Free Thicker Than Blood by Matthew Newhall Page A

hear what you think, I will ask. Now I have to think for you, and whose fault is that?" Scott's growing vocal anger worsened his now almost unintelligible accent. "Yes sir." Nathan automatically repressed his anger and desire to speak. "I expect that a sufficiently effective quarantine program is ready in case the chiefs so order it." "Yes sir." Nathan grew more angry every second. He couldn't wipe Scott's spittle off his face. His distant hand gripped into a fist. "Sir, the chiefs will see you now," a woman's voice drifted in from the door to the waiting room. Scott moved naturally away from Nathan wearing a broad smile. "Thank you ma'am." He began to walk toward the large double doors. The office was comfortable and sparse. It was decorated with wood furniture and moderate colors. Two large American flags hung by the far wall. Four men in uniform were waiting at the opposite side of a large wood table. As Nathan entered the room the woman closed the door behind him. One of the chiefs looked to Scott. "Counsel Conner, what brings you here?" Scott straightened and did his best to look neat. "Hello generals. MIR has a problem." "Weren't you starting new trial systems in New York?" the last general asked. "Yes, a civilian gained consciousness during an unplanned trial." "Unplanned?" the first general asked slowly. "His aunt, a doctor, used the oxygen nanites during an emergency procedure." There was a brief pause, "So you think he knows what happened?" a general in the center asked. "We don't know, MIR does not have those resources," Scott admitted grudgingly. "How long was he awake?" the youngest General asked. "About a half an hour according to the doctor in question." "We should not act with haste," The oldest middle right general said, "This sounds like a non-detrimental event."
    "We are deeply concerned about the breach. We do know, the man has a technical mind. There is the remote possibility, he understands what was done to him." "So we may need to discredit him," The last general asked. "Prepare a variety of legal actions against him, council. But do not act until we can confirm carnal knowledge," the first general suggested. "I need your permission to treat the subject as an enemy combatant," Conner stated almost robotic like, "We would be able to prevent the leak from spreading if we detain him." "Make sure to focus the charges on something else, or he may spread the contamination on the way to Guantanamo." "We will prepare a case. I am anticipating the results of your probe." Scott smiled. Nathan understood the need to arrest the boy, but was still appalled. It was shameful how depraved and indifferent the world had become. Damn them all for not helping America isolate their enemies. How many innocents needed their lives disrupted or destroyed, because there was no cooperation to be had.
Chapter 14
    Mark's Toyota was sputtering again. Why did I have to buy a Japanese car, Mark thought. At least it's not German. My dad is livid about the cost of parts for his Beamer. Mark scanned the parking lot as he approached it. He noticed the van was gone, but it looked as if a light might be on inside. Mark pulled the sputtering Toyota over. He got out of his car and pushed the unlocked gate open. The activity light on a nearby motion detector failed to blink. Somebody forgot to shut the lights off and turn on the alarm, he thought. Amman went home late last night and his car wasn't here. He couldn't be back yet, could he? There's no way Joe slipped in, he doesn't do mornings, then again neither do I. Mark pulled his car inside and hurried to the door. It swung right open when he pulled it. "Damn!" Mark said aloud. He was frustrated with somebodies lack of care. Mark's optic nerve flickered with movement. He looked to his side and nearly jumped out of his skin. "Ah!" Mark yelled. Kento was sitting on the floor Indian style, with his shirt off. He was wiry and slim. He looked powerful despite his light frame. "Hello," Kento said