Axiom

By Kalari (Tynisa) Walker and Greg Heisler

A man with a dream of human evolution unlocks the ability via biotechnology, and opens the door to living nightmares instead. How can humanity survive when some are more human than others? Axiom is a story of science and technology and the reality of humanity, it is a work of fiction within the scope of possibility. It is a mirror to our society.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kalari
• Release date: Jun 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201434953

Kalari (Tynisa) Walker

While new to publishing her work, Tynisa has written online content for years. Culiminating in her first attempts at story telling. While her initial work will be Science Fiction oriented her goal is to push open the door for characters people often do not get to see shine.

Book preview

A Fateful Evening

IT HAD BEEN A RATHER uneventful week for me but that would soon change. While traveling home on a rainy night, fate threw a being into my path that would begin a massive series of changes in my life. Neither of us knew it at the time, but all would change when I met him. A poor wretch of a man who placed himself in the path of my car and would become my greatest creation...

I was heading home from a quick trip to the grocery store, the weather had shift to a torrential rain. Grumbling to myself I sped up wanting to get back home out of this nasty weather. My mind was on my latest experiment and how would I be able to find a human test subject to test my creations on. My field of study hit so many roadblocks and it frustrated me to no end. Also, it did not help that this weather had been dreadful of late. Normally such mundane tasks as shopping helped me think. But tonight, it was just a bothersome burden, only slightly lessened by the company I had seated beside me. So lost in thought was I that I did not notice the wretch of a figure that darted out into the road. I felt the thump of something hit the front of my car. I slammed on the breaks, while my Prius was not a heavy car, I feared the creature I hit would be seriously injured. Despite what people thought of me I had no want to harm any life, only enhance it. Simie my assistant stayed in the car while I got out seeing what I had hit. A human sized figure lied on the road twitching slightly; my front end had definitely hit them, the impact enough to send them flying a few feet back and landed on its side. Though the rain was battering down at this point and I was drenched within mere minutes I had to make sure whatever it was, that it was okay. Fear gripped me; had I been so lost in thought that I may have taken a life? ‘Please be okay’, I thought frowning as I approach kneeling. Using my phone’s flashlight I checked over the body it was still twitching and it groaned, I did a quick examination of the being. It was a man; due to the weather and time of night I could not make out his age. He had on a few layers of clothes and had what appeared to be an old blanket tied around his neck almost like a superhero cape. He was very dirty perhaps a drifter; he slowly opened his eyes whispering I'm sorry. It gripped me I don’t know why; I was normally not one for such trivial things as emotions. But his eyes held a deep sadness. You will be okay I muttered not really knowing if he would but knowing I would not leave him on the road. Standing I looked over to the car then gave a nod, Simie opened the door getting out, she shuffled over to the being and carefully lifted the injured man up laying him in the backseat. He was taller than what the seat would normally allow, but somehow Simie placed him back there. She laid him in a way where he would hopefully not be too uncomfortable. She then nodded to me and signed that we should get him help soon.

Ah Simie at that time my most successful experiment, the fusion with her primate body and my Nanoid spores yielded such great results. She had become more enhanced than I had originally intended both physically and mentally. Her limbs extended becoming larger than the average of her species which allowed her to walk erect, though she sometimes due to instinct still shuffled about on all fours. Her body morphed to the height of a human teen. She retained the strength her own species had only enhanced, making her a very strong and capable assistant to me. While speaking was something we still worked on, she could only speak limited words. She mastered sign language and it was our main form of communication. For years I worked very hard in my field of study in genetic research but left and right I had hit a massive wall of ignorance and intolerance for science. I broke away from a traditional job in the field to take on bio hybrid genetic studies. I was fascinated with human enhancement, there was so many ways humanity could vastly improve itself. And for me science was the key to this. There had been several breakthroughs in technology over the past eight years, including the first micro-Nano-organism or Spore as it was called. It had been created in Japan by Sano-Corp a technology company who revolutionized both AI and robotic technology. The project took years of development but finally Spore was here, and the possibilities of its utilization was endless. Dubbed the tiniest robotic life form, it had revolutionized AI studies, but no one openly wished to take it further then making smarter gadgets such as phones and computers. No one had thought about looking towards the benefits these tiny organisms could give humanity at all.  That was until I came onto the scene. I knew that one day these Spore's or Nanoid's as I affectionately named them, would one day revolutionize human evolution. As soon as I could I began my own developmental spore, using information well paid for from contacts at Sano. It did not take long with the schematics I was given to create my first Nanoid. I then had my successful replication split into a complete copy of itself.

