BioSyn: Part I

7/31/2019 BioSyn: Part I

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BIOSYN

Written by

Robert Hall and Mathieu Munoz


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INTRODUCTION

Thunderous applause and loud cheers began to erupt from the large audience

as George Baselton walked out on the lighted catwalk. The adulation of the masses

was music to his ears. He loved an audience, and thats why he was so good atwhat he did for a living.

George Baselton was a handsome man in his late fifties. He was born to be

on stage, being the star in several school plays. He took Drama in high school, and

he quickly achieved his goal as an actor. At the same time, however, he was

gaining a career in science. He was a professor until finally being employed by a

small company known as BioSyn, in 1993.

He was hired as a spokesperson and his first assignment was to improve the

companys image. It was in the year 1993 when he first joined, the time Bi oSyn

needed him most. The company was involved with illegal confrontations withanother company named InGen He was in charge of covering things up, which he

did by strategic advertisements, bribing, and evidence disposal. He found it a

difficult job. It was as if he was living two separate lives. He quite liked the

spokesperson job, but his other job was where the real money was.

What kind of company was BioSyn? It was a biotech company, dealing with

products made in the field of genetics. The fad of biotech companies began in the

late 70s, and it became quite popular by the 1990s. The technology began

intertwine with everyday life. Organs became easy to synthesize and replace,

cloning became a way to replenish many endangered species. There had been thecat-sized cockroach in 1996, although it wasnt very popular, it proved that therewere ways to make a living out of genetic engineering.

In the year 1992, a biotech company called Revolution Genetics Inc. created

a piece of technology that was, well, revolutionary. It was first used as a surgery, to

regrow skin and organs faster and easier. Then BioSyn began to copy the

invention, and a heated rivalry began. Soon, however, the technology was being

used in hospitals, being made by smaller companies. This put pressure on

RevoGen and BioSyn. BioSyn took an interesting move. They needed to bring in a

new brand of consumer. In 2018, they changed their target clientele from sick and

injured people to men and women who were dissatisfied with their personalappearance and desired makeovers. RevoGen quickly followed suit after observing

Biosyns move.George Baselton was walking to the other end of the catwalk, listening to the

cheers of the audience, to advertise the technology. It had already replaced plastic

surgery, but there was always room to convince others to try the technology. So, as


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he stood at the end of the catwalk with a microphone in his hands and staring at the

audience, he began explaining this revolutionary new advance.

Welcome ladies and gentleman!, said Baselton, as the applause went quiet,

I can say on behalf of BioSyn Incorporated, we are very glad all of you could

make it tonight. Its absolutely fantastic that there are so many people interested inour work. Its a pleasure to have you with us, and vice-versa. Were glad we could

set this show up for you all to enjoy. BioSyn is all about your enjoyment and

happiness

Happiness is the main goal with this. Personal happiness. Not immediatefunny, entertaining happiness, but the kind of happiness that comes from finding

your true self. Something that not all people get to do. That is what we want to

accomplish. How does one find their true self? There are many ways, but for some

people, they find that they are not comfortable from the outside because they feel

that theyre body is not theirtrue self. Im not talking about a sex change, although

we have that available, but something on a much more emotional level. Here atBioSyn, we understand that youd like your dream body, and that youll doanything for a new one for whatever reason.

Imagine you are a caterpillar, As he said this, the audience began whisper

and smile in interest, A small green caterpillarof sorts. Only you dont care forbeing a caterpillar. You hate it. Youre constantly afraid of being eaten by birds.

What do you do? You make a cocoon. Youre in that cocoon, and you change.

When youre done, you come out of the cocoon, completely different. Youre nowthis fast, beautiful, butterfly. You can now fly fast enough to outrun these birds. If

youre the caterpillar, its the final stage of your life cycle. In your case, itll be the

final stage of your happiness.The Cocoon is the name of the machine, its name taken from the butterfly.

Its self-explanatory, the Cocoon. You will be given a choice from hundreds ofdifferent versions to choose from. Whichever one you choose will be your body for

the rest of your life. We can change anything in your body besides your brain and

the spine. Besides that, we can change your appearance entirely. Youll be put into

the Cocoon, and within a month, youll wake up in your new beautiful body. Youwill become very much a butterfly

He had finished his speech, and everyone began to formally applaud, some

cheered. Many of the people just loved to hear Baselton talk, due to his charisma.He raised his hands in the air as if to submit to the cheers. The show wasnt over;he had yet to show them the evidence of his claims. This would be the crucial part

for the audience. It would seal the deal for anyone who was considering going

through the Cocooning process.

Now, as I said, there are versions. Ive brought a few of our patients whohave been through the Cocoon process themselves. Would anyone want to see


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that? As he said it, cheers beganto burst out. Baselton smiled. Alright, here wego! Versions Brandon and Britney!

A man and woman came out from the curtains onto the stage, with some sort

of techno music playing in the background. Photos began and they walked on the

catwalk, posing for everybody. The man had dark blonde hair, green eyes, and

slightly tanned skin. He had a perfect smile and prominent chin. The women were

going all over him. The woman was a bit snotty looking, but with wonderful hair

and an attractive thin body. She didnt have the same effect on the men that the

women had on the man model.

