Bob Cooper [Cooper - The Shox Gene Variant

The shuttle was late leaving Washington D.C., but that was par for the course. The flurry of activity in and out of the nations capitol made getting anywhere an exercise in futility. Raina hailed the flight attendant and ordered another glass of wine. Sipping slowly, she watched the mountains appear from the window as they entered Arizona airspace. She sat back and glanced at her watch. Only an hour and a half late. Hopefully, Dirk got the message.

Prepare for landing. The announcement came over the speakers. Raina finished her wine and straightened up as the harness automatically came from behind and crisscrossed her chest. The shuttle hovered over the landing pad for a second before dropping straight down, bringing it to a perfectly smooth landing. She wasnt staying long, just a few days, so a carry-on suitcase was all she needed. The shuttle port wasnt crowded by D.C. standards, but there was the usual stampede to disembark. The warm November air hit her which was a relief from the damp D.C. climate this time of year. She saw Dirk waving to her.

Its great to see you again. Weve missed you, he said, hugging her.

Her grandfathers hair was thinner than she remembered, and his beard was grey, but that smile hadnt changed.

Thanks for picking me up. Hows everybody doing?

Great, he said, without elaborating. Lets get out of here.

He led Raina to his old cruiser in the back of the parking lot. It was a half a mile walk, and Raina noticed that Dirk was winded when they got into the vehicle.

Pulling into Dirks driveway, Norma was waiting to greet them.

Raina. Its so good to see you, she said, hugging her. Come on in and get settled and well have some drinks on the patio.

Sounds good.

Dirk took her carry-on to the spare bedroom. Freshen up. Ill be outside.

Raina looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings. Dirk had bought the small Pueblo-style home because it was close to the lab facility where Norma worked. They had moved in together years ago.

A quick shower and a change of clothes and Raina was soon outside on the patio feeling the warmth of the afternoon sun. Sipping on the strong Margaritas that Norma made, a pleasant, warm buzz developed.

I hear you are now a member of the Senate Ethics Committee on Biological Engineering, Norma said. Im glad the politicians see the need to create oversight around this highly-controversial process.

Norma worked on many projects, most notably, the Progenitor Project which disclosed how alien technology aided in the creation of the human race, as well as life throughout the universe. This undid the most-cherished tenets of religions and caused chaos beyond belief. It took quite a while for a new sense of where we came from to be accepted and to a point where the scientific community was able to study the human genetic makeup rationally.

Yes, I was lucky to be picked for such an important committee. Whats Acey been up to? Raina asked, changing the subject.

Im not sure. I havent seen her in a while now that she is the CEO of the JPG Interstellar Mining Company. The last I heard from Aidan, she was off to one of Jupiters moons negotiating a mining treaty with several other mining cartels, Dirk answered. She told me you would be in town to see her.

Acey, her half-sister, was now married to Aidan. She missed Acey. They were extremely close before life took them in different directions. Ill catch up with her before I leave. Speaking of Aidan, hows he doing?

Hes doing well. The Private Investigation business is booming. Actually, he could use more help. Annie works with him full-time, but they still need more assistants to keep up with the caseload.

Geez, Annie is all grown up. I remember when Aidan and Acey adopted her after her father died. She was just a little girl.

Raina sat back, peaceful and content as Norma refilled her Margarita glass. She didnt miss the hub-bub of the Capitol.

I have dinner ready. Ill bring it out in a minute, Norma said.

Do you need any help? Raina asked.

No. Relax and enjoy yourself.

What have you been doing now that youre retired? Raina asked Dirk.

Oh, Ive been keeping busy. I pick up consulting work now and then.

Norma brought out salads and a fresh pitcher of Margaritas. Start eating. Ill be right back.

How long are you staying? Dirk asked.

Im not sure. The congressional schedule has us off until next week, but my colleagues have asked me to begin work on the ethics guidelines so the President has something to discuss with the other world leaders.

Dirk continued eating and said nothing. Raina knew he wished she visited more often.

Hows Carina doing, Raina said, changing the subject again.

Shes doing just fine. Are you going to see her while youre here? She idolizes everything about you, Dirk said.

Of course. Ill stop over to the gallery tomorrow.

Norma came out with a plate of fajitas with all the fixings, and they ate until everything was gone. Much more food than Raina was accustomed to consuming. Dirk tried to entice her with some carrot cake for dessert, but before he left to get it, Norma stopped him.

Im saving that for tomorrow. Why dont you and Raina go for a walk? You could use the exercise.

I dont need any exercise. I get enough during the day, Dirk said, annoyed.

Norma gave him a dirty look.

Come on. I need some exercise after that delicious meal. Tomorrow, dinner is on me. Were going out, Raina said.

Sounds good. Now go for your walk before the sun sets.

Dirk grabbed his mesquite walking stick and threw on a light jacket. They headed out on the desert trail behind the house. It meandered up to the top of a small hill and down the backside, about a two-mile round trip. They walked about a mile before Dirks breathing became labored and he slowed down.

Are you okay?

Yeah, Im fine. I need to rest a bit. He sat on a rock leaning on his stick. A worried look came across Rainas face.

Do you want to turn back?

No, Im okay. Lets hang out here for a while.

Raina sat next to him on the rock until his breathing became normal. He saw her concerned look. He reached for her hand and squeezed it.

You know I missed you. I wish you would come back more often.

I will. I promise. She leaned into him and put her arm around him. They stayed there chatting about his exploits at the Academy, watching the sunset until Norma buzzed him on his com link.

Where are you? Its getting dark. Come home.

Yeah, well be back soon.

Raina noticed Dirk was showing his age. Not because of the extra furrows on his forehead or being out of shape, but his constant reflection on the past with no plans for the future.

Norma had also noticed. It was as if hed accomplished all there was and wanted to do nothing but relive the glory days. No one, but Carina, had time for him anymore. She was enthralled with his stories and never tired of them. Norma hoped this visit with Raina would change his attitude.

Nothing much was said on the way back to the house. He held her hand all the way. Norma turned on the light as they approached. Kissing them both goodnight, Raina went to her room and pulled out the four hundred page document, Draft 1A: Articles of Inclusion. Proposed Ethical Standards. Ethics Committee on Biological Engineering and began reading.