Sins
of the Fathers
By
hd-qld
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Codes: |
uber J/7 |
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Rating : |
NC-17 |
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Thanks: |
To Sazzy for hosting me!
;) |
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Disclaimer: |
This is uber fan fiction, but a couple of the characters
bear a striking resemblance to those that are copyright of Paramount
Pictures. No infringement on their copyright is intended by the author
in any way, shape or form – so relax. This story includes an all female
relationship, so if you don’t like that then tough! |
Prologue
29th Septus, 2493
The night sky erupts with a thousand pinpoints of light, followed by thunderous
cracks as the sound waves of the detonations reach me.
Fireworks. Celebrations. Commemoration of the arrival.
I turn in disgust and move from my small balcony back into my apartment.
I reach for the bottle of Pinchin on the counter, pour myself a glass and
quickly swallow it down. It burns an oily trail down my throat and I try not to
gag. It’s cheap shit but as I am Native it is all I can afford. I was once
someone, something other than “Native”. I was a scientist and a medic. A
genetic engineer. Brilliant. Respected. Now I am simply Kalin Morvern,
archivist. Kalin Morvern ‘Native’. I am Kalin Morvern, Δ7-9α-69120,
nothing else.
I walk to the bathroom a little unsteadily. Over doing the Pinchin
again. That’s nothing new. The light flickers into life as I enter the room.
The sickly glow from the strip light is not flattering and I wince as I stare
at myself in the mirror. I am drunk. Again. I make myself a promise that I will
not touch another drop, but how many times have I said that? I splash cold
water on my face and stare again at the image in the mirror. My auburn hair
hangs limp and un-brushed. My blue-grey eyes framed in red. I look as though I
have been crying. Maybe I have been? Crying at what I have lost. Crying for who
and what I once was.
Self pity does not become me.
…15 years earlier…
29th Septus, 2478.
They came unannounced and unhindered. Their ships so advanced, they
breezed past our planetary defence network. The night sky lit up as their
aerial bombardment began, like the fireworks of our summer festivals. These
bright lights however, where not greeted with awe and wonder but with fear and
horror as they started to kill us.
We had done nothing! We are peaceful! We have barely breached the outer
edges of our solar system, yet they have covered countless light years and
without warning they started to eliminate us.
Many millions died during the initial attacks. Atmospheric devices erupted
in the air above us and those outside were struck down where they stood.
Incinerated.
Vaporised.
Murdered.
But they were clever, oh they were smart! Those out in the open were
killed, all humanoid matter targeted. Buildings, transports and utilities left
unharmed. Those of us indoors where spared in the initial attacks.
The aerial bombardment eventually stopped, but the killings did not.
They set down in transports and their troops poured out, detaining and killing
as they saw fit. The invaders. The monsters. They look similar to us, we could
even be kin! Yet they are taller than us and with finer features. The palest of
eyes and fairest of hair. They could be angels. How beautiful these monsters
are!
And so they rounded us up. They scanned, they probed, they checked their
lists and many individuals including myself were ‘selected’ and reassigned. Of
those not selected, we never saw them again. As for me I became
Δ7-9α-69120. Strange designation, but I shall never forget it. It
says so on my arm.
Chapter 1
Bioengineering Institute,
Commander Helkovaara strode down the corridor towards the proteomics
laboratory and stopped outside the entrance. A slender hand was placed onto the
biometric lock and the doors swung open.
“Ah! Commander, so good to see you. How is the research coming along?”
“My my Lord. I..I did not expect your visit” stammered the young woman.
“Come, come Jerryn. There is no need to be so formal. I am merely
checking on my favourite protégé. Have you solved the resolution issues?”
Jerryn walked towards the older man and picked up the autorads from the
work bench and placed them on the light box. “As you can see my Lord I have
been able to tighten the focusing. However the phosphorylation of the enzymes
you supplied me with is atypical. Kinetic studies also show that they are
incompatible. They…” her voice faltered momentarily. Clearing her throat she
began again “My Lord, the enzymes share very little homology to ours. I am
afraid they are of no use. They will never be suitable catalysts.” She stood to her full height and looked him
in the eye awaiting his wrath. Instead he broke into a full grin. Laughing,
“Jerryn my child. I did not expect you to.”
“But..”
“Jerryn,” Lord Calderan interrupted, “we are not simply going to solve
this problem overnight. Now these enzymes are of no use but you are now capable
to fully identifying their characteristics and kinetics. Six months ago we were
unable to do so. Your work is invaluable my dear.” Jerryn stiffened as he
brought his hand to gently caress her cheek. “You are like a daughter to me
Jerryn. Now answer me truthfully.” He asked his face set in a frown. “How long
have you been working? The biometric scanners indicate you have been here for 47.5
hours. Why have you not rested?”
“My Lord,” Jerryn began “This work is important. I must continue…”
“No. Go home. Get some rest. You will not find the solution if you run
yourself into the ground! We may be bigger, stronger and faster but we still
need rest.”
“Yes, my Lord.” She replied, a small smile playing on her lips. Jerryn
turned to walk from the laboratory. “Oh, and Jerryn.”
“Yes?”
“I have taken the liberty of removing your access to the laboratory for
the next 48 hours. Get some rest!”
“But..” and before she could protest further he dismissed her with a
wave of his hand and turned his back to her. Turning she continued her way out,
along the corridor, her foot steps ringing out. Whilst standing in the lift as
it descended to the ground floor, her mind worked through the myriad of puzzles
she was determined to solve. The solution is here on this planet, she was told.
But why? What is so special about this rock? A frown furrowed her forehead,
deep in thought and she barely registered the lift coming to a halt and the
door opening.
“Commander, Ma’am?”
“What?” as Jerryn snapped out of her trance, she shot a quick salute at
the nervous young Ensign who had addressed her and she marched out of the lift,
across the foyer and out into the cool night.
They set out from their
home planet Valerian twenty years before. For Jerryn, Valerian was a distant
memory. She was only six when they went into space. Set off on the great
adventure. She, along with her mother, father and so many others boarded the
silver ships and set off into the endless night to find the solution. To search
for the cure. By then there were so few of them. It had started gradually. A
sickness, a slow breakdown in the immune system of those afflicted. Many of the
planets resources were poured into finding a cure and they did. A simple
mutation in an essential enzyme had caused the illness. There were planet wide
celebrations and everyone infected was treated and the all other citizens were
vaccinated. Happy times returned to Valerian. That was fifty years before. The
great Valerian plague had been cured, but at a terrible cost. When the enzyme
had been identified, antibodies had been raised against it. These antibodies
inhibited its mode of action but they were not specific. As a race the Valerian
are blessed with long life and until the plague, good health. One benefit of
extended life span is the ability to delay procreation. So it was not until
sometime after the mass vaccination of the population that the reduced
fecundity was documented. As the years passed and fewer offspring were
produced, the high council called for research to identify why there were no
children being born. After ten years they had their answer. The vaccine! The
cure for the Valerian plague not only prevented the illness, but it decreased
fecundity and robbed them of their children. Twenty six years ago Jerryn had
been born, a precious and so desperately wanted child...and she was the last.
