Volunteers
September 28, 2027 -- 2:08 p.m.
"Welcome to THBN Front Page News, Pam Jones reporting. The Army has identified Lieutenant Paul Jordan of Wilsonville, Oregon as the latest victim of the outlawed American Militias United. The Army recently assigned Jordan, an active duty officer, to a National Guard unit based near Wichita, Kansas to serve with their training cadre.
"They kidnaped Jordan as he returned to his off-post apartment last Saturday evening and released him on Sunday morning. The AMU branded the right side of Jordan's face with their logo after inflicting a savage beating. His angry wife of three years announced that she was filing for divorce shortly after visiting him in the hospital. She went on to say that she vehemently opposed his decision to remain in the Army and had no desire to see his disfigured face again. Lieutenant Jordan is the one hundred and seventy-seventh branding victim of the AMU."
Silver City, NC, July 25, 2028 -- 3:27 p.m.
Mary Evans kicked the stubborn stove in anger as she failed in her attempt to light the oven. The stove, like the other appliances in the dilapidated rental trailer they called home, had seen better days. With a sigh of defeat, she covered the small roast and returned it to the refrigerator. Upon David's return from Fort Bragg, he would light the oven without difficulty and jokingly chide her for her mechanical ineptitude. David always seemed to have the answer to every problem they encountered although at twenty, he was only two years her senior.
After her parents' marriage ended in divorce, the only thing they agreed on was that neither of them wanted to include their fifteen-year-old daughter in their busy lives. Mary went to stay with her mother's maiden sister who reluctantly offered her a place to live.
Under her aunt's indifferent care, Mary began to sink into despair until she met David, the son of a neighbor. David made her feel welcome to her new neighborhood, school, and his circle of friends. When she offered herself to him out of gratitude, David gently declined her offer until gratitude flowered into the maturity of love. The post chaplain administered their nuptial vows just six weeks ago after she, at David's insistence, graduated from high school.
Once again, her eyes turned to their wedding picture still in awe of how her borrowed gown had brought out that special aura of a bride. Her maturing figure, long blond hair, blue eyes, and the dimples that David liked so much combined with her expression of joy to make her feel worthy of her handsome husband.
Mary's thoughts turned to the training exercise scheduled for her husband's unit today as she began the difficult task of ironing David's heavily starched B.D.U.'s for the coming week. Despite his assurances, she lacked David's confidence and always feared for his safety on the days when he trusted his life to the performance of a parachute.
In response to the sound of a car door closing, she glanced out a window joyfully thinking that David must have gotten off early. Instead, she recognized the post chaplain and David's commanding officer as they approached the trailer's door. Her heart filled with dread, she rushed to open the door. The tormented expressions of her visitors made their words unnecessary and after a plaintive cry of denial, she fell to the floor in a dead faint.
November 7, 2028 -- 11:01 p.m.
Good evening and welcome to THBN Front Page News. Our top of the hour story is the landslide presidential election victory of Edward Wilson. Wilson, a retired Army general, pledged to prepare our country for the alien invasion foretold in the message of Brian, the elder. Wilson's opponent derided the message from the future as a flagrant hoax perpetrated by our military and the nation's defense industries. The electorate has spoken at the ballot box and clearly believes the words of Brian, the elder.
To: Dr. Brian Butler, Dir., HEP One
Fm.: Major General Anthony Tombari, Dir., P., O., & F. M.
Date/Time: 220129/1505 ZULU
Subj.: Phase Two
Action: Begin Phase Two as outlined in the HEP One research proposal, dated 070828.
Tombari
Fort Lewis, WA, March 13, 2029 -- 8:50 a.m.
The bus stopped at the headquarters building of the Sixty-Second Medical Group and a nod from the driver informed the young private that this was her stop. Mary stepped down to the sidewalk and watched the bus drive away while regretting she was not still on it. Mustering her courage she turned, entered the building, and presented her orders at the security desk. After checking her orders and identity, they directed her to a small auditorium on the first floor of the headquarters building.
Hesitantly, she entered the auditorium and noticed a small group of people gathered together on the stage. A larger group sitting before the stage waited patiently for the presentation to begin. With uncharacteristic boldness she moved forward and took a seat next to a handsome young captain who was sitting alone a few rows behind the others. Mary risked a quick glance at the man sitting next to her and quickly looked away as their eyes met.
