The Deceived: Maggie Gray Trilogy, #1

By Milissa L. Story

Maggie Gray has hunted enemies of the Federation for years. But, when she uncovers the files of her dead lover Maggie learns her life is not what it seems. 

Maggie has been betrayed by her government and her own father in a genetic experiment using her DNA. She must escape the Federation in order to learn the truth. Her truth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Milissa L. Story
• Release date: Nov 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386082484

Milissa L. Story

Milissa has worked as a technical writer creating software manuals and instructions. She has published articles on the use of technology in local government and has created course content for the role of planning in local government and its citizens. She even once had a job with a placement agency re-writing people’s resume's. Today she enjoys writing science fiction with interesting and complex characters.

Book preview

Prologue

July 4, 1947, could have been a day like any other. Two years out of a horrific war, life was returning to normal when the Grays returned, bringing technology previously unknown to the inhabitants of Earth.

The Guardians had lived among the humans for centuries guarding against other worldly influences and allowing the humans to evolve without undue influence.

The return of the Grays would change it all; a battle for the human race would begin.

Chapter One

B en, you look tired . You need to take better care of yourself. Charlie Gray Eagle stared at his younger brother across the table of the small, noisy diner.

I know. But, I am so close to finishing this project. Ben sat drinking coffee, lately he had been practically main lining the stuff, so the bitter taste of the diner’s coffee didn’t offend him.

Ben often forgot to eat or sleep hence, the coffee addiction. If it had not been for his lab assistants he would have starved months ago. Back home in Morgan Creek, Montana, the pace was a little slower and Ben was feeling edgy.

Project or no project you need to pace yourself. Get some sleep or you might miss something in that fancy microscope of yours. Charlie waved to the server and ordered a glass of water to replace Ben’s coffee.

I know, I know. But, it feels like giving up. Ben hung his head gripping the heavy chipped coffee cup, fearing it would be his last.

It will be there waiting for you when you get back. Trust me. Charlie smiled.

Charlie always had a way of taking care of things, of making things right. Ben held up his hands in defeat.

Okay, I surrender. Let’s go home.

Home was a small cabin up in the hills on the backside of a cattle ranch where Charlie worked. In contrast to Ben’s comfortable apartment back in Chicago, the cabin was rustic, even by the modern standards of Morgan Creek. The air was clean and crisp, not reclaimed like his lab. The colors here were more vivid. The trees emerald green, the sky so blue it almost hurt your eyes.

You meet any smart girls at that school of yours? Charlie teased.

I don’t’ have time for that sort of thing. Ben shook his head. What about you?

No time, working long hours so I can buy the ranch. Charlie kept his eyes on the bumpy road.

When they reached the cabin, Ben unpacked and fell into Charlie’s spare bunk. He slept deeply and woke to a rhythmic sound. He dressed and ventured outside to investigate.

Charlie was chopping wood. Ben yawned and stretched.

Need help?

I’m almost done. I thought you might want a hot bath when you woke up.

Not on the electrical grid? Ben looked around.

Nope, I make my own. Charlie carried the wood over to a wood stove next to a wooden tub filled with water.

Ben shook his head. He was accustomed to life in the Federation; instant hot water, climate control apartments, self-driving cars, trains and shuttles.  Power grids here were small; utilities were regional and some people, like his brother did not bother with them. He lived off the grid as they called it. Charlie used wind and solar to provide power to the cabin. He hunted most of his food. He traded with local farmers for vegetables. Charlie was not alone in his choice of life style. He was in fact in the majority. Most people here lived similarly, although most did opt for indoor plumbing. Many people here were storeowners, ranchers, and farmers. They depended on each other for everyday things like food, skills, and supplies. The barter system ruled, money was secondary. They had chosen this lifestyle after the second civil war of the 1960’s the country was divided by the new technology gained from contact with the aliens. Many people didn’t trust the new technology, they felt the government was too quick to embrace it. The country divided itself into the United States of Western America and The Federation which was a newly formed coalition with Canada, Mexico and the eastern half of the former United States.

Charlie stacked wood in the stove to heat up the water. He turned to Ben.

It will only be a minute, the solar keeps that tank warm, but when you want it really hot the wood helps. He grinned.

Thanks. Ben smiled.

When you’re done meet me out back for a beer. Charlie nodded and left Ben in private for his bath. Ben had to admit there was something about soaking in an outdoor tub of steaming water staring up at the sky. In Chicago at the research campus, where he lived you showered on a timer to help conserve water. No lingering and wasting time.

Ben spent more time in the hot tub than he had planned but, he had found the hot water and blue skies to had allowed his muscles to relax. When he was done he found Charlie sitting out behind the cabin, his legs stretched out in front of him in a casual manner and a bottle of beer in his right hand. Ben sat down in the wooden chair next to Charlie and reached into the open cooler between them.

The beer was cold and offered refreshing contrast to the heat of the steam bath. Ben closed his eyes for a moment to savor the fresh air, the beer, and the quiet.

Thought we might go to the Eagle’s Nest for dinner tonight. Charlie broke the silence.

