The Fourth Law Read online

  It was Jarrod’s personal belief that the elusive gravitron was the secret to solving the mystery of gravity. Astrophysicists held to the common understanding that every particle in the universe could be traced to a moment before the Big Bang, a point in time when all energy in the universe was combined. This meant that each of the four fundamental forces existed in homeostasis before the Big Bang. Gravity was in harmony with the remaining three forces—electromagnetism and the strong and weak nuclear forces—and each force was indistinguishable from the others. Scientists hypothesized that this pure energy state would resemble a dense black hole with infinite gravity—one-hundred percent potential energy. Mystics called this: God Consciousness.

  Jarrod coined the term gravitron to define the subatomic unit that comprised gravity, much like electrons and neutrons were the subatomic components of electromagnetism and atomic energy. By identifying gravity’s subatomic particles, it could be quantified and harnessed, just as electricity and nuclear energy had beforehand been quantified. If the gravitron could be harnessed, the SUT could finally be resolved.

  Largely through Einstein and Enrico Fermi’s work on quantum theory, the unified theorem dramatically advanced when the strong and weak nuclear forces were united with electromagnetism. Mathematicians revere Einstein’s brilliant equations for the strong and weak nuclear force—the first two fundamental forces—which led Robert Oppenheimer to develop the first atomic bomb at Los Alamos. By theoretically splitting the atom in his landmark treatise, E=mc2, Einstein showed that massive (but quantifiable) amounts of energy exist within all atoms in the universe.

  But Einstein’s theories came decades after British physicist Michael Faraday first made his revolutionary discoveries in electromagnetism. Faraday’s greatest breakthrough was unquestionably his invention of the electric motor. He invented two devices that produced what he called electromagnetic rotation. Ten years later, in 1831, Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction. These experiments formed the basis of modern electromagnetic technology.

  Building on Faraday’s discoveries, Thomas Edison applied electromagnetic induction to tightly wound copper wire within a magnetic field to generate an electric current. With electrical conductors, he generated alternating current, which he used for the first incandescent electric light. All of these advances in energy led Einstein to reconcile the strong and weak nuclear forces with the electromagnetic force. It was the culmination of a long journey that began when Ben Franklin flew a kite in a Philadelphia thunderstorm.

  Jarrod became fascinated with energy flow in his high school physics class, and decided to resolve the fourth and most elusive of the fundamental forces. He had finally found something worthy of his intellect, something he believed that he alone could solve. His obsession to resolve the fourth law launched him on a journey that would dominate his life’s work.

  As a young boy, Jarrod had often dabbled with physical phenomena, enthralled by how the universe operated. He learned that a magnet could be fashioned by wrapping iron pipe with copper wire and introducing electric current—the steel rod became a polarized magnet. Fascinated by the opposing magnetic poles, he split the magnet and discovered that each resulting half retained the characteristic North and South poles. He pondered the logical conclusion of this theoretical exercise; halved enough times, the magnet would be reduced to atoms. Did the atoms themselves then become polarized? Did the subatomic particles of neutrinos and pisons also exhibit polarity? Or were there separate magnetrons that governed this fundamental behavior? He won his first science fair in fifth grade, posing these profound but unresolved questions.

  Building on this logic, Jarrod reasoned that there must be a fundamental unit of magnetism. He figured it was immaterial that the magnetron—the definition he coined for whatever force was emitting the magnetic field—was undetectable; its influence was nonetheless unmistakable. Instead, he relied on the incontrovertible fact that magnets worked without fail, and creating them could be repeatedly duplicated. It seemed to him, then, that the same must hold true of gravity. Harnessing gravity became an all-consuming passion and occupied a majority of his thinking.

  Jarrod attended UCLA, where he earned a Ph.D. in astrophysics and met his mentor, Dr. Ron Bruckner. It was Bruckner who influenced Jarrod’s life more than any other before him. His recognized Jarrod’s tremendous potential, but also tamed his unruly, undisciplined manner. He challenged his gifted graduate student like never before, and taught him how to conduct research that would deliver measurable results. Jarrod’s unbecoming superiority never abated, but his mind grew capable of solving problems of incredible difficulty. No longer did he waste his time on foolish, irrelevant pastimes.

