ENTRADAS

Chapter TEN

2006-06-05T01:15:00.000+02:00

To half past seven in the morning Mary Fishers already was in her office. At those hours nobody had gotten still to work. She was first in arriving. She was anxious to know the official results the Mgen1702 Project provided by the original program 4GLium. Still it lacked thirty minutes so that those results were available. For that reason, she programmed her time to make different pending tasks from her approval and other that she had to study.

Minutes before the eight in the morning she listened to the slight murmur of her fellow workers, as they were gotten up to his corresponding places. Mrs. Wilcox called to the door and burst in into her office.

- Good morning Miss Fishers, do you wants that I brings the white coffee to her?

- Yes. Thanks Mrs. Wilcox.

Although all the mornings Mary have the same, Mrs. Wilcox always asked it with education. Spent minutes, she brought her white coffee, depositing the tray in her table.

Mary watched the clock and thought that probably already the provisional results would be available. She opened to the computer science program 4GLium. She introduced the pertinent passwords and next it appeared in the computer a cascade of results. Mary wanted to avoid those that were less important and looked for the global data quickly.

She was perplex. Their eyes watched the screen fixedly. She did not blink. She took to her right hand on the forehead, pressing it with the thumbs and heart, closing the eyes at the same time. It retired, she opened the ayes and returned to read the data:

PM1702TAI; PM1702NIG; PM1702UGA; PM1702BRA;

Vaccinated.......................................12,000 Person
Placebo...............................................6,000 Person
Vac15721............................................6,000 Person
HIV-positives with placebo..................651 Person
HIV-positives with Vac15721...............734 Person
Placebo not analyzed..............................32 Person
Vac15721 not analyzed...........................25 Person

She did not understand anything. Her mind remained in target. Her body shook with a sensation of rage and frustration. She gave a punch on the table. She closed the program. She returned it to open and she initiated all the process again, but she visualized such results again. How was possible that? How could be totally positive the provisional results of the Doctor Carrie Galloway and, nevertheless, the global data of the four studies to be so negative? How could have 734 people who had become infected with the Virus of the AIDS in spite of being vaccinated with the Vaccine 15721? That meant that the vaccine was not effective and that it would be a full failure.

It could not be. She tried to tranquilize themselves and to recover the calm thus to be able to put order in her thoughts. An idea was happened to her. She asked for to the computer the data of the study of the Doctor Carrie Galloway:

PM1702NIG

Vaccinated......................................4.000 Person
Placebo............................................2.000 Person
Vac15721.........................................2.000 Person
HIV-positives with placebo...............212 Person
HIV-positives with Vac15721............261 Person
Placebo not analyzed...........................13 Person
Vac15721 not analyzed..........................9 Person

Mary Fishers did not give credit to those data. The global results of the project indicated to her that that one was a failure and, reciprocally, the results of the study of Galloway Doctor confirmed to her the same.

But, why the data that the previous night with her computer analyzed informed to her that the number of HIV-positives with the Vaccine15721 was zero? Which represented the success of the investigation which they carried out. And, nevertheless, now, the official data indicated to her that there were 261 vaccinated people who were infected with the virus.

Thoughtful remained. She turned her armchair and watched in the direction of the window. To watch the transparency of the blue sky comforted to her and, often, she used like therapy relaxing. Also she conducted that battle when she had to think and to analyze a certain situation. In spite of the problem that she had on the table, she had relaxed. She was not safe, but she wanted to investigate more thoroughly. She thought, that perhaps, only his brother could help her.

- Digital Moon. Say me.

- Sara, I am Mary Fishers. I want to speak with my brother.

- Waits a moment, Miss Fishers, immediately him step.

The president and founder of Digital Moon were her brother. Alec Fishers was twenty five years old and was affected of an infantile cerebral paralysis, fundamentally of motor type, as a result of a fetal suffering during the childbirth. He had not undergone affectation of the cerebral regions where intelligence is located, and it allowed to be equipped him with a talent outside the normal thing, developing an intellectual coefficient of 152.

He studied computer science engineering and of telecommunications in the Massachusetts Institute Technological. Digital Moon Technology in 1996 created, before finishing the superior studies, transferring the company to the north of Los Angeles, near Glendale, in 1998. Their battle area was the programs of management to optimize the resources of Internet and both last years he was transformed into a company leader in the sector.

- Mary!

- Hello. How are you?

- Very occupied - he responded, with guttural voice -, already you know that we are working in diverse computer science programs that we must finish. There are many companies pressing to us so that we finalize them because they need them for its strategies business in the network.

- I am glad for you… Alec, I have see you. I want give you the great news.

- What?

- I would like that we saw and tell you in person - she said, reflecting joy in her tone of voice.

- Yes. But, say me something. Tell me of what he goes - Alec insisted.

- It is very important for me. It is better than I does not say anything to you by telephone. I prefer say you in person - she asserted, having the news with a mystery air.

- All right. When do we see ourselves?

- I invite you to have lunch with me. Seems you well at one o`clock sharp?

- Today same! So that as much haste?

- Already I say you that it is very important - she said, almost imploreing.

- Fine. Where we see ourselves?

- In my house. I will happen through Carmen´s and I will buy those delicatessen European that as much you like.

- Good, if it is thus, there I will be.

The relation between both brothers was excellent. The invitation to lunc was only a pretext, since Mary knew beforehand that Alec would go at any time to an appointment with her, whenever she requested it. In the same way, if she had been the other way around, she also would have acceded.

The failure can obstruct the soul of a person, but the frustration and the impotence can corrode all their being. Thoughtful, Mary Fishers went that morning to the meeting with Christopher Norton. During the passage she tried to control to disguise the insecurity that tied down it. She had to communicate the results to him of the Mgen1702 Project and of making up the disastrous result with some other option that was likely. The proposal set and it was only question to hope the opportune moment to drop it, taking advantage of a game words or her power of conviction, everything with the intention to heave her failure.

Mrs. Myers, secretary of Dr. Norton, communicated through intercom the visit to him of Mary.

- Miss Fishers, already you enter, Dr. Norton delay you.

- Thanks, Mrs. Myers.

Christopher Norton was seated in his table. He read a newspaper. Without raising the sight he said to Mary who seated. She obeyed. He continued reading, without paying attention to Mary. To despise his subordinates was an art that handled with premeditation. He enchanted to him to create a tension atmosphere to obtain a total submission.

- Well, Mary, do you have those happy results? - he asked, with roughness, while he closed the newspaper.

- Yes. They are already analyzed - Mary responded, with brevity.

- And? …

- They are not what we hoped…

- You want to be more explicit, Mary - Christopher Norton responded, with tone irate.

- Then… - she said, doubtful -, we have analyzed a twenty percent of results and there are 734 HIV-positives with Vaccine 15721.

- And HIV-positives with placebo?

- 651 people.

HIV-positives meant the number of people infected by the virus and able to develop the disease. The positive cases in those people to which placebo was administered to them were normal in this type of scientific experiments, but they would not have to be it in which the vaccine had been provided to them, if it were tried to obtain a positive result.

- Then! … That means that…

- Yes. What you are thinking.

- That the vaccine is not effective - he said raising the voice, while he put myself standing up.

- Quite so! we have more of a twelve percent of HIV-positives people - Mary responded, night love song, from her seat.

Christopher Norton was bad-tempered. He began to walk by the room. One stopped, he watched through the window, he gave average return and one went towards her.

- Mary, do you know what supposes all this? - he said, outlining a malevolent smile.

- I create to guess it - she agreed, with brevity, while beat with the fingers on the table.

- No, you not guess it - he said, exasperated -. You have failed - Mary, remained in silence -. You have failed - he returned to repeat.

- It is not a failure only mine - she talked back, arrogant, watching it to the eyes, challenging.

- How it is not a failure only yours! - he said, of insolent form, indicating her with the finger.

- In the Project more many people have worked. I believe that it is a failure of all the company.

- The company! You are the unique person in charge and the inductive one of all the Project. The consequences and the losses are for Microgensyn - he adduced, angrily, while he moved like a possessed person by the room. Mary did not understand the scene. She knew that brought the bad news and was prepared for the consequences, but did not wait for that reaction -. You know a thing, also you will lament it, your reputation as scientist to will be suspect prohibition.

- I do not think so. Nobody has still prevailed in this field. I have contributed with my work to the progress of science and Microgensyn has benefitted economically from substantial form. I believe that I have the right to demand a confidence vote and to ask for an explicit support - responded she, safe of itself.

- Mary, in spite of everything, do you have the brazenness to demand our support and the one of the Laboratory? What expensive that you have! Microgensyn is not at readiness to support to anybody at the moment and less still to run the risk of which public becomes this failure, mainly when Bioconn steps on the heels to us and is going to announce the discovery of its vaccine - Christopher Norton tried to impress Mary and he did not doubt in arriving at the insult. He knew that she did not know the project of fusion of both laboratories.

- Of that I am in charge – she said, furious -. Do you forget that this behind schedule I have the appointment with Jeff Colleman?

- Frankly, Mary, I do not trust you.

- You are mistaken, Christopher - she sentenced.

- Hold me informed.

- You do not doubt it.

Mary Fishers left sorrowful the Christopher Norton office, but with the satisfaction of having fulfilled. They were partial only results. When she had the final result of the clinical test, it would be the moment for drawing conclusions and for analyzing what is what it had failed. She had the impression to be closely together to obtain the vaccine. The test with the suitable modifications could repeat, although after the conversation with the Dr Norton it would be to her more complicated since there was lost her support. She knew that the expectations of expansion of Microgensyn were based on that Project to which she dedicated a very important part of her life. In addition, she would not move backwards until obtaining an effective vaccine against the AIDS, with or without Microgensyn, on it it depended her professional and sentimental success. She jeopardize by a formal promise, now could not fail.

Christopher Norton remained immovable watching one of the abstract figures that were in the office. He thought about the conversation with Mary, but he was not satisfied. He had the impression of to have gained a victory in the last second. He did not entrust myself in her. He knew that she was wounded in his pride, that never occurred by won and which at any time she could counterattack. Sometimes, a defeat is the flexion point that makes win a battle.

The false badly humour, opened the way to a contained expression of joy. The succession of facts was developed as they had been glided. Mary Fishers had a meaning for Christopher Norton and a word defined it with certainty: problems. The best remedy for a hindrance is to clear it of in the middle and the future of the Dr Norton in the Laboratory it happened to undo of Mary. The excessive ambition of being able of Christopher Norton was obstructed by the possibility of success of the vaccine against the AIDS, whose maximum exponent was Mary Fishers.

Christopher Norton offed-hook the telephone and marked to the number of the office of Arthur Sullivan, through the reporting line.

- Christopher, tell me – Arthur Sullivan said, that he waited for the call of the Dr Norton.

- Resolute problem – Christopher Norton answered.

- Do you have met already with Mary Fishers?

- She finishes leaving my office.

- And… do you are sure that the problem is solved?

- You do not have doubt.

- Then… has swallowed it? – Arthur Sullivan asked.

- I lodge my doubts, but I believe that yes.

- Christopher, do you have doubts? That is new in you.

- They are reasonable doubts. You know Mary Fishers very well. Better than I. You know her tenacity and that never is climbed down by anything. She is always necessary to grant to her the benefit of the doubt - it responded with diplomacy Christopher Norton.

- How behaved Mary when she communicated the failure to you of the vaccine? – Arthur Sullivan inquired, eager to know the details.

- With resignation.

- Do you watched she at the eyes?

- Yes. I followed your advice.

- What expressed?

- Serenity.

- I do not like… I believe that she has deceived to you.

- Why? - Christopher Norton asked, surprised.

- Because she is his way to act when something does not go well. The more worried she is, the more calm behaves - Arthur Sullivan responded, seating chair.

- Therefore do you create it?

- Doubt does not fit to you. She is tremendously meticulous in her work. She has been years working in the vaccine. She has studied, detected and modified each one of the parts susceptible to fail and she has perfected it until she achieved a full success when she experienced it in the virtual model that she designed by computer, verifying that produced an effective and lasting immunity.

- I agree - Christopher Norton said.

- For that reason same, now she is not going to accept the failure thus as well as. The messages that received from the Dr. Migeon and the Dr. Galloway were very positive and let glimpse the magnificent expectations of the vaccine. Frankly, by her expression, she knows that something does not go well – Arthur Sullivan asserted.

- She can think what wants, thus his torture will be greater. She will never discover the magnificent qualities of 4GLium and the possibility that we must to be able to manipulate the information that is analyzed through it - Christopher Norton replaced, while he laughed satisfied.

- I do not like that you laugh at her, Christopher. Nor that you use those terms with Mary. I do not want that this is a torture for her - Arthur Sullivan reprimanded to him -. In addition, now we must have much well-taken care of since she is wounded. Furious she can represent a danger that we do not have to despise. You do not forget it.

- Excuse me. Only I have let myself take by the emotion to have deceived Mary Fishers. Now yes that we have her against the cords.

- Surely, but despite, now he is better not to lose sight of her. Get ready all the necessary so that she is watched the twenty four hours of the day. I do not want that she discovers nothing - Arthur Sullivan concluded.

Christopher Norton mentally reproached the error that had committed. He knew the esteem that felt Arthur Sullivan by Mary Fishers and he always stayed to the margin of that relation, trying to hide his feelings towards her. In ahead he would have to be more careful because a thing was the trap that had tended to her, in both sense, by the good of the interests of Microgensyn, and another one emitting value judgments that left their figure in prohibition.

- Mrs. Myers, find me to Dr Hodgkins. I want to speak with him - Christopher Norton ordered.

Pascale Carter parked her car in the place destined guests. She dressed trousers clamps dark-brown green colour and a jacket to game, white blouse discreetly fit, low-cut sandals of fine strips and means heel. The set heightened her beauty and showed the wonderful architecture of her figure. In the left hand she took a small portfolio of skin.

Arthur Sullivan opened the door and invited her to happen to his office. He proposed to her to seat without repairing in her anatomy nor in the perfect conjunction of her clothes. The elegance that is always exhibited with naturalness happens unnoticed.

- Do you have to drink something, Pascale?

- Non. Thanks.

- Do you have the documents? Is in rule? – he asked, with avidity.

- Yes. Here they are - Pascale removed from her portfolio a bound document, which give it an importance air, and left upon the table, at sight of Arthur Sullivan -. Everything is in sequence - with decision, she assured.

Arthur Sullivan threw a look to the memorandum in that the conditions decided for the fusion of the two companies were reflected, with the clauses imposed by each one of the parts, and the date in which would have validity the document. Before closing he verified it the companies and later he gave his approval.

- Congratulations. You have made a good work - Arthur Sullivan personified in her all the work of her writing desk of lawyers.

- To work well is my obligation. For that you have contracted to me – she responded, disguising with false modesty.

- By the way, what do you think in the agreement?

- It is satisfactory for the two parts. Now you will enjoy a period of four years to direct the new company and with a good Microgensyn strategy will be perpetuated in the power, and what at first it was a fusion, it will finish being an absorption - she said, with calm tone, interpreting the desire of him accurately -. However, some shade exists with which I do not agree and that is precise to correct as rapidly as possible.

- Which? – Arthur Sullivan interrupted.

- It is dangerous to admit the parity of three actions of Bioconn by one of Microgensyn. I believe that you pay a too high price. Four to one would be the acceptable thing.

Doubtlessly, Pascale was right. Arthur Sullivan observed her now fascinated. Her beauty did not cause any danger to him, to his age the culture of the power was more fascinating than the one of the passion. What it captivated to him of her and he envied at the moment was the explosive mixture of youth, daring, preparation and ambition.

- What do you propose? - he said.

- You already know my proposal and I hope that you have plot some plan. The time urges - she responded, having a feeling who was in the certain thing and with the security of which she would make her contributor. In order to cause him got up and she supported her elbows on the table.

- The plan is prepared and on the verge of beginning. We are going to use Mary Fishers - Arthur Sullivan advanced to her.

- To that! - she exclaimed, outlining a face.

- What happens today with Mary Fishers? - he inquired, using a tone of rough voice, as a reprimand.

- Why?

- Because today everybody seems conspired against her. You are the second person who speaks today contemptuously of Mary.

- It has not been my intention - she said, trying to attenuate the saying, preferring to emit in this occasion a pious lie -. Excuse me if my expression has bothered to you.

- He is not that. I do not tolerate that it is spoken bad of my collaborator - responded he, with a tone of authority in his voice.

The ethics is a common doctrine that many practice with hypocrisy, shown with codes elaborated custom-made of one same one. Arthur Sullivan was one of those. His philosophy of the life passed through a stubborn defense of the company and all the relative one to her, without retracting, sometimes, in humiliating facts for his employees when the beneficiary was the company, to whom nevertheless defended through thick and thin when the situation required it.

- It will not return to happen.

- I believe that you must know our plan - said he, retaking the departure point of the conversation, to the time that was put standing up and began to walk by the office -. We are going to use Mary Fishers to spy on Jeff Colleman and so that she finds out everything what can about his vaccine.

- It seems to me a guessed right idea. But, why she? – Pascale Carter asked, demonstrating her interest, while she followed him with the glance.

- Because she is the only person of our company that is to the scientific height of Jeff Colleman.

- Do you thing that will obtain it?

- I have my doubts, but I trust her. She is very pressed and will react.

- Do you have already some information?

- Still not. They were known in Spain and they left together. Today they are going away to see in Bioconn.

- Very interesting. We needed essential and real information with which we pruned to discredit to Bioconn and to cause that it lowers its quotation in stock market. We cannot be exposed to disclose the news that could refute right away - she affirmed.

Pascale Carter accompanied each word and each phrase with own gestures, nothing stereotyped, that used to call the attention and to maintain the thread of the conversation. She had the blond hair, very short, that combed of different ways according to the occasion. Expressive eyes, of a blue colour transparency. A done mouth to smile, but that as soon as she was allowed, due to the severity of her character.

- You would have to speak with her and to explain to her what is what we needed that investigates - proposed Arthur Sullivan, while closed the documentation that Pascale had given to him.

- I would loved. But…Whereupon pretext do I appear before Mary Fishers? – Pascale Carter asked, before putting itself standing up.

- Say you just like we, that is very important for the future of Microgensyn, which we have contracted your writing desk to elaborate a project of commercial and economic development on great scale, and that for that reason we needed to know what it is happening in Bioconn to make the most appropriate decisions.

The proposal flattered to her, and by anything of the world she had said that not. The vanity is the queen of the qualities who has all person who has obtained all the professional objectives that she had been marked. Pascale Carter against Mary Fishers. Woman against woman. The letters against sciences. Two women forged with tenacity, pride, dynamism and work. A shock of vehement personalities with the subtle shrewdness, the intuition and the character to know how to leave for morning what today it is not possible to be obtained.

Pascale left the office of Arthur Sullivan pleased with the challenge which she would have to face. In any conversation that always maintained with the executives of Microgensyn it appeared the name of Mary Fishers: like person who had obtained such-and-such discovery, that their profits had contributed to the Laboratory an enormous economic benefit, that their opinions always were considered by it precise and pragmatic that they were. An accumulation of events and experiences had mined his curiosity until the point to wait for with treachery the moment for getting to know that woman.

The occasion had it before himself. With the cleverness of the predator she waited for the opportune moment, without haste, and now her heart was accelerated, while she crossed the corridors of Microgensyn to the encounter of Mary. And her deep glance, evoked the memory of the previous day, when Christopher Norton appeared.

Mrs. Wilcox was occupied in the elaboration of information. Her time was consumed between the computer, the printer, the photocopier and the ordered piling up of the different sheet of apper that conformed the copies that were making. In order to finalize, she designed a cover where it emphasized in red colour the title of the scientific study: Frecuencia of the mutations of the gene “env” of the VIH. More down, in blue, the author of the study consisted.

A plate in the door that put: “Mary Fishers, Director of Investigation”, in white letters on gray bottom, called the attention of Pascale Carter and knew that she had arrived at her destiny.

- Good morning. I am looking for Mary Fishers.

- Miss Fishers is not at the moment in her office. Do you are make n appointment with her? - Mrs. Wilcox asked, while she placed the information in a shelf.

- I am Pascale Carter. I am not an appointment but it is very important. I must speak with her.

- To Miss Fishers does not like that they interrupt it while she is working. However, I will communicate your presence to her. You can take seat, if you wishes it - Mrs. Wilcox knew that to Mary did not like to receive to anybody of unexpected form, but her office made her have a feeling that was not a visit anyone, reason why chose to locate her.

- You are very nice - she responded, been thankful.

Mary Fishers was in the laboratory next to Brett Johnson. Both watched alternatively on the window of observation of an electron microscope and, later, it gave each one his opinion about a represented geometric figure in the screen of the computer. They debated on the possibility to place a radical in one or another one locus of the figure. They worked in a new project, in the design of which in the future it would be a drug against the AIDS.

Her concentration was interrupted by the sound of the telephone. Brett took it.

- Taking Mary, is for you. She is Mrs. Wilcox.

- Say me, Mrs. Wilcox.

- Excuse me Miss Fishers. I know that you does not like to receive unexpected visits, but is one lady here whom she loves to speak with you. She says that it is important.

- Who is?

- Is Pascale Carter.

When she heard her name was made an impression and felt the curiosity to know the reason that would have Pascale Carter to come to speak with her to its office, without announcing her arrival beforehand.

- Well done! Say you that I will receive her at a moment.

Brett and Mary continued minutes more engaging in a dialog on the molecule in which they were working, until they agreed. Many years ago, the discovery of new drugs to fight different diseases was centered in the exhaustive molecule search in the nature, but in the last years, helped by extraordinary computer science programs and supercomputers, that process was made before the screens of these. Molecules are designed and their effects are analyzed on different virtual animal models. Through this process those chains are eliminated of the drug that can produce undesirable effects and those are added that are thought that they are going to be beneficial. The process is very complex but effective in many occasions. When the sufficient evidences of the effectiveness of he himself are had, the industrial production of the drug begins to initiate the following phase of investigation: the experimentation in the model suitable animal to value if those effects that they had programmed to obtain with the chemical agent are positive or on the contrary is a failure.

- Good morning, Miss Carter - Mary Fishers saluted, in the waiting room of her office, in the presence of Mrs. Wilcox. With courtesy, Mary gave to a pair of kisses to Pascale Carter and soon she invited her to enter after her.

- I would like that you called Pascale to me. He is more family.

- All right, Pascale.

The office of Mary was of great proportions, well illuminated and very functional. Her table was located at heart and around her all the average technicians who needed to develop their work. In the wall of the left there was a slate of plasticized material and in her different chemical formulas and several chains were labeled that, interlaced, formed a molecule. In front of her one was a rectangular table and several chairs, that used for the meetings that maintained with their team of collaborator. Pascale Carter observed with meticulousness each one of the decorative details, she called her the attention the great amount of plants and flowers different and the taken care of careful brightness and from these.

- Your office is original - Pascale said, to be well -. It smells of nature, although… This more seems a forest that the office of a scientist!

- I do not believe that you has come up to here to think on my plants nor I know whichever offices of scientists has visited you - Mary replaced, with dry tone, while she caressed a spathiphyllum of white flowers.

- No, I have not come to speak of her plants - Pascale responded, butcher.

- And… I can know what I must the honour of your visit? - Mary asked, with irony.

- Before, I would like to say you that I have the best references of you and who his professional trajectory seems to me excellent - Pascale Carter was moderate, while she walked towards Mary.

- That already I know it. It is not necessary that it flatters to me - responded Mary, becoming towards Pascale.

- The case is that… - Pascale advanced towards the plants and fixed her glance to ciclamen of green leaves and pink flowers -, I have come to speak of your investigation.

- To what research talks about? My department has different lines of research.

- To the mission that has been in charge you with respect to Jeff Colleman - Pascale avoided to pronounce the word to spy.

- Ah, yes! What do you paint in this subject? – Mary said, challenging, to be on familiar terms to her, advancing towards her -. It seems to be that everybody is to the current and that the last one in finding out I have been.

- If she serves to you as consolation, you have not been the last one - she responded, treating her also to be on familiar terms.

- What plus gives – Mary responded, with weariness.

- I have only come to help you - Pascale asserted, becoming and watching her at the eyes.

- To help me! In what?

- In obtaining what we looked for as rapidly as possible and avoid you unnecessary problems.

- And, what is what we looked? Because at the moment you seem the director of operations and if my memory serves me right, you do not work in this company, I am mistaken? or perhaps you are the lost link? - Mary Fishers was sarcastic.

- She did not wait for a so infantile behavior, Mary. Your scientific preparation will be very praiseworthy, but your behavior is evident that is not to the suitable height - Pascale Carter spit out to her, turning aside the glance towards the photo that was in the table of Mary.

- We are going to see - Mary said, taking his open handed been towards ahead and dropping the head in oblique sense -, first you appears this way without warning, soon one dispatches to taste with my plants and now you offends to me leaving in prohibition my education. I create, Miss Carter, who our conversation has been finished, I nothing else do not have to speak with you - now Mary had the hands put in her waist, the separated legs, and whenever she assumed that position she was because she was very contented or, on the contrary, very furious. The evidence, at the moment, did not need more commentaries.

- You are mistaken, Mary. By the way, why do you speak to me now in not familiar terms? - a pause did -. We have still not finished.

Mary Fishers was disturbed. She was always the one that issued the orders and nobody dared to deal with her that way, of you to you, biting, and sometimes with scorn when she spoke to her of backs. She interposed between her and the table, she took to the photo in which appeared laughing she and his brother and changed it of place. Soon she added:

- It is well. Say to what has come and soon go away.

- I want that you obtains a information that is valuable for Microgensyn.

- We are going to clarify the things, do you want or want Microgensyn? - she said, avoiding to pronounce a swearword -. Because at this point no longer I know of whom receipt orders, if of you or them.

- Who issues the orders is Arthur Sullivan. All the others we obey. My writing desk of lawyers is working for Microgensyn. We worked in a project of expansion of the company on great scale. Bioconn is our more direct competitor more and, if it fits, if they are able to commercialize the vaccine against the AIDS.

- Making specific, what do you need of me? - she interrupted, avoiding the unnecessary roundups.

- We needed to know the state present of the investigation of the vaccine and, in case that this one is a reality, you will have to rob all the documentation that causes that its commercialization is delayed and that it allows us to gain a valuable time - Pascale Carter was warned of the interest that showed Mary and her change of attitude per moments.

- That already knew it – Mary responded with spite.

- All right, but it is precise to clarify that probably you do not have to rob nothing, but simply to be very kind to everything what you see and you listen, perhaps that serves to you as reference to find what we looked for.

- And, what do you are going to do with that information?

- At the moment, it is not necessary to advance events. You, he fulfills your mission, and soon already you will find out – Pascale Carter responded with authority, before occurring the return and undertaking the retirement way.

Pascale Carter left the office and Mary Fishers remained thoughtful during seconds. She analyzed his behavior and she reached the conclusion that she had not been guessed right, but considering the sibylline way and perspicacious to express of Pascale Carter probably yes, that was adapted.

She did not guess right to understand the insistence on the part of their superior nor reasons that they would protect to Microgensyn to act of that way. A so serious company and with the prestige worked with multiple scientific discoveries could build of that form neither to lay the foundations its commercial and financial development in the spying, and the less still to use for such necessity an inexpert and inexperienced person. The doubt had made her recall to mind and reach the conclusion that it was not possibly the first time that Microgensyn used those techniques, although she, dedicated in body and soul to her investigating work, did not see beyond her eyes and she never suspected that under that appearance of notoriety a way hid ruin to obtain its goals.

She supposed that the reasons would be the sufficiently important thing so that Pascale Carter also took part in that plot. First, Arthur Sullivan and Christopher Norton, and now Pascale. Without a doubt, there would be more involved people to whom she would have to discover and to draw for with skill before the imminent danger that she hung myself over her. She was already catched and now she could not escape. About her internal law, she thought to rebel itself against that situation and to obtain the information that they demanded to her, but his curiosity prevented her to end her work at that time, reason why she would try to arrive at the bottom and to discover why Microgensyn used gangster methods to subsist in the dominant position that occupied in world-wide the pharmaceutical industry.

She was tense and as therapy to relax took a utensil and she dedicated himself to sprinkle with very small drops the plants. She remembered the appointment that she had to lunch with her brother but still she had time, reason why left the office and one went towards the laboratory where she would continue working with Brett Johnson.

In the station on watch Shell there was tail to supply itself of gasoline. Habitually that did not happen to the one o’clock of the noon, being more frequent to average behind schedule, when people left the work and she went to his houses. Behind the powerboat there was a commercial area with an ample parking, that to those hours was average desert, and the few cars that were parked looked for the shade of the metallic awnings.

Dr Hodgkins filled the gas tank of his Chevrolet and after putting the cork he cleaned the hands with a towel of paper. After paying, he raised in the car and slowly one went towards the restaurant that was between the powerboat and the commercial center.

He was one of those premises of fast meals and cheap price, in which people stopped attracted by the publicity of an nice and diligent service. The decorative line in its interior shone by its absence: a long bar to the right with abundant stools and the left several tables in line surrounded by soft plastic armchairs cheap. To the bottom, separated by a wood lattice window, there were several individual tables with fabric table cloths of a white colour aged and a pair of waiters who moved with skill.

He arrived with five minutes of delay, reason why Dr Hodgkins stared at looking for the presence of Christopher Norton. The waiter noticed of his gestures and with great amiability, according to he said in the motto of the premises, indicated to him that the man whom he looked for was in the tables of the bottom.

Christopher Norton, being sullen recriminated his delay to him, to which the shoulder Dr Hodgkins responded shrinking.

- I hope that it is important what he must say to me, to make me come until this place so separated - Dr Hodgkins took part.

- Of course. My time is very important - Christopher Norton replaced -. I have a new mission that to order you.

- I listen you.

A waiter, thin and high, long hair with wicks gathered on the head in bun dishevelled, that dressed jeans, white shirt and an apron of he himself colour approached towards them and she asked to they what was going to lunch. Christopher Norton requested a double hamburger by far ketchup and a little of sharp sauce. The Dr Hodgkins asked for roasted chicken and chips. Both they chose water to drink.

- We want that you watches Mary Fishers – Christopher Norton said, when the waiter moved away way of the kitchen.

- To what type of watching do you talks about?

- We want to have controlled her the twenty-four hours of the day. To know where who goes, which does, with meets…

- That is impossible - Dr Hodgkins interrupted, leaving itself to want.

- How that it is impossible, Dr Hodgkins? He does not come to me now with those. Both we know that yes.

- It could be. But logistically… - Dr Hodgkins let speak when the waiter with a great tray arrived that supported on the table, serving next, to each one, which had requested. He asked if they wished something more with a satisfaction smile and soon one went in the direction of another table -. Now he cannot be.

Christopher Norton took the hamburger, gave a bite it and ketchup scattered, staining the fingers to it. He left it on the plate and one cleaned to the mouth and the fingers with a napkin. Next he watched Dr Hodgkins, while this one separated with skill the skin of the chicken, and added with a smile itched:

- How much money? - Christopher Norton did not walk itself with doubts. When something resisted to him made use of the money. He knew that the money is the key that opens all the doors.

- How much money! - said Dr Hodgkins, incredulity showing.

- How much money wants to have watched her?

Finally Christopher Norton had surrendered to him and now he had him catched. He thought that had to remove a good slice from that situation and that the work of scientist in Microgensyn would send it to go to hell. An amount wrote on the leaf of a notebook that he extracted of a pocket. Christopher Norton watched out of position, took it his ball-point pen and wrote down another amount, right half. Dr Hodgkins pretended an annoyance face, but at heart relight itself because he would have accepted it by less money. He tended his hand to him and Christopher Norton narrowed it, without a weariness gesture, not accepting the treatment.

- I suppose that the watching obeys to that you distrust of Mary.

- As always, you are in the certain thing.

- And that everything comes from the supper which they maintained Mary and Jeff Colleman in Spain. Perhaps do you think that she is going to him to pass confidential information of your company to him? - Dr Hodgkins, capable, wanted to know the reasons that Microgensyn had to spy on Mary Fishers, having a feeling who in this subject also was involved Arthur Sullivan. Similar proposal could not divide of Christopher Norton since his position would gamble, knowing the important thing that Mary Fishers was for Microgensyn.

- The subject does not go that way. But we have reasons sufficient to distrust of her - Christopher spoke in plural - reason why create advisable to have watched her.

- If the problem is not that, perhaps it is the fusion with Bioconn - Dr Hodgkins said before devouring a piece of chicken thigh.

Christopher Norton raised the head and he observed him overwhelmed. That was a secret information that the people would only have to know who were present in the meeting.

- From where has removed you that hoax? - he asked, with sceptical tone.

- You know that I never play, nor I go of light. That information is real, you were present in the negotiation, and at the moment, in the market of the speculation, it is worth much money - Dr Hodgkins affirmed, without raising the head, whereas she punctured with the possessor last chips of his plate.

Christopher Norton always had despised the Dr Hodgkins. One was a mediocre scientist with more failures than successes, although he worked in an important laboratory. Of their vaccine project against the AIDS only the good intentions were worth the trouble to try it, since it did not advance no matter how hard he tried it. He believed to know him well, but he was not in the certain thing. All person is a set of qualities that are forming their personality and that each one expresses according to its convenience. Dr Hodgkins shone in a series of facets that Christopher Norton did not value, in spite of the rumours, and that he was discovering at the moment. Of timid character, he knew to protect itself with an aureole of mysterious and of uncertainty around itself that equipped him with an almost invulnerable strength. Now, Christopher Norton knew that, more than an ally, Dr Hodgkins could suppose an unexpected danger by the information torrent that handled.

He was called John Philip Hodgkins, although everybody knew him like Doctor Hodgkins. he worked in Horade Genetics many years ago where he had total freedom for, in addition to his work, to carry out some line of research, when he wished it or was interested in some subject. Lately truely he was obsessed with the vaccine of the AIDS, although to only its little talent for the genesis of hypothesis and ideas that made obtain some optimal result him, and because provided authentic given headaches him hardly if he dedicated the sufficient time to it. In the company he directed the Department of Institutional Relations and with the press, and was there where he obtained all the fruit of his reserved and sinister personality. That work provided the time to him sufficient to dedicate it to those workings that truly comforted to him and that in their company did not know. Although rumours, grotesque circulated everywhere and many-colored, about the activities that carried out, they were so outside place that nobody believed them. A laid the foundations affluent fame had won in intrigues it permanent, reason why always he was treaty by the others, more than with fear, respect.

The mention to the fusion project was a blow under which it fitted as it could. Account occurred that with it he tried to put letters on the table and to defy his great power. For that reason, from now on, he would change of strategy and would as far as possible deal it with extreme care, avoiding, any hint or phrase that could be removed from context and that the Dr Hodgkins could badly interpret. Although if he always arose problems would have left one more a trick than to use and than would be infallible: the money, true leader who moves the world.

Quickly, with the agility that was to him characteristic, when a subject did not interest to him, Christopher Norton changed of subject.

- I want that a thing knows - he affirmed.

- Which? - Dr Hodgkins asked, after drinking a little water, thinking that he was going to him to inform on the fusion of the two companies, and watching him with distrust.

- I have studied the proposal that you did to me in Spain… - a pause made brief, to create sense of expectancy, soon added -… I am working in it.

- Does not say to me! - he said gesturing -. And I can know what has been due east change of opinion?

- You are serving very valuable for Microgensyn that we create advisable to compensate, including him in our scientific organizational chart when east work finalizes – Christopher Norton responded, trying to flatter Dr Hodgkins.

- I will consider it and arrived the moment I will study his proposal with great interest - he responded with irony.

The meeting finalized with a handshake and an informal goodbye. Christopher Norton knew that his last proposal had not fructified by the little enthusiasm with which Dr Hodgkins pronounced itself and that this one was noticed of the change of subject, with which, without wanting, increased the curiosity of that one about the fusion of Microgensyn and Bioconn.

To be continued.........

"VACCINATION"

Capítulo DIEZ

2006-06-05T00:56:00.000+02:00

A las siete y media de la mañana Mary Fishers ya estaba en su despacho. A esas horas no había llegado nadie todavía a trabajar. Era la primera en llegar. Estaba ansiosa por conocer los resultados oficiales del Proyecto Mgen1702 proporcionados por el programa original 4GLium. Todavía faltaba media hora para que esos resultados estuvieran disponibles. Por ello, programó su tiempo para realizar diferentes tareas pendientes de su visto bueno y otras que tenía que estudiar.

Minutos antes de las ocho de la mañana escuchó el leve murmullo de sus compañeros de trabajo, a medida que se iban incorporando a sus lugares correspondientes. La señora Wilcox llamó a la puerta e irrumpió en su despacho.

- Buenos días señorita Fishers, ¿quiere que le traiga el café con leche?

- Sí. Gracias señora Wilcox.

Aunque todas las mañanas Mary tomaba lo mismo, la señora Wilcox siempre lo preguntaba con educación. Pasados unos minutos, le trajo su café con leche, depositando la bandeja en su mesa.

Mary miró el reloj y pensó que probablemente ya estarían disponibles los resultados provisionales. Abrió el programa informático 4GLium. Introdujo las contraseñas pertinentes y a continuación apareció en el ordenador una cascada de resultados. Mary quiso obviar aquellos que eran menos importantes y buscó rápidamente los datos globales.

Quedó perpleja. Sus ojos miraban fijamente la pantalla. No parpadeaba. Llevó su mano derecha sobre la frente, presionándola con los dedos pulgar y corazón, cerrando los ojos al mismo tiempo. La retiró, abrió los ojos y volvió a leer los datos:

PM1702TAI; PM1702NIG; PM1702UGA; PM1702BRA;

Vacunados...........................12.000 Personas
Placebo..................................6.000 Personas
Vac15721................................6.000 Personas
Seropositivos con placebo..........651 Personas
Seropositivos con Vac15721.......734 Personas
Placebo no analizados.................32 Personas
Vac15721 no analizados...............25 Personas

No comprendía nada. Su mente se quedó en blanco. Su cuerpo se estremeció con una sensación de rabia y frustración. Dio un puñetazo sobre la mesa. Cerró el programa. Lo volvió a abrir e inició de nuevo todo el proceso, pero visualizó otra vez los mismos resultados. ¿Cómo era posible aquello? ¿Cómo podían ser totalmente positivos los resultados provisionales de la Doctora Carrie Galloway y, sin embargo, los datos globales de los cuatro estudios ser tan negativos? ¿Cómo podían haber 734 personas que se habían infectado con el Virus del SIDA a pesar de estar vacunados con la Vacuna15721? Eso quería decir que la vacuna no era efectiva y que sería un fracaso rotundo.

No podía ser. Intentó tranquilizarse y recobrar la calma para así poder poner orden en sus pensamientos. Se le ocurrió una idea. Solicitó al ordenador los datos del estudio de la Doctora Carrie Galloway:

PM1702NIG

Vacunados.................................4.000 Personas
Placebo......................................2.000 Personas
Vac15721....................................2.000 Personas
Seropositivos con placebo..............212 Personas
Seropositivos con Vac15721...........261 Personas
Placebo no analizados.....................13 Personas
Vac15721 no analizados.....................9 Personas

Mary Fishers no daba crédito a aquellos datos. Los resultados globales del proyecto le indicaban que aquél era un fracaso y, recíprocamente, los resultados del estudio de la Doctora Galloway le confirmaban lo mismo.

Pero, ¿por qué los datos que analizó la noche anterior con su ordenador le informaban que el número de seropositivos con la Vacuna15721 era cero? Lo cual representaba el éxito de la investigación que llevaban a cabo. Y, sin embargo, ahora, los datos oficiales le indicaban que había 261 personas vacunadas que estaban infectadas con el virus.

