Change of Course

by

Julie O.

  

Chapter One

The Briefing

  

Agent Maggie Clark was sitting in the secure briefing room waiting for the meeting to begin. She noted that the action movies always got this part so wrong. They always showed these spaces as ultra high tech with all kinds of mysterious equipment in the background. Actually the room didn't look all that different from any of the other briefing room. High tech was the last thing that came into mind. She knew the real value of this room was all the insulating devices and material that surrounded it. It was as secure as humanly possible.

She reviewed her notes and prepared herself mentally for the brief. She barely noted the others as they arrived. She was about to give an update on the status if her ward Beth, formally Ben Carlson LT/USN. Beth had been with her for almost three months and was the joy of her life.

At first, Maggie felt a bit uncomfortable sharing her life with a 15-year-old girl. Especially when the girl used to be a 26-year-old Naval Officer! She also knew that Beth felt equally uncomfortable. However, they had formed a very strong bond during the 24 hours of Beth's transformation. This bond was the basis for a very strong relationship. They had total trust between each other. Beth was fully aware that update reports on her were sent into the government on a regular basis. Maggie saw no reason to keep this a secret.

Maggie was also helping Beth accept her new life and the changes that accompanied it. She had helped Beth go through a crash course in how to dress and act like a girl. It was a lot of work for both of them. Maggie had been very happy living the life of a single professional woman. But Beth gave back to Maggie in ways that she hadn't expected. Maggie's life had been devoted to her career. She now saw that there was more to life than work, and she owed this to Beth. Having enrolled Beth in a local private school, Maggie had to fulfill the parent's role. At first these sort of things were an annoyance, but she now enjoyed them. Being Beth's guardian had given her life a sense of balance. And she would guard and protect Beth as if she had been her own daughter.

 

She looked around the room and saw many familiar faces. Several were agents who were watching some of the other 'transformation subjects', as the agency designated them in documents. A few others were field agents working on other parts of the case. The Assistant Director was also present. There were a few she didn't recognize; including a naval officer. She then noticed that he wore the insignia of the SEALs, the elite naval special forces, still it didn't explain his presence at the meeting.

"Are you ready to answer some questions about your ward?" asked the Assistant Director.

"Yes sir," replied Maggie.

Her brief on Beth would conclude a week of briefs on the ten former military personnel who had been transformed. The other nine were experiencing a series of problems in adjusting to their new life. There were several suicide attempts and two had developed serious drug and alcohol abuse problems. They were being provided with therapy and excellent health care. However they seemed to lack the adaptability that had helped Beth adjust.

The first question was from the Assistant Director and it was right to the point. He wanted to know how Beth was adjusting to her new life.

"Well sir, that is rather complicated," replied Maggie. "Considering everything she has been through in the past three months I would say she is doing pretty good. The drastic physical changes settled down after a few days, physically she is a healthy, maturing 15year-old girl."

Maggie paused and took a drink or water.

"Emotionally she is dealing with new feelings and emotions. She has her good days and bad days. She still gets emotional when she thinks about her old family. Let's not forget that she still maintains the memories and personality traits of her former self. These past feelings and her new developing ones often have conflicts."

"Excuse me Ms. Clark, but in your report you stated that she was very accepting of the transformation, do these conflicts mean she wants to return to being male?" asked an older looking man in a dark blue suit."

Maggie looked at him. "May I ask your name sir?"

"I'm sorry. I am Dr. Jeffrey Parker, Center for Disease Control," he answered

Maggie recognized the name; he was a leading expert in genetics. He was often brought in on cases as a scientific expert.

"Beth doesn't want to return to her previous life. When she was transformed she developed a sense of acceptance that helped her adjust quickly. We don't know if this was part of the process or just her ability to adapt. We have seen that she has adjusted better than the other nine. She knows that she cannot return to her old life, as we 'killed' LT Carlson in a plane crash," Maggie paused and looked around for possible questions. "She is also aware that the process nearly killed her and it is unlikely that she could survive a second transformation."

What Maggie didn't add was that Beth told her that she had no desire to start a third life. Beth saw this a second chance and additionally she was very happy being with Maggie.

She took another drink of water and continued. "This was a very traumatic event and she is continuing to recover. Yes, physically and emotionally she is a young woman, but she has the memories, knowledge and experience of a man. When she experiences a totally new event related to her new gender she sometimes has these conflicts."

"Ms. Clark, it might help if could you give us an example or two," stated the Assist. Director.

"OK, a good one would be when she first experienced her period. Now this is normally an emotionally charged event for any young girl. For Beth, it was realizing that she was completely female. But she also had to deal with her past male feelings concerning this event. It was a major emotional conflict. She was running an emotional roller coaster for a few days until she reached a new sense of stability."

Maggie paused for a moment and checked to see if there were any questions. She then continued with her response.

"Another big emotional conflict is that as she is maturing boys are noticing her. Their attention to her initially caused her a lot of internal problems. Sexually LT Carlson was heterosexual and now as Beth she's developing feelings for males. Again after a while she adapted to this change and has accepted her feelings."

They seemed to accept her answer to that part of the question. Maggie looked at the Assist. Director and saw that he gave her a nod to continue.

"Another issue she is dealing with is that she is carrying all the knowledge and skills of LT Carlson. She finds it frustrating sometimes to be so young. She has a college education, yet now she must sit in a ninth grade classroom. She knows how to drive a car, but cannot get her license for another year. She knows that she must conceal her past and knowledge, but knowing isn't the same as acceptance."

"Ms. Clark, I am Special Agent Steve Williams, could you tell us her feelings on Dr. Martz?" he asked.

Maggie had heard of Steve. He was known to be a bit unorthodox but was also considered one of the top field agents in the agency. He was also pretty good looking.

"Beth is naturally resentful of what he has put her and her family through. She has tried to understand what possessed him to do this. However, she does admire the fact that he could develop something this complicated. She has started to study genetics, granted at a beginners level, but I would say she knows more than I do on the topic. I guess you can thank Dr. Martz for this too," she explained.

There was a long pause in the room. All eyes turned to the Assistant Director. "Ms. Clark, we received another transmission from Dr. Martz last week. He commented on each of the patients and referred to each by their new names. He expressed interest in their health. He obviously wants us to know that we cannot keep any secrets from him. He stated that he still wants his 'go between' to be Beth. He notes that due to her age, he has no objections to you helping her. He wants to have the meeting in June. He said that he didn't want to interfere with Beth's education."

Maggie was about to raise her objections. But before she could speak the Assistant Director asked Steve Williams to speak.

He turned on a projector and the picture of Commander Evans USN came up on the screen.

"For those of you unfamiliar with this man, this is Commander Jake Evans, USN. He was the security officer during LT Carlson's transformation," explained Steve.

Maggie looked at his picture and remembered what a jerk he had been. He was a sexist and macho asshole. He had hit on Maggie twice. His attitude to Ben/Beth ran from rudeness to paranoia. Maggie wondered what he had to do with this, as she had recommended that he no longer be associated with the program. She also felt her maternal instincts kick in, there was no way she would allow him anywhere near Beth!

"Two days ago, we intercepted a cell phone call to a foreign government. A man was offering to provide the process for a very large sum of money. He said that he didn't have it yet, but expected acquire it sometime in the next few months. The person making the offer was identified as Commander Evans. His location is presently unknown, however we are looking for him. He didn't give away a lot of details, just that he would soon have a very powerful genetic weapon. We believe that is motivated strictly my monetary gain and this move isn't political in nature," reported Steve.

"I want to point out that Evans had Special Forces training and is considered a expert shot. However he did not complete SEAL training. He failed out due to 'emotional issues' and was assigned other duties," added the naval officer.

So she had another reason to dislike Jake Evans, thought Maggie. She could add traitor to his list of unsavory traits. Her mind immediately switched to thinking about Beth's safety and she looked at the Assistant Director.

"I know that in addition to your fears of this process falling into the wrong hands, there are those of you worried that Evans might try to abduct or hurt the transformed patients. In addition to their agents assigned to them, each subject is under 24-hour surveillance. We have no intention of allowing this traitor to get the process or hurt any of the subjects," added the Assistant Director.

"Agent Clark, Evans knows that Martz holds a special interest in the girl. She will be protected. We have no way yet of contacting Martz but we warn him of Evans as soon as we can," explained Steve

"I wouldn't be surprised if Martz already knows about Evans, he seems to know everything else about this operation," added Maggie under her breath.

The Assistant Director nodded in agreement. "This meeting is now over, I would like Dr. Parker, and Agents Williams and Clark to stay."

After the rest had exited the Assistant Director handed each a folder. "This is the latest biography and profile of Martz. I need you three to read this. I don't buy the belief that Martz is just doing all this just to prove how smart he is. I suspect that he may not be stable. There is the old belief that genius is just one step from madness. I hope that I am wrong. The three of you will be a team to analyze the good doctor and to try to decide what he will do next."

Steve asked Dr. Parker what he thought of Martz. Dr. Parker said that he only knew what he had read in journals and that he was years ahead of most others in the field.

Maggie looked at Steve and stated her objections. "I am a little uneasy about using Beth in this operation."

"I understand, but Martz is making the rules right now. So, I don't see any alternative," replied Steve. "The girl will be protected."

"The girl has a name, it is Beth," replied Maggie to Steve in an annoyed tone. She was very protective of Beth and quick to confront anyone who saw her ward as some sort of freak or scientific experiment.

"I'm sorry you are right," he replied, with a smile. "I didn't mean anything by it."

Maggie accepted his apology and nodded. She then turned towards the Assistant Director. "I have a request, no make that a demand, that we add one more person to the team….. Beth. She's already involved and I think she deserves to know what is going on."

Steve rolled his eyes at the idea, but didn't say a word. Maggie saw his reaction and glared at him.

The Assistant Director looked at Maggie. He sat there for a minute and then answered. "I will need to get approval for this. However considering the special nature of this case I think it would be a good idea."

 

Chapter Two

So it begins

 

Maggie had hoped to get home before Beth. However the sight of a backpack on the kitchen table told her Beth was already there.

"Beth!" called out Maggie.

"I'm in here," replied Beth, her voice coming from the downstairs den that served as an office.

Maggie thought she is probably on the computer again. "Hey Kiddo, we need to have a talk," announced Maggie, using her nickname for Beth.

"Be right there," came Beth's reply.

From the tone of her voice Beth knew something was up. She could tell that Maggie was in her "Agent Clark" mode and that life was about to get more complicated.

They sat down in the kitchen. Beth was drinking a diet cola. This was one of her habits from being Ben. She kidded Maggie and said it could be worse and be hooked on cigars.

"So, how did your brief go?" asked Beth.

