Since the dawn of time, humanity has been expected to serve a purpose. We are often call upon in times of hardship, to step up and fight for the beliefs that make us who we are. In many cases, this call comes in the form of fighting those who hold beliefs that are different than our own. Humanity always quotes the benefits of peace, but fails to mention that war and terror must always come before it, and when it is done: peace is so rarely achieved. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure indoctrination, to create a generation that believes in the same things as the generation that came before it; constancy in belief, the only way to truly achieve peace.

Chapter One: Sins of the Father

Carl walked through the small facility, taking pictures with his bulky camera, as his faded in and out of what the real estate agent was saying.

"That's good. And the basement of the facility?" Carl asked, taking more pictures.

"The basement was left more or less unfinished by the previous owners. There's a few small offices down there, as well a large vault. They took the door with them when they left however, so if that's something that interests you, it needs replacement." The real estate agent said, as he read through some of the papers he was holding.

"Good. And the foundation is good? If there was expansion, underneath in the basement, there wouldn't be much to worry about?" Carl asked.

"Not a bit. The upper foundation is good, and as far as I know, the power lines actually run in from the front underneath the parking lot...So should the sewer pipes...So the sides of the building, as well as the basement, are good for development." The real estate agent answered.

"I think this is perfect. Tell me, what did the previous occupant use this building for?" Carl asked.

"They were a small paper company, Odessa Paperworks. Went bankrupt earlier this year, thanks to a few larger paper companies starting to expand." The real estate agent answered.

"And the equipment?" Carl asked.

"Most of it comes with the building...The bank foreclosed on everything, the old owners couldn't afford a pot to piss in, sort to speak." The real estate agent answered.

"And the price?" Carl asked.

"Well, when everything is said and done, we're looking for a cost of $670,000." The real estate agent said, expecting Carl to be shocked at the price.

Instead, Carl smiled as he took out a chequebook and began writing a figure down.

"There's an extra $20,000 there. Consider that to be part of your fees. We'll take it." Carl said, as the real estate agent nodded and tucked the cheque into his pocket.

"Well, we'll just do up the paper work and get things going Mr...?" The real estate agent asked.

"Bennet. Carl Bennet."

*****************************************************




Carl walked through the facility that was now humming with people, many were painting the facility and others were tearing down old walls and making other structural changes.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything." A voice, with a distinctive English accent, said from behind Carl.

Carl turned around and smiled as he looked at his old friend.

"Not at all, Daniel. Please come in." Carl said, as he motioned for Linderman to walk into the facility.

"I like what you've done with the place. Glad to see our money could buy such an efficient facility." Linderman said, as he looked around at the place.

"The basement is the best part, come with me." Carl said, as he motioned for Linderman to follow him.

The two men walked over to a small part of the facility, as Carl moved an overhead bookshelf out of the way, revealing a small trapdoor underneath.

"As far as I know, it's the only access point to the basement. We'll work on getting something more effective put in for the time we open the place, but for now it's good and keeping the place hidden." Carl said.

"Good. I'll want it kept hidden as well once we do install a more effective enterance...Considering the types of things we'll be putting down there." Linderman said, as he opened the trapdoor and lowered himself down, Carl following behind.

"This is impressive...I was expecting to have to huddle over." Linderman said, as he looked around at the large bare space that was called the basement.

"Yes, it is surprisingly large, isn't it?" Carl asked, as he walked over to the empty area that used to be the vault.

"Apparently, the old company kept most of their cash down here...Something about not trusting banks. They took the vault door with them, but left most of the security boxes intact. I've called a locksmith to completely change the locks and get us a set of keys for each box." Carl said, as Linderman inspected the boxes.

"Good. There's a few things I wouldn't mind keeping in here either...Of course, none of my art collection, that stays with me." Linderman said with a smile, as Carl laughed slightly.

"So, we'll have the space we'll need for the containment areas as well as the special facilities?" Linderman asked.

"I double checked with the city planner, and the power and water lines do run under the parking lot, so we're free to expand in the other directions. I also made a nice arrangement to make sure the blueprints of our facility don't have a basement listed, it was a large investment, but it will pay off in the future." Carl said, as he rubbed some of the dirt on the walls.

"I like that...It's good forethought." Linderman said, as he looked around at the large empty basement.

"How Erica?" Linderman asked.

