In this, the final episode of Season Two, Young-Min Jo meets for the first time in 24 years, his identical twin Kwang-Min. Seeing up close the world his brother exists in - wealthy, almost extravagant - Young-Min's jealousy boils over. Wishes he could somehow be a part of it!
Be careful what you wish for, as they say, for Kwang-Min most certainly does have a role for his twin brother to fulfill within Min-Pharma Enterprises ... assuming he can check his morals and ethics at the door. A new drug is making its way out of Afghanistan. Government hasn't approved its use. Kwang-Min Jo wants to start selling it immediately. The key to marketing it to a jaded consumer population? That's where Young-Min Jo comes in.
In this, the final episode of Season Two, Young-Min Jo meets for the first time in 24 years, his identical twin Kwang-Min. Seeing up close the world his brother exists in - wealthy, almost extravagant - Young-Min's jealousy boils over. Wishes he could somehow be a part of it!
Be careful what you wish for, as they say, for Kwang-Min most certainly does have a role for his twin brother to fulfill within Min-Pharma Enterprises ... assuming he can check his morals and ethics at the door. A new drug is making its way out of Afghanistan. Government hasn't approved its use. Kwang-Min Jo wants to start selling it immediately. The key to marketing it to a jaded consumer population? That's where Young-Min Jo comes in.
Hello, and welcome back to Twin Paradox. I'm King Everett Medlin and what you're hearing is a SciFi trilogy I wrote four years ago under the pseudonym Purple Hazel. Twin Paradox follows my first podcast series entitled Deathwalker Colony, which is now a full length novel available for purchase on Amazon. Go online and check it out! It's on sale today in E-book format, as well as the first two books in the Rijel 12 Series, The Rise of New Australia and Return of Anarchy.
In this, the final episode of Season Two, Young-Min Jo meets for the first time in 24 years, his identical twin Kwang-Min. Seeing up close the world his brother exists in - wealthy, almost extravagant - Young-Min's jealousy boils over. Wishes he could somehow be a part of it!
Be careful what you wish for, as they say, for Kwang-Min most certainly does have a role for his twin brother to fulfill within Min-Pharma Enterprises ... assuming he can check his morals and ethics at the door. A new drug is making its way out of Afghanistan. Government hasn't approved its use. Kwang-Min Jo wants to start selling it immediately. The key to marketing it to a jaded consumer population? That's where Young-Min Jo comes in.
Twin Paradox is a SciFi series encompassing three full length novels; all of which will be read in their entirety during the coming weeks. You can go online and download the E-books ... or if you prefer, tune in and listen to me read them to you. So let's continue!
Ladies and Gentlemen, Chapter Forty-Two, All In ....
Subsequently the elevator came to a stop. Young-Min took a deep breath; psyching himself up for the big moment. Meanwhile he heard the motors in the elevator activating the door-opening mechanism and his heart raced with excitement. Soon enough, the panels began sliding apart, and he was now able to view the private world of Min-Pharma’s reclusive Chief Executive Officer. Trance-like, he stepped off the elevator right behind Zero; then together they entered the penthouse floor executive suite belonging to a person few people ever got to meet in person.
Soon after, a man came in through a side-door and entered the office. Young-Min recognized him immediately even though the individual’s gait was slightly different than his own. It was him nevertheless. Stocking feet wearing house slippers. Charcoal gray slacks and white button-down shirt, studying Young-Min carefully but smiling ear-to-ear nevertheless. Young-Min began to smile as well in response. The two hurried quickly across the floor to embrace each other, tears welling up in their eyes.
Zero began to cry too, appreciating the dramatic moment and feeling joy in her heart for Kwang-Min, the man she loved. An orphan just like herself, here he was being reunited with his only known relative. Yes, Young-Min Jo – his twin who’d traveled across space to an alien planet and returned after over two decades – was now right there, in the flesh, standing in his office. No wonder the two men were nearly blubbering. Zero felt tears running down her cheeks for the first time in many years.
“Oh my God, brother,” muttered Young-Min, his face pressed against Kwang-Min’s neck in a brotherly embrace. “I’m back. I’m finally back. How are you man? I mean, you look great. You’re … God … I mean look at all this stuff. You’re like some tycoon or something!”
Teary-eyed, Kwang-Min was nevertheless humble about his present circumstances.
“No, no. They decorate all this for me. I just live here that’s all.”
Young-Min detected a strong Asian accent in the way Kwang-Min spoke. Perhaps this was the by-product of having to switch back and forth from English to Mandarin so often. Apparently Kwang-Min had had to learn other languages besides English as part of his business dealings. In the orphanage, English was all they’d ever heard spoken.
“It’s so good to see you after all this time, brother,” added Kwang-Min. “I’ve been searching for you many year, if you didn’t know.” Young-Min pulled back when he said this.
“Oh really?” he asked. “How? Shit … where? I haven’t even been on the same planet for 24 years. Where did you try looking for me?”