  Under Dr. Bruckner’s close supervision, Jarrod developed the first theoretical construct for defining the gravitron and wrote his doctoral dissertation on the subject. As the four fundamental forces were somehow inextricably linked prior to the Big Bang, Jarrod spent his time searching for how the other three forces could influence gravity, rather than vice-versa. He became convinced that the universe consisted of a vast, but finite, number of gravitrons—undiscovered bundles of energy similar to electrons, neutrons, and magnetrons. But he continued to believe that isolating the gravitron was immaterial, thinking it more important to control gravity, akin to controlling magnetism.

  It was this pursuit that led him to the Stanford Research Institute after graduation from UCLA. He believed that with financing from SRI and the research principles he learned from Dr. Bruckner, the secret to harnessing gravity would soon be uncovered.

  Jarrod began work at Quantum Dimensions in Stanford and embarked on an ambitious plan to build a machine that could control gravity. By harnessing the undetectable gravitron, Jarrod believed he could levitate an object by lessening gravity’s influence or magnify gravity, making an object heavier than normal.

  To achieve these results, he placed a small amount of medical-grade uranium into a magnetic field and applied an electromotive force. Just as copper wire generated electrons when spun inside a magnetic field, Jarrod surmised that spinning a nuclear mass inside a magnetic field would produce gravitrons.

  The results were nothing short of astonishing. His experiments successfully levitated the first of many small objects, but the results also confirmed the basic antigravity principle that would hold true for any object, regardless of size. The tricky part was figuring the exact amount of energy needed to stimulate the nuclear core. Given an object to levitate, Jarrod’s equations would calculate the amount of nuclear material required under varying degrees of electromotive force—more nuclear material meant less EMF to agitate the gravitrons; likewise, a small measure of nuclear material required a greater EMF to produce the same effect. Ultimately he developed the precise mathematical equation to be used on any object.

  As a last step, Jarrod refined the model so that an object’s gravity could also be increased. By reversing the field, he could magnify gravity to a crushing force many times otherwise normal. Of particular importance, the results could be repeated and applied to all types of material, both solid and liquid. Through persistence and incredible determination, Jarrod had finally produced the desired result: Gravity had been conquered.

  The remaining hurdle was to test the antigravity machine in real-world conditions. With the new equations, he looked forward to levitating objects with larger amounts of nuclear material and more electrical force. By extrapolation, the equations predicted that an entire building could be either levitated or crushed, depending on how the gravitrons were manipulated. It was this last possibility that was particularly intriguing to Jarrod.

  As the test results of his gravitron generator became certain, Jarrod could hardly contain his excitement. He believed this breakthrough technology would be heralded as one of the greatest achievements of the modern world. He imagined receiving the Nobel Prize for his revolutionary discovery and figured to receive universal acclaim for his pioneering work. He was on the brink of making history.
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br />   But more important than any amount of wealth and notoriety, the greatest enjoyment would come from knowing that his cousin, Ryan Marshall, would be green with envy. He had bested him once again. It was the most satisfying feeling imaginable.

  Dr. Niles Penburton, co-founder and principal shareholder of Quantum Dimensions, Inc., closely monitored the server time Dr. Conrad was racking up perfecting the gravitron generator. As the leading scientist for SRI, he alone had complete access to all of Conrad’s research files, equations, and engineering specs, an authority that infuriated his pompous and arrogant colleague. In exchange for Penburton’s unfettered access to his work, Conrad demanded he be made a general partner in Quantum, to which Penburton reluctantly agreed.

  But mutual trust between the two scientists never developed. Conrad was certain Penburton would demand co-authorship when the time came to publish his research. Penburton believed that Conrad would jump ship at the first opportunity, leaving behind a wake of bills for Quantum to resolve. Their uncomfortable alliance grew more hostile over time, and Conrad’s surreptitious mood began taxing Penburton’s patience to the breaking point.