The man and the woman went back behind the curtains, and the audience

applauded once more. Baselton waited for the applause to fade. When it did,

Baselton was ready for the next round, The other two models we have to showyou today are part of our new series. Give it up for versions Brad and Angelina!

A man and a woman came out of the curtains and did the same dance as the

other couple. Walking back and forth, posing for pictures. The woman mirroredactress Angelina Jolie, although a little bit shorter. The man looked almost exactly

like actor Brad Pitt. The audience went crazy when they noticed the similarities.

Baselton grinned and laughed, clapping with audience. He was pretending to clap

with them, but in reality he was clapping because he knew he had the audience

hooked.

If they look familiar to you, well, they should be! Weve gotten a hold ofthe DNA of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, with their permission of course. So, you

can even look like these famous actors. Who wouldnt want to walk around with an

attractive body like that? And dont worry; he was more celebrities in our new

celebrity series.Baselton turned to the audience again as the models left. This was only a

sample of the wonders that Biosyn has in store. He took a dramatic pause as hestared out at the crowd, and dropped his voice to a low whisper. Others proclaim

that they make the future. But I tell you today, that this is not true. For here at

Biosyn, we are the future.

The audience exploded into applause and adulation. The audience was filled

with people who were obsessed with their body and how they appeared. They were

too self-conscious and self-absorbed. They thought of themselves as fat and ugly.

Those people, Baselton knew, would be the future customers of BioSyn. Baseltonfound it hard not to grin at the aspect.


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CHAPTER ONE

Ten oclock, just before midnight and the city was winding down in the last

hours of the day. The diner was silent, the only sound coming from the kitchen

where the cook was arguing with the manager over the weeks pay. What fewcustomers there were this time of night ate slowly and morosely, not making eye

contact with anyone else. The dim light cast a slight shadow across the interior,

reflecting against the windows to shroud everything inside a sickly bluish hue.

Lewis Dodgson sat alone at the far end of the restaurant, quietly eating his

cheeseburger. Running his fingers through his prematurely graying hair, the far

roots of which hinted at the blond he had once been. Looking out the window, he

sighed, his gaze straying back to his food. In truth, he didnt really have an appetitetonight; his nerves were shot. He took a sip of coffee, knowing that it wouldnt

help; he needed something else to cure this.He knew what was coming down the pike, an opportunity he couldnt afford

to blow. No screwing around this time, he knew how much money was at stake.

That was the reason his hand was shaking, even as he put the coffee mug down. He

was getting impatient, and he couldnt wait any longer. An hour and a half was too

long to wait in this damn dump But he knew he couldnt leave all the same.

Hed stay here all night if he had too. Just keep on ordering so that they couldntkick him out.

Bastard better have a good excuse. Dodgson felt himself thinking, he knew

how busy the San Francisco traffic could be, especially on a weekend. Still, the

man was a half hour late, which to Dodgson was unbelievable. Hell, if the

restaurant closed, he would wait outside in his car. That was his dedication to

making sure he didnt blow it this time.

He sighed again, shaking his head as the waitress came over to refill his

coffee. Dodgson was going to ask her where the pay phone was when the door to

the restaurant opened, and two men entered. Craning his neck, Dodgson felt

himself visibly relieved. They must have parked in the back that was why he

hadnt noticed him through the window. The men looked to his left and to his right,

before noticing Dodgson, they walked over and sat across the table from him.

Good evening, Lewis. JeffRossiter said casually, as he moved Dodgsonscoffee cup to the side with the back of his hand. He was a younger man, mid-

thirties with his hair in a greasy part. Rossiter had been made CEO of Biosyn after

the original chairman had died last year. Dodgson had a rather low opinion of the

man, considering him a first class bastard who didnt care if he screwed his

customers over or not. However, Dodgson didnt like to voice this opinion, mainly


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because he himself was the one who had pioneered the field of reverse

engineering.

This is my colleague, Dr. George Baselton, Rossiter said, gesturing to theman seated next to him. Dodgson had recognized him immediately the minute the

man had come in of course. Baselton had recently been hired by Biosyn to boost

the companys image in the public eye. He was what was known as a corporate

fixer in the industry. Baselton was good at his job because he exuded charisma,and could be very persuasive. Dodgson had never liked him, because charisma was

the one thing he always had lacked.

Letscut the bullshit, Rossiter. Dodgson rather abruptly, before the men

had a chance to say anything. You had me waiting an hour and a half, and tell me

its going to be an important meeting. To be plainly honest, he was very annoy ed

telling himself that the excuse had better be good. Actually he didnt even want tohear excuses. He just wanted to hear the reason why Rossiter wanted to meet in

such an offbeat location. Just be straight dammit, whyd you want to contact meagain, Jeff?

Baselton and Rossiter exchanged looks, and there was an awkwardly long

pause. I know youve made your mistakes Lewis, Rossiter began to say slowly,

as if he were calculating the weight of his words. We all want the past behind us, Iprobably want it as much as you do. Dodgson could feel the other mans eyes

boring into his own, so calm Lewis, were willing to overlook these.incidents in our past if youll just hear us out.

