A New World: Return
Page 22
Following removal of the clothing, the entirety of the epidermis is a light gray with darker gray blotches spread haphazardly throughout. The darker gray areas are not consistent with any subdural hemorrhaging and appear to be part of the pigmentation of the epidermis.
The genitalia are that of an adult female and there is no evidence of injury. Pubic hair is present. Limbs are equal, symmetrically developed and show no evidence of injury. The fingernails are medium length and fingernail beds are blue. The padding on the soles of the feet are thickened but not associated with the formation of callouses. There are no residual scars, markings or tattoos.
INTERNAL EXAMINATION:
HEAD--CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: The brain weighs 1,303 grams and within normal limits.
SKELETAL SYSTEM: The skeletal system shows no abnormalities.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM--THROAT STRUCTURES—NASAL STRUCTURES: The oral cavity shows no lesions. Petechial hemorrhaging is present in the mucosa of the lips and the interior of the mouth. Otherwise, the mucosa is intact and there are no injuries to the lips, teeth or gums.
There is no obstruction of the airway. The mucosa of the epiglottis, glottis, piriform sinuses, trachea and major bronchi are anatomic. No injuries are seen and there are no mucosal lesions.
The lungs weigh: right, 426 grams; left 434 grams. The lungs are unremarkable with the exception that they are 20% above normal size.
Nasal structure is intact. Tissues samples indicate a dramatic increase in olfactory epithelium of 90cm2.
OCULAR SYSTEM: The ocular structure is normal. Exception: An increase in the number of rods noted in the peripheral of the retinal with a subsequent decrease in the number of cones.
AUDITORY SYSTEM: The auditory structure is abnormal. The auditory canal is enlarged with a larger number of cochlea hair cells present.
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM: The heart weighs 297 grams, which is approximately 20% above normal size. It has a normal configuration. No evidence of atherosclerosis is present.
MUSCULAR SYSTEM: The muscular system has a normal configuration. Tendons and ligaments have increased thickness. Study of the muscles tissue indicates an increase in quick twitch muscles.
GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM: The mucosa and wall of the esophagus are intact and gray-pink, without lesions or injuries. The gastric mucosa is intact and pink without injury. Approximately 125 ml of partially digested semisolid food is found in the stomach. The mucosa of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon and rectum are intact.
URINARY SYSTEM: The kidneys weigh: left, 115 grams; right, 113 grams. The kidneys are anatomic in size, shape and location and are without lesions.
FEMALE GENITAL SYSTEM: The structures are within normal limits. Examination of the pelvic area indicates the victim had not given birth and was not pregnant at the time of death. There is no evidence of recent sexual activity. Vaginal fluid samples are removed for analysis.
TOXICOLOGY: Sample of right pleural blood and bile are submitted for toxicologic analysis. Stomach contents are saved.
SEROLOGY: A sample of right pleural blood is submitted in the EDTA tube. Routine toxicologic studies were ordered.
LABORATORY DATA
Cerebrospinal fluid culture and sensitivity:
Gram stain: Unremarkable Culture: No growth after 72 hours
Cerebrospinal fluid bacterial antigens:
Hemophilus influenza B: Negative
Streptococcus pneumoniae: Negative
N. Meningitidis: Negative
Neiserria meningitidis B/E. Coli K1: Negative
Drug Screen Results:
Urine screen {Immunoassay} was NEGATIVE.
Ethanol: 0 gm/dl, Blood (Heart)
Ethanol: 0 gm/dl, Vitreous
EVIDENCE COLLECTED:
1. One (1) white turtleneck sleeveless shirt, size Small.
2. One (1) pair navy blue sweatpants, size Small.
3. Two (2) silver hoop earrings.
4. One (1) silver bracelet.
5. Samples of Blood (type O+), Bile, and Tissue (heart, lung, brain, kidney, liver, spleen).
6. Fifteen (15) swabs from various body locations, to be tested for presence of hypochlorite.
7. Eleven (11) autopsy photographs.
8. One postmortem CT scan.
9. One postmortem MRI.
OPINION
The 20 percent increase in the heart and lungs indicate this test subject has an increased VO2 max capability. Increases in the number of rods found in the ocular system indicate increased low light vision. Changes with the aural system, primarily the number of cochlea hairs present indicate an increase in the auditory range and perhaps distance. Dramatic increases within the olfactory sensors indicate sharp increases in odor detection. This is a 900% increase from normal putting this test subject between the sensory levels of a human and canine. Muscular system changes indicate a possibility of increased strength and speed. Epidermis tissue samples sent for further testing will indicate the changes in pigmentation and the ramifications thereof.
I cannot really understand most of this report with some exceptions and that fall in line with my current understanding of the night runners. I underline and highlight those areas that I can understand and find important. I feel like when I was back in college and would only highlight those items that looked like they could be made into test questions. The opinion section I can completely understand and is helpful but only verifies what I have already guessed from observation and experience. It is quite apparent that their main sense, apart from vision, is with their sense of smell. It is good to know just how much it has increased and we will have to take precautions.
