Agent M: Project Mabus (The Agent M Series Book 1) Read online

  Nicole had to admit, he was gutsy for a simple biochemist. She never expected this much resistance. Too bad she wasn’t given the order to kill him as well. It would have reduced the complications.

  “Don’t be so stunned Dr. Viseman,” said Nicole. “If there is anyone to blame it should be you. This is your original work. It’s best to keep a weapon this powerful in the least amount of hands as possible.”

  Original work? Donald thought. His heart raced as the thoughts came flowing through his memory. It made him sick. “That still doesn’t explain why –”

  “Why is irrelevant. These people are already dead. Think of it as sparing them from the agony of your beliefs.”

  Instantly, Donald dropped to his knees. The very idea of a drug that alters a human being’s natural physiology already slapped God in the face. Anything it touched would have essentially created the antichrist. It was an architect for a new breed of humans. One devoid of God’s will and influence. Even with all of those warnings, Donald made it anyways. His one atonement for this dreadful creation was calling it Agent Mabus, to warn others of its cataclysmic potential.

  He could begin to taste the rotten taint of black coffee within the back of his throat. Vomiting here would be the ultimate sign of weakness. Donald didn’t want to believe this was his fault. Somehow, he was already convinced it was.

  Seeing him wallow made Nicole feel a small touch of guilt. Hopefully he wouldn't hold this against her. It could comprise the future of their relationship.

  “The Secretary of Defense is rather pleased with all of your hard work Dr. Viseman. Seeing this through to the very end, throwing away all of your morals, I must admit. We are both very impressed.”

  Intimate knowledge of Donald’s personal feelings and opinions proved she was well informed. Nicole looked down on the geneticist as he attempted to keep his stomach fluids from spewing out. Pity he couldn’t see the beauty of the overall circumstances. She took a few steps away from Donald and regaled him with a bit of personal insight.

  “Given the title of you initial project I’m sure you’re very well aware of the philosophies of Michel de Nostredame.”

  Of course he knew. Nostradamus was an infamous French seer who published a collection of prophecies that have since become legendary. His most famous predictions were the coming of three antichrists that would lead a reign of anarchy and devastation all over the world. Two have already come and passed and the third was thought to be the one that would lead to the destruction of the world as we know it.

  Nostradamus called him Mabus.

  “I must admit, I was surprised to hear that someone of such high morale standing would not only willingly participate in such a project but actually formulate the idea himself.” Nicole turned around and gave him a confident gaze. “I never believed you’d actually go through with it for something as simple as money.”

  “It’s more than that,” he stuttered. Donald’s mind filled with the initial reasoning for continuing his studies. The theories were remarkable. If someone was able to tap into and alter the genetic code of sperm then they could control the offspring before conception. The potential was limitless. Abnormalities and birth defects would only be found in the pages of history books. Children would be able to grow up without any type of ailments holding them back. The human race would finally overcome diseases and live their lives without ever having to worry about them again.

  Thoughts couldn't be formulated into a reasonable argument so he settled for a rage induced glare. It would have cut right through Nicole’s heart if she had one. Donald hoped his emotions came through loud and clear because there were no words to describe his anger.

  “Nevertheless, calling your drug Mabus is a bit pretentious. The future is unwritten. We will decide what role this boy will play on earth. Not God.”

  Her training in emotional breakdown was superb. Donald was nearly convinced. All he concerned himself with was the greater good; the preservation of human life. Defying God’s will was never his intention.

  “You should be proud Dr. Viseman. Your work has paid off handsomely. That child right there is the perfect human being.” Nicole didn’t pull any punches. The sooner he understood the reality of it the sooner he would be on board for the next phase. “Now it is our job to turn him into the ultimate soldier.”

  Donald became strangled by that analysis. His mind furiously tried to disbelieve any of this was real. The soft breath of the child in his arms reminded him to come back to reality. He didn’t notice but Nicole checked her watch and suddenly felt rushed for time.

  “Let’s go Dr. Viseman,” she ordered, “My colleagues have arrived.”

  Nicole knew everything had to be timed perfectly. In minutes, this entire facility would be burned to the ground and every piece of evidence would be lost forever. VisionTech, the company that was hired to design and build every piece of the medical equipment would be distraught hearing that their leased inventory would not be returned. Of course, that would soon be forgiven when their compensatory checks were cashed.

  All this time Nicole spent as his personal assistant, Donald never thought she’d be barking the orders at him. The situation has certainly changed. He gave her one last look of defeat. It wasn’t as if he had much of a choice. The boy in his arms represented not only years of research but the very future of mankind. If he valued his life at all Donald had no choice other than to do what he's told. More importantly, his cooperation was the only thing that would allow him to stay near the baby.

  Nicole motioned for him to walk along side her. They exited the room through the blood stained door and proceeded down the hallway. Soldiers began pouring in. At least a dozen armed strong with various types of automatic weapons and explosive equipment. One soldier even brandished a flame thrower. No doubt this was to be used to extinguish all of the paper work involved. Donald immediately felt regretful that the entire core of his research now rested in his memory instead of in documents and databanks.

