THE BLUE GUPPY

By: Barry Bowdidge

Link to your choice of ending!

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Cate Collors: A young struggling welfare mother of two boys.

Yanon Collors: Elder son of Cate.

Even Collors: Younger brother of Yanon.

Split Thomas: Dismantling Politician and friend of the family. Background; genetic

designer and the owner of the I.C.P.

Bob Singleton: Underground pet procurer. Member of the I.C.P. Background;

Scientist specializing in genetic research.

Sid Michalson: Head of the Endangered Species Protectorate, E.S.P. Background;

Government Attorney.

Ralph Binski: Escaped convict. Serving five to ten years for harboring an

endangered species. Background; Warrior attorney and a member

of the I.C.P.

Reta Bailey: Neglected lieutenant in the E.S.P. and potential whistle blowing

bureaucrat. Background; Multi-level marketing executive.

Ned Cole: Sid Michalson's second in command. Background; Government attorney.

Bill Bohme: State Congressman in charge of the E.S.P. Background; Welfare rights

attorney.

Bob & Sue Young: Cates' neighbors.

Tuti Lunga:State prisoner held for multiple thefts of blue guppies. Background;

She has four wives and one boyfriend. She is in charge of a special

branch of the I.C.P.

Shekay Welness: Lab assistant at the Humanarium research center. Background;

Amateur genetic researcher. I.C.P. lecturer.

Guy Wolfburg: Gourmet cook and research chemist. Background; C.I.A. operative

until he realized how some of the leaders were abusing the agency. Fired for attempted

whistle-blowing activities. Member and director of the I.C.P.

Red Parks: The dipsy doodle do-gooder friend of Tuti Lunga. Background; Escort

used by Sid Michalson from the E.S.P. agency.

Tom & Rosemary: "The Gringo and his wife. The owners of a private ranch and

sympathetic to American political protesters. Background; Very checkered.

Hazel Scott: Tuti's longtime friend and wife. Trouble shooter for the I.C.P. Background;

Hairdresser for some of TV's top sitcom stars.

Mack Tunick: Architect and advisor to Split Thomas and I.C.P.

Marci Allen: Tuti's latest conquest and bodyguard. Used for infiltration by the

I.C.P. Background; Multilingual business major.

Kay Utsumi: Second in command at the I.C.P. Background; NUNYA

Cassandra Lewis: Recluse mystery writer and confidant of Split Thomas.

Background; Businesswomen.

Carrinda Coupe': Bill Bohme's favorite girlfriend and confidant. Background; Animal regulator.

CONCEPT

Today's environmentalist are the heroes of the moment but their excesses and underlying motivations will soon show everyone that the leaders are either naive or power hungry.

In this story we will explore both of the negative possibilities of this crusade. There is even a darker side that will be hinted at but not brought out in a direct manner. The style will be in a Science Fiction mode with large doses of political and economic theory mixed in with future science.

The soap will be multileveled with many psychological aspects of human relations explored and connected to the political preferences of each individual. The good will often appear bad and the bad will often appear good.

LOCATION: The Socialist Republic of California.

TIME: Five years into the future.

THEME: The mental and financial violence that can be perpetrated on individuals by the dictatorship of the misinformed majority and how this violence effects the survival and development of the most important species in the World.

SCIENCE TOPICS:Biosphere technologies in actual development in the research and development offices and labs at The Starlife Communities location. Also, the search for the genetic code that controls cognitive dissonance. The details will be lettered and placed at the end of the book for those readers wishing further information concerning the technology.

POLITICAL TOPICS: The inevitable evolution of Positive Capitalism and its long term possibilities for the improvement of the most important species in the World.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: Roman numerals indicate a link to an appendix that gives further information for the readers convenience.

SEXUAL ENCOUNTERS OR SEXUAL GOSSIP SESSIONS: Numbered and placed at the back of the book for concerned parents and would be censors. The pages are perforated so they can easily be detached from the book. (The internet version will be encrypted)

PRIMARY SETTINGS:

A small 2 bedroom apartment in a rough neighborhood in San Diego. This is the home of the Collors.

A Humanarium Model on top of Mt. Rudolf in The Starlife Community. This is the home of Split Thomas.

Hilltop hideout in Valley Center, California. Ralph Binski lives and works here.

Rancho Esplanade; a private ranch in a hidden valley outside Ensenada, Mexico owned and run by "The Gringo and his wife."

Penthouse condo in South Mission Beach. The secondary home of Congressman Bohme.

"The Crimedos"; a group of condominiums owned by absentee owners that have been inundated with criminals.

"Bully's" restaurant in Mission Valley, San Diego, California.

SECONDARY SETTINGS:

Local pet store in San Diego.

The regional offices of the E.S.P., in Los Angeles.

Women's prison in Frontera, California. The home of Greystone.

An average tract home in El Cajon, California. The home of Reta Bailey and her daughters.

A secret solar heated fresh water lake that is the home of the Blue Guppies. This lake is located in Valley Center, California.

The law offices of Feldman, Feldman and Conners. Ralph Binski's old office in San Diego.

The San Diego Stadium.

The Red Dog Saloon in Hemet.

CHAPTERS

CHAPTER ONE

THE BIRTH

CHAPTER TWO

THE PLANS

CHAPTER THREE

SEX AND COUNTER SEX

(Sub-Chapter Rancho Esplanade)

CHAPTER FOUR

PRIORITIES AND ANTERIORITIES

THE BIRTH

Inside the Humanarium's aquariums were the new multi-purpose fish farms. Sometime in December of 1996 a very special batch of baby guppies were born. This genetic experiment started about one hundred years ago and now it was about to fulfill a strange and wonderful destiny. But how you say could a common guppy have a significant effect on life as we new it back then? You won't believe the answers.

When it came to the preservation of endangered species, the times before the birth of the blue guppies were very radical. On one side you had a lot of well meaning environmentalists and on the other side you had the nasty money grubbing developers destroying acre after acre of land for the sole purpose of profit.

Sid, what makes you think the voters will buy into this kind of a scam, said congressman Bohme at a secret meeting in his oceanfront hideaway, to his soon to be political gofer?

Bill, environmental issues are the new currency of power. Hell! It use to just come down to money, but now its all about proving you're not on the side of big money. All you have to do now to get elected is bash the big developers. Make them look bad and you'll look like an environmental hero. The public loves to bring down the most successful people amongst them. It feeds their envy and petty jealousies. They feel good, like somehow now, maybe, they will have a chance to succeed, Sid reminded him.

Fine, but I don't know anything about birds and bugs. How am I suppose to come across as an expert. They'll smell a fraud and boot me out. No, this is too risky. I'm going to stick to the old ways. I'll just come out with a new social program that will solve the crime and poverty problems. Now that's something I can really sink my teeth into. Besides it's a good way to bring down the rich. The mutts will like this "feel good" program even better than my last plan, Bill said.

