shades of grex
by
M.L. Shaw
SMASHWORDS EDITION
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PUBLISHED BY:
M.L. Shaw on Smashwords
Shades of Grex
Copyright © 2008 by M.L. Shaw
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
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There are a few people I’d like to thank.
First, my husband Dave who has given me free reign to explore my boundaries and grow. Who has supported my struggling business and all the kids. Thank you so much.
My Business Partner, Sue who kindly listens to my stories and laughs at all the right places and doesn’t judge my strange mind.
My children, who enjoy all that life offers and adds joy to my life.
Easton, who gave me the interest to research the genetics in this book and learn more. You are a fabulous person, Easton and I look forward to your future.
This story was based on a dream I had, but it had a much scarier ending.
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shades of grex
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Chapter 1
When you are young you are trained to think of things in terms of absolutes. Such as, good or bad, stop or go and so on. Then as you get older you realize that things aren’t always so well defined. In fact, most things are much more complicated than that. For instance, Wikipedia’s entry on the scientific definition of life is:
Life is a state that distinguishes organisms from non-living objects, such as non-life, and dead organisms. Living organisms are capable of growth and reproduction, some can communicate and many can adapt to their environment through changes originating internally.[1] A physical characteristic of life is that it feeds on negative entropy.[2][3] In more detail, according to physicists such as John Bernal, Erwin Schrödinger, Eugene Wigner, and John Avery, life is a member of the class of phenomena which are open or continuous systems able to decrease their internal entropy at the expense of substances or free energy taken in from the environment and subsequently rejected in a degraded form (see: entropy and life).[4][5]
An entity with the above properties is considered to be a living organism, hence, a 'life form'. However, not every definition of life considers all of these properties to be essential. For example, the capacity for evolution is sometimes taken as the only essential property of life; this definition notably includes viruses, which do not qualify under narrower definitions as they are acellular and do not metabolize.
A diverse array of living organisms can be found in the biosphere on Earth. Properties common to these organisms—plants, animals, fungi, protists, archaea and bacteria—are a carbon- and water-based cellular form with complex organization and heritable genetic information. They undergo metabolism, possess a capacity to grow, respond to stimuli, reproduce and, through natural selection, adapt to their environment in successive generations.
Everything changes, not in an instance, but usually over a period of time. Earth at one time had dinosaurs. Animals, plants and humans have evolved due to environmental or breeding circumstances. Things change. Understandably. Undeniably.
However when all of these truths culminate in a change so radical, so different from what we can comprehend and so utterly, it shatters not only our understanding of our world, but our own existence as well. Things are not always so black and white.
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Chapter 2
It happened slowly, like cancer that starts as a mole. It does nothing for years, and then suddenly it metastasized into terminal cancer.
It wasn’t an invasion, happening suddenly. That might of a least given the human population pause for concern. No, what happened was a slow malignant spread of a very serious condition that changed our very definition of what “life” truly was.
They were things of folk lore and horror stories. Sometimes called vampires, sometimes called werewolves or lycanthropes, even demons, sometimes there were no names at all, just descriptions that were used in stories from ancient Greece, Ireland, Russia. But in reality, they were all and none of those things. They were unstoppable, they could regenerate so fast that killing them conventionally was impossible. They never became terminally ill; they didn’t reproduce because they never died. Their own biology evolved to detour overpopulation. But they consumed. A lot.
Some thought that because humans had conquered some of the natural things that normally thin the herd such as diseases, they were living longer and as a result were rapidly consuming the resources of the planet. Some countries had even put into effect, compulsory birth control measures to ensure that the population didn’t out last its resources. But nature seemed to figure out what was happening and maybe had evolved on its own to solve the potential problem. What consumes man on the food chain? Latin: Grex Ieiunium ; English translation: Herd Thinner.
There were those who felt it was God’s retribution on the Earth for all that had gone on before. The overpopulation, the depletion of the planet’s resources, the exploration of space, the splitting of the atom, genetics, all seemed to fly in the face of God. Now God was putting his hand upon the Earth.
The Grex had existed for possibly thousands of years. There was usually only one or two of them in a region of a continent. They could hunt outlying areas without notice, under cover of local legends and folklore. They were ancient. Some had even seen Rome fall, some had been at the crucifixion of Christ. There were some who ruled for decades before their people began to suspect anything was different about them. The Irish called them the Sidhe or fairies. But there was nothing quaint about them. What ever they were or where ever they came from or evolved from was irrelevant . They had taken the top of the food chain. And they were multiplying.
