S4-2
A tragedy

ACCESSING ARCHIVED DATA

D0m3n1c was found dead in his car after being attacked.
The Cyborian metropolis is on high alert.

DEACTIVATING ARCHIVE ACCESS SYSTEM

While Gale headed to school, Dr. Zethen worked in his lab, studying a small culture of Synthoid cells. "Naturally grown technology? Fascinating. These synthocells are very intriguing. Organic nanotech. What's more interesting is that a Synthoid's immune system appears highly adaptive, much more so than our own. They process a single disease cell, then adapt accordingly, producing a bizarre secretion that neutralizes and eliminates the entire disease. Their immune system learns how to defend against a sickness from one single cell. As a Synthoid's immune system adapts, future adaptations become faster. What if I introduce a culture of human cells?" From a syringe, Zethen added a small batch of donated human cells into the culture, and the results were... promising. "The Synthoid cells recognized the cells of another living being. They're exchanging information. Human immune system adaptation is occurring. Synthoids... Even their cells are generous. That's why I like them. They're kindhearted. They look out for others. I can relate." Without warning, Zethen's cell phone rang. "This is Dr. Zethen speaking. How may I help you?"

"Did you find out anything about our cells? We're pretty eager to know."

"OK, 573ph8n. You might want to write this down. It looks as if Synthoid cells are capable of adapting perfectly to any form of disease, generating a form of secretion that efficiently and thoroughly destroys all infection. I just recently tested them on human cells, and it looks as if they shared their adaptation, having recognized the cells of another living being."

"Synthoid cells adapt to perfectly counter diseases AND they can 'upgrade' the cells of another living being accordingly?"

"Looks like it."

"We'll run a test over here, if that's OK with you."

Zethen chuckled. "We're breaking some serious science here, boys. Go for it."

"We'll begin the cellular test right away. We'll let you know what happens."

"Got it." For the next hour-and-a-half, Zethen studied his notes all over again. His phone rang a second time. "Hello? Dr. Zethen speaking."

"It's 573ph8n. That human/Synthoid cell test cured the first guy's cancer. The second tester had that other human disease you call 'Ebola'. Up and gone."

"Synthoid cells can cure Ebola?! This is a miracle! We still haven't been able to cure it ourselves, and your cells were perfectly capable of disposing of it with ease?!"

"If it was such a problem to you, then I guess you needed us a long time ago."

"I guess so."

"We'll monitor the two testers for three months, then we'll decide whether or not to share this cellular injection with everyone else. Your research is opening the doors to new possibilities."

"It's an honor and a pleasure to work alongside you."

Eventually, Zethen got another call, but it wasn't from 573ph8n. "This is Jul137 K1nd3r50n of Cyboria schools. We're closing early today due to technical difficulties. Your son is waiting for you to pick him up."

"That's just great... My car is still at the shop."

"Well, it's a nice day for a stroll."

"True. It does look peaceful." With that, Zethen headed out and walked to the school, taking in the refreshing aroma of the flowers and fresh cut grass.

He eventually reached the school, seeing his son talking with a young Synthoid student. "Oh, dude, that sounds awesome!"

"Yeah. My dad oughta be a teacher here with the amount of research he does. He's amazing!"

"At least you still have your dad... Speaking of which, here he is."

Gale turned around, catching sight of his father. "Hi, dad!"

"Hello, son. Ready to head home?"

"Yeah. Bye, R1ch8rd."

"Seeya, buddy."

As Gale and Zethen started on their way home, Gale's father turned to him. "I see you have a new friend."

"R1ch8rd's pretty cool. He wants to be a scientist, just like you."

"Just like me? Heh." Zethen smiled.

"Yeah, and his mother commonly oversees the research operations that have been conducted over in eco-sector 2."

"The tropical forest environment?" Zethen wondered.

"Yeah!"

He didn't know what else to expect. "Well, it's common knowledge that the Synthoids care very much for nature."

Suddenly, a certain Synthoid's voice was heard. "Hey, wait up!" It was R1ch8rd.

"Something wrong?" Gale asked.

"Mind if I go with you two for a bit? I think my place is on the way."

Zethen smiled warmly at him. "Knowing that your parents are family friends, you're always welcome to join us, if it's OK with your mother."

With that, the trio continued on their way to their neighborhood.

As they rounded a corner, there was a strange sound. "What... is that?" Gale wondered.

Zethen looked into the sky, seeing what looked like an old world drone, but it was lined with red lights, and on the underside... was that red symbol from the news!

Realization hit Zethen. "RUN!"

They ran for cover as the drone opened fire with micro-missiles.

Once the group was safe inside a building, Zethen pulled out his phone and alerted the Cyborian local police force of the attack. The response was immediate, as evident by the incoming sirens. Suddenly, the drone underwent a structural transmutation, becoming this humanoid machine!

It opened fire on the police force, allowing another group of Synthoids, outfitted with defensive and repulsion devices, to head into the building and evacuate those taking refuge within.

Just as the group got clear of the building, their attacker turned its attention back to them, shifting its right arm into some sort of plasma cannon. It opened fire.

Zethen felt a burning sensation in every nerve ending of his skin, and his ears were ringing, drowning out the sounds of the battle behind him. He turned around, seeing that R1ch8rd was OK for the most part, having just suffered a severe burn on his left arm. Zethen turned his attention to his son, and what he saw horrified him. Gale had been scorched, his right arm and everything below the waist was gone gone. The heat from that blast cauterized the mortal wounds he sustained.

A Synthoid's voice was heard yelling. "This is Cyborian police force 3-7-9! We need reinforcements and a medical team!" Another team of Synthoids arrived, recovering Zethen, Gale, and R1ch8rd.

TRANSLATING SYNTHOID NAMES

573ph8n 8d8m50n
Stephan Adamson

Jul137 K1nd3r50n
Juliet Kinderson

R1ch8rd 5n1d3r
Richard Snider

Gale... He's... He isn't dead yet. Hang in there.