The Shox Gene Variant

by Bob Cooper

  “I see three ships.”

  “Good. One is going to dock with your ship. But you have to open the emergency hatch when I tell you.”

  “How do I do that?”

  “In the back, on the cabin ceiling, there is a wheel. When I tell you, push the button next to it and when it turns green, turn the wheel counter-clockwise. You’ll hear a rush of air and the medics will help you and Dirk on board.”

  “Okay, I’m going over there now.”

  She checked Dirk one more time. His eyes were opening, and he reached out for her.

  “Gramps, they’re coming to get us. Hold on.”

  He smiled at her.

  There was a clunking sound that shook the ship.

  “Okay, you ready?”

  “Yes.”

  “Push the button now.”

  Carina did and heard gears turning above her. The light turned green.

  “The light’s green.”

  “Good. Now turn the wheel.”

  Carina grabbed the wheel and turned it with all her might. It didn’t move. She tried again. Nothing.

  “I can’t get it open!”

  “You have to get it open. Try again. I know you can do it.”

  Carina grabbed the wheel, but nothing happened. She started to cry. She felt a hand next to hers. Dirk was there. Together they were able to open it. An arm reached down and pulled Carina into the rescue ship. Then they brought Dirk in. Taking off their suits, she hugged him so tight he gasped for air.

  Medics began to immediately attend to them. “You did an excellent job. We’ll have you on Earth in no time. We notified your parents.”

  Carina’s eyes bugged out. “Oh, no! They’re going to kill me.”

  ***

  Two emergency vehicles were waiting, along with medical personnel. Dirk’s vehicle left first with sirens screaming as Hillary and Billy jumped in the second vehicle with Carina. Hillary was crying and held her hand.

  “Mom. Dad. I’m sorry,” was all she could say.

  “Shhh. Be still,” Hillary whispered, brushing the hair out of Carina’s eyes.

  They arrived at the hospital and wheeled her into the Emergency room where several doctors evaluated her condition. Billy and Hillary were waiting outside when one of the doctors came over to them.

  “She’s fine. Nothing medically wrong. She’s frazzled, that’s all. But we’re keeping her overnight to make sure. Oh, one more thing, she wants to stay with her Grandfather.”

  “How’s he doing?” Billy asked.

  “He suffered a severe concussion. He’s conscious. We are having tests done right now.”

  “He’s not her Grandfather. She calls him that. It would be good for them to be together,” Hillary said, looking at Billy. Billy concurred.

  “I’ll see what I can do,” the doctor said.

  Norma, Acey, Aidan, and Annie came running toward Hillary.

  “What the hell happened?” Acey asked Hillary as they hugged.

  Hillary told them the story as best as she could piece together. Acey was furious with Dirk.

  “What the hell was he thinking? He can’t fly anymore. Why would he do this?” she said in frustration.

  Norma and Annie calmed her down.

  “I’ve seen this coming,” Norma said. “I should have mentioned it to you.”

  “Saw what coming?” Acey asked.

  “He’s like a lost puppy. He wanders to your office, Annie, looking for scraps of work to make him feel useful, then to the park where he sits on a park bench. He comes home, watches the news and goes to bed. He’s lost purpose.”

  “Where are all his friends? Why doesn’t he hang out with them?” Annie asked.

  “Annie, most of them are dead. The others moved away. All he has is us, and we’re all too busy for him except Carina. She’s young enough to be fascinated by his stories. She worships him. But his actions were inexcusable. He must be made to understand that,” she said.

  Acey cried openly as Annie and Aidan tried to console her. “I’m so sorry for this,” she said, apologizing to everyone.

  “Does Raina know what happened?” Norma asked.

  “I’ll call her,” Aidan said. “You guys go see him, and I’ll catch up with you.”

  ***

  Raina stirred as the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted up to the second floor of her condo. It was seven-thirty, and she had a lot of work to catch up on before the Senate convened on Monday. Before she could get out of bed, the door opened. Sue came in carrying a tray with fruit, toast, and coffee.

  “Good morning, sleepy head,” she said, laying the tray down on the bed.

  She bent over and kissed Raina. “I’m so glad you’re home. I’ve missed you.”

  Raina pulled her closer, almost spilling the coffee in the tray. “I’m glad to be home, too. I missed you.”

  Sue got under the covers and lifted the tray on to Raina’s lap. “Go ahead, eat,” she said, moving into Raina.

  Raina took a sip of coffee and bit into the toast.

  “How was your trip back home?”

  “It was great. I miss everyone.”

  “Did you miss me?” Sue asked, looking deeply into her eyes.

  “Of course I’ve missed you. I don’t like it when we are apart.”

  “Did you tell them about us?”

  “No, not yet.”

  Raina was going to come out to the family and tell them about Sue. They had been together for over a year and were deeply in love.

  Sue shot up in the bed. “Why not. You said you were …”

  “I know. I’m sorry. I couldn’t find the right time. I promise the next trip, I will tell them.

  “Why are you so afraid of what they’ll think? From what you told me, your family sounds like they would understand.”

  Raina was trying to think of an excuse when the com link buzzed.

