Gardens of Destruction
CHAPTER 17

Jana Petroff had been tirelessly working for days on end in the laboratory, often skipping lunch breaks and settling for a mere sandwich brought to her. Her only respite was the brief moments she spent checking on her young daughter, Val, before diving back into her research. Professor Bernstein, concerned for her well-being, frequently checked in on her.

“Jana, don’t you think you should rest a bit? I don’t want you collapsing on us,” he suggested, his voice tinged with worry as he observed her weary demeanor.

“No, I can’t,” Jana replied with a weary but determined smile, turning her exhausted face toward him. “I’ve finally gained momentum and have a plan for my research.”

“But tomorrow’s another day, and a worn-out scientist is no good to anyone,” the professor insisted gently.

“That may be true, but you know the general expects quick results from me. I want to uphold my reputation as a specialist, and I don’t want to let you down, especially since you recommended me,” she responded, her voice echoing her resolve.

Bernstein chuckled softly, “You remind me of my younger self. I too had that energy and belief that I could move the world... until some people shattered my illusions.”

Intrigued, Jana’s face brightened with curiosity, “What happened?”

“You know how prejudiced some older scientists can be. They guard their positions fiercely and are reluctant to entertain ideas they can’t fathom,” he replied, his tone becoming more somber.

He recounted his own story of being labeled an incompetent astrophysicist and how his academic career came to an abrupt end. “Thankfully, I found an opportunity to work for the general, who recognized my potential. Otherwise, I’d be wallowing in some provincial school, trying to cram astronomy into apathetic teenagers’ heads.”

“I understand that feeling all too well, Professor,” Jana shared after a brief silence. “Professor Johansson and I often clashed with the system. Bio-robotics was a controversial field back then. We were ridiculed for our theories and research. Even religious organizations targeted us, accusing us of trying to play God by turning people into robots. We were just idealists, wanting to help the incurably ill rejoin society. Do you understand?”

“I do, my dear,” Bernstein replied, his face marked with sadness. “I kept in touch with Johansson over the years and debated this topic with him many times. I tried to warn him that they would crush him, but he persisted. And thank God, he even secured a chair at MIT, a huge success for your field.”

“Things follow their natural course. They saw the possibilities,” Jana said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

“Just be careful not to get too involved with the military,” Bernstein warned. “You know they’ll use your research for weaponry!”

“It’s a bit late for that, Professor,” Jana smiled. “Look where you’ve brought me!” she joked.

Bernstein laughed heartily. “I didn’t know you had no one to leave your child with. I’m sorry, I wouldn’t have insisted on you coming if I had known.”

“Don’t worry, I was just joking. My little monster will soon be leaving; my parents are arriving shortly. So you don’t have to worry. And honestly, I’m flattered to have this opportunity. I never imagined something like this was possible,” she said, gesturing toward the lifeless animals in the lab. “This technology is unique!”

“Do you have more information and new theories now?” Bernstein’s eyes lit up with excitement.

“Yes, I do. I have a clearer picture now.”

“Would you share it?”

“Let’s go to dinner first. Afterward, we can call the general, and I’ll share my insights. How does that sound?” she asked, looking at him questioningly.

“Alright, I agree. You’ve worked hard enough today,” Bernstein nodded in approval.

In the bustling mess hall, scientists and military personnel trickled in small groups to grab a quick bite before returning to their duties. Young Val, elated that her mother finally had time for her, chattered nonstop throughout dinner. She excitedly recounted her antics with the babysitter and her encounters with various base personnel. Suddenly, Val jumped up and dashed towards a man who had just entered the hall, throwing her arms around his neck. The man, slightly startled, gently set her down. She eagerly tugged him towards her mother’s table.

In the bustling dining hall, scientists and military personnel trickled in for a quick meal before returning to their duties. Young Val was overjoyed that her mother, Jana, was finally giving her some attention. Throughout the dinner, Val chattered endlessly about her day and the people she had met, quickly becoming a base favorite unbeknownst to Jana. Suddenly, Val leaped up and ran towards a new arrival in the cafeteria, hugging him around the neck. Surprised but gentle, the man set her down and allowed Val to lead him to Jana’s table.

In the bustling dining hall, filled with a blend of scientists and military personnel, everyone seemed to grab a quick meal before returning to their various tasks. Little Val was especially thrilled that her mother, Jana, was finally sparing some time for her. Throughout the dinner, she was a bubbling stream of chatter, recounting her antics with the babysitter and the people she had met. She had swiftly become everyone’s darling, a fact that Jana was just now beginning to realize.