Recomposing himself, Kwang-Min chuckled, “Well it was quite difficult. It only started to make sense to us when we heard the Nautilus was reported entering our solar system. After that we sort of tied up all the loose ends. Our research showed fingerprint matches dried up shortly after they took you away from that hotel in Toronto. Trail petered out later in Florida. Very frustrating.” Then Kwang-Min seemed to wax philosophically. “But I’ve got to say, you know? It very well could have been me - not you - on that ship just as easily. Do you remember?” The two remained in a partial embrace, grasping each other by the forearms. Neither seemed to want to let go. Zero noticed this and remained silent as the two brothers continued their happy reunion.
“What do you mean?” asked Young-Min with furrowed eyebrows. “All I remember is them putting me in that van and driving away. You were standing out there on the sidewalk waving to me as I recall.” But Kwang-Min knew full well what he was talking about.
“Oh so you have forgotten then,” he laughed. “We were finalists, both of us. I made it to the final rounds with you – of the testing we went through. Remember testing at the orphanage and then going to the hotel for more rounds?” prodded Kwang-Min. “It was just a few of us left in that group before we got split up. I never figure out why until recently.”
“Ah yeah,“ exclaimed Young-Min, now dropping his hands to his sides. “You’re right brother. They pulled me aside and told me I was coming with them … then lied and said you were going with a different family or something. Can’t recall much after that. But I do remember when I was a kid onboard Santa Maria that Lieutenant - well, I mean Ensign Kelvin that is - he told me he’d wanted you for the mission, not me, and that those Space Programme people overrode him. Man, I haven’t thought about that in years!”
At this point Zero finally spoke up. “Well, that wasn’t very nice of him to say,” she said, chiming in. “What a mean thing to say to a kid.” This caused the two men to pull apart slightly. “Whuh?” Young-Min started to say in reaction to the sudden interruption. Then he realized what she’d just asked.
“Oh. Kelvin? Nah. He was just kidding around with me … didn’t mean any harm. It was a couple years after we took off for ‘B’. I’d just figured out how to override the food replication system and folks in the mess hall were congratulating me. He gave me a pat on the back and said he was glad they’d chosen me – almost picked the other twin, that’s all. Nah, Kelvin was a great guy. He’s one of the ones I miss the most.”
“Food replication system huh? They had those back then?” asked Kwang-Min, changing the subject, smiling derisively. “Mmm-mmm. Those are bad for you. Not real food. I tell you what, how about we get you a nice home-cooked meal for once, huh? Authentic Korean food. Maybeline knows how to make Japchae. I shipped in all the ingredients for it.”
Young-Min gave the air a sniff, and his nostrils caught a whiff of sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and seafood – possibly shrimps – cooking in the apartment next door. Through an open doorway he could see furnishings like that of a private residence. This he figured must be the home of his brother; and yes, the food smelled downright amazing.
“Yeah. Zero told me ‘bout it. What’s that you call it? Jaaahp-chay? What does that mean?” he asked. Kwang-Min stood back and laughed, realizing his brother would have had no recollection of Asian cuisine growing up. The orphanage had nothing like that.
“It’s delicious, brother,” he replied. “Sweet potato starch noodles in stir-fried vegetables with beef usually. Spinach, carrots, mushrooms, onions, and sesame seeds too. Only we replace beef with shrimp. Much easier to acquire nowadays than steer meat. Cattle grazing is no longer practical these days. So … how about you get washed up for dinner then I’ll show you around?” Young-Min nodded agreeably. The idea of real food – freshly prepared ingredients no less - not made from dehydrated nuggets or frozen pellets for once - sounded quite intriguing. Wasn’t sure how safe it might be! Nevertheless he happily complied and followed Kwang-Min into the apartment.
Meanwhile Zero reached over, slipped the strap of his duffel bag off his shoulder and took it from him.
“You two go on ahead,” she said, “I’ll take this for you, Young-Min. Go get comfortable and I’ll get your room ready for you.”
Young-Min had no objections to that. Washing his hands with actual tap water and soap – which he could almost assume they had here – was something he thoroughly enjoyed doing since returning to Earth. Loved the sensations it gave him. Not as sanitary as the hygiene chambers on the Santa Maria maybe and far more wasteful, but so very pleasurable being able to wash his hands in a “sink” once again. He followed Kwang-Min into the nearby apartment and was directed to an elaborate bathroom … right along with a real, genuine walk-in shower. He didn’t even wait for an invitation. That was the first thing Young-Min wanted to do - right then and there.
“Holy shit brother. This is some place you got. And I know just what I'm gonna do first; take me a shower!” he stated, and Kwang-Min didn’t hesitate to accommodate him.
“Sure! Be my guest,” replied the business executive, hands on his hips trying to appear taller now that he was in the presence of his much younger-looking twin. Zero got a kick out of seeing him trying to pull his shoulders back and stand up straight for once. He usually walked and stood slightly stooped over from so many years hunkered over in front of a computer.
