“We call it Retro-V. The blue liquid contains a retro-virus…a code sequence that attaches itself to the vampire virus and modifies its structure.”

“Modifies it how?” Tanner asked.

“It’s supposed to eliminate the virus’s need to consume blood. Stops it from attacking, invading and transforming living cells,” Eric said with a little less enthusiasm in his voice.

Tanner picked it up immediately. “What do you mean supposed to? Does this stuff work or not?”

“When we tested it on lab rats the retro-virus did what it was supposed to do.”

“I hear a ‘but’ in your voice,” Tanner pressed.

“There were side-effects that we don’t completely understand.”

“Such as,” she said as she leaned forward.

“What we saw wasn’t entirely bad. Basic physical attributes improved greatly. Speed, strength, hearing and visual acuity were better. The negative effects were sensitivity to bright light and the mice became prone to violence.”

“You said mice. Has it been tried on a human yet?” Tanner asked.

“No. The only way to know if it works is to shoot someone up with Retro-V, then let them ingest vampire blood. We can’t ask for volunteers until we fully understand the side effects. Some of the mice flipped out and had to be destroyed.” Eric paused for a moment. “Can’t spring that on the public, now can we?”

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