  Equally interested in Jarrod Conrad’s research was the U.S. Defense Department, but for a distinctly different reason. Nuclear material wasn’t allowed for private research without formal authorization by the Nuclear Regulatory Agency. Special Agent Jason Henry had been assigned by General Blake Freeman to oversee the nuclear research conducted at Quantum Dimensions. He regularly submitted updates to the Joint Chiefs’ chairman, who had no intention of letting any theoretical application proceed to development without direct government oversight.

  Agent Henry had been working closely with Niles Penburton these past months and was anxious to receive the final test results he’d been promised were pending. This type of technology was of tremendous interest to the government, which would seize its application if there were even a remote weapons capability. Penburton cautioned that the surly Professor Conrad wouldn’t tolerate anyone interfering with his research, Defense Department or otherwise. You don’t know the man…he’s capable of anything.

  Agent Henry wasn’t concerned in the least about Conrad’s feelings on the matter. He’ll learn to see the practicality of working for the government…or he’ll simply cease to be a factor. ‘The cleaners’ will make certain of that.

  ELEVEN

  TAOS, NEW MEXICO

  07:30 HOURS

  THE DRIVE FROM SANTA FE to Taos along Route 68 was always spectacular, no matter the time of year. The highway followed the Rio Grande River for miles as the road bridged dozens of oxbows in the river’s flow from northern New Mexico to Albuquerque. In the winter months, skiers took this route to the Taos ski resort, one of the premier alpine ski destinations in the Southwest. The drive was especially spectacular in the fall, with Poplar and Aspen trees turning colors so striking it was hard to describe; but it was never an unpleasant drive, even in the summer months. From Santa Fe, the journey began at the 4,500-foot elevation and ended in the arctic alpine slopes of Taos.

  Detective Raymond Westbrook’s assignment was straightforward: Drive to the new bridge at the Rio Grande Gorge near Pilar; pick up Ryan Marshall, the owner of Levitation Solutions, Inc.; deliver him for questioning about a case at Stanford University involving his cousin, Jarrod Conrad. As he understood the facts, incriminating evidence was discovered at the scene of a burglary at Dr. Conrad’s lab, implicating Marshall. This suspect was also wanted for questioning about a homicide in the building on the same night.

  Detective Westbrook had a warrant for Marshall’s arrest, and was authorized to search the premises of his work site, hotel, and any other area where evidence of the break-in and homicide might exist. His orders were to arrest Marshall and take him to the Taos County jail for questioning. In all, this seemed a pretty routine investigation, but the fact that the suspect was also the ex-son-in-law of Senator Alfonse Coscarelli made the arrest that much more intriguing. It was probably the reason Bernalillo County Sherriff Ralph Paez had decided to reach outside their jurisdiction. Sherriff Paez was a longtime friend of the senator’s.

  Regardless of the political ramifications, Westbrook figured this would be an easy pinch. He’d arrest the suspect, book him into the Taos County jail, conduct a preliminary interrogation, have green chili enchiladas at La Hacienda—his favorite Mexican restaurant— and drive home. What could be simpler?

  Detective Westbrook pulled into the Tesoro service station on the outskirts of Pilar for gas. This filling station had the hardened look of neglect characteristic of most small-town, owner-operated establishments. There was a bluetick hound lying in the shade next to a tire rack. Some guard dog, Ray thought, chuckling to himself. This hound was the epitome of relaxed. The detective was also baffled that the station still had outdated pumps that required payment before dispensing the gas. Slightly put out, he walked into the office in search of the attendant.

  “Hey, can you give me directions to the construction site of the new bridge?” he asked the freckle-faced kid behind the cash register, handing him twenty dollars. “Am I on the right track?”