“I tell Maybeline to delay supper for half an hour. You just make yourself at home. Zero will bring some fresh clothes to wear.” And when he said that Zero darted past them and seemed to head right for the bedroom closet … without Kwang-Min even telling her to.
Young-Min was impressed! Loyal, enthusiastic subordinates? Sign of a good manager. Seemed like his brother truly had it all. Only one question remained though: was he sleeping with her? Zero, that is. That would need to be revealed as soon as possible before Young-Min dared making any moves on her. More than likely they were; Young-Min couldn’t imagine how they wouldn’t be by now. Pretty Asian gal, working close by him ten to twelve hours a day? His brother the CEO of the company? Absolute authority over everyone working for him? Oh, he’s gotta be screwin’ her by now, he mused privately. Lucky guy.
He almost wanted to ask Kwang-Min if his lovely Security Chief could be persuaded to assist with his shower! Jokingly of course, he wouldn't do it naturally, but it passed through his mind briefly as he stood there. The thought of her standing naked with him … hot water spraying on his bare shoulders … suddenly aroused him and he felt a burning twinge between his legs. Good thing he’s giving me half an hour, he thought to himself. He endeavored to make full use of this time alone to relieve himself of his urges (if only temporarily). Meanwhile Kwang-Min went into the kitchen giving orders in Tongan for his cook to set a table for three ….
A twenty minute shower. God it felt good! Soaping up his body from head to toe. Standing under the shower nozzle and letting the hot water pelt his tired muscles ... masturbating and ejaculating into the water below as the steam filled the whole bathroom with an eerie mist. He enjoyed the experience immensely. When he exited the shower cubicle, he found a fresh set of clothes to wear. Meanwhile he noticed that his military uniform had been removed … shoes, socks, underwear, everything … replaced with a brand new outfit to change into.
Cotton briefs - brand new and still in their packaging. Cotton undershirt with a crew neck. White cotton athletic socks. And finally a black jumpsuit which zipped up the middle. The jumpsuit had breast pockets and a collar with lapels. It was a single-piece outfit he could step into and pull up over his shoulders without having to fasten a belt around his middle. Quite comfortable after a long day in slacks. What’s more, it fit perfectly! Likely it was Kwang-Min’s and he’d rarely ever worn it. Seemed like factory worker’s coveralls basically. Plus they had the Min-Pharma company logo embroidered on one pocket (an interlocking letter P and letter M with a dash across the middle. Rather spiffy!
But best of all it was clean and smelled fragrant like it had just been laundered. This was something he was still getting used to back on Earth. Laundered clothing. Frankly it was the most well-fitting outfit he’d ever worn. On the floor were some slippers he could slide his feet into as well. He finished toweling off his thick black hair and exited the bathroom, only to get yet another whiff of the delicious dinner being prepared for him. As he came out into the hallway, he could hear Kwang-Min beckoning him from the dining area.
“All refreshed now?” he asked. Young-Min followed the sound of his twin’s voice into the room, amazed at how it sounded exactly like his own.
“Feels great, yes!” he hollered back, then shuffle-stepped into the room where Kwang-Min and Zero were already seated. A short, Pacific-Islander-looking woman was bringing out platters of food, piled on top with colorful vegetables and steaming-hot noodles. Kwang-Min was pouring wine out of a bottle into a glass sitting in front of the only unoccupied place-setting at the table.
“Come on in and sit down with us brother. I bet you’re hungry after that long flight from Frankfurt this morning,” said Kwang-Min with a smile. Young-Min took a seat, directly across from Zero, and joined them. Kwang-Min of course sat at the head of the table.
“Oh yeah. Starvin’,” Young-Min replied. “And I haven’t had anything like this before, that’s for sure!”
Dinner was scrumptious. So healthy and aromatic. The wine was a golden Chardonnay Kwang-Min said he’d imported from the North American district of California. Rich and flavorful, it complemented the meal wonderfully. As he ate, Young-Min savored every bite as though he’d never tasted food before. So flavorful. It was like that first time he’d had a cheeseburger back at Disney Universe when he was a kid. He ate and ate until he was stuffed to the gills. Kwang-Min happily served him a second and then a third helping. Offered him another scoop too … but Young-Min finally had to demure and admit he couldn’t handle another bite. Then, when he had pushed his plate away and sat back in his chair with a deep sigh, Kwang-Min did the same and gave him a good long look. Young-Min suppressed a small belch; apologizing for being crude.
“Errrr-up. Excuse me,” he said sheepishly. “That dinner was incredible, really. My compliments to the chef!” He then patted his tummy and grinned contentedly. Kwang-Min nodded proudly and Zero chuckled, still sitting forward and holding her wine glass daintily like ladies often do; an arm bracing herself behind her plate which was only half-finished. Young-Min noticed how Kwang-Min hadn’t finished his dinner either.
