The Expanding Universe

by Craig Martelle

  Davin Andell turned his eyes away from the holographic creation board briefly. A quickly stolen glance was all it took. Despite being the proprietor of the GenisCorp Labs, Professor Newman was hardly a man known for his patience.

  The small handful of college-aged technicians were no match for his hard, unyielding stare and brash disposition. When the wrinkled, sharp-featured man glanced with aging eyes over wire-rimmed glasses, it seemed no one was willing to make the mistake of breathing too hard.

  Beside the old dictator was Abigail Mills. The professor’s personal assistant had gained very few, if any, points over her predecessor in the complaint department. Her sharp, professional demeanor had long ago earned her a reputation for being heartless.

  "What is taking so long?" Newman growled. The graveled but comparatively light, tightly reigned tone, bordered on uncontrolled impatience.

  "Almost done," Davin answered.

  The gentle blue and green tones of the board danced gently along his face, the slow spin of the holographic three-dimensional DNA strand causing circular refraction.

  It was his team.

  His project.

  Any success was shared with him first, but it also worked the same for failure.

  Davin worked to keep his features neutral despite the hard calculation in his dark chocolate eyes. As he worked the image almost stopped in its tracks, flipped sideways and resumed the gentle rotation.

  "All ready, Professor." He said.

  "Proceed, Mr. Andell."

  Davin turned attention back to the table before him.

  “Ava, initiate transfer.”

  The series of beeps from Ava, the Automated Voice Assistant, sounded at the activation.

  "Please enter security verification." A natural, but robotized female voice toned.

  "Gemini Project- reference code A.Y.L.I.N 39568. Authorization... Davin Andell."

  His gaze came to rest on an attractive young woman sitting beside a lit display. A pair of dark green eyes came up to meet his through the almost transparent screen. Elaina Brighton offered him a small nod of assurance before turning her attention back to the monitor in front of her.

  Elaina was the backbone of the whole project. None of the other team members had even a rough idea of what she was actually capable of. She was well-versed in her field of study and had probably forgotten more about biometrics and physiology than most of them had ever learned.

  The only reason Elaina hadn't made it higher than she had, was because she had a different way of looking at things. They all did. GenisCorp has one of the few companies that was founded on the idea of innovation. They regularly recruited those proud few who could view the world from a different angle.

  "Access granted, initiating DNA transfer sequence." Ava chimed.

  "Transfer initiated," Davin said softly, his eyes glued to the meter's running in spans across the holoscreen. The team watched in silence, holding their collective breath.

  All eyes turned to the Amnion, a large incubation tank. The circular tube, or rather the contents, represented at least five months of dedication and perseverance. Beneath the ripples of synthetic amniotic fluid, it was simple to make out the form of a body, a full grown female in roughly her early twenties, resting in non-sentient hibernation. Powerful jets whirred to life, the opposing pressure acting as a stabilizer. Seven injection arms extended smoothly, planting themselves along the woman's spine in a dedicated pattern.

  "Transfer complete." Ava chimed.

  The jets slowed, natural silverish hair settled around her respirator covered face.

  "We have the appearance of vitals," Elaina announced.

  An exclamation of excitement and a cheer rose from the team at the announcement. The injection arms retracted, tucking themselves back into place behind metallic panels.

  "Congratulations, Mr. Andell," Newman said.

  He moved away from the iron railing and made his way down the platform steps.

  "Well done." He began; his voice held praise, something that sounded foreign coming from him. "You are not only witnessing history but, to a significant part, you are building the future of humanity." He held his hand out towards the woman behind him and offered a tight, hard smile.

  "Ladies and gentleman… I give you… Aylin..."

  No sooner had he spoke than fast, sharp beats rose rapidly in volume. Elaina shot forward in her chair her eyes scanning over the monitor in front of her.

  The digital numbers that showcased the vital signs rose rapidly passed normal levels. The digits that had been showing a vibrant green shifted to a stark yellow before they continued to darken into orange.

  "Vitals are not stabilizing. The projected rate of increase is exceeded by more than 87% and climbing."

  The incubation running lights started to flicker. Professor Newman turned his eyes back to Aylin, watching with hardened eyes as her body began to tremble violently.

  "What does that mean?" Abigail snapped.

  Davin brushed passed one of the stunned techs to look over Elaina's shoulder.

  "It means the host is fighting the DNA." He muttered. His eyes carefully scanned the uniform shades of color that continued to escalate into red.

  "Her blood is reaching critical pressure and isn't stopping," Elaina explained tapping away at the screen to issue printouts of the other rapidly rising vitals.

  The hard beep turned into a whirl of alarms. The pulse read out shuddered and dropped to zero. As if someone had touched her with an electric volt Aylin's back arched violently. The features of her upturned face looked almost like a silent scream.

  "She's in cardiac arrest!" Elaina snapped.

  Almost as quickly as it happened, the high pitch rapid beeps stopped abruptly, only to be replaced by one long wail.

  The tension of the moment released. Members of the team drop back in their chairs.