Beth was still in her school uniform. She was wearing a white short sleeve blouse, and plaid skirt with knee socks. Maggie told her that all the best schools required uniforms and besides it would make it easier for her, as she wouldn't have to worry about what outfit to wear. Still it took a while for Beth to get used to wearing it. Maggie remembered how reluctant Beth was going to her first day of school; think how someone would figure out she had been a male.

Maggie always told Beth when "The Agency" was interested in her. Beth appreciated it, as she was a little suspicious of them. She had told Maggie that she was afraid that they might separate them.

Maggie reassured her that she would never let that happen. She gave her a long hug. These were the times that Maggie would forget that Beth had once been a naval officer. Her emotional state was truly that of a teenage girl.

"The brief went fine. There are other things I need to tell you about," confided Maggie.

She proceeded to tell Beth about Dr. Martz and his demand that Beth be the go-between. Maggie wasn't all that surprised with Beth's reaction to the news that Martz knew her identity and the identities of the others.

"I have been wondering about something Maggie, do you think that my being transformed by Dr. Martz was strictly chance or did he pick me for a reason?" asked Beth.

"I've wondered about that too. We have compared your history and records and those of the others and other than being in the military you had no common traits," explained Maggie. "From my experience, I don't believe in random events. I only wish I knew what the reason."

"So, I guess I'll have a great topic for school in the fall. I think I'll have the most exciting report on 'How I Spent My Summer Vacation'," joked Beth.

"Oh, you'll get to write a report, but it won't be for school," replied Maggie.

"Our agency loves its paperwork."

She then went on and told how she had requested to add Beth to the team studying Martz. She told her about the two other team members.

Beth was smiling when she finished. Maggie looked at her and asked what was so funny?

"I think you like Agent Williams," smiled Beth. The idea of Maggie showing an interest in someone made her happy.

"I do not like him!" Maggie replied. "But, then again he is kind of cute."

"Did you say that the other man's name is Dr. Parker, Dr. Jeffrey Parker?" asked Beth.

"Yes, you act like you've heard of him."

"I think I saw his name on an article on the Internet. I can look it up later."

The next thing Maggie had to tell Beth was a bit harder. Still she knew that Beth had to know about it. She proceeded to tell her all about Jake Evans and how he trying to acquire the process and sell it to the highest bidder. Maggie saw the fear in Beth's eyes.

She told her not to worry and told her about the security that was guarding them.

"Beth, you have a major advantage in all of this," said Maggie. "People take you at face value, they look you and see a defenseless teenage girl. They have no idea what lies beneath."

"Thanks Maggie, I appreciate everything you've done for me. I don't think I would have survived without you," replied Beth.

Maggie and Beth talked for another hour. Beth promised that she would always carry her phone and to always let Maggie know where she was. They were just making plans for dinner when the phone rang. Maggie answered it and while she was talking Beth went to check out Dr. Parker on the net.

It didn't take long for Beth to find the article. One of the more interesting things that had happened since her change was that her memory had become superb. She found that she tested herself often just to test this new skill. She found that she could just glance at someone and in an instant she could recall very detail about his or her appearance. She found the article and immediately printed it out.

"Hey Kiddo, That was Agent Williams, he would like to take us to dinner," announced Maggie. "Unless you want him to see him in your school clothes, you should go change,"

"I think you should see this first," replied Beth, handing the printout to Maggie. "I'll go change."

Maggie looked at the printout. It was an article on a genetic engineering conference from some scientific journal. She looked for a date and say that the meeting took place eighteen years a go. At first she didn't see why Beth felt it was so important. Then she saw it. In the second paragraph there was a reference to a paper submitted to the conference on the possibility of creating a spontaneous genetic transformation process. The authors were Dr. Heinrich Martz and Dr Jeffrey Parker. She folded up the article and put it in her purse.

 

Chapter Three

Dinner

  

Steve Williams was sitting in an Arlington VA restaurant waiting for Maggie and Beth to arrive. He had to admit that he was interested in meeting Beth. He had read the entire report and watched the videos concerning what had happened three months ago. He still found it hard to believe. The idea of a person having their gender changed completely in only 24 hours was frightening. He thought about the uses for the Martz Process, and decided it might be better to destroy it all. There were too many ways a process like this could be abused. He also didn't like the idea of people playing God.

The fact that the process was nearly fatal ruled out using it for intelligence work. It would be hard to get volunteers if they knew that the change would be permanent. Then there were the changes to a person's emotions and personality. It just was too dangerous. He knew that they couldn't fail.

He was also looking forward to seeing Maggie again. He knew her record and reputation. She was definitely on the fast track to the top. He also knew that she had a killer pair of legs. He reminded himself that he needed to keep their relationship professional. Well, at least until the mission was over, he thought with a smile.

He looked up and saw the Maggie walking towards his table. She was wearing a short floral pattern dress. A teenage girl accompanied her. So that is Beth. He had to admit she was pretty cute. She was wearing a tan skirt and a green sleeveless top. Had he not known her background he never would have suspected that she used to be male.

"Hi Maggie, glad you could make it," he said as he stood up to greet them..

 

"Beth, this is Mr. Williams," introduced Maggie.

"Hi Beth, please call me Steve," he replied cheerfully.

"Hi Steve," answered Beth with a smile. She liked him immediately.

He helped them into their seats. One of the reasons he invited them to dinner was to judge them and feel them out. He did this with all agents he worked with for the first time. Although, he admitted it was much more enjoyable with an attractive woman like Maggie. Additionally, he had reviewed her record and was very impressed.

Halfway through dinner he knew that Maggie was an agent he could trust. His ability to judge people was a skill that had saved his life numerous times. He was never wrong, well almost never wrong! He had to admit to himself, that he had misjudged Beth. As a bachelor, he didn't have a lot of patience with children and teenagers, but she was different. She had a charming personality, very mature, and was highly intelligent. He now understood why Maggie was so protective of her. He could also tell that it would be a big mistake to underestimate Beth.

Maggie enjoyed herself that evening. It was a nice break from the all her worries about the approaching mission. She could tell that Steve was feeling her out and she understood why. Steve was a field agent and his life and the success of the mission depended on every member of the team. She knew that she could trust him. Of course, they didn't actually talk about work. They were too well trained to do that in a public place.

She was also pleased that he seemed to like Beth. It was important to her that her partner realized that Beth wasn't some sort of lab experiment.

As for Beth she took an instant like to Agent Williams. She was also happy to see that there was some good chemistry between him and Maggie.

The evening was going along very well. As they were having coffee and desert, Maggie invited Steve over to the house that weekend for a cookout. Just then a large group of naval officers came in and sat down at a large table. There were around twenty of them and it seemed to be some sort of celebration.

Beth became very quiet and both Maggie and Steve could immediately sense her personality change.

Maggie leaned over to her and whispered to Beth. "What's wrong Kiddo?

"I'm sorry, I'm just having a little flashback," replied Beth, who was trembling slightly.

Maggie could see tears welling up in Beth's eyes. She reached over and took her hand. Just a few months ago those men would have been her peers.

"I know, or rather Ben knew, two of those officers," whispered Beth, fighting back tears. "I'm sorry. I'll be okay, it will pass."

"Are you sure, we can leave if you want?" suggested Steve.

Beth shook her head and managed a smile. "No, I am OK now, but I appreciate you asking."

He now understood the conflicts that Maggie had described that afternoon during the brief. He wondered how he would handle a similar situation.

As they were leaving Maggie handed him the printout and asked him to read it later. He nodded and put it in his pocket. He walked them to their car. He almost hoped that Evans would show up and try something. He opened the door for Beth and then walked around to where Maggie was standing.

"Good night, I really enjoyed meeting you outside the office," he commented to Maggie. "I also want you to know that I promise that nothing will happen to Beth. I also understand your confidence in her."

The seriousness in his voice showed that this was no idle promise. Maggie appreciated his words and thanked him for a lovely evening.

He watched them drive away. He saw his security team member drive off following them. He then got into his own car and drove home. It was then that he read the printout that Maggie had given him. After he read it he put it in his case. He sat there for a while wondering what he would do with the good doctor in the morning.

  

Chapter 4

Plans

  

Beth seemed back to normal by the time they got home. Maggie didn't press the point. Beth knew that she could always talk about her problems. Maggie wondered if Beth should get counseling. The way she acted in the restaurant was similar to cases of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome she had read about. She wondered if Beth would be strong enough to handle the responsibilities that would soon be given to her. She decided that she would talk to one of the agency's therapists in the morning. While Beth's situation was unique, they were used to handling a wide variety of issues.

The next morning she drove Beth to school. Beth kidded her about becoming overprotective. But Maggie could tell that Beth appreciated it.

Academically, school was a waste of time. Beth felt lucky that she retained her knowledge from when she was Ben. She also had her improved memory. Studying was a breeze.

Where school was important, was for Beth to learn social skills and how to fit in as a teenage girl. At first, Beth felt totally out of place. It took her a while to fit in. Fortunately for Beth most of the staff and students just thought her initial behavior was due to her being shy and nervous about being in a new school. Beth learned quickly to observe the other girls and to follow their lead. She was also learning about fashion and makeup!

Her living with Maggie was explained by a story concocted by the agency. If the need for an intelligence agency ever ended, there was a place in writing world-class fiction for them. Beth was an orphan, her parents killed in a plane crash. Maggie was named her legal guardian. It seems that Maggie had been the best friend of Beth's mom.

Beth was impressed with their attention to detail. She actually found a small article on the "crash" on the Internet. It was as strange as when she read about Ben's death. It made her wonder how much of the news actually happened.

She was content to slip by and go through school on the fringes but her natural leadership skills kicked in and soon she was becoming involved in school life. Her sense of humor won many over and she was fast becoming very popular. She soon had several good friends and was invited to parties and other events. She enjoyed the sleepovers. She was nervous that she might have a flashback, but she found that she felt very comfortable around the other girls.

Then there was the issue of boys. She hadn't started dating yet. Somehow it still didn't feel right. But she was finding that attitude changing. She was becoming more interested in her looks and found that she was becoming interested in boys. It scared her a bit, but more and more it was feeling more natural.

But now her future was cloudy again. She could sense that Maggie wasn't pleased about Martz picking her to be his runner or whatever the task would be. There had to be more to this. She was comforted knowing that Steve was going to be Maggie's partner. She just felt safe around him.

The school day went by quickly and as she walked home she wondered where her guard dog was. She was comforted knowing that she was being watched. She imagined what they looked like. She initially imagined that the guard would be a man, decided that a woman would blend in easier. Beth really wasn't that worried, as she doubted that anything would happen until summer vacation. Still it was nice knowing that she protected.

Steve and Maggie arrived in the secure room early. They wanted to talk about Dr. Parker and his faulty memory. Maggie asked to be the one to confront him.