Dodgson scoffed, wondering what Rossiter could be referring to in terms of

a proposal. Leaning back in his seat, he placed both his hands on the table,

gripping the wood tightly. Of course He smiled, shaking his head. You sayyou want all to be forgiven Jeff? He clicked his tongue sadly. Like last time

where you said that responsibility would fall onto the person directly responsible?

Well guess who got blamed.

I never said it was your fault, Lewis. Rossiter replied, taking a deep

breath. Dodgson noticed he was beginning to fidget, as if finding something very

uncomfortable. Its just that your friend Nedry never returned from his three dayvacation, and we were the ones footing the bill. He gave Dodgson a sad smile. It

was your call, you made the mistake.

No, Dennis Nedry made the mistake. Dodgson wasnt going to let JeffRossiter bring that up again, not if he was going to use it to gain leverage over him.

Hell, your corporate spies reported that five people were missing by the time that

island was bombed to the ground. He set his coffee aside again. But rememberthis Jeff, He said, leaning back to his original position, and placing his elbow on

the table. You hired me for what I could do, and no one else wouldve gotten anemployee so close to the embryos.


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No ones questioning your qualifications, Lewis. Rossiter said calmly.

Youre the best there is, and thats why we need you now. He turned to look atBaselton for a second, apparently mulling it over. You see, it is a sensitive job,very similar to the last one. I think your past experience solidified our choice for

you to lead thisSimilar to the last? Dodgson felt his interest level rise, if only by a few

degrees. So what are you implying? He snorted. That InGen has a second set ofanimals on a Site B somewhere? He was sick of it, but at the same time he really

was curious to know exactly what it was.

Of course not, dont be ridiculous. Going after InGens miniature Elephant

wouldve been more promising than their dinosaurs, Lew. Hell, going after

BioGens talking Orangutan in Sumatra wouldve been a better choice. Look weregiving you a second chance here, a clean slate so to speak. Can you just see this as

what it is? Were offering you a job here Lew.

What makes you think I need the job? Dodgson was more then a littlepeeved by Rossiter assuming such familiarity with him after casting him out like

that. Ive been doing well enough on my own, why should I accept the offer? He

kept his face neutral, still debating whether or not to take it.

The hell you are Lew, Rossiter sighed. We know youre not happyworking for the IRS anymore Lewis. Youre not getting paid nearly as much as

you used to, and you know it. He shifted in his seat, shaking his head. Rememberthe White Salmon Lewis? Summer of Eighty-Nine? I bet you remember dontyou?

Dodgson did remember, and knew Rossiter was right. He wasnt exactly in

any position to bargain right now, what with his financial situation the way it was.

Still, he wished that he couldve had a bit more flexibility. Taking a big bite out of

his cheeseburger, he chewed and swallowed as he thought about it. Okay Jeff, hesaid after putting the sandwich down. Just be straight about what you want me to

do.

The other man, Baselton leaned across the table, placing both hands on top.

Revolution Genetics, the lead company in Cocooning technology. He explainedfurther after a pause. Theyre our biggest rivals, ever since we managed to reverse

engineer their tech. weve almost got them beat in sales, but not quite. BioSyn

needs to corner the market, and we think we have the intel on how to do so.Im listening, Dodgson said, this did seem different enough that he was

fairly intrigued. The name brought back memories of course; Dodgson himself had

been the one to orchestrate the theft of the RevoGens original plans. He had gottena nice bonus, taken his girlfriend to Cancun with the money.

Anyways, RevoGen has developed a new Version for the Cocoon, buttheyre going off on a new tangent. This Versiondrive enhances intelligence. That


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means theyve figured out how to manipulate the brain with the Cocoon, which is

unheard of with this technology. Theyll make millions with this, and were not.Unless of course you get the plans first. Your job back, Lew. Baselton pausedstaring him right in the eye. I can promise a nice compensation as well.

Dodgson stared right back, then looked at Rossiter. Both men seemed to be

equally serious, and ready to go with this. Dodgson took a sip of his coffee, and

reflected on how it was nice and hot. I can do this for you, gentlemen. Hesmiled. That charming smile. I can do it for you all the way.

They shook hands, sealing the deal. Lewis Dodgson was back in business.


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CHAPTER TWO

In 1992, Lewis Dodgson received a very mysterious call from a Mr. Dennis

Nedry. With that phone call, Dodgson organized an emergency meeting, and told

him of the news. At first, everyone at BioSyn laughed at him and passed it off as a

prank. The technology Nedry had described was unsurprisingly unbelievable.

Dodgson, however, put complete trust into the man. It wasnt until Dennis Nedryfaxed Lewis Dodgson a series of photographs that proved he was telling the truth

that the other BioSyn heads started taking it seriously. Once rumors started

popping about that the company InGen had bought an island off the coast of Costa

Rica, they immediately granted Dodgson permission to act. He asked for 1.5

million dollars, BioSyn gave it to him.

