Genetic Experiment

The Falcon flew steadily through space. I sat in the cockpit, watching the stars whiz by outside the window. Su Wei sat next to me, clutching the data terminal tightly, a hint of tension in her eyes.

"Can you tell me more about Genesis Group?" I asked.

Su Wei looked up and glanced at me. "What do you want to know?"

"For example, what exactly is Genesis Group doing? And what about that 'Gene Storm' plan?"

Su Wei was silent for a moment, as if considering where to start.

"Genesis Group was founded ten years ago," she finally began. "The founder is Zhao Tianxiong, who was once the most outstanding genetic scientist in The Alliance. But later, The Alliance banned genetic modification research, so Zhao Tianxiong left The Alliance and founded Genesis Group."

"Why did The Alliance ban genetic modification?"

"Because genetic modification technology is too dangerous," Su Wei said. "Early experiments caused many tragedies. Some subjects died due to genetic instability, while others turned into uncontrollable monsters. The Alliance believed that genetic modification violated the laws of nature and would bring disaster to humanity."

I nodded in understanding. Indeed, in this era, genetic modification was a taboo topic.

"But Zhao Tianxiong didn't think so," Su Wei continued. "He believed that human evolution had stagnated, and only through genetic modification could humans adapt to future challenges. He has been conducting genetic experiments in secret, trying to create more powerful humans."

"Did he succeed?"

Su Wei's expression turned solemn. "You could say he succeeded, and also failed. He did create some genetically modified warriors with strength and speed beyond normal people. But these warriors' genes are extremely unstable and often go out of control."

"Out of control?"

"Yes," Su Wei said. "Some genetically modified warriors suddenly lose their sanity, turning into狂暴 monsters that attack everything around them. That's one of the reasons The Alliance banned genetic modification."

I fell silent. Genetically modified warriors, berserk monsters... it all sounded like science fiction, but Su Wei spoke so seriously that I had to believe it was real.

"What about the 'Gene Storm' plan?" I asked. "What is that?"

Su Wei's face grew even paler. "Gene Storm is Zhao Tianxiong's ultimate plan. He intends to create a device that can trigger large-scale genetic evolution in humans. Once activated, the device releases a special gene signal that causes genetic mutations in all humans within its range."

"Everyone will mutate?"

"Yes," Su Wei said. "But the results are uncertain. Some may become stronger, some may turn into monsters, and some may die outright."

"That's insane!" I couldn't help saying. "How can he do such a thing?"

"Because he believes this is the only way for human evolution," Su Wei said. "He thinks only through this method can humanity break through the current evolutionary bottleneck and become stronger."

I looked at Su Wei, shocked. Zhao Tianxiong's plan was mad—he wanted to experiment with the fate of all humanity!

"How did you discover all this?" I asked.

Su Wei lowered her head. "I was a core researcher at Genesis Group, responsible for collecting and analyzing data from genetic experiments. During my work, I gradually noticed something wrong. Some experiment reports were deliberately concealed, some subject files were deleted. I began to suspect Zhao Tianxiong was doing something shady."

"And then?"

"I secretly copied some data," Su Wei said. "And I found out about the Gene Storm plan. I realized that if this plan were implemented, it would have devastating consequences. So I decided to leave Genesis Group and hand over the data to The Alliance."

"But Zhao Tianxiong won't let you leave easily."

Su Wei nodded. "Yes. He sent people to kill me. I barely escaped. But I know they won't give up on me."

I looked at the data terminal in Su Wei's hand and made a decision.

"We can't go directly to The Alliance," I said. "Genesis Group's influence extends throughout The Alliance. Going there would be walking into a trap."

"Then what should we do?" Su Wei asked.

"I know someone," I said. "He used to be an elite warrior of The Alliance and is now an Interstellar Hunter. He might be able to contact the high-ranking members of The Alliance."

"You mean Old Gun?"

I nodded. "Yes. He's my mentor and the person I trust most."

Su Wei was silent for a moment. "Alright, I'll follow your lead."

The Falcon continued flying through space. About four hours later, we finally returned to the Interstellar Black Market.

I parked the ship at a hidden docking point in the Black Market, then led Su Wei off the ship.

"This is the Interstellar Black Market," I said. "It's a mixed bag, but it's also the freest place in the entire Interstellar Alliance. Here, Genesis Group's people won't act openly."

Su Wei looked around, a hint of tension in her eyes. She was clearly not used to this environment.

"Follow me," I said. "I'll take you to see Old Gun."

I led Su Wei through the crowded streets toward Old Gun's secret base. Along the way, we encountered all kinds of alien creatures—some greeted us friendly, while others watched us warily.

Finally, we arrived at an unremarkable building. I knocked on the door. It opened a crack, and Old Gun's voice came through: "Who is it?"

"It's me, Haozi."

The door opened, and Old Gun stood at the entrance. Seeing Su Wei behind me, he frowned.

"Who is she?" Old Gun asked.

"Her name is Su Wei," I said. "She's a researcher from Genesis Group and holds the core secrets of Genesis Group."

Old Gun looked at Su Wei with a scrutinizing gaze. "Genesis Group? That genetic research company?"

Su Wei nodded. "Yes. I have something important to tell you."

Old Gun was silent for a moment, then stepped aside to let us in.

"Come in," he said. "It's safer here."

