Forseter extended what Molotov was saying
“Once the plants and animals absorb the contaminated water, the nanobots will carry the Hypergenex to all the cells of their bodies.”
Da Fonseca doesn’t hide his hatred toward Forseter,
“But, viruses need an incubation period.”
Forseter keeps his sycophant attitude toward him trying to minimize Da Fonseca concerns.
“The virus carried by Wilkison’s nanobots just takes seventy-two hours to incubate. By then, our Hypergenex has already edited the DNA of every cell treated by Mutanex, multiplying its effects.”
Molotov gives Da Fonseca his assurance:
“You can be sure that, in less than three months, the Animalypse will be unleashed across the globe.”
Dr. Wilkison has listened, shocked, everything they had said
“Do you actually intend to carry out such atrocity? You are worse than Nazis and Communists and terrorists altogether.”
Forseter talks in an academic fashion to her showing up to da Fonseca.
“Professor, most of human history has been devoted to the extermination of significant part of itself and, incidentally, the natural environment.”
Da Fonseca takes over the lecture, speaking in a melodramatic tone, emphasized by his foreign accent, as addressing a multitude of fans.
“As Agent Smith said in The Matrix, ‘Human beings are a disease, a cancer of this planet; you're a plague, and we are the cure,’ and, we are more than the cure, we are the vaccine.”
Dr. Wilkison rebuffs them.
“Putting an end to humanity to save the planet? That's ridiculous.
Molotov faces her angrily.
“Watch out on addressing our leader, hag!”
Da Fonseca continues with his dramatic pose, almost operatic, ignoring both.
“Since very young, I have devoted a great deal of my family’s fortune to save the Amazon’s forests.”
Dr. Wilkison moves her head.
“That's an excellent idea. What led you instead to this plan against humanity?”
Da Fonseca keeps on declaiming.
“I soon realized that all my efforts were useless. From the most primitive indigenous cultures to the most developed civilizations, all alike are determined to destroy Nature.”
“Then,” Dr. Wilkison adds angrily, “you shifted all your wealth and effort to destroy mankind.”
“Exactly,” answers Da Fonseca turning to her, “I recruited the most radical environmentalists (and other less interested in ecology) to create the Green World Order and save the planet’s biosphere from human barbarity.”
Dr. Forster, Molotov and the rest of the attackers raise both arms with clenched fists shouting rhythmically in unison.
“Green World Order, Green World Order, Green World Order!”
The attackers applaud enthusiastically.
Chandra realizes that, while Molotov has a fanatic attitude, Forseter has beendeceitfully ironic, and the rest of the attackers showed more an unemotional discipline than enthusiasm.
Chandra and Dr. Wilkinson look at each other.
Da Fonseca makes a gesture of ennui.
“Everything is set, then. I leave you now, comrades so you can fulfill your transcendent mission.”
Da Fonseca calls Molotov to a corner of the lab to talk in private.
“What do you plan to do with the professor and her daughter?”
“Heinrich says that we still need them.”
“And, when you don’t need them anymore?” Inquires Da Fonseca.
“I will leave three men to guard them at the lab while they are useful and to take care of them later.”
Da Fonseca nods.
“Perfect, I don’t want to leave any loose ends. I trust you. See you at the agreed point.”
“Don’t worry, Comrade Da Fonseca. Everything will be done when we meet again.”
Da Fonseca approaches Molotov very confidentially.
“Ah! Before disposing of the girl, I would like to take her for a weekend at my fazenda in Manaus.”
Molotov whispers smiling.
“As you wish, Comrade!”
Da Fonseca whispers at Molotov's ear.
“And, please, when your unbearable scientist is no longer useful, take care also of him, as well. He’s not trustworthy.”
Molotov nods clumsily staring at his feet.
Da Fonseca leaves, showing off like a rock star, followed by his bodyguards.
Molotov returns to the center of the lab where he finds Forrester in the safe compartment along with Dr. Wilkinson in protective suits.
Wilkinson takes the liquid from the hopper and poured into test tubes.
Forester grabs the test tubes, placing them on foam rubber niches in his metal suitcase.
They finish the operation and leave the compartment, taking off their protection suits in the chambers’ lobby. Forseter carries the metal portfolio.
Molotov addresses him.
“Is everything set?”
Forseter answers, excited.
“We should pour a test tube on each section of the tanker truck. When we get to the airstrip, the nanobots crop will be ready.”
“Perfect!” Says Molotov and turns to one of the attackers,” comrade number three! Leave a couple of fighters watching the old woman and her daughter. The rest, come with me!”
Chandra secretly looks at her mother.
While Forester and Molotov are talking, Dr. Wilkinson walks passing a crops compartment and takes a test tube sneakily, hiding it undetected in her lab coat pocket.
Chandra shakes forcefully making her chair fall to draw the attackers’ attention while her mother steals the test tube.
One of the attacker approaches Chandra, taking her up and checking her ties.
“Hey! Be quiet and stay still!”