Okay, sounds good. Ben replied. He opened his eyes but didn’t look at Charlie. He was enjoying the trees, the sky, the hills. No manicured lawns, no buildings, no people rushing from one place to another. No digital advertisements projecting onto the sides of every building. Back in Chicago you were bombarded with information constantly from ads for new products and up to the minute news updates. Ben’s body was so attuned to it all, he felt like he was missing something here. He felt nervous and his senses were expecting information at any minute but, there was none forthcoming. Only a bird overhead announced its presence. Ben wondered how his brother could stand the silence.

Later, Charlie drove them down to the Eagle’s Nest for dinner. The owner was an elderly man, who seemed to have given up on the constant repairs to the old building. But the food was good and the beers were cold and the place was popular with the locals.

The beers came first, then the meal.

This steak is delicious. Ben commented in between bites.

Of course, it is, our ranch supplies the beef. Charlie nodded.

How close are you to having the money to make an offer on the ranch?

Pretty close, Mr. Owen is planning on retiring in a month or so, I think he is waiting for me to have enough for a down payment. Charlie smiled.

Ben studied his brother’s face, he was happy for him. Charlie seemed determined to buy the ranch.

So, tell me more about this research. Charlie encouraged Ben.

Well, to make a long story short, I’m trying to find a more successful way to help infertile couples conceive.

Isn’t there already a procedure for that? Charlie thought he remembered reading something about it in a magazine at the barber shop.

Well yes, there is but it isn’t foolproof and you have to bombard the mother to the point that she almost always has multiples.

But isn’t that a good thing, I mean if they can’t have children easily isn’t it better to have multiples as she might not be able to ever have any more? Charlie asked.

Yes, that is one way to look at it, but it can cause stress on the mother and sometimes the babies as well. Ben explained.

So, your research would fix that?

Yes, I’m looking for a way that is more certain, one that will not cause the mother to have multiples and may also allow her to have more children in the future when she is ready. Ben explained.

That sounds complicated, but I’m sure you will figure it out.

I think I am very close. I can feel it. Ben felt the excitement of discovery rising in his chest. 

Want to go fishing tomorrow? Charlie asked.

Yeah, that would be great. I haven’t been fishing in ages. Ben smiled. He loved fishing.

Bet I catch more fish than you. He teased Charlie. It was a childhood bet, they always competed when hunting and fishing.

You’re on! Charlie laughed.

The week was filled with hunting, fishing and emptying as many bottles of beer as possible. When the week ended Ben was truly sad to be returning to Chicago and the regimented lifestyle.

At the small airport waiting for his connecting flight back to the Federation Ben turned to Charlie.  

I can’t believe the week is over already. Ben said with more than a hint of melancholy. I’m actually dreading going back to Chicago and the sensory overload.

You have important work to do. Charlie placed his hands-on Ben’s shoulders.

I know. I know. I wish there was a way to be able to do the work here. Ben admitted.

Maybe one day you will find a way to do just that. Charlie smiled.

It was great seeing you again. Ben hugged Charlie.

Don’t wait so long to come home again. Charlie slapped him on the back. He was going to miss Ben more than he could say. The past week was a trip back in time. It had seemed like Ben had never left.

I won’t. Ben smiled. He turned and walked to his gate. He looked back and waved to Charlie. There had been so many things he had wanted to tell his brother during this trip home, like how he had shortened his name to just Gray, he was afraid Charlie wouldn’t understand, and he ran out of time before he got up the courage to bring it up. He was sad to be leaving, but his mind was already back in his lab thinking about what he would need to do next.

Chapter Two

Ben had been back in his lab a week when Dr. Alvin Robbins, Head of Exo-Planetary Discovery, came to visit him. Dr. Robbins was a tall thin man; some might describe him as reedy.

Dr. Gray, we'd like you to be a part of the team to explore Atropos, we think your research in genetics will be beneficial. Dr. Robbins stood across from Ben words echoing off the sterile tile walls.

Really? Off world? Ben removed his glasses and blinked.  But, how can my research be of benefit?

We have had some limited communication with the inhabitants and they seem to be having some problems with reproduction. Dr. Robbins began to explain. We hoped that you may be able to help them and in return we can learn something from their culture as well.

Really? They are humanoid?

Yes Dr. Robbins smiled at the excitement showing on Ben’s face.

I can't believe this! Ben started to laugh. He looked around his lab. A chance to take his research off world was something he had never dreamed possible. The Federation had been exploring space for about ten years. The advances had been phenomenal but he had never expected to go off-world himself.

You'll be a member of a team of ten other scientists, though only one other will be a geneticist.

Ben barely heard the rest of Dr. Robbins description of the trip. His mind was racing with possibilities.

I'll send over the details. Dr. Robbins was saying.

Of course, I am looking forward to it. Ben started collecting miscellaneous items and his tablet. Thank you very much, Dr. Robbins. He said. There was so much to be done. What had Dr. Robbins said? He had five days before he needed to report to the Kepler facility to begin mission preparation?

Ben left his lab that night tense with excitement.

Ben! Hey Ben! A voice shouted across the lobby of the Life Sciences building.