Se quedó pensativa. Giró su sillón y miró en dirección a la ventana. Mirar la transparencia del cielo azul le reconfortaba y, a menudo, lo utilizaba como terapia antiestrés. También realizaba esa acción cuando tenía que pensar y analizar una determinada situación. A pesar del problema que tenía sobre la mesa, se había relajado. No estaba segura, pero quería investigar más a fondo. Pensó, que quizás, sólo su hermano podría ayudarla.

- Moon Digital. Dígame.

- Sara, soy Mary Fishers. Quiero hablar con mi hermano.

- No se retire, señorita Fishers, enseguida le paso.

El presidente y fundador de Moon Digital era su hermano. Alec Fishers tenía veinticinco años y estaba afectado de una parálisis cerebral infantil, fundamentalmente de tipo motor, como consecuencia de un sufrimiento fetal durante el parto. No había sufrido afectación de las regiones cerebrales donde se localiza la inteligencia, y ello le permitió estar dotado de un talento fuera de lo normal, desarrollando un coeficiente intelectual de 152.

Estudió ingeniería informática y de telecomunicaciones en el Instituto Tecnológico de Massachusetts. Creó Moon Digital Technology en 1996, antes de terminar los estudios superiores, trasladando la empresa al norte de Los Angeles, cerca de Glendale, en 1998. Su campo de acción eran los programas de gestión para optimizar los recursos de Internet y en los dos últimos años se transformó en una empresa líder en el sector.

- ¡Mary!

- Hola hermanito. ¿Cómo estás?

- Muy atareado - respondió él, con voz gutural -, ya sabes que estamos trabajando en diversos programas informáticos que tenemos que acabar. Hay muchas empresas presionándonos para que los finalicemos porque los necesitan para sus estrategias de negocio en la red.

- Me alegro por ti… Alec, tengo que verte. Quiero darte una gran noticia.

- ¿De qué se trata?

- Me gustaría que nos viéramos y dártela en persona - dijo ella, reflejando alegría en su tono de voz.

- Sí. Pero, adelántame algo. Dime de qué va - insistió Alec.

- Es muy importante para mí. Es mejor que no te diga nada por teléfono. Prefiero contártelo en persona - aseveró ella, revistiendo la noticia con un aire de misterio.

- De acuerdo. ¿Cuándo nos vemos?

- Te invito a comer. ¿Te parece bien a la una?

- ¡Hoy mismo! ¿Por qué tanta prisa?

- Ya te digo que es muy importante - dijo ella, casi implorando.

- Está bien. ¿Dónde nos vemos?

- En mi casa. Pasaré por Carmen´s y compraré esas delicatessen europeas que tanto te gustan.

- Bueno, si es así, allí estaré.

La relación entre los dos hermanos era excelente. La invitación a comer sólo era un pretexto, ya que Mary sabía de antemano que Alec acudiría a una cita con ella en cualquier momento, siempre que ella se lo pidiera. Del mismo modo, si hubiera sido al revés, ella también habría accedido.

El fracaso puede embargar el alma de una persona, pero la frustración y la impotencia pueden corroer todo su ser. Meditabunda, Mary Fishers acudió aquella mañana a la reunión con Christopher Norton. Durante el trayecto intentó sobreponerse para disimular la inseguridad que la atenazaba. Tenía que comunicarle los resultados del Proyecto Mgen1702 y maquillar el resultado desastroso con alguna otra opción que resultase verosímil. Fraguó la proposición y sólo era cuestión de esperar el momento oportuno para dejarla caer, aprovechando un juego de palabras o su poder de convicción, todo con la intención de capear su fracaso.

La señora Myers, secretaria del Dr. Norton, le comunicó a través del intercomunicador la visita de Mary.

- Señorita Fishers, ya puede usted entrar, el Dr. Norton la espera.

- Gracias, señora Myers.

Christopher Norton estaba sentado en su mesa. Leía un periódico. Sin levantar la vista le dijo a Mary que se sentara. Ella obedeció. Él siguió leyendo, sin prestar atención a Mary. Menospreciar a sus subordinados era un arte que manejaba con premeditación. Le encantaba crear un ambiente de tensión para conseguir una sumisión total.

- Bien, Mary, ¿tienes esos dichosos resultados? - preguntó él, con rudeza, mientras cerraba el periódico.

- Sí. Ya están analizados - respondió Mary, con brevedad.

- ¿Y? …

- No son lo que esperábamos…

- Quieres ser más explícita, Mary - respondió Christopher Norton, con tono iracundo.

- Pues… - dijo ella, dubitativa -, tenemos analizados un veinte por ciento de los resultados y hay 734 Seropositivos con la Vacuna 15721.

- ¿Y seropositivos con placebo?

- 651 personas.

Seropositivos significaba el número de personas infectadas por el virus y capaces de desarrollar la enfermedad. Los casos positivos en aquellas personas a las cuales se les administró placebo eran normales en este tipo de experimentos científicos, pero no deberían serlo en las que se les había suministrado la vacuna, si se pretendía obtener un resultado positivo.

- ¡Entonces!…Eso significa que…

- Sí. Lo que estás pensando.

- Que la vacuna no es efectiva - dijo él alzando la voz, mientras se ponía de pie.

- En efecto, tenemos más de un doce por ciento de personas seropositivas - respondió Mary, serena, desde su asiento.

Christopher Norton estaba malhumorado. Comenzó a caminar por la habitación. Se detuvo, miró a través de la ventana, dio media vuelta y se dirigió hacia ella.

- Mary, ¿sabes lo que supone todo esto? - dijo él, esbozando una sonrisa malévola.

- Creo adivinarlo - asintió ella, con brevedad, mientras repiqueteaba con los dedos en la mesa.

- No, no lo adivinas - dijo, exasperado -. Has fracasado - Mary, permaneció en silencio -. Has fracasado - volvió a repetir.

- No es un fracaso sólo mío - replicó ella, altiva, mirándolo a los ojos, desafiante.

- ¡Cómo que no es un fracaso sólo tuyo! - dijo él, de forma insolente, señalándola con el dedo.

- En el Proyecto han trabajado muchas más personas. Creo que es un fracaso de toda la empresa.

- ¡La empresa! Tú eres la responsable única y la inductora de todo el Proyecto. Las consecuencias y las pérdidas son para Microgensyn - adujo él, airadamente, mientras se movía como un poseso por la habitación. Mary no comprendía la escena. Sabía que traía malas noticias y estaba preparada para las consecuencias, pero no esperaba aquella reacción -. Sabes una cosa, tú también lo lamentarás, tu reputación como científico quedará en entredicho.

- No lo creo. Nadie ha triunfado todavía en este campo. Yo he contribuido con mi trabajo al progreso de la ciencia y Microgensyn se ha beneficiado económicamente de forma sustancial. Creo que tengo el derecho a exigir un voto de confianza y a solicitar un apoyo explícito - respondió ella, segura de sí misma.

- Mary, a pesar de todo, ¿tienes la desfachatez de exigir nuestro apoyo y el del Laboratorio? ¡Qué cara que tienes! Microgensyn no está en disposición de apoyar a nadie en estos momentos y menos aún de correr el riesgo de que se haga público este fracaso, sobre todo cuando Bioconn nos pisa los talones y va a anunciar el descubrimiento de su vacuna - Christopher Norton trató de impresionar a Mary y no dudó en llegar al insulto. Sabía que ella desconocía el proyecto de fusión de ambos laboratorios.

- De eso me encargo yo - dijo ella, furiosa -. ¿Olvidas que esta tarde tengo la cita con Jeff Colleman?

- Francamente, Mary, no confío en ti.

- Te equivocas, Christopher - sentenció ella.

- Mantenme al corriente.

- No lo dudes.

Mary Fishers abandonó el despacho de Christopher Norton compungida, pero con la satisfacción del deber cumplido. Sólo eran resultados parciales. Cuando tuviera el resultado final del ensayo clínico, sería el momento de extraer conclusiones y analizar qué es lo que había fallado. Tenía la impresión de estar muy cerca de conseguir la vacuna. Podría repetir el ensayo con las modificaciones adecuadas, aunque tras la conversación con el Dr. Norton le resultaría más complicado puesto que había perdido su apoyo. Sabía que las expectativas de expansión de Microgensyn se fundamentaban en ese Proyecto al que ella dedicó una parte muy importante de su vida. Además, no cejaría hasta conseguir una vacuna efectiva contra el SIDA, con o sin Microgensyn, de ello dependía su éxito profesional y sentimental. Comprometida por una promesa formal, ahora no podía fallar.

Christopher Norton permaneció inmóvil mirando una de las figuras abstractas que había en el despacho. Pensaba en la conversación con Mary, mas no estaba satisfecho. Tenía la impresión de haber logrado una victoria pírrica. No se fiaba de ella. Sabía que estaba herida en su orgullo, que nunca se daba por vencida y que en cualquier momento podría contraatacar. A veces, una derrota es el punto de inflexión que hace ganar una batalla.

El malhumor fingido, dejó paso a una expresión contenida de alegría. La sucesión de hechos se desarrollaba tal como habían sido planeados. Mary Fishers tenía un significado para Christopher Norton y una palabra lo definía con certeza: problemas. El mejor remedio para un estorbo es quitarlo de en medio y el futuro del Dr. Norton en el Laboratorio pasaba por deshacerse de Mary. La ambición desmedida de poder de Christopher Norton estaba embargada por la posibilidad de éxito de la vacuna contra el SIDA, cuyo máximo exponente era Mary Fishers.

Christopher Norton descolgó el teléfono y marcó el número del despacho de Arthur Sullivan, a través de la línea directa.

- Dime Christopher - dijo Arthur Sullivan, que esperaba la llamada del Dr. Norton.

- Problema resuelto - contestó Christopher Norton.

- ¿Te has reunido ya con Mary Fishers?

- Acaba de salir de mi despacho.

- Y… ¿estás seguro que el problema está solucionado?

- No tengas duda.

- Entonces… ¿se lo ha tragado? - preguntó Arthur Sullivan.

- Albergo mis dudas, pero creo que sí.

- ¿Tienes dudas, Christopher? Eso es nuevo en ti.

- Son dudas razonables. Conoces muy bien a Mary Fishers. Mejor que yo. Conoces su tenacidad y que nunca se achanta por nada. Siempre hay que concederle el beneficio de la duda - respondió con diplomacia Christopher Norton.

- ¿Cómo se comportó Mary cuando te comunicó el fracaso de la vacuna? - inquirió Arthur Sullivan, ávido por conocer los detalles.

- Con resignación.

- ¿La miraste a los ojos?

- Sí. Seguí tus consejos.

- ¿Qué expresaban?

- Serenidad.

- No me gusta… Creo que te ha engañado.

- ¿Por qué? - interpeló Christopher Norton, sorprendido.

- Porque es su manera de actuar cuando algo no va bien. Cuanto más preocupada está, más serena se comporta - respondió Arthur Sullivan, sentando cátedra.

- ¿Así lo crees?

- No te quepa duda. Ella es tremendamente minuciosa en su trabajo. Lleva años trabajando en la vacuna. Ha estudiado, detectado y modificado cada una de las partes susceptibles de fallar y la ha perfeccionado hasta que logró un éxito rotundo cuando la experimentó en el modelo virtual que diseñó por ordenador, comprobando que producía una inmunidad efectiva y duradera.

- Estoy de acuerdo - dijo Christopher Norton.

- Por eso mismo, ahora no va a aceptar el fracaso así cómo así. Los mensajes que recibió del Dr. Migeon y de la Dra. Galloway eran muy positivos y dejaban entrever las magníficas expectativas de la vacuna. Francamente, por su expresión, ella sabe que algo no va bien - aseveró Arthur Sullivan.

- Puede pensar lo que quiera, así su tortura será mayor. Nunca descubrirá las magníficas cualidades de 4GLium y la posibilidad que tenemos de poder manipular la información que se analiza a través de él - repuso Christopher Norton, mientras reía satisfecho.

- No me gusta que te rías, Christopher, ni que utilices esos términos con Mary. No quiero que esto sea una tortura para ella - le reprendió Arthur Sullivan -. Además, ahora debemos tener mucho cuidado ya que está herida. Furiosa puede representar un peligro que no debemos menospreciar. No lo olvides.

- Lo siento. Sólo me he dejado llevar por la emoción de haber engañado a Mary Fishers. Ahora sí que la tenemos contra las cuerdas.

- Seguro, pero no obstante, ahora es mejor no perderla de vista. Dispón todo lo necesario para que esté vigilada las veinticuatro horas del día. No quiero que descubra nada - concluyó Arthur Sullivan.

Christopher Norton se reprochó mentalmente el error que había cometido. Conocía el aprecio que sentía Arthur Sullivan por Mary Fishers y él siempre se mantuvo al margen de esa relación, procurando ocultar sus sentimientos hacia ella. En adelante debería tener más cuidado porque una cosa era la trampa que le habían tendido, en uno y otro sentido, por el bien de los intereses de Microgensyn, y otra el emitir juicios de valor que dejaran su figura en entredicho.

- Señora Myers, localíceme al Dr. Hodgkins. Quiero hablar con él - ordenó Christopher Norton.

Pascale Carter aparcó su coche en el lugar destinado a invitados. Vestía pantalón de pinzas color verde musgo y una chaqueta a juego, blusa blanca discretamente ajustada, unas sandalias escotadas de tiras finas y medio tacón. El conjunto realzaba su belleza y ponía de manifiesto la maravillosa arquitectura de su figura. En la mano izquierda llevaba una pequeña cartera de piel.

Arthur Sullivan abrió la puerta y la invitó a pasar a su despacho. Le propuso sentarse sin reparar en su anatomía ni en la perfecta conjunción de su vestimenta. La elegancia que se exhibe con naturalidad siempre pasa desapercibida.

- ¿Quieres beber algo, Pascale?

- No. Gracias.

- ¿Traes los documentos? ¿Están en regla? - preguntó él con avidez.

- Sí. Aquí están - Pascale sacó de su cartera un documento encuadernado, lo cual le imprimía un aire de importancia, y lo dejó encima de la mesa, a la vista de Arthur Sullivan -. Todo está en orden - aseguró ella con decisión.

Arthur Sullivan echó un vistazo al memorándum en el que se reflejaban las condiciones acordadas para la fusión de las dos empresas, con las cláusulas impuestas por cada una de las partes, y la fecha en la que tendría validez el documento. Antes de cerrarlo comprobó las firmas y después dio su visto bueno.

- Felicidades. Has hecho un buen trabajo - Arthur Sullivan personalizó en ella todo el trabajo de su bufete de abogados.

- Trabajar bien es mi obligación. Para eso me habéis contratado - respondió ella, disimulando con falsa modestia.

- A propósito, ¿qué piensas del acuerdo?

- Es satisfactorio para las dos partes. Ahora disfrutarás de un período de cuatro años para dirigir la nueva compañía y con una buena estrategia Microgensyn se perpetuará en el poder, y lo que en un principio fue una fusión, acabará siendo una absorción - dijo ella, con tono sereno, interpretando con precisión el deseo de él -. Ahora bien, existe algún matiz con el que no estoy de acuerdo y que es preciso subsanar lo antes posible.

- ¿Cuál? - interrumpió Arthur Sullivan.

- Es peligroso admitir la paridad de tres acciones de Bioconn por una de Microgensyn. Creo que pagáis un precio demasiado elevado. Cuatro a uno sería lo aceptable.

Indudablemente, Pascale tenía razón. Arthur Sullivan la observaba ahora embelesado. Su belleza no le causaba ningún peligro, a su edad la cultura del poder era más fascinante que la de la pasión. Lo que le cautivaba de ella y envidiaba en estos momentos era la mezcla explosiva de juventud, osadía, preparación y ambición.

- ¿Qué propones? - dijo él.

- Ya conoces mi propuesta y espero que hayáis urdido algún plan. El tiempo apremia - respondió ella, presintiendo que estaba en lo cierto y con la seguridad de que la haría partícipe. Para provocarlo se incorporó y apoyó sus codos sobre la mesa.

- El plan está preparado y a punto de iniciarse. Vamos a utilizar a Mary Fishers - le adelantó Arthur Sullivan.

- ¡A esa! - exclamó ella, esbozando una mueca.

- ¿Qué pasa hoy con Mary Fishers? - inquirió él, utilizando un tono de voz áspera, a modo de reprimenda.

- ¿Por qué?

- Porque hoy todo el mundo parece confabulado contra ella. Eres la segunda persona que habla hoy despectivamente de Mary.

- No ha sido mi intención - dijo ella, intentando atenuar lo dicho, prefiriendo emitir en esta ocasión una mentira piadosa -. Disculpa si mi expresión te ha molestado.

- No es eso. No tolero que se hable mal de mis colaboradores - respondió él, con un tono de autoridad en su voz.

La ética es una doctrina común que muchos practican con hipocresía, puesta de manifiesto con códigos elaborados a la medida de uno mismo. Arthur Sullivan era uno de esos. Su filosofía de la vida pasaba por una defensa a ultranza de la empresa y todo lo relativo a ella, sin escamotear, a veces, en hechos vejantes para sus empleados cuando la beneficiada fuese la compañía, a los que sin embargo defendía a capa y espada cuando la situación lo requería.

- No volverá a suceder.

- Creo que debes conocer nuestro plan - dijo él, retomando el punto de partida de la conversación, al tiempo que se ponía de pie y comenzaba a caminar por el despacho -. Vamos a utilizar a Mary Fishers para espiar a Jeff Colleman y para que averigüe todo lo que pueda acerca de su vacuna.

- Me parece una idea acertada. Pero, ¿por qué ella? - preguntó Pascale Carter, demostrando su interés, mientras lo seguía con la mirada.

- Porque es la única persona de nuestra empresa que está a la altura científica de Jeff Colleman.

- ¿Crees que lo conseguirá?

- Tengo mis dudas, pero confío en ella. Está muy presionada y reaccionará.

- ¿Tiene ya alguna información?

- Todavía no. Se conocieron en España y salieron juntos. Hoy se van a ver en Bioconn.

- Muy interesante. Necesitamos una información precisa y real con la cual podamos desacreditar a Bioconn y hacer que baje su cotización en bolsa. No nos podemos exponer a divulgar una noticia que pudieran rebatir al instante - afirmó ella.

Pascale Carter acompañaba cada palabra y cada frase con gestos propios, nada estereotipados, que utilizaba para llamar la atención y mantener el hilo de la conversación. Tenía el pelo rubio, muy corto, que peinaba de diferentes maneras según la ocasión. Unos ojos expresivos, de un color azul transparente. Una boca hecha para sonreír, pero que apenas se permitía debido a la severidad de su carácter.

- Deberías hablar con ella y explicarle qué es lo que necesitamos que investigue - propuso Arthur Sullivan, mientras cerraba la documentación que Pascale le había entregado.

- Me encantaría. Pero… ¿Con qué pretexto me presento ante Mary Fishers? - preguntó Pascale Carter, antes de ponerse de pie.

- Dile lo mismo que nosotros, que es muy importante para el futuro de Microgensyn, que hemos contratado a vuestro bufete para elaborar un proyecto de desarrollo comercial y económico a gran escala, y que por ello necesitamos saber lo que está sucediendo en Bioconn para tomar las decisiones más apropiadas.

La propuesta le halagó, y por nada del mundo hubiera dicho que no. La vanidad es la reina de las cualidades que tiene toda persona que ha conseguido todos los objetivos profesionales que se había marcado.

Pascale Carter contra Mary Fishers. Mujer contra mujer. Las letras contra las ciencias. Dos mujeres forjadas a base de tesón, orgullo, dinamismo y trabajo. Un choque de personalidades vehementes con la sutil perspicacia, la intuición y el carácter para saber dejar para mañana aquello que hoy no se puede conseguir.

Pascale abandonó el despacho de Arthur Sullivan complacida con el desafío al que tendría que enfrentarse. En cualquier conversación que mantenía con los ejecutivos de Microgensyn siempre aparecía el nombre de Mary Fishers: como persona que había conseguido tal o cual descubrimiento, que sus logros habían aportado al Laboratorio un ingente beneficio económico, que sus opiniones siempre eran tenidas en cuenta por lo precisas y pragmáticas que resultaban. Un cúmulo de acontecimientos y de experiencias había minado su curiosidad hasta el punto de esperar con alevosía el momento de llegar a conocer a aquella mujer.

La ocasión la tenía ante sí. Con la sagacidad del depredador esperó el momento oportuno, sin prisas, y ahora su corazón se aceleraba, mientras recorría los pasillos de Microgensyn al encuentro de Mary. Y su mirada profunda, evocaba el recuerdo del día anterior, cuando se la presentó Christopher Norton.

La señora Wilcox estaba ocupada en la elaboración de unos informes. Su tiempo se consumía entre el ordenador, la impresora, la fotocopiadora y el apilamiento ordenado de los diferentes folios que conformaban las copias que estaba realizando. Para finalizar, diseñó una portada donde destacaba en color rojo el título del estudio científico: Frecuencia de las mutaciones del gen “env” del VIH. Más abajo, en azul, constaba la autora del estudio.

Una placa en la puerta que ponía: “Mary Fishers, Directora de Investigación”, en letras blancas sobre fondo gris, llamó la atención de Pascale Carter y supo que había llegado a su destino.

- Buenos días. Estoy buscando a Mary Fishers.

- La señorita Fishers no se encuentra en estos momentos en su despacho. ¿Está citada con ella? - preguntó la señora Wilcox, mientras colocaba los informes en un anaquel.

- Soy Pascale Carter. No estoy citada pero es muy importante. Tengo que hablar con ella.

- A la señorita Fishers no le gusta que la interrumpan mientras está trabajando. No obstante, le comunicaré su presencia. Puede tomar asiento, si lo desea - la Sra. Wilcox sabía que a Mary no le gustaba recibir a nadie de forma inesperada, pero su oficio le hizo presentir que aquella no era una visita cualquiera, por lo que optó por localizarla.

- Es usted muy amable - respondió ella, agradecida.

Mary Fishers se encontraba en el laboratorio junto a Brett Johnson. Ambos miraban alternativamente sobre la ventana de observación de un microscopio electrónico y, posteriormente, daba cada uno su opinión acerca de una figura geométrica representada en la pantalla del ordenador. Debatían sobre la pertinencia de colocar un radical en uno u otro locus de la figura. Trabajaban en un nuevo proyecto, en el diseño de lo que en un futuro sería un fármaco contra el SIDA.

Su concentración quedó interrumpida por el sonido del teléfono. Lo cogió Brett.

- Toma Mary, es para ti. Es la señora Wilcox.

- Dígame Sra. Wilcox.

- Discúlpeme señorita Fishers. Sé que no le gusta recibir visitas imprevistas, pero aquí hay una señora que quiere hablar con usted. Dice que es importante.

- ¿Quién es? ¿Le ha preguntado su nombre?

- Sí. Se trata de Pascale Carter.

Cuando oyó su nombre quedó impresionada y sintió la curiosidad de conocer el motivo que tendría Pascale Carter para venir a hablar con ella a su despacho, sin anunciar de antemano su llegada.

- Está bien. Dígale que la recibiré en un instante.

Brett y Mary continuaron unos minutos más dialogando sobre la molécula en la que estaban trabajando, hasta que estuvieron de acuerdo. Desde hacía muchos años, el descubrimiento de nuevos fármacos para combatir diferentes enfermedades se centraba en la búsqueda exhaustiva de moléculas en la naturaleza, pero en los últimos años, ayudados por extraordinarios programas informáticos y superordenadores, ese proceso se realizaba ante las pantallas de éstos. Se diseñan moléculas y se analizan sus efectos sobre diferentes modelos de animales virtuales. A través de este proceso se eliminan del fármaco aquellas cadenas que pueden producir efectos indeseables y se añaden las que se creen que van a ser beneficiosas.

El proceso es muy complejo pero efectivo en muchas ocasiones. Cuando se tienen las suficientes evidencias de la eficacia del mismo, comienza la producción industrial del fármaco para iniciar la siguiente fase de investigación: la experimentación en el modelo animal adecuado para valorar si aquellos efectos que habían programado obtener con el producto químico son positivos o por el contrario son un fracaso.

- Buenos días, señorita Carter - la saludó Mary Fishers, en la antesala de su despacho, en presencia de la señora Wilcox. Con cortesía, Mary dio un par de besos a Pascale Carter y luego la invitó a entrar tras ella.

- Me gustaría que me llamases Pascale. Es más familiar.

- De acuerdo, Pascale.

El despacho de Mary era de grandes proporciones, bien iluminado y muy funcional. Su mesa estaba situada en el fondo y alrededor de ella todos los medios técnicos que precisaba para desarrollar su trabajo. En la pared de la izquierda había una pizarra de material plastificado y en ella estaban rotuladas diferentes fórmulas químicas y varias cadenas que, entrelazadas, configuraban una molécula. Delante de ella se encontraba una mesa rectangular y varias sillas, que utilizaba para las reuniones que mantenía con su equipo de colaboradores. Pascale Carter observó con minuciosidad cada uno de los detalles decorativos, le llamó la atención la gran cantidad de plantas y flores diferentes y el brillo y esmerado cuidado de éstas.

- Es original su despacho - dijo Pascale, para quedar bien -. Huele a naturaleza, aunque… ¡Esto más parece una selva que el despacho de un científico!

- No creo que haya venido hasta aquí para opinar sobre mis plantas ni sé cuantos despachos de científicos ha visitado usted - repuso Mary, con tono seco, mientras acariciaba una spathiphyllum de flores blancas.

- No, no he venido a hablar de sus plantas - respondió Pascale, tajante.

- Y… ¿Puedo conocer a qué debo el honor de su visita? - preguntó Mary, con ironía.

- Antes, me gustaría decirle que tengo las mejores referencias de usted y que su trayectoria profesional me parece excelente - Pascale Carter se mostró conciliadora, mientras caminaba hacia Mary.

- Eso ya lo sé. No es necesario que me adule - respondió Mary, volviéndose hacia Pascale.

- El caso es que… - Pascale avanzó hacia las plantas y fijó su mirada en un ciclamen de hojas verdes y flores rosadas -, he venido a hablar de su investigación.

- ¿A qué investigación se refiere? Mi departamento tiene diferentes líneas de investigación.

- A la misión que se le ha encargado con respecto a Jeff Colleman - Pascale evitó pronunciar la palabra espiar.

- ¡Ah, sí! ¿Qué pintas tú en este asunto? - dijo Mary, desafiante, tuteándola, avanzando hacia ella -. Parece ser que todo el mundo está al corriente y que la última en enterarse he sido yo.

- Si te sirve de consuelo, no has sido la última - respondió, tratándola también de tú.

- Qué más da - respondió Mary con hastío.

- Yo sólo he venido a ayudarte - aseveró Pascale, volviéndose y mirándola a los ojos.

- ¡Ayudarme! ¿En qué?

- En conseguir lo que buscamos lo antes posible y evitarte problemas innecesarios.

- Y, ¿qué es lo que buscamos? Porque en estos momentos pareces la directora de operaciones y si mal no recuerdo, tú no trabajas en esta empresa, ¿me equivoco? o ¿acaso eres el eslabón perdido? - Mary Fishers se mostraba sarcástica.

- No esperaba un comportamiento tan infantil, Mary. Tu preparación científica será muy loable, pero tu comportamiento es evidente que no está a la altura adecuada - le espetó Pascale Carter, desviando la mirada hacia la foto que había en la mesa de Mary.

- Vamos a ver - dijo Mary, llevando sus manos abiertas hacia delante y dejando caer la cabeza en sentido oblicuo -, primero aparece por aquí sin avisar, luego se despacha a gusto con mis plantas y ahora me ofende dejando en entredicho mi educación. Creo, señorita Carter, que nuestra conversación se ha terminado, no tengo nada más que hablar con usted - ahora Mary tenía las manos puestas en su cintura, las piernas separadas, y cada vez que adoptaba esa posición era porque estaba muy contenta o, por el contrario, muy furiosa. La evidencia, en estos momentos, no necesitaba más comentarios.

- Estás equivocada, Mary. Por cierto, ¿por qué me hablas ahora de usted? - hizo una pausa -. No hemos terminado todavía.

Mary Fishers estaba desconcertada. Siempre era ella la que daba las órdenes y nadie osaba tratarla de aquel modo, de tú a tú, con mordacidad, y a veces con desprecio cuando le hablaba de espaldas. Se interpuso entre ella y la mesa, cogió la foto en la que aparecían riendo ella y su hermano y la cambió de lugar. Luego añadió:

- Está bien. Diga a qué ha venido y luego márchese.

- Quiero que consiga una información que sea valiosa para Microgensyn.

- Vamos a aclarar las cosas, ¿quiere usted o quiere Microgensyn? - dijo ella, evitando pronunciar un taco -. Porque a estas alturas ya no sé de quién recibo órdenes, si de usted o de ellos.

- Quien da las órdenes es Arthur Sullivan. Todos los demás obedecemos. Mi bufete de abogados está trabajando para Microgensyn. Trabajamos en un proyecto de expansión de la empresa a gran escala. Bioconn es nuestro competidor más directo y más, si cabe, si consiguen comercializar la vacuna contra el SIDA.

- Concretando, ¿qué necesitas de mí? - interrumpió ella, evitando los rodeos innecesarios, tuteándola de nuevo.

- Necesitamos saber el estado actual de la investigación de la vacuna y, en caso de que ésta sea una realidad, tendrás que robar toda la documentación que haga que se retrase su comercialización y que nos permita ganar un tiempo valioso - Pascale Carter se apercibió del interés que mostraba Mary y de su cambio de actitud por momentos.

- Eso ya lo sabía - respondió Mary con despecho.

- De acuerdo, pero es preciso matizar que probablemente no tengas que robar nada, sino simplemente estar muy atenta a todo lo que veas y escuches, quizás eso te sirva de referencia para encontrar lo que buscamos.

- Y, ¿qué vais a hacer con esa información?

- Por el momento, no hay que adelantar acontecimientos. Tú, cumple tu misión, y luego ya te enterarás - respondió Pascale Carter con autoridad, antes de darse la vuelta y emprender el camino de retirada.

Pascale Carter salió del despacho y Mary Fishers se quedó pensativa durante unos segundos. Analizó su comportamiento y llegó a la conclusión de que no había sido el más acertado, pero teniendo en cuenta la manera sibilina y perspicaz de expresarse de Pascale Carter, probablemente sí que fue el más adecuado.

No acertaba a comprender la insistencia redundante por parte de sus superiores ni los motivos que ampararían a Microgensyn para actuar de aquella manera. Una empresa tan seria y con el prestigio labrado a base de múltiples descubrimientos científicos no podía obrar de esa forma ni cimentar su desarrollo comercial y financiero en el espionaje, y menos aún utilizar para tal menester a una persona inexperta y novata. La duda le había hecho recapacitar y llegar a la conclusión de que posiblemente no era la primera vez que Microgensyn utilizaba aquellas técnicas, aunque ella, dedicada en cuerpo y alma a su labor investigadora, no viera más allá de sus ojos y no sospechase nunca que bajo aquella apariencia de notoriedad se escondía un modo ruin de conseguir sus metas.

Supuso que las razones serían lo suficientemente importantes para que Pascale Carter interviniera también en aquella trama. Primero Arthur Sullivan y Christopher Norton, y ahora Pascale. Sin duda, habría más personas involucradas a las que tendría que descubrir y sortear con destreza ante el peligro inminente que se cernía sobre ella. Ya estaba atrapada y ahora no podía escapar. En su fuero interno, pensaba rebelarse contra aquella situación y conseguir la información que le exigían, pero su curiosidad le impedía poner fin a su trabajo en aquel momento, por lo que intentaría llegar al fondo y descubrir por qué Microgensyn utilizaba métodos mafiosos para subsistir en la posición dominante que ocupaba en la industria farmacéutica mundial.

Estaba tensa y como terapia para relajarse cogió un humidificador y se dedicó a rociar con gotas minúsculas las plantas. Recordó la cita que tenía para comer con su hermano pero todavía tenía tiempo, por lo que abandonó el despacho y se dirigió hacia el laboratorio donde continuaría trabajando con Brett Johnson.

En la estación de servicio Shell había cola para abastecerse de gasolina. Habitualmente eso no sucedía a la una del mediodía, siendo más frecuente a media tarde, cuando la gente salía del trabajo y se dirigía a sus casas. Detrás de la gasolinera había un área comercial con un amplio aparcamiento, que a aquellas horas estaba medio desierto, y los pocos coches que estaban aparcados buscaban la sombra de los toldos metálicos.

El Dr. Hodgkins llenó el depósito de gasolina de su Chevrolet y después de poner el tapón se limpió las manos con una toallita de papel. Tras pagar, subió en el coche y lentamente se dirigió hacia el restaurante que había entre la gasolinera y el centro comercial.

Era uno de esos locales de comidas rápidas y de precio barato, en los que la gente se detenía atraída por la publicidad de un servicio amable y diligente. La línea decorativa en su interior brillaba por su ausencia: una barra larga a la derecha con abundantes taburetes y a la izquierda varias mesas en línea rodeadas por mullidos sillones de plástico barato. Al fondo, separado por una celosía de madera, había varias mesas individuales con manteles de tela de un color blanco envejecido y un par de camareras que se movían con destreza.

Llegaba con cinco minutos de retraso, por lo que el Dr. Hodgkins ojeó buscando la presencia de Christopher Norton. El camarero se percató de sus gestos y con gran amabilidad, según rezaba en el lema del local, le indicó que el hombre que buscaba estaba en las mesas del fondo.

Christopher Norton, mostrándose hosco le recriminó su retraso, a lo cual respondió el Dr. Hodgkins encogiéndose de hombros.

- Espero que sea importante lo que me tiene que decir, para hacerme venir hasta este lugar tan apartado - intervino el Dr. Hodgkins.

- Por supuesto. Mi tiempo es muy importante - repuso Christopher Norton -. Tengo una nueva misión que encargarle.

- Le escucho.

Una camarera, delgada y alta, pelo largo con mechas recogido sobre la cabeza en un moño desgreñado, que vestía unos pantalones vaqueros, camisa blanca y un delantal del mismo color se acercó hacia ellos y les preguntó qué iban a comer. Christopher Norton pidió una hamburguesa doble con mucho ketchup y unas gotitas de salsa picante. El Dr. Hodgkins solicitó pollo asado y patatas fritas. Los dos eligieron agua para beber.

- Queremos que vigile a Mary Fishers - dijo Christopher Norton, cuando la camarera se alejó camino de la cocina.

- ¿A qué tipo de vigilancia se refiere?

- Queremos tenerla controlada las veinticuatro horas del día. Saber dónde va, lo que hace, con quien se reúne…

- Eso es imposible - interrumpió el Dr. Hodgkins, dejándose querer.

- ¿Cómo que es imposible, Dr. Hodgkins? No me venga ahora con esas. Los dos sabemos que sí.

- Pudiera ser. Pero logísticamente… - el Dr. Hodgkins dejó de hablar cuando llegó la camarera con una gran bandeja que apoyó sobre la mesa, sirviendo a continuación, a cada uno, lo que habían pedido. Preguntó si deseaban algo más con una sonrisa de complacencia y luego se fue en dirección a otra mesa -. Ahora no puede ser.

Christopher Norton cogió la hamburguesa, le dio un mordisco y el ketchup se desparramó, manchándole los dedos. La dejó sobre el plato y se limpió la boca y los dedos con una servilleta. A continuación miró al Dr. Hodgkins, mientras éste separaba con destreza la piel del pollo, y añadió con una sonrisa pícara:

- ¿Cuánto dinero? - Christopher Norton no se andaba con remilgos. Cuando algo se le resistía echaba mano del dinero. Sabía que el dinero es la llave que abre todas las puertas.

- ¡Cuánto dinero! - dijo el Dr. Hodgkins, mostrando incredulidad.

- ¿Cuánto dinero quiere por tenerla vigilada?

Por fin Christopher Norton se le había rendido y ahora lo tenía atrapado. Pensó que debía sacar una buena tajada de aquella situación y que el trabajo de científico en Microgensyn lo mandaría a hacer puñetas. Escribió una cantidad sobre la hoja de una libreta que extrajo de un bolsillo. Christopher Norton la miró desencajado, cogió su bolígrafo y anotó otra cantidad, justo la mitad. El Dr. Hodgkins fingió una mueca de fastidio, pero en el fondo regodeándose porque lo habría aceptado por menos dinero. Le tendió su mano y Christopher Norton la estrechó, no sin un gesto de hastío, aceptando el trato.

- Supongo que la vigilancia obedece a que desconfiáis de Mary.

- Como siempre, estás en lo cierto.

- Y que todo proviene de la cena que mantuvieron Mary y Jeff Colleman en España. ¿Acaso pensáis que ella le va a pasar información confidencial de vuestra empresa a él? - El Dr. Hodgkins, hábil, quería conocer los motivos que tenía Microgensyn para espiar a Mary Fishers, presintiendo que en este tema también estaba involucrado Arthur Sullivan. Semejante proposición no podría partir de Christopher Norton ya que se jugaría su puesto, conociendo lo importante que era Mary Fishers para Microgensyn.

- El tema no va por ahí. Pero tenemos motivos suficientes para desconfiar de ella - Christopher hablaba en plural - por lo que creemos conveniente tenerla vigilada.

- Si el problema no es ese, quizás sea la fusión con Bioconn - dijo el Dr. Hodgkins antes de engullir un trozo de muslo de pollo.

Christopher Norton levantó la cabeza y lo observó atónito. Aquella era una información secreta que sólo deberían conocer las personas que estuvieron presentes en la reunión.

- ¿De dónde ha sacado usted ese bulo? - preguntó, con tono escéptico.

- Usted sabe que yo no juego nunca, ni voy de farol. Esa información es real, usted estuvo presente en la negociación, y en estos momentos, en el mercado de la especulación, vale mucho dinero - afirmó el Dr. Hodgkins, sin levantar la cabeza, en tanto que pinchaba con el tenedor las últimas patatas fritas de su plato.

Christopher Norton siempre había menospreciado al Dr. Hodgkins. Se trataba de un científico mediocre con más fracasos que éxitos, aunque trabajaba en un laboratorio importante. De su proyecto de vacuna contra el SIDA solamente merecían la pena las buenas intenciones de intentarlo, ya que no avanzaba por más que lo intentaba. Creía conocerlo bien, mas no estaba en lo cierto. Toda persona es un conjunto de cualidades que van configurando su personalidad y que cada uno expresa según su conveniencia. El Dr. Hodgkins brillaba en una serie de facetas que Christopher Norton no valoró, a pesar de los rumores, y que estaba descubriendo en estos momentos. De carácter tímido, supo protegerse con un halo misterioso y de incertidumbre alrededor de sí mismo que lo dotaba de una fortaleza casi invulnerable. Ahora, Christopher Norton sabía que, más que un aliado, el Dr. Hodgkins podría suponer un peligro inesperado por el torrente de información que manejaba.

Se llamaba John Philip Hodgkins, aunque todo el mundo lo conocía como Doctor Hodgkins. Trabajaba en Horade Genetics desde hacía muchos años donde tenía total libertad para, además de su trabajo, llevar a cabo alguna línea de investigación, cuando lo deseaba o estaba interesado en algún tema. En los últimos tiempos estaba verdaderamente obsesionado con la vacuna del SIDA, aunque sólo le proporcionaba auténticos quebraderos de cabeza dado su escaso talento para la génesis de hipótesis y de ideas que le hicieran conseguir algún resultado óptimo, y porque apenas si le dedicaba el tiempo suficiente. En la empresa dirigía el Departamento de Relaciones Institucionales y con la prensa, y era ahí donde obtenía todo el fruto de su personalidad reservada y siniestra. Ese trabajo le proporcionaba el tiempo suficiente para dedicarlo a aquellas labores que verdaderamente le reconfortaban y que en su empresa desconocían. Aunque circulaban rumores por doquier, esperpénticos y variopintos, acerca de las actividades que llevaba a cabo, estaban tan fuera de lugar que nadie los creía. Se había granjeado una fama bien cimentada en la intriga permanente, por lo que siempre era tratado por los demás, más que con miedo, con respeto.

