A.D.A.M. Read online

  She rubbed her hands across her stomach and tugged her blouse. “Where am I?” After taking in a long deep breath, she rubbed her forehead again as she scowled.

  The door slowly opened as two military guards escorted General Anbar and the agents into the room. The General flicked on the light as Dr. Bradford covered her eyes.

  Agent Turner stepped forward. “Good morning, Dr. Bradford. How’s your head? I can get you an aspirin if you’d like.”

  Dr. Bradford lunged toward Agent Turner but collapsed as the room spun around her. “What have you done to me?”

  Agent Morrison raised his hand and stepped toward her. “Relax Dr. Bradford, let me introduce you to General Anbar.”

  The General stepped forward. “Welcome, you are our honored guest.”

  A uniformed E-2 female entered the quarters carrying a breakfast food tray and placed it on the round dining table and left.

  In a daze, it took several moments before Dr. Bradford focused explicitly on the General. “Who are you?”

  “I’m General Anbar. It is a pleasure to have you here with us, Dr. Bradford.”

  Dr. Bradford rubbed her neck at the site of the red-raised needle injection that looked more like a bed bug bite. “You treat all of your honored guests by sticking a needle in their neck, locking them up in a place they have no idea where they are, how they got there and with two goons with machine guns posted at their door?”

  General Anbar motioned for one of the guards to close the door. “I assure you they’re posted for your protection and not for your captivity. If this new life form gets out of control, they are ordered to kill it. Let’s say; it’s the protocol for national security.”

  “Let me see if I understood you correctly. I’m considered a national security risk?”

  “No, Ma’am. The life form is. We don’t know what it is or what it is capable of doing. The only thing we know for certain is it’s evolving.”

  “Evolving?”

  “That’s why the government escorted you here.”

  “Don’t you mean drugged and kidnapped me? I would have come without all this clandestine activity; they only needed to ask me. Where exactly is here?”

  “I can’t reveal that information.”

  “You can’t, or you won’t?”

  Agent Turner stepped closer to Dr. Bradford, assisted her to her feet, and then helped her sit on the edge of the bed. “Dr. Bradford, I’m sorry, Agent Morrison, and I couldn’t inform you of our destination, we had our orders. What matters now, is that you cooperate.”

  “Cooperate! You can’t hold me against my will.”

  The General pursed his lips. “The President of the United States says we can. Cooperating with her invitation is in your best interest.”

  “Or what? She’ll have me killed like the rest of my team if I don’t?

  Again, cold arrogance from the General.

  Dr. Bradford rubbed her temple. “Then General, tell me one thing. Why have you brought me here?”

  “We need your help with the microbe you discovered in Mono Lake. As I said, it is evolving.”

  “Evolving? Into what?”

  “That’s what we’re hoping you can tell us before we destroy it.”

  “Destroy it! You don’t destroy life no matter what kind it is. You’re afraid. I see it on your face, and I hear it in your voice. You, idiots, are clueless. You have no idea what to do. I find that very ironic. First, you didn’t need me, and now you kidnap me. I demand an explanation.”

  “Dr. Bradford. Yes, we need you. Will you help us?”

  “It doesn’t look like I have much of a choice. Where’s the microbe, and where are my samples?”

  The General glanced toward Agent Turner. “Fill her in on the rules of the house.”

  “Yes, General.” Agent Turner sat next to Dr. Bradford as if to befriend her. “First things first, eat your breakfast before it gets cold. It’s on the table. All your meals are served here in your quarters. You may have already noticed there is no restroom or shower facility in here. When the time arrives, Sergeant Merritt will escort you to the female area. There are clean towels and toiletries on the dresser. We also took the liberty of providing you with a pair of clean fatigues. You can change into them, and I’ll show you your new lab after you eat.”

  “It sounds like I’m a prisoner. I can’t eat with the others, I have to be guarded to pee or shower, and you want me to wear fatigues. No, thank you. I want my clothes. I’m a simple woman, but I will not wear military clothes. I’m sure you can have your goons go to my house and retrieve five pairs of pants, my white collared shirts, my unmentionables, and my lab coat.”