Suddenly, Val sprang up from her seat and darted towards a man who had just entered the dining area. She threw her arms around his neck in a joyful greeting. The man, taken aback at first, gently set her down. Val then eagerly dragged him over to her mother’s table.

“Mom, mom, look, this is Andrey!” she exclaimed with glee.

“Lieutenant Andrey Lipov!” the man introduced himself with a firm, yet friendly tone. His English carried the distinctive melody of a Russian accent. “I am in charge of security for the Russian scientific group,” he added, making his role at the base clear.

“He said he’s from the Russian group, but his parents are Bulgarian, like grandma and grandpa, but they haven’t lived in Bulgaria for generations, so it’s complicated. And he speaks English in a very funny way,” the little girl continued introducing him, seemingly unconcerned. “But he understands me when I speak like grandma. We can secretly talk in Bulgarian with him!” she winked at him.

“Valentina, it’s not nice to say that. He might get upset,” Jana gently reprimanded her. “Come here and sit down like a good girl.”

“But Mom, he told me about his two kids. He was telling me stories about them today! He even showed me the games he plays with them!” Val’s enthusiasm knew no bounds as she shared Andrey’s life story with everyone.

“I’m sorry, she’s quite a talker,” Jana apologized, giving the imposing Russian a sheepish look.

“Da, no problem, is okay,” Andrey reassured her with a smile, his Russian accent thickening his words. “I am used to children, I have two such devils at home, they not scare me!”

“Mom, make him speak Russian! I understand it, just like when Grandma talks to me in Bulgarian,” Val insisted, her curiosity getting the better of her.

“Valentina, stop bothering the man. Let him eat his meal, and you sit down with me,” Jana instructed firmly.

“You’re Bulgarian, da?” Andrey asked, his interest clearly piqued. “What a coincidence”

“Yes, my parents emigrated here when I was young. They’ve retired and gone back to Bulgaria. They always missed it and never fully adapted to the American lifestyle,” Jana explained, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.

“Da, I understand them. Different culture, different way of life,” Andrey said, his expression showing genuine empathy. “I am from the Bessarabian Bulgarians minority, but have been living in Moscow for a long time. I haven’t been to Bulgaria, an old dream of mine. I want to take my children to see the homeland of my parents.” His eyes slightly moistened.

“I’m sorry about my daughter, she’s a bit wild, but she’s a good kid,” Jana continued, still feeling a bit embarrassed about Val’s earlier comments.

“I told you, no problem,” Andrey reassured her again. “Excuse me, da? I join my colleagues,” he said, excusing himself to leave.

Jana looked sternly at Valentina. “We’ve talked about this, Val. You know you shouldn’t talk to strangers unless I say it’s okay.”

“But Mom, he’s not a stranger. He lives here, and everyone can find him if they want to. Plus, he said he misses his kids and that I’m like balm for his soul or something,” Val argued, her innocence shining through.

“Okay, he seems like a good man,” Jana conceded, “but don’t get too friendly. You’re leaving soon.”

“Are Grandma and Grandpa here yet? Are you staying?” Val’s mood dampened a bit.

“I have work to do, my precious. But I promise I’ll visit you often,” Jana assured her, squeezing her hand.

“Okay, I was bored here anyway! I want to be with my friends, and there’s Internet!” Val said with a hint of excitement.

Professor Bernstein watched their conversation silently, deep in thought. A nagging feeling had been troubling him for days, growing stronger with each passing moment. The initial excitement about the asteroid had waned, and in its place, a seed of fear was beginning to sprout.

“Professor, is everything alright?” Jana noticed his distant demeanor.

“Ah, yes, I’m fine, just thinking,” he covered quickly, avoiding delving into his concerns.

“You seem quite quiet?” Jana observed, her tone slightly questioning.

Changing the subject, Bernstein asked, “Doctor, you mentioned wanting to speak with the general?”

“Yes, I’d like to share some... concerns with him.”

“I’m eager to hear what you have to say.”

“It’s nothing extraordinary, just theories.”

“Anything is welcome. We’ve hit a dead end here, and after the incident, the general restricted access. We’re at a standstill.”

“Let’s go take care of this then,” Jana stood up. “Just let me put Val to bed, and I’ll meet you in the general’s office. Can you let him know?”

“Of course, we’ll be waiting for you.”