To my delight it continued to split and multiplied, soon from one I had over one hundred of these tiny beings. A command prompt from my computer stopped them from over replicating as well. Their intelligence would still need to be tested inside the human body, but I was extremely satisfied with my results. I had with my tinkering unlocked controlled spore replication.  And with willing test subjects I hoped to inject my Nanoid's into a person's blood stream and test their ability to help organic systems. I marveled at my Nanoid's, the microorganisms looked like tiny bugs, but they were so much more. Their shapes and patterns shifted almost symbol like shapes.  No one Nanoid looked the same as well, each individually picking a shape to reflect itself. I knew that there was more to them then building better machines; and I had fully intended to let the world know of their ability to help humanity. I started testing almost immediately, not on humans, but animals to wondrous results. In fact, upon my first series of test I had found that the Nanoid's when introduced into one’s blood stream could boost several functions including the immune system, and healing deteriorating cellular damage. I thought when I released my findings to the world in a series of papers that I would receive praise, that people would be more than welcoming to such a find. My first experiment a dog affectionately named Shadow was injected with the Nanoid's. Almost immediately changes took effect, originally a sickly shelter dog, her transformation into a healthier more active animal began instantly. She began developing an intelligence where she could communicate with paw taps. It was a proud moment for me, and what I thought would begin the breakthrough of a lifetime! Unfortunately, my initial ideas were thought of as mad; many could not fathom allowing these things into a living being’s blood stream.

And my tests upon animals though without any negative side effects was mislabeled as cruel science! Shadow despite my pleas was ordered destroyed along with several other animals including a rat and reptile each who showed such promise. Though I had managed to somehow keep one animal, Simie, my mandrill female monkey from being discovered and destroyed. Unlike the others I had obtained her under more questionable means, and she was not listed in my meticulous notes due to that. It was the only lucky thing that happened from this unfortunate turn of events. I was condemned by the government and peers who did not wish to risk their reputations being tarnished by knowing me. It was the lowest point in my entire life, but I was not deterred I just knew I could not be as opened about what I was doing anymore.

Right after my initial rejection by both society and the scientific community, a horrible immune system disease infected several countries. For some inexplicable reason Spore technology was held responsible, though there had been no finding of anyone experimenting with human subjects at the time. Spores were mainly used in technology from digital music players and phones, but  according to the masses they must have found their way into the human body. It was absurd but the fear of such technology grew, and it became harder for those who were in the field to continue publicly. I and several people associated with such research were investigated by the government who were eager to blame our research for the illness. They needed scapegoats, as the death toll of the disease kept growing. And though I had been forthcoming with all my notes and details, my Nanoid's were labeled a potential virus, and I was placed under government watch as a potential bio terrorist! That was so very far from the truth, but people clung to fear, political leaders did not help their fears either. The government seeing no value in my work at the time decided that I was public enemy number one. They used the media to speak of how science especially research like mine would lead to humanity's demise. Talk shows would host pseudo-science types, who spoke horror stories of monsters that would result from genetic enhancement via spores. And anyone who tried to speak up against such ridiculousness was labeled a bio terrorist. Eventually even after the disease was classified as biological and not in any way related to the Spores, even with a cure found for it, the hatred for Spore technology had rooted itself collectively amongst humanity. Even people I felt should know better in order not to be condemned along with me disavowed my work and distanced themselves from me. Biotechnology was deemed anti human.

The damage was done, and it was considered too taboo for scientists to even pursue openly anymore. But that did not stop me, I knew the fear of spores was ridiculous. The benefits of my work could revolutionize man and animal kind. So, I set up a private research facility in a small coastal Connecticut town. The locals did not bother me, and I was free to work on my research without being disturbed.  I continued to study both my Nanoid's, and their effects to ensure that the nonsense of mutation or monsters would never happen. Though it was a completely absurd argument in the first place! I would spend years continuing to develop my Nanoid's and using them to further advance my primate assistant Simie, who went from a simple-minded Mandrill to human like functional animal hybrid. Though my secret breakthroughs in bio genetics had been somewhat successful, regulations had kept me from truly being able to delve as deep as I had wished to go. The allowance of even science driven animal testing had been completely outlawed due to constant protests from animal rights groups. And live humans while not illegal were not lining up to volunteer for my research. I had begun to lose hope; how could they not see how much this would benefit them? I became angry, every step forward I was yanked back. All I wished to do was help humans be better. But their irrational fears kept my life's work at bay. I lost hope that my work would ever be more than a hidden series of notes and a monkey lab assistant who could never be seen by the public.

To me Simie was the epitome of what Nanoid's could do if introduced properly to organic life forms. I had planned to work on several other human like animal species, until my exposure as a potential bio terrorist. Then HB-218 passed it was a ban on animal testing, which greatly stalled my work. In fact, it was very illegal to have Simi around, her species had only recently recovered from near extinction. If people knew she existed things would get very bad for me.  But the Nanoid's in her blood turned her from a mere monkey to a highly functional bio hybrid humanoid. She functioned as my assistant, but I considered her my only friend. We took risks such as tonight having her accompany me to the store. I knew risking her in such a way was dangerous but provided me comfort. I hated driving alone especially at night, but I was so lost in my work that I would neglect even shopping till the last possible minute. So out in the rain we went to buy items to sustain us. The terrible weather conditions had made it easy to get to the shopping center and back without anyone noticing her. She sat in the car patiently as I brought food and toiletries, then got out briefly to help me put the items into the back trunk of the car.  Hardly anyone was about due to the horrible weather and with the hooded jacket she wore over her dress no one unless paying close attention to her feet would have known she was not a young humanoid.