"If he denies knowing Martz then you can beat it out of him," remarked Maggie with a smile.

"It will be a pleasure," responded Steve with an evil grin.

Maggie looked at him and replied, "You are aware that I am kidding about beating information out of him?

Steve smiled back. "And I thought you were fun!"

They studied the packets for nearly an hour before Dr. Parker arrived. He apologized for being late. As he sat down Maggie slid a folder over to him.

"I was hoping you could provide some insight on this document for us Doctor," asked Maggie.

"Sure, let me look at it" he replied.

Maggie and Steve watched the color go out of his face as looked at Beth's printout.

"W-W-Where did you find this?" he asked

Maggie smiled, "I have an excellent research assistant."

"Doctor, I like to work with people I trust. It really makes me angry when I am lied to, especially such an obvious lie. We are an intelligence organization, did you really think that we wouldn't find out that you worked with him?" stated Steve firmly. He didn't feel it was necessary to point out that it was a teenage girl who exposed his lie.

"You are right I should have been honest from the start. Yes I know Dr. Martz. I was a graduate assistant under him for a few years back nearly 20 years ago. He put my name on that paper was a reward for helping him. In actuality it was 99 percent his work," explained Dr. Parker. "I am shocked about his recent actions. The man I knew wouldn't hurt a fly. He was such a good man."

"Tell us about the good doctor," ordered Steve.

For the next two hours Dr. Parker told them about working with Martz. They found out a few key pieces of information. One was that Martz had always been a loner and was very suspicious of others. Parker said that Martz had been married and that he seemed to be more open and social. He said that he later heard that Martz's wife was killed in an accident and he was totally devastated by it and had gradually drifted into seclusion.

Parker told him that even when Martz accepted someone into his personal circle of trusted friends he rarely let them see his work or data. Steve was encouraged by this fact. If Martz was a loner it was unlikely that others would have access to his data. This made controlling the flow of information easier.

Another key piece of information was that Martz had repeatedly turned down offers to create weapons. Parker said that he was a total pacifist. He didn't really care for any government but felt that if he had to deal with any country it would be the United States. He had a strong loyalty to the US because that had taken in his parents when they defected during the Cold War.

However he was upset when scientists who barely understood his work dismissed his ideas. Parker believed that by this demonstration Martz felt he would be taken seriously. He also confirmed that there was a reason for the choice of his subjects, but that he had no idea how and why Martz selected them. He added that everything Martz did was deliberate.

"So why doesn't he just contact us directly? Why make this so complicated?" asked Steve.

Dr. Parker sat there for a while, "I really don't know, but I think that he now knows how valuable the process he developed is and the potential problems it could cause. He may want it destroyed. At the same time he wants his recognition."

"What is his interest in Beth? He transformed nine others and yet they seem to hold little interest for him," asked Maggie.

"I have no idea," replied Dr. Parker.

"OK Doc, I believe you. However, from now on I expect you to be completely honest with us," explained Steve. It was obvious that this wasn't a request.

After Dr. Parker left Maggie and Steve reviewed their notes and impressions. Both agreed that he had told them the truth after his initial "memory loss". They went over the latest intelligence on Evans. Steve was positive that he would show up soon. He told Maggie that he had his best people watching Beth. There was no need to worry.

As they were leaving they were paged and told to report to the Director's office. They locked up their files and headed up to see their boss. Maggie had commented that she had only met him once. Steve said he had been up there a few times, but always with a group for a briefing.

They were let in immediately. He was reading a report and didn't look up as they entered. They stood there for several minutes. He finally looked up and acknowledged them.

"Agent Williams, do you agree with Agent Clark that the young woman should be included in the briefings?" he asked.

"Absolutely Sir, I wasn't sure until I met her last night. Beth is quite remarkable," answered Steve.

"That's right, you all had dinner last night. I've always liked that place. Did you like your shrimp last night Agent Clark?" asked the Director.

"They had a bit too much garlic but otherwise they were fine," replied Maggie. If was trying to rattle her he would have to do a better job than that.

He cracked a rare smile. "I am aware that Beth isn't exactly as she appears. I know that she used to be a naval officer. I was just reading LT Carlson's service record, pretty good officer. He is the type of person I actively recruit for our operations. I have recruited many like him and I have lost a few. I remember everyone of them and can picture their faces. I am unwilling to add a 15-year-old girl to that gallery."

"Sir, like it or not, Beth HAS been recruited into this operation," explained Maggie, "Besides, I don't think we have much say in this as Dr. Martz seems fixated on her."

"Do you agree Agent Williams?" asked the Director.

"Yes Sir, I don't recommend we try and pull a switch, he is too smart for that and I don't think Martz would handle it very well. The potential threat of the Martz Process is too great," he concurred.

"Sir, I want to add that Beth is very dear to me and I don't want her to be put in harm's way, but I don't see any other way. " added Maggie.

"I am aware of your feelings for your ward, Agent Clark. These are the type of decisions that I hate about this job," he answered firmly.

He sat there thinking for almost a minute. "Alright, it is against my better judgment but she's in. To make this legal I will swear her in as a temporary agent. I want to see the three of you here Saturday morning at 0700. I am interested in meeting this remarkable young woman who has so won over two of my better agents."

"Yes Sir!" replied Maggie and Steve in unison.

The Director looked up from his paperwork at Maggie and Steve. "You're authorized to use deadly force if Evans threatens this operation."

As they left his office they were both in awe of what had just happened.

"He did just call us two of his better agents?" asked Maggie in near disbelief.

Steve smiled at her. "Yes, that is what I heard too. I guess we can't let him down now."

Maggie couldn't wait to tell Beth what had happened.

  

Chapter 5

Ceremony

 

"Is it some special spy rule to hold a ceremony so earlier in the morning?" asked Beth as she held back a yawn.

Maggie was helping Beth with her make-up. She wanted Beth to make a good impression on the Director.

"Yes, we like to do things at the crack of dawn, ceremonies, firing squads stuff like that," replied Maggie.

It was almost 0600 and they would have to leave in shortly. There was no way that they could be late. She had made Beth wear a rather conservative navy suit. She had to admit that Beth looked very attractive.

Just then the doorbell went off. "That will be Steve," remarked Maggie.

Sure enough, Steve was waiting for them on the landing. He made a low wolf whistle when Maggie and Beth came out.

"There are times when I really love my job. I get to chauffer two lovely women," he quipped.

Beth giggled at his corny joke. Maggie was happy to see that they got along so well. She was also sensing that she had strong feelings for the handsome agent herself.

"Why do you call him 'The Director'? Is that the best you could come up with?" asked Beth.

"We wanted to call him "M" but were afraid we would get sued by James Bond, " answered Steve.

The ceremony was over very quickly. The Director asked if could be alone with Agent Beth Clark for a while. After Maggie and Steve left he asked Beth to sit down.

"Do you think that you are ready for this upcoming mission? he asked her rather bluntly.

"I really don't know if I am ready, but I am willing to do what is required," answered Beth.

"I see. Tell me Beth, what do you think you will do if and when you meet Dr. Martz?" asked the Director.

"If you think I will try to kill him you are wrong. Do I have a legitimate claim on his life? Probably, I doubt that I would be convicted of any crime. But I am not looking for revenge," she answered

The Director looked at Beth. Yes, it would be a mistake for anyone to underestimate you he thought. "What are you looking for?"

"I would like to know why he did this to me? I would like to know why he selected me? I also want to tell him the pain he has caused me. And I would like to thank him," answered Beth.

"Thank him? For what?" he asked. Her answer actually surprised him, not that it showed on the outside.

"Well, I guess for giving me a second chance. My life as a male was pretty good. I'm pretty lucky with my new life too. I have people who care about me and that I love dearly," she replied. "I am also curious if this acceptance of my new gender is part of the process or was it my own ability to adapt."

"I understand. Well, I want to wish you good luck with this mission. I hope you consider making this a career when you get a little older. I will let Agents Clark and Williams know I am done with you," he remarked.

Beth told them about her conversation with the Director as they drove to a restaurant for breakfast.

"Sounds like you made a good impression on him Kiddo," commented Maggie proudly.

"It was mutual, I feel like he really cares about me," answered Beth. She was also pleased that he had treated her like an adult.

While they drove back into the city they discussed how Beth would be worked into the briefings and training for the mission. It was decided that she would accompany them in on Saturdays so it wouldn't disrupt her school life. Steve figured that they should be hearing from Martz no later than the week of the 15^th of June, being that was the end of Beth's classes.

  

Chapter 6

Events in Motion

  

The next few weeks flew by for all of them. Maggie tried to ensure that Beth led as normal a life as possible. She always tried to sneak some personal time to spend with Beth. Sometimes it was just going out to dinner or a movie. She sometimes wondered if she was the one who was having the most fun. Maggie kept a close eye on Beth and watched her mood swings carefully.

Beth was also becoming more and more interested in her appearance. Maggie was kind of relieved, as it was a very normal part of growing up and maturing. They often went shopping together. Beth was also experienced a little growth spurt during which her breasts grew a full cup. Maggie found it humorous how Beth was so preoccupied with her chest.

She came by Beth's room one afternoon and saw Beth standing in front of her mirror. She was putting on a variety of poses and was sticking her chest out.

"Hey Kiddo, you're not the first girl to be blessed with boobs!" Maggie laughed.

"Well, it's all new to me." she answered and continued her posing.

"I have a late brief with the Director tomorrow afternoon and I won't be home until late," announced Maggie. "Steve is going to pick you up and take you out to dinner, if that is OK with you?"

"Cool!" she replied. She really liked Steve and hoped that once the mission was over he would continue to see Maggie.

The next day after school, Beth was standing outside the campus talking with some friends. They were talking about their summer plans. Beth had made up a story. Somehow tracking down a mad scientist and dodging a renegade naval officer didn't seem appropriate.

She was saved from going into too many details when she saw Steve pull up in his car. He was driving a BMW and Beth's friends were very impressed. He got out and opened the door for Beth.

"My friends think you're really hot," she confided to Steve, as they drove away.

"You have very observant friends," he replied with a laugh.

They decided to drive into Washington and walk around the Mall. The weather was beautiful as it was warm and not too humid.

"Any messages yet?" asked Beth. She cringed when she realized she broke a security rule about discussing the case in public.

"No, but it won't be long now. You finish school next week right?" asked Steve.

"Only a few days left. This fall I move up to 10^th grade!" she said with mock enthusiasm.

Steve smiled at her. He hoped that everything would work out and she would be back in school come September.

"I have something I want to run by you Steve," explained Beth. "Do you think that Maggie would agree to formally adopt me?"

He stopped in his tracks and looked at Beth. He could tell that she was serious about this.