La mención al proyecto de fusión fue un golpe bajo que encajó como pudo. Se dio cuenta que con ello pretendía poner las cartas sobre la mesa y desafiar su prepotencia. Por ello, a partir de ahora, cambiaría de estrategia y lo trataría con sumo cuidado, evitando en la medida de lo posible, cualquier insinuación o frase que se pudiera sacar de contexto y que el Dr. Hodgkins pudiera mal interpretar. Aunque si surgieran problemas siempre le quedaría una baza más que utilizar y que resultaría infalible: el dinero, verdadero adalid que mueve el mundo.

Rápidamente, con la agilidad que le era característica, cuando un asunto no le interesaba, Christopher Norton cambió de tema.

- Quiero que sepa una cosa - afirmó.

- ¿Cuál? - preguntó el Dr. Hodgkins, tras beber un poco de agua, creyendo que le iba a informar sobre la fusión de las dos empresas, y mirándolo con recelo.

- He estudiado la proposición que usted me hizo en España…- hizo una pausa breve, para crear expectación, luego añadió - …estoy trabajando en ello.

- ¡No me diga! - dijo gesticulando -. ¿Y puedo saber a qué se ha debido este cambio de opinión?

- Usted está prestando unos servicios muy valiosos para Microgensyn que nosotros creemos conveniente recompensar, incluyéndolo en nuestro organigrama científico cuando finalice este trabajo - respondió Christopher Norton, intentando halagar al Dr. Hodgkins.

- Lo tendré en cuenta y llegado el momento estudiaré su propuesta con gran interés - respondió con ironía.

La reunión finalizó con un apretón de manos y una despedida informal. Christopher Norton supo que su última propuesta no había fructificado por el poco entusiasmo con el que se manifestó el Dr. Hodgkins y que éste se percató del cambio de tema, con lo cual, sin querer, acrecentó la curiosidad de aquél acerca de la fusión de Microgensyn y Bioconn.

"LA VACUNA", CAPÍTULO ONCE.

Chapter NINE

2006-05-28T20:36:00.000+02:00

That was a day really been busy, with enough slow work due to the days that were been in the congress. Moreover, the meeting with Christopher Norton, and the continuous calls that received to be entertained and that took care of with courtesy, had delayed her, reason why to five of afternoon Mary Fishers gave by concluded her labour day and decided to return to house.

During the return trip she planned what the rest would do of afternoon. In the first place one hour of footing, later a comforting shower, soon a slight supper, later to retake her professional activity and to examine which were the provisional results of the study of Carrie Galloway, since she was not arranged to hope on the following day to know them, if she could find out them in house.

Mary Fishers left her apartment and went towards Main Street. The first minutes of footing she liked to make them by the sidewalk, being stared at the showcases, while avoided to the people who took a walk by that street. She crossed Ocean Park Boulevard and when she arrived at Hill Street turned to the right, in the direction of the beach. Once there she was directed towards the bikeway going towards Venice Beach.

To those hours, a cluster of people and cyclist made sport. They mounted in bike, others ran, others practiced the athletic march and less simply they walked. Mary Fishers, who until that moment went at a trot, accelerated the march and her body broke to sweat. She watched pulsemeter and saw how the beats of her heart increased synchronously with their march until reaching the 120 pulsations. Also, her respiratory frequency was increased until becoming perceivable.

Sometimes, left the bikeway and she was entered in the beach during hundreds of meters that served to her to fortify muscles of the legs. In other occasions, she stopped and made several sessions of strechings, to avoid injuries. And when she ran, her figure lost between people, drawing her silhouette a harmonious athletic scene.

Afternoon she was magnificent, with a very pleasant temperature and the Pacific Ocean being in all its splendour. The sun bubbled in the horizon, offering a full sun putting of shades and tonalities, like a natural spectacle, sublimate to appreciate.

When she arrived at Venice Beach lessen her march until stopping and resting moments that would take advantage of to recover of the made effort. She began to walk by the sand of the beach in the direction of the sea. She watched the gulls that flutter over the waves, later to which they seemed to in vain fly towards the sun, making an effort to reach it, and to that made a free fall hurrying in itched on the surface of the ocean. Mary Fishers backed down on her steps, gave average return and undertook the way from return to house. Although well she was prepared physically, since made exercise daily, her muscles were suffered of the days that were been without exercising themselves, for that reason the return way made it of calmed form, avoiding the roundup that supposed to her to happen through Main Street. The programmed time was extended beyond the hour that she had predicted.

When arriving at house she thought that a bath instead of a shower was deserved. She raised the bathroom. She opened the faucet, scattered salts and abundant gel. While the bathtub filled, she lowered to the kitchen and of the refrigerator she chose a boat of Aquarius flavour orange that drained in a crystal glass. Soon she went to the music equipment, she connected it and came to choose compact disc suitable with her mood; she searched carefully and after moments she found the one that she looked: “Supernatural” of Carlos Santana. Music moved her, it excited her and at the same time it surprised to her, and in special those Latin rates. While she ascended to the bathroom skirted her figure with the sound of music, since there was musical thread by all the house. Once in this one she came to remove the water of the bathtub to form abundant foam. She added cold water so that it reached one more a more pleasant temperature. A foot took off the slippers alternatively pressing on the heel of the other. Soon, leaning in a stool, flexed the trunk and took off the socks. As if an exercise of pectoral one was undressed of the t-shirt. The short trousers slid until the ankles, she moved laterally and these were in the ground. She took her hands to the back, undid the brassiere, she impelled it towards ahead and she left it in a shelf. With gentleness one took off the panties. She took tiara of her front and the hair, soaked in sweat, fell on her face. Next one submerged in the water. A heavy foam layer made hair net, until she left to breathe and leaned on the bathtub. She took the glass between her fingers and drank a drink of Aquarius. She closed the eyes and by the loudspeakers that they had placed in the bathroom she listened to a new song: “Smooth”.

After finishing having supper she went with hurry to her office. After connecting the computer, she introduced the diskette with the file that contained the results of the study of Carrie Galloway. She opened to the program 4GLium and introduced the necessary parameters so that this one analyzed the provisional result of the Mgen1702 Project. The analysis hardly lasted seconds, during which Mary Fishers asked itself so that reason the computer science system of the company took a day in analyzing those data, when her computer, much less powerful, did in so little time interval. She did not understand it. Or perhaps yes she understood it. All those safety measures, the secret with which the Project was carried out, that mission to which had been forced, other projects of research of which she would not be to the current, now could doubt the honesty of their company, because if existed so many questions without answer, probably, if she investigated, would find rags dirty that never she had imagined, with which Microgensyn would stop being the paradigm of company worried in providing scientific profits directed to improve the social welfare, and would be reduced simply to a noticeable partnership exclusively by the macroeconomic objectives. Those thoughts induced her to ask themselves which would be the reason by which she had to wait for twenty four hours to know results in which she was working.

In the screen of the computer all the data of the work of Carrie Galloway were reflected. She changed the look of his face. The wrath was transformed into joy and an uncontrollable emotion appeared of deepest of her being. She had obtained it. They were partial only results, but statistically significant, because if extrapolated them to the one hundred percent, she deduced that the vaccine would be a success.

About those moments she did not think about the profit that could suppose for her personal race a scientific discovery to her of such magnitude. One did not boast nor she was able to imagine the echo that it would take carried the spreading of the scientific study, the newspaper covers that it would generate, the interviews in television, the recognition generalized by international scientific community and an interminable rosary of prizes and tributes advertising.

About those moments she only thought about the personal challenge undertaken years back. The fight, the tenacity and the anger that had put in all her initiatives. The invested working hours, lost the potential hours of dream, the non-recoverable hours of break. The personal challenge and the obsession, disguised well, that it supposed to her to win the war to the AIDS. Also she remembered her father, now more than ever she missed him, and to him she dedicated in body and soul that conquest, because he guided at her and he provided the force and the necessary inspiration to her at the suitable moments. Finally she had discovered the vaccine against the AIDS.

To the three of the dawn highways were desert and the amber traffic lights allowed a fluid circulation. A truck of great proportions, of a company of move, circulated around the outskirts of Inglewood until it stopped and parked in a dark zone. That night six lampposts remained dull, reason why that place was in half-light.

Three men lowered of the cabin and they went to the back part of the truck. Once inside, they ignited the lights and they put into operation the sophisticated electronic equipment that was there. Ronald Stone, before beginning the mission that was the one in charge to him, came to review the plan with the other two:

- Synchronize we our clocks. It´s ten past three. At quarter past three goes the watchman by this place. At the three and twenty minutes the truck in charge arrives to gather the biological remainders. Two minutes later, one of the watchmen of the control center of the laboratory leaves his position and goes to make the delivery. During that process, that lasts ten minutes, the alarms of the building are disconnected, therefore you only have that time. When the truck leaves, the watchman begins his round again, reason why to three and forty goes again by this place. Before he goes the watchman, you must be of return. OK?

- OK! – men responded in unison both, Joe Barela and Don Bishop, two individuals without scruples, prepared well technically for the work that were going to make.

They opened an inner door located in the ceiling. Through metallic steps, located in one of the sidewalls, Don Bishop raised the cover and he placed an infrared camera. Next they closed the door and the three men were expectant watching the television monitor. While they hoped that she appeared the watchman, both partisan of Ronald Stone they were placed a listening device and they verified the correct operation of the earpiece, soon they covered his face with a knitted cap with black color and hoped the instructions.

- Quiet. There the watchman comes - Ronald Stone said, that through a computer he directed the television camera towards the suitable place.

Once the land was free, one of the men opened the inner door again, whereas the other came to turn the crane and to place it in the suitable position. Both they ascended to the platform, while Ronald Stone pressed the switch of the control and this one began to ascend. When they raised, they observed the concrete wall of three meters of height and on him the sophisticated invisible laser beams alarm would be activated. Before them was the enclosure of Bioconn Laboratories. They fit the hook and they descended vertiginously by a cord.

They dressed trousers and t-shirt of black color, thus they assured a perfect camouflage with the shades at night. They moved quickly and of cautious form, taking advantage of the fences and trees that found to their step to hide. They saw the truck go towards the place in where it had to gather the biological remainders that the laboratory generated every day.

- Look out, Joe! You have a watchman to your left, to twenty meters of the truck – Ronald Stone warned, that he was before the control panel, focusing the camera towards where were his companions.

From their hiding place the watchman approach the truck and the greeting of this one saw those. When he moved away, the black men crossed the street and they went towards the wall of the wing the west.

One of them removed the hook, inlaid it to pressure in a metallic object, pressed a switch and this one ascended until the roof. It threw of him, later he verified that he was well subject and both men began to climb, the first one and other, the five floors of the building.

Quickly they came near to the door of the roof, opened it without difficulty with one wire. When they entered the building they ignited tiny lanterns with which they obtained the necessary illumination. They descended by the stairs until the fifth floor. There Joe Barela remained, whereas Don Bishop continued until the second plant. He knew where one went and with urgency he found the office of Jeff Colleman. The operation was prepared meticulously.

He introduced in the lock a card with an integrated microchip. He took the scanner that took in the knapsack and when this one activated, the numbers of the LCD initiated a frenetic search, in sequence ascending, of the numerical combination of eight digits that would open the door of that office. The numbers of green color blinked incessantly until, passed seconds, they stopped and a click was heard. After him, the door was opened.

Don Bishop acted accurately mathematical. In hardly four minutes he placed the microphones strategically and came to verify the correct operation of these.

- Boss, the office is in sequence - Don Bishop in key said, indicating that the microphones were placed, since the certainty that is never had nobody is listening in that radio frequency -. Verifying point one.

- OK - Ronald Stone responded, confirming the perfect operation of those.

Thus, they came with all the microphones.

- Joe, already I have finished. I go towards there.

- OK! Don. I hope to you. I am finalizing - Joe Barela responded, who as well, placed microphones in the office of David O´Connor.

- Taken care, Don. You do not leave - Ronald Stone warned -. The corridor is occupied.

Don remained immovable. He listened to steps approaching, more and more hard, until they stopped. He watched his clock. Only they were left two minutes to be able to leave the building. Suddenly, he returned to listen to the steps move away and breathed alleviated.

- Attention, Don, already you can leave. Your friend goes towards first stage by the stairs. You have the free way.

Don verified that the corridor was expeditious. He closed the door. He raised with skill the stairs and was with Joe Barela in the roof. From that place they heard how the workers took leave of the company of remainders of the watchman of the laboratory. Without time that to lose dropped the cord.

- Fast. They already leave - they listened the words of Ronald Stone who indicated the speed to them with which they had to act next.

They descended hastily. Joe Barela gathered the cord. The lights of the truck turned towards them. They ran closest towards the fence and they were thrown to the ground. A second plus and had been discovered. When this one moved away, they observed the sparkles of red lights after the windows of the offices. The alarm had been connected.

Ronald Stone hurried to place the crane on guard. With the aid of the hook and the cord they raised the platform and later they saw move away the building of Bioconn Laboratories, until they entered the truck. The three men hit their hands. The mission finalized successfully.

They left the half-light of those lampposts that damaged artificially the previous day, by expert hands like those of Joe Barela and Don Bishop. They happened in front of the main entrance of Bioconn and in his internal law they had greeted the watchmen, but they avoided it. The streets followed empty. When they entered the freeway they advanced slowly to a truck of biological remainders and greeted his occupants.

Ronald Stone took his very small cellular telephone, dialed a number and when he answered somebody, he said:

- Fulfilled mission, everything has left as it were organized.

- Very well. Tomorrow you continue with the predicted plan - and without saying nothing else, he cut communications.

He was seated placidly in a sofa. A tenuous light that came from the lamp placed on the small table illuminated the whiskey glass, leaving his face in half-light. A smile depraveed was drawn in the face of the Dr Hodgkins.

"VACCINATION": Chapter TEN

Capítulo NUEVE

2006-05-28T20:30:00.000+02:00

Aquel fue un día realmente ajetreado, con bastante trabajo atrasado debido a los días que había estado en el congreso. Además, la reunión con Christopher Norton, y las continuas llamadas que recibía para ser agasajada y que atendía con cortesía, la habían retrasado, por lo que a las cinco de la tarde Mary Fishers dio por concluida su jornada laboral y decidió regresar a casa.

Durante el viaje de vuelta planificó lo que haría el resto de la tarde. En primer lugar una hora de footing, después una ducha reconfortante, luego una cena ligera, para después retomar su actividad profesional y examinar cuáles eran los resultados provisionales del estudio de Carrie Galloway, puesto que no estaba dispuesta a esperar al día siguiente para conocerlos, si los podía averiguar en casa.

Mary Fishers salió de su apartamento y se dirigió hacia Main Street. Los primeros minutos de footing le gustaba realizarlos por la acera, ojeando los escaparates, mientras esquivaba a las personas que paseaban por aquella calle. Cruzó Ocean Park Boulevard y cuando llegó a Hill Street giró a la derecha, en dirección a la playa. Una vez allí se encaminó hacia el carril bici dirigiéndose hacia Venice Beach.

A esas horas, un enjambre de personas y cicloturistas hacían deporte. Unos montaban en bici, otros corrían, otros practicaban la marcha atlética y los menos simplemente caminaban. Mary Fishers, que hasta ese momento iba al trote, aceleró la marcha y su cuerpo rompió a sudar. Miró el pulsómetro y vio cómo los latidos de su corazón aumentaban sincrónicamente con su marcha hasta alcanzar las 120 pulsaciones. Así mismo, su frecuencia respiratoria se acrecentó hasta hacerse perceptible.

A veces, abandonaba el carril bici y se adentraba en la playa durante unos cientos de metros que le servían para fortalecer los músculos de las piernas. En otras ocasiones, se detenía y realizaba varias sesiones de estiramientos, para evitar lesiones. Y cuando corría, su figura se perdía entre la gente, dibujando su silueta una armoniosa escena atlética.

La tarde era magnífica, con una temperatura muy agradable y el océano pacífico mostrándose en todo su esplendor. El sol burbujeaba en el horizonte, ofreciendo una puesta de sol llena de matices y tonalidades, como un espectáculo natural, sublime de apreciar.

Cuando llegó a Venice Beach aminoró su marcha hasta detenerse y descansar unos momentos que aprovecharía para recuperarse del esfuerzo realizado. Comenzó a caminar por la arena de la playa en dirección al mar. Miró a las gaviotas que revoloteaban por encima de las olas, después a otras que parecían volar hacia el sol, esforzándose en vano por alcanzarlo, y a aquellas que realizaban un escorzo precipitándose en picado sobre la superficie del océano. Mary Fishers retrocedió sobre sus pasos, dio media vuelta y emprendió el camino de regreso a casa. Aunque estaba bien preparada físicamente, puesto que hacía ejercicio diariamente, sus músculos se resentían de los días que había estado sin ejercitarse, por ello el camino de vuelta lo realizó de forma sosegada, evitando el rodeo que le suponía pasar por Main Street. El tiempo programado se alargó más allá de la hora que tenía prevista.

Al llegar a casa pensó que se merecía un baño en lugar de una ducha. Subió al cuarto de baño. Abrió el grifo, esparció unas sales y abundante gel. Mientras la bañera se llenaba, bajó a la cocina y del frigorífico eligió un bote de Aquarius sabor naranja que vació en una copa de cristal. Luego se dirigió al equipo de música, lo conectó y procedió a elegir un compact disc adecuado con su estado de ánimo; rebuscó y al cabo de unos instantes encontró el que buscaba: “Supernatural” de Carlos Santana. La música la emocionaba, la excitaba y al mismo tiempo le sobrecogía, y en especial aquellos ritmos latinos. Mientras ascendía al cuarto de baño contorneaba su figura con el sonido de la música, ya que había hilo musical por toda la casa. Una vez en éste procedió a remover el agua de la bañera para formar abundante espuma. Añadió agua fría para que alcanzara una temperatura más agradable. Se quitó las zapatillas presionando alternativamente un pie sobre el talón del otro. Luego, apoyándose en un taburete, flexionó el tronco y se quitó los calcetines. Como si de un ejercicio de pectorales se tratase se despojó de la camiseta. Deslizó el pantalón corto hasta los tobillos, se desplazó lateralmente y éstos quedaron en el suelo. Llevó sus manos a la espalda, desabrochó el sujetador, lo impulsó hacia delante y lo dejó en una repisa. Con delicadeza se quitó las braguitas. Cogió la diadema de su frente y el pelo, empapado en sudor, cayó sobre su cara. A continuación se sumergió en el agua. Una gruesa capa de espuma la hacía invisible, hasta que salió a respirar y se apoyó sobre la bañera. Cogió la copa entre sus dedos y bebió un trago de Aquarius. Cerró los ojos y por los altavoces que habían colocados en el cuarto de baño se escuchaba una nueva canción: “Smooth”.

Después de terminar de cenar se dirigió con premura a su despacho. Tras conectar el ordenador, introdujo el disquete con el archivo que contenía los resultados del estudio de la Doctora Galloway. Abrió el programa 4GLium e introdujo los parámetros necesarios para que éste analizara el resultado provisional del Proyecto Mgen1702. El análisis duró apenas unos segundos, durante los cuales Mary Fishers se preguntó por qué razón el sistema informático de la empresa tardaba un día en analizar aquellos datos, cuando su ordenador, mucho menos potente, lo hacía en tan escaso intervalo de tiempo. No lo comprendía. O quizás sí lo comprendía. Todas aquellas medidas de seguridad, el secreto con el que se llevaba a cabo el Proyecto, aquella misión a la que había sido obligada, otros proyectos de investigación de los cuales no estaría al corriente, ahora podría dudar de la honestidad de su empresa, porque si existían tantas preguntas sin respuesta, probablemente, si investigaba, encontraría trapos sucios que jamás hubiese imaginado, con lo cual Microgensyn dejaría de ser el paradigma de empresa preocupada en proporcionar logros científicos encaminados a mejorar el bienestar social, y quedaría reducida simplemente a un consorcio marcado exclusivamente por los objetivos macroeconómicos. Aquellos pensamientos la indujeron a preguntarse cuál sería la razón por la cual ella tenía que esperar veinticuatro horas para conocer unos resultados en los que estaba trabajando.

En la pantalla del ordenador estaban reflejados todos los datos del trabajo de Carrie Galloway. Cambió el semblante de su cara. La ira se transformó en alegría y una emoción incontenible brotó de lo más profundo de su ser. Lo había logrado. Sólo eran resultados parciales, pero estadísticamente significativos, porque si los extrapolaba al cien por cien, deducía que la vacuna sería un éxito.

En aquellos momentos no pensaba en el logro que le podía suponer para su carrera personal un descubrimiento científico de tal magnitud. No se vanagloriaba ni era capaz de imaginar el eco publicitario que llevaría acarreado la divulgación del estudio científico, las portadas de periódicos que generaría, las entrevistas en televisión, el reconocimiento generalizado por la comunidad científica internacional y un rosario interminable de premios y homenajes.

En aquellos momentos sólo pensaba en el desafío personal emprendido años atrás. La lucha, el tesón y el coraje que había puesto en todas sus iniciativas. Las horas de trabajo invertidas, las horas potenciales de sueño perdidas, las horas de asueto irrecuperables. El reto personal y la obsesión, bien disimulada, que suponía para ella ganarle la guerra al SIDA. También recordó a su padre, ahora más que nunca lo echaba de menos, y a él le dedicaba en cuerpo y alma aquella conquista, porque él la guiaba y le proporcionaba la fuerza y la inspiración necesaria en los momentos adecuados. Por fin había descubierto la vacuna contra el SIDA.

A las tres de la madrugada las carreteras estaban desiertas y los semáforos en ámbar permitían una circulación fluida. Un camión de grandes proporciones, de una empresa de mudanzas, circulaba por las afueras de Inglewood hasta que se detuvo y aparcó en una zona oscura. Aquella noche seis farolas permanecían apagadas, por lo que ese lugar estaba en penumbra.

Bajaron tres hombres de la cabina y se dirigieron a la parte trasera del camión. Una vez dentro, encendieron las luces y pusieron en funcionamiento el sofisticado material electrónico que había allí. Ronald Stone, antes de comenzar la misión que le habían encargado, procedió a repasar el plan con los otros dos:

- Sincronicemos nuestros relojes. Son las tres y diez. A las tres y cuarto pasa el vigilante por este lugar. A las tres y veinte minutos llega el camión encargado de recoger los residuos biológicos. Dos minutos más tarde, uno de los vigilantes del centro de control del laboratorio abandona su puesto y se dirige a realizar la entrega. Durante ese proceso, que dura diez minutos, las alarmas del edificio están desconectadas, por lo tanto sólo disponéis de ese tiempo. Cuando el camión sale, el vigilante comienza de nuevo su ronda, por lo que a las tres y cuarenta pasa de nuevo por este lugar. Antes que pase el vigilante, tenéis que estar de vuelta. ¿Correcto?

- Correcto - respondieron al unísono los dos hombres, Joe Barela y Don Bishop, dos individuos sin escrúpulos, bien preparados técnicamente para el trabajo que iban a realizar.

Abrieron un portón situado en el techo. A través de unos escalones metálicos, situados en una de las paredes laterales, Don Bishop subió a la cubierta y colocó una cámara de infrarrojos. A continuación cerraron la puerta y los tres hombres quedaron expectantes mirando el monitor de televisión. Mientras esperaban que apareciera el vigilante, los dos secuaces de Ronald Stone se colocaron un aparato de escucha y verificaron el correcto funcionamiento del auricular, luego cubrieron su cara con un pasamontañas de color negro y esperaron, sigilosos, las instrucciones.

- Quietos. Ahí viene el vigilante - dijo Ronald Stone, que a través de un ordenador dirigía la cámara de televisión hacia el lugar adecuado.

Una vez que el terreno estaba libre, uno de los hombres abrió de nuevo el portón, mientras que el otro procedió a girar la grúa y colocarla en la posición adecuada. Los dos ascendieron a la plataforma, mientras Ronald Stone pulsó el interruptor del mando y ésta comenzó a ascender. Cuando subían, observaron el muro de hormigón de tres metros de altura y sobre él estaría activada la sofisticada alarma invisible de rayos láser. Ante ellos se encontraba el recinto de Laboratorios Bioconn. Ajustaron el garfio y descendieron vertiginosamente por una cuerda.

Vestían pantalón y camiseta de color negro, así aseguraban un perfecto camuflaje con las sombras de la noche. Se desplazaban con rapidez y de forma sigilosa, aprovechando los setos y árboles que encontraban a su paso para esconderse. Vieron el camión dirigirse hacia el lugar en donde tenía que recoger los residuos biológicos que generaba cada día el laboratorio.

- Cuidado Joe. Tenéis un vigilante a vuestra izquierda, a veinte metros del camión - avisó Ronald Stone, que se encontraba ante el cuadro de control, enfocando la cámara hacia donde estaban sus compañeros.

Desde su escondite vieron al vigilante acercarse al camión y el saludo de éste a aquellos. Cuando se alejó, los hombres de negro cruzaron la calle y se dirigieron hacia la pared del ala oeste.

Uno de ellos sacó el garfio, lo incrustó a presión en un objeto metálico, pulsó un interruptor y éste ascendió hasta la azotea. Tiró de él, comprobó que estaba bien sujeto y los dos hombres comenzaron a escalar, primero uno y después el otro, los cinco pisos del edificio.

Con rapidez se aproximaron a la puerta de la azotea, la abrieron sin dificultad con una ganzúa. Cuando entraron en el edificio encendieron unas linternas diminutas con las que consiguieron la iluminación necesaria. Descendieron por las escaleras hasta el quinto piso. Allí se quedó Joe Barela, mientras que Don Bishop continuó hasta la segunda planta. Sabía dónde se dirigía y con prontitud encontró el despacho de Jeff Colleman. La operación estaba preparada minuciosamente.

Introdujo en la cerradura una tarjeta con un microchip integrado. Cogió el escáner que llevaba en la mochila y cuando éste se activó, los números de la pantalla de cristal líquido iniciaron una búsqueda frenética, en orden ascendente, de la combinación numérica de ocho dígitos que abriría la puerta de aquel despacho. Los números de color verde parpadeaban sin cesar hasta que, transcurridos unos segundos, se detuvieron y se oyó un clic. Tras él, la puerta se abrió.

Don Bishop actuó con precisión matemática. En apenas cuatro minutos colocó los micrófonos estratégicamente y procedió a verificar el correcto funcionamiento de éstos.

- Jefe, el despacho está en orden - dijo Don Bishop en clave, indicando que los micrófonos estaban colocados, ya que nunca se tiene la certeza de que nadie está escuchando en esa radiofrecuencia -. Comprobando punto uno.

- OK - respondió Ronald Stone, confirmando el funcionamiento perfecto de aquellos.

Así, procedieron con todos los micrófonos.

- Joe, ya he terminado. Me dirijo hacia allí.

- De acuerdo, Don. Te espero. Yo estoy finalizando - respondió Joe Barela, que a su vez, colocaba micrófonos en el despacho de David O´Connor.

- Cuidado Don. No salgas - avisó Ronald Stone -. El pasillo está ocupado.

Don se quedó inmóvil. Escuchó pasos acercándose, cada vez más fuerte, hasta que se detuvieron. Miró su reloj. Sólo quedaban dos minutos para poder abandonar el edificio. De pronto, volvió a escuchar los pasos alejarse y respiró aliviado.

- Atención, Don, ya puedes salir. Tu amigo se dirige hacia el primer piso por las escaleras. Tienes el camino libre.

Don comprobó que el pasillo estaba expedito. Cerró la puerta. Subió con destreza las escaleras y se encontró con Joe Barela en la azotea. Desde aquel lugar oyeron cómo se despedían los trabajadores de la empresa de residuos del vigilante del laboratorio. Sin tiempo que perder dejaron caer la cuerda.

- Rápido. Ya salen - escucharon los dos las palabras de Ronald Stone que les indicaba la celeridad con la que debían de actuar a continuación.

Descendieron apresuradamente. Joe Barela recogió la cuerda. Las luces del camión giraban hacia ellos. Corrieron hacia el seto más cercano y se tiraron al suelo. Un segundo más y hubieran sido descubiertos. Cuando éste se alejó, observaron los destellos de unas luces rojas tras las ventanas de los despachos. La alarma había sido conectada.

Ronald Stone se apresuró a colocar la grúa en posición. Con la ayuda del garfio y la cuerda subieron a la plataforma y después vieron alejarse el edificio de Laboratorios Bioconn, hasta que entraron al camión. Los tres hombres chocaron sus manos. La misión finalizaba con éxito.

Abandonaron la penumbra de aquellas farolas que se averiaron artificialmente el día anterior, por manos expertas como las de Joe Barela y Don Bishop. Pasaron por delante de la entrada principal de Bioconn y en su fuero interno hubieran saludado a los vigilantes, pero lo obviaron. Las calles seguían vacías. Cuando entraron en la autopista adelantaron lentamente a un camión de residuos biológicos y saludaron a sus ocupantes.

Ronald Stone cogió su minúsculo teléfono móvil, marcó un número y cuando contestó alguien, dijo:

- Misión cumplida, todo ha salido como estaba organizado.

- Está bien. Mañana continuad con el plan previsto - y sin decir nada más, cortó la comunicación.

Estaba sentado plácidamente en un sofá. Una luz tenue que procedía de la lámpara colocada sobre la mesita iluminaba el vaso de whisky, dejando su rostro en penumbra. Una sonrisa depravada se dibujó en la cara del Dr. Hodgkins.

Continuará: Lunes 5 de Junio de 2006

"LA VACUNA" Capítulo DIEZ

Chapter EIGHT

2006-05-22T00:47:00.000+02:00

The room of meetings of the fourth plant was a sacred place in Microgensyn. There significant meetings for the company were only held. The fact to program a meeting in that place indicated the magnitude and the importance of the same one. A oval table, of ample proportions, presided over all the stay; great windows allowed a natural illumination and at the same time they let descry a magnificent view; of its walls, covered of wood, they hung pictures, with oil paintings, of all the presidents of Microgensyn.

Ellen Fletcher, secretary of Arthur Sullivan, placed files on the table. Pascale Carter manipulated its computer and verified the correct operation of the connection of this with the great plasma screen located in an end of the table.

- Mrs. Fletcher, already I am prepared.

- Then, announcement that already can begin the meeting?

- In effect.

By the door David O´Connor and Arthur Sullivan entered. After them, Jason O´Connor and an executive of Bioconn that talked with Brent Sanders, founding partner of Sanders, Tigar & Truesdale, one of the offices of more important lawyers of the country, whose central seat was in New York, specialized in fusions of great companies, and next to him Craig Schwab, associated of the office. Later they entered Charles Scott, vice-president of Microgensyn, in animated conversation with Ted Williamson, founding partner of Williamson & Weiss. All took seat in the made oval table. To a side, the representatives of Bioconn, and to the other, the executives of Microgensyn, seated hierarchically. Standing up, and arranged to begin the meeting was Pascale Carter.

- Excuse me the delay.

Christopher Norton got up itself at that moment. He occupied his seat, next to Charles Scott, and saluted to all the presents. His position, within the directive organizational chart of Microgensyn, did not qualify to him to be present in this act, but his capacity to grow and to be in the opportune place at the adapted moment, had facilitated him the access to that meeting.

- Good afternoon – Arthur Sullivan said, while he put standing up -. In the first place, I want to give the welcome to our guests to the seat of Microgensyn. Secondly, to thank for your presence, and thirdly, desire that in this meeting feels like the bases to obtain a satisfactory agreement for both parts and that the aim that we persecuted is agreed and is all a reality. Now, I yield the word to Miss Carter.

- For two years we have been working in the fusion of two of the most important companies of the pharmaceutical industry: Microgensyn and Bioconn. The final mission is to obtain a laboratory that is world-wide number one, a giant within this sector in the fields of medical research, commercialization of drugs and chemical agents, as well as in sales. Each one of you has on the table a file with all the information and data that I am going to expose next, and that are the fruit of the work made during these two years.

Pascale Carter in her speech was shelling all the economic framework of the two companies. Data about the stock-exchange capitalization, Cash Flow, sales, groups, forecasts of invoicing, forecasts of benefits, consolidated portfolio of clients, income, were exposed with meticulous details, leaning for it in all type of graphs, animations and phrases necessary to emphasize, that all contemplated in the plasma screen.

- Gentlemen, all these data, gathered and put in common by the office of Sanders, Tigar & Truesdale and ours, had by purpose of elaborating the real capitalization of each company to value, in terms of share, the equivalence of both. Nowadays, to make a fusion in conditions of parity, it would be necessary to change three actions of Bioconn by one of Microgensyn - concluded Pascale Carter.

All paid great attention to the conclusions of Pascale. None of the presents made a surprise face, since the results knew them previously; but in terms of a negotiation, they considered essential to start off from that point.

- From this moment, only it is to reach the concrete agreements that raise each one of the implied parts. Thanks.

Pascale Carter went to his place in the table, between Ted Williamson and Charles Scott. During moments nobody spoke. They looked at each others, with poker face, having tried to guess to the intentions and the hidden letters that, without a doubt, would arise next. After the brief parenthesis, and like it was to hope, Arthur Sullivan took the word:

- In name of Microgensyn and of Bioconn, I want to congratulate to the offices of lawyers of both parts by the enormous job that have made. Although only months ago the equivalence of the actions was of four to one, Microgensyn accepts the present parity from three to one, although the present quotation of the shares of Bioconn is based on the fragility of the rumours about the viability of the vaccine against the AIDS that are experimenting.

- Mr. Sullivan does not forget, that the rumours are the waiting room of the news - sentenced David O´Connor - and who the market, relentless judge, is the one that decides the price that is worth each company.

- It is certain, but it is a price too much elevated the one that is going to pay Microgensyn - Arthur Sullivan answered.

- The present revaluation of Bioconn is sustained in something more than in rumours. The portfolio of orders and the forecasts of invoicing of Bioconn have increased considerably in the last weeks - Brent Sanders took part.

- I do not put it in doubt - Ted Williamson agreed -. But this meeting has been summoned to reach concrete agreements. For that reason, I propose that we fix a date exact to determine the price of each share, and that is the market that decides how much it is worth each company.

- All right - David O´Connor said.

- If you think it appropriate, I consider that a margin of three weeks would be the acceptable thing, and that to the closing of Wall Street Monday 22 of May, the most opportune date - Pascale Carter proposed.

Each one of the members of Bioconn, along with its two lawyers, made a gesture of agreement with the head to the made proposal. He was concrete that the meeting was prepared, since the representatives of Microgensyn did not make gesture some. All agreed.

- It is clear that all the here present we have power, in representation of our Board of Directors, to sign the agreements that we consider opportune - Charles Scott said, directing his glance to David O´Connor -. On the other hand, it is obvious, that everything what we decide here must remain secret to avoid the speculation on the price of the shares in stock market, that could be produced in case of knowing the investors the deliberations and decisions that are taken in this meeting. With the prudence that characterizes to the two companies, I consider that the reasonable thing would be to summon a press conference Tuesday 23 of May and to make the decisions public that we are deciding.

Accurately mathematical and making use of the word at the opportune moment, the representatives of Microgensyn made the proposals that previously had studied.

- Very guessed right and reasonable its clarification, Mr. Scott, I propose that it consists in act - sentenced Brent Sanders.

- Concluded east subject, I create opportune to happen to the second point of the daily routine. The one that makes reference to the designation of the president of the future company - suggested Christopher Norton.

- We have a proposal - Craig Schwab to Doctor Norton interrupted, without letting conclude it -. We considered advisable that during the first four years, the presidency of the new company must be shared by the gentlemen Sullivan and O´Connor, and that following four years the president position must be held by Jason O´Connor.

The proposal caused surprise between the representatives of Microgensyn. They looked at each others with scepticism face. They had not considered, at none moment, a so preposterous suggestion for his interests.

- It is evident that we are in a phase of negotiation and that each part must propose what considers more advisable, but this meeting has been summoned to make binding decisions to both companies. Without reduction, Mr. Schwab, I believe that we cannot accept its proposal - answered Charles Scott.

- Why? – Brent Sanders took part.

- Because the company with greater patrimony is ours and the appointment of the president is a decision that is incumbent on to our Board of Director, which has designated for that position to Mr. Arthur Sullivan - responded Charles Scott.

- Since one is an agreed fusion, a friendly concession on the other hand would have to contemplate the shared presidency. If instead of a fusion one were a purchase, you know that the price to pay to buy Bioconn much more would be elevated that the one that is considered at the moment - responded with sibylline attitude Brent Sanders.

Doctor Sullivan both observed the arguments used by horsemen from his position. It would have liked to take part in the discussion, but it could not do it by ethical reasons, since they were deciding if he occupied the presidency or in his defect he would have to share it.

- Gentlemen, the important thing is not who directs the new company, but the make to create a company that consolidates like world-wide number one in its area, and that both assures the viability laboratories in century XXI, because it is not necessary to forget that other many companies exist that are designing a similar policy and that could reach that place that we have today in our hands. If they recall to mind and they are not let take by the vortex of the power, they will be suitable with me that there is to be objective and even-tempered. For that reason, I propose that the first four years the presidency is occupied by Mr. Sullivan and, who the following four years, this one position is occupied by David O´Connor. If they analyze it coldly, is the guessed right decision more - Pascale Carter surprised all with his speech and the pragmatism used in his dissertation.

Nobody took part next. A period of silence that served to reflect and analyze the words of Pascale Carter. Urged by the time, they had to make a decision. The future it is to decide what to do in the present. To choose the unsuitable option, a big error.

- I create, Miss Carter, who you are in the certain thing. I Acceptance his proposal and at the same time I you congratulate by his intelligent intervention - David O´Connor sentenced.

Pascale Carter, flattered, dedicated a thanked for smile to him.

- With regard to Microgensyn, also we agree – Arthur Sullivan said, while he interlaced his hands on the table, symbolizing the union of both companies -. But, if me they allow it, I must make a clarification.

- You are in your right. Let´s say which - Craig Schwab interrupted.

- Once finalized the period of Mr. O´Connor, the new president will have to choose it the Board of Directors.

- Nothing that to object, Mr. Sullivan - Brent Sanders responded.

- I consider opportune to include a clause of safeguard binding for the two companies - added Christopher Norton. The surprise that caused their words caused that all they observed him with incredulity -. It is necessary to include that anyone of the two companies reserves the right to at any time break the pact of fusion and the agreements adopted in this meeting, from today to the twenty four hours of day 22 of May.

- It can that is interesting, but you are you playing with fire, Mr. Norton - said to him David O´Connor.

- Why? – Christopher Norton interrogated.

- Because you want to leave a door open so that anyone of the two parts leaves east project - David O´Connor answered.

- Simply precaution for both laboratories is a valid measurement – Christopher Norton reasoned.

- Gentlemen, if we agree in the substantial thing, I believe that we can give by finalized this meeting. The formal and technical aspects of the fusion them can write up our lawyers – Arthur Sullivan concluded.

David O´Connor rose and narrowed the hand of Arthur Sullivan. The fusion was agreed to. By the expression of his faces it was possible to be guessed that each part had obtained the noticeable objectives.

To two of afternoon, a torrid sun illuminated each corner of the Islands Cayman. The archipelago was constituted by three islands: Great Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Bathed by the Caribbean Sea, they were located approximately to 270 Kilometers to the south of Cuba and to 324 kilometers to the northwest of Jamaica. They enjoyed a perpetual summery climate and that day the thermometer reached the thirty three degrees Celsius of temperature.

The 10 of May of 1503 were discovered by Columbus, during the accomplishment of their quarter travels. Due to the great amount of turtles that inhabited these islands, his called the Turtles. Later, towards 1540 they received the name of Islands Cayman. It is a territory under recognized control of Great Britain from 1665 and officially from the Treaty of Madrid in 1670.

