The StoryTeller

1. Creation: Ex Nihilo Chaos – an Apple, a Serpent, a fall

Life stood motionless. Fixated by self-pity, Adamson felt completely alone. His face had contorted, becoming draped in a depressing vale. All his work, his entire life to this point, had been for nothing. He was a joke, a pawn of manipulation, set to fall whilst others yet lived free.

He had lost. He had become a no one.  His heart skipped a beat as a painful shock traversed across his chest. Twitching in momentary agony, Adamson couldn’t help but think that his one love, the one person reflecting his image, had destroyed him.

Adamson was hurting. Both emotionally and physically he was a mess. A deadly concoction of anger and depression now controlled his body, eliminating all valid responses of reason…

His body stood staunch, a monument of depression. A deathly groan filled the room as Adamson gave voice to his pain. A pain indescribable, marking the birth of true agony. Adamson collapsed to the floor. Balanced on all fours, emotion had made Adamson a beast. There lay primitive man, a slave to his feelings.

Soon a whimper arose from the corner of the room, as if the nadir of guilt.  Remorse ate at the soul, destroying the very foundation of life that nature had intended. A shade of his former self, Adamson turned noticing Evelyn.

Slumped in the corner, Evelyn lay dejected. Evelyn’s arms crossed her body, protectively, a final attempt to hold herself together. Adamson’s eyes focussed on Evelyn’s blank, expressionless face, God’s neglected canvas. Responding to sudden adrenaline, he jumped to his feet. Mustering this new energy, he smiled; bearing his teeth grimly, his body fuelled with hidden emotion. Eyeing Evelyn, Adamson was filled with desire; he wanted to make her feel his pain…

Unexpectedly Evelyn’s face exploded with misery, a sudden waterfall of tears cascaded down her face, drenching her crumpled clothing. The very sight of her beloved in pain was too much for her to bear. Evelyn was being consumed by pity, her guilt driving her to despair.  Evelyn writhed on the floor, unable to ignore the hole left in her soul. It had been her fault, her plan that had backfired.

Now she had nothing… was nothing… Evelyn felt empty.  Evelyn sensed she had lost her life, and had taken the only person she had ever loved with her into an abyss of pain and suffering.

Adamson stared at the wreck that now danced in front of him. Adamson could feel no sense of pity, he had nothing and she had nothing. They were once again equals.

Adamson’s mind was left to ponder… exploring his memory, trying to understand what had gone wrong, why it had gone wrong.  Adamson’s life now felt misplaced, somewhat lost like a meaningless possession. He was standing in anguish, a mere shell of a man. Adamson wanted to know why…

Adamson’s mind began to race. The events of the past month flooded his memories, evoking emotions that had best been left uncovered. Placing events into some sort of sequence, Adamson understood that this all started with that science journal a few weeks ago…

2. The Alpha and Omega

A few weeks earlier…

An extract from the Australasian Journal of Science and Ethics 3rd December 2015

Usurping God

Throughout history, man has sought to simultaneously utilise and disprove the existence of a ‘God’ and its power on earth.  The power of this ‘God” has become a focal point, a fascination of mankind for millennium. With recent scientific discoveries into the ‘God Particle’, more commonly known as Higgs Boson, theorists propose an ability to harness this ultimate of holy powers. It appears that as long as mankind is in existence, the conflict between scientific discovery and religious faith will continue. In the past century, mankind’s greatest discoveries have fuelled this conflict more than any other period in human history, highlighted by the discovery of atomic warfare and its use in Hiroshima and Nagasaki (1945).

This however seems miniscule when compared with recent rumours from Abaddon Incorporated, with claims of harnessing genetic engineering to artificially create and change the structures of life. Rumours have spread of their power to alter the genetic code of man. By manipulating our genetics, Abaddon Incorporated would have the ability to change our intelligence, our looks and our very personality. In essence it appears Abaddon Incorporated holds the ability to alter and destroy our very souls, to change our very selves.

 What is the power of ‘God’ if not the ability to control all aspects of mortal life, and bend it in such a way to manipulate the entire structure of the world?

It appears that human scientific advancement, for the most part, has played an effective role improving the overall living standards of man. However this never ending drive for results must be questioned. Research into the destruction, manipulation and control of human life is beyond acceptable.

The greed of man has already led to the fall of man once. If the recent rumours are true, this new found ability to ‘Play God’ leads to the question, “How far is too far.? How far can we fall?

…………………

The discarded magazine had been hurled towards the bin, in anger. Bloodshot eyes stared into the distance as the arduous work hours appeared to be taking its toll. Weeks of research spent in front of electronic screens, days filled with genetic modelling.  Huge periods of effort and time that stood disputed. Exertion now touted as ‘beyond acceptable’, as ‘research into the destruction of man’.

