Zombies Territory: A place of no return

Experiment Gone Wrong (ii)

"We'll be extracting the DNA from a sea star. Why? Because a sea star have the ability to regenerate itself due to their unique gene. I think this will be a better way to save human lives." Ms Susan spoke standing at one end of the table.

"Are you saying that we're going to inject human with a sea star DNA?" Asked a male scientist who sat at the right side of the table.

The room was not that large nor small. It was a small confined room where only few scientific things could be seen and a rectangular table in the middle. It also had a glass wall.

"Yes. You're correct." She added.

"So what is the reason behind your new experiment Ms Susan?"

"Well... like she had explained few minutes ago, a sea star have a unique gene in their body, and that's gene sox2 which we all know about." Mr Louis butted in as he also stood up to explain. "I'm pretty sure the reason behind her new experiment is to help save thousands of adults and children that might have lost one of their body parts, like my nephew, William. This new search is to help them get back their lost arms, or legs or any other part of their body."

"So you think using an asterias rubens is the best option?" Asked the man with glasses and grey hair sitting at the other end of the table.

"Yes sir." Susan nodded.

"I overheard you and Mr Louis over here are in charge of this new experiment. How true is the information?"

"True sir."

"May I know how far this new search of yours have gone and the results?"

"In our third experiment using a mice, we are happy to inform you all that the result using a sea star DNA, was positive." Mr Louis spoke.

Everyone jammed their hands. They were impressed hearing such news.

"Ms Susan, Mr Louis, we're impressed and happy about your new experiment." A woman at the left side spoke.

Susan and Louis bowed their heads slightly as a gesture of thank you.

"I see..." The man continued. "You've tested it on a mice and the results was positive. Have you tried using a human?"

"Sir, we're currently on that." Ms Susan spoke.

"Your experiment will only be approved once it's proven out to be positive in the human body."

"We know that sir." Louis spoke. "We want you all to come along with us to the test lab."

"You've seen a human subject already?"

"Yes sir." Susan and Louis jinxed.

The man went quiet for a while, resting his arm on the chair handle, contemplating about something. His eyes darted from Susan to Louis severally before speaking.

"Okay." He agreed and a smile lit on everyone's face.

The rest stood up after he had, and they all walked out of the room.

•••

"Uncle Louis..." His nephew called out the moment he saw him walking to his direction with his fellow scientists.

"Hey son." Squatting down and giving their signature handshake. "See you and Junior are having some time."

"Yes uncle. Are you going in for your new experiment now."

"Yes son. I want you to stay here with Junior. We'll be back shortly."

"Uncle Louis.. you asked me earlier today what I want as a birthday gift."

"You know what you want now?"

"Yes. I want to be the first human to try out your new experiment with Ms Susan."

He heaved a sigh and dabbed his head. "Son, I'm sorry but I can't get you that as a birthday gift. It's impossible."

"But I want to start walking as soon as possible."

"You will son. You just have to wait a bit longer."

"No. I can't wait anymore. I want to start walking again as soon as possible." He protested.

"Son..."

"Please Ms Susan." Diverting his gaze to her. "I want this as a birthday gift. Please..." He begged with cute puppy eyes.

The scientists turned their gaze to the man in the middle. Seeing where there heads were turned to, William's eyes got fixed on him.

"Please sir. I'm... I'm even a perfect candidate for this new experiment. Please sir. If you grant me this as a birthday gift, you'll make me the most happiest person. Please sir.... "

"Please sir... "Junior piped in. "Grant him this as a birthday gift. You'll also make me happy." His tone was so pleading.

The man heaved a sigh and still remained quiet. "Are you sure you want this William?"

He nodded, not hesitating a bit. "Yes sir."

"Have you thought this through."

"Yes sir. I have, a million times."

"There's no going back if you really want to proceed with this."

"Yes sir. I know."

"Mr Louis... are you sure you want to let him push through with this?"

He heaved a sigh. "If it'll make him happy, I'm cool with it." Not turning his gaze from his nephew.

A heavy silence circulated amongst them. They were eagerly waiting for the man's final response, while William wore an anxious look.

"William, if this is what you want and if it'll also make you happy, you can proceed with it."

Everyone's lips curved up.

"Thank you sir." Said the happy William.

"William... you hear that. Any moment from now, you'll get your legs back and we'll play all sort of games together." Junior spoke with a wide smile on his face.

"Yes J. I can't wait. We'll also do skating."

The two of them laughed. The happy look on the children's face made everyone to even smile more.