The Traveler

Nash was supposed to be the leader, the man in charge, yet both men knew that Boone could walk across the room and break the general’s neck in a few seconds. “Sit down, Mr. Boone. Have a glass of Chardonnay.”

“Not right now.” Boone strolled over to the window and gazed down at the surgical table. The anesthesiologist was adjusting a heart sensor on Michael’s chest. “How’s it going?”

“Michael is in a trance state. Weak pulse. Limited breathing. I’m hoping that he’s become a Traveler.”

“Or maybe he’s half dead. The 3B3 could have fried his brain.”

“Neural energy has left his body. Our computers seem to be tracking the movement fairly well.”

Both men were silent for moment, staring out the window. “Let’s assume that he really is a Traveler,” Boone said. “Can he die at this moment?”

“The person lying on the examination table can cease to be biologically alive.”

“But what would happen to his Light?”

“I don’t know,” Nash said. “But it couldn’t return to his body.”

“Can he die in another realm?”

“Yes. We believe that if you’re killed in another realm, you’re trapped there forever.”

Boone turned away from the window. “I hope this works.”

“We need to anticipate all possibilities. That’s why it’s crucial that we find Gabriel Corrigan. If Michael dies, we’ll need an immediate substitute.”

“I understand.”

General Nash lowered his wineglass. “According to my sources, you pulled back our field agents in California. This was the team looking for Gabriel.”

Boone didn’t seem disturbed by the accusation. “Electronic surveillance continues. I also have a team searching for the Harlequin mercenary who placed a false clue in Michael Corrigan’s apartment. I think it’s a martial arts instructor who used to be affiliated with the Church of Isaac Jones.”

“But no one is actually looking for Gabriel,” Nash said. “You’ve disobeyed a direct command.”

“It is my responsibility to protect our organization and help us achieve our goals.”

“At this point, the Crossover Project is our primary goal, Mr. Boone. There’s nothing more important.”

Boone stepped closer to the table like a police officer about to confront a suspect. “Perhaps this issue should be discussed by the executive board.”

General Nash looked down at the table and considered his options. He had avoided giving Boone all the facts about the quantum computer, but it had become impossible to keep the secret.

“As you know, we now have a working quantum computer. This isn’t the time to discuss the technological aspects of this device, but it involves suspending subatomic particles in an energy field. For an extremely brief period of time these particles disappear from the force field and then they return. And where do they go, Mr. Boone? Our scientists tell me that they travel to another dimension-another realm.”

Boone looked amused. “They travel with the Travelers.”

“These particles have returned to our computer with messages from an advanced civilization. At first, we received simple binary codes and then information of increasing complexity. This civilization has given our scientists new discoveries in physics and computers. They’ve shown us how to make genetic modifications in animals and create the splicers. If we can learn more of this advanced technology, we’ll be able to establish the Panopticon in our lifetime. The Brethren will finally have the power to watch and control an immense group of people.”

“And what does this civilization want in exchange?” Boone asked. “No one gives anything for free.”

“They want to come into our world and meet us. And that’s what we need Travelers for-to show them the way. The quantum computer is tracking Michael Corrigan as he moves between the different realms. Do you understand, Mr. Boone? Is it all quite clear?”

For once, Boone looked impressed. Nash allowed himself to enjoy the moment as he refilled his glass. “That’s why I asked you to find Gabriel Corrigan. And I’m not happy about your refusal to follow orders.”

“I pulled back the field agents for one reason,” Boone said. “I think there’s a traitor in this organization.”

Nash’s hand trembled slightly as he put down the wineglass. “Are you sure about this?”

“Thorn’s daughter, Maya, is in the United States. But I haven’t been able to capture her. The Harlequins have anticipated all of our actions.”

“And you think that a field agent has betrayed us?”

“It is the philosophy of the Panopticon that everyone should be watched and evaluated-even those in charge of the system.”

“Are you saying that I have something to do with this?”

“Not at all,” Boone said, but he stared at the general as if he had considered the possibility. “Right now I’m using the Internet team to track everyone who has a connection to this project.”

“And who will examine your own activities?”

“I’ve never had any secrets from the Brethren.”

Don’t look at him, Nash thought. Don’t let him see your eyes. He peered out the window at Michael’s body.