Standing, the figure made a move towards the coffee pot, his emaciated figure revealing a total neglect of physical exercise and proper diet. Grabbing the mug labelled ‘Adamson’, the figure poured himself his fourth coffee for the day and sat down in front of the window facing the coast. In the distance, waves could be seen crashing onto the shore, a constant barrage of force slowly destroying the shoreline.

Adamson’s weak exterior did not reflect his inner strength, his drive so focussed that nearly anything became possible…  Surfer after surfer approached the wave, each in one’s own way attempting to conquer the beast, all failing without hope. Adamson reflected on his lonesome life, his friendless existence, a life dedicated to his research.  Adamson was frustrated. He felt that he had lost control of himself yet again.  Once again his thoughts were elsewhere, as they had been all week, this article simply a new device to vent his attention.

‘Natural life, life worth living, could never be created in a laboratory’…  It was these thoughts that haunted his dreams, thoughts that often re-appeared constantly on his mind. Adamson was a scientist, a respected man in society, holding the shared responsibility for human advancement. Yet, a single article had weakened him. Adamson sat contemplating his very existence, pondering what exactly in life was worth living.

Adamson’s mind flashed to his childhood, a time of constant disappointment. He recalled how each failure had been momentum for another. His youth had been a constant circular spiral of disappointments, building on each other. Adamson spent a great deal of time in the shadows, hiding himself in remorse, fearful of yet another failure.

As Adamson had aged however, he had found an interest which gave his life meaning, a means of filling his days with reason. Adamson found science, an ever willing mate. Adamson had found his calling in life, his work. Ironically the persistent failure of experiments further fuelled this love.

Never being a social person, Adamson had followed in the works of others, studying the discoveries of the geniuses that came before. Adamson had dedicated the last 30 years of his life to researching the concepts of gene splicing, an unexplored concept of mixing genetic structures of living beings.  As Adamson’s work advanced he couldn’t help but dream of the possibilities. In his hands he had the ability to prevent diseases, mutations, cancers and extend the lives of millions of people. Adamson had the ability to improve life, which as far as he was concerned, was an existence worth pursuing.

Adamson sighed and put down the coffee mug. Adamson’s thoughts returned to the article and the ‘God’ it had discussed. This ‘God’ was a creator of sorts, a greater being that looked out for man, who was there to provide for his creatures as he saw fit. For a believer, there was no questioning life. Religion supplied the beginning, middle and end. Religion was perfect, life wasn’t. The contradiction of faith: life in poverty, belief in riches.

Massaging his forehead, Adamson’s head ached as he remembered parts of his childhood. Particularly Adamson remembered how his parents had enforced upon him his Christian roots, an infancy spent at church, many hours given in Sunday school. Throughout his life Adamson was more distracted by the wonders of world than the matters of his class mates or the stories in those ever repeated bible passages…

Adamson had always recognised science as the better stimulant of his imagination, of which he and to an extent, mankind, held an eternal debt for its ‘glorious’ advancements.

Standing over his work station, Adamson inspected its state. The work station lay isolated, covered by microscopes, insulators, scalpels and samples. The tools and equipment of his work lay surrounded by empty space. In the centre, a lone test tube lay in an incubator.

A small life contained inside. There remained the pre-ordained existence for human being. This single cell was to be the beginning of new humanity, a ‘perfect’ humanity. Life without disease had been the aim of scientists for centuries, an aspiration finally possible using genetic splicing and genetic manipulation. Staring at the small life form in front of him, Adamson couldn’t help but see the irony…

All of ‘mans’ hopes for the future were held in the most unlikely source, a small speck floating in a test tube. His youth had been influential, ‘I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End’, Adamson thought to himself with a smile…

3. Aphrodite

A stranger, an unknown face retorted her glance. It looked rough, weathered perhaps, signs of a stressful life. Her complexion was pale, highlighting a complete disregard for outdoor activities and scarcely covered by make-up.  Not what you would expect from your average middle class citizen…

Her eyes stood out. They held the key to an underlying subtle beauty. Ocean-like in colour, the eyes caught the attention of casual passer-by’s.  The eyes themselves held mystery, capturing the very emotion of the soul. Happiness shone through a sparkling mid summers lake, whilst anger was expressed by an icy coolness. Gifted with an infectious smile, she was able to captivate even the strongest of men and bend them towards her will. It was this power that she enjoyed; it gave her pleasure to manipulate others, to see a man perplexed by her glance.

Staring back at herself, Evelyn smiled. The mirror reflected her physical power, her own eyes able to stare into the depths of her soul.  A dark history lay hidden within. Her soul had been lost to the very essence of evil.

Reassuring herself that such malicious horror where a thing of the past… She reminded herself constantly that people could change. In fact, Evelyn was the very proof of a changed person. Today she stood proudly a politician, fighting for political justice for all people. She no longer haunted the clubs, no longer spent nights in strange men’s beds, she was a person reborn. Evelyn had a reawakening. A new spirit flowed through her, giving her a new perspective on life.

