VENOM

The Life Foundation

Today was the big day: the exclusive school trip to the Life Foundation Science Labs, and 18 year old Leo Newton was ecstatic. He had always been a science buff; already being given several scholarships from the science events he had won. Recently, along with three others, he had won the trip to the Labs. A running joke amongst the students was that he had broken the stereotype that blondes were stupid, as he was indeed brilliant.

His excitement fueled dreams of working amongst great scientists were shaken by his best friend, Tommy McLean, as he smacked him with a notebook.
"Dude, c'mon, we're here."
Leo jumped from his seat and tore off his headphones, staring out the window. Sure enough, the radiant green, grey, and black 'vines' that made up the Life Foundation sign pulsated with neon lights, even in broad daylight.

The professor, Mr. Monev, monotonously gave his instructions,
"Now remember, stay with your buddy, and please try to keep up, not get too distracted, and don't touch anything! We've received word of a specimen that is extremely reactive to humans, and I really don't want to fill out a morgue report." This always frustrated Leo, but it piqued his interest. He knew the rules were mostly for the other two, Eddy and Emma, twins, who were known for getting in trouble, despite their brilliance.

Tommy grabbed Leo's arm, and hoisted him to his feet, and the four students disembarked the bus.

He grunted as his feet hit the pavement, and quickly grabbed for his cane. Leo had a degenerative bone disease in his right leg, and was slowly losing his ability to walk. This didn't stop him from doing most things, but he did require help.

Tommy unlatched the cane from his friend's backpack, and the duo slowly made their way to the front doors. The tour guide, a friendly, brown haired Asian woman, waved and hugged her clipboard. Leo and Tommy exchanged glances, as did the twins, and followed her inside.

"Welcome to the Life Foundation. Here, we study different types of animals, plants, and even forms of diseases, bacteria, etecera, in the ultimate goal of bettering mankind. Started back in 1998, the Foundation has been the forefront of many different medical discoveries in the past 20 years. The greatest, of course, was our recent cures of the common cold, and the deadly ebola plague." A monitor quickly flicked on, showing a black, gooey substance consuming two cells labeled 'CC' and 'Ebola'

Leo stared in amazement as the substance completely consumed the bacteria, then shrunk into a small ball. A scientist behind a glass wall held up the samples of the substance to the class.
"This is called Serum V, or also known as the Cure-All." The students whispered amongst themselves, and Leo stared in awe. "The substance devours any other biocellular structure it comes in contact with, and when it is altered, can be used to target certain DNA or RNA strands. So far, it has been used as a vaccine, and, according to our scientists..." the guide paused for effect. "Can even cure diseases once thought impossible. Cancer, degenerative diseases, both mind and body, possibly even kick start organs that have failed, without damaging the rest of the body." Leo shot his hand up in the air.
"When will human trials for the V Serum begin?" The lady smiled, and a well dressed, middle-aged man, with silver hair and pale skin, appeared from the shadows, wearing a dark grey two piece suit.
"They have already begun, my dear boy." He grinned, a hint of a British accent wrapping his words, "My name is Fredrick Schema. I am CEO of the Life Foundation, and discoverer of the V Serum." Leo immediately stuck his hand out.
"Leonard Newton. I put in an application to intern here." Schema clasped his hand, and they shook.
"Ah yes. The young scientist. You have quite a resumé. Perhaps, if it's alright with the professor, you could stay for an interview?" The two glanced over to the teacher, and he shrugged.
"Well, he's over eighteen, so I guess it is alright, as long as his parents know."
"Oh for sure my dear fellow." Reassured Schema. "Please, carry on with the tour."

The rest of the day, all Leo could think about was the chance of working at the Labs. Not only that, but perhaps he could even qualify for a human test run on the V Serum. Perhaps...

Later that day, Tommy and Leo made their way to the CEO's office. Before they entered, Tom patted his friend on the back and smiled.
"Go get 'em, bud." Leo nodded and went inside.

The office was much bigger than he anticipated. At least a 20x20 box of a room, with his desk at the very end. Along the walls were paintings from various artists throughout the centuries: van Gough, da Vinci, Picasso, and others. Leo limped his way up to the desk, where Schema stood, and they shook hands.
"I'm glad you managed to come, Mr. Newton. Please, take a seat." The two sat down, and the older gentleman reclined in his seat.
"The pleasure is all mine, sir." Leo responded nervously. "It's not everyday I meet such an accomplished scientist."
"You flatter me." He responded plainly. "Now, about that internship. I took the liberty of looking into your school records. It appears you have quite the future in scientific studies. Tell me, what do you think the V Serum consists of?" This question caught him off guard, but he straightened himself in the seat and cleared his throat.
"This us purely speculation, but based off what I see, it looks like a combination of antibodies encased in a mucus based shelling."
"I only wish it were that simple, my dear boy. This is, in fact.." the scientist held up a small, clear tube with the black goo inside, wriggling and swirling around. "..an alien. We call it, the Symbiote. An amorphous slime we found in a wreckage. Upon tampering with its DNA, we discovered it had the most effective antibodies we've ever come across. By extracting them, and converting them into the serum, we have created the cure-all. We have begun branching out into repairing human organs, and, if successful, even regrowth of limbs."
"Sir..I would like to nominate myself for the first human trial." The old man's normally smiley disposition quickly sombered.
"Leonard, these trials are extremely dangerous. I can't guarantee a positive outcome."
"I don't have many people who'd cry for me."
"Family?"
"Orphan."
"Friends?"
"Well, Tommy."
"Girlfriend?"
"Have you even noticed my limp?"
Schema sighed and nodded.
"I'll have the paperwork delivered to your apartment, then. Where do you live?" Leo handed him the address, and the two shook hands. "You're certain about this?"
"Beyond a shadow of a doubt."