“Yesterday should have stayed put. Now it was too late.”
~ Conner Quick
The RedBook wasn’t a book at all. It was a vintage notebook computer, designed to look like a leftover from the early twenties. It held 50 Terabytes of top secret government design, spanning everything from ten years back to the entire crop currently on the Facility’s drawing board; blueprint to prototype.
You’re probably wondering why anyone would lay that kind of trust in the hands of a fifteen year old kid, but the answer is simple: half the prototypes were either designed by Conner himself, or someone directly beneath his wing. The few designs that weren’t, served as practical reference for the hundred or so projects hovering in various stages of production. If Conner could be trusted with most of it, then Conner could be trusted with all of it.
Whatever the thieves were planning, it could easily affect the entire globe. If they didn’t attempt to cripple the government with ransom, it was probably because they wanted it leveled. About near anything in the RedBook could be tweaked toward the nefarious.
The Memory Wipe came first to Conner’s mind. The MW1 was counterpart to the Facility’s earlier Memory Bank. The Wipe was originally designed to extract traumatic recall from the victims of violent crimes, but in theory could be used for anything, perhaps causing a victim to forget who they were, or where there allegiance lay. A bead of sweat made a mostly neat line down Conner’s face. He wiped it absently and thought about the EverGrow. The research was remarkable, but it was in a precarious part of its development cycle to turn up AWOL. Half a dozen drops of the green, icy liquid could germinate a wheat field the size of San Fransisco. Twice that and the land would go fallow for a hundred years, if not two.
Anything was possible, but there was a single file inside the notebook that meant more to Conner than all the others put together. If someone had managed the unimaginable, Conner was certain, it was the only thing they really wanted.
The Molecule Regenerator was Conner’s blueprint, a brainchild that would bounce the whole big blue spinning orb right into the next eon. Even stuck in the purgatory of Phase 1 Development (where it had lingered for over a year) the Regenerator was arguably the most significant invention the world had seen since fire.
Acid licked the lining of Conner’s stomach. He felt like he’d devoured two pounds of uncooked sausage, then chased the raw meat with an antique can of Spaghettios. He collapsed in the chair and stared out the window.
The Molecule Regenerator had never advanced to the second stage of testing, though the theories were solid and framework sound. The Facility forecast that they would have a working prototype within the year, and commercial availability in under three. Within half a decade, everybody in Newmerica would own one. Only a few months after that, and the whole world would be wondering how they ever went without.
The possibilities were endless; a virtual fax for physical objects. The instrument, once complete, could gather the atoms of any living creature or inanimate object, condense them to their tenth exponent of miniaturization, then store them inside an alloy nano-bucket. The bucket would then send the atoms swirling through the atmosphere to specified coordinates anywhere on the international map. A second Regenerator wasn’t even needed.
In a decade, it would be the standard for transfer of goods or information, the manner in which people moved, whether commute or vacation. It would be one of those innovations, like the first horseless carriage or telephone, that shoved one epoch into the next. It would render the wheel and movable type about as minor as a one armed monkey.
Of course that was theory. In practice, the device still had a huge hurdle to hop. Despite a year of research, the alloy bucket simply would not work. The current blend of metals showed promise, but were still a long light year from acceptable. As it stood, the Regenerator would swallow the atoms, but only spit a mutation. The atoms gathered in the bucket just fine, but a fraction would never leave. The ones that did were somehow altered. A successful transfer had yet to be made.
A broken shipment from everything.web was one thing, half a grandma knocking on the door for Thanksgiving Dinner was another altogether.
Whoever the highwaymen, and whatever their intentions, the world was at risk and the Facility its finest hope. Conner had less than eight hours to gather his team and get them to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with a plan in place. That included Jessie and Gina, both overseas on assignment in The Union of Asian Republics.
No one could be spared for this mission. If he was a suspect, Conner thought, than so was everyone else.
Writer Dad
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Hmm…hooked a bit more – the regenerator thingy sounds interesting, and similar to what people today talk about when they discuss matter transfer. It boggles the mind, really, but in a very cool sort of way.
I figure it’ll be Quantum Physics that’ll solve that little bugaboo.
Meanwhile, it’s engaging, and I’m looking forward to more. One wishes for more than the nibbles offered, though…one might like a mouthful…
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Kyddryns last blog post..Doing the Bump(er)
Hmm…hooked a bit more – the regenerator thingy sounds interesting, and similar to what people today talk about when they discuss matter transfer. It boggles the mind, really, but in a very cool sort of way.