"I think she would love nothing better. I think it would be a wonderful idea for both of you. But why bring this up now?" he asked.

"Well, it is a bit complicated," explained Beth as they continued walking. Her voice suddenly got soft and it almost cracked with emotion. "With everything that is going on, I don't want to die without a family."

Steve put his arms around her and gave her a hug. "I swear that nothing is going to happen to you," he whispered in her ear.

Beth was wiping her eyes. "I also don't want to be a problem between you too."

"Don't worry about that," he answered with a smile. "And who said that Maggie and I had anything going on?'

Beth smiled "You'd be a fool to let her go, she really likes you a lot!"

Steve smiled back "Great, now I am taking love advice from a 15-year-old Dear Abby! Come on I am hungry, do you feel like pizza?"

"I'd love it! Pizza has always been my favorite food. Luckily I seem to be able to burn it right off." remarked Beth.

As they drove to the pizza place Steve began to think about the residual effects from Beth's transformation. She seemed to be aging normally now. However, her metabolism was slightly higher than normal. He was amazed to see how much she could eat and still stay thin. He joked once that he could use Beth to win a few bets. No one would believe that someone like her could eat a whole large pizza in one sitting. He was also very interested in her increased memory.

There was one other thing from her last physical that he was very interested in. They did a comparison check of her DNA and compared it to that of LT Carlson. He smiled when he realized that he now saw Beth and Ben was too separate people. Beth's DNA showed Ben's, as if he had been one of the parents. The question was that there were now genetic traits that didn't come from Ben. They had even checked Ben's parents' DNA and didn't find a match. They got the samples by telling them they would like them in case his body was recovered. That was one thing that he wouldn't tell Beth.

As they ate, Ben noticed that Beth followed agency rules and never discussed any work related topics. She had been trained when and where to talk. He forgave her for her question about Martz out on the Mall. It was a minor violation of security rules. He was secretly pleased that Beth liked the idea of him seeing Maggie. He usually didn't date women with kids, but this was different.

"So, when are you going to ask Maggie about adoption?" asked Steve, taking a sip from his beer.

"I guess tonight when she gets home," answered Beth. She was staring at Steve's beer. "I really miss having one of those, especially with pizza! I'd love just one sip!"

"You are underage Miss!" You'll get us both in trouble with Maggie if you keep that up," joked Steve.

He dropped her off at Maggie's. Her car as parked out front. He asked if she wanted him to be there when she asked Maggie the question. Beth thought it would be best if it was just them but thanked him and leaned over and hugged him. Steve watched her go into the house and close the door. He looked around and saw the surveillance car. He knew that they were safe and drove off. Halfway home he had a sudden thought and turned around and headed back to the agency. There was something that he had to check on.

Beth walked upstairs and found Maggie sitting on her bed going through a mass of paperwork.

"Hey, I'm home. What are you working on?" asked Beth.

"Hi Kiddo, how was dinner?" asked Maggie. "Oh, this is just some evaluation I have to finish for work, nothing really exciting."

Beth went and told her about her afternoon with Steve. Maggie shook her head in disbelief when she told them about their dinner.

"I wished I could eat half of what you can! You better hope that it doesn't wear off or you are going to be in trouble when you get older!" joked Maggie.

Beth took a seat on an uncovered part of the bed. "Maggie, I need to ask you something."

From the tone of her voice Maggie could tell that Beth had something important to say. "Go ahead Kiddo, say what's on your mind."

Beth paused and dropped her head. Maggie could tell that she was fighting to get out whatever it was she had to say. She moved closer and put her hand on Beth's arm.

Beth lifted her head and Maggie could see tears forming in her eyes.

"I want… would it be possible….," Beth paused for a second, then started again. "Would you consider adopting me?"

Maggie sat there for a second looking at Beth. She had been kicking the same idea around for the past few weeks. "I would love that Beth!"

She leaned over and wrapped her arms around Beth. In a moment they were both crying and hugged each other tight.

In the morning as Maggie drove Beth to school they talked about what would have to be done. Maggie told Beth that she had already investigated the possibility of adoption. There would be a lot of paper work to fill out if they went through normal channels. However, Maggie explained she would go through her channels at work and call in a few favors. She said that it could be finalized in a few weeks.

She dropped Beth off at school and watched her walk into the school. She smiled as she saw her daughter walk off.

When she got to work she was anxious to tell Steve the great news. She found a message from Steve on her desk. He asked her to contact him as soon as she arrived. She called him and he told her that he would meet her in the briefing room in ten minutes. Maggie wondered what was up and she didn't exactly like the tone of his voice.

When Maggie arrived in the briefing room she found Steve was already there. He was sitting in front a computer terminal.

"After I dropped off Beth last night I decided to play a hunch. The program is loading right now and should be ready in a few seconds," explained Steve.

Maggie nodded and sensed that something was wrong.

"I had our photo identification group do a little overtime last night. The results as you will see are very interesting," commented Steve.

The program Steve was using was developed to find missing persons and to trace relatives. It was considered 96 percent accurate in its predictions. Maggie watched as the screen as she watched a photo of Ben Carlson merge with one of Dr. Heinrich Martz. The initial image looked familiar. Steve then set it to project the image as that of a 15-year-old girl. The resulting image was almost identical to Beth. Their lives just became more complicated and they both sat there and started at the screen.

 

Steve broke the silence. "I was curious about the mystery DNA that Beth has in her system. I thought about Martz and his interest in her in her and decided to try this."

Maggie sat down not knowing what to say at first. She just stared at the screen for several minutes.

"If he thinks he is going to take her away from me he has another thing coming." she stated, in a dead serious tone. "I am going to adopt her and she is going to be my daughter!"

Steve stood there in silence and nodded in agreement. At least they knew the reason why Martz was so interested in Beth.

"We'll have to tell the Director about this," announced Maggie. "Does anyone else know about this?"

Steve shook his head. "No, I had the photo techs set up the program, but I scanned everything in myself. I have the only copy on this drive. I already set up a time to see the Director, we need to be up there in 15 minutes. I'm sorry."

Maggie smiled slightly at Steve. "Don't be, he has to know about this. It explains a lot about the connection between Martz and Beth. What I dread is telling Beth."

Steve nodded. He took out the drive with the photo program on it and locked it in his case.

On their way up to see the Director, Steve told Maggie that he would support her 100 percent in her efforts to keep Beth. She thanked him and told he she knew she could count on him.

The Director looked at the images in silence. He sat there and reviewed it several times.

"This is the only copy?" he asked

"Yes Sir. We're the only three people who have seen it," replied Steve.

"I see. Destroy it," he remarked almost casually. "I don't want anyone else to see this. It does clear things up a bit. This information will be useful when we meet Martz."

"What about telling Beth the truth?" asked Maggie. "I think she has a right to know."

He nodded. "Inform me how she reacts. Show her the program, then destroy it. No one else sees it. Is there anything else?"

Maggie decided to risk it. "Sir, I want to adopt Beth. She asked me last night if I'd do it and I said yes. Now after seeing this I want it even more."

"Sir, I agree it might ease the shock and emotional turmoil of what we have to tell her about Martz," added Steve. "She talked to me about wanting to be adopted and I believe that it is vital to her well being."

The Director sat there, "It goes against my best judgment, but why should I trust my judgment now. It doesn't seem to apply in this case. Agent Clark I can have the appropriate paperwork prepared by my staff. It should be finalized and legal by Monday. I apologize for the delay but the weekend causes delays. You can thank me later. Good-bye."

Maggie smiled for the first time since she arrived at work. As they rode the elevator down to their office Steve took Maggie in his arms and gave her a long kiss. "Congratulations Maggie you are a Mom!"

 

Chapter 7

Complications

 

Maggie wondered what she should tell Beth first. She had a horrible thought that Beth would reject her and want to move in with Martz, but that quickly passed. She decided to pick her up and drive back to the office. She preferred to do it at home but her professional side told her she needed to do this in a secure location. She expected it was going to be a rough evening.

Steve excused himself and said he wanted to talk with Dr. Parker. He would try to get some more insight into Martz. He told Maggie to page him when she brought Beth in. He said that he wanted to be there for both of them. Maggie thanked him and said that she appreciated it.

Beth was immediately aware that something was bothering Maggie.

"Maggie what's wrong?" she asked.

"I can't tell you yet. We need to go back to my office. Everything will be okay" she answered, wondering if it really would be.

Beth knew that it was pointless to ask any more questions as Maggie was fully into "Agent Clark" mode.

They arrived at the agency and Maggie took Beth into their secure briefing room. Beth got a bit of a thrill every time she entered the building. Especially now since she had her own ID card. She loved the look on the guard's face when they saw that this teenage girl was an agent. Granted it was only temporary but they didn't know that.

Maggie told Beth that they needed to wait until Steve arrived. Beth looked around. She had been in here twice and it never ceased to interest her. Maggie was right it wasn't like the movies, but what was? She was very interested in Maggie's job. She wondered about following her lead and applying for entry when she completed college. She smiled thinking that by then Steve and Maggie might be married and she would be entering the family business.

Steve entered the room "Hi Beth." Steve gave Maggie a nod, as he inserted a portable drive into one of the computers. "Okay, whenever you're ready."

"I think you should sit down, Kiddo," explained Maggie. "I have to show you something that might be upsetting."

Beth watched as Steve ran the program. Maggie was watching Beth's reaction intensely. She saw the initial shock on Beth's face as the picture of LT Carlson appeared. Then came the picture of Dr. Martz. Beth looked over to Steve and Maggie then back to the screen She watched as the faces merged and produced one. She began to tremble when Steve had the image adjusted to that of a young woman.

Beth stared at the resulting image for several moments. She started trembling and her eyes began to well up with tears. She began to mumble something. Maggie couldn't make it out at first. Then as Maggie put her arm around her to comfort her she could make it out.

"The bastard…..The bastard…," Beth began to say it like it was a chant "..The bastard….THE BASTARD!" Beth finally shouted. She looked at Maggie and then broke down completely.

Maggie held Beth for several minutes. She rocked Beth in her arms, as if she was trying to take the pain away. She felt Steve's strong hands on her shoulders. His touch felt very reassuring and gave her the strength to help Beth.

After a while Beth regained her composure. Steve got her a glass of water. She sat there drinking it. She was finally able to look at the image without crying.

"Do you think he is going to take me away?" she asked meekly.

Maggie leaned over to Beth and hugged her. "Over my dead body! Beth this changes NOTHING between us. I still want to adopt you. You are going to be my daughter and I will protect you!"

"I promise you Beth, that he isn't going to take you," said Steve with a deadly serious tone to his voice.

Their support seemed to stabilize Beth. "I believe you guys. I know that you will be there for me."

Steve removed the drive and put it in his case. He would personally see that it was destroyed.