In the general’s office, Professor Bernstein sat waiting, his characteristic impatience at play. The general had left him there with a promise to return shortly. The anticipation gnawed at Bernstein, who preferred immediate action over waiting. The knock at the door brought in Jana, her unexpected presence catching Bernstein off guard.

“Ah, it’s you? Is the general not here yet?” Jana asked, a tinge of worry in her voice.

“No, he stepped out on urgent business, but he assured me he’d be back soon. We’ll have to wait, though I’m not sure for how long,” Bernstein replied, his restlessness barely concealed.

“No problem, I hope it’s soon. I don’t want to leave Val alone in the bungalow for too long. She’s already asleep; nothing can wake that child. I envy her, I wish I could sleep like that,” Jana sighed, her face reflecting a mix of exhaustion and motherly fondness.

“Children have a unique way of shutting out the world’s problems and simply falling asleep,” Bernstein remarked, his tone tinged with melancholy.

“Do you have children?” Jana asked, immediately regretting her tactlessness, yet her curiosity gnawed at her.

“No, unfortunately. I divorced before my ex-wife could conceive. Now, my marriage is to science,” Bernstein said with a faint smile, masking his underlying sorrow.

“I’m sorry for prying!” Jana said, feeling guilty.

“No need, I’ve long since come to terms with it,” Bernstein assured her, his face a mask of acceptance.

Suddenly, the general burst into the room like a storm, his face as turbulent as his entrance.

“Sorry, an urgent matter came up!” he said curtly, sitting heavily behind his desk, rifling through drawers in evident frustration. The room fell into a tense silence, everyone waiting for him to settle before daring to speak.

“What did you want to talk about? Any results?” the general asked, casting a sideways glance at Jana.

“Yes, Sir. Dr. Petroff has some theories she wanted to share with you, something she didn’t even tell me. She wanted you to be the first to hear,” Bernstein interjected.

“Good,” the general said with a faint smile, a rare break from his stern demeanor. “That’s a true scientist, not like others who rush to post every suspicion on Facebook. Tell me, Doctor, what should I know?”

Jana hesitated, unsure where to begin. Her theories felt outlandish, but she ventured forth.

“General,” she started, “I assume you’d prefer I skip the technical details?”

“Best to keep it simple, I’m not a scientist,” the general joked lightly.

“Then, the most critical conclusion from my detailed analysis is that there are no signs of surgical intervention in the tissues. I believe these modifications in the animals were not performed externally.”

“What do you mean by that?” the general asked, puzzled.

“She means the metallic organs weren’t inserted surgically!” Bernstein clarified.

“Exactly,” Jana confirmed. “So, what caused these... deformations, or whatever you’d call them?” the general asked, drumming his fingers on the desk.

“Sir, my theory might sound a bit crazy, and I can’t prove it with current technologies. Or I could, but it would take an enormous amount of time and research resources.”

“Tell me, we’ll provide what you need,” the general offered.

“Even if you could, it would take years of research,” Jana said, shaking her head.

“Why? What’s the problem?”

“How to put this, General, I believe these objects were modified at a genetic level. Future research might confirm or refute my claim, but you wanted quick answers, and genetic studies are inherently slow.”

“You’re saying those inside the asteroid captured these animals and altered their genes somehow, turning them into these... abominations?” the general raised his eyebrows inquisitively.

“Something like that, Sir! What intrigues me is how they managed to accelerate the process so significantly,” Jana said, turning to Bernstein.

“I’m not a genetic engineering specialist,” Bernstein shrugged.

“Explain it to me, Dr. Petroff!” the general insisted, cutting through the hesitation.

Jana took a deep breath. “The most plausible explanation is that these creatures were genetically engineered at an accelerated rate, far beyond our current capabilities. The implications of such technology are profound, and the methods to achieve it are beyond our current understanding.”

Jana paused, her thoughtful silence stretching long enough to test the general’s patience.

“In our field, Sir, genetic modifications are usually made at a pre-embryonic stage. After birth, hatching, or germination, the changes in the modified organism become visible. Another way is natural change due to climatic, stress factors, diseases, or viruses, which leave a mark in the genome and over generations, induce changes,” she explained.

“I follow that,” the general nodded, focusing intently.

“However, what we’re witnessing here is extraordinary. An attempt to change the genetic information of a living, developed creature and on a different planet. Moreover, to complete the process in just a few days or weeks. This unprecedented speed is what baffles me.”