They slowly displaced homo Sapiens on the planet just as humans had displaced other animals and plants. It was a natural progression, not an occupation. But by the time humans awoke to their own plight, they were barely able to sustain themselves. Countries changed, kingdoms fell, and only shell governments stayed in order to keep some peace and to keep the human herds in control.
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Chapter 3
It was getting dark out, that meant that the shades needed to be drawn, fires extinguished and quiet needed to be utter. During a full moon, when the Grex were most active, it was important to not draw attention to oneself. Smoke from a fireplace left burning too late in the evening could bring a group of hunters to the door. Molly Lockley, her husband Josh and his seventeen year old son Michael were living in an older house that in it’s time must have been very beautiful. The family had met two years earlier in a rescue center in Topeka Kansas, Molly was just 19 years old and Josh was thirty seven. Josh was suffering from a severe cold and Molly was concerned that Michael would end up an orphan. Molly shared her food rations, obtained antibiotics through the black market and fought with a huge man to give Josh a mat and blanket. Josh recovered and in gratitude asked her if she would like to stay with him and Michael. She accepted because in this new world, friends were hard to come by. Eventually they got married then moved to Seattle. To everyone’s surprise, Molly discovered that she was pregnant. Not exactly a joyous occasion, but it was Molly’s first child and since her parents and brother were killed, she finally had her own blood relative again.
Josh was a Genetics Engineer so he was able to get a job in Seattle on a genetics research team. It was steady money and medical care for Molly. The move was a positive step forward for the whole family. Josh found his work very satisfying and all consuming. It was a very worthwhile project that would possibly save the human race if the work could be completed in time.
Humans knew that their days were numbered. The census numbers were falling by the millions each year. Fewer babies were born and even fewer lived to adulthood. The scales of evolution were tipping. That is what spawned the project Variants. This project was adjacent to the work of the Human Genome project.
The Human Genome project had been underway since 1988. A group of scientists across the world began determining the DNA sequences of human DNA. They were able to address each chromosome and build a map of nucleotide sequences in the DNA of each one.
Now armed with a map of where every gene is located, researchers turned their attention toward making good use of that information. Knowing where each gene resides in the chromosomes, the “bad” genes – the ones that cause disease or cancer or other undesirable traits - can be sought out. Gene therapy research was trying to prevent the bad genes from having their undesirable effect or to convert them to good genes.
The human genome contains an enormous amount of information on the movements and relationships of past populations and on the biological adaptations of those populations to a changing environment. These are usually defined as evolutionary pathways.
The scientific evolution pathways are really called polymorphisms. There are regular mutations or adaptations in the DNA that passed from parent to child and are considered evolutionary in nature, maybe in reaction to environmental conditions or something unknown. These polymorphisms are usually helpful like extra melatonin in humans that lived in sunny places which helped them to avoid sun related cancers.
Gene therapy had been developed and improved upon for thirty years. Products like Alpha-interferon, used to shrink tumors and treat Hepatitis B and C were used freely when medical centers were plentiful and the economy had been good. Then there was Humulin using a common intestinal bacteria ,the human insulin gene was inserted turning the cells into human insulin factories. Some gene therapies didn’t have such positive outcomes or had horrible side effects.
Of course, with this type of work went ethical questions. What would happen if genes being inserted into a patient went to the wrong chromosome? What if by altering natural plants and animals the balance of nature is disrupted? Even questions about “designer babies” were discussed. These questions were being asked not only by researchers, but also by government officials, journalists and every day people. But, with so much promise in developing genetic techniques it was hard to contain enthusiasm.
All of this gave birth to Functional Genomics; the study of certain DNA sequences in an organism and how they function, taking into consideration all the DNA of the organism.
This was the type of work that Josh was involved with. There were very few of these scientists left anymore so Josh and his lab were working long hours trying to find the cure for the “The Grex Ieiunium Evolution”; Project Variants.
