‘Impressive creature.’

Ryder “El Jefe” Arcadia peered through the reinforced glass at the Komodo dragon. The lizard was eight feet from nose to tail; currently tearing a deer carcass apart and gorging on the bloody flesh.

Winston ‘Winner’ Malik was sitting on a stool outside the cell, studying his laptop. ‘This one’s more impressive than most, El Jefe.’

They were inside the newly-created testing laboratory located within a modern unit at a quiet industrial park. In the two weeks since the “avian flu” epidemic had struck San Lazaro, Ryder had been determined that Cynfo understand the crisis; there was no way he would allow it to derail the progress of his rapidly expanding company. He owned several properties scattered around the city and the empty unit was perfect for this secret facility.

‘Like the others?’

Under the leadership of Scarlett ‘Crimson’ Young, Cynfo had already captured several animals and humans that seemed to be demonstrating unusual behavior.

‘Very similar,’ replied Winner. ‘The frontal cortex has expanded and the animal shows improved awareness and intelligence across the board.’

‘Amazing.’

——-

Ryder was getting used to being amazed. Only a week earlier, Winner had come to him with a remarkable piece of audio. It had been recorded via the implants of man named Richard Stein, head of the House Intelligence Committee. Cynfo had hacked Stein’s implants months ago and harvested some exceptionally useful data. But this was the most shocking revelation yet. The audio clip related a conversation between Stein and several scientists. It seemed to suggest that the “avian flu” began life as a rogue computer virus that then somehow transformed into a biological equivalent.

Ryder had ordered the capture and testing to establish exactly how the virus spread; and why some of those infected became violent. Winner and a specially selected crew of loyal employees had been in the lab working night and day.

Elaheh ‘Goddess’ Mazanderani entered the corridor where the subjects were housed. Grimacing as she saw the human subjects in the other cells, Goddess walked a little faster.

‘Don’t worry about them,’ said Ryder. ‘We’re doing the city a favor by taking them off the streets.’

‘If you say so. Anything new?

‘Winner, you want to summarize for Goddess?’

‘Sure. It seems that the virus has to inhabit each host for several days before it starts affecting them physiologically. During that time, it uses some kind of near-field communication to identify potential targets – people, animals, anything living - with vulnerable cybernetic implants.’ Winner nodded at the Komodo dragon. ‘That thing probably contracted it from one of the zoo-keepers. In any case, the virus then jumps via NFC to those targets but also remains in the host and continues to alter the brain. In humans the ultimate effect seems to be this dazed, unresponsive state and also the occasional bouts of violence. I’ve never heard of anything like it.’

‘We’ll need some new staff,’ said Goddess. ‘Specialists.’

‘We will,’ replied Ryder. ‘But other than the government, right now we know more than everyone else; and we have to use that to our advantage. It occurs to me that we might even be able to use this somehow. Goddess, tell Crimson that I want at least two security personnel here at all times. Starting tonight.’

‘Of course.’

Winner shook his head. ‘What a crazy couple of weeks. Sometimes I wonder what’s going to happen next.’

Ryder gave a grim smile. ‘Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.’

——-

Walter the chimp was enjoying his ride. Along with Jane the cat, he was sitting on the back of Jugger the elephant as the animals moved along the darkened street. Ahead of Jugger, Howl the wolf peered ahead with his special eyes. Behind, Bob the bear was on guard, watching for any of the aggressive humans. And above was Athena the eagle, leading them to the place where their friend was being held prisoner.

It was Athena that had spotted the three humans entering the zoo and capturing the lizard. She had followed their vehicle then returned to inform Walter and the others. They didn’t know if the lizard had been changed as they had but the animals were determined to protect each other.

We’re close. Stop there.

It had only been a few days, but they were now used to their new ability to communicate telepathically. Hearing Athena’s instructions, they halted amidst some trees at the edge of a cluster of buildings. Walter could see that there were lights on only at one – a big metal box.

I’ll go and take a look. Howl loped away into the darkness.

Is this really necessary? asked Jane the cat. For all I know, that lizard might try to eat me.

And break all its teeth? quipped Walter. I don’t think so.

It’s necessary, Jane, answered Jugger. She is one of us.

Soon they saw Howl’s eyes coming back towards them. There’s a window at the back. I can smell our friend. If we can get through the wall, she’s right there.

Leave that to me, said Jugger. Bob, Howl, can you provide a distraction?

The bear growled.

——-

Vito ‘Zephyr’ Gomes yawned. ‘This is really boring.’

‘Yep,’ said Beatriz ‘Beater’ Gomes.

The siblings were both holding assault rifles and standing outside the only entrance to the laboratory. Neither had much idea what went on inside, only that Crimson had ordered them to watch the place until dawn.

‘Maybe one of those CyMS will turn up,’ said Zephyr. ‘At least then we’ll get some target practice.’

‘I’m hungry,’ said Beater. ‘Wish I’d brought some-’

‘Did you see that?’ asked Zephyr.

‘See what?’

‘Eyes. Bright blue eyes. Not human.’

Beater followed her brother towards the parking lot that separated the lab from the next building.

‘Damn!’ yelled Zephyr.

‘What?’ asked Beater.

‘Something just flew right past me.’

A low growl rumbled out of the night. Then, from behind them, a chilling howl that echoed through the darkness.

‘What the hell?’

‘See that pickup?’ said Beater. ‘Let’s get in there.’

They ran to the nearby vehicle and jumped in the back, guns at the ready.

‘I can see them. I can see their eyes,’ said Zephyr. ‘They’re all around us.’

‘There!’ Beater unleashed half a clip of ammo before realizing that her eyes were playing tricks on her.

‘I don’t like this,’ said Zephyr.

A dark shape swooped down from above and clawed his head. He toppled backwards into Beater and fell, accidentally firing his rifle into the sky. Bestial shrieks and roars and filled the air.

——-

Jugger hadn’t taken long to break the window, grip the thin wall panel of the building and pull it apart. Walter climbed carefully past the jagged metal. He found himself inside a corridor with several little rooms on either side. It reminded him of some parts of the zoo. Each room was illuminated and contained a window and door. The doors were locked and were identical to some he’d seen before. The square red button closed the door. The green triangle opened it.

The cells to his left contained several human bodies, all covered by sheets. To his right were the animals. In the first was a dog, in the second a cat. Neither responded to his greeting.

In the third compartment he found the lizard. When he appeared at the window, it turned towards him.

I’m here to help.

Walter received no reply but he could feel that the lizard sensed him; that it was like he and the others.

I’ll let you out. Please come with us.

Walter pressed the green triangle and the door clicked open. He pushed it wider. Walter felt scared as the lizard lumbered forward, tongue flicking. But it did not attack. In fact, it just looked at him, waiting.

This way. Follow me.

——-

‘Oh no.’

Ten minutes later, Beater and Zephyr stood at the rear of the unit, flashlights playing over the wrecked wall.

‘Four mags fired and we didn’t hit a thing,’ said Zephyr. ‘Who or what was that?’

‘No idea,’ replied Beater. ‘But whoever it was, they outwitted us and got inside. Guess we should call Crimson. She’s not going to be happy.’

‘No, she’s not. Especially as she has to tell El Jefe.’

——-

Jane and Walter were again on Jugger’s back, now not far from the zoo. Walter was very relieved that none of the animals had been struck by the deadly human weapons. The lizard seemed happy enough to walk alongside Bob and Howl.

Doesn’t say much, does she?

No, replied Jane. But at least she didn’t try and eat anyone. Yet.

Next Story: 53. Safety or Freedom?