8. Chapter 8
Chapter eight
Alex
Alex prayed that going to PGC wouldn’t be a life-altering mistake as he rode in the back of the limo alone with Danyal.
Danyal leaned over and put his arm around Alex. “Are you nervous?” he asked.
“Immensely.”
“Did you take your Klonopin?” asked Danyal.
“Yes, but it’s not working anymore. I don’t know why,” said Alex.
“You were in bed when I got home last night. Why did you change your mind?”
Alex needed to fabricate a plausible answer without admitting the events at the university yesterday. “I decided to gather all the facts to make an informed decision.”
Danyal raised one eyebrow as he looked at Alex.
“What?” asked Alex. Was his response not good enough?
“You’re acting weird. Sometimes, I wish I could read your thoughts.”
Alex turned to look at Danyal and gave him a gentle kiss. It turned out that hearing the thoughts of others was terrifying, and Alex hoped Danyal would never have to experience it.
Upon arriving at the Palingenesis headquarters, Galen opened the door to reveal the entrance to the building. Dorothy and her crew had finally arrived at the Emerald City. Whoever designed the building wanted to make an impression, and Alex could see from the wide-eyed look on Danyal’s face that he was also in awe of the towering fa?ade and impressive architecture. Galen gestured for them to follow and said that since it was their first time, they would go through the front lobby for the grand tour. For all other trips, they would use the security entrance. Alex and Danyal followed along, taking in every detail of the building.
Galen explained that the building was completed in late 2019 before COVID exploded—thirty floors with the boardroom on the 28th floor. The 29th floor was the penthouse, and the 30th floor housed the gym, spa, and swimming pool—also, there was a helicopter pad on the roof. Galen added many companies resided in the building, while two floors served as staff housing for vital employees. Rumor had it that Ms. Dea purchased the plot because it falls on an energetic ley line.
“Is that true?” asked Alex.
“Our shaman says it’s true,” said Galen.
“Careful, Mr. Tucker––don’t believe every rumor you hear,” said Danyal sarcastically. “It’s a sign of a weak mind.”
“Ignore him, Mr. Tucker,” said Alex, and he jabbed Danyal with his elbow. “It takes a while for Danyal to warm up to strangers and new situations.”
Galen proceeded, saying PGC was a more secure fortress than Fort Knox. All eyes were on Alex as they approached the lobby’s front desk.
“Good morning, Professor Lieth and Mr. Sarif. Welcome to Palingenesis. Galen, Security delivered a package for you,” the guy sitting beside the desk said, handing over two small boxes.
“Cheers, Adam. Ya still getting owned at darts?” said Galen.
“Only because you abandoned the team, you bum,” said Adam. “Zoe is still pissed at you for abandoning us, so you might want to stay clear.”
“Sorry, mate––’preciate the warning. Duty calls. This way, please,” said Galen. He motioned Alex and Danyal to the elevator.
As the door to the elevator closed, Galen opened one of the two boxes and asked Alex to remove his watch. He complied reluctantly, while Danyal watched his every move like a hawk. Galen removed a jeweled watch from the box and placed it on Alex’s wrist. Alex asked if the watch was a Rolex, and Galen shrugged. Galen explained the watch was Alex’s security clearance to operate the elevator and activate the security features of the building. Alex was advised to keep it on at all times. Galen went on to say that the watch had a panic function, offered biometric monitoring, and had a state-of-the-art GPS system that was accurate to six inches—a smartwatch on steroids.
Galen then handed Alex a new phone and explained it was a significant upgrade on his current model. Bugger 5G and basic wireless systems; this was a military-grade satellite phone so fast it’ll blow their minds. Galen said PGC satellites have insane encryption, so company communications were secure and private. The phone was hack-proof, virus-proof, and waterproof. All data was securely scanned upon transmitting and receiving with no delay in quality or speed. Galen added the company would also provide Danyal with a watch and phone.
“Pardon me, Mr. Tucker, but this is all getting a bit James Bond. Of the two of us, Danyal is the tech aficionado,” said Alex.
“Does the watch have a flamethrower?” said Danyal, smirking.
“That’d be bang-up. Sure, they can make it work,” said Galen, smiling as the elevator stopped.
Before leaving the elevator, Alex asked Galen to forgive their moods that morning. He explained they were severely sleep-deprived, and that the past few days had been among the worst of their lives. Alex added he knew Galen was trying to help and didn’t deserve their ire that morning. As Alex finished speaking, Danyal rolled his eyes and exited the elevator. Galen smiled and replied things were all good. He added he hoped things would break their way, and that the board could help them.
