Artsun Akopyan - Survival Gene. Science Fiction Novel стр 6.

Two minutes before the speech! Nellie exclaimed as she sat down on the sofa wiping her tears. The images became a little more rich and natural  she must have increased opacity and contrast to the maximum level that the emitter could support.

Her son started to put the scattered things back into cabinets.

Dont do it, son, sit down, take a rest, she urged. Ill do it later by myself. Half of the junk should be thrown away. Thanks to burglars  without them, I wouldnt do it in a hundred years!

Shes trying to joke. Thats good.

As you wish.

He sat down beside her.

A gray-haired person with slanting eyes and prominent cheekbones appeared in the air. It was CHENG Wenming, the second President of the United States of the World. Contrary to his usual habit, there was not a shadow of a smile on his face.

Dear friends, he started slowly in a dull voice. I have bad news for you today. The asteroid that had been considered harmless, brought a disaster. Flying past the Earth, it multiplied the gravitation of our planet. It is estimated that about thirty million people were killed within just a few minutes around the world. We mourn the dead. Its our common pain. Lowering his head, the president froze for a few seconds and then looked at the camera again. But the trials and tribulations have not finished yet. The asteroid caused deceleration of the planet. Its rotation on its axis has started to slow down. As a result, the earth day has already become five minutes longer. And, although the asteroid stopped exerting influence on the planet, the deceleration process continues. Most likely, the cause is the Earths core. According to scientists from the International Academy of Science, the metal core of the Earth is rotating slower than the mantle and the crust. It is an abnormal phenomenon. There is friction in the bowels of the Earth. It has become a cause of earthquakes and volcanic explosions in different parts of the world already. Seismic activity does not cease, but, on the contrary, increases. Scientists prognosticate that this process will last for some more days  until the rotation speed of the core, the mantle and the crust are synchronized again. Ill tell you the truth: well have to go through difficult times. It is possible that it will be more dreadful than all the world wars taken together. In such circumstances I am compelled to declare the state of world-wide emergency. All strategic objects will be under protection. All those in need will get help. Relevant instructions have been delivered to the World Government. Take courage  nobody will be left alone to fight against the elements. Together we will overcome these difficulties. I promise!

The President pronounced the last words with confidence, raising his voice.

An image of the rotating planet appeared with the inscription: Current earthday: 24 hours 05 minutes 28 seconds. In a short time digit 28 was replaced by 29, then by 30, 31

Designation of the time scaled down and moved to the right top corner, and the rest of the image was occupied by a mountain scenery with a magnificent waterfall and birds flitting over it. Flute sounds were heard, the medias obvious attempt to placate the frightened masses.

Thats terrible, Nellie Barkov whispered.

Andrew took her by the hand and repeated CHENG Wenmings words, Together we will overcome difficulties. I promise!

Unexpectedly Emilys voice came from behind, In what way, I wonder?

Chapter 4

Andrew jumped up. Emily was standing in the doorway.

Forgive me for the intrusion; Im not armed. She lifted her arms and turned, hands in the air, spreading fingers wide apart.

Is she your girlfriend? Nellie Barkov asked as she rose from the sofa with a smile. Whats your name, darling?

Mom, shes a criminal Ive arrested, Andrew stated.

Thats a pity. Shes pretty!

If only you knew what this pretty person tried to do!

He headed to Emily slowly. How could you open the car?

The girl smiled. I have extraordinary abilities too. I can feel electronics.

Genetic transformation?

Yeah.

No wonder, considering who your father is. It means thats one more charge that will be laid against him and you  concealment of genetic deviations. You should have a special mark on your nose bridge. Get back into the car!

She held up her palms. Just a minute! Your nose bridge is clear, too. Why dont you have the mark?

I dont need it. I am a Normal. Andrew glared at her, his pulse racing. Only Deviants required the mark.

Really? When was your DNA tested?

In my childhood, just like everybodys.

In that case, Id say somebody substituted the results. Am I right? The girl looked at his mother.

Nellie frowned. Why do you think, young lady, that my son has genetic deviations?

His reflexes are fast. Too fast. Probably he hasnt gotten a single wound in all the years of police service, has he?

Youve guessed right, Andrew answered. But deviations are not the reason. Ive been training since my childhood.

Dammit, why am I making excuses?

Emily looked at him. In my opinion, you feel threats in advance, and training has nothing to do with it. She shifted her gaze to Nellie. Your son should know the truth because his life will depend on it. President CHENG Wenming is lying when he says nobody will be left alone to fight the elements! The government officials are preparing a secret asylum for themselves because they know no one will survive on the surface.

How do you know?

Ive just overheard a conversation between the Director of the Secret Service Novak and a general. Im sure the President is aware of whats going on!

Is she crazy?

Barkov grasped the girls arm. Go to the car!

Andrew, wait! his mother exclaimed suddenly in a harsh tone.

He turned his head to her in bewilderment. Whats the matter?

Nellie asked the girl, Whats your name?

Emily.

And your surname?

Housman.

His mothers eyes widened. I see. And how could you overhear the conversation between the Director and the general?

Ive told you, I have special abilities. I can tune to any electromagnetic waves. E-vision, mindphones, the Internet This time the sound reached me from above. I think that the general flew over our city by plane, thats why I could hear them so well.

What a load of bull! Andrew said.

No, Nellie retorted. Scientists from BioTech had made successful experiments with rats for them to react to electromagnetic signals.

Emily nodded. Thats how I knew about my fathers fate. I heard the transmissions between you and your captain. Then I read your appointment calendar on your mindphone and went to your lesson ahead of time so I could find some way to make you release my father.

Nellie made a gesture to her son. Lets talk in private. I want to tell you something.

After a short hesitation, Andrew released the girls hand. Wait here.

He followed his mother. She approached the farthest window and stared at a bush of roses growing in front of the house. At last, she took Andrews hand and said quietly, This girl might not be lying. I dont want to see my son dying. Ill tell you everything.