“Nothing for now. It all fits. May be providence in disguise.”
“The good news is, he didn’t transmit. My guess is that he’s got a hard copy stashed somewhere.”
“I’ll deal with it,” said Quan and he closed the line.
Now Quan understood why Bledsoe was so jovial on that last day in Paris. He was one step ahead from the beginning. As a Plan B, he had planted an operative at the Research Center even before the conference began.
Of course, thought Quan, it all fits. Inspectors from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission filed a report for the reactor. That report ended up in the hands of Central Intelligence. For all we know they’ve been surveilling us from day one.
Below, in the laboratory, McGowen leered at David. “Yer lucky, boy.”
“I don’t feel lucky,” said David.
“Lucky I don’t put you in a ditch. Lucky that’s not how we do things around here.”
The elevator door opened and as Quan came into view McGowen blurted out, “I take full responsibility for this, sir. I thought he was doing the work I gave him—maybe a little research on his own, but . . . I should’ve looked more closely.”
“You’re not to blame,” said Quan striding into the room. “I think we can resolve this to everyone’s benefit. Come on, David. Let’s take a walk.”
“Like I said, I was just doing a job,” said David, getting to his feet and sizing up McGowen.
“Come on,” said Quan, taking the lead, steering David back into the elevator.
The doors closed and Quan continued. “See how this is working out for you, David? What kind of life have you got? Stealing and hiding in the shadows? That may have been exciting for you in your teens, but you’re getting a little old for that. It’s time you stepped up to something more fulfilling. What we’re doing here is going to affect people worldwide—in a good way. It may even change humanity forever. What are you doing that will have that kind of impact?”
As soon as the elevator door opened, David stepped out and said, “Nice talking to you, but I’ve got to run.” He turned and took off, running toward the roadway.
Quan shouted, “Was that your only copy?”
David stopped in his tracks. Pressing a finger to his temple he said, “Wait. What?” He fumbled in the corners of his pockets. His data bank and the locater were gone.
“That’s impossible. How did you do that?”
“My dear Mr. Gepeta,” said Quan, walking toward him, “I know a quite few things you don’t know. Now come back, walk with me.”
“Fuck me,” said David, walking in Quan’s direction.
Arriving at the cliffs, with the whitewater pounding below, Quan said, “Change is inevitable.” He threw two tiny objects out into the air, watching them drift down into the breakers.
“You’re being pretty cool about this,” said David, fidgeting, afraid to be so close to the precipice. “This whole ‘hidden world’ thing you discovered is pretty damn cool, but you can’t keep me here. All you can prove is that I accessed your software and I’ll say I had permission from that big lunk. What you’ve got on me is a big nothing.”
“Help us with the research,” said Quan. “That’s what I want. I think there’s a place for you here.”
David kicked a bit of dirt with his foot and scoffed. “I don’t need a job, if that’s what you’re offering. I think what you’ve got here is primo but I’m just not the guy you want—not much of a team player—never have been.”
“What have you got to lose? Free room and board. Give it a month, then decide.”
“A month wouldn’t kill me, buuuuut . . .” said David, looking down at waves breaking on the jagged rocks. “I’m not so sure I want to be here.”
“If you were honest with yourself, you’d admit that you don’t want to spend the rest of your life hiding in the shadows. I see you, David. I know there were events in your life that you still blame yourself for. You have a mistaken view of yourself, but deep down you want to do things you can be proud of.”
“I’ve got to say, I’d like to learn how you did what you did back there in the elevator.”
“We’ll see.” Quan saw what would follow as if it were a sign hung around David’s neck.
“Something tells me I don’t have a choice,” he said. “Just a month. Right? Then I can leave if I want to?”
“That’s all I ask. Do we have a deal?” said Quan, extending his hand.
David shook Quan’s hand nervously. A guy who could disappear at will could easily push him over the edge.
“You had me all along. You knew who I was. Damn. Why’d you string me out?”
“It was important that you chose to be here of your own free will. Now, that your only copy?”
“Yes, but damn. You went under my skin, and in my pocket!” said David, flabbergasted. “I didn’t feel a thing. How’d you do that?”
“It’s a long story. Now, can I trust you to behave? No more stealing from us? No more trying to transmit information.”
“Okay, okay, okay.”
“Good. I’ll tell everyone the news,” said Quan, calmly. “Trust me, they’ll be fine with it.”
Hold your friends close and your enemies closer.
47.
David Gepeta, alias DrFrag, alias Ghostfish, alias Nikki9, alias McWack, was one of the best. Starting as a teen, he was able to reach into the data vaults of corporations and governments with immaculate ease. When he was eventually caught, it hadn’t been the result of carelessness. He’d been set up by another hacker who plea bargained to save his own skin. The feds gave David a choice: work for dot gov or come out of stasis an old man. Not a difficult choice to make.