Evelyn’s career had started brightly, quickly becoming a favourite within the Party. Her first promise was to reunite the people by removing tax, a policy that was very popular amongst all social classes. During this time she had met Wagner Faust, a mysterious man who always seemed to want to help. Wagner Faust became her best friend, a man she could trust. Evelyn told Wagner Faust everything about her life, the way she felt, what she was planning and even hinted towards the events of her past. Wagner had been a shoulder of support through many times of struggle.

A headache started at the back of Evelyn’s skull, a withdrawal symptom from her addictions. Most had passed, however a few lingering pains reminded her of what had been. Being honest with herself, Evelyn almost relished the pain. Enjoying the semi-constant reminder of the path she now walked… A sign that she had become something better.

The pain itself grew. She felt a piercing into her very skull, as if a handful of needles were being forced out from the inside. Evelyn gasped with the pain, her eyes glazed over, her body tensed up…

And the feeling passed, Wagner technique working yet again. As she had been taught, Evelyn would brave herself against the pain, creating a mental shield against the addiction and eventually the feeling would pass. Evelyn once again faced the challenge, conquered her inner demons and rejoiced in her friendship with Wagner.

Suddenly the phone rang… a continual flow of cheap knockoff tunes… checking the caller ID, Evelyn realised it was Wagner, her friend. Picking up the receiver, Evelyn recalled how interested she had once been with telephones… It was as if she had a direct line to Wagner, a way in which to communicate with the whole world without leaving the bedroom.  Science was doing a great many things, accepted Evelyn. What would be next?

Wagner did not seem happy. He required a favour. An old friend, he said  was in trouble and in his time of need required her company. Wagner said this was a way for Evelyn to repay her friendship in turn. Wagner introduced the idea of a scientist. A man named Adamson. Wagner mentioned that he had been working on something big. He would call her with details. She would need a new dress. Wagner had just set up Evelyn for a date!

And without a reply Wagner Faust hung up. A mysterious character was her Wagner, always surprising her with his actions. Wagner was not one for the social norms, instead always acted in a way that appeared queer to Evelyn. His newest proposal was as random as the rest of them. Evelyn constantly found herself questioning his social qualities. Wagner was never one for talking, or sharing his ideas. Their relationship had very much been a one way street. Evelyn poured herself a very generous drink, and sat down to comprehend what Wagner had just requested.

4. The Water of Life

Adamson looked up. He was puzzled, staring around the room he couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was… The laboratory answered his stare with a deathly silence, which appeared to echo against the glossy white paint, Adamson was surrounded by the elements of his work. He felt at peace…

There it was again, a quiet electronic tune repeating itself on a loop. It sounded as if the phone was ringing. Reaching the far corner of the room, Adamson noticed that he did in fact own a phone. It was encased in a tower of its own dust and looked as if it had never seen the contact of man, like the rocky peak of Everest previously unclaimed by the touch of humanity. Adamson marvelled at who possibly could be calling, and decided the best way to find out was to answer.

Answering the phone, Adamson instantly recognised the voice. It was Abaddon Incorporated’s owner Mr. Wagner Faust, a once avid scientist. Mr Faust had always shown a healthy interest in Adamson’s department, regularly visiting in on his pet curiosity. Mr Faust was somewhat of an old acquaintance of Adamson, a ‘mentor’ from his youth, someone that Adamson could always rely upon. Mr Faust, through his company, provided the financial support for Adamson’s work, and always acted as a willing voice to debate the potential of the research. Recently, however Mr Faust had started losing patience, failing to see the research as ‘time worthy’, and instead focusing on the dollar outputs of his large investment.

As Mr Faust’s support had diminished in recent weeks, Adamson had struggled to replace his supporting ‘friend’, eventually letting his undying dedication to work take over from where Faust had left off.

Adamson no longer needed hope and support, for he had truth and facts. Science had taken over, becoming a sort of antidote to the evils of the world. Adamson lived by his self-determined philosophy; that science was responsible for everything, it gave man meaning and purpose, lighting the very path which mankind was to follow. Adamson was a mere piece in the picture puzzle of scientific discovery.

Abaddon Incorporated, a multinational corporation, had a monopolistic hold over South East Asia, controlling the flow of all goods and services. Abaddon Incorporated was able to influence consumer’s decisions without their knowledge, telling them what to buy, what to eat, what to wear. Abaddon Incorporated was telling Australia how to live, through their monopolisation of consumer markets, with its citizens none the wiser, happily giving up their hard earned wages to fuel this ever growing machine. Growing corrupt, the company was exploiting consumer decision making, only offering low quality products that hardly sustained the wants and needs of individuals. By extension, they were able to trade high quality, highly sought after need-nourishment products, for favours from powerful governments and business. In effect, Abaddon Incorporation had Australia on its leash, taking the country for a walk and influencing consumer decisions. Abaddon Incorporated effectively controlled all aspects of Australian life. Abbadon Incorporated was the child of consumerism and it had long rebelled against its parents best wishes.

