Icarus: The Genome Chronicles, #1

By Natasha Wells

A woman out of her time. A man determined to keep her safe. A government's deadly secrets.

 

In a world where the past collides with the distant future, love takes root amidst the stars. Journey through time and space in this captivating sci-fi romance novel, where a tale of resilience, discovery, and devotion unfolds.

 

Kara Giddings, an Air Force specialist burdened by a haunting past, embarks on a daring escape from her abusive family, seeking refuge among the stars. Little does she know that her destiny is intertwined with the threads of time itself. As her DNA is altered in a mysterious genetic research program, she awakens aboard the Icarus, a state-of-the-art spaceship commanded by the enigmatic Colonel Pyke Havard.

 

Pyke leads a team of intrepid researchers on a quest to uncover the secrets behind humanity's cryogenic facilities, a mystery shrouded in history. When Kara becomes the first successfully thawed human from the past, the tension between her fragile trust and Pyke's unwavering duty threatens to unravel the bonds that tie them together.

 

In a future where science has granted humanity extended life and astounding technology, Kara must navigate a world she could never have fathomed. Yet, Kara's journey of self-discovery and healing resonates with a universal truth: that even amidst the stars, it's the connections we forge that truly define us.

 

As Kara and Pyke's relationship blossoms from wary allies to steadfast lovers, they'll need to confront their own insecurities and fears. Together, they'll learn that overcoming the shadows of the past is a testament to the strength of the heart. Can they unravel the enigma of Kara's cryogenic slumber and unearth the answers that have eluded humanity for centuries?

 

Icarus is an enthralling tale of found family, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between two souls hurtling through time. Join Kara and Pyke as they navigate the cosmos, discovering that the key to a brighter future lies in embracing the present – and each other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Natasha Wells
• Release date: Sep 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223067511

Natasha Wells

Natasha Wells is a retired Air Force officer that grew up as a military brat, and now resides in bustling Raleigh, North Carolina. Icarus is her debut novel. Natasha is a lover of science fiction, video games, and cozying up with a blanket to a good book. The smuttier, the better. When she, her husband, and four-year-old aren't playing Tears of the Kingdom or attending Comic-Cons, they can be found camping across the United States. Connect with Natasha on social media: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authornatashawells TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@authornatashawells Twitter - https://twitter.com/thenatashawells Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authornatashawells Amazon - https://amazon.com/author/natashawells Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/natasha_wells

Book preview

Icarus

The Genome Chronicles

Natasha Wells

Copyright © 2023 Natasha Wells

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact [e-mail].

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

2nd edition 2023

10  9  8  7  6  5  4  3  2  

ISBN: 979-8-9887750-0-3 (paperback) B0CBG93V97 (Amazon eBook ASIN)

Trigger Warnings

Personally, I like that books today include information to help readers make insightful choices. It can be entertaining to read things that are fantastical, but only when we know what we’re getting into. As such, here is what you can expect from Icarus. Mental health is more important than spoilers, so read at your discretion.

Icarus is a nonstop-thrilling science fiction adventure set in a futuristic universe where modifying human genetics is common (and required), procreation is controlled, and an egotistical government directly impacts individual consent. It is important to note this book contains graphic language and sexual activities are shown on page. While it is brief, there are also detailed scenes relating to the Iraqi war post 9/11 and tackling difficult topics like suicide and PTSD.

Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note, and prepare to enter this unknown world.

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Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Trigger Warnings

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Chapter One

Chapter Two

Redacted: Phase 1

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

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Acknowledgements

About The Author

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Chapter One

Like a smashed cake, Kara’s excitement for yet another year around the sun was met with gloom. She thought turning twenty-three would look a lot different. With her knees tucked under her chin, she sat in the middle of her childhood bedroom. She ought to be opening presents and celebrating. Instead, she was drowning miserably from the surrounding stares of the posters from her youth. Jared Leto, JTT and Nirvana all hung along one wall, sadly needing a bit more tape.

This room felt like a time capsule that Kara refused to open. If she didn’t update the decor, then perhaps she could leave and not come back. If she did update it, for no other reason than because it was time to grow up, then she was really accepting her fate. She would never get out.

She picked up the one childhood trinket she couldn’t part with; the stuffing flattened to oblivion caused the small stuffed rabbit to limp on its side. Kara and her brother both received one on their first birthday. Simon’s wore a tiny blue tee-shirt, and Kara’s of course donned bright pink. The gender norms of the 80s alive and well for early programming. If it wasn’t one of the only remaining presents from her mother, she would have tossed it.

