Research and Development Lab
Saint Kitts
November 11, 2025
Tom and Mac were standing over what looked a lot like a 50-gallon fish tank. Submerged inside the tank was a semi-formed human leg. At least the lower leg’s bone and partial musculature.
“Well, James, it is a little late for a birthday present, but in a few more days, I’d say the oven timer should beep.” Tom said jokingly.
“I can’t wait, but there is a little matter of who’s gonna do the body work. I love you and all, but If you think I’m gonna let you sew this on me your crazy.” Mac replied.
“I’ve already taken the liberty of contracting the only person we can trust and who won’t ask too many questions.” Branch said grandly.
“Tom!” Mac said correctly guessing based on his friends shit-eating grin, “You can’t involve her. She’s still in the service. Damn you. I should have known you would find an excuse to call her. Buddy, that ship has sailed. We will find another Doctor.”
Looking like a kicked dog, Branch replied sullenly “First that ship has not sailed. Secondly, commission or not Gina is the only qualified Doctor that we can trust. Most importantly, she will be here tomorrow. I’m only telling you now because she wants you to pick her up from the airport.”
“Why aren’t you picking her up from the airport?” Mac asked suspiciously
“Because she doesn’t know I’m here.” Tom answered morosely
Changing the subject, Mac called for Heine “Hey Beer Keg, I am still unsure about the Human 2.0 process. Can you break it down for me again?”
Heine ambled over; he was now attached to a platform of legs. If by legs you meant a conglomeration of multiple pinchers, probes, and tool heads all on the ends of multiple robotic arms. Various antenna and sensors rose on more arms from the top of the small platform. The whole thing looked more like a jumble of scavenged parts than the most advanced intelligence in the Sol system.
“You know I don’t have to be present to communicate, I am more than capable of multitasking.” Heine broadcast through the earpiece in Mac’s ear.
“I know, but it’s a human thing. We like talking face to…. Well you know” Mac said
“Yes, I am aware. I am also aware you have not forgotten the briefing on the gnome enhancement process.”
“Heine, cut the man some slack, he’s watched you grow body parts in a fish tank. He’s scared your going to turn in into mush when you infect him with your ancient proto-goo.” Branch said a little vindictively, still obviously upset.
“I’m not scared, well, no so much as I can’t handle it, but yes a little reassurance would be welcome. Just go over the briefing again.” Mac said giving his buddy the look.
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“As you know, the Sumerian Kings shared the same base DNA as humans from Earth. They just had the benefit of an enhanced genome.”
Branch interrupted “Here’s the best part. I love the part about midichlorians. Tell us about the for….”
“Shut the hell up Branch! It’s mitochondrial not midichorian” Mac said giving his buddy a shove.
“Once you have received your biological prosthetic and healing has begun, you will be exposed to a virus. As the virus replicates it will make modifications to both your nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. As Mr. Branch is undoubtably aware, the modifications to your mitochondrial DNA will not result in the Force or any other powers suggested in bad science fiction.”
“Bad Science fiction! I’ll have you know, never mind…” Tom yelled until being silenced by Mac picking up a very large wrench.
“Since mitochondria play a significant role in cellular energy, respiration, and aging, those inoculated by the virus will see many benefits such as increased cellular energy levels, the ability to safely ingest modified ATP, function with reduced oxygen dependence, and virtually stop aging.” Heine lectured for the tenth time to the pair.
“And the modifications to my nuclear DNA?” Mac prompted.
“Like mitochondrial DNA, nuclear DNA also has a role in aging, but most of the modification will be more overt in nature. As your old cells die your nuclear DNA will form the blueprint of the replacement cells. Normally DNA mutations only effect the children of the mutated individual, but in this case the mutations will cause a change in your body.” Heine said evenly.
“And those changes will be…” Mac questioned.
“The largest single change will occur in your appendix. Your medical science tends to believe that the appendix no longer has a function, but that is untrue. The human appendix plays a role in the immune system. It is part of the lymph system. As such it is a perfect organ to house and distribute modified stem cells.”
“Nanobot time! OUCH! Dammit that hurt” Branch yelled rubbing his arm.
“Stupidity should hurt you dumb son-of-a-branch, now shut the hell up.” Mac grumbled as he set down the wrench
“Nanobots, at least as you know them are bad science fiction. They are hard to power, harder to control, have limited function, and are weak and slow.” The Keg said.
“The appendix…” Mac prodded
“Normally, stem cells are limited in scope for adults, but in this case they are able to work faster due to increase of cellular energy. For the inoculated human they cause a greatly increased rate of healing.”
Sending another nanite joke Mac looked over at Branch who raised his shoulders in a “don’t hit me again” motion.
“This healing factor works for both trauma as well as natural injuries from exercise.”
“So…” Mac queried, “When I exercise and tear muscles I will heal faster. Bottom line?”
“Bottom Line, with all the modifications, your physical limit to strength, speed, and endurance is unknown. Your limit is how hard you train. Your longevity is similarly limited. You can die, but it would be from outside influence. Your speed of cognition will increase as will your reflexes. This is due to increased neurological activity from the mitochondria. Lastly, you will have somewhat marked reduce in the need for oxygen for cellular respiration” The Keg informed.
“Downsides?” prompted Mac
“For starters, it’s a very powerful virus, while it is working you will experience very severe symptoms including pain, increased temperature, body ache, fatigue, and mental status changes. Long term, the more muscle mass and corresponding cellular activity will cause a higher metabolism. Strategically, I only have five inoculations.” Heine concluded.
“And you can’t make more?” Branch asked now serious.
“As I have stated before, this is a technological blank in my data. It is reasonable that I could make more inoculations, but I do not seem to have the ability. Furthermore, I seem to have a block when it comes to attempting to devise a method of doing so.”
“And you don’t want to have all this?” Mac said to Tom.
“Oh I do, I just am gonna wait until you try it. You may need me to nurse you back to health.” Tom quipped
“You mean you’re a chicken?” Mac teased.
“Cluck Cluck Asshole.” Tom said seriously.