  “Yeah, man, you got it. Just stay right on this main road here,” he said, pointing east of the station. “You’ll see the big crane and all the steel they’re puttin’ up. It’s five or six miles up the highway. Ya can’t miss it,” he added, seemingly happy to have someone to talk with. “Hey, what are you…some kinda state inspector?”

  “Not an inspector, son, but I’ve got reason to visit the site,” he vaguely replied. “What can you tell me about these guys?” he asked spur-of-the-moment, wondering if this kid could possibly shed any light on Marshall’s crew.

  “I don’t see them much in here,” the kid replied, pushing his greasy ball cap farther back on his head “Most of the crew gets their trucks serviced at the construction yard. They eat at Marge’s Restaurant, though. I’ve seen ’em there for early breakfast. A big fella pays when he’s with ’em. He’s the owner, I think, ’cuz everybody calls him Mister…something or other. They’re pretty cool, but you never wanna cross iron guys or you take on the whole gang…know what I mean?” he said, giving the impression he knew more than he actually did on the subject.

  “Okay, thanks for the tip, young man,” Westbrook replied, guessing that the kid must really be bored. “Have a good day.”

  “Glad I was able to help out, mister. Just remember…don’t tangle with these guys if ya can help it. They can be mighty nasty to an outsider…or so I’ve heard,” he said, following the detective outside.

  Westbrook gassed up his car and resumed his drive, heading east out of town. Just as the station attendant had said, about five miles up the highway, he began to see signs of construction activity. Then he located the new bridge spanning the canyon. He was amazed to see that the ends of the bridge seemed to be suspended in midair, the center piece still missing between both sides of the gorge. He guessed the span was about 600 feet. Pretty trick engineering, he thought, wondering how the steel girders bore the weight, cantilevered like they were over the canyon.

  The detective pulled off the highway at a point that appeared to be the main entrance, and followed the winding dirt road to the bottom of the canyon. He came to a stop next to a trailer that looked like an office. He noted with interest that several of the crewmembers were busily preparing to lift a huge girder off a flatbed diesel truck.

  Near this swirl of activity, he spotted a large man fitting the description of the subject. He reviewed his notes, and the suspect’s description was identical to the man standing in the middle of the yard. The suspect wore a denim jacket over a red plaid shirt, a workman’s customary Levi’s, work boots, and the white, telltale hard hat that signaled this guy was the boss on the job site. The oversized man had every appearance of being in charge—his body language conveyed authority, and even from a distance Detective Westbrook could tell that this was the suspect he had been sent to arrest.

  Westbrook watched the susp
ect for a moment. He was standing next to a service truck with a logo picturing a crane lifting a large I-beam. The caption Levitation Solutions, Inc. appeared beneath the logo. The suspect was in discussion with another man; they studied a set of plans that was rolled out on the tailgate of the truck. Westbrook figured he’d introduce himself, and ask the two men for identification. Shouldn’t pose any problem, he mused.

  “Good morning, gentlemen. I’m Detective Raymond Westbrook from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department,” he said, showing them his badge as he approached. Both men turned, annoyed by the conspicuously overdressed man in a sport coat and tie interrupting their business. “I’d like to ask you a few questions, if that’s okay.”

  “Sure…what can we do for you, Officer?” Corky Chalmers hesitantly replied. “You’re a long way from Bernalillo County. What brings you out to the gorge?”

  “I’ve been asked to locate Ryan Marshall for questioning about a private matter. Can you tell me where I can locate him?” Westbrook asked, wanting to avoid alarming the men.

  Ryan responded firmly, “I’m Ryan Marshall,” his husky voice reverberating caution, wondering what private matter would necessitate questioning from a detective over 200 miles outside his jurisdiction.

  “Thank you, sir. I’d like you to accompany me to Pilar. There are questions regarding an ongoing investigation you may be able to help us with,” he said, wanting to get him out of the construction yard before he divulged too much information.

  “Anything you have to say can be said in front of my foreman, Detective,” Ryan replied. There was no mistaking the concern in his voice. “I regret I’m unable to accompany you anywhere at the moment. Ask your questions, so we can get back to work.”