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tones. The subject could then be given a name for this tone. And once they were brought to a restful state, they could be returned to that very same brain-wave pattern. Simply through suggestion.
    But there were problems.
    Higher brain frequencies were not simply one pattern. They were a combination of frequencies that moved in very complex order, forming this alternate awareness. Brain-wave patterns were notoriously complex and difficult to read. Scientists had spent decades trying to identify patterns associated with specific thoughts or emotions. They failed completely.
    Which was where Brett Riffkind came in.
    Brett had approached the issue from a totally different perspective. He rejected the notion that they needed to work with certainties. Black-and-white results were impossible, in his opinion, just like no two individuals had the same personality. In brain-wave analysis, Brett suggested, there was only grey. He applied a statistical concept called chaos theory, which states that some patterns in reality are simply too complex to predict a certain outcome. This was where Newtonianphysics collided head-on with the quantum world. Newtonian physics demanded that for every action there was a predictable , measurable , equal, and opposite reaction.
    Chaos theory said nuts to that.
    Chaos theory was a series of algorithms designed to show the probability of outcomes. Weather forecasting, hurricane tracking, bird formations, all were examples of chaos theory applied to real-life situations.
    From the analysis, Brett designed a series of harmonic frequencies that mirrored the probability of brain-wave patterns over a multitude of test cases. The result, when applied to trial subjects, was nothing less than astounding.
    Gabriella and her team referred to their experimental state as ascents. Controlled, measurable separations of body and consciousness.
    The problem was, word got out. It was inevitable. People felt threatened for any number of reasons.
    Which was where Charlie came in. Charlie’s background was security, by way of some very hard knocks. But nothing, not a landmine in Anbar Province nor saving a UN special ambassador’s life in Darfur, prepared him for the first time he met Gabriella. The lady just plain knocked him out of the park, heart first.

    Charlie knew Gabriella was gathering herself, readying all the arguments why they should not try this. And he knew as well as she did that they had no choice. He said to Dor Jen, “Here’s what I want you to do. Take Brett’s plans for the backward ascents.”
    â€œBut we haven’t even tried—”
    â€œI know that.” Speaking calmly, showing all the patience he didn’t feel. “But you and Brett spent a lot of time working this through. So it’s as clear a direction as we can get right now.”
    â€œCharlie.” Gabriella swallowed hard. “What if doing this is why Brett is gone?”
    â€œYou heard Jorge the same as me. Brett was aiming forward.”
    â€œBut what if moving against time in either direction creates an anomaly?” Dor Jen’s voice rose in time to her heightened fears. “What if—”
    â€œHow many times have you ascended and returned safely?”
    Dor Jen blinked. “It’s not the same.”
    â€œYou’ve followed Brett’s instructions. You’ve ascended. You return. And no problems.”
    Gabriella moaned, “I can’t lose you.”
    â€œYou won’t.”
    â€œBut why can’t—”
    â€œThink of me as a test pilot. A good test pilot is crazy enough to love risks. It’s the law.” Charlie raised his hand to stifle further protests. “Something else is at work here. I’m going to find out what it is. And then I’m going to bring our boy back.”

12
    C harlie stood on the front porch staring over the Chiasso Lake to the peaks beyond. Unlike the previous April, the weather this spring was almost