The most important island was Great Cayman. It was lived by near thirty three thousand peoples who dedicated themselves fundamentally to the tourism, the commerce and all type of companies and been banks there. In the capital, Georgetown, predominated the banks, payment by standing orders of companies, jewellery stores, jewellery shops, perfumeries, galleries of art, and a many-colored rosary of stores and supermarkets where to be able to buy tropical fruits and rum.

From Miami to be distant approximately seventy minutes in airplane. A trip that could be made in the air lines Cayman Airways or American Airlines and that transported fundamentally tourist eager for diversion and eager to enjoy wonderful Caribbean beaches, of fine white sand and seeding of coconut palms, where to be able to taste thousand and different cocktails prepared with rum and the rich native beer. Also they travelled multitude of executives, who called the attention by their formal clothes, with inseparable briefcases of skin.

The Caribbean Sea, from turquoise blue color, infinite tonalities in each dawn and each dusk, jealously kept multitude from submarine treasures in form of great variety of tropical fish, banks of chorale and boats sunk in its depths. It was a true paradise for the lovers of the skin-diving.

Years ago, the Islands Cayman had become a financial paradise. Attracted by almost the absence of taxes, they had seat near six hundred banks there worldwide. Of the ranking of the fifty more important banks of the world, forty seven had a branch in Great Cayman. They existed near thirty six thousand registered companies. The volume of business generated by and others ascended to the far from negligible number of several tens of billions of dollars. And all this was possible because discretion and the professional secret reigned in this type of businesses. In most of the cases the name was only known the companies, but nothing about those who was their proprietors. The same it happened in the banks, where almost the totality of accounts was numbered, and its anonymous citizen owners. And the money, a virtual spectator, since the electronic transactions, lately, had become most common.

In Five to Five Investment the computers worked the twenty four hours of the day. It was a company with hardly two years of existence. A society of investment in values and stock market, independent of industrial groups and banks, and that thanks to the handling of sharpshooting technology and Internet, offered a information and analysis in real time to all the investors, so that the decision making at the time of investing in a value in stock market was safe and with guarantees, avoiding unnecessary risks. Exclusively they served online, with access to the hiring in real time. Thanks to its careful service, Five to Five had a portfolio of clients that had in the last been multiplied months and that agglutinated investors of the five continents.

They operated in the most important bags of the world, the twenty-four hours of the day, of Monday through Friday, with unavoidable rest Saturdays and Sundays. They advised to the investment in consolidated values, bonds and investment funds, fleeing with premeditation of the speculative values. Although sometimes they caused the forced ascent of a certain value, in some of the bags where they operated, conducting operations being based in repetitive and systematized purchases, causing a financial bubble around it; for soon, once the volume of hiring had been appraised, coming on sale massive from shares with the consequent accomplishment of benefits. One was true financial engineering applied to stock-market.

The purchase and sale of shares followed one after the other. Hundreds of daily operations made each one of them in hardly seconds and at the same time. Million dollars that were multiplied right away because of a privileged information managed by authentic professionals of the money.

A new client was contacting with the central computer of Five to Five.

User: 1647LA-2
Password: jke77-LA
Account number: 10403
Company: Caribbean online Ltd.
Password Company: 34L37A-0

Once surpassed correctly all the keys of access a new page visualized, through which it was possible to be operated in stock market. The Internet person marked the square to buy and later she had to make specific the operation.

Stock market: New York.
Value: Bioconn.
Number of titles:
Amount of the purchase: 1.500.000 $US.
Verify the data.
Is it correct? : Yes.

Its purchase is being attended. Hope a little while please.

After moments it appeared a new message in screen. In it was indicated that the operation already had taken place and at the same time inquired into the number of titles bought with the million and a half of dollars, the price by share, the commissions, and other details of smaller interest.

That morning was very being been busy, but substantially beneficial. Whenever the Nasdaq index raised, a adrenalin earthquake shook the offices of NYBBrokers. The agents did not separate of their screens of computer. The telephones did not stop of sounding and sometimes three and four concurrent operations were taken care of, letting the calls in delay to take care of another client. And when the line was it frees took advantage of to call to the preferred investors to suggest the purchase of values that quoted to the rise. Their contracts guaranteed an annual fixed pay, but still well being remunerated, all to them coveted the succulent commissions that they perceived by the global post of the conducted operations, as well as by the commission that they perceived of the investors once these had made benefits. It was a work in equipment executed in a forest of predators, where those only survived that obtained a greater index of beneficial investments for their clients.

Those were the mornings of the coffee. White coffee, coffee with sugar, coffee with saccharin, coffee and telephone, coffee and computer. There was no time that to lose, was no time for nothing else. In the last two months the sessions to losses in both more important indices, the Dow Jones and the Nasdaq followed one another incessantly, although these were resisted by the ascents that experienced the biotechnological companies. For that reason, when a recovery apex glimpsed, the activity was frenetic and the organic notion of the time as well as necessities disappeared. Those mornings, a coffee was the idolized luxury more.

It lacked half an hour for the closing of Wall Street. John Commiso made the first pause in the morning. Finally the telephones let sound and he arranged itself to order his table. He gathered all the notes that were dispersed, jammed them between his hands and he threw the wastebasket. He placed the ball-point pens and the labellers in his tumbler and later one relaxed on his chair.

He mentally reviewed some of the operations that that morning had conducted and that surely that would contribute some commissions to him. Ciena, an optical fiber company; Immunex, a biotechnology company, whose Enbrel drug had received the support of a governmental commission to treat rheumatoid arthritis, which could quadruplicate the sales of he himself; Network Appliance, a company of computer science networks and Procter & Gamble, that after almost three months of continued losses, had favourable indicators at the moment, having initiated a rise to the rise when its RSI 14 under 30.

It was one more than the hundreds of clonic agents who worked in that company of stock market, since the clothes of all was identical: I brought navy blue, white shirt and an unknotted necktie of classic cut. But, however, it differentiated his glad, open and likeable character, reminiscence of his Italian antecedents.

Without a doubt, he would celebrate that triumphant morning and of great successes, in the Italian restaurant that was in the first floor. He would request a salad of the field, spaghettis with abundant bologna sauce and it would water everything to it with a Chianti, to finalize with a cream frozen of pistachio nut and countersinks.

On the table he had always connected his personal computer to Internet. He used it fundamentally to communicate with his clients through mail, as well as to overturn in it all the information on the operations that every day conducted, later to analyze them with the computer science programs of stock market with which he worked and that they indicated to him which was the most opportune moment to buy or to sell values of the portfolios of his clients.

A message in the screen of the computer began to blink and it attracted his attention. It indicated to him that somebody was contacting with him through chat.

- Hello T.W.
T.W was the alias of John Commiso in chat of Internet.
- Hello. Who is it?
- It´s me, Clarke. How goes the morning?

Clarke was a neutral name, without face, without sex, with which he used to often to communicate, interchanging information of diverse nature, but fundamentally of stock market. Sometimes, the whisper between both they were frequent. Although they were not known, had a degree of quite appreciable mutual confidence.

- Today, the morning is being wonderful. The goddess Fortune has smiled to me, and she has favoured to me with her gifts.
- That means that stock-market is raising?
- You have guessed right It, Clarke.
- I am glad for you.
- And you? What do you have done today?
- Hardly nothing. Pure monotony.

To John Commiso it pleased to him to communicate with Clarke. Each phrase that appeared in his computer was answered quickly. To listen to crackle of the keys of the computer produced sensations to him that reflected their mood, cheers when he wrote fast and apathy when did slowly.

- Clarke, the work never can be one monotony. It is necessary to thank to God to have the happiness to work every day.
- Yes, but already you know that the meetings exasperate to me, sometimes they can be tremendously boring.
- Come on, today is my day of luck!
- It can that you still continue having luck. I have the news for you.
- Which?
- A friend of a friend mine has had determined information that I create can be important.
- What is it about?
- Of Bioconn. Do you have news about that company?
- Of course. The last week had a very important ascent.
- And to what had it?
- Rumours that they are closely together to obtain a vaccine against the AIDS.
- Only that?
- Is there something more? Is that what do you try to say to me?
- I do not know. Probably it is interesting. My friend has to me counted who has been this morning a very important meeting in the seat of Microgensyn…
- In Microgensyn! …
- If, in Microgensyn… and hold on, you do not fall…
- And?
- They have decided the fusion both companies.
- Is going away to fuse?
- Yes.
- When?
- I do not know it, but in a moment. He is already everything agreed and they are going it to announce in press conference in days.

It did more of a year that they had been known through chat of economic subjects. They fundamentally interchanged knowledge, questions and answers that found to the other side of the computer. In the last months the information on stock market always was habitual and thus it was as Clarke discovered the work of T.W., whereas this one did not know the true occupation of that one, although, by its knowledge, he would have of being somebody bound to the economic or enterprise world.

- Clarke, is it certain all that?
- My friend is a very trustworthy source.
- Clarke, do you have fresh money?
- do you want to say at the moment available?
- It pardons, is our jargon. Yes, I mean liquid money.
- Why?
- Because the shares of Bioconn are going to raise as the foam. And, if I were you, would call right now to the bank and would invest all the money that had in buying shares of Bioconn.
- You advise to me that I do that? T.W.
- Certainly, although I am the one that I have you give thanks for the whisper. Eternally I will be been thankful you.
- I trust you, T.W.
- And I in you, Clarke. And if you excuse… to the emotion to me it has forgotten me that only they are left twenty minutes to close Wall Street. I have much work that to make in this time. I must buy Bioconn for all my clients. Put yourself soon in contact with me!
- I will do It. Good bye.

The stock-exchange park works thus. Always there is somebody unloads his heavy artillery, in form of well-meaning wordiness, and somebody ready to listen to it and quick start up all the machinery necessary to obtain the objectives that are tried, that is not other that to make money. In this chain never one knows who is good and the bad one of the film, or if all are good, or on the contrary all are bad. John Commiso thought that he had had a happy day and he already gave by concluded his labour day when arrived the great whisper to him, and his happy day would begin as of that moment, although he only had twenty minutes to execute all the operations that were possible to him. He knew that when to finalize session, when the stock-exchange analysts appreciated the great volume of shares that he had bought of Bioconn would suspect something, and on the following day would follow their scaling bullish. However, of subtle way, he would reveal the news that he had.

When he concluded his work, he tied a knot his necktie correctly, put the jacket and one went towards the Italian restaurant, where they waited for spaghettis to him with bologna sauce.

To be continued: Monday 29-May-2006

"VACCINATION": Chapter NINE

Capítulo OCHO

2006-05-22T00:33:00.000+02:00

La sala de reuniones de la cuarta planta era un lugar sagrado en Microgensyn. Allí sólo se celebraban reuniones transcendentales para la empresa. El hecho de programar una reunión en aquel lugar indicaba la magnitud y la importancia de la misma. Una mesa ovalada, de amplias proporciones, presidía toda la estancia; grandes ventanas permitían una iluminación natural y al mismo tiempo dejaban divisar una magnífica vista; de sus paredes, forradas de madera, colgaban cuadros, con pinturas al óleo, de todos los presidentes de Microgensyn.

Ellen Fletcher, secretaria de Arthur Sullivan, colocaba unos expedientes sobre la mesa. Pascale Carter manipulaba su ordenador y verificaba el correcto funcionamiento de la conexión de éste con la gran pantalla de plasma situada en un extremo de la mesa.

- Señora Fletcher, ya estoy preparada.

- Entonces, ¿anuncio que ya puede comenzar la reunión?

- En efecto.

Por la puerta entraron David O´Connor y Arthur Sullivan. Tras ellos, Jason O´Connor y un ejecutivo de Bioconn que conversaban con Brent Sanders, socio fundador de Sanders, Tigar & Truesdale, uno de los despachos de abogados más importantes del país, cuya sede central estaba en Nueva York, especializado en fusiones de grandes empresas, y junto a él Craig Schwab, asociado del despacho. Después entraron Charles Scott, vicepresidente de Microgensyn, en animada conversación con Ted Williamson, socio fundador de Williamson & Weiss. Todos tomaron asiento en la mesa ovalada. A un lado, los representantes de Bioconn, y al otro, los ejecutivos de Microgensyn, sentados jerárquicamente. De pie, y dispuesta a comenzar la reunión se encontraba Pascale Carter.

- Disculpen el retraso.

Christopher Norton se incorporó en aquel instante. Ocupó su asiento, al lado de Charles Scott, y saludó a todos los presentes. Su cargo, dentro del organigrama directivo de Microgensyn, no le habilitaba para estar presente en dicho acto, pero su capacidad para medrar y estar en el lugar oportuno en el momento adecuado, le había facilitado el acceso a aquella reunión.

- Buenas tardes - dijo Arthur Sullivan, mientras se ponía de pie -. En primer lugar, quiero dar la bienvenida a nuestros invitados a la sede de Microgensyn. En segundo lugar, agradecer vuestra presencia, y en tercer lugar, deseo que en esta reunión se sienten las bases para lograr un acuerdo satisfactorio para ambas partes y que el fin que perseguimos quede pactado y sea toda una realidad. Ahora, cedo la palabra a la señorita Carter.

- Desde hace dos años estamos trabajando en la fusión de dos de las más importantes empresas de la industria farmacéutica: Microgensyn y Bioconn. El objetivo final es lograr un laboratorio que sea el número uno mundial, un gigante dentro de éste sector en los campos de investigación médica, comercialización de fármacos y productos químicos, así como en ventas. Cada uno de ustedes tiene sobre la mesa un expediente con toda la información y datos que voy a exponer a continuación, y que es el fruto del trabajo realizado durante estos dos años.

Pascale Carter en su alocución fue desgranando todo el entramado económico de las dos empresas. Datos acerca de la capitalización bursátil, Cash Flow, ventas, plantillas, previsiones de facturación, previsiones de beneficios, cartera de clientes, ingresos consolidados, fueron expuestos con detalles minuciosos, apoyándose para ello en todo tipo de gráficas, animaciones y frases necesarias de destacar, que todos contemplaban en la pantalla de plasma.

- Señores, todos estos datos, recogidos y puestos en común por el despacho de Sanders, Tigar & Truesdale y el nuestro, tenían por finalidad elaborar la capitalización real de cada empresa para valorar, en términos de acciones, la equivalencia de ambas. A día de hoy, para realizar una fusión en condiciones de paridad, sería necesario cambiar tres acciones de Bioconn por una de Microgensyn - concluyó Pascale Carter.

Todos prestaron gran atención a las conclusiones de Pascale. Ninguno de los presentes realizó una mueca de sorpresa, ya que los resultados los conocían previamente; pero en términos de una negociación, consideraban imprescindible partir desde ese punto.

- A partir de este momento, sólo queda llegar a los acuerdos concretos que planteen cada una de las partes implicadas. Gracias.

Pascale Carter se dirigió a su lugar en la mesa, entre Ted Williamson y Charles Scott. Durante unos instantes nadie habló. Se miraban unos a otros, con cara de póker, intentando adivinar las intenciones y las cartas ocultas que, sin duda, aflorarían a continuación. Tras el breve paréntesis, y como era de esperar, Arthur Sullivan tomó la palabra:

- En nombre de Microgensyn y en el de Bioconn, quiero felicitar a los despachos de abogados de ambas partes por la ingente labor de trabajo que han realizado. Aunque hace tan sólo unos meses la equivalencia de las acciones era de cuatro a una, Microgensyn acepta la paridad actual de tres a una, a pesar de que la cotización actual de las acciones de Bioconn esté fundamentada en la fragilidad de los rumores acerca de la viabilidad de la vacuna contra el SIDA que están experimentando.

- No olvide, señor Sullivan, que los rumores son la antesala de la noticia - sentenció David O´Connor - y que el mercado, juez implacable, es el que decide el precio que vale cada empresa.

- Es cierto, pero es un precio demasiado elevado el que va a pagar Microgensyn - contestó Arthur Sullivan.

- La revalorización actual de Bioconn se sustenta en algo más que en rumores. La cartera de pedidos y las previsiones de facturación de Bioconn han aumentado considerablemente en las últimas semanas - intervino Brent Sanders.

- No lo pongo en duda - asintió Ted Williamson -. Pero esta reunión se ha convocado para llegar a acuerdos concretos. Por ello, propongo que fijemos una fecha exacta para determinar el precio de cada acción, y que sea el mercado quien decida cuánto vale cada empresa.

- Estoy de acuerdo - dijo David O´Connor.

- Si lo estiman conveniente, considero que un margen de tres semanas sería lo aceptable, y que al cierre de Wall Street el lunes 22 de mayo, la fecha más oportuna - propuso Pascale Carter.

Cada uno de los miembros de Bioconn, junto con sus dos abogados, hizo un gesto de avenencia con la cabeza a la propuesta realizada. Era palpable que la reunión estaba preparada, ya que los representantes de Microgensyn no realizaron gesto alguno. Todos estaban de acuerdo.

- Está claro que todos los aquí presentes tenemos potestad, en representación de nuestros Consejos de Administración, para firmar los acuerdos que estimemos oportunos - dijo Charles Scott, dirigiendo su mirada a David O´Connor -. Por otra parte, es obvio, que todo lo que aquí decidamos debe permanecer en secreto para evitar la especulación sobre el precio de las acciones en bolsa, que se podría producir en caso de conocer los inversores las deliberaciones y decisiones que se tomen en esta reunión. Con la prudencia que caracteriza a las dos empresas, estimo que lo razonable sería convocar una rueda de prensa el martes 23 de mayo y hacer públicas las decisiones que estamos acordando.

Con precisión matemática y haciendo uso de la palabra en el momento oportuno, los representantes de Microgensyn hacían las propuestas que previamente habían estudiado.

- Muy acertada y razonable su matización, señor Scott, propongo que conste en acta - sentenció Brent Sanders.

- Concluido este tema, creo oportuno pasar al segundo punto del orden del día. El que hace referencia a la designación del presidente de la futura compañía - sugirió Christopher Norton.

- Nosotros tenemos una propuesta - interrumpió Craig Schwab al Doctor Norton, sin dejarlo concluir -. Estimamos conveniente que durante los primeros cuatro años, la presidencia de la nueva empresa debe ser compartida por los señores Sullivan y O´Connor, y que el siguiente periodo cuatrienal el cargo de presidente debe ser ocupado por Jason O´Connor.

La propuesta causó sorpresa entre los representantes de Microgensyn. Unos a otros se miraban con cara de escepticismo. No habían considerado, en ningún momento, una sugerencia tan descabellada para sus intereses.

- Es evidente que estamos en una fase de negociación y que cada parte tiene que proponer lo que considera más conveniente, pero esta reunión ha sido convocada para tomar decisiones vinculantes a ambas empresas. Sin menoscabo, señor Schwab, creo que no podemos aceptar su proposición - contestó Charles Scott.

- ¿Por qué? - intervino Brent Sanders.

- Porque la empresa con mayor patrimonio es la nuestra y el nombramiento del presidente es una decisión que compete a nuestro Consejo de Administración, el cual ha designado para ese puesto al señor Arthur Sullivan - respondió Charles Scott.

- Puesto que se trata de una fusión pactada, una concesión amistosa por su parte debería contemplar la presidencia compartida. Si en lugar de una fusión se tratara de una compra, ustedes saben que el precio a pagar para comprar Bioconn sería mucho más elevado que el que se considera actualmente - respondió con actitud sibilina Brent Sanders.

El Doctor Sullivan observaba los argumentos esgrimidos por los dos caballeros desde su posición. Le habría gustado intervenir en la discusión, pero no lo podía hacer por motivos éticos, ya que estaban decidiendo si él ocupaba la presidencia o en su defecto debería compartirla.

- Señores, lo importante no es quién dirija la nueva compañía, sino el hecho de crear una empresa que se consolide como el número uno mundial en su área, y que asegure la viabilidad de los dos laboratorios en el siglo XXI, porque no hay que olvidar que existen otras muchas compañías que están diseñando una política similar y que podrían alcanzar ese lugar que nosotros tenemos hoy en nuestras manos. Si recapacitan y no se dejan llevar por la vorágine del poder, convendrán conmigo que hay que ser objetivos y ecuánimes. Por ello, propongo que los primeros cuatro años la presidencia sea ocupada por el señor Sullivan y, que el siguiente período cuatrienal, éste puesto sea ocupado por David O´Connor. Si lo analizan fríamente, se trata de la decisión más acertada - Pascale Carter los sorprendió a todos con su discurso y el pragmatismo empleado en su disertación.

Nadie intervino a continuación. Un período de silencio que servía para reflexionar y analizar las palabras de Pascale Carter. Apremiados por el tiempo, tenían que tomar una decisión. El futuro es decidir qué hacer en el presente. Elegir la opción inapropiada, un craso error.

- Creo, señorita Carter, que está usted en lo cierto. Acepto su propuesta y al mismo tiempo la felicito por su inteligente intervención - sentenció David O´Connor.

Pascale Carter, halagada, le dedicó una sonrisa agradecida.

- En lo que respecta a Microgensyn, también estamos de acuerdo - dijo Arthur Sullivan, mientras entrelazaba sus manos sobre la mesa, simbolizando la unión de ambas empresas -. Pero, si me lo permiten, tengo que hacer una matización.

- Está usted en su derecho. Díganos cuál - interrumpió Craig Schwab.

- Una vez finalizado el período del señor O´Connor, el nuevo presidente deberá elegirlo el Consejo de Administración.

- Nada que objetar, señor Sullivan - respondió Brent Sanders.

- Yo estimo oportuno incluir una cláusula de salvaguarda vinculante para las dos empresas - prorrumpió Christopher Norton. La sorpresa que causaron sus palabras hizo que todos lo observaran con incredulidad -. Es necesario incluir que cualquiera de las dos empresas se reserva el derecho a romper el pacto de fusión y los acuerdos adoptados en esta reunión en cualquier momento, desde hoy hasta las veinticuatro horas del día 22 de mayo.

- Puede que sea interesante, pero está usted jugando con fuego, señor Norton - le espetó David O´Connor.

- ¿Por qué? - interrogó Christopher Norton.

- Porque usted quiere dejar una puerta abierta para que cualquiera de las dos partes abandone este proyecto - contestó David O´Connor.

- Simplemente se trata de una medida precautoria válida para los dos laboratorios - razonó Christopher Norton.

- Señores, si estamos de acuerdo en lo sustancial, creo que podemos dar por finalizada esta reunión. Los aspectos formales y técnicos de la fusión los pueden redactar nuestros abogados - concluyó Arthur Sullivan.

David O´Connor se levantó y estrechó la mano de Arthur Sullivan. La fusión estaba pactada. Por la expresión de sus caras se podía adivinar que cada parte había logrado los objetivos marcados.

A las dos de la tarde, un tórrido sol iluminaba cada rincón de las Islas Caimán. El archipiélago estaba constituido por tres islas: Gran Caimán, Caimán Brac y Pequeño Caimán. Bañadas por el mar Caribe, estaban localizadas aproximadamente a 270 Kilómetros al sur de Cuba y a 324 kilómetros al noroeste de Jamaica. Gozaban de un clima veraniego perpetuo y aquel día el termómetro alcanzaba los treinta y tres grados centígrados de temperatura.

El 10 de mayo de 1503 fueron descubiertas por Cristóbal Colón, durante la realización de su cuarto viaje. Debido a la gran cantidad de tortugas que habitaban estas islas, las llamó Las Tortugas. Más tarde, hacia 1540 recibieron el nombre de Islas Caimán. Es un territorio bajo control de Gran Bretaña desde 1665 y reconocido oficialmente desde el Tratado de Madrid en el año 1670.

La isla más importante era Gran Caimán. Estaba habitada por cerca de treinta y tres mil habitantes que se dedicaban fundamentalmente al turismo, al comercio y todo tipo de empresas y bancos radicados allí. En la capital, Georgetown, predominaban los bancos, domiciliaciones de empresas, relojerías, joyerías, perfumerías, galerías de arte, y un variopinto rosario de tiendas y supermercados donde poder comprar frutas tropicales y ron.

Desde Miami distaba aproximadamente setenta minutos en avión. Un viaje que se podía realizar en las líneas aéreas Cayman Airways o en American Airlines y que transportaba fundamentalmente turistas ávidos de diversión y deseosos de disfrutar de las paradisíacas playas caribeñas, de fina arena blanca y sembradas de cocoteros, donde poder paladear los mil y un cócteles diferentes preparados con ron y la rica cerveza autóctona. También viajaban multitud de ejecutivos, que llamaban la atención por su vestimenta formal, con inseparables maletines de piel.

El mar Caribe, de color azul turquesa, de infinitas tonalidades en cada amanecer y en cada atardecer, guardaba celosamente multitud de tesoros submarinos en forma de gran variedad de peces tropicales, bancos de coral y barcos hundidos en sus profundidades. Era un verdadero paraíso para los amantes del submarinismo.

Desde hacía unos años, las Islas Caimán se habían convertido en un paraíso financiero. Atraídos por la casi ausencia de impuestos, tenían sede allí cerca de seiscientos bancos de todo el mundo. Del ranking de los cincuenta bancos más importantes del mundo, cuarenta y siete tenían una sucursal en Gran Caimán. Existían cerca de treinta y seis mil empresas registradas. El volumen de negocio generado por unos y otras ascendía a la nada despreciable cifra de varias decenas de billones de dólares. Y todo esto era posible porque la discreción y el secreto profesional imperaban en este tipo de negocios. En la mayoría de los casos sólo se conocía el nombre de las empresas, pero nada acerca de quienes eran sus propietarios. Lo mismo sucedía en los bancos, donde casi la totalidad de cuentas eran numeradas, y sus dueños ciudadanos anónimos. Y el dinero, un espectador virtual, puesto que las transacciones electrónicas, en los últimos tiempos, se habían convertido en las más comunes.

En Five to Five Investment los ordenadores trabajaban las veinticuatro horas del día. Era una empresa con apenas dos años de existencia. Una sociedad de inversión en valores y bolsa, independiente de grupos industriales y bancos, y que gracias al manejo de tecnología puntera y de Internet, ofrecía una información y análisis en tiempo real a todos los inversores, para que la toma de decisiones a la hora de invertir en un valor en bolsa fuera segura y con garantías, evitando riesgos innecesarios. Exclusivamente prestaban servicios online, con acceso a la contratación en tiempo real. Gracias a su esmerado servicio, Five to Five poseía una cartera de clientes que se había multiplicado en los últimos meses y que aglutinaba inversores de los cinco continentes.

Operaban en las bolsas más importantes del mundo, las veinticuatro horas del día, de lunes a viernes, con descanso forzoso los sábados y domingos. Aconsejaban la inversión en valores consolidados, bonos y fondos de inversión, huyendo con premeditación de los valores especulativos. Aunque a veces provocaban la subida forzada de un determinado valor, en alguna de las bolsas donde operaban, realizando operaciones basándose en compras repetitivas y sistematizadas, provocando una burbuja financiera en torno a él; para luego, una vez que el volumen de contratación se había apreciado, proceder a la venta masiva de acciones con la consiguiente realización de beneficios. Se trataba de verdadera ingeniería financiera aplicada a la bolsa.

La compra y venta de acciones se sucedían una tras otra. Cientos de operaciones diarias realizadas cada una de ellas en apenas unos segundos y al mismo tiempo. Millones de dólares que se multiplicaban al instante por mor de una información privilegiada gestionada por auténticos profesionales del dinero.

Un nuevo cliente estaba contactando con el ordenador central de Five to Five.

Usuario: 1647LA-2
Contraseña: jke77-LA
Número de cuenta: 10403
Empresa: Caribbean online Ltd.
Contraseña Empresa: 34L37A-0

Una vez superadas correctamente todas las claves de acceso se visualizó una nueva página, a través de la cual se podía operar en bolsa. El internauta marcó la casilla de comprar y posteriormente tuvo que concretar la operación.

Bolsa: Nueva York.
Valor: Bioconn.
Número de títulos:
Importe de la compra: 1.500.000 $US.
Verifique los datos.
¿Son correctos? : Sí.
Su compra se está cursando. Espere un momento por favor.

Después de unos instantes apareció un nuevo mensaje en pantalla. En él se indicaba que la operación ya se había efectuado y al mismo tiempo se informaba del número de títulos comprados con el millón y medio de dólares, el precio por acción, las comisiones, y otros detalles de menor interés.

Aquella mañana estaba siendo muy ajetreada, pero sustancialmente provechosa. Siempre que el índice Nasdaq subía, un terremoto de adrenalina sacudía las oficinas de NYBBrokers. Los agentes no se separaban de sus pantallas de ordenador. Los teléfonos no cesaban de sonar y a veces se atendían tres y cuatro operaciones simultáneamente, dejando las llamadas en espera para atender a otro cliente. Y cuando la línea quedaba libre se aprovechaba para llamar a los inversores preferentes para sugerir la compra de valores que cotizaban al alza. Sus contratos les garantizaban un sueldo fijo anual, pero aún estando bien remunerados, todos codiciaban las suculentas comisiones que percibían por el montante global de las operaciones realizadas, así cómo por la comisión que percibían de los inversores una vez que estos habían realizado beneficios. Era un trabajo en equipo ejecutado en una selva de depredadores, donde sólo sobrevivían aquellos que obtenían un mayor índice de inversiones beneficiosas para sus clientes.

Aquellas eran las mañanas del café. Café con leche, café con azúcar, café con sacarina, café y teléfono, café y ordenador. No había tiempo que perder, no había tiempo para nada más. En los últimos dos meses se sucedían sin cesar las sesiones con pérdidas en los dos índices más importantes, el Dow Jones y el Nasdaq, aunque éstos eran contrarrestados por las subidas que experimentaban las empresas biotecnológicas. Por ello, cuando se vislumbraba un ápice de recuperación, la actividad era frenética y la noción del tiempo así como las necesidades orgánicas desaparecían. Aquellas mañanas, un café era el lujo más idolatrado.

Faltaba media hora para el cierre de Wall Street. John Commiso hizo la primera pausa de la mañana. Por fin los teléfonos dejaron de sonar y se dispuso a ordenar su mesa. Recogió todas las notas que había dispersas, las apretujó entre sus manos y las tiró a la papelera. Colocó los bolígrafos y los rotuladores en su cubilete y posteriormente se relajó sobre su silla.

Repasó mentalmente algunas de las operaciones que había realizado aquella mañana y que seguro que le aportarían algunas comisiones. Ciena, una compañía de fibra óptica; Immunex, una empresa de biotecnología, cuyo fármaco Enbrel había recibido el apoyo de una comisión gubernamental para tratar la artritis reumatoide, lo cual podría cuadruplicar las ventas del mismo; Network Appliance, una empresa de redes informáticas y Procter & Gamble, que después de casi tres meses de pérdidas continuadas, tenía actualmente unos indicadores favorables, habiendo iniciado un repunte al alza cuando su RSI 14 bajó de 30.

Él era uno más de los cientos de agentes clónicos que trabajaban en aquella empresa de bolsa, ya que la vestimenta de todos era idéntica: traje azul marino, camisa blanca y una corbata desanudada de corte clásico. Pero, en cambio, lo diferenciaba su carácter alegre, abierto y simpático, reminiscencia de sus antecedentes italianos.

Sin duda, celebraría aquella mañana triunfal y de grandes éxitos, en el restaurante italiano que había en la primera planta. Pediría una ensalada del campo, unos espaguetis al dente con abundante salsa boloñesa y lo regaría todo con un Chianti, para finalizar con una crema helada de pistacho y avellana.

Sobre la mesa tenía su ordenador portátil siempre conectado a Internet. Lo utilizaba fundamentalmente para comunicarse con sus clientes a través del correo electrónico, así como para volcar en él toda la información sobre las operaciones que realizaba cada día, para posteriormente analizarlas con los programas informáticos de bolsa con los que trabajaba y que le indicaban cuál era el momento más oportuno para comprar o vender valores de las carteras de sus clientes.

Un mensaje en la pantalla del ordenador comenzó a parpadear y ello atrajo su atención. Le indicaba que alguien estaba contactando con él a través de un chat.

- Hola T.W.

T.W. era el alias de John Commiso en los chat de Internet.

- Hola. ¿Quién eres?
- Soy Clarke. ¿Cómo va la mañana?

Clarke era un nombre neutro, sin cara, sin sexo, con el cual solía chatear a menudo, intercambiando información de diversa índole, pero fundamentalmente de bolsa. A veces los soplos entre ambos eran frecuentes. Aunque no se conocían, tenían un grado de confianza mutua bastante apreciable.

- Hoy, la mañana está siendo maravillosa. La diosa Fortuna me ha sonreído, y me ha favorecido con sus dones.
- ¿Eso quiere decir que la bolsa está subiendo?
- Lo has acertado, Clarke.
- Me alegro por ti.
- ¿Y tú? ¿Qué has hecho hoy?
- Apenas nada. Pura monotonía.

A John Commiso le agradaba chatear con Clarke. Cada frase que aparecía en su ordenador era contestada rápidamente. Escuchar el crepitar de las teclas del ordenador le producía sensaciones que reflejaban su estado de ánimo, alegre cuando escribía rápido y abúlico cuando lo hacía lentamente.

- Clarke, el trabajo nunca puede ser una monotonía. Hay que dar gracias a Dios por tener la dicha de trabajar todos los días.
- Sí, pero ya sabes que las reuniones me exasperan, a veces pueden ser tremendamente aburridas.
- Ánimo, ¡hoy es mi día de suerte!
- Puede que sigas teniendo suerte todavía. Tengo noticias para ti.
- ¿Cuáles?
- Un amigo de un amigo mío ha tenido determinada información que creo puede ser importante.
- ¿De qué se trata?
- De Bioconn. ¿Tienes noticias de esa empresa?
- Por supuesto. La semana pasada tuvo una subida muy importante.
- ¿Y a qué fue debido?
- Corrían rumores de que están muy cerca de conseguir una vacuna contra el SIDA.
- ¿Sólo eso?
- ¿Hay algo más? ¿Es eso lo que tratas de decirme?
- No sé. Probablemente sea interesante. Mi amigo me ha contado que ha habido esta mañana una reunión muy importante en la sede de Microgensyn…
- ¡En Microgensyn!…
- Si, en Microgensyn… y agárrate, no te caigas…
- ¿Y?
- Han acordado la fusión de ambas empresas.
- ¿Se van a fusionar?
- Sí.
- ¿Cuándo?
- No lo sé, pero muy pronto. Ya está todo pactado y lo van a anunciar en rueda de prensa en unos días.

Hacía más de un año que se habían conocido a través de un chat de temas económicos. Intercambiaban fundamentalmente conocimientos, preguntas y respuestas que hallaban al otro lado del ordenador. En los últimos meses la información sobre bolsa siempre era habitual y así fue como Clarke descubrió el trabajo de T.W., mientras que éste desconocía la verdadera ocupación de aquél, aunque, por sus conocimientos, debería de ser alguien ligado al mundo económico o empresarial.

- Clarke, ¿Es cierto todo eso?
- Mi amigo es una fuente muy fiable.
- Clarke, ¿Tienes dinero fresco?
- ¿Quieres decir disponible en estos momentos?
- Perdona, es nuestro argot. Sí, quiero decir dinero líquido.
- ¿Por qué?
- Porque las acciones de Bioconn van a subir como la espuma. Y, yo que tú, llamaría ahora mismo al banco e invertiría todo el dinero que tuviera en comprar acciones de Bioconn.
- ¿Me aconsejas que haga eso? T. W.
- Claro que sí, aunque soy yo el que tengo que darte las gracias por el soplo. Te estaré eternamente agradecido.
- Confío en ti, T.W.
- Y yo en ti, Clarke. Y si me disculpas…con la emoción se me ha olvidado que sólo quedan veinte minutos para cerrar Wall Street. Tengo mucho trabajo que realizar en este tiempo. Tengo que comprar Bioconn para todos mis clientes. ¡Ponte pronto en contacto conmigo!
- Lo haré. Adiós.

El parqué bursátil funciona así. Siempre hay alguien que descarga su artillería pesada, en forma de palabrería bienintencionada, y alguien dispuesto a escucharla y presto a poner en marcha toda la maquinaria necesaria para conseguir los objetivos que se pretenden, que no son otros que ganar dinero. En esta cadena nunca se sabe quién es el bueno y el malo de la película, o si todos son buenos, o por el contrario todos son malos. John Commiso pensaba que había tenido un día feliz y ya daba por concluida su jornada laboral cuando le llegó el gran soplo, y su día feliz comenzaría a partir de aquel momento, aunque sólo disponía de veinte minutos para ejecutar todas las operaciones que le fueran posibles. Sabía que al finalizar la sesión, cuando los analistas bursátiles apreciaran el gran volumen de acciones que había comprado de Bioconn sospecharían algo, y al día siguiente seguiría su escalada alcista. No obstante, de manera sutil, él revelaría las noticias que tenía.

Cuando concluyó su trabajo, anudó correctamente su corbata, se puso la chaqueta y se dirigió hacia el restaurante italiano, donde le esperaban unos espaguetis con salsa boloñesa.

"LA VACUNA": Capítulo NUEVE

Chapter SEVEN

2006-05-15T17:37:00.000+02:00

The “disc inferno” sounded in the radiodespertador. The high volume woke up to Mary Fishers who occurred average return in the bed to enjoy the last seconds of rest. The music of “The Trammps”, like all the mornings, went faithful to its appointment.

- Good morning, my beloveds sleepyhead, they are the six in the morning in the West coast of Tuesday two of May of two thousands and today for a truely wonderful day - a loquacious speaker vociferated.

Every day, except Sundays, she get up to six in the morning. Many years ago she wake with the same signature tune. It was a program Magazine in which the most important news of the day had capacity, information on the metropolitan zone of Los Angeles, shaggy dog story, jokes, all put in it with active music that invited to waking up without laziness and lead by the diligent verbosity of showman Joel Carmickle.

Mary Fishers half-opened an eye and directed to her glance towards the digital clock that marked the six already and a minute. She supported the openhanded been on the bed and took advantage of the impulse to rise. She pressed the switch of the light and while rubbed the eyes went with clumsy steps to the bathroom. She opened the faucet of the water and hoped that this one was well hot. She made exercises of relaxation accompanied by strechings to prepare her body for a long day. The water steam formed a mist that impregnated all the quarter, erasing the figure of Mary of the mirror. She entered the bath, took the shower and her body underwent the impact of the hot water. She came to use the water spurt to provide a smooth massage to each one of muscles of her body. The morning shower, meticulous and without haste, was a true to please.

She went to the kitchen and connected the bread toaster. From a stock market, removed two slices of integral bread and put them to toast. She looked for milk in the refrigerator, filled a great cup and introduced it in the microwaves. Of a closet she took on of coffee decaffeinated. She prepared an egg to cook it and later she left boiled ham and butter on the table cloth of the table. She expressed oranges. Before seating, she remembered the pie that she had bought previous afternoon in Napoleón, the bakery and cafeteria located in the corner of the street Main Street with Strand.

After having breakfast she gathered and ordered the kitchen. She went again to her dormitory and chose the clothes that were going to put themselves. To last hour, she decided to change of shirt, after watching themselves at the mirror and hefting that it did not combine well with the trousers that wore. She opened the legs, flexed the trunk and her hair fell by inertia, on both sides made several movements with her head and finalized with an abrupt movement of extension. She watched the mirror, used the fingers of her hands to give a last touch backwards sliding them, and in the end, she decided that her hair correctly was combed.

The apartment, located in front of the beach, was in a centric zone of Santa Monica, closely together of Main Street. At first, seemed it scandalous the sum of money that had paid by it, but with time she was convinced of the privilege that supposed to live in that place. In addition, every day that happened, was revalued more and more. It was a house of two plants. In the inferior part, an ample hall most of occupied the stay, whose decoration was work of Mary Fishers, and in that emphasized a crystal table on which a vase of Bohemian rested bought in a trip by that zone; the plants, in which the green color predominated; two oils, that colored the life of the beach and the light of the city; and several crystal bookcases on which photos, objects of ceramics and many-colored figures rested. The rest of the space was occupied by the kitchen, a bath of small dimensions and her office, a place filled with books, placed in harmonious disorder, where she happened most of the time when was in house. Stairs communicated with the superior floor, where it located her dormitory and a for guests, equipped with a great bathroom and a comfortable sale to dress.