“You folks hardly touched yours though … how come?” asked Young-Min, “I can’t believe it. That was fabulous.” They both smiled happily. Apparently this was something they were quite used to. Gourmet cuisine served in a swank apartment overlooking nearby Chinatown and the brightly-lit skyline of Toronto off in the distance? Must be a regular thing for these people, he thought to himself. But in reality, they had merely been waiting on him to finish. Didn’t want to interrupt their guest and be impolite. Young-Min picked up on this and felt embarrassed that he’d made such a pig of himself by eating three plates full of food.
“Oh, that was plenty for me,” commented Kwang-Min in response.
“Me too,” added Zero, mirroring her boss’s words. “We’re so glad you liked it,” she then said.
Kwang-Min followed up her comment with, “Not what you’re accustomed to on board the Santa Maria I take it.” And when he said that, Young Min laughed derisively.
“Ha! Not hardly brother. Not anything like this up there in space. Everything was rationed you know? Portions were dictated to us based on our height and weight … so we wouldn’t overeat and get fat during the mission. Couldn’t stuff ourselves basically. Space Programme was extremely cautious about that sort of thing.”
Kwang-Min grew more curious about his brother’s experiences.
“Oh really? Well that’s interesting. And by the way, just what exactly was your function onboard the ship? We never learned that about you from the people we interviewed from Nautilus. Some said you worked in the uh, Garden Center … is that right?” Young-Min’s eyes widened when his brother said that.
“Yeah. Hydroponic Garden Center. You got that right. Many years actually. Then I got transferred to the Pod Monitoring Lab during the return mission. Got me out of that filthy place so I could work with my friend Ozzie. He was in charge there … it got me away from all that bullshit going on back in ‘the garden’. I’m sure you heard about it in the news by now haven’t you?” Kwang-Min raised an eyebrow and cocked his head inquisitively.
“What … you mean the marijuana they talked about in the media?” he asked diplomatically, “All the crewmen getting high during the mission?” Zero also raised her eyebrows. Seemed like they knew quite a bit about what had been going on and were trying to be tactful; yet keenly interested in what he’d say next. Interested in hearing his side of the story in other words. “You weren’t mixed up in all that were you?” Kwang-Min then asked with a playful look of concern.
“Oh yes. Sure was,” replied Young-Min. “Right in the middle of it, I have to admit. Didn’t try any of course. I was only a teenager when everyone was using that stuff during the mission to ‘B’. They wouldn’t let me have any when I was a kid. And when I was finally old enough to try it, I didn’t have any interest by then anyway. Weed makes you stupid, let me tell ya’,” he then added. “I learned first-hand what it did to people and wanted no part.”
Kwang-Min chuckled upon hearing this. Zero meanwhile smiled warmly and sipped her wine. It was Zero who spoke up next.
“Mmm-hmm, we know all about that sort of thing here. I know I wouldn’t touch drugs either – not after what I saw growing up.” She then glanced over toward Kwang-Min to gauge his reaction. Kwang-Min never took his eyes off of his brother though. Just continued to smile and nod patiently. Knew his brother was telling the truth and didn’t question it for a moment. Of course he'd never tried consuming marijauna. Young-Min was way too smart for that he’d always assumed.
“Yes,” he began again, “Zero and I know quite a lot about things like that. Certainly do. It’s not good for you. People don’t realize it. It’s much like the replicators they have in homes now. Folks don’t know the truth about what they’re putting in their bodies. It’s not really food, and yet they eat it anyway, thinking it’s not going to hurt them in the long run. They think it’s modern technology. Reality is they’re not getting proper nutrition and their bodies suffer as a result. Their minds too.”
He took one more sip from his glass of wine and sat back in his chair, leaving the wine glass a quarter-full sitting on the table as Maybeline returned to clear off the plates. “Mālō ‘aupito,” Zero said to her as she grabbed dishes and returned to the kitchen. The little Tongan woman smiled and nodded without making eye contact; and as she returned to the kitchen, Kwang-Min continued speaking.
“See, the world is full of all manner of technological advancements these days,” he said. “Some of them good. Many of them bad. People work hard to make ends meet. Struggle to better themselves. We see it happening all around us. And yet their lives are directionless and meaningless – at least for the majority. They’re poorly fed … from mostly gelatin cubes formed into replicated meals, then fortified with vitamins. But they do get fatigued regardless. Almost daily. And stressed.”
Kwang-Min paused for a moment, looking over at Zero who was nodding back at him approvingly.
“Emotional stress from day-to-day living; that’s what’s depressing them … wearing them down, the poor fools. Many don’t get enough sleep. Worry themselves half to death about the future - never fully contemplating the futility of it all - and when they do, they have to reach for something to try and pull them through … help them cope.” He then chuckled callously. “And basically that’s where we come in.”
That last comment piqued Young-Min’s interest. It seemed as though Kwang-Min had decided to talk about his successful business enterprises. This was what Young-Min had the most interest in. He crossed his arms over his full belly and grinned. “Yeah. I’ve been reading a lot about you since I got back. Seems like you and your company have found a niche for yourselves. Remarkable stories I’ve read. Tell me about it please. I’ve been dying to find out.”
