Animalypse
Page 1
Animalypse
by Octavio Guerra Royo
Copyright © 2016 by Octavio Guerra.
Kindle Edition
Copyright © 2016 by Octavio Guerra.
All Right 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, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of very brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.
This is a work of fiction, Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, or organizations or events is purely coincidental.
For permission requests, please contact the author at octaviogr2@gmail.com.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Blue Sky, Blue Sky!
Chapter 2. The Professor’s lecture
Chapter 3. The Wilkisons
Chapter 4. The Reception
Chapter 5. Forseter
Chapter 6. Saint Mount LLC
Chapter 7. The Lobbyist
Chapter 8. A Non-Adverse Action
Chapter 9. Hawaii is not so bad
Chapter 10. The Stack of Files
Chapter 11. The Assignment
Chapter 12. The Diary Farm
Chapter 13. Alea iacta est
Chapter 14. Changing Course
Chapter 15. The Poultry Farm
Chapter 16. The Aftermath
Chapter 17. Back to the Headquarters
Chapter 18. Neither Rhyme nor Reason
Chapter 19. Out of the Game
Chapter 20. Forseter’s Farm
Chapter 21. Under Attack
Chapter 22. The Ecoloverse Lab
Chapter 23. On the Road
Chapter 24. A Green Tsunami
Chapter 25. Arriving in Philly
Chapter 26. Wilkison’s Mansion
Chapter 27. Molotov
Chapter 28. We’ve Helped a Lot
Chapter 29. Operation Animalypse
Chapter 30. Philadelphia in Chaos
Chapter 31. António Da Fonseca De Moraes
Chapter 32. I’ve lied
Chapter 33. The Nanotechnology Lab
Chapter 34. The Tanker Truck
Chapter 35. A Cup of Coffee
Chapter 36. The Antidote
Chapter 37. Flies in the Garage
Chapter 38. Riding on a Highway
Chapter 39. Chasing the Tanker
Chapter 40. On Top of the Fucking Truck
Chapter 41. Molotov Gets Fed Up
Chapter 42. Mima, Mami, and Papi
Chapter 43. The Ka-Do Island
About The Author
Chapter 1. Blue Sky, Blue Sky!
Downtown Philadelphia is a battleground at dawn.
The city is darkened by dense clouds of smoke and dust, rippled by fires, explosions, and gunfire.
The deafening resonance of rumbling, demolitions, detonations, shooting, sirens, shouting and roaring shakes the atmosphere.
Grass, bushes, and trees grow hasty and gigantic, pushing each other like a turbulent sea. They move plowing the earth and concrete as a slow-motion tsunami sprouting crowds of massive trunks, branches and roots as giant angry snakes.
Colossal vines wind up around the tall buildings, squeezing, piercing and tearing them down amid thick clouds of dust and a terrifying thundering.
Massive roots break up the streets and sidewalks opening wide and deep gaps.
Electrical wires rustle out of the cracks sizzling. Sparks fly everywhere setting fires all around.
Exposed underground pipes release powerful jets of water and gas on fire as immense blowtorches.
Amongst the ruins and the clouds of smoke and dust, military detachments shoot at massive herds of giant bulls, pigs, and goats, bigger than elephants, with enormous and powerful muscles and jars.
The pack of thousands of gigantic animals flows through the streets running furiously scared amongst the crumbling buildings and ruins, dodging the growing trunks, branches, and roots. Some of the colossal animals fall into the profound cracks on the streets. Some get tangled with the electrical cables being electrocuted. Others beats, run mad like living torches as they are set on fire by the ignited broken gas lines.
The giant animals crush everything in their path, cars, poles, walls, garbage containers and the barricades set by the military in an unsuccessfully attempt to contain them.
Soldiers and cops shoot at the wild flocks with all their firepower possible in a desperate effort to halt them. Sapper units try to blow up the growing jungle in a failed attempt to stop it.
Behind the combatants’ lines, police officers and rescuers organize the evacuation of terrified civilians and the wounded.
Despite the heavy fire of the military, the flock of giant beasts mows down the defense lines, ramming and overturning buses, trucks, cars and tanks.
A military officer yells out for help on the radio. “Blue Sky, Blue Sky! We need reinforcements, now!” But he can’t continue talking.
The beasts’ furious stampede runs over everything, the barricades, the vehicles, the military personnel and the civilian.
The survivors that manage to escape are buried under the collapsing buildings.
Thick dust and smoke clouds devour everything, leaving only a deep darkness broken by explosions, gunfire, shouting, roaring and crashes.
Chapter 2. The Professor’s lecture
Only a couple of weeks earlier, hundreds of attendees pack out the Yasuda Amphitheater of the Steinberg Conference Center of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
The big screen shows the words: “Emerging Technologies and Ecology.”
The university dean, a middle age Afro-American woman with academic demeanor, approaches the podium taking over the role of hostess. “And now, comes Professor Rhonda Wilkinson,” she says through the microphone with proud and excitement, “the scientific director of our nanotechnology center, one of the first and most prominent Afro-American female Geneticists! She will talk about the dangers of the corporate monopoly over GMOs.”
