The 731 Legacy by Lynn Sholes Read Free Book Online Page A

genetics and viral research, not to mention the thousand warriors we have assembled who have taken an oath to arm themselves with our deadly weapon, walk right into the midst of our enemies, and execute them. Although it is small, there is no finer, more dedicated army on the face of the earth. What we have experienced with this minor glitch in New York is a momentary setback." Her palms dampened, and her hands shook more from nerves than the Parkinson's. "This news reporter—this Stone woman—is no danger to us. She will soon realize that there is nothing to pursue, nothing to report, nothing—"

    The General Secretary turned to face Moon. "Dr. Chung, I am sure that you are completely correct. I have not one second of doubt about you or your team of scientists and soldiers. You have done an outstanding job of conceptualizing and developing a plan that goes beyond even the most extreme boundaries of my own imagination. And that in itself is an accomplishment. For that, you have my admiration and blessing. But like any wise investor, it is my resources that underwrite your efforts, and I must protect my interests. And that is why I have asked an acquaintance to come and lend a hand."

    Moon felt as if she had taken a blow to her chest. For a moment she seemed to teeter, and wondered if she could maintain her balance. Her breathing was labored. The words of the General Secretary washed over her like glacial runoff, sending a frozen blade of fear to the core of her being. This was her life-work being threatened. No one could take that from her. She would not allow it.

    From behind her, Moon heard footsteps on the gravel path. She turned to see a man approach, but in the darkness, few details were visible. In fact, he seemed to be a part of the darkness itself—his features as indistinguishable as the deep forest shadows surrounding her.

    When he was only a few paces away, Moon saw that he appeared to be in his late sixties or early seventies, with hair the color of ash and skin the texture

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    of leather. His shirt, pants, and long coat, all the shade of coal, hung like an extension of his skin. There was a general darkness about him, except for his eyes, which glinted in the reflected starlight like smoldering embers.

    "Good evening, my dear friend," the General Secretary said as the Old Man approached. "I am most grateful that you have come."

    "How could I not accept such a compelling invitation?"

    Moon realized this was the first time she had ever heard anyone address the General Secretary without referring to him as Dear Leader. There was something about this stranger that took command of her attention as absolutely as gravity took control of a falling object. His presence affected her like the sudden heaviness one senses when emerging from a pool. A shudder coursed through her, and a bitter taste rose in her throat.

    The General Secretary motioned toward Moon. "It is my pleasure to introduce Dr. Chung Moon Jung."

    Moon respectfully and briefly bowed her head. She expected the General Secretary to in turn name the visitor, but he did not.

    "My compliments, Dr. Chung," the Old Man said. "Your ability to bring about such a work of genius has exceeded even my expectations."

    Who was this man who knew of her work and had placed his expectations upon her? How dare he be so presumptuous!

    "You were about to ask my name?" he said. He turned to the General Secretary. "A logical question, don't you think?" Before the

    Communist leader spoke, the Old Man reached out and touched Moon's arm. "For now, consider me a special advisor. And don't be concerned, Dr. Chung. I have no intention of interfering with your work or your authority. I am here at the request of my friend to assist you in guaranteeing the success of your project."

    "Guarantee?" Moon said. "How is that possible?" She glanced at the General Secretary. "I don't understand."

    The Old Man took his hand away. "We share common goals, you and I, Dr. Chung. You