The Killing Code

by Craig Hurren

  Animal testing had proceeded well and while they were happy with progress in that area, they knew full well that human testing would be the only way to truly prove the technology. Since animals were incapable of giving comprehensive feedback or properly disseminating the required data, the level of success and realism achieved could not be accurately measured. Ethical guidelines dictated the pace at which they could move from animals to healthy human volunteers and on the day of their first true test, the anticipation was palpable.

  The first human test subject was a male Caucasian university student with a healthy medical history, dubbed, ‘Test Subject SSCH00001’. He was a self funded student so the money offered to take part in the trial was a strong motivator. Gelling and Benson wanted to limit the complexity and duration of the hallucination so that the results could be as clear as possible. Rothstein had programmed a relatively simple scenario, in which the subject would experience floating on their back in a swimming pool for approximately two minutes. The sights, sounds, smells and feel were an easily replicable template so only minor modifications were required between subjects to allow for race, gender, height, age, etc. Proceeding in this manner would give the team a strong baseline on which to establish testing of more elaborate hallucinations as they progressed. The benefit of such a simple scenario was that they could examine different data from individual subjects without the risk of outcomes being clouded by complexities. It was hoped that the differences in each subject’s experience of the test would be purely emotional, based on the way each person perceived the sensations of the hallucination.

  Test Subject SSCH00001 was seated in the custom made, reclining test seat and prepared with all the necessary scientific monitoring equipment. After all monitoring equipment had been double and triple checked, Dr. Sandler placed the individual SSCH in the loading chamber of the delivery mechanism then closed the device and stepped forward to position it near the base of the subject’s skull, slightly to the right of the spinal column. He looked up at the rest of the team and Gelling gave him a nod as they waited in anticipation. With one smooth, quick movement, Sandler pressed the end of the device against the subject’s skin. There was a very brief, muffled hiss and the implant was sent on its way to the brain stem. The chair was then moved to a fully reclined position and the team waited for the device to release its information.

  SSCH00001 blinked his eyes rapidly and shook his head as he began to return to reality. The test seat had been returned to its upright position and the team was looking anxiously into his eyes for any signs. Their faces and the testing laboratory became clear to his eyes and after a brief hesitation, he began to smile broadly and the room erupted in noisy applause. They excitedly began unbuckling him from the seat and removing the EEG probes and other instruments from his body so they could begin the debriefing, record his experience and collate the data. Aside from the dramatically improved feedback and outcome data received, the only difference between human and animal studies had been that human subjects needed to fall asleep briefly before the hallucination would implant. Although a somewhat surprising development, this was not a perceived problem because invariably, the subjects would become sleepy very soon after the implantation.

  Since that first subject, Gelling and his team had used the original floating hallucination in twenty different test subjects to establish the required baseline before moving on to more complex hallucinations, and the results were uniformly outstanding. Each subject had reported their experience as very vivid, highly realistic, and enjoyable. They all clearly recalled the coolness and texture of the water surrounding their bodies and its sound as it lapped against their ears. They recalled the warmth of the sun shining down on their faces contrasting against the coolness of the water, the sight of a few wispy clouds against the beautiful blue sky, and the smell of water in their nostrils. The only slight variation in results was in their individual emotional responses to the sensations they experienced. This was probably the most gratifying part of the trial for Gelling and Benson as they had originally been concerned that the hallucination may take over normal thought processes and dictate rather than evoke emotion. They were very relieved and excited to find that the individual test subjects experienced varied emotional responses to the programmed sensations, based on their own personal histories and thought processes. They could not have hoped for better results and immediately accelerated the pace of testing progression.

  As their initial confidence in the safety and efficacy of SSCH technology continued to grow, even some individual team members had volunteered for testing. Brian Sandler had always wanted to go skydiving but his morbid fear of heights prevented him from doing so. Strapped into the test seat in the safety of the laboratory, he had experienced his fantasy in heart pounding three-dimensional realism and was completely astounded by the results. His experience was recorded and properly documented alongside those of the other test subjects. Eric Rothstein had also volunteered but knowing that Professor Gelling would not have approved it beforehand, he wouldn’t disclose his hallucination until after it had been implanted and experienced. It seemed that his experiences as a ‘geek’ in high school had had a lasting impact on him because his hallucination consisted of an elaborate revenge scenario involving the complete humiliation of his teenaged tormentors and culminating in a labyrinthine orgy with his school’s entire football cheerleading squad. Helen blushed constantly during his debrief and Professor Gelling was suitably disdainful but Rothstein was the only person currently capable of creating such exquisitely detailed programming so they ignored his childish excursion and went back to their properly structured testing.