Murphys law: Shit happened with even the most careful of plans. Right

Dennis Nedry went into action to was going to steal InGens technology,Dodgson had given him fifty thousand of the 1.5 million. He never heard from

Nedry again. When Dodgson came home after waiting for Nedry and his crew on

the boat in Costa Rica, he was immediately fired. Some wondered if anything

Nedry had said was true at all (those who didnt believe were proven wrong with

the San Diego Incident in 1997). However strong their doubts were, they covered

any trace that might have tied them to Nedry. Including Dodgson.

Dodgson knew the blame lay solely on Nedry for his misfortunes. But what

could you do? Truth was Dodgson was so damn tired right now. His contact from

Revolution Genetics was supposed to be here any moment and his nerves were

shot. It was a fairly large park, lots of families and children. There was birthday

party somewhere he could see the balloons and smell the barbecue. It was making

him hungry as well as tired, and he looked around for the man. All he knew was

that he was waiting on a bench somewhere. All the good that did him, there were a

million benches in this damn park.

The mans name was Willis Chester. Dodgson had first met him in a bar afew blocks from RevoGen Laboratories. He knew from his surveillance that lab

employees sometimes drank there after work. One man in particular, he could tell

right off that he worked at RevoGen. The only other buildings around were

restaurants and warehouses, and this guy didnt look the type to work in either. Hewas slightly chubby, glasses, the stereotypical nerd. Dodgson realized with a frown

that the man sort of reminded him of Nedry. Fat bastard. But in a lot of ways this

description fit many lab technicians hed worked with in the past.

So, Dodgson sat down at the bar, bought a drink, and watched the guy. He

watched Willis get drunk slowly over the night. He was studying him, seeing how

he worked. Dodgson saw him as a simple man to get too. He was a weakling,


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which means it could be a simple matter of force. However, he liked making his

men hate the company they were working for, that way theyd feel better aboutgiving information to him. It was a kind of manipulation Dodgson needed to pull.

Dodgson always thought it was funny, most people who worked for biotech

companies were manipulating genes, he was manipulated peoples minds.When he was sure the man was drunk, he sat down next to him and

announced to the bartender that the mans next drink was on him. Any man whocould down that much was working hard, deserved a free one now and then. The

man thanked him, tried to politely decline. Nonsense, Dodgson said, trying tosound equally drunk and clapping him on the back like he was an old buddy.

Worksucks; this is the only time to be happy.

Yeah, the man agreed, though his eyes were sort of glazed over. Ivebeen working hard. Dodgson shrugged, making sure not to let the man go off on a

tangent. The barman placed a refilled beer at Dodgsons place, and he shuffled it

over to Williss side.Dodgson let BioSyns name slip almost carelessly, mentioning he worked in

pharmaceuticals. Willis responded in a somewhat boastful manner that he was a

Version Designer at RevoGen. Following the script he knew the man would

follow, Dodgson played the part of incredulous listener, as he described his job.

Slowly the discussion drifted into the technology, and then into ethics. Willis said

something about the Cocoon technology being unethical, it being against his

religion.

Unethical? Dodgson had snorted and pretended to nearly spill his beer.

They do tests on puppies for Gods sake. That had been smart, he thought to

himself as he waited on the bench. Play himself as someone with similar interests,

but not too interested. Im a religious man, very devout. He had then said very

solemnly. I go to church every Sunday, pay my tithes. I stay the hell away fromthe Cocooning sectors at BioSyn, its just not right. He had scoffed and taken

another drink. Fifteen year old girl showed up for a treatment, said she wanted to

look like Heidi Klum. Fifteen years old.

Parentspermission and everything, I couldnt believe my ears. So youknow what I did? Jammed the damn machine right before the procedure. Can you

believe that? Kids these days. He had gotten up; put the money on the bar. Still he

had something to drag this man in. If I were you, Id do the same thing. Nothingwhere they could figure out of course, something covert youd still be able to keep

your job. These bastards have it coming and you know it.

As he made to walk away hed heard the other man get up and approach him.

Asked what he would do, how would he do that? Dodgson had only smiled,

knowing the man was completely sold. The man was a simple moron and the rest


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of this would be a walk in the park. His luck was really turning around these days

wasnt it? He could get this done, no problem.

And so Dodgson told him his idea, pretending he had just thought it up on

the spot. He started small at first, and then as Willis became more comfortable with

the fact that they were basically sabotaging his own company, Dodgson finally told

him the full plan.

Dodgson walked around the park some more, observing the people as they

passed. He saw the children playing, free and without a care in the world. He sat

down on a bench, taking a sniff of the fresh air. This was actually the first time in a

while hed been at a park; he had lived in downtown San Francisco for the last few

years. The hustle and bustle of the city life was where it was all at, all the action

was. He looked again, and as a balloon vender passed by him he noticed his man.

The fat bastard was sitting on a bench on a bench on the other side of the

playground. He was eating a sandwich and screwing around on his iPhone. He

looked cagey and nervous as hell, so Dodgson smiled at him. How are you today,Dr. Chester?

Fine, Lewis. Willis said, Its just the shakes, Ive always had them. Its

not easy you know.

I completely understand. He smiled again, patting him on the back as hesat down next to him.

Remember your doing the right thing here Willis. So, do you have it?