We were just on the way back to the house before this unfortunate accident occurred, and now I had an injured male in my back seat. Though I did not know the severity of the damage my car had done to his body. I decided that instead of the hospital which was on the other side of town that I would bring him to my home, which was less than ten minutes away. We cautiously drove towards my house, the rain continuing to pour making slight waves of water on the main road. I knew that once inside my home, that I would be able to fully assess the severity of his wounds. As we pulled up towards the driveway, I noticed the light over the front door was flickering as if it was about to go out. I mentally joked on how I should put that on my to-do list. That list was already long with the several other things that needed repair, but now was not the time for such banal thoughts. We had an injured man to tend to! Frowning at myself for my wayward thinking, I continued to pull the car around the wrap around driveway. The driveway was designed to go from the front of the house back towards a connected garage and was probably designed by the previous owners for guests. I hardly ever had any visitors outside the mail or package carriers. Most found the secluded area spooky I suppose. I loved the location of my home; it was in a remote section of the town, the nearest house half a mile away. The realtor who sold me on it said the owners built it as a remote getaway home and it housed many wealthy holiday themed parties. None of that information interested me, I was only interested in its remote location and classic look.

The home itself was quite large and impressive, built like most large New England homes. It had several levels including a large sub level basement like area. And sat upon a half an acre of land. The house itself had been beautifully painted in white and stony gray with carved archway like windows and intricate carved pillars that separated the upper and lower porches. For many years I turned away offers to have my home featured in magazines or on the tourists like tours the town gave of such homes. In the recent years since my initial occupation the house had begun showing signs of neglect. From the paint wearing and shutters that needed repair, the only thing properly maintained just to keep from having the town's regulatory board pester me was my lawn which was kept immaculate. That was only due to the lawns keeper not ever having to come inside my home and charging a fair rate. As for the rest of the house while inside stayed clean due to my work habits and Simie's dutiful nature, I failed to maintain the outer upkeep of the structure at all, and it was beginning to show.

My focus was my work, I had no desire to focus on anything else especially not on housing upkeep. Nor did I trust hiring workers to come fix things and risk finding out about my research, which was still outlawed. Simie helped as much as she could but with repairs, but I needed her to help in the lab. So sadly, the house was showing the effects of neglect. The Victorian style house was something out of a Gothic love story, but that was not sold it for me, it was what was inside that had me sign over the nearly two million dollar asking price for the place. The owner had preserved an antique laboratory in the basement level of the home. It had been used for their party themes, and as I went digging into the home's history had been originally built by an eccentric recluse who had a fascination with science. Never in my life had I had a place that had been so perfect for my personality! And while I was proud of the home, I had selfishly kept it to myself for the eight years I have occupied it.

Now I had my first real guest, a being injured by my car, and he would be the first human I willingly brought into my home. Any internal argument I had against doing so stopped when he began to groan in pain as he laid in the back seat of my car. Simie gave me a look as if to say why did we bring him home? But she did not openly question me, instead getting out of the car and opening the front door of the house. She then came back to the car to help me bring the injured man inside. We were tracking water from our drenched bodies all over the front foyer of my home. It was an annoyance, but I could not focus on it. From the foyer, the house split into several rooms for sitting and entertainment, and a large kitchen and dining area. Down the hall from that was a study and two lower guest bedrooms. We walk pass them heading to a door that led down below where my laboratory sat. The lab itself was the pride and joy of my home, where I put so much of my focus and energy from décor and beyond. While the upstairs was modestly furnished by a decorating company, I barely paid any mind to it. My life revolved around what dwelt in the lower section of my home. I had invested a large amount of money into its upkeep.  After a few modifications I made the lab fully operational, while preserving its old timey look purely for my own aesthetics. It had plenty of new of technology all state of the art of course. My work required top of the line technology for effective bio engineering. I was able to outfit the lab in a way the modern items either blended in with the lab or retracted away when I was done with them.

The whole area was split into three sections, I had fully revamped one area for a pen for animals which now sat empty. Another room was a makeshift convalesce area where I dreamed of monitoring living beings for my research. It boasted two state of the art hospital beds with vital monitoring equipment and was a fully sterilized area.  As for main room of lab, it had the look of something out of the early nineteenth century. Cast iron Bunsen burners, marble tabletops that harnessed the petri dishes with my first synthesized Nanoids. The spore like creatures' meld and shifted in a dance in each dish, each waiting for their turn to be injected somewhere they could replicate and be useful. If allowed they would help mankind fight disease, regenerate limbs, combat cell degeneration and perhaps one day halt aging completely. The spores also had an added effect of being intelligent enough to enhance the physical and mental properties of their host. If utilized correctly they truly would revolutionize the evolution of organic lifeforms. That had been my hope at least, but alas I was born into a time still not ready for such advances, too many people feared science playing god! If only they know the good that could come from this. If only they knew how foolish they truly are for restricting what could possibly turn humans from fragile wretches into a perfect society of enhanced human life.