Kwang-Min laughed pleasantly. He was deeply impressed – and relieved – that his brother was taking a sincere interest in his operation.
“I’m glad to hear that, brother. Really I am. Been waiting for years to find you again. Hoping one day to be able to partner with you once more … like when we were kids back at the orphanage. Remember those days?”
Young-Min laughed even louder, “Hah! You bet I do. We were something else weren’t we?” He then turned to face Zero and asked her, “Did he tell you about some of our adventures growing up? The Jesuit priests we were having trouble with?” Then he noticed Kwang-Min getting uncomfortable and shifting in his seat. Seemed the topic was inappropriate for the dinner table; so Young-Min decided to skip over some of the lurid details. Zero for her part picked up on the tension in her boss’s manner and blinked uncomfortably; looking over at Kwang-Min and then back at Young-Min with a half-smile.
“Yeah. We certainly were clever kids. Let’s put it that way,” summarized Young-Min. “Had all the boys in the orphanage working for us at one point – before those folks from Space Programme came and took me away that is.” He then snickered awkwardly and let Kwang-Min speak instead.
“Mmm-hmm. Those were amazing times, weren’t they?” he quipped. “And so are these I must say. You see, today there are millions upon millions of unhappy, unhealthy people out there working and slaving away day after day. They suffer through their lives and just want something to take the edge off, make them happy again, make them relaxed, and help with their troubles. Life and all the joys it can bring … simply aren’t enough for all those poor, naïve folks out there who believe their jobs and the hectic schedules they keep are a necessary part of their existence. I recognized this years ago … and when I saw what drug companies were doing as well as the money that could be made, well, that’s when I decided upon my present career path. That’s how I got where I am, you see?” Young-Min nodded. It was starting to become clearer.
“So you got into selling drugs to them, huh?” asked Young-Min smiling broadly. “Makes sense I guess. Good money in it obviously … I mean … well, just look at all this.” He gazed around the apartment and made a sweeping motion with his hand to indicate what he was referring to. “You’re a billionaire now. And it’s all ‘cause people think they can solve their problems with a little pill or two. Yeah I get it. Nothing wrong with that. People don’t know any better. They just want to be happy. You’re only providing them what they need. That sound about right?”
Kwang-Min remained silent, nodding patiently, still looking back into Young-Min’s eyes. He was studying him. Seeing if this was still the brother he thought he remembered – the one who’d experimented with petroleum lubricants and gear grease to develop a substance they could use in entrapping those pedophilic priests back at the orphanage. Back then they’d teamed up to develop a netting which could contain the delicate material. It could be inserted into the human rectum wherein it would rupture easily, coating the assailant’s scrotum with gooey tar that could not be washed off with mere soap. This served to frame those filthy perverts later; and when authorities seized a suspect, it was essentially an open-and-shut case. Convictions were all but academic for those later caught; and once arrests were made, the assaults promptly ceased. Kwang-Min and Young-Min were deemed heroes at the orphanage after that and thereby untouchable. Even the biggest, toughest, meanest bullies in the place wouldn’t lay a finger on them.
But was Young-Min now a product of the GU and all their systems for turning bright young individuals into good citizens of the world? Was Young-Min part of that system now, in other words? Or was he a man Kwang-Min could utilize in his organization? Could the younger-looking sibling appreciate all that Kwang-Min had achieved – and more importantly want to be an integral part of it? This needed to be determined immediately. Kwang-Min wanted to know that before anything else. If not, then he’d merely host his identical twin as his honored guest for the next twelve months and send him back to Darmstadt when his shore leave had ended. But if so, then he knew he’d be able to cultivate the perfect future business partner to join him in taking Min-Pharma Corporation to even loftier heights. After all, in the pharmaceutical industry it was a well-known fact: when you’re green you’re growing; when you’re ripe you’re rotting. To keep Min-Pharma expanding its empire, he needed to constantly develop newer and more creative products for the masses. Otherwise his larger competitors would swallow him up like a sperm whale gobbling a school of krill. Young-Min was a big part of his plans – assuming Kwang-Min could trust him. After all … brother or not, he might just be a spy. An infiltrator. That possibility still lingered in his mind.
“Yes brother. That is pretty much the size of it,” responded Kwang-Min, shifting in his chair a bit as Young-Min gulped down the rest of his wine and leaned forward. Kwang-Min did so as well, mirroring his brother’s mannerisms. “So … would you like to know more?” he then asked with a glaring look. Are you in or out? he seemed to be inquiring of his twin brother, even though he wasn’t coming right out and saying that. Young-Min nodded confidently. Of course he wanted to know more. It was all too easy to be seduced by his brother’s charm and intelligence – always had been, ever since they were children.
“Hell yes,” replied Young-Min. “Fill me in please.”
Kwang-Min smiled broadly, figuring now was as good a time as any. This after all was the true test of his brother’s sincerity. One flinch. One misplaced comment or averted glance would give it away; and that would speak volumes about Young-Min’s intentions. Indeed, if Kwang-Min suspected any hesitancy whatsoever, he’d know not to include his brother in any further discussions regarding his business. It just wouldn’t be worth the risk.
