Chapter 28

The Genetic Modification Lab was developed primarily as a possible cure for cancer. Using a computer modeling program, the gene structure of an individual was reproduced externally and modified to exclude the genetic code for cancer. A “carrier” virus was produced, which would, much like the “virus” Katie had made up to scare Marshall with.

She didn’t know, before she read Jason’s mind, that it really existed. Jason had learned of the secret project accidentally, before they involved him in the development of one of the electronic modules. The “carrier” virus carried its own code plus the corrected DNA for the subject. It would invade a body much like any other virus, but instead of replacing human DNA with it’s own, it would replace it with the “carried” genetic code.

For that reason, the virus wouldn’t reproduce itself; that had to be done outside the body by a machine. The genetic changes resulted in many entire cells dying as others grew to replace them. That was too much for any animal to withstand. All but one test animal had died in the experiments-- even the control experiments where no real cancer was involved.

Katie was still talking. “We can do it. We could create a new body for us.”

“The test animals died, Katie. There’s no hope for us.”

“Jason-- you’re WRONG. The answer’s in your mind. What happened? Think of WHY the animals died...”

“Not enough matter. Protein. Other stuff. You know. Half of the animal’s body was destroyed in the process. Even with the nutrient solution, there wasn’t enough left for the body to rebuild. The other half was excreted as waste, or decomposed.”