Simie turned down one of the beds putting the railing down so that we could put the wretched soul's body onto it. By then he had passed out from the ordeal and my guilt at such began to grow. I began undressing him to assess the damage done by my car. While common sense would have had me bring him to the hospital, something in me knew I could better help him.  Immediately I began to check his wounds, just by touching his left leg I could feel what could be a fractured left tibia. Though passed out his body tensed at my hand upon the injured spot so I quickly stopped my physical examination. Simie had retrieved a wash basin and was applying soap and water to him as I readied an IV drip. He was a tall male, lanky possibly due to lack of proper nutrition. Though his skin was a grimy color possibly from living outside, he was Caucasian. His hair was a deep rich auburn long and dirty. After sponge bathing him, Simie brought over a scanner. The handheld medical device would help me check his body completely for breaks and possible internal damage. So far by sheer luck he had no internal damage, though I had been correct about the fracture in his leg and the scanner showed he suffered from a concussion. The scanner readings also indicated he was severely malnourished and dehydrated as well. The rain soaked though the clothes he had on which thought wet and dirty, were surprisingly not as ragged as the figure wearing them. They must have been donated, I thought then had Simie gathered them up to get them off the floor where I had dropped them. Staring at his nude form his body amazed me, and while he showed the signs of weight loss from starvation he was not too far gone. In fact, I surmised a few good meals would put him back into a better state of health.

I began to administer a light sedative and worked on his leg. I knew I did not have permission to inject him with nanoids. I resisted the urge even though I knew how much faster he would heal. No, I would finally use that degree in medicine I earned years ago but never really used. Simie stared at me questioningly as she made her way back over to us, watching as I set the leg up with splints making sure it would angle properly to heal. I could tell she wondered why I did not just use my spores on him. But she was trained well, she knew never question your superior.  After setting his leg and hooking up the IV for fluids and nutrients. I set a monitor for his vitals, then I went to take care of other tasks knowing he would at least stay stable for the night. So far, the readings on the monitor showed him to be in stable condition. His heart rate was normal, blood pressure was low but that of course was due to the malnourishment. The monitor was set to chime an alarm if his conditioned changed. If he showed any signs of still needing urgent care, I would bring him to the County Cross hospital first thing in the morning. But from what I could see there was no would be no need for such measures.

DESPITE THE SEVERITY of being hit by a car, this young man miraculously sustained fixable injuries. I would have him healed without having to explain to any authorities about what happened. And perhaps buy him off with a few meals and a couple of dollars for his trouble. With a stretch and yawn I made my way upstairs to my study grabbing a tablet to check my correspondence.  An email from Globalco was waiting for me, it was one of several they had sent over the last few weeks. Since I declined to keep a cellphone, they could only reach me by my email. At first, I had ignored them until recently out of curiosity I had opened one. It had been a simple draft to invite me to a Senate hearing about bio genetic research. I had been against the idea, the slander against my name years ago making me leery of such exposure. But the emails persisted until I finally initiated contact and correspondence with Globalco representatives. Their conglomerate was one of the largest in the world, they manufactured farming equipment at first but from what I researched their owner George Winston had his hand in many areas of business. Why they were interested in my research I could not tell at first. But then in further correspondence they made it clear they saw agricultural benefits of my research. That was a path I had not even began to consider before, but it intrigued me none of the less. What truly piqued my interest was their interest in the effects of spore related foods in humans and a direct injection of such. Even though they acknowledged such research was still considered taboo, they assured me that their contacts in the government were now on board secretly of course in such research. Now after a few months of back and forth I had been invited to a senate hearing to speak along with representatives from Globalco on gaining clearance for such research. And while I was still skeptical of anything coming substantial from it, I agreed to attend and speak from my own standpoint of the benefits of such research. If anything, it would at least open minds to the opportunity and show that such science and research has positive attributes.

That was the minimum hope I had for this endeavor. The email was a basic run down of the current talks with congress and the planned meeting eight weeks from now in DC. I would speak on my field of expertise Nano-genetic modification and provide data for Globalco's agricultural study. In fact, I had notes drafted along with several plants that had been infused with modified versions of my Nanoid's to bolster their petition. Globalco was aiming for a special government contract that had the potential to allow me to conduct my research without fear of criminal charges.  Though I was entirely skeptical of their chances to get it passed. I could not help but hope that perhaps one day people would see the benefits of my work. It helped that the company Globalco, a multifunctional conglomerate had begun making waves with their open dealings with the government and their promise to bring a new wave of health and prosperity to humanity. Though I was wary of the thought of my work being handled by corporate overseers, the thought of a team up with them for a one two punch to the bureaucrats who stood in the way of Nano genetic research was too good to pass up on. I wanted to continue reading my emails, but felt my eyelids began to droop. Sleep was a better idea; I had a lot to do in the morning including check on the injured young man who was resting in my lab. Heading upstairs to my bedroom I fell asleep almost instantly and did not arise until my alarm chirped that next morning.