I figure it’ll be Quantum Physics that’ll solve that little bugaboo.
Meanwhile, it’s engaging, and I’m looking forward to more. One wishes for more than the nibbles offered, though…one might like a mouthful…
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
Kyddryns last blog post..Doing the Bump(er)
Ah, now this is very interesting stuff.
Matthew Drydens last blog post..How Tree Dances
Ah, now this is very interesting stuff.
Matthew Drydens last blog post..How Tree Dances
*sigh* Now you’ve got me even more hooked.
The science nerd in me really wants to know more about how that Regenerator works. :D
Allison Days last blog post..Island Roll
*sigh* Now you’ve got me even more hooked.
The science nerd in me really wants to know more about how that Regenerator works. :D
Allison Days last blog post..Island Roll
This is kind of like the old magazine serials from the 40s! Leave ‘em hangin’… Fun, Sean. And intriguing writing! :)
Julies last blog post..The Smile
This is kind of like the old magazine serials from the 40s! Leave ‘em hangin’… Fun, Sean. And intriguing writing! :)
Julies last blog post..The Smile
I’ve got my popcorn ready for part 3. Whenever you’re ready to dish out more excellent execution of this sweet science fiction, I’m ready to plop myself down and consume some more. Great job, Sean! Eric.
Eric Hamms last blog post..Stories Of Blogging Comaraderie | Community Insight
I’ve got my popcorn ready for part 3. Whenever you’re ready to dish out more excellent execution of this sweet science fiction, I’m ready to plop myself down and consume some more. Great job, Sean! Eric.
Eric Hamms last blog post..Stories Of Blogging Comaraderie | Community Insight
A broken shipment from everything.web was one thing, half a grandma knocking on the door for Thanksgiving Dinner was another altogether.
I LOVE this line! what a visual picture that is~
you have a good story going here, can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..How Clutter Blocks Success
A broken shipment from everything.web was one thing, half a grandma knocking on the door for Thanksgiving Dinner was another altogether.
I LOVE this line! what a visual picture that is~
you have a good story going here, can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..How Clutter Blocks Success
Dang, Wendi beat me to quoting the best line… but my second favorite is definitely “It would render the wheel and movable type about as minor as a one armed monkey.”
Priceless. Thanks for sharing some more! Could this be a weekly feature? :) No pressure or anything…
Aylad MacOdyss last blog post..Hang. Up. Now.
Dang, Wendi beat me to quoting the best line… but my second favorite is definitely “It would render the wheel and movable type about as minor as a one armed monkey.”
Priceless. Thanks for sharing some more! Could this be a weekly feature? :) No pressure or anything…
Aylad MacOdyss last blog post..Hang. Up. Now.
The plot thickens! This whole idea of the future is very fascinating to me – nice job Sean!
Lances last blog post..Don’t Worry, Be Happy
The plot thickens! This whole idea of the future is very fascinating to me – nice job Sean!
Lances last blog post..Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Mmmmm… good. Waiting in anticipation for part three!
GreenJellos last blog post..Morning Conversation
Mmmmm… good. Waiting in anticipation for part three!
GreenJellos last blog post..Morning Conversation
You are just teasing us with these. I am not a SciFi person, but I would pick up this book and read it the whole way through in one breath if it were on the shelves right now. Your detail is imaculate. I was right there with Conner, feeling his feelings, tense with anticipation, peering over his shoulder trying so hard to squeeze myself further into his head. I just wanted a little more taste of what he was thinking, what his plan was.
Sean, Redbook is awesome already. With a storyline like this, any publisher would be stupid to the 100th degree not to snatch this up in a heartbeat! Keep on writing and I will pay triple for an autographed first copy.
Sals last blog post..A Plague On Both Your Houses
You are just teasing us with these. I am not a SciFi person, but I would pick up this book and read it the whole way through in one breath if it were on the shelves right now. Your detail is imaculate. I was right there with Conner, feeling his feelings, tense with anticipation, peering over his shoulder trying so hard to squeeze myself further into his head. I just wanted a little more taste of what he was thinking, what his plan was.
Sean, Redbook is awesome already. With a storyline like this, any publisher would be stupid to the 100th degree not to snatch this up in a heartbeat! Keep on writing and I will pay triple for an autographed first copy.
Sals last blog post..A Plague On Both Your Houses
Kyddryn: I don’t have a clue what I’m going to do with the whole adventure quite yet. Once I finish my outline, I’ll have a better idea how to distribute.
Matthew: Grací, and congrats on the guest post. It was really good.
