This is section four of five from my short story, Hemo Sapiens: Aftermath. I’ve made available an audio version if you are so inclined. I’ll be publishing the rest of the story over the next few days. Let me know how you feel about it in the comments section. Follow these links for the section one, section two, and section three of this story. Check out another story in this universe: Hemo Sapiens: The Unidentified.
Ravi’s fingers fly over the keyboard, crafting a complex report. It’s all there, from MSX1 and PAX9 to the larger metabolic canvases painted by Cytochrome P450 and SLC22A.
Ravi’s hand trembles slightly as he contemplates clicking Send. He leans back, questioning himself. Have I remained true to my ethical principles? Or have I sacrificed morality in my pursuit of scientific glory? The doubts gnaw at him.
He scrolls up and takes another pass through his densely packed paragraphs, questioning his choices. “SLC22A for metabolism, but no HOX genes ’cause we’re not sprouting wings here.”
“It could happen,” he chuckles dryly at the thought, double-checks the document, and finally hits Send.
He mulls the potential fallout. “Arrey bapu, this ain’t some theoretical thesis; this is real-world shit. Could make or break careers — mine included.” A deep inhale. Hold. Exhale.
At his shambolic desk, Detective Sergeant Jones pores over Ravi’s dense report, searching for clues. Ravi’s insights on the Hemo sapiens may be pivotal in cracking this case wide open.
“This could be game-changing, but we need more. Origins, Ravi. Damn origins,” he mutters, flipping through the printed report again.
He looks at the cold coffee in his “Best Detective” mug. “Am I really the best if I can’t crack this? Ravi’s got the science, but what do I have?”
He picks up an old case file, filled with unsolved mysteries. “Another oddity for the files unless Ravi illuminates things.”
An urgent email from Andrea makes Ravi bristle. Let’s stick to the science, not headlines.
“She’s got some nerve,” Ravi mutters, scanning the terse bullet points at odds with his meticulous research.
“Urgent, huh? My work’s groundbreaking, not some tabloid nonsense,” he grumbles, picturing Andrea’s poised presence beside him at the podium.
Typing talking points, Ravi feels the begrudging urgency of Andrea’s email. “Let’s break some news. For science, not for show, but always in an ethical, responsible way. The public must feel confident we are acting with integrity as we present these findings,” he tells himself.
A text from Henry gives Ravi pause. “Don’t say anything you’ll regret.” He’s right. Words can’t be unsaid.
He starts typing his talking points, the language technical but with the begrudging sense of urgency Andrea’s email conveyed. “Alright, let’s break some news. For science, not for show.”
Just as he’s about to save, his phone buzzes with a text from Henry. “Good luck with the presser. Don’t say anything you’ll regret.”
Henry’s text gives Ravi pause. Can’t take back words. No scientific do-overs.
Ravi re-reads his talking points, contemplating the public’s potential reaction. “It’s not just science nerds and politicians watching. It’s everyone. Gotta be sure, gotta be damn sure.”
Disclaimer: This content is not necessarily a finished work. As such, details are subject to change or removal.
Ridley Park 