Like a moth drawn to a flame she again glanced his way in spite of her fear of embarrassment and met his eyes once more. Slowly and deliberately, he turned to face her fully thereby revealing the hairless scar of an AMU brand seared into the right side of his head. The pain he felt as he observed her startled reaction to his disfigurement was clearly visible in his expression as he turned away.
Compassionately, she reached out and turned his head to face her now serene expression of acceptance. She lightly touched his scar and with an impulsive, childlike gesture quickly kissed her fingertips and touched his injury again. The lone tear that rolled down his cheek in response to her touch sent a shock wave of confused emotion coursing through her mind. This poignant moment ended as activity on the stage suggested the commencement of their briefing.
"Good morning, I am Major General Anthony Tombari, director of plans, operations, and facilities management. I could have assigned any number of qualified subordinates to conduct this briefing but chose to appear in person to emphasize the importance of this endeavor. Keep in mind that the security agreement each of you signed bears severe penalties for divulging any of the information presented here today.
"Your presence here proves that some people have not heard or do not subscribe to that piece of sound advice dating back to the time of Sun Tzu - never volunteer." When the laughter died away in response to his raised hand, he continued with, "I will now present a brief summary of the scope of this operation.
"The six young women seated among you have volunteered to serve as test subjects for a medical research program that will run for several years. We intend to conduct this research covertly by forming teams that will pretend to live as husband and wife within the local community of Portland, Oregon. Let me assure each of you that any team member who attempts to take personal advantage of this charade of expediency can expect a swift and punitive reaction to this betrayal of trust.
"Unfortunately, I must admit that this unusual assignment outside your chosen fields may have a negative impact regarding future promotions for career officers. Those who wish to withdraw from this assignment may do so now."
More than half of the volunteers rose from their seats to leave and after a brief hesitation the officer next to Mary decided to leave as well. As he began to rise from his seat, Mary gripped his arm fiercely, relaxing her hold only after she felt him acquiesce to her unspoken demand.
The general resumed his presentation to the six women and eleven men remaining as the door closed behind the last man to leave. "Well, that takes care of the easy part. I must admit that I did not have a clue of how to go about forming six teams of compatible people from a group of complete strangers. Therefore, like all successful generals, I turned to my aide for ideas.
"Following her advice, I have reserved the post bowling center for our exclusive use until 1730 hours when we will return to this auditorium for an open discussion. The grill and bar will be open at the bowling center and all services will be free of charge. Please take the exit to your right and board the bus waiting outside."
Mary rose and moved to the aisle closely followed by the young officer. As they quickly approached their first opportunity to talk, she felt a rising sense of panic. Upon reaching the aisle, her panic quickly fled when he reached out and took her hand in his for a brief moment. She instinctively knew that they had formed their team and perhaps more.
Brian's office, April 24, 2029 -- 9:10 a.m.
As Brian's secretary ushered Mandy into his office, he said, "Hi Mandy, er Colonel Johnson. I would like to introduce my wife, Amanda Johnson Butler, A.K.A. Colonel Johnson, U.S. Army, Facility Manager of HEP One. I direct the research program while she attends to everything else. Colonel, I would like to introduce our first team of volunteers, Captain Paul Jordan and PFC Mary Evans."
As Mandy reached out for Paul's hand and gave Mary a friendly hug she said, "Please address me as Mandy. We encourage informality here at HEP One and you should consider yourselves as the newest members of an extended family."
A serving cart, bearing pastry and beverages from the cafeteria, arrived as Mandy finished speaking adding credence to her words. After helping themselves to the treats, they sat at Brian's conference table and began to discuss Portland's weather. After the break, Brian returned to his agenda and asked his guests why they had volunteered for this assignment.
Mary responded to the question first after realizing everyone was looking in her direction. "After the accidental death of my husband, I decided to join the Army myself. When I completed training, they offered me an opportunity to volunteer for a top-secret assignment and I decided to go for it.
During the initial interview, they told me they wanted female volunteers for medical studies of human fertility. I signed a stack of paperwork, underwent a series of interviews, endured a week of medical tests, and they accepted me. I teamed up with Captain Jordan a month ago and we went through another round of interviews before they ordered us to report to HEP One for duty."