The general listened in silence, his expression turning increasingly grave as he processed the information. He didn’t speak for a while, weighing the gravity of her words.

“Doctor, I understand where you’re heading, but can you continue with the main conclusion for me, just to be sure I’m grasping what you’re trying to tell me?” he asked.

Jana hesitated, fearing her theory might seem far-fetched.

“Alright then, I’ll take a step further in my conclusions and suggest we’re dealing with hybrids.”

“That’s what I’ve feared for some time,” Bernstein sighed quietly.

“Quiet, Bernstein, let Jana continue!” the general snapped.

“I believe, for reasons unknown to me, our... guests on the asteroid are trying to create a hybrid between their life form and a terrestrial one.”

“Are you sure?” the general bit his lip, his fingers nervously tapping.

“Of course not, I can’t be a hundred percent certain, but this is my logical inference. The animals exhibit genetic changes, otherwise, we wouldn’t see what we’re seeing. There are even nerves and nerve endings at a microscopic level made of the same material. The entire organism is encased in a network of it. It’s impossible to achieve this surgically without destroying the organism. There’s something else interesting. There are additional organs with purposes unknown to me.”

“I don’t understand?” Patterson looked alarmed.

“Besides the standard organs, even the metallic ones, she’s discovered organs in the animals that don’t exist in birds or mammals,” Bernstein interjected.

“Thank you, Joseph. Yes, there are newly grown organs, quite a number, with no known analog in the animal kingdom and yet they are part of these animals’ systems, serving unknown functions,” Jana elaborated.

The general stood up abruptly and began pacing the room restlessly.

“I feel like I’m in some cheap sci-fi movie,” he said. “So, Dr. Petroff, are you suggesting those on the asteroid are made of this metallic material?”

“It’s entirely possible, General. We don’t know what they’re trying to mix with terrestrial organisms. But clearly, we’re dealing with a very strange form of carbon-based life,” Jana shrugged.

“And why not a silicon-based life?” Bernstein questioned curiously.

“Because there’s no...”

“Stop both of you. I need clarifications, without getting into pointless arguments among yourselves!” the general intervened, annoyed at being left out of the conversation.

Bernstein took on the task of explaining to his chief the basis of their debate.

“General, if you’re not aware, life on Earth is carbon-based, meaning it’s built on the chemical element carbon. All more complex molecules contain it, combined with other elements, primarily hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen in our case.”

“And the other option?” Patterson looked inquiringly.

“It’s just a theory with no confirmation,” Bernstein continued his impromptu lecture. “Some scientists speculate that there could be silicon-based life, which, incidentally, is more abundant on Earth than carbon. Currently, silicon is used in the computer industry and is also a significant component in the metal form we’re examining in our specimens.”

In the tension-laden atmosphere of the general’s office, Dr. Jana Petroff stood firm, her voice resolute as she interjected, “Professor, allow me to respectfully disagree.” She leaned forward, her eyes intense with conviction. “Yes, indeed, the ratio of silicon to carbon is 925:1 on Earth, and in many celestial bodies such as fallen meteorites, silicon is more abundant. Yet, life on Earth is carbon-based. In many organisms, silicon is a structural element - certain algae, fungi, even some plants utilize biological silicon to construct their cells. But ultimately, it’s the presence of carbon that remains the constant driver of life. Therefore, I posit that our guests from the asteroid are a form of life based on carbon, albeit an extraordinarily peculiar compound, but carbon at its core. Silicon may play a role, but we have yet to discover it.”

Professor Bernstein contemplated deeply, his furrowed brow reflecting the weight of her words. “You might be right, Doctor!” he mused aloud.

Jana continued passionately, “Furthermore, I fail to see how they could genetically alter the structural basis of life. Regardless of their knowledge, I doubt anyone could create a hybrid between silicon and carbon life forms. I believe that the merging of these cells could only occur through equivalent chemical processes, leading us to conclude that in our case, we are dealing with a mixture of two carbon-based life forms.”

Bernstein nodded in agreement, his expression conveying his approval of her logic.

The general, arms crossed over his chest, interjected with a hint of skepticism, “Wait a minute, are you both suggesting that their form of life could somehow successfully merge with ours?”

“Yes, General,” Jana affirmed. “These are my conclusions. For some reason, they are attempting to create a stable hybrid. It’s highly probable they’re studying us just as we would study them.”

“And yet, what could be their purpose for such an exercise?” the general pondered aloud.