Since her birth no other children had been borne unto the Valerian and so they
left their home planet, climbed into their silver ships and crossed the vast
expanse of space to find the solution…to find the cure.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Jerryn walked toward the entrance gate where the guard stood to
attention at her approach. “At ease before you hurt yourself” she said
grinning. The guard smiled:” You be careful on your way home Commander Jerryn,
the Natives have been restless. Why do you live planet side anyways? Safer on
the ships, plus you don’t have to mix with the vermin.”
“There have been more incidents?” asked Jerryn.
“Yeah, they hit the eastern landing pad this afternoon. No losses
thankfully, but it’s out of action for a week.”
“Well I think I can handle myself Sergeant, besides I prefer to breathe
fresh air, I’ve spent far too much time in space.”
“I hear you Ma’am. You take care anyways.” He replied saluting again.
“Goodnight” and with that Jerryn turned and walked through the gates and
out into the deserted streets to begin the walk home.
Jerryn’s apartment was only a ten minute walk from the institute along a
tree lined street. The wind rustled the leaves and scattered the light from the
street lamps, casting shadows which moved as she walked among them. Her
footsteps rang out as she continued her journey. Not another soul could be seen.
Not unusual, it was
Two Natives appeared in front, a third behind her. The fourth, smaller
and younger than the rest hung back and shifted his weight nervously.
“Well, well, well what do we have here?” sniggered the larger of the
group. Jerryn stopped walking, and as always, marvelled at how dissimilar these
Natives are. Great variations in eye and hair colour, facial features were
varied also. So different from the Aesir, who were all pale skinned, fair
haired and fine featured. Ever the scientist her mind delighted at what she was
seeing.
“Oi! Talking to you?”
Snapping out of her reverie, Jerryn turned to face him, then slowly
turned to the younger, more nervous Native and fixed him with a steely glare.
Eyebrow arched in question. He could not hold her gaze and quickly turned and
fled.
“Rick! Rick! You get back here you twat!” roared the Native behind her.
Jerryn turned to face him a small smile played upon her lips.
“Enough of this shite,” said the larger “let’s teach this bitch a
lesson” and with that the Natives advanced toward her, and then for the
Natives, everything turned black…
Part 2
Native Quarter,
“She was like a monster; seriously…you should’ve seen her. One minute
she’s all normal like…the next she, she’s… Tommy was lying there but, but at a
funny angle….he wasn’t moving…Bret and Karl she got them too…”
Kalin sighed as she listened to the young lad recount the events whilst
gazing intently into the contents of the glass in her hand. She drew it up to
her lips and swallowed the contents feeling the burn in her throat and stomach
spread to her body. “Same again Pete” holding her glass out to the bartender
who dutifully filled it up.
“Quite a tale from young Ricky boy is it not? Mind you after all this
time you would think they would realise they can’t up against them” said the
barman shaking his head ruefully. “No they never learn do they” said Kalin a
small smile playing on her lips, “Going up against them half-cocked is only
going to get them killed. Young Rick was lucky, very lucky. We can’t match
them; they are stronger, quicker and faster than us. Quite remarkable really”
“You sound like you’re quite taken with them?” came a deep voice to her
right. Kalin looked up at the voice and smiled as she recognised the speaker.
“Charles, how are you?” she asked taking his hand in hers.
“You want to watch what you say Kalin, not everyone finds them so intriguing!”
“I know, I know.” hands held up in submission “But you have to admit
they are fascinating!” whispered Kalin conspiratorially, blue-grey eyes
twinkling.
“Kalin, you are the very limit” laughed Charles, “How are you these
days? It’s been such a long time.”
“Yes, since before…” her voice trailed off, face hardening at the
memory. “Well we all know. They have me overseeing the archives, filing and
such…keeps me out of trouble. What about you?”
“Construction…they like to use us Natives for the grunt work; although
it is a down turn from being CEO of a construction company!” Charles sighed,
“…but at least I have my health!”
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Northern Suburb,
Jerryn passed her hand over the biometric lock to her apartment and
quickly entered leaning back against the door as it shut behind her. The attack
by the Natives was unexpected, audacious even so close to the heavily guarded
research facility. She shut her eyes and concentrated on her breathing
remembering the look on their faces when she struck out. At first surprise
followed quickly by fear, they were unaware of how powerful she was, of how the
Aesir are. As her breathing slowed a small smile crept over her face and her
eyes flew open, shinning blue and bright. Exhilaration coursed through her
body, never endings tingling and blood singing in her veins. Exhilarated, yes
and something else…aroused! Chuckling to herself, Jerryn pushed herself from
the front door setting the lock and strode into the living area.
“Computer blinds open” she barked and a low hum could be heard as the
blinds began to slowly open and the twin moonlight flooded in the room. She
stood in front of the large windows looking out across the bay marvelling at
the view. Leaning down, she removed her boots and tossed them carelessly to one
side, uniform jacket joining them. Tugging her shirt out from her trousers she
began to unbutton her shirt. Trousers where removed to reveal long, supple legs
which gracefully strode over to the side board. Jerryn, in a decadent mood
selected a full bodied red wine which she opened and disdained from allowing it
to breath, poured a generous amount into a glass. Carrying both bottle and
glass she walked out on the balcony and sat them down at the side of her hot
tub. Her guilty pleasure and turned it on. The smile returning to her face as
the water instantly heated up and bubbled furiously. Her shirt was dropped to
the ground and her hands reached behind her head to remove the pins keeping her
blonde flowing locks restrained. Once removed her hair fell around her shoulders
whilst undergarments where dispatched swiftly and Jerryn stepped daintily into
the hot tub closing her eyes as the warm water enveloped her body. Leaning back
she sighed as she felt her body relax. Reaching for her glass she took a
generous gulp, with no work for two days she could afford to indulge. Settling
her glass down she realised that not all her muscles where relaxing, but the
little ‘knot’ of tension at the juncture between her legs was still there.
Slowly she brought her right hand between her legs and endeavoured to ‘work’
that little knot out.
The following morning Jerryn painfully opened her eyes a crack and spied
the empty bottle of red on the bedside table, proof that she had indeed drank
it all the night before although the cacophony in her head was already
testament to that. Groaning, she turned over in bed and pulled the covers over
her head in a vain attempt to hide from her hangover.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Across the city, Kalin greeted the new day with her usual disdain, every
day as she woke in her assigned unit was a reminder of what she had lost.
Meeting Charles last night had not helped. Oh it had been good to meet an old
friend but to accept his fate so readily! No, that was not Kalin. She ran her
hands through her hair as she walked to the bathroom, the light flickering into
life as she entered. Looking at the red-rimmed eyes staring back at her, she
turned in disgust as she had yet again succumbed to drink. The dull throb in
her head a constant reminder of the previous nights excess. Uttering an
undignified grunt, Kalin returned to the bedroom to change into her work
clothes and set out for the Central Archives.