  Davin straightened. Neutral features adorned his face as he turned his attention toward Professor Newman.

  "This is unacceptable Mr. Andell!" He raged, riveting his gaze on the young tech.

  "The host is not accepting any of the strands we have tried," Davin explained evenly.

  The professor's face flushed red in anger.

  "If you can't find a way to finish this project, I will just have to find someone who can!" He growled, heat rising from his voice.

  Turning on his heels, he stormed toward the exit.

  "Get me the files Miss Mills!" He barked as the doors opened.

  "Yes, sir," Abigail said moving out behind him.

  Davin watched them leave with a carefully neutral expression.

  "Davin," Elaina said quietly as she stood. "You did everything you could."

  Darkened eyes, the only hint of his anger, turned to her.

  "Apparently not everything," He muttered.

  Chapter 2

  "DNA sequencing is the process of determining the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule. It includes any method or technology that is used to determine the order. However, it would seem that because some of you aced my finals, you feel that you are knowledgeable enough not to pay attention."

  The sharp collide of virtual reality with the real world jerked him back to his senses. Twenty-eight year old, Aaron Walters blinked rapidly at the sudden power down of the DNA structure simulation. The state-of-the-art SRS university classroom came sharply back into view as did the slightly disapproving gaze of his genetics teacher.

  "Sorry Professor," Aaron muttered softly. He replaced the wireless stylus, tapping the keys to close his digital notebook.

  Daniel Sylvan was a gifted professor. He had been an SCS University Alumni himself and a professor for nearly five years. Four of those years his class had scored the best out of forty-nine other universities across the nation. But just as well-known, was his lack of tolerance for certain classroom behaviors.

  "Since you feel your attention would be best spent elsewhere, would you be so kind as to remind your classmates of the four bases
in a strand of DNA?"

  A shiver of unrest crossed Aaron's blood. The question was one of only two he had missed on his final exams. He shifted uncomfortably.

  "Adenine, guanine... cytosine and..." He faltered.

  "Thymine," Sylvan said. He turned his attention to the class as a whole.

  "May I take this opportunity to remind you ladies and gentleman, the classes that follow your finals are meant to concentrate on areas in which a significant portion of you struggled collectively on the final exams," He stopped a moment to offer a tight smile to Aaron.

  “Considering the importance of these final classes... your attention is recommended."

  A quiet round of laughter came from the gathered students just as the digital cadence of tones signaled the end of the day.

  "Thank you all for a great season... Your final year testing scores have been made available to the scientific organizations that recruit from SCS so be sure to stay on top of any recruitment contacts you may receive.” Professor Sylvan shouted over the sudden rise of college students gathering their things.

  "Mr. Walters.... A word please?" He said in a lowered voice.

  Aaron nodded, taking a breath before descending the multilevel work desk platform.

  Hesitantly, he closed the distance between him and the Professor.

  "Sir... If this is about my conduct today..."

  "Have you checked your correspondence, Mr. Walters?" Sylvan asked, cutting him off.

  "No sir."

  Moving to a front row work desk, Aaron immediately sat and activated the console. Real authentic paper was hard to come by. Digital was always the cheapest way to go.

  Within a few moments he had bypassed security to his student account, and a bright blue envelope appeared on the bottom corner of the transparent screen. Sylvan waited patiently for him to access his student correspondence folder.

  Aaron soaked in the words, but the meaning was a bit harder to swallow.

  'Mr. Walters,

  Thank you for applying for tenure with SCS University. We regret to inform you that we will be unable to accommodate you for the spring season. Thank you for your interest in a position with SCS, and we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

  Sincerely,

  The Science and Technology board of education.'

  Aaron sat back almost afraid to breathe. Afraid that if he did then the reality of what he just read would come crashing down on him.

  "As your internship mentor, they saw fit to be sure I had a copy of the denial letter." Professor Sylvan said.

  He worked to keep his voice even and get out the only question he had in light of the newest event.

  "Why did they deny me?"

  "Well..." The Professor said, crossing his arms as he leaned backward to stabilize himself against one of the work desks. "I am not exactly given that type of information, but if I had to take a guess, I would say it is because of your final thesis paper."

  Aaron's head was spinning, but he soaked in the information.

  He had worked thousands of hours putting together his final thesis, a theoretical experiment of mirror imaging DNA.

  "But... The theories are solid!" He exclaimed ripping into his bag and removing the notebook and stylus.

  "It's simply a matter of funding and I could...."

  "It is not a matter of funding." The professor said as he held up a hand. "If you feel you want to appeal the decision you will need to catch the head of the board committee."

  Aaron nodded numbly, stuffing his items back into his book bag.

  "And on an entirely related note," The professor said as he straightened. "I have it on good authority that the administration office will be closing in twenty minutes and will not be back until the spring semester."

  The middle-aged man glanced over his glasses at him.

  "So I would hurry if I were you."

  Chapter 3

  The cold autumn wind cut through him, even past his thick jacket. The overly large glass doors to the administration building opened, allowing him to escape the cold.