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Chapter 4
The Grex were a terrifying creature, a testament to what nature can do if pushed to the limits. Just like humans, there are several races of Them, some are large, some small, some hairy, some pale and hairless. Some were very intelligent , and then of course the exact opposite. And everything in between. The only unifying trait among Them was the need for human flesh These creatures were a hybrid of vampire, zombie and werewolf characteristics and none of the movie charm. They ate lots of humans. Some ate it raw, torn from the still screaming victim, some cooked it and savored it with wine. The organs a delicacy, if found in the right condition and the brain the most desirable.
Some humans sold human meat just like butchers. Even humans would hunt humans. There was big reward in trafficking in human meat, the consumers didn’t care if The Grex themselves hunted it or if humans sold it to them.
Karla Ramirez had cooked meat for her boss and his “family”. It really wasn’t the only thing they ate. They ate other things as well, but their preference was human. It was brought to her from the basement of the house. She couldn’t even think about that room without becoming ill.
The trick in this new world order was to stay alive. Make yourself useful, work, stay under the radar of the hunters and butchers. Karla intended to do just that. She was the house keeper of a Clan of The Grex. The house was in Seattle, Greenlake to be exact. It was a large house that had many of the amenities that they enjoyed. It suited the Grex to have a human servant to do errands and the chores that they didn’t want to do themselves.
Working for the Grex meant that you were relatively safe. They paid the coin of the realm; cash. Unfortunately, once people found out you worked for an Enclave, humans would have nothing to do with you any more. Karla had a philosophy; less people to know, less to lose. She only took care of herself, no family or friends. Any family she had died already. She couldn’t think about that either. It made her blood run cold with fear and dread. She was chosen for this job, she had no where else to go and didn’t dare leave. Karla knew that once you were kept by an Enclave, you left only as dinner.
Molly lived a block away from Karla’s Enclave. While walking home from the grocery store she saw Karla working in the yard and had stopped to talk to her. The conversation was short and terse. Molly was taken aback by this, being somewhat new in town she was hoping to meet some neighbors. Not many still worked in their yards due to the hunters and butchers. Karla seemed to be working out there in defiance. Raking in rough pulls through the grass, picking up stray leaves . Molly stopped and introduced herself. Karla ignored her. Molly spoke louder and Karla stopped, put her hand on her hip and looked plaintively at her.
“Hi, I’m Molly. We moved to Seattle a while back. You are the first person I’ve seen in the neighborhood, so I thought I should introduce myself.” She smiled.
“Great, now I know who you are. Move along.” Mumbled Karla as she went back to work.
Molly was stunned into silence. She turned and walked down the sidewalk, embarrassed for having tried.
Michael was at home watching the baby for Molly so she didn’t have to risk being out in the open with a young one. Michael would have gone to the store but Molly was tired of being tied to the house and felt the need to get some fresh air.
Molly walked in the back door, shutting and locking it behind her.
“I tried to meet a neighbor down the street but she was very rude.” Said Molly
“Which house?” wondered Michael aloud. He was sitting at the kitchen table watching the baby munch on crackers in her high chair
“The big stone front one with the big bay window? Nice yard. A girl was doing yard work, maybe my age. I could really use a friend. “stated molly
“Yeah, I’ve seen her out there. I think she might be older than you, though” said Michael.
“Well, either way, she isn’t interested in getting to know me so I guess that is that”. Molly said dusting her hands off on the sides of her jeans.
“You didn’t tell her where we live did you?” queried Michael.
“Of course not! I just said I lived in the neighborhood. She ended the conversation after that.” Replied Molly
“Well, that’s good. I think she’s the housekeeper there for a group of Them. Some of the guys in my school talk about that house. The houses on either side are empty. The people vanished. The neighborhood started watching that house at night and saw some things that make them feel that it is an Enclave. You should probably find a new way to walk to the store” warned Michael.
An Enclave. Dread worked its magic in the pit of her stomach.
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Chapter 5
Karla stood in the yard watching Molly walk away. She shook her head and wondered what the girl was thinking! Everyone knew a Clan lived here. Why in the world would Molly just walk up and introduce herself? Hoping to become a Thrall? Yuck. People were strange, no matter what your background or upbringing, some people were strange.