Adamson couldn’t help but make the connection that Abbadon Incorporated had the initials A and I, which similarly stood for Artificial Intelligence. Enjoying the irony, Adamson let himself smile as this corporate beast of A.I. now controlled the lives of millions.

It appeared that Faust’s call was of purpose, the ever pressing profit margin demanding of his every second. Mr Faust mentioned public image, marketing…The attraction of Abaddon Incorporated to the public, to the employees and most importantly to investors. Mr Faust claimed that it was Adamson’s duty to uphold this image, and that he was failing to return the support of Abaddon Incorporated and that ‘unfortunate consequences’ could result from such disappointment. It was therefore Adamson’s responsibility to uphold Abaddon Incorporated’s family image; he was to hold at the very least a girlfriend, to ensure future profit margins. It was purely business after all…  Faust then went on to introduce the company’s dating service, ‘Relationship Communications’ one of the many departments of Abaddon Incorporated, to Adamson.  Mr Faust indicated that this department had found a genetic match for Adamson, a mate of which was so perfect that the opportunity ‘shouldn’t be wasted’. From a purely ‘scientific’ perspective Adamson was instantly interested, and anyway he didn’t want to disappoint his already fickle boss. The decision was easy to make, after all his only human contact for the past few months was the weekly delivery man, whom started to express clearly his disgust at Adamson’s lack of personal pride.

Adamson was to meet this lady in the coming days, and Wagner Faust was to arrange a meeting place, at which they could exchange pleasantries.

“Evelyn Stone!” Adamson blushed, recalling the days prior to research.  The times they had shared together. Adamson remembered his young love…

Sighing, Adamson returned to his work station. It had become his pre-programmed response to emotions. He would bottle them up inside to lie forgotten, as hours of study took priority. He would busy himself, until the distracting thoughts left him.

The station was a mess. Ageing food boxes lay to the side, towering tall after all those late nights, the smell nearly unbearable. In the corner, the blinds remain closed, still covered by the protective plastic covering, unused and unloved, they stood there ignored. Visible mountains of dust could be seen, as if dirt had been piling up throughout the ages. Sunlight had never touched the insides of this room; it was a place of solitude and darkness, of life and death.  Adamson stopped. His work remained stable, boring and true…

Did he really want to continue his observations? Turning, Adamson recalled a favourite poem. The authors name escaped him, yet its message was quite clear.

Black, the colour of darkness

Emptiness, the void of emotion

Silence, the tool of destruction

Pain, the existence of life

Sin, the creation of man

Adamson considered the beautiful irony of this poem. Feeling somewhat depressed, as the day took yet another turn for the worse, here he sat in a room devoid of natural light, an epitome of darkness. In the centre lay his work station, a beacon like black hole; it took away his emotions, leaving only logic. Alone, without social interaction, Adamson lived in silence, while the gap in his heart slowly consumed the person that he was. He could no longer bear human contact, he felt no longer an active member of society. He had created sin, had fallen from society’s grace and could no longer bear what he had become.

Adamson’s mind flourished with wild thought, as he considered the endless possibilities that flowed from his life, his genetic research, his creation of ‘humanity’. Social class would soon be defined by genetic structure, rather than human qualities. Wages and equality would be set by those parents whom could afford the best genetic development for their gametes.  Adamson was in frenzy, pacing up and down the laboratory.  No longer was there a void of emotion, suddenly Adamson fired into action, destroying the very sin that he had created. Adamson knew what he had to do; he needed to get away from his work, a distraction.  Adamson needed a friend…

5. Daughter of Eden

A third date in the space of a week, Evelyn could not control her excitement as she rushed home from parliament house to gussy up. Seeing Adamson had become the highlight of her week, a chance to get away from the bills, the arguments and the media.  Adamson was smitten, and she knew it. When she smiled, he would gaze at her longingly for hours, content to spend many days in her company. Wagner had been right. This was her chance to feel strong again, her chance to feel empowered.

Evelyn recalled their previous dates. The simple joy she had felt when in Adamson’s company. The way he spoke to her, the way he held her, the way he kissed her… Evelyn’s cheeks turned a crimson red, her smile glistening across her face, Evelyn giggled aloud.

An ‘experiment’, she had so wisely termed it, deciding that when two people join their hearts, there was no knowing the outcome. Evelyn had dubbed their relationship an ‘experiment’ because like in science, there was never a wrong result, only the opportunity for further research and further experimentation. Adamson had laughed for hours over the concept, and how he had come to adore her for it.

