Strikers Instinct (16 page)

Luke was stunned. “I don't know what to say – you'll have to tell me more.” he stammered.

Harry smiled, “I was hoping for that kind of reaction!” he said. “Let me tell you the full story.”

This time it was Luke's turn to take a large swig from his bottle of beer.

“I worked on the fringes of the team who were developing the new drink and I could see how excited they were about the new fruit,” said Harry, “so I took some samples away with me to the Dementia research facility. Although it's fairly basic and we only have a small team we began to run some tests and the results were amazing.”

“Amazing in what way?” Luke broke in.

“Well – unexpected may be the better word.” replied Harry. “We found that the animals we tested it on reacted slightly differently but there was a general pattern to their behaviour. They all seemed to become more aware of their surroundings – more intuitive somehow. In certain tests they seemed to be able to sense danger before it happened and they began to sort of predict when things would happen.”

“That sounds weird.” said Luke uneasily.

“Not at all.” said Harry. “We weren't giving them something they didn't have – it was as if their existing senses had been slightly heightened – and different animals had slightly different actions. The drug didn't make them faster or stronger but seemed somehow to heighten their perspective or sharpen their instincts.”

Luke nodded as if he understood but in reality he was just confused.

Then Harry became more animated, “But the real breakthrough came when we gave the fruit extract to humans!”

“Whoa!” said Luke, “You tried this out on people?”

“Of course.” said Harry. “We've proved it's a non-toxic plant extract with no side effects – I knew it wouldn't cause any problems.”

Luke couldn't hold back his curiosity. “Well,” he asked, “what happened?”

“I tried it on some patients who were showing severe signs of early-onset dementia,” said Harry excitedly, “and the results were amazing!”

“You mean it cured them?” cried Luke.

“Course not you idiot!” grumbled Harry, “but it did give them temporary relief and in some extreme cases for a couple of days they seemed more like their old selves.”

“So what happened next?” asked Luke.

“Well for the last couple of years I have been running extensive tests on different patients using different dosages. I've mostly kept the research to myself – the staff involved are very encouraged by the results but they think that I am using a combination of traditional drugs and therapy.”

“And now?” asked Luke.

“Well the big problem always has been that I can make a temporary improvement but I can't make it last – but during the last six months I have been trying a new approach. What do you know about Nanotechnology?”

Luke grunted. “Well I probably know a little bit more than the average bloke in the street but it wasn't something we used too much – although it was becoming more popular in areas such as Artificial Intelligence.”

Harry tried to explain. “I suppose what we have actually been trying to use is Nanomedicine – which is an extension of Nanotechnology. In its most basic form Nanotechnology refers to working with material that can be delivered in very small amounts to hopefully achieve improved results. The size of nanomaterials, therefore, hopefully means that this can be useful for biomedical research and applications.”

Luke seemed lost.

Harry went on. “New commercial applications in the drugs industry these days include advanced drug delivery systems, in other words – several companies have been experimenting with this kind of technology to deliver drugs in a new way. Targeted drug delivery will reduce side effects but also we can hopefully deliver them straight to the intended treatment area without being absorbed by surrounding material.”

“Still not fully with you mate.” apologised Luke.

“I thought you had a Masters Degree?” Harry grumbled.

“I do,” argued Luke, “But I'm not Stephen Hawking!”

“OK.” Harry smiled. “Simple as possible – I use tiny robots to carry the plant extract to the brain and attach it there permanently.”

“Is that it?” asked Luke incredulously.

“More or less.” said Harry. “In conjunction with the injection we still have to use regular doses of the plant extract in the traditional way but that's about it.”

“And that cures Alzheimer's?” asked Luke incredulously.

“Course it doesn't!” said Harry angrily “How could you think that?”

Once again Luke seemed totally baffled.