  “Hi, Raina, Aidan said.

  “Hi. Is something wrong?”

  Aidan took a deep breath. “There’s been an accident. Dirk and Carina are in the hospital.”

  “Oh, my god! What happened?” she asked, getting out bed.

  Aidan told her what he knew of the story.

  “How serious is he?”

  “He’s got a severe concussion. He’s in and out of consciousness. He’ll be in the hospital for several days.”

  “How about Carina?”

  “She’s fine. They’re keeping her overnight for observation. I’ll call you when they can talk to you.”

  “Aidan, I’m coming back. I also have some unfinished business with all of you,” she said, looking at Sue. She said goodbye to Aiden.

  “Raina, what happened?”

  “My Grandfather had an accident and is in the hospital. Pack a bag. You’re coming with me to see him.”

  6

  Dirk and Carina shared a semi-private room. Carina was sitting in bed waiting for Dirk to come back from tests. They all rushed in at once and startled her.

  “Mom! Dad! I’m so sorry. I should have told you what …”

  Hillary didn’t say anything but ran to her and smothered her with kisses. Billy held and kissed her hand.

  “We’ll talk about this later, young lady. For now, you get some rest,” Billy said.

  They wheeled Dirk in. The gash on his head was stitched up. Both eyes were the color of eggplants. Acey continued crying as the nurses shooed them out to the waiting room. Dirk tried to say something but the words didn’t come out.

  “I got a call from Raina. She’s on her way here and will meet us at the hospital around noon.”

  They waited until they received an okay to see Dirk. Carina was sitting in a chair talking to him when they walked in.

  They all hovered over him which made him very uncomfortable.

  “Just what the hell were you thinking? You know you’re not supposed to fly anymore. And you took Carina with you?” Acey unloaded on him.

  Dirk was going to respond when Norma shot him a dirty look and h
e sunk back in the bed. Acey continued to lash into him until Aidan eased her into a chair where she began to sob again.

  “It’s my fault, Aunt Acey. I should not have encouraged him,” Carina said.

  “It is your fault, young lady. You should have known better. Tomorrow we will discuss this,” Billy said.

  After everyone vented their anger at them, they calmed down enough to where Dirk thought it was safe enough to speak.

  “I apologize to all of you for my stupidity. It won’t happen again.”

  ***

  Raina and Sue were able to get a priority shuttle thanks to one of the Senators on her committee. Sue could tell Raina was extremely nervous. She held her hand.

  “It’ll work out. I promise,” Sue said.

  As the shuttle docked at the spaceport, Raina wasn’t so sure.

  ***

  Gretchen drove up to the gate and waited for the security scan. Security personnel greeted her when it opened. After a retinal scan and a check for weapons, she was allowed to pass. At the door of the secluded Spanish-Style home, she was greeted by more security officers who checked her off a list of names.

  “Good Afternoon, Ms. Coswell. Please proceed through to the courtyard. They are expecting you.”

  She nodded and continued outside to a cactus-shrubbed area by a large pool with a cascading waterfall.

  “Gretchen, please have a drink and mingle with the others. We’ll get started in a minute,” he said. The man stood out because of his six foot five muscular frame and his blond short-cropped hair.

  “Thank you, Father. . It’s good to see you. How long are you here for?”

  “Not long. Once we have this cell in place, I will leave.

  She smiled politely as he left to greet the other guests. Everyone treated her with cautious respect because of her being the leader’s daughter, but no one dared to get too close. Life was hard for her at first. While the others led semi-normal lives, she shied away from any relationship, instead delving deep into the inner mysteries of the cult and researching its history. She believed that understanding the historical beginnings would lend legitimacy to the organization and they would prove their rightful place in the world order.

  There were approximately thirty people attending who would be cell leaders throughout the western part of the country. She knew most of them, and they smiled at her politely, but kept their distance. That is the way it always was.

  “Everyone, will you please come inside and we will get started,” her father announced.

  They walked into the large dining room of the rented villa where they sat at a long mesquite table. On the wall was a large unfurled cloth banner with their national symbol – a swastika. Their wine glasses were filled. She noticed the security officers taking up their positions to ensure total privacy. Her father stood up.

  “It is a glorious day for the Fourth Reich,” he said, raising his glass.

  “It is a glorious day indeed,” came the response.

  “Let us get started. We have many things to discuss. First and foremost, we have the boy.”

  There were cheers from everyone, and he gestured for them to calm down.

  “We have concluded that he is one of them. He has all the genetic qualities of a Star Child, and the cloning process will soon be underway in earnest. We will construct the clones in the likeness of our Aryan Ancestors but with the powers of Star Children. But it is you who will introduce them in various parts of the world and spread their seed. We will purify this country and then the world. It is a glorious day for the Fourth Reich,” he shouted.

  “It is a glorious day indeed,” they responded.

  “I would like my daughter, Gretchen, to tell us of her work here in Arizona.”

  Gretchen took a sip of wine before standing up. “First of all, I found employment at a Private Investigation firm. This allows me access to databases the general public does not have. I can carry on my research into the beginnings of our organization. It also allows me to be close to another well-known Star Child, Carina Bayberry, whom I’m sure you have heard of mainly through the exploits of her mother, Hillary. I believe that combined with the young Nelson boy, we will have enough genetic material needed for the cloning.”