I disagree. With the events in the Soviet block being on the front page all the time, people are beginning to catch onto the fact that these social programs are just defacto communism wrapped up in a do-gooder package. They are starting to realize how a similar our system is. You are going to have to attack from a different point to keep them off guard, Sid said.

Fine, but how do I start, Bill said?

That's why I brought Ned here today. He's going to be your guide to the wonderful world of plant and animal preservation. All you have to do is listen to him and you'll become an expert in environmental assignation. Your victims won't know what hit them. The control and power you will achieve will move your political career forward with each new breed that you save from those greedy developers. I'm going to leave you two to get together on the details. I've already briefed Ned on the strategy. I've got to get back to the office. Let me know when you feel confident enough with the background material. We'll get a meeting together and plan your new image, Sid said as he was leaving.

Don't forget the party Saturday night, Bill said as Sid was going out the door.

I won't. After all, I'm bringing the party favors, two blondes and a redhead. Take care, said Sid as he went chuckling down the stairs thinking what a fool the congressman was for having this beach hideaway. His wife could destroy his career anytime she chooses. He would have to protect the congressman from himself. The congressman was briefed by Ned Cole about some simple facts on how to manipulate the public for his own benefit using the environmental issue as his power source. Ned pointed out, that all he needed to do was form a major committee made up of scientist promoting the preservation of all types of plants and animals and their ecosystems. Add some animal right activists and they will supply you with all the ammunition you need. He told the congressman that after he knew what the target would be all Bill needed to do was wrap this situation up in as many resolutions as possible. As soon as the regulations were written, the developers would be on his doorstep trying to amend as many provisions as possible. The money would role in from PAC-like groups and from the general public trying to save the poor little "whatever" from extinction. You just have to play both sides to the middle and you'll have a win/win situation for yourself. If you get good enough at the game, you will surly be asked to head an organization that would oversee the entire spectrum of issues. You then would have more power than you ever dreamed of. The longer Ned talked the more relaxed the congressman became. Soon it was apparent that he was getting the idea and toward the end of the briefing he broke out in a cynical laugh. Ned knew he had won over another convert. He was soon to find out just how enthusiastic the congressman really was.

Ned, this a great plan the two of you have come up with. It seems that I will be able to control vast amounts of real estate without even putting up a penny. I will be cast in the role as savior to many small critters and looked up to by my constituents as a truly compassionate man. All the while, we will be picking their pockets for more and more money for the programs that we will design. What more could a politician ask for? You guys are great and don't think I won't remember when it comes time to hand out the plums. Both of you will be in top level jobs if this plan works even half as good as I think it will, congressman Bohme said as he was rising to look out at this summers crop of beach bunnies. He reached for his binoculars to check out a group of young college girls disrobing and getting ready to strut their stuff. What a life, he thought. He couldn't wait for the Saturday night party. Sid never let him down when it came to finding pretty young things. He often wondered how he could always come up with such quality puntang.

Ned sat there quietly savoring his victory after the briefing, noting only how quickly the congressman's mind wondered whenever he saw a pretty face. No wonder Sid could use the congressman to do his bidding so easily. If only the congressman knew how easy it would be to bring him down.

Ned, I want you to start gathering the names of scientists and specialist that would be good for the committee that I'm going to form. We'll call it the "Endangered Species Protectorate", how do you like that name?

It does sound important doesn't it? Said Ned, with a sly grin on his face. I'll start work on the list today and by Saturdays party you should have a good core group to start with. Ned got up to leave and shook the congressman's hand.

Do a good job Ned, the foundation of any project often is the deciding factor in its success or failure, said the congressman as he was closing the door behind Ned. Bill returned to the window to watch the girls. He did his most creative thinking while contemplating the beauty of the universe. He knew that Sid and Ned thought him the fool for his philandering but this was his way of ferreting out his enemies among his close associates. He knew that anyone trying to manipulate him would use his personal life as the weapon. What they didn't know was that he and his wife had planned this strategy to cover her activities. It gave him a way of testing the loyalty of the people around him. So far, he didn't have to use the foil but he had a strong feeling that the game was just beginning. This new plan, the more he thought about it, was going to lead him straight to the top. He had to play his cards right. It was time to get his media people in for a meet to feel them out on the subject. He needed a reaffirmation of his own conclusions and he needed to practice the rhetoric of the environmentalist crowd. This was going to be fun, the congressman thought as he spotted a particularly attractive girl showing off on the volley ball court.

Cate was going through her normal routine of getting the kids off to school and cleaning up the house when someone knocked at the door. It was Split Thomas coming by to check on how the family was doing. He had been hitting on Cate for a couple of years, but she wasn't having any of it. So, they had become "just good friends". This was driving Split crazy but Cate seemed to get a kick out of it.

Come in, said Cate trustingly.

How's it going, said Split?

Not so great today. The kids are complaining about money again. They are getting older but not quite old enough to get a job. I don't know what to do.

I might have an idea for you. I need someone to do some breeding and marketing of a new strain of guppies I've developed. I just want to test market them at local pet stores. I'm sure its something the boys could handle and it would be a lot of fun for them. You should be able to market them for anywhere from fifty cents to a dollar apiece.

Cate laughed and said, you've got to be crazy.

No, I'm serious. You know I've always had guppies since I was a kid. Believe it or not, there is a very good reason why I've been developing this strain of blue guppies. You've seen them. Don't you think they are a great color?

Sure, but what makes you think they would buy them at a pet store?

Because they would be able to sell them fast and for a lot more money. That's just basic capitalism at work. You should give the kids a chance to learn these lessons at a young age. They will love earning their own money. You don't want them to grow up to be bums do you, Split said as he ducked around the corner into the kitchen? He knew what was coming next.

What do you mean? My kids aren't bums, said Cate as her temperature started to rise. She was getting ready for one of those "all too familiar arguments," that she always gets into with Split.

I know. But you've got to get them off into the right direction or they will learn their survival skills on the street and you know that means drugs. You don't want that for them do you? Split started munching on Cates' snacks that she had prepared for the kids for later when they came home.

Now don't get cute. You know I don't want that for them, Cate said with a small tear in her eyes. She new that drug dealing was a very big possibility for her kids in the near future. They really didn't have any role models around them to stop it. Don't be eating all the kids' snacks.

Well, I'll stop by sometime in the next couple of days with a start up aquarium for them. The worst that can come of it is some pet fish for them to enjoy. I think they'll like the idea once I show them the numbers and explain how to maximize their profit. Kids always like earning money. (I) They have to be discouraged by adults to ever stop enjoying it. This should take some of the pressure off you. Now every time they ask for money, all you have to do is start asking them how they are doing with their guppy business?

