It Was 2052 Read Online Free PDF Page A

hear much about them anymore,” said John.
    “Yeah, well there has been a big movement the last few years to re-establish our government and to help in restoring the country.  Not moving very fast, are they?  Anyway, the man said that they have become increasingly concerned about the bad elements that still seem to be strong, especially in the big cities.”
    “As if,” said John, “there would ever be a termination of evil on this planet of humans.”
    “True. This government agent said that it has become evident that this is more than just a few thugs or criminals scattered around.  They believe that the cities are the headquarters for a highly organized network, a growing and determined group that wants to rule and dominate our recovering society.  They participate in the usual nefarious activities to mask a much more complex and destructive objective.”
    “You mean gangs---what was it they used to call organized crime---a mafia?”
    The man picked up the wrench and worked a bit more on the sink plumbing. He wiped a towel across his forehead, turned on the water and checked for leaks. Washing his hands and drying on the towel, he said,  “Here's the weird thing, old friend. The government guy said that these aren't exactly normal human bad guys.”
    “Not normal or not human ? What then---aliens? zombies? Little green boogers?” he was amused.
    “Maybe not exactly. The people that are running these organizations are extremely ruthless, sociopaths and totally dedicated to their goals.  The government believes they were bred and trained,  possibly genetically engineered to follow the imperative of ruling the new America. I was asked to come here and see what I could find out about the network operations here in Dallas.  It's thought to be a very important hub.”
    John gathered up their tools, “I'm not sure what to think or say.”
    “I need someone to trust, John. Someone to have my back. I'm just asking that you keep your eyes and ears open.  Maybe it's just paranoia, your run of the mill everyday dirt bags.”
    “Sure, I'll be watching my own back and yours, friend. Just promise me that you'll let me know if you think there is any danger to Rose.  For now, I'm not giving any more than the typical cautions that she is used to me giving. Not going to alarm her or Eric.”
    Now all of this conversation replayed in his mind as he padded down the hall to the bathroom.  A pretty short exchange but it could have very long time implications. If there was anything to this government theory, this country that was finally beginning to get back on it's feet could be pulled to it's knees before an evil dictatorship.  He actually didn't completely understand what “genetic engineering” was, he had read some old books with mention of it.  It sounded to him, though, that some genius was not merely trying to determine the color of the hair or eyes of a person, but possibly attempting to create a robotic like army that would obey orders without conscious. There was no way that this could be a positive thing for the citizens of a country that was founded on freedom and human rights. 
    A misty haze floated from the shower area, the numbers showed one to be open.  Quickly, he stepped into a stall, disrobed and wrapped a towel around his waist.  He moved through the steam, the sound of running water in his ears, searched for the unoccupied shower.  His scantily clad body squished up against a soft covered figure, a towel turban spiraled on the head below his chin, his bare foot jammed into toes. “Ow-w,” said a feminine voice.
    “Oh s—t! I'm sorry. I didn't see you.”
    The figure limped away, “It's okay---it's kind of thick in here.”
    He quickly found a free shower and washed away the day.  When he emerged,  a woman stood in front of the row of mirrors. Her long loose robe nearly reached her ankles above bare feet with flip flops wedged between her toes. She vigorously rubbed on smoky brown hair