Stepping out of her building, the cold wind caught her unexpectedly and
she pulled her overcoat tighter around her neck. The trolleybus station was
only around the corner but she had to run as she was late, as usual arriving at
the station just as the driver began to pull away.
“You’re always late lady!” chuckled the driver.
“Keeps you on your toes Franz” replied Kalin forcing a smile as she
climbed the steps onto the trolleybus. Finding an unoccupied seat she took it,
keeping her head down to hide the look of disgust that must be on her face. A
trolleybus for God’s sake! Until ‘They’ arrived she had never ridden in one.
Whilst Kalin was sure she was not a snob she had used more pleasant means of
transport. Her house on the northern side of the city was one of the few
overlooking the bay and afforded her the luxury of walk or jog to work.
Jogging, Kalin snorted at the memory.
She used to take more pride in her appearance but had ceased to do so
when she lost the trappings associated with her former life. Adapting to the
changes had come easily to some, but for Kalin she could not escape the
reminders which she saw all around her.
Some thirty minutes later the trolleybus arrived at the station outside
the Central Archives; a grand building and a reminder of more affluent times.
Kalin stood for a moment looking up at the building when a figure pacing near
the top of the steps caught her eye. A slow smile spread across her lips and
she walked up the steps toward him pulling her collar up against the cold.
“What have you got for me?” asked Kalin.
“Managed a score, but it’ll cost you,” replied the youth “not so easy to
come by these days.” The scruffy young lad shifted on his feet constantly, eyes
sweeping the area, looking for patrols.
“You know, I don’t think you could act any shiftier if you tried.”
stated Kalin.
“How much?”
“75 credits”
“75! Are you having a laugh?” barked Kalin outraged.
“Look if you don’t want it, I have others who will” he growled as he
started to walk away. As he descended the top few stairs Kalin hissed “Wait.
OK, OK, I need it. But this is day light robbery. Plenty of others who will
supply me.”
“Your lookout…Dr.” Kalin snatched the package from his hands and through
the credits at him and turned to enter the main door.
“Fucking bitch” she could hear him growling behind her. Angry with
herself she stormed into the huge foyer, footsteps ringing out and took the
third exit and walked down the corridor to her office. Once in her sanctuary,
she closed the door behind her and carefully placed the package on her desk.
Removing her coat, she hung it on the stand and sat down behind her desk. Reduced
to this; buying on the black-market. Almost reverently, Kalin began to open the
package and savoured the smell. Ah, coffee! Quickly closing and sealing the
coffee, Kalin opened her desk and placed it inside, removing a smaller almost
empty package. Thankfully she was able to replenish her supply; Kalin moved
from her office to the adjacent kitchen and began to make her morning cuppa
before checking her inbox. Once made, she returned to her office, cup in hand
and sat behind her desk. Tapping her monitor, she called up her inbox. Raising
her cup to her lips she paused as her eyes caught a message:
To:
Central Archives
From:
Cmdr Jerryn Helkovaara
Subject:
Visitation and Access
I
shall require access to the biomedical journal section. Make all materials
available to me. Expect my arrival at 2pm.
Cmdr
Jerryn Helkovaara
Chief
Biomedical Scientist
Bioengineering
Institute
“Oh Shit” whispered Kalin.
Part 3
Jerryn stood in front of the mirror as she fixed her hair. She cut a stunning
figure in her uniform. Tall, slim but all was hidden by the uniform jacket.
Blonde locks held up in an intricate twist. Clear intelligent blue eyes and
striking features. Jerryn was stunning by anyone’s standards. After her hair
was done she put on her field cap and slipped on her great coat. Dark grey with
red epaulets adorned with her commanders rank. Pausing to check herself again,
Jerryn turned and left her apartment to the waiting transport. She settled into
the vehicle and instructed the sergeant assigned to her to drive to the central
Archives.
“What are your order’s Ma’am?”
“I shall be there for sometime. You may return to barracks and I shall
call you when I wish to leave”
“I’m sorry Ma’am, but my orders are to remain with you. No one is to be
alone in the Native zone”
“Very well you shall park outside and remain at the entrance” sighed
Jerryn, then she settled back in her seat and watched the city rush past her
window. The affluent suburbs gave way to more heavily built up areas, “Aesir
Out!” and other such slogans adorned the walls. The closer to the Native zone
they got, the more derelict the areas became. The transport slowed as it
approached the checkpoint, Jerryn’s window rolled down and she passed her hand
over the biometric scanner offered to her.
“Thank you Commander, you may go” said the checkpoint guard snapping a
salute. The window rolled up as the transport moved on into the Native zone.
Ten minutes later they pulled up in front of the imposing building that housed
the Central Archives. Jerryn strode purposefully up the front steps, the
sergeant quickly falling in behind her. Upon entry she was greeted by a nervous
Native who would show her to the materials she sought.
“Sergeant, remain here. If I need you I summon you.”
Not bothering to wait for his reply, she followed the young archivist to
the reading room.
“The Chief Archivist arranged for all the journals you requested. Most
are now available electronically however we have yet to digitise some of the
older journals. If you do need to go that far back the Chief has requested you
contact her. They are quite fragile some of them”
“Dismissed”
Jerryn walked round the table removing her cap and placed her coat over
the chair and sat down. Taking out her note pad she opened it at the latest
notes:
Genetics
Variation
De-selection
Speciation
Loss of fitness
She frowned at her notes and tapped the monitor in front of her and
began to search.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A knock at the door roused Kalin from what she was reading. Tapping the
monitor, she closed the file she had open.
“Come in”
“She’s here Chief. I showed her to the room you set aside”
“Good hopefully she will find what she’s looking for. Let me know if
there are any problems”
“Eh…a sergeant is posted outside”
“We have nothing to hide Michael, if he wants want anything get it for
him, otherwise stay out of his way”
“Yes Chief”
The door shut behind him. Sighing, Kalin pinched the bridge of her nose.
Why was the Aesir Commander looking at Native journals? What was she looking
for? Kalin re-opened the file she had been looking at and hit a few
key-strokes; suddenly she was viewing the search strings used by the Commander:
bio-engineering, selection, variation, immunology…
A few hours passed, puzzled at the search strings, Kalin was also
intrigued. What could the Commander be looking for? Another few key-strokes and
all the Commanders search strings and selections would be recorded. Switching
the monitor off, Kalin leaned back in her chair. Coffee, that’s what she
needed! Pushing back from her desk, Kalin got up and left her office. As she
left she heard raised voices coming from the foyer. Upon exiting the corridor
Kalin could barely believe her eyes. The sergeant had her junior archivist up
against the desk.
