by Lynn Moon
The spraying stopped, and after a time the people and the land healed. But what others didn’t understand was the concept of being able to distribute chemicals, or viruses, over a mass area and how easily, cheaply and secretly it could be achieved. And this is what Nestle wrote in his manuscript.
Now, he was talking to two geneticists about methods on how to make large quantities of a virus and how to keep that virus contagious in different environments. In other words, Tyler and Caiden are being paid to research the lipid membrane. To determine how the outer coating of a virus can be strengthened to protect it in all types of weather and conditions. But the most horrifying requirement that sent panic through the listeners was his request the virus be protected from all chemicals including chloride and sunlight—the last two remaining defenses the human population have in their arsenal against the RNA killer. If successful, other viruses would eventually mutate and there would be no way to eliminate even the most common of illnesses, including a common cold. No surface could be sanitized—a countertop, a door handle, a medical instrument, not even a human hand. All viruses would be free to run rampant throughout the planet killing both animals and plants, and causing mass extinction of all life on Earth.
Nestle would get his wish; he would become a god. But not a god of life.
Chapter 99
TYLER PACED THE room and wondered if her carpet would last through this crazy ordeal she was thrown into. Maddie and Nate sat on the couch reading though their notes. Caiden stood by the window and watched as Prince chased a small squirrel out of the yard. Everything seemed normal enough, but life was suddenly anything but.
“Aunt Mad,” Tyler said sitting on the floor in front of her aunt and uncle. “I never wanted to do what you two do. That’s why I went into science. This is Skyler’s thing, not mine.”
“Sweetie,” Maddie said leaning over to run her fingers through her niece’s hair. “We could have switched you with your sister. But she just doesn’t have the knowledge to pull it off. Dr. Nestle would have seen right through her. You and Caiden are the best at what you do. You can give him what he needs even though it won’t work. You two can write the reports so if others review your findings, you can make it look like it will work.”
“You’re never alone sweetheart,” Nate added. “We have agents all through your company. The receptionist, the new director, most of security, the janitors; Tyler, you are not alone. If anyone tried to do anything to hurt you or Caiden, there are enough of us to protect you. We even placed agents in the towns of Granite Falls, Lochsloy, Jordan, and Marysville. They’re at the police departments, fire departments, health departments, stores, food courts. Honey, they’re everywhere.”
“And Mr. Nutcase,” Maddie added, “is never alone. The Agency has a remarkable way of sliding people into the right places at the right times. With every success and with every failure, we’ve learned. There was a case not too long ago that involved an army sergeant. It was believed he was using the military women for personal pleasures. Within two weeks, everyone who worked around this man was one of ours. Every area this man visited was under surveillance. Each time he thought he was sexually abusing one of his female troops he was actually digging himself a deeper grave. Our female agents are well trained and are not afraid to use their bodies in any way necessary to complete their missions. Sex with strangers does not frighten or bother us. We turn those strong desires of our enemies against them, but also do not allow them to enter us here.” Maddie patted her chest. “We think of it as simply shaking someone’s hand. It means nothing to us.”
“So what happened to the guy,” Tyler asked with tears running down her face. Her aunt never validated her suspicions before. She had an idea of what Maddie did for The Agency. But never spoke to her about it. Now, her aunt was freely confiding to her and it touched her deeply.
“When we had enough evidence,” Maddie answered, “One of our agents helped him to have an early heart attack. He died serving his country, which allowed his wife and children to live out their lives in comfort. A win-win solution for all, the world is rid of a major useless individual and his family can go on living without shame.”
“But that makes you judge and jury, Aunt Mad,” Tyler said wiping her eyes. “Almost playing God.”
“But what you don’t understand,” Nate explained sitting down his notes, “is behind the scenes, The Agency has a panel of judges who hears each case. It’s this panel that passes down the sentencing. Each case has a set of lawyers who represent all the players. Dr. Nestle has legal representation, he just doesn’t know it. His lawyer continuously fights for his life. The only difference is there’s no appeal process. Once the sentence has been set, it’s carried out within twelve hours. The Agency is thorough and the rules are absolute. There is no hiding of evidence and everything is admissible. If a person is found guilty, you can rest assured they’re guilty. If there is any doubt, any at all, the individual is allowed to live. Their lives may forever be changed, but they will not die.”
“So The Agency is more than just an agency?” Tyler asked feeling a little better.
“The Agency is woven throughout the world’s governments including the United Nations,” Nate explained. “It’s very powerful and was created to stop those who would use the established laws against mankind. Corporations have gotten so rich and so powerful, today’s governments have no way to fight them. Corruption is everywhere and people are so hungry for power and money they’ll do anything to get it. Anything.”
“Even kill our planet,” Tyler whispered.
“Even that,” Maddie added.
“Then I’m doing a good thing,” Tyler suggested.
“Sweetheart,” Caiden replied hugging Tyler around her shoulders. “You are doing a brave and powerful thing. In some ways, you are more powerful than the largest corporations of the world right now.”
