The Genesis Illusion

Chapter 37

Puzzled Paul and Nara did not speak. Ann sat expressionless, staring at the Arcadia symbol on one side of the business card. Sam continued, "I don't know if you can read it from there but handwritten are the words- Phay Phay."

"Father?" Ann understood the Myanmar language word. "Let me look at that," Ann requested, reaching out for Sam to hand her the card. "This looks like my mother's handwriting. She told me that my father died during the escape from Singapore."

Ann handed the card to Paul who held it in front of his face so Nara could see around his arms resting on the bed pillow. The Arcadia symbol and the word father? Maria knew Ann would find this only after her death.

"That symbol appeared on her after a meteor shower when she was only fifteen," Ann described what her mother had told her. "After recovering from a serious illness, she changed to become very intelligent. She told me that this was a gift, and that with it came a responsibility to create a better world. She believed, however, that only she could rule this new advanced world. Her world domination obsession justified any means, no matter how twisted, leading to her rise to ultimate power. I didn't share that vision. But I believe it's my responsibility to use my gift for the benefit of everyone. Perhaps her message means for me to become like a nurturing father to those in need?"

Nara looked at Paul with an icy stare. Paul understood his friend's unspoken message, so he said, "That may have been part of her message but there is more. There were three who survived the deadly illness. Your mother, Uncle Lee and me."

Ann gasped in shock, placing her hand over her mouth and leaning forward listening for more. She knew Paul created many amazing inventions so he must be smart. He was the one responsible for her mother and Uncle fleeing Singapore over twenty five years earlier. To outsmart her mother, he must be her equal.

"Your mother and I took different paths," Paul continued. "I used my intelligence to develop innovations that improved the safety and security for millions around the world. She used hers to establish a dominate world realm where she ruled millions of enslaved subjects."

"Twenty-five years ago your mother and I... Uh... before I knew her plans." Paul paused, staring at the card, before he continued. "This image on the card isn't a drawing, it's a photo. All of us who received the intelligence boost have this small symbol recessed on our lower hip. You inherited the gift from your mother and father."

Ann's eyes grew ever wider as she realized what her mother's message meant. She had the symbol and...

"You're my father!" Ann shouted, leaping from Sam's arms to lay covering Paul's back holding his shoulders but being careful to avoid touching his wound.

Paul reached his free arm out inviting his daughter's embrace for the first time. They remained entangled both sobbing uncontrollably. Their emotion infected both Sam and Nara whose wet eyes revealed a shared joy.

Several minutes passed before Ann lifted herself from Paul's back and he released her to Sam's welcoming outstretched arms. Smiling Nara wiped a tear dripping from his lip. Paul buried his face in the bed pillow rubbing it gently before raising his head.

Paul said with a twinkle in his eyes and the hint of a grin on his face, "I calculate a one hundred percent probability we're going to be the new Fabulous Four."