Fractured Innocence (#2 IFICS) Read Online Free PDF Page B

her. 
    The fact that she returned his feelings was inconceivable in more ways than one. Technically, it shouldn’t be possible. Her feelings for him defied science and logic. This was one instance where his scientific brain said the hell with logic. His feelings for Kaitlyn had only grown stronger over the last several months. It was not always easy; she still struggled with integrating with society, but when they were alone—being together was as natural as breathing. 
    As if she could sense his thoughts, Kaitlyn leaned over and whispered in his ear. “I’m so glad you were able to come.” 
    “I feel the same.” He squeezed her hand, and Kaitlyn gave him a private smile, one she reserved for only him. As usual, the gesture caused his heart to thud against his chest like a jackhammer. 
    A shadow fell over him. Lucas looked up to see a slender blonde holding a tray with drinks. He smiled appreciatively at her.
    Obviously, someone had put in his or her request beforehand. He could tell by the unusual assortments on the tray. Yet another fringe benefit of flying on a private jet. Lucas snagged the root beer float and handed it to Kaitlyn. Ever since they had recoded the sense of taste back into Kaitlyn’s processor, she’d had an insatiable sweet tooth. Lucas thought it was adorable. Technically, she could live without food or sleep. Thankfully the extra calories didn’t seem to interfere with anything. Her body quickly burned them off. If the world became aware that a chip could be implanted and obesity could be wiped out forever, the demand would be staggering. The invention would cause a drastic reduction in diabetes, heart attacks, high blood pressure and many more life threatening diseases. The life expectancy would increase, which Lucas believed was the main fear held by people in power. If people lived longer, it would cost the government astronomically. And a drastic cut in illnesses meant a loss of funds for the medical field. Millions, probably billions, lost in pharmaceuticals.  
    Without a doubt, their find would be the biggest medical miracle since penicillin, but unfortunately altering humans in such a way was a very gray area to say the least. 
    It was frowned upon by the government and forbidden by religious sectors. However, Harrington truly believed it was only a matter of time before such things were no longer considered taboo. Dr. Harrington loved to bask in his own glory, so it surprised Lucas that he didn’t push the issue more. Go to the media. Something. But Harrington said he was content to use the knowledge behind the scenes in the meantime. 
    Kaitlyn nudged Lucas’s arm, and he looked up startled. Lost in thought, he’d forgotten the stewardess was still there. “I’ll return with snacks in about an hour. If that’s ok?”
    Lucas nodded and watched as she made her way towards Erik and Harrington. Professor Adams’ head was flopped to the side and he was snoring loudly with his mouth agape, a prime example of the problems that faced the world. Adams could easily extend his life with the help of their advances; the nano-bots alone would make a world of difference, but Adams would rather age naturally. Fear for his eternal soul or something like that. Lucas found this hypocritical, since God was the one that blessed Adams with a mind that was able to come up with such wonders. It could be argued that by not using his talents to extend his own life, perhaps he was going against God’s wishes. 
    He pinched his nose trying to banish the deep thoughts. If he let himself, he could get lost in the complexities of such a conundrum.
    Curiously, his eyes drifted back towards the stewardess. Harrington flirted shamelessly and Erik barely acknowledged the woman when he reached for his large glass of orange juice. He rarely acknowledged anyone. The phrase cold as ice came to mind. Erik was by all counts a loner. And yet women seemed completely fascinated by him. Even Quess. The blonde