The Kismet Tome Story 2

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A Kismet Production Project…2

Brought to you by the makers of Zephyr and Contrition…3

Sponsored by Mystik Eternity, Destined Magic, Chaos’ Love…4

The Kismet Tome Story5

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Manuscript 1: Tidings of Great Joy7

By: Rannison Darrek8

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Chapter 210

Hana thanked him, and after a polite exchange she departed his office.  They each played their part, knowing that getting close would mean trouble, for either of them.11

She didn’t turn as the door closed behind her, but his image was still etched into her mind perfectly.  As a man, he was damned attractive, and damned if she denied that.  He was Asian, wore glasses, had long black hair tied behind rakishly, and was very intelligent, a typical description for a man who defied the very quintessence of typicality or conformity.  Hana was Korean herself, though she was born and raised in the states.  She never had any particular favoritism towards her own ethnicity, and after a silly high school heartbreak, she'd never had a taste for relationships since.  Her life had been admirably devoted to her studies and her future, and even after obtaining her license she found no desire to alter her single lifestyle.12

Not to say she didn’t have a healthy desire for men.13

Yes, there’d been quite a few heartaches for her, faces or bodies that kept her from dreamless nights on many occasions.  But she never sought a relationship, and turned down every approach.14

But now her control was all but shattered thanks to Lennar Herrek.  A man whom she barely knew, a man she’d only met on two occasions prior to today.  And she was swept away.15

It wasn’t that they were both Asian.  It wasn’t because they were both scholars.  It’s not due to the fact that she had pleasantly discovered their shared passion in literature and philosophy, principles her domineering father had called rubbish and a waste of time.  It wasn’t even because he was charming, sweet, kind, thoughtful, and numerously more wonderful things that a woman dreamed of in a man.16

It was simply because he saw her as who she really was.17

She'd led a degrading life that robbed her of her youth, her self-esteem, and her confidence in herself both physically and mentally.  Perhaps that was why she began her career as a therapeutic hypnotist; helping others build their sense of worth and self-respect always had a cheerful affect on she herself.  But Lennar was different.  He didn't look down on her or dismiss her as ignorant.  He valued her every opinion, listened with an intensity that frightened yet delighted her when she spoke.  As a specialist, she'd given lectures before, and had received hard-earned respect before, but never in her life had anyone drank in her words with such admiration.  The feeling was new, was wonderful, but she was scared as hell by what it was evoking within her.18

Hana continued to ponder as she exited the elevator into the main vestibule.  She flashed a clearance card to the security guard, who nodded and smiled appreciatively, and exited the building into fresh air and sunlight.  The modest ground-floor building concealed the vast labyrinth from which she just departed.  A ten-foot high wall topped with barbed wire that had a live current surrounded the property.  The entrance was a giant gate made from reinforced steel, mounted with four surveillance cameras, two of which were routed to separate power generators.19

She made her way through the sparse parking lot and got into her sky blue Aston Martin, a rare indulgence she gave herself only just recently.  She gunned the engine, and as the car purred to life, so did the speakers.  Tchaikovsky serenaded her as she drove away from the place, but the man remained in her mind.20

- - -21

Lennar breathed easier after his gorgeous associate left his office.  He hated not having control when he was on his own turf, and she did a damn good job of making him lose it.  He was already kicking himself for being such a fool and handing over the records to her.22

She just wiled it out of you, and now she’s got leverage, that snide voice in his head reminded him informatively.  But he knew it wasn’t the case, though his cynical side was trying to overwhelm him.  He recognized her eyes, the look in them, when he updated her.  He recognized it as his own, from years ago when he had received his first request from the defense department offering a grant.  Pentagon.  He knew passion when he saw it, stirred with ambition, and topped with a thirst for knowledge that drove a person beyond personal material gain.  No, she wouldn’t betray his trust, or their partnership.23

At least he hoped not.  He’d learned long ago that attraction on a personal level often led to crises when dealing in non-personal matters, especially business.24

Now he got up from his chair and walking around his desk to where she sat facing him moments before.  He could still smell her lingering scent, a tantalizing and painful one that stirred within him longings that he tried so hard to suppress during their meeting.  It was a wonder that he hadn’t flung himself across his desktop to cup her face in his hands, to satisfy his odd longing to comb his fingers through her wonderful hair, to drink in her scent, her fell, her whole body.  And to kiss her, take her lips with his own until the mad throb inside him was quenched.25

The images stunned him, quickened his heart and his breathing.  Never had he felt such a longing for any woman, and certainly not toward one who probably held no romantic interests in a bookworm like him.  He found it almost comical that he had resisted his desires when she was within his arm’s reach, but was defeated so utterly by her scent, of all things.  He chuckled at that, and went to his little refrigerator, this time to grab a stale sandwich.  He still had a lot of work to do.26

The intercom buzzed again.27

“Mr. Herrek, a man is here to see you.  Level three clearance, white badge.”28

He cursed vehemently under his breath.  Goddamn Ghosts, he thought.  “Let him in.”29

Minutes later, Lennar heard the brisk clicks of leather shoes across linoleum from outside his door.  A man in his mid-forties entered with a curt nod.  He was dressed in a crisp, black suit with a tasteless striped tie to match.  He was tall, toughly built, and had facial features that would have no trouble blending into a crowd.  His dirty blond hair was slicked back, looked almost as crisp as his bland attire.  Lennar reached under his desk to make sure his Colt was tucked right where it should be.30

“Mr. Herrek.  A pleasure,” he drawled with an accent that Lennar placed as European.  His eyes belied his words.  “I’m Max Burmingham.  I represent IBRA, and I’m sure you’ve been briefed about us by your sponsors.”31