She held it in her hands as if it might break. She found it difficult to reminisce on the days when their family had been…whole. Things had never been perfect; her father was a short-tempered excuse for an adult. Her mother’s car accident sent him into a spiral, leaving him to take care of eight-year-old twins alone. Somehow her brother managed to establish himself early on as their father’s ally, leaving Kara as the hated enemy.

If she let herself travel down memory lane, it created a longing she refused to acknowledge. That sadness threatened to swallow her up over the years. Some days it felt like such a force, as if she could bottle it up and use it as a superpower. As if she could scream and move mountains with anguish alone. But fear, the other strongest emotion in her life, paralyzed her into repeating her tasks over and over, with no change in sight.

Kara gathered her courage, deciding to march into the living room. As she was about to stand, Simon walked into her room unannounced. He slipped in shutting, the door.

They had been close once, but now she told him as little as possible. The mere presence of him in her room made her stomach turn. Simon’s eyes raked over her. Whatever thoughts lay behind those eyes, Kara did not want to know. She also found it highly disturbing how he almost seemed to read her thoughts.

Leaning back against the wall, his eyes took in the pitiful rabbit. There wasn’t much else to look at in the simple room. A bed, small dresser, a tiny desk, and a rolled yoga mat shoved into one corner.

I’ve come to offer you a deal, he said, as if negotiating some important transaction between the two of them.

Okay… Kara replied confused.

As our birthday is coming up, I thought it might be fun for us to go out and spend some time together. Maybe a few beers at the bar. It was a statement, not a request.

Thankfully, she’d made some acquaintances over the last few months. Sergeant Aaron Diez, in particular, was nice enough, but Kara shouldn’t be sleeping with him. He wasn’t her direct supervisor, but he did outrank her. The thrill of their non-existent relationship was anchored in utility room hookups. When her coworkers told her they were taking her out for her birthday, they refused to take no for an answer.

Simon wanting to tag along was not at all how she wanted this to go. Alarm bells were ringing in her mind, but she assessed that with a bit of planning Kara might be able to make this work in her favor. Maybe overly intoxicated Simon would leave her the fuck alone, and she could enjoy her evening in peace.

Kara smiled, hoping she could fake sincerity. Thank you, Simon. That’s thoughtful of you, I’d love to. Is Friday okay for you?

You may find it amusing to withhold information, but I can assure you it will only lead to more complications in the future, he sneered.

Why are you so dramatic? I’m not withholding anything. Kara rolled her eyes. I wanted to go out. It’s nice of you to offer to come with me, that’s all.

As Simon left the room, Kara flopped back onto her bed knowing with every fiber of her being this was going to be a disaster.

∆∆∆

Kara was excited for the night’s activities. Most of her coworkers confirmed they would be meeting at the Landing Zone, the local bar right off base. Even several of the maintenance guys from the hangar had stopped by to wish her a happy birthday.

Kara wore a lacy white cami with low rise jeans, leaving her wild red hair down and untamed. Her outfit wasn’t too salacious. She didn’t get to go out often, so Kara was happy to wear something a little skimpy.

Leaving the house proved surprisingly uneventful. Kara’s father was out, and Simon confirmed he wouldn’t be back until late. He’d given his blessing to Simon apparently. Kara couldn’t have been more grateful to avoid her father’s short temper.

Letting the radio fill the silence on the short drive over, Simon stared happily out the passenger window. The lack of conversation would have been awkward if she wasn’t so used to it.

Kara pulled into a packed parking lot outside of the Landing Zone, squeezing her small Kia into a spot. A cheesy neon sign with significant military memorabilia decorated the outside of the local dive bar. She popped her visor down so she could quickly apply some gloss then slid her new birthday tiara on her head, a rare gift from Diez. Her hair was a disheveled curly mess, but she felt pretty for the first time in a long time.

Simon eyed her curiously but said nothing. As they went inside, Kara decided that she didn’t have to chaperone her brother all evening. He was a grown adult, just like she was—even if she was four minutes older. Her entire life had been spent in his watchful shadow, while she somehow still had to be the chaperone.

The booming music flooded her ears as they reached the door. Greeted by a dozen cheers at the bar, Kara beamed. She embraced the socializing, hugging and being doted on by her coworkers. Her heart warmed, wasting no time soaking it all in. For some reason, it surprised her that Diez was true to his word in bringing coworkers along.

Kara walked into the crowd and was quickly embraced by a short, warm body. She and Hailey weren’t friends, exactly, but fellow women in the maintenance hangar were a rarity. As she was drug into the bathroom, Gretchen Wilson belted from the jukebox behind her—something about her pride in being a redneck.

