Infection Series (Book 1): Preservation

by Nelson, S. L.

  Preservation

  Copyright © 2018 by S.L. Nelson

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  This book is dedicated to my family.

  Thank you

  Chapter 1

  “I cannot believe this is happening to me again.” With a sigh of disgust, Veronica walked up to the snack counter. “Hey Charlie, how’s it going tonight?”

  “Should be a quiet night, it is a Wednesday evening after all,” replied Charlie, standing behind the concessions counter with a friendly smile, “You two want the usual?”

  “Yes, please,” setting down a $50 dollar bill, she confirmed, “Two for the 5 o’clock show, large popcorn, and two bottles of water.” Looking down at the counter, Veronica took a deep breath and asked for the family pack of cherry licorice rope too.

  “Veronica, I don’t know why you continue to beat yourself up over a guy that ran away from you.” Bethann chided beside her. “It is not your fault that you’re totally awesome and can do anything. Your daddy taught you to take care of yourself!” Grabbing napkins and two straws, Bethann continued her defense of her best friend. “You don’t want a weak, silly boy anyway.”

  “I know Bethann but he was so pretty,” Veronica replies with a wistful sigh. “Blond hair, chocolate eyes, and a surfer’s body, even though we live in Wisconsin. He was sweet in the beginning.” Bethann just shook her head and gave a little laugh at the frown on Veronica's face.

  Bethann’s words were making their way past the pity party that was going on inside Veronica’s head, “At 26 years old, I thought I would be in a serious relationship by now. I’m not perfect, but have a few good things going for me. I love my job as a personal trainer. I’m paid well and I’m in great shape.”

  “You don’t see me tied down to one guy, do you? That, is because I am only 26 years old.” Bethann elbowed Veronica and gave her a double eyebrow wag.

  “Veronica, when the right man comes along, you’ll know it. He’ll love the fact that you’re self-sufficient, strong, and have a brain in that head of yours.” Bethann responded in a more comforting voice.

  Charlie turned back with an upgraded mega bucket of popcorn and a hand full of change, “Here you go Veronica; I can only say that boy, like all the rest, will regret the day he decided to leave you. The popcorns on me.”

  “Thanks Charlie. After my Dad, you’re the best man I know.” Veronica replied with a smile.

  The movie didn’t start for another half hour, so Veronica and Bethann took a seat at one of the lobby tables to snack on the popcorn. In the background, Veronica could hear the small television that Charlie keeps behind the counter. Bethann was right about Ian. She should have seen the warning signs after their second date, target shooting. He went first and did his best to prove what a man he is, shot two out of five, and was proud of himself. He didn’t think she would hit any of them. Said it was ok if she missed even though she mentioned to him several times that she went shooting with her dad. No surprise when she hit five of five targets. Veronica didn’t boast about her abilities or give any kind of snarky comments. She just put the shotgun down and waited for her turn to come again. She should have known that he would not be able to handle being less skilled than her by the way he scrunched up his face. He started to joke around. Veronica tried to accept his compliments but his tone of voice was all wrong. Then his ego got the better of him and he started with passive aggressive taunts.

  Veronica learned long ago to just let it slide. Her dad said that most men would feel belittled by a girl who is good with guns but to never hide her intelligence or skills. From then on, Veronica decided that any activity considered a competitive sport was out of the question on dates. Three weeks later we were done. Sadly, the jackass dumped her first.

  “Hello, welcome to ‘The Big Picture’ I’m your host, Bethany Miller. Today’s topic discusses the use of preservatives in food. With us today is Dr. Silvia Hollowman of The Alwath Center, the science behind the new preservative TH12.”

  “Is that a the early show, are they running it again Charlie?” Veronica called over but Charlie was not in sight. “Bethann, did you see your mom’s show this morning? What do you know about the TH12?”

