NANOVISION: What Would You Do With X-ray Vision? by Paul Harry Read Free Book Online Page B

only option available if this kitten was ever
going to walk again.”
    There was an
extreme look of pride in Ethyl’s eyes as she explained what they did next.
    “We extracted the
kitten’s DNA and broke down the various genomes that relate to the growth of
its extremities. Then, using coded stem cells fused with nanites and lizard
DNA, which has the ability to rejuvenate cells, we began a series of injections
and already we’re seeing results. It’s only been two weeks but each leg has
grown a full quarter inch in size with no deformities or cellular degeneration.
We’re very excited and hopeful that this little thing will regain the full use
of all four legs.”
    Judy was stunned.
“That’s absolutely incredible.”
    Ethyl nodded in
agreement. She pointed to another cage.
    “And you see that
puppy over there. He had cancer and our nanites took it out. He’s been cancer
free for over a month now. Pretty soon he’ll be ready to be fostered. Perhaps
to one of the children who come on tour.”
    Ethyl gave Judy a
sly look.
    “That’s another
reason we allow children to come to our facility... but that’s a trade secret,
okay?”
    Judy nodded her
head. “Your work here is incredible. And you do all of this without invasive
animal testing−that’s quite admirable.”
    Ethyl laughed.
“Yes, that’s been a constant source of irritation with my ‘VC’ backers...”
    Not understanding
the ‘VC’ reference, Judy gave Ethyl a quizzical look.
    “... sorry, Venture
Capitalists ,” apologized the CEO, “but I told them if they wanted to invest
in my company, that would be one of the terms and we’ve stuck to our guns.
We’re not going to harm some helpless creature just to see if we can cure it.
We don’t have to.”
    The rest of the
NanoBytes’ tour took about forty-five minutes and Judy was more than impressed
by what she observed. Ethyl took her through their clinical data center and the
genomics satellite laboratories where the DNA identification, sequencing,
extraction and splicing took place. She saw labs filled with complex chemical
analysis and imaging equipment, the company’s quality assurance and quarantine
facilities, and the fulfillment center for future pharmaceutical manufacturing
and more−much of which she did not fully comprehend. Additionally, she
learned that NanoBytes employed over two dozen scientists and researchers,
along with several veterinary and medical doctors, and a support staff of twenty
that oversaw the everyday functioning of the company.
    At the end of the
tour, Ethyl walked Judy to her office on the fourth floor. As Judy suspected,
it was a beautiful suite furnished with plush furniture, drapes and artwork,
including a large mahogany desk from which Ethyl presently sat facing Judy.
    “So, Miss
Salinski, what can I do for the FBI?” asked the NanoBytes’ CEO. “I can’t
imagine you’re really all that interested in the inner workings of my little
company. Most of what we do here is already on the Internet. Would you like to
tell me what this is all about?”
    Judy nodded
politely, crossing her legs and placing her hands in her lap.
    “I’ll get right
to the point, Doctor. What can you tell me about your sister, Helen?”
    Ethyl was
momentarily stunned. She stared at Judy, not quite sure how to respond.
    “Helen? Uhh...
I’m sorry... I uhh, haven’t thought about her in quite a while. It’s been so
long. You do know she’s dead?”
    “I’d like to know
what happened.”
    Glancing across
the room, Ethyl pondered her thoughts before answering. Her response was
somewhat soft and distant.
    “My goodness...
it was so long ago. She was killed in a car accident... What?... about sixteen
years ago. Buried in Reno, Nevada. I feel bad; I haven’t been to her grave in
years. You see we grew apart...” 
    “Why?” asked
Judy.
    Ethyl smiled
weakly. “Helen was eight years younger than me and things were tough when we
were kids. Our dad was killed in a mining accident