HELLO THERE I SMILED down at the male as Simie had finishing bathing him for a second time and putting him in a clean silk robe. His eyes were wide with fear, I could tell he was wondering where he was. It was then I was truly able to take in his features, while my initial surmising of him being Caucasian was correct, he definitely showed features of perhaps a few other blended cultures in his face. His eyebrows were a thick dark color a little deeper than his hair color. His eyes almond shaped, his face had high defining cheekbones. He had several qualities most would have found pleasing to the eyes.  His nose was aquiline like, reminding me of a strong roman solider portrait I had once viewed at an art exhibit. His mouth consisted of a thin upper lip yet thicker bottom lip, he had a pronounced jaw line with a strong chin. By his looks most would have assumed he was a sports player if he had been in better condition.  He also had a more unique feature heterochromia, his right eye a brownish green while his left a deep blue. Fascinating I muttered to myself.  He blinks at me looking up at my lab coat with what I could tell was deep fear.  I mentally chided myself for wayward thoughts again while this male laid staring up in fear at me. With a calm voice I addressed him, do not worry; you are not in a hospital though it looks like one. My words seemingly relaxing him some, he slowly nods in understanding then glances over to the other side of the bed. That is a big monkey... speaking softly he pointed to Simie who shrugs at him taking away the soapy basin she had used to clean his body with. I found myself smirking at his assessment her name is Simie. She is a friend; she helped me care for you. Do you remember last night at all? He winces at my question then answers it was raining hard, tried to find shelter out of the storm, saw head lights then pain. I frown at the last part feeling a twinge of guilt. Yes, you were struck by a car, but you only suffered a slight concussion and a leg fracture. I brought you here to heal you up. He mutters thanks. Though I could feel he did not seem happy for being helped, and I could not tell why. Think nothing of it I waved my hand dismissively after all it was the least, I could do after hitting him I thought. Are you okay? Is there any pain? I asked checking his vitals, I had pain medication on hand to put into his IV, and had hoped it was helping him. No, no pain, just thirsty he says. I nod to him of course Simie brought over a pitcher and cup pouring him some water and holding it out to him. I could tell by his look of apprehension he was still unused to her. Please Simie will not harm you take the water from her. He reluctantly lifts his hand accepting the cup then slowly begins sipping it. So, her name is Simie? He asked after taking a few gulps from the cup. I smirk at his question but nod yes, and I am Doctor Julius Yaro. I offer him my hand to shake which he did nice to meet you Doc, I'm Joel. He didn't give a last name but it was quite alright. I continued to smile as we exchanged pleasantries nice to meet you Joel, when you feel ready for it, I will have a meal prepared for you. His eyes convey just how much he wanted that, that would be great Doc. He said then lays back still clearly fatigued.  I smile down at him not wishing to chide him for calling me Doc instead of Doctor Yaro though such nicknames were a peeve of mine. Think nothing of it, I will go see to that meal while you rest.  As I turned to leave, he called to me um Doc? Yes? I turned to him wondering what was a matter, he sat up slightly staring me dead in the eyes thank you again, sorry for being in the road." I blink at his words, he was apologizing for something clearly not his fault, a perplexing individual indeed. And now I knew he knew it was my car that hit him, I should have been honest from the beginning, the realization made me feel like a heel. I left him to rest and went to see what I could put together for a meal. I was able to produce a sandwich and some fruit for him, Simie bringing it down for him to consume while I went to look over my notes for the congressional meeting. As much as I wanted to converse with him, I thought it better he eats and rest. I could always find out more about my guest later.

