Ceres1: Volume 1: Regeneration

By Dan Lawson and Fish Lee

Ceres1 is a story about a group of friends, all professionals in their fields, who are invited to take part in a ground-breaking discovery on an uncharted, remote tropicalisland by an English agricultural giant. Each of them have their own reasons for accepting the invite, be it redemption, fame or their own curiosity. 

When they arri

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lawson Media
• Release date: Apr 11, 2020
• ISBN: 9780578678481

Book preview

To Family…...

CERES1

Volume 1- Regeneration

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Lawson Media

© 2020

Copyright º 2020

By

Lawson Media

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including storage and retrieval systems, without the prior written permission of Lawson Media

Manufactured in the United States of America,

ISBN 978-0-578-67848-1

Cover artwork: Fish Lee

Interior illustrations:

Map artwork: Stephanie Schutz Estrada

All other interior art: Fish Lee

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1814, Atlantic Ocean -- Following a terrible storm, Pirate Captain Phineas Troglemore’s ship is anchored off the shore of Utopia Island after running aground on its reef. He boards a small rowboat and sets out to the island with a few crewmen. They soon meet with the indigenous people who help him, and his men heal their injured and recover from their brush with death. In return, the Captain leaves a few men to help build and teach them to speak Dutch and English. He vows to return with men and supplies to help the island people build stronger shelters.

Two years later, Captain Troglemore is seen delirious, floating on a bloodied wooden raft, alone in the ocean.

Outside Frankfort, Illinois, USA, 20 years ago -- Reservation of the Minihut tribe, a proud group of farming Native Americans who refused to partake in modern amenities because of the presumed damage to Mother Earth. A white man, early 30s, clad in a forest green dress shirt with sleeves rolled up above the elbows, speaks to village elders about incorporating a system for irrigating and fertilizing crops that causes no damage. The elders are not convinced and request more evidence. An inquisitive 10-year-old Minihut boy named Ronan who helped to design the primitive machines the tribe has used to do everyday work offers to help the white man. The two work on a prototype and ultimately convince the elders to adapt their farming machines. Over the next five years, the tribe produces more sustainable organic crops than ever before. The white man, botanist Dr. Richard Strong, is embraced as a friend to the tribe.

Dublin, Ireland, 20 years ago -- An 11-year-old, red-haired girl is working on her degree at University College Dublin. Rosalind McIntosh graduated from high school months earlier, making her the youngest individual to ever do so in Ireland’s history. Growing up she didn’t have much but what she did have was an insatiable thirst for knowledge. She spent her time reading books on the wildlife in her area of County Cork. She started out with small animals like hedgehogs and hares, but soon graduated to larger creatures like red deer and foxes. One thing led to another, and she felt she had to know about everything these animals did, what they ate, where they slept, everything. Anything was better than being at home. Her intellect, although it allowed her to skip several grades, led to an almost constant barrage of taunts from the older classmates. Every one of them she buried inside. One day she had enough, her temper got the better of her and Rosalind lashed out at her bullies, breaking a boy’s nose and blackening the eyes of two girls. The incident earned her the nickname Tiger Girl. College administrators, fearing controversy, declared that she was defending herself and she is not penalized. After standing up for herself, she earns respect -- and possibly a little fear -- from her fellow students. She uses this newfound confidence to not only study harder, but to take on a journey to a double master’s degree in both Animal Behavior, Reproduction and Developmental Biology as well as Population Genetics. Two years later, she is visited by an American

botanist who takes an interest in her intellect. This man is Dr. Richard Strong. He offers to mentor the girl, maybe learning from her as well.