“C’mon you know you want it”
“Please…please let me go” the young woman whimpered.
“Let me go….Sir!” snarled the sergeant.
“S..sir please” pleaded the young woman.
“What is the meaning of this!” roared Kalin fury filling her face, “Let
go of her now!” Although petite Kalin was a formidable presence and a force to
be reckoned with when angered. Shocked at how he was being addressed, the
sergeant loosened his grip on the young woman who quickly wriggled free and ran
behind Kalin.
“Who do you think you are talking to me that way…Native”
“Sergeant,” began Kalin, her anger barely contained “we are placed here
by your government, but we are not your playthings!”
A cruel smile curled his lips as he walked toward Kalin. Taking a deep
breath she pulled herself up to her full height, but she still fell many inches
shorter than the sergeant. He pulled his scanner from his belt.
“Your arm” it was not a request. Kalin resisted.
“I said you arm!” Kalin didn’t see his arm coming towards her but she
most definitely felt it as he backhanded her. She fell to the floor dazed and
confused tasting blood. Roughly the sergeant grabbed and twisted her arm, pain
coursed through it and a gasp escaped her lips.
“What is going on here?” demanded a cool voice. Kalin turned her head to
where the voice was coming from and issued a small cry as her arm was roughly
released. Cradling it too her, she tried to focus on the figure who had spoken.
“Sergeant I asked you a question?” Kalin’s eyes slowly regained focus
and she was stunned when she saw the beautiful young woman who had spoken. An
angel! The commander began to speak to the sergeant in Aesirian, ignoring Kalin
and the younger woman.
“Laura, help me up?” and Kalin felt the young woman help her to her
feet. “Are you OK Laura? Did he hurt you?”
“N…no you came before, before…he…” said Laura choking back a sob.
Tenderly Kalin put her arm around Laura comforting her. She realised the
commander had stopped talking; turning to her Kalin could not help but marvel
at how beautiful she was. They were all stunning but this woman was
exceptional.
“Your name…please?” asked the commander.
“Morvern, Kalin. Δ7-9α-69120. Chief Archivist. This is my
junior archivist”
“Tanner, Laura. Ξ5-8δ-69252” whispered Laura.
“I must officially protest at the actions of your subordinate Commander”
The commander held up her hand forestalling her.
“I must insist!”
“Chief Archivist Morvern, I heard what transpired”
“But…” Kalin was even more shocked when the commander reached into her
pocket removing a crisp white handkerchief and held it out to her.
“You are bleeding”
Thoroughly confused Kalin took the offered handkerchief.
“I shall retrieve my belongings; I have finished for this session. I
will download a data set. I will inform you when I need to return” and with
that Kalin watched the commander return to her allotted room.
Jerryn let out a breath she didn’t realise she had been holding in. That
woman’s hair! Laced with fire and with blue eyes! Eyes that blue on a Native! She did not understand why this shocked her
so. Her mood quickly darkened as she remembered what the sergeant had done.
Trying it on with that young girl! Shaking her head at his behaviour she
couldn’t understand the attitude of some of her people. She didn’t really
understand why the Natives where treated as they were. Yes they were different,
but what that such a bad thing? Oh she had heard the talks, inferior species,
poor stock. It never sat right with her, but she kept quiet and got on with her
job. She would find a cure and they could go home. Home. Jerryn had few memories
of Valerian but they were happy ones. Running through a field, being scooped up
into her fathers arms. Her mothers laugh. As the memories flooded back she
could feel the tears form behind her eyes and that wouldn’t do. Composing
herself she gathered her things and downloaded the data set. Pulling on her
coat, adjusting her cap she set off cutting a dashing figure as she strode
through the foyer. At the reception desk she halted turning to Kalin:
“We are not all monsters” and with a brief, barely imperceptible nod of
her head she was gone.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“To Kalin!” chorused the lively group of people. Kalin smiled awkwardly
as she was congratulated and hugged yet again.
“Now, now it was nothing”
“Nothing! My God you stood up to him” cried Laura, who flung her arms
around Kalin hugging her tightly.
“Seriously Kalin, I for one and very grateful you did stand up to him”
said a softly spoken young man.
“Tom, it’s ok really, please no more fuss. If the Commander hadn’t come
down when she did who can say what would have happened. You just take care of
Laura you hear. Or you’ll have me to answer too!” this comment was met by peels
of laughter and Kalin was able to make her way to the bar. Unasked, the barman
Pete placed a drink in front of her, dismissing her proffered credits with a
shake of the head. Kalin raised the glass to him in reply and took a sip
feeling like a fraud. If the Commander hadn’t arrived when she did? Kalin
suppressed a shudder; she should be more careful, can’t go bringing attention
to herself. He burst my lip, does he have my blood? But the Commander, my God
the Commander! She was stunning, like an angel…a dark angel.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Across the city, Jerryn sat engrossed in the data she had collected from
the archives, marvelling in the knowledge possessed by these so called
‘primitive’ people. Primitive they were not. These documents proved what Jerryn
had suspected all along. The arrival of the Aesir and the subsequent occupation
had succeeded due to surprise. The Natives had not anticipated an invasion or
indeed any hostile action. From the documents Jerryn had viewed, the Natives
where more advanced in many aspects, especially science. Space travel for them,
was in its infancy, but the medical and scientific knowledge was bountiful. The
chirp from the communication system startled Jerryn from her studies. Walking
over to the consol, Jerryn entered a short sequence to activate the monitor.
“Commander Helkovaara, good evening”
“Good evening Lieutenant, to what do I owe this interruption?” said
Jerry icily.
“Eh...Ma’am, this afternoon you reported one of my men, Sergeant Lehman.
You cited…”
“Private Lehman now Lt”
“…ah yes Ma’am. That is why I contacted you” he began “Lehman has assured
me he was only toying…”
“Save me the excuses” interrupted Jerryn, “you have called me at home
and are directly questioning an order. I shall not rescind it. The demotion
stands as does his transfer to the patrols”
“Yes! A transfer to the Restricted Zone! He was only toying with a
savage for Gods sake…”
“Savages you say Lt? Is it not savage to attack a woman who says no,
Native or otherwise? In the future Lt you shall stick to protocol. If you have
a complaint, go through the official channels otherwise you shall be joining
him. I shall contact your CO, Lt Cmdr Brellier. Telfor is still your commanding
officer is he not?” The Lt’s face flushed red with embarrassment and anger.
“Rules and regulations Lt, are what separates us from savages” replied
Jerryn closing the link. Sighing she rubbed her temples and again marvelled at
how a people so advanced could so readily devolve.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Still standing at the bar Kalin spotted a familiar face. Picking up her
drink she pushed her way through the crowd to the darkened corner of the bar
and sidled up to the dark figure at the end. Starring straight ahead, Kalin
waited.
“Long time” rasped the figure.
“I need to see him. I need to see the Doctor” There she had said it. As
the words escaped her lips she hurriedly looked around in case someone had
overheard her.