Later that afternoon I went to check on Joel, I stood quietly watching him and Simie interact. He was actually using sign language talk to Simie who nodded in response and signed to him as well. Wow her sign language is amazing she told me what she originally was. I didn't even know what a Mandrill was. Joel said pausing signing with her when he notices me. I nod to him signing as I spoke yes she took to it well. Simie prefers it to talking, and I see you sign yourself. He nods at me I learned how when I was younger to speak with my older brother. So, she doesn't talk at all then? His question made me blink No her speech is very limited and I have never pressed her to use human words. I suppose she could learn if she wished to, but signing is more comfortable to her. This seemed to be enough for him, his interest went back to his food taking a bite of left-over fruit from his earlier meal. After swallowing it he asks so are you like a doctor, doctor or some kind of mad scientist? Now this earned a genuine laugh from me I am a doctor both medical and academically. And while some say I am a bit mad, and I am a scientist... you don't have to worry I won’t be experimenting on you. He shrugs it would probably be better than what I get to go back to. Now this piqued my interest, would he really be willing to be a test subject...?  Joel let out a sigh Doc can I confess something to you? He caught me off guard at his words but I gave him a reassuring nod off course, go ahead.  He looks down at his hands before saying I think I wanted to be hit by your car... He continues ignoring my look of shock, you see I was diagnosed with Rhy's syndrome, it’s in stage three. And I am far too poor to be considered for help. His confession floored me, I could only nod to him. Rhy's syndrome (named after a young boy from twenty years prior) was a cancer of the spine that attacked the central nervous system. But if he was at stage three why was he not a vegetable? You know I did not detect any cancerous nodes on you when checking your vitals. Then again I had not done any screening for such either but at Stage three it would be obvious you had it. Joel sighs the last clinic I went to told me otherwise Doc, though they could not figure out why I was functioning. And because I was still mobile, they turned me away figuring that it was only a matter of time before I degenerated. I frown at his words the world was a cruel place but this was too much even for me, turning him away when he was in such a condition made no sense to me. But could he really have Rhy's syndrome especially such an advance stage? Simie begins to sign to me then brings over a chart. Shockingly I had glossed over the cell count in his system last night, and he did have growths on his spine. Since I had been so focused on his leg and concussion I did not even consider checking for such conditions. But it still did not explain why he was not a complete invalid. It’s weird isn't it Doc? I should be immobile, and have outward signs of my illness. But it’s like my body is willing itself to try to fight this. But I feel myself getting weaker. I guess my fight can only last so long he said sadly. Sitting down in a chair I set the chart to the side and rest my chin on my closed palms so that is why you kept apologizing to me? You were trying to commit suicide last night?

He looks away, his body conveying shame at being found out. It goes against everything I believe in Doc, but life has been sort of rough for me. I guess I had a moment of weakness. I felt sad for him, it must have registered on my face because he spoke up I didn't mean to burden you Doc, soon as I can walk good, I'll get out of here. He must have read my look wrong I do not want you to go Joel, I think I can help you. I stare at him hoping he was willing to at least hear me out. He gave me a serious stare really? Why would you help me? With a grin I answer back because I can. Joel had an incredulous look on his face no offense Doc, but there is no known cure for Rhy's disease. It is a one-way ticket to meet your maker. I could not help but smile knowing that I could help him despite that being true about Rhy's syndrome at his stage. Under normal circumstances you would be right Joel. But what If I told you I have a way that could not only help you battle this disease, but completely enhance your body to beyond what it is now? Joel smirks I’d say you were full of shit, but I am in a makeshift medical room with a monkey who looks damn near human. And I can see what looks like a funky lab in the other room. So why not? I could hardly contain my excitement you have a very open mind Joel, but I will not do this without your full consent. Simie brought over a tablet and hands it to him. Joel read it ah a release form huh? Sure thing. He clicked away his agreement as Simie and I watch, just like that I would have an actual human to test my Nanoid's on. It was both exciting and a little frightening. So, Doc what will you be doing to me exactly? I get up from my seat and begin to check his back feeling the tissue underneath they were definitely tumor like. I will be injecting you with tiny organisms that will via your blood stream adapt to your specific needs. He nods Is that what you did with Simie over there? She blinks at him taking the tablet he handed back to her. Yes, once again you are very astute Joel. Joel shrugs I can put two and two together when I need to. So, what are these Nanoid's? He was full of questions; it was good I would have felt off about testing on someone dull. His sense of curiosity and capable mental function erased the majority of fear I had on working with him. I began to explain my development and what the spores could potentially do. By the time I finished talking about the Nanoid's and my initial goals to combat his disease he was as excited to participate as I was to conduct the experiment. I had him rest until the evening where I promised I would tell him more and show him data if he wished. After he ate dinner that evening, I sat down with him and he and I discussed bio enhancement more. He seemed to thoroughly absorb everything I said to him and was ready to be injected. I told him I would in the morning and let him rest. Though he floored me with a question as he ate why have you not injected yourself with your spores? It was a valid question and I had already held enough from him so I was honest I was afraid of the affects, despite them working on Simie I had been nervous to try it on myself. I wanted verification, and like anything in science there is a chance that it could go wrong. Though I do not believe it will. Joel nods to me have you changed your mind? I asked apprehensively and he shook his head no Doc I am a dead man either way, at least this gives me a chance at life, that is good enough reason to try. I was elated at his mindset and I knew things would work. Once I had this conformation, I to would inject the spores into my system this I promised him. After his meal Simie and I left him to rest for the night. He had a book and some light music playing as we went upstairs. My mind was racing yet I knew I had to stay clear and focus for the morning, a life changing event was about to unfold.

