10 Chapter 10: Dismemberment
Word Count: 3600
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In Anchorage, planes continued to land and take off as waves of elite troops from the United Nations Pacific Rim forces arrived. They sealed off Anchorage base like a fortress, creating an intense and foreboding atmosphere.
Batch after batch of cutting-edge medical equipment was transported in and swiftly put to use.
As night descended, the numerous biomedical researchers, seemingly invigorated as if they had been injected with adrenaline, forgot about eating, reluctant to leave their workstations. They muttered to themselves like they were under a spell, their faces growing even more flushed with excitement.
"The strength of the test mice has surged; it broke the nutrient jar! Catch it quickly!"
"Experimenting on rabbits, we observed ocular mutations with a laser reaction."
"Where did the white mouse go? Damn, it can teleport, they all have superpowers! Check the surveillance and capture it!"
"Professor Tungus, it's time for the report," reminded a disciple researcher by his side.
Tungus snapped back to reality, feeling somewhat disoriented and anemic, as if he had been transported to a massive laboratory in another world. There was a mix of unexpected panic, researchers who seemed to be in an evil scientist's trance with red eyes and sinister smiles, and others whose worldviews appeared to crumble, staring in disbelief. Finally, his gaze settled on the authoritative figure of Cery.
Tungus felt a tinge of fear towards the commanding Cery, not just because of what she had done to him and his son, but also because, in just a little over ten hours, the biomedical team he led had become her assistants, producing results that could potentially claim Nobel Prizes for the next hundred years.
She was indeed a talent surpassing all other biomedical researchers a hundredfold.
Tungus glanced at Cery deeply, then left the laboratory. He rubbed his tired face, which had been flushed with excitement, and instructed his assistant, "Prepare a preliminary summary of the experimental data and convene a joint meeting."
With the experimental data prepared, Tungus, accompanied by his assistant, headed to the meeting room with Augustine and Stacker to commence the joint meeting.
The meeting room was brilliantly lit, and within a mere five minutes, all 21 screens came to life. On those screens were not only representatives from various countries but also their top leaders, who had been awakened from their late-night slumber to attend this crucial meeting that would decide the fate of extraterrestrial beings and Earth's response to outer space threats.
"Director Tungus, a preliminary summary of the experiment, delayed by three hours and forty-two minutes, please report as soon as possible," a displeased national president demanded.
"The preliminary results of the experiments and their outcomes will satisfy the leaders of all countries, I believe," Tungus said confidently with a gentlemanly demeanor. He took the documents from his assistant, opened them, and began reporting some necessary, simplified data, focusing on the data related to the alien's body that had garnered the most attention.
"Due to instrument issues, there were slight discrepancies in the 8,000-ton baseline strength measured earlier. Based on the latest accurate medical instruments, he currently possesses at least 30,000 tons of strength," Tungus explained, selecting some key data related to the extraterrestrial's physical attributes.
"We have reason to believe that in just a dozen hours, he has grown into a monster with 30,000 tons of baseline strength," Tungus reported.
Representatives on all 21 screens fell silent.
What did it mean for a human body that was less than two meters tall to possess 30,000 tons of baseline strength? All the representatives understood this concept very well, but what was even clearer to them was the terror that such an existence represented. General Augustine and Stacker, two key figures, subconsciously exchanged glances, and the shock was evident in their eyes.
The body that could gather 30,000 tons of strength within just a dozen hours was terrifying.
"His body, in terms of its dense molecular structure, is now even harder than ordinary alloys. Various extreme energies have begun to have no effect on him. In addition, he has expanded his evolutionary defense against various toxins and diseases. Furthermore, he possesses tremendous growth potential, and this is by no means his final stage," Tungus dropped another bomb, leaving the representatives on all 21 screens stunned.
"Earth cannot tolerate his existence anymore, ladies and gentlemen."
"His existence is already a threat to Earth."
"Even if he has 30,000 tons of strength within just a dozen hours, what can we do to balance him?"
"I can't imagine what level of power he will have in just another month."
"My country supports executing him."
"Agreed."
"We must consider Earth's safety."
"Earth can't afford such an extraterrestrial."
"In that case, let's execute him."
At this moment, even those who advocated peaceful communication dared not speak of waiting for that body to wake up and communicate.
His growth potential was too vast.
Waiting for him to wake up in a week or a month, Earth would already be his playground. What was the point of trying to communicate then? An uncontrollable monster could only be killed.
"I understand," Tungus nodded, without the regret typical of researchers, and delivered words that left the representatives from various countries shocked and amazed.
"Based on our preliminary examination of the blood cell samples that fell, the cell division observed indicates that this life form possesses an extraordinarily long lifespan."