“Many seek him out” he answered cryptically.
“Cut the crap Tobin. You might look exotic with you inked face, but I
remember when you were a lawyer! Now take me to him!”
Tobin muttered under his breath.
“Oh and Tobin, you might want to stop smoking the Cherook. You sound
terrible!”
“You never do change do you Kalin?” muttered Tobin “Follow me”
Kalin followed him through the back of the pub and out into the back
alleyway. The cold hitting Kalin, and not for the first time, she rued the
state clothing they were issued. How woefully inadequate they were. Thin and
threadbare, even the extra layers she wore barely kept out the chill. They
disappeared into the labyrinthine back alleys, poorly lit, Kalin couldn’t see
where she was stepping and more than once she was grateful for small mercies.
After six blocks they came to an abandoned warehouse. Entering they walked to
the far corner and took the steps down to the basement. At the foot of the
stairs Tobin stopped:
“Follow the corridor round, third door on the right”
“Third door, OK” replied Kalin and she began to walk but a tug at her
arm stopped her.
“What happened to you?” whispered Tobin reaching up to caress her cheek.
“They came,” sighed Kalin, reaching up to take his hand in hers “…and
you gave up” dropping his hand she continued down the corridor. The pale strip
light flickered above her head, footsteps echoing all around barely drowning
out the sound of Tobin retreating back up the stairs. Reaching the third door
on the right, Kalin hesitated. Taking a deep breath she rapped on the door.
Silence rang out. She knocked again and was greeted by the sound of metal
scraping against metal. A laser shot out scanning her eyes. Blinking the door
swung open. Kalin entered.
Inside the room Kalin was grateful for the warmth. Removing her coat she
approached the balding man working at a bench.
“Doctor, I need the serum.” said Kalin looking lazily around the
laboratory. The man didn’t respond. Clearing her throat, Kalin asked again.
“I heard, I heard! What is it with you people these days, can’t you see
I am busy!” he fussed. Turning round he walked briskly toward her. Grabbing her
face in his hand he inspected her bruises.
“Hmm, in the wars again?” and began looking in a drawer.
“I was struck by an Aesir Sgt. He may have some of my blood. Hence I
need the serum”
“Your blood, are you sure?”
“Yes he may have my blood. Is he smart enough to check it? No, but I
cannot take that chance. The serum now” replied Kalin tersely.
Kalin caught the container thrown to her and pressed it to her neck,
closing her eyes at the contact. The contents injected into her with an audible
hiss. Kalin through her head back and inhaled deeply, eyes flying open.
“What is it like?” he asked his voice filled with awe and wonder.
“What is it like? Where to begin; It’s a rush, yes a rush. My senses are
heightened, my skin tingles, my blood is flowing faster in my faces” said
Kalin, turning to look at him. Her face flushed, eyes sparkling, almost
glowing…almost.
“Go on” he urged.
“How can I explain how it is to hear and see more clearly? To hear the
blood singing in my veins” Kalin stopped and cocked her head to one side. “How
do I explain how it is to feel more
than alive to someone who is not?”
“That was unnecessary” he said, his face breaking into a scowl.
“Unnecessary, but true” Walking toward him Kalin drew two clear bags
from her pocket. “Oh now I have hurt your…feelings. Well maybe these will cheer
you up?” and handed them to the Doctor.
Taking them from her he held them up to see better in the poor light.
“Nail clippings and two strands of blonde hair” he stated quizzically.
“Well run them through the sequencer then!” a small smile played on her
lips as she watched him realise what she had just given him.
“Aesirian?”
Kalin chuckled as he quickly moved to a large machine on the bench. The
smile faded when she remembered how old and simplistic it was. She had the most
up to date machine at her institute. Her institute; it wasn’t her institute anymore. Shaking such
thoughts away, she patiently waited whilst he ran the samples. After a few
moments the machine beeped.
“Let’s see what we have here”
A few keystrokes caused the monitor to flicker. The Doctor thumped his
fist against it, and suddenly it came to life. Coloured, intertwined lines
crossed the screen.
“This is from the clippings. OK Doctor, isolate and delete my sequence.”
Said Kalin and the Doctors fingers flew across the keypad, “now that leaves the
sergeants. Now call up the sequence from the hair” A second set of intertwined
lines came onto the screen.
“They are different!” exclaimed the Doctor, “I thought you said both
samples where Aesirian?”
“They are both Aesirian, now run contig” said Kalin. As the computer
followed the commands the contiguous sequences where aligned.
“The hair DNA….that can’t make sense?”
“It’s bigger isn’t it?” asked Kalin, voice bubbling with excitement.
“You mean…”
“Yes, the Commander whose hair this is has significantly more genetic
information; I have always suspected hierarchy, if only I had access to the
institute I could verify it properly”
“Well I can do that here!” cried the Doctor, the hurt evident in his
voice.
“And it will take you months, if not years!”
“Well time is not an issue for me”
“No, no my friend, it is not”
The Doctor was a marvel. An automaton, engineered to fulfil any role.
This prototype had been programmed for bioengineering and medicine. A
remarkable achievement for Kalin and her colleagues, when they had created him,
the mould had truly been broken; literally. ‘They’ had arrived and in the panic
during the initial invasion many technologies had been scuttled rather than
allowing them to fall into enemy hands. Kalin and a few of her most trusted
friends and colleagues succeeded in hiding him all this time. His medical
knowledge proving invaluable as the Natives did not receive the care they had
previously been used to. Kalin shook her head as she recognised the old
jealousies creeping in, jealous of the Doctor…the automaton. Jealous of how
truly oblivious he was to the true nature of their predicament.
“You keep analysing Doctor, I will see you again” and with that Kalin
turned, picked up her coat and left him engrossed in the samples she had given
him.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jerryn sat back in her chair and stretched her arms above her head, neck
tense from pouring over the data she had spent that last few hours analysing.
The work was outstanding. The bioengineering knowledge was outstanding. Not for
the first time did she wonder what had happened to the people behind this work.
Flicking through the names again she came across one of the most prominent.
Morvern, Kalin Doctor of medicine, bioengineering, and genetics. One of the
most lauded scientists amongst the Natives. A frown clouded her fine features.
Morvern. Reaching for her terminal she called up the Native data base and
entered the name. A moment passed and data filled the screen. Scanning it,
Jerryn had to read it again. Kalin Morvern, renowned scientist and physician
had was alive and reassigned to
Central Archives! The auburn haired woman with the striking eyes! The woman who
the sergeant had struck was the renowned scientist. She had found her!
Chapter 2
Aesir Barracks, Northern
Sector,
“I tried Lehman, but the bitch won’t budge.”
“Christ Lt. Numan it was only a Native. A fucking Native!”
Numan sat back in his chair and watched the Sergeant….no Private wrestle
with his fear. Chewing his bottom lip, his eyes darting around.