“Tyler,” Nate added. “We are not here to push our wants or ideas on anyone. We are here to ensure the laws established to protect people’s rights are carried out. That’s all. Those who have the need to break those laws are the ones subjected to The Agency’s punishments. We can accomplish things most governments are prohibited from doing. That’s why The Agency was founded by all nations.”
“And probably why dictatorship has all but left our world,” Maddie said laughing.
“What do you mean?” Tyler asked.
“Shortly after the establishment of The Agency, all countries ruled by a dictator suddenly changed to a republic or democratic system. It was quite interesting. Some remained in power as presidents while others retired.”
“Weird,” Caiden stated.
“It’s human nature mostly,” Nate replied. “Intelligent people are more concerned about their own welfare and know when they’ve lost. It’s the crazies, like Mr. Nutcase, who are the most dangerous. He doesn’t even realize if he puts his plan into action he will not only kill off his undesirables, but he will also kill himself.”
Chapter 100
EARLY AND ALEX stared at each other. Neither said a word. They didn’t have to for their eyes spoke for them. Early’s eyes showed anger and hopelessness, perhaps with a touch of abandonment. Alex’s eyes showed regret and sadness. Tears fell as he stared at the love of his life. He rubbed his face with his hands smearing his tears.
Early stood firm. She thought it odd the sheen from the large table could grab her attention and pull her from her anger. But for some reason, it seemed to sooth her. Her eyes followed the reflection of the window and trees outside. A small cloud was passing and created a beautiful picture just a few feet away. If only she could hold on to her babies and jump into that reflection, then maybe her life would be happy again.
“My name’s Dr. Leonora Priddleton,” a young girl of about twelve said walking into the room. “I’m Dr. Loomsbury’s assistant.” Her braided pony tails swished as she walked. She used her finger to push her dark-rimmed glasses up on her nose which enhanced her dark eyes. The white c
oat floated just inches above the floor. Early had to smile as the young girl placed several stacks of paper on the table.
“Good afternoon,” a fresh and friendly voice echoed from behind the young girl. “My name’s Adrian Whitetower and I’m representing Daren, Dakota and Nevada, your children.”
“What?” Alex stated raising his head. “Why?”
“We will discuss that in a few minutes,” Adrian replied sitting across from Alex. “Please, Early, take a seat. The table is large, wherever you feel the most comfortable.”
Suddenly the room exploded with people entering from several doors. Lewis and Greghardt entered with Strickland trailing behind looking lost and bewildered. Early studied her and knew instantly she was about to lose her grip on reality, because she had been there once herself. Without giving it a second thought, Early sat next to Strickland and took her hand. She smiled at her and Strickland gave Early’s hand a gentle squeeze.
Several other people entered Early had never seen before. They carried folders with pictures and documents. She was scared, but also knew the president would not let anything happen to her children or her. It was on the plane ride from Washington to Oklahoma when she personally promised both Early and Marty she would protect them and their children with her life. Early felt safe for the first time in many months.
Lewis cleared his throat and spoke, “Dr. Priddleton, Agent Whitetower, this meeting is yours.”
“Thank you, Dr. Lewis,” Adrian began. “The reason we called you here is because it’s important the parents of my clients have full knowledge of the happenings surrounding their creation and their faked deaths. First, let me say I am not here to remove your children from your custody. They are yours. However, their best welfare is my top priority.”
Alex and Early nodded.
“Early,” Adrian continued. “Do you know the story of what happened the last night you were with your family?”
“Yes,” Early stated. “I made love to Alex and then I woke up in a courtroom accused of murdering them.” Early tensed as she spoke the words. But Strickland’s grip on her hand tightened and gave her something real to cling to.
“And Alex,” Adrian said looking over at him. “What do you remember?”
“I woke up in a strange house with no wife and my children asleep in the next room. My head was spinning and later I was told my wife had killed herself. It took me months to find out the truth, but when I did I called in all my resources to help me rescue her.”
“But…” Early started to say and was cut off by Adrian.
“Wait, Early, let me give you all the details as The Agency understands them,” Adrian added holding up her hand. “We have all the evidence here and I brought in those agents assigned to gather that evidence. You’ll be able to ask all the questions you want.”
Early nodded and glanced over at Alex who was crying. She could see the pain in his eyes but wasn’t sure if she could ever trust him again. He was supposed to protect her from terrible things, not be a part of it.
“Earlier that day you bought some wine,” Adrian said. “Do you remember?”
“Kind of,” Early answered.
“You entered a wine store and pick out a red chardonnay,” Adrian replied. “You purchased it from this cashier.” Adrian slid a colored picture toward Early. “This woman is an agent of the Philips Institute. The woman substituted your bottle for another. She had several under the counter. No matter what wine you picked, she had another laced with a strong sedative. Both you and your husband didn’t wake up that evening or the following morning.”
“What?” Early cried.
“Alex,” the young Dr. Priddleton said pulling everyone from their thoughts. “Would you please stand?”
Alex rose from his chair.
“Now, would you raise your shirt so we can see your abdomen?”
As Alex pulled his shirt, Early saw a small scar just above his bellybutton. The scar was very similar to hers. Alex had been implanted with the same drug inducing system that was implanted in her. But was this truth or were they trying to deceive her? Her mind twirled with all the implications.