Ya sure. Now get out of here so I can get my work done, Mr. Guppyman, said Cate with a giggle. She knew this was a good plan. She really likes all kinds of pets, so she knew at least the place would look better with a new aquarium in it. See ya later, as Split, split.

Tuti Lunga was checking out the fence line at the crimedos when she saw a funny looking white dude getting ready to come through the gates. She thought she had better check this out. He might be undercover or maybe just another customer. Either way, she was going to find out. This was her turf and she planned on keeping it that way. Usually only guys knew how to be street dealers. The girls were stuck with becoming holes to survive but somehow she gained the respect of the local gang members and bluffed her way into this territory.

Split walked up to the gate wondering what kind of condition the condominiums, he had traded for, were in.

Just then a good looking black girl came up to him and just kind of gave him the once over land said, what can I do for you?

Hi! My names Split and I'm looking for 2805 and 2935. Do you know where they are?

Maybe, what do you need there, Tuti said not wanting to pass up some business if that's what he was looking for?

I just need to look at the places. I just bought them and I need to see what condition they are in, so that I can rent them out as soon as possible.

Sure follow me. You got the keys?

I hope so, said Split as he watched her cute little behind closely. She caught him looking and gave him a big grin. They both knew this wasn't going to end quickly.

What kind of a funny name is that handle you have, Split? Split what, she said while noticing that the whole neighborhood was watching their every movement? She needed to get control of this sucker and work him. He looks like some kind of high- styling hippie with pink skin and brown spots. Wouldn't my mother just die if I brought him home?

Well, that's a long story. Maybe I'll tell you about it later. What's your name, said Split as they approached the first condo?

Tuti! And that's a long story too, she said as she checked out his booty as he wiggled it while inserting the key into the lock.

It looks like we'll have to get together later and swap name stories, he said as he started to look through the apartment. Hey! This place isn't bad at all. It looks like somebody took real good care of it. Do you know anybody that is looking for a place? I'm asking five hundred dollars a month for it. What do you think?

The wheels started turning in Tuti's head. This could be the ticket she's been looking for. Well, I might be interested if the deposit isn't too high.

How high is too high for you, he asked knowingly? Maybe two hundred, but I couldn't give it to you right now.

When could you?

I can give you the rent now, but you'll have to wait a few hours for the deposit.

Sounds great to me, said Split as he stood there looking at Tuti in disbelief.

Good! Here's the five hundred, she said as she reached into her pockets and pulled out the cash. There was a lot more than five hundred and she wondered if he would catch onto why.

Here's the key. do you need some help moving in? Don't pull any tricks on me. I've seen them all and I know how to handle them, he said as he was noticing all the extra cash this lady had. You must have a good job?

Ya, I do. I work at Rohr Industries she said, which was true but definitely not the main source for this kind of money. It looks like he believed her for now. Alright!

They walked over to the other condo to check it out physically. As they were walking Split was thinking how he could use the high energy of this gal in a positive way. She obviously was into heavy street dealing. Perhaps he could use her in the I.C.P. membership drive. Little did he know what a key person she would become in saving the Blue Guppy from total extinction. For now, he would just test her business acumen. As they walked into the other condo he asked her if she knew anyone that could use this apartment and if so, he would make her a deal where she would become a partner with him in the ownership of this unit.

Probably, she said suspiciously. How much money would I need to buy into this apartment?

A couple thou, and you can pay it over time, he said.

I'll think about it, she said. Good, I have some tickets to the Padre's game tonight. Do you want to come with me? We can talk about it more.

Sure! What time?

I'll pick you up about five o'clock, OK?

Ya, that would be good. I'll be at the front gate and I'll have the rest of the money, she said as they were leaving the condo. Boy, what a strange honky this white boy is, she was thinking as she walked him to the gate.

Split was thinking about the new strain of Blue Guppies that he was trying to develop and was wondering if today's batch would be what he needed. He had been getting close for a long time. These babies could prove to be the solution to many bothersome problems that have been plaguing the I.C.P. for a long time. He noticed, once again, the many eyes that were following the both of them. Somehow, he felt protected by this little black girl. Could she really have that much power in her community? He'd soon find out. She sure is a cute one.

We will definitely have a blast tonight. I'll see you at five Tuti, I'm looking forward to it. Bye, he said as he waived to her and noticed that the crowd was already gathering around her to get the latest scoop on the visitor.

Split heard a roar of laughter from inside the crimedoes as he entered his truck. It looks like they've already figured him for a chump and Tuti was telling them how she had gotten over on the Honky. Good for her. That's just what he wanted them to think. That shows she a smart gal. She had sense enough not to say no to him when he was offering her a good deal. That meant she trusted her own judgment. Enough of this. He had to meet with his attorney, "Ralph Binski," to discuss the legal protection of his new strain of guppies.

Split drove to the offices of Feldman, Feldman and Conners for his appointment with Ralph Binski. He had screened many young attorneys before he settled on Ralph. He gave him just enough information on what he was planning and a copy of his book. When he had determined that Ralph was willing to become a "Warrior Attorney," he had to brief him further and warn him that his whole life style would be attacked by his peers. The first thing that would happen, would be that he would be fired from his present firm. This first assignment should begin without too much fuss but shortly he would have to tackle the big boys. They definitely wouldn't sit still for most of his plans but the bait had to be set properly. This would be a major step in finding out if he really had a committed attorney or just a wanna be.

Split introduced himself to the receptionist and told her he had an appointment with Ralph. She confirmed the appointment and told him that Mr. Binski would be right out.

Hello, Mr. Thomas. I hope you are ready to fill me in today. Just follow me to the conference room and I'll take some notes, said Ralph as he led Split down the hall to the conference room. They both shook hands and sat down.

Ralph, as you know I've been doing some genetic work with rare guppies. We've had several major breakthroughs in the last couple months and I'm reasonable sure that the last group of babies have most of the elements in them that we set out to accomplish. To recap a little, The Humanarium Corporation deals exclusively with biosphere technology. We are searching for commercial uses of high technology that can also be used to develop the humanarium models. (A) It's always best if we can find a multi-purpose use for any of the products that we develop. For instance, the skin of the biosphere or walls, if you want to call them that, are really two sheets of clear plastic filled with water. Plastic has proven to be a bad outer wall material in residential use because of the toxicity of the fumes during a fire. What we've done by having a layer of water between the two sheets of plastic is create a fireproof plastic wall system. (E) We are trying to find more uses for the wall system. It was obvious that we had created a skinny aquarium. What we needed were small hearty fresh water fish that were both attractive and good to eat. We chose the Guppy because of its easy maintenance and its beautiful coloring of the male. What we had to do was determine a totally self-contained and maintained ecosystem that could also be a continuing source of food for the inhabitants. We heard about a new computer science technique where they make the chip and small parts out of microscopic organic materials. (F) We've been breeding the guppies for color, taste and we've been giving them injections of genetic material that would develop into a preprogrammed implant that they would pass onto their offspring. I think we have succeeded in every count and now it's time for us to reveal our findings to the public. We need your help in the legal department.

