Read Online Calypso Directive by Brian Andrews - Free Book Online Page A

took a seat in front of what AJ surmised was a webcam.
    â€œBethesda, online.”
    â€œDr. Kim, say hello to AJ Archer, our new RS:Bio. Archer has been doing some intriguing work at BU under McNamara. We expect he’ll be subcontracting a sizable chunk of your laboratory capacity in the coming months. We expect great things from him.”
    â€œExcellent to have you aboard, Mr. Archer. I read your thesis last night after I heard the news you’d been hired. Intriguing work you’ve been doing. When you’re ready, we’ll make the resources available for whatever you need,” Kim replied.
    â€œHow did you,” AJ started to ask Kim, but then turned to Briggs instead. “How did he get my thesis? It hasn’t been released for publication.”
    Briggs ignored him. “Very good, very good.”
    â€œI can support an STO this morning if you like,” Kim said.
    â€œThank you, but we don’t have time for that today. Besides, Archer is a quick study . . . and I know you’ll set him straight when he screws up.”
    Kim chuckled politely and signed off.
    â€œWill that be all, Mr. Briggs?” the voice from the ceiling asked.
    â€œQuestion: Have Archer’s phone and ID card been activated?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œVery well. Then that is all, Coordinator,” Briggs stated. His hand disappeared into his pocket and then reappeared holding a mobile phone. He tossed it to AJ. “Here you go, the only phone you’ll ever need again.”
    AJ turned the sleek mobile phone over in his hands. “Is this Abbey’s handiwork too?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œWant to give me the rundown?”
    â€œSure. Think of that phone as your own personal command center. GPS, video camera, wireless ready—on all bands and protocols. Multitactile touch interface. For hands-free operation, there’s a wireless ear bud. It pops out of the left side, here at the bottom. It fits down in the ear canal, completely hidden so you don’t look like some government spook with a curly wire hanging down your neck. It is a little tough to fish out at the end of the day, so use the magnet on the tip of your stylus. You already saw the dentist for your mike, which is voice activated, so you don’t have to mess with that. The unit is designed so that you can leave it in your pocket, or in your bag. Just jiggle the phone and the voice command software will sound a tone in your earbud indicating the phone is ready. If you need a Coordinator, just press the ‘0’ button. Coordinators are always available to assist you, twenty-four seven, but don’t abuse it. The first Resource I hear tasking a Coordinator to order him pizza is going to have his butt kicked by me personally. Got it?”
    AJ smiled and nodded, then looked at the floor.
    â€œWhat? Is there a problem, Archer?”
    AJ raised his head. He took a moment to look around, taking in the scenery of the command center that Briggs called his lab. He then threw his hands up. “The problem ,” he said, trying to sound calm, “is that I still don’t have the first clue what is going on here.” He jerked his thumb back at the curved multimedia wall. “What’s with all this? And recording my every word? Why is everything here so strange? You still haven’t told me what this company actually does, nor have you told me what my assignment is.”
    Briggs nodded. “All perfectly fair questions,” he said, as if trying to calm an upset child. “You’ll have your answers, trust me.” He glanced at his watch. “But right now, we have a meeting to go to. There is someone waiting who would like to meet you.”

Chapter Eight

    Prague, Czech Republic
    â€œ W ILLIAM FOSTER ?”
    Will flinched, but did not acknowledge the call from the man in the gray trench coat approaching him. He casually logged off the computer, stood up from his chair,