The main door opened and Drake entered carrying his briefcase and a huge smile. He nodded to Lewis and Greghardt taking a seat next to Dr. Leonora Priddleton.
“Nice you could make it, Drake,” Lewis said with a grin.
Drake tugged on one of the doctor’s braids before speaking. “Thank you, sir. A little more traffic at the airport than expected.”
“Drake!” Early yelled. Seeing Drake suddenly made things a whole lot better.
Drake placed his finger over his mouth to quiet her. But his wink brought a smile to her face.
“The boy, Daren, has no abnormal DNA sequencing,” Priddleton explained thumbing through her notes and ignoring the short intruption. “Alex is his father and Early is his mother. However, the twins, Dakota and Nevada, are a different story. Again, Alex is the father and Early is the mother. However, their DNA sequence has been spliced with Dolphin DNA. Dolphins and humans share many of the same chromosomes. Humans have forty-six where dolphins have forty-four. However, when compared, our chromosomes are basically the same. Therefore, it’s understandable the first attempts at genetic splicing between separate species would be with those we share the most similarities, our friends the dolphins.”
When no one responded, Leonora continued. “We analyzed the twin’s DNA and discovered the splicing was done in the area of lungs and breathing.”
“What that means Early,” Drake interrupted. “Both you and your husband were used as guinea pigs.”
“But…” Early said then stopped herself.
“Go on,” Agent Whitetower added trying to encourage Early. “Please ask your questions. Both of you.”
“How did they splice my eggs without me knowing?”
“Alex was working for the Philips Institute,” Agent Adrian Whitetower explained. “They saw an opportunity. The clinic that performed your invetro fertilization was also part of the Philips Institute. Once they decided on using you, it wasn’t hard to set the wheels in motion.”
“But then why take Early away from us?” Alex cried.
“You Alex,” Drake explained, “are a medical doctor. You specialize in fetal bone abnormalities. You would be easier to convince about what they were doing than your wife. Therefore, they tried to remove her from the equation.”
“But ruin her in the public’s eye!” he screamed. “Put her on trial, have her killed? Who are these sick people anyway?”
“I can answer that question,” a woman at the end of the table said standing up. “I’m Agent Carrie Clarke and I was assigned to the case from early on. And this is my partner Agent Skyler Brighten.”
Skyler stood, nodded then sat back down.
“During our investigation we ran into this symbol,” Carrie said sliding a photo across the table. “The Skull and Bones Society is a Yale University alumni funded and backed by the Philips Institute. The society began in 1832 and was established for the betterment of the human race. This society has been responsible for the placement of prominent people in important positions around the world. A lot of good has come from this society, but also a lot of bad. Within the Philips Institute are many individuals who believe our world is overpopulated. And if allowed, they would first fix the human DNA by expanding our lives by many years. And second, rid our world of the less fortunate.
“As our investigation progressed, we were able to match past Bonesmen with individuals within our government. Bonesmens are what that society calls their graduates.” When Early cringed, Carrie added, “Kind of sick, I know. Anyway, we were able to connect the dots and two major players jumped to the top of our list, the Director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Vernon Geeshmore, and the Director of the Centers for Disease Control, Dr. Roland Nestle. Dr. Nestle was also recognized by General Longhorn at an overseas conference where he never registered. That was my first clue.” Carrie sighed and again shrug
ged her shoulders.
“We found Dr. Eugene Spangleholtz deceased in a New York hotel about a month ago,” Skyler added standing to face the crowd. “It was cited as a brain aneurysm, however, after analyzing his blood, we determined it was drug induced. The man was murdered.”
“That was our second clue,” Carrie exclaimed with a huge smile. “So my partner and I put the two together and did a little more digging. And with the discovery of the old laboratory…”
“What old laboratory?” Alex asked.
“Oh,” Carrie replied. “I guess I left that part out. Skyler found it, or more like it, fell into it, an old Skull and Bones laboratory hidden in the mountains of Washington. We found huge jars with body parts.”
“And whole deformed babies,” Skyler stated shocking Early and Alex.
“How long had these experiments been going on?” Early asked.
“Tests on some of the fetuses date to the 1950s, give or take a decade,” Dr. Leonora Priddleton interjected, her long and braided ponytails danced around her.
“The 1950s?” Early yelled. “I thought this stuff was illegal or something.”
“It has been illegal in the United States for some time. Our government amended our constitution to prohibit human and animal hybrids. However, in other countries such as the United Kingdom, it’s not illegal. However, the Human Fertilization Embryology Act was amended in the 1990s to allow for hybrids of all kinds for medical research,” Leonora added. “However, the Act does provide for the prohibition of allowing the… the…” Leonora paused before continuing. “Hybrids from maturing.”
“So they broke the law,” Early yelled. “Go arrest them.”
“The Agency doesn’t arrest people, Early,” Carrie replied lowering her head. “We either confiscate them… or…”
“Kill them!” Early screamed jumping to her feet. “Then kill them! Kill them all! Look what they did to my girls, and to little Lizzie, and Gabe. It was WRONG!” Early sat down and cried into her hands.
