A Tangeled Web: Rejecting Technology’S Assault on Mother Nature

Chapter

1

T he dew-covered spiderweb in the tree outside the bedroom window sparkled like a diamond necklace under a jeweler’s bright light. It caught Annelise’s eye, as it did most mornings.

Years ago, while washing windows, Annelise found the perfect web in a big oak tree outside her bedroom. The nature lover abandoned her window washing that day to watch the tiny spider build a work of art. He seems to float as he creates his food-catching masterpiece, she thought in awe. It is more beautiful than anything I could paint. Annelise had studied art in college. Her creative eye noticed the beauty in nature that busy people missed. She knew the web and its builder would soon disappear, like so many other objects of nature; the modern world would take its toll on this intricate and beautiful handiwork.

Weeks later, knowing the job had to get done, Annelise began the window-washing project again. When she saw the web, Annelise realized the tiny spider had not been around for several days. She knew his work of art would also vanish if something wasn’t done to preserve it. The thoughtful mother decided to save the spider’s creation. That afternoon, when James got home from school, his mother greeted him at the door. Jimmy, come out to the big tree with me. I want to show you something. She took her son by the hand and walked him around to the side of the house where the big oak tree stood, shielding their home from the elements with its long, strong limbs. See that spiderweb? Isn’t it beautiful?

Yeah, Mom, it sure is big! Hey, where did the spider go? The youngster had obviously been watching the tiny creature as well. I saw him wrapping his silk around a leaf the other day. What do they do with the things they trap?

I don’t think it was a leaf, Jimmy, it was probably a tiny bug. He wraps it in silk until he needs food. Then when he’s hungry, he eats the bugs he’s got stored in those silk pouches. She moved a bit of scraggly hair from Jimmy’s face. Do you want to help me save this web? I haven’t seen the spider for several days. This web is so beautiful, and if we never see another spider, I want to be able to save at least one piece of their handiwork.

Sure, Mom, I can help you. Are we going to mount it like you do your pictures?

Oh no, Jimmy. I want to preserve it right here in the tree. Let’s go to my studio and find a backing board and some spray lacquer. You’ll enjoy this project.

The two nature lovers worked together. First they found a ladder so James could climb safely while protecting the full eighteen-inch diameter of the web with the cardboard backing. James held it steadily behind the spiderweb. The cardboard was supported by the ladder’s supply shelf and leaned against the ladder’s top. Annelise painstakingly sprayed the web with several light coats of clear lacquer, making sure not to spray too much and overwhelm the silk creation.

Their work paid off. Five years later, Annelise and James still enjoyed its splendor. She often caught James, now almost thirteen, standing at her bedroom window and admiring their beloved spiderweb.

Thinking of the day she and James toiled over that web brought a warm smile to Annelise’s face as she stretched quietly on this Saturday morning in 2040. Her husband, Dan, lying next to her took the sleepy woman’s attention away from the window. He turned to face her and stretched out his arms, choosing to cover his face from the sunlight rather than take it in like his wife. Annelise touched his arm. She wanted so much to wrap it around her and snuggle, but he had been very distant since his return from Japan three weeks prior. Let’s lie here in bed and ignore the world, she suggested as he pulled away.

Why not? was his reply. The house is quiet. He rolled onto his side to distance himself from her and tried to go back to sleep. He adjusted the T-shirt that had become his nightly attire since his most recent work trip to Japan; he had had a bad fall while hiking, he’d told her. Dan said he was sore and badly scraped, and he did not want his wife to worry about it. Seeing him in that T-shirt made Annelise feel an emptiness. In all their years of marriage, he had never worn clothes to bed, and this injury was the first time she’d been asked to stay away. They had always cuddled at night, and she would nestle in his arms to catch up on events of the day. As a wife and mother, she was used to taking care of her men; it did not happen often, but when James or Dan got hurt, they came to her. Watching him turn away from her hurt and made her wonder how much longer it would take him to heal from that bad fall and come back to her physically and emotionally.

I miss you, Dan.

Annelise sighed and adjusted the pillow to get a better view of the glistening web. While Dan slept, she enjoyed the simple solitude of the morning, trying not to disturb their sleeping son, who, at almost thirteen, now preferred to be called James.

