“It's good to see you too. But Aubrey, you are in one heck of a mess here. Take a seat and tell me how this happened.”
After a quick survey of the room, the black-suited escorts returned to the hallway and closed the door. Aubrey and Geoff sat down at the conference table. Geoff took a holocube from his briefcase and sat it on the table in front of him. A virtual display appeared in the air above the cube.
“I am going to record this okay?”
Aubrey nodded as Geoff gestured across the display.
“Do you think they are recording as well?”
Aubrey glanced around the room looking for recording devices even though she knew she would never see them if they were there.
“That’s unlikely. They know that doing so would violate attorney client privilege and could result in their case being thrown out if they try to use anything you say to me against you. That said, it wouldn't hurt to be extremely thoughtful about your statements. Understand?”
“Perfectly.”
“Okay, so why don't you start from the beginning. Just assume that I know nothing.”
Aubrey took a deep breath and then began her story. “Well, this all started last year when Mom died...”
She spent the next thirty minutes walking Geoff through the events that had led to her decision to bring back her grandfather. Namely, that Telogene's scientists, along with other top scientists from around the world, had been working on the global fertility problem for the last ten years with no success. Aubrey believed there was a flaw in the cloning process that was the basis for all genetic enhancement technologies and the only way to find it was to go back to the very beginning. There had to be something they were missing and a new perspective might help.
Since her grandfather had been an early pioneer in this space, she reasoned that he would have first-hand knowledge of early events and decisions long forgotten by modern scientists. That and the fact he wasn't exposed to the breakthroughs and scientific advancement that had occurred in the last fifty years put him in the unique position of being able to look at the problem as a true outsider without bias toward long-accepted practices and methodologies.
“Think about it like this,” she said as she wrapped up her explanation. “You work every day within the boundaries of an international legal system that didn't even exist fifty years ago. If there was something fundamentally flawed with that system, who is more likely to see it—someone like you who has spent his entire life practicing law according to the terms of the current system, or someone who is looking at it for the very first time?”
Geoff thought about it for a moment. “Well, I could argue that the insider is better able to find flaws in a system that he knows intimately…but I understand your point. Sometimes a fresh perspective can lead to a breakthrough.”
“Exactly,” Aubrey replied.
“But that still doesn't explain why you chose to bring back your grandfather, Aubrey.” Geoff could tell she was holding something back, and he needed to know what it was. “There must be dozens, maybe even hundreds, of scientists living or dead that are as smart and talented as your grandfather. Why not bring in one of them? Or heck, why not bring them all back and increase your odds?”
Aubrey leaned forward in her chair and flexed her index finger a few times to signal him to move closer. When their faces were just a few inches apart she leaned forward and put her arms around his neck, pulling him even closer.
She put her lips to his ear and whispered. “We have assembled a team of the world's best geneticists and bio-engineers at a secret location and Doctor Hao is taking my grandfather there now.” Aubrey let that sink in for a second before continuing. “But more importantly, he is the only family I have left and I need him.”
Aubrey slowly removed her arms from around his neck and slid back in her chair.
“First things first,” she said for the benefit of anyone who might be listening. “You need to get me out of here, so we can work on my defense.”
Geoff swiveled his chair and tapped out a few commands on the virtual keyboard the data cube projected on the conference table. He looked at the information that appeared and then turned back to Aubrey.
“I already requested an expedited arraignment,” he said, “but they won't hear us until tomorrow. So, I am afraid that you will have to spend at least one more night in here.”
The door at the end of the room opened and one of the dark-suited men entered the room.
“Time's up,” he said curtly. “Let's go.”
Aubrey and Geoff both stood. Aubrey gave him a firm hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. “I appreciate that you came.”
“Of course, Aubrey. I promise I will do everything I can to get you out of here.”
“I know you will.” She did her best to force a smile before turning toward the door.
She stopped and turned back toward Geoff after just a few steps. “One more thing,” she added. “You’ll need this, it’s the data cube I gave Evelyn. They unlocked it.”
Geoff took the cube from her and twirled it between his fingers. “What’s on it?”
“My last instructions to Evelyn and updates on all current and pending initiatives at Telogene.”
“And…” Geoff asked.
“And the AI algorithms required to establish secure communications with our research lab at Kepler City.”
“Anything else I should know about?”
“Nothing noteworthy, just a few housekeeping items in case I’m never heard from again.”
Geoff scowled. “Well, that’s a grim thought. Did you update your archive?”
“Yes, and I created backups of all sensitive material in my possession…as required by the board and our business continuity plan.”
Geoff raised an eyebrow. “How current?”
“April 2nd at 11:13 PM.”
“Hmm, I guess that will have to do.”
“It was the best I could manage given the circumstances.”
“Alright, I will take a look when I get back to my hotel. Take care of yourself until I can get you out of here.”
“I will, and when you have a minute, will you please find out what's going on with Evelyn, I would really like to talk to her, and please also check in on Leah and Tanessa?”
