Silos of Man

Chapter 15 - Confirming a Quandary

With Joan away for the next 72 hours, and Ryann back at her lab until I yank her out of there again for a break, I can live at my lab until I figure all this bullshit out.  Something isn't right with Joan's terrifying suggestion that the Science Councils are looking at a supply-degradation issue.  Information with this much gravitas has to be released within seven days via the GMS, and it's already been three.  I know that Joan is only a member of the Representative Table but I'm positive that something of this magnitude, even if the degradation issue is localized, would require all hands-on-deck at every level.  She would know more about it all if it were true.  So is it a lie, or is it the truth and she's lying about how much  she knows?  Either way, it's in the 'Cons' column for my ability to trust Joan.

I also know that Dylan Dwyer, who remains of sound mind even at this stage of life, would never choose End of Life Protocol at a time when the human race could possibly be facing inevitable, imminent extinction.  I feel goosebumps at the back of my neck and a wave of panic flow through my stomach.  I realize that no matter how this turns out, it's bad, because if there's a localized problem with our chromosomal supply, then there is a likelihood that there are the same problems in other nations, and if there's a problem with the world's chromosomal supply, then we face extinction. 

We're so goddamn close to fixing this, at least for a while so that we can gather enough genetic material to keep going until we can bring them back for good.  The results were so promising.  The rate of deterioration was down to a level that would get a male through to about 20 years of age.  That could be upwards of 7-years-worth of genetic material per individual. 

When I get in my car, I call Tom.  She picks it up on the first ring and doesn't say hello.  Instead, what I hear is, "Hey Dan, I heard you were off for a head-clearing hike and I'd love to join but something's come up.  We could meet at that coffee shop we went to last week – or rather just outside of it because you know how busy it can get."  I perceive an anxiety to the chuckle on which she ends her opening salvo.  Holy shit.  She thinks someone's listening-in.  How the hell did we manage to attract the attention of someone with the authority to listen-in on our private conversation!?  Despite the sudden heat creeping up my sides toward my underarm, I join the play with, "You read my mind.  I'd love to catch-up after my hike.  I think the fresh air and solitude out in nature will do me a world of good.  I'll see you at the coffee shop.  I can be there any time around nine".  "See you then." The call was over and I was now shaking like a leaf. 

If the listening "they" heard and believed that, and at this point I don't think anyone has a reason not to, then they think I'm off for a hike.  I continue to the lab, but I take over manual control of my car and drive along a very deviated, convoluted route.  Despite the whirlwind in my head, I'm here and I managed to remember the whole drive this time.  I don my sunglasses and my legs become unsteady as I approach the front desk.  Larkin Charlebois was sitting behind it with her kind eyes and happy smile, and I'm counting on the fact that she isn't well-versed in biometrics.  "Hey Dany, how's it going?"  "S'all good, Charley, how 'bout you'?"  "Really, great thanks.  Did I tell you that Devon is unioning?  Her and Kyel are making it official next August".  "That's lovely, Charley!  What's your sister up to?  Still aiming for the political circle?"  "Sure is and we're so proud of her!  She's the first in my maternal line to go to uni, so we're all freaking out at home."  Fan-freaking-tastic! I like Charley and so I feel a little bad capitalizing on her good mood, but this is where I pounce.  "I can just imagine the busting pride over there." 

I smile at her and start rubbing the sides of my eyes. "Hey Charley, I had an eye exam earlier today and the drops are totally killing me.  Can you just swipe me through today?"  "Oh, I guess the retinal scan would bother you then?"    She stares into my sunglass-hidden eyes for about three seconds, which feels like an interrogation - and I was guilty.  I nods and she finally says, "I guess so.  Just use the guest-book there to sign-in as a guest and I'll swipe you through".  The guest book was on a podium a couple of feet from her so I stop in front of it and when I hear the swipe-beep come from her computer, I turn from the podium and wave goodnight while moving toward the door.  Her phone rings, which couldn't have been better timing because she just opens the doors without even looking up from her device.