Time Will Tell: The Truth: Time Will Tell, #1

By James L Paquin

The mysterious death of the most respected inventor of the twenty-first century shocks the technological world. As a result, a team of engineers is secretly called into action to ensure the completion of his greatest experiment. Blindly following orders, the team embarks on a wild adventure that challenges their fears and scientific beliefs . The result is a mystifying expedition to a strange world full of action, deception...and unknown danger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Belle Vie Media
• Release date: Sep 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393276364

Book preview

prologue

T hirty seconds to air , Mr. Kolbourne.

Don Kolbourne checked his notes as his assistant straightened his navy blue tie.  He gave a final look around the newsroom studio before planting himself firmly into his chair.  His assistant left from sight as the camera focused in on the opening shot. Don stared into the black of the camera lens and waited for his cue.

And we are live in five...four...three...two...

Good evening everyone, I’m Don Kolbourne, and welcome to this week’s 'Evening in America'.  Our top story, the science community is mourning the death of Andrew Zigglin Sr. tonight.  The wealthy pioneer of vast advances in science and technology has always been highly regarded worldwide due to his innovative designs and inventions, which all began in 1959 with the creation of Zigglinc, Andrew Zigglin’s first dream put into effect when he was only 33 years of age.  The company, which Zigglin formed using the inheritance he received from his grandparents, was eventually turned into a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, and made him one of the most respected players worldwide in the advances of technology.  When he moved into this second expansion of his company, he renamed it Zigglin Enterprises, and expanded his dream to overseas facilities.  Today, Zigglin Enterprises has headquarters in Texas, Germany, and Japan, with the primary brain of the company still centered in Montana, just outside Polson.  Zigglin, originally from North Dakota, inherited millions of dollars from his grandparents, who owned a chain of banks in the Dakotas.  Andrew graduated from MIT in 1948 with a double major in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.  After a string of work in various electronics firms he decided to use his wealth and formed Zigglinc, his first company, which he stationed near Polson.  He gathered fellow graduates from MIT and began work on his first idea, a cost effective yet efficient and durable engine powered by water.  The team succeeded in 1964 with a working prototype of the engine, although negative press from competing parties and existing engine manufacturers squashed further development for consumer usage.  Today, advanced versions of the engine can be found in everything from the small engines in personal watercraft to the automobile engines in production today.  The enormous profit and fame resulting from this and other never-before-seen inventions created worldwide recognition for Zigglin, which pushed him to accelerate his dream into the next phase.  He restructured his corporation, renaming it Zigglin Enterprises, and created a state of the art, 8.4 billion dollar facility just outside Polson, Montana, still the main headquarters of the company at present day.  He has since branched out and constructed facilities in Texas and overseas in Germany and Japan, hoping to gather every possible resource and utilize top engineers from around the world in the continued advancement of science and technology.  For fifty years, his ideas and research have amazed and wowed the public and fellow scientists alike, and his designs and creations will always be regarded among the most innovative in history.  Some scientists believe there was even more to the man than the world knows, more designs and dreams he was creating in his highly secure labs around the world.  Some fellow scientists in the community believe that now only with his death can his greatness truly be appreciated, and some of his most amazing creations be shared with the world.  Only time will tell, but one thing is certain, Andrew Zigglin spent his life turning his wildest dreams and fantasies into reality, something most people can only experience while they sleep at night.  He was truly a great American innovator and leaves behind a valuable and powerful legacy.  His grandson, Andrew Zigglin III, has been tasked with leading the empire into a new age and continuing to push boundaries while remaining the world’s largest private company, with estimated annual revenue of 240 billion dollars. This would be a huge undertaking for anyone, and even though Andrew III has been shadowing his grandfather for many years, all eyes are on him as he takes full control of Zigglin Enterprises.  Regardless of what happens in the future, Andrew Zigglin Sr. will always be remembered for his contributions to science, technology and the betterment of our daily lives, and he will be greatly missed by many people. Andrew Zigglin, deceased at 83.

one

The sun was shining bright in a cloudless sky, with a cool spring breeze flowing through the crowd of people gathered outside on the patio.  This is, without a doubt, the worst timing for such a gorgeous day, thought Andrew Zigglin III as he looked out over the rolling hills and plush forests surrounding his recently acquired eighty million dollar estate.  What a day to be in mourning.

