Between Light and Darkness

To: Ray Bradbury

__________________________

Border Town

John Fraim

The town everyone is talkig about tthese days on the border of the state line of California and Nevada. The town overlaps the borders of these two most extreme political states in America. The most far left view of reality in California and the most far right view of reality in Nevada. How did this happen? 

There’s little question much happened when Las Vegas was basically bought from the mob by the far-right Christian groups of the nation. As well as some other sponsors who have remained Anonymous.

A brief sidetrack … America was founded at the unique intersection of the two duality symbols of masculine and feminine (in the masculine symbol of Freedom and the Feminine symbol of Equality.) These symbols were represented in the Republican and Democratic political parties. It was this dynamic tension between symbols that made America rise faster than any nation in history. How many other nations have been founded at such a grand juxtaposition of major symbols of Masculine and Feminine. 

Few have investigated the idea that it was America’s destiny to attempt to consolidate the two opposition symbols into something new. It wasn’t their final goal or destiny to continue this battle forever. It is far more likely that the process of synthesis or evolution would be the goal of the two opposing symbols of Freedom and Equality that America was founded upon.

* * *

An alchemical process most of America’s founders followed. In the border town, we have the two symbols of masculine and feminine at war with each other powering the increasing diversity and temper of the nation.

One idea for the border town: It has developed quickly as a town based around the industries of California and Nevada maybe five years into the future. Nevada has become the greatest armed state in the nation as we all know. The tension between the states is close to a peak. Not sure how all the steamed anger can be released slowly or whether it will blow up everything.

Many say it is like a true border town that has developed between Russia and America. It is located on the key west to east interstate highway in the southern part of the nation. Somewhat following old Route 66. A huge project as we’ve all heard about. The new interstate has become in incredible boost to transportation between the West and East in America as we all know. The “new connection program” as the President says. In so many ways is he right.

Yet besides boosting the healthy communication and transportation of Americans, it has also become a keyway to transport illegal products from West to East or East to West. An incredible way to move products between the two coasts. Going through the border town state can save many miles and expense for the truck companies. Getting caught is a big crime. Often, guns are involved but the border agents are all experienced shooters, and the odds are not good against them.

Still, if one can somehow get by this grand border station, the route to the East or West in America is open. Thousands of dollars are saved. This is what the news has reported as most know.

The strange thing about this way station is that it often takes four or five days for a confirmation or denial to be processed. Why this is so? No one really knows. All I can tell you that the whole place has turned into a modern Casablanca like atmosphere. Such a strange thing to say but so true. . Of course, not just me saying all this but something that considers dimensions of “me.” 

* * *

It is immediately west of the state of California if you’re going west. Or, the entrance into the state of Nevada, if you’re going East. Smuggling illegal products into America. If they make it through this check gate, they are free. For those who have visited this checkpoint created in the late 20s. You know what I mean. On the key interstate highway in America east from the west coast. Really, the old LA to Vegas highway. With much of I-10 closed as most know, the checkpoint of the new border town has become the key checkpoint between the two states.

An environment ready to receive the alchemical aspects of nature. An exploration of the elements of alchemy with a group of characters. A ground rich with the nutrients for growth so much like the grounds of Sonoma County each year.

Characters

Watercolor sketches only

Nate: From a family farm in Montana. Went into Marines after high school and excelled. He returned from the Marines and was accepted at the University of Michigan. He graduated from the university and now is now in an Army officers’ program. Currently, assigned to command of the Nevada side of the border station. 

Mitzi: From a wealthy eastern family whose name has always opened doors. Not to say that she wasn’t gorgeous. And highly informed of the ways of the times. But what was it about her that made her presence magical like she was floating on bubbles from champaign. It like the standard for meeting her was almost like the standard for meeting the Queen. This is the last place that Mitzi wants to be. Yet it is a requirement for her social credit work for her degree. The only one she could find after putting all of this off until the last minute. 

Paul: Perhaps an Extraterrestrial? We’re not all that sure at first and throughout most of the story until the reveal.

Todd: A young teenager giving revival meetings in tents across Nevada. Where has he come from. The big question asked right now.

(To be continued?)