Meanwhile Maggie was helping Beth clean up. When they came out of the restroom she looked better, but her eyes were still red from all her crying.

"I have some better news for you now," announced Maggie. "The Director has cut some of the red tape and your adoption will be finalized this week. That is if you want to go through with it?

Beth hugged Maggie and starting crying again. This time they were tears of joy.

Beth excused herself to go back to the restroom. Steve waited until she left.

"I found some interesting information on Martz. I questioned Dr. Parker some more about Martz and asked him to confirm some things from the files. I'm sure he had no idea of what I was looking for. But I have some good ideas on Martz and his intentions. I will send you a report tomorrow. It can wait," remarked Steve.

Maggie agreed and invited Steve back to her house for dinner. They agreed to let Steve drive. He would drive her back in the morning to get her car.

The traffic was lighter now. No one in the car felt like talking. It had been such an emotionally draining afternoon.

Beth was thinking about the emotional roller coaster she had ridden that afternoon. She was also a little embarrassed with her reactions. She was so much more emotional since the change. This wasn't always so bad, as she liked the fact that she could be more open with her loved ones. She thought back to her old life and how she was forced to always act calm and restrained. But, she didn't like the part of how she so easily started crying. A residue of her masculinity was that she felt it made her look weak. Then again, Beth thought, people look at you see and accept you as a young girl, even when they know the truth. So, maybe it was no big deal.

Suddenly Beth realized that something was wrong. Her attention was caught by Steve's actions. He was looking back and forth at the rear and side mirrors. Beth began to sense something was wrong. She debated asking him but decided to wait.

"Maggie, can you see the blue sedan in the second lane?" asked Steve, with a dead serious tone in his voice.

"Yes I do," replied Maggie, after adjusting the side mirror.

"He picked us up right as we left. I am going to take a different route and see what he does," remarked Steve.

"Do you want me to call for back up?" asked Maggie.

Beth started to turn around to look out the back window. "Beth, please don't look back! Just sit there and try and act normal," interrupted Steve calmly.

"Sorry," she apologized. "I didn't know."

"That's OK," said Steve in a soothing voice, "Maggie, would you pass on the description and ask for back-up. I will get off at the next exit and see how interested he is in us."

Beth noticed that Maggie had taken her weapon out. She knew that Maggie carried a gun, but she rarely saw it. This was a new side to her "Agent Clark" mode that Beth had never seen. The sound of the round being chambered, in the otherwise quiet car, made Beth jump slightly. Maggie continued to relay information to their back up.

They exited the highway and sure enough the car followed them Steve was hoping that it stayed with them long enough until the back-up units arrived. Maggie told them that the back-up car was a quarter mile back and would be in position to intercept in a minute.

Beth wanted so badly to ask what was going to happen but knew better than to ask questions now. Both Steve and Maggie were in full agent mode and they didn't need any distractions.

Just as the other agency car was moving into position the sedan made a swift U-turn into the opposite lane. He must have noticed that he was being followed and decided to make a run for it. The result of the sedan's move caused a 6-car accident that effectively prevented any efforts to follow him.

Within minutes the police were on the scene, as were two other agents. To most witnesses it was just a case of bad driving. Someone had got the sedan's license plate number and along with the description of the car it was broadcast to all police departments.

Steve was more interested in talking the agents in the back up car. He had them describe the driver. They hadn't seen him very well. All they could say was that the driver was a white male, brown hair and had a beard. They all agreed that the turn he did was very professional.

 

They were there for almost an hour. The police informed him that the car was stolen and they had found it abandoned a few miles away in a mall parking lot. Steve told them to forward any fingerprints and any other evidence to the agency.

"So what now?" asked Maggie.

"I will stop at my place and grab some stuff and unless you have some objections stay at your place tonight," explained Steve.

"Oh goody! A sleepover!" quipped Beth.

Both Steve and Maggie looked at her with stern looks.

"I'm just trying to break the tension with a bad joke. The heroes always do that in the action movies," explained Beth. She looked at both of them. "I know this is very serious."

"Your child watches too much TV," quipped Steve to Maggie, with a smirk on his face.

Maggie smiled. She was relieved that Steve would be there that night.

An hour after they arrived at Maggie' house Steve got an update on the car. He talked for several minutes on a secure phone.

"Well, they got a few fingerprints out of the car. The first one of interest was our missing Commander Evans," announced Steve. "But he wasn't the driver."

"So who was?" asked Maggie.

 

"His name is Carl Ellis and he is a really bad guy. He is an independent operator doesn't worry about politics, just money. His specialties include kidnapping and murder. They'll have his record on your desk in the morning," remarked Steve.

"Just the kind of person a weasel like Evans would hang out with," added Maggie.

"His picture will be all over the news, In addition to the other charges he's now wanted for felony hit and run. One of the drivers in the accident died 30 minutes ago. So, he will be too busy to bother us. They will also put Evans picture on the news. Seems they found some drugs in the car, so Evans is also a wanted drug smuggler along with his partner Ellis. He will have to very careful to avoid arrest," smiled Steve.

"Who put the drugs in the car?" asked Maggie.

"The head of detectives used to be one of my agents. He owed me a favor," repiled Steve, "Besides we aren't framing anyone innocent. Evans is a deserter and a traitor and Ellis has warrants out on him in four countries. It will force them away for now. I want Evans as bad as you do, and we will get him. But more importantly it lowers the immediate threat to us."

 

Maggie checked on Beth and was amazed to find her asleep. After everything she had been through today and she was able to sleep. She sat down in a chair in Beth's room and watched her sleep. Maggie took out her gun and placed it on the desk next to the chair.

Maggie woke the next morning in the chair and found she had a blanket wrapped around her. There was the aroma of coffee being brewed. She looked around and saw that Beth was not in bed.

She got up and walked downstairs to find Beth and Steve in the kitchen.

"Well, well, look who finally woke up!" announced Steve, as he poured her a cup of coffee.

Beth walked over and gave her a hug. "Thanks for last night."

"You're welcome Kiddo. So, whom do I thank for the blanket?" she asked, as she held the coffee cup up to her face, breathing in the rich aroma.

"That would be me Madam," bowed Steve.

"Did you get any sleep at all?" Maggie asked.

"I caught a few a hours," he lied.

"You know for a spy you aren't a very good liar?" she laughed. The coffee was delicious!

"No one is perfect," he replied, smiling at her.

"Look, Commander Evans picture on TV!" shouted Beth, excitedly pointing to the small TV on the counter.

"Turn up the volume, Beth," asked Steve.

"A strange story just got a little stranger," said the TV news reporter. "The chief suspect in a fatal hit and run accident in Arlington last night has been found murdered in a rest area south of Fredericksburg. The body was discovered around 4:00 AM behind a highway rest area restroom. The man, identified as Carl Ellis, was believed to have shot elsewhere and his body dumped at the scene. Police are presently looking for this man, identified as Jake Evans," A picture of Evans was shown on the screen. "He is considered to be armed and dangerous." Police are asking that anyone seeing him to contact them immediately."

Steve walked over and turned off the TV. "Evans will go into hiding, but he will be back. He has nothing to lose now. He may have some more help too."

"So, what do we do?" asked Maggie, sitting down next to Beth.

"I think we still need to get Beth out of sight. I will make the arrangements while you two go pack your bags," commented Steve. The tone of his voice told them that this was not subject to discussion.

Maggie got up. "Come on Beth, looks like we are going into hiding for a while."

An hour later they were driving out to a safe house located in near Centreville, Virginia, just outside Washington DC. Steve told Maggie that her home would be watched. He said they might get lucky and catch Evans there. Beth's school was contacted and they were told that due to a death in the family Beth would miss the last three days of school.

"Cool. So this is an actual safe house, just like in the movies! Has anyone famous been hidden here?' asked Beth as they pulled into the driveway and into the garage.

"You'll have to look in the guest registry," laughed Steve.

When they got settled Steve briefed Beth on the dos and don'ts. She had to stay inside at all times. She could use her laptop but no personal e-mail and the phone was also off limits. Also she was not to open the door for anyone.

"Normally, we would have other agents inside you but the Director feels that isn't necessary. However, there are others watching this house and they can respond to any emergency in less than a minute. All you have to do is press one of these security buttons," said Steve, pointing to a panel on the wall.

"I must admit that I feel pretty important," remarked Beth, "So, how long will we be here?"

Steve looked at Maggie. "Until they catch Evans or until Martz contacts us."

 

Chapter 8

Discovery

 

After two days in the safe house Beth was going crazy. She understood the rules were there to protect her. However, she was bored silly and desperately wanted something to do. At least Maggie and Steve had their work to keep them busy. She was getting edgy waiting for something to happen. There had been no more word on Evans, Like Steve said, he had gone into hiding. What was really bothering her was the feeling of being so vulnerable.

She thought about the drastic changes in her life during the past four months. The lack of control over her life was frustrating. She began to think about all the things she couldn't do anymore. If anything this whole event had taught her not to take anything for granted ever again.

She knew that she couldn't have survived this without Maggie. And now she was becoming equally dependent on Steve. She shuttered thinking about losing them.

Then there was the Martz issue. The agency was doing a quiet search for any close relatives of Martz. Partly they were looking for information to try and track down his location. They were also looking to collect some DNA samples of a close relative. So far they had been unsuccessful.

Beth felt uneasy knowing that she may have his DNA. Did that make him her father? Was she to be his heir? When they met would he tell her the truth? There were too many questions and no answers in sight. There was also the guilt that the other ten were transformed because of her.

She found herself wishing that she could just get on with her life. Being female wasn't so bad, except for a few days each month. Her growing sexuality was also very confusing.

During the first couple months of her life as Beth she had little sexual interest. She had naturally explored he new body and as she did her sexuality was awakened. She enjoyed the sensations she discovered in her body. In almost everyway it was superior to being male. She remembered the last orgasms she had as Ben and how they served as a preview to what she experienced now. The fact that sex wasn't concentrated in one area was wonderful.

Then there was the new attraction to boys. At first, the idea of kissing a boy was totally repugnant. But now Beth had to admit that she liked their attention. She found herself getting crushes on various boys in school. Still, she hadn't acted on her feelings. Maggie told her that she would know when it was right to start dating.

Maggie was very cool about all of this. When they talked about sex it was like they were sisters. Maggie told her hoped that Beth wouldn't become sexually active with boys for many years. But when she was ready she would help here ensure that she didn't get pregnant. To Beth, just the idea of becoming pregnant was mortifying. Yet she knew that she would adjust to this too. It was all part of being a woman.

She went downstairs and saw that Steve had returned from the office.

"Welcome back. Any news?" she asked hopefully.