  Nine months after establishing the initial baseline of the study with those first twenty test subjects, Eric Rothstein had amassed an impressive catalogue of hallucinations ranging from basic to very involved scenarios. As the library built, he was able to combine different scenarios into more and more complex hallucinations of ever increasing duration. It had gotten to the point where some were so elaborate that they could last an entire day or longer. The sophistication of hallucinations being created and implanted was growing at an exponential rate and the team realized that the potential was virtually limitless. It wouldn’t be long before SSCH technology would be capable of supplanting entire years of waking lives.

  Gelling and Benson knew that they would soon be able to move on from Phase I safety trials in healthy volunteers to Phase II trials to test for efficacy in patients with diseases and disabilities. They also knew that they were operating in a grey area because the clinical trial requirements for pharmaceutical testing were very different to the less stringent and time consuming methods required for approval of medical devices. It could be argued that SSCH would fall into either or both categories so they were very conscious to maintain highly ethical standards throughout their testing protocols to avoid future complications. They aimed to lobby for approval of SSCH as a medical device but conducted the trials to meet the stricter pharmaceutical requirements and hoped the proven benefits and perfect safety record of the treatment would sway the FDA to agree with them.

  Alan’s head tilted upward to the ceiling and dragged his fingers through his unkempt sandy hair as his mind ran through the details over and over. If he hadn’t known that the documents he’d just read were genuine, and if the science didn’t fit the mysterious deaths so well, he would never have believed such a thing possible. He turned to Jake and said in an ominous tone, “This is some serious stuff!”

  Jake nodded then said, “Somehow, ‘serious’ doesn’t quite cover it. I’ve had time to digest it and realize the ramifications and potential of such technology – especially from a military perspective. Entire wars could literally be won and lost with ‘SSCH’. I’ll let you process what you’ve seen in your own time but for now, let’s introduce you to Equilibrium.”

  Jake directed Alan to the stand alone computer which he used to communicate with Equilibrium. Alan listened intently as Jake showed him the col
or coded protocol system and explained the importance of sticking to the security protocols. A few moments later a secure link had been established and Alan saw his first communication with Equilibrium.

  “What are those fluttery things at the top of the screen?” he queried.

  “I know my way around computers but that technology is way beyond me. It’s some kind of rotating encryption system that protects our communications from being monitored. It’s virtually uncrackable so you can say anything you need to without fear of discovery. Equilibrium developed the system and even the CIA and NSA can’t get through it.”

  “Welcome aboard detective.” came the first message.

  Alan looked at Jake enquiringly.

  “Go ahead and answer. Just type what you want to say into the keyboard like you would with instant messaging.”

  Alan began to type, “Thanks – I think.”

  “Don’t worry; you’re in safe hands with Jake. I’ve read a great deal about you and I’m certain you can handle your end.”

  “It’s kind of strange to have people looking into me like this.”

  “We had to be certain you can be trusted. Consider it a compliment - we don’t trust just anyone.”

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “Put your thinking cap on and give me a line of investigation to follow. I can find anything in the electronic world but Jake will have to get anything you need from the physical world. I await your instructions.”

  Alan turned to Jake, “Wait a second; I can’t be in charge of this whole thing!”

  “You’re not ‘in charge’ of anything but your experience and success as an investigator make you our best chance at building a legal case against Devlin. If you aren’t able to succeed within the bounds of the law, then I will become judge jury and executioner.”

  “You would kill Devlin in cold blood?”

  “If you can’t get a legitimate conviction that puts Devlin away for life or in the chair, I will terminate him as a hostile target without hesitation. This is not some prime time television drama; this man will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He’s already killed four people we know of and probably several more we don’t. Do you really think he’ll stop if he isn’t forced to do so?”

  “No, you’re right. It’s just difficult to get my head around this. Can you promise me you won’t kill him until all other avenues are exhausted?”

  “OK. But remember this detective; the longer this takes, the more chance Devlin’s henchmen have to find Holly again. I know I said she’s safe but even idiots get lucky sometimes – do you want to take that risk?”

  “OK, OK… I’m on it.”

  Alan turned back to the keyboard, “We need to find a connection between the man who was at both crime scenes and Alex Devlin or Devlin Industries.”

  “Do you have a description?”

  “Better – I have a picture.”

  “Send it to me.”

  Jake showed Alan how to load the image from his memory stick and they watched as the data was transferred over the secure site.

  “I’ll need some time on this. Some of the international agencies have rather clever firewalls to get past before I can access their databases. In the meantime, try to think of other leads.”

  Jake leaned over to type on the keyboard, “Did you get into Guthrie’s email account?”

  Alan looked at him questioningly.

  “While we were waiting to hear from Walker, I asked Equilibrium to hack his email account to see if he’d found anything useful.”