I stand and stretch eyeing the instruments from this distance, really just checking that all of the engine instrument needles are in the same position. The drone of the engines can really get to you after a while and I feel the beginnings of a headache coming on. Reading these things I can barely comprehend, along with the constant noise and vibration, is taking its toll along with the lack of sleep. Plus, my flight suit doesn’t smell all that great either.
Reassured that everything seems to be running smoothly but still eyeing the scattered cumulonimbus clouds ahead, their tops just peeking over the horizon, I sit back down and begin looking through the Greek that is the reports lying on the nav table. I am not overly happy finding out that the genetic changes make them stronger, faster, better able to hear, and with a tremendous sense of smell. That is going to make it difficult so, with a sigh, I continue to search for weaknesses or something we can use. So far, all I have found is that we are outmatched on a physical level. We have survived through several encounters but that is mainly due to firepower, training, and a seemingly higher intelligence. And, we have the day.
This surely cannot be what the world and nature wanted; creating the night runners. I have a hard time believing they are the next step. Or, maybe that is just ego talking and they are the next dominant species. Sitting here cruising along three and a half miles above the surface of the earth, I wonder if this is what the Neanderthal thought with the emergence of Homo Sapiens. Only, in reverse as I am pretty sure our cognitive function is higher than the night runner’s. Sighing once again, I turn back to the reports finding one detailing the findings of a physical exam with one of the live test subjects; test subject 5.
….Test subject 5 is a male, race unknown, approximately 32 years of age. This test subject, as with all of the other test subjects, required a 50% increase in sedative as prescribed for a normal adult male of his weight. As with the other three test subjects tested to this date, test subject 5 demonstrates an elevated heart rate (prone – 82 bpm) and elevated body temperature (101.3). Lab results indicate increased levels of red bloods cells consistent with the other test subjects. Average breaths per minute are also consistent with previous test subjects and approximately 20% higher than a normal human male. The ratio….
….test results from saliva samples show a significant amount of an unknown bacterium. The bacteria tested demo
nstrate a rapid onset of infection within the human blood samples. It is unknown whether the human immune system can produce antibodies quick enough to combat the infection. Bites from those infected can, in theory, result in an immediate and a quick spreading infection. Further testing is required to see the immune system response….
Hmmmm, interesting, I think. Everything is elevated. That would mean they have to have a higher metabolism to sustain those rates. Meaning, more sustenance and maybe they tire quicker. The rest of this portion tails off into numbers and so forth that become meaningless to me. The fact regarding the bite from the night runners is important and I imagine anyone bitten will require immediate doses of antibiotics. We will have to be sure to carry some with us when we plan on entering buildings or there is a chance of encountering night runners.
….Lab results from epidermis tissue samples note changes in the pigmentation cell structure. These changes demonstrate quick responses to light, especially within the Ultra-violet spectrum. Ultra-violet light creates the quickest and most dramatic changes causing the epidermis to burn quickly and changing to a deep red like a sunburn. Changes within the cell structures are immediate with direct exposure to Ultra-violet lighting. Radiated lighting within this spectrum demonstrates the same effect but with a slower cycle time. Other testing….
Okay, now this is something we can use, I think scrolling through and finding that the rest of this report only details other testing that has no effect. We may be able to hold them at bay with ultra-violet lights set up in a building interior. At least as long as we can find UV lights that is. I tuck this one in my bag of tricks, take a drink of water, and move on.
….of which the scan results and monitoring of the brain wave activity show dramatic decreases of activity within the cognitive areas of the brain. This impairs the ability to reason or create a link between two different ideas. This limited brain activity within these areas also indicates a possible decrease in a sense of self, perhaps even creating a pack-like mentality. Scans within the memory function show activity in certain areas of memory but with decreased activity in the memory storage areas of the brain. This may lead to not being able to access previous memories prior to the genetic alterations……various stimuli created in one test subject shows interesting levels of brain activity in the other test subjects. This level of activity in other test subjects diminishes with distance from the test subject being given the stimuli indicating a possible link. While this is only a theory,…… The test subjects react to stimuli or problems without reason. The animalistic reactions give rise to a theory that the overall intelligence is low on the reasoning scale, but remain high when reacting to survival-based stimuli…reacting instinctively….
Okay, that answers the question of intelligence but I do not like the thing about the allusion to a link between them. If that is true, and I cannot afford to assume anything one way or the other, then they can communicate quicker although I am not sure on what level. So far, we have intelligence, fire power, daylight, and UV lighting – for as long as that lasts. Seems like it is coming down to brains versus brawn although they have a lot of it and, if the statistics are right, at least a thirty to one numerical superiority. And more than likely greater than that with people being eaten and such. I am quite sure there were probably a lot of suicides as well.