Split, we can protect you with a patent on the process but the best we can do with the new breed of guppy is copyright a name for it. I don't know if that will be good enough for your plans or not, said Ralph as he twisted in his seat.

The problem we might have with this breed is the politicians. They've already gotten wind of the general concept and they are laying in wait to regulate it from several different direction. Because of genetic implications, they want to keep the process within the governments control. Who knows what sinister plans they could put this miniature computer implant to. There is also a group of environmentalists that might sell out to a politician to gain control of the distribution of the Guppy. This could cause a direct attack on our personal liberties. Can you imagine what they could do if they got public sympathy behind them. They did it before with a man made rat in Riverside County. Nobody fought back and they rendered thousands of acres useless. That was just the beginning. Do you think we should go underground with the whole project or is there no way we can do it legally and still end up with any resemblance of a eco-building system that we wanted for the Humanarium Model, said Split with a worrisome look on his face?

I think that you will have to keep this as quiet as possible, for as long as possible, until you have completed the total project. Then, you should make it public through the press with the concurrent filings with government. Be prepared with an international plan so that local government power freaks don't kill the project before you can complete it. All you have to do is maintain that you haven't done all your testing and you aren't required to report anything. Start a small group of distributors on a test market basis and make sure that you are the only one that knows each distributor personally. If you are infiltrated, be sure and have nothing in writing that would be used against you. Get a top person in the field to open a pet store specializing in tropical fish. Use this front to disperse the product as widely as possible. I think I can find a reliable scientist that would be interested in this project. We went to school together. He majored in genetics and was always complaining to me about how the government was over-regulating the genetics field. They were treating it like a top secret weapon and using the worst kinds of tactics to scare the public. I used to think he was exaggerating but I have been following the subject over the last few years and he was completely right. I'm sure he would join us. His name is Bob Singleton and I'll have him give you a call. You two should work well together. Is there anything else that we haven't covered, said Ralph as he started to put away some of his notes?

There are a few things we can cover later but I get the general idea. I had a feeling that this was the path we would have to take. I've already started. Good work Ralph, said Split as he rose to leave. Our next meeting should be at the research center so that you can see what we are talking about. Try to have Bob Singleton there with you. Let's try for next Sunday. That would give us more time to go over some of the details. Do you think you can make it on the weekend like that? Sure! That's a good idea. I have a full calendar next week, so this would give me a opportunity to get acquainted with your project. I'll make sure that Bob is there too, said Ralph as he shook Splits hand. I'll see you Sunday. Call me before, to set the exact time and place to meet. O.K. You have a good week, Split said as he entered the elevator. We'll be ready for you.

Shekay watched in amazement as the baby guppies separated into two groups and enter the proper areas. She couldn't believe it. Not a single one was eaten by any of the full grown fish. This meant that a maximum harvest could be counted on with each birth. She knew that now they could program the entire wall system of any Humanarium Model and have a complete ecosystem that could be counted on indefinitely. This was a major breakthrough. She started wondering how Split was doing with the attorney. She guessed that there would be formidable obstacles ahead with the development and marketing of the new systems. Her next task was to bring some of the last generation specimens to Guy Wolfburg. He had compiled quite small fish cook book. She had tried some of his concoctions and had to admit that one wouldn't get bored with his recipes. He somehow had been able to make the fish taste like other forms of meat. He had developed a blender that computerized the processing and flavoring of the fish. He said that small fish where a great advantage because they didn't require human labor to process them, especially ones that knew how to separate themselves and goo to the proper location within a system. He had a hard time believing that there were small organic computers inside each fish but he realized there was no other explanation for the natural instinct of a fish to be so altered. He was now testing the final prototype to make sure that there were no negative problems involved with the ingestion of these fish by humans. It seemed just the opposite. The nutritional value seemed to enhance the normal diet. The only way these fish could be bad for you, would be if you only ate them fried all the time.

Shekay picked up one of the containers of all large female specimens to take to Guy's lab. She knew that soon these fish would swim to a location and be processed at the touch of a button, but for now she had to deliver them.

As she entered Guy's lab, she noticed that there seemed to be something wrong. She went over to the aquarium that she knew was designated for this batch and started to empty the fish into it. Just then, Guy startled her by coming out from behind one of the cabinets. She almost spilled the fish onto the floor. Guy, don't sneak up on me like that. You scared the hell out of me, she said as she finished emptying the fish into the aquarium.

Someone has been stealing specimens from us. Otherwise they are continuing to be cannibalistic. We are going to have to increase the security around here and place twenty four hour a day videos on both the lab and the guppies to determine which scenario is the problem. How many people have access to this facility, asked Guy as he studied the new batch of guppies?

I don't know for sure. You'll have to ask Split. He phoned and said he would be up here Sunday. It couldn't be too many people. Do you want me to start setting up the new security measures or do you want to it yourself, she said as she moved closer to Guy? It always seemed hard to get him to take his mind off his work, for even a minute, to pay some attention to her. She wasn't sure that it was a good idea that they had become lovers recently. He seemed more distant then he used to be when they were at work together.

No! I'll take care of it, but you should call Split and let him know about the problem. He might have some idea of what to do about it. In the meantime, I'll get some cameras setup. Don't tell anyone about the problem, except for Split. We don't want anyone to know about it yet. Be sure to call Split from a pay phone. If we are having some kind of industrial or political espionage going on here, we will have to play it by the book. I was hoping that we wouldn't be noticed by anyone for awhile yet. I like working under a more relaxed atmosphere. I've already had years of the cloak and dagger stuff and quite frankly, it's hard on everyone's nerves, Guy said as he moved away from Shekay's advances. He really enjoyed her, but every time she came around him now it broke his concentration. He almost wished he had never pursued her so hard. She sure looked beautiful today.

I've got to go check the computers to see what the numbers are for today. We need to have enough of the fish ready to start a general marketing scheme by next week. I think we have enough of the older fish so that we can hit the target date. Split was checking with the attorney today to see just what plan of action we should take. Sunday should be real interesting. Are you going to be here, she asked as she was leaving for lab?

I wouldn't miss it. Let me know what Split has to say as soon as you find out, Guy said while adjusting one of the control knobs on his automatic fish processing machine.