That would be heartbreaking of course. It would shatter him, knowing he’d spent so many years longing for his brother’s return only to find him incapable of handling what Kwang-Min had in mind. He’d manage. He was a businessman after all. Perhaps Young-Min could be “useful” in other ways, sure. However once Kwang-Min got any indication that his brother hadn’t the stomach for what Min-Pharma was embarking on next, then all bets were off. Once Young-Min found out about Kwang-Min’s true ambitions for his company, there’d be no choice but to either make him a full partner in all his operations – or dispose of him. Those were the cold hard facts, like it or not.
“Well then, allow me to enlighten you,” said Kwang-Min. “Please … follow me back to my office will you? Zero, please join us. Let me show you both something I’ve been working on today.” And when he said this, he rose from the table and the two followed him back into the executive office next door. Zero very carefully pulled the door closed to the apartment so their conversation would be completely private ….
Kwang-Min sat down at his desk and flipped open an electronic pad to scan the palm of his hand. Doing so, the screen on his computer lit up and Young-Min could now see columns of meaningless data. Statistics, lab test results, paragraphs filled with complicated, scientific-sounding words and medical terminology; it seemed far too much to take in without someone walking them through it. Subsequently Kwang-Min motioned for the two to sit across from him and he turned the video screen so they could see it.
“About two years ago, my agents got wind of a new drug coming out of Afghanistan,” he began. “We’ve had several suppliers back there we’ve worked with for many years, but through these contacts we found out about a promising new developmental compound called NMN, or nicotinamide mononucleotide. These are the most recent findings I’ve been reading up on. Go ahead and take a look for yourself.”
Young-Min perused the columns of data while his brother continued to speak.
“Basically, what the drug does is retard human biological processes which are attributed to aging … decreased metabolism, diminished eyesight, glucose intolerance … things like that. It’s been found in clinical tests to significantly slow the aging process in laboratory mice; but recently it’s been secretly experimented on with live humans.”
Kwang-Min continued adjusting the screen for his guests until he was sure they could read it clearly.
“Now,” he continued, like a professor teaching a college chemistry class, “NMN is a substance produced in the bodies of most living things. It may also be found in a variety of food products such as avocados, edamame, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Nicotinamide mononucleotide stimulates production of another compound called Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. As our bodies age we produce less and less of this. Less NAD means inflammation – deterioration of the body - and that’s what shortens our lives. Are you following me so far?” Young-Min and Zero nodded enthusiastically.
“Sounds fascinating brother,” replied Young-Min Jo, “so how do we uh … how do we cash in on this?” Zero looked over at Young-Min then back at her boss smiling. Kwang-Min glanced at her briefly, then continued.
“Well, scientists believe NMN has the potential to … now brace yourselves for this one okay? But they believe it has the potential to actually extend human life … as experiments on mice have shown that the compound, now produced artificially in laboratories, has the ability to counter declines in metabolism which come into play as we age. They’ve also proven, as I’ve been reading here, that the compound activates proteins called ‘sirtuins’, whose production decreases naturally due to the aging process.” He then cleared his throat before continuing.
“As you may know, the human body matures and then begins to deteriorate after age forty. Sirtuins function as anti-aging genes in substances such as yeast. And what I’ve been reading today is that the process – called SIRT1-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis – may actually reduce the production of reactive oxygen species – which you may already know are the root cause of aging.” He then paused to let it all sink in.
Young-Min was impressed. Shaking off his slight buzz from the wine, he leaned forward in his chair and rested his forearms on Kwang-Min’s desk. Zero instinctively leaned forward as well, just to get a sense of his reaction. The complicated science in Kwang-Min’s presentation of the potentialities for the drug didn’t really concern her of course. She only wanted to see if Young-Min was buying into it. He most certainly was.
“Okay … I get it,” Young-Min proclaimed. “We sell a drug like that to people who are afraid of getting old and dying – which they’re going to do anyway – but we pitch it to them as a … well, I guess we’d pretty much call it a fountain of youth wouldn’t we? Is that what you’re thinking brother?” Kwang-Min appreciated how fast his twin put it together. He also loved how his sibling kept referring to ‘we’ when describing how Min-Pharma would be marketing the drug. Young-Min turned to Zero to get her take on things. “Or am I getting ahead of myself? Sorry.” She only snickered playfully. His enthusiasm was refreshing – and welcome.
“No,” replied Kwang-Min, leaning back in his chair in a typical business executive’s pose with his fingertips touching and the index fingers about even with his chin. “Not at all. That’s just what I’m picturing as well. The only remaining challenge is in marketing it to all those consumers out there who are turning forty, forty-five, or fifty, and convincing them it actually works. You see, clinical tests and even statistics proving mice lived twice as long in lab experiments – that’s not about to sway modern consumers. Human patients reported to have seen significant cell regeneration – maybe even metabolism gains surpassing that of a thirty-year-old … even a twenty-year-old? They simply won’t be impressed.” As Kwang-Min said all this, he held his hands out, palms-up, and shrugged his shoulders.
