RESURGENCE

BOOK 2: Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

November 11, 2053

Stuart and Michelle sat on a sofa across from their seventeen year old son Peter in the living room.

“Son,” said Stuart, “next week is the big day.”

“Yup dad and I’m quite sure of what I’ll choose.”

“Peter,” said Michelle, “before you make any decision, hear me out.”

“I’m all ears mom,” said Peter with a smirk.

Stuart looked at Michelle, smiled and then shook his head a little.

“Son, I’m sure you think you know everything you need to know,” said Stuart. “At seventeen, I was the same as you. I made some terrible mistakes I wish I never had. I don’t want you to regret your decision. You are human. Choose to stay human. They are misguided. You shouldn’t be one of them.”

“Humans are corrupt and stupid,” said Peter, “I’m lucky I’m just half human.”

“Humans are much more than that,” said Michelle. “Your father, a human, invented ‘going young’ and the Gene serum. Listen to him.”

“It’s my choice,” said Peter. “I’ll do what I think is the best.”

“I respect that,” said Stuart, “Just know that your free will ends the minute you let them insert the Gene serum in your body. You become a part of the larger ELF consciousness.”

“That’s not true. All evolved beings are individuals in pursuit of excellence,” said Peter. “I see nothing wrong in it.”

“They are trying to make humans extinct. You don’t find anything wrong with that?” asked Stuart.

“A lot of species are extinct,” said Peter, “it doesn't bother me if Neanderthals are extinct so why should I be concerned about the humans.”

“Your dad and I are humans,” said Michelle, “you won’t be bothered if someone kills us?”

“I love you guys, I want you to live forever. It’s not just me, you have a choice too. Become an ELF. Take the Gene serum.”

“I was one of them and didn’t like it,” said Stuart. “I’m glad the serum was weak and didn’t change my DNA permanently.”

“What was it like?” asked Peter.

“I felt as if nothing was good enough,” said Stuart, “ I was constantly striving to find better way to do everything. Striving for perfection in everything. After a while it got extremely tiring and frustrating.”

“Maybe the serum just didn’t suit you,” said Peter. “Uncle Nick and Gordon are still one of them and they love it.”

“They just don’t know any better,” said Stuart, “It’s like being addicted to a very powerful drug. One can’t imagine life without it when on it.

“I don’t know how can you say that dad,” said Peter. “You have no proof of that. These are all allegations. Presumptions of a human mind. Made up things to justify the theory that humans are in someway superior than the evolved ones. It’s illogical and impossible. I’m sorry but I can’t agree with you on this.”

“If I wasn't so sure about it I would never advise you,” said Stuart, “just think about it. Before you go ahead and become one of them, just think about it. I trust your judgement.”

“Ok guys,” said Peter, “I’m off to dinner now. See you later.”

They didn’t speak for a minute after Peter left, each lost in deep thought, and then Stuart broke the silence.

“He’s been striving all his life. It’s all he knows.” 

“Being the only half-human at an all ELF school hasn’t been easy on him,” said Michelle. “He’s been looking forward to the day for a long time so he can be a fully evolved and be as intelligent as his peers.”

“And as heartless and cold as them,” said Stuart shaking his head.

AUTHORS NOTE: 
Friends, I have finally started work on Resurgence: Book 2. I intend to keep posting regularly from now on. I hope you guys enjoy the ride. Encouragement and constructive critcism are always appreciated.

Cheers,

Harneet Bajwa