Tungus paused for a moment. No matter how long a life is, dying at this moment is meaningless.
"Furthermore, we've observed the cell division samples, extracted telomeres, and developed a cell-enhancing solution that promotes cell division. After conducting experiments on white mice, the current situation is excellent. Their cell division coefficient has increased, telomeres have lengthened, and when compared to the lifespans of white mice that weren't part of the experiment, their lifespans have increased tenfold."
Tungus finished speaking, standing naturally. He believed that all nations understood what this meant and also understood the peak of his authority.
This wasn't actually an accident. Even before they arrived, Cery had synthesized a cell-enhancing solution from the blood cell samples collected in the meteor crater in just two hours. It was something they wouldn't have achieved in their lifetimes.
They had only noticed the results immediately upon their arrival and injected it into the white mice for observation.
Cery's claim that she was a hundred times more talented than this group of people was not an exaggeration.
But it didn't matter. Everything belonged to him, was achieved under his leadership.
As expected, upon hearing Tungus's words, some of the representatives on the screens were replaced, and the most influential figures in each country appeared directly on the screens. However, at the same time, these individuals were much older.
There were no individuals under 45 who could reach the pinnacle of power in a country, and even those around 50 were rare.
The faces of greed and desire that this human leaders longed for suddenly appeared on the 21 screens.
"Director Tungus, are you suggesting...?"
"Yes. According to our calculations, approximately 50 grams of blood cell samples can be refined into 1 gram of cell-enhancing solution. Furthermore, we have not yet tested other cells, but we can assume that they will yield even more than blood cells. An adult would require approximately 10 grams of cell-enhancing solution to initiate a new round of cell division and increase the length of telomeres."
"In other words, 10 grams of cell-enhancing solution could extend human lifespan tenfold."
Tungus spoke, his heart filled with excitement.
Few ordinary people could resist the temptation of immortality.
Only those with unwavering faith and young, hot-blooded individuals who knew nothing of the cycle of life and death and harbored grand illusions would scoff at a group of withered old men.
But when they reached old age, they might even cry and kneel in pursuit of immortality, something that no human could avoid.
And when these withered individuals held immense power, they would be even less willing to die, craving longevity.
Augustine and Stacker on the sidelines had their faces change drastically. They saw the reactions of all the leaders on the screens, who were struck dumb with this shocking surprise.
Those who understood had expressions of overwhelming joy that they couldn't hide, their eyes filled with delight, their blood circulation accelerated, and adrenaline surged. Even their aged bodies seemed to burst with an inexhaustible desire for power.
"He cannot die."
Some of the influential figures understood that as long as they kept that body's life hanging by a thread, drawing blood for an extended period, those who stood at the pinnacle of human power would have lifespans of hundreds or even thousands of years.
The authoritative figure who had muttered to himself realized his loss of composure, coughed twice, and regained his composure.
"For thousands of years, from the moment humans obtained the fire, we have fought against beasts, conquered the land, explored the oceans, soared into the sky, and faced the sinister intentions of extraterrestrials. What we should do is not to kill this extraterrestrial, attempting to evade this catastrophe, but to face it actively, prepare with all our might, and take steps towards space."
"Yes, that's right. We should never so easily execute this extraterrestrial."
"Have faith in humanity."
"Humanity has never feared war, not even space warfare."
"Cancel the execution of the extraterrestrial, leave him for observation."
"Agreed."
"Everyone, we are facing an extraterrestrial. Please proceed with caution."
"We should not hastily decide to go to war."
"The arrival of the extraterrestrial is not something we can decide."
"Agreed."
"Detain him, but with a plan."
"In that case, we must limit his actions due to his excessive power."
"My country will provide a 700-meter deep underground nuclear base in Nevada, equipped with a comprehensive containment mechanism. It will be sufficient to control the extraterrestrial. All countries are allowed to send supervisors, and we must remember that we are united."
"No objections."
"Agreed."
"As for the cell-enhancing solution, we can discuss it later."
"Accepted."
The expressions on the screens showed great excitement, and they had decided to keep the extraterrestrial and actively prepare for the invasion from outer space.
They believed that even if the extraterrestrial invaded, their numerous soldiers and people would fight with all their might to protect the Earth.
When the time came, with hundreds or even thousands of years of life, they would deal with the extraterrestrial 'war' as the situation demanded.
Stacker felt utterly bewildered. One moment, he was discussing Earth's decisions regarding the extraterrestrial, coming to the conclusion of executing the extraterrestrial. The next moment, he learned that the cells within the extraterrestrial could be extracted to create a cell-enhancing solution, and he was enthusiastically declaring war on the extraterrestrial, preparing for active defense.
