Page 36 of Crocodile Tears
The guards position themselves outside while Dr.Alvarez shows me the computer access and equipment procedures.Everything functions as described, suggesting considerable effort went into creating functional working conditions.
I approach the main computer terminal and begin reviewing the uploaded research files.My genetic sequencing data is all there along with additional information I didn’t provide—genetic profiles of what appear to be military personnel, medical histories, and baseline physiological data.What I don’t have is internet access, which doesn’t surprise me.
Looking closer at the data, I frown.“Dr.Alvarez, where did this additional genetic data come from?”
She glances at the screen and then looks away quickly.“Dr.Vega has been collecting relevant information for some time.The research requires comprehensive baseline data for proper implementation.”
I look at her through narrowed eyes.“This is genetic information from specific individuals.How was it obtained?”
“I’m not privy to data collection methodologies.My role is strictly laboratory support.”
Not ethically then.“These genetic profiles include detailed medical histories and current physical status reports.This isn’t anonymized research data.These are files on specific people.”
She moves toward the door, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation.“I recommend focusing on the technical aspects of the research rather than the administrative details.”
“What happens if the research doesn’t work?If human physiology simply can’t support the genetic modifications?”
She hesitates and then lowers her voice.“You should focus on achieving positive results as quickly as possible.”
Oh, that’s so reassuring.“What kind of positive results?”
“The kind that demonstrate clear progress toward the stated objectives.”
Could she be any vaguer?“And if I can’t demonstrate that kind of progress?”
“Dr.Vega is very resourceful when it comes to finding alternative approaches to complex problems.”She looks fearful for a moment before her expression becomes placid again.
The threat hangs in the air between us as she leaves without further explanation, and the guards close the laboratory doors behind her with a heavy click from electronic locking mechanisms.
I’m alone in a fully equipped laboratory with weeks to develop genetic modifications that could revolutionize warfare while keeping everyone I care about alive.I have two weeks to produce some kind of results.If I comply, people I love will live, though I’m sure they’ll never let me go, and my research will be in the hands of unscrupulous people.If I don’t, everyone, me included, will die.Some frigging choice.
I start by reviewing my original protocols and identifying the specific genetic markers that enable accelerated healing in reptilian shifters.The science is complex but not impossible.The main challenges involve adapting expression patterns that evolved for shifter physiology to work in baseline human biology.
The uploaded genetic profiles provide disturbing context for the research objectives.These aren’t theoretical subjects for scientific study but specific individuals who’ve apparently been selected for genetic modification experiments.Military personnel, based on their medical histories, all in excellent physical condition, and all currently on active-duty status.Volunteers or victims?Potentially both if the research goes awry.
As I work through the technical requirements, part of my mind continues cataloging potential weapons and escape routes.The laboratory contains numerous chemicals that could be dangerous if properly combined—hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and various organic solvents that could be weaponized with proper knowledge of chemistry.
Several pieces of equipment could be repurposed beyond genetic research.The centrifuge could be modified to create crude explosive devices.The high-temperature incubators could be used to accelerate chemical reactions.Even the microscope’s high-intensity lighting system could potentially be converted into a focused heat source.
The computer system has restricted internet access, but the internal network might provide information about the facility’s layout and security protocols.I begin systematically exploring the available databases while maintaining the appearance of working on genetic sequencing analysis.
Hours pass without any clear sense of time since I have no windows and just constant artificial lighting.The laboratory’s climate control maintains steady temperature and humidity levels appropriate for my reptile shifter physiology that suggest significant infrastructure investment.
I make genuine progress on preliminary analysis while simultaneously mapping the facility’s network architecture and identifying potential vulnerabilities in their security systems.The research is actually fascinating from a purely scientific perspective, even though the applications are morally reprehensible.I don’t want soldiers to suffer if I can help them, but the idea of helping patch them up faster so they can return to the killing fields appalls me.
When Dr.Alvarez returns to escort me back, I’ve completed initial genetic marker identification and located what appears to be administrative files containing facility personnel information and operational schedules.
“How did the first day go?”she asks while the guards take their positions for the return escort.
“Productively.I’ve identified several promising approaches for genetic modification adaptation.”I close the computer files and stand slowly.“I’ll need additional resources for the next phase of development.”
“What kind of additional resources?”
“Live tissue samples from the target subjects.The genetic modifications need to be calibrated specifically for individual physiology rather than general human baseline parameters.”
Dr.Alvarez stops walking and stares at me.“You want tissue samples from the military personnel?”
“The genetic profiles suggest significant individual variation in baseline healing capabilities.Without personalized calibration, the modifications could be ineffective or potentially fatal.”I maintain steady eye contact while delivering this complete fabrication.“Standard scientific methodology requires individualized testing protocols.”