Allison: Me too.
Julie: That’s exactly the tone I was going for. Thanks for getting it!
Eric: I’ll probably do one more excerpt before I pack it away for later. Thanks for enjoying it.
Wendi: Thanks for liking it Wendi – that line kinda made me giggle.
Aylad: I am VERY loosely toying with the idea.
Lance: Thanks. I don’t know when I’ll get to fully explore this future, but I do love the RedBook future that’s swimming in my head.
Green Jello: I guess it’s decided then, there shall be a trilogy of excerpts.
Sal: One of these days, Sal. One of these days.
Kyddryn: I don’t have a clue what I’m going to do with the whole adventure quite yet. Once I finish my outline, I’ll have a better idea how to distribute.
Matthew: Grací, and congrats on the guest post. It was really good.
Allison: Me too.
Julie: That’s exactly the tone I was going for. Thanks for getting it!
Eric: I’ll probably do one more excerpt before I pack it away for later. Thanks for enjoying it.
Wendi: Thanks for liking it Wendi – that line kinda made me giggle.
Aylad: I am VERY loosely toying with the idea.
Lance: Thanks. I don’t know when I’ll get to fully explore this future, but I do love the RedBook future that’s swimming in my head.
Green Jello: I guess it’s decided then, there shall be a trilogy of excerpts.
Sal: One of these days, Sal. One of these days.
As tasty a crumb as ever met my lips. I think you have found your Fridays. Smiling here.
Redbook preorders: sign me up.
Janice Cartiers last blog post..Hi Ho Hi Ho
As tasty a crumb as ever met my lips. I think you have found your Fridays. Smiling here.
Redbook preorders: sign me up.
Janice Cartiers last blog post..Hi Ho Hi Ho
I’m with Sal on this one. I am seriously hooked and looking forward to reading more. The story has me intrigued even if I dislike the name Conner. Heh. Good sci-fi is a weakness of mine. A weekly serialization would be nice, but monthly would certainly be tolerable, too.
Ians last blog post..Should Nokia Buy Yahoo?
I’m with Sal on this one. I am seriously hooked and looking forward to reading more. The story has me intrigued even if I dislike the name Conner. Heh. Good sci-fi is a weakness of mine. A weekly serialization would be nice, but monthly would certainly be tolerable, too.
Ians last blog post..Should Nokia Buy Yahoo?
Spaghettios in a can — my comfort food as a teen!
Somehow I never put Spaghettios and Sci Fi together before or envisioned it as a raw meat chaser … you do have a way with the visuals and the instant connect. Looking forward to more!
SpaceAgeSage — Loris last blog post..Imagination and discovery
Spaghettios in a can — my comfort food as a teen!
Somehow I never put Spaghettios and Sci Fi together before or envisioned it as a raw meat chaser … you do have a way with the visuals and the instant connect. Looking forward to more!
SpaceAgeSage — Loris last blog post..Imagination and discovery
It sounds like a wonderful story in the making!
You’ve just caught my interest, and I must say that it is no easy thing for a book to capture my attention as deeply as yours did. The moment I scanned through the first paragraph, I knew I had to continue. And I did. You aroused my curiosity, and now I am dying to read more. I am ready to whirl along with your intricate and highly exciting plot.
I certainly look forward to any future excerpts!
It sounds like a wonderful story in the making!
You’ve just caught my interest, and I must say that it is no easy thing for a book to capture my attention as deeply as yours did. The moment I scanned through the first paragraph, I knew I had to continue. And I did. You aroused my curiosity, and now I am dying to read more. I am ready to whirl along with your intricate and highly exciting plot.
I certainly look forward to any future excerpts!
You know, I’m not a big fan of science fiction but you’ve got me hooked. The only sci-fi authors I read were Frank Herbert, Margaret Atwood and George Orwell (I dunno if he can be classified as such but 1984 was sure sci-fi). Great engaging style. You definitely dumped the worthless stuff and stick to only the important details of the story which pulls the reader along. Some fiction stuff on the Net usually make me sleepy. Some writers can’t really bear to kill their darlings. You’re not one of them.
We’ve bumped around the blogosphere but this is my first comment in your site. I definitely liked the part about half a grandma appearing at your door.