She lowered the stairs, crossed the hall, opened the windows and inhaled the pure air in the morning. The sun illuminated the horizon that morning. The sea was in calm and the waves, small letters, died in the sand of the beach, that to those hours or was occupied by people doing footing, walking or taking a walk with the dog. The palms, from their watchtower, observed imperturbable the morning landscape.

Mary Fishers, once closed the windows and after hiding them with the curtains, went towards her office. Dossieres gathered several, a folder of curtains ring and a book. All she introduced it in a leather portfolio, of shining smooth surface and. She extracted of the computer the diskette with which was been working the previous night until good behind schedule and, after doubting, kept it in her purse. She watched the family photo who was in her writing-desk: her mother, Nicole, embraced to her brother Alec, whereas their father and she interlaced the hands. Before leaving she dedicated to the photography a complicity wink.

When leaving house, she agreed with Jefrey Winkler. Mr. Winkler already inhabited the contiguous apartment to the of Mary when she settled down in the building. From a first moment they established a friendship and cordiality relation. Fifteen years ago he lived in Santa Monica, to which was transferred from Boston, since he suffered of articulate problems with pains that you teased to him every day. He chose the city by the benevolence of its climate. He was widower, their children lived in different zones from the United States, and the relation with Mary Fishers, to whom he treated as if she was an adoptive daughter, had rejuvenated him.

- Good morning, Mary.

- Hello Jefrey, good morning.

- I heard to you arrive Sunday at night. Do you have a god trip? And the congress? In a television program they have including a news article and they have dedicated very flattering commentaries to you. I have seen your intervention and you seemed a queen, dominating the situation and all that pending public of you. In addition, you were very handsome with that new dress that you wore.

- Thanks, Jefrey, you are a sun. You do not know how I am thankful to you that you are always so kind with me. Now, more than ever, I need your affectionate words. The congress has gone wonderfully well - she said, with certain irony, watching to him to the eyes.

- What´s going on, Mary?

- What? - she asked, eluding the answer.

- I do not know. I notice worried to you somewhat, you seem tense - responded Jefrey Winkler, interpreting accurately the answer of Mary.

- You do not worry Jefrey, I am well. Thanks for look after of me.

- As you say. But you have something to count, already you know that always I will be here for listening to you, all right? … - he proposed, flattering to her with one of his smiles.

- All right! - she accepted and outlined a forced smile.

Both they entered the elevator. The passage until the ground floor passed in silence. The words exceed when the knowledge of a person is evident; for that reason, no said nothing until Jefrey was gotten off and it took leave of her. Mary Fishers descended until parking, that was located in the cellar, and went towards his car.

She raised in it, left to the purse and the briefcase in the seat of the copilot. She closed the door and was heard a sound pleasant, consequence of the perfect gear. When she turned the ignition key, the motor emitted a brave and vigorous roar that was escaped through exhaust pipe. She stepped on the accelerator and the car slid smoothly towards the exit.

When Mary Fishers lead her Mercedes 230 Benz SLK Kompressor acquired a will cheers and positive. It was an two-seater automobile of 1997, metallic blue color, leather seats, wood incrustations noble, manual and automatic gear box, and one long list of technical details and comfort. Security was the word that better defined all its characteristics. The pleasure that felt Mary, while lead it, only could be compared at the moments that enjoyed in her laboratory.

She ignited the radio. That morning did not desire her to listen to the news, reason why she tuned the FM. She changed the frequency dial until found a chain with the music that her liked. Will Smith, to rate of rap, sang “Miami”, a song that was of her affability and that did not doubt in to hum, although quickly she related Miami to Santa Monica and it made her very telepathically ask for to the transmitter the song that dominated “Hits Parade” at those moments.

The last compasses went away diluting to the time that were fused with a new song, and how by magic art this one was the that she had wished mentally. She extended the arm and her forefinger pressed the button of the volume, rising this one until it reached the suitable degree. Music flooded the small originating cockpit of the different places where the loudspeakers were located.

A metallic sound to the compass marked by the synthesizer, along with the symbiosis of the guitars, the percussion of the battery, and the juxtaposition of brief sounds of flute, impelled the body of Mary Fishers who automatically skirted her figure to the rate of music. The right arm, leaving the steering wheel of the car, drew an arc of ninety degrees, followed of a flexion and extension of her forearm. She circulated around Ocean Avenue, the sun shone tremulous in the horizon and Mary went towards her work. That music relaxed her, ectasied and was the best therapy for her abulic and depressed mood. A harmonious smile bloomed in her face accompanying the happiness that impregnated her body at those moments and disinhibiting itself completely she dared to hum the letter of the song:

Santa Monica,
Cradle of the sun,
Queen of the happiness,
And of the love.

The traffic light was in red, stopped its car while she continued singing and when this one was put in green turned to the right by Wilshire Boulevard to go towards Westwood, place in which was its laboratory, in a zone next to UCLA.

Every day she made himself route and most of them arrived hardly at Microgensyn Center in seconds. The equation space-time shone by its absence and the daily repetition of he himself route, the same shutdowns in such traffic lights, the same avenues, the trees repeated until infinity, and sometimes such cars and identical pedestrians in the places of always, concatenated a series of facts that made lose the notion of the time, and a space of twenty five minutes was reduced to the light perception of little part.

The sworn guard, like all the mornings, and without asking for her accreditation, raised the barrier and allowed the passage of Mary. She went towards the place that had reserved to park her car.

She entered the building and directed herself towards the area where the laboratories were located. She was generally first in arriving, but that morning Brett Johnson already was in his office. Knit one´s brow, she did not like that nobody arrived before she. The work was her life and or was lost the account of the hours that dedicated every day to its company, although these never were less than twelve, with exception done of Saturdays, in which she only worked four or five hours, to bring up to date slow or pending works to update.

- Hello Brett! What do you so soon this way?

Brett Johnson comprised of the team of Mary Fishers. Just as she, he was contracted in Microgensyn after receiving a Investigation scholarship. He was his more direct collaborator, but its relation was not limited the triviality of the chief towards its subordinate, if not who a deep friendship had germinated among them.

- Hello, Mary. I was waited you. I want to be first in congratulations you.

- Thanks - she answered, before he took part again.

- Relate to me, how has gone everything?

- Very well - she said, lying with subtlety -. It has been an experience wonderful, difficult to forget.

- What do you feels when one is in the scene, in the zenith of its race, and perceives the admiration and the recognition of all his colleagues?

That question moved Mary Fishers. An ascending creeps crossed her body, of feet to head. She felt a sensation of flush and her face go red immediately.

- Joy… an immense joy. You gather the fruit of the effort and the affluent work done during years. You are touched and you think about everything what you still have left to do and you feel that all that explosion of spirit feeds the character on continuous fight and search that all scientist must lodge.

- I am glad much… I know what supposes for you.

- Thanks, Brett, in addition, I want to thank for you all the work that you carry out in Microgensyn. Without you it had not been possible east recognition.

Mary entered her office, opened a window in order to acclimate it with fresh air in the morning and next she took a bottle to water the plants that decorated the stay.

She put into operation the computer and reviewed the electronic mail. After the days that had happened outside, her electronic direction was full of congratulation messages. She read with thoroughness some, whereas others did it only between lines. A gratefulness message wrote that left prepared to send it at another moment, when she had a free hollow.

Next she selected those messages that were hoping: Dr Migeon, from Thailand, Dr Carrie Galloway, from Nigeria, Dr Keith T. Riggs, from Brazil and of the Dr N´Beba from Uganda.

All of them were scientists of Microgensyn. All worked in the Mgen1702 Project. Each project of Microgensyn took to the same abbreviations and a number, in sequence progressive that indicated the number of scientific works that the Laboratory had undertaken. The 1702 corresponded to the ship present standard of all the projects of investigation that were being made. 1702 were synonymous of Vaccine of the AIDS.

In the Laboratory all knew the existence the investigation, but they did not know the phase of study in which it was. Very few scientists and directors of the company worked in the project and had access to the results of it himself. Rumors existed, but nobody dared to assure that the vaccine or was being experienced in humans, who or were a clinical test in phase III.

In some countries the AIDS epidemic was of apocalyptic proportions, whereas in others it constituted a serious problem of Public Health. All those factors were taken advantage of by the executives of Microgensyn to design a political flood of subterfuges, bribes and promises that allowed it to experience the vaccine in humans in those nations.

At the present moment, the vaccine already had been administered in Thailand, Nigeria, Brazil and Uganda. The preliminary results already were in being able of Mary Fishers and she arranged itself at those moments to analyze them.
Without doubting it, Mary read the message of the Dr Migeon:

Dear Mary:

The end of history illuminates the principle of a new age, and that day finally has arrived. With extreme emotion I have collected all the data that we have gathered until today. As we had planned I send 20% to you of the results. We are working the twenty four hours of the day and if any misfortune does not exist, within two weeks I will come to send to you 80% rest. Tuesday 16 of May you will have in your power all the data of the study. I hope that the analysis of such is positive and that the Vaccine of the AIDS is, finally, a reality.
Doctor Migeon.

Mary Fishers opened the file that enclosed the electronic mail. She watched with thoroughness trying to discover the hidden messages that it lodged, but after minutes of meticulous study, stopped in the attempt. The message was protected with a key that only a computer science program, prepared for such aim, was enabled to decipher.

They had made a scientific study of blind triple type. These types of tests are made so that the subject that receives the vaccine does not know if placebo is administered to him or the vaccine. In addition, the scientist who does not gather the data either knows what group belongs each individual. And the investigator who analyzes the results does not know which is, between the data that is offered to him, the one that measures the effect that is analyzed.

Mary Fishers had been the inductive of this type of computer science programs to come to a rigorous and objective analysis, and at the same time, to avoid all class of slants. Although the impatience to know the results took to her in more than an occasion to detest the proposed such initiative.

Mary offed-hook the telephone and marked to the extension of the office of Brett Johnson.

- Brett, do you can come a moment to my office? I have something important that I want to show to you.

- In a moment, I am there.

Brett Johnson did not comprise of the equipment that was immersed in the Mgen1702 Project. However, with secret and great secrecy, Mary had informed him constantly and he knew all the details himself. In Microgensyn a Commission of investigation existed, but in fact, that assigned the projects and the scientists who were going to participate in each study were Christopher Norton.

A sound and soon other two more caused that Mary let watch the computer and fixed her sight to the door, because knew that Brett was after it, since that was the password that they had agreed.

- Brett, happens and closes the door, please - she said, with caution attitude.

- What is that so important that you want that sees?

- Already they are here - Mary responded, almost whispering.

- That? So that do you speak thus?

- Sssss… shuts up! Sight this. The first results of Mgen1702 - Mary Fishers affirmed, while she indicated to him to Brett with a gesture that he watched the screen of the computer.

- Humm…! Yes, and what? Numbers – he took the mouse and moved by the document of above downwards -, more numbers, keys. You put it to me difficult.

- What do you think? Suggests something to you? - she asked, waiting for a solution to the enigma.

- I have no idea. So that you do not overturn the data in 4GLium and we left of doubts?

4GLium was the name of the computer science program, thus denominated to be writing in the programming language 4GL.

- That was thinking, but before I wanted that you saw them. The program takes in analyzing the data almost twenty four hours and I did not want to wait for morning. In addition, I entrust myself in your intuition, and thought that you could advance something to me.

- I feel Mary. Let me know tomorrow when you have them, all right? - and after saying this, Brett left.

Methodologically, the vaccine of the AIDS that was experiencing Microgensyn and that had been designed by Mary Fishers, was very similar to the one of Jeff Colleman. They were only different in two substantial aspects. In the first place, she did not use plasmid like vector, but a virus. And secondly, it synthesized the viral DNA of different subtypes from the virus of the AIDS, as well as its synthetic peptides.

This fact differential was of vital importance since an only virus of the AIDS does not exist, but that are different subtypes that are considered “almost species”. In the replication of the virus, reverse transcriptase commits great amount of errors that give rise to mutations, appearing different types from virus. In addition, in many HIV-positive patients different subtypes from the virus can be isolated at the same time.

In order to avoid this fact, the design of the test considered this special feature, reason why in each geographic zone the proteins of the HIV were administered, with their differentiated genetic characteristics, more prevalent. Even, the composition of the vaccine, was formed by a synthetic peptide or viral DNA mixture of the different subtypes from virus in the suitable proportions.

It was not a vaccine easy to try, nor to obtain. Probably it was one of vaccines of greater biological complexity. And everything due to the errors committed by the virus in its multiplication, that were what they turned it a more and more complex being. For that reason, the population to which the vaccine was administered to him had to be of great proportions. Twenty five thousand people in Thailand, twenty thousands in Nigeria, and ten and five thousands, respectively, in Uganda and Brazil.

It was not about a vaccine strictly, but four different, adapting the composition of each one of them, to the genetic variability of the virus in each one of the studied places.

All these disadvantages, took with himself, that the elaboration of the computer science program 4GLium outside difficult accomplishment, so that it could provide statistically significant data.

Once Brett Johnson had left the office, Mary hurried in opening to the electronic mail of the Doctor Carrie Galloway.

Hello Mary:

I send the preliminary data to you of our study. A 20%, as it was planned, so that they can be analyzed by 4GLium. The impression which I have until this moment is very positive. I believe that we are in the correct way and that the vaccine is everything a success.

Carrie Galloway.

Mary Fishers took her purse. She looked for the diskette with which there was been working the previous night and she introduced it in the computer. She opened to the program 4GLium and gave the necessary instructions him so that analyzed the archives that accompanied the electronic mails by the Dr Migeon, of the Dr Keith T. Riggs and the Dr N´Beba.

Afternoon previous, Carrie Galloway sent to Mary the file, with the data of the study, to the personal computer of her house of Santa Monica. Mary was working uselessly in it, without obtaining no objective, since it was not activated.

Mary, very astute, indicated to the program 4GLium that analyzed the data of the diskette. When 4GLium began to analyze the different archives, these were activated.

The computer science system of security of Microgensyn was very complex. A central computer only existed. To it, all the terminals had access. Each one of these had a password as well to be able to work with it. And, in addition, to each certain computer science program people only had access, those whose work was bound to the use of those programs, which had to introduce a key to be able to work with them.

The safety measures were extreme in Microgensyn and nothing was at random. The fear to the scientific spying was clear, for that reason they existed all test exercise so that nobody other people's one to the laboratories could accede to any type of information. In the same way, the monitoring mainly loomed the personnel who worked in the company until unsuspected ends.

At the outset, when a person began to work for Microgensyn, all these measures were to him insidious. But, Microgensyn was a company anyone, neither its singsong work, nor was one more a form to gain the life, but that represented that reason why always they had fought, a vocational work to which body and soul were given in. Spent a time, the sensation to be watched was in background.

- Mrs. Wilcox, calls you, if you are so kind, the office of Christopher Norton and asks if he can receive to me in these moments - Mary Fishers said.

- It has to be at this moment or her meeting can hope for later?

- No, I cannot hope. If it is necessary, insists.

- All right.

Mrs. Wilcox was the secretary of Mary three years ago. Fifty years, pleasant and wise treatment in discretion, good worker and effective collaborator. Lose one´s husband after fifteen years of marriage and had become to marry recently. Since then her life gave a turn of one hundred eighty degrees and the happiness was appraised in her. She loved Mary and felt by her a deep admiration and respect.

Mary Fishers, once activated the file of her diskette, extracted it of the disk drive and she again kept it in her purse.

- Miss Fishers. I finish arranging the interview. The Dr Norton the delay in his office.

- Thanks, Mrs. Wilcox.

Mary Fishers left her office and she went towards the hall. She walked fast, as if she was in a hurry. Once in this one, she was directed towards the left wing and there waited for the arrival of the elevator that would lead it until the third floor. When she arrived at the office of Christopher Norton received to her his secretary, Mrs. Myers.

- Good morning, Miss Fishers. Mr. Norton has a visit at the moment and he has said to me that he warns it as soon as you arrived. She will not take in receiving her - she said Mrs. Myers.

- Thanks.

The door of the office of Christopher Norton opened and showed a feminine figure that called the attention of Mary. After her was the Dr Norton, that he was taking leave, and who when warning the presence of Mary, said:

- Come here, do you want to know Mary?

- I would love to know - she said.

- Hello Mary. Come here, please. I introduce you to Pascale Carter - said Christopher Norton.

- Nice to meet you! - Mary exclaimed, with surprise face.

- Great pleasure in knowing you, Miss Fishers. They have spoken to me of you, since you are a personage idolized in Microgensyn - Pascale Carter responded, with words premeditated very well.

- Mary, Miss Carter works in the writing desk of lawyers of Williamson & Weiss and she advising to us in very important subjects – Christopher Norton took part.

- Well, if they excuse to me, I must to go. It has been a pleasure Miss Fishers - observed Pascale Carter, while backed down and extended her arm as a goodbye greeting.

- The same I say - Mary answered.

- See you later, we see ourselves in the meeting - Christopher Norton said smiling to Pascale -. Mary enters.

Before entering the office of the Dr Norton, Mary superficially watched the figure of Pascale that already moved away, and perceived something strange of that person. For the reason that outside, and still without knowing her, she had a feeling that they were not going to be friends. Like positive poles that are repelled, the personal relations, sometimes, follow the same laws physical.

The office of Christopher Norton was great, luminous and austere in decoration. His character was concrete in that room, since the functionality predominated mainly. Furniture of design, two abstract sculptures in the sides of the window, and a full book bookcase. It impressed the order in which was placed everything, was nothing outside place, nor only a discordant detail.

- Do you have a coffee, Mary? – Christopher Norton proposed.

- No, thanks.

Christopher seated in the armchair of his table, crossed the legs and let rest his arms on the table. He faces was Mary Fishers, with hieratic expression.

- And well… Do you have received the electronic mails? - he asked.

- Yes. They already are here - she responded, with brevity. Just as in other occasions that were in the office of the Dr Norton, Mary watched with curiosity the door that was in there and that always was closed with key. They had commented to her that was a small room where Christopher Norton kept in a strong box the files and important documents related to the projects from investigation from Microgensyn.

- And the files?

- Everything is correct. The percentage of results that I have received is the programmed. 4GLium already is analyzing them.

It was evident that the relation of both was not very warm. Mary detested to go to the office of Christopher to inform to him into the results of any work. For that reason, she showed a self-defence mechanism, expressing itself with short phrases and, often, a syllable.

- Then… tomorrow we will have the results – Christopher Norton sentenced -. What do you have commented our scientists?

- The impressions of them are positive. Think that the vaccine is everything a success. Until they have not detected any failure now, have not had any problem, nor indirect effect.

- I am glad, Mary. You already know the important thing that project is for our east company. Come here to see me tomorrow, to first hour, with dossier detailed of all the results - he sentenced, like almost always, with an order.

- All right.

- On purpose, what happened in the supper to Jeff Colleman?

- Not… nothing of individual.

- Nothing of individual! - he exclaimed, outlining a malice smile -. A supper based on food exquisite; a stroll at daybreak by the side streets of the city; a tender dance in the half-light of a pub, to that flames it nothing of individual.

At that time Mary Fishers understood that was catched in a dangerous plot that had despised at first. The game was real and accepting to participate in it, supposed to assume all the consequences. She was sunk in a conspiracy and appeared in the main paper. Her roll, from then, would consist of taking all the possible precautions. For that reason, she went on offensive.

- How… how do you know all that?

- I try to be found out everything, is my obligation. You already know that I put much professional fervour to my work.

- You are spying to me! – she answered , full of indignation, while she put myself standing up and she pointed with her forefinger at Christopher Norton.

- I would not call it thus. Simply I want to verify that everything follows its course.

- Chris, you know a thing…

- Which?

- That you are a pig - responded Mary Fishers, releasing the rage contained many years ago.

- So far, I am not going to consider your words. It is logical that you are gotten upset and unloadings your wrath against me.

- It concerns a pepper to me that you consider it or no. I thought that knew you, but now is when I know that you are vile more and despicable of which thought.

Christopher Norton put itself standing up. Watching fixedly the eyes of Mary he said to her:

- Here you have to me. I will be wait you when all this finishes - He was challenging. However, night watchman had to stay and to try that Mary obtained the data that needed. He seated again, gesture that was imitated by Mary -. Changing of subject, do you are prepared?

- So that? - she inquired.

- To obtain the information that we needed.

- Clear that yes - she responded, with firmness -. I also put all the fervour in the subjects that I undertake.

Christopher Norton did not trust excess in Mary Fishers. The meteoric ascent of her in international scientific panorama had turned to her the paradigm of Microgensyn. The envies, corrosive feeling, and the yearning to obtain superior goals in the company that could well occupy Mary in case of obtaining the vaccine of the AIDS, took him to design a plot in which the victim paper was reserved for Mary Fishers. She fell in the trap and accepted the scientific spying. She did not know if she were enabled to obtain what they had proposed to her, but in one or another case she would arrange the necessary thing so that she left the company after a great scandal that ruined her race. It would let the free way to him to reach, someday, the presidency of Microgensyn.

Christopher Norton went towards the door that was in his office. He removed the keys from his pocket, opened the door and he entered the room. Of rectangular geometry, in her they emphasized a safe-deposit box of great proportions, a bookcase with hundreds of archivists and a table at heart. On this one there was a terminal of computer and a laptop. In an accessory table a laser printer and a scanner were placed.

He seated in the table, put into operation the terminal and keyed in his password. Later he took the program 4GLium:

key of access: 371chnorton2-3.

key of access correct: Good morning Dr Norton.

4GLium was an interactive computer science program. It had been designed to facilitate the tasks of the people who were authorized for their use. It could recognize the scientists who worked with it, and due to the capacity of memory and autolearning, it could propose or ask the user what work wanted to do then.

Good morning 4GLium, I want the results of the analysis of the Mgen1702 Project .

The results of the analysis of the Mgen1702 Project will not be available see you tomorrow. Dr Norton, the analysis already is made, only you are authorized to know the data at this moment. If you are so kind to introduce the key of access restricted for you, I can already provide it to you.

Sometimes it was arrogant the loquacity and the slang used by 4GLium. But a computer science program is not enabled to express feelings, but that only obeys those directives for which it has been programmed. For that reason, the wrath, frustration or gratefulness must be represented in the group of people who have worked in their elaboration.

Key of restricted access: 614chnorton9.2

Key of restricted access correct: Now you are authorized to visualize the results of the Mgen1702 Project.

Christopher Norton pressed the icon of results and the program opened a full folder of data of all type.

PM1702TAI; PM1702NIG; PM1702UGA; PM1702BRA;

vaccinated...................................12.000 Person.
Placebo.........................................6.000 Person.
Vac15721.......................................6.000 Person.
HIV-positives with placebo...............651 Person.
HIV-positives with Vac15721................0 Person.
Placebo not analyzed..........................32 Person.
Vac15721 not analyzed........................25 Person.

The program provided an exhaustive analysis of any data that we wanted to know. Data by age, sex, occupation, date of administration and analytical tests, behaviours of risk, etc., as well as all type of statistics. But to the Dr Norton to only they interested him the global data, those that they indicated to him if the vaccine were effective.

Christopher Norton outlined a satisfaction smile. The partial data that finished contemplating indicated to him, with a very high safety margin, which the vaccine would be effective and that the project, in which they had invested several hundreds of million dollars, everything a success. Microgensyn obtained, again, a scientific landmark.

To be continued Monday 22-May-2006

"VACCINATION": Chapter EIGHT

Capítulo SIETE

2006-05-15T16:57:00.000+02:00

El “disco infierno” sonaba en el radiodespertador. El volumen elevado despertó a Mary Fishers que se dio media vuelta en la cama para disfrutar de los últimos segundos de descanso. La música de “The Trammps”, como todas las mañanas, acudía fiel a su cita.

- Buenos días, mis queridos dormilones, son las seis de la mañana en la costa Oeste del martes dos de mayo del dos mil y hoy hace un día verdaderamente maravilloso - vociferaba un locutor locuaz.

Todos los días, excepto los domingos, se levantaba a las seis de la mañana. Desde hacía muchos años se despertaba con la misma sintonía. Se trataba de un programa magazine en el cual tenían cabida las noticias más importantes del día, informaciones sobre la zona metropolitana de Los Ángeles, chascarrillos, chistes, todo ello intercalado con música activa que invitaba a un despertar sin pereza y conducido por la verborrea diligente del showman Joel Carmickle.

Mary Fishers entreabrió un ojo y dirigió su mirada hacia el reloj digital que marcaba ya las seis y un minuto. Apoyó las manos abiertas sobre la cama y aprovechó el impulso para levantarse. Pulsó el interruptor de la luz y mientras se frotaba los ojos se dirigió con pasos torpes al cuarto de baño. Abrió el grifo del agua y esperó que ésta estuviera bien caliente. Realizaba ejercicios de relajación acompañados de estiramientos para preparar su cuerpo para un largo día. El vapor de agua formó una bruma que impregnó todo el cuarto, borrando la figura de Mary del espejo. Entró en el baño, cogió la ducha y su cuerpo sufrió el impacto del agua caliente. Procedió a utilizar el chorro de agua para proporcionar un suave masaje a cada uno de los músculos de su cuerpo. La ducha matutina, meticulosa y sin prisas, era un verdadero placer.

Se dirigió a la cocina y enchufó el tostador de pan. De una bolsa, sacó dos rebanadas de pan integral y las puso a tostar. Buscó la leche en el frigorífico, llenó una taza grande y la introdujo en el microondas. De un armario cogió un sobre de café descafeinado. Preparó un huevo para cocerlo y posteriormente dejó el jamón dulce y la mantequilla sobre el mantel de la mesa. Exprimió unas naranjas. Antes de sentarse recordó el pastel que había comprado la tarde anterior en Napoleón, la panadería y cafetería situada en la esquina de la calle Main Street con Strand.

Después de desayunar recogió y ordenó la cocina. Se dirigió de nuevo a su dormitorio y eligió la ropa que iba a ponerse. A última hora, decidió cambiar de camisa, tras mirarse al espejo y sopesar que no combinaba bien con los pantalones que llevaba puestos. Abrió las piernas, flexionó el tronco y su pelo cayó por inercia, realizó varios movimientos a uno y otro lado con su cabeza y finalizó con un movimiento brusco de extensión. Se miró al espejo, utilizó los dedos de sus manos para dar un último toque deslizándolos hacia atrás, y al final, decidió que su pelo estaba correctamente peinado.

El apartamento, situado frente a la playa, estaba en una zona céntrica de Santa Mónica, muy cerca de Main Street. En un principio, le pareció escandalosa la suma de dinero que había pagado por él, pero con el tiempo se convenció del privilegio que suponía vivir en aquel lugar. Además, cada día que pasaba, se revalorizaba más y más. Era una vivienda de dos plantas. En la parte inferior, un amplio salón ocupaba la mayor parte de la estancia, cuya decoración fue obra de Mary Fishers, y en el que destacaba una mesa de cristal sobre la que descansaba un jarrón de bohemia comprado en un viaje por aquella zona; las plantas, en las que predominaba el color verde; dos óleos, que coloreaban la vida de la playa y la luz de la ciudad; y varias estanterías de cristal sobre las cuales descansaban fotos, objetos de cerámica y figuras variopintas. El resto del espacio estaba ocupado por la cocina, un baño de pequeñas dimensiones y su despacho, un lugar repleto de libros, colocados en armonioso desorden, donde pasaba la mayor parte del tiempo cuando estaba en casa. Una escalera comunicaba con el piso superior, donde se ubicaban un dormitorio para invitados y el suyo, dotado de un gran cuarto de baño y un confortable vestidor.

Bajó las escaleras, cruzó el salón, abrió las ventanas y aspiró el aire puro de la mañana. El sol iluminaba el horizonte de aquella mañana. El mar estaba en calma y las olas, minúsculas, morían en la arena de la playa, que a esas horas ya estaba ocupada por personas haciendo footing, caminando o paseando con el perro. Las palmeras, desde su atalaya, observaban impertérritas el paisaje matutino.

Mary Fishers, una vez cerradas las ventanas y después de ocultarlas con las cortinas, se dirigió hacia su despacho. Recogió varios dossieres, una carpeta de anillas y un libro. Todo lo introdujo en una cartera de cuero, de superficie lisa y brillante. Extrajo del ordenador el disquete con el que había estado trabajando la noche anterior hasta bien tarde y, tras dudar, lo guardó en su bolso. Miró la foto de familia que estaba en su escritorio: su madre, Nicole, abrazaba a su hermano Alec, mientras que su padre y ella entrelazaban las manos. Antes de salir dedicó a la fotografía un guiño de complicidad.

Al salir de casa, coincidió con Jefrey Winkler. El señor Winkler ya habitaba el apartamento contiguo al de Mary cuando ésta se estableció en el edificio. Desde un primer momento establecieron una relación de cordialidad y de amistad. Hacía quince años que vivía en Santa Mónica, a la que se trasladó desde Boston, ya que padecía de problemas articulares con dolores que le importunaban de forma recidivante. Escogió la ciudad por la benevolencia de su clima. Era viudo, sus hijos vivían en diferentes zonas de Estados Unidos, y la relación con Mary Fishers, a la que trataba como si fuese una hija adoptiva, lo había rejuvenecido.

- Buenos días, Mary.

- Hola Jefrey, buenos días.

- Te oí llegar el domingo por la noche. ¿Cómo ha ido el viaje? ¿Y el congreso? En un programa de televisión han incluido un reportaje y te han dedicado unos comentarios muy halagadores. He visto tu intervención y parecías una reina, dominando la situación y todo aquel público pendiente de ti. Además, estabas muy guapa con ese vestido nuevo que llevabas puesto.

- Gracias Jefrey, eres un sol. No sabes cómo te agradezco que seas siempre tan amable conmigo. Ahora, más que nunca, necesito tus palabras cariñosas. El congreso ha ido maravillosamente bien - dijo ella, con cierta ironía, mirándole a los ojos.

- ¿Sucede algo, Mary?

- ¿El qué? - preguntó ella, eludiendo la respuesta.

- No sé. Te noto un tanto preocupada, pareces tensa - respondió Jefrey Winkler, interpretando con precisión la respuesta de Mary.

- No te preocupes Jefrey, estoy bien. Gracias por ocuparte de mí.

- Como tú digas. Pero si tienes algo que contar, ya sabes que siempre estaré aquí para escucharte, ¿de acuerdo?… - propuso él, obsequiándole con una de sus sonrisas.

- De acuerdo - acató ella y esbozó una sonrisa forzada.

Los dos entraron en el ascensor. El trayecto hasta la planta baja transcurrió en silencio. Las palabras sobran cuando el conocimiento de una persona es evidente; por ello, ninguno dijo nada hasta que Jefrey se apeó y se despidió de ella. Mary Fishers descendió hasta el parking, que estaba situado en el sótano, y se dirigió hacia su coche.

Subió en él, dejó el bolso y el maletín en el asiento del copiloto. Cerró la puerta y se oyó un chasquido agradable, consecuencia del perfecto engranaje. Cuando giró la llave de contacto, el motor emitió un rugido bravo y vigoroso que se fugaba a través del tubo de escape. Pisó el acelerador y el coche se deslizó suavemente hacia la salida.

Cuando Mary Fishers conducía su Mercedes Benz SLK 230 Kompressor adquiría un talante alegre y positivo. Se trataba de un automóvil biplaza de 1997, de color azul metalizado, asientos de cuero, incrustaciones de madera noble, caja de cambios manual y automática, y una larga lista de detalles técnicos y de confort. Seguridad era la palabra que mejor definía todas sus características. El placer que sentía Mary, mientras lo conducía, sólo podía compararse a los momentos que disfrutaba en su laboratorio.

Encendió la radio. Aquella mañana no le apetecía escuchar las noticias, por lo que sintonizó la FM. Cambió el dial de frecuencia hasta que encontró una cadena con la música que le gustaba. Will Smith, a ritmo de rap, cantaba “Miami”, una canción que era de su agrado y que no dudó en tararear, aunque rápidamente relacionó Miami con Santa Mónica y ello le hizo solicitar telepáticamente a la emisora la canción que dominaba los en aquellos momentos.

Los últimos compases se fueron diluyendo al tiempo que se fundían con una nueva canción, y cómo por arte de magia ésta era la que ella había deseado mentalmente. Alargó el brazo y su dedo índice pulsó el botón del volumen, elevándose éste hasta que alcanzó el grado adecuado. La música inundaba el pequeño habitáculo proveniente de los diferentes lugares donde estaban situados los altavoces.

Un sonido metálico al compás marcado por los sintetizadores, junto con la simbiosis de las guitarras, la percusión de la batería, y la yuxtaposición de breves sonidos de flauta, impelía el cuerpo de Mary Fishers que automáticamente contorneó su figura al ritmo de la música. El brazo derecho, abandonando el volante del coche, dibujó un arco de noventa grados, seguido de una flexión y extensión de su antebrazo. Circulaba por Ocean Avenue, el sol brillaba trémulo en el horizonte y Mary se dirigía hacia su trabajo. Aquella música la relajaba, la extasiaba y era la mejor terapia para su estado de ánimo abúlico y deprimido. Una sonrisa armoniosa floreció en su rostro acompañando la felicidad que impregnaba su cuerpo en aquellos momentos y desinhibiéndose por completo se atrevió a tararear la letra de la canción:

Santa Mónica,
Cuna del sol,
Reina de la felicidad,
Y del amor.

El semáforo estaba en rojo, detuvo su coche mientras seguía cantando y cuando éste se puso en verde giró a la derecha por Wilshire Boulevard para dirigirse hacia Westwood, lugar en el que se encontraba su laboratorio, en una zona próxima a la UCLA.

Todos los días realizaba el mismo recorrido y la mayoría de ellos llegaba a Microgensyn Center en apenas unos segundos. La ecuación espacio-tiempo brillaba por su ausencia y la repetición diaria del mismo recorrido, las mismas paradas en los mismos semáforos, las mismas avenidas, los árboles repetidos hasta la infinidad, y en ocasiones los mismos coches e idénticos peatones en los lugares de siempre, concatenaban una serie de hechos que hacían perder la noción del tiempo, y un espacio de veinticinco minutos quedara reducido a la percepción liviana de una infinitésima parte.

El guardia jurado, como todas las mañanas, y sin solicitar su acreditación, levantó la barrera y permitió el paso de Mary. Ella se dirigió hacia el lugar que tenía reservado para aparcar su coche.

Entró en el edificio y se encaminó hacia el área donde se localizaban los laboratorios. Generalmente era la primera en llegar, pero aquella mañana Brett Johnson ya estaba en su despacho. Frunció el ceño, no le gustaba que nadie llegara antes que ella. El trabajo era su vida y ya había perdido la cuenta de las horas que dedicaba cada día a su empresa, aunque éstas nunca eran menos de doce, con excepción hecha de los sábados, en los que sólo trabajaba cuatro o cinco horas, para poner al día trabajos atrasados o pendientes de actualizar.

- ¡Hola Brett! ¿Qué haces tan pronto por aquí?

Brett Johnson formaba parte del equipo de Mary Fishers. Igual que ella, fue contratado en Microgensyn después de recibir una beca Investigation. Era su colaborador más directo, pero su relación no se limitaba a la trivialidad del jefe hacia su subordinado, si no que una profunda amistad había germinado entre ellos.

- Hola, Mary. Estaba esperándote. Quiero ser el primero en felicitarte.

- Gracias - contestó ella, antes de que él interviniera de nuevo.

- Cuéntame, ¿cómo ha ido todo?

- Muy bien - dijo ella, mintiendo con sutileza -. Ha sido una experiencia maravillosa, difícil de olvidar.

- ¿Qué se siente cuando uno está en el estrado, en el cenit de su carrera, y percibe la admiración y el reconocimiento de todos sus colegas?

Aquella pregunta emocionó a Mary Fishers. Un hormigueo ascendente recorrió su cuerpo, de pies a cabeza. Sintió una sensación de flush y su cara se ruborizó de inmediato.

- Alegría… una inmensa alegría. Recoges el fruto del esfuerzo y del trabajo bien hecho durante años. Te emocionas y piensas en todo aquello que te queda todavía por hacer y sientes que toda esa explosión de ánimo alimenta el carácter de lucha y de búsqueda continua que todo científico debe de albergar.

- Me alegro mucho… sé lo que supone para ti.

- Gracias, Brett, además, quiero agradecerte todo el trabajo que llevas a cabo en Microgensyn. Sin ti no hubiera sido posible este reconocimiento.

Mary entró en su despacho, abrió una ventana con el propósito de ambientarlo con aire fresco de la mañana y a continuación cogió una botella para regar las plantas que decoraban la estancia.

Puso en funcionamiento el ordenador y repasó el correo electrónico. Después de los días que había pasado fuera, su dirección electrónica estaba colapsada de mensajes de felicitación. Leyó con detenimiento algunos, mientras que otros lo hizo sólo entre líneas. Escribió un mensaje de agradecimiento que dejó preparado para enviarlo en otro momento, cuando tuviera un hueco libre.

A continuación seleccionó aquellos mensajes que estaba esperando. El del Dr. Migeon, desde Tailandia. La Dra. Carrie Galloway, desde Nigeria. El Dr. Keith T. Riggs, desde Brasil y el del Dr. N´Beba desde Uganda.

Todos ellos eran científicos de Microgensyn. Todos trabajaban en el Proyecto Mgen1702. Cada proyecto de Microgensyn llevaba las mismas siglas y un número, en orden correlativo, que indicaba el número de trabajos científicos que había emprendido el Laboratorio. El 1702 correspondía al buque insignia actual de todos los proyectos de investigación que se estaban realizando. 1702 era sinónimo de Vacuna del SIDA.

En el Laboratorio todos conocían la existencia de la investigación, pero desconocían la fase de estudio en la que se encontraba. Muy pocos científicos y directivos de la empresa trabajaban en el proyecto y tenían acceso a los resultados del mismo. Existían rumores, pero nadie se atrevía a asegurar que la vacuna ya se estaba experimentando en humanos, que ya se trataba de un ensayo clínico en fase III.

En algunos países la epidemia de SIDA era de proporciones apocalípticas, mientras que en otros constituía un grave problema de Salud Pública. Todos esos factores fueron aprovechados por los ejecutivos de Microgensyn para diseñar una política llena de subterfugios, sobornos y promesas, que le permitiera experimentar la vacuna en humanos en esas naciones.

En el momento actual, la vacuna ya se había administrado en Tailandia, Nigeria, Brasil y Uganda. Los resultados preliminares ya estaban en poder de Mary Fishers y ella se disponía en esos momentos a analizarlos.

Sin dudarlo, Mary leyó el mensaje del Dr. Migeon:

Querida Mary:

El final de la historia alumbra el principio de una nueva era, y ese día por fin ha llegado. Con suma emoción he recopilado todos los datos que hemos recogido hasta el día de hoy. Tal como habíamos planificado te envío el 20% de los resultados. Estamos trabajando las veinticuatro horas del día y si no existe ningún contratiempo, dentro de dos semanas procederé a enviarte el 80% restante. El martes 16 de mayo tendrás en tu poder todos los datos del estudio. Espero que el análisis de los mismos sea positivo y que la Vacuna del SIDA sea, por fin, una realidad.

Dr. Migeon.

Mary Fishers abrió el archivo que adjuntaba el correo electrónico. Lo miró con detenimiento intentando descubrir los mensajes ocultos que albergaba, pero tras unos minutos de estudio minucioso, desistió en el intento. El mensaje estaba protegido con una clave que sólo un programa informático, preparado para tal fin, estaba capacitado para descifrar.

