-Unmarked Research Tanker, somewhere in the Atlantic, 1996-
Marcie watched as Dr. Ramsden lead the man into the lab. The man was tall, middle aged and wearing a smart, military uniform, though Marcie
couldn't tell which branch of the military it belonged too. He was escorted by a consort of at least a dozen intimidating bodyguards. Marcie
wasn't really comfortable with so many people near the baby, but she did as she'd been ordered and moved away from the crib.
"Here he is, Major," Dr Ramsden smiled, "We call him Junior."
The Major looked down at the sleeping infant. The boy couldn't have been older than a few months. He seemed perfectly content despite all
the commotion.
"You said in your message that you made a breakthrough?" the Major prompted.
"Yes," Dr Ramsden smiled, "It appears the project could be more profitable than we'd dreamed. I think you and the President will be very
pleased."
"What makes you think I report to the President?" asked the Major, in a tone that suggested such a thing was beneath him.
Dr Ramsden was put aback, but simply said, "Excuse me."
"Doctor," The Major said impatiently, "You've been experimenting with DNA for almost seven years now. What do you have to show for it?"
"Of course," Dr Ramsden smiled, "We've managed to produce several artificial mice and chimpanzees, but Junior here is our first artificial
human. And he possesses all the qualities we hoped to fabricate."
"What sort of qualities?" asked the Major, "He's the perfect soldier?"
"In a manner of speaking..."
"Explain yourself, doctor."
"You see, until the technology becomes more economically viable, armies of super-humans are out of the question. While this
boy has been adapted for a militaristic environment, he is designed to be an army of one. Specializing in stealth and espionage."
"More of a spy then?"
"That's right."
The Major had been gearing up for a yell, but he couldn't argue with that logic. "In what way has he been adapted?"
"Well, it's hard to tell now, but his metabolism has been modified so that he can stay in shape more easily and he is able to function at an
exceptional capacity even when low on sleep, water or food. He has excellent cognitive and problem solving skills, his body is resistant to
injury, he has strong senses and quick reactions. Oh, and he's firmly bisexual, just to keep our options open."
Dr Ramsden tittered to himself. The Major, naturally, didn't smile.
"So, yes," Dr Ramsden continued, "There's much more besides. You can read about it in my notes."
"But this is not the 'breakthrough', is it?" said the Major, "We've been aware of these capabilities for quite some time."
"Indeed, this is just beginning," Dr Ramsden smiled, "After we discovered we were able to modify DNA, we started to look into the next step. We
wanted to modify the genes while they are still inside the body."
The Major waited. "And?"
"Well. It transpired that was not too big a leap. By combining the technology with micro-robotics and transmutable chemicals it was easy to
create artificial DNA strands that can change themselves and remember how they used to be. Not only does Junior have ideal genetic make-up,
he is able to modify his genes to whatever is most appropriate."
"You mean... he can change his appearance?"
"Appearance, species, you name it. If you can obtain a DNA sample, he is able to emulate it."
The Major considered this. "How is the procedure initiated?"
"By means of injection."
"Does the process require fuel?"
"Our nano-machines are powered by hydrogen, which they obtain from water. This means the most ideal transformations take place with the
subject at least partially submerged. In these cases, the process can take up to ten minutes."
"And if he does not have access to water?"
"Then it can take up to thirty minutes. And he will find himself very thirsty."
Dr. Ramsden tittered again.
"The transformations last how long?"
"Anywhere between an hour or two. Beyond that, the procedure will attempt to revert itself. Of course, without sufficient supply of water, the
transformation cannot complete. The subject may be stuck in a halfway form until he finds fuel."
"Side effects?"
"It's too early to say. So far there have been none."
There was a moments silence. The Major had run out of questions and Dr Ramsden had run out of things to tell him.
"Very good, doctor," The Major smiled, "Most impressive."
"Thank you, sir."
"Take him."
The Major was not speaking to Dr. Ramsden, Marcie realised. He was speaking to his guards, who were now producing guns. Before Marcie was
aware of what was happening, one of them had blown Dr. Ramsden's brains out. Another goon turned his gun on Marcie but by some miracle
his bullet missed. The surprise spurned Marcie into action and she found herself doing something she'd never dreamt she'd do.
She leapt forward and grabbed the baby. By now, he was bawling and she held him against her chest. The goons turned their weapons on her.
She said nothing, for everyone knew if they fired they could kill the prize.
"Now, ma'am," the Major put delicately, "Let's not-"
Before he'd finished his sentence, she'd opened the far door and disappeared through it.
That was the last they saw of her. They'd searched the ship until nightfall but all they found was that one of the lifeboats had gone missing.