*     *     *

The murmur of electronics in the house did not mask the melody of her life-giving breath. The sound of appliances was the only daybreak music heard in 2040. Annelise missed the morning chorus that greeted her as a child. No longer did chirping birds or barking dogs make up the morning’s song. This day, like so many others, the hum of the alarm clock and the click of the ceiling fan were the only music she heard. Life in the modern world was certainly different from the days of her youth.

Suddenly, earth-shattering screams of terror broke the morning repose. Mom, come quick! Dad’s hurt! What? thought Annelise, Dad is right here with me.

At that moment, Dan grabbed her wrist and glared with a menacing look of hate. Not a word from you. Hear me? The other hand reached behind his ear and pulled hard.

Annelise froze, not knowing what to do. Paralyzing fear ran through her. Who is this stranger in bed? Watching the veins pulse in his neck, she could not breathe for the pounding in her chest. Her heart was working overtime, and her lungs were unable to do their job as she gasped for breath. What is happening? She was frozen as her mind raced over the details that resulted in this moment.

For several weeks, Dan had been cold and distant, and acting strangely. Annelise had tried hard to figure it out; maybe it was the stress of work, constant travel, and his new boss. He had always been the neat person in their household, but overnight he had become very messy. That was not the only change in her husband of seventeen years. The couple used to enjoy simple things, like the color of the sunset or the sound of rainfall. Now those things simply annoyed him, which disappointed the earthy, nature-loving woman. So much had changed, especially since his latest trip to Japan, to bring Annelise Gilroy to the confusion of this morning. Petrified, she could not stop thinking, What is happening?

As he pulled, a flesh-tone mask ripped off his face, revealing he was not her husband.

Mom, come quick! James shrieked again, shaking Annelise back into the moment.

Who are you, and what do you want? One tear trickled down her left cheek as she demanded answers from the stranger in bed with her.

He sat up, freeing her hand as he did. Do you think we would let you keep tending that herd of disgusting creatures? You think we don’t know what you and your ridiculous associates are up to? His tone was low as his eyes focused on the scared woman, staring at her with a penetrating glare full of malice and deep loathing.

As he reached for her arm, Annelise moved as far away as she could while still on the bed. She then turned to face him. Where is my husband? She was incensed by the audacity of this intruder, and without realizing the gravity of the situation, the words flew from her mouth.

Didn’t you hear your boy, you foolish whore? He must have gotten away from the guards and found his way back here. You have done a good job of keeping him in the dark, haven’t you? He tried to slap Annelise but missed when she ducked to the left. Her body was strong and agile from the lifestyle she so loved.

What is shared with my husband is none of your business. What do you want from us? Annelise stepped quickly off the bed. As she looked toward the door, she screamed, Honey, I’ll be right down. Is Dad breathing?

"I want—no not I—we want," the stranger continued, his forehead now shiny with sweat as he reached out. Trying to grab her wrist, he leaned forward and onto his knees.

"Yeah, Mom, he’s breathing and opening his eyes. Where are you? Come quick!" Fear punctuated each word.

At that moment, Annelise’s flight reflex kicked in, giving her the agility to spin around and face the door without falling over. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, and her mind raced, looking for something with which to defend herself. She spotted the heavy lamp that sat on the nightstand: it was made of an old chunk of wood with metal accents. She grabbed it, spun toward the bed, and hit the stranger in the face as he groped in her direction. Annelise was on autopilot, making no conscious decisions and using instinct and adrenaline to get down the stairs and out the front door, which thankfully James had left wide open. Annelise felt her heart pumping like it never had before. She prayed the lamp had hurt the stranger enough to immobilize him until she reached her child and figured out what to do next.

She found James hovering over a body collapsed beside the bushes in front of the living room window. Honey, don’t ask questions. Just go bring the car.

Mom? James was obviously scared and confused by the request, knowing the security cameras on the streets of town would see everything. You said I can’t drive till I get my license. The only child was used to doing what his parents expected of him; they were fair and kind, so he had no reason not to. I’m scared, Mom.

