Fifty One: Provenance

By Pax Rolfe

"Like the best of Heinlein." Joe Crubagh

"A good mixture of sci-fi thriller and paranormal romance..." Sara Miller

"I found an exciting, engaging science fiction book that I ripped through in one night." Kenneth Moore

What began as a short scene, created for his wife when kept away on Valentines, has evolved into a mysterious, erotic, action packed adventure. The original risqué and romantic remains, then erupts into a fast paced story that will leave you searching for a sequel.

***

:decrypted communication intercepted near Groom Lake, NV:

Hello, my name is Kate. I was in the CIA, but now I'm owned by the Men in Black. They own my boyfriend too. Well I guess you could call him my boyfriend. What can I say, it's a complicated relationship.

He is beautiful, I love him to death, and he is half alien. That's okay, I'll give you a second to absorb that information. I mean you wouldn't know it by looking at him. He doesn't have antennae or horns growing out of his head. He does have some unusual, interesting, even challenging physical attributes, but like I said, you wouldn't know it to look at him.

Life has been a bit of a whirlwind since we met. I've learned a lot of things I wish I could unlearn. Like who really controls things on the earth and how dangerous it can be for those who find out. My life expectancy has probably decreased exponentially since Adam and I met, but I wouldn't trade the time we've had for anything in this world. Or any other world for that matter.

Adam doesn't have much of a choice, and since I love him neither do I. Fighting back is what he was created to do. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure he lives through it, and hope I do too.

***

"It's just the right balance of sci-fi, sex, action, sex, humor & oh yeah...sex."

"Fifty One is a very enjoyable, fun and thought-provoking adventure..."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pax Rolfe
• Release date: Aug 16, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465766786

Pax Rolfe

Author Pax Rolfe is a true modern-day renaissance man. He has traveled and lived worldwide, including such exotic locals as South Korea and Africa. Growing up in a military family gave Pax a unique perspective of the world, but the greatest gift he ever received was the certainty that going after dreams was a noble and worthwhile pursuit. In his quest for adventure and knowledge, Pax has been a waiter, bartender, actor, stunt-man, Internet customer service technician, airline dispatcher, private jet coordinator, and truck driver. A true raconteur, he loves to commiserate with friends and strangers telling stories, engaging in rational discussions about anything from cycling and racing cars to the wonder and amazement of being married to a fantastic woman. Pax Rolfe currently resides on Oklahoma City and is working on several short stories and novels. His first novella, Fifty One: Provenance, is a sexy science fiction adventure. It is a balanced mix of romance and action that will engage both male and female readers.

Book preview

Fifty One: Provenance

by Pax Rolfe

Copyright 2011 Pax Rolfe

Smashwords Edition

Cover art by Frank Priboy

Author photo by Kaylee Rae Howerton

This story is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are invented by the author or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any similarity to actual persons or events is purely coincidental. All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author.

License Notes:

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold

or given away to other people without the express written permission of the author.

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Acknowledgements:

My wife for the inspiration,

My parents- all three of them,

Barry Eisler and Joe Konrath for sharing,

Sara Miller and Timothy Noonan for making this better than it was.

Chapter 1

Area 51

Groom Lake, NV

Dr. Steve Roberts looked up at his wife and smiled, We did it! It's viable.

Really, are you sure? Dr. Amy Roberts looked back at him over the top of the screen.

Steve pumped his fist, looking back down to verify the readings. One hundred percent viable. We are going to have a child.

I didn't think it would happen this soon. I still have protocols to work up. I'll have to pick up the pace.

Yes you will my dear, but first we're going to celebrate, Steve said, wrapping his wife in his arms, Then we are going to call the brass and tell them that our first successful human-alien hybrid is in gestation.

They gazed down at the monitor displaying the lab next door. Contained in the lab was a stainless steel sphere about two feet in diameter. Wires and sensors circumscribed the sphere at various intervals, at its top was a sealed access hatch. This was the artificial womb in which their creation would grow. Years of planning and research culminating with the small mass of cells busily dividing in the small chamber.

I'm just beside myself. Amy spun in her husband's arms and took his face in her hands, she kissed him gleefully.

Let the celebration begin. Steve said coming up for air.

I'll show you a celebration. Talk geek to me.

Steve grinned at her, Retro-viral gene splicing, has allowed us to combine the DNA from an alien species with that of a human, he said adopting a husky tone, It's a simple matter really, a snip here, a fold there- and the sequencing! Did you see the algorithms I used to assemble the chromosomes? Huge, muscular algorithms. Were you affected by them? Did they arouse feelings in you that you'd like to explore?

Okay that's enough geek talk, let's go celebrate, Amy said pushing him back.

Screw that, let's do it right here. Steve said, grabbing her hips and lifting her onto the desk.

***

How long before we are certain? the soft timbre voice emanated from the speaker in the center of the conference table.

Steve stood with his palms resting on the table. Amy paced the floor behind him. Gestation is five months. After that you're looking at a maturation rate that's five times the human norm. So in five years I can present you with- what for all intents and purposes- is a twenty-five year old male.

Will he continue to age at that rate?

No, once he reaches the proper maturity, we have the ability to retard the aging process.

What about his mental state?

You're asking if I'm going to deliver you a twenty-five year old man with the brain of a five year old, Steve grinned, and the answer is no, he will be highly intelligent, his mental maturity and capabilities should have no problem keeping up with his physical state. There will of course be a period of social conditioning required once he's out in the real world, a chance for him to apply the knowledge he's absorbed to actual social situations.

Dr. Roberts, I am reassured of your progress. I will sign off on phase two of the project. Is there anything else?