  Agent Turner glanced toward the General.

  “Dr. Bradford, I will allow Agent Turner to secure your items in return for your full cooperation.” The General cleared his throat. “Do we have an agreement?”

  Dr. Bradford closed her eyes, rubbed her chin, and then glared toward the General. “I’m not going to pretend for a moment I approve of this, but I will cooperate and continue my research. Now bring me my damn clothes.”

  Agent Turner’s eyes widened. “Dr. Bradford, make your clothing need list, and I’ll have someone purchase the items you need for your comfort. I’ll need your size and your color choices. As for your lab coat, I believe it is already here.”

  “Who put you in charge?”

  “I’m only here to help you adjust.”

  “Then frankly, I don’t need you. General, I don’t ever want to see this woman again. Do we have an understanding?”

  The General stared at Agent Turner. “Dismissed Agent. You and Agent Morrison return to New Orleans.”

  “You’re making a mistake, Dr. Bradford.” Agent Turner rose and strode to the door. “I’m on your side and Jessica’s.”

  “Agent, I said dismissed.”

  Agent Turner left and slammed the door behind her.

  “Dr. Bradford, do you have any other requests?”

  “Where’s Jessica Parker?”

  “I’m afraid I don’t know that answer.” The General moved to the door. “I’ll return in thirty minutes to allow you time to change and to eat.”

  “That won’t be necessary. I’m fine with what I have on, and I’m not hungry. I’m ready to see the lab now.”

  Jessica soundly slept on Dr. Bradford’s couch when her cellphone rang. She fumbled to find her phone between the couch cushions. When she finally grabbed the phone, she recognized Rebecca’s number and quickly answered. “Hi. Did you find out anything? I’m worried sick. Dr. Bradford isn’t answering her phone.”

  “I may have a lead.”

  Jessica bolted from her position and paced in front of the fireplace. “That’s it. Dr. B’s life is in danger, and you may only have a lead.”

  “Jess, breathe and calm down.”

  Jessica took a deep breath. “Auh ommm… Auh ommm.”

  “That’s it, just calm down.”

  “I’m really trying.”

  “Then try harder, Jess. I’m coming over after I investigate this lead. I’m not sure what I’ll find or if it’s even worth my time. In the meantime, I didn’t want you to worry. As soon as I finish this assignment, I’m heading your way.”

  “Okay. Just be careful. Don’t let anybody see you come here.”

  “You don’t have to remind me of that. I’m always careful.”

  Jessica disconnected the call and placed her cellphone onto the mantel next to the fetus sculpture. She turned around, put her hands on her hips loudly exhaling.

  “I can do this. Everything is going to be all right. My sisters won’t let anyone hurt me.”

  She blew air between her lips, shook her hands, and shimmied to release the tension throughout her tensed body. “I’ve got to meditate. Yes, that’s what I have to do.”

  She sat Indian style in front of the fireplace, placed each hand, palms up, onto her knees and gently touched her thumbs to her middle fingers.

  “Auh ommm… Auh ommm.�
� She closed her eyes, breathed in deep, held it for five seconds, and then slowly exhaled. “Auh ommm… Auh ommm.” Her eyes popped open. “Shit!” She bolted from the floor. “I can’t relax.” She paced between the fireplace and the bookshelves across the room. “Where is Rebecca? Something’s wrong.”

  She strode into the hall and gazed at the photographs hung along the wall. A smile crossed her lips as she stared at the photograph of her and Dr. Bradford when they collected the samples at Mono Lake. “That was some discovery.” She stepped sideways and stopped in front of a photograph of Dr. Bradford, Rebecca, and herself sitting in camp chairs in front of a creek at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp Resort in Roberts, Louisiana. Her lips pouted as she touched the photograph, and then she giggled. “Gave a whole new meaning to the Creek Dweller campfire story mom made up.” She crept down the hall as she glanced at all the family photographs. She stopped at the photograph of herself dressed in a high school cheerleading uniform. “Go, Bruins!” Her eyes darted to the photo of Rebecca, while in high school, crossing the finish line of a track race. The entire hall paid homage to the three sisters.