Hailey raved about Kara’s hair, fussing over her in the mirror genuinely making her laugh. Military life created some entertaining situations as a woman. Since regulation required pinned up hair and they rarely saw each other out of uniform, it felt like everyone you spoke to became a completely different person in civilian clothes.

You have got to introduce me to your brother! Hailey squealed, causing real panic to flood Kara’s brain. He’s brooding over in a corner. Fuck all these military guys, please introduce us! He’s so hot. Kara shrugged, assuming maybe if Simon found some release would turn his mood around.

Returning to the bar, Kara walked the young brunette over. Simon cradled his beer in a corner. She introduced the two of them and got the distinct impression she had put a goldfish in a shark tank. Kara was quickly excluded from the conversation, so she made her way back to the others. A cluster of people from the office gathered around the bar, joking and drinking.

Considering she was Simon’s designated driver tonight, feeling honor bound to be responsible even on her birthday, Kara hoped not much harm could come from an introduction. She made a hand gesture signaling across the room to another coworker to help keep an eye on Hailey. She refused to be a bad wingman. Kara was a grown-up that usually made terrible temper induced decisions, so some extra eyes on the situation might be wise.

Diez swooped in, wrapping his arm over Kara’s shoulder and buried his nose in her hair. He smoothly led them out the back door. Diez whispered into her ear about how badly he wanted to fuck her, not caring who was around. A sign he’d been heavily drinking. His steps were sloppy, but his smile was bright. His tan skin glistened with sweat underneath the terrible lighting of the alley.

As the music coming from inside became muffled, she let him push her up against the brick wall. Kara tried to let her mind relax. Diez’s intoxication made his motions grabby, uncoordinated, and thoughtless. As he licked her neck and fumbled for the button on her jeans, she turned her head trying to get some air. Instead of feeling desired, she realized she could have been anyone in his arms.

Diez, Kara said softly. She put a hand on his chest gently trying to put some distance between them. He pulled back, eyes unfocused and glossy. He brushed a large curl away from her face, steadying himself against the wall. A few heartbeats passed between them. She felt her pulse race. Not from flushed arousal, but panic. He prepared to close in for what she knew would be a blundering kiss.

Suddenly, Diez’s body received a forceful shove pushing him across the alleyway. Kara shrieked in surprise. Her friend tumbled several feet away into the darkness, unmoving. Trying to take stock of her situation, confusion took over as her father stood in front of her with a furious expression.

Dad? she asked. What are you doing here?

Simon stepped into the light, looking smug as ever. Told you she was back here slumming.

I’m a grown woman, I can fuck whoever I want, Simon! Kara shouted, pointing her finger at her outrageous excuse for a sibling. He didn’t need to know her plans to shut Diez down.

A punch to the gut knocked the wind out of her. Shocked, she took a knee trying not to puke up her dinner. The tiny tiara Kara wore tinkled to the gravel driveway. Tears welled in her eyes as she gasped for air. A fistful of her hair yanked her head up. The anger in her father’s eyes hurt worse than the stinging in her scalp.

Do it, Simon. Time for you to finally stop flapping your jaw and become a real man, her father spat.

Her gut roiled with nausea, the fire inside her veins boiled as she burned with hatred for these spineless men. Her skin felt hot enough to combust. Her father had been violent before, but this was a new low even for him.

Her brother, on the other hand, for the first time in her memory, looked conflicted. His eyes darted from her to their father. He always hid in the shadows while her father dealt the abuse. Kara had always been his punching bag, but in that moment of indecision she wondered if maybe he hadn’t been spared as much as she thought. A bit of relief flickered through her at his hesitation.

Pathetic, her father said, tightening the grip on her hair. The stinging in her scalp made her wince. Her hand pulled at her father’s wrist, scratching to make him let go. Do it, Simon.

The warring inside her brother vanished, and clarity flickered in Simon’s eyes. She growled, spitting at his feet and sealing her fate.

One moment she was awake staring up into the face of two men who truly loathed her. The next, she was engulfed by pain and blackness.

∆∆∆

Kara woke with a groan. She heard the steady beep of her heartrate pick up. She had never been admitted to a hospital before, but the sound of the monitor was undeniable. She was no stranger to the emergency room, a few broken bones and cuts she couldn’t patch up herself, but this was new. It felt like her brains were leaking out of her skull.

A heavily accented voice of an older man spoke gently near her ear, Stay calm and try not to open your eyes. They are swollen quite badly. Rest will be the best thing for you. And a bit of pain medication.

That explained the headache. Kara nodded, regretting it immediately as pain lanced behind her eyes. Tears streamed down her cheeks. A static chirp from a communication device further near her feet echoed in the room.

A quick beep from an operator, Unit 43 proceed to parking violation on North Meridian Avenue.

