Virulent

[ONC 2023 SECOND PLACE WINNER | AMBASSADORS PICK 2023] An unwilling but gifted geneticist must find a way to safeguard humanity against the deadly pathogen she's forced to design or die trying.

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The planet's population is pushing past 11 billion and counting. With resources spread thin, widespread famine, and health systems crippled everywhere, the governments of the world are running out of ideas. Then a scientist proposes a controversial solution and the classified Project Rescue is born.

But when the lead scientist on the project and his entire team mysteriously die, his young microbiology prodigy is brought into the secret government agency to take over where he left off.

Ezra Mayur always hoped that her brilliance in pathogen studies would land her a secure job one day. This seems like a dream come true. Full food rations and safety for her struggling family, and a job in the field she is the most interested in.

But the project is not quite what Ezra expected and her moral compass is tested when she has to choose between protecting her family or the world.

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PROMPTS that will make an appearance:
12. An evil sorcerer offers you an immense amount of power--but it comes with a price. (Modified: an evil corp offers you an opportunity of a lifetime, but it comes with a price.)
5. Flip the coin and make a life choice with it. Two choices, one coin, and no turning back. Do you dare?

FEATURED ON:
@ScienceFiction 'Pandemic' list (Oct 2025)
@ScienceFiction 'Viruses & Zombies' list (Sept 2024)
@dystopianapocalypse 'Pandemic&Outbreak' list. (May '23)
@fright 'AAPI: Celebration' list. (April '23)

[NOTE: Trigger warning may apply. Violence and gore.

This work is solely the property of Eva Acharya writing as E. A. Martin, and thus, no translation, copying, or distribution in part or whole of this story is permitted.]