  “Well done, my daughter. You never cease to amaze me,” her father said.

  Everyone clapped and cheered, but Gretchen saw through the insincerity of their gestures. It left her feeling cold and alone.

  ***

  Raina rushed into the hospital leaving Sue in the lobby. Quickly getting off the elevator, she ran down the hall and stood in the doorway. They were all there fussing over Dirk and Carina.

  “Aunt Raina! You came back!” Carina said, running up to her.

  Raina hugged her tightly. “What were you thinking, you crazy little girl,” she whispered. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. They’re keeping me here overnight.”

  Raina went over to Dirk. She gasped when she saw his swollen face. He held out his hand. She grabbed it. “You didn’t have to come back,” he said.

  “I did have to come back. For two reasons,” she said, looking at everyone. First, to make sure your sorry ass was in one piece.”

  Everyone laughed, and the mood lightened.

  “Second reason is because … “

  She hesitated to catch her breath. They stared at her.

  “There is someone I want you to meet.” She called Sue on her com link. “Come up.”

  No one said a word until Acey broke the silence. “Meet who?”

  Sue quietly came into view and stood in the doorway.

  “I want to tell you I’m gay. I should have told you long ago.” She took Sue’s hand and brought her into the room. This is Susan Baker. I love her very much, and we're going to be married soon.”

  “Hello, it’s nice to meet all of you,” Sue said.

  No one said a word and Raina’s expression was borderline panic. Since all eyes were on Raina and Sue, no one saw Dirk get out of bed dragging his IV stand up to Raina and Sue.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Susan. Welcome,” he said, taking her hand in his.

  “Thank you, Mr. Saunders.”

  Acey came up next. “You could have told me. I’m your sister for god sakes.”

  “I’ve wanted to so many times,” Raina answered, starting to cry.

  Everyone came up to them and offered their congratulations. They were asking Sue questions about how they met and when the wedding was going to take place. But Raina was looking at Carina. She sat in her bed, visibly seething. When Raina approached, she recoiled away. No one else noticed.

  “Carina, please …”

  “Go away and leave me alone,” she said.

  Dirk lost his balance and grabbed the stand while everyone rushed to steady him.

  “Mr. Saunders. What are you doing out of bed? Get back before you hurt yourself,” the nurse said. “Okay, visiting time is over. You all have to leave,” she said, shooing them out. Raina backed out of the room watching Carina as she slipped under the sheets and began to cry.

  ***

  At the pub down the street, Sue was charming everyone with Raina stories. Raina tried to smile, but it was strained. It was Hillary who noticed. She leaned into Acey. “Something’s wrong with Raina.” Acey caught Raina’s attention who then quickly turned to Sue and laughed, avoiding Acey’s concerned look.

  “Something happened,” Acey said.

  Acey got up. While everyone was mesmerized with Sue’s stories, Acey leaned into Raina. “Can I talk to you? How about in the lady’s room,” she whispered.

  Quietly, Raina slipped away and followed Acey into the restroom. “What’s the matter?” Acey asked.

  “Did you see Carina? She wouldn’t say a word to me at the hospital. I upset her. I don’t know what to do.”

  Hillary and Annie walked in. “What’s wrong?” Annie asked.

  Raina told them what happened. “I’ll talk to her tomorrow,” Hillary said. “I’m
sure she’s just confused.”

  “I want her to know that I adore her and always will,” Raina said. “We have to leave tonight. I’m scheduled back at the Senate tomorrow morning. Please tell her to call me.”

  “I will,” Hillary said.

  ***

  The nurse watched Dirk and Carina pick at their food. “I know it’s not very good, but you have to eat something,” she said, shrugging as she left the room.

  Dirk sensed Carina’s uneasiness with Raina and Sue. Carina hadn’t spoken since they left.

  “You want that green Jell-O crap on your tray?” he asked.

  “Why? You want it?”

  “Yes, please.”

  She tossed it over to him. Dipping his spoon in it, he flung a green gob hitting her square in the forehead. The look on her face was priceless.

  “Why, you old turd,” she said, tossing several zucchini slices at him.

  It was an all-out war, and the food went flying. They laughed until they were in tears.

  “I noticed you didn’t congratulate Raina on her upcoming marriage.”

  Carina lost her smile. “How can she love another woman? It doesn’t seem right.”

  “I think you mean it’s different. This is your first experience with homosexuality, and it’s confusing.”

  “I guess.”

  “Well, you now have more in common with Raina than you ever did before.”

  “What do you mean? I’m not gay.”

  “I know you’re not. I’m talking about your special abilities. You always said you felt different from other kids. So, now you can understand how Raina feels. Different. Just like you.”

  7

  Aidan was at the office early reviewing his workload for the day. He had a conference call with Captain Tom about the missing Nelson boy at nine, a new client coming in at eleven, and then a meeting with Captain Tom, Carina, and her family at four-thirty. Annie came in, looking exhausted.

  “How are you doing? What a weekend,” he said.