Andrew reentered the mansion and took a seat next to his sister, Melanie, on the leather sofa in the middle of the ballroom.  Arriving guests lined up and passed the two, paying their respects to the sole two grandchildren of the great inventor.  Andrew and Melanie had lost their parents at a young age, and their grandparents had been their mother and father figures throughout most of their lives. When their grandmother died five years ago, Andrew Zigglin Sr. was the only family Melanie and Andrew had left besides each other. Jake Gibson, Melanie’s husband and appointed right-hand man to Andrew Sr. at Zigglin Enterprises, stepped away from Melanie and approached Andrew.

You know how we all...I...felt about your grandfather, Andrew.  He was the greatest man I’ve ever known, and he has given me what no other person could have...

I know, replied Andrew.  And thank you.  I know I can always count on you.  I know how important you were to my grandfather as well, you have been his trusted go to person for six years, and you are a necessary piece of the puzzle in continuing his legacy.

Which has become your legacy now, Jake cut in.  It is obvious he had great stock in you, you are his flesh and blood, and share a piece of that incredible mind he had. He sent you to get facilities up and running around the world because he knew you would handle it with the respect and care that he would himself.

I’m not sure if anyone can share a piece of his mind, but I’ve learned what I could in the eight years I’ve shadowed him, there’s just too much I never got the chance to learn...soak in.  And you’d think whatever was to bring down such a great man wouldn’t be some unknown toxin the greatest doctors in the world can’t categorize.

I’ve stayed awake thinking about the same thing.  He was something of an omnipotent presence, as much as a man can be anyway.  I only hope we can continue what he has done.  When I took over as his second in command I learned so much about the limitations of man, what we actually could think and achieve.  It will be interesting to see what the world is like without him.

Jake left Andrew with that thought and returned to his seat further down the sofa next to his wife.  Still in deep thought, Andrew turned to the next person in line.  It was a man dressed in a very expensive suit. Andrew recognized him, but he could not remember where he had previously met this man.  The man paused for just a moment in front of Andrew before handing him an envelope.

For you, Mr. Zigglin, he said.

Thank you, I...

No mind, interrupted the man.  Please just read the letter and I will see you tomorrow.  Your grandfather was a great man, and I expect whatever he wishes to pass on to you will be nothing short of greatness.

Andrew glanced at the envelope.  We already had the will hearing, is this...

Please, just read the letter, I will see you in the morning. With that, the man turned and walked to the end of the sofa, stopping again in front of Jake.  The man handed Jake a similar envelope, spoke what appeared to be the same words, and then the man left as quickly as he appeared.

As the evening turned to night, the guests faded until it was only Andrew in the massive room.  The house was finally quiet and Andrew found himself leaning with an arm atop the giant marble fireplace, peering into the flame.  He let it glow in his face for a minute before turning to stare at the envelope sitting on the agarwood table next to the sofa.  He walked over and took a seat before opening the letter.  It read:

Your presence is required:

Building 51

301 Zigglin Parkway

Room 300

08:00

Building 51, Andrew said to himself, odd place for a meeting.  Building 51 was in one of the secret sectors on the compound at Zigglin Headquarters.  It was called Building 51 for the simple fact that it housed the law department and public relations employees hired to keep certain projects secret, and housed an abundance of the private documents that were not allowed to leave the compound.  The building was one of the most secure parts of the lot, with clearance granted only to the employees who work in it and the few employees significant enough to need to talk to them.

So what do you think?

Andrew turned around to see Jake in the doorway.  J, thought I was alone.

Well, I am your brother-in-law, so you will have to put up with me once in awhile.  I was asking about the envelope, I just opened mine, saw you got one of the same.

Not sure. Obviously you noticed where the meeting will take place.

