The Shox Gene Variant

by Bob Cooper

  Sandra didn’t respond. Instead, she fidgeted with her purse, taking out an envelope. Turning to Annie, she handed her several pictures of herself with a little girl. It was Gretchen.

  “These are all I have of her.”

  Annie looked through the grainy old photographs of a young girl and her mom at the beach.

  “She thinks I’m dead. What am I going to say?” she asked Annie.

  “I don’t know, but at least you’ll have the opportunity to meet her. You’re very brave to do this. I hope things work out well for you.”

  The engines whined as the shuttle lifted off. Annie watched the Earth fade away as they entered space. Turning to Sandra, she looked to see how she was doing. Sandra was clutching the pictures to her breast with her eyes tightly shut.

  ***

  The plan was in place. Foster broke into the housekeeping room on the floor where Gretchen was staying and waited. He must have been there for over an hour before she left her room walking towards the elevator. Foster got on with her. He punched in a code that caused the elevator to go directly to the lower parking garage without stopping. Gretchen noticed what he had done and frantically hit the emergency stop button without any success.

  “What the hell are you doing?” she yelled, continuing to hit the button.

  “We’re on our way down,” Foster said into his com link.

  The Citizen Guard officer waiting in the garage acknowledged and pulsed the camera by the elevator with his blaster just as it came to a stop. He met them when the door opened.

  “What are you doing? Leave me alone?” she screamed as Foster covered her mouth while the officer injected something in Gretchen’s neck. She fell limp as the other officer brought the Guard Cruiser around. They loaded her into the back seat and covered her with a blanket before speeding away.

  Foster pulled out his com link and contacted Aidan. “We have her.”

  “Good. Annie is here on the Moon with her mother. I told her to bring Ms. Harper to Guard HQ at noon. I want to talk to Gretchen first.”

  When Gretchen awoke, she was in a cell deep in the bowels of Guard Headquarters with several officers standing guard. She was furious. “Let me out of here!” she yelled.

  They ignored her. Sitting down on the edge of the bunk, she waited. It wasn’t long before Aidan walked toward the cell. Her feelings of attraction stirred at the sight of him, then quickly turned to anger.

  “Let me out of here. You have no right to hold me,” she said.

  He ignored her while the security officer disabled the force field. “Should I chain her up?” he asked Aidan.

  Aidan looked at Gretchen trying to decide if that would be a good idea. “No, I don’t think that will be necessary.”

  “What am I doing here? I’ve done nothing wrong.”

  Aidan didn’t answer while looking through her dossier.

  “Answer me! I’ve done nothing …”

  “Cut the crap! You know damn well why you’re here! If you ever want to leave, you’ll cooperate! Do you understand?”

  Gretchen had never seen him so mad. She wasn’t afraid until those feelings of attraction towards him came back. Closing her eyes, she tried hard to suppress them. “I don’t have anything to say to you,” she whispered, her eyes still closed.

  Aidan was unsuccessful in his efforts to get her to talk. After trying for two hours, he took out his com link.

  “Okay, bring her down,” he said.

  Gretchen watched as two women walked down the hall. Annie waited outside while Aidan let Sandra into the cell. Gretchen sat up, confused. “Who the hell is she?”

  Sandra Harper had the pictures in her hand. She stared at Gretchen and then at the pictures. Gretchen stood up. There was a slight familiarity about this woman, her eyes, her straight, erect posture, the creases in her face. They reminded her of the woman in the old pictures her father had stored away.

  “Gretchen, my dear. I’m your mother,” she said, handing her the pictures.

  24

  Gretchen backed away, studying the pictures. “Where did you get these? Who are you?”

  “I’m your mother.”

  “You can’t be. She’s dead.”

  Sandra watched confusion wash across Gretchen’s face. “That’s what your father would have you believe. I’ve looked for you for a long time.”

  “This is a trick! Get her out of here!” she screamed.

  Sandra jumped back, startled. “Gretchen, please listen to me. Your father and I divorced because of his involvement with this radical group. He promised me I could have custody of you if I disavowed his association with the Fourth Reich. I did what he asked, but then he took you away from me, and I wasn’t able to find either of you. That’s the truth.”

  Gretchen stood there processing the information. She remembered being told that her mother had died and that they were moving to a new city. At that time, the loss of her mother was excruciating. She closed her eyes to stop reliving that pain.

  “That’s not true. My father would never lie to me about my mother. He loved her. He loves me.”

  Sandra looked at Aidan in frustration.

  “Maybe time in solitary confinement will help you think more clearly,” Aidan said. “Guards, we're done here.”

  Sandra reluctantly turned to walk out when she suddenly stopped. “Wait!” The last time I saw you, you drew me a picture. I hung it on the wall. Do you remember?” Sandra asked.

  Gretchen shook her head, looking annoyed. “I’m not going to listen to this …”

  Sandra removed the pendant from the necklace and handed it to her daughter. “I had that picture engraved. It was my last remembrance of you,” she said.

  Gretchen looked at the owl she had drawn all those years ago. She wiped her tears away as she examined the pendant in every detail.

  “Gretchen, please. It’s me. Your mother,” Sandra pleaded.

