A/N -With story well on it's way, I feel safe to tell you about the writer's block? Done anyone else get it to the point where there are physical side effects? I always get headaches, I can't eat, can't sleep and get REALLY cranky. This story almost never got written.
Then I watched a documentry on eugnics and along came Jack and Jill
:)
So I want to say thank you again for everything. All the reviews have been so positive and encouraging. In exchange, I will try to post a new chapter every second day. The only reason I'm going to do that is to give people a chance to read without falling behind the rest of the people in the know!
This chapter is a little longer than normal but I liked the way it flowed and I wanted to keep it all together.
So enjoy and review!
Chapter Four – God Is In The Details
The lab, much like Massive Dynamic, was sparse and cold. It took a while before the receptionist would listen to them, even with the badges and I.D's. Eventually, she insisted that they sit and wait. Peter was getting edgy when a man in a lab coat finally appeared.
"I'm Dr Wyndell James. I was told that you wanted to see me?"
"Yes Sir. I am Agent Olivia Dunham and this is Peter Bishop. We are here to question you about some research that was done a few years ago."
"Certainly. Please come this way."
They followed him down a short corridor and into his office, which was sparse except for a desk, two visitors' chairs and a small bookcase lined with medical journals. He indicated the seats and Olivia and Peter sat down.
"May I offer you both a hot drink?"
"No thank you Sir."
Dr James and took his seat, hands stepled in front of him.
"So, what would you like to know?"
"Six years ago, there were six infants that were developed via test tube."
"Correct."
"We have noticed some anomalies. They all have advanced intelligence."
"That's not possible. Children that are developed via IVF are merely monitored for genetic disorders. That is the point in this facility, to assist those who are not just unable to have infants but to also ensure that any couples with issues in regards with genetics may gain assistance."
"So you don't design children?"
Dr James sat back and frowned.
"You have been poorly informed and influenced by the media, Agent Dunham. The term 'designer baby' was invented by the media and the hype surrounding it is ridiculous. They seem to think that we allow people to come in and chose if their child has blue eyes or brown, a talent for soccer or piano. We don't do that here. Eugenics is a realm that we do not delve into."
"Then how do you explain the other children?"
Dr James shook his head.
"I can only conclude that it was nothing more than a genetic lottery win."
"Perhaps you could explain to us then, why the children that were designed that year have all gone missing."
"You think it has something to do with us?"
"It all comes back to this facility. You are the only link that all the children have in common."
"All the scientists that we have here are dedicated people. They are all good people. None have anything to do with this."
"We need to know who worked on the cases six years ago."
Dr James sighed.
"Fine. But it could take some time. Are you able to come back tomorrow?"
Olivia shook her head.
"We are happy to wait."
Dr James said nothing else, just left the room. Olivia glanced over his desk, but there was nothing personal there. No pictures or trinkets, none of the things that made an office more homely. All the books were in precise and neat order, running down the bookcase by date and time of issue.
"Have you eaten today?"
Olivia raised her eyebrows.
"Sorry?"
"I just heard you stomach rumble. Did you eat anything before you left the house?"
"No."
Peter sighed.
"You were meant to start eating breakfast."
"Stop fussing."
"That's my job. Did you not hear the vows when we got married?"
"Of course I did. Plus, I'm not a fan of oatmeal. I'll eat when we get home."
"That's one thing I like."
"What's that?"
"Going home at a normal person hour, not living in the lab or sleeping in Walter's office."
"See, we are developing good habits."
Peter chuckled.
"Fine, I'll let this one go. But when we get home, I'll make dinner."
Olivia stretched out her legs.
"I wanted to ask Walter to come home with us."
"Why?"
"I wonder if he knows anything about this designer baby business. Perhaps he can provide us with knowledge of something we are missing."
"I don't think he dealt with any of this when he was doing his mad science."
"Perhaps not but aside from you, he's the smartest person I know. Plus, it will make Etta's day to see Walter."
Peter smiled.
"Kathleen and Walter in one day? Etta's head is going to explode."
Olivia nodded, her mind shifting again to the matter at hand. Peter noticed the shift and the smile faded.
"What are you thinking about?"
"The children. I wonder if all this affects them. Surely, there was never a normal childhood there."
"Not likely. From what I read, they were all headed to college."
"What parent would do that?"
"One that wants the best I guess. You can't tell me that if Etta was like that, that you wouldn't make the effort to allow her to reach her potential."
"Of course but I would also insist on the other things too. I feel terrible for Michael. He seemed so sad."
"Losing your parents that age leaves a scar."