Manhattan, New York, USA, 5 years ago -- Dr. Strong rose to be one of the most distinguished botanists and ecologists in the world. He is credited with several innovations in sustainable agriculture, most notably the Minihut Irrigation Project. Named after the tribe of his main engineer, Ronan Bloodgood, whom he had been working with since he was a boy. However, in the past few months, the doctor has become more eccentric than usual. He has taken to posting videos on social media, giving interviews to inflammatory journalists and has been seen at several environmental protests. His rants about the possible involvement of government agencies in the decline of organic farming, the advancement of GMO’s and chemical additives have made Dr. Strong, known for his populous persona, to come off unhinged and radical. In an attempt to salvage his public image, he agrees to appear on the Cliff Michaels Show, a live streamed national news and pop culture podcast. After what started out as a pretty standard interview, Cliff started asking some button-pushing questions to get a rise out of the doctor whom, it becomes clear, he sees as nothing more than someone who he can ignite quickly to help his subscriber numbers skyrocket. Richard takes the bait and blasts out a hate-filled speech about the fools in this world who don't take advantage of Mother Earth’s bounty as Cliff patronizes him more. Pushed to his breaking point, Richard stands up and heads toward the door. Cliff antagonizes him once more. Oh, go ahead and run out on us like you ran out on the Minihut! Strong bolts back around and punches Cliff in the back of the head in anger, but being a thin, 50-year-old man, he did no damage. In an act of both self-defense and humiliation, Cliff then proceeds to kick Richard in his rear end repeatedly until he’s booted out the door of the podcast studio. The entire exchange is recorded on camera and is shared billions of times. Cliff Michaels is later hailed as a triumphant victim and Dr. Richard Strong is demonized. In the weeks that follow, Richard loses funding on all of his projects, all of his endorsement deals and the respect of the Minihut chief. The tribal elders issue a statement regarding their connection to the disgraced doctor.

Our leaders feel that they have been no more than a means for Dr. Strong to advance himself and that advancement was a power he could not hold. His inability to contain his emotions reflects poorly on us. We have agreed to be part of his world to help feed the children of Earth, but we cannot do so if one of us behaves this way. The damaged plant must be culled for the crop to succeed.

The Chief and tribal elders declare that Dr. Strong shall no longer be associated with the tribe and must never return. Ronan stands up for the doctor and pleads that he be allowed to remain part of the tribe, lionizing the doctor for all the good he has done for the tribe. Ronan poses an ultimatum, if Dr. Strong isn’t welcome, then neither is he. The Chief reluctantly exiles both. Strong soon rents a modest apartment after his home is foreclosed and invites Ronan to move in with him. Three months pass with Strong living out of the limelight when Rosalind contacts him to offer her condolences. She recounts working with him and Ronan for several years when she was going through school and she requests that Ronan come to Ireland to assist her with her zoos. Strong says he could come as well to help with whatever she may need, but Rosalind, concerned about her company’s image being tied to Dr. Strong, declines, though with some remorse. Dr. Strong is left all alone.

University of Munich, Germany, 5 years ago -- A grey/blonde-haired Dr. Kurt Stein reads the story of the latest disgrace of his friend Dr. Richard Strong, on his phone. Oh, Junge, Doctor Crazy? he huffs as he scrolls through the story.  So ein Misthaufen, he curses.  He puts his phone in his jacket pocket while walking into his classroom. Guten Morgen meine Studenten, he says to his Geology class. He spends the next 90 minutes filling young minds with the intricacies of mineralogy. He is animated and funny as he pontificates about the formation of gemstones in China, but it’s a script he’s recited too many times before. Even though his students are entertained, he is anything but. The class ends, the students file out and he sits in his large leather chair. He leans back and lets out a frustrated sigh. He looks up to find a lean man with a pointed beard eyeballing him from the front row.

I don’t believe I've ever seen a person waste their talents more than what I see before me. The well-dressed man leaning on his shiny hardwood cane is Sebastian Townsend, head of Townsend Corp., a powerful biological research company based in London. Townsend is no stranger to Stein, what with his face plastered on nearly every advertisement for his company’s fertilizers and plant foods. The two men last met years ago when he and his friend Dr, Strong publicly opposed the release of one of Townsend’s plant food products due to Townsend Corp’s use of unregulated ingredients. The men exchange pleasantries and Townsend offers to treat the lecturer to a cup of joe. They stroll to a nearby campus coffee shop, and Townsend peppers Stein with compliments about his work, and explains to the professor that with his vast intellect and experience in geology and paleobiology, he'd be the perfect person to lead his team on an archaeological dig on an island he recently purchased. Townsend claims that because of the island’s remote locale, its flora and fauna has developed independently from the rest of the world, the soil and geology is like nothing anyone has ever seen. Playing to Dr. Stein’s boredom with teaching, Townsend convinces the Doctor after a couple days to leave the University and join him on the island for what he called a life-changing project.