“They’re jaded now I’m afraid to say. So many drugs coming out over the past two decades promising this and that. Some do what they say they’re going to do. Many don’t. And many of them come with long-term side effects which when detected later on lead to lawsuits. And we’ve certainly seen our share of those, as I’m sure you’ve also read, haven’t you?” Young-Min nodded his head and scoffed.
“Pfffft. You bet. But hey … I guess it kinda goes with the territory,” he quipped, quoting an archaic expression from some old film he’d seen in the Virtual Reality Chamber during the voyage home. Kwang-Min hadn’t heard such an expression before but found it to be charming.
“Goes with the territory?” he repeated humorously, “Yes, I guess one could say that. I’m glad you seem to understand what it’s like for us in this business. It’s a trade-off. We have to market aggressively and make big promises, all the while knowing very few people will see those outstanding results. Those that don’t see those results often turn on us and unfortunately sometimes we get sued. That’s just the way … well, as you put it … it kind o’ goes with the territory.”
Once again he cleared his throat.
“But that’s basically where you come in, brother,” he added. “I’ve been saving this part for last. Only thing is … well, I’m sure you’ll understand me when I say this but, I need to make sure that you’re ‘all in’ … as they say in poker. I need to know I can count on you.”
When he said this, Young-Min at first nodded with his eyebrows raised as if to say “of course”. But then he got a look of concern on his face. The question about his willingness to cooperate and the implied questioning of his loyalty struck him as odd (and unnecessary).
“Sure. Of course I’m all in. Why wouldn’t I be?” he asked. Kwang-Min stared back at him for a long moment, then looked away like he usually did when talking to subordinates.
“Because, dear brother, I have a plan for marketing this product – and what’s more it involves you personally. Before I tell you anything more I just want to make absolutely sure you’re on board. You’re in Space Programme. You’re a part of the system basically … which oversees and regulates my industry. I probably don’t have to tell you but there are some things we do in business that, shall we say, stretch things a bit – the truth I mean – as well as ethics.” He paused briefly, then looked back into Young-Min’s eyes.
“I trust you of course. You’re my only brother. My only family. Therefore I don’t want to put you in a position where you may feel … bothered by things. After all, we don’t have GU approval for the distribution of the drug in most countries, meaning we’ll be importing it through, well let me put it this way, nontraditional channels, if you follow me. Hopefully things like that won’t be uh … troubling to you.” Young-Min now began to get the point.
“Brother, you can count on me,” he interrupted. “It’s sort of like this. Space Programme took me away from you when I was ten. They sent me up into space and made me an astronaut before I’d even reached puberty. Came back home thinking I was gonna be some kind o’ returning hero. Only no one gave a damn about me when I finally got back. Treated me – treated all of us like we had the plague back in Darmstadt. Busted us back down to junior officers. Shit all over us. I’m an Ensign once again. Left Earth as an Ensign. Twenty-four years later … look at me. I’m a fucking nobody.”
He then shifted in his chair and leaned to one side.
“Fuck it,” he added belligerently. “I’m back. I’ve returned. And on top of that my identical twin is a goddam billionaire! Get the idea? See what all I missed out on? Seriously. You wanna try something … need my help doing it? Well brother, you just show me where to sign.”
“Good then,” said Kwang-Min with a satisfied smile, and Zero took the opportunity to pat Young-Min on the shoulder as well, sensing he was getting emotional. She didn’t realize how badly he’d been treated by the government. Now she was beginning to see why a loyal officer from Space Programme would have such a determined attitude about starting a new life for himself. Perhaps he’d never go back. Perhaps he’d stay on and work with his brother for good! The thought excited her.
After all he was terribly appealing, even if he wasn’t Kwang-Min Jo, only looked just like him. What’s more he had the face and body of a 24-year old version of his twin brother, now eleven years older than him biologically speaking, and starting to show his age. Indeed, Young-Min Jo was practically everything she could have wanted – seven years ago that is. He was nice. He was interesting. He was confident. A bit naïve, but intelligent. Innocent, yet eloquent. And above all he had seemed terribly interested in her – apparently quite infatuated it would have seemed earlier when their eyes first met at the front gate.
But alas, there was so much more Young-Min Jo hadn’t considered up to that point; during this brief meeting with his crafty twin brother. There were things he wouldn’t have any way of knowing yet. Could never have known really – not from merely reading E-mag articles on his famous twin. For his brother was in reality one of the most hated men in the world – certainly within the highly-competitive consumer drug industry. To sign on with Kwang-Min Jo was like joining up with a blood-thirsty pirate. And this was no campy, over-dressed movie version of the real thing, the type of which used to grate on Captain Stehter’s nerves whenever stereotypes of famous pirates would be portrayed in videos. No, Kwang-Min was more like the genuine article! Those lecherous, murderous fiends who’d plied the waters of the Caribbean plundering and scuttling trade ships would have considered him a kindred spirit.