We entered the room, and Old Gun closed the door. The room was sparsely furnished, with only a table and a few chairs, but several weapons were hidden in the corner.

"Talk," Old Gun said, sitting at the table. "What's going on?"

I relayed everything Su Wei had told me. Old Gun listened quietly, his expression growing more serious.

When I mentioned the Gene Storm plan, Old Gun suddenly stood up and slammed his fist on the table.

"Zhao Tianxiong is insane!" Old Gun roared. "How dare he do such a thing!"

"Old Gun, do you know Zhao Tianxiong?" I asked.

Old Gun nodded. "I do. Ten years ago, when I was still with The Alliance, I dealt with him. He's a genius scientist, but also an extremely dangerous man. I knew he wouldn't stay put."

"What should we do now?" Su Wei asked.

Old Gun was silent for a moment. "We need to hand over these data to the high-ranking members of The Alliance. But going directly to Alliance headquarters is too dangerous; Genesis Group's people are sure to have set up a dragnet there."

"Is there another way?" I asked.

Old Gun thought for a moment. "I have an old comrade who is now the deputy minister of Alliance Intelligence. If we can reach him, we might hand the data to him."

"How do we contact him?"

"Through an encrypted channel," Old Gun said. "But it's risky; Genesis Group might be monitoring our communications."

"No matter," Su Wei said. "We have to try. Otherwise, once the Gene Storm plan is implemented, the consequences will be disastrous."

Old Gun looked at Su Wei with a hint of admiration. "You're right. Let's take the risk."

Old Gun walked to a corner of the room and opened an encrypted communication device. He entered a complex password and began calling his old comrade.

The device emitted a faint hum. After about a minute, the face of a middle-aged man appeared on the screen.

"Old Gun? Why are you contacting me?" the man asked, surprised.

"Old Zhou, I have something important to tell you," Old Gun said. "Very important."

Old Zhou's expression turned serious. "What is it?"

"Genesis Group is conducting illegal genetic experiments," Old Gun said. "They have a plan called 'Gene Storm' that, if implemented, will bring disaster to the entire Interstellar Alliance."

Old Zhou's face changed. "What are you saying? Genesis Group? Zhao Tianxiong?"

"Yes," Old Gun said. "We have proof."

Old Zhou was silent for a moment. "Send me the proof. But be careful; Genesis Group has great influence, and there are their people within The Alliance."

"I know," Old Gun said. "What should we do?"

"First, lay low," Old Zhou said. "I'll send someone to rendezvous with you. But it might take some time."

"Alright," Old Gun said. "We'll wait for your news."

The communication ended. Old Gun turned off the device and turned to face us.

"Alright," he said. "Old Zhou will send someone to pick us up. But until then, we must stay here and not go out."

Su Wei and I nodded.

The room fell into silence, broken only by the noise from outside. I looked at Su Wei; her face was still pale, but her eyes showed determination.

"Thank you," Su Wei said. "Without you, I might be dead by now."

"You're welcome," I said. "It's what I should do."

Old Gun looked at us and cracked a slight smile. "Haozi, you've grown up."

I scratched my head, a little embarrassed.

Just then, I suddenly heard a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Old Gun asked cautiously.

"It's me, Black Fox."

Old Gun opened the door, and Black Fox walked in. He saw Su Wei and his eyes lit up. "Yo, Haozi, who's this?"

"Her name is Su Wei," I said. "She's my friend."

Black Fox glanced at Su Wei, then lowered his voice to me. "Haozi, I have important intel. Genesis Group's people have arrived at the Black Market. They're looking for a woman with silver-white hair."

My heart tightened. Genesis Group had caught up so quickly?

"How many are they?" Old Gun asked.

"About twenty," Black Fox said. "All elite warriors. They've blocked all exits of the Black Market."

The atmosphere in the room grew tense. We were surrounded.

"What do we do?" Su Wei asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Old Gun stood up, a determined look in his eyes. "Don't worry. I have a plan."

He walked to a corner of the room, lifted a floorboard, and revealed an underground passage.

"This is a secret tunnel," Old Gun said. "It leads outside the Black Market. We'll go this way."

I looked at Old Gun with admiration. He had prepared an escape route all along.

"Let's go," Old Gun said. "We can't waste time here."

I took Su Wei's hand and followed Old Gun and Black Fox into the underground passage.

The tunnel was dark, lit only by faint emergency lights on the walls. We moved quickly, our footsteps echoing in the narrow space.

After about ten minutes, we reached the other end. Old Gun opened the exit door, and outside was a remote corner of the Black Market.

"Alright," Old Gun said. "We're safe for now."

I breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Su Wei. Her face was still pale, but fear had left her eyes.

"Where do we go next?" I asked.

Old Gun thought for a moment. "To my other secret base. It's more hidden; Genesis Group won't find it easily."

"Alright," I said. "Let's go."

Just as we were about to leave, Old Gun suddenly stopped.

"Wait." His voice turned cold. "We're being followed."

I turned around and saw several dark figures approaching quickly. Their movements were synchronized, nothing like ordinary street thugs."Three, no, four." Old Gun said in a low voice, his hand already reaching for the weapon at his waist. "All elite soldiers."

Su Wei's face turned pale: "Are they pursuers from the Genesis Group?"

"More than that." Old Gun's voice carried a gravity I had never heard before. "Their tactics... are from the special forces of The Alliance."

How could people from the Genesis Group have combat methods of the Alliance military?