Habían realizado un estudio científico de tipo triple ciego. Estos tipos de ensayos están realizados de manera que el sujeto que recibe la vacuna desconoce si se le administra un placebo o la vacuna. Además, el científico que recoge los datos tampoco conoce a qué grupo pertenece cada individuo. Y el investigador que analiza los resultados no sabe cuál es, entre los datos que se le ofrecen, el que mide el efecto que se analiza.

Mary Fishers había sido la inductora de éste tipo de programas informáticos para proceder a un análisis riguroso y objetivo, y al mismo tiempo, evitar toda clase de sesgos. Aunque la impaciencia por conocer los resultados le llevó en más de una ocasión a detestar el haber propuesto tal iniciativa.

Mary descolgó el teléfono y marcó la extensión del despacho de Brett Johnson.

- Brett, ¿puedes venir un momento a mi despacho? Tengo algo importante que quiero enseñarte.

- En un instante estoy ahí.

Brett Johnson no formaba parte del equipo que estaba inmerso en el Proyecto Mgen1702. No obstante, en secreto y con gran sigilo, Mary lo tenía informado constantemente y él conocía todos los pormenores del mismo. En Microgensyn existía una Comisión de investigación, pero en realidad, quien asignaba los proyectos y los científicos que iban a participar en cada estudio era Christopher Norton.

Un sonido y luego otros dos más hicieron que Mary dejara de mirar al ordenador y fijara su vista en la puerta, pues sabía que Brett estaba tras ella, ya que esa era la contraseña que tenían convenida.

- Pasa Brett, y cierra la puerta, por favor - dijo ella, con actitud de cautela.

- ¿Qué es eso tan importante que quieres que vea?

- Ya están aquí - respondió Mary, casi susurrando.

- ¿Quienes? ¿Por qué hablas así?

- ¡Sssss… calla! Ven, mira. Los primeros resultados de Mgen1702 - afirmó Mary Fishers, mientras le indicaba a Brett con un gesto que mirase la pantalla del ordenador.

- ¡Humm…! Sí, ¿y qué? Números - cogió el ratón y se desplazó por el documento de arriba hacia abajo -, más números, claves. Me lo pones difícil.

- ¿Qué piensas? ¿Te sugiere algo? - preguntó ella, esperando una solución al enigma.

- No tengo la menor idea. ¿Por qué no vuelcas los datos en 4GLium y salimos de dudas?

4GLium era el nombre del programa informático, denominado así por estar escrito en el lenguaje de programación 4GL.

- Eso estaba pensando, pero antes quería que los vieras. El programa tarda en analizar los datos casi veinticuatro horas y no quería esperar a mañana. Además, me fío de tu intuición, y creía que me podías adelantar algo.

- Lo siento Mary. Avísame mañana cuando los tengas, ¿de acuerdo? - y tras decir esto, Brett se marchó.

Metodológicamente, la vacuna del SIDA que estaba experimentando Microgensyn y que había sido diseñada por Mary Fishers, era muy similar a la de Jeff Colleman. Sólo se diferenciaban en dos aspectos sustanciales. En primer lugar, ella no utilizó un plásmido como vector, sino un virus. Y en segundo lugar, se sintetizó el ADN viral de diferentes subtipos del virus del SIDA, así como sus péptidos sintéticos.

Este hecho diferencial era de importancia vital ya que no existe un único virus del SIDA, sino que hay diferentes subtipos que son considerados cuasiespecies. En la replicación del virus, la transcriptasa inversa comete gran cantidad de errores que dan lugar a mutaciones, apareciendo diferentes tipos de virus. Además, en muchos pacientes seropositivos se pueden aislar diferentes subtipos del virus al mismo tiempo.

Para obviar este hecho, el diseño del ensayo tuvo en cuenta esta particularidad, por lo que en cada zona geográfica se administraron las proteínas del VIH, con sus características genéticas diferenciadas, más prevalentes. Incluso, la composición de la vacuna, estaba formada por una mezcla de ADN viral o de péptidos sintéticos de los diferentes subtipos de virus en las proporciones adecuadas.

No era una vacuna fácil de ensayar, ni de lograr. Probablemente se trataba de una de las vacunas de mayor complejidad biológica. Y todo debido a los errores cometidos por el virus en su multiplicación, que eran lo que lo convertían en un ente cada vez más complejo. Por ello, la población diana a la que se le administró la vacuna tuvo que ser de grandes proporciones. Veinticinco mil personas en Tailandia, veinte mil en Nigeria, y diez y cinco mil, respectivamente, en Uganda y Brasil.

No se trataba de una vacuna estrictamente, sino de cuatro diferentes, adaptando la composición de cada una de ellas, a la variabilidad genética del virus en cada uno de los lugares estudiados.

Todos estos inconvenientes, llevaron consigo, que la elaboración del programa informático 4GLium fuera de difícil realización, para que pudiera proporcionar unos datos estadísticamente significativos.

Una vez que Brett Johnson se hubo marchado del despacho, Mary se apresuró en abrir el correo electrónico de la Dra. Carrie Galloway.

Hola Mary:

Te envío los datos preliminares de nuestro estudio. Un 20%, tal como estaba planificado, para que puedan ser analizados por 4GLium. La impresión que tengo hasta este momento es muy positiva. Creo que estamos en el camino correcto y que la vacuna es todo un éxito.

Carrie Galloway.

Mary Fishers cogió su bolso. Buscó el disquete con el que había estado trabajando la noche anterior y lo introdujo en el ordenador. Abrió el programa 4GLium y le dio las instrucciones necesarias para que analizara los archivos que acompañaban los correos electrónicos del Dr. Migeon, del Dr. Keith T. Riggs y el del Dr. N´Beba.

La tarde anterior, Carrie Galloway envió a Mary el archivo, con los datos del estudio, al ordenador personal de su casa de Santa Mónica. Mary estuvo trabajando inútilmente en él, sin conseguir ningún objetivo, ya que no estaba activado.

Mary, muy astuta, indicó al programa 4GLium que analizara los datos del disquete. Cuando 4GLium comenzó a analizar los diferentes archivos, éstos quedaron activados.

El sistema informático de seguridad de Microgensyn era muy complejo. Sólo existía un ordenador central. A él, tenían acceso todas las terminales. A su vez cada una de éstas disponía de una contraseña para poder trabajar con él. Y, además, a cada programa informático sólo tenían acceso determinadas personas, aquellas cuyo trabajo estaba ligado a la utilización de esos programas, las cuales debían de introducir una clave para poder trabajar con ellos.

Las medidas de seguridad eran extremas en Microgensyn y nada quedaba al azar. El miedo al espionaje científico era patente, por ello existían toda clase de controles para que nadie ajeno a los laboratorios pudiera acceder a cualquier tipo de información. Del mismo modo, la vigilancia se cernía sobre todo el personal que trabajaba en la empresa hasta extremos insospechados.

Al principio, cuando una persona comenzaba a trabajar para Microgensyn, todas estas medidas le resultaban insidiosas. Pero Microgensyn no era una empresa cualquiera, ni su trabajo monótono, ni era una forma más de ganarse la vida, sino que representaba aquello por lo que siempre habían luchado, un trabajo vocacional al que se entregaban en cuerpo y alma. Pasado un tiempo, la sensación de estar vigilado quedaba en segundo plano.

- Sra. Wilcox, llame, si es tan amable, al despacho de Christopher Norton y pregunte si puede recibirme es estos momentos - dijo Mary Fishers.

- ¿Tiene que ser en este momento o su reunión puede esperar para más tarde?

- No, no puedo esperar. Si es necesario, insista.

- De acuerdo.

La señora Wilcox era la secretaria de Mary desde hacía tres años. Cincuenta años, trato agradable y sabia en discreción, buena trabajadora y colaboradora eficaz. Enviudó tras quince años de matrimonio y se había vuelto a casar recientemente. Desde entonces su vida dio un giro de ciento ochenta grados y se apreciaba en ella la felicidad. Quería a Mary y sentía por ella una profunda admiración y respeto.

Mary Fishers, una vez activado el archivo de su disquete, lo extrajo de la disquetera y lo guardó de nuevo en su bolso.

- Señorita Fishers. Acabo de concertar la entrevista. El Dr. Norton la espera en su despacho.

- Gracias, señora Wilcox.

Mary Fishers salió de su despacho y se dirigió hacia el hall. Caminaba rápida, como si tuviera prisa. Una vez en éste, se encaminó hacia el ala izquierda y allí esperó la llegada del ascensor que la conduciría hasta la tercera planta. Cuando llegó al despacho de Christopher Norton la recibió su secretaria, la señora Myers.

- Buenos días, señorita Fishers. El señor Norton tiene en estos momentos una visita y me ha dicho que lo avise en cuanto llegara usted. No tardará en recibirla - dijo la Sra. Myers.

- Gracias.

La puerta del despacho de Christopher Norton se abrió y asomó una figura femenina que llamó la atención de Mary. Tras ella se encontraba el Dr. Norton, que se estaba despidiendo, y que al advertir la presencia de Mary, dijo:

- Ven, ¿quieres conocer a Mary?

- Me encantaría - dijo ella.

- Hola Mary. Acércate, por favor. Te presento a Pascale Carter - dijo Christopher Norton.

- ¡Encantada! - exclamó Mary, con cara de sorpresa.

- Mucho gusto en conocerla, señorita Fishers. Me han hablado muy bien de usted, ya que es un personaje idolatrado en Microgensyn - respondió Pascale Carter, con palabras premeditadas.

- Mary, la señorita Carter trabaja en el bufete de abogados de Williamson & Weiss y nos está asesorando en temas muy importantes - intervino Christopher Norton.

- Bien, si me disculpan, tengo que marcharme. Ha sido un placer señorita Fishers - observó Pascale Carter, mientras retrocedía y alargaba su brazo a modo de saludo de despedida.

- Lo mismo digo - contestó Mary.

- Hasta luego, nos vemos en la reunión - dijo Christopher Norton sonriendo a Pascale -. Entra Mary.

Antes de entrar al despacho del Dr. Norton, Mary miró por encima la figura de Pascale, que ya se alejaba, y percibió algo extraño de aquella persona. Por la razón que fuera, y aún sin conocerla, presentía que no iban a ser amigas. Como polos positivos que se repelen, las relaciones personales, a veces, siguen las mismas leyes físicas.

El despacho de Christopher Norton era grande, luminoso y austero en decoración. Su carácter quedaba palpable en aquella habitación, ya que predominaba sobre todo la funcionalidad. Mobiliario de diseño, dos esculturas abstractas en los lados de la ventana, y una estantería llena de libros. Impresionaba el orden en el que estaba colocado todo, no había nada fuera de lugar, ni un sólo detalle discordante.

- ¿Quieres tomar un café, Mary? - propuso Christopher Norton.

- No, gracias.

Christopher se sentó en el sillón de su mesa, cruzó las piernas y dejó descansar sus brazos sobre la mesa. Enfrente estaba Mary Fishers, con expresión hierática.

- Y bien… ¿Has recibido los correos electrónicos? - preguntó él.

- Sí. Ya están aquí - respondió ella, con brevedad. Igual que en otras ocasiones que se encontraba en el despacho del Dr. Norton, Mary miraba con curiosidad la puerta que había allí dentro y que siempre estaba cerrada con llave. Le habían comentado que se trataba de una pequeña habitación donde Christopher Norton guardaba en una caja fuerte los expedientes y documentos importantes relacionados con los proyectos de investigación de Microgensyn.

- ¿Y los archivos?

- Todo está correcto. El porcentaje de resultados que he recibido es el programado. 4GLium ya los está analizando.

Era evidente que la relación de ambos no era muy cordial. Mary detestaba acudir al despacho de Christopher para informarle de los resultados de cualquier trabajo. Por ello, ponía de manifiesto un mecanismo de autodefensa, expresándose con frases cortas y, a menudo, con monosílabos.

- Entonces… mañana tendremos los resultados - sentenció Christopher Norton -. ¿Qué te han comentado nuestros científicos?

- Las impresiones de ellos son positivas. Creen que la vacuna es todo un éxito. Hasta ahora no han detectado ningún fallo, no han tenido ningún problema, ni efectos secundarios.

- Me alegro, Mary. Ya sabes lo importante que es para nuestra empresa este proyecto. Ven a verme mañana, a primera hora, con un dossier detallado de todos los resultados - sentenció él, como casi siempre, con una orden.

- De acuerdo.

- A propósito, ¿qué sucedió en la cena con Jeff Colleman?

- No… nada de particular.

- ¡Nada de particular! - exclamó él, esbozando una sonrisa de malicia -. Una cena basada en manjares exquisitos; un paseo de madrugada por las callejuelas de la ciudad; un tierno baile en la penumbra de un pub, a eso lo llamas nada de particular.

En aquel momento Mary Fishers se dio cuenta que estaba atrapada en una trama peligrosa que había menospreciado en un principio. El juego era real y el aceptar participar en él, suponía asumir todas las consecuencias. Estaba sumida en una conspiración y ella figuraba en el papel principal. Su rol, a partir de entonces, consistiría en tomar todas las precauciones posibles. Por eso, pasó al ataque.

- ¿Cómo…cómo sabes tú todo eso?

- Yo procuro estar enterado de todo, es mi obligación. Ya sabes que yo pongo mucho celo profesional a mi trabajo.

- ¡Me estáis espiando! - contestó ella, llena de indignación, mientras se ponía de pie y apuntaba con su dedo índice a Christopher Norton.

- Yo no lo llamaría así. Simplemente quiero verificar que todo sigue su curso.

- Chris, sabes una cosa…

- ¿Cuál?

- Que eres un cerdo - respondió Mary Fishers, liberando la rabia contenida desde hacía muchos años.

- Por ahora, no voy a tener en cuenta tus palabras. Es lógico que estés enfadada y descargues tu ira contra mí.

- Me importa un pimiento que lo tengas en cuenta o no. Creía que te conocía, pero ahora es cuando sé que eres más ruin y despreciable de lo que pensaba.

Christopher Norton se puso de pie. Mirando fijamente a los ojos de Mary le dijo:

- Aquí me tienes. Estaré esperándote cuando todo esto termine - Estaba desafiante. No obstante, debía mantenerse sereno y procurar que Mary obtuviera la información que precisaba. Se sentó de nuevo, gesto que fue imitado por Mary -. Cambiando de tema, ¿estás preparada?

- ¿Para qué? - inquirió ella.

- Para conseguir la información que necesitamos.

- Claro que sí - respondió ella, con firmeza -. Yo también pongo todo el celo en los asuntos que emprendo.

Christopher Norton no confiaba en exceso en Mary Fishers. El meteórico ascenso de ella en el panorama científico internacional la había convertido en el paradigma de Microgensyn. La envidia, sentimiento corrosivo, y el anhelo de conseguir metas superiores en la empresa, que bien podría ocupar Mary en caso de conseguir la vacuna del SIDA, lo llevaron a diseñar una trama en la que el papel de víctima estaba reservado para Mary Fishers. Ella cayó en la trampa y aceptó el espionaje científico. No sabía si estaba capacitada para conseguir lo que le habían propuesto, pero en uno u otro caso dispondría lo necesario para que saliera de la empresa después de un gran escándalo que arruinara su carrera. Ello le dejaría el camino libre para alcanzar, algún día, la presidencia de Microgensyn.

Christopher Norton se dirigió hacia la puerta que había en su despacho. Sacó las llaves de su bolsillo, abrió la puerta y entró en la habitación. De geometría rectangular, en ella destacaban una caja de seguridad de grandes proporciones, una estantería con cientos de archivadores y una mesa en el fondo. Sobre ésta un terminal de ordenador y un ordenador portátil. En una mesa accesoria estaban colocados una impresora láser y un escáner.

Se sentó en la mesa, puso en funcionamiento el terminal y tecleó su contraseña. Después arrancó el programa 4GLium:

Clave de acceso: 371chnorton2-3.

Clave de acceso correcta: Buenos días Dr. Norton.

4GLium era un programa informático interactivo. Había sido diseñado para facilitar las tareas de las personas que estaban autorizadas para su utilización. Podía reconocer a los científicos que trabajaban con él, y debido a la capacidad de memoria y autoaprendizaje, podía proponer o preguntar al usuario qué trabajo quería hacer en ese momento.

Buenos días 4GLium. Quiero los resultados del análisis del Proyecto Mgen1702.

Los resultados del análisis del Proyecto Mgen1702 no estarán disponibles hasta mañana. Dr. Norton, el análisis ya está realizado, sólo usted está autorizado para conocer los datos en este momento. Si es tan amable de introducir la clave de acceso restringida para usted, puedo facilitárselos ya.

A veces resultaba petulante la locuacidad y la jerga utilizada por 4GLium. Pero un programa informático no está capacitado para expresar sentimientos, sino que sólo obedece aquellas directrices para las cuales ha sido programado. Por ello, la ira, frustración o agradecimiento debe estar representada en el grupo de personas que han trabajado en su elaboración.

Clave de acceso restringida: 614chnorton9.2

Clave de acceso restringida correcta: Ahora está usted autorizado para visualizar los resultados del Proyecto Mgen1702.

Christopher Norton pulsó el icono de resultados y el programa abrió una carpeta llena de datos de todo tipo.

PM1702TAI; PM1702NIG; PM1702UGA; PM1702BRA;

Vacunados................................12.000 Personas.
Placebo......................................6.000 Personas
Vac15721...................................6.000 Personas
Seropositivos con placebo...............651 Personas
Seropositivos con Vac15721...............0 Personas
Placebo no analizados.......................32 Personas
Vac15721 no analizados....................25 Personas

El programa suministraba un análisis exhaustivo de cualquier dato que quisiéramos conocer. Datos por edad, sexo, ocupación, fecha de administración y de pruebas analíticas, comportamientos de riesgo, etc., así como todo tipo de estadísticas. Pero al Dr. Norton sólo le interesaban los datos globales. Aquellos que le indicaran si la vacuna era eficaz.

Christopher Norton esbozó una sonrisa de satisfacción. Los datos parciales que acababa de contemplar le indicaban, con un margen de seguridad muy alto, que la vacuna sería eficaz y que el proyecto, en el que habían invertido varios cientos de millones de dólares, todo un éxito. Microgensyn lograba, de nuevo, un hito científico.

Continuará: Lunes 22-Mayo-2006

"LA VACUNA": Capítulo OCHO

AGRADECIMIENTOS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

2006-05-10T01:03:00.001+02:00

A Nuria Navarro Zaragoza por la traducción del contenido de este Blog al inglés.
I thank Nuria Navarro Zaragoza for her translation of the content of this Blog into English.

Chapter SIX

2006-05-08T18:21:00.000+02:00

She took the plastic key and put it in the purse. She watched the clock and knew that would arrive precise at the appointment. Before leaving the room, she was watched in the mirror of the corridor and verified that her aspect was the suitable, straight linen dress of short sleeve in color sand, a shawl of natural silk color cream on shoulders and shoes with bracelet.

Jeff Colleman observed the details of a picture in the lobby of the hotel while waited for Mary Fishers. He gave average return and saw her come. There he was, waiting for the competition, to a person with whom her maintained one heals rivalry, but to which would try to go ahead in the attainment of one of the more important scientific discoveries of century XX.

- Hello Jeff, good night. I believe that I am precise - greeted she, with timidity.

- Good night - Jeff responded, after examining the figure of Mary.

- Where go we? I am hungry.

- A restaurant in the outskirts has recommended me. “Monteagudo” is called - he said, trying to vocalize with Spanish difficulty in the name of the restaurant.

- Do you think that there will be good food?

- They have said to me that it has an excellent kitchen. I have confirmed that in this city eats very well.

- Spain is a country where a quality of enviable life exists. Forty hours weekly of work, a very pleasant climate with much sun, social relations in the street, good food and an excellent wine - she said, because before visiting a country always she documented myself for the first time properly.

- Two very important aspects forget you: Economic prices and mainly a very tolerant country.

- I agree. We go away?

- Yes, wait a moment, I am going to request a taxi.

The passage from the hotel to the restaurant was relaxed. Jeff Colleman spoke a Spanish with Mexican accent that had learned during his stay of six months in a research center of Mexico D.F. and that used to practice one or twice per year when he retired to rest, during his vacations, to beaches of the Caribbean, in Cancún. He got passionate to him and at the same time felt a deep admiration by the culture of the Mayan Empire. Whenever he was lost during days by that zone, used to visit the pyramid of Chichén Itzá, from whose top could perceive the immensity of the universe.

During the route, Jeff Colleman took advantage of to ask information the taxi driver on that city, Murcia, because he powerfully called to him the attention the great amount of people who took a walk by the street. The taxi driver related to him that they were in the Celebrations of Spring. They began once finished the Easter and they lasted seven days, during which different festivities were celebrated, like the day dedicated to the Side of the Orchard, in which all the Murcians got dressed in the clothes typical suit and a praise of the customs rooted in centuries of history was made; or the night dedicated to the Burial of the Sardine, festivitie pagan of fire, color and sound, of one hundred fifty years of antiquity, in which the city was invaded by hundreds of thousands of visitors. During that week, the multiple club constructed to cabins in the seats and gardens of the city, as a small restaurants, in which to meals and typical drinks be served as the place.

Mary Fishers listened to the simultaneous translation that to her Jeff Colleman made and sometimes she laughed in synchrony with the taxi driver when Jeff pronounced some word with difficulty. She commented, in admiring tone, that seemed an pleasant place to live.

They arrived at the restaurant, they appeared and asked for the table that had reserved. When communicating to them that that day, the dining room was complete, requested a separated table. At those moments only minutes for the nine were two occupied tables, needed at night and the local custom was to have supper later.

- It is a pretty and very elegant site - the conversation began Mary Fishers.

- It seems to be that in this city they very have a refined taste - he responded, admired by the positive impression that he finished to him producing the restaurant.

A waiter gave the menu to them. Shortly after he returned and he deposited on the table two small plates, one with olives and another with radish. Mary and Jeff watched themselves been strange. Next, maître of the restaurant went to them:

- Good night, what are going to have supper?

- Then… Frankly we have not decided still - he said it, hesitant -. We have leafed through the letter and...

- If they allow me, I can advise to them - maître interrupted -. Can you choose two different forms to have supper, since you are not of here.

- As? - Jeff Colleman asked.

- First, of traditional form, first and a second plate. Second it consists of a “peck”, very frequent in this earth, that is a typical plate set different from the restaurant.

- What recommends to us?

- I believe that he is better a “peck”, of that way they can taste different foods and become an idea of the meals of Murcia and Spain.

Jeff transferred to Mary the conversation with maître and decided on the second option. After a detailed description of different meals they were decided by prawns of the Smaller Sea, clams of Carril, cured ham of Jabugo, cured cheese of Mancha, stuffed peppers of “piquillo” of mere, fresh vegetables from the orchard to the grilled, and to finalize a sirloin of veal to the grilled, cut up and to share.

- For drink, what advises to us?

- Do you like the good wine?

- Yes. I have drunk wines, in some occasion, of Rioja and the Rivera of the Duero - Jeff Colleman answered, being conceited to know good wines Spanish.

- In Spain magnificent broths are cultivated. As you already know those, I would advise that you proved a red wine of the Somontano, a Enate, reserves of ninety five, and to accompany the seafood a digging Juve and Camps brut nature.

Jeff accepted the suggestions. Mary commented to him that she was not able to distinguish a wine of another one. In fact, only she had drunk it in some isolated occasion.

- I propose a pact to you - Jeff Colleman suggested.

- Which?

- That we do not speak at any moment of the vaccine of the AIDS, we leave to a side our work.

- All right. Although our professional deformation will cause that in the end we end up speaking of science.

- Yes, but we leave the bug to a side. Please... we do not speak of infectious diseases - he suggested smiling.

- In that case, I would like make you a question.

- Ahead.

- Why do you have invited to me tonight to have supper? - she asked with interest and added -, not you respond me that it has been an impulse, that me I do not create it, or perhaps you try to bind with me?

- Oh! Please, you do not take me by a Don Juan! In fact, I had many desire of know you. You know that you are very famous. Everywhere, they only speak of you. Always, in any conversation, your name is present. All they admire you by your successes and nobody understands how you have obtained them being so young. I already know that it is a question that is not due to do, but, how old are you?

- The age of a woman is a mystery. Say what you say, always add some to you more. I warn you, beforehand, that it is an answer that never you will know - she answered, with serious gesture. She made a pause, and observed the astonishment face that put Jeff Colleman -. I was joking, I do not have why to hide my age. I am thirty three years old.

- Thirty three years! It is not bad.

- Now it touches you. How old are you?

- Few and many, according to as it is watched. I have thirty nine.

- Where do you studied?

- In Berkeley.

- And, why do you studied medicine?

- Very simple, of boy it always suffered of tonsillitis, and it spent many days in house with fever, without being able to leave. To tell the truth, I believe that it spent more time in the consultation of the Dr Lightstone who in my own house, so I decided to be of greater doctor.

- And, why do you specialized in microbiology? – she followed with the interrogation.

- That was the decision wisest, guessed right and happy that I took in all my life. I always wanted to be surgeon. I began the residence, but I did not take in occurring to account that mine was not the blood, nor the scalpel. The investigation got passionate to me and the clinical microbiology was a specialty that allowed me to arrange the medical work and the investigating activity, so one takes made a decision and changed of specialty. That for already many years and I have been able to assure to you that now I am the happiest person of the world. I dedicate all my time to my professional activity.

- Your experience remembers at certain moments my own life to me. We seem programmed computers to make a certain activity. But, probably, the happiness does not consist exclusively of being professional successful, but that are other factors that influence decisively.

- I agree. The love, the family, enjoy the free time and perhaps other that now I forget. But, whereas in the work we can control all the factors, and that leaves either or badly it depends exclusively on us, the others it is like the more ethereal, the more difficult to plan, needs a small dose of luck.

The prawns were done to the plate with fat salt. The clams of Carril rested in a porcelain tray, on a perforated ice bed.

- What is that? - Mary Fishers asked Jeff, with an astonishment gesture.

He asked it the waiter and this one said to him that they were clams, that they were alive, and that ate generally with pepper, drops of lemon, or both things. They did not doubt it. Each one took one, expressed drops of lemon and next they dusted the pepper.

- What wonder, and to think that I have proven them by commitment! - Mary said, to the time that took pains in preparing the following one.

- I believe that we have guessed right. Proves you the prawns, are exquisite. This yes that is to take advantage of the free time well. This is life - he commented, before drinking the digging.

- Perhaps quid of the question, the life is that.

- To what you talk about?

- To the same life, like principle and aim. The eternal dilemma of not knowing from where we come nor to where we go. Happened and future they are two realities worthy to study. Jeff, you know a thing, that we do not know to anything, that we only know the present, and of the past only a piece of history?

- You are right. It is something that I have tried to study, and on that I have elaborated different theories and in an occasion I even initiated an investigation project, but that never was finished.

- I also, because it is a subject that intrigues to me.

- What do you think of the origin of the life?

- I don´t now... it is a field difficult and with many dangerous connotations to evade, or are ethical, philosophical or religious. The origin of the Earth life, under my point of view, is pure chance. It had a little while, in the Earth evolution, that the environmental conditions were favourable and by the combination of different chemical elements a chain formed, very elementary, of pseudogenetic material, that was evolving as well towards more complex structures. Thus, it would arrive a little while in that a chain of genetic material would form, itself, with capacity to duplicate themselves and to give rise to similar structures. At some moment of its evolution, to avoid the aggression of chemical substances and the interaction of those same genetic chains, they would try the creation of a cover that protected them.

Jeff Colleman followed the theory of Mary Fishers very kind, thus how the gestures of her, drawing with her fingers, on the table cloth, the geometric figures that were explaining.

- One structures simple, formed by a chain of genetic material and an envelope that to it the suitable protection provided.

- Yes, in effect, you finish it guessing.

- A virus!

- It is a theory preposterous, but fascinating. The origin of the Earth life they would be the virus - Mary Fishers said, without reflecting the satisfaction that provided the responsibility to her of the idea, and without fearing the plagiarism on the part of Jeff Colleman.

- And how to explain the evolution from the virus to the different species, animals and vegetables?

- Very easy. These virus would be multiplied extraordinarily, they would mutate and given rise to more and more complex structures, until getting to construct, after thousands of years, a cell.

- And once created the cell, a new cycle would begin until the creation of a living being, animal or vegetable. Is it true?

- Correct. It can be that a single cell or thousands of different cells formed and that one or several gave rise different alive beings, thus initiating what we know from Darwin like Theory of the evolution, and the later selection of species on others.

- Your theory seems to me fantastic. Something so complex and so simple to explain. In addition, I think that it is feasible.

Jeff Colleman did not flatter Mary Fishers, but who had been convinced totally and recognized the enormous work of analysis, reasoning and creation of her.

- Of course that is feasible. If it were not it, you it would not have related it - she interrupted, because she never admitted that they put in doubt her ideas.

- And why you have not published it still?

- Because lagoons exist.

- Which?

- It is, simply, a theory... very difficult to demonstrate experimentally. All discovery must be reproduced in the laboratory to be admitted by the scientific community. This aspect, I have still not obtained it, although I have not tried it either. I have had some idea, but it is not happened how to be able to demonstrate it to me.

- You do not have why to make a scientific work. You can publish your theory in any means and perhaps it served as incentive so that other investigators could design a study and verify if your ideas are correct. The discovery would not be yours, but everybody would recognize that the author of the theory you are.

- It can be - she agreed.

- How that can be! Clear that it is! In addition... hopes... finishes to me happening something.

- What?

- If the Earth life were originated from the appearance of a virus that means that probably it continues happening that phenomenon at the present time.

- What do you mean, Jeff? - she asked, with interest, inclining her body towards ahead.

- That the theory of the evolution is indefinite. It does not have a principle nor an aim, but that the alive beings are adapting continuously to means where they live, changing according to the modifications of the land, and disappearing species that have inhabited east planet during thousands of years. They are changes that happen throughout hundreds of years, for that reason are imperceptible at first.

The curiosity of Mary Fishers increased with each word that Jeff Colleman pronounced. The answers to the details that apparently, were not happened to him during the genesis of their theory, could have them Jeff Colleman. For that reason, she returned to inquire:

- Where do you want to arrive?

- I want to arrive at the departure point, Mary. If your theory is correct, that process is continued producing at the present time. It do not give account you? They continue originating virus new. Microorganisms able to produce new diseases and at the same time authorized to generate new forms of life - Jeff spoke very quickly, excited, with touching words and when he concluded his dissertation flattered to Mary a smile.

Mary Fishers, moved with the feeling that Jeff Colleman in his expressions had put, and with the expectant smile of this, also laughed. Thus they remained moments, she watched it tenderly and at the same time she thought: << ¡what interesting is he when smiles! >> .

The waiter left on the table two plates. One contained cured ham of Jabugo, cut in slice fine and of small size. The other, cheese triangles cured of Mancha, arranged in circular form. Next, he came to open the red wine. In a wide glass, of shining crystal, he put a little wine so that Jeff Colleman made the tasting. Jeff took the glass, inclined it on the table cloth and he admired the colour of the wine. Later he came to inhale the aroma, being impregnated his nose with all the shades that gave off. And finally he was arranged to prove it. A suck small was enough to appreciate all the qualities. He went to the waiter and he said to him:

- It is really exquisite. You can serve it.

Once single, they continued its conversation.

- You are right. It had not been happened to me - she said.

- Simply it is a reasoning, but if we managed to shape it in the laboratory it would be one bomb more important that the discovery of the vaccine of the AIDS.

- Good, but it is necessary to demonstrate it first.

- Sight, we can design two types of different studies.

- How that we can? - she asked, with surprise.

- If it does not seem to you bad, I am proposing you my collaboration, and that both together we initiate this scientific adventure.

- It seems to me correct that we are associated in this project, because although the theory is mine, you finish opening a door that I had closed. Tell me, Jeff, which are those works?

- Sight, we can try to discover a particle with genetic material, follow its evolution in the laboratory and verify if with time acquires characteristics that make it evolve until a virus. Or, to try it from the other point of view, to cultivate different virus in optimal conditions, to study its mutations, the changes in its structure, and to select those that we consider that they have more possibilities of being able to transform itself into a cell - Jeff took the wine glass, watched its colour, inhaled its aroma and drank with great pleasure.

- Said thus, it seems simple, but I think that we are going to have many difficulties to obtain our intention.

- Of course, and probably we do not obtain it, but most important it is to try it.

- Where do we are going to make the investigation? - Mary Fishers asked, with the hope to obtain an answer that facilitated her plans.

- I would outside like that in my laboratory, if you agree.

Clear that she was in agreement, because it was the objective that had been marked during the supper. To share her theory did not matter to her because it was not one of her more important priorities. In addition, she did not believe the sufficient thing in that company that was going to initiate, because the success possibilities were little. She knew that the theory could be likely, but at the same time would need many years of investigations to obtain a moderately positive result, unless a stroke of luck provided an important discovery to them.

- When we can initiate our investigation? - she asked, disguising the joy that caused such decision to her.

- I believe that we do not have to delay to us and to arrange a meeting already for when we return to the United States. In her we can make a planning of the work that we must make. It seems to you next Wednesday in my office well?

- What time?

- To five of afternoon.

- There, I will agree.

Mary Fishers raised her glass and proposed to Jeff Colleman a toast:

- I offer by the origin of the life and the spirit of concord that a scientific research has created in two people - Mary said, while she watched the eyes of Jeff.

The glasses hit to each other. The crystal emitted characteristic the acute sound. And after drinking the wine, they tasted last slice of cured ham.

A mocking smile accompanied the gesture by rejoicing of that man. He only had supper, in a table near of the Mary and Jeff. A bend in the wall and a vase of enormous proportions, plenty of flowers, assured the perfect hiding place to him to hide their presence. He took placed an earpiece in an ear, united by a cable of small thickness to an apparatus that seemed a radius transistor. Placed upon the table, it excelled a tiny antenna that was directed towards the place which they occupied. It caused the impression to be listening to music while he had supper, in some of the local radio transmitters. Nevertheless, they were not those his intentions. He listened to the conversation which they maintained Jeff and Mary with interest, the time that tasted a hake in green sauce with elver. He turned his head towards the left, watched the wall, as if he wanted to see them through her, and when verifying the uselessness of his action, again focused attention on the earpiece.

The evening deliberately passed on conversation subjects trims in the life of both, that a more intimate mutual knowledge allowed them. They commented with depth the characteristics, flavours and qualities of each one of the foods that consumed. Simple foods in its authentic conception and food in the mouth. The digging and the wine deserved a separate commentary, emphasizing the guessed right thing of their election. They asked for a taxi to return to the city, taking advantage of that died time to converse with maître of the restaurant and to praise to same by its kitchen and its warehouse, whereas this one, been thankful, advised a stroll to them by the city, before retiring to the hotel, since when being Murcia in celebrations, during the night was a great atmosphere due to the so pleasant climate that it did in spring.

The taxi left them in downtown, in the seat of Santo Domingo. The place, to those hours, the twelve thirty minutes at night, was full of people who went and came with celebration airs. Different groups of people adorned with the typical suits from company of the “Entierro of the Sardina” made sound to their whistles to the irreverent compass of the joy and the diversion. Thence a narrow street was born , pedestrian street, and to the bottom they could guess the contour of a great structure, partly because it was equipped with an illumination outside the normal thing. They decided to go to see that. During the short passage they had to stop in several occasions due to the people multitude who took a walk that way. In occasions they had to avoid, and in others to yield the step. One company surrounded them and they entertained them with diverse plastic toys, to the time that the exhibition of a joke device scared Mary Fishers doing her to back down and to take refuge in Jeff Colleman, which offered his hand to her that she took hold with force.

They continued walking taken of the hand. When finalizing their route was before the Cathedral of Murcia. After contemplating the tower they turned to the right, entering itself under arcade sing that ended at another facade of that monument. A poster, located in the wall of a next building, indicated to them that they were in the square of Belluga Cardinal. They walked until the center of the same and from they could there appreciate the Baroque style in which the cathedral had been constructed.

They continued taking a walk by other streets, enjoying a nocturnal visit of the city. In the end they decided to finish to the night taking a glass in a pub. That zone was full of the premises of glasses. All were jammed of people, but in the end they found one where to be able to enter and that it called the attention of Mary Fishers because there it sounded to the music of Des´ree and its song "Life". They asked for a drink that outside typical of that place and the waiter advised to them Water of Murcia. A cocktail whose ingredients were: cava, juice of lemon, rum, vodka, cointreau, perforated ice and sugar.

- Cheers - Jeff Colleman said, raising his glass.

- Cheers – Mary responded, skirting her figure to the rate of music.

They drank a long drink. The long walk and the heat provided the sufficient dose to them of thirst that appeased that cold drink.

- Will do not be dangerous this cocktail? - she asked.

- Why?

- By its composition, already you have heard what the waiter has said to you. In addition, she has advised to us that we drank it with calm.

- Bah! Nonsense. In addition, I am thirsty - Jeff responded, and returned to drink another drink -. We are going to dance.

They were not the unique that danced. Jeff moved his body with moderate stupidity, halfway between Michael Jackson and Bruce Springsteen, but radiating happiness in each one of his gestures. As well, Mary Fishers corresponded with a charming smile. Shortly after, they were fused in a hug, hand-to-hand, dancing slowly, with the song "Angel of mines" of Eternal.

- It has been a pain that changed the type of music - Jeff Colleman said, when they returned towards the place where they had the glasses.

- Why?

- Because I dance very badly, and, nevertheless, sweet music goes to me far better.

- You are not exaggerated, you dance very well.

- No, what goes! If I am a clumsy.

- Good, without commentaries...- Mary Fishers changed the voice tone - I want thank to you this magnificent veiled. I am passing it very well. For long time, that it did not enjoy so much.

- You do not have to thank for nothing to me, simply you must be you yourself. I had a concept mistaken of you.

At those moments, Jeff Colleman, caressed the face of Mary Fishers, and later, with smoothness, he pushed the hair of her backwards, to leave hhe face completely visible. She, surprised pleasantly, pronounced with a gesture dim.

- Which? - she asked, like electrified.

- The image that I had of you is the that I have listened through many commentaries. You project a star appearance, of being distant and distant, inaccessible. Very serious in the life and she dedicated in body and soul to her work. Nevertheless, tonight I have discovered that I was mistaken, that the concept that had of you was totally false, and that the initial prejudices, in this appointment, were erroneous.

- It cheers to me that you think thus.

- It is certain. Tonight I have known a new person. An intelligent, sensible, communicative woman and of good natured treatment, but that mainly knows to move her body to the rate that marks the music and that dances as the angels - he said, with irony.

Mary Fishers exploded in a compulsive laughter that infected to Jeff Colleman. Both showed their happiness openly, without dissimulations. When the laughter stopped, Jeff inclined the head, very slowly, towards of the Mary, and his hand narrowed the flank of her. Mary, doubtful, raised the glance, her lips almost cleared those of Jeff Colleman, closed the eyes and took a step backwards.

- Excuse me - he said, ashamed.

- You do not have why.

- It is late. Do we returned to the hotel?

- I believe that yes...

The way from return to the hotel did giving it a stroll by downtown. They walked slowly, in silence, separated by hardly half meter. Sometimes one went ahead and the other behind, whereas in others it was the other way around. They interchanged few words, only look that everything said to it. They stopped in the door of the hotel, they watched the eyes, and he, with a gesture, yielded the step to her.

Already in the hall of the hotel, they went to the elevator. Mary Fishers pressed numbers four and six. The doors were opened in the plant fourth and she left. Jeff Colleman followed her to take leave and said to her:

- I believe that this has been finished.

- That seems.

- She has been a great pleasure for me known you.

- The same I say – Mary responded, sparing in words.

- Good...

- Yes?

- We were left the next Wednesday.

- Yes, to five of afternoon.

- Do you will know to arrive at my office?

