The eDen Project

Jonas stared at the window, the rain hammering against the panes. It had been raining almost constantly for two weeks. At least it wasn't as bad as last week. The rain had been so heavy the week before that the dirt-track back down into Seven Lakes - a rustic town so stuck-in-the-past that they were still using horse and cart to get around - had been washed away.

He had been living at the cabin in the hills above Seven Lakes for just over a year, earning just enough money from his paintings to buy new supplies and put aside a little for a rainy day.

'Well', he thought to himself turning back to the drawings on his desk, 'this is certainly one of those.' He picked up a pencil and added another line to the hatching of what he kept telling himself was a 'quick-sketch'- so far it had taken most of the last three days. He put the pencil down again and picked a letter from the small stack; the occasional piece of fan mail routed to him via his agent.

"Dear Mr Williams,

I'm your biggest fan. I really love your work; I've got postcards of them all, even the stamp!"

'Oh gawd', he thought, 'did I agree to a stamp?' He continued reading...

"I would be really grateful if you could send me your autograph. It would be great if you could sketch something too!

Your loyal fan,

Jenny Irvine (but don't put my name on the autograph!!). Thanks!"

He shook his head and searched for a clean sheet of paper. 'Oh well, I guess it's your lucky day Jenny Irvine.' He took the unfinished sketch and signed his name, idly wondering how long before it would end up on eBuy. He put letter and sketch back into an envelope addressed to his agent, who would then send it on to the girl.

He took the next piece of mail from the stack. It was addressed 'The Occupier', the sort he would usually throw out without opening, but this one was different. The paper was of a quality stock. He turned it over and saw that it was closed with a wax seal; the design a plain shield supported by two animals of indeterminable species. He opened the flap, breaking the seal and pulled out the letter. It was of the same quality paper and handwritten.

"Dear Jonas,

Please forgive this intrusion and allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dr Hailey Locke from the eDn ('eden') institute, a group specialising in producing and genetically enhanced pets to the clients requirements.
You have been selected based on specially conducted personality and financial tests and have been deemed SUITABLE to receive one of our products.
Pets will be genetically programmed to recognise you as their master and will come pre house-trained and recognise commands given in your language.

To claim your pet please telephone this number and select your pet. We promise global delivery within 48 hours and will provide you with a pack to get started with your new pet.

555-0100-270587 (This number is reserved for your use and will only work once)

I am sure you will enjoy the time you will spend with your new pet and we look forward to your order.

Dr. Hailey Locke"

Jonas looked at his reflection in the window (it was getting darker much earlier now fall had become winter) then read the letter again. It had his name on it, which did not really make sense for a 'to the occupier', for a start the cabin was not even registered for post and even his telephone line was billed anonymously. He put the letter down, and then a moment later picked it up and read it again, then put it down once more.

Well, he was often lonely, spending so much time on his own. Those in the town who spoke to him were pleasant enough, but the youngest person other than himself in the area was 58 (Harold, owner of the towns sole store), and although they got on fairly well, he could not exactly describe their relationship as friends.

'Oh, what's the worst that could happen?' He picked up the phone and dialled the number. There was a strange, strobing sound that reminded him of the days of Dial-up internet then, a second later, he heard a click and a voice began to speak.

"Congratulations, Jonas Williams, on becoming a valued client of the eDn institute.

Please select your desired pet from the following options:
Press 1 for Cat. Press 2 for Dog. Press 3 for Rabbit..."

The message paused for a moment and then started over...