Jana shook her head, “We can’t know for sure, Sir.”

“But if...” she hesitated, fear creeping into her voice as she confronted the enormity of her own thoughts.

“Speak up, what is it?” the general urged, his tone bordering on agitation.

“Unless... we are witnessing an attempt at adaptation for the purpose of... colonization,” Professor Bernstein voiced the unspeakable, his words hanging heavy in the air.

A grave silence enveloped the room, as each person grappled with the gravity of this revelation. It was General Patterson who first broke the silence, his voice laced with disbelief, “You can’t be serious... But you look serious!”

“Yes, General. Perhaps they seek to stay, but cannot survive in our conditions. They might be attempting to create hybrids through which this becomes feasible,” Bernstein speculated.

Turning to Jana, the general asked, “And you, Dr. Petroff, what do you say?”

Jana pondered for a moment before meeting his gaze. “General Patterson, the only way to confirm this theory is through one particular means,” she stated. “I have a simple question for you, one that requires an honest answer. Your response could clarify a great deal.”

“I’m listening,” he said, his demeanor growing stern as he ceased pacing.

“Are there any reports of missing persons in the last few days?” Jana inquired.

The general’s complexion drained of color, and he began to pace like a wounded animal. “That was supposed to be a military secret. You’re not supposed to have such information, but I promised to be candid. Yes, there have been disappearances!”

The room was steeped in a silence as profound as the aftermath of a nuclear detonation. No one dared to speak, each person silently acknowledging the daunting realization. It was Professor Bernstein who finally broke the silence with an exclamation, “I fear we are on the brink of a grave situation, General!”

The piercing wail of the siren tore through the air, a cacophonous reminder of impending danger. In the distance, the unmistakable sound of gunshots echoed, ricocheting off the walls of the military base. The urgency of the moment spurred Captain Mark Davidson into swift action, propelling him forward as he sprinted toward the perimeter fence. His heart raced in tandem with the blaring alarm.

But as he approached the fence, a soldier intercepted him. The soldier’s voice was resolute, his eyes filled with a mix of awe and bewilderment.

“Sir, we spotted strange little creatures rolling towards the fence,” he reported, his words tumbling out in a rush. “They looked like balls with spikes, a rolling hedgehogs. After we fired, they quickly disappeared!”

Mark absorbed the information with a quick nod of understanding. His mind raced, evaluating the situation. Without missing a beat, he issued a decisive command.

“Understood. Let’s go hunting, then!”

***

Outside Dr. Petroff’s modest frame house, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the landscape in dusky twilight hues. Valentina, curious and undeterred, ventured out into the fading light, her tiny figure a stark contrast against the encroaching darkness. Inside the house, Jana was frantically typing on her notebook, her voice carrying through the open window with an undercurrent of worry.

“Val, come inside. It’s getting dark and cold. This thing out there is starting to look scary in the dark!”

Valentina, however, was not so easily swayed by her mother’s concerns.

“I’m not scared, Mom!” she declared, her voice filled with youthful confidence.

A sudden metallic clang pierced the tranquility, sending a shiver down Val’s spine. She stood frozen, suspended between bravery and fear, her heart pounding in her chest. Emerging from the shadows, several enigmatic creatures rolled into view. Each resembled a basketball bristling with spikes, an otherworldly sight that seemed out of place in the tranquil surroundings. Despite their menacing appearance, they exuded an aura of curiosity rather than aggression.

Valentina couldn’t help but be intrigued by the bizarre newcomers.

“Hey, what are you, little ones?” she inquired, her tone surprisingly gentle. “You’re kind of cute.”

With childlike wonder, Val knelt down to touch one of the creatures. To her surprise, their spikes yielded beneath her touch, soft and pliant, almost like rubber.

“Did you come from there?” Val asked, her gaze directed toward an uncertain point on the horizon.

“How did you even get here? There are so many soldiers!”

But before the creatures could provide an impossible answer, a sudden creaking sound shattered the moment. Val instinctively whirled around, her eyes wide with apprehension.

Her mother’s voice, laced with urgency, sliced through the gathering tension.

“Come inside, NOW. Don’t make me say it again, Valentina!”

The creatures vanished as swiftly as they had appeared, leaving behind an air of mystique that hung in the cool evening air.

***

They were not yet awake, or had they already awakened? They made a decision – they wanted, they needed, they could! The long journey would be interrupted once again. But did it matter, or did it not? They did not know, but life was discovered again! Joy!

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