Dr. Wilkinson goes to the lab’s pantry where she gets to make coffee.
Chandra realizes that her mother puts her hand into her lab coat pocket where she had hidden the surgical glove and the test tube before handling the disposable cups on the shelf.
Chandra tries again to draw attention to her. The attackers look at her with annoyance.
The attacker number three address a couple of attackers, the Asian and the African-American.
“You two, comrades ten and eleven! Stay keeping an eye on those bitches! They are tricky so watch out! I will be in contact with you for further orders.”
Both attackers answer in a choir.
“Sir, yes, sir!”
Molotov and Forster leave the lab carrying the metal briefcase followed by the rest of the attackers.
Chapter 34. The Tanker Truck
Forester and Molotov, followed by the attackers’ group, step out of the Nanotechnology Institute into the alley between the Institute and the adjacent garage. The SUVs and the tanker truck are guarded by several other attackers.
The noises of the city chaos are heard loudly: sirens, explosions, shouting, rumble, vehicles running, etc.
One of the attackers climbs a ladder at the back of the truck to the top of the tank.
Forseter follows him carrying the metal briefcase.
The attacker opens the hatches of the tank compartments.
Forester puts on surgical gloves and takes out several test tubes from the briefcase. One by one, he opens and pours them into each section of the tank.
The attacker closes the compartments’ hatches. Finally, both step down from the truck.
A brief siren is heard. All the attackers turn to the entrance of the alley where a patrol car is entering from Walnut Street flashing its lights.
The police car takes a left turn and stops, blocking the alley entrance. The police officer gets out the car, using it as a barrier. He takes out his gun shouting.
“Police! Drop your weapons and get on the ground!”
The nearest attackers follow the orders but Molotov, behind of one of the SUVs, suddenly aims his gun and shoots the police
officer through the patrol car window before he can talk through the radio.
The officer falls back. The nearest attacker hurries around the patrol car and shoots the fallen agent in the head. He gets into the patrol car and drives it in reverse to Walnut street clearing the way and running back to the truck side.
A couple of attackers climb into the truck cab. The rest get into the SUVs. The convoy starts the engines leaving the alley through Walnut Street.
The dead officer body remains in the dark at a side of the alley.
Chapter 35. A Cup of Coffee
Once Molotov, Forseter and the rest of the attackers have left the nanotechnology lab, the attacker number ten turns to Dr. Wilkinson who is making coffee in the pantry.
“What are you doing? Come back here!”
The professor leaves the pantry with two paper cups.
“I’ve just made some coffee.”
The Professor approaches Chandra and gives her coffee while she sips her cup.
Attacker number ten points her with his gun.
“Don’t you move!”
Dr. Wilkison doesn’t give much importance to his threats.
“You don’t need to be afraid of a sick old woman.”
Attacker number eleven looks at the pantry asking Dr. Wilkison.
“Is there any coffee left?”
Dr. WILkison answers dryly.
“It is just made. The cups are on the shelf. Don’t mess with anything.”
“Since when you give orders here?” The attacker number eleven mocks her turning at attacker ten, “Do you want some?”
“Only water, I don’t want to lose them from sight.”
“Okay,” says attacker eleven going to the pantry.
He takes a couple of paper cups from the shelf, pours coffee into one and water into the other from the water cooler. He gets back drinking his coffee cup and gives the cup with water to attacker ten who was very thirsty and drinks all the water from a single sip.
Dr. Wilkinson watches both attackers with anxiety while Chandra alternately looks at her mother and the attackers expectantly.
Within seconds, the attacker number eleven drops his cup, holding his mouth and stomach.
“The bathroom! Where is the bathroom?”
The professor points at the door and the attacker eleven runs out.
The attacker number ten watches puzzled at his comrade leaving hastily.
“What is happening to you?”
He looks at the dropped cup and the spilled coffee and turns angrily toward Dr. Wilkison.
“What have you done to us, bitch?”
But he can’t do anything. He folds and falls to the floor moaning. He convulses with vomiting, diarrhea, and farting until he stays still.
The professor takes her hands to her nose. Chandra complains.
“Ew!”
Dr. Wilkinson searches the fallen attackers’ clothes, finding Chandra’s handcuffs keys. She hurries to uncuff Chandra who rushes to take the attacker’s rifle.
The professor screams. The attacker number eleven has arrived at the door dragging. He aims his gun at them with difficulty.
Chandra shoots him before he could do anything.
The attacker number eleven rolls back shooting to the air. He finally lays still bleeding.
Chandra points attacker number ten, still unconscious.
“Is he alive?”
“Yes, but we need to put him a serum soon to preventing him from dehydrating,” says her mother.
Chandra puts the handcuffs on the attacker number ten.
Dr. Wilkison slaps her own forehead.
“There is another attacker left in the lobby!”
Chandra rushes to the lab entrance. She hides behind the door while hearing someone running down the corridor.
Chandra trips Attacker number six upon entering the door. He falls losing his rifle. Chandra points the gun at him.
