The Clone who Didn't Know (The Genehunter) (6 page)
Fifteen minutes later, the clONE death squad leader escorted him back to the jump node.
‘So will we see you again, Simms?’
‘One way or another.’
‘What does that mean?’
Simms didn’t reply for long moments. ‘I need to know who I am,’ he said finally. ‘Who has done this to me. Who made me. If you count that as genehunting then we aren’t going to be friends.’
‘You know, I don’t think we’d worry about you doing that. We might even approve. We might even help. If you follow this trail, we both know where it will lead.’
He did. A collector’s zoo. The sort of place clONE spent their time finding so they could liberate those held inside.
‘And what do I call you should I wish to get in touch?’
‘You can call me Nemesis.’
‘Such a pretty name. And if I do this, what happens after? I’d be welcome here?’
‘Is that what you want?’
‘Maybe.’
‘Well, we’ll see. It’s all up to you isn’t it?’
He wouldn’t miss this climb up the stairs of his stacktower. The unrelenting grey concrete and the smell of stale piss. How come they could maintain a global jump network but not a couple of lifts? Still, it kept him fit.
As he climbed, his mind teemed with plans. He had a decision to make. Except, he knew he’d already made it. Genehunting had been fun. Now it was time to move on, do something else. It wasn’t like it was his destiny or anything. For one thing, he could go somewhere the sun actually shone and wasn’t some distant folk-memory. He’d had enough of rain.
He’d tell Ballard what little he knew about Forty Days and Boneyard. Then he’d be free to find out about his past. Find out who he was. And then, maybe, he could win Kelly’s trust. Or maybe do something else completely. He could do whatever he damn well wanted, couldn’t he?
As he approached his stackroom, a little out of breath, he automatically checked ahead there had been no alerts, that all his security was still in place. He was good. His dirty, messed up old room was waiting for him, his only sanctuary in a world of dangers. He’d miss it. He unlocked everything and stepped inside.
‘Mr. Simms. Good to see you again.’
Gideon Jones sat on the sofa, the same spot as before, the same grey coat and hat and reluctant smile.
It took Simms a moment to react. ‘What do you want? How did you get in here? I’ve already given you everything you asked for.’
‘Please, Mr. Simms. There’s no need for any unpleasantness. We’re very pleased with you. You followed our little trail very capably.’
‘I did what you requested. I don’t need payment. You can go.’
‘I’m sorry, but I’m afraid you don’t understand. You see, we’ve decided to anoint you. Employ you. You are our
chosen
one after all.’
‘What the hell are you talking about?’
‘I’m talking about the sacred DNA we need. You’re to acquire it for us.’
‘Just fuck off, Jones. I’m not a genehunter any more.’
‘But Mr. Simms, I’m afraid that’s where you’re wrong. Because that’s exactly what you are. And it’s time we talked to you about Boneyard.’
The End
Thanks for reading
The Clone who Didn't Know
. Find out more or comment on the story at
Amazon (UK)
,
Amazon (US)
,
Goodreads
,
simonkewin.co.uk
or on
Facebook
.
Reviews on
Amazon
or
Goodreads
are especially welcome. They're an invaluable way to help writers find and build an audience.
Simms’ misadventures continue in
Genehunter #4: A Soldier of Megiddo
.
Simms is caught between clONE, Forty Days and the GMA, all of them wanting a piece of him. Allhe
wants to do is uncover the truth of his own genetic origins. The answer to that puzzle brings him back in touch with some very familiar faces.
But with all this going on, he doesn't notice who else is on his trail, intending to shut him up permanently...
Volume 4 of the 5 volume Genehunter series. Find out more at
amazon.co.uk
,
amazon.com
,
goodreads
,
simonkewin.co.uk
or on
.
Boneyard
Simms finally uncovers the truth aboutBoneyard
. With Ballard's help, he hatches a dangerous plan to deal with Forty Days. Problem is, Simms isn’t even sure whose side he’s really on.
Meanwhile, he meets up again with both Devi and Kelly. One meeting goes well and one goes very badly indeed.
Simms walks a dangerous line. If he gets things wrong, many people will die. Worse still,
he
will die. And sometimes it seems that’s exactly what everyone wants...
The final volume in the Genehunter series. Find out more at
simonkewin.co.uk
or on
.
Simon Kewin was born on the Isle of Man, but now lives in England with his wife and daughters. He writes SF, fantasy, mainstream and some stories that can't decide what they are. He can be hunted down at
simonkewin.co.uk
.
The Genehunter #3: The Clone Who Didn't Know
Published: 25th December 2012
Copyright © Simon Kewin 2012
Simon Kewin has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
This story is a work of fiction and, except in the case of historical fact, any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
This eBook is copyright material and must not be copied, reproduced, transferred, distributed, leased, licensed or publicly performed or used in any way except as specifically permitted in writing by the author, as allowed under the terms and conditions under which it was purchased or as strictly permitted by applicable copyright law. Any unauthorised distribution or use of this text may be a direct infringement of the author’s rights and those responsible may be liable in law accordingly.
Cover image
DNA
©
Designersart
|
Dreamstime.com
Cover font
Times New Yorker
©
D.O.C.S.