Code 47 to BREV Force Cracko

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 16

In his upstairs office, Martin dropped samples he had taken from the greenhouse on his desk and pulled the drapes back to let in the sunlight that had been peeking through. Looking at the plants he wanted to examine he decided that could wait.

He pulled out the swivel chair from behind his mahogany wood desk, sat down and opened the middle drawer. He reached under the lip of the drawer and retrieved a small key which he used to unlock the bottom right-hand drawer. Lifting out the false bottom, Martin removed a small metal box and put it on the desk. Then, he reached into his vest pocket and removed another key. He thought, There's a full security safe in the lab downstairs but I still feel more secure with this in my desk under old-fashioned lock and key. He used that key to unlock the box and opened the lid, ever so slowly. Martin sat digesting the contents: a letter in an envelope with stamps from Paris, a small picture, a black, worn looking notebook and one yellowed letter.

After a few moments, Martin finally removed the contents. He opened the envelope and the words came flooding back. He stared at the picture and then picked up the notebook. Just running his fingers over the soft leather hide was a transformation into the past. The notebook, although ordinary in appearance: black textured leather cover, bound with a flexible spine for easy note transcription, contained writing that made this book priceless beyond compare. He flipped through the gold edged pages triggering vivid memories of the past.

Martin remembered back to when he had been in his twenties; a research assistant at the Science Institute, in California. He was fortunate to be chosen as an intern to one of the world's most renowned scientist, Dr. Gregore Schmidt. One day, Schmidt informed Martin that he was taking him to Geneva to attend the World Scientific Conference.

Schmidt expressed how very proud he was that Martin was the youngest intern, ever invited to the Geneva conference. Martin was in awe because the conference was attended by only the most respected world scientists.

Geneva was a beautiful city but Martin was so totally immersed in the conference, he never took time to notice. One day, when Dr. Schmidt had a meeting with his fellow scientists, Martin decided to venture off on his own. He entered the main conference hall, eager to meet, "his fellow scientists." He walked around sort of being ignored by the elite group and then something caught his attention and caused him to look up. He began to ponder an immense crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

Martin was surprised when he heard a voice ask, "If we all started yelling at the top of our voices, could we make that chandelier vibrate enough to loosen the structure and make it fall?"

The accent was unmistakably French but the English was impeccable. Martin turned around to see a man of medium height and build, whose facial expression made his ordinary features, brown hair and eyes, seem strangely extraordinary. Martin didn't know why but he sensed immediately that there was something very special about this man.

"I believe it could be done but why would anyone want to do it?" Martin questioned.

The man smiled, "Because we are scientists and it is our job to be able to answer all such foolish questions." The man paused and then, asked, "Does that change your answer?"

"No, I still don't see the purpose." Martin stated emphatically.

"Good! Most people in this room would have changed their answer just because they were given a second chance. You will make an exceptional scientist. You are inquisitive enough but not foolhardy." He extended his hand to Martin, "And, with that, let me introduce myself. I am Remy Marcel."