“Couldn’t you try Brellier?” he gasped, clinching at whatever hope he
could.
“No dice Hans. She has already threatened to contact him. Christ she
probably will and I will be following you out there!” Numan forced a small
laugh, but it was weak. He could barely contain his own fear at the thought of
being transferred. “You should have told me she was an ‘Elite’” barked Numan.
He tapped a few commands into his terminal.
Transfer orders.
Restricted Zone.
Handing the data crystal over Numan sighed. “I’m sorry Hans, you have to
go. The transport is outside, get your things, it leaves in five minutes.”
CO Office, Aesir Barracks,
Northern Sector,
Lt. Commander Telfor Brellier sat behind his desk reading the day’s
notices. Most were personnel reports and logistics but one caught his eye. A
message from Commander Helkovaara, interest piqued he opened it.
To: Lt.
Cmdr Telfor Brellier
From:
Cmdr Jerryn Helkovaara
Subject:
Order Violation and Unauthorised Contact
Lt.
Cmdr Brellier,
Further
to my report yesterday regarding Private Lehman. His direct superior, Lt.
Numan, contacted me last night at home requesting that I rescind my order. I
have attached another official report, this time on Lt. Numan. My official
report on Lehamn stands. I do not appreciate being contacted at home nor my
orders questioned. I request you deal with this incident personally.
Cmdr
Jerryn Helkovaara
Chief
Biomedical Scientist
Bioengineering
Institute
PS
Telf, you really need to keep your house in order!!!
Snorting at the cheek of the woman, Telfor activated his consol and
input the details for Jerryn’s communicator. The screen blinked into life and
Jerryn’s face appeared on the screen. Not for the first time, Telfor
appreciated the beauty of the young woman. Many thought her cold, aloof and
arrogant, yet Telfor knew that was the price to be paid for being an ‘Elite’.
The best of the best. Although the Aesir where superior, the ‘Elite’ where on
another level. A smile broke out on his face.
“Good morning, Cmdr Helkovaara. How are you?”
“I am fine. Would I be correct in assuming the formal use of rank is an
indication that this is not a social call?” said Jerryn, her left eyebrow
raised and a small smile playing on her lips.
“Yes, I am afraid this is official. I have received your message and
report and wish to offer my sincere apologies that Lt. Numan saw fit to
question your orders. Lehman’s punishment has been upheld and he shall shortly
be making his way to the Restricted Zone. I will deal with Numan myself” said Telfor.
“Thank you. I will however need another driver. Would it be possible to
request a female?” asked Jerryn.
“Of course, I can think of a couple. I am sure they will prove
less…troublesome. Definitely less likely to molest the Natives at any rate”
chuckled Telfor. That comment got a grin from Jerryn.
“On a less official note, how are you doing Jerryn?”
“Fine, Telfor. I am doing fine. Keeping me busy though. I have tracked
down some Native research which may be of use to us.”
“Do you ever think about anything other than work!” said Telfor shaking
his head. “You know, such a pretty lady shouldn’t spend all that time working”
“Pretty lady! My God Telf, your chat up lines are getting worse!”
“You can’t blame a guy for trying”
“You call that trying!” said Jerryn incredulously.
“That’s the effect you have on me”
“That’s the effect anything remotely female has on you” and with that
Jerryn terminated the link.
“She can’t resist me” said Telfor to the blank screen.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jerryn sat back in her chair shaking her head at the conversation. He
never gives up! Thankfully it was all banter. She couldn’t help but smile as
she thought back to when they were younger. Telfor was five years older, Talia
three, and they both looked out for their younger friend. They had played
together in the fields of Valerian and after they had left, they played on the
ships. Jerryn had sulked when they had gone off to school, but she had quickly
caught up to them and where all selected for ‘Elite’ training together. They
worked hard and they played hard. Mentally they surpassed their peers and where
second only to The Elders. Physically, they where in a league of their own,
surpassing all in their beauty. They were also faster, stronger and had better reflexes.
Bigger.
Stronger.
Faster.
They were the brightest and the best, and in Jerryn’s eyes Talia shone
brightest. Oh Telfor had been interested once upon a time, but even he had
realised that he could not compete with Talia. Accepting that, he had become
her older brother, but it didn’t stop the lame chat up lines. She expected
nothing less now. Telfor had been her rock when her parents had died. They had
been on a scout ship, a routine mission. An ion storm struck. They had found
the ship 4 days over due hanging dead in space. The small ships shield’s
couldn’t withstand the force of the storm, hull breaches voided the atmosphere
killing all ten of the crew. Jerryn had thrown herself into her studies.
Bigger.
Stronger.
Faster.
Jerryn’s features darkened at the memory. Telfor had helped her through
those dark days and Talia had been waiting for her on the other side. Talia.
For Jerryn there was no one who could compare. They had been friends for years
and finally became lovers. Talia had been her first, the one she though she
would spend her life with. Talia was as beautiful as Jerryn but where Jerryn
was reserved Talia was a free spirit, and at stark contrast to the teachings of
the Aesir. And Jerryn adored her.
Bigger.
Stronger.
Faster.
None of that had mattered five years ago. Jerryn fingered the spider web
of scars above her left eye. Faint to the naked eye, but they were there.
Gloves hiding the scars on her left hand and no one, bar the doctors, saw the scars
on her torso and back. Her enhanced abilities had been unable to help Talia.
The accident was as vivid now as it was five years ago. Working their
engineering rotation, a relay had exploded. The fire quickly spread causing a
cascade. Jerryn and Talia had been working in the cooling tower. The explosion
had caused their gantry to collapse. Jerryn had tried to reach Talia, could see
her losing her grip. Jerryn launched herself forward to catch her. But she
wasn’t fast enough. Talia had fallen to her death and Jerryn had met her eyes
as she fell. Another relay panel exploded then and slammed into Jerryn knocking
her unconscious. Her injuries so severe they never expected her to survive let
alone make a full recovery. Feeling the pinprick of tears behind her eyes,
Jerryn scolded herself for bringing up such memories and resorted to tried and
tested methods. She threw herself into her work.
Part 2
Aesir Transport en route
Restricted Zone, South of
The transport rattled and shook as it made its decent toward the landing
zone. From his window, Lehman could see the high fence surrounding the now
abandoned city. The transport banked to the right, causing Lehman to squint his
eyes as the glare from the sun caught him. Bright blue sky, sun shinning
overhead. A beautiful day, but there was no one in the city to enjoy it. Lehman
had been told the story of the city and it chilled him to the core.
Marien had been the second city of
All had been well until five years ago. At first there where just
isolated incidents, people where tense and tempers could fray. So the violent
assaults where initially ignored; until they spread. Fighting become more and
more common, normally placid citizens became enraged, uncontrollable. Almost
primal. Within six weeks of the first reports, the city had become a living
hell. Citizens attacking not only the Aesir invaders but themselves. The Aesir
did not expect the ferocity directed at them. Many were lost trying to control
the enraged Natives. The decision was made to retreat. A fence was erected, not
to keep people out, but to keep the Marien Natives in. The screams and howls
could be heard, yet no one went to their aid. Within six months the screams and
howls had faded, but it was a further six months before teams were sent in.