Harry calmed a little. “So far I have managed to partially arrest the condition of patients with early-onset – and that is a massive step forward but we are still a long way from a full cure. We may never actually get there but this new treatment could be the biggest breakthrough for years. If we can treat people as soon as they start to show signs of dementia then we could change millions of lives around the world.”

Finally Luke understood. “Harry that's fantastic – you must be so proud.”

Harry still seemed troubled.”I'm really pleased with the progress so far but hopefully now you see my problem?”

Luke immediately understood. “Ed?” he asked.

“Ed.” Harry agreed. “If he makes a link between my research and the main ingredient in the new drug then he may try to claim Intellectual Property which means he will try to license the treatment.”

“That could be a big problem.” Luke agreed. “Intellectual Property is a big issue in the IT world at the moment. Under intellectual property laws, owners are granted certain exclusive rights to a variety of intangible assets, such as musical, literary, and artistic works, discoveries and inventions. I guess Ed could claim that it was his company that made the discovery.”

“Exactly.” said Harry. “I reckon I need at least twelve more months to cover my tracks so that Ed doesn't get his hands on my work. That's why I can't afford to walk away from him at the moment – I don't want him to close down the research facility and I also don't want him to become suspicious.”

“So what are you going to do?” asked Luke.

“Nothing.” said Harry. “Well as far as Ed is concerned I'm going to do nothing but I'll continue to cover my tracks and also I need to keep on with my research. And that's where you may be able to help me. You did say that you would do anything to help?”

“Wait,” said Luke, “hang on a minute – I'm not becoming some kind of guinea pig!”

“Calm down.” said Harry with a grin. “I wouldn't do anything to you that I haven't already tried myself.”

“You've tried this extract yourself?” asked Luke.

“I told you it was harmless.” said Harry. “I've been taking it since we made the break through and it hasn't done me any harm – in fact it has some interesting, beneficial side-effects.”

Luke seemed more than sceptical so Harry continued.

“As I said a few minutes ago,” explained Harry, “this new treatment won't turn anyone into a super hero but there are other advantages. As far as I am concerned it has really helped me concentrate and I seem to be able to multitask much more easily.”

“But you could do that before?” broke in Luke.

“Exactly!” replied Harry excitedly, “But now I seem to be much better at it!”

“So what you are saying is that it will just heighten existing instincts and talents?”

“Eureka!” cried Harry, “By Jove he's got it!”

“OK,OK,” grinned Luke, “you're still not too big for a slap!”

Both men laughed and then Luke sat back to consider what Harry had just shared with him.

“So what do you want from me?”

“Pretty straightforward,” Harry answered, “I want you to become part of the study group. You will receive the initial nano-drug – which may or may not be a placebo – and then each day you will top it up with the new drink.”

“How many are in the study group?” asked Luke.

“Don't worry about that,” answered Harry, “just remember that all of you will be doing vital work. In fact some of the group have already been taking the treatment for 18 months but I am always looking for new members.”

“But you may not even give me the initial nano-drug?” asked Luke.

“That's correct.” answered Harry. “A valuable part of the study deals with the comparison between the two groups.”

“But what about the football team?” asked Luke.

“What do you mean?” replied Harry.

“I know that I'm only really pretending to a footballer but I am a registered player and it could happen that at sometime in the future I may be asked to take a random blood test.” Luke explained.

“Don't worry about that,” replied Harry, “I told you that everything about this plant is completely natural – there are no stimulatives or sedatives so nothing would show up on a blood test. In fact – just to be doubly sure we will register you as an official member of the TxT Plus test group – then even if the plant extract does show up then you are fully covered.”

Luke still didn't seem sure. “If I agree to go ahead with this then what can I expect?” he asked.

Harry shook his head. “We don't really know.” he answered honestly. “In some cases nothing at all happens. In others there have been some interesting results. One person looked forward to having a bet on the horses at the weekend and he was always moderately successful – after he took the treatment, things improved dramatically!”

“What do you mean?” asked Luke.