Alex and Danyal followed Galen down the hall to a massive conference room with seven individuals sitting around the rectangular table, with three empty chairs. The view from the conference room was breathtaking, with a full view of downtown Boston and the harbor. Alex was awe-struck and stared out the window as if looking down on the Earth from Olympus.
Alex took a seat, trying to hide his anxiety in front of a group of total strangers––though, thinking about it, he noticed a few familiar faces among them. Could he keep it together? He was only there to find out what resources the company had to keep Danyal safe.
“Welcome, Dr. Lieth and Mr. Sarif. I’m glad you fine young men came to visit us today. After our meeting on Sunday, I was a little concerned you might be too overwhelmed.”
“Good morning, Mr. Brynmor. I’ll be upfront that my only reason for attending this meeting is to learn more about PGC’s resources.” Alex knew the only thing he cared about was ensuring Danyal’s safety, and that Galen had conveyed this to the board under the agreement they’d not discuss his recent “episodes” in front of Danyal.
Mr. Brynmor nodded, stated he understood, and thanked Alex for his honesty. He started the meeting and turned the floor over to Yuzuru Ryo.
“Good morning, Professor Lieth. I’m head of security for PGC.”
Ryo went on to say he was the rookie of the bunch, since he’d only been with the corporation for eight years. Ryo outlined that he ran the day-to-day tactical security operations of the business, while Mr. Tucker would be in charge of Alex’s protection going forward. He stated that Alex’s safety was paramount to all of them, and that Mr. Tucker and each team member had been hand-picked for their expertise and unique skills. Ryo added he wouldn’t lie to Alex, but that many domestic and international threats would take every opportunity to gain influence or control his abilities to affect global political systems, economic systems, and military engagements. When Alex was in public or at work, Ryo confirmed Mr. Tucker or a plainclothes team member would always be with Alex. When at home, security would be posted outside the apartment. Ryo finished by saying they respected Alex’s privacy, but that he should understand there would be a vetting process for all persons close to Alex, to rule out potential threats to his safety.
“You know how to make a guy feel unsettled, Mr. Ryo,” said Alex.
Mr. Brynmor passed the floor to the Chief Financial Officer, Kylie Peters. She explained that, as CFO, she ran the day-to-day financial operations of the team. Ms. Peters asked Alex to open the box in front of him, whereupon he found a black credit card. She stated Ms. Dea had left instructions for him to have a monthly stipend of $30,000, with all bills being paid directly by PGC.
Alex thanked Ms. Peters. Thirty grand a month was about half of his yearly salary without tenure. After so many years of living beyond his means, Alex stated he was sure he could make it work, if he decided to work with PGC.
Damn, this will blow Danyal’s mind. Maybe now we can go on a much-needed vacation!
Ms. Peters said, in addition to the stipend, Ms. Dea converted the 29th floor of the building into a penthouse that was immediately available for Alex’s use. She explained he didn’t have to decide today if he wanted to use it, but that she’d like to give them a tour after the meeting.
Alex thanked Ms. Peters and assured her they would take the tour when they had time, since their schedule was hectic today. He had no intention of taking the tour, or moving into the penthouse, and only wanted to speed things along.
“May I offer another opinion?” interjected Ryo. “As Ms. Peters mentioned, the penthouse apartment on the 29th floor is available for your use. Ms. Dea had the apartment designed with ultra-modern security features––it was her haven from the world. I’d be negligent if I didn’t ask you to consider changing your living arrangements for safety reasons.”
Alex stated he’d take their recommendation under advisement. However, he and Danyal needed to discuss the situation. A rags-to-riches story might be appealing in fiction, but it was daunting and overwhelming when it came about in real life.
Ryo stated he understood. He joked he might be the commander at work, but if he decided to move his children and his wife without consulting her, he’d be the one needing round-the-clock security.
Alex chuckled.
“Going around the table next is…” Before Mr. Brynmor could finish his sentence, a short bald man with silver-rimmed glasses and a thick German accent interrupted him.
“I can introduce myself, since I’ve been working for this company for forty-eight years as the senior member of this board. Hallo, Alex, I am Dr. Walhbert Bruno. The lead scientist and head of the biotech division that developed the cloning and genetic engineering program responsible for your existence. My main responsibility is to keep you healthy. My department will be scheduling several exams and advanced diagnostic testing to determine if there were any detrimental effects following your transition. Being a hybrid being, you’re the equivalent of a cosmic anomaly. We must establish your physical limits to determine a baseline functioning for your body.”
