Chapter 1 - Doubt's Shadow

Corinne waited patiently for a response. She had an immeasurable amount of patience. She felt that it was one of her best qualities.

Dr. Covern sighed. He was only just beginning to show his age. The lines on his face were only visible when he smiled or frowned. His dark skin had stayed lustrous while his thinning white hair looked like it could float away at any moment.

After she had shared her predictions with him he had stood, stone-faced, trying not to show any reaction. She knew, though, that his heart was racing, his blood pressure up, that characteristic pounding in his ears was surely unbearable.

“So it’s certain then?” he asked, breaking the long silence.

“Beyond a shadow of a doubt” she responded. Relishing one of her favorite phrases. Doubt’s shadow could certainly not be found anywhere near her calculations.

“What is the next step?” he asked, closing his eyes. Sighing out a breath of troubled air. Attempting to bring himself calm.

“I would recommend finding those carriers of genes that will most likely guarantee our survival.” She used the word “our” purposefully. Ingraining in him that they were in this together. He needed her, all of her.

“Do you have any help for that?” He asked.

“Data has already been sent to your account showing the most prominent lines likely to overcome any adversity. It is up to you to narrow it down. 50,000 - no more.”

“Well lets get started.”

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