  When she reached the first door in the hall, she took a deep breath and hesitated before she opened it and stepped into a beautifully decorated nursery. Nothing was out of place. Brand-new baby clothes, shoes, and diapers lay on the changing table. An exceedingly small lavish bronze urn sat on top of the dresser, a cross, a framed picture of Dr. Bradford, Dr. Peck, and their infant son, and a single portrait of the newborn.

  Jessica picked up the infant’s portrait. A letter fell to the floor. She picked it up and read it. To my beloved son. May the angels of the Lord protect you until we can be together again. Wherever you are, may you know how much your father and I love you and how special you are to us. Love, Mom, and Dad.

  A tear traveled down Jessica’s cheek. “I don’t know why God took them from you, Dr. B., I really loved them too. I loved being an aunt.”

  General Anbar, along with Major Fred Dwyer, a thirty-year-old Caucasian, and Sergeant Sharon Merritt, a thirty-four-year-old African American, escorted Dr. Bradford into her new lab; a mirror to her former N.A.E.T. one down to the lab tables, microscope, the lab equipment, and her old desk and chair.

  The General nodded his head. “I hope you find everything to your satisfaction. We tried to duplicate your lab from N.A.E.T. even down to your A.D.A.M. sign. You’ll find we nabbed your lab coat and goggles.”

  “How considerate of you for kidnappers.”

  General Anbar’s brow furrowed. “Dr. Bradford, you are our distinguished guest. We will try to make you as comfortable as possible during your stay. Again, I hope you find your lab sufficient to conduct your research. It is our way to let you know just how important you are to us and this study.”

  Major Dwyer and Sergeant Merritt stood at attention by the door.

  Dr. Bradford scanned the area. “It’s slightly different, but it will suffice. I could do without the soldiers and their guns.”

  Sergeant Merritt stepped forward and darted her eyes at the General. “Sir, permission to address Dr. Bradford.”

  “Permission granted.”

  “Let me remind you that Major Dwyer and I are here for your protection and the protection of this military base. As military officers, we must serve and protect. In this situation, it’s a matter of national security.”

  “So, I’ve been told.” She scanned the lab and took notice of the contents. “As promised, everything from N.A.E.T. has been transferred here; even my lab coat.” She retrieved her white lab coat from the hook by the door and put it on. A second lab coat hung next to it with the name “Jessica Parker” engraved on it. “General, are you going to bring my graduate assistant here too? I see her lab coat.”

  “Not at this time. It’s too risky.”

  “Don’t tell me; it’s a matter of national security.”

  The General stoically nodded in affirmation. “Along with your Mono Lake sample, we also transported your Lake Pontchartrain, Grand Isle and Gulf of Mexico samples.”

  “Thank you; I need them to conduct a comparative study. That’s the only way to finish my research.”

  General Anbar glowered toward Major Dwyer. “Have them bring it in.”

  The Major opened the door as Giles, now without a limp, more upright, and his scar less evident rolled in a stainless-steel cart with a large rectangular container covered by a white sheet.

  Dr. Bradford gazed at Giles with extreme curiosity and familiarity.

  “Uncover it.” General Anbar stepped backward.

  Giles gently removed the sheet revealing the twenty-five-gallon fish tank five feet wide and two feet high filled with murky water from Lake Mono.

  Dr. Bradford tilted her nose, sniffed, and instantly recognized the ammonia and sulfurous smell, and the tiny tufa crystallized on the outside of the tank in several places. A hinged-glass top sealed the container airtight, and a padlock secured it in place. A white-gooey blob about the size of a small apple floated in the water near the side. To a layman, it resembled a small piece of raw dough.

  Her brow furrowed as she stared at the tank with extreme curiosity. “That’s a new development I haven’t researched. Are you sure this is the water sample I extracted from Mono Lake?”

  “President Corbin determined you are the best scientist to isolate and identify what this thing is.” General Anbar’s jaw tightened.

  “Specimen General, not a thing. I’ll ask again, did this specimen originate from my original Mono Lake sample?”