Being caught at the Research Center added yet another failure to his name and, as for the money, well—no product, no money. But all was not lost; there was the curious matter of Quan not pressing charges, letting him stay on—a gesture he didn’t deserve but one he was determined to capitalize on. What Quan was capable of, the ability to disappear at will, made the run-time codes look like chump change. If he could master the technique, he could have the world and everything in it.
Over the next twenty-four hours, he tried to will himself into the unseen world. He tried until his back was racked with pain and his vision blurred, yet there was no effect, not even a hint of change. Convinced it was a technique he could learn, he went to the underground lab looking for Quan.
David stepped out of the lift and was immediately confronted by McGowen. “You need something?”
“Not from you, big guy,” said David, walking over to Quan. “You said I could assist with the research.”
“Yes.”
“I want to research transferring the way you do. You’re the only one who can do it. Isn’t that right?”
“So far as we know.”
“I want to understand how it’s done. It’s a technique, right? Something that can be learned?”
“I wouldn’t trust him if I were you,” said McGowen.
“It’s okay,” said Quan, holding up a hand. “Meet me topside in an hour and we can talk about it.”
Wind was whipping their pant legs as they crossed the compound. Reaching the coastal precipice, Quan stepped out onto his favorite flat rock, facing the horizon. “Come up here,” he said.
David hesitated, seeing the ocean below.
“You have a strong desire,” said Quan. “Let’s see how far that can take you.”
David hesitated to step up onto the rock platform.
“First, you need to overcome your fear.”
David pursed his lips and stepped up next to Quan. “What do you mean?”
Quan’s green eyes sparkled. “Close your eyes and empty your mind.”
David looked down three stories to the rocks below.
“Nothing to be afraid of,” said Quan. “I’m here with you.”
Quan looked straight ahead and said not a word. He could feel David’s mind churning.
David continued to look
at him apprehensively.
Motionless as a stone monument, Quan stood patiently waiting for David’s restless parade of thoughts to end. “When your mind is still, it will happen,” he said.
As time passed, David calmed down and his mind slowed, thoughts coiling themselves like snakes under a cool rock. Looking out to the horizon, he could hear the waves surging below and things moving all around him—a squirrel in the brush, hawks above, insects on the ground, the sun’s energy warming his skin, and the briny air in his nostrils. His thoughts were in abeyance, his attention on nothing in particular.
“Good,” said Quan. “Now follow me.”
First the surface of Quan’s body became grainy. Then, very slowly, the grains dissolved into the air. Watching, David could sense the change taking place next to him and he tried to follow Quan’s lead.
Once Quan was gone, David’s fear returned. Standing on that rocky precipice alone, he was vulnerable. Was this a trick? What if Quan wanted to push him over the edge?
In the Braneworld, a multicolored storm encircles Quan. He looks at David, a shadowy figure covered in white fringe. He can see David looking around for safety. But there is something else Quan sees. Unexpectedly, there is something on the other side of David, another figure. He leans forward to get a better view. The form withdraws. He takes a step back, trying to catch a better look. His mind bristles, he loses concentration and the Braneworld vanishes.
“I can’t do it,” said David. “I don’t understand how. What do I need to do?”
Quan tried to explain. “Conventional wisdom says the brain gives rise to a thing we call mind. However, there are yogis who use their minds to control the brain, and they can tell their brains to do things that seem impossible—like disregard pain and stop the heart. I believe the mind can also control the flux of matter between this world and the other. All I’m doing is concentrating on being there instead of here. Maybe it’s not something you can learn. I don’t know.”
“I’m just not getting it.”
“I’ll tell Dr. von Ang to set you up for transference. When equipment takes you there, concentrate on the process of what it’s doing to your body. That will help.”
“I’m still getting used to the idea that you trust me.”
Seeing the good in him, Quan expected the transfer experience would have a profound effect on David.
Turn enemies into allies.
New Hong Kong
Sealy was sitting up in bed at her parents’ house, feeling snug under the covers. In the view field hovering at the foot of her bed, a fashionable young Asian woman dressed in white silk stepped onto the gangway of a luxury yacht. Holding on to her wide-brimmed white hat with one hand, she reached out with the other hand. One of the crew, also dressed in white, reached out a hand to assist her. Nearby another crew member held out a small silver tray with a martini glass containing a bright amber liquid. The young woman removed her hat and tossed back her long black hair. With a flourish, she picked up the glass and, lifting it high, she said, “For health and prosperity.” Taking a sip, she smiled broadly and the camera went in for a close-up of her face. The words “Qinghou Wealth Tonic” appeared at the bottom of the view field.
Sealy’s com started bipping. She shouted at the projection, “Vidi off!” and the room obeyed.
“Hey, it’s me,” said Lotus. “Am I interrupting something?”
“It’s fine,” said Sealy, trying to be cordial. “I’m glad it’s you. I was feeling a little lonesome. How is everything in California?”
“That’s why I’m calling,” said Lotus. “Hey. We have vidi comm set up here now. Turn on your camera.”
