He found generation three beautiful, but their glittering, faintly reptilian skin and sleekly glaring faces would cause a sensation in public. They’d be thought of as aliens. They would terrify people. As soldiers on the battlefield, they would cause dread. He’d been inspired by the faces of the aliens, and the faces of snakes. They looked demonic. Extremely fierce. And so—well, to him, the only word that fit was exquisite.

He’d been planning to expose them to public awareness over time, starting them as a secret Delta Force unit. Then, as more were grown, getting first the military and then the public acclimatized.

Again, he read the letter:

From the chief counsel, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence:

“Thank you very much for your testimony, and for exposing this committee to your extraordinary achievements. However, there are grave concerns among the senators about the wisdom of proceeding with your project. Among these concerns is the fact that the individual they were allowed to interview was so extraordinarily brilliant. The question was then asked, ‘Why wouldn’t such beings simply outwit us altogether and become independent entities?’ If that happened, they would obviously pose a serious danger, and one we may be unable to fully understand, much less control.

“Therefore, the committee has voted unanimously not to extend the Hybrid Project beyond the time necessary for you to destroy the materials that have thus far been created.

“Dr. Turner, on a personal note, obviously this is not good news, and it is certainly not the outcome either of us expected after your testimony. But, with this kind of bipartisan unanimity, I cannot offer you any alternative for the program.

“The senators are so concerned that they are planning to follow up your termination with an Inspector General visit to the facility, and the destruction or impounding of the genetic modification equipment you have developed.

“I would therefore advise you to immediately retain personal and corporate counsel to protect your patents and your property. Otherwise, there is a likelihood that DoD will be tasked to remove both the zinc finger splicing apparatus and the consciousness receptacle to a bonded and classified warehouse facility, where it will be difficult, if not impossible, for you to regain possession.”

A handwritten note was at the bottom: “Get rid of them, Tom, they’re too dangerous. The senators are terrified.”

Gamma returned with a pill cup and a glass of water. “Here we are, Tom. I’ll want to check your BP again in an hour. And we’re all aware that the letter is from the Senate, and it’s not good news. We want you to know that we support you fully.”

Should he let them read it? Could they resist orders to destroy themselves? He needed to ask Emma Walker that question, because if they could resist, there would be one hell of a battle down here.