Harry laughed, “Don't worry,” he said, “it's not like some kind of crystal ball – he just seems to look at the horses before a race and occasionally one just literally jumps out at him. He doesn't win every time but his win ratio has certainly improved. As far as you are concerned I'm interested to see how you would react on the football pitch.”

Luke stared at Harry.

“We both know that some of the greatest goal scorers of all time haven't been the most skilful players.” explained Harry. “They just seemed to know how to be in the right place at the right time. You are a decent footballer and even at your age I'm hoping that the plant extract will make you more aware of your surroundings – and now you are in the ideal environment to test it.”

Luke nodded. “But it may not even affect me at all?” he asked.

“Exactly,” agreed Harry, “but there are one or two things that I will guarantee. First of all – not a single person who has tried this product has had a problem – not one person. Secondly – the one thing I am sure about is that you will always get a good night's sleep! That's a great side effect! Finally – and probably most importantly – you will be helping us work towards perhaps conquering a cruel illness that destroys individuals and families alike.”

For a few seconds Luke didn't speak, then he rose and began to walk away. “Wait there a second.” he asked.

Luke returned a few moments later with what looked like a fountain pen in his hand. “Given what you said about Ed I think that from now on you are going to need this.”

He handed the pen across to Harry – for the first time today it was his turn to look puzzled. “I'm sorry Luke – I don't understand, I have plenty of pens.”

Luke grinned, “Ah, but I bet you don't have one like this.” he said. “It's one of the many toys I still get asked to test by my friends from my past life. It's a digital voice recorder – but with a twist.”

Harry gazed at the pen. “Why would I need something like that?” he asked.

“Well not so much for the voice recorder,” Luke explained, “although that can be useful – but it's the other feature that may come in handy. It's a jammer.”

“Jammer?” asked Harry nervously.

Luke laughed, “Don't worry,” he said, “it's not like Dr Who's sonic screwdriver! Quite simply, if you think that someone may be recording your conversation, then you flick the switch and voila – everything is scrambled! If you think that Ed – or anyone else could be monitoring your conversations then just keep this turned on.”

Harry looked at Luke. “That's a great idea – I'll definitely start using it – I'm sure that over the next few months it could come in handy.” Then another thought struck Harry. “Do you use one of these?” he asked.

“Why would I need one?” Luke asked innocently.

Harry didn't seem convinced but carried on. “OK – back to the original subject. What do you think about joining the study group?”

Luke hesitated than smiled. “I trust you,” he said, “If you think it will help then I will do whatever you need – when do we start?”

Harry sighed with relief. “That's great – I can't thank you enough. If you can make an excuse to disappear for 30 minutes or so over the weekend then we can sort everything out – is that OK?”

Luke nodded and then both men shook hands. Harry had to check on some patients on his way home so he said goodbye to Luke and Sue and thanked Nell for the meal. Luke watched Harry drive away and turned and walked back into the house. As he walked he reached into his pocket and pulled out a fountain pen – and flicked a hidden switch to “off”.

Monday morning arrived and Luke drove towards to the training ground. He had quickly established his routine so that he arrived well before the players – this allowed him the luxury of a cup of tea in the canteen and the chance to catch up with all the gossip from Maud. Today, however, wasn't going to be a normal day. As Luke approached the gates he was surprised to see a large crowd on both sides of the road.

As soon as the crowd noticed Luke's vehicle they sprang into life and moved towards him. Some hoisted cameras onto their shoulders, others pushed microphones towards the car. They saw the large black vehicle with tinted windows and sensed that it could be their target. However, as soon as Luke slowed down and slid down his window they realised they would have to wait a little longer. Most of them simply turned their backs on Luke but one familiar face stepped forward.

“Morning Luke,” said Sam, “Looking forward to today?”

“Not as much as you lot it seems.” joked Luke. “I take it that I am not what this lot expected?”

