Theory in Depth

CHAPTER I

Seventeen years later:

The intercom on Clifford’s desk beckoned loudly, interrupting his thoughts as he leafed through a file. He glared at the machine in irritation and swore. Diana had been expressly told not to interrupt him and as he reached for the button to reply, he failed at an attempt to reel in his irritation.

I thought I told you absolutely no interruptions for any reason, Diane. You had better make this good.

Sir, there is a man out here who claims to be your brother Karl. I wouldn’t have bothered you, but he looks a lot like you. He also refuses to leave until you speak with him.

Karl. It seemed like a lifetime had passed since Clifford had seen his brother and he wondered how he had changed, or if he had. He remembered how Karl had forced himself into a state of exile, choosing to live on an island off the coast, about two hundred miles away from home. He had always looked up to his brother, despite not being able to compete with him on the same level, no one could do that. He had been devastated when his brother moved and chose the life of a recluse.

Clifford had never blamed Karl for the decision. The science community had always dealt harshly with his brother. He was what some termed a wizard in his field and geniuses of that caliber were always kept under heavy scrutiny because of their supposedly unstable minds.

Clifford’s hand remained poised over the intercom button for a full moment, before he hit it again. Give me a couple of minutes, Diane, then send him in.

Very well sir. I thought I should warn you, he has someone with him. Diana informed Clifford.

One thing at a time, Diane. Just give me a few moments to finish up here, as I told you. Then send him in. Alone. Clifford ordered.

Clifford severed the connection then leaned back in his chair as he laced his fingers together, and pursed his lips as he stared vacantly at the diamond rings on his hands. The company he ran belonged to Karl, it was his birthright, but he had wanted nothing to do with it. He had been only too happy to take his place. It made him wonder if his brother had changed his mind about stepping aside.

Could Karl take the company away from him after all these years? Would he even want to? Clifford wondered, though he doubted it. There would be no stopping him if he had the votes, which he did. Karl owned the majority of the stock and he had never severed the ties he had with the firm. He always kept track of what was happening, so no one could complain that he neglected his position. That would not have been his way in any case. Karl was meticulous in everything he did. Nothing he was involved with suffered, even in his absence. He was always watching over the decisions being made.

Karl’s notoriety started when he was a child. He had continuously astounded the scientific world with his theories, his discoveries, and his successes. He shocked the scientific world when he made a preposterous announcement, which had caused an abundance of talk about a scientific theory Karl labeled his ‘Theory in Depth’. After his disappearance, many of his colleagues claimed Karl had crossed the imaginary boundary that was reputed to separate the genius from the insane and the theory had been forgotten.

Clifford thought the problem with Karl’s theory was that it was too revolutionary for most of the scientific community to accept at the time, but despite that, there were many who thought his idea merited more consideration than it had been given. They were intrigued by what he said, and were disappointed with his disappearance. They were not happy with his refusal to collaborate with them and, when he left, they were forced to set the matter aside. They retaliated by attributing his announcement to an overactive imagination, but in the back of an obscure few minds, the thought lingered that he might have stumbled onto something. After all, wasn’t the bulk of scientific investigation built on obscure thoughts and musings?

Karl’s theories had often started out as matters considered flights of fancy and most would have stayed that way, if he had not tenaciously followed them through. There were some members of the scientific community who were more than enthusiastic to see what results his announcement would have achieved, and some of his colleagues would have stood by him despite the rumors circulating about him.

Clifford had first hand experience in knowing exactly how well Karl had covered his tracks from those who might have tried to follow. He had traced his brother and there wasn’t much to mark his passing. A rented car, a boat purchased with cash, and the story of an elopement with a girl who Clifford knew had to be a complete stranger to Karl. The trail had ended there and only the land title office showed the purchase of the Island. He had stopped looking when he found that because it was obvious to him that his brother didn’t want to be disturbed.