  “I don’t care! Leave me alone!” she screamed, through her sobs.

  Aidan nodded to the guards, and they activated the force-field. Annie and Aidan led Sandra to a small room where Sandra took a seat, feeling dejected. Captain Tom came in with coffee which Sandra quietly sipped, trying to settle down.

  “She knows you’re her mother,” Annie said. “Give her some time. I think she’ll come around.”

  Captain Tom pulled Aidan aside. “Time is a luxury we don’t have. It won’t be long before her father realizes we have Gretchen. We have to act now.”

  ***

  Gretchen’s father watched as the first one thousand Replicants marched single file into the large gathering hall. Before the Replicants were awakened, they had unique identifying marks tattooed on their bodies and implants that aided in communicating with the central command. Gretchen was supposed to be with him to see first hand the glorious work performed by the Fourth Reich’s science team. She was missing which prompted him to send out two of his most trusted people to find her. It wasn’t long before they reported back to him. When he saw them approach, he could tell it was not good news.

  “Mien Fuhrer. We have learned that your daughter was kidnapped and is being held at the Citizen Guard facility here.”

  Gretchen’s father showed no emotion as he pulled them aside. They were joined by the chief of the Fourth Reich’s security team.

  “This could become a serious breach if she succumbs to their interrogation,” the security chief said.

  “Impossible! She would never do that,” Gretchen’s father said.

  “They have methods that …”

  “I will not say it again! My daughter would never betray our cause. We must adjust the timetable to begin the takeover of New Moon City and establish it as our headquarters.”

  “Perhaps we can offer to exchange the boy and girl for your daughter. They are of no further use to us,” the security chief said.

  “No! We must make sure this group of Replicants functions the way we expect. Besides, they have seen too much of our operation. Once we are
assured that the Replicants function as we intended, eliminate them.”

  ***

  Gretchen sat on the floor in the pitch-black isolation tank clutching the pendant in her hand. Her fingers traced the etching of the owl. She now had no doubt that the woman was her mother. It was hard to rationalize how her father lied about her, denying Gretchen any contact. Lights suddenly flashed on, temporarily blinding Gretchen. Holding her hand up to the light, she squinted to see who was there. The force-field deactivated, and Aidan walked in. He sat next to her as close as he could. She felt a hot rush of blood course through her body.

  “I want to talk to you alone,” he said.

  Gretchen eyed him cautiously, but didn’t say anything.

  “You owe it to yourself to hear what your mother has to say.”

  She fidgeted with the pendant as she searched for the courage to find the right words. “I do want to talk to her.” The internal conflict raged between seeing her mother and betraying her father.

  He smiled at her as if he knew what she was going through. “I know this is hard for you. I have her here waiting outside. I’ll get her,” he said, standing to leave.

  The force-field reactivated when he left. She watched as he disappeared down the hallway and re-appeared with her mother.

  “I’ll be at the guard station. You have half an hour.”

  Sandra looked at him. “Is that all? I came all this way.”

  “I’m sorry. If everything goes okay, I’ll see to it that you have more time.”

  Sandra stood there waiting for Gretchen to say something. “He told me you died,” Gretchen said.

  “That cult poisoned his mind. I didn’t want him to do the same to you. I understand why he didn’t want me in the picture.”

  “He raised me to see that we are destined to rule and bring peace and harmony. It’s written in history that the Aryan nation shall rise and bring peace and harmony to the Earth. Is that so wrong?”

  “It’s wrong to think that all other human beings and extra-terrestrials are inferior.”

  “But they are genetically inferior, and they should not be treated as our equal.”

  Sandra was beginning to understand the extent to which Gretchen had been brainwashed. It pained her to think she might never get Gretchen back from the hold these people have on her.

  “Oh, my dear daughter, that is not true. Throughout history, we have seen hateful groups spew their venom. Many innocent people died. The truth is that no one is any better or any worse than anyone else. The law guarantees our equality.”

  “We Aryans are the chosen people. Going back to ancient times, we evolved as the dominant race. It is our destiny to lead.”

  “What’s your definition of an Aryan?”

  “One who’s lineage can be traced back to the ancient European tribes who conquered the known world. We had our lineage traced and are pureblood kin to those Europeans.”

  “But you can’t be. My ancestry contains a good percentage of middle eastern bloodlines, specifically from the land of Canaan.”

  Gretchen gasped at the word.

  “That’s right. I have Jewish blood in me, and so do you. The kind that Adolf Hitler tried to eradicate all those millennia ago. So, tell me how you are an Aryan?”

  “That’s not true! I am pure Aryan. Just like my father!”

  Aidan heard the yelling and came rushing down.

  “Get her out of my sight! You will suffer the same consequences as all the other inferiors. It is a glorious day for the Fourth Reich,” she chanted over and over, tears streaming down her face.

  ***

  Captain Tom huddled around the table with everyone, including Gretchen’s mother. Their grim faces told the story that they were not much further along in finding the kids. Foster was the first to speak.

  “Here’s what we know. The Fourth Reich cult is involved in the kidnapping. We believe they were kidnapped because of their Star Children abilities. They are here in New Moon City someplace. There have been no ransom demands. And we know from Carina’s dream that the boy is being held in some medical facility.”