Building 51.

Exactly, Andrew continued.  Which means it’s definitely something important.  Did you recognize the man who gave us the envelopes?

Nope.  Was going to ask you the same thing.

Yeah, me neither.  I feel I have seen him somewhere, maybe it was in the cafeteria,  Andrew smirked as he glanced at his watch.  Well, it’ll all be settled early enough I suppose.  Which means it’s about that time.

Jake smiled back.  I hear you.  Well, good night Drew.

Night, J.  And thanks for everything today.

Jake gave a nod as he turned to exit the room.  Andrew moved over to the sofa where he spent most of the day and laid down.  Looking up at the ceiling, his mind raced in every direction as he tried to fall to sleep.  Eight o’clock won’t get here soon enough, he thought as he closed his eyes.

two

In the morning, Andrew and Jake headed to the compound.  The weather was just as beautiful today as it had ever been. Winding the turn into the entrance at the main security gate, Andrew pulled his Bugatti Veyron up to the clearance station.

Good morning, Mr. Zigglin, replied the man standing at the gate.

Morning, Rogers.

Jay, open the gate, replied Rogers into his mic as he turned to face the man in the window of the tower.  Have a good day, sir.

You too, Rog.  See you this evening.

The heavy steel gate rose as Andrew pulled into the main lot.  Lines of cars were parked, leading up to the main office of the compound, a massive five story building of floor-to-ceiling windows, extending for two blocks.  This building was the primary home to the general business and technology departments of the company.  It was an architectural achievement in itself, yet only a sliver of the multibillion dollar complex that spanned across the 2400 acre property.  The State of Montana honored Zigglin Enterprises’ many contributions to the state and country and made the property its own town in 2010. Andrew had frequently thought it was quite amazing that his grandfather’s resume could state he created his own town.

The pair took the main road through the compound, aptly named Zigglin Avenue, into Sector 5, one of the more secretive areas found on the property.  Passing through another security clearance, the Veyron pulled into the first building on the right, Building 51, the main office and center in the sector.  The people found in this building kept the secretive aspect of Zigglin Enterprises safe and running under the radar.

Well, here we are.  Back in the saddle, replied Andrew as he exited the driver’s side.  He looked up at the massive steel and glass structure standing before him.  The building stood three stories tall but also included six stories of high security underground archives.  He looked at the sign in front of the parking spot, still reading Andrew Zigglin Sr.  Eventually I will have to get that changed, he thought as he stepped onto the sidewalk outside the building. 

Jake stepped out of the car after him, giving the same once over to the structure as he approached the glass doors, reading Building 51, and opened the door for Andrew.  The two entered, stepped through the security check and metal detectors, and entered the front lobby.  A lone man sat behind it, his eyes widening as Andrew and Jake walk towards him.

Good morning, sir, he replied.  My deepest sympathies for your grandfather.  He was a great man.

Thank you.  I’m honored everyone thought so.  We’re looking for Room 300.

Certainly, replied the man as he pointed to the elevators.  Up three floors, Room 300 is at the end of the hall.

Appreciate it, Jake said as they turned towards the elevator lobby.

The two stepped into the elevator, taking it to the third floor.  Upon exiting, bold letters on the wall read, ‘Security Level 5 - Legalities.’  They walked down the long hall, passing numerous closed doors before finally reaching the final door at the end, Room 300, the only door slightly ajar.  Andrew entered the room first, followed by Jake, seeing the man from the funeral seated behind a solid oak desk.  In front of him were two empty chairs, and looking around Andrew saw three other people seated on rear couches.

Good morning gentlemen, the man from the funeral began.  I am Mr. Cobee.  I was your grandfather’s personal advisor, I met the both of you last night.

Good morning.

Pleasure.