The attacker raises his hands from the floor surrendering.
“Don’t shoot me, please!”
“You don’t sound like a fanatic extremist,” says Chandra.
“I’m not an extremist! I’m a contractor!”
“A mercenary, huh?” Realizes Chandra, “so, who are those radicals who Da Fonseca was talking about?”
“People well paid by him!”
Chandra smiles bitterly.
“So, he's just a super-rich with delusions of grandeur.”
“He pays very well,” says the attacker number six, “that’s the only thing that matters.”
Chandra trembles in anger pointing the gun at his head.
“Well, my dear contractor, unless you tell me where they are going with that tanker, I have permission to blow your brains out.”
“The Northeast Philadelphia Airport!”
Dr. Wilkison approaches with a paper cup full of water.
“Now, you’ll be a good boy and drink this medicine.”
The attacker looks at her distrustfully.
“What’s that?”
Chandra points at him with her gun.
“A tranquilizer. Trust her, she’s a famous doctor”.
The attacker drinks from the cup with apprehension. Chandra looks at her mother and laughs, holding her nose.
Chapter 36. The Antidote
Chandra drags the bound and unconscious attacker number six, dirty in vomiting and diarrhea, into a biohazard cubicle of the nanotechnology lab.
Attacker ten is also on the floor of the cubicle, dirty and bound, too. He is conscious but very weak, moaning with little strength to fight.
Chandra takes the phones, weapons, and ammunitions from them stepping out of the cubicle. Dr. Wilkison closes the security door and programs the electronic lock.
Chandra doubts.
“Are you sure they won’t get out of there?”
“Theoretically, these cubicles are made to resist a nuclear explosion. Nobody wants those viruses and bacteria on the loose. And those poor boys are so weak that I could have them anywhere unattended without any worries.”
Chandra is concerned.
“What could we do now? How could we stop them from spreading the nanobots?”
The professor points her finger up.
“I think I found a way to stop those madmen.”
Dr. Wilkinson goes to a glass panel full of tests tubes and takes one out.
“We could use this restriction enzymes inhibitor.”
“What effect would that have?” Asks Chandra.
“It would neutralize the restriction enzymes from both, Mutanex and Hypergenex, as well, preventing the organism from becoming monsters and developing accelerated cancer that would kill them quickly.”
Chandra gets excited.
“We will kill two birds with one stone: both the terrorists and Saint Mount, as well! You’re a genius, mom! You deserve a Nobel Prize!”
Dr. Wilkison nods.
“I was thinking of Saint Mount when working in this variant of Methotrexate, a new restriction enzymes inhibitor.”
“You already knew how to stop Saint Mount! Why didn't you tell me, mom?”
“You're a law enforcement officer, and this was totally illegal,” answers Dr. Wilkison.
“We are in a national emergency, now, we can use whatever! What could we do with this?”
“We need to pour it into the tank truck, but I do not know how,” Dr. Wilkison shrugs.
Chandra strokes her chin.
“Is there any car we can use?”
Dr. Wilkison sights.
“The poor dead security guard had a motorcycle. It should be in the garage next door. The key should be in his pocket.”
Chandra and Dr. Wilkison rush to the lobby. They look around for the Security Guard’s corpse. When they find it, Chandra searches his pockets finding the keys and the garage card.
Dr. Wilkison gets afraid.
“You’re not going to do what I’m thinking, right?”
Chandra is decided.
; “What else can I do? I must stop that truck whatever it takes.”
“Those mercenaries are professionals,” Dr. Wilkison gets increasingly alarmed, “you don’t have any chance against them!”
Chandra shrugs sighting.
“I’ll figure out something, but I must go after them. I’ll call the FBI for help.”
Chandra runs toward the entrance.
“At least remember what your father used to say!” Advices her mother.
“Yes, mom, I promise I’m gonna fight my battles in my own battlefield!” Answers Chandra rushing out of the lab.
Chapter 37. Flies in the Garage
Chandra hurries out the Nanotechnology Institute toward the adjacent garage. Sirens, explosions, rumbling and shooting are heard.
On entering the alley between the Institute and the garage, she sees in the dark a crowding of what it looks like a group of big black rabbits jumping one over the other at a side of the alley.
A strong bass humming is heard over the sounds of the city chaos.
She walks cautiously, taking her gun and phone out. She points the phone's flashlight to the moving pile.
Suddenly, she lights up a group of giant flies over the police officer dead body.
Some hover over the body, others secrete gastric juices with their nervous trunks over the carcasses sucking the melted tissues. Parts of face and chest muscles and bones are exposed, giving the remains a creepy look.
Chandra screams scared. The huge flies jump into the air and go after her. Chandra runs to the garage door trying to shoot at the monster flies hovering over her.
She gets to the garage door followed by the flies. She opens it with the garage card and enters still shooting at the flies.
Inside the garage, Chandra triggers the dead Security Guard’s motorcycle alarm’s remote. It sounds nearby. Chandra runs toward where she heard the sound.
Animalypse Page 10