It appeared that those who were going to battle weren't these individuals.
Rather, it was these individuals who would use the cell-enhancing solution.
"Are you all serious? You're putting Earth in such a righteous position in the eyes of the extraterrestrial?" Stacker's anger flared, and he questioned directly.
Prior discussions and the execution could all be considered as decisions made in the face of the extraterrestrial. Regardless of right or wrong, Stacker was willing to bear the consequences, to share the burden because that might have been the best way.
But now, they were planning to imprison the extraterrestrial, to detain him 700 meters underground in a nuclear base, only to extract his blood to make cell-enhancing solution. The power-hungry, hypocritical faces of various nations were now on full display, openly expressing their support for war and imprisonment.
Was this for real? Didn't they consider the consequences of their greed? The fact was that the true authoritarian figures were already 70 or 80 years old, many of them wealthy capitalists from major families. It was very likely that they wouldn't last until an extraterrestrial invasion, with no future to speak of.
Stacker's accusations caused the excited expressions on the screens to drop slightly.
"Stacker, let's adjourn for everyone's discussion. General Augustine, Stacker is not in the right state of mind for this meeting. Let him rest."
Someone on the screens appeared displeased and issued an order.
General Augustine's face remained expressionless. He simply made a gesture, and soldiers escorted Stake, who was confused and angry, out of the room.
"Director Tungus, you've done well. You're in charge of this matter, and we won't forget your contribution," the authoritarians on the screens were very satisfied.
Tungus was even more pleased, almost smiling, and he used impeccable etiquette to bow slightly with his right hand close to his abdomen.
He didn't look like a biomedical researcher at all.
The people on the screens nodded in agreement, also pleased that he wasn't just a simple biomedical worker.
"Everyone, there's something even more surprising," Tungus said at this moment, like a magician, capturing the attention of those in front of the screens.
"Director Tungus, please perform your act."
It was rare for someone on the screens to make a joke, and the wrinkles on the faces of others couldn't help but smooth out as they smiled.
They were truly delighted.
The extraterrestrial weighed 1,700 kilograms, and the cell-enhancing solution that could be extracted from him would only increase. There was no need to tear each other apart like barbarians. Therefore, their manners were excellent.
Tungus smiled and gestured for his assistant to play the footage of the experiments.
In the footage, some mice breathed out freezing breath in the monitoring, turning themselves into ice blocks, only to be thawed by the staff, revealing that they were still alive and healthy.
In another experiment, a rabbit's eyes began emitting chaotic laser beams, melting the isolation chamber due to the high temperature. It then ran out and injured the staff, getting shot dead.
There were experiments where white mice gradually became muscular and gained immense strength.
Other experiments showed mice with hardened bodies, able to withstand blades and bullets.
One experiment displayed a white mouse disappearing in the monitoring and then reappearing on the ground, instantly moving, and becoming impossible to catch.
Some mice suddenly developed more developed brains, with alert eyes, sitting down to contemplate. After the researchers' study, it was revealed that this particular mouse had a higher IQ than the average human.
There were even mice that seemed to control invisible air, described by researchers as possessing a power called 'telekinesis.'
The faces of the authoritarians on various screens were filled with shock.
They had expected that an extended lifespan was a gift from the gods, but they had not anticipated the emergence of so many different superhuman abilities. After the initial shock, most of the authoritarians on the screens began deep contemplation.
Tungus didn't notice and continued his presentation with pride.
"Ice manipulation, laser beams, immense strength, body hardening, teleportation, intelligence, telekinesis, and more than a dozen other superpowers! Everyone, we are about to enter a completely new era. Longevity is just a side effect of being a superhuman."
Tungus could almost imagine himself leaving a historical legacy, and anyone mentioning him would admire and respect him, saying, "The pioneer of the superhuman era, the beacon of hope for humanity, the greatest person."
However, he still didn't realize that all the screens were silent, far from the excitement he had imagined.
His facial skin, which he had lifted, stiffened, and his eyes scanned the screens. His raised hand involuntarily dropped.
What was going on?
Different from the reactions to the revelation of extended lifespan, Tungus even noticed that some people's eyes were filled with deep apprehension.
Wasn't having superhuman abilities a good thing?
Tungus felt a sudden chill in his heart, realizing that there might be something he hadn't thought of.
The atmosphere seemed to sink into a quagmire.
After a long silence, a representative from the Russian side slowly made a proposal.
"Siberia's nuclear well base is 900 meters deep and capable of imprisoning any extraterrestrial."
"Nevada also has a 1,000-meter deep underground facility. Please trust a certain country."
"No, it can't be! We offer a 1,300-meter deep one. Listen, my country absolutely refuses to allow the extraterrestrial to be placed in Nevada."
