David was quite aware that the experiments that went on in GeneTech were not average experiments. Genetics were a tricky business; messing around with them was risky and could lead to disaster if any miscalculations were made. That’s why David wasn’t exactly comfortable with today’s plan.
“It’s very simple, Doctor,” the balding scientist said. “All we’re doing is testing the effectiveness of modern-day viruses on ancient animals.”
“You know how I feel about the ReGen Project,” David replied, looking over the numerous mathematical formulae written down on a clipboard the man had given to him. “There hasn’t been enough research on resurrecting extinct animals, let alone on what you’re doing here.”
“With all due respect, Doctor,” the scientist said, typing in a password on the computer in front of him. “We’re not resurrecting anything. We’re creating new life, not restarting old life.”
“You’re missing the point,” David replied, flipping through the pages on the clipboard. He was clearly exasperated by this stubborn scientist. “GeneTech’s been using this technology for under a year. Half the technicians around here couldn’t fix it with a complete manual and a full week to do it. We’re not ready to undertake such a big project. We need more time.”
“Look, if you’ve got problems with Administration, I suggest you take it up with Mr. Dowery,” the scientist said, pushing a small red button that revealed a large window in the wall. On the other side stood dozens of men in white lab coats, circling a large cage with a very large animal inside. It looked half-asleep; it had obviously been drugged for the procedure.
“Have you even bothered to think about the symptoms?” David argued. “Solanum isn’t just any virus. It’s the virus. When that thing gets a dose of it, what on earth are you going to do?”
“We’re going to observe it,” the scientist replied. “It may also bring us one step closer to finding a cure.” He spoke as if he had repeated this lie hundreds of times until it had become almost involuntary.
The laboratory speakers came to life as a chilling voice came over the intercom.
“Attention, please. Project ReGen is commencing on floor A3. All staff not assigned to Project ReGen, please leave floor A3 immediately. Repeat, all staff not assigned to this project must leave floor A3 immediately.” David watched as a scientist entered the white room through the window, carrying a large needle that was almost his arm length in size. The man walked up to the cage door, pushed several buttons on the door keypad, and walked inside. David could sense the fear that the man felt as he approached the animal. The man walked past the animal’s thighs and chest, and stopped at the beast’s mouth. He raised the needle.
“He’s going to inject it in his mouth?” David asked.
“The inside of his cheek, more specifically,” the scientist replied, nodding. “It’s skin is far too tough. We needed a weak point. Its skin can actually stop bullets.” The scientist paused for a moment, and then gestured towards the cage. “Don’t worry, he’ll be fine.”
“The scientist or the subject?” David asked.
The terrified man with the needle took a deep breath before injecting the needle. The animal showed slight discomfort, but the anesthetic overpowered the pain. The scientist then fast-walked out of the cage, locking the door tight behind him.
“Do you know what the Solanum virus is?” David asked, watching the massive animal slowly close its eyes and cease to breathe.
“It’s a highly unique disease that utilizes the body of-"
“It’s the zombie virus,” David interrupted the scientist. “It turns things into zombies.”
“That’s the layman’s term for it, yes,” the scientist replied.
“Do you know what that is?” David asked, pointing to the monstrous greenish-brown animal in the cage. Its entire body had stopped moving.
"It’s a tyrannosaurus,” the scientist answered, staring intently at the computer screen. A single line which used to represent the monster’s heartbeat glowed across the monitor.
“Don’t you get you’ve done?” David asked. “You’ve made a zombie T-Rex.” The rex suddenly opened one bloodshot grey eye, its pupil focusing on the nearest scientist. The line on the screen recording its heartbeat had not moved. Even through the sound-proof glass, David could hear the deafening roar.
“You made a freaking zombie T-Rex.”
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