Regression (42 page)

“
Why do you say
that?”

“
I think they know
more about our…unique nature…than is comfortable.” The artist’s
caricature appeared on the screen with a click of her hand. “This
was drawn for me…by Lavrentios Alexopoulos.”

“
Why the hell would he
draw you a picture?”

“
I didn’t know who he
was at the time. I wouldn’t’ve thought he’d know who I was but it
seems too great a coincidence he drew this picture and then
attempted to waylay me in the airport before the accident.”
Pandemonium erupted.

“
Why didn’t you
mention this earlier?”

“
What did he say to
you?”

“
Explain.”

“
What’s the meaning of
the picture?”

“
I’ll start at the
start. He posed as a caricature artist at the fair,” she looked at
Peter before adding, “The night I was raped.” A wave of silence
rolled over the room. “I am pregnant with twins and I believe they
are Lavrentios Alexopoulos’ children.”

“
That is news which
should have been shared earlier, Adya.” Peter’s voice dripped
venom, this announcement new to him.

Her eyes held apology, “I only
just came to the realization he was the likely perpetrator. His
involvement with Anvolussion worries me because I think he has some
awareness of the future.”

“
Why would you say
that? Does anyone recognize the man’s name from the original
timeline?” Negative responses around the room.

“
This picture conveys
an impression relating directly to my purpose in this timeline.”
Again all eyes were baffled. “I apologize for information overload
but believe it is necessary at this juncture. I think what’s been
accomplished to prepare for the catastrophe has been one of the
purposes in the timeline but we’re also meant to create a
foundation for the human race of the future…a foundation with…”
Adya hesitated at this point “…myself as the mother, a
Mitochondrial Eve if you will.”

Kilani probed, “Mitochondrial
Eve…what are you talking about?”

“
Grounded in the
presence of unique DNA contained within mitochondria in every human
cell, the theory of a single common female progenitor to modern man
proposes one hundred and forty thousand years ago existed a woman
whose offspring were the only humans to successfully pass on their
genes. This isn’t to say she was the only woman on earth at the
time but rather that only her daughters and their daughters, and so
forth, managed to add to the gene pool which grew into modern
humans. Since the cytoplasm and organelles are passed on to the
next generation within the mother’s egg only matrilineal descent
can be traced through the mitochondria which are the only organelle
containing discrete DNA.”

Kian questioned her. “Why would
you be chosen as Eve?”

“
My cells contain
extra-nuclear genetic material, a small circle of DNA called a
plasmid, present since birth. I’m normal in all ways except the
unusual DNA.” She illuminated a screen illustrating the plasmid,
showing the comparative size of the plasmid to the normal nuclear
chromatin. “Peter, Melik, Babak and I have been investigating the
anomaly. We haven’t been successful in studying it for more than
twenty-four hours, it denatures. The plasmid doesn’t survive in
vitro and is only viable in vivo. It does appear to be capable of
copying itself separately from the mitotic replication of DNA
within the cell as we did observe different states of replication
in those cells we were able to study.”

“
What do you think the
plasmid will do? How will it save us?”

Peter rose. “We’re not sure. We do
know the plasmid has exerted an influence in foetal development,
acting to change the genetic structure of the offspring. An
amniocentesis has confirmed both of the twin boys have the plasmid.
Another interesting discovery about the boys is the plasmid is
almost the only genetic material they have in common – they do not
share one common autosomal gene from either parent, there is
absolutely no randomness to their genetic makeup.” Adya advanced to
an image showing the chromosomes for the twins, motioning Peter to
continue. He approached the screen.

“
These images show the
genetic differences between the boys. Extensive analysis has
confirmed no common DNA beyond the allosomes or sex cells.
Obviously both boys must have a Y chromosome in order to be male
and they could only obtain that chromosome from their father so
they have a common copy of the X and Y chromosomes. The plasmid had
to force a second copy of the Y. And every pair of autosomes
contained in their cells are the exact same.” He tapped the images
for emphasis. “Rather than having one from the father and one from
the mother they have only one copy from either one parent or the
other when replicated to create the normal homologous pair. All of
their genes are homozygous duplicates. It appears nondisjunction of
the chromosomes occurred during the first mitotic division after
conception. This led to the twins having polar opposite genetic
material except for the X and Y chromosomes. Not only that, but
there appears to have been absolutely no crossing over; the
chromosomes are all in their original state based upon comparison
to the parental genetic makeup. We have taken to calling the boys
Polar Twins. They are the complete opposite to identical twins.”
Adya selected the next image, a computer generated graphic of the
plasmid, and took over from Peter.

“
We have also been
investigating the properties of the plasmid itself, as much as
possible. It likely codes immunity, through investigation we have
recognized codon sequences which are present in plasmids used in
the production of antiviral drugs. We hypothesize the primary
effect of the plasmid is to convey immunity although at this time
no unusual proteins−”

Yabarek snorted, eliciting glares
from a few of the men and a quelling glance from Adya. She
continued “No abnormal compounds have been found in my cells to
indicate an immune response. There is the possibility the plasmid
needs to be exposed to the antigen before beginning production of
the antibody.”

“
Tell them about the
pheromones.” Yabarek appeared to be enjoying Adya’s discomfort as
she replied.

“
I don’t think that is
necessary, thanks.”

“
Heh, they’ll find out
soon enough if they spend time near you.” Yabarek made no further
comment but the smug smile on his face irked her, knowing he
thought he got the last laugh.

Kian pointed to the images. “Is it
possible, then, to inject us with this thing so we all have
immunity?”