Olivia nodded. Michael's eyes, wide and dark were lingering in her mind. He seemed like a sweet kid. Before the conversation could continue, Dr James re-entered the office, a large box in his hands. He handed it to Peter, with a frown.
"I'm certain that you will find nothing of use in these files."
"And if we do, we will be back."
"I'm sure you will."
Olivia and Peter left the office, box in hand. Peter sighed when he climbed into the truck.
"I don't like that guy."
"He's got a God complex. What's there to like?"
Walter happily accepted the invitation for him to return home with them. When they had finally moved into their new place, they made some arrangements for Walter. They had purchased a state of the art fold out sofa and Peter ensured that there was always a spare change of clothes for Walter at their place. And Olivia made sure that they always had the precise ingredients for Walter's milkshakes and pancakes. There was even a towel that Walter himself had picked for when he came to stay. Before Etta, Walter used to drive Olivia to the end of her patience. Things got better as time passed but it wasn't until Etta was born that she took delight in the true innocence of Walter. He adored their little girl and she became his focus for everything. When she started teething, he developed a teething ring that remained frozen for up to eight hours. When she got sick, he was the one that made little cures. Olivia knew right down to her bones that Walter would never hurt Etta, that like her and Peter, he would happily hand over his life for that little girl. And Etta happily returned the adoration. One of her first words was 'Pop' and she would spend hours chatting to him in her baby language, even more time passing in endless games that only they seemed to understand.
When they finally arrived home, all the paperwork safely in the truck, Olivia could smell the cooking before she had entered the house. Kathleen had been busy.
"We're home."
"In the kitchen."
Olivia followed Kathleen's voice, pausing the doorway to look at the mess. Flour covered the counters, floors and the door of the refrigerator was covered in tiny, floured handprints. And sitting on the counter, also covered in flour, was Etta. She looked like a little snowman. Kathleen smiled slightly.
"You're home early. I was planning to have this all done before you got home."
"Momma!"
Olivia scooped up Etta and pulling her close. Etta tugged at her hair and chatted in her ear, a large smile on her face.
"Hey my darling did you have a good day?"
Etta nodded pointing to the messy kitchen.
"Peza."
Kathleen grinned.
"She can't quite say pizza but she's getting there."
"So that's what smells so good?"
"Yeah. Etta's already eaten and so have I but I thought you guys might like something."
"Something smells good."
Olivia handed Etta to Peter. She smiled down at her once black coat. She dusted off the flour and smiled as Peter seemed to finally take in the state of his daughter.
"Kathleen made pizza."
"Great. This wife of mine hasn't eaten all day."
Walter came wondering into the kitchen, not seeing the mess.
"Pop!"
Again, Etta was shifted into another set of arms, and Walter took her out of the kitchen and into the living room. Olivia could hear them talking.
"I'm really sorry. I was going to have this cleaned up and Etta got into the flour and had a field day."
"It's fine Kathleen, really."
Olivia offered her a smile and helped Kathleen straighten the kitchen, the smell of pizza getting heavier in the air.
"Right, while you ladies do this, I'll take a quick look at your car Kathleen."
"Thanks Peter."
"No problem."
Olivia could hear Peter go into the garage, closing the door behind him. By the time he came back, his hands greasy, the kitchen was clean, the pizza cooling on the bench. Peter cleaned his hands before handing Kathleen a card.
"It looks like issues with the transmission. I think I fixed it but you will need to get it replaced. Call this number and ask for Gus. Only deal with him and tell him that I sent you. He'll give you a good deal."
Kathleen grinned and grabbed her backpack and laptop.
"Thank you. Will you need me tomorrow?"
"If you're free."
"Sure. Have a good night."
"You too. Thanks for dinner."
Kathleen smiled and slipped from the kitchen. Olivia heard her say goodnight to Etta and Walter before the front door opened and closed. A few moments later, Walter appeared in the doorway, Etta in his arms.
"Olivia, dear, this one needs a bath. Do you mind if I do it?"
Olivia smiled. Walter always asked.
"Go for it Walter. She gets a bit upset when she has to get out but just ignore her. Your grand-daughter seems to think she is a mermaid."
Walter frowned.
"There's no such thing as mermaids."
"I know. But she's not completely convinced."
Walter was still frowning as he left and Peter laughed as he started to slice the pizza. Olivia glanced at the ceiling at the sound of Etta's giggles and Walter's voice from the bathroom. She heard the water start to run, a slight creaking from the pipes that ran through the old house. She smiled as Walter upheld a debate over which bubble bath to use and then more giggles from Etta as he undressed her, then of course, came the splashing and the sequels. Peter placed two slices of the pizza on a plate for Olivia. She paused.