….The reproductive organs in both the female and male test subjects are normal. The ova and sperm samples taken demonstrate that normal breeding is possible. It is unknown as to how the genetic changes will affect the ovulation cycle for females who have undergone these genetic changes. Also unknown is whether a fetus created by two genetically altered or a single genetically altered parent will carry to term. Indications of normalcy within the productive organs indicate that this remains a possibility although the results are unknown. Will the child born of this union carry the genetically altered traits of one or both parents? The question also remains as to whether the genetically altered test subjects, and those outside of the laboratory, will have the same need and desire to propagate the species....
Great, they can breed! I think with my headache growing by the second. This just gets better and better. I am almost wishing that we didn’t find these files. Be careful of what you ask or wish for.
….All test subjects repeatedly sniff the air and appear to be able detect the approach of technicians by sense of smell. Locked in windowless rooms but with access to outside air, they sniff and react in a violent manner when the room is approached from outside. Further similar tests in rooms without access to outside air confirm this mode of detection. The test subjects in any room will gravitate towards the darkest areas. Furthermore, test subjects placed together will not act violently towards each other but begin to congregate in groups, seeking each other out….
Well, there it is in a nutshell, I think closing this folder. They basically behave in a wolf-pack manner with increased physical abilities but nature has offset that by downgrading their cognitive and intelligence abilities. Perhaps intelligence is not the right word.
I look out ahead and see the scattered storms off our nose have drawn closer but are still scattered as opposed to forming a squall line. We should be able to squeak our way through without too much difficulty. They are still some distance away. The sun is beginning its downward journey to its inevitable meeting with the horizon, casting its light on the individual storms. Hints of rainbows flare out from them and the edges show translucent oranges and yellows. The land below us is flat and towns are sparse. My thought goes out to those still left alive below and the fear they must be feeling with the coming of the night.
“Are you making radio calls out on guard?” I ask Robert through the intercom.
“Yeah, I made a couple,” he answers.
I have been so wrapped up in my own thoughts and reading that I was completely oblivious to hearing his radio calls. Another indication that I am thoroughly exhausted.
“You doing okay? Want me to take over?” I ask.
“No, I’m fine,” he responds.
I know he is probably having the time of his life. In control of the aircraft and feeling comfortable with it. Not wanting to give it up for a moment. He is going to need some rest as well but I want to lie down for a moment before we hit the weather up ahead.
“I’m going to lie down for a moment. Wake me for anything,” I say moving from my chair to the bunk to my side.
“Okay, Dad,” he says. I pull off my helmet and lie down on the thin mattress on the upper bunk.
I wake a short time later, the power nap leaving me feeling a touch refreshed. The day outside is winding to a close. The heating of the ground below during the day begins to cool and takes some of the energy away from the thunderstorms that we drawing close to. There are a few gaps in between the towering clouds. Large anvils spread across and fill those gaps on top. I turn on and warm up the weather radar taking my seat at the navigator’s station once again. I would like to get a little more reading finished before nightfall. We are going to be busy enough when we return so I would like to finish going through the files as I may not have time later.
“Guide us between the cells. They are far enough apart that they shouldn’t be a worry,” I tell Robert. “The radar is warmed up and ready in case we need it.”
I see him give me a thumbs up over his seat. I stroll back into the cargo compartment with Mike in tow and let Lynn know to have everyone buckle up if they can or be near something they can hold onto. I inform her that we will be passing through a line of thunderstorms and that it should not be too bad. I let her know it just might get a little bumpy. Back at the nav table, I rub my temples and open the folders once again.
The aircraft jostles around a little as we hit the outskirts of the turbulence making the reading a little more difficult. A lot of the reports talk about the rise of the virus and the attempts to find patient zero – the first one to manifest the virus. Many others speak of vaccine reports and notices terminating the vaccinat
ions. A sudden jolt makes me light in my seat only to slam immediately back down into it, spilling some of the reports on the steel decking. Well, I’m not going to accomplish much like this, I think picking them up and climbing out of my seat.
Walking across the shifting deck, which is threatening to knock me on my can with each step, I tap Nic on the shoulder and point to the nav station. We exchange seats and I buckle in. I do not want to take over for Robert but need to be there just in case. He is doing a pretty good job but flying in moderate turbulence can make the ride quite exciting and nerve-racking. I know I don’t really like it much. And, we are not yet within the line so it is bound to get a little worse. Luckily, we have the last dredges of the sun to guide us visually through. The sun is hitting the western edges of the thunderstorms which are giving us a little bit of a light show. Lightning flashes periodically to our sides in the gloomy and shadowed undersides of the storms with the purples and oranges showing on the sides of the towering cumulus clouds. If they were not trying to throw us out of the sky, it would be quite a gorgeous sight.