One thing, Steve said, There's no way to select for obedience without retarding other desirable traits. I can't guarantee that once he's matured, he will want to perform the duties asked of him. As with any child, we can teach him, indoctrinate him to our culture and beliefs, but the man he becomes is entirely up to him.

Your concern is noted Doctor, the voice said, We will cross that bridge when we come to it.

Yes sir.

Your authorizations are forthcoming, please keep me updated of any further developments.

I will, and thank you. Steve closed the connection and lowered his head in thought. Amy grasped his shoulders and pulled him back into her, wrapping her arms around him.

What's the matter honey? That was good news. We're all set to move forward.

I know, and I'm happy about that, Steve said, I just can't shake the feeling that there are a million things that could go wrong. I don't have to remind you of our first attempt, and I'm not really comfortable with the safeguards they're going to insist we put in place.

I understand, but we learned from that mistake and were more vigilant this time. The stakes are huge with this project. I think we are capable enough to handle it, and that's not just ego talking. Amy squeezed her husband, reassuring him.

How about I make you dinner? Steve said.

After that little romp in the lab, you better. And afterwards I get to pick the movie. Amy smiled.

Deal, but I'm vetoing anything with Julia Roberts. Steve grinned back at her.

But you liked Pretty Woman.

Just the scene with the car. When we get out of this place I'm going to get one of those Lotus', or would it be Loti? Steve wondered.

Maybe if you're a pretentious ass.

Which I am, let's go eat.

***

Disconnecting his phone and placing it in his pocket, Barry, the man with the soft timbre voice, stared down at the artificial womb. He says five years and we will have our weapon, he spoke to his partner, standing next to him, What is your assessment Joe, do we have the time?

Fuck if I know, cunts screwed the first batch. Joe grumbled.

Indeed, one can only hope they have corrected their mistake. I am not confident we will get a third attempt. Barry turned back and resumed gazing at the womb, the reflection of his stern face gazed back at him.

Chapter 2

One year after conception.

Adam grabbed the spoon, scooped up the mashed potatoes, and stabbed himself in the lip, drawing a bit of blood. This is why they wouldn't let him have a fork. Adam threw the spoon down onto the table. It bounced hard, then lodged handle first in the ceiling tile above. Amy picked up a napkin and wiped away the mixture of potatoes and blood, smeared on his upper lip. The cut would quickly heal. His body had the ability to regenerate, rapidly healing small injuries. Adam didn't require a lot of Band-Aids.

Adam. Amy said placing her hand over the one year old boy's clenched fist. It's okay. Try it again, but slower. Think hard about moving really slow. You can do it.

Amy placed another spoon by the plate. Adam picked it up very deliberately, his face locked in concentration. He scooped some potato onto the spoon, bringing it ever so slowly to his lips, and took a bite.

That's better. Now do it again, you'll get the hang of it.

I'm not hungry. Adam pushed the plate away with some velocity.

Amy caught it before it fell off the edge and slid it back in front of Adam. You have to eat. You're a growing boy-- a rapidly growing boy. I know this is frustrating but it's necessary. Do you want me to have to feed you for the rest of your life?

Yes.

Well that's not going to happen, so concentrate and finish your food. When you're finished I'll take you to the playground until it's time for bed.

Adam grabbed a handful of potatoes and shoved them messily into his mouth.

With the spoon Adam! Do it right or you go to bed now and no playground. Amy scolded.

Adam sighed then picked up the spoon and resumed the tedious process of feeding himself-- without stabbing himself in the face.

***

Three years after conception.

Adam stood in the center of the mat surrounded by four hand to hand combat trainers from the Army 1st SFOD-D, commonly referred to as Delta Force. The men weren't entirely sure why they needed four of them to take out a seven year old boy, but- orders were orders- and the order was full speed.

The men charged. As they converged on Adam, he leapt into the air and flipped over the head of the soldier approaching from behind. On his way over, he precisely chopped the soldier's neck with his hand, shocking the artery running through it and rendering him unconscious. As soon as Adam's feet touched the ground he launched himself at the soldier in front, kicking him solidly in the chest with the ball of his left foot. Adam's instructions were to disable, not kill, so the kick was at less than full force, merely stunning the soldier rather than caving in his chest. Using the soldiers chest, Adam launched himself once again into the air, back-flipping into a kneeling position and knifing his hands into the solar plexus of the soldier on either side of him. Both dropped instantly.

Adam stood.

Medics swept in and tended to the fallen men. He had dispatched four highly trained soldiers in just under four seconds.

Excellent Adam! A brilliant display of control. Sensei Helm called from the side of the mat.

Thank you Sensei. Adam said bowing to his teacher.

***

Later that afternoon Adam sat in his suite adjacent to the lab. He was speed-reading his way through a stack of textbooks when his teacher arrived. Mrs. Thompson was an elderly black woman with several Ph D's in education. Her husband was a scientist working on another project at the base. Groom kept it's secrets by keeping it in the family.

What's up my nigger? Adam said smiling and lowering his book. Mrs. Thompson paused mid-step, collected herself, then sat on the couch facing Adam.

What's up, is my curiosity Adam. Where did you hear that word?

Which word?

Nigger.

On television. I heard it used several times from characters who appeared to be friends.

Did you notice that the only people using that word were black people?

Now that you point it out, yes, but most of the people in the show were black.

Adam that is a powerful word. It is also a very silly word. It can be very offensive. I suggest you research it further before you use it again. Tell me have you said it to anyone else?

A couple of the soldiers I train with.

Were either of them black?

One of them was.

And what was his reaction?

He laughed then gave me a complicated hand shake I hadn't seen before.

Yes well you lucked out there, Mrs. Thompson sighed, "Adam, you have absorbed a tremendous amount of knowledge in the past year, but I'm afraid we still have a ways to go towards socializing you. There's an entire world of people