Nothing could have prepared them for what they found. Death. Violent, savage,
brutal death. Once closed on the Natives of Marien had turned on each other and
had destroyed themselves. A 150,000 dead. As the teams investigated, two
Natives where found barely alive. They were put into isolation and taken for
study. More teams where sent in to clean up. It took three months to dispose of
the bodies, incinerators working round the clock. The Natives rescued survive
only two weeks. During that time the Aesir scientists observed a degeneration
in their behaviour. Autopsy results showed severe atrophy of the frontal lobes,
yet enlarged amygdalae. Four years on, marine was still under quarantine as the
Aesir picked through the remains of the once great city for the answers?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The transport touched down with a jolt. Lehman looked around eyeing up
his companions. Grunts, the lot of them. All brawn and little brain. ‘Shit, how
did I get myself into this?’
“Fall in and move out” barked the Lt.
Lehman stiffly fell in behind and shouldered his duffel bag and marched
out into the sunshine. Standing with the other he listened to the orders and
again, cursed that ‘Elite’ bitch that sent him here. They were to walk into a
grey non-descript building for screening. Slowly the line crawled toward the
entrance, men disappearing one by one to be scanned. In time he reached the
front of the cue and stepped cautiously into the doorway.
“Walk into the centre of the room. Scanning will start in sixty seconds”
Lehman stopped as he reached the centre. He startled as the blue beams
of light flickered over his face. Slowly they began to scan down his body. When
the beams reached his hands claxons wailed and the door slammed shut behind
him.
“What the fuck!” screamed Lehman running to the door pounding it with
his fists “What is this shit! Let me out of here!”
Hissing could be heard over the wailing claxons as gas poured into the
room; Lehman collapsed to the floor.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bioengineering Institute,
Jerryn sat in her office going over the data from the previous two days.
All negative. Attempts to understand why the cure had caused the sterility
eluded them and in turn hindered attempts to reverse it. Rubbing her temples
she turned her attention to her consol and opened the day’s messages. One
requested her attendance to observe the Natives she had apprehended on her way
home two nights earlier. Reaching for her gloves she left the office and
entered the lab stopping to check with her junior on the experiments set for
the morning. Satisfied everything was in order she left the lab and took the
elevator down to up to the secure level. In the elevator Jerryn mused over the
events two nights previous. How bold they had been to openly attack her. It
hadn’t worked of course and she had quickly subdued them, regrettably she had
to use considerable force with the elder one. Bones had been broken but he
should live. The younger one had escaped but he was weak and of no consequence.
In fact his version of events would no doubt fuel the Natives fear of the
Aesir. The elevator stopped and the doors opened, Jerryn stepped out into the
brightly lit corridor of the secure level. Walking up to the guard, Jerryn
offered her uncovered right hand to be scanned.
“OK Cmdr, you can go through. Dr Pfahler is expecting you”
Continuing down the corridor Jerryn halted and looked through the large
glass window at the room beyond. Lying on the bed hooked up to numerous
machines was the elder Native. Beside his bed a white clad figure looked up and
nodded to her and made its way out of the room. The figure exited the room
removing the white paper hood and mask.
“Cmdr Helkovaara you did quite a number in this one here” said the
woman, “I am Dr Pfahler” offering her hand. Jerryn shook it, the grasp firm.
“Yes Doctor, unfortunately some…force was required to subdue him. How
are his vitals?”
“He is stable. A few broken bones but he should recover. We have been
keeping him under observation. We are trying to establish what provoked the
attack.”
“General anti-Aesir activity or do you suspect a repeat of Marien?”
“We have found nothing to suggest it is a repeat of what happened there.
I believe the Marien disaster had an environmental trigger…..we just haven’t
found it yet. I understand you have been screening some of the Native DNA? We
have taken some samples from those you apprehended; I can release them to you
today.”
“Yes that would be appreciated. Have they given any indication as to why
they attacked?”
“They had high levels of what I suspect is a narcotic in their systems. The one called Karl seems to be particularly
suggestive; Cmdr Norlund is reviewing him, possibly as a new recruit.”
“Indeed” murmured Jerryn, “you had samples you say?” directing the
conversation away from Cmdr Norlund. Jerryn, as an ‘Elite’ knew what Balen
Norlund was capable of. The man was sadistic and took great pleasure in
inflicting pain and had delighted in tormenting her when she began her ‘Elite’
training. Norlund harboured out dated views that women where not ‘equal’ to
men. He had taken especial dislike to her relationship with Talia. Although
Jerryn had surpassed all her peers, Norlund still looked down on her because of
her gender. The less she had to do with him, the better.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Secure level, Bioengineering
Institute,
Bright lights. Pain. Pain everywhere. A
groan escaped his lips.
“He’s waking Sir.”
Where did that come from…I’m not dead?
“Wake him up fully, I need to interrogate him”
Lehman felt cold metal press against his neck and a heard a hiss. Slowly
the pain left him and the fog lifted and he was able to open his eyes. Fuzzy at
first, his eyes focused upon the man who had spoken.
“Lt. Cmdr Brellier” he croaked.
“Clean him up and bring him to interrogation.”
Telfor sat in the interrogation room waiting for Lehman. The door opened
and Lehman unsteadily walked into the room and sat at the chair across from him.
“Do you know why you are here Lehman?”
“No” he croaked.
Fingering the insignia on his collar, Telfor asked “Do you know what
this means?”
Lehman’s eyes flicked onto the insignia, “Its Omega sir, your ‘Elite’
mark”
“Correct and you know what it means?”
“It means you are the best sir”
“It means much more than that Lehman. It means I can hear the subtle
changes in your breathing and heart rate. I can see your pupils dilate. In
essence, it means I can tell when you are lying.” Telfor paused to let what he
had said sink in. “Tell me what happened in the last two days?”
“What…I…I was in barracks, and then you seconded me to that Cmdr…”
“Commander Helkovaara?”
“Yes. She had me driver her into the Native sector to the Archives. She
wanted me to leave her but I told her it was against orders. She told me to
stay in the foyer. She looked at stuff then we left.”
“You appear to be missing out a fair deal of what happened”
Grasping his head in his hands Lehman said “There was a problem with
this little Native bitch, she was being a tease and this other one came out and
started trouble. Both of them asking for it if you ask me”
“You are lying Lehman. Your eyes keep darting to the left and your
breathing and heart rate have risen. Again, tell me what happened?”
“I told you!”
“I want the truth Lehman” said Telfor his voice calm.
“Shit!. Ok, Ok. There was a little Native. She was cute. So I chatted
her up a bit might have got a bit fresh…”
“You attempted to force yourself on her?”
