The Chameleon Project

By Nickolas Bay

A young Dr. Janet Stewart finds herself in an alliance with two neurosurgeons to create a better world through new DNA discoveries and applications. Their journey puts them in direct contact with the CIA, prisoner interrogations in Guantanamo Bay and an experiment gone badly with terrorists in Iraq. Their experiments create Chameleon character changes in their subjects.

This is a story about new discoveries in DNA that unravel the tapestry of humankind and how it has been affected over the course of evolution. The fiction in this saga points out a few of the problems we create as these revelations take place. This topic affects everyone regardless of his or her religion, politics, race or ethnic background.

Join our Dr. Janet Stewart, as she is enveloped in mystery, intrigue, espionage, deception, terrorism and attempted kidnapping.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 20, 2004
• ISBN: 9781465328304

Nickolas Bay

World War ll veteran. Assistant Director of International Operations at Polaroid Corp., Cambridge, Mass. Later set up Bay International, a consulting company. CEO of Alden Speares and Sons and Housewares American. Retired to Reno, NV. Broker and General Manger for Preferred Equities Corp. in northern Nevada. Presently writing novels. Have written nine books over past three years. “Intelligent Design in Science Religion and You” was selected as on of the best inspirational books in 2006 by Allbooks Review and featured in the California American Chronicle 1/08/07 by reviewer Shirley Roe. Was also a feature article 01/27/07 in the Reno Gazette-Journal, by Geralda Miller.

Book preview

PART I

AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION

The AMA at the Hilton International Hotel in Las Vegas is holding a special meeting. The convention covers advancements in all spheres of medicine including the latest findings on DNA. Two old friends, both Neurosurgeons, are having a private meeting in the coffee shop. Both men Dr. John Stoddard and Dr. James Roth are interested in worldwide medical and political problems.

John begins, Jim, the world is in a mess, and the same old problems occur and reoccur in politics, businesses and religions. Let’s brain storm and see if there is some way to turn this turmoil around. You are right John; certainly trying to change religions is not the answer. Even today, religious groups set up boundaries of exclusivity, which create stress between the joiners and the outsiders. Religion, business and politics are engulfing our actions every day.

You are right Jim, children in many Muslim societies today are taught to hate western people and their culture here is a good example of that in today’s paper. The cleric Sheik al-Taleb gave a prayer to 500,000 Muslims attending the hajj at Mecca’s Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia. His simple request was for God to grant victory to Muslims fighting around the world. Other pronouncements he made like, God, inflict your wrath on criminal Zionists," is another example of spreading hate and fear throughout the world.

In turn, western cultures do not trust eastern cultures due to the hate programs directed at them by the pseudo Islamic radicals and clerics.

It seems like religious groups in general preach love, kindness and compassion; unfortunately, it is restricted to their own kind. Why not set up a non-profit corporation, call it something like Dnacology Assoc. Our purpose will be to promote DNA research to create understanding and promote a dialogue to insure a more peaceful future for our children in the years to come."

Okay Jim, let us begin with the premise that we cannot change the attitude of today’s adults based on experience. We should begin with a program to analyze mental and physical characteristics of worldwide leaders. This will include DNA samples. We must establish a rapport with the physicians who service these leaders. Then we can draw a composite of all the world leaders and compare their by DNA profiles. Locate similar genes that establish certain personality traits both negative and positive. Once we define a profile that is conducive to constructive suggestions, we must decide on a method of utilizing it. Well Jim, since we can’t change the adults we must look at the future of mankind, that future lies in our children. Our children are the future leaders of the world."

"Okay John, but we should look at this program on a comprehensive scale. We must consider experts and leaders in religion, sports, entertainment, medicine and politics.

Our first step is to establish a worldwide sampling network. We should begin by contacting the personal physicians of all our target subjects. We should work on a coding system that will assure us that all DNA samples are untraceable.

To get the ball rolling we should ask Dr. Janet Stewart to join us. I have spoken to her on several occasions and know she has the same concerns we do, and as CEO at the DNA Research Lab., she would be invaluable to us.

