I had just finished an exhausting night at work, sighing as I sat down at the bus stop. Normally, I worked at the Bellagio buffet full-time, six days a week. Tonight was different, though. I shifted uncomfortably on the bench, clicking my tongue in frustration. They'd guilted me into coming in on my day off, saying there was no one else. Scorching my wrist on a burner, though? That was the last straw. “What’s another scar?” I muttered, rubbing the bandage on my left wrist. The sting from the melted flesh throbbed relentlessly.

It was late, and the streets were finally quieting down. A few drunk tourists still wandered by, lost in their own worlds, like lovebirds without a destination. I yawned and reached into my purse for my phone. Might as well see what’s happening on Facebook. I scrolled aimlessly through my feed until my eyes landed on a post by my friend Jennifer. Another article about GenetX—this time titled "GenetX Under Fire by Human Rights Lobbyists."

Reluctantly, I clicked on it, skimming through halfheartedly.

"GenetX Under Fire by Human Rights Lobbyists"

By Sarah Collins – April 27, 2021

"It’s been five years since the global biotech company GenetX developed the first and only genetic bioweapon: the 1-XB parasite. Hailed as the 'Holy Grail' of modern science, it was created by their lead researcher, Dr. Samantha Porter. A genius in her own right, Dr. Porter graduated from Harvard at the age of 17 before being immediately recruited by GenetX."

I rolled my eyes, already tired of the typical rhetoric.

“The 1-XB’s purpose is simple—invade a host and excrete a highly mutagenic compound that forces rapid, unpredictable evolution. The results are unstable and differ across species, but they all share one thing: the transformation into mindless killing machines, slaves to GenetX and the government."

I scrolled further, the same anti-bioweapon rhetoric everywhere lately.

"Two years ago, President Donald Trump pacified fears of World War III by passing the Bioweapon Rights Act, allowing only the U.S. government the right to deploy 1-XB in defense of the nation. Meanwhile, GenetX is free to experiment, bound by just one rule: no human subjects."

“However, rumors have surfaced regarding a failed military mission in North Korea, where human bioweapons were reportedly discovered. GenetX and the government deny these claims, but whispers persist of hidden labs in the Mojave Desert. CEO Hiro Misaki has stated, 'We are investigating any potential leaks of the 1-XB variants and will continue to cooperate fully in the interest of world peace.'"

Bored with the article, I clicked out. The same fearmongering every other week.

Just as I was about to put my phone away, a bloodcurdling scream pierced the air.

“HELP! SOMEBODY HELP!”

The shriek startled me, making me jump from the bench. Across the street, a young woman, probably late teens, flailed desperately as three men closed in on her. She landed a solid kick on one, but another grabbed her from behind, lifting her off the ground.

There was no one else in sight. My heart pounded as I fumbled for my phone, dialing 911 with trembling hands. I couldn’t wait for help—I had to do something.

I bolted across the street, waving my phone. “Hey! I called the cops!” I screamed, hoping to scare them off. But I was too late. The girl had gone limp in their grip, and they shoved her into the back of a windowless, unmarked Mercedes van. No plates. No logos.

Before I could get any closer, one of the men turned, swinging the butt of a gun straight into my skull. Pain exploded in my head, and I crumpled to the ground, my vision swimming. Blinking, I looked up to see the barrel of a Glock 17 aimed right at me.

I cursed under my breath. So much for playing the hero.

BAM!

The lifeless body of Danielle Baker was found by the Vegas police department 40 minutes later. Her head, blown apart, rested at the base of Caesar’s Palace, with blood and brain matter trickling down the sidewalk as the night finally came to a close.