Wednesday, December 31 - Dormitories.
It's been a hectic time, to say the least. A lot of changes have occurred, and they've been quite sudden.
Some of the researchers, including colleagues of my age, have had nightmares about rotting bodies consuming people. They predicted in their dreams that the FUO would continue to mutate and eventually affect humans, turning reality into a science fiction series.
I should send them back to university to review the basics.
I don't deny that we have many examples of diseases and even fungi that have jumped from affecting only animals to affecting humans.
Clearly, I'm talking about zoonosis.
However, the FUO has co-evolved with certain ant species and has adapted to specifically manipulate their behavior and biology for a long time.
It would be very difficult, if not impossible, for it to evolve similarly to affect a species as different as humans. If I think in terms of one to a hundred, parasitic fungi like this one would be in the hundred and first spot for chances to achieve zoonosis. And even if by some miracle they can achieve it, the effect would be more of the psychedelic type.
To make this parasitic fungus turn humans into zombies, we would need a hundred or more mutations, hundreds of years of natural selection and maybe genetic rearrangement. And even then we would be closer to making a turtle dance just by putting shoes on it.
The basic rules of nature back up my claim. But as the leader in charge, I need to calm the mood, so I ordered exclusion tests.
The result was as expected, it remains harmless to humans and other species.
I don't blame the young ones who were scared, as they have grown up in a society where reality and fiction are constantly intertwined, which can create confusion. But stubborn old men are different, having lived through a fairly traumatic situation doesn't give them the right to be guided by their senile imagination. On the contrary, they should learn from the young Lui Mei, who has active lateral thinking, but always within a realistic framework.
In short, at that time I was very annoyed by the occurrences around me. We were so close to learning more about the mutant ants and the history of the fungus. And we had to stop to calm their nerves.
I don't forget the tragedy we suffered, and it's because of it that no matter how silly the theory is, I try to seriously rule it out. Still, wasting time like this was quite stupid…
Tuesday, January 6 - Dormitories.
I never imagined that fate would change so quickly. Many days had passed without any significant event and I should have known that life is never comfortable.
I remember that when my wife was alive, she told me that Professor Wang's heart was too fickle and that would cause problems. A few years ago her prediction came true. The professor published the sequencing of Covid-19 without government authorization. This caused some disturbances and obviously received a severe warning. Which makes sense, we have received budget from the government in our labs and we count on their help for many things. The least we should do is inform them first about discoveries that may affect the country.
At that time there were no additional punishments. And Professor Wang remains one of the most recognized and respected scientists in all of China. But this time, his foolishness has crossed the line. He took data from our research and made it public internationally.
I want to believe he did it in good faith, without thinking about the consequences of his actions or the political environment we are in.
There were already communications and confirmations about a cooperation. Even to the countries affected by the ants, the Chinese government promised technical and military help to counteract them. This was done with the aim of fostering political ties and smoothing over rough edges. But, with the data leak, many plans will have to be discarded.
Countries like Switzerland, Germany, among others; decided to investigate separately. Excusing themselves that they are concerned about the safety of the results or if we are going to hide information. Inferring that our scientist had to leak data to ensure that they are not altered afterwards.
This narrative has put the government in check. If China lets it pass, it would be an affront to its authority. And if they arrest Professor Wang, one could think that we are really hiding information. My wife was not wrong, he is as stubborn as a mule. And although I repudiate his behavior, I have to find a way to help him…
Thursday, January 15 - Airport.
Forced vacation.
That was the label they slapped on the statement that informed me of my lost leadership position and forced retirement for a few months.
No one had the kindness to deliver the news in person. The new politician who took my role in the laboratory ordered all experiments paused for data leak investigations. I was emotionally prepared; there had to be some punishment. And in my opinion, it was quite light for what we did.
A week ago, I managed to meet with a group of researcher friends who still remained in the lab. We decided to help Professor Wang, assumed part of the blame, and said we agreed. Together, we instigated the leak.
We operated on the principle of not being able to punish everyone. But we were wrong. Our efforts weren't enough to shake up the government, and as a result, we were ousted from the lab.
Perhaps age has rendered us somewhat inflexible, but most of us have known each other so long that even our grandchildren have become friends.
We couldn't just stand by and see one of us fall without doing anything. I leave with an uneasy heart. I was unable to unravel the mysteries that occurred or finish my investigations.
With no other options, I must leave everything for now. Perhaps I'll seize this free time to spend Chinese New Year with my family and alleviate some stress.
Over the years, I've learned one vital lesson: never mix my work situation with my private life. I've had many arguments with my wife about this in the past…
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At the end of the diary, on a blank page, this is written:
´´To my dear grandson: Tseng Deng.
As you know, I've dedicated my life to research, and I've always found in it a constant source of wonder and amazement.
I leave you this diary due to recent events. Always bear in mind that 'Knowledge is the best weapon.' This world is more wonderful than you think.
And I regret not being able to tell you more for now. You could have a lot of problems if I do.
Consider it my graduation gift to you. In it, go my best wishes for your future as a person and professional. I hope you find joy and satisfaction in everything you do. Always remember the value of knowledge, precision, and effort in your life. Carry with you the love and wisdom of your family and your culture.
With love, your grandfather Tseng Chen.´´
........................…..
"That's all there is," Tseng Deng murmured, no disappointment in his gaze as he closed the diary and prepared to disembark from the plane. He had expected this outcome; he'd read it hundreds of times trying to find some connection with the current situation.
Three months after returning home, his grandfather was able to return to the lab. His curiosity for science wouldn't allow him to stand aside from new discoveries.
Ants in China, giant birds in America, strange tigers in Brazil; even five-meter bears in France. All were events that exploded like a time bomb while his grandfather was at home.
For Tseng Deng, the world had gone mad. And although the diary holds many mysteries and information about the ants, it offers no clues about the other events.
Including the zombies.