[35] Bolivar Trask
In front of a secret military base in New York City, a sleek black Lincoln slowly came to a stop at the gate.
A guard dutifully approached the driver's side of the Lincoln and knocked on the window gently.
"Please submit to inspection," the soldier said as the window rolled down.
Revealed behind the glass was a fat man with a large belly.
The moment the guard saw him, he immediately saluted with a serious expression.
"Senator Foster."
"Corporal George, you're doing a fine job. Now, open the gate," the man said, reaching out his right hand to pat the guard on the shoulder before closing the window and restarting the car.
"Open the gate, Quick!" the guard relayed into his walkie-talkie, still slightly excited from being praised by the highest-ranking officer on the base.
The heavy metal gate slowly opened, allowing 'Senator Foster' to press the accelerator and drive directly into the base.
Once past the gate, a layer of blue scales began to ripple over 'Senator Foster's' body, revealing the fiery form of Mystique.
In the passenger seat of the vehicle, Brian sat casually, completely at ease.
Professor X had already extracted all the necessary information about the CIA's secret research and development base from Senator Foster's mind and relayed it to Raven using his telepathic abilities.
That's why Raven, transformed into Senator Foster, was able to mimic his mannerisms and speech perfectly.
Not even the guards could tell the difference. In fact, even Senator Foster's own wife wouldn't have noticed any flaws in the disguise.
Once inside the CIA's secret research and development base, Raven drove the car smoothly toward one of the buildings.
According to the memories extracted from Senator Foster, this was the research facility for supersonic aircraft—where Hank worked as the lead designer.
"Senator Foster, please wait a moment," a voice called out as Raven and Brian entered the R&D building.
Standing before them was a short, stocky man.
Raven turned toward the voice and immediately recognized him—it was Dr. Bolivar Trask, a genetic scientist recently recruited by Senator Foster.
"Dr. Trask, what's the matter?" Raven asked, using Senator Foster's tone and demeanor effortlessly.
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"Senator Foster, when will the funding for my research project be approved?" Dr. Trask asked, his tone serious.
"You know, Dr. Trask, the top brass at the CIA aren't exactly thrilled about your genetic research. To them, it's not as appealing as supersonic fighter jets," Raven replied, mimicking Senator Foster's dismissive tone as she looked down at Dr. Trask.
"Senator Foster, I think you should take a look at this document. My genetic research has made a major breakthrough," Dr. Trask said, pulling a file from his jacket and handing it to Raven, as if he had anticipated such a response.
"Dr. Trask..." Raven began, intending to politely decline.
She had no interest in Trask's genetic research. Meeting her fellow mutant, Hank, was a far more pressing matter for her.
But before she could finish, Brian, who had been standing quietly next to her, suddenly stepped forward and took the file from Trask with curiosity.
"Oh? Dr. Trask, I'm very interested in your research," Brian said as he began reading the document.
Trask looked at Brian with confusion, then turned back to Raven. "Who is this?" he asked.
Raven was about to fabricate a name on the spot, but Brian spoke first.
"Sylar, my name is Sylar," Brian said smoothly. "I'm the scientific advisor for the CIA's secret research and development base."
Upon hearing this, Dr. Trask's demeanor shifted to one of respect.
"Dr. Sylar, what's your area of research?" Dr. Trask, being a straightforward scientist, asked without hesitation.
"I specialize in species evolution," Brian replied effortlessly.
Under Raven's stunned gaze, Brian and Dr. Trask immediately launched into an in-depth discussion about species evolution and genetic theory.
The two seemed to connect instantly, their conversation flowing with ease. Especially after Brian talked about the process of a mutating body adapting and evolving as if it were a live experiment, Dr. Trask was completely captivated by Brian's extensive knowledge.
Dr. Trask was left thoroughly impressed, feeling as though he had found a kindred spirit in Brian. The discussion of species evolution was a natural extension of genetic research, but no one had ever delved into the subject with the depth of understanding that Brian had.
The way Brian explained it, as though he had experienced the evolutionary process firsthand, left Dr. Trask in awe and eager to learn more.
"Professor Sylar, I'm truly in awe of your profound knowledge," Dr. Trask said sincerely, looking up at Brian with genuine admiration.
Unconsciously, Dr. Trask's way of addressing Brian had shifted from "doctor" to "professor." This subtle change was a clear sign of the respect he had developed for Brian.
"Dr. Trask, can you share how far your genetic project has progressed?" Brian asked calmly, accepting the praise with ease but now wearing a look of curiosity.
"Of course, Professor Sylar," Dr. Trask responded eagerly, happy to discuss his findings.
Three months ago, Dr. Trask had conducted a social experiment to determine whether the gene sequences of people from different races and genders were the same.
He recruited 100 participants from various backgrounds, offering them compensation for their participation, and collected blood samples from each of them.
In the blood of a Black taxi driver, Dr. Trask stumbled upon something extraordinary—an unusual gene sequence. This man appeared to have an extra, special gene: the "X" gene.
This discovery filled Dr. Trask with excitement, as it suggested something unique. He took multiple tissue samples from the driver, even going so far as to extract bone marrow at one point.
"I have to say, that taxi driver must have really needed the money," Dr. Trask added with a touch of emotion.
"Dr. Trask, is the taxi driver's name Darwin?" Brian asked, his expression suddenly turning strange.
"How do you know his name?" Dr. Trask looked at Brian in surprise. He hadn't expected Professor Sylar to instantly know the name of the man involved in his experiment.
"Ah~ It's Darwin," Brian said, patting his forehead before turning to Dr. Trask with a serious expression. "The reason my species evolution research has made such significant progress is because of Mr. Darwin."
Brian's words made Dr. Trask's eyes light up.
"We really owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Darwin for his selfless contribution," Dr. Trask said, clearly impressed.
Brian nodded in agreement. "Mr. Darwin has made an indelible contribution to both of us. He's truly an unsung hero."
Brian's tone was serious as he spoke, and Dr. Trask seemed to share in that sentiment.
"It's been a pleasure talking with you, Professor Sylar," Dr. Trask said, though his tone shifted as he added, "but it seems I won't be getting financial assistance from Senator Foster after all."
"I'll need to think of another way. Let's talk again soon," Dr. Trask said, leaving the research building with a smile on his face.
"Brian, why waste so much time talking with that half man?" Raven asked in confusion, glancing at Dr. Trask's retreating figure.
"Raven, he's not just a 'half-man'. On the contrary, he's more of a man than most men stationed here, the man responsible for the extinction of our entire mutant race. And, at the same time, he's the father of the Sentinels," Brian replied, his face serious as he watched Trask walk away.
Yes, this Dr. Trask—Bolivar Trask—is the future father of the Sentinel Program.
He's the key figure who, in the future, would reverse the course of history by developing the Sentinels, the robotic killers responsible for wiping out the mutant race.
Bolivar Trask, father of the Sentinels.
Although he currently hasn't started the Sentinel Program, Trask has already made a significant discovery: the mutant gene, the 'X-gene.'
Bolivar Trask is a genius, and Brian knew it wouldn't be long before this Trask launched the Sentinel Program, which would ultimately lead to the downfall of the mutant race.
"Darwin, you really were destined to die."