“Dr. Bruno, I’ve been called way worse than being a ‘cosmic anomaly.’ Are we going to address the elephant in the room? You know I’ve never been a fan of needles because you came to my boarding school and did my physical once a year for about seven or eight years. I think we know each other. You’ve seen me naked. I’ll always remember you brought my favorite cherry lollipops and Scooby-Doo Band-Aids.”
“That was many years ago, Mr. Lieth. Age has been kind to only one of us. If you share any similarities with Ms. Dea, your skin may be impervious to the effects of age, and physical injury will be a thing of the past. Don’t be expecting any lollipops. I take my work seriously.”
Alex had made the naked joke to make light of the situation, but he was surprised to see Dr. Bruno. They shared a past, one he’d not soon forget. In place of the caring doctor he once knew sat a hardened stranger he barely recognized. Alex’s gut told him something other than age had changed this man. Sitting across the table from his “maker” made him deeply apprehensive. Alex had many questions, such as how Dr. Bruno had managed to elude the prohibition in the medical field on human cloning. Maybe Ditta had evoked supernatural means. However, the breach of basic medical ethics loomed large in Alex’s mind.
“Moving on around the table,” said Mr. Brynmor, “it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Hokolesqua Mahomet. Hoko, can you tell Dr. Lieth about your role on the board?”
“Yes, it would be my pleasure. Allianchu, Dr. Lieth––that’s the traditional Peruvian greeting for ‘hello, how are you?’” He added it was a great honor to be at Alex’s service, and that his role on the board was to serve as Alex’s spiritual guide and to help him strengthen his connection with nature. Ms. Dea valued spiritual practices and ceremonies such as meditation, fasting, feasting, chanting, dancing, altered states of consciousness, cleansing immersion in water, and purification through rites and rituals. He stated he would work in these areas to connect Alex’s universal spirit and mystical abilities. He ended by saying Ms. Dea, before her passing, shared that she thought Alex could develop abilities that could surpass her own, and that she entrusted him to help Alex on his journey of self-discovery.
“Mr. Mahomet, in reviewing your file, I was intrigued by your research on Ayahuasca and altered states of consciousness. As a trained anthropologist, I find this fascinating and am keen to learn about sacred and ancient beliefs. I’m honored by your offer of assistance.”
“Please, call me Hoko,” said Hoko before explaining formal titles can prevent people from connecting with others by causing interpersonal distance. He added that his spiritual advisor told him connection is a true path to growth and prosperity. The heart matters, and it’s the right way.
“Thank you, Hoko. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn.” Hoko intrigued Alex more than any of the other board members. Still, there were more introductions to be made.
“Hello, Alex. As you know, my name is Dr. Diana C. Sonja, and I serve as the mental health expert on the board.”
Facing Dr. Sonja was the moment Alex had been dreading.
“I’m sorry for any subterfuge in our past relationship,” she said.
“What might you be referring to, Dr. Sonja? Maybe the fact you have been my therapist for the past several years and worked for the company owned by Ditta responsible for my creation?” said Alex. He’d shared his innermost thoughts, feelings, and fears with this woman; her betrayal cut him deeply. The idea of being vulnerable in weekly psychotherapy with her alarmed him. Could he ever truly trust her again, given her deception?
“I can only imagine the questions you may have and how you’re feeling,” said Dr. Sonja.
“You don’t want to know what I think and feel, Dr. Sonja. It would be best to finish this conversation behind closed doors where I can be ‘authentic’ with you.”
“As you wish, Alex. Ms. Dea valued psychotherapy as it helped her through many of the trials and tribulations she experienced. There will be weekly and emergency sessions as needed, going forward. Failure to attend sessions isn’t an option, I’m afraid, so I’ll work around your teaching schedule as needed.”
Danyal placed his hand on his thigh under the table. Alex turned to look at him, who shook his head. Alex knew it was not the time or place to air his grievances with Dr. Sonja and nodded back to Danyal, agreeing it was time to move on. Alex took a deep breath and turned to face the rest of the board.
“Excellent. Now that you’ve met the members, do you have any questions, Dr. Lieth?” said Mr. Brynmor.
Alex responded that he did have one request. While the ride in the limo was very luxurious, it was a little extra for their lower-middle-class neighborhood. He felt like everyone was looking at them, like they were either a celebrity or the mafia. If they decided to work with PGC––a colossal if––could another vehicle be arranged for transportation?