Sealy spoke the command and instantly Lotus was on the view field.
“Wow. Look at you—like a queen. How comfortable you look.”
“Well, there’s this.” Sealy pulled down the sheets and lifted her nightshirt to show her belly.
“You’re beautiful. How are you feeling?”
She smiled. “I’m feeling good, but a little confined here.”
“You can go outside, can’t you?”
“There isn’t anywhere to go that I haven’t already been a hundred times before. So, tell me what’s going on there.”
“There was an explosion.”
“What? No! That’s terrible. In the laboratory? Was anyone hurt?”
“None of us were hurt. It was outside—far away from the lab. It was loud. Woke everyone up.”
“It was an accident? What caused it?”
“We don’t know for sure. I should let Quan tell you about it. He knows more than I do.”
“Here we go again. I haven’t heard from him in days.”
The thought of Quan being too busy to tell her about an explosion was infuriating. Three weeks had past since they’d left Paris and they had only spoken a few times. It was maddening.
“This is beyond belief. Why is he being so inconsiderate,” said Sealy.
“He probably didn’t want to upset you. It’s been crazy busy here and he’s had his hands full,” said Lotus. “I’m sure he’ll be in touch soon.”
“Don’t make excuses for him. He was so warm and sweet in Paris and now he’s acting as though we’re strangers. He used to tell me everything. Now, he doesn’t call. What’s going on with him?”
“Lately he’s expressed doubts about the value of what we’re doing here. I’m sure he’d rather be back home with you.”
Lotus went on to talk about David’s attempt to steal secrets and his real identity as an American hacker. She had concerns about David working on the perimeter security. As Sealy listened, it became clear that Quan was facing a host of problems.
“I feel abandoned. It’s as if that research has taken everything away from me.”
“I know it must feel that way,” said Lotus. “When you’re able, you really should come for a visit. You’d be amazed.”
“I thought I wanted to, but with what you’ve just told me, it doesn’t sound safe. Besides, I’m not sure Quan wants me there. What about you and Gaston? Are you getting along?”
“We’re solid and I’ve learned so much from him.”
“I’m thinking this is a more comfortable place for me to be, at least for now. Ask Quan to com me. We need to talk.”
48.
Morning came and Dr. von Ang was settling into his workstation, about to enjoy his second cup of Italian roast. As ususal, he began the morning reviewing graphs and readouts from the previous day. Being a conscientious scientist, he continued to check the logs and verify the calibrations daily even though the equipment continued to operate perfectly. Everything looked normal until . . .
He sat up straight and set down his cup. In a separate window, he brought up the benchmark, the first human transfer at the new facility, the one with the volunteer. Comparing the values to the most recent transfers, the power signatures and the fifth-order harmonics were different.
Concerned that one of the subsystems might be failing, von Ang ran diagnostics. The systems were functioning within acceptable limits. So, what is it? he wondered.
Leaving his desk, he went to the equipment room. Finding McGowen there, he asked, “Are there any new radiation sources in the lab?”
McGowen looked up from his work and thought for a moment. “New? Nothing new. Why?”
“The system is running within spec, but the harmonics have changed. I’m thinking it might be some sort of external radiation. Are you sure there isn’t something new?”
“Hmm. Nothing new except that old interceptor I parked out back.”
“You can check to see if it is leaking?”
“You know how to use an antenna. Check it yourself,” said McGowen, going back to what he was doing.
Von Ang went to the back of the room and took what he needed from the equipment rack. Carrying a black box in one hand and a wand in the other, he went outside. Standing next to the vehicle he threw the silver tarp covering and switched on the receiver. He plugged the antenn
a cable into a port on the box and began walking around the vehicle. Passing the wand over the top and underneath, there was only a faint trace of radiation—hardly registering on the meter.
Returning to his desk, he sat motionless, wondering what else it could be. Flipping through the records, he began looking through the session logs one at a time. The latest transfers showed different values, however the system hadn’t posted errors. Opening the archive of routine data backups he saw a series of saves that were not scheduled. The times were random.
To his surprise, the file that had been saved several times was the source code. He opened the source code file and ran a comparator program looking at each line of code. Some of the values had been changed.
With a hand on the doorway, von Ang leaned into the room where McGowen was working and asked, “Did you make any changes to the run-time code?”
“No. Why would I do that?”
“Well, somebody did, and it wasn’t me.”
A concerned look swept over McGowen’s face. His eyes went to the transference rig in the other room and he blurted out, “Judas priest. If it’s that kid again, I’ll have his guts for garters.”
“Wait,” said von Ang. “I should tell Quan first.”
When Quan heard the news, he said calmly, “On my way. Have him meet us in the lab.”
A few minutes later the elevator door opened and David stepped out. “You wanted me?”
“Did you make changes to the run-time codes?” asked Quan.
“Has to be him,” McGowen grumbled.
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