Genetic Flux (Phase One Book 1)

by Eckrich,Jeremiah P.

  Genetic Flux

  Phase One

  By Jeremiah P. Eckrich

  Copyright 2016 Jeremiah P. Eckrich

  Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This work, including all characters, names, and places: Copyright 2016 Jeremiah P. Eckrich, unless otherwise noted.

  Cover art and design by Kendall R. Hart.

  Edited by Ed Gehlert.

  Character likenesses used with permission from Jeremiah P. Eckrich.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of both the publisher and author.

  All rights reserved.

  Published by BoEck INC.

  I want to thank Ed Gehlert for being a great friend and mentor. He always goes above and beyond to selflessly help others. Thank you for all you do.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1 : THE PROPOSAL

  Chapter 2 : THE VIRUS

  Chapter 3 : IT’S OUT

  Chapter 4 : DANIEL’S SECRET

  Chapter 5 : GROUND ZERO

  Chapter 6 : IMMUNITY

  Chapter 7 : IMMUNITY COMPOUND

  Chapter 8 : EMILY’S SECRET

  Chapter 9 : STATE OF EMERGENCY

  Chapter 10 : MONITORING CHIPS

  Chapter 11 : THE WORLD REACTS

  Chapter 12 : STAYING CLOSER TO HOME

  Chapter 13 : WHO

  Chapter 14 : STARTING A RISKY TRIP

  Chapter 15 : A SAFER PLACE

  Chapter 16 : IMMUNITY COMPOUND BECOMES MILITARIZED

  Chapter 17 : A BIGGER FAMILY

  Chapter 18 : TRANSITIONING MAGGOTS INTO ARMY RANGERS

  Chapter 19 : COPING

  Chapter 20 : KEEPING SAFE

  Chapter One

  The Proposal

  His hands shook as he listened to the ringing, sweat beaded up on his forehead as his anticipation rose. Daniel had never been this nervous dialing Emily’s number. I have called this girl a thousand times over the past year. This is just another call, just another conversation with her. No need to be nervous at all.

  “Hello.” The sudden sound of her voice nearly caused him to drop the phone.

  “Hi Emily, how was your day?” Daniel tried his best to keep his tone casual.

  “It was okay, I’m just tired and how was yours?”

  “It was all right. Hey, I was calling to see if you are free Friday evening?”

  “Um, I don’t think I have any plans, why? What’s up?”

  “I was thinking on taking you out for a nice dinner and will need to make reservations.”

  “Ohhhhhhhh, reservations, must be somewhere fancy. So where are we going?”

  “That’s a surprise. You just put something nice on and I will pick you up at six-thirty.”

  “Alright, that sounds wonderful. We haven’t been out in a while, even if you have to be all secretive and what not.”

  Daniel chuckled nervously, “All right babe, I have another call coming in, call you back in a few.”

  “Okay, love you Daniel.”

  “Yep, love you too, bye.”

  With his hands still shaking and his palms and forehead sweaty he took a deep breath to calm himself. He was glad he came up with the excuse of another call. He had to get off the phone before he blew the surprise. He waited about fifteen minutes then called her back.

  “Hey baby.”

  “Hi, who called you?”

  “Austin. He wanted to go over a few things. Just work crap.”

  “All right, what are we eating tonight?”

  “I was thinking on picking up Culvers. Does that sound good?”

  “Yes, that will work.”

  “Okay, I will pick it up and meet you at my place.”

  “Okay, see you soon. Love you.”

  “Love you too, bye.”

  Most evenings Daniel and Emily ate dinner together. They decided early in their relationship that they would not move in together until they were married. Daniel arrived at his place just before Emily and they walked into the house together.

  “I have to say,” Emily mumbled between chews, “that Culver’s is one of my favorites.”

  Shoving in his last bite Daniel nodded in agreement, “Me too.”

  After dinner they watched some TV before Emily headed home.

  The next two days flew by for Daniel. As time to get ready for their night out drew near, Daniel couldn’t stop the stream of doubts that flooded his mind. What if she says no? I know she loves me but what if she isn’t ready for this level of commitment?

  He chastised himself for even thinking that way and reversed his train of thought. You’re going to ask her to marry you and whatever happens, happens.

  Over the next few hours he finished making plans for the big night. At 3 pm his phone rang.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi babe, it’s me.”

  “Hey babe, what’s up?”

  “I was just calling to make sure we were still going out tonight.”

  “Yes, we’re still on for tonight.”

  “Okay, then I’m going to start getting ready and I will see you soon.”

  “All right Emily, I love you and will see you in a little while.”

  “Love you too baby, bye.”

  Daniel put on a stunning black suit with a red shirt, a tie, and a pair of very sharp dress shoes. He put his best watch on his left wrist and a very expensive bracelet on his right. He gave himself a once over in the mirror. Looking good, if she says no to this then I don’t know what to do.

  He arrived at Emily’s at six-thirty sharp. As he pulled up he looked out the passenger window to see Emily exiting her building. His breath caught in is chest as he watched her walk toward him. She’s gorgeous!