Steve shook his head. "No, but I do have a file I would like you to read,"

Beth nodded and sat down at the table and opened it up. It was summary of the life of Martz. She hesitated at first but she knew that she had to read it. Deep down she wanted to know more about this man who had so turned her life upside down. Steve told her that a good agent knew as much as possible about their adversary. She liked the fact that Steve treated her as an adult.

As she read through the data, several interesting facts came to her attention. First was that Martz also had a photographic memory. She wondered if she got this directly from his genes or did he engineer it into her. He had once been married and his wife died in a car crash fifteen years ago. After that he seemed to have devoted his whole life to his work and he became more and more obsessed with genetic research. He took grants, but never produced what was promised. He seemed to put his work ahead of everything. Even his family lost contact with him.

She looked at the photos in the file. The last picture of Martz was several years old. Beth compared the pictures and saw how he changed. He no longer smiled. The last picture of him showing any joy in his face was one with his wife. Beth looked at it and the date on the back. It was taken just two weeks before her death. Her eyes opened widely.

"Steve, I think you should see this," she announced excitedly.

"What do you have?" asked Steve as he took the photo from her, "Yes, this is Susan his wife, she died a long time ago. I don't see the importance."

"This was taken just two weeks before she was killed. After her death Martz started his slide into being a mad scientist," explained Beth.

"So, he became upset when his wife died. That is expected but it shouldn't turn him into a mad man," noted Steve.

"Look at his wife! She looks very pregnant. Martz didn't just lose his wife, he lost his unborn child," announced Beth.

Steve went back to his computer and went through several files. He called Beth over and pointed at the screen

"You get an A+ for this one Beth," smiled Steve. He was also annoyed with himself for not noticing it first.

The screen showed the report on Susan Martz's death. It showed that she was eight months pregnant and the doctors tried to save the baby when it became apparent that Susan was dying. Their efforts failed and the infant died. The sex of the baby was female.

"She would be fifteen if she had lived," commented Beth, softly. Everything was becoming crystal clear.

Just then Maggie came in from the office. "Steve I've got the report you requested," she announced.

"We think we may know why Martz did this!" remarked Steve as he showed he the report on the computer. "We can thank Beth for this, she made the connection."

Maggie picked up the picture of Susan Martz and looked at Beth. "I can see the family resemblance," she added.

"Can I have this picture?" asked Beth, holding a picture of Dr. & Mrs. Martz.

Maggie looked at Steve and said. "I don't see why not."

"Thanks Maggie. By the way, I still see you as my parent. This is just my heritage," Beth explained.

 

 

Chapter Nine

The Mission Starts

  

The next morning the phone rang. Maggie answered it and from the look on her face Steve and Beth could tell it was important.

" 'It' has arrived," announced Maggie. "We'll need to be in the office in two hours."

"It" was obviously the message from Dr. Martz. The mission was ready to begin.

The drive in was deafly silent. No one wanted to talk. Upon their arrival they were quickly escorted to the main briefing room. The only other persons in the room was Dr. Parker and the Director.

"We received this message at 0500 this morning. As before, our efforts to track it's source failed.

Good Morning.

If you wish to acquire the genetic transformation process that I first demonstrated to you four months ago then you will obey the following instructions. There will be NO deviations from my instructions.

1. Beth Clark, formerly Ben Carlson, will fly to San Diego CA. Her guardian Agent Maggie Clark will accompany Beth. First Class tickets on United Flight 211 have been reserved for both of them at Dulles International Airport. They are to fly out tomorrow morning. They are to only have one bag per person. Everything else will be provided. No bugs, no cell phones or communication devices, computers or any weapons.

2. They will be contacted upon their arrival in San Diego.

H. Martz.

"That's it," said the Director, "We have confirmed that tickets are reserved in your names at Dulles. You may be slightly relieved to know that they are round trip. He has you coming back in a week."

"So, we fly to San Diego and hang out in the airport and wait for a message," remarked Maggie.

"You don't really believe that he will let me go?" asked Beth.

"I honesty don't know. We have to be prepared for anything," commented the Director. He didn't show it but he was a bit mad with himself for underestimating Beth. She obviously knew the risks. She would make an excellent agent, assuming she survived this mission. He would keep his eye on her.

"He has to know we'll have agents positioned in the airport," added Steve.

"I'm sure he does, but he is so confident in his plan that he doesn't see that as a problem," commented the Director. "Remember, he sees this as a business meeting. I think he is more worried about protecting the process than anything."

"I don't think he cares about the process or the money. I think the only thing that matters to him is Beth," added Maggie.

The Director nodded. "You may be right. I read the report and it makes sense. I want to make this very clear, while I am not willing to sacrifice anyone, but we must obtain this process to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. This is a matter beyond national security."

"I will catch the next flight out to Southern California," announced Steve. "In addition to Martz, we still have Evans to worry about."

"Agreed." said the Director, "Are there any questions?"

He looked around the room. He looked at Beth.

"Are you up to this young lady?" he asked.

"I guess so. So it will run full circle. Back to where it all began," said Beth softly, almost to herself.

They spent the rest of the morning going over possibilities and contingences. With San Diego so close to Mexico, there was a real possibility of this becoming an international issue. There was the possibility of having them take a second flight. There were several marinas within a stone's throw of the airport, not to mention several smaller airports all close by. There was no way to cover every possibility.

Steve had to leave to catch his flight. He was flying into LAX and would drive down to San Diego. He was actually more worried about Evans than Martz. Maggie kissed him good bye and told him to be careful. He gave Beth a big hug and told her that even though she wouldn't see him, he would be there. They both hoped they would see him soon.

Maggie took Beth back to the safe house. They would be driven to the airport in the morning. Hopefully they would be back in town in a week and it would be all over.

After dinner, they sat on the couch and watched TV. Beth was very clingy and seemed to need contact with Maggie. They almost feel asleep on the couch. Maggie helped Beth upstairs.

"Would you mind if I slept in your bed tonight?" asked Beth.

"No problem, Kiddo, but if you snore you're kicked out," joked Maggie

Beth laughed. "I won't."

Maggie was pleased to hear her daughter laugh. Yes, Beth was now her daughter and she would defend her from any threat.

The flight out to San Diego was uneventful. They both would have enjoyed the pleasures of First Class a lot more if they didn't have the unknown facing them.

They arrived in San Diego thirty minutes late. They went to the baggage claim. As they walked through the airport they kept their eyes open for point of contact. Maggie was also looking to see if she could see Steve. Then there was the feeling that Evans might be close. They picked up their bags and stood there in the main terminal.

"Now what?" asked Beth.

"We wait," said Maggie.

They started to walk down to one of the restaurants when they saw it. There was a limo driver holding up a sign that had their names on it; so much for being subtle.

"Excuse me, I'm Maggie Clark and this is Beth," Maggie informed the driver

"Yes, Ms. Clark. Let me take your bags. Please follow me," he announced.

Maggie looked at Beth and nodded yes. They followed him to his car. It was a white limo. He helped them in and put their bags in the trunk. As Maggie got in she looked around and hoped that Steve was watching.

The driver got in and they left the airport. Maggie tried to ask him where were they going. But he just ignored them. They drove around for almost an hour. Beth noted they were just driving in circles. They eventually seemed to pick a destination. The limo crossed the Coronado Bay Bridge and in a few minutes pulled up to the Hotel Del Coronado.

He carried their bags in and left. They found that a room had been reserved for them.

"Well, I must admit that we definitely going first class," commented Beth. "This is one of the most expensive hotels in San Diego."

They found that a suite had been reserved for them. They were told that the room and all other expenses were paid for.

Once they got in their room, Maggie did a quick sweep for bugs.

"Hey Maggie, check this out," said Beth. She was holding a note in her hand.

"Well, read it Kiddo," replied Maggie.

"I congratulate you for following my instructions. I have taken the liberty of

making dinner reservations for you in the Sheerwater for 7:00 PM. You will be

contacted in the morning after 9:00 AM. Please do not make any phone calls.

H. Martz"

"Here it is. It looks like a nice restaurant," said Maggie, looking at a brochure of the resort, "We have a couple of hours to kill. Why don't you take a nap you look tired."

"Thanks, I think I will," replied Beth.

While Beth napped Maggie checked out their room. It really was lovely. She had always wanted to stay here, she only wished it was under better circumstance. She unpacked their bags and as when she opened the closet she discovered that there were clothes in there. She discovered two dresses and they were top of the line. There were one in her size and one for Beth. There were matching shoes and bags. Martz did think of everything she thought.

Around 5:00 PM she woke up Beth. Maggie got a real kick out of Beth's reaction to the dress. She held it up in front of herself and looked in the mirror. She smiled at seeing Beth happy, especially with the meeting with Martz looming in the morning.

The table reserved for them was very centrally located. Maggie knew that this was done on purpose. She suspected that they were being watched. Beth agreed with her. They both wondered if the mysterious Dr. Martz was watching. Maggie hoped that it wasn't Evans.

In spite of the potential threats and problems they truly enjoyed themselves. They were getting a lot of extra attention from the staff. Maggie figured the word was out that they were high rollers.

Beth was getting a lot of attention and she was eating it all up. The waiter flirted with her the entire night. At first she didn't know how to respond, but she decided that she should just enjoy it as a fringe benefit of the evening. This was so different from the attention she got in school. It felt much more sexual. She felt a bit tingly at times.

"Maggie I've decided what I want to be when I grow up," whispered Beth.

"And what would that be Kiddo," asked Maggie.

"Rich!" said Beth with a smile.

"Yes, it does feel good to have so much pampering," replied Maggie.

She continued to scan the restaurant. She thought she saw Steve but wasn't sure. He would be pissed, if she spotted him., as he takes such pride in his surveillance skills. Maybe it was just her wishful thinking.

Maggie decided they better make it an early night. "We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow, Kiddo. Let's head back to our room."

Beth looked a little disappointed as they got up to leave. As they walked out she could feel the eyes on her. She could get used to this sort of thing.

Her attitude wasn't lost on Maggie. "You need to be careful who you flirt with, you getting too good at it," she whispered to Beth.

Beth smiled back.

Back in their rooms they found a box on the coffee table. Maggie walked over and examined it. She looked inside and found a cell phone and a fanny pack. There was also a note.

"There will be a car waiting for you tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM. He will take

you to your next stop. Additional directions will be sent to you on the phone. Dress

for comfort. Do not attempt to contact anyone, as you will be watched. By the way

the phone has been modified so that it can only receive messages.

I thought you both looked lovely this evening.

H. Martz"

Maggie handed the note to Beth and examined the phone. It was one with text messaging capability. She then picked up the pack. Inside were several sets of keys.

"Looks like tomorrow is the day," Beth remarked. The joy of the evening had been sucked away.