"James, listen to me. Don’t ask questions. Just go!" The frightened youngster ran around to the side of the house where a carport housed the family vehicles. Annelise returned her attention to the man beside the bushes, who appeared to be Dan, though he was so dirty and covered in what looked like blood she could not be sure.

I am sorry, Annie, the voice did sound like Dan; it was quiet and weak.

What do you mean? Her right hand stroked his hair, feeling the skin behind his ear. After witnessing the transformation of the stranger in her bed, she had to know there was no mask. Her left hand groped for somewhere to support him without causing pain.

The sound of the car getting close grew louder. From their position in front of the bushes, she looked up through the window and saw the stranger entering the upstairs hallway from the bedroom. He was awake!

Tell me later. Quick, can you stand? Annelise knew they had to get out of there immediately.

Not sure; I think they shot me. Dan gasped for air as he tried to stand.

Come on, let me help you. We’ve got to get to the car.

Thankfully, the active lifestyle Annelise loved meant lots of heavy lifting of hay, feed bags, and the like, so helping Dan stand and move was not that difficult. James reached over and opened the back door as his parents hobbled to the car. Annelise helped Dan into the back seat, and he scooted across the car. The car slowly rolled forward; with James focused on the activity in the back seat, his foot slipped off of the brake onto the floorboard. The youngster realized immediately what happened and smashed down on the brake, bringing the car to a sudden stop. His mother managed to stay partially inside the slow rolling vehicle. When it stopped, Annelise pulled herself in the rest of the way and slammed the door shut.

She nervously asked her son, Do you feel comfortable driving to the depot where I leave my car? Don’t worry about the cameras. James had done a wonderful job getting the car out of the garage. Thank goodness we let him practice on the driveway.

Sure, Mom, I think I can. At almost thirteen, James was not yet a legal driver, but right now that did not matter.

"Well, go as fast as you can. Drive." With that, Annelise returned her attention to Dan, who seemed to finally be coming out of the fog.

I don’t know what is going on, he said. He could barely speak. "When I was in Japan, they kept asking me about you. I was supposed to be there to talk about James’s idea for that digital dog game. He stopped to take a breath as her fingers fumbled behind the driver’s seat to find a tissue and water bottle, to clean him. She found a bottle of hand lotion, which was good enough. With paper towels kept in the seat compartment, the milky white liquid did a good job of cleaning off some of the blood, allowing Annelise to see how badly injured he was. They just wouldn’t let up. They asked what you do all day."

Sweetheart, relax, take a breath she said.

Dan gasped as he tried to sit up and let her reach the back of his neck to continue the makeshift sponge bath. They kept harping on you. Why are you so different from other American women they’ve met? Your tanned skin is different, your manner is different. Dan clenched his fist and then pulled her hand off of his arm and held it tightly. His hand was so cold. They studied you, Annie—a lot. It made me furious hearing them talk about you; they know way too much about your life. He coughed and cleared phlegm from his throat. I told them you’ve always been independent, and you like to be outdoors a lot, so you are tanned and fit. So what? Dan suddenly pushed his wife’s hand away and glared at her. "Why are they so interested in you anyway? What the hell is going on here, Annie?" Annelise thought her husband, having caught his breath, finally looked like himself. He was no longer void of color. His skin tone was back to normal and was no longer ashen. Blood flow brought a pale pink color into his lips. He was gaunt. His cheekbones cut a silhouette under the skin of his face, and his body was thin, weak, and worn. She wanted nothing more than to hold him and let him feel safe.

Who are ‘they’? said Annelise. Her brain was trying to make sense of so many things. She was still focused on the man who had looked and sounded so much like her husband.

My new bosses, the ones we had dinner with before I went to Japan last month. You remember? The two men working on James’s Digidog idea.

You mean Cyberdog, Dad, muttered James, annoyed by his father’s comment while fumbling for control of the speeding vehicle. He was obviously taking in every word that was being said in the seat behind him. It’s Cyberdog! the teenager grumbled again as he swerved to avoid hitting the curb.

Sorry, son. Yes, it’s Cyberdog Dan acknowledged his only child, which was so normal for him even in this stressful situation. This is my Dan, no doubt about it, thought Annelise. Then she asked him, Are you talking about the men who came for dinner before your last trip to Japan? I never saw them before that night and have not seen them since. I got the creeps from them. Remember that one guy who insisted on using the bathroom upstairs? I was happy when they left—I did not like them! She worked to calm herself.