Still, Karla thought, the girl did say she had just moved here. So maybe she really didn’t know. If that was the case, then maybe she also didn’t know what Karla was. Karla felt a little bad about how she spoke to Molly. Karla had been ostracized by the neighborhood for over a year . no one would so much as make eye contact with her. She really felt that is what she deserved since she really didn’t feel human herself anymore. She didn’t feel she had Changed, but she definitely felt that she had left the human race. She was something outside of both species.
Molly made dinner that night and thought about what Michael had said about the Enclave. She wondered how the neighborhood had allowed such a thing to exist without calling the authorities. These days though it was better to pretend that you didn’t know about things like that or you may just go missing too.
Josh came home from work, quiet and distant. He was thinking about the things he had heard in a meeting earlier in the day. While the meeting hadn’t revealed any new information, it was troubling that something so wrong on the evolutionary ladder was unstoppable or irreversible. They were unsuccessful at isolating the gene that controled the change. They couldn’t even predict who may change. There were so many genetic differences between the Other’s genome and Human genome that is was easier to just catalog the similarities. The main problem was the lack of usable stable DNA material. They were unable to keep any live test subjects for security reasons.
The new census numbers were in and it clearly showed that humans had all but stopped procreating. The population was depleted due to the predators and human reluctance to have children only to leave them orphaned or worse. Originally, it was thought perhaps a virus caused the gene to switch on, then it was argued that it was natural selection, a way of thinning the herd so to speak. Whatever it was, it was slowly destroying the human population and there was no way to stop it much less reverse it. He glanced over at Molly who was nursing their baby, Mercedes. Silly name, he thought, but Molly had insisted as she said it was probably as close to owning one as they would get. He wondered what would become of all of them. It made him depressed. Josh had come to Seattle hoping that he would help find a cure, and now it looked like there would be no salvation for the human race. The Human race had run its course. And here he sat with a young son, and young wife and a brand new baby that he couldn’t envision a future for.
Molly noticed that Josh was withdrawn and moody. Molly sat next to Josh and struck up a conversation about Michael’s school. There were only 42 seniors in the high school. At least that meant that Michael never had to wait for a library book to come back in or sign up for computer lab time. Josh only grunted in response.
“So how’s work?” Molly tried again.
“You know honey, I am tired, I really don’t feel like talking much tonight.” Replied Josh
He couldn’t bear to let her into his real thoughts that evening.
“Well good night then” grumped Molly.
She had noticed that since the baby had been born Josh was pulling away from her. She felt like she had become a burden and the baby was unwanted. Josh hadn’t even wanted to offer any naming suggestions.
Michael walked into the living room and nodded to Josh.
“Hey Michael, Molly has been telling me a little about your school. How do you like it? “
“Fine” replied Michael. Not given to lengthy responses, he slouched on the opposite side of the room in an overstuffed chair.
“Wish there was something to do. I hate going to bed at dusk.” Groused Michael
“Read a book.” Suggested Molly
“Do homework.” Chimed in Josh
“I meant something fun.” Grumbled Michael
Molly sighed. It was hard to not be able to go out at night or see a movie or even watch TV. They had a TV, but since the only thing on these days was news it was no use turning it on. She wished for the thousandth time for a DVD player and some movies.
As if reading her mind, Josh said “A guy at work has a spare DVD player, maybe I can get it for us.”
“That would be great. I know where we can get some DVD’s to watch” said Michael.
Molly noticed that Michael seemed distant these days. She wondered if he were on drugs. Drugs had become a real problem in the community. How could it not? When you are struggling to survive and darkness brings nothing but fear and terror, drugs made for a convenient escape.
After tucking in the baby, Molly went to bed. Josh followed her to bed and fell loudly, if not soundly asleep. The doors were barred with steel bars and the windows covered by metal grates, but it still was difficult for Molly to drop off. She slept lightly; often awakened by the house noises. Sometimes she would tiptoe around the house to convince herself that all was well.
In the middle of the night, she heard the front door click open and softly close again. She glanced over at Josh’s sleeping form, but he didn’t stir. Wrapping herself in the throw at the foot of the bed, she first went to Michael’s room. The unasked question was answered by the empty bed and missing shoes.
Molly stood stunned. Where was Michael going at this time of night? Should she wake Josh? She slowly turned around in the room wondering if she should search it for drugs, but she was reticent to immediate distrust Michael. He had always been a good kid, understanding the need for the family to stick together. It didn’t seem like something he would do. But where was he? Hopefully it was about a girl. She mentally crossed her fingers.
