Chapter 2 "To Change is to Evolve"

Incoming Labs At Wellspring Mountain Academy

The cool florescent lights flicker in cold morning as the next group of babies are brought in. This time was a good haul, all the 106 babies they tested and asked for are on the manifest. Young generic modification doctor, Sarah Dramn, checks over the manifest. Of the 106 babies there are 4 sets of twins. The group is 70% male since in the previous classes the male survival rate is nearly 76%. The female survival rate is a pathetic 60%, however the abilities of the genetically modified female subjects are nearly twice the strength of their male counterparts. Sarah divides the subjects into the schools 5 groups. Each group gets a different modification.

The schools 5 groups are broken down by the animal name their modification is based off of. These scientists have developed 5 survivable transformations: Wolf, Snake, Tiger, Cheetah, and Gorilla. The transformation serum is only given to subjects who survive the 10 year prep. She comes to the twins, a rare find, three of the sets are male and one set is female. They've been working on a new serum that if a subject survives they will call dragon. She decides to send the girls and one set of boys to the dragon group.

"Michael send these two sets to the development group. I'd like to see this dragon form they keep bragging about and so proud of, " Sarah says to the young male assistant who was assigned to helping her in subject receiving. "As you command miss Sarah. Are you sure you want to send the twin girls? I'd think you'd want to send them to a known successful serum since the female survival rate is low." She gives him a stupid look, "You know, twins were the key to unlocking every serum our facility ever developed. These children might just be the breakthrough the development team needs. After all, in the reptile world the females are almost always larger and more powerful". She looks at the list as the baby cradles are being brought in off the plane. The babies are in self contained cradles that monitor and manage their health and current status.

Each of the subjects keep their first names and are then assigned a number. She stops each cradle as it's brought in to assign the child its number and future. Michael looks at the twin girls as they are the last two brought of the plane," I know I'm new here and everything but what is this research all for? All these children might die and were taken from their families. . . . Is it worth it?" Sarah focuses on the cradles, "as this world falls faster and faster into war, these modified humans will prove that we can adapt. These students will be our countries ace card when the wars escalate. Besides I think it's time mankind did some of its own evolving".

"Evolving what do you mean? You think these super children will take over the world or something, " he laughs trying to ease the sudden tension." Maybe someday. Would it really be so bad? Humans are so stupid. We spend our lives working for the future generation while at the same time condemning them" Sarah says not slowing her work at all. " I don't follow," he says finishing up his work. "Wouldn't expect a newbie like you to understand", she laughs, "get back to your assignments. Thanks for all your help."

Development Group (Dragon)

The dragon team receives the pair of twin subjects for their mutation project. Their lab is on the lowest floor of the west wing of the mountain, farthest from the school area since none of the dragon subjects have survived the mutation process. The school is heated and powered with geothermal energy from the mountain, which is then spread throughout the facility making it self sufficient when it comes to power. The current dragon team consists of a team of 7 researchers who are each part of the top of the bio-engineering field. They've been combining DNA samples from reptiles birds and other creatures to develop what someone might consider a dragon, hence the name for their research project. The goal of their research is to create a human soldier that has strong skin, the regenerative abilities of reptile, inhuman strength and their unrealistic goal of creating a human that can breath fire. They are in there 4th generation of subjects and with the serum still unproven, they are hungry to get it to succeed. Each generation of children gradually live longer, improve on the abilities they are trying to bring out, and teach the researchers issues with their serum that need to be improved. The team is expected to have a successful subject within 3 years.

5 years later

The development team has failed for the 7th time. More children did not survive the mutation serum injections and not a single subject has shown the ability to blow fire. The government funding for the dragon project is starting to slip if they don't show some results. The team has the next 5 years worth of subjects to show the results. In order to meet the results each of the subjects are being watched very closely. To help the research team stay focused Sarah has been assigned as head of the dragon project.

-Sarah-

For Sarah, being assigned to the dragon division full time shows how serious the higher-ups are about this project. Though they won't say it, the only reason this project is still being funded is because they see the potential in creating special mutations that have never existed on earth. The ability to breath fire would be a huge step for the geneticists since it could lead to other amazing mutations. She is working on helping the research team change the injection schedules in order to increase their ability to survive. She looks through her paperwork reading though the charts of the 4 recently dead subjects. The four bodies of the dead subjects lay on examination tables in the center of the room. She walks over setting the reports down and begins her examination. To start she pulls out a sound recorder," Sarah Dramn examining the bodies of David 456, Ryan 763, Ivan 473, and Abby 630. Three of the human subjects scale mutation seems to have started growth under the skin. This maybe what caused the internal bleeding found after the subjects fights. The muscle tissue is in perfect condition no signs of failed mutation. Subject David shows pressure buildup behind the eyes which more then likely is the true cause of death. This could be due to the mutation to help make the subjects smarter. Suggest looking over the DNA code for brain function. All four subjects flame pouch is fully developed and 2 of the 3 are in tact. Flame pouch is obviously the cause of death for subjects Ryan and Abby. Abby's internal organs near the lungs are too damaged to inspect," she looks at the female subjects lower sections and skin."It appears the female subject Abby had entered maturity despite being 12 years old. Reproductive organs are fully intact and look as if the mutation had no negative impacts in this area. Suggest looking at future female subjects more closely". She looks over all four subject with a sigh, so many dead children not a singe one made it far enough to test out their flame pouches. "Suggest adding small dosages of steroids to the newer subjects to help the bodies develop as fast as the mutation takes effect. Female subjects may be the more promising route for the dragon mutation, suggest watching the female subjects more closely increasing body scan tests to once a month instead of once every 4 months. It may be the difference in survival of the subjects".

There is a sudden knock at the door. Sarah sighs again and yells, "Its open, come on in". The researcher named Evan walks in looking tired and overworked. He looks at Sarah, "Hey . . . It's getting close to 06:00, the team wanted me to check on you and see what your orders are for the subjects". "Get some sleep you look like crap," Sarah says smirking, " these recent deaths have proven somewhat useful. The female subject is further along in the mutation then the male subjects around her same age. I want to meet with the female subjects around the age of 6. They will be our main focus going forward". "The females? . . . . Are you sure? because among the other test groups the male subjects survival rate was . ." "Has noting to do with our individual subjects," Sarah snaps getting irritated with her new research teams inability to just listen to simple instructions. " You should realize that this mutation is different from the ones the other groups have completed. I like you Evan your a good team member with a lot of knowledge and the right focus for the team, just don't lose site of what our teams goal here is". He is taken aback at her clearly not sure what to say to that he nods and glances at the dead subjects. "Do you ever question our research here"? Sarah look at him knowingly, but lets a small sad smile slip. "Yes of course I do, you wouldn't be human if you didn't. But our goal here is for the better of mankind. If our subjects survive the chance that we can help humanity adapt to climate change, war, and even space travel becomes possible. Surely you see the benefit in all that". He sighs looking at the bodies longer, "Yeah . . . But did these kids really have to die for that cause? Is this dragon form really that important? Seeing the dead makes me think we are doing the wrong thing here, that's all". Sarah gives him a long look then glances at the bodies thinking she agrees with him to a point but she needs to be firm, "One death doesn't outweigh the needs of the many, try to keep that in mind. Take these bodies to the morgue my autopsy is complete. I am going to head to the nurse area and change out the injections for the female subjects". He nods and without another word gets to work tagging and removing the bodies. Sarah leaves for the Nurses hall.