Peter answered. “We did attempt to
inject the plasmid into me. No effect. That’s not to say we won’t
be able to do so after the plasmid’s antibody effect has been
activated but at this point we cannot successfully transfer the
plasmid to another host besides Adya and her offspring. Can’t
produce copies in the lab, either.”

“
So, if I am to
understand correctly, you are proposing your purpose in this
timeline is to have children?” Santino eyed her avidly. “This is a
theory. There really is nothing here to back what you are
saying.”

“
Why do you think
there is a disaster going to take place on November 11, 2011?” Adya
addressed her question to Santino but looked to the rest of the
group to respond. “Where is your proof what all of you are working
toward is real?”

“
It is not a matter of
proof, more a matter of analyzing the factors and circumstances of
our presence in this timeline.”

“
Like circumstantial
evidence?”

“
Yes, I suppose you
could say that. But, when we look at all of the people here, how
they arrived here, the fact all of us share a final recollection of
November 11, 2011, all of those facts point towards some major
event happening on that day.”

“
But, there is really
no way of knowing, is there?”

“
No, but…”

“
And so my theory is
no less valid than the theory which has all of you dedicating your
lives to finding answers for a question not asked. You search for
ways to prevent the future disaster which might never come to pass,
based on your best guess using the details you have. That’s what
science is, best guess. Can you not agree best guess analysis of my
situation leads to the conclusion I am meant to become a mother?”
She raised three fingers. “The factors: I was a rather prolific
mother. I have a broad background across disciplines but especially
in child development and care. I have a genetic abnormality which
is not only inherited, it manipulates the genetics of my offspring.
Even looking at the clue embedded in our regressions…” Pointing a
finger at Babak, she nodded. “Babak’s theory, our regressions tied
into commencement of sex cell production, even that points toward
being here as the new Eve. And then, back to this…” She pulled up
the caricature. “I visited a psychic that day and she was aware of
what I was. This is what she saw, too. The sketch was done before I
visited her and she did not know the artist.”

“
A psychic? How did
you know she really knew you?”

“
She saw my years, not
my face. And, more than two lifetimes.” Incredulous looks from
around the table forced her to add, “Perhaps we should consider
others visiting, to see if there are more…spiritual…aspects to our
presence? If she can detect our nature, can others?”

“
Where do we go from
here, then?” Janak spoke, still intently pouring over the
supporting documentation.

Glancing at Peter, she grimaced
before speaking. “We believe the plasmid is some sort of
evolutionary key to surviving the coming events. It needs to be
propagated. We believe each of you is meant to become a father too,
an Adam to my Eve.”

The booming response to Adya’s
assertion was almost deafening.

“
Is that even
physically possible, I mean, how could you have 26 children?”
Santino was the first to state a question likely on more than one
mind.

“
Actually there is a
woman in Chile who claims to have had 64 children. The most
prolific woman on record historically was in the 1700’s, having
given birth to 69 children during 27 pregnancies.”

Uba shook his head, a slight smile
softening his face, “Where do you get this stuff?”

“
We agree with her.”
Peter stood, shortly joined by Babak and Melik.

“
Not that I relish the
thought of bearing 26 more children. But, although I am physically
very young, I am healthy, and an experienced mother from the
original timeline. With the resources of the Three Eleven
Corporation ensuring the children and I have the best care there is
no reason why I would not be able to be pregnant in quick
succession.”

“
Tell me again why you
think you need me to be a father?” Abu looked around at the other
men.

“
All of you have
unique genetic heritages, just look at your features and ethnic
backgrounds. You represent a reserve of DNA which needs to be
passed on to the next generation. I have the plasmid, so I need to
be the mother. It can’t be introduced artificially, doesn’t survive
any invasive procedures. You’re the representative of your
heritage, and the child – or children, I suppose they might all be
twins – the child you father carries on those genes specific to
your background. Like a human Noah’s Ark, like the work Peter is
doing to catalogue and store the genetics of living organisms, you
are the database for your race. Peter is our resident genetics
expert, and can help with that issue.” Peter took the
floor.

“
If it came to the
human race needing to develop just from one sole common ancestor,
the most effective method to prevent inbreeding depression within
the resulting offspring would be to produce as much genetic
variation in the offspring as possible.”

A look of distaste again crossed
Janak’s face, “Offspring? Are you referring to children here, or
are we going to become a breeding stable?”

“
Janak, it’s easier to
deal with the magnitude of what we suggest when you do think of it
as a breeding program and distance yourself from the people
component. Believe me, I don’t like the thought of Adya being a
brood mare, to put it crudely, myself.” Peter made no effort to
hide his feelings, his warmth for her clear on his face. “But all
the data points toward her role as Earth Mother. Even her name
means just that.” He took a steadying breath.

“
To get back to the
genetics…we call it a genetic bottleneck when a single individual
or a small group of individuals becomes the only contributor to a
population. In the case of Mitochondrial Eve, Eve was likely
bearing children to more than one man based on the social structure
at the time. She also was repeatedly pregnant since they didn’t
have birth control. In her case, only the female offspring were
important. In Adya’s case the male offspring are able to pass the
plasmid – this was tested in the alternate timeline on Adya’s
natural children since they also carried the plasmid. The findings
were surprising. Normally no organelles are passed on from the
male. The fact the plasmid is able to incorporate itself into the
sperm cell argues loud and clear it is very important in the
future.” Peter resumed his seat. Adya raised her hands in a
silencing motion as the men posed more questions.