Ben turned to see his friend, Jay Stephens waving to him. Jay was a friend from college and fellow researcher although is area of specialty was geology. Jay’s lab assistant stood next to him.

Hey Jay. Ben smiled as he walked across the lobby to greet his friend.

Is it true? Jay asked excitedly.

Ben thought he would try to play it cool.

Is what true? It sounded false even in his own ears.

You dog! Jay slapped Ben on the shoulder. It is true! You got selected for the off-world team!

Ben couldn’t stop the smile that broke across his face.

Yeah, I did. I just found out today.

That’s great, come on, let’s go celebrate. Jay took Ben by the shoulders before he could protest and steered him towards the door.

By the time they reached the bar, Jay had collected a few more of their colleagues and they arrived with a small party in tow.

You guys go on in and grab a table; I need to call and tell my brother about this first.

Okay, but don’t take too long. Jay laughed and followed the others inside.

Ben nodded and stepped around the corner into a hotel lobby for a little privacy. He regretted not having called from his lab.  

Hello.

Charlie? Ben.

Ben, how are you? Is everything okay? Charlie asked. He had not expected to hear from him again so soon.

I’m fine, actually I’m calling because I have great news. Ben could not keep the stupid grin off his face and for once was glad his brother did not use a video calling program.

I’ve been asked to join an off-world research team. The words tumbled out with excitement.

Charlie hoped he had heard wrong.

Off-world? He asked.

Yeah, off-world can you believe it? Ben laughed.

Hey, that’s great kid, when to you have to go?

In five days.

That’s really soon. Charlie was hoping for more time to talk him out of it.

Yeah, I know, I don’t have all the details yet. I will know more tomorrow. But I just wanted to let you know.

I’m glad you did; it sounds a little busy where you are. Charlie could hear people in the background.

Yeah, I’m going to celebrate with some friends. I’ll get back in touch before I leave and give you the details. Ben was now anxious to get to the party.

Sounds good. Have a good time tonight and be careful? Charlie cautioned.

You worry too much. Ben was used to his brother’s words of caution. Then he remembered the ranch.

Hey, did you put an offer on the ranch?

Yeah, they accepted my offer today. I sign the papers tomorrow. Charlie was doing his share of smiling tonight, too.

Wow! That is terrific. I wish we could celebrate together.

Maybe when you get back and you can come home for another visit and tell me about your off-world travels and how you’re saving the galaxy. Charlie laughed.

You’ve seen too many old movies.

Go have fun with your friends. Charlie urged.

Okay, talk to you again soon. Ben signed off.

Five days later Ben Gray looked at his lab for the last time. He smiled with the sense that his life was about to change forever. Ben was a little nervous about leaving the comfort of his lab but, the excitement of space travel soon won out.

He arrived at the Kepler station with the other members of the exploratory team. Dr. Lewis Richardson was the other geneticist. He and Ben struck up a friendship almost immediately, each discussing their particular areas of expertise.

As you know, we have been able to conduct genetic testing in humans for quite some time, to predict diseases and disorders in the very early stages of life. Ben sipped his coffee, as he explained some of the broader points of human genetics to Dr. Richardson.

Dr. Lewis Richardson nodded.

And there has been some success with programming; although it could be further along, if not for the public being afraid we are creating monsters of some kind. Ben laughed a little at the constant battle to explain the need and the safety in genetic programming.

There are very strict guidelines on how and when the programming is used. Dr. Richardson added.

Hmm, yes there are thousands of pages just on the ethical conduct when programming, so it isn't like anyone can create some sort of hybrid monster even if they wanted to. Ben agreed as he leaned back in his chair. He glanced around the room. It was a large space, offering every type of food and drink imaginable.

He glanced over at the menu boards and watched as people made their selections then moved down to receive them at a small window.

I can understand. We have a similar battle with the programming for agriculture. People just don't understand we are trying to improve the quality of their food, not poison them. Dr. Richardson explained.

Ben nodded sympathetically.

Do you play chess? Ben asked, changing the subject.

No.

Oh, it's a great game, I'll show you.  Ben was starting to wonder about the actual trip aboard ship, would it have entertainment or would he need to find a way to pass the time?

He turned his attention back to the people in the room. Most of the tables were filled and he wondered where they were all going, would they all be on his ship? He knew the team that would be going down to the planet would be about twenty.

Lewis stopped talking and turned to see what Ben was looking at so intently. It was clear he had stopped listening.

Feeling a little nervous about the trip? Lewis asked.

What? Oh, I’m sorry. Ben refocused on Lewis. Yeah, I guess so. I was just thinking about all these people and where they might be going and if they were part of the crew on our ship. Ben took another sip of his coffee.

Lewis looked around the room. Everyone was wearing a jump suit similar to the one they were wearing. There seemed to be a rainbow of colors.

I wonder if the colors mean anything? Lewis mused.

Some of the more obvious ones were the military, as those suits were adored with rank insignia and emblems.

Do you know the size of our ship? Lewis continued not waiting for an answer to his previous question.

No. Ben was starting to feel like his insides were getting cold despite the hot coffee.

A whistling sound filled the room and