  “We should hurry,” she began as her legs started a quicker pace. “I can hold little Mavryk if you’d like.”

  She had said it so casually Donald almost let it pass. An epiphany struck him soon after.

  “Mavryk?” He questioned. “You’ve already given this child a name?”

  They reached the final security door and with a flick of her I.D. card, Nicole opened up the entryway to the elevator room. She stepped aside allowing Donald to enter first and followed immediately afterwards while answering his question.

  “It was the Secretary of Defense’s idea. For the purpose of the project his code name was Alpha. However, we came up with another name to establish a unique identity pending Mr. Weinberger’s approval.”

  “And that would be?” Donald asked as he stepped towards the elevator. Nicole followed along and pressed the button to open the doors.

  “Mavryk Brian Curtis.”

  The elevator doors split apart and they quickly entered. Donald pondered the meaning of the name but found it difficult with the screams of soldiers and the sounds of explosions inhibiting his thoughts. They clearly took their jobs seriously.

  Ascension was swift. A new itch of horror began scratching at Donald’s neck. He worried that the only reason he was allowed to live was because he continued to hold the child in his arms. Nicole had many skills. She was able to kill everyone in the lab within seconds; before Donald could even comprehend what was happening. It wouldn’t take much effort for Nicole to eliminate him and swipe the baby before his lifeless body hit the ground. Donald felt a new sickness growing in his stomach. He could hardly stand.

  Nicole looked over and instantly recognized signs of panic. He practically wore it on every inch of his body. “Don’t worry Dr. Viseman. We’re not finished with you yet.”

  She was getting really skilled at throwing curve balls. Like any good batter, Donald was going to have to adapt to them for the time being.

  Doors opened and Nicole casually stepped out without wai
ting to verify if Donald had followed. She knew he’d be there. His life depended on it.

  “What do you mean?” He asked attempting to catch up. Donald still took special precautions while carrying the child but his inquisitive nature yearned for an answer. After all, this was his life they were discussing.

  Nicole turned around in front of the final security gate. She extended her arms outward, motioning for Donald to hand her the child. It nearly killed him to do it. Donald took a deep breath and calmly passed over the boy. She took him into her gentle arms and let out a brief smile before getting back to Donald’s original inquiry.

  “Did you really think after creating something this wonderful that you’d simply be able to just walk away from him?”

  He never thought of it like that. It’s true. Donald literally created that boy. He’s the only one that knows the baby’s physiology. If anything were to go wrong, he would be the man to ask. This revelation breathed in a new life for the geneticist.

  Trying to forget the tragic scene from before would be harder than fighting a tank armed only with a rock. It would haunt him for the rest of his life. However, when one door closes, another opens. That is the irony of opportunity. This could be the beginning of harnessing limitless potential; both for his research and humanity.

  “Very well. I accept.”

  There was truly nothing else he could say. Thanking her felt out of place. He couldn't do it even if he tried. All that blood on Nicole's hand would never wash off. In his heart, Donald thanked her for sparing his life. And nothing else.

  As the final doors opened Donald stepped up alongside Nicole. A black car promptly arrived to pick them up. The driver recognized Nicole instantly and immediately hopped out of the car and assisted her and Donald to their seats. They both sat in the back and the child was strapped safely between them in a uniquely designed car seat offering a large amount of protection.

  The driver took off. Donald pondered some theories as to where they were heading but since Nicole had been so brutally honest up to this point, he thought it wouldn’t hurt to just ask.

  “What happens now?” He noticed Nicole was looking and admiring the child very passionately. If he already hadn’t labeled her as a cold-blooded killer, she may have looked rather charming. Almost like a mother.

  “Now? We celebrate.”

  “Celebrate?”

  Donald tried to put his finger on what she could have meant other then the completion of this project but her words told him that they still had a lot further to go. “What exactly are we celebrating?”

  Nicole flicked her simple ponytail off to the side and gave him a genuine smile.

  “Why, his birthday of course,” she stated while rubbing the boy’s hands.

  The vehicle took a hard right exiting the grounds of the facility. Donald took a look back at the place that stole years of his life and felt sadness overcome him. For the lives that were sacrificed. He then looked over at Mavryk. All of those thoughts perished in an instant. Whether it be the child’s innocence or lack of understanding, one thing was definitely certain.

  This child is the key to the future.

  The chill of the night continued to hiss. Roman was so engrossed in the tale, the weather didn't even garner attention. Although most of the details were vague, at least now Kurtis finally had the answers so desperately searched for; which would bring about a whole new set of questions. The first one being the most frightening.

  How is he going to react?

  “You mean to tell me,” Kurtis started. His words carried with an unrestrained passion and impending rage, “I am artificial?”

  Roman felt a bit of relief. The young man’s anger seemed to be minor for now. This was an easy place to start. The fact that his mother was murdered apparently didn't bother him in the slightest.

  “I'm surprised you didn't figure it out for yourself,” the old man replied. He blew warm air into his hands and tried to rub feeling back into them. It didn't help. “Your abilities are beyond that of any human on earth. Look at yourself now. I am freezing where I stand, yet you don't even feel it in your shirt and jeans as if you’re deaf to the calls of Mother Nature.”