Of course Zero knew what Young-Min’s brother was truly about (at least she thought she did). She knew many if not most of the firm’s secrets by now – helped attain several of them personally. And she knew the kinds of enemies he had. Knew how "the organization" operated clandestinely with suppliers and distributors whom Kwang-Min Jo had to eliminate or absorb over the years just to develop Min-Pharma into a legitimate operation. Indeed, by wiping out redundant layers within his ever-expanding distribution network, he'd created quite the squeaky-clean system that today served to hide impropriety from the ever-watchful eye of government authorities. What’s more she knew that along the way he'd consequently ruined careers of both officials attempting to regulate his operation as well as the former heads of drug suppliers or go-betweens who simply had the misfortune (or lack of common sense) to get in his way.
Oh yes, she knew how much he was hated … and by many powerful, or once-powerful individuals. That said, she had absolutely no intention of revealing any of this to Young-Min Jo. He’d have to find out himself.
"So basically that's what we have to do,” concluded Kwang-Min. “Show consumers how the drug slows the aging process and restores vitality. A fountain of youth, as you put it. An elixir to cure them of their biggest challenge of all – growing old. The one thing they fear most. Long-term, well, we don’t really know for sure yet, but for ten to fifteen years - depending upon the individual’s health and stamina, the drug will enable people to live far better lives, look much younger, regain muscle tone, be able to handle a heavier fitness regimen, get in great shape once again, and enjoy much happier existence.”
Once again, Young-Min noticed Kwang-Min affecting an Asian accent as he spoke. But the powerful executive still had more to say.
“And that's not all. Better sexual performance. No need for erectile dysfunction medications anymore. Back pain and arthritis diminishing drastically. Better digestion. Less body fat. Better tone. More alert. No more reading glasses or hearing loss. Stronger endurance, at least for a time that is. Pretty much a brand new you - in one tiny little pill, taken daily."
He paused to once again gauge Young-Min’s and Zero’s reactions. It wasn’t like him to speak for such a long time. Around investors and when negotiating deals he generally said very little. That was one of his trademarks. He was the type who’d listen to others speak and study them before commenting or making an observation.
Meanwhile Zero continued studying Young-Min carefully - watching to make sure he could handle all this. She knew she needed to have her own “take” on things whenever Kwang-Min checked in with her later; fully expected that the boss would be pulling her aside to glean her opinions. That was to be expected. Feeling like she needed to do her job as Security Chief, she posed the question to Young-Min in a slightly different way.
"How's that sound to you, Ensign Jo? Like what you're hearing?" Kwang-Min had at this point fallen silent to let her probe while he took over the duties of observing his brother’s reaction. Was he to be trusted? This remained to be seen. Young-Min’s response was certainly acceptable enough for the time being.
"Love it. I think it's brilliant," he stated confidently.
Yet she pressed him further, as if to point out that once he’d agreed to participate there’d be no going back – as if he were joining up with some organized crime syndicate (which was just about accurate).
"Are you sure? You still think you want in on this? I mean, I'm sure I speak for your brother when I say we'd certainly love having you working with us. He'd love to make you an equal partner someday I bet."
She took a big chance by saying this, but at the moment she felt emboldened. Kwang-Min remained silent - emotionless once again, more like she was used to. Just stared at his brother, sizing him up like a high-level job applicant.
"Yep,” replied Young-Min Jo emphatically. “I'm sure. In. I want in.”
This concludes tonight's podcast of Twin Paradox, Chapter 42: All In. I hope you enjoyed it. By the way, that is the last episode of Season Two! Season Three starts this November!
In Season Three of Twin Paradox, Young-Min Jo becomes a partner in his brother’s rather questionable operation. In the meantime, his friends from the Santa Maria, Ozzie and Shamiso, have become seduced by the allure of the seemingly charmed lives of their world-famous twins. Ozzie trains for and eventually gets a try-out with the Dallas Wranglers, while posing as his twin brother Ranger. Shamiso learns how to impersonate her talented sister on stage. Both get to experience the wild, crazy, and sometimes dangerous lives of their talented siblings.
But when kindly Monika Steckel gets word of a new development back in Toronto with Min-Pharma Corp, she is compelled to intervene in the lives of the three space twins once more. It seems that Kwang-Min Jo is in the process of perpetrating a worldwide fraud, and preparing to have his own brother be the fall guy. Ozzie and Shamiso must be called upon to infiltrate the corporate compound and save him. Are they too late? Find out in Twin Paradox: Season Three, coming this November!
Finally; I am proud to tell you that I'm currently writing an amazing new book entitled The English Waitress. It too will be coming out this fall. Go to www.englishwaitress.com for more information as well as updates. A link can be found in the transcript for this episode ... as well as a synopsis. Go online and check it out!
I'm King Everett Medlin; thanks for tuning in ....
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