As promised the next morning I prepared him for introduction of Nanoid's into his system. The procedure did not take long I used a standard pressurized injector. The hand held device made injection quick and painless. Using a monitor, I watch as the Nanoid's enter his system and began to question how it feels to him. Joel closes his eyes and mutters it feels weird, but not a bad weird. I gave him a nod please let me know if you feel any discomfort at all. I began to watch his vitals, using a scanner to see how the spores were behaving. I had a full scan of his body on a view screen watching as the spores traveled through his system. I was in awe at how quickly they replicated themselves and traversed his body heading straight to his spine to fight off the cancerous cells. Amazing." I mutter as Simie held up her tablet recording us. I wanted to make sure every moment of this was properly documented. This was going to be my greatest evidence of the benefits of bio hybrid humanity! I injected Joel with a sedative allowing him to rest after an hour of watching my spores work on repairing his body. He fell asleep with ease, a look of gratitude on his face. I had only hope that I gave him reason for such. But if I had any doubt at all it was slowly erased by the remarkable progress in healing Joel's body made. That evening while he slept and between monitoring him, I made notes on my hopes for his continued success. He woke a few times the Nanoid's that had made their way to his brain preventing the sleep affect. It was curious but Joel was not upset by it, in fact he claimed not to feel tired at all and read for the rest of the night. I on the other hand was fatigue and while Simie signed she would stay with Joel and keep him company I went to rest for the evening. It had been a day of progress and with hope it would continue to be so. The next day Joel was showing clear signs of better health. The tumor like growths along his spine were gone. He was able to move about and got out of bed despite the injury to his leg which he said he could not feel pain from. I did not wish for him to push himself too hard but could not contain my excitement at his progress. I told him if this kept up, he could soon move upstairs to an actual bedroom, and while in shock at my offer he was more than happy to take it easy in my makeshift hospital room for now as he continues to heal.

The next few days would show even more progress with his health, my Nanoid's were working hard to fix his ailments. Seven days passed quickly and soon Joel showed absolutely no trace of cancerous cells along his spine or any other area of his body. The spores completely eroded away the Rhy's disease from his body. The spores also set off a chain reaction within Joel's entire body. His tibia had healed completely, what normally would have taken at least four to six weeks to heal was completely repaired. In fact, his leg was in better shape than before it had been fractured.  The malnutrition he had been suffering from completely disappeared as well.  Another week after the initial injection, his cell count had stabilized dramatically. If there were anything left of Rhy's syndrome in his body it was so miniscule that it would no longer be an issue for the young man. He was up and about passing every stress test I put him though. From running to benching weights with incredible ease. Doc I feel amazing! he exclaims after working out his body putting on a slight muscular bulk from the rigorous training. My excitement at his health and enhancement lessened my chafe at his continued use of Doc I nod in completely agreement with him you have shown vast improvement Joel in health and body. He smiles at me all thanks to you, I owe you everything!  He felt indebted to me even though I told him it was ridiculous to; I did after all nearly kill him with my car. His gratitude would not waver despite that fact.

I invited him to stay at the house for a few more weeks seeing he had no other place to go. Besides I needed to monitor him and the Nanoid's in his system. We started him on a regiment of a new diet, some exercise with monitor’s attached to him, and cognitive testing to see if the Nanoid's would affect his brain development. Simie and I would mark down his progress, and Joel confessed that he understood things much better now than he did with formal schooling. Soon I found him often studying on his own, his head buried in some form of book. He also had a knack for taking things apart to see how they worked and putting them back together. Mostly older things like the toaster and an old gun he found amongst my things. He and Simie developed a sibling like bond as well, often I found them signing to one and other about various topics, he even got her slightly interested in some pop culture television much to my chagrin. It was some form of cartoon, harmless of course though relatively pointless to me. So, I normally left them be to enjoy their show. With each level of testing Joel went from an once pile of wretch in the road, to a superior life form. He even gave himself a nickname, I thought it was funny but he seriously liked the sound of it. He picked it from a book on Latin terms. Axiom he said, it made him feel powerful. I of course was still allowed to call him Joel, but Axiom seemed to be fitting for his new more serious personality. As the weeks went by and more testing was done, it seemed the Nanoid's  in his body were now fully integrated with him. It created a somewhat newer physical appearance for him as well. He had a distinct facial mark over his left eye and part of his cheek now, I recognized the shapes as some of my spores. It gave him the appearance of a bluish-purple tattoo over that side of his face. The swirl pattern a mirror image of an alpha Nanoid spore. This was a sign the Nanoid's had found their way towards his cerebral cortex and into his brain without any damaging effects. Joel was happy because he felt he had a new cool look. I could only smirk at his youthful vigor, though I was not that old of a man merely in my mid-forties. But I was told from the moment I could talk that I had an old soul. Perhaps it was the degree of severity that I took on my studies even as a child, fascinated with the human body, science and medicine. All the way up to the days of college where my love of technology and bio-fusion studies pulled me in as well. I just never had the time to worry about things like coolness... never had strong interest in any pop culture, preferring vintage music, housing and the like. But something about Joel's personality was a bit too infectious. I even found myself picking up a comic book and reading it! Something I had indulged in briefly as a youth but gave up as I was older. Joel had brought some comics back from an outing he took to get supplies to fix the broken front light.

