The Third Ten

by Jacqueline Druga

  “Running. Driving. Same difference in this situation.”

  “Actually …” Robbie said. “It’s only the same difference when you’re talking about Frank.”

  Hal rolled his eyes.

  “Were you guys playing a game?” Frank asked.

  “No, we were not playing a game,” Hal replied. “I was trying to catch our brother.”

  “So you were playing a game.”

  “No! Christ!” Hal blasted. “I wasn’t playing a game! Robbie!” Hal faced him. “I told you something very important, and you ran.”

  “Drove.”

  “Whatever.”

  Frank interjected. “I hate that.”

  “Who cares?” Hal snapped. “Robbie why did you drive away from me.”

  “I had somewhere to go.”

  “There,” Frank said. “Settled.”

  “It’s not settled. I was trying to catch him. He wouldn’t stop.”

  “Maybe he didn’t know,” Frank said.

  “He knew. I flashed my lights. Beeped my horn. Called him …” Hal said. “And I lost him.”

  This surprised Frank. “Robbie, why wouldn’t you stop?”

  “I was in a hurry.”

  “Oh.” Frank nodded.

  “Oh?” Hal asked sarcastically. “He says ‘Oh’ and you accept it. I don’t Robbie why were you running from me?”

  “Why were you chasing me?”

  “Why were you running?”

  “Why were you chasing.”

  “Enough!” Hal yelled. “We will talk later about this. Right now …” he inhaled “We have a brother’s get together.”

  Jimmy spoke up. “I’m glad you guys are here. I’ve made a lot of progress on this. Watch the board.”

  They did.

  At first it lit up, differently than the other one.

  Frank blinked. “That’s new.”

  Jimmy nodded. “It shows the entire globe spread out. Now I’m gonna ask the system to scan the skies for anything coming this way.” Jimmy clicked away. “I can also set it to scan every minute, two minutes …. There.” He sat back. The system ‘blinged’ and massive amounts of lights appeared to the east, west and south of the United States.

  Hal’s ‘Holy shit’ was matched in volume with Frank’s...

  “Fuck!” Frank backed up. “Robbie get on the horn we have …”

  “Hold it.” Jimmy yelled. “This isn’t real. This is what it would look like if it were. I can assess what’s coming in the computer, can approximate what type of aircraft and how many. Right now, it’s saying five hundred.” Jimmy explained. “I can scan for sea, land, air … set a perimeter. It’s only gonna pick up a bigger movement. But we can tweak it to pick up as little as one man.”

  “So we can conceivably find more people?” Hal asked.

  “And you know they’re out there,” Jimmy said.

  Frank exhaled. “This is what? What are we looking at?”

  “A training software,” Jimmy said. “I was able to pull it out. It trains on different scenarios and on how to use the system. I’m learning it. That way when I really find the program, the real program, I’ll have it down pat and there’ll be no mistakes.”

  Frank asked. “How long?”

  Jimmy lifted his hands. “I’m not sure. Soon, though. Soon. I’ll find it, program it and we’re good to go.”

  “Wow” Robbie said. “Ok, you know what I think.”

  “Yes,” Frank stated. “I do.”

  Robbie snickered.

  Hal rolled his eyes.

  Robbie continued. “I think now that we have this program, we should start training people on this. That way when this is up and running, we can have full round the clock surveillance.”

  Frank agreed. He stepped closer to the board, facing it. “This has to be it. It’s fucking brilliant. It has to be the difference that is made in this war. If in the other futures we didn’t have this, we were hit by a surprise attack. This way, we can see it coming and get ready. Yeah … this has to be it. What else can there be?”

  Robbie didn’t know for sure, but one thing he did believe was that the AL3S system couldn’t have been the one thing. If it was, then why the big plot to get his father out of the picture.

  No. The difference in the war was Frank. He had to be. But how? What was it that Frank was going to do, that neither Hal, George nor his father would do?

  It was all part of Robbie’s mystery to solve.

  At least he thought …. Until Danny walked in.

