As the scar-lights shone over the metropolis of Quorluna, Clarissa found herself standing before the imposing entrance of Aeternum Labs, Quorluna's most prestigious scientific research facility. The early hour did little to dampen the vibrancy of the building; the colossal glass and steel structure buzzed with activity, a beehive of intellectual pursuit. The soft hum of advanced machinery blended with the low murmurs of dedicated scientists, creating a symphony that seeped through the thick walls and into Clarissa’s eager ears.
She felt a familiar blend of anticipation and apprehension — emotions that always preceded these crucial meetings. The future of her research, a project close to her heart and mind, hinged on securing new funding. Dr. Adrienne Lark, a renowned bioengineer and philanthropist, known for her unwavering support of cutting-edge research, was Clarissa's beacon of hope in this sea of uncertainty.
With the latest funding for her genetic research dwindling, Clarissa was acutely aware of the need to scout for potential new sponsorships. The field of genetics, once a hotbed of excitement and innovation, now faced the challenges of high expectations and the costly necessity of repetitive testing to validate new discoveries. In this climate, securing funding was as much a part of the scientific process as the research itself.
Clarissa's reputation had grown over the years, drawing a public following that eagerly anticipated her scientific progress. This public interest added a layer of responsibility and expectation, making these funding meetings even more significant. She had also cultivated a small group of trusted individuals who had become integral to her research, forming a team united by their shared pursuit of knowledge.
Gathering her thoughts, Clarissa adjusted her lab coat, a garment that had become a second skin, symbolizing her dedication to her field. She glanced at her tablet one last time, reviewing her meticulously prepared presentation. Taking a deep, steadying breath, she pushed open the doors to the building, stepping into a world where science and ambition intertwined.
Inside Aeternum Labs, the environment was a microcosm of the scientific world. Scientists clad in lab coats moved with purpose and precision, each absorbed in their tasks. Amid this organized chaos, Dr. Lark was a commanding presence. Her piercing gaze swept across the room, scrutinizing each detail with the critical eye of a seasoned scientist and patron. When her eyes met Clarissa's, a smile broke across her face, an acknowledgment of shared passion and respect in the pursuit of scientific discovery.
As Dr. Lark gestured Clarissa over, the weight of the moment settled on Clarissa’s shoulders. She was about to present her work to one of the most influential figures in the scientific community, a woman whose support could catapult her research into new realms of possibility. With each step towards Dr. Lark, Clarissa felt the anxious energy of years of hard work and the anticipation of what lay ahead, ready to share her vision for the future of genetic research.
"Good morning, Dr. Walker," Dr. Lark greeted Clarissa with a warm yet distinctly business-like tone. Her eyes, sharp and assessing, held a spark of genuine curiosity. "I'm eager to hear about the advancements you've made in your research."
"Thank you, Dr. Lark. Your support means a great deal to me," Clarissa replied, her voice steady, betraying none of the nervous energy that bubbled beneath her calm exterior. As she glanced around the room, a sea of lab coats and intelligent faces greeted her. It was a familiar scene, yet each time it filled her with a sense of belonging and purpose.
Dr. Lark led her through large double doors and gestured toward the front row of the auditorium, where seats adorned with small placards awaited their designated occupants. "Please, take a seat. We're all quite excited to hear your presentation."
Clarissa joined the other researchers at the front, each absorbed in their final preparations. The air was thick with anticipation, a tangible energy that resonated with the importance of the day's event. As she took her seat, her eyes briefly met those of a young man in the audience. His intense gaze, dissecting every detail of the room and its occupants, intrigued her momentarily, but she quickly refocused her attention on the task ahead.
Settling into her seat, Clarissa took a few moments to center herself, taking slow, deep breaths. She knew her presentation would not only reflect on her capabilities but also shape the future direction of her research.
The murmur of the crowd gradually faded as Dr. Lark approached the podium. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues," she began, her voice resonating throughout the room. "Thank you for joining us at Aeternum Labs for this year's convention. We have a remarkable lineup of scientists ready to share their latest discoveries with us all."
After introducing each scientist, Dr. Lark's gaze settled on Clarissa. "And now, I'd like to introduce a remarkable young researcher, a rising star in our scientific community, a name we all remember well. Please welcome Miss Clarissa Walker."
The audience applauded politely as Clarissa stood, acknowledging the recognition with a gracious smile. Dr. Lark offered her a reassuring squeeze on the arm, a subtle gesture of encouragement.