Please, come in, have a seat, Cobee said, pointing to the empty seats in front of his desk.  Allow me to go around the room.  Behind you is Peter Chesney, the youngest Operations Vice President for Zigglin Enterprises.  He was recently promoted to Head of Biotech Engineering Operations at division Texas.  Next to him is Chelsea Toms, Director of Chemical Weaponry here at headquarters.  And finally, Amber Burke, Director of Environmental Safety here at headquarters.  Everyone, I believe you are all familiar with Andrew Zigglin III and Jake Gibson.

Andrew looked around at the three people seated before him.  Peter, a young man, who looked to have already achieved the demeanor of an elite scientist, appeared nothing like Jake or himself.  A person would never guess Jake or Andrew would have the titles they carry, the top two people in the biggest tech corporation in the world.  They both looked more like swanky business types, dark hair perfectly placed, piercing eyes, and confidence rarely found in every day encounters.  Peter Chesney on the other hand would get lost in a sea of white lab coats, but it was obvious he belonged in this room for some reason.  Chelsea Toms was a respected and accomplished woman in her field, and was only thirty-four years old.  Dark hair, dark eyes, dark olive skin, and the type of woman you could marry after your first encounter.  She was an exotic beauty.  Next to her was another type of beauty, Amber Burke, a late-20’s blonde who must have sold her soul to the devil to be blessed with such attractiveness and intelligence.  She looked like the kind of girl every guy would beg for a night with, but could learn to love, if he could tame her.  Andrew could see himself with either one, he thought.  And he knew his looks, not his status, would be enough to do it.  Andrew spent much of his time on Earth living the playboy lifestyle, and while he had been working at Zigglin Enterprises for many years, he never let it diminish his active social life.  His partner in crime, Jake, had been one of the same until settling down with Andrew’s sister just two years earlier.  The two had a baby four months ago and you could see the transition Jake had made from playboy to husband and father...

I regret that these are the circumstances in which we are all meeting, Cobee continued, interrupting Andrew’s thoughts.  You were all chosen by Mr. Zigglin before he died to be the leaders in a new era.  He chose you all to be Team Xpedition, the most intricate and important team ever assembled in the history of the company.  In the case of his untimely death, he prepared for each of you these envelopes detailing his vision for Team Xpedition.  And Andrew, as appointed team leader you will need this to carry out your mission.  Mr. Cobee handed all five in the room a manila envelope and gave Andrew a second envelope, a slightly thicker red one.  These were my instructions as given by Mr. Zigglin, and these are as far as they go.  The rest is explained in the packets you each are holding.  I thank you all for coming this morning.

The five exited the office, confused, interested, and unsure of what they had been forced into with one another.  They left Building 51 and decided to head back towards the main building on the complex, Building Alpha.  They agreed this would be the best place to investigate the information that had been thrown at them.  Passing through a much more modest version of a security check compared to Building 51, the group entered the lobby, brightly lit by the enormous windows extending to the vaulted ceiling.  Once in the lobby, there were two paths that could be taken.  Swiping your clearance card on the door to the left of the Administration Desk provided access to the general office side of the building, while the clearance door on the opposite side lead to the general labs and testing facilities.  The five opted for the left, taking it down the hall until they reached a door reading ‘Conference 1D,’ one of the many meeting rooms found on the complex.  Andrew waved his card next to the reader, and the automatic door opened.

Upon entering the room, the newly acquainted men and women each took a seat around the huge cherry wood table in the center, planting in one of the bulky leather chairs.  After sharing more confused glances with one another, they simultaneously opened the manila envelopes, removing the single sheet of paper found inside.

Jake looked around the table and saw everyone giving the same reaction, as if waiting for someone to speak first.  Alright then, he began.  "Looks like everyone has the same contents in front of them, so here goes... ‘Attention Team Xpedition – I regret to inform you that if you are reading this, I have passed on which means my grandson will now be heading Team Xpedition.  The five members of this team were chosen for their dedicated efforts and extended knowledge in each of their fields.  The following information was compiled so that in the case of my death, the five of you could carry on the greatest experiment in the history of mankind.  The red envelope contains information detailing the mission of Team Xpedition and the security codes and instructions needed to carry it out.  Good luck gentlemen and ladies, and Godspeed, I no doubt