Psychlone
by Greg Bear[ Science Fiction ]
Curiosity may kill Larry Fowler. A scientist from New Mexico, Fowler is hot on the trail of a mysterious phenomenon that is known to freeze animals instantly and can demolish an entire town. Part ghost story, part science fiction, part political treatise, Greg Bear's novel tracks Fowler on his journey to discover the true nature of the PSYCHLONE.
PROLOGUE
Final message from the U.S.S. Matheson, received 1630 hours May 24, 1964:
"Mayday, repeat, Mayday. Situation is getting worse. They are all over the decks now. Blue fire crawling over my radio and the ports. Jesus, Mary Mother of God, I can hear the captain and the mate. They are killing each other. The sickness is in me but I'm alone. All I see are the faces. Our position is West 183 degrees 14 minutes 23 seconds, North 35 degrees 14 minutes 20 seconds. The faces aren't all there. Not all there. The ones who tried to warn us--" (Interruption due to static.)
"The wind must be heeling the ship over. Mayday, Mayday. [Position repeated.] Everyone has gone mad. I can't stay at the key. God, God, God..."
From The Los Angeles Times, March 17, 1977:
PAPEETE, Tahiti (AP)--Police are investigating the death at sea of five members of an English family whose boat was found drifting erratically near Anaa island in the Tuamotu group, 240 miles east of Tahiti. The yacht Enchanted, rented from owners in Tahiti, was spotted by a patrol boat, which towed it into port on March 15. Police report that Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Hamish and three of their children, names unknown, were found dead in the cabin, bound hand and foot with their throats cut. They had been severely beaten. One officer reported that the yacht was "covered with bloody handwriting."
The surviving children--the oldest is eighteen--were suffering from exposure and shock. Police indicate they are not suspects at this time, but no other suspects are being sought.
