Free Space Chronicles: The Last Human War by Dean Sault Page A

bad news.
    “I knew there would be an investigation, so I tried to isolate the Tanarac genes. Uhhh, I had to stretch a few rules, sir. I know it’s against protocol for me to download security logs. I’m sorry for breaking the rules, but I hacked into the access registry to see who was on duty the night these genetic sequences were inserted into their host cells. There was only one scientist in the Repro Lab. I’ve never met him. His name is Dr. Yal.”
    “Fexad Yal.” Dr. Hadje remembered the young intern.
    “Sir, he was the only person with knowledge, opportunity, and the technical training to alter the DNA. I examined the Repro Lab’s bounce code. It matched perfectly, so he did receive the correct sequence for cellular insertion. The code was altered inside the lab. I tried to find Dr. Yal in our personnel directory to ask him about it.”
    The doctor leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest.
    “Fexad was terminated from Science Corps at about that time . He wanted to join our field research team but was unable to pass his Comprehensive Genetics Exam. I felt sorry for him, and put him in the Repro center for a few years to give him more time to study. After he failed the test a third time, he became discouraged, and I suggested he consider teaching in a university rather than working in our genetics lab. I don’t know where he ended up. It was in everyone’s best interest when he agreed to leave us, but I would never have believed he might tamper with—”
    Dr. Hadje rose abruptly.
    “Thank you, Dr. Lillip. You’ve done an excellent job. I have to go. I’m taking copies of these DNA files with me.”
    The head of human research inserted a small data storage bar into the computer’s external transfer port. It pulsed in green flashes while receiving the download.
    “D octor, there’s one more thing I need to show you.”
    By now, the younger scientist had earned his boss’s full attention.
    “As you know, sir, each time we enter a lab, the security system scans our DNA as a back up to our personal access code and voice analysis. The system maintains a permanent record of that scan. It’s a read-only file, so it’s tamper proof, and, yes sir, I know it’s off limits, but I had to know the truth. Sir, the source of the Tanarac DNA segment in the humans—it’s a perfect match with your friend. Dr. Yal He used his own DNA.”
    The older Tanarac flushed dark blue in anger. Slowly rotating holograms of the human DNA fragment superimposed onto a corresponding Tanarac segment from rogue scientist’s security scan. The images were identical.
    Dr. Hadje shook his head in disgust. He made no further comment as he angrily snatched his data bar from the computer and headed toward the cart he left in the supply room.
    Jix followed.
    “Can I help you?”
    “No, son. You shouldn’t have any further involvement with me tonight. There will be recriminations for what I’m about to do. You have done an outstanding job. Thank you.”
    “You’re going after the humans, aren’t you? I’d like to go with you.”
    The doctor knew this could very well end his own career. How could he allow a bright, young scientist like Jix to take such a risk as well? He declined.
    “I know about the Council’s decision.” Jix insisted. “They’re wrong. Humans didn’t ask to be our wards when we kept them under Tanarac protection. It’s our responsibility to live by our code of ethics. Let me go with you, sir. Please.”
    The doctor stopped walking in order to respond face-to-face with the young scientist.
    “I admire your passion ,” he said. “And, I respect your idealism, but there is a good chance my effort will fail. When it is discovered how many rules I’ve breeched, I will be forced into retirement. I do not want it on my conscience that I destroyed your career too. So, really, it’s best if you—”
    “I have no career!” Jix raised his voice. “If the humans are terminated, my