  “Whoa, hey.” Danny smiled. “It’s all Slagel and testosterone in here.” He smiled. “What’s going on?”

  Robbie replied. “Picking on Jimmy.”

  “About jerking off,” Frank said.

  “Good God.” Hal shook his head.

  Danny laughed.

  “Actually,” Frank pointed to the screen. “Jimmy unearthed the training program.”

  Danny looked at the board. “Simulation?”

  “Yep.” Frank replied.

  “Sweet. I just stopped by to make sure things were OK. We got a power surge alarm.”

  Jimmy asked. “When?”

  “Couple minutes ago. I was on my way home when they told me. It was the third one today,” Danny replied. “But I’m wondering … is this the third time you ran this?”

  “Third time I fired it up,” Jimmy replied.

  Robbie interjected. “So this thing is draining power?”

  “Yeah upon powering, maybe. I’ll check it out tomorrow. If need be, I’ll see what I can do to get it its own power source, this is too vital to chance blowing out like the time machine.”

  Frank nodded. “Sounds good.”

  “Ok, well, I’ll let you guys bond and pick on Jimmy.” Danny walked to the door. “Oh, hey.” He snapped his finger and spun around. “Before I forget. Not real important, just a bit of a mystery.”

  Robbie’s attention was piqued.

  “By chance, did your dad give you his password to history files?”

  Each brother shook his head.

  Hal asked. “Does his unlock something special?”

  “No, not really. Not at all actually, just gave him access to history at odd times.”

  “Hey.” Frank said. “How come I don’t have one?”

  “We thought you were using your dad’s,” Danny said.

  “Why would you think that?” Frank asked.

  “Someone has. After he died. I changed it though.” Danny shrugged. “Probably Jason. See ya …”

  “Danny.” Hal called out. “Someone was using my father’s password to view history.”

  “Yeah, at odd hours. But … we think it’s Jason or maybe Andrea. So, it’s not a big deal. Whoever is using it is only viewing info everyone else can see anyhow.” Danny opened the door. “Nothing to worry about.”

  Robbie saw by his brothers’ reaction that they heeded what Danny said and shrugged it off. But Robbie didn’t. He couldn’t. It just seemed too valuable of information and a possible piece to the bigger puzzle.

  <><><><>

  With some work, he was able to draw saliva from the sandwiches. Unfortunately for Dean, he had a fifty-fifty chance of running the tests on the person other than the clone. He picked the wrong sandwich. The results came up with a match to his own.

  At least he knew whatever DNA he pulled, wasn’t a match to his own.

  Dean was just as curious as to who the other person was.

  It was also possible that the identity could be unknown. The other person might not be in the DNA database.

  While the tests ran, Dean found himself staring at the box. He really, really wanted to play with it. Learn it. It was driving him insane.

  Living alone, with no outside influences, afforded Dean the opportunity to do work in a few hours that previously would have taken him days.

  He had everything ready from the pictures, slides, cultures, and body examination. A report ready for Robbie. One that didn’t quite make as much sense as he ho
ped, and one that didn’t give him any answers. In fact, it made things more confusing.

  The computer sounded off that the DNA program analysis was complete and Dean moved to the computer. He pulled up the results and they literally stumbled him backwards.

  The computer found a DNA match. The buddy or dining partner of the clone was without a doubt from Beginnings. And the results shocked Dean. It was the last person’s name he expected to see on the screen.

  <><><><>

  Roy panicked.

  He wasn’t able to get into the trailer. Someone had changed all the locks and sealed it up tight. His things were in there, but he took comfort in the fact that they were hidden. Who would go under the bed anyhow?

  He was supposed to meet his friend again before heading to Ellen’s to see the kids. But since the meeting place was locked tight, he didn’t know if he’d see his friend.

  The last they spoke, his friend told him that if he had nervous energy Roy should go work in the lab.

  That was a good idea. Roy decided after meeting with the kids, he’d go to the cryo lab and work on things. It would be quiet and no one would bother him.