Evelyn paused, momentarily lost in her thoughts. Tonight was the third date… In social convention, doesn’t that mean..? Would Adamson know that..?

It had been so long since she had shared a bed with a man, she thought. Her excitement grew. Swiftly she wanted to know evermore about Adamson. Evelyn was determined to make it happen.

Instantly she removed her work clothes, throwing them into the corner. She decided that she would make it so Adamson wouldn’t be able to refuse her. Searching her closet, she came up with the ‘perfect’ dress. Ruby red in colour, skin tight in nature and low cut.  It was a little revealing for her liking, but still held a sense of class, however small that sense may be.

She studied herself in the mirror.  Sighing, she decided that it made no difference. God had not intended her to be good looking. Her red shaggy hair and pale complexion had made sure of that.  She remembered the words of her mother, “it is better to look daggy and highlight your features, than to look fancy and hide your qualities.”

Removing her dress, she decided to return to her work clothes. Evelyn knew that no matter what the results were, she would be true to herself. Smiling Evelyn studied herself in the mirror, her eyes alone were enough to captivate Adamson and that was all he was going to get. Content, Evelyn set out for what she hoped was the beginning of something magical.

6. The Fruit of Knowledge

With a clumsy step Adamson and Evelyn exited the cab, returning home from their date. The pair had been out drinking, an idea that Adamson had not been content with. Anything that purposefully damaged a human brain was an act against nature after all. However as the night began to drag on, Adamson had started to relax, and enjoy himself…

Now the pair were giggling and falling over each other as they made their way to Adamson’s door. Adamson finally accepted and enjoyed the social benefits of alcohol.

The pair reached the front door, polite as always Adamson invited Evelyn inside for coffee. Adamson liked this girl. Evelyn had been the first person that Adamson had openly allowed inside his life for a great deal of time. Evelyn instantly returns her thoughts to their third date status and withheld a cheeky smile, while obviously Adamson set himself to prepare their beverages.

Leading Evelyn inside his sanctuary, Adamson continued their conversation on the likelihood of war following growing disputes of resource scarcity. Evelyn wasn’t listening. She was occupied by the sudden change in environment. Staring around the room, she couldn’t help but notice the sheer contrast in the cleanliness of everything. Nothing was left unsterilized. A hospital like stench had filled the room. However at the same time objects were left untouched, manifested by dust over decades of non-use. Evelyn couldn’t help but make the comparison between this place, and that of a mausoleum, devoid of life.

Sunlight scarcely passed through the cracks of the blinds, as if life itself wasn’t able to embrace the depths of this office. As if eaten by the highly polished bench tops, metallic tables and glass containers, the traces of light barely made an impact in the lifeless room. It was as if nature were frozen dead, a ghostly memory nearly forgotten.

Evelyn paused at the work station. It stood in the centre of the room and was the only bench occupied. There stood a single test tube, surrounded by an apparatus of monitors and devices. This puzzled Evelyn, as Adamson was a ‘biologist’.

Adamson had introduced himself as a biologist. Although soon it became clear that perhaps Adamson hadn’t been completely honest with his line of work. Evelyn was intrigued and became determined to find out more.

“Adamson… Tell me more about your work,” Evelyn persisted.

“Evie… I have told you, I don’t want to bore you,” Adamson replied.

“Well then, what in the world is this?” Evelyn asked, trying to hide the grin on her face. She loved being called Evie, it was her pet name and it gave her the goose bumps every time it was spoken.

Adamson sighed; he knew this day would come. A good thing like this could never run forever. Deciding that it was too hard to explain, he passed his work journal to Evelyn. It was after all a requirement to keep an up to date journal of his work. What a joke he thought as he handed his journal across. Adamson felt the emotion formally required to be documented in the journal had nothing to do with the actual progress of his work, in his opinion. To Adamson it made more sense to have a report-like journal, in which emotions held no bearing.  Adamson was being evaluated by his superiors, Mr Faust deemed it necessary to monitor and maintain emotional responses in order to limit aspects of staff turnover. He called it an effective Employment Relation Strategy, implanting yet another cost saving measure to improve his ever growing desire for profits. Adamson had little time for this ‘emotion’ and his views had little voice for thought.  Adamson considered that it was a shame that emotion did not come as easily to him as intelligence did. Sighing, Adamson started his way into the kitchen to prepare coffee.

Evelyn stared at the book in her hands. A Leather bound journal, worn by many a years of wear, holding the appearance of a much loved possession. Its original green colour had faded to a dull grey, the pages soft and frail…

Flicking through the diary, she noticed the extent of failed experiments and the plainly evident forced emotion. However Evelyn stopped at the latest entry, something about it had caught her eye. This entry was longer than the rest, and visibly appeared more fluid. Interested Evelyn read on.