“Of course, I will meet with Doctors Berkovic and Walker shortly and I will try to get a meeting with Evelyn. You know she is an Overwatch agent, right?”
“Yes, Dianne told me…but I still want to talk to her if I can.”
Aubrey stood up and moved toward the guards.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said. “And thanks again for getting here so quickly.”
Geoff replied with a slight nod and a smile. He gathered up his things and headed for the door. Leah and Tanessa were being held in another building a few blocks away and he was supposed to meet with them in a little under an hour.
It's time to call in some favors, Geoff thought as he hurried toward the elevator.
As soon as he was well away from the GSSA building, he made his first call. The image of an attractive blond appeared on his retinal display.
“Alexei Dumanov, please,” he asked politely.
“I'm sorry, Mr. Wagner but you don't have an appointment,” she replied pleasantly.
That was the downside of modern communications technology—everyone knows everything about you before they answer.
“I understand, would you please tell him that today is the day that the sun rises after midnight?”
The woman was clearly confused but she complied with his request. “Just one moment, please.”
The image being projected on Geoff's retina showed random nature scenes and soft music played in his ear. He had requested a taxi during his elevator ride down to the lobby and it pulled up to the curb in front of him. The door slid open and Geoff climbed in, placing his palm on the DNA scanner mounted on the center console.
“Number 12 GFN Plaza,” he said to the driverless hovercar.
; “It will take ten minutes to reach your destination, Mr. Wagner,” the car replied in a pleasant female voice. “The fare will be ten Globals, should I proceed?”
The Global was the common name for the worldwide currency implemented by the GFN. Some countries, like the United States, still supported their own currencies but all international trade was denominated in Globals; and every member nation had to accept Globals as legal tender within their territory. After Zurich became the capital of the GFN, the Swiss people voted to replace the Frank with the Global as a show of solidarity and commitment to the new government.
“Proceed,” Geoff replied.
Ten Globals were deducted from his account and the hovercar left the curb and merged into traffic.
A minute later a man in his late forties or early fifties appeared on Geoff's retinal display.
“What can I do for you, Mr. Wagner?” he asked
“Ah, Alexei. It's good to see you, old friend. How are Svetlana and Mikka?” Geoff asked politely about Alexei's wife and son.
“They are well, thank you. Svetlana still loves shopping and Mikka is enjoying his assignment on Mars but of course, you knew that.”—a thin smile spread across his face—“Thank you for asking but I am sure that this is not just a social call.”
“No, it's not. Let's go secure, use theta lambda one six sigma nine zeta gamma three to authenticate.” Geoff said, giving him the access code for his private encryption key.
A moment later an icon appeared on his retinal display informing him that they had a secure connection. Secure was a bit of a misnomer because all civilian encryption schemes included a built-in back door for easy access by law enforcement but at least they would have to get a warrant if they wanted to hear Geoff's conversation—and that would take time.
“Now what do you want?” Alexei said curtly.
“I need an extraction.”
“Who is the target?”
“Aubrey Harris, CEO of Telogene.”
“Current location?”
“GSSA headquarters in Switzerland.”
“Is she in custody?”
“Yes.”
“Of course, she is,” Alexei said with a note of disdain in his voice. “Destination?”
“Mars.”
“Are you out of your fucking mind?” Alexei's Russian accent became noticeably more pronounced as he swore in frustration. “You have the nerve to call me out of the blue after all these years and this is what you ask for? I am hanging up now. It was nice hearing from you, please don't be such a stranger.”
“You owe me, Alex. Please don't make me remind you of just how much you owe me. I wouldn't call you if I had any other choice.”
Alexei sat back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. Several seconds passed before he said anything.
“So, there it is,” he finally said.
“Yes, Alex, we both knew this day would come and here it is. Please don't make it any harder than it needs to be. I am not asking you to go out of pocket on this, I will cover all of your expenses. But I need you to do this and I need you to not to ask me anything you don't need to know. Understand?”
“Yes, I understand but now you understand something—if I do this then we are even. You will never call me again. I don't want to see you or hear from you ever again, are we clear?”
“Agreed. I will send you an address where you can retrieve the data file that will give you the pertinent details.”
“What's the time frame?” Alexei asked.
“How quick can you have your team ready?”
“Twenty-four hours, maybe less.”
“Perfect. The hearing is tomorrow at 3:00 PM I am not sure of the location yet but I will let you know. Assuming it goes against us, I want you ready to go on a minute’s notice.”
“Okay, Geoff, whatever you say. We'll be ready.” Alexei paused. “That is what you are calling yourself these days, isn't it? Geoff?”
“Just be there, Alexei. Don't make me regret saving your life.”
“Don't worry, we will be there. Enjoy the rest of your day.” Alexei terminated the call.
Geoff leaned back into the plush leather seat and took a deep breath.
“It's going to be a long week,” he said out loud.