"Good. She's starting to pressure me about all the work, the constant moving around...I think she's hoping we can stay in Odessa for awhile." Carl stated.

"I hope so as well. Once we've gotten this place operational, I'd like to have you taking care of things for us here." Linderman said, as he scratched his growing beard slightly.

"I think she'd like that. Considering..." Carl started, before he stopped.

"Considering?" Linderman asked.

"She's late...No official word yet, but she's got a doctor's appointment, it seems like we may be having a baby." Carl said, smiling.

"That's wonderful news, Carl. Any thoughts on names? I've always been partial to Daniel..." Linderman said, laughing as Carl joined in with him.

"Well...I know Erica likes Rachel for a girl, I don't I've been fond of Laura. But we seem to agree on a boy's name." Carl said.

"Which is?" Linderman asked.

"Noah." Carl replied.

"Noah? That's not one you hear too often..." Linderman replied.

"I suppose not, but Erica likes the Biblical connection and it was my great-grandfather's middle name, so we agree on it." Carl answered.

"Well, I just hope the little bundle of joy won't complicate your work here, Carl. There's much that needs to be done...And you're not just on my schedule, there's a few others who are determined to make sure we're done this in time." Linderman said, as he made his way back to the trapdoor and began to pull himself up.

When the two men were back in the main room of the factory, Linderman looked over at Carl.

"Well, I hope you can have this place operation by next year...We've already got our sister company working down in New York." Linderman said, as Carl seemed surprised.

"Already? How did you guys manage that..." Carl wondered.

"We have our methods...Time is not a luxury we can all afford, Carl." Linderman answered, as he turned to make his way to the door.

"Oh, and give Erica my best." Linderman said, as he turned slightly, as Carl nodded.

"So, have you picked our name yet?" Carl call out, as Linderman turned at the door, stopping as he smiled slightly.

"Primatech." Linderman answered, as he walked through the door and out of the paper company...

End of of Chapter One

Of course, war is not the only way to bring about means of change. So often, people forget to look at the joys of life that cause simple changes. Art, film, television, constant mediums that are changing and creating a new way of communication through out the world. It was once that ideology was spread at the barrel of a gun; but World War II taught us that it can be spread through the radio. That posters, art, and things that we consider beautiful can very well change our perception and thoughts of the world around us. In the future, who knows what technological medium will control the very line of ideology. I believe, however, that the next step forward will be the defining medium: The one that will connect everyone, everywhere; and the governments will fear this.

Richard Drucker, Addressing the Linderman Group, 1972

Chapter Two: Now Hiring

New York, New York, June 14th, 1965

Carl was tired. It had been a long flight, and despite his best efforts to keep his mind on the mission at hand, he found himself thinking of home; of Erica and Noah. He grabbed the small cup of coffee he bought from the convenience store, as he took a long sip from it...Before spitting it out. He threw the cup to the ground, as he looked back in the direction of the store.

"You call that coffee!?" He yelled out, no one caring as the street was practically deserted at this time.

He walked through the streets of New York, beginning to wonder just what exactly he was doing here. He hadn't heard from Linderman in awhile; last he heard the poor sap might have been drafted into the war effort. He was hoping that wasn't true, the group couldn't function well without Linderman at the helm.

Carl continued to walk through the streets, beginning to regret throwing the 'coffee' away, as he could really use a pick me up. He stopped outside a large skyscraper, it wasn't the building that caught his eye, but rather the large fountain that sat in the middle between the two buildings. It had two large poles sticking up in it, almost suggesting that something was going to be there, but not there yet. Carl walked over to it, barely noticing the other man standing by it.

"You need something?" The man asked, as Carl finally noticed him.

"No...Just wondering. Is something going here, or is this what passes for art these days?" Carl asked, adding a slight chuckle.

The man laughed a bit too, as he scratched his balding head.

"Something is coming. We've hired an artist to do a nice rendering of a statue. To the untrained observer, just a simple set of stairs. But to the trained eye, a set of DNA." The man answered.

"So, you own this fountain? You must be Mr. Kirby." Carl said, as the man shook his head.

"Own yes...Named for, no." The man replied, as he extended his hand.

"My friends call me Bob...Bob Bishop." Bob said, as Carl took his hand and shook it.

"Well, talk about coincidence, I'm Carl Bennet. We're supposed to meet later today." Carl said.

"Indeed...Strange." Bob mused, as he scanned the man.