  Bethann’s mom is the host of ‘The Big Picture’ and Veronica often teases her about being a celebrity child. With blond hair, blue eyes, and fair skin, she is the total Hollywood package. Bethann’s sarcastic sense of humor and her ability to always say exactly what she is thinking, no matter who she is talking to, clashes with her angelic looks. They have been friends for over a decade. They met in the sixth grade when Bethann moved to Columbus, about forty minutes outside of Madison. Bethann’s mom thought that was a safe distance away from the hustle and bustle of the big city life.

  Taking a break from crunching on popcorn, Bethann looked up at me and listened to the television, “That happened months ago. I don’t know the details, but mom thought it was newsworthy, a problem waiting to happen.” Popping more food into her mouth, Bethann added, “She had a source that said the use of the enzyme is not compatible or shouldn’t be used with the plant that they used or something like that. She is hoping to get the jump on the story about any side effects that may occur. ”

  Veronica took a moment to think about what Bethann said and listened to the show a bit more. The only information she had on the TH12 preservative was from her Uncle Jack. Jack is a meat farmer, beef and turkey, and swears never to use crap like that. Jack believed that modified food is bad for the whole world.

  “Dr. Hollowman, Please explain what TH12 is and how it will be used in the commercial production of food.”

  “TH12 is an enzyme found in the saliva of a carnivorous organism found in the South American jungle. Without going into too much detail, the enzyme prevents the breakdown of fats and lean tissue. While researching native populations, we noticed their practice of dipping meats in a pulp mixture of water, a gelatinous substance, and plant material. With this process, the tribe is able to store the meats, much like the practice of curing. We took samples from the tribe and we were able to isolate the specific enzyme that preserves the fat and lean meat. We then mimicked the enzyme.”

  Concerned Veronica asked Bethann, “Does your mom know if the side effects are going to be for human or animal?”

  “Probably both. Thanks to Uncle Jack, we won’t have to worry about the meat we’re eating being tainted.” With a careless shrug, Bethann went back to eating popcorn and watching people slowly file in for the 5 o’clock shows.

  “Is it a bacteria that grows around these cells, providing a protective layer that prevents meats from spoiling? Will this prolong the shelf life, enabling supermarkets to sell more?” Bethany leaned forward, waiting for Dr. Silvia Hollowman to explain.

  “Similar to bacteria but not harmful, slowing the breakdown of these cells will prevent bad bacteria growth that leads to spoiling. With genetic modification, we are able to grow feed with the enzyme encoded into the basic structure. The feed, specifically corn, will be fed to beef, poultry, and pork livestock. This built in preservative will allow families to buy bulk meats, which are priced lower for better value, and not have to worry about throwing money away. “

  “Oh man, look at that crowd of people. Where did they come from?” exclaimed Bethann, pointing toward the movie theater entrance.

  Four cars loaded
with people poured into the front doors. One of them broke from the group clutching his stomach and ran toward the bathroom. “Hey Pete, maybe you shouldn’t have eaten at that burger stand!” one of his friends yelled after him.

  “...the grain was approved by the FDA two years ago and the product will be available in the market within the next three months.” Dr. Silvia Hollowman smiled brightly.

  “Oohhhh, he’s cute,” Bethann pointed to the man that Veronica was watching, “Why don’t you go talk to him.” Bethan encouraged with a big wink.

  Veronica could hear a man from the group ask for a movie theater that wasn’t occupied by anyone else. They did not care what the movie was; they wanted to make sure that they would not disturb anyone else since they were such a big group.

  Veronica laughed as Bethann’s exaggerated wink, “Stop it, it’s time to go, grab the popcorn.”

  “I’m just saying it’s not too early to start looking around.” Bethann commented, “That one looks like he is taking charge, taking care of his group. A lot like you do.” Bethann wrapped one arm around the bucket of popcorn and the other round Veronica, “He could be your soul mate and your too scared to find out.”

