The Messiah Code by Michael Cordy

Brotherhood through the modern maze of today's world. Ezekiel had selected him to inject new thinking and ideas into their search.
    But surely this idea that was causing such disagreement now was too much? Too radical? And what frightened Ezekiel was that it could be considered only because Nemesis had so uncharacteristically failed in Stockholm over six weeks ago.
    Bernard looked to him in exasperation before turning back to Helix, who seemed out of place in this ancient cavern as he fiddled with his laptop computer and modem link.
    "Brother Helix," said Bernard, "you can't seriously expect us to suspend the Righteous Cleansings for this"--he pointed at the laptop--"this fantasy of yours."
    "It's not a fantasy," replied Helix calmly. "It could help us find the New Messiah."
    "But how do you know it will work?" asked Brother Luciano, running an agitated hand through silver hair.
    A shrug. "I don't. But it has to be better than the old ways. I was fifteen when the flame changed. And ever since then the network of Brothers has been searching the world for the New Messiah. But with what success?"
    Brother Haddad blinked his hooded eyes. "We are still looking."
    "But what have we found ?"
    A pause.
    "Exactly! Over the last three decades we have sent out our best eyes and ears to investigate all those who claim to have visions, or perform miraculous feats. But although we have a short-list of possible candidates who fit the ancient signs, not one of them tallies perfectly. We and the Brothers before us waited two thousand years for the flame to change and signal that the Messiah had come again. Each of us hoping that the honor of searching for him would fall on our shoulders, in our time. Well, that honor has fallen on
    us. The New Messiah has been walking among us now for over three decades, and still we haven't found him."
    Bernard Trier pulled at his goatee in frustration. "But, Brother Helix, the man you expect to help us in our search is on our list of Righteous Kills. Dr. Carter is an enemy , not an ally." The stout Brother's tone became more controlled, but no less menacing. "Brother Helix, we all bow to your technical wizardry. And I'm sure that one day it will add considerable value to our organization. But this is not the day. Perhaps I should remind you of the words and purpose of the Secondary Imperative."
    Before Ezekiel could stop him, Brother Bernard allowed himself a portentous clearing of the throat and pompously recited the ancient pledge.
    " To engage in the practice of Righteous Cleansing in order to purge the world of those who undermine the values, aims, and beliefs of the Brotherhood of the Second Coming, and threaten the righteous salvation of mankind . The dangerous scientist is close to the top of our list of kills. Through his genetic meddling he believes man will soon know enough to make our Lord redundant. He is playing God. That was why all of us--including you, Brother Helix--sanctioned the Stockholm purge. The only issue for me is when we complete the kill, and whether I use Nemesis again or give the job to Gomorrah."
    Helix nodded slowly, and his eyes smiled behind the thick glass of his round spectacles. As ever Ezekiel was impressed by the younger Brother's refusal to be intimidated by the aggressive Bernard.
    "Thank you for reminding us of your important role, Brother Bernard," said Helix without any trace of irony. "However, I'm sure that I don't need to remind you that the Primary Imperative of finding the Messiah takes precedence over any other--especially if it jeopardizes our search."
    Ezekiel was unhappy about so radical a swing from "cleansing" Dr. Carter to working with him. But he was equally reluctant to rush into killing the scientist before he fully understood how he might be useful.
    "Brother Helix," Ezekiel said before Bernard could re ply, "you say you need the scientist's technology to find a match for the genes. But why do you need him ?"
    "For two reasons," replied Helix. "First