Z. Apocalypse by Steve Cole

Author:Steve Cole
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781448157716
Publisher: Red Fox
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15: Taking a Life

FINALLY ADAM UNDERSTOOD Josephs’ last words to him on Raptor Island, spat through bleeding lips: It’s all right. I’m still alive . . . you haven’t even won yourself breathing space.

‘There’s really no call for such a dumbstruck expression.’ Josephs’ English accent lent a glass-sharp edge to her words. ‘You’re an intelligent child. You know we have cloned many animals, you have seen how we can download human minds into computers and upload them into new bodies . . .’

‘But, you’re exactly the same.’ Adam’s voice was hoarse. ‘I thought a clone of a person would have to grow from, like, a baby.’

‘The cells of the clone are force-evolved, expertly matured until they match the original. Then we transfer all memories, experience and personality to create a perfect duplicate.’ Josephs shrugged as if this were picture-book simple. ‘When Jeffrey Hayden was killed by your “pet” Z. rex, Geneflow lost its Director of Operations needlessly. So, when I took over his position, my first act was to step up our research into human replication.’

Unwilling to accept what Josephs was telling him, Adam broke in, ‘Where’s my dad . . . and Zoe’s mum?’

‘All in good time.’ Josephs looked at Zoe, who was still rocking on her haunches, sobbing quietly. ‘I suggest you both come inside before you die of exposure.’ She turned to two of the guards. ‘Take them to the Neural Suite.’

One of the guards hauled Adam to his feet by the scruff of his neck.

Zoe struggled as another picked her up from the ground. ‘What are you going to do with Keera?’

‘The beast will be recycled,’ said Josephs simply, turning to the other two guards. ‘See to it – then get over to the airstrip, ready to greet the new arrivals. There are two more planes due to land today . . .’

‘Keera!’ As the guard trudged away towards the Brutes’ cave, Zoe twisted round in his arms, staring helplessly after the broken body of the pterosaur, lying abandoned in the crimson snow.

Gloved fingers dug into Adam’s neck, and marched him forwards after her.

Josephs didn’t mention Zed, Adam realized. If he’s still alive in the canyon there – and he’s got to be – he’ll come after us. He’ll save us. He’ll . . . But as he passed Keera, all bloodied and burned, hope began to fade. In the hillside opening he saw three snowmobiles were waiting. It’s not a cave at all – it’s the mouth of a tunnel.

The two guards loaded Zoe and Adam on board the nearest skidoo. Josephs climbed into the one behind, while the other two guards remained with Keera. Then, with a throaty roar, the powerful sleds started off down the icy passageway.

Dim lights shone overhead as they passed huge nests made from trampled rubbish, piles of bones, stinking dungheaps. Other tunnels fed into the passage on both sides. ‘It’s like an underground burrow,’ Adam whispered to Zoe, realization dawning. ‘The raptors live out here on guard. There must be exits all around the city so they can come out and kill unwelcome visitors.

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