She sat down and pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Maggie put the bag down and sat down next to her. She put her arm around her. She wanted to tell her that everything was going to work out, but she wasn't that sure herself.

"If we get separated tomorrow try and get back here. I will meet you in the lobby," stated Maggie.

Beth nodded. "The only good thing about holding the meeting here is that I do know the area. I used to love this city, but there are too many memories here now. And they are no longer mine, but I can't get rid of them."

Maggie ran her hand through Beth's hair. They sat there for several hours. Beth didn't seem to want to talk and Maggie didn't push her. If she wanted to talk about it she would. Around midnight she helped Beth into the bedroom. She undressed her and put her to bed. Maggie hoped that her dreams would be an escape from the looming meeting tomorrow.

  

Chapter Ten

Road Trip.

 

In the morning it was gray, gloomy and cool. Room service had been provided and Beth and Maggie were sitting on the couch wearing the thick robes that the hotel provided.

"I thought San Diego was sunny and warm all the time," quipped Maggie.

 "Ahhhh….this is 'June Gloom' and it happens every year. The tourist bureau doesn't promote this. It will be sunny by this afternoon," Beth predicted confidently.

"Thank you Beth the weather girl!" joked Maggie.

"So, what should I wear today?" asked Beth.

"Well the message said to dress comfortable, so I am going to wear jeans," said Maggie.

"Cool, I'm wearing my overalls then. Steve said I look cute in them!" said Beth with a huge grin on her face.

"He did! Well I may have to have a talk with him," answered Maggie, hoping that she would see him again.

"Well, I'm going to shower and get dressed," announced Beth.

Beth disappeared in to the bathroom and Maggie heard the shower kick on. She got off the couch and walked over to the window and looked out the window. She was surprised to see as many people on the beach this early. Many were taking jogging and a few were walking their dogs. It all looked so normal. She hoped that Steve was out there, as she still had that feeling of danger. The fact that Evans might be out there made a complicated problem even worse.

Beth got out of the shower and dried off. She stood there in front of mirror and examined her nude body. She liked the person looking back at her. Beth took pride in the fact that she had a nice body. She ran her fingers around her breasts. Maggie was always kidding her about her fixation with them. But they were nice.

Beth focused on her face and she brushed her wet hair aside. She had grown used to seeing her face and then she remembered that she fainted the first time she saw it. At times the events of four months ago seemed like they had occurred years ago. Then the slightest thing could trigger a feeling like it had just happened.

She wondered what she would do if she was offered the chance to become male again. She shook her head as if to drive those thoughts away. It was complicated enough dealing with two lives. She wondered if what it would be like to be forced to be Martz's recreated daughter. Deep down she knew she would resist any offer he made to keep her with him. There was a feeling of sympathy but it was minor compared to the combination of other feeling and emotions she felt about him and how he had turned her life around.

There was a knocking at the door. "Hey Kiddo, are you finished in there?" asked Maggie.

"Sorry, I'll be right out," she said as she put her robe on.

By the time Maggie got out of the bathroom Beth was already dressed. She was wearing a lime green top under her denim coveralls. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Maggie had to agree with Steve's observation that Beth looked really cute.

"So what do you think?" asked Beth.

"You look great," said Maggie with a smile.

As Maggie dressed Beth went back into the bathroom to apply her make-up. Maggie suspected that Beth just wanted to keep her close. She had noticed that Beth rarely allowed Maggie to be more that a few feet away.

Maggie finished getting ready. She was wearing jeans and a white cotton blouse. She would have felt safer if she had her gun with her, but she had been forced to leave it. She checked her watch; it was almost 8:45.

"So, Kiddo, ready to head to the lobby and start our Magical Martz Mystery Tour?" she said with a sly smile.

Beth just groaned at her pun and nodded yes. "I would rather be going to the zoo."

Maggie picked up the phone and put it in the pack. She grabbed her purse and led Beth out to the lobby.

Just as the note as said a driver was waiting for them. Maggie knew it was pointless to ask where they were going. She expected to get a tour of San Diego before the final destination was disclosed. She knew she had to remain sharp at all times.

Beth was silent as they got into the limo. She was trying to be strong and tried willing some of Ben's strength back into her personality. However, she found that she was feeling more and more defenseless and weak. She was grateful that Maggie was with her.

Beth knew that there were only a couple directions they could go initially. Maggie had told her to expect a long and puzzling route. She also said to expect changes in cars.

As Beth expected they drove across the Coronado Bay Bridge into downtown San Diego. The only other route would have been down the Silver Strand and into Imperial Beach. But, that was a straight shot and would have been too easy to trail.

After they crossed the bridge they headed north to the downtown. Beth felt relieved because heading south might mean Mexico. That would make things even more difficult. The limo drove into the Gas Lamp District. Beth knew this area very well. It was the downtown area filled with restaurants and stores.

"I think we're going to the parking lot for Horton Plaza," whispered Beth.

"Why is that?" asked Maggie.

"Horton Plaza is a big downtown shopping center and the indoor garage is huge. There are numerous ways in and out. I got lost in there many times," replied Beth.

"Of course. It will be the perfect place to change cars," stated Maggie.

The driver entered at the 4^th Ave and drove up several levels and stopped. Just then the cell phone rang. Maggie opened it up and saw the message. They were to take the white Chevy Cavalier that was parked next to them. There was a map in the glove box and they were to follow the route marked.

They followed the instructions and got into the car. It was several years old and looked very nondescript. The map had them driving to Pacific Beach. The map gave directions to Mission Blvd. Additional instructions would follow.

"Do you know the area, Beth?" asked Maggie.

Beth smiled and said, "Yes I do. It is right near the beach. There are lots of great bars and restaurants there.

"Did you actually work while you were stationed here or did you just go out?" asked Maggie.

Beth just smiled. She thought about the good times she had there, at first they made her smile, but then she remembered those memories were from an entirely different life.

As they drove up the I-5 towards Pacific Beach, Maggie kept checking her mirrors to see if they were being followed. She didn't see anything out of the normal.

As they turned onto Mission Blvd from Garnet the phone rang again. Beth answered it and read the message. They would pull into the covered parking area for the supermarket on the left. They would see a silver Honda Accord parked by itself. They would take it and follow the map in the glove box.

Sure enough there was a Honda in the parking lot. They abandoned the Chevy and got into the Honda. The map gave them directions north towards Escondido. Further instructions would be sent to them on the phone.

"How many more stops do you think we will make?" asked Beth.

"This might be it. We only have one set of keys left and they look like house keys," answered Maggie.

Beth just nodded.

The phone rang and gave them directions to take 78 to Oceanside and then I-5 south.

"It looks like we are heading down the coast again," remarked Maggie.

The drive was silent. Neither felt like making small talk.

They made the turn onto I-5 and headed back towards San Diego. A few minutes later the phone rang again.

Beth looked at the message and just sat there.

Maggie glanced over at her. She saw that Beth was trembling slightly. She debated pulling off the road.

"Beth what is wrong?" she asked. "Do you want me to pull over?"

There was a long silence. Beth shook her head no. "No, that won't be necessary.".

"So, where do we go next?" asked Maggie.

"Just take me back to where it all started," answered Beth, in a voice that sounded like she was ready to cry.

What Beth said didn't make sense at first. Then it hit her, the private clinic in Carlsbad, where Ben had become Beth.

"I hoped I would never see that place again in my life," remarked Beth.

Maggie was thinking the same thing. The circle was about to be completed.

 

Chapter Eleven

Martz

 

They pulled into the driveway of the clinic. To the casual observer it looked like any other house in the area. It was a bit more isolated but otherwise it looked normal. However it was actually a private clinic that catered to the rich and famous. It allowed them to recover from things like plastic surgery in total safety and privacy. Inside, there was a complete medical facility inside to handle any problems.

The government had rented it four months ago. Maggie had escorted LT Carlson there and watched as he underwent a painful and nearly fatal transformation into Beth. It was also there that Beth had asked to be taken in by Maggie.

They sat in the car for a few minutes. Beth was glaring at the building. Her eyes were filled with anger. Maggie let her compose herself. Then the phone rang again.

Maggie picked it up and looked at the one-word message 'Enter'.

"Are you ready Kiddo?" she asked.

"No, but I don't suppose that makes any difference," replied Beth She tried to smile, but was too scared.

The key opened the front door and they walked in. They looked around and saw no one. They could hear classical music playing from the dining area. Maggie took Beth's hand in her own and they walked together to meet Martz.

He was sitting at the table and he turned around as they walked in. He picked up a remote and turned down the stereo.

Beth looked at the man who had changed her life so drastically changed her life. From his file she knew he was 55, but he looked much older. He had aged so much from the last picture she had seen of him. His hair and beard were gray. He was squinting through his glasses. He really didn't look dangerous and Beth sort of felt sorry for him. But she also knew better to underestimate him.

"Your mother loved that song, " he announced, looking at Beth "You have become such a beautiful young woman, she would be so proud of you."

Beth glared at him, "I'm not your daughter. She died with your wife fifteen years ago. My birth mother sits back in Philadelphia and morns the death of her only son."

Maggie stepped back and didn't say a word. It was like she was watching the end of a play. Martz didn't even seem to notice she was there.

Dr. Martz stared at Beth and held his arms out. "You are my daughter! I can see that with my eyes. You have your mother's looks!"

Beth shook her head and stood her ground, "Dr. Martz, I am not your daughter. You may have transformed me, but that doesn't make me your daughter."

Maggie could see that Martz was delusional. She only hoped that he remained calm and that Beth could convince him that she wasn't his daughter and the shock would snap him back into reality.

"You are my daughter! I want you to come and live with me!" he exclaimed, his words becoming pleas.

"No I can't go with you. I belong with Maggie. Please, Doctor Martz, try to understand! Think about what you have done. You tried to end your grief by recreating your lost daughter. But I am not her! I may have your DNA in me, but I also have the genes of my real parents, the ones that morn me as strongly you morn your lost loved ones," she pleaded.

Maggie noticed that Martz seemed confused; maybe what Beth was saying was sinking in.

Beth moved slowly closer "Look Doctor, I know you didn't mean to hurt anyone, I read all about you. You are a man of peace and science. But you ravaged the lives of ten people and their families. Now, you want to take me away from the most important person in my new life. And would you have me live in a dream world and have me pretend to be your daughter? Do you think that is what she would want?" asked Beth calmly, as she took out the picture of Dr. Martz and his wife and handed it to him.

He took the picture from her and stared at it. Maggie could see that he starting to cry. He looked back up and took off his glasses, wiped them clean, and put them back on.

His eyes opened up wider and he looked over at Maggie. It was as if he was just aware that she was in the room.

"What….have ….I…. done? I have been so blinded by my grief that I have become a monster," he moaned.