"You bear, this is the decision of the various countries here. How dare you refuse?"
"Let's see which country dares to decide to put it in Nevada!"
"Putting it in Nevada is indeed not appropriate. We need to think carefully about it."
"Let's discuss it, and discuss it again."
"In fact, it's safest to place it in my country."
"My country is also fine."
"I suggest my country."
"A certain country's credibility is not worth believing."
"Nevada is absolutely not a suitable place, I suggest placing it in our country's concealed underwater base."
"Put it in your country? What are you up to?"
"I'm not up to anything, just safety!"
"Anywhere is safer than your leaky country!"
"What did you say? Say it again if you dare."
"Why argue? Everyone knows what's going on. Just dismember the extraterrestrial and divide it evenly! Each country takes a part and researches it themselves!"
"····"
"····"
"Agree!"
"As long as it's not in Nevada, agree!"
"Agree to the division!"
"Agree!"
"Shouldn't we be considering the threat of the extraterrestrial instead of arguing about this?"
"Since you're so self-righteous, let's not keep the extraterrestrial's body!"
"····"
"It's decided! The majority vote is to dismember the extraterrestrial. The minority must obey the majority. The U.S. protest is invalid. Chairman Tungus, present a plan immediately to dismember the extraterrestrial. It must be completed within three hours."
"You dare!"
"I dare! If you don't start dismembering directly three hours from now, the SS-X-30 Satan 2 intercontinental missile from Sarumat will fire directly and destroy Marqerechi. There's no negotiation."
"······"
"Agree, our country will begin deploying nuclear weapons."
"Agree."
"Seconded."
"Please, United States, abide by the resolution of the Pacific Rim Union."
"Now, starting at this moment, every monitor must be transparent to the eyes of all Pacific Rim countries!"
In an instant, the screens were in chaos, with everyone vehemently opposing the idea of placing the extraterrestrial in Nevada.
If it had been just about extending lifespan, all the nations present would have cooperated happily. But now, with unimaginable superhuman abilities, there was absolutely no way it could be placed in Nevada.
Extending lifespan was something they could peacefully accept, but these superhuman abilities manifested in just a few hours. It was impossible to imagine how easy it would be to form a highly specialized task force within a month.
Most importantly, everyone was worried about the extraterrestrial being in Nevada, which wasn't their territory. In the United States, one could easily manipulate the situation, causing all the other countries' plans to crumble.
For example, pretending that terrorists had taken away the extraterrestrial and making it disappear for a day or two. What could the other countries do in response? Strongly condemn them? What good would that do?
Yet, they couldn't dare to initiate a nuclear strike first. Once they did, the United States would have a reason to destroy them.
Even if they didn't strike, with time, the United States could develop a superhuman task force or an individual with powers beyond nuclear weapons, making their nukes ineffective. The United States was already the strongest country, and other nations, especially those who had been in a Cold War with the U.S., couldn't tolerate the emergence of superhumans who could potentially make individual soldiers invincible.
This introduced too many variables.
In the past, everyone had nuclear weapons, and everyone was made up of regular people who could easily die. It was peaceful.
But now, if someone became superhuman first, no one knew whether nuclear weapons would be effective anymore. And if someone gained superhuman abilities first, it was terrifying for the others.
Moreover, even if they dismembered the extraterrestrial and divided its cells, each of the 21 countries' top leaders would have enough to use and research. With 1700 kilograms divided into 21 portions, each would get around 80.95 kilograms.
How they used it would be their country's business.
That would be the fair way to assess each country's biomedical capabilities.
One option was to leave the extraterrestrial in Nevada, where the United States would gain an advantage. It was even possible that after the United States realized how powerful its superhumans were, they wouldn't see the need to share with other countries. Then, it could lead to a Third World War.
What would other countries gain from that?
However, if they dismembered the extraterrestrial now, every country's top leaders would have superhuman abilities and gain an additional few hundred years of life.
At that time, they would still have a peaceful era of superhumans.
What they acquired now would truly belong to them. As for the United States' talk of long-term sharing, it was nothing more than boiling a frog in warm water. No nation believed it.
Only by dismembering and dividing the extraterrestrial could they achieve true fairness and peace.
As long as the extraterrestrial remained in the United States, it was highly likely that an imperial ruler of superhumans would emerge.
They couldn't let the United States grow stronger first. They couldn't give them any chance.
So, the screens were filled with chaotic arguments, and in the end, someone proposed a solution that everyone reluctantly accepted but that was hard for the United States to swallow.
Dismemberment.
°°°
A/N: Hello Hello, how are y'all, so, late heads up, new fanfic. Give stones to start.
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