Sure! I'll catch you later, she yelled from down the hall. She was going to make it a point to see him after work with the message from Split. This would be a good opportunity to get him alone without his mind so much on work. Maybe this intrigue would be more fun and bring them closer together. He sure seems to be into it, she said to herself. She went back to the lab, checked the numbers on the computer, so that she could give them to Split when she called. Then she pressed the timer button and prepared to leave. As she was leaving, she noticed a car approaching the building. She decided to wait and see who it was. As the car got closer, the driver seemed to notice her and started to speed up. It just circled the area and then started down the hill. She noticed that it had State license plates. She wondered which agency was checking them out this time. It gave her a bit of a chill down the back of her spine. Could Guy be right about someone breaking in and what would they want with fish? If they didn't know what to look for, there would be very little chance of them knowing what was going on in the lab. Maybe she was just being paranoid. After a few minutes she got into her car and headed home. First, she had to make a stop at a public phone and call Split. She spotted one at the market and headed toward it. She noticed that the car she had seen was also parked next to the market. She decided to just pick up some groceries and make the call at a different location. After she left the market, she went to a local gas station to get some gas and make her call. This time she looked around and didn't see the car. After getting the gas, she went to the phone and called Split.

Hello, Split said.

Split, this is Shekay, We had a problem today in Guy's lab. There were several fish missing. He isn't sure whether it's because the insert is failing or whether someone has stolen the guppies. He asked me to call you from a pay phone and see what you make of it.

You did good. Tomorrow, take a batch of guppies from the same group home with you. Place them in a container that wouldn't be noticeable as a fish tank. Monitor these fish to see if they are eating each other. Did Guy say anything about better security measures, Split said as he was driving down interstate 5? He realized that his line wasn't secure, so he had better make a code call to Guy later on that evening.

Yes. He wants to install more security. Do you want me to give him some instructions, she said as she noticed the strange government car driving slowly by?

Tell him to be at our old watering hole at eight this evening. I'll call him from a secure phone and give him further instructions. It looks like the plan is beginning to take shape. I need to talk to both of you in depth on Sunday when I come up there with the attorney. I'll also be introducing both of you to a possible new associate. Let's not talk anymore. Keep your eyes and ears open for anything strange between now and then. I'll see you Sunday, good-bye Shekay, he said as he turned into Cate's driveway.

Both of the boys where in the driveway playing ping pong with the upstairs neighbors, Bob and Sue. They seemed like a real nice couple. Maybe he could get them involved in selling the fish, if it worked for the boys. They could probably use the extra money. He would talk to Bob about it but first he needed to deliver the guppies to Cate. Yanon was playing Bob and it looked like he was taking a beating. Bob was trying to give him some pointers, when he noticed Split driving into the driveway. This caused him to miss a shot. Yanon and even both squealed with delight. They weren't used to seeing Bob miss a shot.

Look what you made me do Split. I thought you weren't going to stop in time. How ya been, Bob said as he chased after the ball behind Split's car.

Great. I've brought an aquarium for the boys. I think they will enjoy it. After I've set it up, I'll challenge you to a game. The kids say you are a great player. I'll just have to try you out. What do you say, Split said as he opened the back of the truck to get out the aquarium and the fish?

Why not? You won't have a chance but, I'll be here anyway, Bob said jokingly.

Hey Even! How about giving me a hand with some of this stuff. Where's your mother, Split said as he handed Even the gravel and top to the aquarium?

She's in the house fixing dinner. We're having fish. She said we're having that because of you. I guess it's because of the guppies you promised us, Even said as he bobbled the top and almost dropped it.

She isn't fixing fried guppies is she, he said in a very serious voice?

Yuk! She better not be. I'm going to eat them, Even said as he noticed the twinkle in Split's eyes and realized he had been teasing. No, I think it's gold fish, he countered while holding back a big chuckle.

Well, I hope she knows how to spice them. Gold fish can be pretty tricky, he said as he entered the apartment. So where is Miss Goldfish?

Hi Split! Wait a minute. I'm in the middle of something, she said as she checked the Maui Maui with a fork.

Don't rush it. I know how difficult it is to cook goldfish, he said while winking at Even and putting the tank down on the floor. I'll go out and get the stand for the tank and I'll be right back.

Cate came out of the kitchen with a puzzled look on her face. What did Split say, Even?

Oh, nothing Mom. Where do you want the fish, Even said while looking through the aquarium parts?

Put it against the wall between the chairs, she said as she went back into the kitchen to prepare the rest of the meal.

Split came back with the stand and a plastic bag filled with Blue Guppies. Where does she want it, he asked Even?

Between the chairs. Let me see the Guppies, he asked as he moved to get them from Split. Split handed them to him. For the first time Even, understood why Split was so interested in these fish. They were a florescent blue color with tails almost twice the size of their bodies. He wondered what it was that he and Yanon where suppose to do with them. Split placed the stand in the right spot and then put the tank on top of it. He told Even to get some containers and fill them with room temperature water from the sink. Just then Yanon and Bob came in to see what was going on.

Can we help you, said Yanon?

Sure. Get some containers and fill them with room temperature water and help us fill the tank. Bob, maybe you could get some from upstairs and Yanon you could get some from the bathroom. Very quickly they had the tank filled. Split floated the plastic bag full of guppies in the water. Even asked why he didn't just let the guppies go in the water?

For two reasons. They have to stay in the bag until the chlorine evaporates or until we treat the water and because the water temperature is different. We'll be able to let them go in a few hours. How about a quick game of Ping Pong before I have to leave, he said looking at Bob?

You asked for it, Bob said as he turned to go out the door towards the Ping Pong table.

Yanon, don't feed the fish until I come back tomorrow. I'll explain everything then. Let the fish out in about two hours. O.K., Split said as he walked out the door? Yanon just nodded. He was fascinated just watching the fish. The two men had a quick game of Ping Pong. It was obvious that Bob was a very good player. He beat Split easily.

Good game. I enjoyed it. Tell Cate and the boys that I'll be back tomorrow to show them what needs to be done with the guppies, Split said as he headed for his truck. I'll see you then.

Bob waved and headed back into Cates' apartment. When he got inside he said to Yanon; why is Split always in such a hurry? He doesn't ever seem to stay anywhere very long.

I don't know. Maybe that's why he's called Split. They both laughed, but that did make some sense and they both knew it. Cate was listening and kind of grinning because she had to agree that for as long as she had known Split, it seemed that he was always on the move. She often wondered where he was off to, but she knew he would be back the next day. He seemed to always be around when she needed help or advice.

Split looked at his watch and could see that he was going to have to count on good traffic conditions, if he was going to make it in time for his date with Tuti. When he reached the gates, he saw her immediately. She walked over to his with a cocky little smile on her face. She was definitely full of mischief. This was going to be fun.