The taxi remained silent as it made its way through Zurich traffic.
CHAPTER 8
APRIL 4, 2075 1:00 PM GST
JW Marriott Hotel
Xi'an, China
Evan Feldman looked out the window of his hotel room on the twentieth floor of the Xi'an Marriott. They had landed at the People's International Spaceport on the outskirts of Xi'an a little over twelve hours ago and, thanks to Doctor Hao's contacts, were escorted through customs with no questions. Evan also learned that his DNA belonged to one James Evan Richardson, who was a researcher at Telogene and who regularly came to China to work alongside fellow researchers at Telogene's Xi'an facility. That accounted for the very friendly "Welcome back, Mr. Richardson" that Evan had received from the helpful customs agent.
They had taken a taxi to the Marriott and had a late dinner in their rooms. Evan was amazed by the driverless vehicle's ability to navigate Xi'an's congested roads and alleyways. Even at that late hour, there had been thousands of motorized vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and animals on the roads and sidewalks but even the occasional cat darting across the road posed no problem for the autonomous taxi cab.
Evan was exhausted from the day's events and slept soundly through the night, waking only when his stomach growled with hunger. Doctor Hao had left him a message saying he had errands to run and that he would be back around noon. Since he had time to kill, Evan ordered a late breakfast and a pot of coffee. He relished the slightly acidic flavor of his first cup of coffee before adding cream and sweetener. It had been a long time since he had enjoyed a morning coffee and he was intent on drinking the entire pot.
By the time he finished the coffee, Doctor Hao was an hour late and Evan was getting worried. He picked out several easily identifiable landmarks on the street below to get his bearings and then went to the bathroom to finish dressing. A few minutes later he was knocking on the door to Doctor Hao's room, which was just down the hall from his own. There was no answer. Evan continued down the hallway to the elevator and waited for it open.
The door slid open to reveal Doctor Hao standing inside.
“Chen, you're late! I was worried,” Evan said, deciding they all might as well be on a first name basis now since they were fugitives from justice.
“Good, you're ready. Let's go,” the doctor replied. He grabbed Evan by the elbow and led him down the long hallway without waiting for a response.
“What happened?” Evan asked.
“I apologize, I was being followed and had to lose them before I could attend to my business.”
“Who's following you?”
“Probably GSSA agents but...”
“What's the GSSA?” Evan interrupted.
“The Global Standards and Safety Administration, it’s the branch of the GFN that monitors illegal cloning activity.”
“Are they going to arrest us?”
“Only if they catch us, which is why we are taking the stairs. Come on, pick up the pace. We have to hurry.”
Both men sprinted the length of the hallway then ducked into the stairwell and ran down the stairs as fast as they could. They were alone in the stairwell and nobody interrupted their descent to the ground floor. Evan was out of breath by the time they reached the bottom but was happy with how well his body was doing, especially since they had restored him just a short forty-eight hours ago! Chen wasn't even breathing hard.
“Wait here.” The doctor signaled for Evan to stay in the stairwell while he checked the rest of their exit path.
Only a few seconds passed before he came back.
“Okay Plan B. There are GSSA agents in the lobby and I am sure there are more agents upstairs banging on our hotel room doors as we speak.”—he pointed at the sta
irs—“That way.”
The two men continued down another two flights of stairs and exited in the lower level of the underground parking garage.
“This way.” Doctor Hao jogged down a long line of vehicles toward a downward sloping ramp.
Evan could see daylight coming from the street exit and moved toward it.
Chen stopped him. “No, this way. They will be waiting for us there.”
They ran across the garage, trying to use the parked vehicles for cover as they made their way to the opposite side of the structure. Doctor Hao stopped when they reached a door marked “Emergency Exit” in several languages.
“An alarm will sound when we open this door. To the right is an alley. When we get outside, you run as fast as you can to the street and turn left. Keep running until you get to the restaurant at the end of the block and then go left down the next street. About halfway down that street, you will see a silver hovercar like the one we drove to the airport from Telogene. There will be a woman in the front seat. Get in and do exactly what she tells you. Understand?”
“What about you?” Evan asked.
“I will be right behind you but if something happens, just keep going and don't look back. Understand?”
“Got it.”
“Okay, let's go.”
Doctor Hao pushed the door open and a loud alarm blared throughout the garage. Both men ran down the alley at top speed. Evan glanced back briefly but saw no one chasing them.
Doctor Hao gave Evan a gentle shove, “Keep going. Just because you don't see them doesn't mean they aren't there!”
The street was packed with people and they had to slow to a fast walk as they pushed their way through the throng. Several people objected loudly to being nudged out of the way but nobody tried to impede their progress. The crowd thinned a little once they turned down the side street behind the restaurant. Evan could see the silver car parked right where Doctor Hao said it would be.
“Come on, Evan, run. We are almost there!” Doctor Hao sprinted toward the car and Evan kept pace.
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