by Derek Haines
‘Oh, I forgot to tell you. I’m gonna be a sergeant!’ Marie said, as she popped her head back through the door, and then left.
*****
‘Are you ready Dr. Mueller,’ Henniger asked.
‘I have no choice.’
‘Good. Well done. So let’s start with how the program started. Klinik Siebzehn.’
‘I wasn’t there.’
‘I know. But your father was.’
‘That has never been proven.’
‘Does it matter really? I believe you know the history anyway.’
‘Yes. Very well. Klinik Siebzehn was established in 1943 to study behavioural psychology and to conduct research to see if it was possible to alter memory and behaviour.’
‘Brainwashing?’
‘No. That’s such a vulgar Americanism. The initial studies were looking for a means to change how a brain thought, or more particularly, if thoughts could be placed into a brain. As you’d understand, this would’ve had major implications in a time of war. Say with enemy prisoners or undesirables.’
‘Basically, reprogramming them.’
‘That word didn’t exist then, but yes, in layman’s terms probably reasonably accurate.’
‘Did the researchers there make any progress before 1945?’
‘Yes. They developed a rather crude compound by today’s standards, but were able to modify certain behavioural patterns and opened the possibility to reconstruct certain memories. This is why the Allies were so interested in the program.’
‘Were any other programs from the Nazi era protected or continued after the war?’
‘I don’t have any evidence myself, but I think one would have to be quite naive to believe all the work was totally abandoned.’
‘So, can I just establish when you joined the program?’
‘Officially?’
‘Either or both.’
‘Officially I started work in 1979, but I had been involved for a number of years before and during my studies.’
‘And who employed you initially?’
‘A nameless man of course. But officially I have worked at CERN as an officer of the German Department of Health.’
‘Have you been to this department in Berlin or perhaps Bonn then?’
‘Never stepped foot in it. Wouldn’t know where to find it.’
‘I’m sure my people will ask you these questions again, when we get to recording your detailed statement doctor, but for the moment I’m looking at generalities.’
‘Very well.’
‘In general terms, and in language I can understand, what was the prime purpose of this Sootere facility as it was called?’
‘Simply? We developed a successful technique that enabled us to record all the information held in a single brain, and then reintroduce that data in total to another brain. In addition, we could erase all the information residing in a brain and then install a new version.’
‘Like a computer hard drive?’
‘A very basic and crude way of understanding the process, but yes, I suppose so.’
‘And Moon and Seaton? Did they have two personalities?’
‘The brain has enormous storage capacity. I stumbled upon the possibility of installing two brain recordings some years ago. Quite by accident in fact, but found that I could replicate the accident. It opened up quite a range of possibilities.’
‘So Moon and Seaton?’
‘Yes, they had two, but without the drugs necessary to stabilise the two minds as such together, the latter personality would’ve only last a few days before it would’ve erased itself.’
‘I suppose this is a silly question, but why did you select Moon and Seaton to escape?’
‘They are two of the original three successful recordings we made. There was a third, but he was intercepted by the control procedures in place in Sootere.’
‘So your original plan was to send three escapees?’
‘Yes.’
‘And what do you mean by original recordings?’
‘Of survivors of Klinik Siebzehn. The original recordings were made in the mid sixties of some twenty survivors, but only three were complete enough to use.’
‘So, correct me if I’m wrong here. Are you saying that Moon and Seaton are Jews?’
‘No, not exactly. The original recordings were, but they were altered later.’
‘Altered?’
‘Yes. Due to some negative effects from family loss and trauma, we modified these. In the cases of Moon and Seaton, they came from two originals named Ariel and Hilda, if I recall correctly.’
‘Do Moon and Seaton know anything of these two? Hilda and Ariel?’
‘They may have some residual memory. We only modified them as we wanted to keep as much of the original as possible.’
‘So these techniques you developed, were they used by anyone other than yourself? Perhaps a government secret service for example?’
‘Nothing is ever as is seems you know. All the way through the Cold War, America and Russia worked together on this. I am led to believe it was used in the field per say, but never against each other. We also had arrangements with commercial bodies to conduct other forms of research.’
‘Example?’
‘New drugs, infections, viruses, trialling. That sort of thing.’
‘Commercial pharmaceutical companies you mean?’
‘I was never informed, but I saw many examples of the results of our work come to be used in everyday medicine.’
‘One last thing doctor, and then I’ll let you get some rest.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Did you have an active reproductive program down there?’
‘Some yes, and some external.’
‘External?’
‘We had certain arrangements with IVF institutions in latter years. Before though, it was totally internal and very difficult to manage. In-vitro-fertilisation really made our job much easier.’
‘Thank you doctor. Take a break, and my team will start your detailed statement later. Probably tomorrow morning.’
‘And Libya?’
‘I’m still thinking doctor.’
*****
‘Hello Patrick, it’s Klaus Henniger. I need to meet with President Klausner.’
‘Certainly. When?’
‘Today?’
‘Ouch! Just hold on a moment, Mr. Henniger, I’ll see what I can do.’