Ryo responded that he would investigate the issue and wanted to know if Alex and Danyal intended to drive. Alex answered that they had their licenses but, living in a city with good mass transit and a limited income, having a car was not a priority. Biking in pleasant weather had also been a good source of exercise for them.
Ryo agreed to investigate their vehicle inventory and get back to Alex ASAP. Any vehicle used must meet stringent safety and security requirements, and PGC may have to procure a car with custom specifications. Alex thanked Ryo for his understanding.
Mr. Brynmor stated that, before adjourning, there was another delicate matter he would like to discuss with Alex. He said Ditta, in her will, didn’t want a funeral upon her passing, but the PGC staff that worked with her closely would like to have a celebration of life, and would appreciate him and Danyal attending.
Alex’s mouth turned dry and tasted metallic as he considered how to respond. On the one hand, Ditta deserved to have her life acknowledged. However, she had blown apart his whole existence. Could he put aside his complicated feelings to do the right thing?
Alex felt Danyal place his hand on his thigh again as Danyal said, “That’s a huge decision, Mr. Brynmor. Please give Alex time to process his grief, and we will get back to you with his wishes presently.”
Thomas nodded and stated if there were no further questions or issues, the board meeting was concluded until tomorrow’s daily briefing. He thanked Alex and Danyal for their time and explained each department would schedule a one-on-one appointment with Alex this week. He ended the discussion by asking Mr. Tucker to escort them to the penthouse for a brief tour.
Alex thanked Mr. Brynmor for his time, but said they had other appointments they needed to keep, and so would tour the penthouse another time.
Walking down the hall, Alex asked Galen about the diversity of the board and wondered if it was by design. Galen affirmed Alex’s observation and explained Ms. Dea had a company policy committed to diversity and representation. Galen added that the limo was ready to go to the university, or wherever else they needed to go, and that he had a portfolio for the penthouse, if they’d like to see it.
Alex replied he’d review it on the drive to the office, and whispered to Danyal that he wished everyone would stop pushing the penthouse on him.
While sitting next to Danyal in the limo, Alex opened the portfolio and was immediately struck. It seemed he’d accidentally walked into an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
“Welcome to ‘champagne wishes and caviar dreams,’” quoted Alex.
“Was that your best Robin Leach impersonation?” said Danyal, as he intensely surveyed the portfolio.
“I’m pleased you caught the reference,” Alex replied. Honestly, he had to admit that the penthouse was a feast for the eyes. Six thousand square feet spread over two stories, boasting sweeping, unobstructed views of Boston and the harbor with twenty-foot floor-to-ceiling windows. The decor was minimalist with a clean color palette, herringbone parquet flooring, and a wood-effect feature wall. The furnishings were all from Italian luxury brand Fendi Casa. Alex wondered what on earth they do with five bedrooms and five full bathrooms, including walk-in steam showers and oversized jacuzzi tubs.
“Don’t forget the state-of-the-art kitchen,” said Danyal. “More room for you to burn dinner.”
“Ha ha, asshole.”
Alex continued reading. Up the geometric staircase on the second floor, there was a pool and a four-hundred-square-foot observatory terrace with a garden. The theater/media center was awe-inspiring too, with first-run films available, so there would be no need to leave the penthouse. There was a personal chef on staff, plus valet, and service staff twenty-four hours a day.
Alex was enthralled, and had never seen such opulence and luxury. He never even considered where Ditta lived in all the years of knowing her, given how secretive she could be. This upgrade was more than a simple rags-to-riches story. He was starting to feel like Jed Clampett from The Beverly Hillbillies. A fish out of water seemed like an understatement; he’d yet to see the cement pond. He was struck there was more valuable art in the living room than in most museums: Van Gogh, Dalí, Matisse, Degas, Monet, Picasso, original Da Vinci paintings, not to mention classical sculptures.
“Who even keeps up with the art collection?” asked Alex.
“Director of antiquities, Dr. Caron,” said Galen, sitting quietly across the limo, looking at the daily schedule on his iPad.
“Dr. Caron? Wynn Caron?” asked Alex.
“Yah. Ya know him?” said Galen.
Danyal sat up and abruptly closed the portfolio so hard he almost knocked it out of Alex’s hands. Alex hesitated before responding, deciding how best to tactfully answer the question without causing a scene.
“Yes. Dr. Caron was my university professor, and I once considered him a mentor.”
“Least ya’ll have one mate on yur side.”
“I’m not too sure that would be the case. We ended things on less-than-ideal terms.”
Fuck, not Wynn.
Alex knew he’d soon have to face the biggest regret of his life.