“Not as often as you,” replied Erin with a scowl, clearly annoyed at the short genetic engineer. “But my field uses these tools also. It seems I know more about what you do than the other way around.”

Hansen finally decided it was time to step in. “This is ridiculous,” he said. “Who cares? Both sites will have rhinovirus sequences, correct? So let Erin use the one she likes. This is for her benefit anyway.”

Burghardt nodded. “You’re right,” he said, but couldn’t help turning to Erin and adding, “but you’re still wrong about this. If I haven’t heard about a sequence database, it can’t be very good.”

Within two minutes they were on the site Erin had wanted. It was a bare-bones, no-frills site that was very simple to use—which had been Google’s claim to fame. Maybe this was why she liked it so much, thought Hansen.

The Seq-Magic Ultra uploaded the sequence to the Web site. Given that the long stretch of DNA had to be checked at different starting and stopping points, and thus different permutations, even checking against the rhinovirus database took several minutes. But in the end the site confirmed that the sequence was 84 percent homologous to conserved rhinovirus regions.

Burghardt beamed. “Satisfied?”

Erin nodded. “Almost,” she said, instructing the software to check the sequence against all known pathogens, looking for 50 percent or greater homology. This was a far bigger and more complex job and took almost an hour before the site reported back that there were no matches.

The construct was based on the common cold, just as advertised. With no known deadly sequences inserted.

They had Drake back on Skype within minutes.

“Congratulations,” said Erin cheerfully to the alien when he appeared on the monitor. “Your construct checks out. So grab a pen and paper. Because we’re about to change the course of human history.”

38

ERIN HAD MEMORIZED the precise dosages necessary for each of the eight genes, and carefully provided this information, making sure it was read back to her twice. When she was through, Drake asked to confer with Burghardt in private, probably about his plan for disbursing the virus, which he refused to disclose to either Hansen or Erin.

Compartmentalization.

While Burghardt would now be working furiously for twenty to thirty hours, Erin and Hansen no longer had any responsibilities. Since it was unwise for them to risk leaving the premises, they sent Zalinsky on a shopping errand to pick up clothing they had chosen online at a local Target store, including underwear, so they could change out of garments that had been worn hard for several days and were about as fresh as month-old cheese.

They both took naps, cooked up omelets using the ample ingredients found in Burghardt’s well-stocked kitchen, and after their change of clothing arrived, took long, hot showers.

Hansen felt fantastic. Against all odds, they had prevailed. In less than a day they would achieve their goal. And if it took a while for them to create a new base of operations completely off the grid, he was prepared to live with that. The residence they were in could house dozens of people in comfort, so if Hansen had to choose a place to hole up in, and a female companion to hole up with, he could do a lot worse than this spectacular mansion and a remarkable woman named Erin Palmer.

Burghardt came downstairs as night was falling to tell them Drake had requested another call with them. The short molecular biologist set up the call and then left, disappearing once again into his lab.

When Drake’s face appeared on the monitor, Hansen said, “How’s it coming?”

“You’re in the same house as Max. Why are you asking me?”

Hansen glanced at Erin. “Well,” he replied, looking a little embarrassed. “He’s holed himself up in the lab, and he’s working so hard we didn’t want to bother him. Even to ask how it’s going.”

“I approve,” said Drake. “I’m told it’s going great. Max is ahead of schedule.” He sighed. “But let me tell you why I called. I’ve decided on a change of plans. Instead of meeting you out there, I’m going to need you both to bring the finished virus to me. The three of us can implement the release plan together.”

“What is the release plan?” said Erin.

Drake smiled. “I’ll tell you when we’re about to release it,” he replied. “The point is, you two are the only ones I trust to do this. Other than Max, of course. But he’s been working around the clock. You two are fresher.”

“Where are you?” asked Hansen

“Near San Francisco.”

Erin and Hansen traded glances. They had barely survived traveling from Arizona to Colorado. They were still the subject of a massive manhunt.

As if reading their minds, Drake said, “This should be very simple. I’m at a safe house I set up a while back for emergencies. This will probably ultimately become the new Yuma. So I have access to my resources again, including our quantum computer. Which I managed to save, by the way.”

Hansen’s eyes widened. How had he forgotten to even ask about this?

“This includes financial resources,” continued the alien. “So I’ll have one of the men in my employ deliver a van to your location. All you have to do is get in the back and let him drive you here. No one will stop him. And no man, woman, highway camera, or satellite will be able to see you while you’re hidden in the back.”

“Sounds like a stress-free trip,” said Hansen. “We could use one of those.”

“Great,” said Drake. “Max thinks everything will be ready by noon tomorrow. Be in his garage at one, and my man will meet you there.”

They agreed and ended the connection.

As soon as Drake’s face disappeared from the monitor, Hansen took Erin in his arms and kissed her gently, savoring the feel of her soft lips and tongue and the clean scent of her hair. “I guess it’s going to be a long, boring night,” he said playfully. “I just wish I could think of something fun to do that would help us get through it.” He raised his eyebrows. “Something that would provide healthy exercise and burn calories.”

“Normally, I’d think this was a great idea,” said Erin. She paused for a few seconds, blew out a long breath, and added, “But this is an important night. We’re on the eve of a momentous change. So what I’d really like is if you would just hold me tonight. We can lie together and watch a movie. Get to know each other better.”

Hansen was all for them getting to know each other, and this plan sounded great. But it would sound even greater if it was implemented after they had made love. “We can do that,” said Hansen, trying unsuccessfully to hide his disappointment.

What did this mean? Did she regret their night together? Was she trying to pull back? Given the warmth he had felt from her, and the sentiment toward him she had openly expressed, this was the last thing he had expected.

As if reading his mind she leaned in and kissed him, only separating several minutes later.

“Don’t get me wrong,” she said. “The other night was great. And I hope to have many more nights just like it. Besides, I’ve never been with a bald guy before. But let’s wait until tomorrow night. After we’ve successfully changed the world. We’ll be even happier, and more eager.”

The corners of Hansen’s mouth turned up into the hint of a smile. “I don’t know, Erin. I’m pretty sure it isn’t possible for me to get any more eager. Especially after that last kiss. But I understand what you’re saying.”

“I promise you. When we have something to celebrate tomorrow, we’ll celebrate in a way that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.”

Hansen drew her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m going to hold you to that. But for the time being, we’ll just, ah … cuddle,” he said.

“Thanks, Kyle,” she replied.