I’m in charge of this operation. You can’t stop digging now.” Moeller was just informed that Danni had ordered the pumps to be offloaded. “We have hit the mine and I want to extract it now.” Danni was fuming. Moeller had to think fast. “I’ve not been completely honest with you Danni. There’s more than a fortune there if we dig deeper.” He had caught Danni’s interest now.

Episode VI: Apparition

He had finally comforted her to sleep. His search engine that revolutionized the way the world finds its information didn’t give him any reason yet. He understood that Moeller and Danni were responsible for it. The armed guards in the courtyard made it clear they were prisoners now. But he still didn’t understand why? A mere beachfront villa, which was now worth zilch couldn’t be the reason. The elusive why was hidden in the files he was searching!

“The scientists at LHC will need a while to prove anything. A much faster way is to explore the earth’s core. It hides more information about the universe than atoms and non-existent particles and energy.” Moeller was preparing his paper even before conducting his experiment. “The earth is not uniformly shaped. The crust is thin at a few places, like off the coast of California.” His confidence was overwhelming, but he figured he knew what he was doing.

“I am no expert doc, but wouldn’t it cause earthquakes and volcanoes or something.” Danni was a risk taker, but he always understood the risk before jumping into it.

“Well it can.” Explained Moeller. He was at his best when it came to explaining science to laymen. “But we can contain it. You’ll be famous Danni. And much richer than you ever imagined.”
Danni nodded. He loved dangerous situations. “I have to be in Paris. So you are in charge.” He also knew how to evade being in the eye of a storm.

His research had taken him from The Big Bang to Chaos Theory. He was an engineer for crying out loud. Not a theoretical physicist. He didn’t care for the details now. All he wanted to do was get his family to safety.
“Vanessa, listen to me.” He told her. “We have to get out of here. I’ll get Jenny and you have to act like you are sick.” She nodded. She was happy he was speaking to her.
“Take the car out. We need to go the hospital.” He commanded the butler.

“Yes Sir.” He replied, as he dialed Danni’s private line. “Mr. Lazarus, we have a situation.”

“Shoot them and get rid of the bodies.” Came the order.

“How far do we go?” The foreman was enquiring. “Until I tell you to stop.” Came Moeller’s reply. 100 meters to go, he thought. He ran the system for one last time. The new computer would give more precise results.

He had all the data, the best computers and his model fit the curve well. Einstein and his contemporaries lacked such computational powers. “Their loss will make me famous.” He sniggered. The Big Bang wouldn’t exist if they had such a luxury. But that worked well to his advantage. The simulator ran and gave him the results he was expecting. What he didn’t notice was that the computer was rounding intermediate results.

“This can’t be right!” he exclaimed. He double checked the results. It was now showing a singularity on the horizon. He came running out to see the team hit the core. The explosion numbed him as he saw the butterfly hovering over his head.

The singularity would end the world, maybe the universe, or at the least, him and his ideas. Maybe a genius knew not to depend on fallible devices.

Epitaph

Does one man’s action determine the course of the world?

“Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?” – Philip Merilees.