I think you scare them, Annie. They aren’t used to women like you who have a mind of your own. These Japanese men seem to think you still have pets. The entire flight back here, they sounded paranoid, telling me you’ve stashed animals away somewhere, and they were going to find them. They’re crazy. We don’t have any animals—we can’t have animals here because it’s the law. I told them you see your horse once in a blue moon; he’s on the God damn reserve, like the rest of them. All we have are these digital things, for Christ’s sake! Dan coughed, almost choking on his own saliva. Annelise leaned forward, unsure about what to do to help him. He pushed her back into the seat and cleared his throat. I was fed up with the interrogation and tried to get back to the digital dog game. We were still on the airplane. That is all I remember. Then I woke tied up in a storage room with this big goon watching over me; he didn’t speak English like the others. I haven’t seen the others in almost three weeks. Dan rubbed his face as he spoke, as if to bring forth the memories from deep within his psyche.

I scratched one line on the wooden headboard every morning. That is the only reason I know how long it was. They had a watchdog on me twenty-four seven, either the big goon or a little skinny guy. I finally managed to kick the skinny guy down the stairs on our way to the bathroom. Then I ran and hid, making my way home without being seen. Thank God I recognized the area where they were holding me. I was on the other side of town in the warehouse district. His left hand rubbed across his forehead, scratching his scalp as if unlocking more memories as he glared at the seat back in front of him. I had no idea if you guys would be there. He turned and looked at Annelise. You can’t imagine how worried I was, not knowing whether or not you two were all right.

Thankfully, Dan was only scraped and bruised, the bloody towels a testament to his struggle. He looks exhausted from hiding, ducking in and out of cars and anything that would shield him from the downtown surveillance cameras. My Dan can still move like the rugby star he once was. He ran through the night to get home and check on us. Annelise just wanted to hold her beloved husband, but there was no time for that.

James turned into the park and headed to the back parking lot near the bus stop. Annelise directed him. Pull back there between all those trees. See the road back there? Then her attention returned to her husband. Dan, I’m sorry. I need to know if it is really you. What was our first date?

Oh God damn it, Annie, I can’t believe you are doing this to me! His glare cut through her and then past her. As he looked out the window behind his wife, he sighed and said, I gave you a ride home from the damn barn at school, you and your bike. That was our first date.

"It is you! Oh thank God! She reached over to hug him, but the awkwardness of the back seat made hugging impossible. I can’t tell you too much. I don’t really know what is going on anyway, but you’ve got to trust me—it’s very serious, and somehow you are involved. She stared into his eyes trying to find a connection, but there was nothing there. We weren’t supposed to do any of this for at least another two weeks. Sid wanted to come over for dinner and fill us both in. He’s been worried about you, about us." She did not know what else to say. I hope someone is at the dock. That is where Sid told me to go if I ever got scared—and I’m scared now. Annelise had no idea what to expect.

Just then Rick, one of the people working with her friend and mentor, Sid, waved madly to catch their attention. Come quick—we are in trouble, Rick said as he rushed to help the Gilroy family out of their car to a waiting truck. He was sweaty and seemed hurried. With everyone safely in the vehicle, Rick drove through the opening in the stand of trees and headed for the dock. They found the barn. We have all the horses loaded on a big ship, some sort of burned-out cruise ship. The other animals and whatever supplies we could gather quickly are four hours ahead of us. This happened really fast. I was supposed to wait for you and get the hell out as soon as possible. We are heading for the island right now. We have to go immediately. Sid knew they had you under surveillance.

Rick explained to the frightened family what little he knew about the political movement that was behind all of the changes in animal rights in America. Sid planned to fill them in on the ship; all Rick knew was that it had been important to keep the secret barn from Dan. Annelise’s husband worked way too close to the people who were in control of this invasion of digital pets. They had animal-loving Americans hooked on their products, and it was a billion-dollar industry with lots at stake. The company didn’t want the secret Animal Sanctuary group to succeed.

You have been seeing Harley secretly for how long, Annelise? I thought you’d sent him to the animal reserve—eighteen or twenty months ago! Dan was astounded by the revelation.