As Clarissa stepped to the forefront of the room, a hush fell over the gathered minds of Quorluna's brightest. The air crackled with anticipation, the usual hum of conversation fading into a suspenseful quiet.
"I trust you all remember my work from a few years ago," she began, her voice resonating with a blend of confidence and the gravity of the moment, "on the so-called 'junk' DNA?"
With a press of a button, the room was illuminated by the holographic display of a DNA helix, towering and intricate. It highlighted the often-overlooked sections of DNA, those her previous research had linked crucially to infant brain development. The audience, reminded of her groundbreaking work, looked on with renewed respect and anticipation.
Clarissa noted the diverse expressions of astonishment and curiosity among the audience. Her gaze briefly met that of a young man at the back, whose intense focus on the display and shadowed features lent him an air of enigma. Intrigued but undeterred, she pressed on, "Years ago, my team and I uncovered a vital role for what was considered 'junk dna' in the early developmental stages of the human brain."
She transitioned to a new image, a complex map of human DNA with sections marked in vibrant colors. "However, our recent exploration has led us down a more interesting path. Certain DNA segments aren't just becoming dormant; they're being selectively and intentionally silenced or shut down."
Dr. Lark leaned in, her interest visibly piqued as she asked. "Silenced? By what means?"
Clarissa nodded, acknowledging the depth of the question. "That's the enigma we're unraveling. It appears to be a targeted regulatory process. Even more fascinating is its global occurrence, from the remote population of Solaris to the western Kolarin Islands."
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Dr. Lark's eyes widened. Many among the crowd showing visible reactions as they held their questions.
“Our findings suggest these 'junk' segments are not entirely natural to begin with," Clarissa continued, her voice steady as she revealed the crux of her research. "We've observed anomalies - strands of DNA that seem alien, occasionally becoming active and even merging with our human sequences."
As she displayed evidence of these segmented non-human DNA, the room fell into a stunned silence.
Dr. Lark, caught in the gravity of the moment, finally spoke, "This is profound. Our genetic history might b far more complex than we ever imagined."
Clarissa, with a firm nod, concluded, "Our research has the potential to redefine our understanding of human genetics. But to delve deeper, we need further support."
With a final tap on her tablet, Clarissa concluded her presentation. The room descended into a profound silence, the air thick with the enormity of the implications she had laid bare. Her words lingered, resonating deeply with every attendee. This was no mere academic discourse; it was a revelation that potentially unearthed a hidden facet of the human genetic heritage.
It was quiet for a second before a single clap turned into polite applause that slowly rose in volume. Clarissa sighed, the hard part was done. Now to wait and see.
Dr Lark gave her a friendly hug as Clarissa passed her on the way off the stage. Next was a young man presenting on his research into the wild seas and potential new sea life, found within its depths. After, a woman showed the new developments her company was making into artificial intelligence. Each of her following peers were doing impressive work. She saw curiosity and excitement on the faces of all except one.
The handsome man she had noticed before was still looking in her direction. He seemed more interested in her location than in any of the other presentations.After the final presentation people began flowing as a crowd back into the front lobby.
"This was very exciting “said Dr Lark as Clarissa walked with her
"Don’t worry yourself about funding. I’ll have Bart reach out to you soon. I've already received a few requests for an audience with you. I'll be sure to forward them on”
The young man made his way towards them and Dr Lark winked at her, "Go ahead and socialize a bit!
She walked off once he had made his intent to speak with Clarissa obvious as he got closer.
He extended his hand out to Clarissa "Hello. Im Brian"
"Hello Brian. I’m Clarissa. It's nice to meet you. Did you come to see anyone in particular?”
"Actually. I came to see you.”
Atthis Clarissa's eyebrows rose. She was sure she had never met this man before. She was always willing to accept funding though, depending on how many strings were attached.She didn't like giving over control of her research and how it got released.
“I’m honored” she replied , "Curiosity Or are you looking to sponsor ?
"
Brian smiled at her. The man really was handsome. "Actually I'm looking to become a sponsor,or my company is.I’m a representative for Zodiac Inc”
Now that was surprising . She had made her position on working with a big company like that publicly known.
She shook her head and began making her goodbye.
"Thank you for the offer but I'll have to decline. Talk with Sheila. I’ve had this conversation before.”