Molly went downstairs and stood in the kitchen staring out of the window that revealed the backyard and alley beyond. No one was out there, but yet she could sense that the night was alive. She imagined the grunts and growls that the hunters spoke with.
Molly immediately became concerned for Michael’s safety. Although the full moon had just passed four days ago, there would be a few of Them still hunting and hungry. Time crawled to a standstill while Molly watched the clock.
Eventually she fell asleep on the living room couch in an uneasy sleep. The rattling of the front door woke her. She sprung awake, heart pounding, clutching at the throw around her shoulders. The rattling again reminded her that someone was still at the door. She peeked out the front window and saw Michael’s back turned toward her. She breathed out in a rush which caught Michael’s attention. He glanced over his shoulder in her direction and for a split second there seemed to be a reflective quality to Michael’s eye, like a cat that had been caught in the headlights. He turned head back to the door as Molly worked the steel bar to let him in.
“Where have you been?” Molly demanded. She was suffering from being mortally terrified then suddenly relieved and the endorphins and adrenalin were battling in her nervous system.
“Out” stated Michael.
“What’d you mean ‘out’” Hissed Molly. She was furious that this boy was so inconsiderate of how badly she was worried.
He turned to face her and with a facial expression that she had never seen on him before and mumbled “ Things to do”.
He walked almost soundlessly up the old wooden staircase. How was he being so quiet? Maybe the years of having to make himself less of a target for Them had conditioned him to stealth. Molly was mystified.
She went back to bed but didn’t sleep until the dawn slowly crept out of the night. She felt Josh wake up and take a shower. She got up, shaking the cobwebs from her brain, and proceeded down to the kitchen to make coffee and toast for Josh’s breakfast.
The baby greeted the morning with a wail that could wake the dead. Molly trotted upstairs , gathered Mercedes into her arms to soothe her. After tending to a night time diaper, Molly settled into the rocking chair in Mercedes room to nurse the baby.
Josh, finished his shower and headed to the kitchen following the smell of the fresh coffee. Molly heard the toaster pop up and the scrape of the knife across the toast as Josh prepared his meager breakfast.
Molly, still carrying the baby, went down to the kitchen to talk to Josh about Michael’s midnight escapade. As she walked into the kitchen she noticed the slope to Josh’s shoulders. It looked like he was defeated by a day that had only just begun. Sighing, Molly steeled herself for the impending discussion.
“Josh, Michael went out last night around 2:30 and didn’t come home again until just before dawn” ventured Molly.
Josh turned to look a Molly. He blinked his astonishment at her, and then said “what was he doing?”
“He wouldn’t tell me. Just said “things” like it wasn’t my business to know or care why he left. He left the front door unbarred! Those Things could’ve gotten in!” Blurted Molly. All the frustration, lack of sleep and anger boiled out of her.
“Ok, ok, just calm down and let me think. Is he up for school yet?” Josh countered.
“I don’t think so, but what should we do? I heard him go out and checked his room. I didn’t want to wake you up in the middle of the night about it but I am very upset!” Returned Molly.
“I know” Josh said softly. He crossed the kitchen to wrap his arms around Molly and the baby. “ I’ll go talk to him.” He wished that he could be more reassuring, to tell her that everything was going to be alright, but his gut feeling was the exact opposite.
Molly stood there in Josh’s arms, wondering what she had done wrong and why Josh was pulling away from her. The baby’s soft head was just under her lips and she kissed it. The baby burped in response. Molly watched Josh leave the kitchen and heard him clomp up the stairs. It made her do a mental comparison between Michael’s gliding steps of a couple of hours before and Josh’s heavy step. There was only about 30lbs difference in weight between the two of them. Molly’s mind didn’t want to think about it any more, but her mind flashed on the reflection in Michael’s eye. There was no light on to cause that strange flash, so she mentally twisted her thoughts away from it. Molly deposited the baby in her highchair and poured herself a cup of coffee.
Molly could feel her stomach recoil and the small hairs on her arms and neck tingle. She heard Josh’s voice but couldn’t hear Michael’s responses. Finally, Josh’s distinctive footsteps made their way to the top of the stairs. Molly retreated to the kitchen to wait for him. He came in, walked to the cupboard, extracted a clean coffee cup and for the second time that morning poured himself a cup of coffee.