The audience applauds enthusiastically.
Doctor Rhonda Wilkinson, a respected scholar with a great sympathy and a bright smile, enters greeting the public. The presenter gives her the floor.
Chandra, Dr. Wilkinson’s daughter, a beautiful and fitted young FBI agent, is among the audience, applauding with joy and proud.
On one wing of the auditorium, Dr. Heinrich Forseter, a classic scientist unconcerned about his appearance, applauds formally. On the opposite side, Aizik Molotov, a strongman with a striking activist look, crosses his arms sullenly.
Dr. Wilkison speaks to the audience.
“Twenty years ago, the advances in genetically modified organisms or GMOs promised to end hunger in the world.”
Dr. Wilkison actions a remote control and the big screen behind the tribune shows Saint Mount Corporation’s facilities in Saint Louis, Missouri.
A block of marble has engraved "Saint Mount, LLC" in gold letters with a stylish logo representing a DNA sequence.
“But, the greed of certain corporations,” continues Dr. Wilkison, “has taken this dream away turning GMOs into a threat to humanity and the environment.”
The screen shows an aerial view of the impressive Saint Mount corporation’s headquarters facilities.
Dr. Wilkison points at the image.
“Let’s take the Saint Mount genetic engineering corporation as an example.”
She points out a procession of packages, bottles, syringes and glass vials with the MUTANEX label along with the Saint Mount logo.<
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“Mutanex is its primary product,” underlines Dr. Wilkison, “with which they have managed to genetically engineer adult plants and animals in a massive scale.”
The big screen shows a GMOs industry employee operating a seed chipper which is substituted by a microscopic view of an animal ovum fertilized in vitro.
“Before Mutanex,” explains the doctor, “it was only possible to manipulate seeds and animal embryos.”
Her words are supported by a sequence of images on the screen showing the most advanced irrigation systems over vast plantations of different agricultural products as wheat, corn, rice, etcetera, and a series of different animals feeding in several farms as cows, poultry, pigs, and others.
“Now, it is easier to manipulated genetically adult plants and animals providing Mutanex in the water and food.”
The screen displays a microscopic view of viruses flowing through an animal circulatory system among red and white cells, and other blood elements.
“Mutanex works through transfection, in other words, gene transfers by a virus.”
A microscopic view behind her shows how the viruses reach the body cells, adhering to them and releasing their genetic material into the cells.
“The Mutanex virus carriers can reproduce themselves at high speed and in large numbers in every cell, infecting all surrounding cells.”
On the screen, the viruses replicate themselves at high speed in the cells, getting out of them and sticking to the surrounding cells, downloading enzymes into their nuclei. These enzymes get to the DNA strands cutting and editing them.
“Mutanex is based on Ochratoxin Triple-A,” explains Wilkison, “a potent carcinogenic that triggers a violent cell reproduction.”
On the screen, cells reproduce at high speed.
“Thanks to NC8-methyladenine restriction enzymes, Mutanex prevents the cell reproduction of becoming into cancerous tumors.”
Behind her, on the screen, restriction enzymes divide DNA of cells.
“Thus, Mutanex produces a growth up to three hundred percent in plants and animals.”
On the screen, a vast cornfield grows at a glance. The ears sprout in greater quantity and size. In a barn, pigs grow as big as cows with hypertrophied muscles.
Among the audience, a young student raises her hand. Professor Wilkison nods.
“Professor Wilkison,” asks the student, “don’t you agree that Mutanex is the solution to a future food crisis created by the hasty growth of world population?”
Dr. Wilkison moves her head.
“Apparently, yes. However, Saint Mount took advantage of this purpose becoming the world’s monopoly on agricultural production.”
Dr. Wilkison actions the remote control toward the screen. On it, a farmer stares over a wire fence at the adjoining field, sown with giant plants. He turns around, watching sadly his cultivated field with normal plants.
“Those who don’t buy Saint Mount’s products will be crushed by the competition. Everyone is compelled to purchase Mutanex.”
The screen shows an aerial view of cultivated fields over the United States. The image zooms back to a satellite view, hovering over different agricultural areas around the globe. Dr. Wilkinson continues talking.
“Another problem is that the GMOs apparently resistant to diseases could cause the emergence of new mutant bacteria resistant to antibiotics and the GMOs as well.”
On the screen, a view under the microscope shows a bacteria culture reproducing rapidly. The image changes to several large cultivated fields devastated by pests.
“The use of Mutanex worldwide,” warns Dr. Wilkison, “can trigger the onset of diseases that humanity is not prepared to face.”
The image shows a sequence of several vast cultivated fields of similar plants and pastures full of cattle that look the same as clones.
Dr. Wilkison keeps warning.
“To make matters worse, Mutanex creates a genetic code equivalent for all species of plants and animals, drastically reducing the biodiversity of the world's agricultural production.”