‘Okay.’
Patrick rang through to Françoise and after a bit of agenda shuffling found a time for Henniger.
‘Are you there, Mr. Henniger?’
‘Yes.’
‘Seven p.m.?’
‘Thanks Patrick.’
*****
‘Milo?’
‘Yes Mary.’
‘I like it here. It’s so beautiful.’
‘Me too. I’m learning so many new words. I spoke to a nurse this morning and he told me…’
‘A man, a nurse?’ Mary asked.
‘Yes. Funny isn’t it.’
‘Yes. That’s funny.’
‘Well, he told me that one day soon, all of the people here are going on a boat across the lake.’
‘What’s on the other side of the lake?’
‘He told me it’s the place where Switzerland was born. A place called Rütli.’
‘Another silly word, Milo.’
‘Anyway, he said, we’ll have a picnic there.’
‘What’s a picnic, Milo?’
‘We take food in baskets and eat on the grass.’
‘You’re learning so many things. I’m so proud of you and I know you’ll always look after me.’
‘I’ll try Mary. Luc told me that Anne and Michael had gone forever.’
‘Yes Milo, he told me too, but don’t be sad. They did their job and I think George Smithe gave us Anne and Michael because they were so clever about the air system in Sootere. I just don’t know why he chose us though.’
‘He must have had a reason Mary, bu
t I don’t know either. Maybe we’ll see him again and we can ask him.’
‘Oh, I hope so Milo.’
They sat quietly lost in their thoughts until Mary broke the silence.
‘Milo Moon?’
‘Yes?’
‘You haven’t asked to play with my breasts in days.’
*****
Françoise Klausner took Staheli’s handwritten file from the safe. She added her notes to the file to ensure she didn’t forget arrangements that had been made in resolving the CERN issue. Knowing that at some point she would have to decide what to do with the files contents, she at least felt secure in the knowledge that it was the only copy in existence. She returned it to the safe just as he telephone rang.
‘Yes, Patrick?’
‘It’s the French President.’
‘Put him through.’
‘Good afternoon, sir.’
‘Good afternoon, Madam President. I trust you’re settling in well.’
‘It’s been a few hectic days, but yes things are going well.’
‘I know I could have waited for the funeral tomorrow, but I thought it better to let you know now and not interrupt tomorrow’s proceedings. I’m sure it’ll be a busy day for you.’
‘Yes, it’s going to be a hectic day. So what do I need to know?’
‘Well, it’s not a concrete matter, more a rumour our intelligence services are linking into.’
‘Yes?’
‘I had discussions with Mr. Staheli, so I understand the problems you are faced with. However, our intel people are starting to hear small pieces of information linked to the CERN issue.’
‘I see. Anything that would pose a threat to the operation?’
‘Not that I’ve heard, but where there’s smoke…’
‘Yes. Understood.’
‘Anything concrete I can go on?’
‘The only link we’re finding is with someone called Carruthers. Seems to be in a lot of the ‘chatter’ we’ve been monitoring. Any use?’
‘Yes. Could well be.’
‘So, how long before the place is cleared?’
‘I’m waiting for an update, but I’m hoping just days.’
‘Sooner the better then.’
‘Definitely.’
‘All right, I’ll see you at the service tomorrow.’
‘Certainly, and thank you for the information.’
Françoise Klausner looked at her watch. Five-thirty. She picked up her phone.
‘Patrick.’
‘Yes.’
‘Coffee. Please.’
‘On it’s way.’
Her mobile phone rang. It was the Home Affairs Councillor, Antoinette Haller.
‘Yes, Antoinette.’
‘We’ve been getting information from some communication intercepts that someone called Carruthers is trying to make contact with China.’
‘Is that strange?’
‘No, not normally. But in this case, it’s originating from Geneva, and contact is trying to be made through to the Chinese secret services. Looks like an amateur job, but still suspicious.’
‘So has contact actually been made?’
‘At this stage we believe not, but we’ll keep an eye on it.’
‘Please do, Antoinette, and let me know if there’s any news.’
‘Does Carruthers ring a bell with you?’
‘Leave it with me, Antoinette.’
‘Okay.’
‘Oh, thanks Patrick,’ she said, as he bought coffee. ‘Look, check with Henniger. If he’s waiting around for our seven o’clock meeting, tell him to come earlier if he wants.’
‘Yes, I’ll get on to it.’
‘Patrick?’
‘Yes?’
‘Silly question I know, but how old are you?’
‘Fifty-four.’
‘And you’ve had this post for some time?’
‘Eighteen years now.’
‘So you’ve seen eighteen presidents cycle through this office.’
‘Yes. Some twice of course.’
‘Yes. So, in your judgement, how am I doing?’ she asked, with a tired smile.
‘It’s not for me to judge really, but I can say that you have understood the complexity of the post quicker than most.’
‘Is that a compliment, Patrick?’
‘I think so.’
‘Thank you.’
‘I’ll get on to Mr. Henniger.’