Clifford had always wondered what kind of romantic spell Karl had woven around the young woman to have spirited her away so quickly. He knew how powerful Karl’s magnetism could be, for the woman he loved could barely keep her eyes and hands off of his older brother. She had wanted Karl and Clifford had been glad his brother had gone. Karl’s leaving had left him a clear field, one he had been quick to act upon.

The outer door of Clifford’s office opened, and he watched as Karl crossed the blue/grey carpet that coved the floor. Karl had dressed himself in what he considered would suit his brother’s memory of the type of man he used to be, and as Karl had used to dress like a super executive, Clifford’s fears of a massive change, or an inappropriate dress style, was relieved.

Karl didn’t know how Clifford would feel about his return after so many years. It didn’t really matter because he had no plans of usurping his brother’s position in the firm. He walked curtly over to Clifford’s desk, as he tried to maintain a business like façade, and held out a hand across the desk. Clifford ignored the cold greeting, as he had a feeling the gesture stemmed from the insecurity he could see hovering in his brother’s eyes. He walked around the desk and, instead of taking Karl’s hand, he gave a cry of happiness, and threw his arms around Karl’s frail body to hold him close.

God you are thin, Karl, what have you been doing with yourself? I have missed you so much.

Karl gave a relieved laugh, it seemed nothing had changed. He had been worried that his brother would turn him away after all the time he had been gone. He was more than happy to see that this wasn’t the case and was pleased by his brother’s greeting. He replied, in a more congenial fashion. Not missing me too much I see, he patted the slight paunch on his brother’s frame. How is Elisse? Still as beautiful as ever?

Age doesn’t seem to have touched her, except maybe to make her seem more fragile. It took a long time to land her, but I did. Clifford remarked proudly.

I never doubted you would for a moment, despite her slight crush on me. Karl answered.

You knew about that? Clifford realized he shouldn’t be so surprised that Karl had been aware of that, but he was. He had never thought Karl that astute about matters of life as the only things Karl seemed to care about were chemical formulas. The rest appeared to pass by without notice.

I knew. I also recognized it for what it was, a slight infatuation. We would never have lasted and that is why I left her behind. Her mind loved the thought of me, but her heart was yours. How has it been between the two of you? Karl asked.

I have no complaints. We have a daughter, Dauphne, and she is as beautiful as Elisse. What have you been doing, Karl? I mean, it is wonderful exchanging small talk, but you didn’t even say goodbye when you left, not to any of us. What kind of brother does that? Clifford fondly chastised his brother.

An obsessed brother, Clifford. The best I can do is say that I am sorry. I have covered a lot of ground since then, and I don’t mean miles. I also have a daughter. She is almost seventeen and she waits in the room outside the door. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be here in this room with you.

CHAPTER II

Karl paced the room for a few moments then, with a shaky sigh, he sank into a deep leather chair. He ran a hand through his hair, disrupting the style, as he carried on. I had to bring my daughter into your world or lose her. She knows nothing of my life here, or what the true world might hold for her. She is totally unspoiled, Cliff, and she is my creation.

I suggest you try to make a better job of explaining your daughter than that. Clifford looked warily at his brother as he raised an inquisitive brow. When I think of what you were into when you disappeared, I am apt to consider that a very broad statement. If you are saying what I think you are, and if the science community ever got their hands on the two of you, I hesitate to think what they would do. You better fill me in on what has been going on in your life.

Very well, my daughter’s name is Mystery, and over the last seventeen years, she has been my whole world. Karl’s body shook convulsively, as he buried his face in his hands and plunged into a type of confession.

You know how some people seem to find themselves wandering through life amidst musical sound, which rests only when the notes are put onto paper or played? How some people dwell amidst torrents of words which crowd the mind until the words are released at the point of a pen? How some people seem to wander aimlessly, hopelessly lost in a world of their own and some people just seem to muddle through every day life getting nowhere? Well, I was at a point where I thought I had become an object of pity and amusement, because of my theory. I become a fanatic on the subject of that theory and in my arrogance, I surpassed what God had intended man, and I dared to experiment with different natures. I believed that as man had come from water, he could someday return. I wondered what would happen if I gave our genetic code a push, whether we could return to that ocean in our lifetime. It would save eons of evolution.