"So, the Company owns this entire plaza?" Carl asked.

"That we do. Makes us look nice and official, although, not much Company business is going to happen here. In fact, no one will know it's owned by Primatech. Rather, Mr. Linderman is just going to keep his name on the building's lease. We've arranged to rent out a few of the lower floors, but we're keeping the higher floors for some small level labs and offices." Bob said, as he motioned up the building.

"Incredible...I've always wondered; how did Mr. Linderman make his money? I heard rumours his parents forced him out when they found out about him..." Carl asked.

Bob smiled, as he picked up a newspaper from off the fountain.

"Let's just say, I made the right arrangements." Bob said, as the newspaper turned to gold in his hand.

Carl smiled, barely phased by what he just saw.

"Well, glad to know we'll never need a bank loan." Carl said, with a laugh, as Bob joined him slightly.

"So, Linderman tells me you just had a son?" Bob asked.

Carl nodded, as he took out the wallet and showed Bob a picture.

"Noah...Has a birthday coming up in August. He'll be four. I should be home for then, right?" Carl asked.

Bob thought about it for a moment.

"Hard to say; we'll see what the future brings. On that note, if you'll come up to my office, I'll move our meeting ahead and you can meet a few of the others." Bob said, as he motioned for Carl to follow him into the building.

Carl nodded, as he took one last look at his picture of Noah, before he tucked it into his wallet and followed Bob into the skyscraper...

******************

New York, New York
August 4th, 1965

Carl sat in the small office, looking over his files, as his phone began to ring.

"Yes?" Carl asked, as he picked up the phone.

"Honey, you're still in New York?" Erica asked, worry obviously in her voice.

"Sweetheart, you know how important this work is. We've still got to set up so much within the company; paper businesses don't just start themselves." Carl said, as he looked up from his papers, and looked outside to the New York streets below.

"I know...But I would think that your son's birthday would be a little bit more important. You didn't even mail him a gift, did you?" Erica asked.

Carl sighed.

"With Mr. Linderman gone, I'm pretty much in charge here, dear...Forgive me for being swamped." Carl retorted, as he turned back to his desk, watching as the door to his office opened and a woman walked in.

"Honey, I've got a meeting..." Carl said, as Erica cut him off.

"No. You're at least going to wish your son a happy birthday." Erica said, as she set the phone down, and called Noah.

"Hello?" Noah asked from the other end.

"Hey sport...I understand someone just turned a year older today...What's that make you, like ten now?" Carl asked, jokingly.

Noah laughed, as he corrected his father.

"No, dad, I'm four." Noah replied.

"Four? Did you count that by yourself, or did mom help you?" Carl asked.

"All by myself." Noah responded, proudly.

"Well, that's good, son. Really, good. Now, daddy has to go to a meeting, but I'll be home soon, and I'll bring you the biggest gift you've ever seen, ok?" Carl asked.

"Ok!" Noah replied, happily.

"Now, go give your mother a hug and kiss for me...And you take care of her, you're man of the house while I'm gone." Carl said, as he hung up the phone, and looked at the woman who was sitting across from his desk.

"What is it, Angela?" Carl asked.

"An update." Angela Petrelli replied, coldly.

"On?" Carl asked.

"Mr. Linderman and my husband." Angela answered.

"What about them? They haven't met yet, have they?" Carl asked.

"No...We've made sure they won't meet until the mission...Although, it seems our government keeps pushing it further and further back. It won't be this year." Angela answered.

Carl rubbed his brow.

"Good. That gives us some time to do some independent research. I just hope that when the time comes, Linderman can act like he's never seen another evolved human before." Carl said, as he leaned back in his seat.

"Don't worry about that; he'll make sure." Angela said, as she stood up and walked over to the door.

"Was that your son, you were talking to?" Angela asked, as she turned back to face Carl.

"Yes...It's his birthday." Carl replied.

"Children...What's the point of having them." Angela said, as she opened the door and walked out.

Carl sat there for a moment, looking at the family portrait on his desk, before he rubbed his eyes and put his head down on his desk...

End of Chapter Two

The world is constantly changing around us. Over time, humanity must come together and realize that not all of us are the chosen people that we believe ourselves to be. Cognizance does not mean that we are slated for great things, rather it simply means that unlike other creatures we are aware of our mortality. For me, this has never been a problem. For others, it consumes them. I learned that despite my lack of fear for mortality, time does indeed affect everyone. Only by working together, by creating a group of like-minded individuals, and working to insure a new world order, can mortality ever truly be defeated. After all, in most cases, it is not the man that lives on but the idea.

