Chapter 4

Susanna left her words. Don't cry when you see me dead. The data gathered will be sent back to you. I love you, Sarah.

Sarah stood in the control room, her eyes fixed on the monitor displaying the live feed from Earth's ocean depths. It had been months since her mother, Susanna Fordson, embarked on her daring expedition, leaving behind only a cryptic message and a promise to send back data.

The sight before her was both mesmerising and heart-wrenching. She watched as her mother's figure disappeared beneath the turbulent waves, swallowed by the enigmatic depths of the ocean. A lump formed in Sarah's throat, and she fought back the tears, remembering her mother's words.

"Don't cry when you see me dead," Susanna's voice echoed in Sarah's mind. "The data gathered will be sent back to you. I love you, Sarah."

Her mother's voice, filled with love and eagerness, reverberated through the control room. Sarah clenched her fists, her grief mingling with a newfound resolve.

Emma stood by her side, a comforting presence during Sarah's inner turmoil. "Sarah, your mother's research was groundbreaking. Her findings could hold the key to understanding the lunar virus. We have to honour her memory by continuing her work."

Sarah nodded, a mixture of sorrow and determination etched across her face. "You're right, Emma. I won't let her sacrifice be in vain. We'll analyse the data she sends and uncover whatever is within the ocean depths."

They poured over the data sent by Susanna from her fateful expedition. They analysed genetic sequences, cross-referenced ancient mythologies, and studied the evolutionary history of life on Earth. The pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place, revealing a connection that transcended time and space.

Emma pointed at a particular graph on the screen, her voice filled with excitement. "Look, Sarah! The data suggest a link between the lunar virus and an ancient genetic sequence found in deep-sea organisms. It's as if the virus has tapped into an ancient code buried within our DNA."

Sarah's eyes widened with realisation. "The lunar virus... It's not just an isolated occurrence. It's a manifestation of an evolutionary force, a trigger that awakens dormant genetic potential."

Their voices grew louder with each revelation, the urgency of their research fuelling their passion. They delved deeper into the mysteries of evolution, their minds consumed by the complexities of life and its adaptations.

"But how do we control this genetic trigger?" Sarah questioned, a mix of hope and apprehension in her voice. "How do we prevent the lunar transformations from spiralling into chaos?"

Emma pondered for a moment before responding, her voice laced with determination. "If the lunar virus taps into dormant genetic potential, then perhaps we can find a way to guide that potential, to direct its energy in a controlled manner. It's a delicate balance between suppressing and harnessing the transformations."

Sarah nodded, some clarity dawning upon her. "We need to use the data gathered from the ocean, from the depths that hold the echoes of our past, to shape the future of the moon colony. We have to find a way to guide the infected, to help them embrace their transformation without losing their humanity."

As the lunar cycle continued its relentless march, Sarah and Emma threw themselves into their research with unwavering determination. Their work took them deeper into the realms of genetics, mythology, and the uncharted territories of the moon colony.

Little did they know that as they delved into the secrets of the lunar virus and the depths of the ocean, another force was at play. A force that had observed their every move, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to reveal itself and disrupt their quest for control.

Unbeknownst to Sarah and Emma, the shadows concealed a figure that had been observing their every move. Driven by an insidious agenda, this unknown force sought to manipulate the course of their research and tip the scales in favour of chaos. It waited patiently, biding its time, knowing that the perfect moment would soon present itself.

During their research, Sarah's mind wandered back to a childhood memory. It was a sunny day, and she and her mother had taken a stroll through a dense forest near their home. The trees whispered ancient secrets, and the air was thick with a sense of wonder and mystery.

As they walked hand in hand, Susanna shared tales of mythology and the natural world, igniting Sarah's imagination and instilling within her a love for the unknown. She vividly remembered her mother's voice, filled with a mix of scientific knowledge and motherly warmth.

"Sarah," Susanna had said, her eyes sparkling with a deep sense of connection, "the mysteries of the world are vast and intertwined. Science and mythology dance together, revealing hidden truths that surpass the boundaries of logic. Remember, everything is connected."

Sarah was pulled back to the present, her mind swirling with memories and possibilities. She realised that her mother's words held a deeper meaning, echoing the discoveries she and Emma were making. The connection between genetics, mythology, and the lunar virus was becoming clearer, and Sarah was determined to unravel the intricate web that tied them together.

"Emma," Sarah said, breaking the silence that enveloped the lab. "I've been thinking about what my mother used to tell me. The connection between science and mythology. I believe there's a hidden truth within the legends, something that can help us understand the lunar virus even further."

Emma's eyes gleamed with curiosity, her scientific mind open to exploration. "What do you mean, Sarah? Are you suggesting that the answers we seek lie within the ancient tales passed down through generations?"

Sarah nodded, a fire of determination burning in her eyes. "Yes, Emma. I think there's more to the lunar virus than we realise. We need to delve into the depths of mythology, uncover the stories that hold the key to understanding the transformative power within the infected."

As they spoke, unbeknownst to them, a concealed figure watched from the shadows, a malevolent smile curling its lips. It had heard their conversation, and its twisted plan began to take shape. It smiles at their attempt. You are doomed. It said.