Journal Entry 117                               20^th December 2010

            Topic: Genetic Splicing No.7

I am very excited today, if my experiments can be repeated, I may have discovered a method for controlling the human genetic structure. Through further research, science could alter humanity into a new perfect era, effectively removing deformities and subtle indifferences. The great discovery today was the use of glycogen jelly as a host base.

My methodology follows the same structure as previous experiments, replacing previous bases with glycogen. 1) The genetic partner structure has been sought and obtained. 2) The partner has been settled in a glycogen based jelly. 3) Genetic cells from a human embryo have been prepared, providing access to its genetic code. 4) During the replication stage of natural genetic code, grafting of partner structure in glycogen base to host code occurs. 5) The Embryo is monitored for temperature and oxygen levels during splicing stage.

 Today marks the first success in our experimentation, and day one of subject I’s life. Code named Alpha and Omega, it appears that the embryo is accepting the new genetic structure, over that of its own and appears to be making a full recovery.

Checklist… 1) intro, 2) methodology, 3) report, 4) emotional response…….

Thoughts… emotions… feelings… At this time, I am content with what I have done over the course of this project. I feel no emotional remorse towards this experiment. The embryo assisted in the further development of human life, and was donated for the sole purpose of scientific research. I am however very excited with what may become of this human and am looking forward to assisting his development in the coming months. Until upon medical examination, he will be taken away and placed with a surrogate mother.

….

Scrap that last thought, I am feeling a sense of attachment. I feel somewhat as his father, his creator. ‘Alpha and Omega’ not only reflects my life, but also my work and success. I believe that I myself should be allowed to observe the development of this child, and take credit for whatever path in life he may take.

 This will be my last entry of experimentation as my work has proved a success, all that remains is to report this to the ‘higher ups’ and continue to observe the progress of subject I. He really is the alpha and omega, marking the beginning of a new time and also the end of my work…

Evelyn paused. Her heart was racing. Part of her favour for Wagner, part of her reason for being here was to ‘learn the truth about Adamson’s work’. What exactly had Wagner meant? Always uncertain of her ‘friends’ actions, Evelyn was confused. Was she meant to steal this journal? A source that highlighted every piece of Adamson’s research… On one hand, it would annoy Adamson, on the other she had promised to do so. Evelyn was split between her emotive conscience and logical reasoning.

Wagner would be angry if she didn’t take it, he could bring up her past, tell the world of her actions. Evelyn could go to jail, she would be touted a liar, a fraud and a devil…

Suddenly the veil had been lifted. Evelyn saw Wagner for what he actually was. Wagner was an evil man. He was a horrible man…

Placing the diary inside of her bag, the sharp pangs of her addiction returned to her. The familiar feeling of needles being forced out of her head from the inside filled her body; instead she focussed on Adamson and everything good about him. She thought of his generous nature, his hidden character, his diligence to work. Instantly the pain disappeared… There was no sick feeling afterwards. Evelyn no longer needed an antidote to addiction, for she had love, deep and everlasting.

Regaining herself, Evelyn took another look at the experiment that sat in front of her.  Evelyn stood in shock. Her mind remained black.

The initial shock was slowly replaced by sheer amazement of the research that was in front of her. Evelyn’s heart raced, yet she didn’t know why. Goosebumps appeared all over her body and a chill ran down her spine. Genetic grafting and splicing scared Evelyn. In front of her rested pure potential, not naturally human in nature, but created by man.  A mass of dividing cells altered and directed by the actions of man. Evelyn did not understand all the facts, but she knew that whatever was in front of her did not leave a good taste in her mouth…

How did Adamson live with it? She wondered. He was a man of science. Adamson had now laid the foundation for the new path of which humanity was to follow.

This genetic manipulation marked the potential to start a ‘perfect society’, in which all humans shared perfect logic and reasoning. The ‘perfect’ instrument of social stability, there would be no more revolutions, no more changes; all people would be bred to the same code. All men would live the same way. There would be no need for parliament, no need for law, no need for her… Life would become meaningless.

Evelyn couldn’t stand the thoughts entering her mind. She had just read of the greatest discovery in human existence, and instantly thought of destruction. Her mind raced to parallel situations, to that of The Manhattan Project and the deaths of millions of people at Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Similar results would follow, she had to get out and she needed air.

Checking her watch, Evelyn realised just how late it was. She knew what she had to do, exactly that of Wagner’s command.

In the terms of their agreement, her career was set to flourish at an amazing pace and she was to be given wide spread support from an unlimited financial source. Evelyn had no doubt of Wagner Faust’s ability, after all he was a being of many forms, able to manipulate and alter humanity to his will.

Evelyn left without so much as a second thought or goodbye to Adamson, who remained in the kitchen still preparing coffee for his now absent guest.