  Kurtis tried to process everything rationally. It seemed so complicated and simple at the same time. His strength, his stamina, his speed all appeared so natural that he never questioned it. The reduced temperature couldn’t even put a dent in Kurtis’ nerves. He certainly fit the bill. The ultimate human soldier couldn't be susceptible to weather while on a mission. It made perfect sense.

  The night was not a total loss. Free from the mystery of his conception, Kurtis could now piece together the remaining portion of his history. He was told they found him in an abandoned military compound on an unused island in Hawaii. Kurtis was too young to remember. In fact, his first memories were that of Roman walking him down a hallway in a strange facility. His servant knew all this time and didn't tell him until today. To say Kurtis was a bit upset would be like calling the ocean a little wet.

  Killing Roman here might ease his irritation but didn’t seem worth it at this point. After all, he was trained to believe that the ends always justify the means. Roman surely had his reasons for keeping it a secret. The same could be said for why he revealed it tonight. Besides, after everything he's been through, Roman was now the only one he could trust.

  A loud whipping noise blew down over their bodies. It graduated closer to where they stood. The nightmare of being caught had finally come true. Kurtis ignored it as if he were not ready to go to sleep.

  Light shined forth, raining on the barren field. The helicopter began its decent. Armed soldiers aimed their AK-47 rifles down at Kurtis and Roman. It was a bit excessive; however, when your greatest asset escapes your facility, you'd do whatever it takes to get it back. This was all just an elaborate message not to defy their caretaker again.

  Dust swept across the undeveloped soil. The added pain of flying dirt did not sooth Roman’s condition nor did the stink of cold sand. He turned away and tired to bundle up but his master remained vigilant. Kurtis was trained to remain calm in these types of situations. There was no way he would lose his cool here. Not even against a small army of soldiers.

  The helicopter landed about thirty yards away. Immediately the ten armed troops flooded out and surrounded Kurtis. His only weapon of resistance was a short steel shovel. These soldiers didn't know what he was fully capable of. Technically, they still had a minor disadvantage.

  “Time to go home Kurtis,” the lead soldier spoke. Captain Gale’s orders were clear. He kept his pistol trained on Kurtis' skull.

  The young man scoffed at the idea of surrendering. He wasn't about to return with his tail between his legs in spite of violating orders. Kurtis walked right past him without so much of a look. No longer wishing to become a Russian ice sculpture, Roman followed closely behind.

  Captain Gale commanded the rest of the troops back into the helicopter. Within seconds, it was airborne again. The blades shredded through the air as if gravity's laws did not apply. This reminded Kurtis of the powerful technology his caretaker had in his employ.

  “Do not test the patience of the General.” Those words came from that soldier again. Kurtis thought about ripping his tongue out. It would have been easy. He would never see it coming. Having great power always made Kurtis think about ways he could abuse it. It was the only thing that seemed to calm him down. That and actually abusing his power.

  From his front pocket, the Captain pulled out a small box with a chrome switch. “Next time Kurtis, think about the consequences of betraying our employer.”

  The only semblance of a reply he offered was a brief scoff. He didn't even hear the soldier flip the switch. A fiery explosion detonated on the ground below. The sound of the blast was enough to catch his attention. Kurtis turned toward the origin as did his servant and they could see from afar a large vehicle fire. He didn’t need a detective’s training to know that was the car they used to come down here.
A fairly expensive message to simply point out the General could have Kurtis killed at any time. Sending a similar reply would be much messier in Kurtis' hands.

  “Have flight arrangements been made?” Roman asked breaking the uncomfortable silence. Seeing their car destroyed by the push of a button didn't seem to bother him. At least on the outside. He was good at keeping secrets after all. Even though this incident may have weighed against his favor Roman knew he still had great value to the General. Their relationship meant a great deal each of them.

  “We’re scheduled to arrive in California by morning. The General will be waiting.”

  That was more than enough reason for both of them to return to reality. The General has spent a great fortune to set this plan in motion. Kurtis was the insurance that everything went according to his will. Due to some unforeseen circumstances it appears that his presence is needed now more than ever.

  Time to go to work. No one did their job better than Kurtis.

  That was by design.

  March 5th, 2012

  Los Angeles, California

  The alarm rang violently as it did every morning at 6 a.m. A hand rose and calmly glided over to the clock’s direction. Using near pinpoint precision, the electric monster was silenced and it would remain that way for the foreseeable future. Michael Madison opened his eyes and stared blankly into the familiar dark ceiling above. He threw the sheets off of his body and stepped out of bed. It was a calculated procedure.

  Mornings always were.

  Michael cracked a few of the stiff joints in his neck and proceeded into the bathroom. He took a shallow breath over the toilet and expelled every last drop of urine stored in his system. The hazy vision that hindered the newly awakened had been restored to normal. The mirror foretold that his short, raven black hair was in no particular disarray. He quickly doused his hands with water and returned to his bedroom.