“I…yes.”
“Then what happened?”
“This other Native female came out of the office; she must have heard
the little bitch whining. She started shouting the odds at me so I smacked her
one”
“You struck…Kalin Morvern, the Chief Archivist?” said Telfor looking up
from the incident report.
“Yes.”
“Can you explain how you had target DNA on you?”
“What….no I didn’t!”
Telfor stood up, “Cmdr Norlund would like a word with you Lehman. He
shall be in shortly” and with that Telfor left Lehman alone to wonder just what
the hell was going on.
Upon exiting the room, Telfor turned left and headed down the corridor
for the elevator, the doors closing just as he approached.
“Hold the lift!” he shouted.
A slender hand shot through the gap causing the doors to open again.
“Thanks. Jerryn! What you doing here?”
“Could say the same for you” said Jerryn with a grin, “Picking up some
DNA samples from the ‘gentleman’ who approached me a couple of nights ago” she
smirked.
“Ah the ones you gave a good hiding too!” laughed Telfor. “Well I have
just had a little chat with your friend Lehman..”
“I thought he was transferred?”
“He was, turns out he had this on him” said Telfor handing a file to
Jerryn.
“He has the markers? What is this?”
“It’s not his, he had trace amounts of blood on him and it tripped the sensors
at the Restricted Zone. I was actually on my way to bring it to you. Looks like
I shall be paying a visit to the archives, the staff need to be tested again.
He claims it came from one of the women.”
“He struck one of them, the Chief Archivist”
“Yes she will be screened again.”
“I would like to accompany you.”
“Of course, we leave in thirty minutes.”
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Kalin sat in her office musing over the discrepancies between the
commanders and the sergeants DNA. What was going on? There were enough
similarities but could they really be so distinct? Speciation? Modifications?
Modifications seemed the most likely, but it was all conjecture until the
results where through. Sighing, Kalin turned her attention back to her duties
made all the harder by her desire to solve the puzzle of the Aesirian DNA. It
was hopeless. Frustrated Kalin got up and walked from her office, through to
the foyer where she found Laura talking with Tom.
“Kalin, good to see you again” said Tom cheerfully offering her his
hand.
“Good to see you too Tom, here to take Laura to lunch?” said Kailn,
winking to the young woman who was now thoroughly embarrassed.
“Would that be OK Kalin? Just for an hour?” she asked nervously.
“Of course you kids go have fun” The young brunettes face positively
beamed, “I’ll go get my coat” and she quickly disappeared into the office to
retrieve it.
Kalin was about to enquire where Tom was taking the young woman when the
doors to the building opened and Aesir troops filed in.
“What the…” her voice trailed off as she spotted a striking figure. The
commander! Her dark angel! Kalin remained dumbstruck as Commander Helkovaara
and another senior Aesir officer approached her.
“You are Chief Archivist Morvern? I am Lt. Cmdr. Telfor Brellier we are here
to conduct a scan of yourself and your associates. Could you call all your
staff here to the foyer?”
Kalin struggled to control the fear rising within her. Her blood! They
must have found her blood. Walking over to the reception desk, Kalin flipped the
switch for the loud speaker, clearing her throat she said, “Would all staff
please report to the foyer immediately, I repeat, would all staff please report
to the foyer.”
“Thank you. I assure you we shall be as quick as possible.”
“May I ask what this is about?” asked Kalin confused at the politeness
of the young man.
“We just need to verify who is working here.”
“If I may Lt. Cmdr” interrupted Jerryn, “I would like to scan the Dr.
Morvern myself.” Kalins’ eyebrows shot up at the use of her title.
“Of course Cmdr, perhaps Dr. Morvern will show you to her office.”
Kalin was totally stunned as both Aesir looked at her questioningly.
“Ah…uhm this way Comdr” stammered Kalin and walked toward her office. Oh shit! Oh shit! What the hell! They must
have found my trace on him!
Entering her office Kalin automatically started to walk around her desk,
halting she turned to look at the stunning younger woman.
Jerryn saw the unspoken question on Kalins face. “It is your office
Doctor” and she took the seat in front of the desk. “I assume you are a…little
confused Doctor. I am correct you are Doctor Kalin Morvern, former Director of
the Bio-engineering Institute?”
“Yes” said Kalin falling into her seat. Kalin watched as the Cmdr
removed one glove, keeping the other on and began to open the small case she
had been carrying. “We need to conduct some scans, Doctor. We have verify your
identity”
Kalin pulled up her sleeve to reveal her tattoo.
Jerryn pulled a black gun lie device from her case, stood up and walked
around the desk. She took Kalins offered arm and pressed the scanner against
the skin. A few short moments later the device beeped. Jerry removed it and
looked at the read out frowning slightly at the result Kalin did not have the
markers.
“You will be pleased to know Doctor you are who you say you are?” she
said with a small smile.
“Thank you” said Kalin rolling down her sleeve watching Jerryn return
the scanner to its case and hesitate as she closed it. Here is comes thought Kalin.
“I came across a number of your publications during my last visit here
Dr. Morvern”
“My…my publications?” stammered Kalin completely confused. Not what I was expecting!
“Yes. Your work on genetics and bio-engineering is….exceptional” said
Jerryn shyly.
“What! Eh…thank you.”
“I see I have confused you” said Jerryn, “That was not my intention. I…I
have rather quickly become a fan of your work. I myself am a scientist and I
have hit an impasse in my current research.”
Kalin watched the young woman take a deep breath.
“Would you consider possibly acting as a consultant?” There she said it.
She was sure her face was bright red. The woman sitting across the desk from
her was brilliant, a genius. The theories she had hypothesised and proven where
remarkable and Jerryn, for the first time in her life was not the smartest
person in the room. She looked up to meet Kalin’s blue-grey eyes and held them.
Kalin was stunned by the request. Even more stunned when the beautiful
woman caught her gaze and held it. She as transfixed by the bluer than blue
eyes. Suddenly she realised she was supposed to respond, but before she could
there was a knock at the door and the other Aesir officer entered.
The gaze between Jerryn and Kalin was broken as Jerryn rose and walked
over to the Lt. Cmdr, their heads bowed as they spoke in private.
“They have all tested negative”
“Same with the Doctor, Lehman must have picked it up somewhere else”
said Jerryn. “I just need to finish up here then we can go”
Kalin watched as the other officer left and the young woman walked
toward her, arm outstretched, offering her hand. Taking it Kalin could feel the
warm and the softness of her skin.
“I hope Dr Morvern that I may drop by again and we can discuss your
theories in more detail?”
“Yes. Yes I would like that” said Kalin and was shocked to find that she
really did like that idea. Their hands lingered and eventually Jerryn let go,
leaving Kalin confused as to why it bothered her so.
“I shall contact you in due course Doctor”
said Jerryn a small smile playing on her lips. Kalin stood and watched as the
enigmatic young woman turned and walked from her office.