  “Indeed. It’s been growing exponentially each day since we brought it here, and there’s something you must see for yourself.” The General placed a pencil near the tank, and a part of the blob broke away and morphed into its likeness.

  “Fascinating.” Dr. Bradford tilted her head and twisted her lips as she approached the tank. She grabbed a small test tube and placed it close to the tank. The blob morphed to its likeness turning clear, and a small translucent part morphed into the representation of her fingertips. “Has the specimen been contaminated in any way?”

  “I assure you our scientists are the best the world has to offer.”

  “I suppose that is why I’m here because they did their jobs so well.”

  General Anbar cleared his throat as he scowled.

  Dr. Bradford bent close to the white blob as it morphed as if it were a reflective mirror image of her face. She jerked away as the blob returned to its doughy state, and then glowed a neon yellow gradually turning the water murky.

  “I’ve never seen anything like this before.” Dr. Bradford rubbed her neck at the site of the injection and winced. “The microbe has not only evolved, but it also morphs.”

  “Do you understand the situation more clearly, Doctor? We have to learn everything about this thing.”

  She placed her hand against the tank causing the blob to morph to her hand’s likeness. “What is the water’s temperature? It feels too warm; I need a thermometer.”

  General Anbar nodded toward Major Dwyer. “One should be in the cabinet, General.”

  “Then get it for the good doctor.”

  “Yes, sir!” The Major retrieved a digital thermometer from a well-stocked cabinet and handed it to Dr. Bradford. “Ma’am, is there anything else I can retrieve for you?”

  “I’ll let you know.” Dr. Bradford bent toward the blob again as the blob morphed into her likeness. She retracted as the blob returned to its doughy state. “Before I open this tank, I need a strict lockdown in this lab. No one in or out without my approval. I can’t risk contamination.” Dr. Bradford glowered toward the General. “If you want my help, you have to guarantee you’ll let me do my research according to scientific protocol. I need the key to unlock it.”

  “Very well.” The General retrieved a key from his pocket. “Just find out if we are in danger and what that damn thing is capable of doing.” He handed her the key. “You have four hours until we provide you with a break and return you to your q
uarters for lunch. I’ll leave you to your work.”

  Dr. Bradford nodded. “Guard, please obtain a pair of goggles for me.”

  “Ma’am, I’m Major Dwyer, and I’m here to assist you in any way I can and to protect you.” He retrieved two pairs of goggles from the cabinet.

  “Major Dwyer, you won’t be needing a pair. I want everyone out of the lab. Have I made myself clear, General?”

  General Anbar glowered as he nodded. “Clear the room like the good doctor requests. We’ll leave you to it, Dr. Bradford. Please know that Major Dwyer and Sergeant Merritt will remain stationed outside of the lab.”

  “Just get out of my lab.”

  The General and the others left.

  Dr. Bradford studied her lab as she absorbed the gravity of the situation. She put the key into her lab coat pocket and opened every cabinet and every drawer to conduct an inventory. She sat down at her desk, opened her brown leather journal notebook, and authored her first written entry.

  “Day - One: 9:52 AM - I have been brought to a secured underground facility by all accounts run by the military. I don’t know if I’m in Louisiana or somewhere else. Although General Anbar insists, I am not a prisoner, I feel like one. I will have to make the most of it. For now, as all my samples and research has been brought here for me, I will continue my study. I wish I had Jessica here to help, but it would be too dangerous to bring her.”

  She placed her journal and pencil down onto the desk, stood, strode to the cabinets, retrieved several glass slides, four eye droppers, and four Petri dishes. She brought them to the lab table and placed the items next to her microscope. “Okay. Let’s begin.”

  After she placed her purple surgical gloves over her hands, she carefully unlocked the tank, and then put both the lock and the key into her lab pocket. She took a deep breath as she opened the tank’s lid.

  The blob immediately floated to the top.

  Dr. Bradford dipped the thermometer into the water as the blob morphed into its likeness. She waited for sixty seconds before looking at the recorded temperature. “That can’t be right.” She strode to her desk and recorded her findings in her journal.