  “Yes, and we can only surmise that the cult is planning something very ominous,” Captain Tom added.

  “What about Hillary,” Annie asked. Has she been trying to contact Carina using telepathy?”

  “She’s been trying, according to Acey,” Aidan said. “But all she gets is bits and pieces of pictures that don’t make any sense.”

  “I don’t want to give up on Gretchen,” Sandra said. “I want to continue talking to her.”

  “I’m not sure she’s going to …”

  “Please let me continue trying. I came all this way,” she begged.

  Captain Tom looked at Aidan. “Okay, but be very careful and only if Aidan accompanies you.”

  Sandra nodded her head in agreement.

  “Foster and I will work with the Guard officers here to find out more about medical facilities and labs on New Moon City. We will meet back here this afternoon around three Earth time.”

  Dirk didn’t say a word, seething at the lack of progress. He knew he had to contribute. He knew he had to step up and do something.

  ***

  Raina arrived at the rally in California later than expected. The auditorium was filled with supporters chanting her name. Support had swelled with all the media coverage she received, especially from the younger citizens.

  The security guards cleared a path for Raina. Sue followed behind her. This was her first big rally, and she was somewhat intimidated. Inside the auditorium, they were met by Dorthea.

  “You're on in ten minutes. Remember, start with praise for the Governor here. Even though he’s not from the Independent party, he told the media he’s impressed with your platform. And above all, smile. You’ll be great. Listen to them out there. I’ll be with the media team and will come out on the stage when you’re done.”

  “Okay. I’m ready as I’ll ever be,” Raina said.

  “One more thing. There will be hecklers. Don’t let them get to you. I hired extra security to quell any problems they might pose.”

  “Hecklers?”

  “It’s a fact of life. All political parties hire hecklers to cause disruptions. You’re on in five,” Dorthea said, leaving for the media room.

  Raina peered out and watched the crowd waving signs and chanting her name. When she was introduced, the spotlight went to the entrance which was her cue to head onto the stage.

  Sue walked over and straightened her jacket and brushed her hair into place.

  “I’m so proud of you. Go out there and kick some ass.”

  Raina walked out to a standing ovation. At the podium, she took the mic off the stand and walked to the edge of the stage. The crowd continued its frenzied cheering for another five minutes before she could quiet them down.

  “It a great pleasure to be in the great State of California,” she yelled.

  The crowd began another five minutes of yelling and cheering. That’s the way it went for the next two hours. Sue was watching in awe as Raina charmed the audience when her com link buzzed.

  “Hello, Dirk?”

  “Hi, Susan. I have a favor to ask. I have the names of two bio labs here on New Moon City. I believe they are the most likely ones where Carina and Jonathan are being held. Could you find out who runs them and what it is they do?”

  “I can do that. How are things going up there?”

  “Slow. Too slow. We’re no closer to finding those kids. Something needs to be done immediately.”

  25

  “Hey! Wake up. Something’s happening.”

  Jonathan stirred and slowly opened his eyes. “What’s going on?”

  “Listen.”

  Jonathan raised his head and strained to listen. Through the loud hum of the force field, he heard what sounded like stomping.

  “Hear it?” asked Carina.

  “Yeah, I do. It sounds like marching or something like that.”

  Carina clos
ed her eyes and focused on the sound. Garbled images ran through her head, but none gelled into a clear image. “I can’t see what’s going on.”

  “Let me try,” Jonathan said.

  Lying back down, he stared up at the ceiling. Carina watched as his pupils dilated and his lips quivered. Then his whole body shook. Carina pinned his arms to his side.

  “Jonathan! What’s happening? Are you okay?”

  He opened his eyes, but the terror was still there. “Carina! There are thousands of them. All dressed in uniform and stomping around in unison in some twisted march.”

  The force field dissolved quickly, as three armed guards entered the cell. “Come with us.”

  ***

  Gretchen was asleep when Aidan and Sandra arrived at her cell. He watched the rhythm of her breathing before addressing Sandra. “I’m not sure this is going to do any good,” he said.

  “Please. Let me try one more time.”

  He released the force field and stepped in. Gretchen turned over and sat up as they approached. Aidan sat next to her on the bed.

  “We would like to exchange you for the children. Can you put us in contact with your father?”

  “He knows where I am. Soon, he’ll come for me.”

  “Really? He would have tried by now. I don’t think he gives a rat’s ass about you,” Aidan said, losing his patience.

  Gretchen sneered at him. Before she could say anything, Sandra got between them.

  “I know you must love your father very much. And it must be tough for you to see your mother after all these years. I can’t force you to accept me, but I’m pleading with you to have the children freed.”

  Gretchen wouldn’t exactly call what she felt for her father love. Her feelings were more of deep respect and a sense of obedience. The Fourth Reich was always the priority with him. He instilled that in Gretchen, but sometimes it was hard for her to accept that kind of blind obedience.

  Sandra saw the mental anguish on Gretchen’s face. She wrapped her arms around her and held her tight. “Please, Gretchen,” she whispered.