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lift is too far open for a safe landing, but it would be worse to endure the debris. This wave includes incendiaries to cover any traces of what happened. Without another thought, I drop down onto the moving lift and let my body collapse at the impact. It would be really nice to be able to walk away from this without any broken bones.

  I roll off the lift and look up to see the flames of the second wave washing over the opening. The lift rushes upward to block them from view and preserve my escape route. The furnace above me contains all that’s left of the world’s so-called experts in fetal genetic selection. The next time human children are born with special traits, it will be under a new regime.

  I stand slowly, checking the functionality of my limbs. Then, I brush the dust from my suit, swap out my shoe soles again to show only the size ten tracks most of the workers leave behind, and use the vacuum function of my backpack to clean my immediate vicinity. Before I take my first step, I send out my last virus. It will erase all signs of the data seeker, deactivate the disrupter field, and add my new name and identity to the central registry. Simon Phoenix.

  Dr. Charles Brooks died today. Such a waste of talent.

  Other Works from Raymond Vogel

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  The young adult science fiction imagining of a former rocket scientist, “Matter of Resistance” pushes technology and human nature to the limits as it chronicles our Mars settlement's struggle for independence from Earth. Get a glimpse of humanity's Vulcan-like future through the eyes of Mars' best hope for sustaining their way of life.

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  AND GUEST

  A virus has given the gift of eternal youth to the world. In the kill-or-be-killed aftermath, Tom is trying to escape the city-sweeping rioters near his apartment in Long Beach.

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  Two young girls brave the darkness of the hallway to escape their frightful beds. It will take all of their wits and resolve to make it to the safety of their parents’ room.

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  A DANGEROUS MISTAKE

  On a late night drive from the Nashville airport, Larry is followed a bit too closely for comfort. He will find out just how easy and dangerous it can be to succumb to fear’s blind momentum.

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