Criminal DNA

"Why have New Eden's Genetic Engineers not utilized criminal DNA for the war effort?" research associate Dahlia Rendaolphson asked her mentor and long-time friend Doctor Johnathon Andrew Wallcott.

Dr. Wallcott responded quickly, "Oh, but they did once... hopefully they do not make the same mistakes if they try again." He turned to the side wandering slowly while mumbling something under his breath, almost audible.

Dahlia thinks she touched a nerve and lets the conversation die. But wondering what happened, she imagines Dr. Wallcott's past was dead and buried; something he wanted and needed to forget. Though there had been mention when she began researching New Eden's Invertebrates of a new species found by researchers. Was Dr. Wallcott involved? What did happen that first time? And when was this first failed attempt? What mistakes?

They are all very valid and logical questions. She was curious, but her attention returned to her research. She could not be distracted from her life's most important work. She would become the first Ph.D in her family for three generations. War is Hell in more ways than one.