Code Breakers: Beta Read Online Free PDF Page A

manipulate DNA we could synthesise what makes your brain special and develop it for the good of all humankind.”
    Basically , Gerry thought, I’m a fluke, a freak of tampered-nature.
    ‘The good of all humankind’ was a favourite phrase amongst The Family. He supposed the more they said it, the more they would believe it. He wasn’t so convinced.
    — Scan complete , Mags said.
    Two names appeared on his AO: Bran and Malik Silverman: Thirty-two years old. Non-identical twins. Exempt from the lottery for services to security, limited AIA integration, physically enhanced, trained in weapons and unarmed combat.
    Gerry approached and stood in front of them. When none of them moved, Gerry said. “Hey.”
    Bran stepped forward, held out a hand. “Glad to have you back with us, Mr Cardle.”
    His handshake was limp. He wore his dark hair in a close-shaved buzz cut, just like his brother. The woman officer had her blonde hair in a ponytail. As Bran and Gerry shook hands, she took off her specs, analysed Gerry, and sized him up.
    “We’ve been assigned to work with you,” Bran said. “What can we do for you first, Mr Cardle?” His tone was friendly, relaxed. His brother, Malik wore a friendly, welcoming smile.
    “No offense, but I’d like you all to stay out of my way. That would be a good start.” That was aimed at the woman, who gave Gerry her best sneer. “But right now, a place to base my operations would be helpful,” he added, not wanting to be complete douche about things.
    Bran and his brother Malik turned to look at their colleague, giving her an inquisitive look.
    “We have history,” she finally said. She stepped forward, held out her hand. “I’m sorry about what happened, Mr Cardle.”
    Gerry knew she wasn’t. He didn’t need an AIA to know she was lying.
    “I’m Elaine,” she continued. “I’ve been tasked to your squad during your stay in the Dome.” Her face reverted to a neutral expression.
    Gerry refused her hand, nodded. “I’m sure you are sorry, Elaine. But consider yourself relieved of your duty. That goes for all of you. I don’t want all this—” he widened his arms to encompass them all. “This fuss. I prefer to work alone. I don’t want a squad. Nothing personal, but the last time I worked with a group of people, it didn’t end so well.”
    Bran coughed, shifted nervously. “If you would like to follow me, Mr Cardle, we’ll get you set up. You must be dying to get started on…” He raised an eyebrow, left a pause for Gerry to fill in the blank.
    “Yes,” Gerry said, refusing to give then any information. The less anyone knew about his mission the better. He didn’t trust anyone within City Earth, least of all the security departments. Anything he was up to would surely be analysed and beamed back to The Family in their station.
     
    ***
     
    The security entourage led him from the port towards a secure tower usually reserved for governmental officials and heads of various departments such as economic affairs, healthcare, parks and open-spaces, security.
    The tower stood by itself in a perfectly maintained woodland and grass-covered park. Not a leaf blew out of place or a piece of litter scudded the breeze. Even the trees were trimmed and shaped. They might as well have been models. The place oozed a sense of unreality, a stark contrast to the dead, brown forests a few miles outside of the city.
    A group of well-behaved children, led by a teacher, walked through the park. Every kid remained quiet and calm as they walked in single file listening to the teacher rattle off facts about photosynthesis and the importance of trees. He realised then how sanitised life had become in the Dome.
    He wondered whereabouts in the city his own kids were. He had to remind himself that they weren’t his kids. The whole setup had been faked. They probably had their memories of him wiped and replaced with one of a new family. He wondered if anyone in the Dome actually conceived a child.