- I will not have any problem. I know the zone where is your company - she said, waiting for a detail, a commentary, a hint on the part of him.

- Then...

- We were left the next Wednesday - she said, with a smile in the lips that she repressed taking the hand to the mouth, to the time that made a gesture of goodbye.

- All right!

Jeff Colleman kissed her on the cheek, average return occurred and entered the elevator. The doors were closed while Mary Fishers observed his. The corridor was done too much to her long, crossed it slowly, pensive and with the bent head.

She entered his room. She ignited the lights, was watched in the mirror and his aspect continued being the adapted, immaculate. Perhaps she had left something to do, something that no longer was going to happen. A fault feeling obstructed his body, but not his soul. There, watching itself at itself, she recognized a new Mary Fishers cold and calculating, incapable to let itself seduce by the passion, incapable to give a kiss.

The kiss. Their lips and my lips almost got to be close. Only a kiss... nothing else!

No longer the last time remembered, because of that already many years ago. The scene followed recorded in his mind. It could not forget it. It watched the telephone and she did not doubt it. She only had to dial numbers and Jeff Colleman was to the other side.

- Yes! - he said, seating in the bed.

- Hello Jeff, I only call for to say you good night.

- Good night Mary.

The common sense always had predominated in Mary. At the moment she could not allow that his feelings put in danger the mission that had to fulfill.

"VACCINATION": Chapter SEVEN

Chapter FIVE

2006-05-08T18:15:00.000+02:00

Mary Fishers took placed a towel in the head that, coiled around of the hair, fell on her back. She was seated in a small armchair, dressed in the white bathrobe of the hotel. She face shone as a result of the blister of skin that used after the bath. Her lips remained still humid and a drop of water slid through the forehead. The words of Christopher Norton still reverberated in the room and the echo of that evil voice was stumped when she felt to be in danger her race like scientist of Microgensyn. The insecurity that caused that situation to her caused that its thought took refuge at happier moments.

Mary lead an old and rambling Ford, of fourth or fifth hand, more apt for the taking apart that stops to be lead. She bought it by two hundred fifty dollars and she never knew the kilometers that had made since the speedometers already were broken when they gave it. In spite of his precarious aspect, she liked special to it, since it was his first car and during the three last years she had taken it to another one from a place. As a result of the continuous failures she had to make an unavoidable learning of mechanics, because the money did not reach to repair the car to her in a factory, missing in multitude of occasions to his father consulting the problems to him that appeared to him. She was not strange to see her with the roll up one´s sleeves, stained, changing a sleeve or trying to repair any other piece. His father had instilled to her the liking by the cars and the pleasure to repair them.

She lessen the march. She turned towards the right and one was in front of a barrier of painted wood of red and blue color that prevented the access to the enclosure. A security guard was in a sentry box of great crystal large windows. She lowered to the volume of radiocassette and the music of "Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young" hardly if it heard. She stopped the car and went to that man:

- I am Mary Fishers and I have an appointment with Mr. Sullivan.

- Hopes you a little while, please, I am going to verify it.

He keyed in the computer and looked for the file with the list of visits of the day. Meanwhile, to her the television monitors called the attention to her that were placed around the table and which they served to control the outer dependencies of the company.

- Yes, she is here. Can you teach her documentation to me?

After verifying that was Mary Fishers he indicated how to go until the main entrance and the place where she had to park.

Mary lead at extremely slow speed, observing the well-taken care of vegetation, composed to a large extent by palms and different types from trees that had never seen, thus how an extensive green carpet of turf. To the bottom, after a small knoll, the superior part of the company was descried. When she was in highest of the same one, stopped her car and she was made an impression by the outer architecture of the designed industrial complex in arrow form. She parked in the indicated place and one went towards the entrance of the building. In front of her, on a great granite rock, a structure with the form of an arrow of blue color was maintained. Superficially and underneath her a word of red color that indicated the name of the company in which it was: "Microgensyn Laboratories". It was logo that already was to her family.

She entered the building and was with a hall in triangular form imitating the end of an arrow. In the center of the stay an ample table and after it was located two secretaries, who dressed a set jacket and skirt of blue color. She went them and she said:

- I am Mary Fishers and I am mentioned with Mr. Sullivan.

One of them, as well, called by telephone and announced his arrival. With amiability he confirmed the meeting to her and indicated to her that the office of Mr. Sullivan was in the fourth floor of the left wing.

She raised in elevator and when opening itself the doors of this she saw a very long room with offices and some located secretaries strategically. She asked first that found and communicated to her that the office that it looked for was the penultimate. When arriving there, one lady of about fifty years, streamlined and discharge, when noticing itself of her presence said to her:

- You must be Mary Fishers. Sit down, if you is so kind, that Mr. Sullivan will not take in receiving her.

- Thanks - she responded, made an impression.

Arthur Sullivan was Vice-president de Microgensyn, important shareholder of the company, doctor and economist of profession. He had been thirty years already working in it, and throughout all this time he had happened through all the positions of the executive staff. Cultured man and of refined education, accumulated the sufficient professional experience already to accede to the Presidency. To his fifty six years, he had obtained everything to it in the life, good husband and father, two children, a grandson, and he was only pending to raise the last step to culminate his trajectory.

The door of the office was opened, emerging the figure from Arthur Sullivan. Going to Mary, he said to her that it could happen, while her secretary observed the scene with surprise.

- So you are Mary Fishers!

- Yes, in effect.

- Sit down here.

- Thanks.

- It wants to know a small secret?

- Which? - for a year I have been waiting for this meeting.

- Why?

- Because I am before the person with more future in the scope of the investigation of this country.

- You are going to do that blush to me.

- She Can do. Although I do not create it, since that is its desire.

- How it knows?

- We know all your curriculum. We know that already you excessively emphasized of girl, that she left perplex to her professors by he knowledge. That she studied in the state institute of Austin, where graduated with the higher note. That, from in a moment, you decided to study Medicine. That you received manifold propose to attend the university studies, including in that long list to the most prestigious universities, and than was decided finally by Stanford, where you has received the master's degree being number one of the promotion.

That office it liked. Ever since it entered, while it engaged in a dialog with Arthur Sullivan, had paid attention to all the details. It was great, rectangular, with a window of ample proportions to the bottom that allowed to illuminate all the room of natural light and through which had an interview a beautiful landscape. In the walnut wood walls, covered, three pictures were hung. To the right, the imposing table of mahogany mainly emphasized the furniture, on it a familiar photo, the screen of the computer, the keyboard, documents of the company and a fountain pen. After the writing-desk, it hung of the wall a picture of great dimensions that painted the sky of New York invaded by colossal skyscrapers. Below it and throughout all the stay three bookcases filled with books. In the left part, in front of the table there were a set formed by three comfortable sofas of skin, one length and two individual; among them, a small table, also of mahogany, and on her a vase with cocoons of red roses. The ground of this part of the office, used to receive to the visits, was covered by a Persian carpet. And in this wall, one of and two pictures the statue the freedom other still-life with laboratory utensils. Three lamps, with a touch of distinction, placed in key points and the curtains of the window, contributed to decorate all the interior of the office.

- It is flattering that knows all those details, but at the same time you imposes certain respect to me - responded Mary Fishers, with disguised preoccupation.

- You do not have to worry - Arthur Sullivan said, noticing itself of the situation -. He have been explaining to her, for many Microgensyn years contracted the services of Chainty Incorporated Company, that is a company to which we ordered to it that makes a meticulous pursuit of all the university students, of the scientific branches that interest to us, during the three first years of race. We selected the best, we deepened in a study of its academic biography and in the last year we chose to which we think that they are most excellent.

- Is it of that way since they have arrived until me?

- Of course - he answered, of convincing form.

- And why as much work to contract, simply, to a promising student?

- They are not only students. . Our company is conceited to have to a great percentage of the best world-wide scientists. I can assure to her that it is not a simple task and for it we made a very important investment of dollars in the formation of all of them. Our great secret is the formation continued and permanent of all our professionals in charge of the company.

- When begins that formation?

- It begins at the same moment that we contracted a new professional, with who approve by consensus a specific and customized plan, and also with the students with whom we contacted.

- That has not been my case, to me have not supplied me any plan of formation - Mary Fishers said, wanting to put against the cords to Arthur Sullivan.

- Yes, we have done it. What happens is that the strategy with the students is different. In the last year of race the definitive sifting is made and we selected to those whose profile is adapted. We contacted with them. We informed to them with detail of our company. We showed our interest and we supplied a scholarship to them that can accept or reject.

- That is the process that has been followed with me.

- In effect. In its case we came just as with all the others, without exception. We supplied a scholarship to her of seven thousand two hundred dollars during a year, that you, after meditating it, accepted and for that reason are today reunited you here with me.

- And, why a so exaggerated amount for a student? - she asked, watching the eyes to Arthur Sullivan, still surprised reason why she considered exhorbitant.

- Any company does not throw the money, and we either. It is very well invested money. The last year of race is most important. We thought that a student with economic problems can not give of himself everything what is able. We want that he dedicates himself to study in exclusive feature. For that reason, our Foundation grants those scholarships along with a work proposal for when it receives the master's degree.

- It is a good strategy. If there am to be sincere, the money of the scholarship came to me very well during this year.

- It cheers to Me to hear that.

- And the supplies of work, are as tempting as the scholarships? - she asked, getting up itself to be more near Arthur Sullivan.

- We say that always they are to the professional height of each person. We do not like to negotiate in economic subjects. The money inverted in investigation and the scientists who work for Microgensyn is our greater patrimony.

Mary Fishers listened become absorbed in thought the words of Arthur Sullivan when the text of the letter remembered accurately that before received a year and that as much deluded it:

Miss Fishers

The Foundation John B. Hammond of Microgensyn Laboratories must to good communicate to her that you has been selected, between hundreds of students of this country, to receive one of the "Investigation Scholarships" during the next educational course. The quantity of the scholarship of this year ascends to seven thousand two hundred dollars, that will be given at the rate of six hundred dollars every month. This prize is granted throughout based on the academic merits acquired by a student its process of formation, valuing at any moment the investigating capacity of the student. The objective of this scholarship is to create the suitable frame to foment the development of altruistic human values within the world of the investigation. Also, by the fact of to have obtained east award, you have the privilege to work for Microgensyn once concluded your studies. Within days, the Miss Carrington, of the Department of scholarships of the Foundation, will be put in contact with you to inform to her how cash will be let the prize and to know if it accepts the work proposal that we made to her. If his answer is affirmative, when finalizing his studies, an interview with you in Microgensyn would agree where the definitive supply would be made to her.

Stephen Cupples.
President of the Foundation John B. Hammond

- How many students accept the supply that you make?

- Approximately ninety and five percents.

Mary was being impatient itself before the suggestive information that received and the imminence of the supply that wished to receive, but devoid, at those moments, of the most elementary negotiating ability she could not be repressed and more hit upon to say:

- And, to me, what supplies are going make to me? I am wishing to know it.

- Is not only an economic supply. It is much more suggestive, we thought we. Microgensyn already has contributed in his process of formation. Throughout this year you have received several dossieres in which we explained the operation to her of our company, its structure, its different areas, lines of investigation and the possibilities of promotion.

- Yes?

- Our proposal is the following. We want that you are gotten up immediately. You can make the medical specialty that wishes in our hospital; he will be to the front of a line of investigation; and, in addition, we allowed her that she follows bound to the University of Stanford to finish the scientific projects that had initiated and to initiate his educational race there, if therefore it wishes it. Of course, that all the upbringing process that need, or books, courses, congresses, are the responsibility of Microgensyn.

- Frankly it is a supply seductive and very difficult to reject.

- I have already said her that we pamper to the investigators and who we are open to all the suggestions that do to us.

- And in return, what is demanded to me?

- That knows to take advantage of the opportunity that we offered her. That continues learning and that puts all the persistence in obtaining in the laboratory all the proposals of investigation that his creative capacity is able to generate. His personal success will take prepared the commercial development of Microgensyn.

- We have still not spoken of the economic aspect - she was not this one of the sections that Mary Fishers concerned more, since the opportunity that she had between her hands could not fail to take advantage of it, and the money was not more than a secondary aspect.

- No, we have not done it. I always leave it for the end. Since already there am saying, we took care of much the economic point of view - Arthur Sullivan said, while placed his hands in oblique sense, with the palms upwards -. You will gain the first year fifty thousand dollars.

- Fifty thousand dollars! - she exclaimed, being on her precious eyes.

- It seems to you little in 1989! - Arthur Sullivan made a gesture of dispproval -. Considering that you have twenty-three years and that just are licensed, I believe that it is an important amount.

- Please, Mr. Sullivan, is not that, seems to me an exaggerated amount, only that has surprised to me. He did not wait for a supply thus.

- Can be taken the time that wants to make a decision.

- Mr. Sullivan - she said, in a tone of almost venerate voice - we are pragmatic, you know that I cannot be denied to that supply. I am not going to find the no best and than I must accept already.

- I know It.

- Although, if she allows me, I would like to make a question to you.

- Ahead.

- Why they make a so impressive supply to me?

- I have already commented to you previously that all our proposals are excellent. The contract that we offer to you is very similar to others. Although by force of being sincere, I am going to allow to tell you another secret me: I do not take care of these subjects, the hiring takes the corresponding department to them, but his case is special since their personal profile and educational curriculum have obtained the highest valuation since we started up east hiring system. The hopes are very great that it has deposited Microgensyn in you, for that reason I have been in charge personally of this case. In addition, very he was interested in this interview and to know his qualities directly.

- Thanks.

- That means that you accepts?

- Of course.

Arthur Sullivan tended to Mary Fishers his hand to seal the agreement and she reacted of the same form, feeling between her fingers the temperamental squeeze of him.

- Now we speak of other also important subjects. I would like to know the specialty medical that you wishes to make.

- Clinical Microbiology.

- Clinical Microbiology! Very interesting - Arthur Sullivan, surprised and simultaneously enchanted with the election of Mary Fishers said -. and what line of investigation wants to start up?

- The infectious diseases are my great passion, but in special I have a very great interest to study thorough the AIDS. I must in mind initiate different projects of investigation related to the study from the structure and morphology of the virus; also I am interested in investigating new drugs for its treatment; and of course, in which more I am deluded is in initiating a line of investigation related to the vaccine.

Mary Fishers adorned with emphasis and passion each word that she pronounced on the AIDS. With great difficulty, she disguised the pain that get drunk his soul. She comforted myself when thinking that one was at the end of the way that she had hard undertaken as much time ago. Finally, she qualification was perfect and already had the possibility of declaring the war to the virus, where one of both would be the winner and the other the loser.

- I admit that you to me surprise. They had said to me that she was very enterprising, but by his daring I do not have more remedy than to congratulate you. You will have all the support that needs to obtain his intentions. It has been a sensation mine or I have noticed it moved when speaking of the AIDS? - Arthur Sullivan went tenderly to Mary, since when talking about to this disease she watched upwards, as if she wanted to watch the sky.

- No, it does not have importance - She said, refusing the answer -. By the way, would like she that she spoke to me of the hospital, the laboratories and this precious architectonic complex.

- The hospital belongs to Microgensyn. It is one of the few companies dedicated to the investigation that has a hospital of its property. It is near here, to one mile of distance; it is great, more similar to a luxury hotel; and technologically it is number one.

- And Microgensyn?

- Microgensyn is formed by a set of companies dedicated fundamentally to the investigation. We invested hundreds of million dollars in investigating in three areas: the pharmaceutical, chemical and agro-alimentary industry. In addition to the hospital, our capital we diversified it in different fields from business, like computer science microengineering, and one long heavy list to enumerate. In these dependencies is been the neuralgic center of all this built the framework for of businesses. This macro-complex, that apparently it has liked much when entering, has form of arrow lie down on the ground. The end of this one has two wings dedicated exclusively to offices and offices, from where we directed all the company. In the longest part of the arrow is the jewel of Microgensyn, since there it is where they find the laboratories dedicated to the doctor-pharmaceutics investigation.

- When can I begin to work? - she asked, with an interest little disguised.

- When you create it advisable.

- Within one week?

- Here we will be waiting for you.

Mary Fishers took leave of Arthur Sullivan and left that filled office of satisfaction. Before closing the door, she watched backwards and she greeted it with the hand.

She noticed the skin of his smooth face. The blister that had put minutes before demonstrated its action. That indicated that already she was prepared to receive a cream layer later and the make-up. Months back she discovered a line of new products that heightened their natural beauty. She made up to her face with subtle translucent dusts and a tenuous shade in her eyelids, providing a special brightness to her face, where it excelled the expression of eyes and the sweetness of her mouth.

The memory of her first interview in Microgensyn allowed her to recover the confidence in itself, the joy that was to her characteristic and at the same time to forget the episode the telephone conversation with Christopher Norton. Eleven years back did not exist the problems and had all the life ahead to dedicate themselves to the investigation, that was what always she had wished. A happy and happy person considered itself by to have obtained everything what she yearned for. And after her, a united family who supported her: her mother and her brother, Alec. Now, she waited for her Jeff Colleman, an appointment, a supper, a strange, distant place, where she had perceived the respect of her colleagues of profession and in which her work was recognized unanimously. Now, she had a mission that to fulfill, work and pleasure, an explosive mixture difficult to emulsion.

"VACCINATION": Chapter SIX

Chapter FOUR

2006-05-08T18:10:00.000+02:00

The lobby of the Congresses Palace was filled with congressmen who engaged in a dialog in small groups about the interventions of Mary Fishers and Jeff Colleman, but mainly with this one last, reconsidering the advantages and disadvantages of the vaccine. While the possibilities of the same one defended with enthusiasm, others were more sceptics and doubted their effectiveness.

Near a column, Arthur Sullivan talked with David O´Connor, President of Bioconn, and with Mary Fishers, when Jeff Colleman approached them.

- Good afternoon - he saluted.

- Hello Jeff - intervention answered David O´Connor -. Magnificent your intervention. By the way, I believe that you do not know Mary Fishers and Arthur Sullivan, President of Microgensyn.

- Nice to meet you - Arthur Sullivan said -. Congratulations by his communication and investigations - he congratulated him with diplomacy while he narrowed the hand to him.

- Nice to meet you - he responded.

- Pleased to meet you - she took part, to the time that extended her hand and interrupted with that gesture the movement that he had initiated to approach his head towards her.

- The same I say - it talked back, with certain flesh colour.

- Jeff, Arthur was congratulating to me by the importance that is going to acquire our company with your discoveries - David O´Connor said.

- I believe that it is premature to receive congratulations at this moment. Still our studies have not finalized, Mr. Sullivan - Jeff Colleman commented.

- If, but... - a silence Arthur Sullivan did while he spoke, looking for the suitable word - when a scientific study occurs to know, it means that the results that hope to obtain, will be positive.

- Until this moment yes they are it, but I will accept his congratulations when the vaccine is a reality - Jeff Colleman was cautious, neither confirmed nor denied what it seemed or evident.

- Of which there is no doubt is that you have initiated a new field of investigation - burst in she, who until that moment participated in passive form in the conversation.
- Without a doubt some - Jeff asserted.

- And that has bet very hard, because the economic amount of that project must be really substantial - Arthur Sullivan showed the dependency of science with respect to the economy.

- It is an important chapter that you must know perfectly - insinuated David O´Connor.

- I do not understand of budgets, but I imagine that the cost of my study must of being similar to the study that is making Dr Fishers - Jeff Colleman clarified.

- Why supposes it, Dr Colleman? - Mary asked.

- Because its study is very similar to mine, the difference is based in the vector that uses each one. You are investigating with virus, whereas my equipment uses plasmids - Jeff Colleman affirmed.

The scientific research is a complex world in where the obtaining of results, in terms of important dividends, is the main target of all project. The companies analyze until the most insignificant detail of each proposal of investigation; they value the effectiveness of the study, if the accomplishment of the same one is just; they study the importance and the relevance of the medical problem to study; and in the end, they make an economic evaluation of the same, based on the benefits that can obtain.

- Excuse me Dr Colleman - Arthur Sullivan said - I must go to me. He has been very pleasing to know you.

- I also must leave to you - he hurried to say David O´Connor -. The conversation has been very pleasant.

After the rigor greetings, both presidents took leave and they moved away each one in a different direction. Mary and Jeff were one the other as opposed to, in silence, being observed mutually, but timidly avoiding the glance of the eyes of the other. Thus, they remained during seconds, dumb, diminished, without knowing what to say, adopting an attitude hesitant, inappropriate of two genius minds, until in the end he was Jeff Colleman, taking the initiative in that infantile situation, that Mary Fishers proposed:

- I invite you to have supper.

- What? - she responded, surprised.

- Yes, I invite you to have supper. Do you accept? - he returned to ask.

- Yes! Why not?

- Perfect - he said, satisfied -. It is a good occasion to know it personally and to correct some that another misunderstanding.

- Where we are going to have supper? You know a good restaurant?

- No, but that is not a problem, insurance that recommends one good to us in the hotel - Jeff, with its proposal, tried one more a friendlier relation.

- What time were we?

- Has past eight. OK?

- Yes. Where we see ourselves? - Mary asked.

- In what hotel are you?

- In the Seven Crowns Meliá.

- Today we are luck.

- Why? - she asked.

- Because I also am in the same hotel. We could be... - Jeff, remained pensive - in the lobby of the hotel?

- There I will be. So long. I must go to me.

Average return occurred and she moved away between the abundance of people that had reunited there. While she walked received congratulations by its intervention, that was thankful with a gentile smile. She thought about the conversation with Jeff Colleman and she could not disguise its happiness, since a stroke of luck put into operation the machinery of the spying, and she avoided the difficult task to her of putting itself in contact with him. A supper was a good pretext to initiate a good friendship, a suitable place where to lay the foundations of a future very personal relation that allowed her the access to the place in where she would have to look the information that they had demanded to her. Mary had a dangerous objective that to fulfill.

The cafeteria of the Seven Crowns Meliá hotel had the design of a pub of English style. In the crystal bookcases the bottles ordered by type of drink and category rested correctly. A releases wood bar, covered in its outer part by quilted leather. Several tables near the wall. Illumination tenuous and indirect. It seemed a calm and cosy place.

There, drinking a glass, Christopher Norton and Arthur Sullivan were reunited, when it sounded the cellular telephone of:

- Yes...

- Mr. Sullivan - a feminine voice said - I call it of the writing desk of Williamson & Weiss. Miss Carter wants to speak with you.

- All right!

- It hopes a little while, please.

Arthur Sullivan, raising his eyebrows, attracted the attention of Doctor Norton, and putting the hand on the telephone, he said to him:

- It is Pascale Carter!

- What wants?

- I don’t know! - Arthur Sullivan responded. Moving the head from a side to another one.

- It must of being something very important when she calls to you from the United States.

- Arthur, good morning. Excuse me, good afternoon for you.

He listened an energetic voice.

- Say me, Pascale.

- How goes it to you by Spain?

- Very well.

- And the congress?

- It has begun this late with a full success of attendance.

- And Mary? - she asked.

- She has been magnificent.

- And Jeff Colleman?

- He has been eloquent and he has made public his discoveries. But say me, what must communicate to me? To intention, Pascale, where is? - Arthur Sullivan had a feeling that it was not a telephone call of mere courtesy, but that kept an important message.

- Arthur, I am in New York and I have the bad news for you - the tone of voice of Pascale Carter acquired a serious shade.

- I listen to her.

- The share of Bioconn are raising as the foam in Wall Street. The agencies of Stock market waited for the intervention of Jeff Colleman in the congress and the revelations that could make about its investigation. Ever since his exhibition finished, the telephone calls informing into the present state of their vaccine have been multiplied between the stockbrokers... Arthur, are you there?...

- Yes, I listen to you.

- Excuse me, I thought that had been cut communications.

- It continues - Arthur Sullivan said, and remained in silence while it listened.

- As I said, the good news that have arrived from Spain have caused an exaggerated demand of packages of shares, which has motivated an important rise in the price of the same.

Arthur Sullivan noticed that well something did not go. When Pascale Carter had said to him that she had the bad news was tense, and, nevertheless, now she seemed relaxed. However, it passed it through stop, worried about the news of stock-market.
- How much they quote at the moment? - he asked.

- 70 dollars, an eleven percent has raised in less than one hour! And the worse thing is about to arrive, since the forecasts continue being bullish - she without perturbing answered.

- They are the bad news and at the most inopportune moment - Christopher Norton observed how he changed the expression of Arthur Sullivan as the conversation passed. With preoccupation gesture Doctor Sullivan changed the hand telephone and he quickly took it towards the left ear, taking advantage of later to make a streching of the muscles of his right arm -. How think to act?

- I do not know. We must analyze the new situation. Bioconn gains whole numbers, but in other circumstances also it can lower. Stock-market is a very complex, full world of rumours, immersed in cyclical changes. Today it raises and tomorrow it lowers. We must act with precaution - she said, completely.

- Please, Miss Carter, wants to be more explicit - replaced he, demonstrating his annoyance -. What means?

- That there is to avoid that they continue raising the actions, or on the contrary it will cost to you to its company hundreds of million dollars.

- For that we have contracted to them. You are the experts. You are those that you must contribute the solutions.

- In effect, it is necessary to design a strategy... Probably, he would not be of more creating any false rumour on Bioconn, to try that the actions lower.

- Is it a proposal or only a thought aloud? - asked Arthur Sullivan, surprised.

- I must study it. However, you can consider it like a proposal. It is a good departure point - she replaced Pascale Carter without doubting.

- What type of the news can cause that the credit of Bioconn diminishes? - Arthur Sullivan with great interest asked.

- I do not know. Perhaps something related to the vaccine. No? - she responded, as if outside a premeditaded phrase.

- He can that is right! And who would be in charge to spread the rumour? - she returned to ask.

- That is our work. Worries to your to offer a good reason to us that we pruned to air.

- I will consider It. Some thing more?

- No. He is everything. Only, to wish a happy stay and a good trip of return.

- Thanks. Good bye.

Arthur Sullivan kept the small telephone in the inner pocket from his jacket. Norton watched at Christopher and Carter told him all the conversation maintained with Pascale. Their faces reflected their state of preoccupation. During seconds they were worried, in silence, without watching itself. It was not a died time, but that each one plotted some plan that resolved the problem that came to them above. They drank bourbon which they had requested and after depositing the glass on the bar, Christopher Norton was first in speaking:

- What do you think?

- That there is to act quickly. We have just a short time.

- It is necessary to look for a solution.

- He happened to you some? Christopher.

- So far no. But we have Doctor Hodgkins.

- You trust him?

- It has always provided us very valuable information, and if it is confirmed what it has said me in the congress and comes to the public light, the shares of Bioconn still will raise more.

- It is certain.

- Also we have left to play the trick of Mary Fishers – Christopher Norton suggested.

- We could trust her if we had more time, but in this situation, I do not believe that their collaboration is very valuable - Arthur Sullivan responded showing the doubts that lodged.

- She is inexpert and perhaps the idea has not been good, but you know her form to act and when he takes a decision puts all her persistence in obtaining what she has seted out – Christopher Norton said, perfect connoisseur of the responsibility and the rigor that Mary Fishers put in any work.

- It can that you are right, but I follow without seeing her in the spy paper.

- You do not create. In addition, we only must press her a little more.

- Calls her by telephone, I believe that she is in his room.

Christopher Norton went to the barman and requested a telephone. He brought a wireless apparatus to him of black colour, with gondola form. Arthur Sullivan watched to him kindly while he dialed the room number of Mary Fishers, and before initiating the conversation with her he said to him with precipitation:

- If it is necessary, threaten to her.

Mary Fishers left the shower when she heard the repetitive sound of the telephone. For a moment and without knowing how why she thought about Jeff Colleman, believing to guess that he was he who called.

- Yes…

- Mary?

- Yes, It´s me.

- Hello, Mary! It´s Christopher Norton.

- What you want Christopher now – she answered with displeasure.

- I only want to apologize by the conversation that we had late this, perhaps it was not the most suitable moment, but we believed it opportune - he said, hypocritically, eluding the responsibility when using the first person of the plural one.

- Yes?

- And also I would like ask by Jeff Colleman, since I was observing how you engaged in a dialog in the hall of the Congresses Palace.

- I did not know who one of your functions in our company consisted of watching its employees. I thought that the spying you had assigned to me. What baseness, God mine! - she answered with tension.

- That is not my work, although volume notices - he with irony answered -. I saw speaking you and I would like to know if already you have begun to accomplish the mission that has been in charge to you.

- So important is it? - Mary Fishers talked back, eluding the answer, and with the pretension to obtain data about the magnitude of the task that had been designated to her.

- Your job depends on the information that you can obtain - he with rough voice said.

Mary Fishers did not know what to respond. Christopher Norton, like always, was playing very strong, and he was little loquacious, reason why account occurred about which she was something very important. Microgensyn was a company with a prestige worked by force of investing in investigation. She did not reach to understand the problems that could have when she was forced to make a work for which she was enabled neither technical nor psychically. She was being threatened to conduct a battle outside all logic and the curiosity intrigued her more and more.

- Christopher, I have accepted the mission, but you know that I am not prepared to carry out it. Why you threaten to me? What has behind all this?

- Yes, you can. You must obtain the information that we requested to you and in case of failing already you can be preparing your letter of resignation.

Arthur Sullivan yawed the eye to Christopher Norton, agreeing to the proposal of this one.

- I create... that I will try it - it responded, reflecting in its words the restlessness that obstructed her per moments.

- What you say to me of your conversation with Jeff Colleman? - Christopher Norton returned to ask.

- It was an informal meeting. David O´Connor presented us. We were speaking of its communication and once single he invited to me to have supper.

- Invited he to you to have supper? - he asked surprised.

- Yes! What has of stranger?

- No, nothing. And...?

- I accepted. I believe that I must begin that way.

- Perfect. When it is the supper?

- Tonight.

- I know intelligent. It sees slowly. You are not discovered. And takes advantage of the occasion to arrange a later appointment in the United States.

- Something more?

- So far it is sufficient.

Christopher Norton left the telephone on the bar of the bar. His eyes shone with a special light. In his internal law he had a feeling that Mary Fishers would not fail to him and who would be able to carry out the plan that had drawn up to her. He was guaranteed by Arthur Sullivan and he had been present at the diplomatic and sibylline method that used in the conversation with Mary. Old bourbon dampened its throat and believed to appreciate old wood shades that evoked moments to him of success. He had the glass in his hand, it approached it towards Arthur Sullivan and after the crystalline sound produced by the shock of both glasses he said:

- We cannot fail. I offer by our equipment, I offer by us.

- By us - Arthur Sullivan added.

"VACCINATION": Chapter FIVE

Chapter THREE

2006-05-08T17:58:00.000+02:00

The different doors from the room of the Congresses Palace let leave to the congressmen way the lobby. Towards an end of the same one Doctor Hodgkins went, and there was Doctor Norton. Both the hands were narrowed strongly, as a warm greeting.

- He has been very direct you, Doctor Hodgkins.

- If you talks about me asks, it was necessary - Dr Hodgkins answered, interrupting to Dr Norton - does not create? ...

- Yes... but... he did not have why to put it in evidence - Dr Norton talked about Jeff Colleman.

- But, it was obvious that that idiot was lying. Its brazenness has exasperated to me - Dr Hodgkins said.

- It would not think, perhaps, that Jeff Colleman was going to us to expose in its communication all the truth and the present state of its investigations? - Dr Norton answered to him with a question, reflecting his ironic character.

- No, he is not that... could have limited to simply present his theories and not to make a premeditaded provocation when reflecting the point in which are their investigations. Everybody knows that that is false - Dr Hodgkins gestured with each one of his words, moved the arms and the hands -. In addition... that was not the object of its communication.

- It has said it and it already is. It has been left patent that its objective era to deny those rumours. But it has failed. What the news have you on the vaccine? - Doctor Norton of sharp form said, knowing how to give by finalized a dialogue subject and to take threads of the conversation, of sagacious form, towards another subject.

- Jeff Colleman has lain as a sly - a seriousness face seized of the expression of the face of Dr Hodgkins -. Their studies are very many more advanced of which we believed. It did not want to tease to you, but already they have concluded. And, in addition, successfully - it said, sullen.

- It is not possible! - Dr Norton responded express, while a penetrating chill seized of all its body, and a frustration feeling burst in into its thought. Not in vain, their projects of future could be beheaded before the plot decidedly was beginning.

- Yes, he is it - Dr Hodgkins affirmed again.

- Explains you, please, Dr Hodgkins.

Customary to issue orders and to perceive the anxiety state that its presence imposed its interlocutors, Christopher Norton was being imprisoned of the change of roll that the unexpected situation had generated to him.

- According to my sources of intelligence, Bioconn Laboratories finished the clinical test in phase III one week ago - Dr Hodgkins said.

The Dr Hodgkins noticed the panic situation that Dr Norton with his revelations had created him. He was being little explicit. Of deliberate form, their answers were concise. Each answer invited to make a new question. The light of the day will be extinguished and the dark at night will prevail, said an old aphorism. With his information, Dr Hodgkins was putting in evidence the great power of Christopher Norton.

- But... and the permissions of the WHO? and the effective legislation on clinical tests? They have not had scruples and have skipped it! - the calm nature of Dr Norton declined in a hysterical state.

- Who has said that? - Dr Hodgkins asked.

- Jeff Colleman. In its communication.

- Dr Norton, will not believe you who Jeff Colleman is counted all the truth to us in its communication? - investigated Dr Hodgkins.

Prey and hunter, two ironies of the destiny. The prey is of hunting and the hunter is his prey. And of the reality, only the message is worth the trouble. For that reason, sometimes, the hunter disguises itself of prey to obtain his objective, and when he obtains it he recreates with parsimony and care.

- Do they had or do they did not have the permissions? - it returned to ask to the Dr Norton with excitation.

- Any Laboratory does not exist that is exposed to make a clinical test without the pertinent permissions. Clear that they had them! But the magnitude of its investigations, and the great probability of obtaining positive results, made possible that everything took in secret.

- Where have been made those studies? What countries have collaborated? - Dr Norton asked to very insistently.

- The United States, Nigeria and fundamentally Thailand in phase III have collaborated - it responded with pleasing the Dr Hodgkins, asserting the veracity of his data.

The clinical trial is the acid test of a drug and no chemical agent leaves to the market without being put under him. The vaccine is not less. A clinical test of these characteristics consists of three phases, and each one of them can eliminate the following one if the results are negative.

- How many people have participated in the study? - Dr Norton continued asking incredulous.

- Considering the problems that the accomplishment of a scientific study in this disease carries, the participation has been massive. In the United States 2,000 people participated, in Nigeria 8,000 and Thailand 20,000 - Dr Hodgkins was changing of strategy, no longer was sparing in words, but profuse in details. He had already obtained his objective, was the moment that as much hoped to recreate its ego, so many times despised by Dr Norton.

- And the commercialization, for when has it predicted? - the question that never it had wanted to formulate Christopher Norton and whose answer would serve to him to elaborate a new program of activities in its strategy.

- At the moment they are compiling all the information of the three countries. Parallelly, they have notified to the FDA the preliminary results of the study and that in few days will ask for the necessary permissions for the commercialization of the vaccine. As you know, Dr Norton, in these cases the proceedings are accelerated, due to the gravity of the AIDS, and still more by the benefit that arranging in the market of a finally effective vaccine supposes for world-wide the public health. For that reason, in a brief space of time it will be in the market - it said the Dr Hodgkins.

- If that is thus, what you propose?

- Knowing it so many years, insurance that already it has planned something, is not thus Dr Norton? - affirmation and asks, the Dr Hodgkins was expressed of indetermine form, wanting to investigate the answer of its interlocutor.

- I do not know! - Christopher Norton responded laconic.

- He does not doubt that the solution will be positive for Microgensyn - Dr Hodgkins said, and at the same time, he added -: I would like to work already for Microgensyn.

- Long ago that you work you stop Microgensyn! - Dr Norton affirmed.

- You know to what I talk about. Long ago, that I am fed up of the work that performance. To work for a company and to dedicate themselves to compile all type of information to filter it to another laboratory are not ethical - Dr Hodgkins said furious watching coldly to Dr Norton.

- Now it is not the suitable moment. Perhaps more ahead, when all this subject has concluded - he answered to him.

- Probably you have reason, but this is the last mission that performance. When the discovery of the vaccine announces officially, I will finalize my entailment with you. I want to work in Microgensyn, but exclusively as scientist - Dr Hodgkins sentenced.

- Still we have time to negotiate that subject. The vaccine not yet has been discovered. There are other subjects that we must investigate. Soon in the hotel we will be able to speak.

- All right!.

When one moved away, Dr Hodgkins intuited that Christopher Norton was going to do without him, but the game had not finalized and it had several letters that to be able to use at the suitable moment.

Christopher Norton was equipped with a mind with dual capacity. By a side he could maintain perfectly a conversation with one or several interlocutors with aptitude to analyze, to reflect, to decide and to order; and in complete synchrony, to be thinking, at the same moment, a set of absolutely different ideas.

Their suspicions unfortunately were confirmed, although it had failed in his prognoses with respect to the time. He believed to have weeks and they were only few days. While it spoke with Dr Hodgkins its imagination went off. He did not like to daydream, but to deepen in the reality of the things, and to examine with extreme meticulously all those inherent details to the subjects with which he had to work.

He had a pregnant curriculum of innumerable profits. One received the master's degree in Chemistry, and later one specialized in Biochemistry. He worked, later, in several companies of investigation, where its work was awarded with meteoric ascents. Numerous scientific studies laid out their investigating biography, although some of them were of doubtful originality. And a discovery that would plot the course of his life, and to that he would be given with obsessive vocation: Courses of High Direction Formation.

He affirmed that the work was a gift that always there is to be thankful. For him, to work represented a great pleasure. And since he began to form in courses of high direction, its personality underwent a turn of one hundred eighty degrees. Ambitious, without scruples, he looked very indefatigably for how to catapult his race, until the occasion arrived.

Year 1982, September, he finished being named Coordinating of the Investigation Department of Novosyn Laboratories, branch of the multinational Doplow Company, when he was sent to New York to make a course of Methodology of Direction in Work parties for Executives. He learned to organize, to plan and to direct groups of people. And there He knew that they existed technical of manipulation of work parties, in order to obtain a preconceived aim. He had heard speak of them, but until then they were forbidden to him.

When returning to its job, always he was arranged to make any type of course. He did not concern the title to him, neither to whom outside directed, and the less still the diploma. He only looked for a coherent learning and without fissures and the study of all type of techniques to obtain each objective. The formation that served to him to arrive at highest. Its ambition did not have limits.

For that reason, his personality became rough, rigid and obsessive. He supervised all the projects personally, not leaving detail at random. He participated in all the meetings of the company, being admired by his eagerness of work, and sometimes, being observed with certain distrust. He persecuted a concrete aim: the Power.

"VACCINATION":Chapter FOUR

Chapter TWO

2006-05-08T17:46:00.000+02:00

The ice was had broken and the solemn act of opening of the congress was going to begin. The President of the Spanish Government descended by the stoop from the platform, after him the Ministers of Health of Spain and the United States, and next a small delegation of developing countries.

The politicians retired once concluded the official inauguration of the Congress. They always supported with their presence all organized official acts around this disease. Several of them had recognized publicly who the well-being and development of their towns depended exclusively on the scientific discoveries that they were made every year with relation to the AIDS.

The moment had arrived. The policy opened the way to science. All the scientists were seated in its armchairs. Like always, Mary Fishers noticed a slight tachycardia, since her presence in the tribune would be the following. Her conference was the in charge to initiate the scientific acts.

The President of the Organizing Committee, after a brief intervention of welcome, happened to enumerate all and each one of the subjects that went to be treated and to be debated during the same. Also he raised, in challenge form, the objectives that had been marked to obtain in this annual meeting.

Without more introductions, he presented the first Conference: "Report annual epidemiologist. Present situation of the AIDS in the world". Next, it happened to relate the curriculum of Mary Fishers, insisting on the merits acquired during his shining race like investigator.