Copy, squawked a response.

The sounds were a relief, some sort of law enforcement or security stood near the door.

Is Aaron okay? Kara’s voice croaked, dry from lack of use. As if she’d been here several days…

Sergeant Diez received several injures, all recoverable. But we are discussing you at the moment, Kara, the accented voice said. Someone touched her hand, causing Kara to jerk back quickly with a soft sob. I will give you some time, alright? There is a police officer outside the room if you feel up to talking. Just rest. I will tell your family you are awake.

No! Kara exclaimed before she was able to stop herself. I… she hesitated. I would rather sleep if that’s okay. They will smother me if they get the chance.

And she wasn’t sure if she meant that literally or figuratively.

Chapter Two

The swelling in her eyes subsided after another day or so. Diagnosed with bruising and a few cracked ribs, the hospital discharged Kara from the civilian medical facility in downtown Oklahoma City.

The detective assigned to her case appeared to be tying up loose ends as he drove her back to her car. Kara didn’t think it was protocol for the police to double as a taxi service after a crime. Kara wondered idly what his life might be like. Did he have a wife? Daughters?

Did seeing women like her, too stupid to leave their own situation, make him feel anything in his line of work? The clean-cut detective kept his eyes on the road, watching Kara out of his periphery.

Few saw the real side of Kara’s life. She’d gotten so good at hiding it among her circle. She was barely treading water in the ocean surrounded by people who could offer her a life vest, but had no idea she was drowning.

If you can think of any additional details that might help us apprehend your attacker, you have my business card. It’s highly unusual an unprovoked assault like that happens without the person stealing any of your belongings. The fact they are still out there is concerning. Since you didn’t recognize them, it’s likely an isolated incident. Nothing against you personally, but keep your head on a swivel. Okay? He said.

Whether he believed his statement or saw through her lies, it didn’t matter. Kara would never see this person again, so what he thought really didn’t matter. She nodded, shrinking further into the passenger side of his cruiser, resting her head against the car door.

The bleak, overcast winter sky, a threaten of colder weeks ahead. The surrounding city flattened out quickly as they moved closer to the base. The patrol car came to a stop outside the Landing Zone, and the tattered building looked even worse for wear in the light of day. Her Kia stood like a lone sentry, one of the only vehicles in the now deserted lot. She sighed, reaching for the handle.

Kara, the detective started, people are concerned about you, and they want to help. You aren’t alone. Try to remember that.

She said nothing and slipped out of the car. She didn’t need sympathy. Her mind grasped on how to deal with the situation as her feet idly led her to the back alley of the bar. Numb feet carried her to blood smatterings along the ground. Hers or Diez’s, she couldn’t be sure.

Bending down, she picked up her crushed tiara. She clutched the gift to her chest as if it was a family heirloom. Her body felt empty as she walked back to her car. Every step ached. She begged her lungs to take a full breath.

As she made it to the driver’s side, an older man stood there. Kara stopped abruptly, assessing him.

Senior Airman Giddings? I am Dr. Weismann, he provided. I was your attending physician at the hospital. If you have thirty minutes to spare, I would like to discuss something with you before you return home.

Kara hesitated. Why hadn’t he talked to her earlier? He had been in her room dozens of times running tests, taking x-rays, and drawing blood. There had been plenty of opportunities to chat over the last few days. Sighing, she threw her hands up. At this point, she felt exasperated with her entire life. Resigned, she stomped into the tiny bar.

They were the only patrons as Dr. Weismann slid into the booth across from Kara. His demeanor radiated professional, patient, and observant. His black hair had begun to give way to gray. Gentle eyes watched her, considering.

The barkeep set two waters on the table with a small menu of options. Kara took one, unsure if she would be able to eat, but felt the need to keep her hands busy. The dive bar offered a small lunch menu, even though visitors were rare during the workday.

Alright doc, here I am, Kara stated flatly, taking a small sip of water.

I will cut to the chase then. I am a geneticist that focuses on gene modification. The data regarding your preliminary DNA testing during your hospital admittance identified you as a highly viable candidate in a confidential research program I am conducting, he stated without preamble.

Kara studied his appearance as he spoke. He no longer wore medical scrubs, preferring something that looked more like a lab coat. He didn’t really look medical doctor anymore. His words muddied in her mind. She wrestled with the idea that doctors didn’t make house calls, and that he was actually a scientist.

Kara placed her elbows on the table. She folded her hands, resting her chin on her fists. She wasn’t sure where this lunatic was going with this. Please, go on, she faked levity like a shield.