How ya doing, she said as she opened the truck door and slid in beside him? The first thing she did was put her hand on his thigh to throw him off balance. It worked. Split almost hit a car making a U-turn and she giggled a little. Watch out. You don't want to get us killed before we can have some fun do you, she said with a knowing smile?

Definitely not, Split said as he tried to wiggle from under her hand. He was getting excited and a little nervous. Was she going to proposition him? If so, then he had misread her. What did you have in mind Tuti, he said as he hit the on-ramp going to the Stadium?

I thought we were going to a ball game, she said with that same great smile she used on anyone when she wanted her way.

That's right. I hope you like baseball, he said.

No. I don't, but I'll make an exception this time. I've never been to a ball game. I'll make sure we have fun, she said as she flirted with him.

Split didn't know what to make of this direct approach she was taking with him. He was soon to find out why she was named Lunga. They went to the game, but it wasn't long before it became obvious that Tuti wasn't interested in the action on the playing field. She had something else on her mind, so Split bought them a couple beers. They went outside on a porch-type walkway with a great view down Mission Valley to the ocean. It was just at sunset and the colors in the sky were magical. Split didn't know if he should break the spell by asking her for the additional two hundred dollars or was she trying to get over and not have to pay. After they had done a little more "bill and cooing." Split decided to break the spell and see where she was coming from.

Tuti, did you remember to bring the rest of the money? I'd better give you the key before I forget, he said trying to not be too heavy about the money.

Sure, I remembered it, but you're going to have to earn it tonight by breaking in my new apartment, she said as she started to maul his manhood. Besides, you already gave me the key. There was no more doubt in Split's mind. In fact, there wasn't much of anything that wasn't X-rated on his mind at this time. It was definitely time to leave the game and head for the apartment. He would have to have a more serious talk with her when ever she settled down. He decided he wasn't going to rush into business with her until after she got what she wanted from him. He had already decided to invite her to the Saturday night party that he was invited to. That's where he could test out her savvy with the politically elite. If she is as street wise in that situation as she obviously was in her own element, then she would be a potent weapon for the I.C.P. As they drove into the condo complex, Split remembered he had to make a call at eight to Guy, in Hemet, at the Red Dog Saloon. He told Tuti, that they would have to be through in about an hour, so he could make the call.

No problem, she said, but first let's stop at my friends house and get a blanket and some smoke.

I can't get high tonight. The call was too important and besides I don't need it. You've got me going plenty without any artificial stimulants he said.

She started to get a little suspicious again. Is this guy for real or not? This is really great stuff she said.

I believe you and after my call maybe I'll try some but not until then, he said as he pulled up to her friends apartment, that she had pointed towards. She got out and knocked on her friends door. A tough looking guy answered and said that Tracy was in the back room He also asked her if she was with a cop. She could tell that this was going to be a reoccurring problem with her friends if she continued to see Split. She went into the back room and gave her friend a big hug and told her what she needed. She told her what her plans were and that she would tell her all about it later. She was back in the car in about five minutes.

All right, let's go big boy, she said as she moved closer to Split. She quickly told Split about the conversation and the curiosity of her friends.

Split just laughed and said that they were quite a pair of oddballs. She hadn't seen anything yet. Wait until the party Saturday night. That's right Tuti, I almost forgot to ask you. Can you come to a beach party with me Saturday night, he asked?

That depends on what happens in the next few minutes, she said trying to keep his mind on her seduction scene.

I'm not worried about that and don't you, he said as he pulled up to Tuti's new apartment. They both got out and he gave her another key while looking at her with a silly grin. All right lady, what about the money first he said in a semi-serious voice? If you are going to treat me like a pro then you'll have to play your part.

She opened the door and carefully placed the blanket down on the living room floor. She reached into her pocket and got out the two hundred dollars and started to hand it to him. She pulled back and said mustily, now you are going to find out about Tunga Lunga. She laid down on the blanket and reached up with the money to give him. When he reached for it she grabbed his arm and pulled him down between her legs. It's Tunga Lunga time she said. That was the last thing said between them for about forty five minutes. (1) Exhausted and spent, Tuti sat up and asked Split if the invitation was still on for Saturday night?

That's for sure, he said as he rose and offered her his hand to help her up. I'll pick you up here at about six and we'll go to dinner first. Do you like Chinese food?

I sure do. Can you drop me off at Tracy's house on your way out, she said as she headed for the truck?

You've got it. Are you going to be all right? Have you got some friends to help you move in, he said as he opened the door of the truck for her?

No problem. You'll like the way I fix up the apartment. By the way, I think I have a couple of girlfriends that would rent the apartment from us, that is if the deal you were talking about earlier is still on between us, she said as she reached over to kiss him goodnight.

Great! Tell them they can move in Sunday. We'll interview them Saturday night at your place, when I come to pick you up. Can you have them there, he said as she was leaving the truck to go to Tracy's house?

They'll be there. I had a great time Split. I'll see you Saturday night, she said as she walked up to Tracy's door and waved.

See ya later, he said as he began to drive off. He looked at his watch and realized he only had ten minutes before he had to make his call to Guy. He headed towards Mission Valley to Bully's restaurant. He needed something to eat and that would be a good place to make his call. Inside Bully's he asked for a seat close to the phone and got it. He placed the call to the Red Dog Saloon and immediately got Guy on the phone.

Split, is that you, Guy said as he was handed the phone by the bartender?

It's me. Can you talk, Split said as he looked around to see if anyone was paying attention to his conversation. There didn't seem to be anyone within hearing distance and they all looked busy with their dates.

It's cool. Did Shekay fill you in on the problem, Guy said as he motioned for another drink to the bartender?

Sort of, but I didn't want to talk too much on my car phone. I think I've been followed on and off lately. Maybe not, but this whole thing is coming to a head and I don't want it falling apart at this point. We have got to be extremely careful from now on. I'm glad your background has trained you for this kind of thing. I'm going to be relying on you for a lot of assistance in making sure we pull this off. What have you done so far, Split asked?

I had Shekay take home some of the fish from the same group that had some missing and I did the same. We were very careful not to be obvious about it. We set up the tanks with an alarm system to let us know if anyone messes with it. I've placed hidden video cameras all over the place and especially on the tanks. We'll find out if the fish were stolen or eaten. It's too bad we didn't do this earlier. Do you really think they could already be that concerned, Guy said as he reached for his drink?

I think anything is possible and from now on that's the way we are going to treat it. Consider the project on full alert. This Saturday I'm going to a party. I may be able to get a better reading as to whether or not our political friends are concerned yet or not. I'm coming up Sunday. I want you to be there from twelve on. I don't know exactly when we'll be there yet, but probably sometime after two. Try to get everything ready for a demonstration. I'll be bringing the lawyer and one of his friends that speaks your language. He's a genetic expert. I hope he works out because then we can set him up and use him as a front. Do you need anything from San Diego, asked Split as he noticed two men coming in the front entrance? They hadn't noticed him yet, but he thought it best to end this conversation as soon as possible.