When Mary Fishers put itself still on, a roar in form of applause flooded all the assembly hall. Most of the people they rose of its seats, awarding with that gesture the distinction of which was object. The legs shook to her, but it perfectly disguised it with his to walk slow, crossing the legs to each step. A tremulous creeps shook all her body during the passage that it crossed from its armchair to the scene. In spite of his cold character and to be customary to the flatteries, in this occasion one was touched.

It took the word and it said watching the public:

- Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. A year we were reunited more to expose to international the scientific community and the public opinion, all the works and discoveries that we have carried out to palliate the disturbed advance of the world-wide epidemic of a called disease Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Like always, there will be the good and bad news just as in the previous congresses, but in our spirit she must prevail the fight instinct, to be able to control the indiscriminate advance of this plague of the century XX, that in the future can threaten the existence of certain countries and that, in addition, can dynamite the structure of our society.

A burial silence listened to the words of Mary Fishers. Taking advantage of this detail, Mary went to a stewardess who helped her in the exhibition:

- First slide, please! - she solicited.

- From the first detected cases of AIDS in 1979 in Los Angeles and New York, we arrived at year 1995 where already 18.5 million people had become infected. At the present time, the data gathered until end of year 1999 indicate that approximately 34 million people anywhere in the world live infected with the virus of the AIDS. The estimations that the World Health Organization made in year 1992 were that for year 2000 there would be in the world 20 million infected beings. Those forecasts, unfortunately, have been ridiculed.

Later, she added:

- During year 1999, 5.6 million people became infected by the Human Inmunodeficiency Virus (HIV) about. Near 570,000 of the new infected they affected smaller children of fourteen years and more of 90% of them they are children of HIV-positive mothers.

The sense of expectancy was absolute and silence impregnated all the room of emotion and respect before the numbers that she declared. Mary Fishers noticed that she connected with those investigators and was animated before the forcefulness of the data that were exposing and before the evidence of the numbers.

It continued saying that the incidence of new cases in the developed countries was diminishing every year, whereas in the developing countries the epidemic continued whipping the population with a devastating rain of new cases.

- Nowadays, the highest rates of infection are concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, reaching the number of twenty-four infected million of that will die, irremediably, in a term of five to ten years.

Mary Fishers communicated the data epidemiologists one after the other. She was standing and moved with half-steps to centre the attention on her. When she wanted to emphasize some concrete data, she aimed with a small laser leader that emitted a red light. Hundreds of fixed glances in their figure observed it with overwhelmed eyes. And sometimes, an uneasiness murmur broke silence.

- The growth of the world-wide population has been increasing progressively in the last decades. From now on, this population growth will be marked by the epidemic. The demographic forecasts for year 2050 already have been reduced in more than 500 million people.

This last data produced a moving impression to the scientists. Mary noticed itself of the effect of the information that finished giving and tried to control.

Mary Fishers announced next which during 1999 2.6 million people died because of the AIDS, of which 600,000 were young. Although to avoid this, already AZT and other drugs were being developed to programs of treatment with. Mary asked for a strong applause to the members of the pharmaceutical company that discovered the AZT and that in recent dates it had approved a discount of a 75% in the price of this drug for the developing countries.

Its request was not made hope and a deep outcry seized of previous silence. This gave a safety margin to Mary to retake its conference.

It continued affirming that 71% of cases declared of AIDS during 1999 corresponded to Africa. It supposed a reduction of the economic production of that zone of a 30% and if it were not put brake to that situation, in a world more and more globaliced, would finish affecting to the structure and balance of the world-wide economy.

Next to the conclusion, Mary Fishers add:

- Continuously we are losing battles against the AIDS, but the war has still not finished. Only we have left a strongpoint in which to base all our strategy to leave victorious. That point is called Prevention of the infection. In the area of the prevention we can direct our expectations towards two different ways. First it would consist of obtaining an effective vaccine that prevented the development of the disease in all the people and whom the eradication of the AIDS obtained.

After a brief pause, during which she could calibrate the interest level that had waked up in the hearing, Mary added:

- The second consists of making world-wide campaigns to modify the conducts of infection risk. And, in addition, this sanitary policy must go directed specially to the young people, because they are the greater group of risk at the present time and most receptive to any type of change.

Mary Fishers finished exposing all the slides that had served to her to lead their conference graphically. The lights of the Congresses Palace that were in half-light, quickly were ignited. After going to the center of the scene one, it continued exposing:

- All these are the data gathered until end of December of 1999. As they can observe, the AIDS epidemic advances inexorably. The present situation in the developing countries is catastrophic. The nations that at the present time they have infected to a 25% of his population, in next the 5 years that rate will be of a 50% and will disappear of the Earth face in a period non superior to twenty or thirty years.

It made brief, challenging a pause, infected by the categorical echo of the numbers that was keeping awake and she continued:

- The great advance of science in the century XX, that did possible to dominate the great infectious diseases, us has returned to place to the scientists in the front sight of world-wide the public opinion. In hardly fifteen years, the AIDS is putting in check to the world-wide economy. It demonstrates that we followed defenseless before the appearance of new infectious diseases.

It could not finalize without a conclusion and with cautious sense she affirmed in prophecy terms:

- At the present time we are led a world-wide catastrophe that will have like consequence the dissemination of the virus and the disease by all our planet. Exclusively, the root of new habits and attitudes as opposed to the AIDS, along with the discovery of a vaccine, can cause that the human being leaves victorious in this invisible war...

After these phrases that prepared with the heart and that she pronounced with emphasis, added:

- Thanks... Thank you very much.

The room was put still on to welcome it with its applause and she saluted with badly pretended humility.

The conference had finished. Mary Fishers seated in the center of an ample table located in the scene, she drank a swig of water to dampen her lips and throat, and she was arranged to respond to the questions that could formulate to her. It raised his head and it watched the stalls, with pleasant gesture contemplated how the congressmen raised their hands, indicating with that gesture that they wanted to make questions to her on the speech that finished pronouncing.

One by one, with parsimony, went responding to all the questions that were formulated to her. There were questions of incredulity, other that looked for an asseveration that confirmed the certainty of her exhibition, other voices raised their indignation when confirming the bad omens which they had circulated on the developing countries, and other that demanded a tangible solution that it allowed to eradicate to the AIDS and to fit it exclusively like a relic easy to consult in text books. Its intervention finalized and again a strong applause dismissed Mary Fishers, while it retired proud and satisfied by the positive answer that she obtained to the ideas that finished transmitting.

Again the President of the Organizing Committee took the word to present the first Communication of the Congress: "Plasmids. A future challenge". The presentation of his author was obvious. He was Jeff Colleman, Director of the Department of Investigation of Bioconn Laboratories. His biography was laid out of numerous discoveries in the world of the microbiology. On the other hand, his consideration like lecturer in the most prestigious universities worldwide, caused that his intervention was waited for with extreme interest.

When Mary Fishers returned to her place in the stalls, walking on the fitted carpet of ocher colour of the corridor, she had the opportunity to happen next to Jeff Colleman, while an innocent and bohemian glance sealed pending the peace of previous controversies.

Jeff Colleman walked fast by the corridor and it was arranged to raise by the stairs that would take to the scene of the Congresses Palace.

It had prepared the communication with indefatigable illusion. The interest that woke up fed on the rumours that circulated around scientific atmospheres during the previous weeks to the congress. Those officious news indicated that Bioconn Laboratories had synthesized an effective vaccine against the AIDS and that already she was ready to leave to the market. A vaccine fruit of the investigating work of Jeff Colleman and made reality thanks to its plasmids studies.

Jeff, was not let make an impression by the look of the situation. Meticulous and lover of detail, prepared his putting in scene perfectly. Its clothes were not even fruit of the chance. It dressed a designed jacket in very small squares distributed in form diagonal, gray trousers with two clamps and one shirt of clear grey colour. A necktie of great knot, made with a concavity in the center, and as if it had been painted by the fragile fingers of a boy alternated a mosaic of pictures, where a nebula navy blue and beige were formed by, and in the others had drawn suns in brown tone with a yellow bottom pie.

Jeff Colleman was placed in front of the lectern, watched the microphone that maintained in his right hand, pushed the switch towards the position of "on", raised the head and watched with attention all the public. Next, it patiently waited the expression of absolute silence in the room, and said of educated form: >.

- During last the fifteen years, the scientific community that has dedicated itself with care to the study of the AIDS, has participated in a frenetic race in pos of the submission of a disease that has caused million deaths in so short space of time.

Jeff walked on the scene while it spoke. Of that subtle way he maintained the attention centered in his person. After a pause to drink water, that was taken advantage of by the congressmen to change of position in its seats, it continued saying:

- Year 1983 was fundamental in the knowledge of this disease. The discovery of the HIV as causal agent of the disease allowed the planning of new strategies, synthesized in the elaboration of stairs of objectives, where each step lead of irremediable form to the immediately superior. From that way, the necessity arose to investigate how to discover the virus in the human organism; secondly, the bases for the drug discovery drew up against the virus; and finally, it was begun to think about the possibility of the elaboration of a vaccine against the AIDS.

Mary Fishers was seated in the fifth row, in the first armchair of the corridor. Her side, Doctor Sullivan followed with extreme interest the erudition of Jeff Colleman. From her place, it had a perfect optics and with resignation she waited the moment at which Jeff Colleman finished with its long and heavy introduction and decided to begin with the central subject of its communication, that was the unique thing that interested to her in those moments. A sudden impulse made her turn aside the head towards the other side of the corridor, two rows more down, and there she was with the licentious glance of Doctor Hodgkins. I pull ahead disagreeable surrounded all its body, and a crispation feeling disturbed its thoughts during a second fleeting. She rejected his indiscreet glance and turned the head towards Jeff, to listen to say to him:

- In 1985 specific tests that were discovered they allowed to the detection in the blood of the existence of antibodies antiHIV, that of simple form showed the existence of infection in the carrying people of the virus and which they remained asymptomatics.

The historical memory of the disease filled of vanity to all the presents, since it was a brief summary of the last years of his lives, and all the scientific works and discoveries that they had made. A contribution very valuable and recognized socially.

Concluded the evocation of the natural history of the AIDS, he was entered in the second phase of its Communication, that would turn on the studies that had been made to obtain the vaccine.

- The difficulties that continuously we discovered in the development of the vaccine have caused that at the present moment we are before tremendous crossroads, with multiple lines of investigation, in such a way that each team of investigators has chosen to follow that directive in which greater number of hopes has puttings.

Jeff Colleman put the finger where it hurt to him more to all those that they listened to him. The previous faces of boredom, pride, they changed in seriousness expressions, denoting the preoccupation and the failures obtained in this field.

- Several are the problems to which we faced to obtain an effective vaccine against the AIDS. On the one hand, we do not know with exactitude which are the components of the immunological system on which there is to act to protect the organism of the action of the virus, although yes is admitted scientifically that an effective vaccine against the HIV must produce an immune response in the organism of humoral and cellular type. Another important problem that we have, intimately bound with the previous point, it is the ignorance of which is the mechanism that confers the protection against the HIV. Also, the vaccine must express a prolonged immunological memory. And finally, the controverted aspect more at the present time is to know what leaves from the virus we must use to obtain the immune response.

Jeff Colleman maintained the sense of expectancy of the public using certain means in her speech: Final extension of the phrases, brief, silences pauses orthodox, short ascents of intonation and displacements through the scene. Next it said:

- The vaccines are numerous that are being investigated at the present time. Recently time we have attended the failure of which they used virus alive attenuated, since these were able to mutation and to produce the disease in the experimentation animals.

It enumerated the different types from vaccines that were being investigated. Arrived at this point, Jeff could perceive that it intrigues it that had created during the exhibition of its communication was apogee in the heat of and that all the congressmen hoped anxious that he was tedious in details about his works.

- Our laboratory, after a study of the different lines of investigation, has been decided by naked DNA vaccine model that uses like vectors to the plasmids or different types from virus.

Mary Fishers contemplated absorbed. Her right leg was crossed on the left and above it had supported her notepad, prepared to point all the interesting details that listened from now on. Without knowing why she returned to watch his left, and one was again with the glance of Doctor Hodgkins, who flattered it with a captivating smile. With severe gesture, she turned aside his attention towards Jeff, trying to ignore the previous action.

- The great advantage that provides east type of vaccines is the security, understood from the point of view of which with them it is impossible that the disease in the vaccinated people is developed, as a result of the material inoculated in the vaccine.

Thus, Jeff Colleman began to divulge the secrets of its investigation. A scientific project is made up of diverse phases, all concatenated to each other and loaded of a dose of illusion that makes of it a wonderful experience. Two are the moments more waited: First, when a positive result is obtained and the second the public or written communication of the same. For that reason, when Jeff began to speak of its work, all the accumulated tension during as much time was pronounced in excitation form, and a fine tremor, slowed down, imperceptible, seized of all its body and its voice acquired a more serious shade.

- When the hypothesis of the use of this type of vaccines considered, the problem arose from the administration of the DNA to the people. On the paper, the theories were abundant and very few feasible ones to carry out. Of all, one only considered, that the use of vectors proposed. The vectors would have to be structures that took genetic material. Of that way, we could insert our DNA in the DNA of the vector, and thus, when administering the vector in the human organism, this would be talked back, with which our DNA it could express the protein of the HIV that really interested us to obtain immunological answer.

Once here, Jeff Colleman was loquacious and their phrases followed one another after others, without no doubt. The paraphrase of the beginning of their communication gave to passage to a collection of ideas and concepts difficult to follow for a profane in this scientific discipline.

- The theory was easy and simple. But, what we would use like vector? We had two options, two ways to follow. We could use virus, what paradoxical, other virus can be used for the creation of a vaccine against the virus of the AIDS! Or second alternative, to use plasmids.

Already no needed to use type of hairs-splitting to maintain the attention of the congressmen alive. This was the moment that all were hoping and reason why had gone to this congress. Without pauses, Jeff Coleman continued:

- A very important characteristic in the plasmids is that they are susceptible of genetic manipulation. Using technical of genetic engineering we can introduce small segments of genes that codify the protein production.

A joy expression drew the face of Jeff Colleman while argued, his eyes shone with the light of the wisdom and their gestures accompanied each one of teh words, that at that time already had acquired a dogmatic dimension.

- Our equipment of investigation was decided to use this innovating technique, hefting the inherent difficulties that it involved, and the technological and scientific challenge that supposed.

It made a pause brief to drink water, the sufficiently short thing like relaxing to all the public who listened to him and to retake his speech again, more and more attractive.

- Only it was left a step to resolve: To decide what leaves from the structure of the virus to use to produce the activation of the immune system.

The curiosity of the congressmen was supreme and it was increased as Jeff Colleman kept awake each detail of its investigation. To discover is the poetry of the investigator. And the eagerness to know, the pleasure that satiates its philanthropic intention.

- We reached the conclusion that an effective vaccine against the virus of the AIDS does not have to be limited the experimentation of its different particles separately. The virus has a simple structure, but its putting in scene is of an extraordinary complexity. For that reason, we must contemplate to the virus like a being in all its set, able to produce antigenic answer each one of its different proteins, and theoretically to formulate a vaccine with the combination of all or most important of these.

Jeff Colleman was in the top of its race as scientist and the culminating moment of his investigation were on the verge of happening. It made a parenthesis, in silence, to emphasize the importance of which it was going to announce and, after contemplating with serenity all to his colleagues, it discovered the secret of the composition of his vaccine:

- Of such way, our department of molecular Biology started up a program to generate the DNA viral that codified the synthesis of envelope proteins gp120 and gp41; of proteins p17 and p24; the genetic material that expressed the production of the reverse transcriptase enzyme and of the protease; as well as of regulating proteins p27, p23 and p18.

The silence, that until that moment was pronounced of imperturbable form, took step to a generalized murmur, with which another sound of admiration. From the scene, Jeff observed how all the congressmen made an effort in taking note from the composition of their vaccine and the method that had followed for its synthesis. It had to hope moments to be able to follow with his communication.

- The results were positive. We had synthesized the DNA that codified different proteins. Next, it was come to his assembly in the DNA molecule from the plasmid. Later, only they were left three steps more than to make to confirm our studies, to certify if the work hypothesis were the guessed right, or if all the theory when taking it to the algid point of the crude and real experimentation gave negative results.

All followed with interest Jeff Colleman, but after knowing the formula his vaccine they continued being listened to the commentaries weakly that were overlapped with the speech of him.

- The first experiment consisted of inoculating plasmid loaded the genetic material of the virus of the AIDS in a bacterium yet. From we were expectant there. The DNA of the plasmid it began to talk back itself and soon we observed with great emotion how all the virus proteins were synthesized. We repeated the experiment in hundreds of bacteria and obtained positive results in 100% of cases studied.

Christopher Norton, with serious gesture, interchanged impressions with the Doctor Sullivan, and when finishing their conversation both directed their glance towards Mary Fishers.

- Later, we ventured ourselves with the second passage of the investigation. It was necessary to experience the vaccine in a model animal. We inoculated the vaccine to Macaccus Rhesus: adult males and females, as well as to young Macaccus. After six weeks we observed a positive turn in the immunity of these. The immunological system of the Macaccus had responded of optimal form. Soon, it was to verify that the immune response was effective. For it, we provided by intravenous route to the Macaccus a lethal dose of the virus. With great satisfaction we verified how, with the passage of time, no Macaccus developed the disease. We looked for the virus in the sanguineous torrent and we did not find it. It was sacrificed to several units, a regulated and meticulous autopsy practiced to them. The existence of the virus in the great viral reserves replication was tracked and was not nor a single virus. The immunological answer of the Macaccus to the inoculated vaccine, had been of such magnitude that was able to annihilate with genocide instinct to all the viral load.

Jeff Colleman had deepened in all the details of its theory. From the scene it contemplated, with great pleasure, the interest with which was being been present at its intervention, and that it perceived through respectful and reasonable silence, the brief murmurs of admiration, the calm as a courtesy and the fixed glances of laser in its person. It had not wished to never finish. It was the type of situation that could ecstasies to any investigator. For that reason, it tried to express each sensation that it noticed and it jealously kept it in each one from his senses to be able to remember it with care later.

- Now, we want to confirm the effectiveness of the vaccine in humans. For it, we are designing a clinical test in phase I, directed to verify the security and immunogenicity of the vaccine in a small number of people of low risk of infection by the HIV. Soon, we would happen to design clinical tests in phase II and III. But, for the accomplishment of these scientific works we needed the authorization the WHO and the National Institute Health the United States, as well as the collaboration of the governments of different developing countries that they give its approval to the experimentation of the vaccine.

Next to the conclusion, Jeff Colleman did not want to be very explicit in details on this phase of its investigation.

- And until we have arrived there. Let us think that the line of investigation which we have developed on the study of the plasmids has wonderful expectations of success.

From the center of the scene, watching at all the congressmen, added:

- Thanks.

While Jeff Colleman extinguished the microphone, a storm of applause in the Congresses Palace untied, and the acoustics, in perfect conjunction, imitated the uproarious ovation. With lead feet and levitating in his interior, drawing up a passage after another one, Jeff Colleman one went towards the table and one seated with anxiety. Frown, briefly moved the head and verified that he was wide-awake, that was not a dream. It was moved. The answer of its colleagues then was very jubilant.

The moderator of the communication seated to his side and opened the question-and-answer session after thanking to Jeff Colleman for the shining exhibition of his scientific studies. They remained astonished when seeing how arms of the congressmen rose after others. The moderator took note and quickly he granted the word in turn.

- Good afternoon, I am doctor Hodgkins of Laboratories Horade Genetics. I want to say him that I feel disappointed, because you finish saying that they are in the phase of obtaining of the pertinent permissions to happen, later, to the experimentation of the vaccine in humans. In the last month only there is a subject of conversation in the scientific scope, and is that its laboratory has avoided these permissions, that have experienced the vaccine in humans and that has been a full success. What have you who to say?

- We perfectly know the existence those rumours - Jeff Colleman answered, supporting its elbows on the table, interlacing the fingers of its hands and pushing thumb against thumb -. Whenever a project has possibilities of obtaining positive results arise rumours of all type, but the investigation of our vaccine is in the point that I have exposed previously.

- Doctor Fishers, is her question-and-answer session - the moderator said.

- Doctor Colleman, is an honour for me to be able to congratulate to him by the enormous task of investigation that you are carrying out - very instinctively, Mary Fishers put itself of foot, while she went to Jeff Colleman -. Under the technical point of view, all the vaccines can carry problems in humans, all the vaccines have indirect effect. I am interested in knowing what happens to the DNA molecule of the injected plasmid one once in the organism of the Macaccus and after being synthesized proteins of the HIV. Can be integrated the genetic material of the plasmid in the genome of Macaccus? If it were thus, the result would be the production of different types from cancers. They have considered east problem? What results do you have obtained?

- Miss Fishers, I am thankful to you with extreme interest that formulates this question to me - a subliminal message emitted Jeff Colleman when using Miss by Doctor Fishers -. In our investigation, the immunological answer has been so powerful that it has obtained the destruction of the molecule of the plasmid after obtaining the beneficial effect that we persecuted.

The question-and-answer session uninterruptedly continued following one another during minutes, while Jeff Colleman responded with skillful certainty to each question on its communication. The AIDS, a disease of lights and shades, with its questions and their answers, certain or mistaken, but inexhaustible source of controversies and Metaphysical disquisitions, struggled against the congressmen with arms and unknown mechanisms. The complicity of all the scientists of the world to generate positive results in the fight against the AIDS was necessary. For that reason, congresses, simposium, days and publications in scientific magazines followed one to communicate the obtained progresses.

The time of the question-and-answer session was extended more of the predicted thing, per moments was even exhausting. It had finished. The moderator took the word, thanked for the demonstrated interest and announced a brief rest of twenty minutes, before following with the communications the communication.

"VACCINATION": Chapter THREE

Chapter ONE

2006-05-08T17:40:00.000+02:00

She lowered of the taxi supporting smoothly her feet on asphalt. With firm step one of the steps of the Congresses Palace raised each that was raised majestic before her. It was one of those modern buildings marked by the originality and the functionality of his architecture. To her around, other scientists, also went expresses to XIII the World-wide Congress on the AIDS. The motto of this year had been debated in multitude of previous meetings and in the end there was a majority consensus: "Prevention of the AIDS. Vaccines. World-wide Congress. AIDS. 2000".

She crossed the threshold and before her eyes the lobby, maintained by discharges and limpid columns, grained in pale rose and white. Ample large windows, back in the stop, invited to the solar light to illuminate all the stay, equipping it with a calm transparency. The sound of her heels on the travertino marble ground was fused in perfect harmony with the atmosphere music. Mary Fishers walked with the self-sufficiency that she conferred her to be one of the pioneers in the field of vaccines against the AIDS, and a multitude of languages was diluted between going and coming from the congressmen. Near ample stairs several tables were placed: A of information, another of accreditation and last documentation.

Quickly one went to the accreditation table. Three rows of people surrounded her and it was placed in the central row. Four congressmen in front of her credited themselves with haste. Meanwhile, the row of her right did not advance by a problem with the inscription of a Japanese doctor. Soon its turn arrived.

- Doctor Mary Fishers - she said decidedly.

- A little while please. Yes, you are enrolled. Here he has her card of accreditation. If you is so kind, passes you to the table number three to gather all the documentation of the congress - responded the stewardess.

While it gathered the accreditation noticed the furtive glance of a gentleman of the row of alongside. It was located behind the Japanese doctor. She knew very well whom he was, but happened to his side without watching it. And one went towards the documentation table.

It had observed her kindly, evaluating each one of the details of her figure. The sure fine and silky hair brown, hairdo with the ray in the centre. The small forehead, cover with some loose tuft of her hair. The shining and green eyes in contrast to fleshy lips in a carmine tone. Clothes of elegant aspect that simultaneously heightened her natural beauty, that was the unequivocal symbol of a personality meticulous and detail. She dressed a shirt silk, exclusive design, clear beige colour. A skirt surrounded her long and thin legs and fitted to its waist, a fabric belt of the same colour that the skirt and with a smooth fall on her left hip. Hung of her left shoulder a skin purse travelled, red, great, with details carved in its closing and in her left arm it took correctly doubled a jacket.

One approached the following table to gather the documentation and again it had to keep her turn.

- Good afternoon, Miss Fishers - greeted with respect and admiration Doctor Hodgkins.

- Good afternoon, Doctor Hodgkins. You always on the lookout of science. I have understood that her studies on the vaccine of the AIDS march by good way - with irony, she answered.

- Not as much as hers, neither so well as I wanted - responded, in this occasion with snub, the Doctor Hodgkins.

One took leave of him. She began to walk raised and eloquent, knowing that her presence did not happen unnoticed. The people who happened to her side greeted it in their languages, and she, courteously, she smiled them and corresponded them in his same language. Not in vain, this one was the annual World-wide Congress on the AIDS and the most prestigious scientists of the world went it. They were the élite, a small and minority group of investigators where all or almost all were known, and in which any new face was imprisoned of distrust, because it meant that that person had obtained for its laboratory a discovery, of such magnitude and relevance, as to relegate to the others to background. The fight to be first in obtaining the vaccine of the AIDS at the same time took step to a race of speed and obstacles, where everything was allowed. It was a war of warfare, anarchy pure, in which all fought against all.

She arrived at the cafeteria. She stared at the atmosphere and it observed that from a table, very separated with respect to the others, a gentleman signaled her with a hand. He was Arthur Sullivan, President Executive of Microgensyn Laboratories. A man of approximately sixty five years, straight white cautious attitude and hair, that let see a new baldness, cautious, respectful treatment and of exquisite elegance in dressing.

Next to him, Christopher Norton was seated, biochemist, of forty six years, Director of Projects of Investigation of Microgensyn Laboratories and was specialized, without the pale flesh minor, in doing his the unexpected scientific discoveries of the others. When she approached, both men rose.

- Good afternoon, Miss Fishers, I´ve always that you so precise are - said Arthur Sullivan to her ceremoniously, while he narrowed the hand to her.

- Good afternoon. Really today it is a wonderful day for science - she answered.

- And critic... for Microgensyn Laboratories - Doctor Norton replaced, with spirit to initiate a certain subject of conversation.

- I do not understand, Chris. What do you mean? - Mary Fishers said, going to him with cordiality, although she knew that she bothered to him that she called it thus because was its superior hierarchic. Only in some occasion she called to him of that way, mainly if Mr. Sullivan were present with whom felt like protected.

- Watches her around, what do you suggests this situation? -. The Doctor Norton never made concessions. A very normal method in him, as it had learned, consisted of responding to a question with another question. Of that so subtle form it tried to obtain an opinion.

Mary Fishers moved her head slowly. She observed the distanced tables of which they occupied, the slow one to run of the tails in the lobby, the stoop who ascended to the amphitheatre of the main hall and to each one of the people enough who reached with their sight. Soon, I answer:

- I create... that we are surrounded by scientists. Rather, I would say, that all science on the AIDS is concentrated today here.

- Scientists, but also people - Doctor Norton interrupted, without letting finish to her.

- Yes, people who are been an entire year studying and investigating, to expose its discoveries during these days of congress - Mary Fishers responded quickly. There was a silence and she returned to ask -: intention, why is a critical day for Microgensyn Laboratories?

- Mary - Arthur Sullivan responded -, our company is pioneering in the investigation on the AIDS. We have in the market three drugs for the treatment of the AIDS. Microgensyn laboratories are number one, we are leaders in sales.

- Correct. Everybody knows that it is thus. And for that reason they respect to us. I do not understand to what that preoccupation comes - Mary said.

Like good investigator, Mary Fishers wanted to know more. They had caused it with an asseveration and later with a question. But she was obstinate and for that reason it intrigued to know the reason of the questions when one felt questioned.

- Today we are the first, but probably after this congress no longer we are it - Doctor Norton, as always and of sagacious form, created uncertainty.

The waiter interrupted them with education and began to serve what they had solicited. A dead time that would take advantage of Mary Fishers to review mentally all the dialogue and to make a diagnosis of the conversation. While served the coffee to her, it watched with satisfaction his heads. Later, it opened the sugar bag, it dropped only half, it doubled it with neatness and it began to turn the teaspoon within the cup to sweeten the coffee and a situation that was guessed difficult.

- Mary, the most prestigious scientists of the world, whom they are investigating about the AIDS, is reunited in this Congresses Palace. When watching at his around, she did not have the sensation to be in the middle of a nest of spies? - the voice of Arthur Sullivan became serious.

- Spies! - Mary Fishers, incredulous exclaimed and outlining one slight outburst of laughter -. How do you can suggest that?

Arthur Sullivan, for a moment, felt like victim. It never made a commentary at random. Their words, very meditated, still with double sense or certain irony, always were right to be. It took the initiative again and this time their words reflected a more serious shade.

- Doctor Fishers, all scientist must be a good spy. All this tumult is perfectly synchronous. You see that all go and come, stop, interchange words, they are greeted and they take leave. But... all are alert, all are listening. A good scientist must know how to listen. In the paper, in the communications and the tables of work everything is exposed what already it is known. Nevertheless - every time spoke with more slowness Arthur Sullivan - the Congress is lived in the corridors, the hotels and the restaurants. A simple mistake on new line of investigation, in a trivial conversation, can be listened to by a scientific spy and start up all the machinery of investigation of its laboratory to go ahead in the discovery of a new molecule or a vaccine.

- The rumour runs - the Doctor Norton took the word - who Jeff Colleman and their group of collaborator has discovered, finally, an effective vaccine against the AIDS.

- Yes, the rumour runs - Mary Fishers added.

- If that outside truth, within the pharmaceutical industry, Bioconn Laboratories would make sure superiority world-wide during long time - Doctor Norton clarified.

- You must consider that that privileged place would be temporary, since our vaccine project against the AIDS is very advanced and within three weeks, approximately, we are going to know that also he is effective - Mary Fishers sentenced.

- Three weeks it is long time - the initiative Arthur Sullivan took again -, we are in war against the AIDS and every day that happens is a time that we do not have to despise.

- Do we are in war? - Mary Fishers did not leave her astonishment - what tries to say to me, Mr. Sullivan?

Mary, who was supported in the endorsement of the chair, got up itself towards ahead and fixed her eyes on the glance of Arthur Sullivan. She knew that at the moment she went on offensive.

- Mary, several years ago we attended a war medical-scientist against the AIDS. Like investigators, we must try to stop this epidemic and provide to the patients a definitive treatment. Under the scientific point of view, there is a Nobel Prize who is waiting for the person who discovers the vaccine of the AIDS - Arthur Sullivan had changed the tone of its voice to create in the conversation a warm empathy.

- And commercial? - Mary asked.

- Every year they are thousand of million dollars those that are needed to treat the patients who have contracted this disease. It is a very substantial pie for the pharmaceutical industry. With each new product that leaves to the market, the gains of money for that Laboratory are scandalous. The shares in stock-markets raise. But, when that happens, there is another company that loses money - Arthur Sullivan added.

- Therefore, if the rumours, and leaves to the market the vaccine of Jeff Colleman are certain, Microgensyn would let make very many money - the Doctor Norton tried to lead back the conversation.

- I am in it! - Mary exclaimed.

- Do you know Dr Colleman, Mary? - Arthur Sullivan asked.

- Not - she answered.

- But through scientific magazines, yes that have maintained certain controversy - Arthur Sullivan inquired.

- Yes. In an occasion, he published a scientific article and I made commentaries by means of a letter to the director of the magazine. It was not in agreement with my postulates, did not seat to him too much well! and he wrote up an retort. In another occasion, the one was an article mine that he criticized, and who, of course, I tried to refute - she exposed satisfied Mary Fishers.

- The Doctor Colleman presents in this congress a too interesting Communication. A theory on the creation of a vaccine against the AIDS by means of the use of plasmids - Arthur Sullivan said.

- We have very precise information that the vaccine that has developed the Dr Colleman in Bioconn is based on the use of plasmids. Obvious, the Doctor Colleman, will only speak of his theory and he is not going to expose publicly, in this congress, that already has in its power the waited for vaccine more of century XX – Christopher Norton exposed.

Again Arthur Sullivan took the word and with an amazing serenity it spoke to Mary Fishers:

- Microgensyn thinks that you are the suitable person to carry out a new Project of Investigation.

- What one is? - Mary asked flattered, since the investigation was her life.

- We want that you know the Doctor Colleman, that you try to dissolve your controversies, that you are kind with him. We want to know if its theory is certain. Logically, you will count the support yet that needs to find out if that vaccine exists - Arthur Sullivan was being very explicit.

Suddenly, the eyes of Mary Fishers were opened wide. Its face expressed a disquieting seriousness. It felt in all his body the tension of the moment. It did not know what to say. In his life it for the first time had the mind in target. They were second infinites. Little by little the wrath was seizing of her and hit upon to say furious:

- It is proposing to me that turns to me a spy?

- You can call it of that way! - Arthur Sullivan responded. The great affection that felt Mary Fishers by Arthur Sullivan disappeared suddenly. The protection that emanated towards her toned down at a moment. The complicity, in perfect symbiosis that was perceived in their relation, had been exiled for always. It could not think what it was listening. She knew Arthur Sullivan very well. She could not be that his behaviour! And that form to express, cruel, ruin, miserable, either. It had idolized she? Or, in fact, it was the paternal image that had formed of him, of that father who was lost, that never accepted to lose and whose personality saw reflected in him. Or, perhaps, simply outside the stamp of a company man whose roll was carrying out faithfully with her. All its theory on the human behaviour came to him down. And it who believed in the ideas, the theories and the people, would question for always those beliefs.

Arming itself of value and with provocative attitude, Mary Fishers ask:

- And if I refuse?

- You know perfectly that she cannot refuse. The viability of Microgensyn depends on that vaccine. In addition, you covet the Nobel Prize and she is not going to allow that nobody snatches it, and less for three weeks - Arthur Sullivan knew that Mary was ambitious and perfectly knew the means that had to use to obtain that she accepted.

Mary Fishers felt catched, wounded and used. She could say that yes and leave ahead. She could say that and not truncate a race of so many years of effort. A moving silence became. Their fellow members observed it engrossed. Simply they waited for an affirmative decision. And she knew it. She knew that it was not possible to be denied. She had understood the subtle message of Arthur Sullivan, but she wanted to put it in evidence. They were for the first time of you to you and outside wanted that Arthur Sullivan that transmitted the dirty rags.

- What assumes that I must do? - Mary did not want to respond with "all right", nor with any gesture that denoted its OK, because it was a decision that or had taken by her.

- You are young, attractive and very intelligent. The confidence of the Doctor Colleman must gain. Pretend that it collaborates with him. Pretend that it likes, that you understood. It is very important, since you will have to accede to Bioconn Laboratories and to remove the vaccine project. Of that form we will slow down its exit to the market in approximately two years, and you will obtain, meanwhile, your objective.

In its speech, Arthur Sullivan was expressed without doubts, and preferred to use the word to remove to rob.

- And if failure? And if they me discover? - the fear cornered for the first time in its life to Mary Fishers.

- You would fail. In that case, Microgensyn would emit a press note explaining that, due to its eagerness of protagonist and recognition of scientific prestige, Fishers Doctor had to be relegated of its functions to the front of the Department of Vaccine Investigation of Microgensyn, as a result of the laborious incident related to the scientific espying against Bioconn - Arthur Sullivan responded to her of clear form and without roundups.

With smoothness, Mary Fishers, dropped her back on the chair. The nobility and self-sufficiency with which she entered the Congresses Palace, now transformed into a gesture afraid. It sighed deeply, wanting to inhale all the oxygen that floated in the atmosphere and dropped its head until putting in contact its chin with the breastbone. It thought. It quickly processed all the images full of feelings that flowed by their mind. Rage, anger, indignation and perplexity were shaking their gesture.

Everything the present summarized in a conversation and everything a pending future of a decision. She had always been obstinate, decided and combative, never one was frightened easily. Only for a moment it was let take by the emotion and it did not know to control itself. A chill crossed all its body. Their hands were shaking and when swallowing it noticed a knot that clung to its throat.

But, nor a single expression denoted its mood, except for its glance perspicacious. It was being put under a situation limit and it supposed a stimulus to her to its wounded pride. It returned to retake the situation. To the aim and as she said, it is always necessary to manipulate the reality. Of negative situations it is necessary to extract positive consequences, to walk towards ahead, leaving the prejudices to a side.

It returned to take air with frenzy. With decision it raised the head and it outlined a smile naughty.

Doctor Norton watched it pleased. The objective that had marked Arthur Sullivan and it stop that meeting already was obtained. The plot was organized with an exhaustive preparation, and the moment of the opportune. Surrealist, to deal itself about a cafeteria, but with the certainty that an affirmative answer augured before the arguments that they believed likely: the Paper of Jeff Colleman and a possible Nobel Prize. Now it would try to be kind:

- To intention! Changing of subject - Christopher Norton burst - the congress is on the verge of beginning, will be nervous?

- Why I have to be it? - Mary Fishers answered furious.

- Because every year the World Health Organization chooses a prestigious world-wide scientist to present her Report Annual Epidemiologist on the AIDS. This year that honour has fallen to you - it hurried to say to the Dr Norton, like an amiability detail towards the person of Mary Fishers.

- If and that! - Mary, challenging took part.

- That they are the very important news, hoped with anxiety by all the scientific community and the base on which to justify futures programs of treatment and prevention against the AIDS - she tried to calm Arthur Sullivan.

- Yes, the truth is that very I am deluded. Now, if they are so kind, I she would like to have minutes to review my notes - with this phrase, disguised of excuse and flood of dissuasive shades, Mary finalized the conversation.

She took its purse, she opened it with gentleness and she extracted a notebook of recycled paper. She took a ballpoint pen and she began to review all the information that moments later she would have to expose.

Environmental music, in a discreet volume, served to create a scene of moderation in all the people that reached with its sight. The loudspeakers were near her. When it read eagerly, melody listened to one new and all its body was impregnated by each one of the musical notes that felt. Mary Fishers let fly her imagination and she took refuge in her memories, like when she was young...

She was become absorbed in thought. For a moment it believed to forget the conversation, but she had returned again to the crude reality. She was positive. She had to quickly draw a conclusion that fed its badly injured ego. Not to fall imprisoned in the confusion, but to plan its immediate future with tangible and realistic objectives.

Again she listened to his song. Its spirit was calmed and returned to identify with done music emotion.

She turned her head towards the large windows of the Congresses Palace. A sea of lemon trees in flower watched letter, that gave off a delicate aroma to orange blossom that flooded all the city, and that remembered to her some used perfume years back.

She continued observing the horizon of green tones and white flowers, she continued listening how they were extinguished the last cadences of the song, followed moved. The ballad had finished and its mind was in target, a second of relax stolen to stress. An inspiration and exhalation, to be able to relax all muscles of her body, and thus to be able to eliminate all the accumulated tension. She continued observing the horizon.

Generally, Mary obtained everything what she proposed. Arthur Sullivan attended for the first time in person a world-wide congress in quality of President of Microgensyn. At first that detail had flattered it, because it thought that it went to guarantee it with his presence. It came to the appointment very deluded. However, her feminine instinct, made her foretell that something did not march well. From a principle, she was conscious of the ambush that they prepared its heads to her.

The introduction of the conversation, amazing, made suspect to her. Meticulously organized and with Machiavellian indications, it indicated that the meeting was not a plus and that it was prepared with meticulousness. It continued in his central phase with doubtful episodes, paraphrasing, without daring to conclude what one had begun, like which does not dare to say what it has glided concientiously. But in the end, concatenating opinions, questions and answers that were putting between the cords to Mary Fishers, a ferocious offensive was triggered to propose the scientific spying to her. Mary only used those letters that could play, knowing full well that the game had it lost. In the end she did not have more remedy than to waver and to accept.

"VACCINATION": Chapter TWO