Molly watched him like it was a dream. He turned around sipping the hot beverage and his eyes registered her presence. “ Good morning, Mol” he said.
“Did you talk to him?” asked Molly
“Talk to who?” said Josh
Exasperated, Molly felt her temper starting to get the better of her. “Michael. Did you talk to Michael?” she said hotly , setting her cup down harder than she had intended.
“Um,, yeah, “ he said unconvincingly. “ he said that he didn’t go out last night. Says you were probably dreaming. I believe him.” Stated Josh.
Molly’s ears rung. She couldn’t believe this! What was going on? Had Josh developed Alzheimer’s or something? Was he just putting her on to get her out of his hair so he could leave for work? What was going on?
Josh kissed her lightly on the forehead, grabbed his keys and left for work.
Molly stood flexing her hands stiffly at her sides watching Josh’s car back out of the alley through the kitchen window. It made her think of the noises the night before that she heard from the darkness.
“is there any coffee left?” the silence erupted around Molly who spun around to face Michael who she had neither heard or seen enter the kitchen.
Michael looked at her and waited briefly for a response. Then he glided past her to get a mug and pour coffee for himself.
“What is going on here?” asked Molly
“What do you mean? I just want some coffee.” Said Michael ,avoiding eye contact with her. “ I gotta run to school, I overslept.”
“ Look, I caught you coming in this morning. Are you going to lie to me now and tell me I was dreaming? “ demanded Molly
“I had a cigarette ok? I just didn’t want dad to know that I smoke” he said.
Molly had caught him smoking in the garage a few weeks prior and he begged her not to tell Josh. She really wanted this to be the truth because anything else would’ve been to painful to deal with.
“Then why didn’t you just say that when I caught you this morning?” said molly
“I was tired and wanted to go to bed. I was also pissed that you locked me out. I could’ve been caught outside if I had had to make too much noise, you know that.” Retorted Michael.
“Don’t make this all about me” snorted Molly. “ I know you weren’t smoking but I am too scared to find out what you are really up to”. She didn’t know why she had told him that last bit. It just tumbled out of her mouth.
“School” was the one word response from Michael. The door closed loudly behind him. Molly watched him cross the backyard , nimbly hop the fence and quickly disappear down the alley.
* * * * *
Chapter 6
Josh drove into the lot at Ubixgene and found a good parking spot. The company was squeezed between I-5 and Lake Union. The lot was only half full due to the ever falling population numbers.
The company was scrambling for scientists and researchers to help figure out the gene mutation problem. They were one of a chain of labs working on this problem, funded by the US Government, secretly. This project was code named Variants .
The project’s goals were simple but complicated.
Discover gene differences that cause the polymorphism into a Grex
Map the genetic code of the Grex
Determine the problem gene or genes
Predict who is most likely to change
So far, the project was a failure. That is what the meeting was about yesterday. The DNA was too new to begin deciphering the unknown chromosomes.
Although the team had top notch scientists working on unraveling this evolution, they were not making any headway. They had however, verified a few things about Them.
The change happened during late puberty and sometimes as late as the late twenties.
Standard food did not supply enough energy for the accelerated metabolism due to apparent mitochondrial disease that resulted in variations in the genes coding for both detoxification and nutrient utilization. This meant that the Grex would go into a sort of dormant state if human meat wasn’t available.
This mitochondrial disease if coupled with a melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) mutation caused Ravers.
Not all Grex were Ravers.
The condition was irreversible
They had tried doing brief experiments based on research done at a lab in Rockville, Maryland. That lab had been able to create single cell life from about 300 genes that could be engineered to clean up toxic waste. When the scientific community had found out that they could also create biological weapons, the lab was shut down. The research had survived however, and was very useful to the team. But when the Variants Team had tried to create a genetic “bomb” of sorts, the results were unpredictable and there was loud and extended arguments about the ethical implications. There was some discussion about whether it was just this sort of experimentation the created the Grex to begin with.
They were also being funded for another project: purifying the animal genome and accelerating growth in order to increase the food supply for Them. The Grex funded and demanded this project. The Project was code named Victuals . Those two projects were the only things Ubixgene did and they were desperately understaffed.
