Chapter 17: Welcome to GenetiX!

LUANA.

The first time I came to Bellingham, I knew I would expand my research here. I was determined to succeed, and this conference provided the perfect platform for me to showcase my skills. Especially since there were big names in science in the room, including Dr. Sebastian Gallagher, the CEO of GenetiX, and nationally recognized. It really honored me that he could take part in my presentation. I wasn’t sure he would accept the invitation, but even so, I had reserved all the seats in front of the stage because I didn’t know how many representatives would show up.

The entire audience was watching me. I had to admit that although I was ready to answer all the questions; I was a little nervous. The whole elite of science was waiting for me to reveal my significant discovery regarding the study of blood, and not that I wanted to brag, but I really had what to tell and what to prove.

I had set up a small laboratory on the table of the stage, and the projector reproduced exactly what I was going to do. I will perform all combinations and experiment live. Because our kind was a secret thing, I didn’t have any media representatives this time. That’s what I wanted, although usually when my experiments were normal, I appointed a journalist to cover the story. Only this time, it was not the case. What I was going to present was not to come out of this room.

“I know you are curious to see what this is all about, and I’m keen to show you too. There are two ingredients we need: werewolf blood and vampire blood. Combined can mean an insurmountable weapon. But also, a way in which we can defend the lives of our fellow men. In other words, werewolf blood, in combination with vampire blood, could bring us to a revolutionary discovery. I’m going to need two volunteers, a vampire, and a werewolf!”

Suddenly, there was a rumor in the room. The guests’ faces were some petrified, others curious. If no one offered, my experiment would not have the expected effect, and I came to Bellingham in vain. I really wanted to be able to work with Sebastian Gallagher, and I really had to impress him. Both werewolves and vampires got shocked by my statement, but also intrigued if this would really work. I hadn’t come unprepared, and I saw it worked, but now the audience was real. It wasn’t just me. So maybe they needed a boost.

“Come on, don’t be afraid. I assure you that you have nothing to worry about. I used my blood in a similar experiment and saw the results. That’s how I made sure it really worked. So, do we have anyone?”

And just then, a thick, fearless voice came from the room.

“I will do it!!”

Then another one…

“Count me in!”

“Excellent! Please come up to the stage in front of me!”

The two men who had offered got up and approached the stage without the slightest trace of fear, and I was motioning them to sit down. I took a tourniquet and chose the traditional method, collecting the blood with the syringe from both of them. I needed to do these procedures live so that they would know that what I was going to do was not a scam.

“Thank you for your cooperation, you can go to your sits now! The interesting part is about to happen!” I said quickly, bringing the two vials of blood to the table under the projector so they could watch me. With firm movements, I combined the two types of blood and, right under the eyes of those present, they fused. “Ladies and gentlemen, if you think there is a secret ingredient that speeds up the process, you might be right, but I haven’t yet discovered it. But if you all can see, the mixture of the two types of blood right now is enough for you to believe that there might be a way to develop such a weapon. I have here my blood mixed up with silver. In about two seconds my blood cells will disintegrate but if we add the mixture, I just did... look how the cells of the two blood types divide under the direct action of silver and then after a few seconds fuse with each other, creating a new fluid that will help heal the injured tissue quickly. Because both werewolves and vampires have something in common, both can end up dead with silver bullets or with a blunt silver object. This combination can help them alike. Healing occurs much faster, thus preventing death. The part I failed to master is the time the wounded body heals. At the moment, there is not enough time and the cells will eventually enter necrosis, culminating in death. The basic idea of ​​this demonstration is to make you see that there is a solution, maybe with blood belonging to stronger entities. Imagine the result of Luna’s blood combined with that of an original vampire. But that’s another story and more money for research.“

It seemed that my performance had the expected effect. Although it was not a total success, I was sure I drew the attention of those present. But in order to continue my studies and research, I needed a laboratory, raw materials, and some brilliant minds. However, I hoped that Sebastian Gallagher’s attention was more than captured. It didn’t take long for the conference to end, and at the reception organized after the experiment, exactly what was supposed to happen happened.

“Impressive, Doctor Antonov, that was really impressive!” Dr. Gallagher’s praise meant a lot to me, especially being a doctor of his caliber.

“Thank you, Dr. Gallagher. Not only is your presence here an honor but also, I appreciate you coming as I am sure you have a lot of important stuff to do then to be here hearing things you already know.”

“Well, not that important. I am here, aren’t I? So, I heard you came from... Romania?”

“That is right. To be more exact, from Transylvania!”

“Oh, the land of the vampires. How so if you are a werewolf?!”

I just knew what Sebastian Gallagher was trying to do, but maybe I was not prepared to tell my family’s story just yet.

“Romania used to be a territory where werewolves and vampires did not get along. My pack is small, they are called the Grey Moon, and we established there for almost a century. I have not left for good, just to make a career and help our kind to have an advantage in battles. Time has passed and the vampires have returned to better feelings, so now my research will include both species.”

“You said at some point that we should imagine what an original vampire and a Luna's blood might do. We have a lot of Lunas, but where do you plan to take an original vampire? You must know in the region there is none left. "

“I am aware of that and I shall consider that to be my challenge, my possibility of doing things right and triumph with my project. "

“And you almost succeeded, Dr. Antonov. Let me congratulate you, as you are almost there.”

“Well, I have to say your research also inspired me in this field!” I hope my comment got to the right place.

“Then if you followed them, it means that you know we are also facing a dead-end in terms of a healing miracle serum,” and bingo, that’s exactly what I expected to happen. Now the ball was on my side of the yard.

“Is the big company genetic facing such a dead end? I find it hard to believe, but I’m still convinced that you’re probably still at this point, or maybe a little more advanced. “

“It simply came to our notice then. And as you say, the healing time is not fast enough and death occurs quicker. However, I am very intrigued by your statement that the blood of the Luna in combination with that of an original vampire might do the trick! And you really seem very confident in what you say. “

“Until I verify what it states, it will remain at the level of assumption. I just invited you to imagine. I didn’t say that I put it into practice. "

“And what exactly should you need to put into practice?” The second bingo. Dr. Sebastian Gallagher was eating from my palm. But he’s still vigilant.

“A laboratory, raw material, and some brilliant minds!”

“How about GenetiX? How does that sound?” I have prepared for so many years to appear before this crowd with my discoveries; It took me a lot of courage and hundreds of failures to perform what I just did. It seemed like a dream come true. He just offered me a job at the prestigious company genetic and I was silent, without being able to say a word. And yet my silence meant something.

“Well then, welcome to GenetiX, Dr. Antonov!”