I found myself smirking while thumbing through the zombie apocalyptic book. Ah what the kids read these days for entertainment, I mused.  It was well passed a month when I found that Joel was completely free of any degenerative health effects, his body was functioning as if he was a peak male of eighteen. He finally told me he was twenty-seven though his face made him look younger than that and I commented such. With his hair now washed and trimmed and tied back into a ponytail, most of the time he really seemed more teen like to me. I jested that he should consider a more mature cut, but he was more than happy to keep his wavy brown locks long. I was satisfied either the way, my experiment had healed him and was enhancing him daily. The chance we took was a big success. I had known deep down it would be, but I also knew even with such proof my reputation as a Mad scientist would prevent anyone from seeing this as a true breakthrough.  So, I resigned myself to continue to study Joel and take notes monitoring his progress, at least this experiment as long as it continued to be successful could one day be a future testament to my studies. And as promised I to injected my Nanoid's into my blood stream with Simie and Joel both monitoring me when it was administered, while they did feel funny entering my body soon, I felt better than I had in ages. I was able to concentrate and focus more which lead to me working on the produce enhanced with my spore with renewed interest. My mind was opening up to all sorts of formulas and equations. I had wish I had taken the leap before who knows what research breakthroughs I could have had? But everything happens for a reason, and I knew with these current breakthroughs it would not be long before I set the world on a great new path.

Enter Globalco

STONINGTON CT- WASHINGTON DC

Six weeks had come and gone quickly; Joel had slowly become a permanent resident of the house. In all honestly it made sense, where could he possibly go that would understand him better than here? The senate hearing in DC I had been invited to speak on behalf of my research was close. While I should have been more focused on what I should say, I was far busy marveling at Joel's and my own progress. Who would have guessed an automobile accident would lead to such bold breakthroughs?  But it became more than that, soon it went from a mere experiment to Joel becoming an important member of our home. He integrated into Simie and my life in a perfect fit. He continued to help around the house repairing things, painting the outside of our home to restore its pristine looks. Joel's newly enhanced speed and agility was amazing, as well as his enhanced strength. He was the peak of human form all thanks to the Nanoid spores in his body. They had now become a part of him and unlike the fear mongers who assumed my spores would only destroy a body, he was living proof of their beneficial nature. My own spores were reacting in my body in strange new ways to, while I noticed a better cognitive function within myself. I to felt more physically apt with things, I even took up tennis again playing with Simie and Joel whenever I could. My appearance felt slightly younger as well though my hair kept the slight gray at each temple my face which had shown slight lines of stress was now as smooth and youthful as if I were in my twenties again. My features were always like that of my mother, who came from a small village of Kiso. She had the look of a doll to me with long dark silky hair and a face of perfection. But as I became older, I felt my looks reflected my father, who grew up in Tama and had a rugged tan look to him. He was more of a laborer while my mom was enraptured with the arts and education. They were a perfect balance for each other his hard work and her creativity...If only they could have been here to see my efforts. I had to brush off such morose thoughts, things were finally looking up. I kept detailed notes of everything since the incident, one day the world would know how Joel went from a poor wretched figure wracked with an incurable disease to this marvel of human achievement. Was I being too egotistical? Perhaps but seeing the way he continued to flourish filled me with a sense of pride and accomplishment. He was the first step in my changing the world I could feel it. With the day of the senate hearing was fast approaching, I longed to show Joel off to the world, but I knew it was still not the time. I could not shake a nagging feeling inside me that the world would never be ready for someone like him or Simie.

I had already begun to work on an in-house project to protect them just in case. Perhaps it was paranoia; even a mind like mine was not immune to such. I constantly calculated the negative outcome of things. It was not as if I was suffering mental ailment though, this anxiety was a natural response to past trauma of being labeled a bio terrorist. Besides my mind felt sharper thanks to the spores in my system. But if life taught me anything, I knew that things could go horribly wrong. People still did not trust science the way they should, their fear led to a lack of respect for anything they felt was playing god. Even if this Globalco company managed to convince the government to allow my research to go through. Anything considered a failure would be tossed at my direction. I knew I had to plan accordingly I had to put a fail-safe in play.

It started simple, stasis tanks for the three of us with a full operational vital support system. The tanks were set up to connect to a dedicated operating system that would keep our vital functions in check. It functioned in duel modes, warm stasis for temporary suspended animation which kept the body in a near embryonic state. While Cryogenic stasis mode froze the body for longer more indefinite period of suspended animation. The stasis fluid inside the tanks would prevent atrophy and our Nanoid bloodstreams would protect us from both cell deterioration and malnourishment. The system was set to run on a backup generator to ensure no matter what happened to the main power of the house that they could continue to keep power to the tanks and equipment that would be needed to awaken us. The tanks were designed to continue to preserve us for as long as it would