Read Howl of the Wolf (Heirs to the Throne Book 1) for Free Online

worked for Alex many spans ago, and remembered thrilling life-saving discoveries that stimulated the intellect and honed her medical skills.  She’d been transferred during the war, and today her work in the medical labs felt monotonous.  They churned out bodies for profit.
    Stopping at the laboratory window, Krystal told the children, “Please observe the work in Medical Lab Six.  Technicians skillfully operate components of Transfer equipment.”  What a lie!  Techs learned to operate only one piece of equipment, performing like robots, span after span.
    “The quality of work means the difference between life and death during Transfer.”  The truth!  I’ve heard about too many accidents lately.  Is our quality slipping?   “This area contains the genetic testing facilities.  We screen patients for genetic anomalies that once killed patients.”  Her explanation produced blank stares, since these children were never exposed to disease or death.  I hardly remember the heartache of a patient dying, but now I’m afraid it will happen again .
    “At one time life expectancy was one single span of about eighty standard years.  Imagine having just one short span to live a full life.”  Young eyes widened in awe.  “A team of four doctors developed the Transfer procedure.  Dr. Alexander cloned the first human and created human parts for organ transplant,” Krystal explained.  “In those days doctors replaced hearts, kidneys, livers, and other vital organs to prolong life.  Clones still had hereditary defects.  A genetic engineer, Dr. Jerome joined the team to solve the problem.”
    A robot entered the room pushing a cart filled with drinks and cookies.  Krystal announced, “Please take some refreshments.  As you eat, I’ll continue.”  The children approached the servitor robot in an orderly fashion under the baleful gaze of their teacher. 
    “To preserve cloned bodies an expert on artificial life-support, Dr. Hartman joined the team."
    “How’d they get the brains out of the old bodies?” Robert asked, his mouth full of cookie.
    Krystal laughed.  “I’m glad you asked, Robert.  We don’t actually take the brain out of the patient.  The clone’s memory is blank so we imprint the clone with the patient’s memories.”
    “Like transferring data in computers?” Julie asked.
    Krystal nodded.  “Originally, the doctors didn’t know about Transfer, didn’t even think of the idea until an accident happened.  They were preparing for a heart transplant, and the patient experienced a severe heart attack, his arms and legs thrashing.  He knocked one doctor down, and fell off the table—” 
    “Did he die?” Jeremy asked eagerly.
    “No,” Krystal paused for effect, “When the patient crashed into the life-support machinery, the clone on the other table opened his eyes and sat up.”
    “Like Frankenstein’s monster!”  Harold whispered.
    Krystal laughed.  “Yes, but it was the patient’s mind inside the clone. He saw the lab, the machines, and the doctors through the eyes of his clone.”
    “Wow!” Alicia said.  The entire class laughed.
    “The doctors got excited.  Why replace damaged parts one by one if the whole body could be replaced all at once?”
    Robert shook his head.  “I’d be scared.”
    “The phenomenon was like astral projection, when a mind leaves its body for short time periods.  Luckily, Dr. Stewart, who was an expert in astral projection, joined the team.
    “Think of it.  Each scientist was working independently to perfect components of Transfer.  By combining efforts, they invented Transfer.  What regulations govern Transfer?”
    Thomas said, “A Transfer must be approved by the Institute.  Each span can’t be less than fifty standard years except for emergencies.  The fee is paid in cash or service contract.  Where do they keep the clones?”
    Krystal smiled.  “In special stasis chambers in a space lab or ship.  Let’s go directly