The Book of Timothy: Symmetry (Prologue)

Scientist Cyrus McCoy had just completed his review of the specifications for the J.M.A.L.T.S. device invented by Adam Lassiter, a young recruit for the Federal Bureau of Investigations, better known as the FBI. Cyrus felt the FBI was a waste of the young man’s talents. A man with his knowledge and skill set should be in the field of science where he would be free to explore more possibilities with micro devices.  He sat back in his chair and patted the top of the book containing the specs and his notes. He would begin the process of duplicating the device while Lassiter played at Quantico for the next five months. He smiled, thinking it was an honor to be given the task. His experience over the last seven years as a scientist with the Department of Defense was laudable, but even he had to admit his mind did not match that of Lassiter’s. Just reading over the notes and reviewing the detailed written instructions on the assembly of the device, had him in awe. Cyrus and his selected team of scientists had been preparing for months for this project. Now that the time had come, the thought of getting started put him on a natural high. No longer able to control his excitement, Cyrus picked up the telephone and dialed, then activated the speakerphone.

“Dr. Lassiter,” he said into the phone. “One last conversation before we begin production of J.M.A.L.T.S.”

Adam replied, “Not ‘Dr’. yet.”

“Just a technicality, young man. A simple technicality.” He stood and walked over to the model of J.M.A.L.T.S. “I have to tell you I’m excited about being a part of this project, Adam. I thank you for approving my participation. The thought of having a device with the capability to help reduce the number of lives lost in hostage situations, in addition to its surveillance component, is amazing.” He picked up the small clear box and examined it. “The model is complete, and I must say,” he laughed, “If I did not know what to look for, I would not see it. I hope you have a chance to stop by to see it.”

“Give me a minute.” A few seconds later, Adam spoke again. “Okay, Doc. Step aside.”

Cyrus looked to his side to see Adam standing next to him. The sight of the man caused Cyrus to jump.

“It’s a hologram, Doc,” Adam laughed.  “I locked into your GPS coordinates to join you.” He looked at the device. “Who worked on the model?”

Cyrus shook his head in awe as he responded, “Reyes Sugden, Jack Dalton and myself.” He raised an eyebrow as he put his hand through the hologram. “Is it stable?”

“Quite. I haven’t figured out how to make it last more than a few minutes,” he replied as if it was still a puzzle to him, then shrugged it off. “It will come eventually.”

Cyrus crossed his arms over his chest. “You have a wonderful mind, Dr. Lassiter. Continue to explore. Inventions are only limited to what your mind can conceive. Remember that when people tell you things are impossible.”

Adam gave a shy smile. “You sound like my father. He has always said anything you dream about can become a reality. Just don’t let other people’s limited minds deter yours.”

“Sounds like a wise man. I am certain he is very proud of all you have accomplished.” Cyrus smiled then leaned back against the table where the model sat in a glass case.

“Yes, he is.” Adam blushed, then changed the topic back to J.M.A.L.T.S. “He is also a little concerned. Was the weaponry aspect included in the model?”

“No. While I trust my staff completely, the weaponry aspect is kept in my binder. This device could cause havoc in the wrong hands.”

“I agree.” Adam nodded. “Has Director Davenport been advised we are ready to begin?”

“Yes. Will you have time to drop in during your training?”

“I’m not certain of my schedule or assignments until I get to Quantico. But have no doubts, I will find a way to drop in. Is security in place?”

“Yes. In fact, the director has assigned me personal protection starting Monday morning.”

Adam nodded. “Good. There were only two concessions. One, you head up the production and two, security is provided to the team.”

Cyrus nodded. “I thank you for your faith in me. Each time I open the pages of the manual, I imagine this device placed in a room of our country’s enemies as they plan attacks against us. This device will allow us to avert those attacks and save lives.”

“That is my vision.” Adam frowned. “I’m losing my connection.” He looked up at Cyrus. “I look forward to meeting you in person, Dr. McCoy.”

“Same here, Adam. Enjoy your graduation.”

The hologram faded. Cyrus shook his head as he smiled. “The mind of youth and unlimited possibilities.”

Cyrus stood, put his jacket on then glanced around the room. Nodding his head, he believed he had taken care of everything that he needed to begin the task of recreating J.M.A.L.T.S. on Monday morning. He picked up the manual, opened the door, glanced one last time around the room, then stepped into the hallway. 

As he walked down the corridor, his mind drifted to the music that was waiting in his vehicle for him. Yes, he was a rock-n-roll kind of guy. Not the soft stuff. No, on a day like this, hard rock was the only way to go. He pushed the button to the elevator and stepped inside as he played the air guitar with the manual under his left arm and his hands strumming the strings on his imaginary guitar. He reached over and pushed the button to take him to the garage and to the rock-n-roll music waiting in his car. His head was bobbing from side to side as the elevator descended with the long screeches of the string guitar echoing in his mind. He felt a sting similar to a mosquito bite and using his right hand slapped the side of his neck. He glanced at his hand wondering why a mosquito would be inside of an elevator.

Upon reaching the ground floor the elevator doors swooshed open. Cyrus McCoy lay on the floor of the elevator, eyes wide open, mind shutting down, and breathing shallow. A pair of black leather shoes in plastic shoe covers stepped inside the elevator. A man stood there looking down over his body. He bent over, picked up the manual, hit the seventh-floor button with his gloved finger then stepped out of the elevator. The elevator traveled back to the fifth floor nonstop. The doors to the elevator opened to an empty hallway. Inside, on the floor, was the now dead Dr. Cyrus McCoy.