The Primotion chip already exists today –as Holosync technology. Whenever I have a negative thought, I plug in a paraliminal cd and whisked it away as if it never existed. Scary, ain’t it? I could be one of your characters. ;)
Kates last blog post..Why Real Life Stops You From Going After Your Dreams
You know, I’m not a big fan of science fiction but you’ve got me hooked. The only sci-fi authors I read were Frank Herbert, Margaret Atwood and George Orwell (I dunno if he can be classified as such but 1984 was sure sci-fi). Great engaging style. You definitely dumped the worthless stuff and stick to only the important details of the story which pulls the reader along. Some fiction stuff on the Net usually make me sleepy. Some writers can’t really bear to kill their darlings. You’re not one of them.
We’ve bumped around the blogosphere but this is my first comment in your site. I definitely liked the part about half a grandma appearing at your door.
The Primotion chip already exists today –as Holosync technology. Whenever I have a negative thought, I plug in a paraliminal cd and whisked it away as if it never existed. Scary, ain’t it? I could be one of your characters. ;)
Kates last blog post..Why Real Life Stops You From Going After Your Dreams
@Writer Dad
I LIKE this. :-)
Do you have a science or engineering degree or something? Because it shows in your writing (I mean this as a compliment!).
Even though this is a fantasy story, the way you use the technical/scientific terms here is credible, and makes the story more believable.
@Writer Dad
I LIKE this. :-)
Do you have a science or engineering degree or something? Because it shows in your writing (I mean this as a compliment!).
Even though this is a fantasy story, the way you use the technical/scientific terms here is credible, and makes the story more believable.
Janice: I have an idea for RedBook. I think you’ll like it. I’ll have it ready for next Friday. I believe you are right, I think they’ve been found.
Ian: Conner’s no good, huh? I don’t know this for certain, but it may have been a subconscious ode to John Conner from the Terminator series. Weekly serialization? Stay tuned for next week.
Lori: Me too, and have you ever met a kid who didn’t like Spaghettios? Me neither, though I never thought of them as a raw meat chaser until the day before yesterday either.
Kwek Ming Hong: I’ll be working on them, and we will see them soon.
Friar: I’m thrilled to hear it, Friar. I was actually most interested in your comment on this one. I figured I’d get called out on the wobbly science. No engineering degree, and actually no degree to speak of. No joke, I’m actually a high school dropout.
Janice: I have an idea for RedBook. I think you’ll like it. I’ll have it ready for next Friday. I believe you are right, I think they’ve been found.
Ian: Conner’s no good, huh? I don’t know this for certain, but it may have been a subconscious ode to John Conner from the Terminator series. Weekly serialization? Stay tuned for next week.
Lori: Me too, and have you ever met a kid who didn’t like Spaghettios? Me neither, though I never thought of them as a raw meat chaser until the day before yesterday either.
Kwek Ming Hong: I’ll be working on them, and we will see them soon.
Friar: I’m thrilled to hear it, Friar. I was actually most interested in your comment on this one. I figured I’d get called out on the wobbly science. No engineering degree, and actually no degree to speak of. No joke, I’m actually a high school dropout.
WD,
Always tuned in to this channel. As for Conner, it’s probably just me. It reminds me too much of the musician Bright Eyes (Connor Oberst), who is a very good singer/songwriter and puts on a good show; however, when he talks between songs, he comes across as arrogant which was a big put-off to me. Since the spelling is different, I’m sure I’ll survive. :)
Ians last blog post..Intel Stock Goes Into the Toilet
WD,
Always tuned in to this channel. As for Conner, it’s probably just me. It reminds me too much of the musician Bright Eyes (Connor Oberst), who is a very good singer/songwriter and puts on a good show; however, when he talks between songs, he comes across as arrogant which was a big put-off to me. Since the spelling is different, I’m sure I’ll survive. :)
Ians last blog post..Intel Stock Goes Into the Toilet
that was SO great. I really AM in awe of you. I can’t wait to read more….
that was SO great. I really AM in awe of you. I can’t wait to read more….
I’ll look forward to it. ;-)
Janice Cartiers last blog post..Purple Showed Up
I’ll look forward to it. ;-)
Janice Cartiers last blog post..Purple Showed Up
Ian: Oberst is both talented and a complete punk. I couldn’t agree more. I’m glad my spell check liked Conner better than Connor, or we might not have been so lucky. : > )
Vodka Mom: You are too kind. Thanks, and you’ll have an opportunity soon. I promise.
Janice: You too Janice, are too kind. Thank you.
Ian: Oberst is both talented and a complete punk. I couldn’t agree more. I’m glad my spell check liked Conner better than Connor, or we might not have been so lucky. : > )
Vodka Mom: You are too kind. Thanks, and you’ll have an opportunity soon. I promise.
Janice: You too Janice, are too kind. Thank you.