  Shaking her head, Veronica picked up the bottles of water and her licorice and walked with Bethann toward their theater. Thankfully, they only had six other people with them and would not have to deal with the silliness of a large group. Unfortunately, they were in the theater next to them but Veronica figured that once the movie started they wouldn’t hear much from them. Looking back one more time at the cute man, Veronica entered the theater with Bethann and found a couple of seats in the upper deck and settled in for the movie.

  Chapter 2

  “Dr. HOLLOWMAN!! Dr. HOLLOWMAN!!” the lab tech raced down the hall clutching a stack of papers to his chest. Coming to a sliding halt in front of Dr. Hollowman’s office door, Samuel rushed into the room and shoved the pile of papers on her desk. “Finally, your back! We’ve got a problem!”

  Dr. Hollowman stood at her coat rack, alarmed racing through her at Samuel’s ragged appearance, “What is it? What have you been doing?” She dropped her coat on the peg and walked toward Samuel.

  Samuel started to explain the reports but his mouth couldn’t keep up with his brain, so he started to stammer and spit, trying to get a thought locked in place. “Please Samuel, calm down; I don’t understand what you are saying.”

  Samuel sank down into the chair in front of her desk, “The study, something’s wrong. The data we have is really messed up. Someone altered the real results because we are seeing side effects in the last group of mice that are scaring the crap out of me.”

  Silvia Hollowman stopped breathing, “What side effects? We introduced the mice to TH12 three years ago and I just checked up on them two days ago, they were healthy.”

  “They are, or at least they were up until sometime last night.” Standing up, Samuel riffled through the papers and started to read the findings.

  Samuel’s voice became strained as he read the words he highlighted on the pages, “Observation of mice in experiment TH12 appeared to be sleeping. Further inspection verified all deceased. All mice placed in metal decontamination box and scheduled for autopsy.”

  Samuel stopped reading when he saw the confused look on her face, “Look, when Susan went back to the box, to remove a few for autopsy, she opened the box then threw it away from her.”

  Dr. Hollowman shook her head in disappointment, “That wasn’t very smart.”

  Samuel didn’t disagree, “They weren’t all dead after all. When Susan opened the lid, several of the mice were eating the other mice. It scared her, hell, it would have scared me too. The problem is the ones that were still alive got loose when she dropped the box.”

  “What happened to the remains?” Dr. Hollowman questioned.

  “Well, they were cleaned up and disposed of, in the trash.” Samuel muttered under his breath.

  “Wait a minute, are you telling me that we lost some mice, that may be sick, and just dumped the rest without taking any samples to see what happened?” Dr. Hollowman was angry, “What kind of scientist work during the day shift, clowns?!?”

  “That’s not even the worst part.” Samuel said meekly. Dr. Hollowman raised her eyebrows, waiting for Samuel to continue. “One of the mice, we think it was one of the TH12, was found decapitated in a Chimpanzee cage. And now it is really sick.” Samuel started to become agitated again. Clearing his throat, “This may or may not be related, but the lab technician that was handling the experiments on the mice when home sick early this morning.”

  “Tell me.” Dr. Hollowman ordered.

  “The lab technician, Peter Wilson, was bit by a TH12 mouse through grade three rubber gloves. He provided blood for lab tests and was told to follow up in two weeks.”

  Dr. Hollowman grabbed the pages from Samuel’s clenched fists, “Fine, he went home sick. All you have told me is that the mice had some kind of medical issue that may or may not have caused death or the appearance of death. This does not imply that TH12 does not work. Mice die, lab mice die faster than most.” Dr. Hollowman was losing interest in Samuel’s little outburst. He has always been a ‘glass half empty’ kind of guy, as well as being a little over dramatic. “Again, what is the problem?”

  Samuel couldn’t understand why she wasn’t connecting the dots, he shuffled through the pile again and handed her another stack of papers, “The follow up on the Chimpanzee, SR 13. The chimp was scheduled for an injection today. He was clean of any substances. It’s his reaction to the trauma of the mouse that implies that TH12 may have side effects that we could not have prepared for.”