  Emily had taken great care in getting ready. She wore a black dress that hugged her body just right. She curled her long black hair and put her best diamond bracelet and matching necklace on that glistened as she walked. As she neared the car Daniel exited the vehicle and went to the passenger side door to open it for her.

  As he opened the door he smiled at her. “My goodness you look hot!”

  Emily giggled. “Thank you baby and you look quite stunning yourself.”

  “Thanks babe.” He gave her a quick kiss then helped her in the car. They arrived at a fine Italian restaurant in The Hill where a valet service greeted them near the front entrance.

  Emily let out a small gasp and turned to him. “I have heard of this place, it’s supposed to be really high class.”

  Daniel smiled as he opened her door and took her hand. Arm in arm they walked into the restaurant and approached the Maître D’. The man smiled warmly at them. “Good evening, do you have reservations?”

  “Yes, it is under Daniel.”

  “Oh, yes sir. I see you right here, please, this way.” He led them to a candle-lit table in a more private area of the restaurant.

  Once they were seated a waiter appeared as if by magic. “Can I start you off with some drinks?”

  Daniel can barely contain a smile of thankfulness that he had been smart enough to clue the restaurant in on what he was going to do so he wouldn’t have to make decisions on the fly, like what type of wine to get. “Yes. I’d like a bottle of red wine please.”

  “Yes, sir, I will be right back.”

  Emily and Daniel had only just begun to take in the décor of the establishment when the waiter returned w
ith their wine and takes their food order.

  “Wow. Daniel, this place is great!”

  “I thought you deserved the very best.”

  After a few moments of silence he reached over to where Emily had her hand on the table. He gently lifted it as he stared into her eyes. “The last year and a half has been the happiest time of my life, I love you so much.”

  “I love you too, and thank you for bringing me to such a fine establishment, this is too much.”

  “Nothing is too good for the love of my life and I hope the next time we come here it will be to celebrate our anniversary.”

  “That would be nice. Wait, did you say our anniversary?”

  “Yes, I did.”

  Daniel slowly knelt down on his left knee next to her. He pulled a magnificent diamond engagement ring from his pocket and held it out to her. “Will you marry me?”

  Emily’s eyes began to well up with tears. She most certainly was surprised by the proposal. “Yes! Yes, I love you so much!”

  Tears flowed down her cheeks as Daniel slid the ring on her finger. The entire restaurant erupted into applause and cheers.

  “Oh Daniel, this is too much. How did you pull this off?”

  “Very carefully,” he chuckled.

  Emily threw herself into Daniels arms for a passionate kiss and whispered into his ear, “This is the kind of proposal every woman dreams of from the time she is a little girl. Thank you for making this so special.”

  They sat back down just as their meals were coming out. Daniel sat looking at Emily, she seemed excited and happy about the engagement but was picking at her food as though something was wrong. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes. Oh, Daniel this is awesome.” A somber look crossed her face.

  “Are you alright, babe?”

  “I don’t want to ruin the moment, but this is a big step. I don’t know how my mom will take it.”

  “I’ve been thinking about that.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, we have two choices.”

  “Two?”

  “Yes. Please, hear me out before deciding. We need to make a good choice for both of us, okay?”

  “Alright babe, I’m listening.”

  Daniel took a deep breath. He knew that his approach would have as much impact on her answer as what he said. “There are two options, marry now or later.”

  “Now?”

  “Just listen first Emily, and then make your decision.” Daniel took a drink then continued, “We can wait till you feel your mom is ready then tell her about us, or, move forward with our life and get married now, but tell your mom later.” With it out on the table, Daniel felt better.

  “Not tell my mom I’m married? Daniel, are you serious?” Emily stared at him with her mouth hanging open.

  “Emily, it’s okay, you don’t have to. I’ll wait. It’s just the only two options I could come up with.”

  “It’s just that my mom would be crushed if she wasn’t there to see me get married. I know we’ve waited a long time already, but…”

  There it was, just what Daniel was waiting for. The guilt Emily felt by keeping Daniel a secret from her mom. That is what Daniel needed Emily to feel to get her to come around to his way of thinking. “Emily, you know I love you and will wait till the end of days if needed.”

  “Daniel you are so sweet and thank you for understanding. I know it’s hard on both of us.”

  They sat silently. Daniel worried he had given her an out and she just took it.

  “You said we could marry now. What did you mean?”

  Careful, go easy. “Well, we’ve kept our relationship a secret from everyone except my mom and Austin. We could get married and start our life together. When, and only when, you feel your mom is ready we can give her a whirl-wind romance and the wedding of your dreams.

  “But—”

  “Emily I love you and will do whatever you are comfortable with, but I also believe your mom would want you to be happy. For us to sacrifice more time seems senseless. What if your mom found out about us now?”

  “Daniel you wouldn’t!”