"Doctor, let me take you back to Washington. You may be in danger," explained Maggie.

"Correction Agent Clark, he is in no danger. You and your mutant daughter are the ones that should be worrying," growled Jake Evans. He stepped out holding a gun.

Maggie wondered how Evans found them. She got a sickening feeling that there was a leak in their agency, but she had more immediately problems to resolve.

He motioned Maggie and Beth to move closer to Dr. Martz.

 

"As you know from my record I am an expert shot and you know about what I did to that idiot Ellis. I am not afraid to kill. Now, this is what is going to happen. Doctor Martz you will be coming with me. You can bring your creation if you want, she will be a good demonstration of what the process can do. That leaves just you, Agent Clark. Too bad you turned me down. But you were too stuck up to even consider me. You could be spending the rest of you life with me on some sunny beach. Instead, you will be getting a cheap government funeral."

What happened next happened so fast that only later could everyone agree on what happened.

Evans pointed his gun at Maggie, "Well, any last words Bitch?"

"Maggie, Beth, Duck!" shouted Steve as he fired at Evans.

 

Maggie sprang and pulled Beth to the ground as the first shots were fired.

Steve nicked Evans with his first shot in the left arm.. The small room made the shots sound even louder.

Evans fired back and hit Steve in the shoulder. Steve fell back against the wall, struggling to shift his gun to his other hand. Evans turned and was about to shoot Maggie, who was now shielding Beth with her body.

Suddenly Evans screamed out in pain. He dropped his gun and ran out of the room and out the door. He was screaming like a wild animal.

Maggie checked to see if Beth was OK and ran over to Steve. She could tell that the wound was bad but that he should survive. He weakly handed her his gun.

"It's not that bad," he grimaced. "Go! Get that bastard!"

Maggie took the gun and was about to go after Evans when Martz interrupted her.

"Agent Clark, there is no need to pursue him, I have taken care of him," interrupted Dr. Martz.

Maggie noticed he was carrying a dart gun. "What did you do to him?"

"The Martz process, as you call it, doesn't just change gender, it can be used to alter genes in other way. I cannot kill, but I needed to have a way to protect my discoveries and myself. Needless to say that Evans will not be a threat to anyone ever again. I think it is more important that you see to the care of your colleague."

Maggie looked over and saw Beth holding a dishtowel on Steve's wound with one hand and holding his hand with her other.

"Here use this phone to call for help. Don't worry, I will cooperate fully with you," added Dr. Martz. He kept staring at Beth with sad eyes.

Within minutes several other agents joined them. Steve was taken to the hospital and seemed to be in good spirits. Maggie was instructed by the Director to personally escort Beth and Dr. Martz to the Marine Airbase at Miramar. There was a jet standing by to fly them safely back to Washington. They were to leave immediately. The back up teams would take over and secure the scene and search for Evans.

Within an hour they were flying back east. Martz seemed to accept his fate and offered no resistance. Beth was slightly dazed and she sat quietly next to Maggie who was talking on a phone.

 

"Thank you very much, I appreciate the news, " she remarked, as she hung up the phone. "That was the hospital, Steve will be fine."

Beth smiled for the first time since that morning. She then looked at Dr. Martz.

"If you don't mind I have a few questions for you," asked Beth.

"I'm sure that you do Beth," replied Dr. Martz.

Beth sat up and paused for a second as if she was going through a list of questions. "First off, I would like to know why me? How did you select me to be transformed?"

"I accessed the medical database at Balboa Naval Hospital. I screened thousands of candidates and narrowed the list down to a few hundred that fit my required profile. In addition to my being to access military computers I accessed several genetic research databases. I was able to access the research that you and others had done on line. Your national heritage was closest to what I was looking for, mainly German and Scandinavian; you were one of the best candidates that I was able to find. I then narrowed it down observing the candidates," he said. "I couldn't totally erase your DNA, so I picked someone close to my requirements."

"So you were looking for someone you felt was closest to your deceased daughter?" asked Beth.

"Exactly young lady," he said, "I knew that my process wouldn't be perfect. Therefore, I had to find someone who's residual DNA would be acceptable."

"So, why use servicemen?" asked Maggie

"I decided to use military personnel, as I knew they would get immediately medical attention and that the process would be kept secret from the public. I was very impressed with the response. Having them in government service would also make it easier for using your agency to help me isolate and secure them," he said.

"But if you really wanted to transform me, why do this to nine others?" asked Beth.

"I did it so there wouldn't be so much attention on you. However in my madness I obviously got sloppy and allowed you to figure out my plan," he explained.

"So, the others were just selected at random?" asked Maggie.

"Yes they were to be my red herrings to confuse you," replied Dr. Martz, I have acquired a rather sizable fortune in the past few years and I will use it to compensate them for their trouble."

"And do you actually think that will make things better?" asked Beth. "You just picked nine people at random and disrupted their lives to cause confusion? That is really sick!" She also suspected that Dr. Martz wasn't being completely truthful.

Martz stared back. "I now know that nothing I do will compensate them for what I did to them. However there is nothing else I can do. Your doctors and scientists, even with their limited knowledge, correctly deduced that a second transformation would be fatal. Besides, the process can no longer be used. I destroyed everything including all my notes. I thought it had accomplished what I wanted."

He was looking at Beth with a sad look on his face. She struggled for something to say. She had hated this man initially and now there was a feeling of pity.

"I have one more question for you Doctor. Was my acceptance of my new gender and body part of the process?" asked Beth.

"Yes it was part of the process. I put it in so that you wouldn't be in so much pain. I hope you understand," he said.

"It eased the pain somewhat and it has helped me accept what I am, but if you really were interested in easing my pain, you would have left me alone in the first place," said Beth softly.

"I think you owe her an apology Doctor," remarked Maggie.

Before Dr. Martz could speak, Beth interrupted. "It isn't necessary Maggie, it doesn't matter, I can now get on with my life," smiled Beth.

"You are lucky Doctor that she is such a forgiving person," commented Maggie. "I doubt many others would be so fast to forgive and forget."

Beth mumbled something about the fact that she would never forgive him. She suddenly felt exhausted; she asked if she could be excused. Maggie took her to the back of the jet and found some pillows and blankets. Beth fell asleep immediately and Maggie left her to continue questioning Dr. Martz.

 

She wanted to continue her questioning while he was so cooperative. He gave her the location of his lab and she passed the information on to agents to confirm its destruction.

As she questioned him she felt a sense of relief that the process was destroyed. He filled in a few missing pieces of the puzzle. He told her that he had developed a miniature self guided syringe. This was used to expose Beth and the others to the process. He could guide it in and have it inject them. If they felt it at all, they could think it was an insect sting. He said he would provide the agency with the plans. He told her that he had several other genetic processes that could be used and adapted to treat a variety of diseases.

His regained sanity seemed to spark a need to try and erase the troubles he had caused. Maggie knew that he was too valuable to be locked away. He would be allowed to continue his work with genetics. She didn't necessarily agree with this. He had caused a lot of pain and heartache. She also knew that he would have to be guarded so that he couldn't be made to recreate the Martz process. She didn't quite believe he was telling the complete truth. She couldn't believe that the other nine patients were just randomly selected. But she felt that she wouldn't get anything else from him today.

"Doctor, I have one last question, what did you do to Evans?" she asked.

"I cannot kill, but I knew that that man had to be stopped. I injected him with a very concentrated amount of the process. The process was very adaptable and I used the remaining base solution mixed some DNA to create a non-lethal weapon. I like to think that I improved him," smiled Martz

Maggie looked at him wondering what had he done to Evans. Just then the phone rang. She answered it and talked to the lead agent back in San Diego. She listened to him and then thanked him.

After she put her phone away she looked at Martz and debating thanking him for so cleverly removing Evans from the picture.

"I just talked to an agent back in San Diego. Seems they found the car Evans was driving. Evans was nowhere to be seen. But they are wondering why he would leave a chimpanzee dressed in his clothes in his car, do you have an answer Doctor?" asked Maggie.

"Well, we aren't that different genetically and we need more chimps than people like Evans. I look at it as his parting gift to humanity. The concentration of the solution should have transformed Evans completely, there should be no traces of human DNA in her," explained Martz. "The higher concentration of the process would cause a near immediate transformation. It shouldn't have taken more than 30 minutes. I imagine that it was extremely painful."

"You mean that Evans is now a female chimpanzee?" asked Maggie.

"Yes, she should be just entering maturity and should be able to produce many young," replied Martz.

 

Maggie felt that Evans got off lightly and that becoming a chimp was a promotion, but at least he was no longer a worry. She looked at her watch and saw that they should be in Washington in an hour. What bothered her was how did Evans find them, She would let the Director know her suspicions that the agency might have a traitor.

 

Chapter Twelve

Tying Up Loose Ends

  

Upon their return from San Diego Maggie tried to get their lives back in some sort of normalcy. The adoption papers were finalized. This helped Beth to recover from the events of the San Diego. She seemed to be putting the whole experience behind her. However she did want to know if would be OK to maintain contact with Dr. Martz. She said that even though he was warped in his thinking they did have a link between them. Her request was sent to the Director for review.

A few days later they picked up Steve at Dulles. Both Maggie and Beth were happy to see him. Steve also told Maggie that now since the mission was over there was no longer any conflicts of interest. Beth was happy as her Mom began to date Steve. They planned a real vacation for later in the summer.

A week or so later Maggie was getting ready for bed when she heard Beth knocking at her door.

"Come in Kiddo. What's on your mind?" asked Maggie, patting the edge of her bed inviting Beth to have a seat.

Beth came in and sat down next to her mom. "I was lying there in bed trying to figure out everything that I have been through.".

"That might keep you up for weeks. Is there anything specific you want to talk about?" asked Maggie, with a smile.

Beth smiled back. "Well, I am trying to figure out who I am. I mean how much of me is left over from before and how much is from the good doctor's meddling? I accept that I am a girl and to be honest I am relieved that I don't have an option to change again. Actually accept isn't true. I really love being a girl. I am making sense or am I just rambling?"

 

"A little of both Kiddo. I think you'll have to accept that you are always going to have a sense of duality in your life. You were male for twenty-six years. You have only been female for roughly five months and a pretty exciting five months at that. I think that what you need is some good old fashioned boring normal life. And that is about as philosophical as I can get at 11:45 in the evening," explained Maggie. However, she knew that Beth's life would never be boring and normal.

Beth looked at her and smiled. "I guess you're right. I will resolve to try and live a 'nice normal life' and the answers will come."

Maggie gave her a hug and kissed her good night.

Beth got up and walked towards the door. "I think that having a dad would make it easier for me to have a 'nice normal life'!"

Beth never had a chance to escape, as the pillow hit her across her head.!

The End

  

  

  

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