‘Yes Patrick.’
Françoise picked up her phone and called Ernst Gehrig.
‘Gehrig.’
‘It’s Françoise Klausner.’
‘Yes m’am.’
‘Can you just update me on Seaton and Moon?’
‘Certainly. They’re settled into the home near Brunnen, and as I understand they’re settling in quite well. Although we had a scare with Moon.’
‘What happened?’
‘He spent his first night on the roof.’
‘Why on earth did he do that?’
‘He discovered the moon. Found out from television what it was, so went to find out for himself.’
‘Oh dear,’ Françoise had to hold back her laugh. ‘Hardly a surprise I suppose.’
‘Well, it kept the local police busy for some time.’
‘So they found him eventually then?’
‘No, he just walked back in the door by himself.’
‘So, if that’s the only worry we have, they’re doing well then.’
‘As well as we can expect. Their medication is stabilised now and monitored by the staff there, but we’ll need to keep a close eye on them.’
‘Are they still in danger? Medically I mean.’
‘They really have been ingesting some awful stuff. I’ve discussed this with Dr. Fleury and we agree that their life expectancy has been reduced considerably.’
‘What do you mean by considerably?’
‘Perhaps another ten years.’
‘But they’re only in their early thirties, aren’t they.’
‘Or late twenties, but they’ve both suffered considerable organ damage from the compounds they’ve had. Outside they look reasonably well, but our scans and blood tests really tell an awful story.’
‘So, what do you have planned for them?’
‘Make them as comfortable as possible, for as long as possible.’
‘And mentally?’
‘In some ways there’s a positive on this side. I suspect they’ll grow mentally now. They’ve been sort of locked in their teens, but in discussions with Dr. Rousseau, we’ve already noticed their capacity to learn is very good.’
‘But they’ll need specialist care for the rest of their lives.’
‘Oh yes. Definitely.’
‘Thank you for the update Mr. Gehrig.’
‘Your coffee. Mr. Henniger is on his way. He’ll be here in twenty minutes.’
‘Thank you, Patrick.’
Françoise made notes for her file of her conversation with Gehrig and then locked them away in her safe.
*****
‘Just a quick word, Dupont.’
‘Eh, yes sir,’ Marie said in surprise, as she was not accustomed to seeing Pierre André on the station floor.
‘Let’s go over there, it’s a little more private,’ he said, as he pointed towards a small interview room. Marie led the way.
‘I’ve had a request from Bern regarding your security clearance.’
‘Yes sir,’ she said, but confused what it was about.
‘I’m going to recommend that your status be maintained.’
‘So, that means I could be seconded again.’
‘Yes, that’s right.’
‘And if I said no?’
‘Well, that’s your decision to make. Keeping it would do no harm to your future prospects.’
‘Federal posts you mean, sir.’
‘Yes exactly. But secondment is very rare. Emergency cases such as the one you’ve just completed, which I understand you carried out very well.�
��
‘Thank you sir.’
‘I also understand you were involved in a dangerous incident at HUG during the case.’
‘It was just luck sir.’
‘Not from what I’ve heard. Look, I just wanted to ask you before I sign this off.’
‘Thank you sir. I suppose it would be wise to keep it in place then.’
‘Good Dupont. I’ll sign it off today.’
*****
‘Mr. Henniger is here.’
‘Good. Show him in will you, Patrick.’
‘Good evening, Mr. Henniger. I hope your day’s been better than mine.’
‘Yes, good evening, m’am. My day? Probably the same I’d imagine.’
‘All right. Well, you asked for this meeting, so I presume you have bad news for me.’
‘Not entirely m’am. We’ve managed to get Mueller to talk, and he’s given us an overview of things, and I must say it’s extremely disturbing. I mean, what he’s been doing down there for all these years.’
‘You mean the human experimentation?’
‘Quite shocking, m’am. Psychological experiments seem to have been the prime area, but drug trials, viruses, contagious diseases. You name it. But the worst part of his story is the link back to the war.’
‘The Nazi programs?’
‘Yes, a long chain. Although he hasn’t admitted it as yet, we are of the inclination to believe that he is the son of the man who started Klinik Siebzehn. A Nazi experiment into psychological transfer.’
‘Right. So what are you doing with him now?’
‘We’ll start a full interrogation tomorrow and get him into finer details and document it over the next few weeks.’
‘And then?’
‘Well, that’s my question to you, m’am.’
‘It seems no one wants him right now. I’ve had a number of calls today expressing the view.’
‘Yes, I’m sure. He’s told me he wants to go to Libya.’
‘Oh. Nice place. Why did he choose there?’
‘Who knows? The worst part of his tale is that he’s been receiving a lot of money from certain governments.’
‘Selling his wares then. To who?’
‘We’ve tracked transactions to secret services in China, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, and Ukraine.’
‘That’s very interesting. I had some news today about similar links to China in particular.’
‘Yes?’
‘Carruthers.’
‘Carruthers! Well of course. She’s decided to fill the dead man’s shoes.’