  Plus, since he was filling in for Dean as Dean, perhaps Roy could help out his original by not just solving problems, but by giving him really cool tools that Dean didn’t have. Tools Dean probably would have invented had he thought of it. Dean would be grateful.

  First problem first.

  The children.

  Roy was clueless on not only how to handle them, but who they were and all of their names.

  Elliott Ryder looked proper as he stood a small distance from the dining room table where Ellen instructed the children.

  “So, you see, he may seem a little different. Be on your best behavior.”

  Alex asked, “Is he dangerous?”

  Billy rolled his eyes. “I cannot believe you just asked if our father was dangerous. She said ‘different’ not dangerous. God!”

  “Well, sorry.” Alex snapped.

  Hand to the side of his head, Billy asked. “What exactly do you mean by different. Looking different? What?”

  “A little. Mainly personality wise,” Ellen answered. “He’s been giving himself the healing agent for the damage caused by the chip and he’s very ... very pleasant and different.”

  “So you’ve said,” Billy stated. “And this has happened in two days.”

  “Yes.”

  “Really. I find it hard to believe.”

  “Why are you questioning me?” Ellen asked.

  “Because I think there’s something you’re not telling us.”

  “If there’s something I’m not telling you, there’s a reason for it. Just … be nice. Be good and don’t saying anything to him about being different.”

  “Fine.” Billy tossed his hand upward.

  The doorbell rang, Ellen walked to retrieve it. “Dean. Come in.” she opened the door wider.

  Roy stepped inside.

  The second he did Alexandra and Joey pelted him with screams of, ‘Daddy!’

  Roy jumped back with a scream of his own … shock.

  Billy looked over his shoulder at Ellen. “Different.”

  “Hello,” Roy said to Alex, shaking her hand, then did the same to Joey.

  Again, Billy delivered a glance to Ellen. “Different.”

  “Shh.” She placed her finger to her mouth.

  Roy walked further into the house. “Sgt. Elliott Ryder. What brings you here?”

  Elliott smiled peacefully. “I came to help Ellen get the children situated. I’m also her escort tonight.”

  “That is very nice of you,” Roy said. “You are a very nice man.”

  Billy snorted a laugh. “That’s not what you said last week. Last week you said he was gonna cut through the middle and take mom from Frank.”

  “Take her where?” Roy asked.

  “Marry her.”

  “Oh,” Roy scoffed. “She is already married to Frank. You must have heard me incorrectly. I would know better than to say that.”

  “Right.” Billy nodded.

  Ellen sighed out loudly. “OK, well.” She cleared her throat. “We won’t be long, Dean.”

  Roy did a double take. “You’re leaving?”

  “Um ... yes.” Ellen nodded.

  “You’re leaving me alone with the children?”

  “Yes,” Ellen said. “Dean, you said when I asked you this afternoon if you could sit with the kids, you said yes.”

  “Yes, I did,” Roy said. “But when you asked me to sit with the kids, I thought you meant sit with the kids. Like at a table. That table.” Roy pointed. “It’s a nice table.”

  “Are you not feeling well? You don’t want to be alone with them?” Ellen asked.

  “No. I’m... I’m fine.” Roy examined the faces of the kids and swallowed hard. “It won’t be a problem. They’re just miniature people, right.”

  Ellen smiled. “Right.” She grabbed her coat. “You’re sure you’re OK with this.”

  “Yes. Yes.” Roy gave a thumbs up. “Where are you going?”

  Elliott answered. “To the Dan-a-Plex. We’re gonna catch, The Saw.”

  “Oh, that sounds dangerous,” Roy said.

  Elliott chuckled. “No. not at all.”

  “But I’m sure you know what you’re doing. I hope you catch it without slicing yourself.”

  Billy crinkled his brow. “What the …”

  Ellen’s hand quickly covered his mouth. She clenched her jaw and whispered to Billy. “Shut up.” She changed demeanor with a smile. “Alex, why don’t you take Joey in the back?”