  The admin building was designed to produce a professional atmosphere. Smooth polished panels from floor to high vaulted ceiling met visitors as they entered. A tightly woven and well-kept carpet of various colors and large metallic framed windows added to the feel.

  A quick glance at his watch drove him to move quickly passed the scenery towards the towering security panels that guarded the entrance halls only internal exit.

  With sheer determination coursing through his blood, Aaron slapped an entire hand on the finger pad to bypass the automated security systems.

  "Security Verified. Thank you, Mr. Walters." The automated voice chirped.

  Aaron practically dove through the waiting doors.

  A sharp left turn down the south corridor sent a brush of hope winging through his chest at the sight of the board offices. He might just make it.

  He swallowed the bite of anger that threatened to work its way up his throat, he couldn’t afford to lose his cool now. SRS University had been his first choice for his masters since the day he graduated high-school. Everyone had dropped their jaws when he had outlined his plan to attend SRS after graduation. It was a prestigious school.

  One that cost a lot of money.

  While most SRS students drove to the school in the brightest, shiniest car models mommy and daddy's money could buy, Aaron was generally spending an extra few hours after classes to catch the city trans.

  He could hardly complain.

  For someone like him, no money and no real family to speak of, just his acceptance on a full ride scholarship had been a miracle. He had lost count of the sleepless nights making sure his grades were high enough to apply.

  The scholarship offered tuition, books, supplies, even room and board allowance through the completion of a master’s degree for 'only the most innovative and bright young minds.'

  A hot flash of resentment flooded his thoughts.

  A quick glance at his watch gave him all the information he needed.

  Six minutes.

  He slowed himself into a swift but restrained pace.

  Innovation was highly prized of an SRS student, yet they had turned down his most unique theory when it really counted. Thoughts of the rejection swirled around in his head. He would have to play this carefully. Aaron had never been a person to buckle to authority if he felt he was right. And this time… he was right.

  Mrs. Rouse was a plump woman with bright eyes and a rosy complexion, but at the exact moment that Aaron burst into the outer office the poor woman resembled more of a startled, clucking hen than an unruffled administrative office official.

  Aaron, without a word, shifted to the left side of the offices and headed straight for the door marked with the name James Allan.

  "Young man, I'm sorry, but the chairman of the board is out for the evening." Mrs. Rouse clucked hurriedly as she realized his destination. She moved quickly trying to intercept him.

  "I'm not leaving until he sees me," Aaron muttered harshly. Intentionally he quickened his pace to bypass the outer office station before Mrs. Rouse could reach him.

  "Young man. Young man!"

  Aaron reached the office door and swung it wide.

  Inside he found none other than the head of the Science and Technology Board himself. Mr. Allen, dressed in a clean white shirt and pressed suit pants, had been standing beside an intricately carved wooden desk with a digital notepad in his hand. He glanced up as the door swung wide.

  A soft chuckle racked his frame.

  "Well…. Mr. Walters. I was expecting to see you at some point this evening. I had heard you didn't give up easily."

  Mrs. Rouse appeared behind him with a look that suggested she might be concerned about having her neck wrung.

  "I am so sorry, Mr. Allen. I tried to explain you were unavailable..."

  "It's quite alright, Martha." The middle-aged official waved his hand flippantly as if the intrusion were a
small bother. "If you could please finish up your daily report, I would be grateful." He said.

  "Yes, sir." Mrs. Rouse answered taking one last raking look at Aaron before she turned away.

  "So Mr. Walters, what can I do for you?" Allen said still gathering things into his bag for the end of the day.

  "I received the correspondence that my tenure was denied for next semester." Aaron said stiffly, “I want to know why."

  "The material of your final thesis is not something that the Science and Technology Board wants to be associated with."

  "But... The theories are solid!" He exclaimed again. "It's simply a matter of funding. Give me the tenure; I could fund my own project, that way...."

  "It is not a matter of SCS funding." He said cutting him off. "It is a question of morally acceptable science. This department has not only a reputation to uphold, but also a certain regard for the rules and regulations of the scientific community. Frankly, the disregard you have shown for those regulations in your final paper is quite disturbing."

  The cold admission shocked Aaron into silence for a moment.

  "The scientific regulations have no precedence for the theory of DNA imaging. The Regulations are required coursework and..."

  "Then you should remember that section R239.6 subsection S clearly states that no project should be undertaken that will manipulate more the twenty percent of a DNA strand," Allen said slapping his book bag shut before turning his attention back to Aaron.

  "Complete mirror imaging would result in roughly a ninety-four to ninety-eight percent manipulation factor."

  Aaron's head was spinning.

  "But… all of my calculations place the change rate at around eighteen to twenty percent manipulation..."

  Allen moved slowly across the room. Wise, world-weary eyes, fixed on the floor for a moment before they drew back to Aaron.

  "And... have any of your tests been successful thus far?"

  “Well… no.” Aaron admitted painfully.