I don’t know, Dan. I really wanted to tell you, but Sid told me your safety was at stake. She was close to tears. Rick, how long has it been? The driver ignored her question. Ten or eleven months, maybe? Sweetheart, this has been hard on me too—you have no idea.

Young James seemed dumbfounded at the adult conversation around him.

Rick pulled the truck to the end of the third dock in an industrial shipping port about a mile north of the park. That park was where Annelise had met Amy for their nine-mile drive southwest to the secret barn, where the horses were kept. Most of the ships along the dock were commercial freighters or car haulers in for repair. The cruise ship was anchored at dock number three, ready and waiting for the Gilroy family and Rick to come aboard.

You three find somewhere to be comfortable. Sid or Marcus will find you, Rick said before he disappeared into the belly of the ship. The family found space along the railing. Dan took James by the shoulders and walked him past his mother. They settled where both could watch the shoreline as the ship pulled away. Annelise felt her heart beating; her hands were sweaty. Given their body language, it was evident to her that Dan and James did not want her to join them. Annelise closed her eyes and tried to relax by controlling her breathing. As she did, her mind wandered to the days of her childhood.

Chapter

2

A nnelise Wentz lived with her parents in the city when she was a young girl. On her thirteenth birthday, she earned the privilege of horseback riding lessons. Every Saturday, she would board a bus at seven in the morning at the corner stop and arrive at the barn by nine. She had convinced her parents that she was old enough to ride the bus to the barn like her friend Amy, who was fifteen. Amy worked cleaning stalls in exchange for riding lessons; Annelise knew that she could do the same thing. The youngster would be with a friend on the long bus ride, so her parents agreed.

Annelise’s parents drove her to the first horseback riding lesson, met Sid the trainer, and watched the activities of the day. Annelise happily followed Amy and did as she was told. The girls found a wheelbarrow, rake, and shovel. They helped each other clean two stalls while Sid brushed the horses. When the eager young equestrians were finished cleaning the stalls, Amy showed Annelise where the saddles and bridles were kept. The teens carried the heavy equipment to Sid, who saddled and bridled the horses. The riding portion of the day was as wonderful as the stall cleaning.

Every Saturday throughout her teenage years, Annelise repeated the events of this day. Being so young, yet mature enough to work for riding lessons, had always made her very proud—though Annelise’s parents never showed a reaction to her grueling weekend schedule.

Her mother and father, Margaret and Fredrick Wentz, were both college professors, which explained her formal name, Annelise, with no nickname. Her parents felt that educated people did not use nicknames. The family lived two blocks from campus, where her mom and dad spent all of their time working and socializing. The school was their world, and so the three hardly saw each other except on Sundays. Even in the evening when everyone was at home, Margaret and Fredrick would pass the time reading or grading papers, and Annelise spent the time up in her room. She was a good student. Her parents had nothing but unspoken trust and confidence in their only child. On Saturdays she was able to catch the bus and spend all day helping at the barn and riding as many horses as possible. Those were the days when life made sense: everything was simple, honest, and as it should be.

The Wentzes were not used to having a youngster. They were forty when their only child was born. Because of their profession and age, they never treated her as a child. Rather than using baby talk and engaging in simple activities, they always spoke in adult language and challenged her like one of their college students, holding Annelise to standards to which no one her age could relate. That afforded her a great deal of freedom and independence at an early age, so from the third or fourth grade (when her mother returned to teaching) until college, life was her own, each day filled with the things that mattered to her. Some days could be very lonely, spending so much time by herself.

Animals were a big part of the day for Annelise: dogs, cats, and eventually her own horse. She could not imagine life without a pet; they were so full of unconditional love.

However, as Annelise approached mid-thirties, everything changed. The world was getting too crowded, there was not enough water, and food was scarce. For all those reasons, animals were no longer welcome residents.

*     *     *

As the ship pulled out of the channel and into open water, Annelise opened her eyes and surveyed the expanse of foamy blue-green sea. She felt the warmth of her childhood memories disappear. Annelise looked at James and Dan leaning against the railing and lamented the world of 2040. It had become manufactured and cold. Even things as ordinary as grass were being