Here it is, Willis took what looked like a flash drive out of his pocket. In

actuality it was a Versiondrive, the item which contained the complete DNA

Sequence for the Human genetic code. It has that information of what one looks

like once they have completed the Cocooning process, depends on what version

you got. The size of a fun sized chocolate bar; yet it contained as much information

as the fastest supercomputer available. There was a distinct label on the side, which

read EI9.

Thanks very much, Dr. Chester. Dodgson lifted the suitcase he had been

carrying and placed it gently on the on his lap. One million dollars, just an added

incentive for your cooperation and to reassure that no one will find out about this.Willis looked completely taken off-guard by this. He was in total shock as

he took hold of the suitcase. He started to open it, but Dodgsons hand slammed it

shut. Not here you idiot, he said. Who knows what spies your company mighthave in the park? Trust me, and open it when you get home. Willis looked at himfor what seemed like a long time, almost as if he doubted him. However he finally

took the handle of the suitcase and put it on his side of the table. At least he would

keep quiet for now.


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So tell me about a little bit more about this Versiondrive, Dr. Chester.Dodgson said, reverting back to his smile of earlier. Truth was he already knew

somewhat of RevoGens plans, just not the whole story.Willis had been looking at the suitcase meaningfully, but snapped back to

attention at the question. It heightens intelligence, I meanI didnt work on thatpart. Blue eyes, black hair and white skin, I just worked on the physical

appearance. What it looks like when its all done.Anyway, youre going to want tocatch up with RevoGen fast if you want to beat them, were releasing to the public

next year. Just got FDA approval for human trials last week as a matter of fact.Dodgson got up and smiled. That charming smile. He shook the other mans

hand, youve done well, Dr. Chester. Have a good day and dont spend that in one

place. Then he left, waving goodbye. He glanced at the children on the

playground smiling. Everything went according to plan, no screw ups this time.

Dodgson was ecstatic.

Willis watched him until he was out of sight. Then he looked back to hisphone, closed his Angry Birds game, and made a phone call. He wiped the sweat

from his face and smiled at the suit case full of money in disbelief. Dodgson

wasnt the only one who was happy that things were going to plan.

A very quick, firm Yes? was said by a man with a very dark voice shortlyafter Willis had dialed the number.

Dr. Hall, said Willis nervously, This is Dr. Chester.

How did things go?, Dr. Hall said. The mans stressed voice suddenlybecame bit more gentle and curious.

He took it, sir. The EI9 Versiondrive.

Very good, very good. You have done well.Thank, you sir, his voice got noticeably more nervous.

You wont be attempting to sabotage your company again, will you?, hesaid. It was in a majorly intimidating way, and it scared Willis deeply. Lewis

Dodgson was a scary man in Williss eyes, but Dr. Christopher Hall was much

worse.

Of course not, sir. Ive learned my lesson.Good. Because youve regained back my trust, Dr. Chester. You will not be

fired. You will, in fact, get apromotion for doing this.

Thank you very much, sir, Willis felt a bit dazed. He would havedestroyed the company he worked for, and the CEO of said company was now

giving him a promotion just because he was caught in the act. Willis knew it was

because they wanted him silent, the same reason why Dodgson gave him the

money, but he was grateful. That reminded him. Also, sir. He..uh...he also gave

me a million dollars.


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You keep that, Dr. Chester. You deserve it. You were manipulated by aman who is too stupid to realize when he is being played. Now, you have ended up

helping your company greatly. BioSyn wants to win the race of who makes more

sales, and since they want to play this game, they will lose.


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CHAPTER THREE

This, this is just wrong, said geneticist Dr. Patrick Doyle as he pushed a

bed carrying an unconscious elderly woman down an empty hallway. He was

assisted by his co-worker, Dr. Brie Hales. He pushed the bed into a large

laboratory known as The Cocoon Room, located within the BioSyn Laboratories

facility in San Francisco.

Whats wrong, Patrick?, said Dr. Hales, looking for an unoccupiedCocoon to put the elderly woman into. You gave her the correct hormone

injections, the correct amount, shes fully sedated. Whats wrong?

Not that, just this whole thing. He looked at her, biting his lip. The lie

tasting foul in his mouth. He then changed the subject. Which machine are weputting her in?

The one on the far left. She pointed at a large cylinder machine, paintedwhite with the companys logo imprinted on it, standing up in the left corner, That

one isnt being used, and the patients in the other Cocoons will be out by the timeshes ready. Schedules wont interlock.

With that, Doyle pushed the bed to the corner of the lab. As he pushed, he

passed the rows of Cocoons. The ones that werent occupied by a patient wereraised up out of the floor, revealing a cylinder like machine with a small window

and a door. When a patient was put into the machine, it would be lowered down to

the point where the Cocoon is hidden except for its top. Over half of the Cocoon

Room had occupied Cocoons. It was apparent that the process was becoming

increasingly popular.

The elderly woman that was being put into the machine was named Jessica

Ridley and was married to an owner of an oil factory. She was overtly wealthy.

The typical costumer of the Cocooning process. However, she was a bit older...

Most of the customers were men and women in their mid-twenties to mid-thirties.

The thought of and elderly woman coming out of the machine looking like a

woman the age of Dr. Hales disturbed Doyle. He couldnt exactly say why thatbothered him but it did.

