บท 11: First Mutation
The laboratory had proven its functionality. The Evolver mutated the trial virus genome and acquired two special capabilities – Aerosol Vector and Silent Spore. That cost only 100 mutation gene points.
The stability would pose future predicaments, if not evolved for days to increase such a category, the Nox virus's recent capabilities would degrade in time, deteriorating expected shelf life, and killing the virus in the process. 50 stability points would give the virus about a week. Hence, a need for additional mutation genes to pull back up its stability.
Now, he only needed to install the Nebula virus into the next giant canister. He took his Basic Genome virus and injected it into the equipment. The brownish ball of virus genome emerged from the one-way sealing tubes and floated ominously through the viscous translucent nutritive media and finally, suspended at the center of the glass cylinder.
'Now, this is not a trial. You have one chance to make this right,' He convinced himself, knowing that genetic engineering to produce mutating virus genomes was hard to come by. Moreover, the cost of such production was colossal, equivalent to feeding an entire army base for months. Proving his worth as an Evolver burdened heavy on his shoulders.
Luke observed the virus, tinged his interest, and for the very first time, he admired such a small weapon that could wipe out an entire population. At first, it seemed to be docile which needed his care to achieve its full fatal potential. Seemingly, it was the first time that he treated the virus genome as his pet. It would be his life's work.
"Monday, trials are successful. I will now proceed with actual mutation."
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[Virus Name] Nebula Virus
[Virus Type] Pycorniavirus
[Description] A virus resistant to harsh weather conditions. Transmission strength is improved however low in the probability mutation types of symptoms.
Lethal level: 0
Infectivity level: 15
Severe level: 15
Stability: 100
Mutation: 0
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He weighed his options even before the portal travel. He outlined his spate of mutations regardless of the available mutation genes, however, with a possible cure evolver in the alien ranks would disrupt his sequence.
The EMD personnel also confirmed the functionality of the laboratory evident in the successful mutation of the Nox Virus. As protocol, the EMD personnel left Luke alone in the laboratory. What he was going to do next could be infectious to the non-immunes. Although all the tanks, the glass canister, the mutation module vials, and the equipment were vacuum sealed, the probability of equipment mishaps could still be present. 'Better to be sure than sorry,' as what Command had always told him.
120 mutation genes made available, as Major had collected them from a frozen human corpse. He snugged the mutation genes in the evolution tank, and with one click, all contents inside the collection tubes dispersed inside the tank. He modified the control panel with the mutation choices shown on the screen.
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[ Available Mutation Options]
Aerosol Vector - 100 mutations genes – Compatible with airborne transmission. The virus develops a hardened shell that enables the virus to travel through the air.
Silent Spore - 80 mutation genes – Induce mild colds and flu. But depending on the immunity of the host.
Synaptic chain – 80 mutation genes – Induce sneezing and sweating in the affected host. The virus can be transmitted through bodily fluids.
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Aerosol Vector would mutate the virus that would be capable of being transmitted through the air for only a mild level. Somehow, in the duration of time and if airborne viruses had not encountered a viable host for a few hours, a phenomenon called lysis and apoptosis would induce death to the virus cells. The silent spore and synaptic chain could mutate mild symptoms induced by the virus. However, Luke had only 120 mutation genes and would accommodate him to one option.
"Monday, initializing mutation for Aerosol Vector," Luke said after he modified the control panels.
"Luke, you can incorporate your blood to maximize mutation," Monday suggested.
He totally forgot his own blood or the hate of needles solidified his forgetfulness. He knew that the AI was right, every mutation would need his blood to solidify mutation. He cursed inwardly, somehow subsided to reason. He took a small vial syringe, the only one needed for his blood collection, and injected his arm with it. He breathed heavily, on small needle piercing through his skin. One press and the syringe absorbs his blood automatically, and a tingling discomforting and sudden jolt of pain loomed. He compressed his punctured wound and daubed it with betadine, covered in gauss right after.
The small vial plunged into the sockets of the evolution tank and commenced incorporation. "Immune blood detected," Monday said. "Equivalent to 100 mutation gene points."
That would provide him a total of 220 mutation gene points. With this, he could avail two mutation options.
"Commencing, Synaptic chain mutation." Luke said. He remembered the cold arid environment that mocked him two days ago. And the coldness would induce sneezing that could be construed also as a form of transmission.
He had undergone viral evolution training for months, however, this was the first time for him to conduct the mutations using the Nebula. The equipment warbled as it commenced the modified evolution of the virus. Streaks of mutation genes perceptible inside the glass tank, slithering to the virus external structure. Gradually, there was a change in its color, one-inch tentacles like mushrooms, grew from one side of the ball of virus genome, similar form to a large lollipop.
The humming of equipment continued, and so was his nervousness. The wind's coldness somehow soaked inside the building, embracing him to his discomfort. He prayed for a successful first mutation.
Observing the virus genome, its form had a quick reaction, growing tentacles on the side, the size increased by about 5%, and its color became lighter brown. There were tiny almost imperceptible spores sprouting near the virus, creating a small colony on its own.
'It looks like suspended shit,' Luke said.
Mutation was one thing, considered as an art for the evolvers. The second challenge would be the infection of a target population. Humans had somehow combined high technology with the genetic engineered DNA of the virus that could mutate the mother genome in the lab and would remotely trigger mutation to the dispensed viruses to the target population by the use of Genetic triggers.
He considered becoming a virus evolver because he thought of it as safe from the reach of aliens. However, what he did not grasp was the challenge of dispensing the virus to the target population, pertaining to an equivalent exposure to alien's reach.
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