Adam Monroe, Addressing the Linderman Group, 1973.

Carl sat in the truck, Noah beside him. It was the first time he'd been home in four years. When Linderman was finally shipped off to Vietnam, Carl was told to take a break, to go home and spend some time with his family. Mainly, because once Linderman returned, his time would be monopolized by the Company.

The two sat in silence. Only some music coming from the radio filled the truck with sound, as well as the noises coming from the dirt road outside. Eventually, Carl turned down another grid road, before he came to a small patch of land that was wide open. There were a few hilly areas, some large trees grouped together, and a small open water source lying in the middle. Carl stepped out of the truck, glancing at his son, which was the signal to do the same.

Carl walked to the back of the truck, grabbing two rifles from the back as well as some ammunition cases, and two backpacks full of supplies. He handed a rifle and backpack to Noah, who proceeded to strap the backpack on his shoulders, and threw the rifle strap around his shoulders as well. The two men continued to say nothing, as they locked up the truck and made their way into the wide open space.

They walked a few kilometres, making their way towards some of the trees before they stopped on the edge. Carl lowered himself to the ground, checking some tracks in the dirt, before he looked up at his son and nodded. The two walked into the trees, staying silent as Carl listened to the sounds around him. He watched his footing, making sure he wasn't stepping on twigs or anything that made too much noise, as he took the rifle off his shoulder. Noah, following slightly behind, followed his father's steps.

Carl looks, scanning the trees, as he points at an area for his young son. Noah nods, as he raises the rifle and looks to where his father points. He takes a deep breath, as he presses the trigger on the rifle. The noise of the gunshot fills the small patch of woods, birds fly out in all directions, as Carl and Noah move from their position.

They come across a deer, shot in the head, lying dead on the floor of the brush.

"Nice shot, Eagle Eye." Carl says with a smile, as he pats Noah on the head, rubbing his hair slightly.

Carl grabs the deer by the hindlegs, as he starts to pull it out of the brush. Noah follows behind, a beaming smile on his face.

"Where the hell did you learn to shoot like that?" Carl asked, curious that his son was such a good shot for his first time hunting.

"Grandpa Charlie." Noah responded, as Carl nodded.

Carl didn't express his disappointment with Charles coming to take his son hunting. Even though Carl didn't care for the man, he knew it was important for Noah to have that sort of influence in his life, and he wasn't always there for his son. As much as he would have objected before he met the eleven, soon to be twelve, he knew this was for the best.

"Come on, it's a long walk back to the car."

******************



Carl sat in his office, looking over his paperwork, as his door opened and Linderman walked in.

"So, how'd it go?" Carl asked, not looking up from his paperwork.

"Good. Petrelli is on board, although Angela assures me that she had nothing to do with it...Arthur thinks he brought her in to the group...You have to love his naivety." Linderman said with a smile, as he sat down across from Carl.

"Perhaps...So long as it doesn't affect his performance. So, we've decided?" Carl asked.

Linderman nodded.

"We've decided our best function is secrecy. The world isn't ready for people like me, it would tear itself apart. Look at what I just came back from. We can't handle different ideologies than ours, how are they supposed to handle people with extraordinary abilities?" Linderman asked, as Carl nodded in agreement.

"You are with us...One hundred percent, right?" Linderman asked.

"Of course." Carl replied.

"There is another member you haven't met yet...Everything we've done has been his idea. Everything we'll ever do all start with him...And he is absolutely extraordinary, perhaps one of the strongest of us." Linderman said, as he looked over to the door.

It opened slowly, as a middle aged man entered. His blond hair was short, and he was wearing dress clothes in a very casual style.

"Carl Bennet, Adam Monroe." Linderman said, as he introduced the two men.

"I understand you've been a work horse for us...We owe you a great debt of thanks." Adam said, as he reached over the desk and shook Carl's hand.

"Thanks to you, we're going to change the world."

End of Chapter Three

There are so many experiences that change our lives in ways that we never thought possible. For me, one of those most important events was the birth of my sons. For others, simply finding their place in the world, or understanding what sacrifice for the greater good truly means are ways in which we change. Change is happening all the time, it is not something we can stop, and it is not something that we can ignore. Instead, it is up to us to embrace and start change, hopefully to make the world a better place than it was the way we found it. If not for us, than at least for our children.