So, he had much displeasure placing the woman into the machine. The

woman had to be undressed and then, with the help of two other fellow co-workers, have three tubes (one for the mouth to breath and be fed sustenance, one

for the anus to excrete the waste, and the other one up the urethra for the same

reason) attached to her. It was probably the worst part of the job, but Doyle had

gotten used to it.

Eventually, she was strapped into the Cocoon securely. She looked happily

asleep, heavily sedated and standing up straight in the machine as she was suppose


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to. His co-workers all left, knowing that they were no longer needed. Hales was the

only one left. She was putting the womans hospital gown into an almost fulllaundry basket.

Doyle shut the door to the Cocoon. He walked over to the right of the

Cocoon, where there was a pole that came up from the floor to his waist. There

were poles like it next to all of the Cocoons. Hales, putting the basket on the

ground, handed him a Versiondrive with the code BB20. He plugged theVersiondrive gently into a socket on the pole. There was a slight click, and it was

snug. Doyle remembered which one that one was: Blonde hair, blue eyes, slightly

tannish skin, and almost no wrinkles. Doyle once again thought of Jessica Ridley, a

sixty seven-year old, looking like a twenty-five year old. He grimaced at the

thought. Why anyone would feel it was so necessary was beyond him.

He and Hales went into a room, which took up the middle of the lab. It was

where everything was controlled. There were two employees monitoring the brain

activities and heartbeat of the all the patients in the Cocoons.Hey Harold, said Doyle as he entered the room, slapping one of the

employees on the back, Can you lower Cocoon, number 98, the one on the far

left? He pointed at it.

Sure thing, Dr. Doyle, said the man, Harold. He looked at computer. Hequit his game of Solitaire and opened up a long list of numbers. He looked through

the list for a moment until he found the number 108, and then clicked it.

He and Doyle looked out the window of the room and watched the Cocoon

slowly lower into the floor. They all could hear the mechanical hum that Doyle had

become used to after working there for about a year and a half. It took about thirty

seconds for the before the entire Cocoon was completely lowered. The only part of

the machine visible was the top where the Cocoons number was placed. The

mechanical humming stopped.

Thanks Harold, Doyle said then turned around, Hey, Berry. He gave the

other employee a high-five. The two men went back to playing Solitaire with each

other. Doyle left the room. Dr. Hales was waiting for him, she seemed somewhat

nervous.

Patrick, you said something was wrong, Hales said as they began walking

out of the Cocoon Room and into a long hallway. I need to know if we did

something wrong with the patient. Whatd we do wrong?Its nothing about that, Brie. Its just what were doing. He avoided her

gaze, looking on either side of the hallway. He was always a bit uncomfortable

talking to people, that very much included Hales. However, each time he did talk

to her, they seemed to drag into long conversations in which both were interested.

That was something Doyle wasnt use to.


16/22

Oh, dont tell me youre getting all philosophical again. They entered their

employees lounge. There were several other employees enjoying their lunch. Afew were drinking coffee; those were the ones who wouldnt be sleeping for thenext couple days. Hales sat down at a table as Doyle opened the launc hs

refrigerator for his lunch.

A sixty-seven year old woman whos got money and whatever she wants,

thinks she needs to be more pretty. Shes married; shes got a nice car, a nicehouse, a nice family, and a very nice fortune. Why would she need anything else?

He found his lunch buried within the refrigerator and sat down next to Hales.

I dont know, Patrick. Im not her. She may feel that shes just not her true

self. She just wants to express who she really is. Brie pushed aside a strand ofbrown hair from her mouth and drank some of the coffee. As she drank, Patrick

noticed her freckles blush with the sudden heat.

You sound like George Baselton. We both know his speeches are bullshit.

It sounded a lot harsher then hed intended, he didnt know, but it just came outthat way.

And you sound like one of these hippy activists who protests in front of our

building because were mistreating our rats. She set her coffee aside, brown eyes

seeming to bore into his, questioning him. He wanted to look away again, couldntquite.

Its not about how ethical it all is, Brie. I may seem that way, but dont

have that much of a morality within me. Its just how useless it all is. We dontneed this. Its a waste. We should be off somewhere re-growing a burn victims

skin or a war veterans arm. Not here, making people look pretty.

And yet you complain about this every week and where has it got you? Istill see you come here in the morning at work. She had a point dammit, but no

way in hell was he ever going to concede that.

Thats because I have nowhere else to go. After college, this was the only

place that wanted me. That was true; it was much more lucrative to go into the

private sector then to do research at a university.

Hales sighed and took Doyles lunch bag from him. She took a granola barout. All you need is time. You wont work here forever, you know that.

Eventually youre going to find the job youre looking for. Then, youll be on your

path to saving the world, like youve always wanted. But that wont be now, itllbe awhile, so get comfortable while youre here. She tore the granola barswrapper and took a large bite out of it.

I dont want to save the world, Brie. Thats too much of an unrealistic goal.I just dont want to help the world get worse. Who needed to save the world? It

was beyond saving anyway, at least in his opinion.