I propose we have printed a special series of what would appear to be blank postage stamps. It will be a simple and inexpensive way to collect DNA samples. All the doctors who would like to be part of our new scientific experiment involving DNA analysis will receive these stamps. They will advise their patients to merely lick the stamp, replace it in our special plastic holder and return to us for a complete analysis, free of charge. This will be part of their doctors’ confidential medical file of them and will aid him in determining what, if any, action should be taken to offset a possible disease or disorder that has been red flagged. We will be providing a free positive service and in turn will extract all the information we need for our studies"

Jim exclaims, That is an excellent idea, and by providing the services free of charge no one can claim we are trying to commercialize DNA testing for a profit.

Precisely Jim, "Imagine a computer bank with DNA storage of great singers, artists, actors, politicians and religious personalities. Anyone we choose can be tested by us for his or her DNA profile. They would then qualify to select traits they would like in their offspring. With the discovery made by Watson and his associate years ago that DNA forms a double helix-like spiral twisted ladder, we now know the manner in which DNA can carry a living things genetic code and with Dr. Janet Stewarts’ help we will be able to find specific genes and repair damaged ones.

Presently we know of 38000 genes in the human genome. We will select which gene or genes will be chemically introduced into our patient. The results will be evidenced by a genetic change in the patient that will be introduced into her newborn child. Our research and files must be secret to everyone except our team on this project. The results will be as staggering as the discovery of the atom. We are not playing God here; we are merely his messengers doing his handy-work. We are using the formulas of the creator that have always existed. This concept is mind boggling and extremely exciting. Jim, let’s sleep on this idea and set up a meeting with Dr. Stewart tomorrow. Since you know her, how about setting up the meeting? No problem, John, I’ll talk to her today, Jim replied as he got up and left a tip for the waiter.

Jim walked through the restaurant into the hotel lobby and went directly to the Diagnostic Neurological Assoc. events listing posted on the billboard. Dr. Stewart was scheduled to give a talk on GloFish within the hour. Jim looked at his schedule and found he had some free time available and walked directly to the lecture room.

The presentation room was full, Jim walked in as the doors were closing and the attractive Dr. Janet Stewart was about to begin. He spotted an empty seat in the back row and wormed his way over to it, apologizing as he stepped on a few toes. Dr. Stewart looked up and waited for Jim to find a seat.

She began, We are on the threshold of a new enlightenment in the field of DNA. The great strides we have made to date will be dwarfed by the experiments yet to come. Please look at this fish tank and tell me what you see. A Dr replied, laughingly, a few fish. That is correct people but these are no ordinary fish. Scientists at the National University of Singapore created these fish by tacking a gene from a sea anemone and splicing it with the gene of a black and silver fish. The results are obvious, please turn off the lights, Dr. Stewart then clicked on a switch which lit up the four foot tank with ultra violet lights. The stunning result created murmurs throughout the room. The fresh water fish appeared to have a bright red color and glowed in the dark.

Dr. Stewart continued, This transgenic species of fish was developed to detect mercury or other heavy metal contaminates that are present in our water. However, their commercial potential as a household pet has overshadowed their initial purpose. I was recently in Reno, Nevada where I purchased these fish at an Aquarium. This was the first time the public was introduced to these fish; the first group of fish was sold within hours. As with any innovation, the opponents to this new technology began by calling them Franken fish." Please turn the lights back on, said Dr. Stewart as she turned off the ultra violet lights on the tank.

I am showing you this fish exhibit to point out the limitless possibilities of DNA research. Our work at the DNA Research Laboratory is experimenting with human gene splitting and embedding that will have scientific and political reverberations throughout the world."

Dr. Stewart raised her right hand and several associates passed out information on her experiments on how they will help physicians in the near future. She received a standing ovation as the Drs’ hurried up to the podium to ask her questions and congratulate her on the presentation. Jim sat in the back taking notes and remained there until the others left. He was eager to discuss his and John’s new concepts for a better world via genetics.

