“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 . . .”

“Your body was designed. If you want to have children, the BTC should choose the genetic material from which your offspring are made. You must see the ethical requirement for this. Anything less is theft, Alexa.”

She could barely hear him as the mental fog closed around her.

He came close and patted her hand. “You’ve already achieved what would thrill anyone else. You hold one of the top positions in this organization—a benefit we bestowed on you. As a rational, reasonable individual, you must see that it’s the Bureau that will decide whether you have children.”

Alexa felt herself coming slowly back to her senses, her heart pounding. She barely had any recollection of what Hedrick had just said to her.

“Are we clear on this?”

Alexa nodded absently.

“Good.” He studied her. “You can go.”

 • • •

Alexa approached the twin doors. They opened automatically and closed behind her just as quickly. She moved past Hedrick’s secretary and guards in apparent calm. As she rounded the corner, she saw Mr. Morrison leaning against the corridor wall.

“I see the director respects your valuable contributions.”

“Go away, Morrison.”

“Where’s our esprit de corps?” He fell in alongside her.

“What do you want?”

“You may think you’re better than me, but at least I earned my place here. I’d say I was here before you were even born—except you were never born, were you? Maybe that’s why you lack even the ambition to fuck Hedrick out of simple gratitude.”

She moved so fast even Morrison couldn’t react before she punched him hard across the face—sending all two hundred and fifty pounds of him hurtling down the hall.

Morrison rolled back onto his feet and shook his head clear. “I see that touched a nerve.”

She stared him from several yards away. “Don’t make the same mistake twice.”

He nodded, still rubbing his jaw. “I’ll make damn sure I don’t.”

CHAPTER 14

Flight

Despite every effort not to be impressed on his journey—Jon Grady was impressed. He’d been sitting in a luxurious leather seat for nearly a half hour before he discovered the hypersonic transport was already under way. It was that quiet. The pilots had the cabin window shields deployed—whether to conceal from him their route or to protect the aircraft he couldn’t tell.

When Grady heard the scramjet kick in, the shield disappeared, revealing a wide window by his elbow that he didn’t think could be made of glass. Below the sun was rising at the far edge of the world.

It was the most miraculous sight he’d ever seen. His mind caught fire as the universal laws paraded before him. He felt inebriated with joy.