Mobius Read Online Free PDF Page B

an adoring finger on the picture, touching her blonde hair. I remembered how soft it was and how good it smelled. Oh, to smell that sweet, honeysuckle scent again.
    “Happy Birthday, darling. They say eighty’s the new forty.” I laughed. “As long as you can afford the genetic rejuvenation treatments you helped develop.”
    She was a beautiful genius—her work still renowned. I wondered what she’d look like now, middle-aged like myself.
    “You’ve missed so much in the last thirty-five years. I finished the dimensional gateway. I wish you were here. I wish you could be proud of me.”
    A computer tone indicated someone was at the door. I returned the picture to its usual spot at the center of the dining table.
    “Come in,” I called.
    Atticus shuffled into the apartment. He was an older man, with silky white hair and a wrinkled complexion untouched by rejuvenation treatments.
    I gave him a stern look. “You could’ve given me a cerebral aneurysm.”
    “My code was flawless.” He looked at my pants. “Hmm… maybe not flawless.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “You were supposed to piss yourself.”
    “You sick bastard.”
    I started laughing and he joined me.
    “Let me make it up to you, Theron.” He held up a small glass vial filled with an amber liquid. “I finished synthesizing your medicine.”
    I took hold of it eagerly. I needed it bad. “Did you increase the concentration, my friend?”
    “I did, and it concerns me, since a tenth of this concentration would be lethal to a normal man. This is the second time in the last month you’ve asked me to increase the concentration. What’s going on?”
    I felt embarrassed. “The memories are returning. The insanity, after so many years in remission, is again clouding my mind.” I uncapped the vial and let a drop fall into my eye. “For some reason those memories... those non-realities... have been resurfacing over the last month, unhindered by the medicine. A few days ago, I found myself in the bathroom on my knees, reciting some ancient German speech. Unfortunately, I thought the toilet was my microphone. I’m afraid I may again lose myself to the madness.”
    Atticus showed caring eyes. “For whatever reason these memories have returned, we’ll suppress them just as we did so long ago.”
    “I hope you’re right, Atticus. I still have many things to do in this life. I don’t want to be wandering the streets again, ranting the rant of a madman.”
    “That was a long time ago.” Atticus put a reassuring arm around me. “And even if you do go crazy, I’ll still be here for you.”
    I smiled. He truly was the best of friends. Ever since Cassandra died, Atticus had been the glue that kept me together. Without him, I would’ve fallen to pieces long ago.
    “Don’t get emotional on me now, kid. Will you be ready for the maiden voyage through the dimensional gateway? It’s only three days away.”
    “I’ve sacrificed too many decades of my life for the Brahman Station. I won’t let a few bouts of madness interfere with the final realization of our work.” I rolled the vial between my fingers. “Hopefully, this new concentration will maintain my sanity.”
    “Remember that the inauguration party will be held the day before. You’ll be expected to say a few inspiring words, as there will be diplomats from Earth, Mars, and Mercury, representing their generous contributions to the dimensional gateway program.”
    “Don’t worry, Atticus.” I took a deep breath. “The new concentration’s working. Even now, I feel like a new man. I must get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    Atticus departed and I went straight to bed. Before I could fall asleep, my communication node chimed, signaling an incoming call. I pulled myself out of bed and trudged across the room. The display screen identified the caller as “Simon Mobius, brother of Theron Mobius.”
    A prank?
    I didn’t have any relatives, except for Atticus, who I considered my