Arthur Petrelli, Addressing the Linderman Group, 1979

"d*** it, Daniel!" Adam yelled, as he threw the small stool across the room, colliding with a large bookshelf that broke due to the force.

"How was I supposed to know they would bail out on us?" Linderman asked, seemingly apologizing to Adam for his ineptitude.

Adam took a deep breath, as he looked over at Linderman. A knock on the door distracted him, as he turned to watch the door open and see Carl enter.

"Bad time?" Carl asked.

"No...We could use someone with your expertise." Adam said, as he motioned for Carl to come into the room.

"What's going on?" Carl asked, as he sat down on a couch in the office.

"We've lost some of our supporters...Eric Malbourn, Sarah Hardy, and Michael Hadden have all decided that they no longer share our goals." Adam announced, as he looked over at the broken bookshelf.

"Have they threatened to talk?" Carl asked.

"It's not likely, as most people would think that they were crazy...But they do seem determined to set up something to counter ourselves." Linderman said.

"Counter?" Carl asked.

"Another Company; similar goals, different methods...Except, they'd be openly enemies of ours." Adam explained.

"What does this mean for us?" Carl asked.

"It means we need to deal with them. We can't operate anything while they're still around...Also, Adam wants us to find three replacements for our group of twelve, now nine." Linderman said, as he looked over at Adam.

"We have to have twelve, historical standard." Adam said, passing a reference to the twelve disciples.

Carl nodded.

"Alright, so what's our plan?" Carl asked.

"We know Malbourn is still here in New York. We need to make sure that he doesn't leave the city." Adam answered.

Carl stopped for a moment.

"You want me to kill him?" Carl asked.

Adam and Linderman nodded.

"You knew as well as we did when we started, that this company would eventually get blood on its hands. We have to stop those who are a danger to the world order, and these three have made themselves exactly that." Linderman answered.

Carl nodded again.

"I'll come with you, I want to stare that traitor in the eyes when you snuff the life out of him." Adam said, as he motioned for Carl to leave the office with him...

********************

Carl and Adam sat in the small car outside the apartment building, checking the windows and the doors now and then, making sure no one was leaving.

"This is good." Adam said, as he took out a notepad and started to write in it.

"What is?" Carl asked.

"This setup." Adam replied, still writing.

"What do you mean?" Carl asked again.

"You're not evolved, I am. And now we're working together, out on the town. Perhaps that's how we should organize once we're ready for field missions...An evolved person and a normal human. Really foster the spirit of co-operation." Adam said, as he closed the notepad and then slid it back into his pocket.

"There." Carl said, as he pointed as the apartment door opened and Malbourn walked out carrying a large suitcase.

Carl opened the car door as he ran across the street and grabbed Malbourn from behind, pulling him into the alleyway, as Adam strolled slowly across the street. Adam finally walked into the alley, smiling as he looked at Malbourn.

"You must have seen this coming." Adam said, as he kicked Malbourn in the face, then nodded at Carl.

Carl took the gun out from his jacket, as he pressed it against Malbourn's head.

"I did...but your boy here couldn't do it." Malbourn said with a smile, as he looked at Carl.

Carl shook for a second, but then he pulled the trigger, firing a bullet into Malbourn's skull.

"I knew his future predictions were usually a load of rubbish." Adam said, as he patted Carl on the back and started to walk back to the car.

"Come on, you won't want to be standing there if police show up." Adam said, as he turned back to face the alley and told Carl to come with him.

Carl followed slowly, as he left the alleyway, thinking about what he just did...

*****************



Carl stood on the beach, reflecting over his finished mission, as he dipped his feet into the water. It was finally over, he tracked down Sarah Hardy to Miami, and he'd finished her off. Adam was somewhere back at the hotel, but Carl decided he needed to take a walk.

He knew that the Company was looking to protect those who were evolved, and that it would remove dangerous threats that were too powerful to be left in the general population...But he didn't expect that he'd be one of the instruments of destruction on the front lines. He sighed as he took a deep breath and made his way back to the hotel.

When he reached the lobby, Adam was waiting there, suitcases in hand.

"Linderman called; he's found some replacements that we need to speak with. We're going to head to Nevada, and look for a fellow named Parkman."

End of Chapter Four