  “Fine. I always get stuck with him.” Alex grabbed his hand. “He’s not very bright you know.”

  Billy chuckled. “You should relate.”

  Alexandra flipped off Billy.

  “Mother, did you see that display of physical vulgarity.”

  “Yes.” Ellen kissed him on the head. “You deserved it. Ready Elliott?”

  “Not really, I’d like to stay and see …” he stopped talking when Ellen yanked him. “Or not.”

  “Night, Dean. Make sure they go to bed early. They have school.” Ellen opened the door and quickly left with Elliott.

  When the door closed, Roy stood in awkward silence. He looked at Billy who just stared at him. “You and I have an amazing likeness.”

  “I should hope so, you’re my father,” Billy said.

  “But it is seems more than just a genetic link.”

  Billy shrugged. “Some people call me your ‘mini me’ or clone.”

  “Ha! I knew it. I knew it.” He peered closer. “Amazing. May I see your hands?”

  “Sure.” Billy held them up.

  “Do you find them hard to maneuver? I know I did at your age.”

  “Sometimes.”

  “Would you like to sit at the table with me?” Roy asked.

  “Sure.”

  Roy walked to the table and sat.

  So did Billy.

  “This isn’t very exciting,” Roy said.

  “Not really.”

  Both of them tapped their fingers on the table.

  Billy sniffed with an upward motion of his chin. “So, I hear you invented a viable artificial womb.”

  “Yes, I did. It looks great.”

  “You think it will sustain the life.”

  “Without a doubt, and expand like a normal uterus.”

  “Sweet.”

  “Yes.”

  Billy paused. “Do you have anything else planned to just … I don’t know, invent out of the blue.”

  “Oh, yes. Without a doubt,” Roy said. “After I am done sitting with you, I plan on going to the cryo lab and working all night on new and exciting things for Beginnings.”

  “Really?” Billy asked with excitement. “Like what?”

  “Can you keep a secret?”

  “I’m a scientist.”

  Roy cocked back. “Oh, you are like me. Good.” He patted him on the head. “Ok, as
a surprise, I am going to ... I have designed a DNA identification program. Can’t tell you more, but it is unlike anything we have.”

  “Serious?”

  “It is a serious thing. Yes.”

  “Can I come with you and watch?”

  “I would like that but … but you have to be in bed early. You have education tomorrow.”

  “I hate school.”

  “Why? Learning is fun.”

  “Learning is very fun, when they can teach you something you don’t know.”

  “The school doesn’t teach you anything you don’t know?”

  “I’ve told you this,” Billy griped. “They teach me like I’m a normal nine year old.”

  “And you are not a normal nine year old. You’re intelligence capabilities far exceed that of child your age.”

  “I know. Jenny is nice, but she doesn’t know what I know. Dad … she doesn’t know calculus.”

  “And she is teaching you?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Oh, that doesn’t seem right. I’m sure you know calculus.”

  “It’s a breeze. You taught me.”

  Roy smiled. “Then if you are smarter than Jenny. You should teach the class.”

  “She wouldn’t let me.”

  “Why?” Roy asked. “Learning is fun. Surely, she would like to learn. It is established that you are more intelligent than she, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then it is not only your duty but your obligation to instruct the class.”

  “Can you tell her that?” Billy asked.

  “Yes. How does this sound. Tomorrow when you go to school, you march right up to Jenny and you tell her, you are smarter, you will be taking over as teacher.”

  Billy laughed. “She’ll yell at me.”

  “Oh, she can’t do that. You’re my... how did you put it? My mini me. If she gets angry, you send her to me.”

  “Ok.” Billy got excited. “I really should have a lesson plan if I’m going to do this.”

  “I can help you.”

  “That’s even better. What should we teach them?” Billy asked.

  “Science, without a doubt.” Roy paused in thought. “We should start with something easy, interesting, and fun.”

  “Any suggestions?”

  “I know. We’ll start with nucleated red blood cells.”

  “Perfect.” Billy jumped up. “I’ll get the hematology books.”