The screen displays a sequence of immense crops ravaged by pests and large paddocks with sick and dying animals.
“A single mutant bacterium could infect all plants and animals treated with Mutanex on the planet, which will be the whole world agricultural production in a few years.”
On the screen, appears an apocalyptic scene of vast and packed refugee camps, afflicted with famine, disease, and violence.
“Such a plague could wipe out the entire global agricultural production, causing the worst famine in history with incalculable consequences.”
Molotov rises abruptly interrupting Dr. Wilkinson. He talks loudly and frantically.
“Saint Mount has such great influences in the government that it can do almost anything over and outside the law. That's why we must make common cause against Saint Mount and the governments that let them do such atrocities!”
Molotov’s outrageous attitude makes the attendees fret and murmur.
“We must boycott farmers who buy their products,” he shouts rising his fist, “set fire to Mount Saint stores and their customers’ and block the routes where these products are transported!”
“I am against both the Saint Mount world monopoly and violent activism as well,” replies Dr. Wilkinson sternly, “both are against the law and the peaceful solution of conflicts.”
Attendees applaud. Chandra applauds proudly, though watching Molotov's reaction cautiously.
Molotov stands up angrily, pushing his neighbors and shouting on his way to the hallway.
“People like you are accomplices of corporate greed and the government controlled by the rich and powerful!”
Molotov walks aggressively to the podium.
Chandra stands up with her hand on her service weapon, lifting her jacket, and revealing her FBI badge on her waistline. But she doesn’t need to move.
A couple of security guards intercept Molotov, forcing him to leave the amphitheater.
“Get off me! Let go of me!” shouts Molotov in anger while being dragged to the exit by the security guard.
Dr. Forster watches Molotov, Chandra and Dr. Wilkinson with close attention.
Chapter 3. The Wilkisons
Rhonda Tyson was an extraordinary child. She has been particularly interested in chemistry and microbiology since primary school earning a scholarship for an outstanding project she presented on a Science Olympiad.
But almost immediately, the death of her father, an FBI agent, on the line of duty obscured her achievements. Her widowed mother struggled to raise her and her four siblings.
One of Rhonda’s father’s trainees, Philip Wilkison, used to visit her home to check on his late chief’s family. His cheerful and generous personality made everyone in her family love him and look forward to his regular visits full of gifts and jokes that illuminate their gloomy lives. Soon, Rhonda fell for him, but she needed to break Philip’s reluctance to take advantage of the situation and the not so significant age gap between them. However, she stuck stubbornly to her decision to marry Philip someday, resolution heartily approved by her mother and siblings. After years of flirting, Philip accepted being her boyfriend when she went to college, with the promise of finishing her studies.
Although both careers keep them apart most of the time, they finally get married when Rhonda got her master degree in Biochemistry having the next year the ultimate product of their love, baby Chandra.
For an African-American woman, there are plenty of obstacles to confront to advance in any career, mostly on those dominated by wealthy white males.
Rhonda manages to overcome every gender, race, sexual, social, academic and economic hurdle she found on her path.
After many years of sacrifices and struggles, she made a breakthrough with her nanotechnology discoveries, combining her deep knowledge of robotics with microbiology and biochemistry.
Her remarkable works on transforming bacteria into microscopic robots, ca
lled nanobots, for medical, veterinarian, and, mainly, genetic manipulation purposes, gave her the place she deserved in the scientific and academic world.
Finally, the already famous Dr. Rhonda Wilkison succeeded in creating one of the most advanced nanotechnology labs in the world, being recognized by the academic, scientific and the corporate world.
Rhonda’s capacity for advancing on her career and taking care of all her family amazed Philip, who was always worried about his long absences because of his work on the Bureau. But Rhoda understood and support him always as he has supported her since she was a teenager. Their love was like no other and the envy of all their acquaintances.
Rhonda transmitted that love to Chandra, devoting to her all the free hours she could get out of her research, classes, and writings.
Each time the three of them could be together, it was a great celebration, and they knew how to take advantage of every short moment they could be all together.
Rhonda and Philip were always worried that their careers could affect their daughter, Chandra. But she considered herself a happy child.
Most of her mother’s absences were compensated with fantastic days on Rhonda’s maternal house, full of fun with her cousins and her grandmother indulgences. Anyway, Rhonda managed to keep Chandra with her even in the lab, where she enjoyed playing with all sort of strange instruments.
Anyway, Rhonda tried to occupy most of Chandra’s out of school time with the gymnastics training, where she was one of the stars of her class.
Longer and more frequent were Philp’s absences. Even though, Chandra have a deep devotion to her father and Rhonda made all her efforts to encourage that kind of relation.
When Chandra finished high school, her deep love, admiration, and pride for her father motivated Chandra to make a career as FBI agent. This was something not very pleasant to Rhonda, who always dreamed of Chandra becoming an academic or a high-level professional. This was a difficult time for the family.
Although Philip supported 100% his wife, Chandra determination to continue her father (and her both grandfathers) tradition was insurmountable.