No, I don't need anything except; maybe, some piece of mind. I thought I was through with all this stuff when I left "The Company". You have a good time Saturday and try to stay out of trouble, said Guy playfully. He knew that Split considered himself available to any pretty face. He wished that he would settle down a bit. Now that there is a cure, it seems that everybody remembers the moves just like it was yesterday, he said as he took another big swig of his drink.

Trouble is what I'll be avoiding, but if it comes my way I'll bottle some and bring it up to you. Seriously, be thinking of a master plan and so will I. We'll compare notes and run it past the lawyer if we feel comfortable with his friend. I've got to hang up now. I'll se ya Sunday, Split said and then hung up just as the two men noticed him. It seemed that they took an extra good look at him before they started to talk to each other. Maybe he would try to lay a little trap for them to see if it wasn't just hi imagination. Not tonight though. He would just remember their faces and if he saw them again he would take action. He was through for the night and he needed some sleep. He had only two days to do some thorough checking on several people that are key players in his plan. He needed to make sure of who he was dealing with and where they stood. He knew this wouldn't be an easy process.

The next day Ned Cole met with a group of scientist and environmentalist that had been recommended to him by his staff. Included in the meeting were some of the big media names that already had a track record of finding and successfully stopping businesses from destroying certain habitats of endangered species. In some cases it was justified and in others they were politically manipulated. This group didn't care which was the case. They were only interested in the saving of endangered species. In most cases they didn't even know what the political or economical implications of their actions were. This was particularly important for Ned because he only had to be sure of his scientific facts. He could then cash in on the political and financial benefits of halting certain activities that were deemed necessary by this esteemed committee. The rest of the pieces would automatically fall into place, or so he arrogantly thought.

The group came up with several species. It seemed rather remote as to the effect the saving of them would have on any particular type of irreplaceable habitat. Most of these could be saved without very many changes in land use. He needed something more sensational. He asked them if they were checking on anything unusual. He promised them help on each of the species that they requested. They told him of some research that was going on with a new strain of fish that had been written up in several scientific journals. They had been trying to get more information on the species but the lab that was working on it was not forthcoming about the nature of the work. They were concerned because the implications of unusual secrecy indicated that there could be all sorts of genetic designing involved. The people doing the research were very hostile to normal industry and government regulations. The new breed was being sponsored by the I.C.P.

They informed him that they had managed to obtain a few specimens several days ago. They were trying to analyze them now to see what was different. So far, they had only determined that the fish were a new breed of guppy with a particularly beautiful male specimen. They doubted that this was the only difference. They had the whole project under surveillance and they were coordinating their information with several government agencies.

Ned knew immediately, when he heard that the I.C.P. was involved, that this could be just the issue the congressman needed. The I.C.P. was a new upstart political organization that was challenging many of the old guard's sacred cows. He figured this would be easy pickings. Sid would get his security people working on it and probably have a plan of action ready in time for the Saturday party. Sid was always more effective in persuading people at a party. He didn't know exactly how Sid's magic worked, but he had seen it work over and over again. He had become his number one fan. Ned felt that this deal could really make a difference in his career. Sid kept telling him to look for the big score. You only needed one to make your reputation grow, he'd always said.

After the meeting broke up, Ned called Sid and told him the good news. Sid already knew Split Thomas and had purposely invited him to the Saturday party. He had no idea at the time that he would be their next political target. He had invited him because he was a political curiosity and a scandalous bachelor. Now Split would be more than just a fill-in at the party. What a strange turn of events. Of course, he had the perfect set-up for pumping information from the unsuspecting split. The beautiful Reta Bailey would be used as bait. She loved these kinds of assignments and an eligible bachelor would just make it more interesting for her. As soon as Sid finished his call with Ned, he immediately got Reta on the phone.

Reta, how are you doll, he said when she answered the call?

Sid, don't tell me you have something fun for me to do again? What is it, a visiting official from Washington or a foreign businessman that you're trying to con, she said half-jesting?

Neither. Your assignment will be a local oddball politician that we need to get some information from. You must do it in an unsuspecting manner. Are you free Saturday night to come to a party at Congressman Bohm's apartment, he asked? I'm free Saturday night, but just how odd is this person, she said thinking that this was going to be quite a chore?

That's what we want you to find out with your incredible charm and wit, sweet- thing, he said teasing her a little. In fact, I want you to come over to my office as soon as you can and pick up his file. You'll need it, because we want you to get as much information on him as possible before the party. If you have a FAX or an E- mail address I'll send the file, otherwise pick it up at the desk. I will set up a short briefing during the party, in a casual manner, with the Congressman. Have your ducks in a row before then. Pay particular attention to his experiments with a new strain of guppies at the Humanarium complex.

What? Did you say Guppies?

That's what I said my dear. Guppies, Blue Deltas to be exact. He's doing some genetic engineering on them and we thing we can get some political mileage out of what he's trying to do. Up to now we don't know exactly what that is. That will be your job, to find out.

You've got to be kidding. This is the most bazaar assignment you've ever come up with. Is this a joke or something? I don't know anything about guppies, she said sure that Sid was putting her on.

This is no joke. Get some reading material about the fish and don't underestimate either the project or the person we want you to cover. Don't worry. You'll enjoy yourself, he said knowing how much Reta liked vamping for information.

Al right. I'll take your word for it. I'll be down in about an hour to pick up the file. I want a complete file, not a water-downed FAX copy. In the meantime I'll have my staff get me all the information ever written about guppies, she said sarcastically. This is unbelievable she thought to herself. She hung up with a short good-bye and called in her assistant and briefed him on her assignment.

She call Ned and he briefed her further. Reta only had two days to gather as much information as she could on both the fish and the person before the party Saturday. She found out that some Ned's contacts already had gotten several of the guppies from the Humanariums' lab. She needed to know everything that they had come up with and just how they managed to get into the lab. She also would try to call them off in the meantime so that it wouldn't arouse suspicion because of the missing specimens at the lab. She needed at least two pair of the guppies for her own research, but she planned on getting them from Split voluntarily if she could. She got the file from Sid's office and was pleasantly surprised by what she read. She felt a kind of kinship with some of the ideas that he profess to be supporting. It made her wonder why Sid and Ned were plotting against him. She thought that most of his ideas were pretty mainstream and that the congressman was also in tune with these concepts. What she read in the file disturbed her because of its lack of strangeness as professed by Sid. She also checked out his web site. Now she knew this was going to be an interesting assignment after all. What she couldn't figure out was what anyone wanted with the Blue Guppies. How could they be so important?