  The hacker’s reply came back, “Yes, that must be how they found out he was investigating the SSCH technology. He was obviously getting too close to the truth for their liking.”

  Alan’s face dropped in the realization that the good-natured professor was killed for helping him. After a moment, he forced his hands back to the keyboard. “Did he have any family?” he typed.

  “I know it’s no great solace but not that I could find.”

  Jake interjected, “Criminals do bad shit – it’s not your fault. None of this is anyone’s fault but Devlin’s, so let’s get the bastard!”

  Alan knew Jake’s logic was correct but he couldn’t help feeling remorse for involving Guthrie in his investigation. “He was a genuinely nice guy and completely harmless – he didn’t deserve to die.”

  “Of course he didn’t but bad things happen to good people. I may seem callous but that’s life - you need to focus and move on. Don’t let Devlin get away with this.” Jake said, trying to steer Beach back to the task at hand.

  “I’ll get back to you soon.” appeared on the page before the connection terminated and the screen went blank. Alan forced his feelings down and his investigative instincts began to overtake the sadness and remorse. He turned to look at Jake and said, “Can you get to the bodies of the three assassins and take their fingerprints?”

  “Now you’re thinking detective.”

  “If we’re going to be working together like this, I’m pretty sure we should be on a first name basis. Call me Alan.”

  “OK; now you’re thinking Alan. I’m on it.”

  “While you do that, I’ll go back to the hotel and get my bag and my car.”

  “That’s not going to happen. Devlin’s men will be watching your hotel and won’t hesitate to remove you from the equation. Anything you might need from your bag, you can find in my wardrobe or bathroom. You’re on lockdown until I say otherwise. If you need anything else, I’ll get it for you.”

  Resignation swept over Beach’s face as he realized the truth in Jake’s words. “I guess you’re right but don’t laugh when you see me in clothes three sizes too big for me.”

  “Now that, I cannot promise. See you soon. And don’t worry – you’re totally safe here. I completely redesigned and refinished the whole building. Nothing short of a very skilled explosives technician with a buttload of C4 can get to you in here. Might as well make yourself at home.”

  “What am I supposed to do while you’re gone?”

  “Watch a movie, have a shower or get some rest; up to you.”

  “I can’t work that remote and I sure as heck can’t sleep!”

  “Just speak direct commands into the remote and it’ll do as you ask. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to get to work.”

  Alan felt a bit helpless and trapped but he knew he had no choice so he watched as his new partner put on a strange looking double shoulder holster setup built into a thin vest and grabbed the two Para Tactical 45 caliber handguns from their mounts. He checked the magazines then shoved the weapons into their holsters and put four spare mags into slotted pockets in the front of his vest. He then put on a loose casual jacket to cover the whole thing, closed the armory and briskly walked out the door.

  Turning back to Alan, he said, “Unless you want to be locked in there, you’d better come out.”

  Alan jerked himself out of his chair and quickly vacated the room. Jake pulled the heavy door shut and punched the code to lock it then strode off through the gym without another word. Alan stood feeling a little lost for a moment before making his way back to the lounge area. He felt suddenly very alone and thought the best thing to do was take his mind off the situation with some television.

  He tentatively picked up the entertainment system’s remote control and spoke, “Turn on.”

  To his surprise, the large LED screen came to life and lights flickered on the various components that made up Jake’s system.

  “Menu.” he said, smiling widely.

  A comprehensive menu appeared showing a choice of functions including ‘television stations’ so he spoke the words into the remote and a huge menu of channels appeared.

  “Local news.”

  A choice of news channels appeared and he chose the network affiliated with Marissa Wilson’s station in Columbus. There was a reporter discussing upcoming mayoral elections and the bottom of the screen displayed a variety of headlines and breaking news. Alan watched vacan
tly for a time until suddenly, a news flash appeared that shocked him to the core.

  “Manhunt for rogue Ohio police detective following triple homicide in Jersey City – details to follow.”

  Alan’s face drained of blood as it dawned on him that Devlin must have used the opportunity to manipulate the press and disable him from moving around freely. Jake’s instructions to stay put were now redundant and the detective knew with fatal realization that even if he could leave, he wouldn’t get far. His mind worked frantically to figure a way out of this mess but there was none. As if the revelation of Project Hallucineers wasn’t enough to deal with, on top of everything that had happened over the last couple of days, he was now faced with being a fugitive from the law.

  Devlin obviously had enough power to make this happen and even if Alan turned himself in to the authorities, there was probably already enough manufactured evidence to convict him but he doubted that was Devlin’s true motive. A man with that kind of influence and resources would probably have people inside the police who would either act on his behalf or allow access to assassins who would make sure Alan never made it to trial.