Ireland, 4 years ago -- Rosalind McIntosh, having graduated from University College Dublin at age 15 and rewritten the Animal Developmental Biology and Population Genetics program by age 19, has not only become a celebrity in her field, but has also started her own company, Rosie Mac Zoological. Her company acquired several failing zoos and animal refuges to restore them. With these new properties, she has made great advances in animal science. She managed to successfully remove the Gray Wolf and the Florida Manatee from the endangered species list by nursing their populations with an organic feed that she and Dr. Strong developed. Rumor is that there are some species of animals said to be extinct that Rosie Mac has been able to populate once again. All Rosie Mac zoos are privately owned and entertain billions of people every year. Their research, however, remains hidden from prying eyes by means of stealthing technology developed by Ronan, who has become a technological genius. With Rosie’s funding he has grown from the boy his Chief called the one who talks to machines to a man who seemingly can solve every problem. He sends money home to Dr. Strong in the hopes that one day he will be the revered scientist he once was.

Utopia Island, 6 Months ago -- Dr. Kurt Stein has been leading an archeological dig on the island for the past 3 years. With Sebastian Townsend and Townsend Corp. funding the process, he has had access to more manpower and equipment than he’s used to. He has found the remains of several prehistoric species, both plant and animal, as well as pottery and tools used by people believed to be the ancestors of the current inhabitants of the island -- most of whom now work for Townsend Corp. Sebastian Townsend approaches the rim of the oval-shaped dig site. Morning, doctor! Any new findings this fine day? Dr. Stein looks up, squinting from the sun, and spies Townsend from under his large-brimmed hat. Ja, Herr Townsend! We found what looks to be a dwelling that seems to go quite deep into a cavern. At first, I thought it could've been some sort of treasure vault but there are no riches inside. Judging from the claw marks on the walls inside and some very interesting footprints, I feel this enclosure most likely at one point may have contained a great beast. The doors are heavy, but it seems to have been breached somehow. Townsend shields the sun from his eyes with his hand. How old would you say it is? He asks. No telling, the doctor responds The stones are cut so they fit tight, almost airtight. There is evidence of plants and mud used as mortar to seal the gaps. The breach had to have occurred after Troglemore visited the island. If not his first visit, then one of his returns. But the structure is certainly older than that. The part that doesn’t make sense is, there is no way the Utopians had tools to complete such a task … It is very confusing.  The men say it was divine spirits. Townsend raises an eyebrow.

Airtight? To house a beast. That would surely kill it. Stein takes off his hat wipes his brow with his handkerchief. Ja, Herr Townsend I believe that was the plan. Townsend is stunned at the realization. Right. Well then, any bones of this ‘beast’ within? Dr. Stein shakes his head. Not yet, but this breach proves that whatever it was that was meant to die in this chamber more than likely did not remain inside. Because someone freed it? Nein, this wall was breached from the inside. These walls are more than a meter thick and cemented shut, whatever manner of creature was held here was more powerful than any animal on this island. However powerful, it could have died at some point on this island. Judging from the depth of the tracks and the muscle mass it would take to do this damage, I don't believe this creature could achieve sustained flight to the nearest landmass. So, either its bones are here somewhere, or they are forever lost to the sea. Townsend nods. Agreed. Good work, doctor. I wanted to tell you that the farming beds are complete and the Regenraid has taken well to the soil like you said it would. Wunderbar! Dr. Stein bolts up. When are the crops and livestock arriving? Barring any ocean troubles, tomorrow morning. Stein chuckles with excitement and turns to his workers Oi! Hear this, Meinen Freunden! Our days of scraps are soon over! In two days’ time we will eat like kings! The workers rejoice knowing their families will no longer know hunger and that their hard work and faith in Townsend Corp is paying off. Townsend looks over the dig site and smiles as well. However, his joy lies in the knowledge that his plan is moving along as he planned.

Rosie Mac Headquarters, Ireland, a month later -- Rosalind McIntosh is walking the hallway of her office with her assistant, Siobhan who is carrying a tablet and reading aloud while Rosie responds to each item. The American locations are showing good numbers and the Big Cat program is welcoming their second sabretooth litter this afternoon.

Céad Míle Fáilte, babies, welcome to the 21st century.

On the topic of your favorite felines, the Australian brass are contacting us again. They say we’re violating the law by not disclosing what animals we have, Siobhan says.

We have thoroughly disclosed our collection and have had independent inspections of all species of creatures known to live on Earth. The sabretooths and mammoths are considered extinct. Extinct creatures are exempt from such laws, so unless they change the law, which is quite literally an act of Parliament, they can gracefully kiss my arse

I’ll schedule an arse-kissing for later in the week, done.