It was Sam's turn to laugh, “Not really,” he said, “most of them don't even know who you are! They're all here to catch Mr. Pryce.”

“I guessed as much but for a minute I thought I had become famous!” Luke said. “Any way – what are you doing outside with all the commoners – I thought you had special status?”

“Sometimes it does a little bit of good to mix with these guys for a while,” whispered Sam conspiratorially, “you never know what you might pick up. I'll listen for a bit longer then I'll follow you in.”

Luke waved goodbye to Sam and then the security guard waved him through the now-open barrier – he suddenly realised that it was the first time he had seen the barrier down, normally he just drove straight through. He parked as close to the canteen as possible and then strolled into the room to find Maud already pouring him a drink.

“Morning Maud,” he called, “what's new?”

“Morning love,” Maud replied, “it's all happening here today – I've never seen that sneaky sod in here as early as this before!”

“I take it you mean our beloved Chairman?” said Luke as seriously as he could manage.

“You know very well who I mean!” sniffed Maud, “and I can tell that you are trying not to laugh! He's got the rest of the board with him – it's like they are waiting for royalty!”

They chatted for a little while longer as Luke drank his tea and then they started to hear other cars arrive outside so Luke stood to leave.

“Did you have a good weekend love?” was Maud's parting shot.

“Not bad,” replied Luke, “same as usual really but it's always nice to spend time with the family – and my mother!”

They both laughed as Luke walked towards the door – Luke smiled to himself as he thought that this weekend had been anything but “same as usual”. Yesterday he had managed to slip away for an hour to visit Harry at the Dementia research clinic. He had arrived to find only Harry in the office and he was surprised that the first thing Harry presented him with was a bunch of papers to sign.

“What's this?” demanded Luke.

“Standard paperwork.” replied Harry. “That first one is a confidentiality document from TxT saying that you won't pass on the prototype drink to anyone. The second paper is from the clinic saying more or less the same thing about the tests we are going to run.”

“And the final document?” Luke enquired.

Harry grinned, “That just says that you agree not to sue me if your hair falls out!”

Luke stiffened.

“Calm down!” laughed Harry. “It's all perfectly standard and perfectly safe.” Then he turned serious. “Look – I don't want to bully you into this – if there is any doubt at all then you shouldn't go through with it.”

Luke shook his head. “No, I trust you,” he said, “let's get on with it.”

Luke signed the documents and then Harry began to beam.

“What's so funny?” asked Luke.

“I love this bit!” replied Harry as he pulled out something that resembled a space-age phaser.

“Please don't tell me you are hoping to use that on me?” said Luke nervously.

“Don't be a wuss,” Harry grunted, “you won't feel a thing!”

“That's exactly what you told me when I had to have that prostate examination as part of my last medical,” replied Luke, “and that certainly brought tears to my eyes!”

Harry ignored Luke's protests.”You may have seen a version of this on Tomorrow's World or maybe The Gadget Show – it delivers an injection without actually using a needle.”

As usual Luke was sceptical. “Let's just get this over with.” he urged.

Harry went behind Luke and placed the gadget near Luke's neck. There was a sudden hiss and then Harry moved away.

“Is that it?” asked Luke.

“Yep,” replied Harry, “all done. The gadget uses a compressed mechanism to fire the drug straight to the cerebral cortex.”

Luke frowned. “You know,” he said, “it's a bit creepy when you refer to this thing as a drug.”

“Force of habit.” Harry said, “When we have proved that it works and we start to hand it out to patients then we will have to refer to it as a drug – but once again just let me say, it's perfectly natural and perfectly safe.”

Harry then led Luke through into the next room.

“OK,” he said, “I need to make sure you have enough TxT Plus to last you for a while. The finished product will be carbonated but for the duration of this experiment you can choose either fizzy or still – take your pick.”

Luke picked up two identical bottles with two different coloured tops. He took a sip from both bottles.

“That's surprising,” he said, “they both taste quite nice!”

