GENESIS: THE CATALYST

CHAPTER ELEVEN

"Progress demands sacrifice. But who decides what, or whom, must be sacrificed?"
— Victor Krane, Genesis: The Catalyst.

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The conference room was sterile, all white walls and glass screens, with a large circular table at its center. The chairs were filled by key members of the Genesis Project. Lisbeth sat near the head of the table, her fingers tapping absently against the surface, while Elena scrolled through a tablet filled with data. Krane was reviewing his own notes, an enigmatic smile playing on his lips. Other doctors, each leading a segment of the project, were present, waiting for the meeting to begin.

Krane cleared his throat and began. "Let's get started. Dr. Helena, I believe you're up first. How's the facility's general status?"

Dr. Helena, a tall woman with graying hair tied in a tight bun, adjusted her glasses and spoke. "The inhibitors continue to function at full capacity. We haven't had any breaches since Subject A-060 attempt two months ago. However, we did have some incidents with Lucas, Ariella, and Roselyn. All three are now confined to the detention area as a precaution."

Lisbeth shifted, her voice cool and clinical. "What were their offenses?"

Helena tapped her tablet. "Lucas was caught siphoning electricity from the main grid. If he had succeeded, he could have disrupted power across the facility. Ariella nearly set fire to an entire wing when she lost control of her pyrokinetic ability, and Roselyn... well, she was caught eavesdropping during a classified meeting. In her case, it was more curiosity than malice, but you know the rules."

Of course Krane knew what Roselyn did, she was eavesdropping from the conversation he had with Lisbeth and Elena last night.

Krane interjected, "We can’t afford any risks. Especially with the Genesis Project reaching a crucial stage."

Elena nodded in agreement. "Our subjects are progressing, but some are growing too confident in their abilities. We need to address that."

Helena continued, "We’ve graded the subjects based on their potential and growth. Group A subjects—those with physical enhancements or abilities directly linked to bodily strength or endurance—have shown significant progress. Subject A-001, Marcus, for example, has developed near-superhuman strength. Subject A-007, Evelyn, has enhanced speed and agility. Their abilities are straightforward and easy to manage."

Elena chimed in, "Group B subjects, who exhibit elemental control, are much more unpredictable. We've seen strong potential with subjects like Lucas and Ariella, but they're volatile. Lucas, or B-004, has shown significant control over electricity but is beginning to tap into nearby electrical sources. Ariella, B-002, has mastered fire manipulation but struggles with emotional control. We need better containment protocols for these two."

Lisbeth added, "And Group C—those with mental abilities—are the most dangerous. Roselyn, or C-003, is a prime example with her telekinesis. Then there's Subject C-008, Talia, who's just beginning to show signs of telepathy. We need to watch her carefully. Mental abilities like theirs can be difficult to predict, and the moment we lose control... well, we’ve all seen the damage they can do."

Dr. Marcus, head of the genetics department, leaned forward. "Which brings us to the genetic modification process. We're seeing solid results with the use of Serum KX, the substance Dr. Krane discovered. It's been highly effective in accelerating mutations, but we’re still running into complications with some subjects whose bodies are rejecting the modifications. Those in Group D, in particular, are showing slower progress, or none at all."

Elena frowned. "Yes, Group D subjects—those with minor or incomplete mutations—are proving difficult to manage. Subject D-005, Jason, for instance, has no control over his partial metamorphosis. His skin hardens sporadically but it’s unpredictable, and we still don’t know if it will develop further."