This is one of five sections 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. The first section is also available. Let me know how you feel about it in the comments section. Check out another story in this universe: Hemo Sapiens: The Unidentified.
The late afternoon sun slants across Dr Chandrasekar’s desk, illuminating the organised chaos of papers, books, mugs, and a potted succulent. He leans back, cradling a fresh chai, inhaling the rich aroma.
His eyes briefly rest on a framed picture; him, garbed in traditional Sikh attire, turban and all, standing next to his wife and two children. It’s a rare still moment before his two o’clock afternoon appointment interrupts his tranquillity.
Maggie enters, boots scuffing the worn tiles. Her eyes quickly find Dr Chandrasekar.
“Professor,” she calls out, a subtle lift of excitement in her voice. “Still got time?”
“Yes, of course,” he replies, setting down his pen and looking up from a stack of student papers. “What have you got?”
“It’s about my research. I think I’m onto something,” she says, a sense of urgency underscoring her words.
Maggie settles into the chair across from his desk, her nose catching a whiff of something aromatic. “Mmm, what’s that smell? Chai?”
“You’ve got it,” Ravi grins, his hands wrapping around his own cup. “Helps me get through paper-grading marathons.”
“Cambridge, yeah? Full-on, that is.”
“Intense, for sure,” Ravi agrees, his eyes following hers to the framed diplomas. “Learned from the best, charted my own course.”
“That’s the game, innit? Learn from the top, then do your own madness,” Maggie says, eyes flicking back to his.
Ravi feels a subtle rapport develop. “Exactly. That’s how fields advance.”
“Speaking of evolving, let’s dive into your project,” Ravi says, shifting forward. “What’s got you so wrapped up?”
Maggie powers up her tablet, her face alight with anticipation. “This could redefine human history, professor. You need to see it.”
“Now you’ve got my attention,” Ravi says, leaning in slightly, intrigued but cautious. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”
Maggie swipes her finger across the tablet screen, pulling up complex data and images. “Take a look at this,” she says, rotating the device so Ravi can see. “Tell me that doesn’t pique your interest.”
Ravi’s eyes scan the data, feeling a growing sense of excitement. “This is provocative work, Maggie,” he admits, keeping his voice steady. “It’s got potential, serious potential.”
“I thought you’d see it that way,” Maggie replies, reclaiming her tablet and taking a deep breath. “So, what’s our next move?”
“First, let’s make sure we cross our t’s and dot our i’s. Let’s make sure we’ve considered this from all ethical angles,” Ravi advises, sobered by the gravity of her findings. “Research like this could have profound consequences we haven’t even anticipated. We must be thoughtful in how we proceed to the next level.”
“Understood,” Maggie nods, a determined look settling over her features. “We’ll make sure everything’s ironclad, then we’ll blow everyone’s minds.”
“Exactly,” Ravi echoes, feeling that the room has shifted, that they’re onto something big. “This could redefine careers, even shift the whole field.”
A sudden rap at the open door interrupts the conversation.
Maggie turns to see the Department Head and another at the door and powers down her tablet.
“Thank you, Dr. Chandrasekar, that was very helpful!” She stands up.
“Of course, always happy to illuminate the wonders of genetics,” Ravi replies warmly as Maggie slips out past the two men on her way out.
Roger Dean enters with Detective Sergeant Jones on his heels.
“Ravi, sorry to interrupt,” he begins. “This is Detective Sergeant Jones. He was hoping you could assist with a rather sensitive case.”
Ravi raises his eyebrows, looking at Roger, who gives a nod, signalling it’s okay to proceed. “Of course, please come in, Detective.”
Detective Sergeant Jones is sat in the chair Maggie had just left. Passing by, Ravi sniffs stale coffee and underlying stress. Up close, he notices shadows under the detective’s eyes and stubble lining his jaw.
“Thank you for seeing me, Dr. Chandrasekar,” Jones begins. Roger interjects, “Based on the gravity, I thought it best to bring Detective Sergeant Jones directly to you.”
Ravi leans forward, mind already racing with possibilities. “Go on.”
“We’ve been watching a group, based on a tip from a concerned neighbour. Joint operation,” Jones explains.
“We finally got probable cause for a raid,” Jones continues. “Took them by surprise.”
“These blokes, they’re proper twisted,” Jones mutters, voice low.
Ravi’s pulse quickens. “Tell me more,” wondering all the while how this affects him.
After an extended pause, Jones leans closer. “Can’t say more here. Just… involves blood and teeth. That, and they are all twins. Genetic curiosities.”
“I suggest you meet with our forensic team at the station,” Jones says. The Department Head nods, “We can arrange for you to have whatever university resources you’ll need.”
“You’ve got my full support, Detective,” Ravi promises. Roger smiles, apparently relieved. “That’s what I was hoping to hear.”
Ravi shows the detective out, eager to learn more about these individuals—and what’s so unusual about them. This cryptic case ignites his academic curiosity. The detective grabs his coat and heads to the station, energised by the potential revelations ahead.
After Ravi agrees to assist, Roger steps into the hall, polished leather shoes squeaking under his weight.
The door catches Professor Moss’s attention. Seeing Henry, Roger ekes out a sclerotic smile, his formal demeanour at odds with his rumpled suit.
“Roger, a moment if you will,” Henry intones, just as his superior’s about to vanish down the hall. “Was that a detective leaving Ravi’s office? Everything sorted?” Roger pauses, deliberating each word before it escapes his lips.
He hesitates, then lowers his voice. “Let’s just say, Ravi is assisting on a sensitive case with the police. That’s all I can share for now.” His hushed tone borders on conspiratorial, despite his reserved nature.
Intrigued but respectful of the obvious secrecy, Henry simply nods knowingly. “Well, if it’s in Ravi’s hands, I’m sure it’s being well managed.”
With a light knock as a prelude, Henry pokes his head in. “Got a moment?”
Looking up from his notes, Ravi waves Henry in.
Door clicks shut behind him, Henry occupies the chair opposite Ravi. “I couldn’t help but overhear a portion of your conversation with the detective.”
A glint of curiosity flickers in Ravi’s eyes. “Indeed, they’ve requested my expertise in genetics for an unusual case.”
“Teeth were mentioned, I believe?” Henry probes, his tone calibrated to nonchalance.
A quiet chuckle escapes Ravi. “Your hearing serves you well. The detective was scant on particulars but intimated as much. I’m due at the station to gather further information.”
Henry leans forward, his demeanour serious. “If you find you’re in need of another scientific viewpoint, I would be most willing to assist.”
Ravi agrees to update Henry as he learns more about the case. A second scientific perspective could prove useful if the genetics are as anomalous as implied. For now, the mystery deepens.
The next morning, Henry arrives early to his quiet office, thoughts returning to the unusual case Ravi had been asked to consult on. Thoughts whirring. His fingers tap the desktop as he considers the fringes of genetic research that might be related to these so-called ‘unusual’ people.
Henry leans back, his eyes go cold as they find the ceiling. “Why consult Ravi and not me?” he questions the empty room, annoyance thinly veiled.
With a huff, he opens a drawer and retrieves a journal, flipping through pages on recent advances in fringe genetics. “Let’s see if Ravi can handle this one without stumbling. If not, I’ll be ready.”
Disclaimer: This content is not necessarily a finished work. As such, details are subject to change or removal.
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