17/22

Implying that your job makes the world worse? She really got to the point,

didnt she? That was one of the things he liked about her, even if he would never

really admit it to himself.

I visited my older brother a couple weeks ago. My ten-year-old niece asked

me in private how much going into a Cocoon would cost because she heard it

could increase breast size. What does that say about society?

Before Hales could answer, their boss came into the lounge. His name was

Dr. Terry Davis, a middle aged man with an increasingly noticeable balding

problem. He was the head of the Cocoon Room; he was the man each curious

person went to when they were interesting in partaking in the Cocooning Process.

He wasnt a particularly strict boss, but he had the ability to become heated andexcessively angry if you pushed the wrong buttons.

Dr. Doyle, Dr. Hales, said Davis. Come with me.They followed him to his office, which very close to the waiting room. It

was placed there because a majority of men and women in the waiting room werethere to make appointments for the Cocooning Process. Its close proximity was aconvenience.

His office was slightly larger than most of the other offices in the building,

and it were kept exceptionally clean. It was obviously more for discussing with

future patients than it was for actual work. Davis sat down at his desk, signaled for

them to set. Both of them pulled up a chair up to the desk and sat. They were both

curious on what was happening. They gave glances at each other.

Alright, Davis said, Lets get to this. You two are going to do some

experimental duty. Weve got a new version named EI9. Its ready to be tested on a

human.Wait, interrupted Doyle, What new version? I havent heard anything

recent from the designers department.Davis looked at him and then continued. This one is quite a bit different

from the others. We think itll do good for our company. This will also be the first

time do run an experimental version for the both of you, and I want you two to be

careful as possible. Be as precise as possible, take notes of everything, and check

up with Harold and Berry often. Any effects, particularly within the brain, needs to

be recorded.

What exactly makes this one so different? asked Hales.Weve finally figured out how to enhance the brain. We figured out skin

and hair color, then muscle, then internal organs, and then we discovered how to

regenerate bone. Now weve done something interesting. We think weve foundout how to enhance intelligence.


18/22

Doyle and Hales were shocked, especially Doyle. The shock turned into

excitement. How did you do this? This, this is big, Terry. Really big. You sure

you want us to do it?

If you two are up to it.

Of course!Okay, yeah, lets do it, said Hales, as she was beginning to feel the same

excitement that Doyle had.

Great. Youll start immediately, after today. Weve found ourselves a test

subject, hell be coming in tomorrow at five. Dont worry about the Jessica Ridleypatient. Ive got Mike and David taking care of it. Doyle and Hales got up, began

exiting his office. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot; youll be giving all of your notes to a

Mr. Lewis Dodgson. Hell be with you throughout the process.

Whos Lewis Dodgson? Im not familiar with him. Why do we need him?

Davis suddenly gave a defensive look; straightening his tie. Just do as I say,

Patrick. Hes there for a reason, and you will give him your notes. It shouldnt betoo hard, should it?

Doyle could sense that he was getting heated, and he knew better than to go

push his buttons. He left it at that, even though it peaked his curiosity. He didnt

say anything; he just left with Hales out of the office.

They through the hallway, back to work. Both were eager for the next day.

Doyle thought the idea of increasing intelligence was intriguing, and revolutionary.

Being a part of it would be a dream. It would be what Doyle always wanted. Doyle

remembered what Hales said; eventually youre going to find the job youre

looking for. Well, it seemed to Doyle that it might happen much quicker than he

expected.


19/22


20/22

hormone that increases the growth rate of cells. The life cycle of these cells will

happen rapidly. This is safe within the cocoon and the only risks that one would

have would only be caused if you were outside it.

Then you will be put into the Cocoon, once fully sedated. You will stay in

the Cocoon for the total of one month, you will be fully sedated throughout your

time there. In the Cocoon, needles made with nanobot technology will enter your

skin, and begin replacing your traits in the genetic code. These needles puncture

every part of the body. In extremely rare cases, these needles could break, leaving

nanobot inside your body. It would be absolutely harmless, however, if one needle

breaks, it could cause defects in your genetic code. Also, there is a higher risks of

genetic defects when it hasnt been tested on humans before. In your case, Mr.Bowman, you should come out of the Cocoon with blue eyes, black hair, and white

skin. Anything else and you have been considered a failed experiment. Do you

understand this and are you willing to accept the changes in your body, and accept

that BioSyn holds no responsibility of any defects during the procedure?Ozzy scratched his head, the expression on his face still unreadable. Yeah,

Yeah I am. He barely so much as blinked, only nodded his head to show he

understood completely.

Dr. Hales straightened up some more, staring him right in the eye. She

wanted to be sure, absolutely sure that this man knew what he was getting himself

into right here. The final risk I must tell you about is the most dangerous risk. TheEI9 version heightens intelligence, and if everything goes out right, you will have

heightened intelligence of an unknown level. However, if things dont turn out

correctly, you could be at risk of brain damage. Due to the information given, the

mostly likely to be at risk is memory loss. Do you fully understand these risks?Yes I understand, Ozzy said. He sounded tired, like he just wanted the

process to be over already. It could be felt in his voice, something about the

inflection of the tone. It wasnt something easily discernible; it was just something

you could feel.