"Captain Jordan, will you please answer the same question?"
"Your location provided the initial reason for me to volunteer as my parents live in Wilsonville. After I met Mary at our initial briefing I decided that I sincerely wanted to play a role in this mysterious assignment."
"Will you please explain why you have refused treatment for the appearance of your wound? Restorative surgery can render your injury nearly invisible to casual observation."
"Many Americans seem to think that the AMU is playing some sort of game with the federal government. When people see my injury, perhaps they will understand the incredible brutality of their attacks on the citizens of our country. To feel shame for my disfigurement or to resign my commission, as my ex-wife demanded, would have granted the AMU a victory over my self-respect. Recently, the police killed the man who branded me as he resisted arrest for his crimes. I guess this would be a good time to accept treatment and put my anger to rest."
"Fair enough. Mary, your information regarding the medical studies of human fertility was accurate as far as it went. The ultimate goal of HEP One is to alter and advance the genetic makeup of humankind. If you wish, we can excuse Paul while we discuss the clinical details of your role in this venture."
"That will not be necessary as I desire Paul's, er, Captain Jordan's involvement in every aspect of my participation in this endeavor."
"Paul, is that all right with you?"
"Anything that Mary wants is fine with me."
"After our meeting I will give each of you a briefing folder that we prepared for the volunteers. You will find that this document explains the background and objectives of HEP One in detail. Each of you will have a final opportunity to withdraw from this program after reading this material.
"Mary, if you decide to participate, we will surgically remove ova from one of your ovaries and fertilize them with donor sperm. Before the resulting zygotes undergo mitosis or cellular division, we will chemically arrest their development while we alter their DNA. Upon the completion of the DNA alteration, we will permit the fertilized ova to continue to develop. We will then select one of the altered zygotes, implant it in your uterus, and let nature take its course."
"Will you use Paul's sperm for the procedure?"
"Unfortunately, we cannot. We would prefer to use a team member's sperm, as we believe that would encourage parental bonding that could ensure long-term nurturing of the resulting child. However, current federal regulations require us to use only the sperm of a husband or an anonymous donor." Noticing the apparent distress of both Paul and Mary, Brian asked, "Am I missing something here?"
Mary began to cry softly as Paul said, "Our present relationship violates the rules regarding fraternization between officers and enlisted personnel. Mary and I have fallen in love and we want this child to be ours."
Mandy turned to Paul as she reached out for Mary's hand while saying, "This is not an unanticipated event and we are prepared to deal with it. We can offer Mary an honorable discharge and a staff position at more than twice her current rate of pay. Mary's discharge will permit you to ask for her hand in marriage. Once married, we can use your sperm for this procedure providing it meets some basic medical requirements."
Multnomah Falls, August 27, 2156 -- 4:30 p.m.
"Well Henry, Doctor Gould believes that we should call it a day. I hope you will permit me to continue my presentation in the morning."
"I am looking forward to continuing this fascinating encounter Robert, but tell me more about your parents before you go. Did they marry and grant you the status of legitimacy?"
"Yes, after my mother received her honorable discharge and my father had surgery to repair his scar. Their marriage took place at the Valley Christian Church of Wilsonville, Oregon on June 20, 2029. It pleases me to find that you can offer up jesting taunts though you stand close to the abyss of death. In anticipation of your next question, yes, they did use my father's sperm."
"That is quite reassuring Robert as notwithstanding my own questionable ancestry, I would not want to share my mind with someone bearing the stigma of illegitimacy. Even those close to death have standards to maintain. I hope your parents could deal with the stress of having such an unusual baby."
"The Z-RETS took them both while I was still a child and I shared their last thoughts as they died. That terrible experience taught me to truly hate the invaders."
"And now you ask me to judge you for your actions. Robert, I believe you have endured enough pain in your life without coming to me seeking more."
"Henry, perhaps you can lessen the pain I bear for my actions. You will know the full measure of my guilt when I finish my confession and wait for your verdict. Until then, with your permission, I will have you sleep so I can sever our contact without causing undue distress."
"That will be fine Robert. I do feel a bit tired."
"Sleep well Henry. I will see you in the morning." Robert then arose from the chair and left his newfound friend sleeping peacefully.