Oh yes, Lennar knew whom the man worked for, all right.  But briefed was too inadequate a word to describe how he came to discover that he was taking orders from a new group.  He was warned vehemently.32

The International Biological Research Administration sounded bogus to him, but he looked into it anyway.  They were a big-shot group, untouchable, and began to head most of the world’s bio-warfare research ad development a decade ago.  US, Russia, Britain, Japan, China, Korea, and many more countries had their feet stepping into this particular boat.  The government agencies were nothing to fear compared to IBRA, and right now Lennar was definitely scared shitless.33

This man could kill him to silence him, kill his family and friends to achieve his own means, and then stroll off for a cup of coffee and a bagel.  And then simply disappear.  Hence the nickname for the henchmen of IBRA.34

“Please have a seat, Mr. Burmingham.  Would you like something to drink?  I’m afraid I can only offer instant coffee, as I’m not permitted to indulge in alcoholic beverages.  My superiors think it interferes with my work.”  His smile was as strained as his line.35

“A shame.  But I’m fine as I am.  I’ve come to discuss with you your new situation that you may have found yourself in as of this past Thursday.  Your supervisors have agreed to a long-in-coming partnership.  However, due to some changes in our agendas, we would like to digress your current objective.”36

Lennar only nodded and listened carefully, not interrupting.  He’d seen this coming, had been suspicious from the start as soon as he had received news of negotiations.  But of what, exactly, he was suspicious of he had no idea yet himself.  For now, he only waited to gain more bearing on the situation.37

Max continued without taking notice to Lennar’s trepidation.  “Files show that you were originally recruited and funded to head the research and analysis party for human cell differentiation.”  He sat stiff but not rigid, and Lennar began to wonder if he didn’t tire from constantly projecting such a professional image.  “Lennar Brian, now known as Lennar Herrek, graduated from MIT seventh in your class with a Ph. D in physics, and also degrees in biochemistry and engineering, and an extensive background involving quantum mechanics, though the interest seemed to pass.  Taught and lectured for a year, then you were scouted by the Pentagon for a small-scale defense research project, whence you made your debut as a famed researcher with talent for exploring, a passion for your job, and an exceptional mind.”38

Lennar thought he hid his own reaction well, though he feared his voice would shake if he spoke right then.  The bastards had him checked out thoroughly!39

Without waiting for a response, he resumed again.  “Not much of a personal or social life.  Both of your parents are deceased.  Only child, no known blood relatives due to the circumstances of your family’s emigration.  You were engaged once, but your partner was killed in an accident in her profession.  You took after her name, paid for her little sister’s tuition under the table in the form of a full scholarship, and support her family financially, though they still think they are receiving compensation for the occupational hazard of their daughter.  You never remarried.  I’m terribly sorry for your loss, Mr. Herrek.”40

He didn’t know how to react now, but the first thing that took over was fury.  He didn’t mind having his past dug up, didn’t mind having it regurgitated back in his face.  But the way this man hit his only sore spot, how he so carelessly instigated his past life’s only joy then dismissed her with such spurious sentiments angered him beyond all rationality.  But he knew he was being irrational, being dangerous for himself, and resisted any show of emotions.  “Looks like you got your information all cut and sorted.  Is there a point to this?  I’ve already been interviewed once.”41

The man smiled coldly.  “Nothing.  Just like to get to know my recruits, is all.”  He leaned towards Lennar now, linking his fingers together and looking at him with predatory eyes.  “I know much about you Lennar, but you may be surprised by just how much I do know.  And I know enough to give you fair warning right now.  You’ve never been one to conform to the rules, and your previous superiors allowed their rules to be bent.  I won’t.  I am willing to forget the past, Mr. Herrek, but be warned that I will not be so forgiving if you are caught infringing upon any of our agreements.”42

Lennar raised an eyebrow.  “And just what is it that I’ve done?”43

Max chuckled instead of becoming provoked.  “There is no need for us to feign ignorance.  Just make sure you don’t leak information or use our benefits for personal ends again.”44

He nodded.  “Alright, I understand.”45

“Well then, if that’s settled, let’s get on with my real purpose for this trip.”  The man leaned back again, and this time he allowed himself to relax a little.  He crossed one leg across the other and folded his hands neatly across his stomach.  “You are to suspend your current research in favor of another.  You will be given all the resources you need.  Expect them to be sent here within two days.  We want you to redirect the focus back to memory storage.”46

Again, Lennar gave a nod to show affirmation.47

“Your previous results were pleasing, but we have gained new information since then.  A meeting with a specialist has been arranged for you already, and you will be caught up by her.  You are also to suspend your current partnership with Ms. Park and your...less trustworthy associates from your recent project.”48

Lennar’s blood froze, and he cursed himself silently yet again.  So they knew.49

“When do I begin?” he asked, instead of panicking.50

“As soon as I leave.  Your new partner whom I spoke of will be Dr. Victoria Anne.  Hopefully, the two of you will be acquainted as soon as tomorrow.”  Max stood back from his seat and crisply brushed his suit with his hand, a habitual tick.  “For now, I have more business to attend to.  Good day, Mr. Herrek.”51

“So nice of your to drop by,” Lennar managed to say.  “You’ll excuse me if I don’t personally show you out.”  The strained politeness didn’t provoke Burmingham, who only smiled and turned to exit briskly.  Lennar gave a sigh of relief when the door closed behind his unwanted visitor.52

Great, he thought.  Didn’t that just turn out wonderful?  For him, the only possible up side was that the administration would become more serious and give a more active assignment to him.  He was tired of having only obsolete equipment at his disposal.53

He tried not to think of how he was going to make excuses to meet with his other partner now.54