Through my success, I found the price we have to pay for attempting to play God. Unfortunately, it is my daughter Mystery who is caught in the middle, because she can never be normal, not in the way we think of that state. It doesn’t seem to matter to her but that is her youth talking. I am afraid there will be a day when the differences that exist in her will matter, and when that time comes, I pray that she will find it in her heart to forgive me for what I have done to her.

I wonder, if after seventeen years, the world can forgive and try to forget my arrogance. I pray that God, in all his wisdom and kindness, forgives me. For I have tried to be more powerful than man should ever become. I can only wonder if he allowed me to succeed to teach me the error of my ways. I have done the impossible, Cliff. I have created life in a test tube and, for all her beauty, intelligence and charm, I am afraid to present her to the world.

Clifford watched Karl, as he seemed to crumble before his eyes. He didn’t remember his brother ever sounding so religious before. He had always been a man dedicated to proving that things evolved in a scientific manner. He was afraid to ask the questions that were crossing his mind, but he had to know.

What have you done, Karl? What has done this to you?

I succeeded in crossing the genes of the Delphinus and a Homo Sapien. The genetic code lives in the form of my daughter Mystery. She looks like the ultimate woman, an illusion of all that is feminine, but there are things about her that differ greatly from you and I. Karl answered.

Maybe I shouldn’t put it this way, but I’m going to make you tell me, point blank, what you are trying so hard to tell me. I am not trying to be stupid, Karl, but I am not sure I believe what I am hearing. Or should I say, I am afraid that I might be understanding all too well. Clifford admitted.

You want me to state what I said bluntly? Mystery, my daughter, is my mermaid. She is not a mermaid as fantasy or myth presents, but the condition is much the same. Karl knew the picture he was painting with his words was weak, but there was time to clarify them.

Clifford looked at Karl in total disbelief for a moment then descended into the chair beside him. You are serious…I can tell…what differences are the most pronounced?

Mystery can live more comfortably in the sea than on land, and although she can exist on the same plane as we do, there is something in the ocean that she needs to survive. I haven’t found what that is and perhaps it is meant to remain unknown to us, but it won’t stop me from trying. Karl admitted.

At least that much hasn’t changed about you. I think it is about time you brought her into the office, Karl. I want to meet this paragon of yours. I want proof that she really exists. Clifford spoke through his shock. He really did not want to believe.

Karl went into the outer office, where he spent some time talking to a person covered in a cape. When he returned to Clifford’s office, he was leading her by the hand. She was draped in a white hooded cape, her head almost totally hidden by the edge of the hood as it folded around her face, and Clifford raised his eyebrows at Karl as she was told to stand for their inspection.

Why use a disguise if she is so much like us, Karl? Is her skin super sensitive to the sun or wind? Clifford asked.

No, nothing like that. I hide her from view because of her unnatural beauty. It brings out strange reactions in different men, especially unprincipled or unsophisticated men. Mystery, I want you to remove your cape now, but do so slowly. This is your uncle Cliff, you can trust him. Karl instructed.

Is she shy or scared of people? Clifford wondered.

Right now she is more wary than shy, it is something most children lose quickly. Karl answered.

Mystery poked an exquisitely fine-featured hand from the folds of the cape and undid the string that held the cape together at the base of her throat. Then, slowly, using her other hand to help pull back the hood, she let the cape drop from her shoulders, to form a white pool at her feet. Clifford gave a gasp of astonishment, and rose to inspect his here-to-fore doubted niece. When he faced her again, Mystery lowered her eyes, dropped a neat little curtsy, then gave a demure little smile.

