Daniel Suarez - Influx

Hedrick motioned for everyone to sit down as the doors closed and locked automatically. “Everyone, if you please.”

They sat quickly.

He looked ceilingward. “Varuna, are you and your ilk with us?”

“Yes, Mr. Director.”

“I know the executive and synthetic intelligence committees are concerned about ongoing relations with the U.S. government, but I think it’s time we draw the line against this unwarranted intrusion into covert affairs. The new director of national intelligence has recently discovered we exist, and she wants us in her wire diagram.” He turned. “What sort of political pressure can we bring to bear in Washington, Mr. Morrison?”

“We’ve got endless dirt on congressmen, senators, secretary of state—it’s a long list. Who do you want?”

“What do we have on this new DNI? Who is she?”

“Recent cabinet appointment—after Pickering’s stroke. She’s a former ambassador to China. Undercover CIA work—publicly an economics professor, stint in a Beltway think tank. We haven’t been able to dig up any useful dirt on her—which means she’s probably a cipher, a hood ornament for the real power.”

Alexa looked at him. “Or she could be honest.”

Morrison leaned forward to return the gaze. “I think it’s more likely we just need to install more surveillance.”

Hedrick persisted. “What about her people? What about this McAllen person who’s leading the investigation on us?”

Morrison shook his head. “Nothing useful. He’s been married thirty-three years. No extramarital affairs or legal issues. Three grown children also with no legal, financial, or marital problems. Five grandkids too young to be of interest.”

“You’d better find something, or we’re going to have to deal with these people in less subtle ways.”

Alexa looked around the table. “Excuse me, Graham, but why do we care what these people do? We never have before.”

“Varuna, can you please tell Alexa why this matters?”

“Yes, Mr. Director. The illicit splinter organization in Russia is one reason. The illicit splinter organization in Asia is another.”

Hedrick nodded. “Both of them would be only too glad to help undermine us. It’s only a matter of time until they get word that the DNI is on a personal crusade to encapsulate us, and then the U.S. government will be on the receiving end of all sorts of actionable intelligence. And quite possibly technological aid. We need to stop them before this threat expands.”

“So it’s getting worse with the splinter groups?”

“Much worse. And it’s one of the reasons why I’m pushing so hard on the gravity modification technology. We will need it if we are to maintain the edge against our ex-partners.”

Alexa considered this. “Is that why Mr. Grady is being returned from Hibernity?”

He glanced up at her.

“I saw the transfer order. I was pleasantly surprised to see he’s been cooperating for years now. It’s good to see he’s become convinced of our mission.”

Hedrick nodded. “His help will be sorely needed. We need to be able to generate gravity. With that power, we’d be able to deflect any force used against us. Nuclear blasts. Even light itself. We would be able to permanently secure the future of the BTC.”

Everyone in the room contemplated this level of godlike power.

Morrison sighed. “And if not, what do we do about the U.S. government then?”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” Hedrick turned to the assembled executives. “Here’s what I need from you all: I want action plans for dealing with the U.S. government—suggestions on how to cease their investigation and, failing that, action plans in the event of hostilities. I want your reports in my workspace by noon tomorrow.”

There were some exhalations of surprise and a low whistle.

“I know, that’s a short fuse, but I expect you all to meet it. This is an existential threat to the Bureau, and I have full faith that you will all rise to the occasion.” He gave another glance around the table, catching everyone’s eyes in turn. “Very good. Dismissed.”

The executives all rose, to exit.

As Alexa got up to leave, she noticed Morrison conferring with Hedrick, but Hedrick glanced up at her. “Wait a moment, Alexa. I’d like a word before you go.”

She returned to the boardroom table to stand with her hands on the backs of two chairs.

Mr. Morrison walked off, giving her a dark stare before finally turning his back and exiting out a side door—headed back into Hedrick’s office.

Hedrick approached her, smiling. “I couldn’t help but notice you look upset.”

She frowned at him.

He looked to the ceiling. “Doesn’t she, Varuna?”

“Yes, Mr. Director. Electrical activity in her amygdala is consistent with mild depression.”

Alexa glanced with some irritation to the ceiling. “Leave us, Varuna. That’s an order.”

“Shall I leave, Mr. Director?”

He hesitated and then laughed. “Yes. Yes, please leave us alone.”

“Very well, Mr. Director.”

There was silence as Alexa studied the ceiling—not sure why she was doing it since it wouldn’t reveal anything.

“It’s okay. We’re alone now.”

“Why do you have her scanning me?”

“She scans everyone in my office suite.”

“Even you?”

“As director, I require secrecy.” He patted a seat. “Sit. Tell me what’s got you upset.”

She remained standing. “People get depressed sometimes.”

“I want you to be happy. You know how valuable you are to us.”

Alexa stared at him, trying to read the situation. She could see his toothy smile. Eyes dilated. But she couldn’t keep wondering. “There is something I’d like.”

“What? Tell me.”

“I’ve been reviewing recent advances in the biogenetics division.”

“Oh?”

“It turns out there’s now a way to make me fertile—to reverse my genetic sterility.”

Hedrick’s face went from a smile to concern. “Really?” He paced for a moment. “What brought this on?”

Alexa sensed the need for caution.

Hedrick studied her. “Have you met someone?” He then glanced at the ceiling. Opened his mouth to speak.

“Don’t you dare.”

He stopped and then looked back down at her. His eyes narrowed. “I’ve treated you as an equal. You know I have. I wish you would realize how good you have it.”

“I know how good I have it.”

“We’ve known each other since we were children.” He gestured to the boardroom. “Do you even notice what I’ve accomplished?”

“Of course I notice.”

“And you know you’ve always been very dear to me.”

“Graham, you matter very much to me, too. But I can’t help the way I feel. Maybe it’s just the bioengineering, but I don’t have romantic feelings for people. Can you name a time when I have?”

He stared at her. “We can be mature about this. If you want to have children, we—”

“It’s nothing personal.”

He nodded. “I understand. But if you were to have a child, who would the father be?”

She considered the question. “I don’t know.”

His expression grew more serious. “But see, that’s the thing. It’s not just you who gets to decide. The Bureau has a say in this matter, Alexa.”

She frowned. “I don’t follow you.”

He studied her for a moment. “Your intelligence, your appearance, your life span, your physical prowess—the organization gave you all those things. Your genetic sequence is proprietary. You need our permission to make copies of it. Otherwise you’re stealing.”

She felt a sudden dizziness as his words came to her. The absence was coming on like an enveloping fog. “I…”