"Should we wait for Walter?"
"You need to eat."
Olivia didn't argue, digging into the pizza. It was delicious. And she ate two more slices before Walter reappeared, a sweet smelling Etta in his arms. He was much damper for the experience, looking as if he had gotten into the bath with Etta, fully clothed.
"I picked the yellow pyjamas. She seems to like the ducks."
Etta shook her head.
"Pop, cars."
"No my dear, they are ducks."
Etta shook her head again, frowning slightly.
"Cars."
Olivia laughed.
"You're not going to win this argument Walter. She is convinced that cars are ducks and ducks are cars."
"Why?"
"I have no idea. I'll get her bottle ready. Do you want some pizza Walter? It's really good."
"Yes please."
Peter got another plate for Walter while Olivia got Etta's bottle ready. Walter sat at the kitchen island, eating his pizza while Etta drunk her bottle, her chubby fingers playing with Walter's sweater. Etta was the same with Peter, those big eyes watching the movements of the men that she adored.
"Walter, can I ask your opinion on something?"
"Certainly dear."
"The whole concept of designer babies, what do you think of it?"
Walter snorted.
"You mean eugenics? Disgusting."
"How so?"
Walter shook his head, pressing his cheek to the top of Etta's head.
"Some things should not be toyed with."
Peter nodded.
"I'm with Walter on this one."
"It is good in some ways, Peter. I may detest the concept when it comes to picking the sex of the child, hair colour or physical attributions but in terms of genetic illness, it can be beneficial. Belly felt the same way."
Peter paused mid-bite.
"William Bell did research on this?"
Walter smiled as Etta wrapped her small hand around his finger.
"He was asked to but refused. He believed that it was best left to God. And I agreed with him. I could never wrap my mind around the concept. A child is a blessing, regardless of what their attributes are."
"Is it possible that someone toyed with the mix, so to speak, to make the children talented in different areas?"
"Of course. It would work the same way as it would in a standard situation. By highlighting certain markers, anything is possible."
"But what could someone gain from doing that?"
"Any number of things."
"But how does that benefit anyone?"
"Creation of a perfect individual."
"But there are six kids."
"It does not matter. Six can still equal one my dear."
Olivia smiled as Walter blew a raspberry in the air above Etta's head, making her giggle. She clamped her small hand over Walter's mouth, trying to capture the sound as he repeated the process.
"Walter, when Etta is out, can you go over the files with us? See if you can find anything?"
Walter moved his mouth away from Etta's grasp long enough to answer.
"Certainly dear."
He jiggled Etta gently and they all watched as her eyes got heavier, taking longer to open. All the excitement of having Kathleen and Walter around had worn her out. After a few more minutes Etta finished her bottle and was fast asleep. Walter stood and readjusted Etta gently. He put the empty bottle on the counter and gently wiped a spot of milk off her mouth with his thumb.
"Do you mind if I take her to bed?"
"Sure Walter. Make sure you put her night light on, ok? She loves that thing."
Walter smiled brightly.
"I'm very happy to hear that."
Olivia pressed a kiss to Etta's cheek before looking for the truck keys. She went into the garage and got the files, heading back into the house. Peter had cleared out the kitchen and got a few glasses as she laid out the files on the kitchen table. Peter placed a bottle of whiskey on the table with the glasses before glancing at the stairs.
"You think he's ok up there?"
"He's put her to bed before. I'm more worried that if Etta wakes up, she'll expect entertainment. And Walter will give it to her."
Peter laughed and started going through the files.
"I'll leave the scientists to Walter. We can take the kid's, see if we can find anything relevant."
"Ok."
Peter poured out three glasses of whiskey handing one to Olivia as she started looking through the files. Each of the children had separate talents. Cassie Jane Burton was a mathematician, Emily Geller a writer, James Connerway an artist, Anna Jackson a pianist, Clifton Jordon a scientist and of course Michael Wainwright who was an all-round prodigy. Each child was at extremely high levels in their own talent and were looking forward to a bright future.
"She's fast asleep."
Peter looked up as Walter carefully came down the stairs.
"What took you so long?"
"I was watching her sleep. It was rather fascinating. She's a bit of a kicker."
Olivia laughed.
"We knew that when I was still pregnant with her. I thought I was going to give birth to a black belt."
Walter smiled as he settled himself at the table.
"What would you like me to do?"
"Just look over the files on the scientists and see if you spot anything."
Walter nodded and lowered his head getting to work. A soft hum fell over the house, disturbed only by the sound of shifting papers and re-filling of glasses.