7. Morning Star – (Serpent, sorrow, suffering)

The sweet aroma of the Virginia Tobacco was soothing yet intoxicating. It had been a long time since Evelyn had had a cigarette, but it was at these times that material comforts were all she had. Her mind was still racing from her experience hours earlier. There was no explanation for it. She both hated and loved Adamson. It was these mixed emotions that have driven mankind mad across the ages; wars were based off overwhelming emotions, an unstoppable force that held no cure.

Evelyn’s career was in tatters; her dark past was resurfacing somehow amongst her peers. Hints about her addictions, her troubles as a youth were being spread around as rumours like wild fire. Evelyn couldn’t bare it. The stresses of her past life came flooding back, and with the stress came the pain. Evelyn had needed a way out, and Wagner had provided it. Evelyn alone understood what Wagner was doing now, he had done the very same to her in the past. He was taking Adamson’s secrets and making him one of his puppets, another tool of his empire, able to control at his will…  Evelyn couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe towards Wagner Faust; he was truly evil, yet truly knowledgeable. Evelyn wanted this knowledge; she wanted to feel the power that he held over men. Evelyn looked at Adamson’s journal, and read it from start to finish, revelling in the knowledge. From his emotive responses, to his experiments listed in chronological order, Evelyn studied everything. She felt empowered, strong, and powerful.

Finally Evelyn put down her book and investigated her surroundings. Similar to how it was during the day, the park was empty, except for a few people going for a late night run. What caught her eye, however, stood in the distance, a dark figure on the side of the road? He was watching her. She knew his face, she had seen him before. He was a media man. Instantly Evelyn threw the cigarette to the ground, she couldn’t stand any more poor press. The man was approaching her. Evelyn knew how to deal with such people, how to say enough without exactly saying anything. The man had caught up to her now; he didn’t say anything, but handed Evelyn the phone…

It was Wagner Faust. The man in front of her was one of his many thousand lackeys. One of the many forms of Wagner, his very power reflected in his ability to control his creations. Wagner could be in many places at once, hearing everything, seeing everything and knowing everything. Evelyn did what Wagner Faust asked; she transferred the journal and gave the media man facts about Adamson’s life. As usual Wagner did not waste his valued time with a goodbye, and left without a trace, like a morning star. Smiling Evelyn knew that she had bought herself freedom, she had bought herself success and with that she made her way back to Adamson’s place to enjoy their first night together.

8. A Cherub and a Flaming Sword – Exiled, sinned, cursed

Channel 9 – A Current Affair – December 21^st 2015

Centre camera, close lens focus. Music sounds. White stage lights focussed on lone speaker.

Ham Canaan:        Welcome to a Current Affair, this is Ham Canaan. Welcome back, our focus tonight is on the monsters of society. These evil doers seek to disrupt our way of life and change society to their wills. The lead story tonight is genetic research. It appears that a lead scientist at Abaddon Incorporated has successfully mixed the genealogy of perfect humans, and aims to control our very humanity.  Through obtaining his journal through an anonymous source, ACA has established that this crazed scientist has taken a step too far. His creation, ironically dubbed the “alpha and omega” holds the key to the secrets of genetic splicing, an act which forcibly joins the genetic structure of two individuals, removing those genes deemed ‘unnecessary.’

Speaker turns to his left. Switch to Right Camera feed, middle distance shot.

Ham Canaan:        It is this reporter’s opinion that anything that was originally placed there by nature, or a creator if you will, was placed there for a reason. It is therefore evident that this scientist Adamson and his genetic evil have no place in this world and I call for the immediate closing down of his work.

Switch feed to middle camera, extended view. Speaker addresses centre. Split image feed of accompanying image of Adamson and minister.

Ham Canaan:         When approached, Ms Skinner, the NSW minister for health cried in outrage claiming that genetic splicing “was an act of abolishment”. Outrage has also spread to the religious community with Christian ministers claiming that Adamson’s work is an act of the “devil” and blasphemy against the will of God. ACA has acted by placing an immediate ban against Adamson’s work, aiming to effectively prevent this future happening. This ban was made possible due to criminal evidence contained within his journal, and the ban will remain until a complete and thorough investigation can occur on the sanctity of human life in Adamson’s research.”

Move to extreme ‘close up’. Speaker addresses down to centre floor camera.

Ham Canaan:        The second monster this evening is perhaps one of even greater evil, for she has been the trusted voice of the people. Evelyn Stone, politician and minister has a secret she doesn’t want told. A past of deceit, lies, drugs and prostitution. Stone is far from the person one seeks to have as a role model, as a leader of a political party and fulfil the wishes of the nation.

Switch to left camera feed. Speaker addresses his right. Split image view of speaker accompanied by Stones election picture.

Ham Canaan:        It was Ms Stone’s deceitful nature that led the genetic splicing story being released, as it was her act of auctioning of Adamson’s journal which resulted in the truth being revealed. In exchange for his journal, Ms Stone asked for political sanctity, for help in her attempt to gain political power. Power hungry, thieving and deceitful, Ms Stone has not changed and it is this Reports opinion that she must never be allowed to return to politics, as she is a danger to society…

9. “The Omega and Alpha-Born” – To ends and new beginnings?