Good, you will do well, Mr. Bowman. Dr. Hales gave him a smile she

really hopes read as sincere. Lets hope all things go well in this operation. Wouldyou like a cup of coffee while youre here?

That would be fine, Ozzy said nodding again. His smile seemed thin and

strained though, almost as if it would crack in a minute under any sort of proddingwhatsoever. The man was grasping the ends of the chair, and she noticed his

knuckles were white. Why was he so nervous?

Dr. Hales gave a final perfunctory nod as she got up out of her seat. Leaving

the office, she left the man alone with Doyle. The two of them glanced at each

other for what seemed like the longest time. Almost as if one was daring the other

to speak first. Doyle looked out the door in impatience, wondering when she was


21/22

going to get back. Seeing no relief anytime soon, he turned his attention back to

Ozzy.

Why do you want to do it? He asked. What made you decide to sign on

as a test subject for a something like this? He was naturally curious, if not

morbidly so. He had a feeling he knew that that answer was going to be, just had to

hear it from the man himself though.

The man gave a dismissive wave, although his eyes seemed to bore into

Doyles. He seemed older, his eyes tired. I have no family or friends. He said at

last, my life is an insignificant speck in this changing world. I just want tocontribute, give my existence some meaning.

Doyle frowned, not even bothering to hide it. He did find the mans fatalisma bit disturbing. Why would someone just give up like that? He knew it was none

of his business but But your life cant be that bad can it? Youre moderatelyattractive for a guy, I mean, women must find you attractive right? Your

background check didnt reveal any financial problems, what would make you thisunhappy? It seemed there was something he was just not getting.

Im not depressed or suicidal, the man replied sighing as if hed said it a

million times. I simply want to contribute something. I was happy, but I realized

that everything was meaningless. Doesnt everyone want to contribute tosomething? To leave their mark on the world somehow?

Doyle shook his head, still not sure he completely understood this man. I

know what you mean, Mr. Bowman. I know exactly what you mean. He steppedforward, taking a few of the waivers off of the desk and placing it in front of the

man. Im just going to need you to sign here and here.

The procedure took place a week after. During that week, Doyle and Hales

got ready for everything, taking more time to make sure everything was correct

and machines were performing the best they could be. Usually it was a day or two

of getting ready, but that was because the jobs they had done were on already

experimented and publicly released Versions, not experimental. With the added

pressure heightening intelligence, they had to make sure everything was right.

When the day finally came, Ozzy Bowman seemed more comfortable than

he was the last time Doyle and Hales had seen him. There was an aura around him

that Doyle seemed to envy and it angry at the same time. Ozzy had found his way

to hopefully change the world. Doyle was finding his way as well except for thatOzzy seemed so much happier, while Doyle was still more unsatisfied with his life

than ever. And he was angry because even though the Version held the key to

increasing human intelligence, there was something so degrading about it. It still

seemed as bad as Jessica Ridley wanting to look like a woman in her twenties.

Thinking about it bothered Doyle.


22/22

Doyle knocked him out in his temporary room located right beside the Cocoon

Room the same way he had done with all his previous patients, though more

careful not to mess up. He then gave Ozzy the three injections. Then he and his co-

workers put him into a Cocoon near the middle of the room, close to the Control

Room. It was number 52. They attached the tubes to him. He was finally put in, the

door was shut, Hales put the version drive into the slot, and Harold lowered the

Cocoon. Then it was over. The only thing they could do know was visit Harold and

Berry every day, and wait.

Harold sat in his chair in the Control Room. He was talking to a woman on

Facebookwho he had feelings for. She didnt seem as interested in him as he wasinterested in her. He had had a long, uneventful day. The only significant thing he

had done was one click of his mouse to lift up one Cocoon, and then watch the

others take a patient out of the Cocoon.

Berry, sitting on the opposite side of the small room, had a similar day. Hewas starting to lose interest in the brain wave patterns. He was almost hoping for

something to go wrong, just so he didnt have to start visiting Facebook like

Harold (he despised Facebook, but often thought about it in days of boredom.)

Suddenly there was a beep. Harold and Berry immediately looked away

from their computers. They looked at each other in surprise. They both ran to the

screens that monitored the heart beat and the brain. There was another beep. They

looked at all the tiny screens, and found which Cocoon was having the problem;

Cocoon number 5.

Go get Patrick or Brie, Harold, Berry said, looking at the screens, Go!

Harold ran out of the room. Berry continued to stare at the screen. His heart

beat monitor was going down, and his brain wave patterns were showing that he

was having little brain activity. He quickly went to his computer and opened up the

Cocoons status, which had a more detailed look at what was going on in

Bowmans body.

He looked at the CAT cans of his brain, something the Cocoon did every ten

minutes. They all seemed normal. The newest one had just been taken and popped

up. The Temporal Lobe seemed abnormally large compared to the rest of the brain.

The Temporal Lobe happened to be the part of the human brain that controlled

memory.Dr. Doyle ran into the room. What happened? he said, deeply breathing.

I dont know, Berry said, looking at the screen. It was true, he had never

seen anything like it. I dont know.

Documents

BioSyn: Part I