  “Of course not! What I’m trying to say is that I know for a fact if your mom found out we put our whole lives on hold because of her that she would not be pleased. Your mom loves you and wants you to be happy.”

  Emily sat for a moment. She and her parents were close. When her dad died, a part of her and her mom died with him. Daniel came into her life, through her close friend Austin, who just happened to be Daniel’s boss. When she met Daniel, it was love at first sight. They had filled the last year and a half with many wonderful moments. The next logical step was marriage. How could they pull it off? She knew deep down that her mom would want her to find happiness in her life and not just dwell on the death of her father. She looked at Daniel and smiled.

  “Emily, I love you and will support whatever decision you make.”

  “How could we get married without my mom finding out?”

  Daniel’s big moment had arrived, cautiously he began, “Well, we could go to Las Vegas to get married. You can tell your mom you found a cute little house to rent off Manchester and move in with me. Everything else would be the same Emily.” Daniel paused then added, “You have kept me a secret for quite some time, a little longer won’t hurt anything especially if we get to begin our lives together now. You always drive to your mom’s house so it won’t be any trouble to keep things a secret until you are ready to tell her.”

  “How would I tell my mom?”

  “When you feel she’s ready you introduce me. We have a whirlwind romance and a big wedding. Only four of us would know the truth.”

  “Four?”

  “You, me, my mom, and Austin.”

  “Daniel, I don’t know if we could pull it off. My family would want to get to know you.”

  “That’s okay.” He picked up her hand, “We wouldn’t even see them that often before the wedding. I can keep to the script when I need to. In three months, we could have a big wedding and it is over. The most important thing is that we could start our lives together now instead of waiting another year, or more.”

  “It does sound wonderful Daniel. I must admit with the way I work it’s easy to keep things hidden.”

  “You are gone for long periods at a time so that alone makes it hard for you to see or hang out with anyone.”

  Emily sat stunned for a moment. Wow! I’m actually going to do this. I’m going to marry this man. Slowly a smile came across her face.

  Daniel leaned closer to her, “Really? We’re really going to do it?”

  “Yes!” There was a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face.

  Daniel stood and gently pulled her to her feet. When she rose he engulfed her in his arms and gave her a kiss. “Ready?”

  “For what?”

  “To get married!”

  “Now?”

  “Yes.”

  Still holding hands, Daniel and his fiancé left the restaurant. They dropped Emily’s car off at her apartment then hopped a flight to Las Vegas to get married.

  Early Saturday morning Emily went to the service desk at the hotel. “Can I get directions to the nearest mall?”

  The desk clerk pulled a map from the counter and unfolded it. “These are complimentary maps of the area.”

  He made a small circle and a star on it. “The mall is the star and you are standing in the circle.”

  “Thanks.” Emily called out over her shoulder as she walked away with the map.

  After a few hours of shopping Emily was back in her hotel room. She picked up her cell and called her fiancé. “Hi Daniel.”

  “You back?”

  “Yes, just got in.”

  “How long will it take for you to be ready?”

  “Give me two hours.”

  “I’ll be at your door in two hours. Sharp!”

  Emily laughed, “I’ll be ready.”

  At first she had scoffed at the idea of having two
different rooms in the same hotel. She had to admit that it was romantic of Daniel to insist on it to keep the tradition of not seeing the bride before the wedding alive. Exactly two hours later Emily was answering his knock on her door.

  Daniel stared at her for a moment in awe. “You are beautiful!”

  She took in his rented tuxedo and smiled at how well it fit him. “Thank you. You look very handsome!”

  As they were walking to the car Emily asked, “Where will we get married?”

  “I found a little chapel with a husband and wife who run it. Not a fancy place but the chapel looked nice.”

  “Oh Daniel, that sounds perfect.”

  They were married and at a dance club celebrating before she had a chance to catch her breath. It was early Sunday morning when Emily woke. She ordered breakfast and began to pack until their food arrived. The two had a quiet breakfast, checked out, and headed home. It was early evening when their plane landed.

  “How about we eat out?” Daniel asked.

  “Can we take it home? I must admit I’m wore out!”

  “Sure.”

  They picked up take out and had their first meal in their own home as a married couple. Daniel had to work the next day so they went to bed early.

  As they lay in each other’s arms Emily asked, “When will we move my things in?”

  “You could call a moving company and see how soon they can get to it.”

  “Sounds good.” Emily yawned.

  Daniel gave her a kiss. “Goodnight, I love you.”

  “I love you too, good night.”

  After Daniel left for work, Emily called a moving company and arranged to have her belongings moved that Wednesday. She hurried to her old place to pack things she wanted to move with her, stuff to give away, and items to sell.

  While working she decided to call her mom. She was a bit nervous as she dialed and her voice cracked when her mother answered. “Hi Mom, how’s it going?”

  “Well hi dear, doing great and you?”

  “I’m good. Hadn’t talked to you since you went to the doctors so I thought I’d call and see how it went.”

  “Oh good. I have to watch my blood pressure, but other than that everything came back good.”