Rosalind chuckled.

Ronan reports that stealth systems have been upgraded. There’s nothing on this planet that can peer into our zoos, but all the animals see are blue skies.

Good. And the air purity systems?

Air levels show no pollution, it’s like the Industrial Age never existed

Too bad we’re so used to the pollution that we would huff and puff in there.

I don’t huff and puff, Siobhan says. Rosalind turned to her and smiled. Well, aren’t you lucky? It’s like a holiday for me, but like any holiday, you can’t wait for it to be over after a bit.

Oh Rosie, Siobhan says in a friendly tone you work too hard, you should enjoy your holidays. In fact, you may have your chance. I just received an invitation for you to spend two weeks on a private island. Rosie scoffed Ha! From whom? Ed bloody Sheeran again? Siobhan stops in her tracks as she reads the message, Sebastian Townsend.

Rosie stopped walking and turned around in disbelief. It’s a wee bit early in the week to be codding, Siobhan. She says after a pause. I’m not codding at all, ma’am. He says he has an opportunity he would like you to be involved with. Says he’s found something at his dig site that he only wants to share with someone of your experience and who can keep a unique creature’s discovery ‘discreet.’

Rosalind struggled to contain her curiosity and excitement. Does he say what he found? Is there a picture? Siobhan walks over to her, scanning the message. Uhhh...no ma’am, but he did say there is a deadline

A deadline?

Yes ma’am, Siobhan flips the tablet over so Rosie can read it. It shows a timer counting down and two buttons, ‘accept’ and ‘decline’. His offer expires in 48 hours".

Later that day, Raleigh, North Carolina, Rosie Mac Zoological Compound -- Ronan Bloodgood takes readings on a tablet linked to numerous drones flying over the sprawling landscape and testing things like air quality, temperature and humidity. Each of the drones is streaming live video. Several species of animals are seen running together, although their natural predators are kept elsewhere. He scrolls through and clicks on several different feeds, one at a time. Ronan is dressed in his light blue uniform shirt. Its collar is sticking out from under his mechanical vest. The vest has lights and illuminated circuitry visible and a rectangular space in the center of the chest where he is able to insert his tablet and download any data into the vest’s onboard hard drives. He has two electronic gauntlets attached to his belt, one on each side and they are clearly part of a set with the vest. Sir? a worker in scrubs says, It’s time, she’s ready. Ronan closes the tablet screen. Yes, thank you. I’ll meet you there. He snaps the tablet into the space in the center of his mechanical vest and slips his hands into the gauntlets. The gloves light up and snug up onto his forearms. He raises his arms and strong cables from the cuffs of the gauntlets extend and connect with anchor points on the shoulders of the vest. The cable connections securely lock and Ronan whistles loudly. Two of the drones that were taking readings swoop in and interlock with the fists of the gauntlets. Their blades whir faster, and Ronan is slowly lifted off the ground. Ronan flies over the facility to a secluded pen -- a cow’s carcass has been picked almost clean. Skulking in the shadows is the perpetrator. A very pregnant sabretooth cat lies on its side roaring in labor pains. Several vets in scrubs remain behind a thick pane of safety glass, dirtied by playful, muddy paws. Ronan slowly descends into the pen, taking care not to make any sudden movements. Hey big mama, today’s the day, huh? The drones detach and hover quietly out of view. The gauntlets detach from the vest and the cat lifts her head and cries out as her body readies for birth. Ohh, I know, I know. This one is bigger than the last one. Don't worry, mama, we’ll get through it. He steps up to the cat slowly.

You with us, Rosie? a drone silently hovers from above and Rosie’s voice is heard. I never miss one. Let’s get mum comfy, yeah?

Gladly Ronan’s gauntlets and vest glow a light pink and he slowly hovers one over the cat’s head and one over her stomach. The gauntlets emit a pink energy that soothes the beast.  There ya go, now just relax and we can get through this The

cat’s pain abates, and she puts her head down. Her heavy breathing kicks up loose dirt around her strong maw.

"All clear. Now nice and slow. Remember, Smilodon fatalis here may remember some faces, but more importantly, she remembers we are all very delicious"

With that, the surgical team files in and takes their places to help bring in the next litter of extinct cats. Rosie watches on her tablet