Present day…

Reaching down he grasped Evelyn’s left arm, squeezing it within his fingers, grasping her very life. Adamson could feel her heart beat, regular and strong. Adamson’s heart lay broken, a deep pain filling its void and driving his body onward. Releasing his grasp, immediately Adamson noticed a bruise, subtle so it was.

Evelyn had felt his pain.  Evelyn had pain of her own; perhaps an even greater pain than he had to bear.  She had not only destroyed his life, but her own, and had both burdens to carry.

Adamson wanted to tell Evelyn how he felt. Adamson knew all about people making mistakes, he made them every day. It is the growth from these mistakes that actually makes us human. Finally, Adamson understood what it meant to be human. Mistakes, wrong doings, screwing up… all these terms describe humanity at its finest points. The better humans are those that are able to bounce back from these mistakes, and come back stronger.

Adamson considered forgiving Evelyn, for she had now given him the greatest opportunity in his life, he now had the opportunity to live freely. Shunned from society as they currently existed, Adamson and Evelyn would have to exist in an entirely alien way. They would probably have to move away, start again… Normally scared of the prospect of the unknown, for once Adamson felt assured, assured that Evelyn would be by his side the entire journey.

Still without words, Adamson seized Evelyn in a warm embrace. Adamson exuded warmth and comfort. He held her close to his heart, as slowly she sobbed into his chest.

“To live is to suffer. To live is to love. To love is to suffer. Evelyn, you may have hurt me, you may have destroyed my career in science. But Evelyn, please smile that pretty smile again, I do love you. You have become my light, you have become my love, and you are my life. To see you happy means the world to me. Grow old with me, the best is yet to be, I promise. I forgive you.” Adamson finished speaking and looked deeply into Evelyn’s eyes. Adamson wiped back a tear, held her head with his right hand and kissed her passionately like he never had before.

…

Together they stood in a room of darkness, a symbol of what the future held. Adamson and Evelyn were alone in this world together, given opportunity to be the ‘greatest’ humans of all. Embryonic and genetic research aside, here stood the perfect humans. Those that would stand together and start anew, when all hope was lost… Here stood the alpha and omega. Here marked the beginning of a new stage in human evolution and an end to an old life of deceit.

1. Dust from the ground life- a living soul

Journal Entry ‘Omega’                                   1^st January 2011

Chapter 1

In the beginning there was nothing, not a grain of sand, nor a thought of mind. There was nothingness, anti-matter, lifelessness, a place of perfection. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness lay upon the face of the deep….

To maintain the careful balance between light and darkness, rules were put in place. Knowledge was to be hidden from those that could abuse it, power was concealed, and both remained out of reach of the grasps of curious man…

After all it is written that ‘rules are meant to be broken’, with curious man’s pursuit ending within greed’s grasp. Man has fallen and continues to fall from a height of blissful innocence.

In the fallen and falling world, man found loneliness, lying separated and forgotten, the slave of knowledge and power. Man suffering at the hands of greed.

Chapter 2

Escaping the clutches of greed, man sought perfection, the simultaneous existence of emotion, ethics and love.

Existence continued for a time in Eden, the natural ideal, and life was harmonious and peaceful, protected from the evils of light and darkness.  At the centre of Eden, we stand, Adamson and Evelyn, in complete love, ruling with equality over all the creatures of the land, the sea and the air…

…. A second Genesis…

ASIDE

This symbolism in this story is meant to be ambiguous, allowing readers to interpret situations on their own accords. The symbolism is meant to be abstract. I intended the symbols behind to story to be optional extras, rather than distracts from the fluidity of the story telling.

The story attempts to challenge the pre-ordained concepts of religion and propose a modern Genesis like environment. All chapter titles are key symbols of religious significance. Feel free to research the titles and historic links that make the story of greater significance.

Abaddon Incorporated: Abaddon is a Hebrew word referencing hell, and when combined with Incorporated (which forms the shorthand of AI), is meant to imply that consumerism impact on society is hell-like.

Adamson and Evelyn: Used to represent the biblical Adam and Eve. The son attached to Adam is meant to imply that this is a future generation of Adam and Eve.

Wagner Faust: Wagner Faust is a reference to the German legend of ‘Faust’, an individual who made a deal with the devil. Wagner is also referenced in Christian literature as a Slave to the devil.

Ham Cannan: This is symbol is used to represent the curse of Ham, imposed on cannan by his father Noah. Ham appears as a member of the media, who aims to spread sin publically through visual media, reaching millions.

There are so many more key concepts that act as symbols throughout the story. These introductory points merely act as a taste to search for the better hidden ideas behind the story.