Josh used his security badge to gain access to the building and proceeded to his office. His office was actually a small 8x8 cubical adjacent to the lab where his team spend 90% of their time. The cubes were just a place to write reports, make private phone calls and get email. Josh found it a great place to hideout from the real task at hand.
Knowing what he knew about the Grex was troubling Josh. Molly had caught Michael going out the night before and was genuinely scared and concerned. They had a baby in the house to protect as well as themselves.
Josh had started noticing small changes two weeks ago that only a person in his position would know about. First was Michael’s increased appetite. Then were the long slow silent periods where Michael seemed catatonic. Molly explained this as normal teenage growth and moodiness. Then one night Josh had caught Michael in his fugue state standing in the baby’s room staring down at sleeping Mercedes in her crib. When Josh had approached him, he snarled ,yanked his arm away and receded to his room. Josh was fairly certain that eating one’s own sister was not a normal teenage trait. He had tried to keep his suspicions from Molly and pretend that everything was alright. However, since Molly had caught Michael going out, Josh now knew that it was time to confess to her and tell her about his plan to keep Michael hidden.
Josh had started buying meat from the butchers a week ago, this allowed Michael to satiate his hunger without endangering anyone in the family. However, where was Michael going at night? Josh supplied him with his proper food so there would be no need to hunt. By feeding Michael, it kept him from entering the raving state and thereby keeping him from being discovered by the neighbors. Josh hated meeting with the butcher and purchasing slabs of human flesh. It made his skin crawl. He had always despised those who harbored changelings and caused the black market to flourish. Instead of the Grex hunting Their own food, now humans did it for them and made great money doing it. Humans now had two predators.
Molly was going to be very upset. Josh knew that Molly loved Michael, but the same way she loved the baby? No, Josh felt that Molly would turn in Michael just to keep Mercedes safe. That would not do! How do you choose between your children? It was your duty as a parent to care for both, and that meant sacrifice and possibly lowering your standards in order to feed them.
During the Great Depression, parents often went hungry to feed their children. Mothers sold their own bodies for bread for their children. So how was this any different? Josh reasoned that he worked, the money he earned bought food for the household. That included the food necessary for Michael. Period. How could he make Molly see this?
Josh’s thoughts were interrupted by a coworker in the next cubical. Josh announced his presence by shouting a hello.
“You’re in early” said Rick Pexton, his next cube neighbor.
“Getting caught up on email” lied Josh
“I am sure glad the full moon is over” sighed Rick “ My next door neighbor had a daughter that turned and went raving through the family. Everybody but the brother was killed”.
“Yeah, that is getting more and more common” Josh’s stomach tightened and he started to sweat.
The interchange brought horrible visuals to Josh’s mind’s eye. His imagination worked overtime torturing him with pictures of Molly bloody and dead on the floor of the kitchen while Michael buried his gory face in the baby’s stomach, devouring her.
It used to be said that the worst thing a parent could live through was the death of their child. Things were different now.
Josh knew that he would only have until the next full moon to find a cure or he would have to either turn Michael in the authorities or kill him himself. Neither of those choices made him happy. During the last moon, Michael was not fully turned yet and was still able to be fed by Josh’s appropriations. The next moon however, would be a different story. Michael would be plenty strong and may go ravenous and be unable to stop.
There was a window in which one of Them could be killed. It was during their first sixty days after turning, before they are strong enough to instantly regenerate. Killing one meant decapitation, or shooting the brain, and then cremating the remains immediately in a cremator. A cremator is an industrial furnace capable of generating temperatures of 870–980°C (1600–1800°F) to ensure disintegration of the corpse. It didn’t work if you only poured a flammable liquid then lit the body on fire. They could regenerate and They were very vindictive.
Since a cremation furnace was not readily available, it was best to turn the suspect into the authorities who fed the suspect and waited for the approach of the next moon cycle before having the trial. The sentence was carried out immediately. Execution was private and swift. The convicted was brought into a concrete room where the cremator ready. They were shot in the head and fed into the oven. the body was burned for over ten hours to ensure nothing was left, not even bones. Then all remains were fed through a mill to further process them to nothing but grit. Then the grit was placed in a small lead box and put in a vault. It was important to keep the remains in a secure location to insure that regeneration didn’t occur. Regeneration could occur from bone marrow. Josh had seen it in the lab.