The Zyne Project Read Online Free PDF Page A

no recording of Rick.  And he could be dying…or worse.
    Dan pulled the group together and could see that the trial subjects looked worried. Somehow, he had to try to keep their stress level manageable given their fragile conditions.  But he had some very bad news to share and no matter how he put it, they would not take it well.
    “Guys, please try to relax.  I’ve got to talk to you.  We’ve got someone missing…”
    The subjects murmured amongst themselves and Dan had to quiet the group down to continue.
    “Look, Rick is missing.  Rosa saw him by the pool and he wasn’t doing too well. She went to get help, but by the time she got back, he was gone. Has anyone seen him?”
    No one had seen Rick since earlier in the day.  Taking a deep breath, Dan spoke again, this time very slowly, “Look everyone. I had to report Rick’s disappearance and there is a very specific protocol for this kind of situation.  We don’t know what we’re dealing with here and in order to protect all of you and ensure he doesn’t harm himself and others, we’ve locked down the building.  That means, we’re all stuck here until we can find him.”
    Jennifer exploded, “What do you mean we’re in lockdown?  That’s bullshit!  What if something’s wrong with him?  And we’re all stuck in this building with nowhere to go?  You need to let us out, now!”
    Dan stared at her with tired eyes, “You want to leave?  Don’t forget, there’s a ton of media outside and you’re basically bald .  Not to mention, you’re full of liquid treatment that if we simply stop now, could seriously endanger your health. You sure you want to leave Jennifer?”
    She glared at him and sat down in a huff.  Tim, who was sitting quietly, began rubbing his head.  “Dude,” he said, “I’m not feeling good either. What’s wrong with us doc?”
    Dan sat down and leveled with them. “Look, I know you don’t feel great, but you’re all making medical history and when this study is complete, you’re going to walk out of here with your genetics changed forever.  Trust me, I want to get you through this trial safely and quickly, but the first thing we need to do is find Rick.  Then, we can figure out how to finish your treatments in the safest way possible. Will you help me with this?”
    The group looked at each other and reluctantly agreed.
    “Ok,” said Dan, “Let’s break up into groups and search the perimeter.  I think groups of three should be fine and then we’ll meet back up here in the common area in one hour.  Sound good?”
    Rosa, Bryan, and Jennifer agreed to stay on the first floor and search the rooms including the medical center. Tim, Teresa, and Dan took the elevator up to the second floor to check the rooms upstairs.
    “This sucks,” Tim moaned as the elevator doors shut and they began to ascend.  He leaned up against the wall and grabbed his head with both hands, continuing to moan.  Dan moved closer to the surfer.
    “What’s hurting you Tim?” he asked as the elevator reached the second floor and they all stepped out.
    Tim didn’t say anything, just shuffled out and suddenly sank to his knees while gripping his head.  “It huuurts…” he groaned.  Then, he collapsed to the ground in one heavy movement, falling face forward.  Dan ran over and tried to touch him, but suddenly, the surfer flung out his arm and knocked him back. 
    Rising from the ground, the bald man looked crazed. His face was bright red, eyes rolling crazily in their sockets, and a maniacal grin on his face.  He stumbled and lurched towards Teresa, who jumped back and ran down the hallway.
    Dan regained his balance and chased after them.  Tim managed to corner Teresa against a locked door that she was desperately trying to open.  He was leaning in and grasping for her repeatedly as she tried to shrink away.  Ropes of drool were now hanging out of his mouth and he continued moaning in a nonsensical, psychotic manner.
    Dan knew he