The Last Genome – Part 2

Days turned into weeks as the team dove into the research. After much deliberation and testing, they devised a plan to splice segments of this ancient genome into human DNA using advanced CRISPR technology. It was risky, but desperation can lead to groundbreaking science.

Ava often found herself lost in thought, contemplating the implications of their work. Memories of her childhood flooded back—days spent exploring her grandmother’s garden, listening to stories about the delicate balance of nature, and how everything was interconnected. Those memories felt more important now than ever.

Finally, the day of the first trial arrived. A young volunteer named Ben, who had shown early signs of The Decay, sat nervously in the sterile room. His pallid skin and trembling hands betrayed his fear.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked, glancing at the team, who were donned in lab coats and protective gear.

“We believe it’s your best chance,” Ava said gently, giving him an encouraging smile. “We’re going to help you.”

Ben swallowed hard, his eyes wide with uncertainty. “What if it doesn’t work?”

Ava took a deep breath. “Then we’ll keep trying. We won’t give up on you.”

With a steady hand, Dr. Rafael Ortega, the molecular biologist, administered the injection. The room buzzed with anticipation, all eyes fixed on Ben.

The following days brought extraordinary results. Ben’s health improved remarkably. His fatigue lifted, and his vitality surged. The team celebrated cautiously, yet their excitement was tempered by a lingering sense of unease.

However, as the weeks passed, Ben began to experience strange side effects. He reported vivid dreams and heightened senses. His reflexes sharpened, and he was able to perform physical feats he had never imagined possible.

“I feel… different,” Ben said one evening, a mixture of wonder and apprehension in his voice.

“It’s the genome,” Ava replied, trying to suppress her own unease. “It’s adapting to your body.”

But soon, the changes intensified. Ben’s appearance began to shift; his muscles grew more pronounced, and his eyes took on an unusual sheen. Other subjects exhibited similar transformations, displaying enhanced abilities that defied human limitations.

“Look at this!” Isla shouted one day, pointing to the data on her computer. “The hybrids are exhibiting a level of cognition we didn’t predict. They’re learning faster than we can measure.”

Ava and Mara exchanged worried glances. What were they unleashing?

Days later, Isla stumbled upon a discovery that changed everything. “Ava! Mara! You need to see this!” she called, panic lacing her voice.

“What is it?” Ava asked, rushing into the lab.

“I’ve been reanalyzing the genome,” Isla said, her hands trembling. “This immune genome isn’t just a mutation. It belongs to a species that evolved parallel to Homo sapiens—something I’m calling Homo novus. They existed thousands of years ago but mysteriously vanished.”

Mara blinked, confusion etched on her face. “What do you mean? They were real?”

“Yes! And the wildest part? They thrived for a long time before disappearing without a trace,” Isla explained, her voice shaking. “The hybrids aren’t evolving into a new species. They’re regressing into Homo novus.”

Ava felt her heart race. “But why did Homo novus die out?”

“That’s the key question,” Isla said, her voice grave. “We don’t know what caused their extinction, but we’ve brought a piece of that history back. We could be repeating their mistakes.”

The realization sank in like a heavy stone. The hybrids, who seemed so strong and capable, were merely becoming a shadow of an ancient lineage—one that had vanished for reasons they could not yet comprehend.

As the days passed, the changes among the hybrids became increasingly alarming. While they seemed to flourish, their behavior became unpredictable. They began to form a tight-knit group, communicating in ways that went beyond human speech, displaying a complex understanding of their environment that bewildered their creators.

“What if the very thing that killed Homo novus is still out there?” Mara mused one evening, staring at the data scrolling across her screen. “What if we’ve unleashed something we cannot control?”