The Calliope Project

...all of the literature he had read about his meeting place had told him only that Sudbury, Ontario, Canada was a community that had grown up around the mining of precious minerals, nickel and copper mostly. The driver took his silence for the negative response it was, and launched into an explanation.

"For years, science has been trying to unravel the mystery of the neutrino. Neutrino particles are constantly being thrown off by the sun. The short version is, there aren't enough of them. Quantum calculations indicate that the sun should throw off a certain number of the particles, but the actual demonstrable levels are significantly lower than the equations say they should be." Smith was beginning to wonder what all of this could possibly have to do with him, but he remained silent. He saw some of himself reflected in the other man's intense demeanour, and decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"Several years ago, a project was begun here to try and find the missing neutrino particles. It was set up at the bottom of one of the deepest mines in the world. Since the particles travel easily through the earth's crust, the depth of the shaft serves to block out other forms of radiation. I assure you, the science is quite complex and involved, but that isn't why I brought you here. You see, the depth of the shaft that houses the neutrino project shields it from more than just radiation. It is very hard to see injustice when it is being practised several miles below the surface. You are the world's leading saviour of non-human primates. I suppose that makes me your greatest enemy."

"Mister, I have too many enemies already. I really don't need any more."

"Ah, I can see by your reaction that you are a skeptic. What if I told you that if you had lung cancer, I could save your life with a transplant?"

"I'd say that would make you my best friend, not my worst enemy."

"But, what if I then told you that the lung you would receive would come not from a man, but from an ape. With your body frame, an adolescent highland gorilla I would think."

"Then I would say you're out of your mind. Lower primate organs are not compatible with humans. It's been done, and it was a failure. Perfectly healthy animals were killed for nothing."

"Granted, in that you are correct. Lower primate organs are not suitable for transplant into humans." Smith heard a change in the stranger's voice, and when he looked at him, he saw a devilish twinkle in his eye. "The organ I would use to save your life would be a human one."

Smith mentally shook his head. Either he had missed something in the conversation or this guy really was insane. "I don't get it. You said you would use a gorilla's lung to replace mine."

"Indeed, the lung in question would be extracted from a gorilla, but in genetic make up, it would be completely human, down to the last cilia."

"Friend, it sounds to me like you read way too much sci-fi."

"A very normal reaction Mr. Smith, but I assure you, it will become a reality within our lifetime."

"Okay, so even if this is possible, and I still don't believe that it is, what kind of monster would keep human organs in a lower primate and why?"

"Not 'keep' Mr. Smith. No we are not storing these organs, I assure you. The animals will not be used as a depository. We intend to grow the organs naturally, inside the creature, to be harvested as required."

"How in the hell is that possible.?"

"Are you familiar with the term 'genetic engineering' Mr. Smith?" Smith gave a hesitant nod. "Ah, good. Hopefully all of this won't be over your head then. We are using genetically engineered viruses to alter the DNA of a fetus at the moment of conception, to remake the animal in our image, if you like."

"Well sir, I most definitely do not like. What you are describing is not only despicable and immoral, but it must be illegal. Genetic experimentation on human tissue is governed by legislation...", Smith trailed off, coming to an uncomfortable conclusion. "This is a government project, isn't it?"

"Very astute, Mr. Smith. Perhaps not on paper, but it is most definitely not a private enterprise. That is, I'm afraid, where you come in."

"How so?" Smith was more than a little curious now. He resented this man's holier than thou attitude, but the idea that at least two governments were conspiring to keep potentially illegal genetic engineering experiments a secret was enough to keep him interested.

"You see Mr. Smith we were told that the project was under such heavy secrecy for our own safety. Certain elements could conceivably react with less than civilised behaviour if our endeavours were publicised." The stranger hesitated at this, and glanced cautiously in Smith's direction.

"It's okay mister, a whole lot of people have called me a crack-pot over the years, but I'm generally a peaceful man." There was stress on the word 'generally'.

"Well, please understand, my circles and your circles regard each other with suspicion, but I really do need your help."

"But you just said that the project was under tight security to keep people like me from finding out about it. What gives?"

"In the last few weeks Mr. Smith, I've noticed some things that are...unusual."

"The whole thing sounds 'unusual' to me," said Smith with obvious distaste. "What kind of things?" he asked.

"Please take no offence Mr. Smith, but the science would likely be over your head, and I don't want to confuse the issue. Put simply, we are being asked to do things with viruses and monkeys that don't add up to what we were told the project was all about."

"I take no offence, and you're probably right. I doubt I could follow much of the science. Are you the only one who has noticed this?"

"I believe so."

"Look friend, this is all very interesting, in a Jurassic Park sort of way, but how do I fit in? I don't understand the science, I don't know the people, and if the States and Canada have decided to keep it all quiet, who could I go to for help?"

"You have just pointed out our dilemma. Who do we go to for help?"

"Why don't you just tell your supervisor or something? Make this his problem."

"Mr. Smith, I knew I had chosen the right man for the job. You have an incredible knack for finding the root of the problem."

"How's that?

"Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Caldwell, and I am the head of project CALLIOPE...

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