Then Along Came Joe
By David Timmins read on Amazon
Segment of a story about the next big change in the direction the human race is heading; so make sure that you’re at the front of the queue.
‘And the reason that I left that card is that I am intrigued that the LIFE a huge conglomerate with unlimited resources has lost something and can’t find it.
It must have been quite a wakeup call, but I could have told you that every security system ever devised can be unlocked.
That’s why I know what you have lost.’
‘John you’re bluffing you have a few basic facts and now you’re fishing for information.’
‘I never bluff I only use facts but please correct me if I am wrong because I think you have lost the most important part of your search towards immortality and you don’t understand how it happened ?’
‘And what do you think we have lost,’
‘You have lost a key part of your immortality program a clone called JOE.’
David Montgomery’s mouth dropped wide open and there was a long pause before he finally composed himself then he looked at the figure opposite him with new respect.
‘Perhaps I have underestimated you John and for that I apologise.’
‘That is a common human mistake; and one that most people are guilty of.’
David nodded.
‘So if I am to be of any benefit to you I need to know exactly what happened and if we are to work together please don’t miss anything out.’
David stretched his legs out and then said. ‘I know that you live locally and would have seen this building grow from a pile of dirt.
Despite its complexity it is just a temporary building that will be eventually be replaced by a far more advanced project but it is having the best work force that has elevated this company to the foremost in the world in the world.
We want people working for us who push the boundaries and aren’t afraid to try new things.
Change is something we encourage and some of our best workers have moved from one subject to another and found that they had a hidden talent that would never have seen the light of day but for our encouragement.
As you have already stated the main basic quest for us is to extend life past the normal boundaries and maintain good health for most of that time.
It’s no use living for a hundred years if for half of it you’re in pain or your memory starts to fade; which is how it is at the moment.
The human body starts to age almost as soon as we are born, bone density from early thirties, eyes from forty five, and the most upsetting part of ageing for men, going bald from any age.
We decided that aging should not be inevitable.
Genetic advancement has usually relied on years of careful experiments and small animals have been the main way to test new drugs but it is painfully slow and sometimes inconclusive.
Several years ago a program was instigated that would speed up this process and provide a far more accurate test procedure.
It was however highly controversial so steps were taken to make sure that no one outside the facility would ever become aware of it.
We called it the Frankenstein programme; and for obvious reasons.
The few people that work in that specialist field are hand-picked with strict instruction never talk about their work to anyone; not even family.
As part of their employment contract they sign a section to that effect and believe me it is far more secure than anything that any person working for the civil or secret service puts their name to.
The Frankenstein project started gradually without any long term ambitions. We developed small genetically grown human organs and then moved onto to more complicated ones. Finally every part of the body could be replicated.
At that stage and out of the blue someone at the very top of the organization asked if it was possible to clone a complete human.
A committee was set up and we brought in the best minds in the world. For months all aspects of this project were discussed.
At times it became heated and some thought the idea of producing a human clone repulsive.’
John Smith interrupted, ‘but of course they would be ignored because as you said before most people would want to extend their life.’
Collin nodded, ‘and I was one of them. When I was ill I would have done anything to stay alive.’
Jenny had become increasingly pale and spoke hesitantly. ‘Jesus you cloned a human.’
David shook his head. ‘Not a human. The copies we make have no awareness and are incapable of feeling pain.
While they have most of our body organs their brain is unable to process even the most basic thought process.
They do have a similar involuntary system to humans but again that is basic which means that we have to feed them and walk them around an exercise yard.
No experiments are carried out on their bodies but each one is genetically different to the one before as their DNA is altered in an effort eradicate illness and extend life expectancy.’
Jenny looked even more distressed. ‘Mr Montgomery you’re playing God.’ she said emotionally.
The head of development shrugged his shoulders, ‘Jenny God was never very kind to the human race. Ask yourself some basic questions. Why should some children develop a serious illness such as cancer and live in pain for years and then die.
And explain to me the logic in suffering the indignity of growing old when our bodies and minds gradually fail?’
Of all the creatures on this planet we are the only ones who are fully aware that one day we will die; and the only ones who may be able to change this scenario.
For the benefit of all mankind we at LIFE are trying to change the status quoi.’
He looked towards John Smith and asked. ‘I think from the projects you have been involved in that you may understand my prospective?’
There was a long silence before he got a reply.