She made the necessary calls to set everything in motion and then settled down to read about the guppies. She found it interesting that fancy guppies were one of the first genetic experiments ever started just for the purpose of checking out genetic theories. This had taken place in Germany about one hundred years ago. Basically these were man-made strains of fish. She also read about the competitions that were held by guppy fanciers and how expensive some of these prize fish were. There didn't seem to be too much detail in learning about them and in the end she came to the same conclusion that Sid and his men did. It didn't seem very likely that the I.C.P. would spend this much attention on guppies just to win a prize. There had to be more to it. She started to make a list of possible scenarios but found that she couldn't list anything that made sense. Breed for color, breed for size, breed for a prize winner. This was really strange.

She received a call from one of Ned's people that told her they would lay off surveillance for awhile. Besides, they were coming up blank and an inside job was definitely called for in this situation. They also told her that one of the females had already had babies and that they would give her some tomorrow. They couldn't give her any full grown ones because they only had the minimum amount needed for their research They told her that she could expect full cooperation from them in any of their findings, but had nothing to report. They suggested that she do her own independent research. Maybe her people would come up with a new approach. With only a couple days to work on this project, she decided to do most of her immediate research on Split Thomas and leave the fish to the experts. She was to present her plan of infiltration to the congressman. He in turn would give her some direction and a plan on Saturday night.

Meanwhile Split wasn't letting any grass grow under his feet either. He decided to go on to the Net and check out the articles that had been written about Congressman Bohme. He wanted to find out why he had been invited to this party Saturday night. He didn't know if there was any linkage or not. He wanted to check out some of his cronies and distracters. What he did, was go through the articles, extract the names of anyone connected with him to see if he knew any of them. He didn't have direct computer access to sensitive Government files, so he had to do it the old fashioned way. Besides, he knew that they monitored computer access and he might tip them off without realizing it. This way was safer but less effective. After he completed his search and made copies of things he wanted to evaluate later, he headed over to Cate's house. The boys should be getting home about this time and he wanted to see if they would be interested in setting up a guppy business. When he got to Cate's house he knocked and Even answered the door.

How's things Even, he said?

Oh Kay, I guess, he said kind of unhappily.

You don't sound like you mean that. What's the matter? Some trouble at school, he queried?

No, I'm just bored. There's nothing to do and no money to do it with. What are you up to?

I came to ask you and Yenon a few questions. Is he around somewhere, he asked just as Cate came in from visiting her neighbors with Yenon following behind her?

Split! Give me a hug. Are you going to stay for dinner for a change, she asked looking at him in a loving way?

How can I resist that, he said a bit surprised? What has you in such a good mood?

I don't know. It's just that I somehow think things are going to change for better, she said knowing that he was going to give the kids a pep talk tonight about how to make some extra money. I'm making some taco's tonight. How does that sound?

Double good. In fact, Mexico is one of the things I wanted to talk to you about. Remember that special ranch I told you my friend has in Ensenada?

You mean "The Gringo"?

Yep. I've got to see him concerning some business, not this weekend but next weekend. Do you think you might want to come down there with me, he said with a hopeful look in his eye?

Maybe. I'll have to find someone to take care of the kids, she said with a cure grin on her mug.

Don't worry about that. If you can't find anybody to take them, we can always take them to the pound for the weekend, he said knowing that she was actually considering his offer for the first time. I wonder what got into her he thought. He'd asked her out a hundred times and she had just said that she wasn't dating at the present time. He was fairly sure that she was kidding, but maybe not. It could be, that his ploy of bringing over his dates lately to meet her, telling his dates that they were just good friends, had finally made her a little jealous and peaked her interest in him, somewhat. He wasn't sure, so he decided to bring Tuti by this Saturday night if possible, just in case.

You have your talk with the boys and I'll fix dinner. Do you want a beer, she said walking into the kitchen?

Sure. Thanks! How are the guppies doing guys, he asked the kids as he turned to look at the aquarium?

They seem alright, Yanon said as he sat down in the chair next to the fish.

Believe it or not, you can make a lot of money with these fish, if you do it right. Not millions, but enough to get you some of the things you want. I know you both have friends into drugs that are making big dollars for kids your age, but they are going to have to pay the price one day and its not going to be pretty when they do. So, please keep in mind we are dealing in smaller numbers at first, but the money will be earned in an honest way. If you watch your money closely and put some of it to work for you. The results will amaze you if you stick to it. I'll show you how to project the numbers. Just consider this your "How to make money" course. The difference is that if you pass the exams in this course, there will be more than just a grade waiting for you. Each week we will set a goal for leach of you based on the possible results. At first, you won't have to do much work. The guppies will do it all for you. I've given you ten females and five males to start with, even though the males aren't needed because the females are already filled with babies. Split went over to the box of supplies and brought out a book that told about the basics of raising fish. He showed them the part that told about live bearing fish. See where it gives you instructions on how to save the babies by using this special small floating aquarium with a slit in the bottom and space below to catch the babies. Normally you place a female with darkest spot on her underside in this and you can save a lot of the baby guppies from being eaten. The thing that is different about these very special blue guppies is that they are specially bred not to eat their babies. This means a lot less trouble in breeding them. You also get a lot more of the mature fish with less effort. This only works if all the fish in the tank are this new breed of guppy. You place any other kind of fish in there and you will lose a lot of baby fish. You guys understand, Split said as he looked into the tank to see which female was most likely to give birth next?

Ya, sure, but how did you make these fish not eat their babies, Yanon said as he too started to look into the tank?

That's top secret information and I don't want either of you to tell anyone. That's the reason you guys will be making a lot of money in a few years, if you handle this project properly. We have the only fish in the world that have changed their normal habits because of a technique that we used to control them. Someday I'll explain how we did it, he said just as he spotted a female about ready to explode. See this female over here, where I'm pointing, he said as the kids moved closer to the area he was pointing at. See the female with the very dark spot underneath?

Ya, its the one in the corner, Even said excitedly.

Do you see it Yanon, Split said?

Ah he. When will it have the babies, Yanon said?

Soon, very soon. What I want you guys to do is take shifts and watch this particular goofy. This way, you can see that I'm not telling you stories. Which one wants to go first, he said as he stood up?

I do, I do, they both said.

You can't both go first so we'll have Even take the first shift and Yanon can come with me for a few minutes. We'll be back in about ten minutes. Tell your mom. See ya in a bit, Split said as he and Yanon went out the door.

They both climbed into the truck and backed out of the driveway. As they did, Yanon asked where they were going?

We are looking for the closest location for a pet shop. Do you know if there is one close by, Split said as he stopped at a stop sign?