He nodded. The synopsis of what I want to tell you now is there would be two phases to the research program. The first phase begins in two weeks, and you would join seventeen other candidates. There are multiple aspects which would align nicely with your military experience. We would expect you to subscribe to a clinical regimen that would include medical tests, supplements, and a physical conditioning program.

As the barkeep walked by, the doctor stopped her, politely ordering a strawberry milkshake. Kara folded her arms on the table, looking at him slightly surprised. The thought of him drinking a milkshake was such an odd juxtaposition to his poised bearing.

He carried on, "You would only be required to agree to the beginning tests. We are identifying this as Phase 1. Once we approach the dedicated time requirement of six months, you will be given the option to continue to Phase 2, or return back to your normal life."

His milkshake arrived and he thanked the barkeep in what Kara thought might have been German. Dr. Weismann took a long drink while looking at her expectantly, as if this was a great time for her to contribute to the conversation.

You’re serious? she asked. When he nodded, she blinked a few times and soaked in the words. "A complete stranger is approaching me and asking me to be a test subject. A test subject in which I am sure you will not tell me the details, given that it’s confidential," she mocked with air quotes.

He nodded again, thoroughly enjoying his frozen beverage.

Kara continued, slightly irritated. I have a long list of questions that have popped into my brain, but I will start with how do you expect me to walk away from my military commitment? Have you never heard of the term AWOL? Also, are you paying me for this? What’s in this for me? I’m so glad my blood, that you fucking stole––very unethical of you by the way––is super interesting to you. I would like to ensure I’m compensated appropriately.

Dr. Weismann paused, smacking his lips appreciatively at his drink. Kara took in his massive wiry beard, and wondered how often he left his lab. The man certainly seemed to enjoy something super mundane. I can appreciate you may have questions and requirements. I would be concerned if you did not. I can also agree that taking samples of your blood for my own research is highly frowned upon by the medical community. You may also be shocked to hear I do not actually work at the hospital.

He took another small sip and continued before Kara could blast him with more questions, her rising dread and anxiety shifted to anger. With everything that had happened over the last few days, her fury over hearing he was an imposter in her hospital room overrode logic.

"Suffice it to say that I have my methods. You see, science is on a precipice of advancement. There are several, what you would define as, ethical roadblocks. Even with your complete voluntary participation, the research conducted will be morally conflicting. At least, to the public." Dr. Weismann paused, giving a small sigh.

People fear what they do not understand and hate what they cannot conquer, he said, quoting something Kara didn’t recognize. I will be unable to answer all your questions. And if you agree to the second phase, it will take some time for you to appreciate the full picture of what I aim to accomplish. You have a right to be skeptical, but do not let fear dictate your life.

So, Kara started, you can’t tell me all the details of the research. Most people won’t be okay with it. Yet, you expect me to agree to this situation because? She looked at him a little incredulously. What was this guy insinuating?

For several reasons, actually. The first, I believe you are in a personal position that could benefit from…some time and space. Additionally, I am not certain you would survive a subsequent assault, if I am being honest, he explained.

Kara gaped at him. I don’t know what you––

He waved her off. Lastly, and most importantly, you have an opportunity to do something significant here, Kara. Your DNA, along with many others I have identified, holds critical keys to unlocking humanity’s next potential evolutions. Have you ever experienced something you could not quite explain?

Kara had perfected a mask, preventing others from seeing the real her. The longer this conversation went on, she felt completed exposed. Other than her twin connection, Kara found herself repeatedly in a situation where her gut feeling drove her instincts. Her temper also got the best of her, but that was hardly unique. What do you mean?

The short answer is that people who encounter difficult things in their life are not the same. You observe the world around you and create lists of contingencies, just in case. You can read the room because it has been your defense mechanism your entire life. I am not asking you to do anything you would not be comfortable with. You would not have to undergo surgeries or do anything inherently dangerous. But you will be changed at the end of this trial. Different in a way that is special, unique, and will impact generations to come. Everything you are, magnified. It will unlock a new version of yourself. If you are willing to step into the next stage of your own life, you may find some of what you have been longing for.

Kara sat in stunned silence for a few moments, staring at the sticky table. She laughed to herself at the absurdity of this situation. How had life led her here? She had hopes for her own future. She’d been in this military town her entire life. People came and went, and Kara hoped that this might be her ticket out. Instead that ticket brought her right back home, sitting in a dingy bar days after being assaulted by her own father. All that waited for her at home was more pain.

I felt that I could walk away, you know? Anytime I wanted, she said softly. I knew I might end up here one day. Not here, here. Talking to a crazy scientist.

Geneticist, Dr. Weismann corrected with a small matter-of-fact smile, sipping his milkshake.

Kara rolled her eyes, appreciating