Clifford’s mind went to work on Mystery immediately, taking in her facial possibilities. She was enough to take a man’s breath away at first sight. Perfectly proportioned, she stood five foot eight, and if she weighed a hundred and ten pounds, he didn’t know women. Her hair was an unusual shade of smoky black, and her eyes were the clearest aqua marine blue he had ever seen, and they were surrounded by the longest, blackest eyelashes he had ever seen in natural form. Her mouth was a pinkish red and her complexion was dewy soft. Clifford turned from the vision before him to speak once more, to Karl.

She is real? I mean, she wouldn’t disappear if anyone tries to touch her, will she? Clifford spoke in awe.

Karl smiled as he answered. Oh she is real, although I am sorry I couldn’t find the words to describe her properly. I doubt if you would have believed me anyway. You can’t begin to imagine the problems I had getting her here, hence the cape. It seemed the safest way in the end. She can kill a man with her bare hands if she is driven to, so you can understand when I say that the illusion she creates is twice as dangerous as what I know what to do with. To answer the first question that should come to your mind, she is not violent by nature.

Clifford reached out to touch the petal like texture of Mystery’s cheek and gazed into her shimmery eyes. He soon felt as if he was floating, as the gaze changed to become hypnotic. Time seemed irrelevant, he felt peaceful, and, for the first time in his life, he was totally happy.

Mystery was vaguely aware of what was happening though she didn’t understand why and lowered her eyes to break the effect. She spoke and, to Clifford, her voice seemed to be coming from afar, and sounded remotely like music.

Uncle Cliff, are you all right?

Clifford came to with a sudden jolt. He steadied himself against his desk then turned back to Karl, as he gasped.

She’s…She’s…Karl, this isn’t natural!

I don’t know what it is, or why it works as it does. I only know she could have made you do anything she wanted and it is frightening. I am glad that she is not destructive. Imagine the damage she could do if she intended to harm someone? Putting all of that aside, I will come to the real reason for my being here. I want you to take care of her for me until I finish my next assignment and find a safe place for us to live.

I can’t do it. Clifford panicked at the thought. If meeting her were so traumatic, what would dealing with the young beauty be like on a daily basis? How would others respond to her? He couldn’t take the chance that she wasn’t dangerous, no matter what Karl said about her.

Mystery looked at Clifford and he softened as his gaze once more met hers. Please, Uncle Cliff, she pleaded. I will be good, I promise, I won’t be a burden.

Clifford gave a groan of exasperation as he gave in. For God’s sake, Karl, look at her, how could anyone say no to somebody that looks and sounds like that. She doesn’t need special powers, all she needs to do is give an imploring look and anything she wants is hers.

Then you will do it? Karl asked in relief, as if he knew the answer.

Yes, though she can’t stay at the main house. Elisse would have a cat fit if she saw her, even if she did know she was your daughter. Mystery can stay with Dauphne. Which reminds me, we are holding a birthday party on Saturday for our daughter. You are invited to the house for dinner to join us, just the family for that part. Later, Dauphne will have a party of her own at the beach house. I will call her and tell her to expect company, I think Mystery and Dauphne should get along beautifully. Unlike Elisse, Dauphne likes to be surrounded by youth and great beauty.

I look forward to meeting her. Mystery spoke melodically.

Karl exchanged a proud grin with Clifford before speaking. I will stay with you until Sunday, but only if that is all right with Elisse.

Clifford laughed and answered: I will ask, but I can’t see that being a problem.

I have to travel North after that, into areas where Mystery can’t go. Karl relayed his plans in brief form. I will fill you in on anything you have to know about her and she will fill Dauphne in, as she will be living with her for the time being. When I get back, I want to find a nice little house by the beach where we can live in peace, unfortunately that may take some time.

Elisse will be so happy to see you again, Karl. I sometimes think she never forgot that you were her first love. Clifford admitted.

To fully put your mind at rest, Cliff, there was never anymore than a passing friendship between your wife and I. Karl spoke.

I know that. Do you think that I would have married her otherwise? It wouldn’t have worked between us if you would have been between us, and it has worked. Clifford replied.

I am happy for the two of you. Karl answered.