Harry laughed, “I told you – Ed is going to make a fortune from this.”

Luke decided to take equal measures of both types of drink and Harry helped him carry the cases to the car.

“What now?” Luke asked.

“That's it!” laughed Harry. “For non-dementia sufferers there doesn't seem to be a pattern. You may not get any reaction at all but then again you may notice something straight away. Just keep a diary on your phone and please call me if you have any questions.”

And that was it. Luke had returned home and stashed the drinks in a locked cabinet in an outbuilding and as he moved towards the changing room on Monday morning he had to admit that he felt no difference whatsoever.

A few of the now-familiar faces greeted him as he entered the room and he moved towards his assigned locker. Luke quickly changed and sat down to wait to hear what was in store for the rest of the day. A few minutes later the whole group were ordered outside and split into smaller units for the usual warm-up sessions. After 30 minutes the players had started muttering amongst themselves – it looked like once again Jake Pryce wasn't going to turn up. The training staff were struggling to get the players to concentrate and they were becoming slightly concerned. Suddenly a group of people emerged from the admin block and all activity ceased.

Leading the group was Ed Tierney together with a tall figure with long curly hair. Behind the two were Sandy Dunbar, the rest of the board and various hangers-on. As the group got nearer they could all see that one of the two leading figures was already dressed in full Wishton training kit – Luke recognised him as Jake Pryce. There was complete silence as the two groups came together.

“Good morning gentlemen.” Ed boomed, “I'm sure you are all as excited as I am to welcome Jake Pryce to our club!”

Ed then paused to wait for the round of applause that never came – in fact his words were met with complete silence.

Ed didn't seem concerned. “We are sorry that Jake couldn't be here for the start of training but it's my fault – we had a few details we had to attend to but he's here now and raring to go.”

To be fair to Jake he did look keen – which couldn't be said for most of the Wishton team. Ed led Jake forward and began to introduce Jake to each member of the squad. It soon became clear that the players seemed to be split into two camps. Many of the younger players were secretly in awe of such a famous figure and one or two of them grinned as they shook hands. The older players were more hostile, most of them shook hands with Jake but didn't seem happy. There were two players however, who definitely weren't happy. As Jake approached Stan Taylor he held out his hand.

“Good to see you Stan,” he grinned, “looking forward to playing with you again.”

Stan's eyes narrowed and he ignored the outstretched hand “Keep out of my way or I will snap you in two.” he said with silent menace. Stan then turned his back and walked away.

“I'm sure he will come round.” smiled Jake and one or two of the players laughed.

The last player in the line was Adi Abale – the veteran centre forward whose massive frame fairly bristled with suppressed rage. Once again Jake held out his hand. Adi just looked at him and then spat at the ground between Jake's feet. He then turned slowly and walked away. Jake simply shrugged and turned and walked the other way.

Sandy groaned and then stared hard at Ed. “I warned you about this,” he whispered angrily, “both Stan and Adi are two of the most level-headed and reliable members of the squad but do you know what else they have in common?”

Ed shook his head.

“They have both played with Jake before!” Sandy fired his words at Ed.

Ed shot back at Sandy, “Well I suggest that you keep them apart until Jake settles in.” he then turned and strode away.

Sandy and his assistants shouted and cajoled the group back into training but it had to be said that the rest of the day continued under a cloud. There were no more incidents but there was a nasty atmosphere that wouldn't go away.

For once Luke was glad when training finished and he stopped by the canteen for his final brew.

Maud looked at Luke and shook her head. “I'm guessing that didn't go as planned love?” she asked.

Luke shook his head. “No.” he said, “To be fair to Jake Pryce he did seem to try his best – if he carries on like that I don't think that there will be a problem.”

“I think it may be too late.” said Maud sadly.

“What's happened?” asked Luke.

“I've heard on the grapevine that Stan and Adi have asked to go on the transfer list!” whispered Maud conspiratorially.