Kilo Quad: Tucker Treasure

They were born in 1903 at the beginning of the century of innovation. They were Boyhood friends from the age of seven. Blood brothers could not have had a closer friendship as these two boys. One was a fatalist who was destined to great things he thought, gifted with good intuition, superb creativity and endless enthusiasm. There was never anything too large for him to do. Whatever he did, however, would always end in failure. His name was Preston Thomas Tucker. The other was quite the opposite he left nothing to fate. He believed that the life you made for yourself was the one you received. He depended on reason, hard work and faithfulness. His name was Antonio Peligro. To an outsider it would seem they had nothing in common. What drew them together, however, was their interest in automobiles. In the end whether by fate or freedom the one would plan for the automobile of the century. The others endeavors would bring fire to Japan ending the war. Whether by fate of freedom both would make their marks on the world working in the largest factory ever constructed: “Kilo-quad,” near where Route 66 meets Cicero Ave in Chicago’s West Lawn neighborhood. Little do they know that this square mile aircraft engine factory has gremlins of the 8-legged variety? As Tony’s Dodge company is pressed into service during WW2 to construct he Wright 3350-r, a highly problematic experimental engine. It was hoped this engine would power the B-29 aircraft. He is in over his head, besides the aircraft problems people are getting sick and dying after visiting the underground portions o the factory. Fortunately his friend had experience with aircraft engines and eventually helps him to perfect the 3350-r and miraculously the engines are completed below cost in what would later be called “the most eminently successful endeavor in military industrial history,” even eclipsing the Manhattan Project. During the war Preston is working on the turrets for the B-29 with his friend Ned Jacks who is an aircraft engineer. Ned betrays his trust when he rapes Preston Tuckers daughter Carrie. Ned is cut out of the inheritance Preston had promised him. The war ends and Preston need to find a place to develop the “Car of the future.” This family sedan has features grafted from the racing industry that are advanced, such as independent wheel suspension, seat belts, crash pad, fuel injection even a “Cyclops” headlight that turns with the wheels. Tony lobbies for him to obtain Kilo-Quad now a part of the War Assets Administration. Here the Securities Exchange Commission does not only harass Preston but the eight-legged creatures in the basement, which kill his engineer. As the SEC is about to shut him down Preston secrets out 2 million in gold eagles deep within the dark caverns of the Quad for his invalid daughter. Nearing the end of their lives, their black and white perspectives on Providence swoon to a very distinct grey. As Tucker faces the possibility that it was his shortcuts and habits that contributed to his failures. While Tony receives a numinous experience that forms him to know he is not in control, but his abilities have been underwritten by a higher providence. Advance 32 years and the offspring of the two great friends attempt to recoup the gold. Jim, Tony’s son, now works for the current leases of the Quad, Tudsy Bar Confectionaries. John, Preston Tuckers son and his best friend Jim, Tony’s son try to claim their inheritance. Ned, who tries to get the gold for himself, meets them in a certain underground tunnel which were used as dedicated causeways for the Aircraft engines. Ned dies while trying to get the gold. The two friends are tried for killing him by invertase injection (An enzyme used to soften Junior Mints) it looks like an open and shut case. They had motive, they had means. Should they go to the electric chair? An intrepid Arachnid Toxicologist Hubert Simm thinks not and