She nodded and made for the exit. She had the door open and one foot outside before Brian could recover.
"Wait ! Wait ! " he chased after her, the door banging in his wake.
A few people turned to look at him as he passed . He caught up to her and she folded her arms , tapping her foot impatiently. She was putting on the drama a bit thick, but he was getting annoying. She stared him down as he made a show of catching his breath
"You have one minute, but I’m telling you know it won't do any good."
Brian nodded his head,” Sheila told me as much before she passed.
That struck Clarissa hard. The woman had been persistent but shed been a decent person.
“Im sorry to here about that. Was it recent?”
“About 6 months ago. Car accident.” Brian replied shaking his head. As Clarissa stood there, still shocked by the news he pressed on, “ She mentioned you were one of the brightest though. If I ever got the chance to talk with you it be worth my time.”
Clarissa flushed at the compliment,”Well thank you.”
“I am actually here to share something with you, Something our own scientists have actually been working on. I just wanted to see what your impression of it was. If you have any interest in helping us that would be amazing but accepting that wont happen, id still appreciate just a moment if I may.
Clarissa lifted an eyebrow but said nothing. Sheila had picked a good one. Zodiac was involved in every major industry in the world and it funneled billions into R&D. Most of the money however went overseas, to the frozen island country of Sovaria.
"Miss walker, do you believe in magic ? "
Shit, now he had her full attention. Magic was supposed to be a secret to the world at large. A secretly violently guarded against from any exposure. She had to be careful what she said here. She had heard that Filious Vires would go after anyone who exposed magic. It didn’t matter if she had it herself or not.
"What do you mean" she asked, choosing to be cautious.
Brian grabbed her hand and led her towards the wall : They walked until they turned the corner and were out of site of everyone else around. Brian took a large rock out of his pocket and put it into his hands. He hunched his shoulders and used one hand to cover what he was doing from the passing crowd so that only Clarissa could see the rock.
"Watch" Brian said , before frowning at the rock in concentration. She gasped as the rock rippled along its surface and then fell into Brians hand like
a puddle, fluid and without shape. It oozed over the edges of his handy tendrils falling over before bouncing back up like an elastic putty. Swirls of light gray lines ran up the stone, whirling and creating patterns. Brion smiled as he watched Clarissa's face.
"Thats amazing" she said
He looked… dissapointed.
“You’ve seen magic before. Real Magic”
It wasn't a question , more a statement as he gaged her reaction . She nodded to him, not sure what else to say. She didn't have magic and she wasn't about to out her family to a Stranger.
“I’m just taking a shot in the dark because I know for a fact that you've never publicly said this out loud. You’re hoping that junk DNA, or something in the human body is the missing link to magic powers. Am I close"
Clarissa felt her face flush as she looked at him. How could he read her like this. Who was this man. She slowly nodded again ,stunned. Of course she had never public said that. Not in her research , her notes , or a single presentation. She didn't do interviews specifically so no one looked into her mom or sister too closely
"I'm sure you know of Sovaria's strict exclusion
of outsiders , even though they host the largest
research Institute in the world.?"
Clarissa tried to adapt to the quick shift in topics,” Yes… not that Ive ever thought that was a problem for Zodiac. You practically feed the entire country with the funding you send their way.”
"What if I told you they research magic there too?" said Brian
Clarissa gasped "They can't! And Filious Vires? "
The shadow government that ruthlessly cut down anyone who exposed magic would not take kindly to this. Ever since the Hundred Years War , Magic had been closely monitored lest the general public hunt down magic users out of fear. They wouldn’t stand for it.
Brian shook his head , "Sovaria has been looking into magic for the past 50 years. There is no risk of exposure with the way they have locked down the country."
That was true enough, scholars and researchers allowed into the Sovarian academy were vetted for months before and after their times there. Some chose to extend their stay permanently, forgoing the checks in and out in order to better focus on their own research.
"Ok..."said Clarissa slowly,"you have my attention, but it's still a risk that they could find out what you are doing up there and they will go after anyone involved. Why risk it ?”
Brian reached into his pocket again.
"Its worth the risk Clarissa. What if everyone. Every single woman, man, and child on this planet could have magic. Why would we we need to hide if everyone was the same? We found it. The missing link. Once everyone in the world is the same , there wont be a need to hide it anymore. From anyone”
“What do you mean you found it?”
Brian smiled holding her gaze. He had her.