Jim walked briskly down the aisle and grabbed Janet’s hand, great presentation, Janet. Well, well if it isn’t Jim Roth, I haven’t seen you in two years. How is Doris? Jim replied, Things didn’t work out with us, she traveled 60 % of the time and I was buried in new projects when she was home. To make a long story short, we agreed to divorce about two years ago but still remain friends. Fortunately, during our five years together we never had children so that did not complicate matters. "Sorry to hear that, Jim, I always liked Doris and her political aspirations were commendable. What are you up to now, as I recall you always had several projects on the burner?’

Jim, gently nudged Janet away from the crowd and whispered in her ear, John Stoddard and I are setting up a new corporation called DNAcology Associates and would like to talk to you about it’s objectives and invite you join us, you would become one of the Board of Directors. Will you give us the pleasure of your company at dinner tonight to discuss our project? One thing I always admired about you Jim, replied Janet, you get right to the point. Okay, I’m curious let’s meet in the dinning room at eight pm. That’s wonderful, Janet, really look forward to it, see you later. Inquisitive doctors began surrounding Janet as Jim left the room.

Jim looked for the nearest in house phone and called John in his room. John, it’s Jim, I’ve just spoken to Janet and she’s interested enough in our project to discuss it a supper tonight. I’ve got a meeting now so I’ll meet you in the dinning room at 7:45 to fill you in on our conversation. Great, Jim I’m looking forward to it, replied John.

It was 7:45 pm and John and Jim met in the dinning room. They were discussing Janet and their plans. John says, What do you know about Janet? Well I first met her two years ago, she had just taken over as Chief executive officer of the DNA Research Lab. in Boston. She is considered the top professional in the DNA research field. She has studied at Kings College in Cambridge, England, where she read everything Watson and associates had written and examined the original models of the double helix that they constructed between 1951 and 1953. Before her present assignment, I think she was a guest professor at Cal. Tech. and studied all the work done in this field by a two time Noble winner. Personally, she has one of those personalities that mesmerize you. As you will shortly see, she speaks assertively but always listens attentively to your comments. If she thinks you’re wrong about something she will be the first to set you straight, but in a nice way, you will think she had just complimented you. John says, is she married? Not to my knowledge, guess she has been too busy.

As Jim was completing his sentence, Janet approached the table. Did I hear my name being bantered about? Jim and John stand up and extend their hands to greet her. Jim begins, Janet this is John Stoddard an old friend of mine. We’ve worked with each other in surgery for years.

John looks in Janet’s sparkling blue eyes, likes her immediately, he felt a spark that was like a Deja vu encounter. His left hand enclosed her hand in his right hand and he shook it firmly several times. Yes, Janet, Jim was telling me of your impressive background and how you would be the perfect person to join us in this new adventure, blurted out John.

Janet gave him a broad smile as she lightheartedly laughed and said, Well you fellows certainly know how to make a girl feel at home. John was still holding her hand, so she politely said; I will take my hand back now if you are finished with it. John actually blushed, he had not acted so boyishly for years, but it pleased him and Janet.

Both men were getting ready to seat Janet, but John got there first and smiled as he won the competition.

They exchanged pleasantries before dinner and then Jim got the ball rolling. Janet, John and I have been discussing the world’s dilemma over the past few years and have come to the conclusion that extraordinary means must be taken to correct the present turmoil in the world for the welfare of future generations. Politics and religions aside, they have not worked, science is now on the doorstep of evolutionary changes in humanity’s make-up. The changes we make now will be felt throughout the world within twenty years. We will all live to see an unprecedented turn-about in human relations.

Janet leaned onto the table with both elbows, and genetics is the answer? John stares directly into Janet’s piercing blue eyes as he leans onto the table. Yes, genetics is the answer and we feel we have a plan to bring this change about without alarming anyone.

Gentlemen, as you know this is not a new idea; it is abhorred by many religions and looked at with a jaundice eye by politicians. The mere discussion of this subject, if disclosed, will bring the proverbial house down on you. We all know the pros and cons on this subject, and no one better than I do in my present position. I have people approach me every week with schemes to manipulate Genetics. My answer to them is no". May I suggest we discontinue discussing this subject immediately, you may not realize it but I am under constant surveillance? No