Free CODE X:Episode 1 by M.R. Vallone Page A

The electric generators hum quietly in the
background.
    “Our center’s communications’ piggy backs on
commercial carrier’s satellites. Our employers pay a heavy price to
keep a secure and secret connection with our group.”
    Parks shakes his head in amazement, then
asks, “I’m surprised at the amount of equipment you have. How did
you get it in here?”
    Eddie explains, “We used modified school and
passenger buses to bring it in, to make life out here civilized.
All messages are scrambled, both in and out. So, a breach of
security could only occur from the outside. Biggins, you can go
ahead and make a connection to your source.”
    “My contact uses a secure method I put in
place,” she informs Eddie. She dials a number on the computer
console, then, “Jenna? Any news?”
    Jenna reports, “Well, the heat has died down
completely. There hasn’t been a mention of him for ten days now,
anywhere. The last published story highlighted the absurd notion of
our friend’s involvement. His record was too clean. So, a lot of
holes are what made the interest die down in the ridiculous story
they put out. But, they will still snatch our boy if found. The
bolo will never go away.”
    “Do me a favor and check in on my personal
package, make sure it’s okay.”
    Jenna assures her, “Been doing it once a
week, its good.”
    Biggins reports, “Our package insists there
has to be a connection to the big corporation. Her disappearance
means there’s some place she was taken to. What do you know about
their facilities?”
    Jenna continues, “Well, research is that
company’s black hole. Their stock filings to the SEC shows the
absurd amount of money the company earns. But, all they do is show
an ungodly amount allocated to that division.”
    “Can you locate all the facilities?”
    “No. I’ve checked out all the listed ones.
But, they are standard small operations that could in no way be
using that amount of money. Knowing they have secret locations just
whets my appetite to feast on the story that’s waiting to be found.
Finding them is going to be hard. How’s our package doing?”
    Biggins laughs, “Getting there. Physically
ahead of schedule, but hardheaded like a mule on the total program.
All we can do out here is get ready to act when we get some
intel.”
    “Okay, I’ll keep the line hot between 12
A.M. and 1 A.M. every night starting this Friday. I think that
since I know to look for the unknown, it will actually make it
easier to locate some information.”
    Biggins replies, “Thanks. It’s too dangerous
for us to give you a channel, that’s why I have to make contact
with you.”
    Jenna answers, “I know. Stay safe. Bye.”
    Biggins turns to Parks, “Wherever they took
her, its super-secret.”
    Parks steps back and slams his fist into his
hand. “You’re not telling me anything new. I’m so pissed off that
even a reporter can’t get a lead. This is so bullshit.”
    “Calm down. Eddie’s got some underground
sources too. It’s early in the mission; it’s been only 30 days.
Concentrate on getting ready for the battles ahead. I know I’ve
given you shit, but you’re doing pretty damn good.”
    Eddie chimes in, “Yeah, you got the physical
tools, but you gotta keep your mind right. Hell, if you had a right
mind, I might even take you.”
    Parks stiffens, juts out his jaw, “Okay, I
get it. Biggins, I’m gonna toast your ass.”
    “You mean you’ll try big mouth.” They all
laugh.

Chapter 26
    Inside Vicki’s
lab, Candy watches a computer screen flash while it’s working to
solve a problem. Printer starts to hum readying to print, then the
printer stops almost as soon as it starts.
    Candy slumps her shoulders, “It’s no use Dr.
Collins. The sequence ran out before it registered. What are you
looking for?”
    “There’s got to be a cell programming
mechanism for DNA. I know it!”
    Candy asks, “You mean like a switch?”
    “It’s a code. That invisible code sends the
message