  Species: Chimpanzee

  Report: Infection evident in trauma to left calf muscle.

  Temperature 105.4.

  Lethargic.

  Heart rate decreasing.

  Breathing labored.

  Increased brain activity in the lateral hypothalamus.

  Minimal activity in cerebellum.

  Rest of brain appears unresponsive.

  Dr. Hollowman reread the report several times, trying to understand the events. “Let me get this straight. The data, mice, and Chimpanzee were all fine less than forty-eight hours ago. Within the last twenty-four hours, the mice appeared dead but some revived and became active after an unknown period of time. One manages to enter the cage of the chimpanzee and bites him.” Quickly tiring of the conversation, she went straight to the most logical question, “Is there any indication of a transfer of virus or bacteria?”

  Samuel starts to shake his head before Dr. Hollowman finishes her sentence, “We can’t say if this is an isolated event or an outbreak of something more. We did get blood samples from the Chimpanzee but nothing showed up. We are still trying to figure out what happened with the TH12 and the mice, and if there is any connection to the bite that could be making the chimp sick.”

  “The chimp is still alive?” Samuel nodded his head, “Take me to him.” Dr. Hollowman stood up and marched out the door with Samuel following behind.

  “But, Dr. Hollowman, there is more in the reports. The Chimpanzee has transformed. We are no longer able to physically handle him. We cannot gather any more data without risk of exposure.”

  “Exposure to what?” Dr. Hollowman had her answer the moment her foot stepped over the threshold of the doorway into the lab where the chimp was kept.

  The smell was atrocious, rotting flesh mixed with spoiled milk. Dr. Hollowman’s eyes instantly started to water and Samuel started coughing. Covering her mouth and nose with her lab coat, Dr. Hollowman walked toward the Chimpanzee. The cage stood 15 feet across the room and was the only creature stored there. The chimp stood facing the back of the cage. Normally, the lab Chimpanzees wore diapers but SR 13 was bare of any cloth. The smell of feces and vomit was mixed in with the smell of rot. The majority of his hair was gone and his left leg looked to be swollen, red, and full of puss. The click of Dr. Holloman’s heels must have been close enoug
h to catch the attention of the Chimpanzee. Before she was two feet into the room, the chimp was pulling at the cage door while emitting a low-pitched growl. The closer she got the stronger the smell was. Standing five feet from the cage, she could see the physical changes that the chimp has gone through. The chimp’s eyes had fully dilated pupils making the eyes look completely black. With the hair gone, you can easily see the body no longer supplies blood, giving the skin a grey pallid look. The muscles in the arms and legs are not flexing but he still has the ability to move.

  “What did you say about his brain function?” Dr. Hollowman asked, taking a step closer to peer into the cage.

  Samuel grabbed her coat, shaking his head, “Please, don’t get any closer, he will get extremely agitated. His brain is only functioning on two levels, basic movement and hunger.”

  “How do you know if you are unable to monitor brain function?” queried Dr. Hollowman.

  Moving a foot closer to the Chimpanzee set off an extreme reaction. The chimp’s movements became aggressive, hands pushed through the bars while his teeth clacked with the chomping movements of his mouth. The low-pitched growl became a barking staccato that sent fear racking through her body. Stepping back one, then two feet, appeared to calm the chimp down.

  “By doing what you just did. For the last several hours, we have been taking turns experimenting. Collecting data on his reactions to people, food, and various stimulus. We found that his body no longer has the muscle movement that we usually see in normal functioning animals. He will only eat live prey not the vegetables and fruits that are his normal diet. He will no longer use his sign language but he has presented several different vocal expressions.” Samuel touched Dr. Hollowman’s shoulder to gain her attention but she was too focused on the Chimpanzee.

  “Is his hearing better then the vision? What about sense of smell?” she asked Samuel.